Issue 2, Vol 143, The Brunswickan

arts // eight page insert inside >> harvest jazz and blues fest Volume 143 · Issue 2 • September 16, 2009

thebruns.ca

brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

Health fees for extra services

Varsity Reds kick start season

NBCC set as UNB’s new neighbors

Lee Larrett The Brunswickan

Lee Larrett The Brunswickan Students are about to be charged on a fee for services basis for procedures not covered by Medicare.

They can expect to start bringing their wallets to the Student Health Centre to take care of any extra services.

These services, for which there has been a charge since Sept. 1, include physical examinations for work or travel, Blue Cross Special Authorization Forms, Accidental/ Disability forms, chart transfers or copies of medical files, letters for work absence, the morning after pill, flu shots, and uninsured office visits.

Fees range from $10 for letters and forms, and climb up to $150 for an industrial health physical.

These fees are all standard charges in doctors’ offices across New Brunswick.

Anne Forrestall ,Executive Director of Student Affairs and Services, describes the goal of the new fees. She explains that the main benefit of a health centre on campus is that students are seen by staff who understand the effect illness can have on their academic progress.

“The focus on acute illness, getting students well and back to class as quickly as possible really has been, and should be, the main focus of the Centre,” Forrestall says.

She says it was brought to her attention that some services have a charge attached in other offices, so she looked into the practices of other universities. She found that many were charging students for services not covered by Medicare.

The fee is “not to disadvantage students but it is to direct the resources in the direction I think we need to be focusing on,” says Forrestall.

Forrestall says that it’s “a very small proportion” of students who will need the services for which there is a charge.

“We didn’t implement it as a money making process,” she says.

Tim Walker, Director of Resource Planning & Budgeting, pointed out that, “The student health center actually does employ part- time nurses at times.

I think the idea would be that if they were experiencing a high load for this

Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan

Both the men’s and women’s Varsity Reds soccer teams played UPEI and MtA this past weekend. See the Sports section for the outcomes, as well as health and fitness tips and an update on Chapman Field. type of service and they were … at least recovering a charge then that would allow [the Health Centre] to bring in some help at some point during the year if … the load was building up and you had the money to pay [the extra staff].”

He added that performing what he called “value added services” (those not covered by Medicare) without charging the new fees would deplete the budget such that scheduling extra hours and bringing in interns would not be affordable.

“Unless we stabilize the budget and find a way to pay for those [uninsured] services then those services would eventually fall off the table and we wouldn’t be able to offer them,” he said.

These new fees come at the same time as the addition of a mandatory $50 health fee for all full-time undergraduate students, as well as the opening of the new Jones House Centre. Forrestall clarified the complicated fee changes by explaining that the idea of charging for uninsured services has been in the works for a number of years. It was put through the 2008-09 budget, and research had been done the year prior.

The new $50 student health fee added onto the 2009-10 student fees allowed

a Clinic Manager, Patricia Eagan, to be hired. She is responsible for implementing the fee, and she will also be looking at the way the clinic is run, trying to bring it more up to date and take advantage of the larger space of the new clinic.

Walker says the Clinic Manager position was implemented as a test run before the student health fee was put in place.

“Things started to really churn through efficiently. The Clinic Manager was actually behind a lot of the layout planning for the new centre.”

The fee will help to stabilize funding so that the Clinic Manager will remain a position at the Centre, Walker says.

The other change to the Health Centre is the implementation of same-day scheduling. Forrestall explained that at the time the decision was made to switch to this method of scheduling, the Health Centre was booking appointments four to six weeks in advance. The clinic is introducing same day scheduling on a trial basis, which allows students to obtain same-day service at the clinic.

Part of the Clinic Manager’s role is to determine if this scheduling system is effective.

The system has students go through

a triage process.

Patients wait to see a nurse, and 30 per cent of the time the nurse can handle the case.

The other 70 per cent of cases are given an appointment to see a physician later that day.

Forrestall has advice for students who find it difficult to balance hours of classes and commitments in the day with waiting in a doctor’s office.

“Obviously getting [to the Health Center] early in the morning is important, and the earlier you can be in the more chance you’ll have of getting an appointment that day.”

She also pointed out that when you’re sick, you must make the decision about attending class or work. Sometimes getting better and not exposing others to your illness can be more important than attending a lecture, she says.

“There are lots of benefits to having the Health Centre on campus, but there are times when it doesn’t suit the student’s schedule, and there are other alternatives in the community,” Forrestall says.

Locations of local after-hours clinics are available on the Health Centre’s website.

Collaboration between UNB and the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), which will bring Fredericton’s NBCC to the UNB campus, has resulted in $15.5 million in provincial and federal funding.

The agreement, which has been in the works for years, has UNB and NBCC sharing land, facilities, programs, services and students. The move is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 2011.

New Brunswick Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Donald Arseneault commented that, “it’s going to be a great investment, a great partnership on the University campus ...

It’s going to be a great compliment to both St. Thomas University and UNB. We’re all excited ... and you can probably see some action on the site this fall.”

“The premier and I met with Dr. Eddy Campbell ,the President of UNB, and he assured us ... that everything is on schedule, and we’re all very excited. It’s an investment that’s been long waiting for the community of Fredericton and I think it’s going to be a tremendous benefit to the citizens,” said Arseneault.

“What’s happening here is what we call co-habitation. The students can share some of these services. It’s a benefit to STU and UNB to have some extra traffic in terms of extra students on the campus ground; they can help out with the cafeteria and use the library and other services as well ... There’s a great benefit to doing this and a great cost savings as well in terms of sharing some services,” Arsenault explained.

“It’s quite unique to have the three different types of campuses on one site ... it differentiates us from a lot of other places.

I think it’s going to help all three institutions attract new students. At the end of the day the student’s going to have a choice of the type of training they want. If you have a college student going to NBCC Fredericton and all of a sudden, after his 2 year program, he decides he wants to pursue

SEE NBCC PAGE 3

brunswickannews

2 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Dollars and sense: where your tuition goes Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan

Many students wonder where their tuition money goes when it leaves their pockets, purses and parents’ bank accounts.

Dan Murray, UNB’s vice president finance and corporate services, sat down with the Brunswickan this week to break down where a student’s money fits into the university budget and operations.

Tuition dollars comprise 32 per cent of overall revenue for UNB, with 61.9 per cent funded by the government’s provincial operating grant, money allocated to each publicly funded university in the province.

The remaining revenue, 6.1 per cent, is generated by things like application fees for incoming students, parking fees and short term investments.

Theuniversity’soperatingexpenses,totalling $166.2million,coverfacultyanddepartmental costs at 54.4 per cent, academic and student support at 17.9 per cent, administration and developmentat14.6percent,maintenanceand utilitiesat11.1percentandin-yearnetancillary costs at two per cent.

Murray said that this year’s tuition freeze has resulted in an increased contribution of the

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Extra fees add up quickly and many students will miss the extra cash that came out of their pockets when they paid tuition this September. equivalent of a five per cent tuition increase by the province in the operating grant.

Increased costs on campus this year for students include a $50 student health services fee, increased distance and online education fees, increased fees for international undergraduate students and altered parking and transcript fees.

“The budget was very tight this year, so things that weren’t core academic expenses or core administrative expenses really came under the microscope and we really saw students wanted those services and valued those services, so we said in order to continue providing them and not cut them because of the budget challenges, we

should implement a fee,” Murray said of the $50 that has been implemented in both Fredericton and Saint John.

The health fee, implemented in part to support the operations of the updated Student Health Centre, now located in Jones House, went into effect on Sept. 1.

Murray said that the additional costs for target student groups were the result of the increased costs of the services, increased fees for online courses for example. When deciding about putting those fees into effect, Murray said that the administration observed what other universities charged for similar services and tried to come up with a pricing structure that reflected the cost of providing the service.

Murray said that additional fees are intended to cover additional costs associated with certain activities that are above and beyond average student activity. There’s a base of regular student activity and rather than charge everybody, only those who use the activities are being charged.

“Those kind of fees are really intended to cover the additional costs associated with those activities, so there’s sort of the base level of activity and if there’s something that’s extra, rather than charge everybody.... we thought it was more appropriate to have a user-pay type approach.”

Murray said that it would be a “slippery slope” to implement a user-pay fee for all of the student services on campus. For example, a student who doesn’t plan on

living on campus next year may feel they shouldn’t have to pay a $175 facilities improvement fee.

The current global economic climate did not allow for any fees to be cut this year, Murray said.

“The recession has made a very tight fiscal climate for Canadian and U.S. universities.

[Removing fees] wasn’t really a viable option given how tight our financial situation was.”

Though media reports from across the globe are reporting that the economy is recovering, Murray said it will take a long time for the impact of the recession to be overtaken.

“I think it’s good that the recession is officially over, but I think it’s going to be a long time before the Canadian economy, the provincial economy returns to normal and that has a pretty big impact on the university,” Murray said, adding that he expects a period of “low-growth” for some time.

Breakdownofundergraduatefees for both terms: Tuition - $5,482 Student Union Fee - $89 Media Fee - $25 Technology Fee - $50 Health Fee - $50 Student Health Insurance - $137 Optional Dental Insurance - $112 TOTAL = $6,120

PM appoints new Lieutenant Governor for NB Lee Larrett

The Brunswickan

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced that Provincial court judge The Honourable Graydon Nicholas will serve as the next LieutenantGovernor of the Province of New Brunswick.

Graydon Nicholas is the f irst aboriginal person to serve this position in New Brunswick. He was also the first aboriginal person to be named to the bench in New Brunswick in 1991.

Nicholas is Maliseet, and was raised in Tobique First Nation. Before his appointment to the bench he practiced law in Fredericton and taught Native Studies at St. Thomas University.

Both Premier Shawn Graham and the opposition leader David Alward have

supported Nicholas’s selection. Nicholas has received the New Brunswick Human Rights Award, he was an inaugural recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal, has won the Fredericton YMCA Peace Medallion and the Canada 125 Medal for his service and community leadership.

“Judge Nicholas has an impressive record of public leadership both on the bench and within the community,” said the Prime Minister in a press release.

“His long-time dedication to improving the lives of First Nations peoples in New Brunswick is both impressive and inspiring. He is a tremendous role model for any Aboriginal youth who dream of pursuing a career in law or public service.”\Nicholas will replace Herménégilde Chiasson, who was thanked on Thursday by the Prime Minister for his dedicated service to New Brunswick.

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Come crash our meeting, Wed 12:30 in SUB 35

brunswickannews

Sept 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 3

UNB prof hopes for Fredericton Liberal MP candidacy through a renewal, a reinvention. They went to the grassroots to find what the people have to say.”

Shortly after Robbins joined the party, Sarah Ratchford the First Vice President of the Fredericton The Brunswickan Liberal Women’s Club stepped down, and Robbins, with a background in Women’s Studies, stepped up to fill the There are murmerings of another federal position.

She says she was only just eligible to election in the air, and UNB professor Wendy Robbins is hoping to be nomin- take the position.

“You had to be a member for 60 days ated for candidacy as Fredericton’s next or something, but I became a VP,” she Member of Parlaiment.

Robbins has put her name in to be laughs.

When Robbins found out that David nominated at the Liberal Nominating Innes, last year’s Liberal candidate, was Convention.

Interestingly, her opponent, Pam not re-offering, she decided to take her Campbell, is also a woman, and Frederic- participation a step further.

Three of Robbins’ main goals, ton has never had a female MP. Robbins, who is relatively new to the she says, are creating sustainable jobs, party, has just finished the lengthy “green improving access to healthcare, and light process” required for nomination. making post-secondary education more She says it’s an especially arduous affordable.

She spoke at length about improving process as an academic.

“They look at everything you’ve ever the situation for students.

“My roots are in the ‘60’s,” she says. published. You have to give 10 sample articles, list every address you’ve ever “We were out there marching for free had. They even ask where you get your tuition, and that’s where my heart is.

“We all benefit when people are news,” she says.

Robbins joined the Liberals in Janu- educated. We need doctors, scientists, ary, and she is being mentored by Andy journalists.

When it comes to lowering student Scott, who represented Fredericton for debt, plans will depend on the party’s five terms.

The Liberals came under new leader- platform, which is not yet fully developed.

“PSE has to be better funded,” Robship with Michael Ignatieff in December.

Robbins says, “the party started going bins says. “That’s where it starts.

Animal ingenuity Elisabeth Faure The Link

MONTREAL (CUP) – By hosting awareness fundraisers like a ‘Pussy Party’ for stray cats and a ‘Hip-Hop’ for rabbit rescues, a new animal rescue group is hoping to help save animals by engaging young people.

Eleven Eleven Animal Rescue, founded by 20-year-old Caroline Ross, grew out of her life-long love of animals.

“It was always something I knew I would do, just a matter of when,” she said over a beer at Ye Old Orchard Pub in Montreal, where the group is based.

Raised in the Cayman Islands, Ross was active in animal rescue and animal fostering from a young age. She now works in a veterinary clinic.

“When you get kittens that are sick being brought into to be euthanized – it was pretty hard to see,” said Ross.

Ross decided something needed to be done and began rescuing animals and placing them in foster homes without outside help.

