Issue 3, Vol 142, The Brunswickan

Arts // harvest jazz and blues spread inside >> pages 8 & 9

Volume 142 · Issue 3 · Sept. 17, 2008

thebruns.ca

the brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

Rugby Season Begins

Student Debt

Does the PSE action plan address the real problems for students?

UNB men’s and women’s rugby teams ready to ruck ‘n’ roll

Opinion, page 6

SU calls byelection

Sports, page 12

Re-evolution

SPORE is making waves, one eukaryote at a time Arts, page 11

A Weekend in the City

Sarah Ratchford The Brunswickan

On top of the federal election, UNB students will have another reason to head to the polls in October: the Student Union has called a byelection.

The byelection will occur in order to fill several positions that were not elected in the spring general election, including representatives for the faculties of Nursing, Forestry and Environment, Computer Science,Business,Engineering,Education, and Kinesiology. Also up for grabs are the positions of International Representative and Senate Representative.

The byelection will also give students a chance to vote for who will represent them as VP External on the SU executive.

A search committee selected Jon O’Kane in April 2008 for the position of VP External, in accordance with SU bylaws. His selection, however, was a matter of great debate at last week’s council meeting.

During last year’s SU general elections for 2008-09, Tim Ross won a two-person race for the position. As a Renaissance College student, however, Ross faced academic obligations which prevented him from being able to be present for much of the summer, during which he would have had to work as the VP External. Ross eventually resigned from the position in the spring.

In accordance with SU bylaw 1 section 31, council created a search committee to select someone as VP external for appointment by council. According to SU bylaw 1 section 35 (L), it is acceptable for the president to appoint someone to the position.

A search committee was formed and hired O’Kane from a selection of applicants for the position, to assure that the position could be filled by May 1. SU President Bethany Vail officially appointed O’Kane as VP External on May 1, though council never ratified the appointment.

At last week’s council meeting, the issue of ratification was debated. The options were to ratify O’Kane as VP External on the spot, or overrun the constitution and make him run for the position.

In a memo to council, Faculty of Law representative Jonathan Griffith stated that he was in strong favour of adding the position of VP External to the roster of positions for the by-election.

Griffith was not present at last week’s meeting.

“Last year’s council robbed UNB students of their chance to participate in selecting SU executives,” said Griffith in his memo. “Their actions ran contrary to principles of democracy.”

Senate Representative Nick Ouellette agreed, noting that he would not support the appointment of an executive member where a byelection is possible.

Ouellette said he not wish for any

See Byelection Page 3

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

Bloc Party ripped it up on Saturday night at the Bud Light Blues Tent, performing in front of a sell-out crowd until the early hours of the morning. Brunswickan Arts Editor Doug Estey sat down with drummer Matt Tong to discuss music, dreams, and the Foo Fighters.

Doug Estey

The Brunswickan

“You know, I’m a very frustrated race car driver. I enjoy go-karting.”

Sitting at the bar of the Crowne Plaza hotel, Matt Tong sips on a glass of orange juice, thoughtfully glancing through the menu while he enjoys a quiet break from the public.

“Oh wow, they’ve got fish and chips, would you look at that.”

He promptly decides that he’ll save

lunchtime for later and instead returns the conversation to his band, European indie sensation Bloc Party, for which he plays percussion. Slated for a performance that night as a member of the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival headlining group, you would hardly be able to tell by the calm expression adorning his features.

Hungover, unshaven, and seemingly stress-free, Tong smiles at the not-sodistant memory of how his musical career came to be.

“I’ve always wanted to be a piano player, with idols like Little Richard or

Jerry Lewis. As such, I got into piano lessons, but I eventually shifted into guitar, and then, finally, drums.”

In 2001, he was chosen to play in the band after being approached by one his colleagues, Kele Okereke, who proposed an audition. Band mate Gordon Moakes joined around the same time after an advertisement in New Musical Express.

“I suppose that can be a disadvantage of sorts. Sometimes it’s apparent that we have something less of an emotional connection to each other, at least in comparison to the types of bands that come out of high school. That being

said, we all really want to be here and that motivation has been enough.”

Undoubtedly so. To date, Bloc Party’s first two albums have been certified as Platinum and Gold, respectively. Even then, Tong remains modest.

“I was really lucky to join up with [Kele and Russell] when I did. They were headed in the right direction and had established a very well-defined sense of identity. From there, it just took us some time to become consistently good in our live performance.”

See Bloc Party Page 10

Three buildings evacuated in Monday madness Josh O’Kane

The Brunswickan

Three incidents on Monday saw buildings evacuated at UNB Fredericton.

In the morning, four students fainted and at least two students felt nauseated in Marshall d’Avray Hall, leading city fire officials to evacuate the building. Excess heat is being blamed for the incident.

At about 3 p.m. another call was made to the Fredericton Fire Department, this time reporting the smell of chlorine in the Enterprise UNB building. The building was also evacuated, but no one was injured. The smell was generated when

two cleaning products came in contact with each other.

Aitken House was also briefly evacuated around this time, when fire crews responded to what was believed to be a faulty alarm. No problems were found in the building.

Bob Martin, Assistant Deputy Fire Chief with the Fredericton Fire Department, said on Monday that the incidents were not related.

While the six students from d’Avray were taken to hospital in the morning, an additional 55 students from the same classroom were quarantined in the neighboring Aitken Centre for several hours.

BEACH PARTY

“Right now, we believe it was too hot in there,” said Martin of the d’Avray incident. “There were 70 people in that classroom. It’s big, it could probably hold 120, but all the windows were closed. It was a humid day, and it was hot in there when we went in.”

