Issue 16, Vol 144, The Brunswickan

arts | fashion for cold weather

news | semester two: UNBSU

opinion| blue valentine review

sports| weekend sweep

Volume 144 · Issue 16 • January 19, 2011

www.thebruns.ca

brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

City hosts Congress 2011

Bed bugs found in UNB residence

Alex Kress News Reporter Great minds don’t always think alike, and it isn’t a bad thing.

It seems to have the potential to be a key ingredient for success at Congress 2011, a national conference of the Humanities and Social Sciences co-hosted

by UNB and STU this year.

As the Congress 2011 website explains, “Congress brings together thousands of scholars, students, practitioners and policy makers in a different city each year to share ideas, discuss today’s complex issues and enrich their research.”

Congress will take place in Fredericton from May 28 to June 4 and will hosting approximately 6,000 delegates. The bid to host the event was made and won in 2007 and organizers have been planning ever since.

Hosting the 80th year of Congress is particularly special because it is being held here in the Maritimes. Local organizers plan to place emphasis on the history of the region and sharing its strengths and resources by showcasing them to visitors.

STU professor and academic co-ordinator for Congress, Michael Boudreau said hosting the event is a great opportunity to prove smaller universities can “pull Congress off.”

“You look at places like Concordia, York, UBC and you think ‘okay, big places, they can do it,’” said Boudreau.

“Well, we’re going to show them that one medium size university and one small university can do it well too, if not better.”

Congress hasn’t been in the region for awhile and not at UNB since 1977. The focus this year will be on the universities, the city, its people and the region.

Boudreau predicts Congress will attract national media attention in Fredericton, as he said it often does elsewhere.

Fredericton Tourism is collaborating with Congress to create a memorable experience for visiting delegates from all over the world.

“I hope this will help to promote Fredericton as a city of destination for conferences similar to this one,” said Boudreau. “There may be a case where

SEE CONGRESS PAGE 2

One case of bed bugs has been uncovered on campus, but Residence Life has protocol in place to stop a spread. Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan Hilary Paige Smith News Editor While students at UNB sleep tight, Residence Life is trying to ensure the bed bugs don’t bite.

In Lady Beaverbrook Residence, the oldest student home on campus, a case of bed bugs is in the final stages of treatment and extermination. There is only one room affected by the infestation.

James Brown, executive director of Residential Life, Campus and Conference Services, said UNB has protocol in effect incase a residence is infected with bed bugs.

“It’s not difficult to control if students report to us immediately that they suspect bedbugs-either because they have seen them or because they have the small bites typical of bedbugs,” he said.

Linda O’Brien, don of Lady Beaver-

brook, said the bed bugs were discovered shortly before students returned to residence after the holidays. O’Brien was impressed with how quickly Residence Life responded to the infestation and ensured it did not spread to surrounding rooms.

Though LBR is the oldest residence on campus, O’Brien said this has no bearing on the prevalence of bed bugs in the building.

If a student notices the tell tale signs of bed bugs and their suspicions are confirmed by Residence Life, the protocol is put into effect.

“We inspect the room; have the student wash all clothing and bedding in hot water. We may encase the mattress in plastic and dispose of it. We move the student to another room and may provide a special liner for the new mattress,” Brown said.

The room is then kept vacant and closed off while the Brunswick Pest Management team steam cleans the room three times over the course of several weeks. Adjacent rooms are also inspected for bed bugs and the rooms are treated if necessary.

A newly approved chemical for combating infestations is also being used in New Brunswick. The chemical, known as Demand, is used in conjunction with steam cleaners.

If the room is carpeted, the carpet may be removed, disposed of and replaced with tile flooring.

Cases of bed bugs at UNB are “not frequent” according to Brown and he said they average about one or two cases a year. O’Brien has been don of Lady Beaverbrook for a year and a half and said she has only seen two cases throughout her time there.

To help prevent bed bugs, students are encouraged to reduce or eliminate clutter, regularly vacuum their room and mattress, regular laundering of clothing in hot water and immediately washing clothing after vacationing.

In late 2010, cities in New Brunswick were plagued by bed bug infestations.

In Saint John, a number of charities began declining to accept clothing donations for fear of the spread. A hospital was also hit by the outbreak.

Bed bugs are becoming a more common occurrence in Maritime households, with pest control companies receiving calls weekly. They are only small, about as large as an apple seed and brownish in colour. Bed bugs feed on blood and thrive in clutter. They are often noticed either by the human eye or by the small red bites they leave on the body.

brunswickannews

2 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Chilling out for Winter Carnival Samantha Magee The Brunswickan Having a hard time readjusting to the workload after a lazy, turkey-filled holiday?

Don’t just throw yourself back into your books, you might pull something. Take a break, come out and enjoy the festivities that the Annual UNBSU Winter Carnival has to offer.

Julia Coleman, vice-president of student services for the UNBSU, is encouraging participation in the week’s events saying, “I think it’s a great opportunity to welcome students back to campus for the winter semester.”

The activities are available for any UNB student to partake. Of the six events offered, many are free and the other events are meant to suit a student budget.

The fun starts on Friday, Jan. 21. UNB will host the Saint Mary’s Huskies in a hockey game. It’s the Varsity Reds vs.

Huskies and all are encouraged to cheer on the V-Reds. The UNBSU will be providing 150 free tickets to the game. The tickets will be available at the Welcome Center and from SU executive members this week.

If you wish you could have spent New Year’s Eve with your UNB friends, here’s your chance to ring in the New Year with them. On Saturday, Jan. 22 the Social Club will be hosting their “Better-Late-ThenNever” New Year’s Eve Party. Come do the midnight countdown again, this time in the Ballroom. Purchasing advance tickets, that will let you beat the lines that form from 9 until 11 p.m., will be made available at the Welcome Center for $5 dollars.

Sunday, Jan. 23 students will be showcas-

Julia Coleman is in charge of the Winter Carnival festivities this coming week. Mike Erb / The Brunswickan ing their talents at the Playhouse as part of the Red N’ Black Review. Free transportation to the Playhouse and back is available when you purchase a ticket. Student tickets are $5 dollars and are available at Welcome Center.

Tuesday, Jan. 25 the Cellar will be hosting a free Mixology class that starts at 9:30 p.m. The class will show you how to mix alcoholic beverages like a pro, share some tips and promote responsible drinking.

If you love skiing or snowboarding do not miss out on UNBSU Crabbe Mountain Ski Night. On Thursday, Jan. 27, three buses to will be taking students to Crabbe Mountain. Lift tickets and rentals are $19 for the two, which is half the regular cost.

So dress in layers and get on the bus at 3 p.m. After your day of fun in the snow, the buses will bring you back to the Cellar for a complimentary bowl of hot chilli. Sign-up

sheets will be in the Welcome Center.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Bridges Polar Dip. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. in the SUB quad you can witness Bridges residents and others jump into a swimming pool filled with icy water in the dead of winter. This is an annual fundraising event that Bridges House co-ordinates with the goal of raising money for their house charity, the IWK. If the incentive to support a great cause and the entertainment value of half-naked people throwing themselves into an icy pool during a Canadian winter doesn’t do it for you, there will also be music and a barbecue.

So give yourself a break and brush up on your bartending skills, hit the slopes or go to a hockey game. Keep things interesting because it’s going to be a while until we see the light at the end of the tunnel that is Reading Week.

briefs Tragic death of young female student Dakota Leigh Brooks, a first year student at the Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Institute at UNB, died suddenly on Jan. 10. She was training to become a nurse and was a successful student, well-liked by her peers. Counseling services are available for students by calling 453-4820.

Questioning the Strat Plan Students, faculty and staff will have a chance to question UNB’s new strategic plan at an informal information session tomorrow morning from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in C13, Head Hall.The session is meant to be an opportunity for students to learn more about the plan and find out where UNB is going as an institution.

Congress volunteers needed The organizers of Congress 2011 are looking for volunteers to help organize the conference.

Volunteers are needed for everything from directing traffic and providing visitor info, to assisting with event. For more information visit www.congress2011countdown.ca.

On the right foot The Campus Wellness Committee is hosting a 10,000 Steps Walking Challenge to encourage students to get active.The challenge will be running from Jan. 17 to March 18 and special events will be held throughout the duration, including a “Walk with the President.”Visit the Wellness Committee site to register.

City supportive of the academic conference FROM CONGRESS PAGE 1 other academic conferences will look to Fredericton, and the new convention centre helps take some of the pressure off our two campuses because we still have limited space. So that’s why working with the city of Fredericton has been fabulous.”

The City of Fredericton has contributed $60,000 in funding for the academic event, but project manager Michelle McNeil said they have exceeded financial help by providing support in other ways.

“Fredericton Tourism team has supported us in our bid process, through every stage of planning and will be supporting the delivery of Congress.”