“I got one dog after another, then I started getting kittens, and it just sort of built up this summer, much more than previous years,” she said. “I wanted to start doing it more professionally, so I could save more animals on a larger scale.” Ross founded Eleven Eleven in response to the rising demand.

“I actually have the name [Eleven Eleven] tattooed on my feet,” Ross said.

She went on to explain that the name references a belief that there are 1,111 guardian angels of earth.

To help with the new organization, Ross enlisted the help of Lora Miniccuci.

The two long-time friends, who often finish each other’s sentences, took over different parts of the rescue group.

“Our main goal is to have an organization that is self-sustaining and eventually to be able to offer funding to other groups that may not have the resources we do,” said Miniccuci, who handles public relations for the group.

Eleven Eleven spays and neuters

every animal offered for adoption before sending them to foster homes.

They also provide any required medical treatment, including de-worming and shots. The group rescues all sorts of animals, including reptiles, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters. Individual profiles of each animal available for adoption are available on the organization’s website, elevenelevenanimalrescue.org.

To help find prospective foster parents, Eleven Eleven has targeted a younger audience than existing animal shelters, using a combination of web-based marketing, a clothing line and a series of local events to get the message out.

The Internet marketing includes a Facebook group that regularly sends out alerts to members when animals are in need of placement or medical care.

“Right now we have a dog that needs an amputation that we need to raise money for,” said Ross.

The dog in question, Xiao-Hei, was brought to Canada after being hit by a car in China. To help raise funds to pay for an operation for the dog’s hind left leg, Eleven Eleven held its first fundraiser, ‘Party Like an Animal, For the Animals.’

The event is just the first in a series of planned events, each based around a different fund raising theme. Next up is a cat-themed Halloween party to raise money to rescue stray cats. The event will be called the ‘Pussy Party.’ An Easter event called ‘Hip-Hop’ will raise money for abandoned rabbits.

“Many people buy rabbits for Easter and then give them up,” said Miniccuci.

“The money will go to Stephanie, a partner who does the rabbit rescue for the SPCA. It will be an example of us raising money to help other causes.”

Eleven Eleven also hopes to educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering animals.

“If we had to make a statement, it’s ‘adopt from a shelter, don’t buy from a puppy store,’” said Miniccuci. Ross nods in agreement.

“So many animals are euthanized at the SPCA every year,” said Ross.

“Whenever you allow your cat or dog to have a litter of puppies or kittens, you are stealing a home from a shelter dog – essentially killing another shelter animal.”

NBCC and UNB to share a campus FROM NBCC PAGE 1

Submitted

Wendy Robbins is a Women’s Studies and English prof at UNB and now she is vying for the chance to run as the federal Liberal candidate in Fredericton.

“Some people say that students should card-carrying Liberals, and they must make that personal investment in their have joined the party by no later than education, but as a society we all benefit.” Sept. 16.

This is of concern for Robbins due Robbins says she extends her concerns not only to young university students; she to the fact that only about 5 per cent of Canadians actually have membership to also supports lifelong learning.

“I would be a huge champion for a political party.

The rest want to “Keep their options that,” she says. “And I’m a fighter.

“The status quo doesn’t have to be the open,” says Robbins. .

The nominating convention will be status quo.”

In order to attend and vote in the held on Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Crowne nominating convention, voters must be Plaza Lord Beaverbrook Hotel at 7 p.m.

[further] education there’s a good chance that he’ll ... pursue either STU or UNB,” Arseneault said.

“I’ve always said our Community College system here in New Brunswick has more partnerships with Universities outside New Brunswick than inside New Brunswick and that has to change, but it can only change if [Universities and Colleges] sit at the same table and talk and see where can work together for the benefit of the students.

Those things are going to happen, I see that happing now and I can only see it happening more in the future,” Arseneault observed.

When asked about plans to deal with the extra strain put on parking and infrastructure by adding more students to campus, Arseneault replied that, “[this] was never raised in my level ... I think anytime you add more infrastructure it does have an impact somewhere somehow. I have the utmost confidence that the people at the campuses have thought of that and have alternatives on how they’re going to accommodate the extra students on campus.”

Renaissance College welcomes new Dean

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Dr. Ted Needham sits in his new office at Renaissance College. He has been involved with Renaissance College in the past, and beleives that is part of the reason he was selected for the position. members. He said that though he was never teach a third year course in community specifically told why he was selected, he problem solving.

There are several concerns and believed it had a lot to do with his work with Hilary Paige Smith the College throughout his career at UNB. problems that Needham would like The Brunswickan “I think it’s that I had a history with to address throughout his time as the Renaissance College. I wasn’t completely dean. Though he has goals he’d like to In its tenth year of operation, Renaissance unknown to them...I knew something accomplish, he does not plan on leaping College is welcoming a dean who helped about, not necessarily the details, but into action immediately. He said he plans design the program first hand. something about what the culture was to spend some time examining where the Dr. Ted Needham is the new Dean like here, what the college was trying to faculty stands and in which direction they of Renaissance College. He entered the accomplish. Those kinds of things,” he said. would like to go. position following the former dean Pierre He said that though Renaissance The new dean is currently in the Zundel’s departure for presidency at the process of meeting students in his faculty College provides a unique, intimate University of Sudbury. and integrating into the Renaissance opportunity for its students, there is also “It was a combination of needing College culture. Nestled in the heart an element of isolation from the rest of a new dean, me being interested, me of Fredericton’s historic downtown, the campus. having past connections with Renaissance College operates out of Maggie Jean “One of my jobs is to figure out how College and the College being interested Chestnut House, with classroom and Renaissance College could best integrate in having somebody like me. It’s that living accommodations for its handful with the rest of the campus. We’re combination of timing, my interest of students. The faculty offers learning developing a minor in leadership program and the college’s interest,” he said of his experience in leadership and philosophy so that people who are working on a appointment to the position. and limits enrolment to about 25 new major in another degree can get a minor The Virginia-native holds a Ph.D in students each year. in leadership,” he said. The new program forestry from Virginia Tech and has been Needham is currently working to meet offered through the College will officially at UNB for 22 years. Initially a professor and greet every student in his faculty. begin this winter. in the forestry department, Needham “That’s one example of this general “I’m working really hard to connect became the coordinator of teaching and faces to names and remember them idea of stretching Renaissance College’s learning services five years ago through and it’s a humbling and embarrassing wings to move it outside of our comfort UNB’s Centre for Enhanced Teaching experience to call somebody by the wrong zone where we are, into the broader and Learning. There, he helped faculties name as I’m trying to get everyone’s campus environment.” and programs refine their curriculum, name down. It’s my goal before too long Needham’s words of greeting to the administered university-wide teaching to be able to not embarrass myself too student body include a challenge for all. and learning activities and worked to much,” he said, laughing and gesturing He said that a student’s education is up help instructors become better teachers. to a stack of paper covered in student’s to them and they are encouraged to push Needham was selected for the position names and pictures. themselves, as well as their instructors, by a committee of students, faculty and staff Needham will also be helping to to succeed.

brunswickannews

4 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Students welcomed back in style at Freddy Beach barbeque Sandy Chase The Brunswickan

As the first week of classes drew to an end, the city literally rolled out the red carpet to welcome students from UNB and STU. Students, accompanied by a police escort to stop traffic, paraded from the Student Union Building to downtown Fredericton for the 12th annual Freddy Beach Party.

The event took place in Officers’ Square in the heart of the city, where a free barbeque was set up to welcome back students for another academic year.

The Square was packed with students lined up for hotdogs and hamburgers served by the Knights of Columbus.

Bad Remedy, a local band, gave a brief welcome before providing live music to the crowd of hungry students.

Scattered around the square, local clubs and artists had displays set up to inform students about events and activities available to them throughout the year.

Tucked away under a big white tent, some students played Frisbee

while another group waited for free henna from a local artist.

“The band was really cool actually, but most of the people left very early.

So there was not really like a party, more like getting there, getting food, heading back to UNB,” said A lex von Schkopp, an exchange student in Mechanical Engineering.

“I like the idea but it could have been done maybe a little bit different. There was no program at all; it was just like ‘Here’s food, here’s the band and welcome.’”

Mayor Brad Woodside was unable to attend the event, but he had previously declared September 7-11 as “Welcome Back Week” in Fredericton.

“Having [students] here makes our city more vibrant and it’s a great opportunity for the public to make them feel welcome and appreciated,” Woodside said in a press release.

Eddie Campbell, the President of UNB, took time out of his schedule to stop by the event with his family.

“I think it’s a lovely event, a great way for the city to welcome students to the University of New Brunswick in the city of Fredericton, and it’s a Smart City, and that’s a good thing.”

As a couple of young children ran by, he smiled and said, “When I look at them I see our future students.”

Sandy Chase/ The Brunswickan

The henna tent was a popular part of the Welcome Back barbeque in Officers Square, downtown Fredericton. The event was part of what Mayor Brad Woodside declared, “Welcome Back Week.”

Therapeutic group established on campus Lee Larrett The Brunswickan The overwhelming number of students who exhibit self -injuring behaviour (SIB) is what prompted Counseling Services to design a psycho-educational group that is to run this fall.

Nancy Buzzell, a counselor at UNB

and the leader of the therapy group, explained self -injuring.

“For most people, it’s a way of coping with emotions that they have trouble dealing with… cutting is one of the most popular ways of doing it but there’s burning, hitting, pulling hair; there’s all kinds of injury.”

SIB is defined as a coping mechanism, and Buzzell explained that at Counseling Services, “we don’t see [SIB] as weird or psychiatric or strange, we see it as pretty

mainstream and as a way that a person is just trying to manage the stress in their life, their emotions.”

Buzzell said that universities across Canada are seeing the same thing.

“Lots of eating issues, lots of stress and anxiety and depression. We’re seeing people coming in already on medication, self- injuring. We’re all saying we’re seeing more serious mental health issues and self injury is one of them.”

Counseling Services’ answer to increasing levels of SIB was to run a six- week psycho-educational group for women on campus. Buzzell said that, “we’re going to start just with women this time because when you mix genders, it does change the process a little bit.”

She was, however, clear that men do self injure as well. The psycho-educational approach is “not heavy duty into the therapy,” said Buzzell, “it’s more about education. [The approach] is therapeutic, but not therapy.”

Buzzell also explained that, unlike some group therapy scenarios, psychoeducation is not threatening, full of choice, and with the flexibility for people to participate at whatever level they are comfortable with.

“Talking to each other is really therapeutic, you can’t duplicate that with one on one counseling,” she said.

Examining why groups work, Buzzell offered the idea that, “there’s such shame and isolation with the story, but when you speak with someone else and they’re not appalled, they understand … some of the shame and the blame dissipates. You can’t duplicate that in one on one counseling.”

Counseling Services is asking women to come out as self injurers, and self refer into the group. “That’s not always easy,” said Buzzell. “For some women [self injuring] has been pretty closeted.”

Pre-group screenings begin Sept.

15, and the group runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. Women who self injure can call or walk into Counseling Services and book their pre-group screening. During the screening they will sit down with Buzzell and she will “introduce [herself], talk about the group, and talk about whether it’s a good time or not for them, whether they feel committed to changing or not,” said Buzzell.

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Nancy Buzzell, a counsellor with Counselling Services, has worked to create the six session group for women and will be leading it this fall.

The six sessions are each an hour and a half on Thursday nights from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and each has a theme.

The first session will be about defining self injuring, getting away from the shame and blame. The women will tell a bit of their story and begin to trust each other.

The second session will look at why SIB works for each of the women, looking at both the positive and negatives of self -injuring.

The third session is on emotions and how to manage them differently. Buzzell explained the reason for this is, “because we know [SIB is] a coping mechanism and it’s largely because people don’t have other options of managing their emotions.”

The fourth session is on options for coping. It will teach relaxation methods and how to delay acting on an impulse to self injure so that other coping mechanisms can be used.

The fifth session talks about how to deal with the rest of life, including healthy relationships and self care.

The final group is about being present, being in the moment and in their bodies.

“If your emotions are uncomfortable you

don’t want to be in your body, so we’re trying to reconnect women with their bodies,” said Buzzell. “[It will teach] how to have a positive, caring relationship with their bodies.”

Buzzell feels that the six sessions are not a big investment of time, and the group has been planned to run just until the end of October so that it won’t interfere with what can be a busy time of year for students.

Buzzell said that, “the bottom line is that when women speak out and speak their truth to other women, that’s the most healing. It’s not me, it’s not my manual, it’s not me as a counselor, it’s them. They are the healing part of that process.”

If you or someone you know might be practicing self injuring behaviour, more information and help can be found at: UNB Counselling Services (506)4534820 Chimo & Mental Health Crisis Center (506) 453- 2132 Organizations in Canada SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) in Canada http://healingselfinjury.org The Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.cmha.ca

brunswickannews

Sept 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 5

UNB students enhance equality in Malawi

Council is back in session Lee Larrett The Brunswickan Summer is over, classes are in full swing, and the UNBSU councilors are back at the council table.

The second UNB Student Council meeting for 2009-10 was Monday, September 14.

Councilors passed a motion to hold a by-election to fill the positions of Forestry and Environment Management Representative, Education Representative, a one- year seat on the Senate, and Residence Liason. There is one seat open for each position.