The building was evacuated at 10:15 a.m. and reopened shortly after 3 p.m.

The fire department’s HAZMAT team performed air quality tests and determined that oxygen levels were good and that carbon monoxide was not present. Water tests at the drinking fountain also came up clean.

None of the affected students had done anything together before the incident,

said Martin.

Cynthia Goodwin, Director of Communications and Marketing for UNB, said that the university is thankful for the quick reaction of emergency services to the d’Avray incident.

“We appreciate how quickly and professionally emergency services came to help us with the situation,” she said.

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff comes first and foremost.”

The six students that were hospitalized for the d’Avray incident were discharged by mid-afternoon.

Enterprise UNB reopened shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday.

The

Saturday Sept 20: The Ballroom is open

All You Need Is Your Student I.D.

NFL FoOTBALL, FRIDAY BUCKETS, POOL, FOOSEBALL, EXPANDED HOURS, FRIDAY BUCKETS, LIVE MUSIC, NEW KITCHEN AND MORE

brunswickannews

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 3

Igniting change Supplementary garbage pickup programs on College Hill in order to prevent abundant cases of arson

Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan

The discarded couches of College Hill can rest their poor, upholstered hearts. The arson rate is going down.

In previous years, Orientation Week has been greeted by the volume of arson-related crimes, notably those on Graham Ave. properties. While students are moving in and summer residents are moving out, objects such as mattresses and couches that are no longer needed tend to get left out on the curb. This action, unknown or unimportant to residents, is prohibited by New Brunswick law. Communities adjacent to the universities are already subject to some student partying and all it encompasses.

The last thing they need is the eyesore of garbage left to fester on the streets.

“There was the supplementary waste pick-up program that was carried out at the end of the last academic year and the beginning of this year,” says Jon O’Kane, Vice President External of the Student Union. “The way that’s structured is there is actually an independent contractor who essentially patrols the streets looking for garbage and if there is something large like a couch or something that is out on the street he’ll pick it up and take it with him to the trash.”

This program, though it has reduced the number of arsonrelated incidents on College Hill from eleven incidents last Orientation Week to just one this year , requires no effort on the part of the community, says O’Kane.

“That is not the best way of facilitating that program,” he says. “There are other aspects to it

that you want the community to get involved in and make it more community driven.

“We’re trying to facilitate a used goods pick up and sale that will replace the supplementary pick up.

That is going to happen this April during and after exams. We’re going to work with a community partner who will help us with the transport of any used goods that are left behind.

“Instead of just leaving it out on the streets where somebody might just walk by, take it or light it on fire, or whatever they want, the charity organization will help us pick that up and deliver to a central location, ideally on campus, where we we’re going to have almost a flea market of unwanted goods and all of the proceeds and unwanted goods are going to be donated to the partner that initially helped us transport the goods.”

Th current supplementary garbage pick-up program is funded not only by UNB and St. Thomas University, but also by the city. A partnership, called the Mayors Working Group on Community and University Relations, has representatives from both Student Unions, as well as members of the city. For the future program, the community partners will take care of pick-up and the Student Unions will take charge of the sale.

This program, though born from laziness and poor housekeeping, appears to be working. O’Kane is optimistic that results will continue to be positive.

“Even starting off this year, the police and fire department, their initial reports are quite optimistic in the sense that measurements and indicators from last year compared to this year are much better. That’s even for numbers of people on the streets and people they’ve had to stop and essentially enforce some rules on. Those numbers have all gone down. Accounts of arson have also gone down, hopefully correlated to the supplementary pick-up program. Overall the year is starting on a very good tone.”

With the supplementary pickup resuming in its new form in April 2009, O’Kane is hopeful the program will continue to ignite change.

Who let the dogs out?

Sarah Ratchford The Brunswickan

Residents of Fredericton who walk their dogs on the city’s sports fields have another thing coming.

The City has made a bylaw amendment to ban dogs from all sports fields, public swimming areas, and playgrounds.

Councillor David Kelly, chair of the City’s Community Services Committee, says “We just don’t want people bringing their animals out on the areas where children are playing.”

Spectators are still free to being their dogs to events they are attending at the fields and parks.

“It’s important that the public knows it’s only the fields themselves” that dogs are not permitted to be on, he says.

Areas that the city wishes to be kept canine-free will be clearly labelled with signage.

Frederictondogownersexpressed mixed views on the subject.

“As long as you pick up after your dog it’s fine, and I always do,” says dog-owner Mahin Rahnemoon.

She says she usually walks her dog on the field at Fredericton High School unless people are actually playing sports on it at the time.

Even though she is responsible and makes sure to pick up after her dog Nell, she is being penalized by those who are not quite as conscientious.

Nell himself remained stonily silent on the subject, refusing to provide comment.

In spite of the difficulties created

by the bylaw, Communications representative for the city Wayne Knorr says the move was necessary.

He says that since feces and urine of animals can carry diseases such as ringworm which can be transferred over to humans, children should be protected from coming in contact with it.

Corey Elois is also a dog-owner in the area. While on the one hand he understands the reasoning behind the bylaw, he is concerned about the decrease in green space caused by it.

Elois usually walks his dog Charlie in Odell Park, but he also plays Frisbee with him at a local soccer field, an option which is now closed to him.

Like Rahnemoon, Elois also makes a habit of cleaning up after his pet.

“It’s your pet; it’s part of your family,” he says.

A good observation, considering the fact that today, many people choose to have dogs in lieu of children.

“There are only so many spaces open where you can let your dog run,” says Elois.

Kelly said the safety of the city’s children makes up “150% why” the city made the bylaw amendment.