Boudreau believes there is great potential for economic gain in the cities it’s hosted in, and it also launches academics

out into the public.

“Because sometimes there is that negative image of universities or university professors hiding in the ‘ivory tower’ and this is a perfect opportunity for us to say, ‘Well no, here’s our research and it’s open to the public, and we want to share it with the public,’” Boudreau said.

Some of the events of Congress open to the public include lectures under the Big Thinking Series, which will cover topics such as aboriginal education, cultural pluralism and climate change.

There is also a book fair open to the public which will have books from about 100 publishers, often discounted at 20 to 40 per cent of the cover price.

Congress still needs hundreds of volunteers to help out. People can sign up at congress2011countdown.ca under “Get Involved.”

brunswickannews

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 3

What’s new for the UNBSU?

Cherise Letson The Brunswickan The UNBSU has been busy planning for second semester and pushing the provincial government on issues affecting their fellow students.

The SU just finished their successful Book Buy and Sell, which put money back into the hand of students. Planning for Last Class Bash at the close of the semester is also in the works.

This February is also the Student Union general elections in which nominations start on Feb. 4. In this election, every position becomes available. This includes all the executives, councillors, liaisons, senators with the exception of one and all board members.

“Anyone who wants to get involved and have any sort of influence in their faculty or on campus as a whole, it’s a great opportunity for students to get involved,” said Shannon Carmont-McKinley, president of the UNBSU. The UNBSU members have also been lobbying different levels of government on post-secondary issues and working on their pre-budget submission.

The Conservative government’s platform during the September election said they would have a four-year operating budget for universities, which also involves a predictable four-year tuition schedule for students in the province.

Carmont-McKinley said this is a crucial year to talk to the government because the decisions made this year will be in place for the next four.

“That makes this year very, very important, so that is absolutely the focus of our document, ensuring that our universities have appropriate funding for their own ability to maintain quality within the class and that our students are not facing greater debt situations based on major increases in tuition, which would absolutely be a problem. New Brunswick is already the second highest tuition environment in the country,” said Carmont-McKinley.

They also want to bring light to the fact that issues of tuition and student finance

Aboriginal, rural students more likely to drop out Emma Godmere CUP Ottawa Bureau Chief

Shannon Carmont-McKinley outlines what’s up for the UNBSU this semester. Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan don’t just affect students.

“What we are really trying to make sure people understand is that student issues are not just student issues, they’re issues for people of the province,” said Carmont-McKinley. “These are students who have parents, who have family...

They contribute huge amounts of dollars to the local economy in purchasing their textbooks, purchasing their electronics for their studies.”

“Many of them have vehicles and are driving to and from campus, investing in the local reality. As citizens we invest a lot in the local economy. Our families care about what happens to us. So our issues really are provincial issues.”

Despite their lobbying, the government has not made any promises to the

SU or given many details about what might happen in this coming budget.

“It is really up in the air, we’ve met with the ministers and we’ve met with several MLAs including the Minister of Finance. They are staying very on message, everything they ever say is that they are trying to return the provinces fiscal state back to a responsible balance budget and that they value post-secondary education,” said Carmont-McKinley.

Provincial politics aside, CarmontMcKinley said that it is going to be a positive next four months for UNB. “It’s going to be a good year, we’ve got four months left in our terms in our current office and we are going strong.

Finishing strong is what we are really trying to do,” said Carmont-McKinley.

OTTAWA (CUP) — Recent research out of the University of Ottawa suggests certain students are more at risk of facing obstacles than others when it comes to completing post-secondary studies.

Three studies released by the Measuring the Effectiveness of Student Aid project on Dec. 13 that compared male and female, rural and urban, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students offered several notable conclusions — including, for example, that male students are more likely than their female counterparts to drop out of college in their first or second year of studies.

Ross Finnie, associate professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, was the lead author on the studies, which surveyed more than 10,000 students between 2007 and 2009.

Finnie explained that while educators and government have held on to their own ideas of just who the students at risk of dropping out of their studies are, this new research brings in some new information.

“Things like not having a history of education in the family is a huge determinant of access, whether or not you go to university or college,” he explained.

“But then to find once people are in, it has almost no predictive power as to whether or not they’ll continue on, that was a very interesting and important finding.”

In terms of access, one study looked at how students had saved up for their post-secondary education and found that students from smaller communities are more likely than their urban counterparts to have saved money on their for school, while students from larger areas are more likely to have family members who saved tuition money for them.

On top of that, students from larger urban areas reported receiving less govern-

ment aid and money from summer jobs than their rural counterparts. And another study noted that females were more likely than males to be concerned about their collection of student debt.

A large gap was found between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, where 30.8 per cent of Aboriginal youth left post-secondary studies in first or second year, compared to 13 per cent of non-Aboriginal students who have done the same.

Deborah Loosemore is director of advancement and external relations at Algoma University, where information like this is taken to heart — and acted upon. “[We] have developed programs that are specifically designed to assist Aboriginal students who often follow a nontraditional route to university and so come with a different set of potential barriers that they might need assistance in overcoming to be successful,” she explained, adding that about 20 per cent of Algoma students self-identify as Aboriginal, Métis, Inuit or First Nations.

According to Loosemore, Algoma provides a “first generation mentorship program” that matches new students with those in later years to engage in peer-topeer support. For Aboriginal students dedicated counselling, academic advising and cultural supports are available.

Between the 2008–09 and 2009–10 academic years, Algoma’s retention rate from first year into second year went from 73.1 per cent to 78 per cent.

Finnie agreed that more could be done to reach out to college and university students if universities, researchers and even the government work together — and that perhaps this recent research can help make that first step.

“If research was done in a co-ordinated fashion, we could essentially work together to direct the research to find out even more exactly the students at risk are and then, perhaps more importantly, what we can do to help them,” he offered.

Neill Knights celebrate 50 years of raising hell Alex Kress News Reporter Residents and alumni of Neill House at UNB are preparing to celebrate 50 years of family and “raising a little hell.”

The house opened in 1961 as an all-male house and became a co-ed residence in 1996.

Michael Carroll, don of Neill House beginning this year, spent his first year of university in Neill House and said he was one of campus’s shyest students.

He said he doubts he would be don today if it hadn’t been for his shellbreaking days as a first-year resident.

“I wasn’t involved in anything and didn’t want to be involved in anything, but I moved into residence with the hope it would push me to become a better person and be more involved,” said Carroll. “If it’s done that for me, I can only imagine the amount of people that have benefitted from those experiences too.”

Carroll said he feels the 50th anniversary serves as a huge reminder that thousands of people have lived in the house and have donated thousands of dollars to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“It’s a big reminder of what we contribute to the university and the community we live in,” said Carroll.

He also said he would never describe Neill House as just a building. It’s very family-oriented and students come to identify themselves with the house.

“If someone asks me where I’m an alumni of, it’s rare to say UNB. I say,

‘I’m an alumnus of Neill House at UNB,’” Carroll clarified.

He said the warmth of the large family setting makes everyone feel really welcome and there is a genuine feeling of acceptance. He said high school tends to foster worries about what other people are thinking, but he hasn’t felt those pangs of insecurity in any of the residence buildings he has lived in.

“But I don’t think that’s always present. I don’t think people always feel that the building they’re in is their home, it’s just kind of this dorm room.

I think people actually get that here [at Neill House],” he said.

“We have one of the highest returner rates of anywhere on campus.

I hope that sense of support and trust, and an atmosphere where you can be open and be yourself... I hope that atmosphere stays here forever.”

The best memories he has are from Orientation Week each year. The excitement and enthusiasm of first years is a real treat for Carroll. During Orientation Week this year, two first year residents were getting ready to attend the Toga Social and serenaded Carroll with a song about their new love for the house and for him.

“It was too funny, these guys barely even knew me and decided to put together a rap song about how awesome I am and how awesome the house is,” he laughed.

Each house has a charity they raise money for throughout the year and Neill House fundraises for the Canadian Cancer Society. Their largest

Michael Carroll, don of Neill, said Neill is more than a building, it’s a community. Mike Erb / The Brunswickan charity event is “Raise a Little Hell,” and takes place at the end of March.

Events include “Pie Your Proctor” and a head shave in McConnell Hall.

Residents have to raise a minimum of $50 for proctors from all residences to be pied, and many women have donated hair for wigs or shaved their heads completely.

“Camping on the Roof” happens

in the Tannery on the roof of Nicky Zees and residences panhandle for donations. “Cougar Night” is the day before Remembrance Day at the Twenty/20 Club and the house charges cover. All the proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The 50th reunion of Neill House, entitled “50 Years of the Knight Life,” is taking place from Mar. 25-27. There

will be a Meet and Greet at the Fox Hole and a banquet in the Student Union Building among other events.

Registration will take place online and will open in the upcoming week.