The by-election nominations are on Sept. 25, and after a candidates meeting later that day campaigning begins. Voting opens on Sunday, Oct. 11and closes on Friday, Oct. 16.

Council passed a motion to select Shannon Carmont-McKinley, current VP Academic, to be interim Chief Returning Office (CRO). This is to allow a by-election to begin, and she is antici-

Submitted

UNB Students Ben Noseworthy (on left) and Annie Oullette (on right) spoke about their summer spent in Malawi at the Kauma Village Youth and Children’s Center.

Lee Larrett The Brunswickan

Six UNB students from a mix of faculties travelled to different regions of Malawi this summer on volunteer internships for the Students for Development Program.

“We really wanted to try to apply what we learned in school, put it into practice.

We wanted to make some difference, learn about a different culture, learn about being a more global citizen,” said Annie Oullette, a nursing student.

Ben Noseworthy, a Kinesiology student said, “We could summarize our three reasons for going there, and what we wanted to address by going there, as gender equality, governance issues, and some risk mitigation [like health issues].”

Oullette and Noseworthy spent the 93 day trip in a village called Kauma, just outside the capital of Malawi. They worked at a community center called the Kauma Village Youth and Children’s Center, working mostly with a grade 8 class. The four other UNB students, Jaime MacLellan, Hershey Jani, London Urquart and Sarah Williamson, spent their time in Mzuzu at Mzuzu University.

In Kauma they began by playing sports, providing some health education, and teaching in the classroom. But Noseworthy said that, “We really ended up focusing a lot on governance with the school admin; basic practices like budgets, any kind of accounting at all, they didn’t have any of those processes.”

Both Oullette and Noseworthy emphasized that gender equality is a very big issue in Malawi. Noseworthy said that when outlining attainable goals with the school a main issue was having more girls enrol. Also of concern is retaining those girls, ultimately getting them to finish their high school education. “ It’s really crucial, it’s a huge issue there, because most of the girls end up pregnant before they can even think about finishing high school,” he said. Oullette explained that getting pregnant at a young age is the norm in a small village, “that’s how you get out of poverty. For them they associate getting married or having a man and child as a way to move forward.”

The female drop- out rate is high in the school they worked with. At the

secondary level, only one or two students were females out of a class of 40 or 50.

In primary school, however, the number of female students is higher than the number of males.

What produces the current classroom demographics for secondary school might be the financial burden of education. While primary school at government schools is free to everyone, secondary schools cost money and Oullette explained that “there’s still a belief that you send your boy to school over your girl. It’s more beneficial, they believe, to send their male student. So if they can only afford to put two kids in school, they’ll put the two boys.”

The cost for secondary school is roughly $10 a month, which sounds inexpensive by our standards but Noseworthy pointed out that, “a large majority of the [Malawi] population lives for under $2 a day total.”

But Noseworthy saw improvements in the time that they were there and said that he thinks Annie had a big impact on the girls at the school. Over the three months the number of girls enrolled in the class doubled and he feels that they

were inspired by Annie’s teaching and encouragement to achieve.

Oullette and Noseworthy saw their role change from teaching and playing sports, to governance and making improvements to the school. They registered the school with the government which will help bring better instructors and assistance. Another UNB student, Sarah Morrison, is in Malawi now working further with the school. There will be a continued effort between the Kauma Village Youth and Children’s Center and UNB. Through donations they were able to paint all of the school’s walls, including murals. They added two new chalkboards, and repainted the older ones.

50 books and lots of sports equipment including jerseys and soccer balls were donated. They also raised enough money to fix the concrete floor which was rotting away. All of these improvements will help with the registration of the school.

Among all the other changes they brought about in the small village, one is somewhat unexpected.

“We brought Frisbee to Malawi,” Oullette said, “it was a hit.”

pated to only be in this position until the Sept. 21 meeting of council. Interviews for CRO and Deputy Returning Officer are Tuesday, Sept. 15 and the selections committee will make their recommendation to council Sep. 21 when the council can ratify the recommendation.

This ratification would make the candidate official CRO, and relieve Carmont-McKinley from the interim position. President Jon O’Kane will be working with the winning candidate as they are involved with the by-election prior to their ratification at the Sept. 21 council meeting.

Item 9 on the agenda was the ratification of clubs and societies. The Albert Ross Society, a writing and social group for English students,The Fighters Guild, a role playing tabletop game club and Model UN were all ratified. Omega Pi, a sorority, and Young Greens, a club for discussion of the issues pertaining to the Green party of Canada, were both recognized. A ratified group is one that is open to all UNB students and receives funding. A recognized group is not open to all UNB students for reasons like religion, politics and gender, and receives no funding.

Correction: In last week’s Arts section, there were some misunderstandings about a film being put together by local filmmaker BronweN. The article was called “Fredericton Market samosas hit the bigtime.” The storyline of the film will be clarified in next week’s issue, so check it out!

brunswickanopinion

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 6

editor@thebruns.ca

the brunswickan

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief • Sarah Ratchford Managing • Alex Duncan News • Lee Larrett Arts • Doug Estey Sports • Colin McPhail Photo • Andrew Meade Copy •Nick Howard Production • Christian Hapgood Online • Alison Clack Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Contributors Zaheer Abbas, Stephanie Allen, Chris Cameron, Kathryn Chase, Sandy Chase, Alison Clack, Maggie DeWolfe, Dave Evans, Sarah Farquhar, Josh Fleck, Kennie Gathuru, Dan Hagerman, Cody Jack, Jacques Landry, Simon Leslie, Brandon MacNeil, Cameron Mitchell, Matthew Murray, Nick Ouellette, Brian Savoie, Hilary Paige Smith, Ysabelle Vautour, Alex Wickwire & Valerie Woodman.

The Brunswickan relies primarily on a volunteer base to produce its issues every week. Volunteers can drop by room 35 of the SUB at any time to find out how they can get involved.

Flickr Creative Commons

Throughout the summer there has been talk of another federal election. Many people seem dissatisfied will all political parties at the moment-- could it be that we as Canadians just don’t know what we want? There is speculation that it may be up to us to decide again as early as November.

Not satisfied?

Vote NeoRhinocerous Nick Howard The Brunswickan

The timing may not be great, but in the end the onus of choice lies on Canadians.

We are clearly unhappy with the current political situation in Canada, the minority says so and opinion polls show low ratings for both major parties. The question is not whether we should have another election; the question Canadians should be asking themselves is “What do I want?”

Never, in recent history, have Canadians been more indecisive. The change to a Conservative minority in January of 2006 represented a dramatic shift from 13 years of Liberal rule. While both moves could be seen as arguably more “democratic”, the 2006 and 2008 elections were the result not of a certainty that the Conservatives would form a better government, but that neither the reds nor blues are adequate with their current leadership and in their current state of organization. Canadians are searching for democracy, just not loudly or clearly enough to get through to Parliament Hill.

I could talk about Conservative hypocrisy. For example, calling for an elected senate while offering senate and other high paying positions to party patrons (for one of whom reading and writing is a new skill). Or I could talk about

Liberal disorganization; “We can do better”? Maybe their real platform is hiding. Neither of these really addresses the fundamental issue behind the most recent election: Canadians are unhappy with their political choices.

An election is coming whether we like it or not; if Canadians don’t decide what they want, or force politicians to give them what they know they want, a minority government is bound to develop. I, for one, have no interest in more minority government time wasting. The amount of petty political maneuvering at the top of the hill produces nothing but inflated egos.

The problem doesn’t lie entirely with the politicians, however. If we know what we want, we have to be confident enough to make that want known, even if it means a bumpy election. If neither of the big parties cut it, vote for someone else. Vote for the NeoRhinocerous Party of Canada (http://www.neorhino.ca/) for god’s sake; a “wasted” vote sends a strong message. Another low turnout like the last election’s 59 per cent will provide nothing but reinforcement to the major parties. Politicians watch where votes go; they don’t see the votes that weren’t cast.

Our predicament may be unfortunate; another election in the midst of a recession certainly isn’t ideal. However, not addressing the problem will not solve anything. Whether you like the Liberals or the Conservatives or not, vote anyway.

Vote for the NDP or the Green Party, the Communist party or the NeoRhinos.

While new political activism, like blogging and online petitions, is slowly making its way onto Parliament Hill, voting is still your best bet to getting political attention and change.

Send us letters to the editor.

Timing Not Iggy’s Strength Sam Pearlmutter The Brunswickan

“Mr. Harper, your time is up,” Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Liberal Party, recently told a Liberal caucus meeting in Sudbury, Ontario. Mr. Ignatieff announced that he intends to stop supporting the governing Conservatives and force an election as soon as parliament resumes for the fall session.

After the announcement the Liberal Party went into full campaign mode, releasing a series of television ads featuring Mr. Ignatieff speaking over a forest background. A second series of advertisements was released this past weekend, with Mr. Ignatieff talking about the economy and job market. The advertisements all end with the phrase “We can do better”.

Unfortunately for you Iggy, you may think you can, but you have not shown us how or been able to justify this call for an election in any way. In fact, right now, an election is probably the last thing Canadians want or need.

Usually, in minority governments, calls for elections are prompted by contentious legislation, or deadlock in parliament. Neither of those conditions currently exist. In fact, currently, there is no clear individual or broader issue that necessitates an election.

We are not even a year removed from the 2008 election that resulted in a Conservative minority. That election cost $300 million of taxpayers money. While in the midst of a recession and the worst unemployment issues in years, this money is much better spent elsewhere.

Calling an election now means current legislation aimed at dealing with the financial crisis will be put on hold, and it will become more difficult to get stimulus money into the economy. In fact, by forcing an election now, Mr. Ignatieff

will, for example, be delaying attempts to reform Employment Insurance, an issue he raised multiple times in the spring and summer months.

So what are the issues that are prompting this campaign? Why is it necessary to spend millions of dollars on another election, not even a year removed from an election with the worst voter turnout on record? I doubt the portion of the population that did not vote last time will suddenly be motivated to vote, particularly without any apparent reason for the election.

This is not a case of political opportunism, as a recent poll conducted by the Strategic Council suggests an election would change very little in parliament.

The Conservatives currently enjoy 35% support, while the Liberal are at 30%, and the NDP are at 14%. The Green Party and Bloc Quebecois are at 9% and 12% respectively.

While the economy could have been a ballot issue earlier in the year, current numbers suggest that an election would interfere with our economic recovery. Canada appears to be on the verge of rising out of the recession, and CIBC World Markets recently predicted that Canada will lead the G7 in economic growth in the next year.

Canada’s GDP is expected to rise by 2%, with the Bank of Canada saying that economic growth has been stronger than expected. When asked how he plans to help the Canadian economy, Mr. Ignatieff replied, “Wait and see”.

So what could possibly have motivated Mr. Ignatieff to call an election? He hasn’t provided a substantive reason to dissolve parliament, he does not stand to make significant gains, and the economy has been getting progressively better. Until Mr. Ignatieff can come up with something more substantive than “We can do better” he should not be wasting our time with an expensive and time-consuming campaign that will inevitably feature more mudslinging and name-calling than policy making.

Voter disinterest suggests Canadians are not satisfied with the status quo, and are tired of partisan minority politics.

Mr. Ignatieff seems perfectly content to perpetuate this.

About Us The Brunswickan, in its 143rd year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.

We are an autonomous student newspaper owned and operated

by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a non-profit, independent body.

We are a founding member of the Canadian University Press, and love it so. We are also members of U-Wire, a media exchange of university media throughout North America.

We publish weekly during the academic year with a circulation of 6,000.

Letters Must be submitted by e-mail including your name, letters with pseudonymns will not be printed.

Letters must be 400 words at maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at 5 p.m. before each issue.

Editorial Policy While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the editorial board to be racist, sexist, libellous, or in any way discriminatory.

The opinions and views expressed in this newspaper are those of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board, or its Board of Directors.

All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs, and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editorin-Chief.

21 Pacey Drive, SUB Suite 35 Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3 main office • (506) 447-3388 advertising • (506) 452-6099 fax • (506) 453-5073 email • editor@thebruns.ca www.thebruns.ca

brunswickanopinion

The old man rant a satire from Dave Evans

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 7

What does the UNBSU do, you ask?

Union Update Ryan Brideau

T

he FREX is a true institution in the fair city of Fredericton. There are events for young and old, rides, games and most importantly, Dippy Dogs. However, as I get even older, going to the FREX seems to make me mad as hell.

While it was in town, I decided partake in the FREX, taking along Mrs. Old Man, as she demanded I win her a stuffed bear or some such. As I refuse to pay $10 to park in some moron’s driveway (just so I don’t have to walk), I parked a good ways away, but managed to find a decent spot nonetheless. Once we got inside the fair, boy, was I disgusted. The place was full of young kids, which is to be expected, but I swear, every 10 year old girl I saw was covered in slutty looking makeup and totally inappropriate clothing. Where are their parents? How do they learn to dress like that? Back in my day, kids that age all wore Ninja Turtle sweatshirts. They certainly did not go around looking like prosti-tots and microwhores. The young men of course, were no better; when I take the missus out for a nice evening, I don’t want her to see your underwear, so pull up your damned pants! I probably shouldn’t leave out how many groups of young looking kids were smoking, right out in public. Again, no parents in site, nor police to smack some sense into them.