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Parking spaces become scarce as UNB makes way for the building of the Currie Center. The building will be 139,150 square feet and will cost 50 million dollars.

A tale of parking, or lack thereof Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan

Students who drive to campus do not have to spend time poring over bus schedules and digging for bus fare. Unfortunately, as UNB’s latest project undergoes construction they may have to spend more time hovering for an available parking space.

Construction for the Richard J. Currie Center began this July and is the largest single capital building project in Fredericton history. The building will be 139,150 square feet and will cost $50 million. Despite the building’s key role in the coming years with the Faculty of Kinesiology, right now it is costing student drivers 50 parking spots at

the Lady Beaverbrook Gym. Reg Jerrett, Director of Security and Traffic for UNB, says that “The Currie Center is an exciting project for UNB and the larger community. The sacrifices that are being made from a parking perspective are temporary, but the long term benefits that the Currie Center will provide and the state of the art complex that will result make it all worthwhile.”

Though benefits are in the near future, it does not change the frustration and complications that arise while students are driving aimlessly, wasting ever more expensive gasoline and making themselves late for class as they hunt for vacant white lines.

Jerrett, as well the powers that be at the university, is aware that the Currie Center’s building poses a problem for students with vehicles and commends them for

Polls open Oct. 12 From Byelection Page 1

damage to the integrity of the Student Union, and “where there’s the ability to hold a byelection, not holding one can damage the Student Union’s integrity,” he said at council.

“The core issue is democracy,” said Ouellette, “which the Student Union has tried to preserve.”

O’Kane himself said he was fully supportive of the byelection. He remained optimistic throughout the meeting, stating that he plans to run for the position.

“I will continue to carry out the mandate until I can hopefully fulfill the position after the byelection,” he said at council.

Renaissance College Representative Matt Abbott expressed much concern regarding the resignation of his classmate Tim Ross.

Abbott said at council that “not being able to be VP External because of academic pressures is concerning.”

Students at Renaissance College, an interdisciplinary leadership college at UNB, must do an international internship after their second year. Abbott said students should not be prevented from participation in SU activities because of that.

Abbott, too, stated he was in favour of VP External being up for election. He says, however, that he does want O’Kane to run.

Student Union President Bethany Vail expressed mixed views on the subject.

When Tim Ross resigned, it fell

on Vail’s shoulders to ensure that the position of VP External was filled as soon as possible.

The position is an extremely important one to the union, as the person who fills it functions as the face of UNB in the community.

Vail was transparent in her support for O’Kane.

“From a personal standpoint, I would love if we could simply ratify VP O’Kane tonight,” said Vail at Council.

Part of the VP External’s job description is to present the Student Union’s standpoint on the upcoming federal election.

Running in the by-election will “chew up a lot of his time,” said Vail – time that he could be spending doing his job as VP. In spite of this sentiment, Vail admitted that Griffith brought up important points regarding democracy.

She maintained a diplomatic attitude throughout the meeting, and stated that “really, I do believe in democracy, and I believe that students have a right” to elect their representatives.

Thus, the motion for a byelection, including for the position of VP External, was carried unanimously, with O’Kane having recorded his abstention.

Nominations for the byelection begin on Friday Sept. 19, and close on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. Following this there will be a candidate meeting, after which campaigning can begin.

Polls will open on Oct. 12 at 12:01 a.m. and close on Oct. 17 at 11:59 p.m.

Corrections Jordan Graham was VP External of the UNB Student Union in 2007-08. Incorrect information appeared on page A1 of the Sept. 10 issue of The Brunswickan.

Red Bull is an independent company and not a subsidiary of Coca-Cola. Incorrect information appeared on page A5 of the Sept. 10 issue of The Brunswickan.

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

the “support and understanding they have shown during these exciting times for UNB and the larger community.”

Measures are also being taken by the city to lessen some of the problems caused by construction.

“The city is expected to have University Ave. open to traffic by the end of September and this will allow vehicles access to the parking lot next to the Lady Beaverbrook Gym. This will alleviate some of the parking issues at the gym as people could park there and walk to the gym.”

As to whether or not the lack of parking will create problems in the winter months, Jerrett believes that the problems will not be greater than in previous years and certainly not concentrated near the construction area, “the majority of the fender benders that we do have occur in the parking lot at the Student Union building. That

facility has not changed any. You’re still going to get the same number of vehicles trying to park there.”

The university has roughly 3000 parking spots in total, 450 of which are designated solely for student use.

In addition to that there are 1600 parking spots which are designated for general use where students with parking permits are allowed.

Over the span of a university year there is an average of 1400 parking permits sold.

According to basic mathematics, there should be ample parking space for students. However, some places are more convenient than others and getting to class on time may require a little less hitting of a snooze button and a little more trudging up College Hill. If students get sore walking, at least the Currie Center will soon be churning out some of the future physiotherapists of Canada.

thebruns.ca

brunswickannews

4 • Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142

More students on exchange at UNB Earl Denver Montanez The Brunswickan

Christian Hapgood / The Brunswickan

Members of the Fredericton Fire Department chat outside Marshall d’Avray Hall on Monday, Sept. 15 after responding to an incident where four students fainted in a lecture theatre. For more details, see page 1.

Provost to guide UNB into the future UNB appointed its VP Research Greg Kealey as its Provost this past summer Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan

Provost is a relatively new term for members of the university community. It’s is also a new position for Vice President Research Greg Kealey who will be taking on that role in the coming years.

The provost not only acts as a liaison between UNB Fredericton and UNBSJ, they also work with both the federal and provincial governments to ensure that the province, community and university can co-operate and coexist harmoniously.