Any questions about the reunion can be directed to 50yearsoftheknightlife@gmail.com and people can visit “50 Years of the Knight Life” on Facebook.

4 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

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brunswickannews Company encourages cell phones in class Linda Givetash The Cord (Wilfrid Laurier University) WATERLOO, Ont. (CUP) — A group of recent university graduates are attempting to make technology more prevalent in the classroom.

“As engineering students we went through the university experience and found that lectures were pretty bad,” said Mike Silagadze, founder and CEO of Top Hat Monocle, an interactive learning program that utilizes computers and mobile devices to increase communication between professors and students in the classroom.

Silagadze explained that his company began as a developer for smartphone applications, but transformed after considering how the software could be brought to the classroom with the technology becoming so commonplace.

“The whole education process hasn’t changed in 100 years,” explained Silagadze, regarding his frustrations of being a student at the University of Waterloo. “You go in to the university classroom and it’s like you’re travelling back in time.”

Looking for a way to update the class-

room experience, Silagadze and his team, including co-founder Mohsen Shahini, spoke to different schools, professors and students to pinpoint how technology could improve learning.

The result of their research was the easy-to-use software MonocleCAT, that professors can use as part of their lecture to increase interaction between students and the course material.

“As part of the lecture, the instructor engages the students with all kinds of different activities and the student becomes part of the learning process, rather than this kind of passive observer,” explained Silagadze.

The program allows course instructors to create a platform for their class where they can develop quizzes, polls, interactive demonstrations and collaborative learning modules allowing students to respond in real time to the lecture.

There is no cost for the instructor to create and use the platform, and for students the fee for registering is currently a mere $20 per semester for an unlimited number of classes. Students are able to apply a wide range of personal technology for the program, including smartphones, laptops and iPods.

“We’ve actually just now started getting

results back on the various courses we ran the system in September and it looks like the results are positive,” said Silagadze, noting that trends are showing an increase, of five to seven per cent in students grades after using MonocleCAT. While the program has proved its success in classrooms and has growing support from professors and students alike, Top Hat Monocle has not found equal support from university administration.

The lack of interest in the technology, according to Silagadze, is due to the fact that universities are not invested in the classroom experience as much as they are with funding research and expanding their campuses.

“The reason we’ve been able to be reasonably successful is by taking the grassroots approach by going directly to the professors and directly to the students to try to bring this in to the classroom,” he said.

This semester, Top Hat Monocle is expanding its service to approximately 400 students in classes at Wilfrid Laurier University.

The company is also creating a package that will allow students to order their textbooks and subscribe to MonocleCAT for a reduced cost, ultimately merging traditional schooling with technology.

Proposed iPod tax jives with some MPs on the Hill

e-mail news@thebruns.ca

Proposed iPod tax meant to encourage support for musicians, but may hurt a consumer’s pocketbook.

Flickr Last March, NDP MP Charlie An- C-32 and seems unlikely to be inEmma Godmere gus brought the issue back to Parlia- cluded,” he said in an email. “The CUP Ottawa Bureau Chief ment Hill when he presented a private Conservatives and the Liberals have OTTAWA (CUP) — Is the iPod tax members’ bill that proposed having both stated their opposition to it.”

Indeed, they have. While the Tories’ just another packaged political phrase the tariff legally applied to MP3 players ad slammed all three parties and their of 2010, or is it a real expense consum- and other storage devices.

The Standing Committee on Can- leaders for backing the levy, the Liberers may soon have to face?

According to radio ads released by adian Heritage soon after adopted als released a statement on Dec. 16 that the federal Conservative Party in mid- a motion — supported by Liberal, indicated their opposition to the iPod December, it’s “a brand-new tax that NDP and Bloc Quebecois committee tax, explaining it is “not sustainable will have you paying up to $75 more members, as well as Conservative chair in a world of changing technology.”

“I’m skeptical of extending the for iPods, smartphones, personal video Gary Schellenberger — that called on recorders, MP3 players and just about the government to extend the existing levy,” Geist said.

He noted such potential conselevy to digital music recorders in an anything with a hard drive.”

The ads have Canadians wondering attempt to compensate music creators. quences as extending the levy to video, The committee’s recommendation which could be costly, and the impact if the tax even exists yet and where it was presented to the House of Com- on competitive consumer pricing in came from.

According to Industry Canada, mons in April 2010, and was passed Canada.

“Moreover, I have noted that many the iPod tax idea stems from the levy with the support of all three opposproponents of extending the levy are on audio cassettes, CDs and other ition parties.

Meanwhile, MPs are still working reluctant to acknowledge that doing so blank audio recording media that on Bill C-32, the copyright reform should fully legalize non-commercial, currently exists and was set in 1997 by the Copyright Board of Canada. legislation originally introduced by personal downloading, engaging in a Proceeds collected from the levy are the Conservative government in June policy bait-and-switch where they use file sharing as the basis to obtain the disbursed to members of the Canadian 2010.

But Michael Geist, Canada Re- levy extension, but then do not legalize Private Copying Collective, a group that represents recording artists and search Chair in Internet and e-com- the sharing,” he wrote.

No new decisions on the iPod tax merce law and professor at the Unimusic publishers across the country.

The CPCC has requested the legis- versity of Ottawa, emphasized the and related copyright reform have lation be extended to include MP3 difference between the two similar, been made as Parliament remains on hiatus for the holidays. The House of players and other storage devices on yet separate issues.

Commons will reconvene on Jan. 31.

“The proposal is not part of Bill multiple occasions since 2003.

brunswickanopinion

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 5

editor@thebruns.ca

The exquisite heartbreak of Blue Valentine

Colin McPhail Editor-in-Chief You will leave the theatre heartbroken.

Yet, you will want to do it again.

Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine is a brilliant look into the all too familiar world of the contemporary married couple. The film offers a unique insight into a doomed, modern relationship by jumping between iconic moments of its origins to the final days where love was holding on by a thread.

The film opens with Dean (Ryan Gosling) struggling to make ends meet as he moves furniture, while never losing his hopeless romantic roots. He eventually confides in a coworker how he believes men romanticize marriage as they search for the love of their life.

With an underlying melancholic tone, he concludes that women search for an equipped provider – a fatal contrast.

The realization of his words was most definitely not lost on the audience.

The masterful cinematography under Cianfrance’s watchful eye illustrates the film almost as documentary in the unraveling of modern marriage. The dialogue and methodology of how lead actors Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams play off each other is seemingly natural. The pair spent over a month living together in similar conditions to conjure the appropriate atmosphere and it paid off. Even though they missed out on a Golden Globe, their performance will be definitely recognized by the Oscars.

The juxtaposition between the bittersweet past and bleak, disheartening present reveals two different couples. We see glimpses of young love in a series of these adorable, fleeting moments. The instances in time paint a picture of a dreamy romance where Dean has found love at first sight and Cindy (Michelle Williams) is falling madly in love with a man she’s idealized on her way to becoming a doctor.

Jump nearly a decade into the future

Screenshot and we are shocked to see what has become of Dean and Cindy. Dean, a heavy-drinking, chain-smoking housepainter content on living just above the poverty line in his father-in-law’s house, is now barely holding onto his wife, a dissatisfied nurse suffocating in a loveless marriage as every aspiration she ever had

is slowly slipping away.

As Blue Valentine progresses, the early stages of the relationship become almost too much to bear. Every time they gaze deeply into each other’s eyes you get the sense this love will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, the act of creating this idealistic future is often

plagued by its surrealist nature; history and the well-crafted “future room” scene are indicative of just that.

This is what hits home with so many.

With nearly half of every marriage ending in divorce, one in two viewers will be directly affected. The beautifully scripted screenplay presented some ab-

solutely heart-breaking scenes that will resonate in the hearts and minds of many, manifesting itself in teary-eyed audiences. However, whether you are empathizing or sympathizing, this is a must see. The exquisite heartbreak that is Blue Valentine is something that will have you returning.

Attractiveness, sexual skill, and penis size Kay Sex Columnist Originally, my first column in 2011 was going to be a cliché column on sexual New Year’s resolutions. Given its now mid-January, and there are already some good takes on resolutions for your sex life out there – I decided on a different route. I think I have a lot of great ideas about sex. I’m sure many of us do. However, as a sex researcher, on occasion my curiosity drives to seek out whether any of my ideas actually hold up in the court of evidence base. So – to start out 2011, I’ve decided to test out some of Kay’s ideas through this column.

I have a theory that goes like this: 1. Good-looking people attract many sex partners. 2. Attracting many sex partners means there is always someone else who will have sex with you. 3.

Continuous availability of sex partners means sexual skill no longer matters, because no matter how bad you are, someone will still have sex with you… cause you are hot. Follow? The result is that very attractive men and women do not need to build sexual skill. Instead, they stick to ol’ faithful (the basic jump and hump) and don’t really build skill in other areas. Actually, now that I think of it they don’t build too much skill on the hump either.