My biggest beef this year at the FREX, I shockingly realized, was the cost of attending. Dear readers, I’m sure if you’ve read my column before, you’ll know there is no bigger champion of capitalism than I; however, I really want to make a statement.

After all was said and done, after paying for two admissions, two ride bracelets (because they were far more cost efficient than buying individual tickets), some food and only one carnival game, Mrs. Old Man and I had spent almost $100. For just two people. Now, I don’t really care about myself, because I’m not that bad off financially. However, what about all the low-income families who don’t have cash to throw around? Seriously, a thing like the FREX should be a fond memory for children and their parents or guardians. Those memories can’t be formed, however, when families can’t afford to go. At $7 a head for admission, $26 for each bracelet, or $20 for 20 tickets, it really adds up.

Notice I didn’t include food or games. Though I consider myself to be a fairly cold person, even I would shed a tear seeing a young child on the outside of the fence, looking in at all the rides they knew they couldn’t afford to enjoy.

So, FREX people, I’ll admit I don’t know how you make your money, and I realize that the company that brings in the rides has to turn a profit. Thousands of people show up at your events in September and obviously enjoy them. I’m sure there are many more, who, if the exhibition was a little cheaper, would also experience that joy. Lower the cost of admission, add some sort of incentive to go, hell, I don’t know. All I know is I wouldn’t want to rob a kid of making a memory or two. ‘Nuff said.

About two years ago, a good friend of mine asked me why I had never been involved with the Student Union. My response at the time was short and sweet: I thought that the organization was useless and hopeless. Sadly, at the time, I genuinely believed that.

In hindsight, I didn’t really know what the Student Union did. On top of that, I was generally turned-off by the politics and bureaucracy that I associated with the SU. Politics was dirty, and student politics in particular was for wannabe politicians, so I preferred to keep my distance.

After a bit of convincing last year, I decided to run for VP External, and after four months on the job, I’ve come to see things a bit differently.

When it comes to politics, yeah, it’s a bit messy, but how could it not be? If you’ve ever tried living with roommates, you probably know how hard it is to make a decision that pleases all of them. Well, imagine having 6000+ roommates, most of whom don’t acknowledge your existence (and if they do, it’s usually to criticize you). It’s tough. I haven’t had to sell my soul yet, but I’ve begun to understand why politicians are so ‘political’ at times.

As for the Student Union itself, it dawned on me as I was working with the rest of the executive, typing up the 130+ pages of the new unbsu.ca website, that the Student Union really does do an incredible number of things. We handle the logistics behind concerts and events,

national, provincial, local and internal advocacy and representation, clubs and societies funding, university and community relations, environmental projects, health and dental coverage, student agenda creation, student housing, legal assistance, as well as dozens of other services.

When I hear people say that the Student Union hardly does anything - and I hear this quite often - I can’t help but take it personally. We do a lot. But if the people we are working for don’t think so, then it’s hard not to feel as if you let them down. That, to me, is the most difficult part of being involved in student government.

So why bother? Well, I bother because I honestly believe that the work that we do matters.

If you have a second, look over the list that I gave above, and start thinking about what the effect on the overall student experience would be if you started crossing things off that list. Sure, some are arguably more important than others, but together, they really do change the entire experience a student has while they are at university. Behind each of those events and services are real people working long hours to provide them for you, but sometimes it is easy to lose track of that. I know I did until I got involved.

At the end of the day, I try to be realistic about what to expect in the coming months. Is it fair to expect busy students with one thousand other things on their mind to take time out of their schedules to care about student politics? Probably not, but that’s fine. All that I’m certain of is that I, along with the rest of the Student Union, will continue to do what we do, the best way we know how, to make your time here as enjoyable as we can. If you want to join us in the effort, we more than welcome you to do so.

brunswickanopinion

8 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

letter to the editor.

Brunswickan Editorial Board 2009-10

beer can & crate / The Brunswickan

The Brunswickan’s 2009-10 editorial board is hard as fcuk. From left to right: Alison Clack (Online), Nick Howard (Copy), Lee Larrett (News), Sarah Ratchford (Editor in Chief ), Alex Duncan (Managing), Doug Estey (Arts), Bill Traer (Ad Sales), Christian Badass Hapgood (Production), Colin McPhail (Sports), Andrew Meade (Photo).

think that photo above looks badass? it’s because it is! write for the bruns.... you could BE this.

THE CONSERVATIVE CORNER with Dave Larrett

If you’re like me, it irks you when people talk about things as if they’re an authority on the matter, when clearly they have no idea what they’re talking about. What vexes me further is when people opine after declaring they have tuned out politics for a few months now. I’m referring to last week’s opinion piece written by Mr. Cody Jack. Let’s begin with last October, when the vote was (not December, Cody). The Conservatives won.

Remember that? So, democratically speaking, they do represent the will of the people.

Now fast forward to December, “Jack and Gilles ran up the hill because they got a whiff of power.

Dion fell down and broke his crown, while Iggy laughed from his Ivory Tower.” Following the attempted coup from the Liberals, socialists, and the party whose goal is to break up the country (the Bloc Quebecois), Iggy was ordained leader. He didn’t win leadership by being dually elected. No no, he told his rivals to back down and like Napoleon, grabbed the crown and coronated himself. There’s your lacking democracy.

Last week Cody wrote that our government has ‘fumbled every other issue,’ like the economy. Well ladies and gentleman, guess what? StatsCan showed that as of June we’re officially

out of recession. Our economy is growing, 27,000 jobs were made in August, and we’re the envy of the G8 right now. While others struggle with hyper-inflated deficits (the US is nearly $13 Trillion in the hole), and while unemployment rises around the world, our country’s economy is growing again. Why? Because Harper and his team have done their job. The World Bank has said so. The IMF has said so. Other countries have said so.

And now the numbers say so. Just because you don’t like Harper doesn’t mean he’s not doing his job. He’s doing it damn-well and the world knows it.

Next thing Cody gets wrong is the senators. Right now, senators are appointed by the PM. Harper’s been campaigning for years to make the senate an elected House, but can’t do it because the Liberals oppose it. Cody talks about senators and by-elections but the two don’t exist together.

MPs have by-elections, not senators.

As for appointing NDP members to high-profile positions, look at who Harper just put in as our ambassador to the US: Gary Doer. He’s an NDP Premier!

While everyone is entitled to their opinion, less informed opinions do a disservice to the public when published. I hope in the future that people consider the information they are basing their opinions on before having it published.

brunswickanopinion

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 9

Student

Viewpoint.

If you could be any animal what would you be?

Let everyone know whats on your mind.

“A bear.”

Bear Paw

Adam Bates

“A tiger.”

Isabelle Fontaine

Amanda Mason

“An elephant.”

“A lion.”

Luc Nkera

“A squirrel.”

Nicole Eccleston

“A cat.”

“A cheetah.”

Melissa Flannigan

“A husky.”

“A duck.”

Nora Flemming

Phil Larlee

brunswickaninternational

10 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Growing accustomed to Canadian winters

International students represented on the Student Union

Flickr Creative Commons

Adjusting to harsh Canadian winters can be quite a challenge for international students, especially if they’re from beautiful warm climates.

Culture Shock Danielle Bodie

When international students first arrive in Fredericton, the first thing that shocks most people is the beauty. Fredericton is clean with lots of trees and birds in early September.

However, that lovely weather only lasts for so long. As an international student from the Bahamas, I was one of the students who had never seen snow before, and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity. As summer winded down, the leaves began to turn and the temperature started to drop. I had my “Wizard of Oz Moment”: I was not in Kansas anymore.

The first thing that shocked me about winter was its constancy. Winter isn’t a season in Fredericton; it is more like a way of life. I was excited on the first day of snow. I got up at 6 a.m., put on

my coat and went outside to bask in the snow flakes. That morning I took many pictures to send back to my family at home. It was a great day.

But soon enough, my reaction to snow changed. I no longer smiled when I saw it on the ground. Instead I scowled and kicked my way through it. After a while I started becoming rebellious towards the weather. I didn’t want to dress in warm clothes anymore. I was tired of scarves and boots. I missed being able to wear shorts and t-shirts and be comfortable.

This rebellion lasted until I became sick and lost my voice a few times.

After a while I figured, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. That winter I built my first snowman and I enjoyed some winter activities. Doing these things helped time pass by quickly and really helped me to adjust. Since my first year, snow doesn’t bother me as much. I don’t love it, but I’ve learned to appreciate it.

I’ve also learned to enjoy my experience abroad. There are many people at home who haven’t seen snow, and even if it is just for that reason, I’m lucky.

Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan

The UNBSU has hired an International Student Advocate who will represent UNB’s international population and stand up for issues and concerns brought forth by our students from abroad.

Danielle Bodie The Brunswickan

The UNB Student Union has recently filled a new position in the International Student Office. Jocelyn Fot-so-soh was appointed as the new International Student Advocate.

Shannon Carmont- Mckinley, Vice President Academic of the SU, thought of the idea last year. The idea came about when she met with the International Advisor and discussed the different needs of international students.

Later in the summer Carmont-Mckinley began attending academic appeal hearings, and she realized there were a lot of academic appeals coming from

International recipe of the week

international students.

“That concerned me because international students made up such a large amount of the cases we were hearing,” she said. At that point she decided that something needed to be done to help international students deal with the Canadian university system. That led to the position of International Student Advocate position being formed.

Carmont-Mckinley held interviews to select a competent candidate. Fot-so-soh is an International student who is very involved on campus. Carmont-Mckinley describes Fot-so-soh as very driven and excited about the role.

The job of the International Student Advocate will consist of generating ideas to improve life at UNB for international students and to give their opinions voice in the University community. The SU

Understanding the Iran election

Bahamian Baked Macaroni

Ingredients:

Preparation: - Boil elbow macaroni as directed on the box

•

2 boxes elbows macaroni

•

3 eggs

•

1 medium onion finely diced

•

2 tins evaporated milk

•

1 medium green pepper finely diced

•

2 packs hard cheddar cheese

1 hot pepper

•

salt

•

Half a stick butter

•

black pepper

•

- Drain and return to the pot it was boiled in. Add grated cheese and remaining ingredients - Stir until cheese is melted, all ingredients are wellblended and texture is creamy.

- Pour into baking pan. Top with a thin layer of grated cheese and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Flickr Creative Commons

will then work on some strategies to accomplish suggestions from the student advocate.

The Union is planning on revising UNB policy and Student Union policy to make it more international-student friendly. Some of the policies will be financially based and involve setting up scholarships and bursaries.

Carmont-Mckinley is very hopeful for the development of the new international position this year.

“This is a foundational year,” she says.

“We are setting up a foundation for how we want it to go. At the end of the year we will be revising to see if we achieved what we wanted to achieve and see if we can revise it in the future.

“It is an exciting year to be involved with [international student advocacy] and just test the waters.”

Speak Out Ayat Abed Isaid Millions of Iranians took to the streets in outrage after rumors of government election manipulation reached the public. The regime brutally cracked down on protestors and imposed a blackout in Iranian cities. What interested me was the shutdown of domestic and international media outlets and their lack of freedom to publish or air anything about the rumours or rioting.

From my perspective as an Iranian woman, the Iranian public’s voice, which has been silenced for a long period of time, is finally breaking the surface. However, the country’s regime is attempting to silence Iranians again.

Numerous stories and tragedies could not be told or disseminated in any way throughout the election period. The anger started to build up inside people’s hearts and I joined them

in their frustration. According to UN rights experts, election protesters were tortured for speaking out against the government. In Iran there is no such thing as freedom of speech or expression. As a result, many individuals in Iran, particularly during the election, felt powerless to contribute to their own country and were under the influence of others. I feel that Iranians during the election time were deprived of their right to practice freedom of speech and to think individually.

The election has changed the situation in Iran. I would call it an eye opener for many Iranians; we all have to fight for our rights and justice. Every Iranian should know that they need to be effective individuals who are willing to spread the word wherever possible, and to achieve peace by starting with themselves and then their own country. They need to be a part of the process of changing their own world into a better place to live in.

Iranians must create a new and free society that fears nothing but the truth; a society that is willing to fight for its own rights and existence.

brunswickaninternational

More international students studying in Atlantic Canada Sarah Ratchford CUP Atlantic Bureau Chief

Atlantic Canada is steadily becoming more culturally diverse as international enrollment numbers are on their way up at universities in the region.

Despite high supplemental fees and the cost of travel, many international students are still choosing to come and study in Canada, largely due to the efforts of recruiters.

That’s how Danielle Bodie, a student from Nassau in the Bahamas, made it to St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B. “I was at a school college fair, and at that time I was like, ‘OK, I want to do journalism, but where do I go?’” Bodie recalls.

“The recruiter had a lot of information. I saw the campus and it was gorgeous. I was like, ‘This is for me.’”

Jerry Wang recruits international students for the University of Prince Edward Island. Final numbers of international students enrolled this year have not yet been released; an increase, however, is expected.

Wang is setting out on a recruitment effort at the end of the month to the Middle East and China.

“Our percentage of international students is close to 10 per cent,” he says.