Greg Kealey has been the Vice President Research at UNB since 2001 and will continue in this position until 2011. His provostship will also continue until then and, depending on the progress made with the addition of the job, the position will either continue or be terminated. He was approached by the university to become provost even though the position is more likely to be given to the second-in-command, the Vice President Academic.

“It’s a position that is fairly common in larger Canadian universities. It usually is the VicePresident Academic, but because of the two-campus nature of UNB, which means we really have two Vice Presidents Academic

– one in Fredericton and one in Saint John – and because the Vice President Research has bi-campus responsibilities, I think that was why the president and the board chose me.”

University of New Brunswick President John McLaughlin approached Kealey to take on the duties of provost and the decision was then brought to the board.

McLaughlin states, “Well, we went through the post-secondary review and we were talking about a more integrated system; it was clear that it was probably appropriate at this time to have somebody represent both campuses in terms of the overall academic agenda going forward for New Brunswick universities.”

Of the key reasons for selecting Kealey, McLaughlin states, “he currently has university-wide responsibilities and the two campus vice presidents are new and obviously need to have time to develop their portfolios.”

McLaughlin also noted Kealey’s experience as a crucial part of his appointment. His academic background will certainly play a part as he adds the role of provost to what he calls “a more than fulltime job” and laughs as he says that he has a lot of “multi-tasking and time management” to engage himself in. Though he admits that juggling his workload will be a bit of a challenge, it is obvious that he is more than willing to fulfill the position.

Students may wonder whether the appointment of a provost will be beneficial, negative or completely irrelevant to the student population. Kealey certainly hopes

that his position will be beneficial to the student population and states that, “The major reason we’re here is because we’re an educational institution. In terms of students, the Dean of Graduates studies reports to me so I’ve been fairly involved with the graduate studies agenda here and as Vice President I have had some contact with the Student Union over the years and certainly with the students who are on the board of governors.”

Kealey’s new position will undeniably immerse him further into the academic lives of the student body, a task which he anticipates with a welcome enthusiasm, “I look forward to some additional contact with the Student Union and generally trying to improve UNB in every way, which certainly includes improving our undergraduate education and improving student life.”

One of Kealey’s concerns for the student population is the increasing costs for post-secondary education.

He says that the university needs to be working with all levels of government to lessen the financial burden and to create accessibility to post secondary education in general.

Kealey’s approach to his new role is very open-minded and his concerns span everything from graduate research to the quality of student life.

“I am very committed to the University of New Brunswick and making it as best as we can be from every perspective, including the student perspective.”

This is the third in a series of articles exploring new faces and positions at UNB.

Send us News Tips

news@thebruns.ca

Mostly from European countries, the numbers of exchange students are at their highest at UNB since the start of the Student Abroad Program in 2005.

This year, the International Relations Office, which is spearheaded by Silke Klenk, reports 75 exchange students coming from 22 countries for the fall term of 2008. Klenk expects to have more incoming exchange students by the winter term of 2009.

The majority of the exchange students hail from the countries of United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Australia, France, the United States, The Netherlands, Spain, China, and Mexico – just to name a few.

“The increase of exchange students is brought about by the process of centralization here at UNB Fredericton,” Klenk explains.

“Before, the process of student exchange was done through the faculty and there were no clear statistics on how many come and go each year,” she adds.

Aside from the world-class courses offered by each faculty to exchange students and the benefits of studying English, Klenk adds that exchange students specifically like UNB because almost everything is accessible once the students start studying.

“The atmosphere in UNB is welcoming and friendly,” Klenk says.

“I chose UNB Fredericton because it was the best place my faculty offered me to improve my English and get a really good learning about my degree,” says Pablo Rodriguez de Castro, a forestry exchange student from Spain. “The professors are great… and the people here are used to meeting foreign people, so they always try to help exchange students like me in the best way they can.”

The International Relations Office, established four years ago, is mandated to oversee the

internationalization initiatives at UNB. One of its goals is to provide an international education to UNB students by offering several programs in place to foster said goal. The Student Abroad Program brings exchange students from all over the world to UNB and enables students from here to study at an international campus for a term or academic year.

“The program has been growing significantly since it was introduced three years ago”, said Klenk. “It is a good [exposure] for students who want to have an international experience added to their university life [and have] a different perspective of the world when they come back,” she says.

She also says that the Student Abroad Program is an added advantage of students who want to improve their English or learn other languages and culture, [thus maximizing the students’ sense of internationalization while] staying in another country.

“I think it is a really good opportunity for students to travel while they are still at university,” said Julianne Brimfield, an exchange student from Australia taking Law here at UNB. “Many people don’t get much of a chance to see the world while they are studying and many go straight to work after they finish. [The Student Abroad Program] allows you to continue with your studies while experiencing a different culture and seeing other countries that are different from your own.” she says.

Irene Lewis, an exchange student from Germany, sees the Student Abroad Program in a twoway perspective. “The [program] benefits both the individual and the community. [For the individual, it gives] new cultural and social experience while improving cognition, academic and scholastic skills like communication and language. [On the other hand, it benefits the community] because students who are considering to study abroad can profit from first-hand information, as well as, [an improved] social interactions can broaden your world view and eliminate prejudices.” she says.

To counteract typical challenges of studying abroad, UNBF has developed ways to overcome the

problems students face when seeking to spend time overseas while pursuing their university degree.

Klenk explains that typical challenges could be the affordability of the program, worry factor about graduating on time, traveling alone and leaving home, or going to a country where English is not the first language.