Now these are my ideas, and we all have ideas about sex. But is there anything out there to support our ideas (or in today’s column, my ideas?).

Turning to the research, there is support for the link between attractiveness and number of sex partners – basically vying for the fact that more attractive people have more opportunities to have sex (Weeden & Sabini, Archives, online) which ultimately leads to the possibility of more sexual partners. Unfortunately, I could not find anything that included sexual skill. In fact, I couldn’t find anything on sexual skill period. Seems we haven’t figured out how to ethically study sexual

skill yet.

Hmm… I guess the rest of this theory is just based on my anecdotal evidence then. But I still believe it. This theory has taken years to develop… in consultation… with many men and women… ahhh, just read on.

Before going on, I have to admit ladies that I have much more experience to develop a theory on penis size and sexual skill than on vulva shape and sexual skill, my apologies for the focus on male anatomy.

So how does penis size enter the equation? It is simple – size matters.

Well, girth in particular. Basically, I’ve extended the theory to suggest that a

man with a large penis, as long as it is not too large (yes, this is possible), also isn’t worried about finding another sex partner. The extension (pardon the pun) is such that attractive men, and those with large penises, are not very skilled in bed… because they do not have to be. Combine these two characteristics together and you’ll have a very attractive, well endowed sex partner whose skill lies solely in the rhythm of his hump. Which leads me to a New Year’s resolution (at least for some of you). Resolution #1: Develop my sexual skill in an area I have neglected until now.

Do you have your own theories on sexual skill?

6 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Let’s fix the House of Commons

brunswickanopinion Knowledge or profit? Charging students interest at UNB Karlie Hanoski An Opinion

This old House needs fixing. Letting MPs break rank with their parties more often will help.

Adam Gerhard/Flickr Nick Gibson The Cord (Wilfrid Laurier University) WATERLOO, Ont. (CUP) — Back in 2006, the Conservative government passed a motion in the House of Commons declaring the province of Quebec “a nation within a united Canada.” The Conservatives received support from nearly all of their caucus. There was one notable exception — former cabinet minister Michael Chong.

More recently, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Bernier has been branding himself as the “libertarian” within the Conservative caucus — doing so most explicitly by rejecting the so-called “stimulus spending” and calling for drastic cuts to the size of government both at the federal level and in his home province of Quebec.

Are these two individuals simply aberrations in an otherwise strict system of party discipline in our country?

Or are they the messiahs of political independence in our country who will influence a huge wave of “rogue” politicians to come after them?

I do not subscribe to either of these statements. However, I do think that these two examples are significant.

How do we improve the concept of party discipline in this country to allow more independence of our elected representatives?

Party discipline is a fundamental part of the effectiveness and usefulness of political parties. It gives us clear choices and reduces ambiguities, which is very important for any political system that prides itself on the principle of accountability.

The U.S. Congress is a good example of a system with low party discipline, while in Canada party discipline is widely seen as one of the strictest in the Western world. In my mind, it’s important that we find a balance between these two examples.

In conjunction with the archaic political financing rules in the U.S., the low level of party discipline leaves politicians vulnerable to the whims of special interests. This raises the question: Are they really independent at all? They have a lot of independence from their party, but unless they can personally finance their own campaigns, which very few people can do, independence from lobby groups is difficult to achieve. Loyalty ultimately should be with the constituents, not the rich and powerful.

This is not to say special interests are evil, but leverage should lie with the elected representative. Interest groups should have to convince us that what they are calling for is important.

In Canada, the degree of our party discipline is largely the result of two related factors: Large cabinets and a relatively small legislature. Add in the fact that the governing party never chooses an MP from an opposition party to be a cabinet minister and one gets a situation like we have in our current Parliament — approximately one quarter of the entire Conservative caucus is in cabinet. This was a similar proportion with the previous Liberal minority government.

Since government MPs have such a high chance of getting into cabinet, they do not want to risk alienating themselves from the direction of the government — in other words, the Prime Minister. This is equally the case in the official opposition; the members of the caucus do not want to alienate themselves from the leader of the opposition, because that hurts their chances of getting into cabinet if they form government after the next election.

This situation makes us question the MP’s loyalty — is he or she to be loyal to the party or constituent first?

In the current situation, it appears to be the former.

There are things we can do to soften

the rigid party discipline without throwing the doors open to all special interest groups.

First, we can look at reducing the size of cabinet, while also increasing the number of MPs in the House of Commons. This will lower the chances of getting into cabinet and allow MPs more freedom to make decisions themselves as the chance of getting into cabinet would be really remote.

This is evident in Britain, from where we get our parliamentary system.

Next, we can institute a convention of three-tiered voting. Votes should be classified one of three ways: Money bills or confidence votes, which require full-party discipline since the survival of the government depends on passage; bills deemed critical to the government’s agenda, whipped cabinet vote, but free for backbenchers to break ranks; and votes on private members’ bills and matters of conscience, which are completely free.

This was a concept that was pioneered

by Paul Martin, but fell to the wayside in the midst of minority government pressures.

Lastly, pressure needs to be put on the media to end political analysis in which any sort of independence is a sign of leadership weaknesses. This trend only makes party leadership assert more discipline to ensure they are not embarrassed in the eyes of the public. Although the media tends to blow things out of proportion, MPs who take action independent of their parties, with party discipline as strict as it is at the moment, are usually doing so because they are truly at odds with the party leadership. There needs to be an attitudinal shift for MPs and the press on how independent votes are perceived.

It is great to see some independence asserted by our elected representatives. The rarity of this independence certainly highlights the fact that party discipline is too strict in our country.

The ebb and flow of a student’s cash stream is cause for stress. The beginning of the semester is particularly fraught with financial anxiety. I for one am certainly not immune to this. Personally, my stress turned to anger and disbelief this term thanks to senseless policy and frustrating bureaucracy at Financial Services.

Like most, I have a government student loan. Being an out of province student and having applied late has added a bit of complexity to the process. These factors have resulted in me not yet receiving my loan, although I know it is on its way. Herein lies my frustration.

I went over to Financial Services to inform them of the situation so that they don’t freeze my account after the Friday deadline. I was naive enough to think that as a matter of good faith the clerk could simply put a note on my account and send me on my merry way. Wrong and wrong!

Apparently no matter where your money comes from (whether that be the government, yourself, a bank) or how you are paying (i.e. lump sum, payment plan, etc.) you will be charged interest beginning Feb. 1. Does this not speak against reason?

My money is coming directly from the government, it is good money! Admittedly

the interest rates are relatively low and I can kind of wrap my head around using interest as an incentive to keep up regular payments if you are on a payment plan.

Regardless however, I think this is something that requires questioning and debate among students and administration if not an outright policy reversal.

The primary reason I am writing this is to provoke discussion. Do you think it is right that a university is charging its students interest? I don’t! Universities should not be making a profit (however small) off of students. This is an institution of learning, teaching and research, not profit! This policy – in my humble opinion – is simply unethical. If you agree, speak with the student union, talk to other students or go directly to the university administration. I sincerely hope this policy can be changed.

Whatever the case, let’s start a dialogue.

As a brief side note, I really do sympathize with the clerks at Financial Services.

They must enforce and put up with silly policies they had no hand in crafting and bear the brunt of people’s frustrations.

Additionally, they are likely overworked and underpaid. So to them we owe applause for their patience!

Karlie Hanoski is in her final year double majoring in political science and women’s studies. Additionally she has served as a UNBSU councilor.

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

do you have opinions? write us a letter to the editor. editor@thebruns.ca

brunswickanopinion

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 7

the brunswickan Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief • Colin McPhail Managing • Alex Duncan News • Hilary Paige Smith Arts • Alison Clack Sports • Christopher Cameron Photo • Andrew Meade Copy • Kristen MacArthur Production • Christian Hapgood Online • Sandy Chase Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Contributors Alex Kress, Matt Belyea, Brian Savoie, Mike Erb, Rob Williams, Cherise Letson, Josh Fleck, Amy Page, Ryan Brideau, Nicole Vair, Jared Morrison, Viola Pruss, Haley Ryan, Maggie DeWolfe, Shawn O’Neill, Justin Gaudet, Bryannah James, Ben Hicks, Nancy Ward, Oussama D. Hamza, Alanah Duffy, Ashley Theriault, Tomi Gbeleyi, John Robb, Jennifer Bishop 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.