“Some students are still getting visas, so they might be late.”

Peter Halpin, Executive Director of the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), says bringing more international students into the Atlantic Canadian landscape has a variety of benefits.

“First of all, international students really enhance the overall educational experience of all students, because of the ethnic and cultural diversity they bring to the campus,” he says. “That really enhances the entire experience, not just for them, but for domestic students as well.”

He says the aging population of the region is also an important reason to focus on international students.

“Atlantic Canada is suffering a real demographic challenge. Our universities in the region are slightly under capacity as there are fewer high school graduates in the region to attend our universities.”

If recruitment efforts are extended into the international community, Atlantic universities will operate closer to capacity, says Halpin.

He says that the region is currently home to approximately 6,500 international students between the four provinces.

“That number is expected to grow

when official numbers are released on Oct. 1,” he says.

Universities across the region are doing their best to enhance that number.

Asa Kachan, assistant vice president of enrollment management and registrar at Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S. says the school had 1334 international students as of Sept. 4, up from last year’s 1184.

“We have a lot of students from Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean,” she says, with students from a total of 110 different countries.

“That has an interesting and diverse impact on the academic experience here,” she says.

“The traditional local market is certainly changing due to the decrease in high school graduates.”

That gap is being partially filled with international students.

“Last year our total percentage of international students was just under eight per cent. It looks like both the true number and the percentage are increasing this year to about eight and a half per cent, and that fits in very nicely with our overall goal . . . to maintain our enrollment.”

Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S. is also seeing an increase in the number of students from other countries.

Director of Communications Scott Roberts is hesitant to cite numbers since they are not yet official.

“What I can tell you,” he says, “is our international numbers are up modestly over last year. For us that’s a positive sign.

Overall international enrollment is up this year from last.”

New Brunswick, too, has been seeing a climb in the number of international students due to extensive recruitment efforts.

Kemale Pinar is in charge of international recruitment for both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses of the University of New Brunswick (UNB).

She just returned from a 16-day trip to India. This was the first time for UNB to attend the tour, which is put on by the Council of International Schools (CIS).

“The target group was undergraduate students,” Pinar explains. “We visited around 20 high schools who usually send students abroad.”

Pinar says India usually yields graduate recruitments, but what UNB is looking for is a “smaller but very strong undergraduate sector.”

Currently, about 40 students from India study at UNB’s two campuses, according to Pinar.

St. Thomas student Danielle Bodie has been studying in Canada for three years now, and she has enjoyed the experience.

“I’ve met a lot of nice people and made everlasting friendships with Canadians.

Someone took me home for Thanksgiving my first year – we don’t celebrate it because we didn’t have any pilgrims,” she laughs.

“I think Canadians are the sweetest people.”

Sept 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 11

Missing

by Yasmin Glinton

Flickr Creative Commons

I’ve missed the sea.

Missed the touch of sun on my skin even in the protection of four walls.

I’ve missed the sweat during sleep.

The sound of roosters in the early morning, the tussle of wild cats and stray dogs.

I’ve missed the warmth that no longer lingers in hands now accustomed to a bitter cold.

I’ve missed blue skies covered with warm smiles.

I’ve missed the occasional hello from strangers walking by.

Missed so much the smell of home.

Missing the smell of rain.

That smell does not linger here.

The air is to tightly polluted with impressionable blends of complications that block out what is simple what is important.

I miss tears of laughter and careless

words that have no effect.

‘Every word here is measured sure, meant to offend or not.

There is no free appreciation of life in this land.

Stares cause me to miss the unity of color experienced only when I’m home.

Miss the uniqueness of blending in; appreciation of the same things.

Playful days I miss with toes snuggled in the warmth of wet sand.

Thoughts here are too structured, too contained, too restricted to a EuroAmerican dominate way.

I miss I miss moments when my knuckles didn’t crack like bones of an old woman.

I miss days without lotion. I’m not accustomed to this skin; dried and cracked allowing hatred and disgust

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to slip in.

Missing my appreciation for all races.

Missing my desire to explore to learn more about this unknown people.

The safety of self seems much more attractive.

The lure of paradise calls to me in my sleep and I cry back to it.

But, cold red brick buildings with logical analyzed streets restrain me now .

White powder littering sidewalks and grounds wrapped itself around my skin.

And while it may make my body and blood thicker.

Taking from me the freedom to simply flow and to breathe.

It can never take my heart because in the midst of my sorrows I cry to my home to my sea And in my dreams my Country Answers Me.

brunswickansports

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 12

sports@thebruns.ca

UNB takes a positive look at Chapman Field Colin McPhail The Brunswickan

Chapman Field underwent a drastic change two years ago. This extreme makeover: field edition transformed the grass surface into a turf field that lends itself to many sporting activities.

However, this major change ended up being quite costly and is still ongoing.

Miles Pinsent, the field’s Facility Manager and Head Coach of the Varsity Men’s soccer team, is still pleased with the current state of the field.

“The playing surface is phenomenal.

It’s great to play and train on. Having a facility like that with lights and the whole set up is a tremendous step forward for our soccer program and the Fredericton community, as well as the university community.”

Pinsent felt that the playing of the first AUS soccer game under the lights was a success and created a nice atmosphere for both the players and fans.

There is no doubt the players and community have responded positively about the field itself. However, Chapman Field is still missing various pieces, like dugouts, to complete its construction.

As for those components of the facility, Pinsent recognizes that it is still a work in progress.

“There are other components that the facility needs in order to be fully functional and in order to meet the needs of the community. We have plans in place to continue to add to the facility as we’re able do so.”

The first priority is the completion of the clubhouse. The unfinished site where the clubhouse is to be built makes for quite an eyesore with the brand new field in the background.

However, Pinsent looks forward to its completion.

“It will contain proper team

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

The first game of the season to be played under the lights at Chapman Field was soccer this past weekend, and the Fredericton community is eagerly awaiting the football season. UNB is looking forward to the completion of the Chapman Field clubhouse. As of now, only the foundation has been laid. changing rooms, washrooms, and office space as well as a little concession area. That’s needed for the outdoor and especially the indoor [facility] as it will also serve as the entry point for the dome in the winter months.”

He also mentioned some of the components UNB will look to incorporate into Chapman Field, such as a press box overlooking the field on the hill next to the Aitken University Center. The press box will be used for the media, video recordings and as a

the brunswickan presents

the panel voice your opinion

way to attract national events.

“Those are different components that you need to have in place in order to start hosting the larger events.”

The only downside to all of these actual and potential renovations is, unfortunately, a major issue: money.

Pinsent and the rest of the university recognize that the costs are running high and that these renovations will be expensive.

“The original construction cost of the facility did run higher than what

the projected budget was,” Pinsent admits.

He says that nothing could be done to help with finances as the reasons were out of anyone’s control.

“Basically, what was found underneath the old Chapman Field when they started doing the digging wasn’t suitable for laying an artificial surface over top of, and there needed to be a lot more ground work done in preparation for laying the turf down than anticipated.”

Which Varsity sports team will surprise everyone this year?

Colin Mcphail

Tony von Richter

Matthew Murray

The Women’s Soccer team will surprise a few people this year.

After a frustratingly so-close-yetso-far-away type season last year, Head Coach Andy Cameron has pinpointed what needs tweaking and will no doubt fix that problem. Look for the ladies to come out playing hard and leap into the playoffs.

Men’s basketball, partly because there aren’t high expectations to begin with, but mostly because they’re a young team that improved as last season went on so they’ll only be better with a full year of experience. It’ll be a better year overall and don’t be surprised by a strong second half.

Unquestionably, the most surprising team this year will be the Men’s Basketball team. Last year Coach Baker had little time to recruit; yet he was still able to bring in highcaliberplayersandmakehuge strides in improving the team. The new blood will no doubt buy into Baker’s system and they’ll find themselves in the playoffs.

Sports Editor

There were other smaller factors in the budget increase, but Pinsent feels that it was for the best on a long- term scale.

“There were some subtle adjustments and changes that had to come in as the facility went ahead. Some of them were upgrades. If you’re going to build this and for the long term, there were some things that we did properly and it was a little bit more expensive than perhaps the original plans drew for.”

CUP Sports Bureau Chief

Sports Fan

Miles Pinsent Varsity Red

The men’s basketball team. I think Coach Baker is setting a new standard with that team. I think he’s bringing in some talented players and in his second year it’ll start to be his program and his team and they’ll surprise some people.

brunswickansports

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 13

Women’s basketball looking to build on last season

On your mark, get set, draft!

One Man Advantage Colin McPhail

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Coach Jeff Speedy is counting on the veteran leadership of Tashina Van Vlack (above) to guide the Reds back into the AUS playoffs.

Christopher Cameron The Brunswickan

The 2009-2010 season will be another building year for the Varsity Reds Women’s Basketball team as they hit the court looking to improve on an 8-12 record last season.

After finishing a year ago with a losing record, expectations are high as four new recruits are added to the roster.

Fredericton native Emily Corey, Danielle Scime of Hamilton, Ontario, and Samantha Kaminsky of Moncton all join the team in their first year of play at this level.

Also, joining the team this season is Megan Corby. Corby, originally from Fredericton, is transferring to the UNB

basketball program from Lakehead said Speedy. “We look to her for University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. leadership on and off the court, not While at Lakehead, she spent two years to forget her outstanding ability as aiding the program through a rebuild- a three point shooter and quality ing process. This will be a strong asset point guard. When you have a fifth in UNB’s goal of improving on last year player with her experience on season’s record. the team, you see how she developed Entering his fourth season as UNB’s through the program and how she women’s basketball coach, Jeff Speedy will be able to help the first year playfeels these new recruits will bring a new ers do the same.”

If the Reds are looking to win dynamic to the roster.

“Anytime you bring new players in their first AUS title in eleven years, for your team, they always bring some- they will have to get past the 2009 thing new and exciting to the table,” AUS Champion Cape Breton Capers said Speedy. “We’re hoping they will and the tough Memorial University grow their game and help teach every- Sea-Hawks, who both bulked up their one a little something new as well.” rosters in the off season. Both teams Returning to the V-Reds as back- have traded championships in the past bone players, Jessica Steed and Amanda nine years and are expecting much of Sharpe are both entering their fourth the same this year.

“The league is a lot tougher than season at UNB. Sharpe was also given the honour of being named an AUS last year,” said Speedy. “It won’t be a walk in the park to improve the record All-Star for the first time last season.

Returning to the team as the only with our tough competition, but if we fifth year player, Tashina Van Vlack is grow and improve throughout the expected to bring her experience to season as a team I would still consider the table in assisting the other play- it a successful season.”

UNB will kick off the season at ers. Speedy felt privileged to have her home as they play host to the Helen leadership back for another season.

“Tashina brings a lot to the room,” Campbell Tournament Oct. 9

Ironmen set to tackle other universities

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Besides Christmas that is. I’m not talking about returning to school or the start of the NFL season (although, that is a close second).

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s hockey pool time. It’s that glorious period where your pride, dignity, hockey knowledge and money will be locked in someone else’s sock drawer until April, when one triumphant competitor will take all of it. A little advice is always a good thing. So, here are my picks for the NHL’s studs and duds of the 2009-10 season.

The top ten: As for the big three, Ovechkin goes first because he has a more experienced and talented Capitals offense to play with. It’s a tossup between Crosby and Malkin. Sid the Kid is more valuable in pools with various categories instead of just overall points. Ryan Getzlaf is a solid fourth pick who has been rapidly moving up the scoring leader board. Zach Parise will no doubt have another fantastic season with the Devils, and either he or the ever-reliable Pavel Datsyuk will slide into the fifth slot. If you’re looking to nab the top defensemen now’s your chance. Mike Green will solidify his spot among the superstars with another stellar year. Jeff Carter is looking to do the same and is a great first round pickup for someone who wasn’t happy with their spot in the draft order. With no more Hossa in the lineup, Henrik Zetterberg will claw his way back into the top ten. Iginla is always a dependable choice and will round up the first

ten. If goalies are involved, Nabokov is your man but only in the second half of the top ten.

Big mistakes: Corey Perry is expected to have a spectacular year, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t produce as expected. The next two are in this list for obvious reasons: they’re made of glass. Marian Gaborik and Alexander Semin are all-star caliber players, but you can’t score on the injured reserve.

Dion Phaneuf is a hard-hitting d-man with a massive shot, but that’s it. He’s good but don’t waste an early pick on him. Mike Cammelleri is great with a superstar that can score. Unfortunately for him, Montreal doesn’t have such a player. Save him for the third round or later. Patrick Marleau’s vocabulary doesn’t include consistency. It’s a high risk, high reward pick, but there’ll be more dependable players still around.

Sleeper picks: Obviously, it’s the hardest list to predict. However, there are players who are on the cusp of a breakthrough season. David Backes came out of his shell last year and became a central part the Blues’ offense and should continue on that path. The Panthers are very slowly improving and young players like David Booth will only speed up the process. Milan Michalek’s value is way up as he will now be one of the Sens’ top offensive producers. Finally, when Bobby Ryan plays, Bobby Ryan scores; this young gun could make the difference in your pool.