“UNB-F offers [generous] Student Abroad Bursaries that make studying abroad affordable”, Klenksays.“InternationalRelations Office also offers pre-departure sessions and workshops to prepare students [for cross-cultural living, safety and other Student Abroad issues] that includes working with an academic advisor to choose courses at host schools that can be used toward a student’s UNB program of study through credittransfer. Also, majority of UNB’s partner institutions offer their courses in English and provide free introductory courses to help a student get started learning the country’s national language,” she adds.

Several partner institutions of UNB include such universities as University of Melbourne (Australia), University of WalesBangor (United Kingdom), Xiamen University (China), Cairo University (Egypt), University of Cologne (Germany), Universidad de las Americas-Puebla (Mexico), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), & University of Maine – Machias (United States).

The International Relations Office is hosting an International Opportunities Fair. The exhibition will showcase the many ways in which the UNB community can get involved in international opportunities, whether overseas, on campus or in the city of Fredericton.

The fair will promote a wide range of opportunities to get involved through: International exchange opportunities for students and faculty, international intersession and field courses, international internships, work, and volunteer opportunities, international research opportunities, and multicultural organizations. The event will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at the SUB Atrium from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Emergency txt msgs!

Danielle Webb

CUP Atlantic Bureau Chief

ANTIGONISH (CUP) – “This girl raised her hand as if to answer a question that had been posed and she said, ‘There’s a gunman on campus. I just got a text.’”

University of British Columbia student Catherine Bright recounts the story of January’s lockdown at the Vancouver university, and the role text messaging technology played.

Although police refused to comment on the nature of the

incident, word quickly spread that students on campus should lock themselves where they were, and those who weren’t, should avoid campus.

Following in the footsteps of schools like UBC, Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia is implementing an alert system that will see students receive text messages in the event of an emergency on campus.

“I think Dal’s emergency text messaging service is a great idea,” said Erica Hendry, a master’s student starting at Dalhousie this September. “I can’t envision a better way to reach people instantly.”

The system, which only launched last March, quickly enlisted 25 per cent of the campus. This year, through an early publicity campaign, the university hopes to gather even more students.

John Sherwood, Dalhousie’s executive director of university computing and information services, feels taking advantage of the “almost universal” use of cellphones with text-ready technology was a good move.

“We had an opportunity to add another, effective communications vehicle,” Sherwood said.

Courtney Larkin, president of the Dalhousie Student Union, also sees the value in this new approach to campus security.

“Many of our students have cellphones, and many of them carry their cellphones with them throughout the day. Having a system that can reach out to a large number of students in

times of emergencies, quickly and effectively, is a positive step towards protecting our students,” she said.

Students, staff, and faculty can sign up by submitting their cellphone numbers to Dalhousie’s Information Services department, said Sherwood.

Students who sign up for the service will receive text message alerts in the event of any campus emergency, including severe weather, hazardous spills, fires, and dangerous persons or threats.

While the service excludes students who are without cellphones, Sherwood says that 100 per cent participation is unnecessary, as “only one person in a group has to be notified in order for [everyone] to get the message.”

Hendry is impressed by the university’s initiative in protecting their students and believes the system will minimize harm and tragedy in the future.

“Even though I know that some emergencies are often accidents and unpredictable, I feel safer because I know that any information available will be shared with me, as an individual,” said Hendry.

Despite its recent effectiveness at UBC, Bright still has qualms about the use of cellphones.

“I think it’s effective, though I don’t know how I feel about how [the system] exploits hyper-reliance on cellphones and constant phone checking, especially in class.”

Dalhousie has yet to use the system.

brunswickannews

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 •5

brunswickanopinion

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 6

eic@unb.ca

How can a province be self-sufficient if it doesn’t produce self-sufficient graduates?

Bring it on home Josh O’Kane

A year ago, an institution’s existence was thrown into question.

On Sept. 14, 2007, the New Brunswickgovernment’scommission on post-secondary education released a report outlining recommendations for the future of the province’s postsecondary education system.

The recommendation that garnered most of the public’s attention was the proposal to convert UNB Saint John into a polytechnic institute, alongside two Université de Moncton satellite campuses.

That didn’t go over well.

The commission report had a slew of other recommendations, however, that outlined other ways to improve the postsecondary education system in New Brunswick. This included ideas for revamping the province’s student financial aid programs.

These particularly were nearmirror mages of proposals from various student associations, including the New Brunswick Student Alliance, and offered a system of student-focused debt relief.

Among these were tuition regulations – more reasonable than tuition freezes – and debt caps for student loans. These caps would act as maximum allowable loan amounts as reasonable as $6000 a year; if a student required more money that year for his or her education, that amount would be given in the

Nick Ouellette

Few issues are on the table yet during the 40th general election since Confederation. Mainstream media have concentrated their efforts principally on two areas: Dion’s carbon tax proposal and a number of communications gaffes by the Tories and the NDP. There is no doubt that the latter is ludicrous and that the tone of this campaign is a negative one, even if it is not overtly caustic. This issue has received the brunt of media coverage, and one might think that it was all that mattered. However, it would be unwise to penalize either party for their communications errors in favour of the Liberal Party.

First, the NDP and the Tories refused to let Green Party Elizabeth May participate in the nationally televised leaders’ debates. After a great deal of public pressure, they caved and now she is in. Then the Tories had to respond to anger arising out of a website they produced that mocked Dion, showing a puffin pooping on his shoulder as it flew by. The pooping puffin has been joined by a number of other tasteless attempts at humour on the website, and the Conservatives have been forced to scale back the website. They claim the issue is related to bandwidth, but few accept this explanation.