About Us The Brunswickan, in its 144th 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

Re: Multiculturalism still has a chance Dear Ms. Stein-Wotten, After having read your article on multiculturalism published on Nov. 24, I agree on the fact that Canadians are not ready to let the other ethnic groups, which form a minority in Canada, settle comfortably in our amazing country while still practicing their culture. Multiculturalism has still not prevailed in Canada for

we, as Canadians, do not like the fact that the minor ethnic groups are trying to do things differently. It is as if the Canadian population is scared that the cultural groups will dislodge them form their own beliefs and practices. I believe that Canadians are scared that what is presently a minority of ethnic groups will someday become a majority. Canada is a welcoming country to various cultural groups, but are the Canadians themselves welcoming? Canadians should be proud to constitute a mosaic rather then an

letters to the editor.

assimilation of the melting pot concept.

By keeping their beliefs and cultures the ethnic groups can even teach us about their religion and beliefs and reinforce our knowledge on the countries they come from. As stated in your article Canadians have been employing an us-versus-them tactic with the ethnic groups that come to Canada, but what is there to gain with a tactic like that? Canadians should stop judging by appearance and appreciate the fact that diversity in Canada is a good thing and that assimilation would prob-

ably not make Canada evolve as much as a country. Canada needs to leave place for change, for this is what will make us grow. As you said, it is an admirable goal and it is achievable is Canadians are ready to accept change and differences.

Yours sincerely, Alexandra Guévin Thibault St. Patrick’s high school - secondary 5

brunswickanopinion

8 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Student

Viewpoint.

Let everyone know whats on your mind.

“I don’t have a loan.”

Holly Poirier

Brad Walton

Gloria Gaudet

“Loans aren’t for me. I don’t have one.”

“I don’t mess with them.”

“Groceries, textbooks and rent.”

Blake Archibald

“My cell phone.”

“Insurance”

Kymberly Gillett

Heidi Belknap “Books, tuition and Mr. Noodles.”

“Straight to tuition.”

Katherine Standen

Where does your student loan go?

Billy Gibbs

“Tuition.”

Albert Lockett

brunswickanarts arts@thebruns.ca

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 9

62 years old and still kicking

UNB’s students get the chance to show off their performing arts talents with the Red N’ Black Revue, which has been held since 1948.The show usually features a variety of performances from musical acts, to comedy routines and dance. Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Matt Belyea Arts Reporter In 1965 Springhill, Nova Scotia native, Anne Murray was in her third year at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. It was around this time of year, when the cold is at its peak and the second semester is getting underway, that Murray was asked to go to the UNB Red N’ Black Revue.

Murray, who could be credibly acknowledged as one of Canada most successful pop vocalist sang two songs that night, both were recorded.

“The legend is that Anne Murray was

discovered at the Red N’ Black Revue.

I don’t know how true that part is, but she definitely performed at it when she was a student,” said this year’s organizer Jennifer Dixon.

Dixon has a political science degree from UNB and is currently working toward a Certificate in French Proficiency.

She has had a variety of experience as a co-ordinator on several projects and notes that she is passionate and excited about this year’s event.

“Generally, I just love helping people overcome barriers. In my experience, new or emerging artists can face many barriers. This show gives individuals an opportunity to showcase their talents in a professional environment.”

She explains that the revue is an annual UNB tradition that started in 1948, and proudly boasts that this year is in its 62nd swing. Dixon has had plenty of help from junior co-ordinator Hassan Packir and acknowledges a great overall contribution from her team.

“It has certainly been a privilege being chosen to work with all these talented UNB students, faculty and staff.”

This year’s revue will take place at the Playhouse, where Dixon is a casual employee. Other locations that the revue has been held over the years are École Sainte-Anne, Marshall d’Avray Hall and Memorial Hall.

Joining Dixon and Packir as judges will be VP of Student Services for the

Student Union Julia Coleman.

The hope for this year’s event was that it would see an influx of cultural performances, but Dixon encourages any kind of talent to participate.

“No need for it to be polished, just raw talent. If they have it, they have it and we can work with that any day.”

Dixon hopes for eight solid acts in total including an acoustic performance by this year’s MC Andy Brown. Dixon showed great appreciation that Brown was able to help with the event.

“I saw [Brown] perform at The Playhouse a few months back and was curious to find out whether he was a UNB alumni. I sent him a Facebook message and he immediately jumped

on board. Actually, he was once a part of the show.”

Brown, who is a local talent himself, was recently selected to perform at the ECMA’s in April.

The Red N’ Black Revue will be happening on Jan. 23 at 8 p.m., tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults/ seniors and there will be transportation provided from campus. Tickets are currently available at the UNBSU Centre, as well as The Playhouse.

Auditions for the revue finished on Sunday but Dixon noted that there is always extra room, and interested performers should contact her immediately. Dixon can be reached by email at f49bm@unb.ca.

10 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

brunswickanarts

Hollywood sells Californication

this week in arts.

Matt Belyea Arts Reporter

Face to Face @ The Beaverbrook Art Gallery Now – Jan. 23

Face to Face is a collection of portraits from the gallery’s permanent collection. The paintings are from a variety of styles and depict people from all walks of life. Don’t miss this last chance to check out these portraits installed together in this collection. Admission is $3 for students.

Craft Beer Tasting @ The Garrison District Ale House Jan. 23, 4 p.m.

A craft beer tasting (with food pairings) will be held at the Garrison District Ale House in support of the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival. Music by Mary Milliken and the Don Bossé trio with MC Richard Robinson will also be performed. Tickets are available at the Picaroons Brewtique on Queen St.

Rae Spoon @ Gallery Connexion Jan. 29, 8 p.m.

Gallery Connexion will be opening its doors for a musical performance by Calgary native, Rae Spoon next Saturday. Don’t miss a chance to see this musician whose 2008 album Superioryouareinferior was nominated for the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. Tickets are $7, $5 for gallery members.

Screenshot

David Duchovny has reappeared, in a rather intoxicating way, as Hank Moody, a drunken writer with an insatiable appetite for women.

Tom Kapinos created Californication, a Showtime series drama which recently saw the arrival of its highly anticipated fourth season. Last week the new premiere was released, as well as Moody from his jail cell.

Before watching the series I heard that Californication’s Hank Moody was a character loosely based on American author Charles Bukowski.

This rumour was enough to get me to overlook the banality of television and give it a watch.

After watching the first scene of the first episode, I was pretty disgusted that Bukowski’s name had been mentioned in relation to it. It was perhaps another show in which the characters, its plot and everyone involved were there because they thought there was a market for it. But there was something else in that very first scene that kept me coming back, following Moody and avidly admiring his life as a bachelor.

It’s true that Duchovny is convincing in his role, as well as intriguing, confident and daring, but most of all he’s just really fucking cool.

Hank Moody has a large repertoire of traits that make him a television favourite. His wit, charm, arrogance and high blood alcohol level make for a series that maintains a lively humour in the presence of some inherently complex issues.

Duchovny took on the role of Moody because he liked the relationship between Moody and his daughter Becca. Becca is played by Madeleine Martin who deserves some kind of award for her performance. She deals with the troubles associated with becoming a young lady, while her father deals with the troubles of having sex with young ladies. This all happens under the close eye of Becca’s separated rocker mom, Karen. What the series boils down to is a struggle between Moody’s own life, its desires and aspirations, and the way that that interferes and distances himself from the two women he really loves.

In the face of this, Moody remains calm and collective and can often be insightful with his advice.

“You can’t snort a line of coke off a woman’s ass and not wonder about her hopes and dreams, it’s not gentlemanly.”

Moody’s long overdue novel was spoiled by the fact that he slept with a girl named Mia, who he later found out to be 16 years old. To compliment this, Mia is later revealed to be the daughter of Karen’s current boyfriend.

Knowing she has the upper hand, Mia steals Moody’s novel and publishes it as her own. The secret was safe until the end of the third season, and last week’s premiere picked up from there.

The names of Hank Moody’s books, South of Heaven, Seasons in the Abyss, and God Hates Us All, are all names of albums by the metal band Slayer.

Although fictional, Moody is sadly one of today’s most recognized contemporary American writers. Hollywood has put out another glamorous, unrealistic and anchored fantasy world, but in the end, ‘If you want these kinds of dreams, it’s Californication.’

brunswickanarts

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 11

kooking with karlie Karlie Hanoski

Roasted Potatoes and Veggies

Earlier this week my stomach and I were feeling rather nostalgic, so this recipe comes from childhood memories of family camping trips, a roaring bonfire and foil-roasted delights.

5-6 large potatoes, cubed 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 can of corn, drained 1 large onion, diced Butter or margarine Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 400°F degrees. Combine vegetables, salt and pepper in a bowl.

Lay out three or four sheets of aluminum foil. Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture among the foil pieces, placing it in a mound in the centre. Dot each pile with approximately 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine. Wrap up the foil into a packet around the vegetables. Place all packets on a cookie sheet for easy transport. Bake for approximately one hour or until vegetables are tender or have reached desired caramelization. Enjoy!

Don’t let winter weather ruin your wonderland Combat Fredericton winters with some items that are probably already in your closet.