Things to remember: When picking players (especially in the late rounds), see where they fit on the lineup. Do they get power play time? How well does their team do? Does the team score plenty of goals like the Capitals?

Or are their results closer to a soccer match? Always check a player’s injury history. Concussions, shoulder injuries and a nagging groin injury could cripple your team.

Note to self: Colin, for the love of God, stop picking Ray Whitney.

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For the first time in a long time, the UNB Ironmen Men’s Rugby team will play against their university counterparts in a formal league. For the past few years the Men’s team competed in the NBRU first and second divisions against senior men and competed well. However, with the potential development of a Canadian University National Championship to be hosted by Rugby Canada, it was time to lock into the existing Nova Scotia league and create a true Maritime University Rugby League to better determine a regional representative. As a result UNB will compete in an official league with St. FX, Acadia, Dalhousie, SMU and UPEI this fall.

Although UNB has won three of the last four Maritime University Titles, it did so in a one off final against the Nova Scotia league winner. With the revised

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format, the Ironmen will need to make it through a regular season and the playoffs to qualify for a Maritime final. Based on the current level of play in university rugby in the Maritimes, this will be no easy task. The current squad is rebuilding, but the platform is there for a quick turnaround to the top of the heap.

UNB runs the club with both an A Side and a B Side to provide a place for highly competitive players, developing players, and those who enjoy the sport for its more intrinsic value. The club is

welcome to new players of all skill levels and rugby backgrounds. Graduate and Law students have often found a home with the club, as have a number of International students looking to become involved in the university community.

Practices run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the College Field.

The Ironmen encourage everyone to come out to play or to watch. Information on the league schedule can be found at www.ironmen.com.

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14 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Men’s soccer in top spot after week one Alex Wickwire The Brunswickan

The men’s Varsity soccer team, fresh off a disappointing defeat in last year’s AUS Final, opened the 2009 season with a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw and sit tied for top spot in the standings.

The UPEI Panthers came to town for the first ever AUS soccer game to be played under the lights at Chapman Field. The Reds set the standard for the match early on when Pablo Urbina’s 23- yard shot was barely saved and struck the crossbar. Both teams put forth offensive game plans, and were matched by even better defensive plays.

This made for a back-and-forth war of attrition.

In the 62nd minute UNB’s Amir Razak led an attack into the UPEI penalty area that ended with Ken Morrison netting the eventual game winner.

Razak took home Player of the Game honours for his solid performance in the home opener.

As time began to wind down, players from UPEI began to look frustrated and a scuffle between Reds’ Matthew Lally and UPEI player Nathan Snowie warranted bookings for both players.

The Reds were back in action on Sunday as they travelled to Mount Allison to play the Mounties. It was another back and forth affair, where the Reds couldn’t capitalize on the chances and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Kerry Weymann notched the lone

goal for UNB. “I was pleased with a lot of what I saw on the weekend and obviously a little disappointed with giving points away on Sunday,” said Head Coach Miles Pinsent. “With the new league format with three points for a win and one point for a tie, you really are punishing yourself when you’re tying games.”

The Reds will play host to a couple tough opponents as Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s come to town, and Pinsent’s objective is simple.

“We plan to get six points.”

A rough start for women’s soccer Alex Wickwire The Brunswickan

After a disappointing 2008-09 season that ended just short of the playoffs, the Varsity Reds women’s soccer team took the field this past weekend for two difficult games.

Unfortunately, it was the same old story for the Reds as they could only muster one goal and let in seven as they dropped both games.

The women kicked off their season

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

UNB’s Robyn Potter fights off a couple of UPEI attackers during last Saturday’s 2-0 loss. The Reds tied Mount Allison on Sunday 1-1.

opener against UPEI in front of a crowd of approximately 150 fans. It was a slow start for UNB as the ladies struggled to keep possession of the ball and conceded their first goal at the 15- minute mark, when UPEI’s Kinza Baker scored with a seven- yard strike.

The Varsity Reds had defensive troubles throughout the match. The back four looked rusty and disorganized as they struggled to keep control of the penalty area and at the 35 minute mark conceded another goal to striker Rachel Graham.

The second half began in a positive way for the Reds, getting their first shot on goal at 48 minutes. Shortly after at 51 minutes, former rookieoftheyearandfourthyearplayerMaura Carter’s free kick rang off the crossbar. The match ended after a lengthy extra time period withthescoreboardreadingUPEI-2UNB-0.

“We gave up two goals in the first half and none of the second; so our play improved over the game,” said Head Coach Andy Cameron. “Generally, you don’t like to lose, but we played reasonably well and you can take positives out of that.”

The women traveled to Mount Allison on Sunday hoping to avenge the previous night’s loss. The reality was another disappointing effort where the women could not capitalize on their chances and the opposition could. The Mounties racked up five goals, while the Reds could only bulge the twine once. Heather Ambery had the single tally for UNB. “[It] was a tough day. We had a six -minute lapse where they scored four goals.

We played probably even with them and we created chances but we just didn’t score and they seemed to score on their chances.”

The Reds will look to correct the poor start to the season as Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s will come to town next weekend.

V-Reds Results Saturday, September 12th Women’s Soccer UPEI - 2 UNB - 0 Men’s Soccer UPEI - 0 UNB - 1 Sunday, September 13th Women’s Soccer UNB - 1 MTA - 5 Men’s Soccer UNB - 1 MTA - 1

Upcoming V-Reds Events Friday, September 18th Hockey Brock vs UNB 7:00 p.m. @ AUC Saturday, September 19th Women’s Soccer DAL vs UNB 2:00 p.m. @ Chapman Field Men’s Soccer UNB vs DAL 4:15 p.m. @ Chapman Field Hockey Brock vs UNB 7:00 p.m. @ AUC Sunday, September 20th Women’s Soccer SMU vs UNB 1:00 p.m. @ Chapman Field Men’s Soccer SMU vs DAL 3:15 p.m. @ Chapman Field Friday, September 25th Hockey McGill vs UNB fall classic 7:00 p.m. @ AUC Saturday, September 26th Women’s Soccer UNB @ Cape Breton 3:00 p.m.

Men’s Soccer UNB @ Cape Breton 5:15 p.m.

Hockey McGill vs UNB fall classic 7:00 p.m. @ AUC Sunday, September 27th Women & Men’s Soccer UNB @ STFX 2:00 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.

brunswickansports

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 15

A wealth of health at the bottom of the hill Colin McPhail The Brunswickan

The Lady Beaverbrook Gym holds many great things, and the key to staying in shape is one of them.

It houses a goldmine of extra-curricular activities. Campus Recreation offers an enormous variety of options to keep fit, and UNB’s Fitness and Wellness Co-ordinator, Lauren Rogers, is proud to present them.

“We have four different categories within Campus Recreation,” says Rogers. “We have the fitness and wellness programming, the lifestyle assessment centre, intramural sports, sports clubs and general recreation.”

The Life Assessment Centre offers various fitness and occupational tests, while the fitness and wellness programming focuses primarily on the different classes and programs being offered by Campus Recreation. One of the more popular programs is the new Boot Camp.

“The Boot camp is a really intense workout,” Rogers says. “If you’re looking for something to kick- start your physical activity, or if you’re already in decent shape and you’re looking to really take your fitness level up a notch.

This program gives you the tools to do that.”

This intense program consists of 15 early morning sessions over a five- week period. It costs $150 for full time UNB and STU students.

“It challenges you cardiovascularly, your muscular strength and conditioning, and your flexibility. There is also a

nutrition guide with it.”

There is also an Express Boot Camp made up of 30 minute sessions that take place during the lunch hour. This program costs only $75.

Campus Recreation also offers a wide variety of sports clubs and intramurals. Traditional sports such as hockey, soccer and basketball are available to the university community in both club and intramural teams.

However, there are many other activities, such as dance, martial arts, fencing and rock climbing, that are easily accessible for students. The full list can be accessed on the Campus Recreation website at campusrec.unbf.ca.

If you would rather just play around with friends, Campus Recreation has general recreation hours in the gym, not to mention a weight room, cardio room, dance studio and a rock- climbing wall.

They also realize that students are on a strict budget, so most costs are minimal if anything at all. The cost of classes and programs are about half the price of off campus ones.

All programs start Sept. 20 and are free for the first week.

Campus Recreation also aids students by employing many class instructors, gym supervisors and intramural referees.

“Another part of our role is to employ students,” Rogers says, “To help them get through their academic times.”

Rogers is very excited for the opening of the Currie Center. The new facility is supposed to incorporate nearly everything the LB Gym offered and more and at a much higher quality.

“We are super thrilled. It’s going to be phenomenal.”

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

UNB’s Fitness and Wellness Co-ordinator, Lauren Rogers, stands in the Lady Beaverbrook Gym’s weight room. The room is just one of the many facilities Campus Recreation has to offer.

She would like to remind the uni- a personal trainer to stay active. You balance between each of the 7 dimenversity community that even though don’t need that. You have the ability to sions of wellness. These dimensions Campus Recreation has these options do all kinds of things. You don’t have include physical, intellectual, social, to stay healthy, you can achieve it on to attend programs. You can do things educational, spiritual, environmental your own. on your own to stay active.” and emotional.

“There tends to be a perception that Rogers encourages the university “Physical activity, overall, helps you you have to have a gym membership or community to stay active and to find a keep that balance in life.”

Athletes of the week (Left) Samantha Legacy Women’s Soccer BA, 1st Year Moncton, NB

UNB Media Services

(Right) Amir Razak Men’s Soccer BBA, 2nd Year Fredericton, NB

UNB Media Services

16 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

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brunswickanarts arts@thebruns.ca

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 •1

HARVEST TIME IN FREDERICTON

Press photos

(Top) Matt Anderson’s performance on Thursday, September 17th is already sold out. (Left) Jill Barber is scheduled to play back-to-back sets on Saturday, September 19th. (Right) Watermelon Slim is here all the way from Oklahoma.

Doug Estey The Brunswickan

It’s that time of year again.

Fredericton’s annual Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival is back in town, uniting music-lovers both young and old in various locations across the city’s downtown core.

This year’s lineup is comprised of a formidable slew of talent from coast to coast, including numerous international artists as well as the returning staff of musicians close to home.

Some of the foreign talent treat-

ing Fredericton at this year’s Harvest includes masters of funk “Original P”, Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam from down south, blues and folk mastermind Eric Bibb from the Big Apple and Florida-born JJ Grey & Mofro.

Of course, the regular Atlantic talent will be present in full force. This includes favourite bands from Forward Music Group (Force Fields, Sleepless Nights, The Slate Pacific, Grand Theft Bus and the Olympic Symphonium) as well as the sought-after Joel Plaskett (who will be playing alone and with the Emergency.)

Other major performers slated to play at Harvest Jazz and Blues ‘09 include everything from the gifted Ross

Neilsen to age-old Watermelon Slim and local reggae jam bands like Dub Antenna and Weak Size Fish.

There certainly is something for everyone.

One notable perk of the festival this year is the NB Liquor Harvest Park and Ride, which has expanded significantly.

Tickets should be obtained in advance for most shows (with the exception of a few free sets for all to enjoy.)

For a full list of bands and musicians entertaining at Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival this year as well as ticket sales, head over to the official website at www.harvestjazzandblues.com or visit the downtown office located at 81 Regent St.

Press photos

(Top) JJ Grey & Mofro from Jacksonville, Florida hit the stage Thursday and Friday evening. (Bottom) Up-and-coming Hey Rosetta! from Newfoundland is here in full force with an Afterburner performance on Saturday at noon.

Alison Clack The Brunswickan

The Newfoundland band that has been making waves across the country will return to Fredericton this week for the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Hey Rosetta!, who was one of the openers for Grand Theft Bus last year, will be the final act in the Budweiser Blues tent for their Afterburner show Saturday night.

The six-piece group has carved out their own niche in the musical market over the past couple of years layering

classical instruments like cello, piano and violin into rolling and complex rock songs.

Their successful second album, Into Yours Lungs (and Around in Your Heart, and on Through Your Blood), was produced by Hawksley Workman and landed the band a spot on the short list for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize.

The band played several successful shows in Fredericton last year, opening the Stars show at UNB, and playing at The Capital in addition to last year’s festival.

For those who may have missed out or those avid fans who keep coming back for more, Hey Rosetta!’s show in the Bud tent begins at 12:30 Saturday night. Tickets are $15.

brunswickanarts

2 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Baby you’re a rich man Newly released definitive Beatles box-set offers glorious remastered sound, eco-friendly packaging

Corrigan Hammond The Silhouette (CUP)

The last time the Beatles catalogue was reissued was in 1987. The emphasis, however, wasn’t on the audio quality of the recordings, focusing instead on the physical act of making content available on the new CD format. As a result, an entire generation of Beatles fans has grown up listening to what many critics have asserted are subpar versions of some of the Fab Four’s seminal discography.

Indeed, as anyone who listened to the group’s 2006 experimental Love remix album can attest to, the audio on those old Beatles CDs sounds flat and dated compared to the infinite sonic possibilities and musical potential of the digital era. After four years of dedicated work, it looks as though Sir Paul McCartney and company may have finally realized the music’s digital potential.