It would be natural to use these errors in judgment when deciding how to vote, but the emotional reactions that come along with negative campaigning is a poor basis for balloting. Consider Stéphane Dion’s “Green Shift” proposal, which would see a tax applied to greenhouse gas emitting activities in an effort to discourage them. Reductions are supposed

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief • Josh O’Kane Managing • Tony von Richter News • Sarah Ratchford Arts • Doug Estey Sports • Mitchell Bernard Photo • Andrew Meade Copy • Dan Hagerman Production • Christian Hapgood Online • Dave Evans Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Contributors Ashley Bursey, Sandy Chase, Alison Clack, Maggie DeWolfe, Mike Erb, Beth Giesbrecht, Brandon McNeil, Colin McPhail, Earl Denver Montanez, Jon O’Kane, Nick Ouellette, Jens Ourom, Brian Savoie & Hilary Paige Smith.

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.

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

In the foreground, Premier Shawn Graham and Ed Doherty, Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour sit at the announcement of the Action Plan to Transform Post-Secondary Education in New Brunswick at UNB Fredericton’s Wu Conference Centre on June 26, 2008. form or a non-repayable grant or bursary. This would cap student debt at a considerably lower amount than it currently stands.

All of these recommendations, however, were overshadowed by the threat of closing UNB Saint John and the two UdeM campuses.

A working group of university presidents and community college principals was formed in the subsequent months, and they prepared their own series of recommendations for the future of post-secondary education in New Brunswick. Their student financial aid recommendations also were student focused. Though not entirely in the same vein as the initial commission report, there were still some proposals that worked to

minimize student debt. The lead financial aid proposals in the working group report included a reduction in student loan repayment interest and the reduction of debt for completing two-or-more year programs in a timely fashion.

Then the Action Plan came along. New Brunswick’s “Action Plan to Transform Post-Secondary Education” was offered as a way to implement policy supporting (most of) the recommendations of the working group.

While the proposed new system is considered “student-focused” by the provincial government, it fails to properly address student debt and debt relief.

Instead of cutting-edge debt relief transformations, the province essentially repackaged its existing

student financial assistance programs.

The province plans to keep its $2000 first-time university student benefit and its $10,000 tuition tax rebate, while maintaining a budgeted tuition freeze. There are no long-term strategies or solutions to address student financial aid.

This isn’t transformational change – it’s maintaining the status quo here in New Brunswick, where, despite these initiatives that are already in place, we have one of the highest student debts in the country.

How can a province become selfsufficient if it can’t produce selfsufficient graduated adults?

Give students less debt and better debt relief to put them on a better track to self-sufficiency.

Put the students first, and help

them become self-sufficient with the province – that is, if the province ever reaches that goal.

A student-focused plan on postsecondary education needs to focus on the grassroots of the system itself: accessibility for all.

Educationwouldbemoreaccessible if students’ financial options were more friendly. If students could accrue less debt through their time in the system, then more students would go to university or college.

We still have UNBSJ – but we still have a ridiculous student debt average hanging over our heads.

Solve the problem at the grassroots instead of repackaging the status quo.

Josh O’Kane is editor-in-chief of The Brunswickan. He can be reached at editor@thebruns.ca.

The bottom line SU byelection dilemna Rousing the Rabbles

the brunswickan

to be applied to other tax revenue sources to offset this. However, the cost to manufacturers will be passed on to consumers who will continue to demand these products and services. Instead of reducing greenhouse gases, the plan will shoulder an increased tax burden on taxpayers, including students.

If you think the cost of living is too high now, consider the state of affairs if Dion is elected and implements this plan. Do you drive to campus? Gas prices are high enough already but will increase if a carbon tax is applied. Electricity will be more costly, as will heating your home during the winter. If you live in residence, you won’t escape these increased costs. UNB’s heating plant’s steam production is a carbon intensive process, and the cost would be passed on to residence students. Classrooms have to be heated, too, so tuition can also be affected.

The base student costs are not the only things you buy that will be affected. Your clothing and food needs to be transported to you, and the increased cost of gas will cause prices to go up. Books need to arrive at the bookstore, and even beer and alcohol needs to arrive here somehow. A carbon tax can affect every single item that you consume at university, and since students don’t generally pay income tax, any savings that might be produced by reductions in other taxes won’t help.

The bottom line is that when casting your vote on October 14, you should consider that the tax plan could negatively affect you.

Look beyond the tone of the campaign. As important it is to insist that our campaigns reflect a certain level of respect and courtesy, it would be far outside our interests as a student body to focus solely on a failure to meet those expectations.

There are more important factors.

Nick Ouellette, a UNB law student, has served on the UNB Student Union Council and the UNB Board of Governors, and now serves on the UNB Fredericton Senate. He is the Don of Neville/Jones House, one of UNB’s residences.

Mugwump Tony von Richter

Last week’s decision to include the VP External position in the upcoming Student Union byelection came as a surprise, although with the controversy that’s surrounded the position since last spring it probably shouldn’t have been such a shock that something came up.

It’s interesting that the members of the SU decided upon a byelection, because according to the organization’s own bylaws the decision to appoint Jon O’Kane to the position was completely acceptable after it was left vacant

by Tim Ross in the spring.

Council thought it was best to create a search committee to hire the position, as there was not enough time to hold a byelection

by May 1, when the position would take hold.

The importance of the VP External position demanded that the spot be filled as quickly as possible, which I assume, is part of the reason why the bylaw to appoint a new VP is in place.

Since the ability to appoint a VP is clearly stated in the SU’s bylaws, the issue should have been laid to rest when someone was appointed to the position, with a simple ratification.

Now however, the councillors of the SU (including Jonathan Griffith, who, though absent from the meeting, called for a byelection for the position in a letter) decided that appointing someone did not follow the democratic process, thus the decision to put the position into the upcoming byelection.