Don’t hide from winter, with a few concessions to the weather and some extra layers you can go out and enjoy the season. Flickr CC Alison Clack Arts Editor Winter: more than any other time of year the opposing ideals of form and function in fashion come together in an effort to stave off the cold.

On any given day during a New Brunswick winter we can be graced with sunshine and glistening snow, pelted with sleet and freezing rain or leave us buried under a few feet of snow. In order to prepare for winter’s mischievously devised obstacle course of slush, ice and snow banks it helps to get creative with some items that are probably already in your closet – and check the weather network every morning.

First off, try looking at the things in your closet from another perspective.

Those rain boots that help you splash through puddles in the spring will provide equally water-tight protection from slush and are tall enough to defend your calves while trekking over most snow banks.

To add a layer of warmth to what is usually uninsulated footwear follow your father’s lead and pick up some thick wool socks. If wool bothers your sensitive tootsies try layering socks or grab a pair of legwarmers. The previously antiquated accessories are making a comeback in shoe stores around town and can give an

added layer of warmth to your boots for the winter.

Knee-high boots and thigh-high have had a negative stigma ever since Julia Roberts strutted around in them for Pretty Woman. However, the style has been modernize and de-hookerized. The new style is more like a riding boot and tends to have a lower heel or no heel at all.

If you’re weary of jumping on this trend train keep in mind the opportunity for warmth. These boots provide you with a fashionable, windproof layer that reaches more than halfway up your leg.

If this season’s ’60s and ’70s inspired tunics have you reaching for tights think about adding another layer to your outfit.

Try layering a pair of pantyhose underneath. They might be annoying when you need to visiting the washroom but the thin, extra-layer will provide a surprising extra layer of warmth during the cold winter months. You can also try layering a fitted tank top or t-shirt under a flowing tunic for a little extra fabric between you and the cold.

If you’re stoically shaking in your stockings while waiting for a bus think about layering up next time. While it’s still not the warmest choice for winter doubling up on layers of pantyhose can provide you with a little extra warmth and some

fun new colours of hose to pair with your favourite dress. Also, try and choose pantyhose with a high den count in the winter.

The higher the number the thicker the thread of the hose is.

If your winter coat lacks the all important hood try turning your pashmina into a homemade balaclava. Wrap the layers of fabric around your neck and loop over your head to keep spine-chilling flurries of snow from falling down your collar.

If you can’t afford to keep your house Sahara-warm as some campus buildings than you might want to add some blazers and sweaters to your wardrobe to curl up and study in.

The ugly sweater has made a comeback and updated versions of it are actually quite attractive. The modern ugly sweater features retro (’90s) patterns with a contemporary colour palette and generally have adopted the cardigan style over the traditional sweatshirt pattern. Other warm cover-ups can come in the shape of military-style blazers or feminine ’60s boleros and capelets.

Don’t let the cold reality of winter weather interfere with your idealistic wonderland. Layer up a couple of basics from your closet and pair them with a few of the season’s trends and you’ll be fashionable and warm through the season.

12 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Miley Cyrus reignites interest in salvia

brunswickanarts

Drug legal in Canada, popular among ‘kids’: shamanic aids store owner

Ginette Monaco The Ubyssey VANCOUVER (CUP) — “Everything turns to water — like cell-shaded water, and I fall onto a pirate ship as I’m smoking it. Then I start hallucinating.

All of a sudden I’m in the world of Zelda, like the Deku Tree area. And I try to run, but on salvia you can’t really move.”

These are the words Nick Workman, a University of Western Ontario student, used to describe his first experience with Salvia divinorum, or Diviner’s Sage, an entheogenic South American plant that can be legally sold and purchased in Canada. While Workman first tried salvia several years ago, the drug has been gaining users via unconventional channels.

In early December, popular celebrity gossip blog TMZ.com posted a video of Miley Cyrus, former Disney star, smoking from a bong at her 18th birthday party. In the video, the actress slurs and says she wants “more of that shit.”

According to TMZ’s sources, the “shit” in question is salvia.

Chris Bennett, owner of Vancouver’s Urban Shaman, counts salvia among his inventory of shamanic aids, though it’s not widely used.

“It was more popular a few years ago,” Bennett said. “It’s gone through its novelty potential.”

The Cyrus video sparked some renewed interest in the drug among an unlikely demographic. “Usually when something like that happens, I get a bunch of older people in, middle-age type people. The kids already know

about it,” said Bennett, in reference to the Cyrus video.

“Kids” is a broad term, as Bennett does not allow minors into his store.

However, the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey study showed that 7.3 per cent of Canadians between 15 and 24 have taken the drug at least once.

The sale of salvia is a grey area. In Canada, the plant is classed as a natural health product, meaning it cannot be sold unless it has been reviewed and authorized by Health Canada, which it hasn’t. A loophole in the law allows salvia to be sold openly so long as the consumer is informed that their purchase is not intended for human use.

“To date, Health Canada has not licensed for sale any drug or NHP which contains salvia as an ingredient,” said Christelle Legault, a spokesperson for the ministry.

This means that the sale of the plant is largely under the jurisdiction of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate. Their enforcement of these laws has been slack, according to a CBC article dated Oct. 19.

Bennett says that salvia is not meant for human consumption.

“Traditionally, it’s burned as an incense. It was used as a visionary oracle, so people would consult it with a question and from their vision try and decipher an answer.”

Using salvia can be an intense, powerful experience. Salvia trips are a popular topic of discussion in Bennett’s store. “I probably talk to more people about those experiences than anything else,” he said. “There are a lot of commonalities. A lot of people report they

Raymond Huang / The Ubyssey have a vision where everything is made out of Lego or pages of a book.”

Bennett himself is not a user of the plant. “I don’t really like salvia myself.

It’s not something I can see myself doing again. I find the loss of identity and personality too overwhelming or something.”

Recently, a woman from Burnaby, B.C. shattered her jawbone after jumping out a third-story window while

high on salvia. Bennett isn’t sure the drug is to blame, comparing the situation to “a drunk person blaming booze for their car accident. With some common sense and some safe precautions — like having somebody there with you — that sort of danger is negated.”

According to Legault, “Health Canada is currently assessing whether the regulation of Salvia divinorum … under the Controlled Drugs and Sub-

stances Act is warranted.”

Given its reputation, it is unlikely that the drug will ever receive approval.

Bennett sees this less as a vote for public safety than an act of suppression.

“The biggest concern about salvia is not any proclaimed health effects, it’s that, for five minutes, people are having a visionary experience,” he said. “It’s like our culture somehow fears that sort of thing.”

brunswickansports

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 13

sports@thebruns.ca

Men’s hockey team push win streak to five K. Bryannah James Staff Writer The Varsity Reds skated circles around Université de Moncton, beating their New Brunswick rivals in a 7-4 victory.

However, while the Reds secured their Friday night win, UPEI suffered a 7-1 defeat against the St. Thomas Tommies and were seeking redemption Saturday when they travelled to Fredericton to take on UNB. “That’s the secret of the AUS; you know we’re going to have a great opponent every night. Every weekend’s a tough weekend, we had a tough game last night in Moncton and we knew we would have a wounded animal tonight,” said Varsity Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall.

As both teams took the ice Saturday night, the Panthers clawed their way into a one-nothing lead within the first few minutes of play, when Matt Brenton put the puck past Derek Yeomans.

As the period drew on, the Varsity Reds and Panthers fought back and forth for the next goal, but it wouldn’t be until the first few seconds of the second period, when it would happen.

“We knew they were going to be coming out really hard, obviously anytime you lose 7-1 it’s embarrassing and you want to save some face,” said UNB forward Taylor Procyshen.

At fifty-one seconds into the second period, Hunter Tremblay upped the ante, scoring his 14th goal of the season evening the score with UPEI at 1-1.

“I mean, it’s important to play those games where the next shift can make a difference, and we’re fortunate tonight to have the shift that made the difference,” said MacDougall.

The Varsity Reds continued to create traffic around UPEI’s net, but Panther’s goalie Mark Guggenberger fought tooth and nail against every puck fired at his net, keeping the score even.

“Guggenberger played really well,” said Procyshen. “I mean it’s tough. You get fifty-five shots and you only get one goal, it’s obviously frustrating.”

Tensions grew as UNB continued to out-shoot UPEI throughout the second period, especially after the Panthers’s two minute misconduct for slashing, giving the Reds a two-man advantage.

UNB defensemen Josh Kidd fights off UPEI defesive pressure in Saturday night action at the Aitken Centre.The Varsity Reds increased their first place lead over the second place Saint Mary’s Huskies sweeping the weekend dropping UdeM 7-4 and UPEI 2-1 in OT. Bronté James / The Brunswickan The scored remained the same after the second period with the third period having similar troubles for UNB to score. The only chance that the Varsity Reds had was an offside shot that found the back of the net.