Each cut on each disc is beautifully cleaned up as the dense and carefully layered details of the music are subtly realized for the first time in over twenty years. Hearing these remasters isn’t like listening to a replica of the old recordings, like the 1987 set attempted to do, but rather like experiencing the quality of audio that you would expect from a top grossing contemporary act releas-

ing a new album.

The remaining Beatles have taken the time to go through each track and not only enhance the audio – bringing up the bass on the drums, the treble on guitars or spreading out the sound for a more full, room filling experience – but they’ve also taken time to correct some of the band’s notorious flubs.

Gone, some critics complain, are some of the technical f laws, like Ringo’s famous drum stool squeak midway through “A Day in the Life,” that gave the records a distinct flavour – although most listeners who never noted such imperfections will be awed by the new vibrancy brought to their old favourites.

Then there’s the old packaging, which, predating the now industry vogue digipaks, seems big and bulky in those ugly plastic jewel cases. The sleek packaging for the new fourteen reissued discs is almost like a mini-version of the old gatefold record sleeves – an effort to imbue them with a timeless quality capable of transgressing the disposability attached to so much music in a twenty-first century cultural landscape obsessed with free content.

Branding, the buzzword-du-jour for the savvy businessperson, has in recent years never been far from Sir Paul’s mind. Through the new digipak packaging, he hopes to once again align the group and their music with pertinent social issues – this time climate change.

And like a number of his fellow ‘60s classic rock alumni – everyone from Bob Dylan (who began experimenting with special edition digipak packaging for the 2003 reissues of

Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde), to CCR and Leonard Cohen, who both reissued comprehensive back catalogues last year – the Beatles have recognized the potential to use new and creative packaging as a medium to both produce albums in a more ethical manner and present cover art as “it was originally intended to be.”

Strangely though, the same attention to detail that has produced a beautiful production – the Beatles’ trademark obsession with creating music that is both uncompromisingly artful and undeniably popular – may prove to be the project’s critical undoing. While, without a doubt, the music deserves to be presented in its fullest and most vibrant potential, the barrage of hype that pre-empted the 09/09/09 release date has produced a number of sneers that the new reissues are merely a cash grab, particularly since many Beatles fans and collectors already own very comprehensive collections of the group’s music. It isn’t uncommon to find Fab Four fans who not only own the complete Beatles discography on CD, but also on vinyl, cassette and sometimes even eight-track.

Nothing was left to chance with regards to the project’s success. Not only did the surviving Beatles, Ringo and Sir Paul, reunite on stage this past summer, offering the pair a rare moment of genuine glee and excitement following a glut of bad press for both men, but, in an effort to compliment the excess of Beatles brand merchandise that began appearing in stores last spring, the group even coordinated the release to coincide with their very first video game, The Beatles: Rock Band.

Even the date was strategically chosen to coincide with John Lennon’s famous and mythologized karmic fascination with the number nine – bucking the normal industry practice of issuing content on Mondays in Europe and Tuesdays everywhere else, and insisting on the once in a thousand year opportunity of 09/09/09.

Many observers in the record industry are curious to see whether the high-quality physical product being placed in stores, complete with limited edition mimeograph posters and bonus DVD documentaries, will sway sales away from online digital music retailers like Amazon and iTunes. Some stores have even offered trade-in deals on old Beatles CDs. That said, enjoy – forty years since disbanding, the Beatles have never sounded so good.

The Beatles Box Set is available now from Apple/EMI.

Aspiring filmmakers, take note

Flickr Creative Commons

Students interested in video-related projects need look no further for community support than the NB Film Coop, an extensive resource provider.

Alison Clack The Brunswickan Those interested in filmmaking in Fredericton should note the New Brunswick Film Co-op.

The Co-op provides film equipment and mentoring services to filmmakers aged 16 and up in New Brunswick. It also provides aspiring filmmakers and actors with opportunities to work on various film projects that are already

“

“More and more people seem to be getting involved in creating their own projects and we’re really looking at becoming a place where students can showcase their work,” explains Merzetti.

Putting this desire into action Merzetti adds, “This year we’re going to have a specific section of the festival dedicated to showing student films.”

For any student interested in learning more information about the Co-op or in joining the group, Merzetti recommends visiting their website: www. nbfilmcoop.com.

“It has a lot of information that lets

More and more people seem to be getting involved in creating their own projects.

in production, or the means to start working on their own project.

The Co-op creates chances for filmmakers to challenge themselves and improve their skills with contests like the 48 Hour Film Competition.

The contest, which debuted last year, requires various groups of filmmakers to write, film, and edit a short film in 48 hours. As an added challenge, the films must be based on an ‘inspiration package’ which consists of a photograph, a random inspiration item, and a location given to them by the Co-op.

In celebration of local filmmakers, the Co-op also hosts a film festival every year, The NB Silver Wave Film Festival. This year’s festival will take place November 5 to 8, with UNB’s Tilley Hall being one of the main screening venues.

Beyond simply featuring NB filmmakers, Tony Merzetti, Executive Director of the Co-op, says that the group aspires to further support student filmmakers in this year’s festival.

”

people know what the Co-op is about and how they can participate. There’s also information on the workshops we offer and the equipment we have available.”

After visiting the website Merzetti asks any interested persons to contact Membership Services Director Cat LeBlanc.

“She can answer any questions that arise from the website, and any questions about projects people want to work on. When people join, they can start volunteering on [other] people’s film projects or participating in other things that are going on,” explains Merzetti.

For those who would rather watch movies than make them, the Co-op also hosts the Monday Night Film Series in Tilley Hall’s room 102. The series features both Canadian and international films. Tickets are $7, although with a $12 student membership entrance is $3. Doors open at 8 p.m.

brunswickanarts

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 3

Q&A with the B.A.

The Brunswickan sits down with Hamilton native B.A. Johnston on music, fans, and self-depreciation

Sarah Ratchford The Brunswickan

B.A. Johnston, much like Jesus Christ (at least according to the former) is from Hamilton, Ontario, where he lives with his mom.

His song about Jesus has a surprisingly quasi-religious meaning.

“Hamilton is an awful, tragic city, and I just think, ‘What would Jesus do to enhance the city,’” Johnston said.

“Hamilton’s pretty low brow.”

Johnston doesn’t mean to offend when he sings songs about Christ. He says he believes in the higher ideals of Christianity.

“Well, I still steal. I like Christmas a lot, but I wouldn’t say a virgin gave birth to the son of God. Maybe though. I wasn’t there.”

Johnston’s shows are as outrageous as his interviews. He dresses up in a sailor suit, most of which is shed by the time the show’s over, and hollers at the audience in a Kentucky accent along to the background beat of his pre-antiskip portable CD player.

He also doesn’t confine himself to the stage. Johnston lets loose and comes out into the crowd, dancing with members of the audience, sometimes clutching their legs like a small child might.

When he’s feeling adventurous, he even tries to break dance on the floor, most of which is covered in shards of broken glass. These stints usually don’t last very long.

In one of his last shows in Fredericton earlier this year, B.A.’s set was cut short by the headlining band and so he decided to play a wildly demanded encore in the men’s washroom.

With his broken acoustic guitar.

This time around, the Brunswickan was lucky enough to sit down at a beer-stickied plastic table with the selfdeprecating crooner on Friday night, just before his show at the Capital.

The Brunswickan: Where do you get inspiration for your shows?

B.A.: I pray to God I come up with

Mat Dunlap / Submitted

Though his performances are usually quite rough around the edges, B.A. Johnston is known for a unique portrayal of his close-to-heart musical anecdotes and experiences, usually involving topics such as cheeseburgers, Tercels, Jesus Christ, and run-down pubs. a funny idea every once in a while. TV and movies help a lot. Sometimes, if you have drunken conversations and remember the funny bits that’s good.

My own pathetic condition is kinda funny sometimes. I don’t write about the Middle East. I just write about Cap’n Crunch and shit…so yeah it’s not a big deal.

It’s helpful for me to make people laugh. Otherwise I don’t know what would happen, it’d be disappointing.

Drunk people don’t want sad songs.

But yeah I guess I find what I like kinda straddles a fine line between being humorous and a nugget of truth. I don’t want to just be funny; I want to add another emotion so I’m not just

the funny gimmick joke man. I suppose that’s what I am anyway, though.

The Brunswickan: I see. What’s your favorite part about your job?

B.A.: (Laughs) Shows can be fun.

You get to visit people you never get to see. And eating. It’s the only thing you really look forward to; it breaks it up when you’re driving for eight hours.

Food is a bright spot on my day. That’s kind of sad now that I say it.

The Brunswickan: The song about hearing your roommates having sex through the wall. Is this based on a real life experience?

B.A.: “Sleeping with my Walkman on.” Yeah, it is, it’s based on a large number of real experiences. I went to

visit a friend and he gave me a Walkman and said, ‘You’ll want to put this on.’ You hear roommates having sex a lot. It was so loud I wanted to be like ‘Change positions!’

The Brunswickan: That’s hilarious.

Have you ever thought about having a TV show?

B.A.: I don’t know how to do anything; I’m oddly stupid. I’m trapped in this never ending circle that I m never going to get out of. I’m oddly hated in the media community by managers and most media. I’m like the Larry the Cable Guy of indie rock. I think they just hate me because I appeal to, like, the common dude. The media is just run by this hipster elite.

The Brunswickan: Do you have fun during your shows?

B.A: I usually do. It’s kinda hard for me if I have a bunch of bad feedback now, at this stage. Sappy Fest [a music festival in Sackville, NB] was great.

Sometimes you get really rejuvenated by a show. Sometimes you think ‘Why the fuck do I bother with shit,’ and other times it’s not as bad.”

“People do seem really into it though; otherwise I’d quit and go to trucking school.”

For more information about B.A. Johnston and his current tour, you can check out his MySpace at www.myspace. com/bajohnston or follow his antics on Twitter @bajohnston.

brunswickanarts

4 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

Back to school is reinvention time Fashion do’s and don’ts for students living in the Maritimes

Sarah Ratchford The Brunswickan

University is a time to bust out of whatever role you were stereotyped into in high school and step into your true identity, and this truth translates to the wardrobe.

It’s time to stop dressing like everyone else. Those basic polos from AE simply are not going to cut it if you plan to stand out on campus.

Whether you’re a first-year student fresh out of high school or a seasoned fourth year getting ready to step out into the world, you need to present yourself in a truthful, accurate way.

Reexamine your style. If you wear boring clothes, who are you thinking you’ll impress?

Now, being a woman, my expertise is in the area of women’s fashion. Despite this, I’ve tried to compile some unisex tips on how to dress like yourself.

1. Pay attention to what you like, not what the latest issue of In Style likes.

Just because the fashion media is trying to force something on the public does not mean it suits you. Do not decide you like something just because you’re told to like it. Outfits don’t have to match as long as they work, so be creative and wear what you love.

2. Be mysterious. Guys, stop trying to dress like Lil Wayne or whoever. Cover that ass up. No one gives a shit if Bart Simpson’s head is sprinkled all over your boxers. Leave a little to the imagination

and the dudes or ladies will be all over you. Girls, stop displaying your tits for everyone to see when you’re in class.

Ask yourself, ‘Do I like myself? Am I smart? Am I worth talking to?’ If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above, stop inviting people to stare at and speak to your boobs. Encourage them to speak to you by covering up your boobs and saving them for private time. It’s like when little kids are told to leave the potty talk in the washroom. This applies especially if you have ridiculously big boobs—it is impossible to take you seriously when your boobs are bouncing in people’s faces, especially when it’s the face of your 70-year-old male prof.

3. Pajamas are to be worn to bed, not as clothing. When did it ever become an even vaguely acceptable idea to wear your undergarments or lounge wear as an outfit? Did people ever do this before? Can you picture a Victorian lady wearing her nightie out and about? The answer is no. Just stop it. Even if you’re lazy when it comes to getting dressed in the morning, that’s still not an excuse.

Throw on jeans and a graphic tee, even!

At least that way you won’t look like you’ve completely given up on life, even if your outfit is rather ordinary.

4. Add flair. Take those jeans and graphic tee and add accessories. If you’re a guy, you might be apprehensive about accessorizing. Don’t be. Something as simple as a cardigan with elbow patches can add whole new depth to your ensemble. If that’s not your style, try a cuff style watch. Chances are that ladies out there will be more familiar with accessorizing, so don’t forget to do it! There is absolutely no excuse in the world not to bother adding a cute headband and

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

The east coast can prove to be a rather unpredictable climate, forcing students to be smart about how they dress themselves. Good style, however, can still be attained. a bag to a boring outfit. A great unisex item is the scarf. It works on anyone since there are so many colours and textures available, and let’s face it people. This is Canada. It’s freezing, even in the summer. If you keep warm you’ll avoid the dreaded H1N1 and the like, so just do it.

5. Plan ahead. Rather than putting on something you picked up off your floor, lay out your clothes the night before. That way, when you wake up with sleep in your eyes and just want a coffee, you can throw your clothes on without having to think about it and still look good. It’s genius.

6. Don’t be a snob. Carrying a designer bag, or in most of our cases, a

faux designer bag, absolutely does not make you stylish. It makes you a sheep.