Normally when an organization operates contrary to its bylaws, it’s cause for concern, as an

organization’s bylaws are in place for a reason.

However in this case, I believe that although the members of the student council are voting against what was allowed by the bylaws – as opposed to just ratifying the position –they are acting in the spirit for which it was written.

Students definitely deserve the right to choose the officials that represent them, so I completely understand the reasoning behind putting the VP External position into the byelection.

However, I don’t think that the decision takes enough into account of the work that the current VP has already put into the job.

By the time that the byelection has been concluded on Oct. 17, O’Kane will have been in office for almost six months, including the time leading up to the federal election – arguably one of the most important times for any VP External, whose portfolio examines governmental issues for the union.

Perhaps instead of simply placing the position into a byelection, the SU could have evaluated Mr. O’Kane on his performance thus far and determine if it was satisfactory, and if it wasn’t, then a byelection could be held.

Although this scenario wouldn’t permit each eligible student to vote on the position of VP External, their opinions could easily be represented by the councillors they elected to serve as their voice in the Student Union.

I’m not sure if such a scenario is even possible under SU bylaws – although as we’ve seen, should every councillor be in agreement, those bylaws can be questioned.

At this point I’m not sure whether or not the decision to include the VP External position in the byelection was the correct one, or even if there is a ‘correct’ choice.

Really, the question is whether we should follow rules simply

because they are written, or do we stand up and challenge those rules when we decide that they’re not in our collective best interest?

Again, I’m not sure whether the SU made the right decision, but I’d rather them challenge a decision made according to their own bylaws than stand idly by simply because those were the rules.

Tony von Richter is Managing Editor of The Brunswickan. Feel free to contact him at managing@ unb.ca

About Us The Brunswickan, in its 142nd year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.

We are an autonomous student newspaper owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a nonprofit, 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 10,000.

Letters Must be submitted by e-mail including your name, letters with pseudonymns will not be printed. Letters must be 400 words 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 Editor-in-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 • eic@thebruns.ca www.thebruns.ca

brunswickanopinion

iewpoint V

the brunswickan.

Theatrics and buzzwords Student Beat Jon O’Kane When the New Brunswick Legislature sits to make decisions and guide the province’s future, what unfolds is an unfortunate theatrical game.

Shawn Graham and his team of Liberals blindly promote the buzzword “self-sufficiency” in nearly every portfolio. Our Progressive Conservative Opposition, mandated to hold our government accountable, continues the attention grabbing performance – injecting dramatic accusations that catch the interest of the public – when the real faults that should be addressed are left ignored.

I understand it is the nature of the political realm for the government to satisfy its constituents, which is accomplished most easily by telling them we’re striving towards lofty goals and a brighter future. I also understand the opposition aspires to gain control by challenging the government’s flaws and promoting the image that the opposition could clearly perform better.

Yet in New Brunswick, this performance has gone too far and we, students, are the most recent victims of political inadequacy.

I refer to the government’s goal to transform post-secondary education in the province, catapulting us to a leader in higher learning. One year ago, a third-party commission made the formal recommendations to improve New Brunswick’s aging education system. This commission delivered groundbreaking, unique solutions on how to restructure government funding to student financial assistance and addressed the need to expand our outreach programs and distance learning to make education an accessible hope for any capable, qualified student. These bright changes were overshadowed by the recommendations to replace several institutions, including UNBSJ, with adaptive polytechnics to address the upcoming requirement for applied training.

Almost instantly, in the theatrical legislative performance, the Opposition had tarnished the names of the commissioners and suddenly the remarkable recommendations for financial aid were tossed aside (thanks to the negative, public-grabbing buzz word polytechnic). The government then went behind closed doors to avoid the Opposition’s watchful eye, and formed a Working Group of Presidents and Principals for universities and community colleges. This was the long drawn out intermission of the political drama that allowed the government time to recollect themselves.

The nature of government, aiming to please the masses, rebuked the “polytechnic” commission and ignored many strong suggestions to improve financial aid. Their recommendations drafted a creative, adaptive, third-party Consortia of Applied Learning and Training which would not close any universities or colleges, but rather facilitate programs between the two with relevant, responsive courses. However, the financial aid recommendations were beneficial of the institutions who had crafted the report, marketing a tuition freeze solution as financial aid when realistically these measures are merely a competitive tactic to attract students from other provinces.

This Working Group report was leaked prematurely to the press. Allowing the media to screen what the opposition knew about the report, suddenly the

“Consortia of Applied Learning and Training” sounded awfully like a polytechnic. My strongest criticisms of the polytechnics were that they were inevitably going to result in the cutting of programs and the dissolution of strong university ties; the consortia provided expansive programming that cut nothing.

Yet now, the opposition drew connections in applied learning between the two, and swiftly “applied learning” became the negative buzzword that caught the ears of the province.

Opposition MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney spoke in the legislature, pandering the message that these quite adaptive consortia “smelt heavily of a polytechnic.” Clearly that phrase made the headlines.

Suddenly the “p” word was back, everyone was worried, and the theatrical show played on, played on.

The government, nearing the close of the act of this education theatre, needed to respond quickly. They needed to please the masses again before the opposition kept digging in.

The Liberals needed protect themselves from the negative polytechnic image, distance themselves from the original commission, and do so as if it had seemed to be their plan all along.

On June 26, the government released their “Action Plan to Transform Post-Secondary Education in New Brunswick”. I can only hope this document was rushed due to the Opposition’s strain, as it was lacking in detail, organization, and innovation. My copy even explains the “studentfocused” nature of the report; that ironic typo emphasizes the real focus here. The report came with many strong recommendations, I must admit. For example, the government plans to improve graduate studies, allow transferability of credit, permit university courses to be taught at any community college for the first two years of a program, and much more. The Consortia were adopted in the formal plans as well as Institutes of Applied Learning and Training; applied learning will be addressed with no institutional losses.