The final period can to an end with the score even at 1-1.

In overtime MacDougall called a timeout at 7:50 into the period to settle

the panel voice your opinion

down the team; little did he know that seconds after the timeout was over, UNB would be cheering for the second victory.

At 8:11, UNB’s newest member on the team Marc-Antoine Desnoyers assisted Procyshen in his winning goal.

“I figured it’s in overtime so it’s never a bad play to shoot the puck. So I just kind of put it where I thought it would

go in, and thankfully it went in,” said Procyshen. “It’s just nice to get the win.”

With a 2-1 win in overtime and outshooting the Panthers 55-19, the Varsity Reds put themselves in a good position with the weekend victories, now preparing for their home games against StFX and SMU next weekend.

“The whole secret of this is to try and get better every night and there’s two

Which player on the men’s volleyball team has made the biggest impact this season?

Christopher Cameron

Colin McPhail

Josh Fleck

Julio Fernandez has been huge for the men’s volleyball team this season. After watching him in both matches against Dalhousie and both at home against Memorial he has by far been the most consistent player and has been huge for the team with kills.

While names like Sweet, Sheehan and even Fontaine are appearing consistently in discussion about the men’s success, Kyle Blanchard has been the player with the biggest impact so far. Blanchard’s stellar defensive play and experience has been vital and will continue to be in their quest to knock off Dal.

There are three players this year who have really put their stamp on the volleyball season. Veenhuis, Sheehan and Fernandez. Sheehan is leading the AUS in blocks per game and hitting percentage, while Fernandez and Veenhuis are at the top of pretty much every major statistical category. If I had to pick one of them to have the biggest impact, it would be Sheehan.

Sports Editor

EIC

Sports Writer

ways to get better. One, within your own practices and the second is having a good opponent. I think we’re going to get an opportunity to get better next week because we’ve got two really good opponents,” said MacDougall.

Over the weekend the Varsity Reds also released their new mascot for the hockey team, Prospect, based around the Varsity Reds Prospects program.

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Rob Williams Sports Writer

Matt Sweet has been a constant offensive threat for the Reds throughout the season. He’s a third year player, so they’ll be expecting bigger things from him next year, including major team leadership. He’s 6’2” and a solid guy on the front line of attack.

He’s an important V-Red on this team and that will continue.

brunswickansports Men’s basketball lose nail biter on home court

14 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Brian Savoie Sports Reporter

The Varsity Reds men’s basketball team was home on Friday for their toughest test this season so far, losing a tight game to the Saint Mary’s Huskies 65-63. Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

After a split on the road last, the UNB men’s basketball team hosted the Saint Mary’s Huskies at home for one of their toughest tests in their season thus far.

Although the Huskies were the first to get on the board early in the game, the Reds were hungry for the win and by the end of the first quarter led the Huskies by four points. The Huskies came into the second quarter revved up and ready to go.

The second quarter displayed the even matchup with both teams trading basket for basket, with UNB trailing SMU by one, 32-31 going into the half.

As the second half kicked off the Varsity Reds dominated the court early, netting three consecutive baskets, coupled with drawing the Huskies into foul trouble.

UNB continued their dominance throughout the quarter, dropping three consecutive three point shots in the final minutes of the quarter ensured that UNB had the lead going into the final quarter 49-46.

Colton Wilson helped keep the Varsity Reds in the lead in the final 10, nailing a three-pointer, and giving the team in-

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Wilson and Quirion were the Reds top scorers with 23 and 17 points respectively.

UNB rookie William McFee also proved that he was willing to sacrifice his body several times drawing multiple fouls and dropping a respective 12 points in the game.

This game was crucial in keeping UNB in a playoff position, which after the weekend they still maintain, but only by two points over UPEI. Baker discussed what his team needed to do to change and what to do to defeat StFX and SMU next weekend.

“It will take a team effort,” said Baker.

“We will have to minimize the turnovers and finish at the basket when we get those opportunities.”

Although the loss was a negative for the team as they look to move out of this slump of missing the playoffs, Baker praised the positive points of the game.

“Hopefully, we can maintain the playoff defensive intensity we showed on Friday night,” he said. “We were evenly matched due some great defence by Dan Quirion.

He held the nation’s number one scorer to 16 points and all shots were contested.”

The Varsity Reds next action is on the road next weekend against StFX Friday night and SMU on Saturday.

Women’s basketball dominate SMU

Dr. T. Wayne Lenehan Dr. M. Michele Leger

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credible motivation to play tight defense for the first few minutes of the quarter, not letting the Huskies take any easy baskets. In particular Dan Quiron helped to make sure that no shot or play went unchallenged.

With two minutes to go, UNB led by four points and looked like they were poised to take the Huskies down.

The final minute of play saw four timeouts being called and the Huskies scoring another basket and a foul shot. UNB had several opportunities for baskets in the final thirty seconds, but the ball just did not seem to want to bounce their way.

The final timeout was called with 8.7 seconds to go, but UNB just could not pull the play together on the court in the final seconds, with SMU edging out the Varsity Reds 65-63.

After the game UNB head coach Brent Baker discussed the breakdown in the final quarter and what happened to their lead.

“Plain and simple we did not convert at the offensive end and they did,” said Baker.

“I tell our players the only people beating us is us at times. Would I change anything in the last two minutes? No. Those late timeouts put the ball in the hands of the guys we thought had the best chance of converting.”

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The women’s basketball team continued their winning ways and maintained top spot in the AUS, yet again walking over the Saint Mary’s Huskies at home over the weekend 84-59. Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan Brian Savoie Sports Reporter The Varsity Reds may have been taking on Saint Mary’s for the first time this season over the weekend, but UNB was dominate in shutting down the Huskies as if they know every move SMU was going to make beforehand.

UNB was quick to establish that they were there to win, drawing first blood at the beginning of the game nailing successive baskets. They kept the pressure up on the Huskies and didn’t let them sneak in any easy shots.

While their scoring was clicking, the Varsity Reds seemed to be struggling to get their fouls under control.

They managed to get themselves back in check and with the help of Megan Corby, drawing fouls from Huskies early on. Things were still close at the end of the first quarter with UNB only ahead by six points.

The Huskies pulled ahead briefly at the beginning of the second quarter, but UNB quickly tightened up their defence. The Huskies still managed to net a few more baskets before the end of the quarter, but the Varsity Reds were still ahead at halftime, 38-28.

The Huskies came into the third quarter wanting the win and scored five points right out the gate.

UNB quickly recovered and kept up the pressure, but even then the Husk-

ies were no pushovers with plenty of overturns and lots of back and forth.

But with a tight defense and solid offensive plays the Reds went into the fourth quarter ahead by 12 points.

In the fourth quarter the Reds made it clear they wanted the win and pulled no punches. They quickly picked up momentum after a few baskets and kept the majority of the action in the Huskies end throughout the final quarter. They kept their fouls to only one that quarter while drawing nine from the Huskies. UNB came out on top, winning by 25 points, 84-59.

“They’re a very good basketball team, but we just did a really good job defensively Friday night and out rebounded them by a tonne, which is what allowed us to get such a big separation from them,” said UNB head coach Jeff Speedy.

Speedy continued saying that SMU is one of the top teams in the league with some of the top players in the country and picking up a win against them speaks volumes of his team’s skill.

“No they’re actually quite good. I would guess we’re going to have our hands full when we play them down there on Sunday,” he said. “They’ve got the leading scorer in the country on their team and a former two-time AUS all-star who I believe is leading the league in rebounding.”

Speedy was pleased with the Corby

sisters play, stepping up on the score sheet when they were needed with Megan and Leah Corby standing out through most of the game, netting 19 and 28 points respectively. Not to be outdone, Claire Colborne wanted to show that she could tickle the twine just as well as any Corby, scoring 18 points.

“They’ve had a good couple weeks for sure. Leah is a scorer and it’s a luxury to have three scorers with Claire and Amanda also,” said Speedy. “I don’t think Claire and Amanda had the shots in Friday night’s game, but fortunately Leah and Megan picked up the scoring slack.”

The four point win proved important as the Cape Breton University Capers are on the V-Reds heals only two points back of first place.

“Well they’re (four point games) definitely big, they’re definitely important,” said Speedy. “At the same time we try to just play the game we have in front of us and do the best we can. If it’s a four point win, that is great. We don’t put any special emphasis on practicing differently when it’s a four point game. It’s good to be 3-0 in the four pointers, but all three have been at home so for us to get anymore they’re going to be on the road except for the Cape Breton one at home.”

UNB’s next action is on the road this weekend against StFX and Saint Mary’s.

brunswickansports

Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144 • 15

Suit up for hockey?

Christopher Cameron An Opinion Corporations and businesses When you go to an NHL game today, generally speaking, the diehard fans are unable to sit in the prime seating locations.