Use your brain to pick out things that appeal to you, not to every other person on the planet. Go thrift shopping and pick up something amazing and one of a kind. Great items like that can be found at Value Village for a toonie, so there’s no excuse.

7. Dress for the weather. Like I said, it is frigid, no sense ignoring that fact. As the sun dies and the frost starts biting, you need to be sure you have a reliable jacket and warm shoes of some sort. I like boots on everyone, both girls and guys. Newsflash: you look silly running

around in a mini and flip flops when it’s six degrees outside. Everyone can tell you’re freezing, so just go put something reasonable on please.

Frankly, that’ll do everyone a favour as they won’t be sneezing their heads off later as a result of your cold germs. So really, dressing for the weather is just a common courtesy.

All of this said, you should heed the rules of fashion with your own style in mind. There’s more than one right way to do things, so don’t be a lemming. If you show a lack of personality on the outside, how can you expect people to think you’re interesting on the inside?

brunswickanarts

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 5

the brunswickan presents

DEALING WITH HANGOVERS Stephanie Allen The Brunswickan

twitter.com/brunsarts

Last week, the Brunswickan was rife with guidelines for the perfect party.

It coincided nicely with a new year of classes, socializing and, for a great number of us, getting drunk off our asses. Since I miss writing Beer Goggles (a previous column in cooperation with the ever-charming Brian Savoie,) I am giving you some tips on how to deal with the very common after-effects of binge drinking.

As many of us have grown painfully aware, the perfect party often segues into the perfect hangover.

How do we deal with this curse? A hangover is the passive-aggressive nuisance which refuses to leave your abode.

It is the zit that appears on the night of your first date with a total piece. How

can we rid ourselves of this sickness that robs us from sober group outings (I recall losing my breakfast in front of Smitty’s during a lunch rush), that causes our GPAs to suffer and makes us look like wimps?

The obvious answer is to not have gotten so damned drunk the night before, but what’s the point of being young and awesome if we can’t party?

So for those of us who wake up with the spins, here are a few ways that help to ease the pain: Most of us are aware that a hangover is partially due to dehydration. The toll that alcohol takes on our liver and our glucose levels certainly doesn’t help the situation. Start by drinking a lot of water, and keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day. Your body and your brain are both parched, so do them both a favor and avoid caffeine and more alcohol, which will dry your system out even more.

Next, take a moment to feel through

the fog in your head to assess what your body is immediately demanding. Chances are you woke up at a disgustingly early hour. Think it over: you likely need more sleep, you absolutely need some grub and you sure as hell need to take a shower. You smell like the living dead.

Take those three options into consideration, and do them in the order that you see fit. Generally, when I wake up with a splitting headache and the urge to bow at the feet of the Porcelain Gods, I sit around and whine for a little while.

After I have that out of my system and I have consumed an immense amount of water, I wander to a location where I can get the greasiest breakfast ever. I know that would definitely make a lot of people feel worse, but I’m just here to give my opinion, I’m not conducting polls.

Once I am hydrated and stuffed with food, I usually lie face-first on my bed for a little while longer, or continue to bitch about my misfortune. After a while,

a follow-up mini-feature

Flickr Creative Commons / Gribiche

I realize that I am doing everything I dislike about other people and hobble to the shower. Showering and washing off the grime from the night prior will likely make you feel a little bit more alert.

It can almost feel like you’re cleaning off your brain and your liver, even if this is entirely false.

If the hangover is still punching you in the face and there are places you must

be, just don’t go. I know this sounds irresponsible but what’s more degrading - calling into work “sick” or showing up and looking like you were hit by the beer bus? Sometimes, you just have to put life on hold.

And there you have it. Next time you drink, lean away from the cheaper booze and drink a few glasses of water before you pass out in your party clothes.

brunswickanarts

6 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

BAM! Holy awesome game, Batman!

Dan Hagerman The Brunswickan

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM (PS3/XBOX 360/PC)

If there was something I could have asked someone special for this Christmas, it would be for an amazing Batman game. Thankfully, I didn’t even have to wait for Labour Day for Batman: Arkham Asylum to come out.

To be perfectly frank, my expectations for Arkham Asylum were low, even if my hopes were high. I’ve been let down by Batman games as recently as Batman Begins for the PS2 and as early as Batman Returns for the Sega Genesis (Lego Batman was actually pretty good but it was Lego so I’m not counting it). Once I heard that a game company I’d never heard of before was making it, I was even more skeptical.

But then I started watching videos of the game online and I started getting very intrigued. I continued being intrigued until finally I promised myself that I would buy it when it came out.

The first thing that leaps out at you when you play Arkham Asylum is the graphics: they’re pretty darn

Screenshot

Arkham Asylum single-handedly proves that not all video games based on comics and superheroes have to suck.

good. Batman looks exactly the way that Batman should, there is a lot of detail to the environment, and Killer Croc looks like he could eat my face off. Because this game is tied more to comic books than the films, the Joker looks considerably different than the interpretations of the character by both Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger (not that that’s particularly a bad thing).

The next thing that a player may notice when playing Arkham Asylum is the sound. The sound is really good. The voice actors are convincing in their roles, sound effects punch out

what’s going on, and the music swells three, 10, even 15 foes at a single time the more of them you take out, the and adapts to the situation. The most and come out the victor. But when more scared they become, making important thing about the sound, those foes have guns, it’s best for the them more likely to separate from the however, is the casting of Kevin Con- Dark Knight to stick to the shadows group at their own peril.

You also have several gadgets to take roy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the and strike from above.

Riddle me this: how can Batman care of these bad guys, but you have to Joker. Both of these actors played their respective characters on the animated take on 15 foes at a time? Very careful- unlock most of them first. Many tools Batman series from the early ‘90s and ly! There are three primary actions in that you need will be given to you over onward, and they’ve never sounded hand-to-hand combat: strike, counter, the course of the story, but some of the neater abilities better in This game is full of atmosphere, good gameplay (including giving their roles.

Conroy as Batmechanics, awesome graphics, excellent voice you more health, batarangs that you man is gruff yet acting, and, most importantly, BATMAN. can throw, etc.) are intelligent, while Hamill makes the Joker equally hilari- and stun. Using just those three but- unlocked with experience points tons (and occasionally a fourth button gained from defeating henchmen and ous and creepy.

The premise of the story is simple used to dodge), and timing the press- solving the Riddler’s riddles.

The game itself isn’t terribly long, but draws you in as it goes forward. ing of those buttons carefully, nobody It begins as Batman has just captured can stand a chance against Batman. but if you want to solve all 240 riddles, the Joker and proceeds to deliver him You have to be a little more careful you’ve got a much longer game in front to the infamous Arkham Asylum for when enemies start picking up pipes, of you. On top of that, the game also the criminally insane. Joker, however, knives, and even tasers, but with quick comes with Challenge maps. These Challenges put you in a map from the seems almost gleeful at his capture, thinking, Batman always wins.

If your foes have guns, you have to game and charge you with either pumconstantly taunting Batman and the guards of Arkham. Sensing something exercise extra caution. This is possibly meling the faces off of numerous foes is amiss, Batman enters the asylum the only superhero game I’ve ever seen or hiding in the shadows trying to acto hand-deliver the Joker to his cell. that really focuses on just how fragile complish various goals as you take the The Joker’s plan is soon revealed as Batman really is. The Dark Knight bad guys out. This is easier said than he overpowers his guards and escapes doesn’t react well to bullets. Using done if you want a high score.

This game is full of atmosphere, further into Arkham, revealing that Batman’s famous grapple gun, you Batman has been trapped inside, where can swing up to conveniently placed good gameplay mechanics, awesome Joker’s henchmen are now running all gargoyles in large rooms and take out graphics, excellent voice acting, and, aspects of the asylum. Batman then enemies from above, or silently take most importantly, BATMAN. This is a darker Batman than most are used proceeds to punch a whole lot of face them out from behind.

If that sounds easy, imagine increas- to (especially when checking out the to get closer to the Joker and uncover ing the amount of enemies you have to collectible interview tapes of some of an even deeper plot.

In both the comics and movies, deal with and severely limiting your the supervillains), but it’s all the betBatman has been portrayed as a ninja- hiding places. Your foes are somewhat ter for it.

This game might be the worst night like fighter, and the trend continues in intelligent as well, staying together Arkham Asylum. In straight hand-to- and standing back-to-back to cover in Batman’s life, but it could very well hand combat, Batman can take on one, themselves from potential attack. But turn out to be one of your best.

“

”

the bruns. if you don’t volunteer, our editors will fail out of school. seriously.

brunswickanarts

Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143 • 7

Harry Potter’s new lease on life Internet Pick of the Week: Fan-driven musical explodes on YouTube

Brian Savoie The Brunswickan

You find yourself in a dark room, sitting in a comfortable chair and munching on your popcorn. You’re waiting for the magic to begin. Suddenly the lights come up and you hear faint music playing in the background. There in front of you sits young Harry Potter on his suitcase. He’s looking down at his crossed arms with the saddest expression in the world on his face. He looks up, opens his mouth and begins to sing - wait, what?

Perhaps I should have started by saying there is now a Harry Potter Musical entitled “A Very Potter Musical”. What’s even better than this

news is that you can watch it anytime, anywhere from YouTube.

It all started a few years ago when a group of college students from Michigan realized that they all shared a passion for performing and theater. Eventually they would go on to form the group known as “StarKid” and began to write original plays, musicals and web series’.

A Very Potter Musical was written and performed last summer and was a huge hit with their university. It’s full of original songs, storyline and awesomeness.

Between Voldemort singing about his passion for dancing and Dumbledore obsessing about his “Zefron” poster, I spent half the show out of my chair laughing.

The caliber of the performance is second to none and the song writers, Darren Criss and AJ Holmes, have

Where the Watson is Aaron Epp The Uniter (CUP)

When Patrick Watson found out director Spike Jonze was adapting the famed children’s book Where the Wild Things Are for the big screen, he knew just what he had to do.

The 29-year-old Montreal musician wrote a song and submitted it to Jonze to be included in the film.

“I don’t know if it ever got to him or not,” Watson said last month, just hours before an energetic performance on the alternative stage at the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

“You try things, and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t, and it doesn’t really matter – you’ve just gotta try it.”

Watson included the song, appropriately titled “Where the Wild Things Are”, on Wooden Arms, the latest album by the critically acclaimed band he fronts.

Rounded out by guitarist Simon Angell, bassist Mishka Stein and drummer Robbie Kuster, the band is called Patrick Watson.

The quartet gained notoriety in 2007 when the album they released a year prior, Close to Paradise, won the Canadian Polaris Music Prize. Since then, the band has played its pianodriven, orchestral art pop all around the world, stopping for a few months late last year to record Wooden Arms.

“I think it’s much more instrumental than the last record,” Watson said.

“There’s still strong songs there, but I think we left more room for the instrumentation to take over at some points.”

Recorded for the most part live off

the floor, the result is 11 songs that are cinematic-sounding and experimental. On “Beijing,” for example, Watson plays a bicycle, while on the title track, someone plays a tree branch.

It may seem unorthodox, but such experiments earned the album a spot on the shortlist for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize, to be awarded on Sept. 21.

“It’s a big honour again,” Watson said. “I’d be a little scared to win it twice. I’d be like, ‘Oh, sorry guys, I feel badly that we got this.’”

The band used the $20,000 that came with its 2007 win to pay off the cost of a van it totaled while touring in the United States. As luck would have it, the bill for the van arrived the morning the prize was awarded.

“That’s the beauty of Canadian music – somehow you always just break even,” Watson said. “No matter what happens, for some reason, you just always break even.”

There’s no telling whether Watson and his bandmates will be winners when the prize is awarded this month, but it’s a safe bet they’ll be in a movie theatre when Where the Wild Things Are comes out in October.

“Probably one of the best gifts of being artistic is, sometimes you can close your eyes and go somewhere, even if you’re not anywhere special.

So, I think for me, the book is all about that,” Watson noted, likening the book to walking outside in the woods by yourself at night.

“No matter what, if it’s pitch black around you, you’re gonna be scared for your first time, until you get used to the dark,” he said. “And I think that’s kinda what the book’s about: He goes to the wild place and he becomes king of the wild things. He becomes king of his own imagination, and once you do that, you can come home again.”

talent beyond any college student I’ve ever seen.

A Very Potter Musical borrows

from all books and all characters in

J.K. Rowling’s hit series. The production is in no way endorsed by anyone who has even the slightest involvement with the Harry Potter franchise and as such, with the surge in popularity of the series, YouTube briefly took the videos down earlier in the summer.

Due to some legal shuffling and the fact that the group is a non-profit organization, they have all been restored.

There are over twenty videos to cover the nearly three hour musical, each of them with close to two hundred thousand views and the first video having close to half a million.

While this series may not be a Susan Boyle style hit, the cult following that has evolved around it is quite a loud minority.

The group has nearly twenty thousand Facebook and YouTube fans or subscribers and when Starkid launched

their website last week with a free download of the AVPM soundtrack, the user traffic crashed it within an hour.

See for yourself: www.teamstarkid.com www.youtube.com/starkidpotter

your pick could be next. drop a line to arts@ thebruns.caorstop by our office at sub room 35.

8 • Sept. 16, 2009 • Issue 2 • Volume 143

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