It is the “suits” or corporate big shots that control the 1,000 or 100 levels of the arenas.

I originally believed this was the case in Toronto, where the Leafs have no trouble selling out games, even with outrageous ticket prices, but after attending a Montreal Canadiens game last Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, I realized how much of a big deal this was.

Although I am saying that the average person cannot sit in the lower bowl, this was the case when I was there last week.

I was fortunate enough to be in the 100 level of the Bell Centre.

This being the case it is not a possibility to get these tickets easily. The vast majority of lower bowl seats in most NHL markets are owned by season ticket holders, who are generally businesses or corporate sponsors, basically individuals or groups with money.

Season tickets for an NHL are no cheap investment whatsoever and therefore the average fan living in any of these cities.

This was definitely evident last Wednesday in Montreal with the fans surrounding my seat.

Without either connection with these season ticket holders or a middle man site like Stub Hub, where you can buy tickets from a season ticket holder, it is near impossible to find these seats. This is something that should definitely be looked into, but of course no team will do that as they know this is where their money comes from aside from sponsors. In order to afford players large salaries they need to have the expensive ticket prices to be able

How much water is too much?

Brian Savoie Sports Reporter

The big wigs are taking over in the big leagues when it comes to tickets. Chris discusses issues with this in this week’s To The Point. davduf / Flickr CC to afford to pay their players.

What this boils down to is that while attending this game it was obvious where the serious fans were sitting and their ability to pay for seating. By far the loudest fans in the arena throughout the game were those sitting in the upper level of the arena.

I want to bring life back to the NHL, much like Gary Bettman is trying to do. Fans need to actually be able to buy tickets where they want to sit in order to enjoy the game, rather than sitting in seats where you can barely tell what player you’re watching.

Outlandish contracts affecting ticket prices After some serious thoughts concerning how much players make and ticket prices, lowering players salaries will not lower ticket prices.

Management knows they can sell the tickets at prices they are currently at. Therefore if salary goes down, the team will make more money and the management or “suits” will be walking around with fatter pockets than they already have.

At a recent talk given at the Canadian

University Press yearly national conference, Dave Stubbs a Montreal Gazette sports columnist discussed how even in Ottawa, although a popular place to watch hockey, when Montreal plays in there it is as if it is a home game for the Canadiens.

Stubbs attributed this to the cost and availability of tickets to Habs fans. Similar to this, when the Leafs play the Sens in Ottawa it is as if the game is being played in Toronto. I personally travelled to Ottawa for a game against the Bruins last January and 100 level seats were not impossible to find, although bought through a season ticket holder they were affordable.

Ottawa’s salary is not a significant amount less than Montreal, yet ticket prices are lower. Montreal has a history; the team uses that to make more money off tickets from corporate ticket holders.

Just food for thought. Next time you’re complaining about players in the NHL making outlandish amounts of money, it’s probably better they are making it then someone sitting behind a desk that is already making more than enough.

Water is essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body. The human body is comprised of roughly 70 per cent water and is used in a multitude of bodily processes and functions. From maintaining body temperature to aiding in digestion, water keeps us going.

Everyone knows that it is important to drink enough water, but the big question is what is enough? When it comes to athletes it is an important question because there are many hydrating alternatives out there that preach their superiority to water when it comes to athletic performance. So what’s the real story here?

Well for someone who does not regularly engage in cardio strenuous activities, drinking too much water isn’t really an issue. Eight glasses is the recommended minimum for the typical person or about two litres.

This may sound high, but when you take into account that breathing alone can use up about 250 millitres of water a day, it is clear to see just how much general movement can really burn up the water in a person’s body. If a person drinks more than two litres and is not breaking a sweat during the day, the biggest consequence will in all likelihood will just be an extra trip or two to the bathroom.

Athletes and regular gym goers are a different story. People who are doing cardio strenuous activities, raising their heat rates and “breaking a sweat,” are clearly using more water than someone who isn’t.

The bulk of that water use is from sweating, which is an evolved trait that

we as humans have to help maintain body temperature through water evaporating on our skin. So clearly the two litres recommended minimum amount usually doesn’t cut it. In general a person can easily lose over a litre of water an hour during exercising and all of that needs to be replaced through water consumption during and after the workout.

When it comes to hydration alternatives, the various liquid concoctions that are owned by soft drink companies and have names that tend to end in “ade” are not really all that necessary for the average or even the above average athletic person. In a nutshell, these drinks are meant to replace not only water that is lost, but electrolytes or “salts” that the body also loses while working out.

The general person will be just as fine and healthy drinking normal water after or during a workout. The only time that water can become an issue is in extreme cases of exertion where drinking water can cause cell death and in rare cases actually can lead to heart attacks and death. These situations are rare and are generally associated with marathon or extreme runners who consume too much water and do not replace the electrolytes that the body has also lost.

On top of making our bodies run smoothly and keeping us healthy, water is a key ingredient for those looking to lose weight. It is an appetite suppressant, indirectly helps with the metabolization of fat and makes overall digestion run smoothly.

The long and short of water consumption is that it’s great for you and people today aren’t getting enough of it. Ensure you are consuming enough water and using it in the best way possible.

16 • Jan. 19, 2011 • Issue 16 • Volume 144

Women’s volleyball come from behind to move into second place

The women’s volleyball team went into the weekend short of Monica Jones with questions surrounding their ability to adjust to the loss.The lost the first two sets against the Dalhousie Tigers, but bounced back winning three straight to take the match 3-2.

Bronté James / The Brunswickan Jennifer Bishop The Brunswickan After a tough loss last weekend against the Saint Mary’s Huskies, the UNB women’s volleyball team pulled out a hard-fought win over the Dalhousie Tigers in a five-set struggle.

The Varsity Reds had a strong start in the first set showing exceptional setting and blocking but lost focus, letting the score creep away in Dal’s favour leaving the final score of the first set at 25-17 for Dalhousie.

The second set also went in Dal’s favour. The Reds had poor coverage of the ball losing the second set 25-17.

“We need to serve receive much, much better than we do,” said UNB head coach John Richard. “I mean our middle offence is so important to us that we need to pass better off serve receive. It’s all we’ve been doing in practice.”

Dalhousie head coach, Rick Scott said that strong serving was their team’s strategy.

“We wanted to serve tough, obviously they have a very powerful offensive team,” Scott said. “We tried to put them in trouble on serve receive.”

UNB pressed on and picked up their game going into the third set getting the first six points.

The team’s overall hitting and serving improved during the set with an exceptional serve by Erica Hay that came in low to skimming the net leaving Dal scrambling and giving UNB an ace.

The Varsity Reds managed to hang on to a 10-point lead throughout most of the set, giving them their first win of the game.

Richard said that his advice and motivation stayed steady throughout the game.

“I really didn’t say anything in the third, fourth and fifth than I did in the first and second, but somehow we just kind of caught a spark and

with the same girls we were able to get some momentum back and it worked,” he said.

The Reds started out the fourth set with a service error, but that was no indicator of how the match was going to go.

The team played strong offence and regained the ball, keeping the score close throughout the match. UNB started to play together once again, staying around ten points ahead of Dal throughout the last half of the set giving them a 25-15 win, to take the match to the fifth set.

The final set saw the Reds get the first point.

The score stayed close throughout until UNB opened up the lead. The final point of the game was a kill by Rebecca Glancy off a service by Tanya Paulin giving the team a solid finish to a shaky game. The final score of the set was 15-8.

After the game, Richard said he knew the VReds could win, but he wasn’t sure if they would pull things together in time.

“I mean it was tough. We thought we had a pretty good warm up and we thought we’d come out a lot stronger than that, so I was a little bit in shock and so were our girls,” he said. “We knew if we just kept on being aggressive and not passive it would come, I just didn’t know if it would be soon enough.”

With a disappointing game for the Reds serve receive Richard said, “We’ll try to take a different approach [in practice] and continue to work on that. We have two weeks off now, we have next weekend off so I think we’ll have a lot of time to improve in that area.”

The player of the game for UNB was Jill Blanchard with 16 kills, one ace and one block, while the Tiger’s player of the game was Lauren Smith with 27 blocks.

The Varsity Reds next action is next weekend on the road against the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues and the Acadia Axewomen.

briefs Men’s volleyball ready for final Interlock The UNB men’s volleyball team will travel to Halifax this weekend for the third and final AUSQSSF Interlock tournament. The team finished with a 1-2 record at the first Interlock at Laval, while improving in the second at Sherbrooke to go 2-1, with their only loss being to nationally ranked, number one Laval.

Boyce continues to impress in the NHL After scoring his first NHL goal on Jan. 1, formerV-Red Darryl Boyce is continuing to impress. In nine games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season he has posted five points, two goals and three assists, while continuing to pick up more ice time, averaging 13:46 in his past five games.

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