Still, the tragic climax to over a year of development as to how to help students: financial aid was neglected. Because the “p” word dominated the legislature’s question period and discussion, the Liberal government satisfied the face-value issues of education and left behind one of the true aims of the initial commission.

New Brunswick has the highest average student debt nationally and the government’s response is that no changes will happen to the financial aid structures as they stand and the system will be assessed in the next year.

We are the losers of this political back-and-forth. The last scene in the theatre show is ours to write. With the Action Plan released, the commitment to transform education is seemingly over. I question what kind of transformation takes outdated financial assistance and leaves it with no changes. The political performance has gone too far.

I want a Legislature where my government doesn’t try to please me in the short term and promise me feel-good buzz words; where my opposition fights for the issues that have slipped below the public eye, not scares the public for the sake of stirring up power.

Be active in your political process. Educate yourself on the issues and challenge your local representatives. This is true beyond our province. On October 14, you will have the opportunity to vote in the federal election and shape the direction Canada follows. Your vote is the first act in the next political drama; who will you have play the actors?

Jon O’Kane is VP External of the UNB Student Union. Student Beat is a weekly column by UNB student leaders examining issues that are pertinent to students.

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 •7

Question: Who will you be voting for in the upcoming federal election?

“Hugh Lautard.”

Dan Bungay

“NDP.” Jannike Smith

“I don’t want to pay attention.”

Stephanie Shaw-Morin

“I wasn’t going to vote.”

Randy Madsen

“I didn’t know there was an election.”

Derrick Holmes

“What election?”

Brittany Burke

“I have no idea who’s running.”

Josh Senechal

“Whoever is more environmentally aware.”

Justin Murray

brunswickanarts

8 • Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142

HARVEST JAZZ

The Sleepless Nights

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

The Sleepless Nights of Halifax took the stage at the Taylor Barracks Blues Tent on Friday, September 12, alongside Maritime favourite Two Hours Traffic and Los Angeles’ The Frequency.

Opening my eyes Doug Estey

The Brunswickan

I

have a confession to make: this was my first year attending the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival.

It’s not something I’m proud of, but admittedly, it’s not something that’s ever crossed my mind. In the last two years I’ve spent living in Fredericton, those seemingly old, antique words just never appealed to me. Jazz? Blues?

I don’t mean to hate on two entire genres of music, but hasn’t music evolved from these two things?

Straight up: most teenagers don’t identify with those words, and unfortunately, sometimes words are all we have to go by.

This year, things were different.

I had press releases and phone calls flying at me from left and right. The artist line-up went from what may as well have

been a foreign language to an exciting schedule of musicians I was familiar with and was aching to witness perform. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a single event; as such, I attended five shows and thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

Somewhere in between, I realized that the Harvest Jazz & Blues festival is about a lot more than just those two words.

Nowhere else in the Maritimes can you experience such a wide range of dynamic, diverse musical talent in such a short period of time. There is plenty of jazz and blues to be found, but it doesn’t stop there.

The festival has expanded to include various subgenres of the two root cultures, an expansion that welcomes the likes of Two Hours Traffic, Hey Rosetta! and even Bloc Party.

As a result, the demographic that the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival now appeals

to is absolutely enormous.

As I walked downtown through the masses of people crowding the streets, I witnessed children barely old enough to walk amidst seniors enjoying the events with genuine smiles, teenagers weaving through traffic on skateboards and adults actively participating in break-dancing and beat-boxing throwdowns.

People from all over the Maritimes and abroad were here to attend and participate in the various shows, events, and activities taking place.

The point I’m make is that this festival has rocketed from being something that kills weeknight boredom into a highly-anticipated annual event that has a little bit of something for everybody, and I’m glad I finally jumped on board with it.

As someone reading this paper, I hope you did too. If you didn’t, you owe it to yourself to be on top of it next year.

Derek Trucks

Mike Erb / The Brunswickan

Bloc Party

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

Mike Erb / The Brunswickan

Bonerama

The Frequency

Mike Erb / The Brunswickan

Grand Theft Bus returns to the Harvest stage Alison Clack

The Brunswickan

Grand Theft Bus has never made themselves strangers to the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, and they didn’t change the tendency this year.

Last Thursday, the band took the

stage again at the Taylor Barracks tent to finish off a show that also featured the bands Share and Hey Rosetta!.

An unwitting audience member who looked at the stage before the band came on might have been a little confused about what the band was about – the only things up on stage was their equipment and a framed picture of Jesus.

The Fredericton based band wasn’t trying to preach Christianity, however; knowing

audience members said that it was just a bit of fun and tradition for the band.

And the band was able to have some fun. At one point in the show the framed photo was picked up and danced around with on stage.

The band kept the humour going throughout their act, making a few light-hearted jokes about a blunder earlier in the show when the emcee pronounced Hey Rosetta! wrong.

They did a good job keeping the audience interested in-between

songs as well, being sure to talk and interact with the audience.

With their humour and their music the band was able to keep the audience interested throughout the show; Hey Rosetta! members Tim Baker and Romesh Thavanathan could even be seen checking out Grand Theft Bus’s performance while backstage.

As always, the show Grand Theft Bus put on was solid, but it didn’t seem to be up to the energy calibre that Hey Rosetta! had during their

performance under the tent just before.

The audience seemed affected by the dip in energy as well – while it was obvious that everyone was enjoying the show, they only really got into the music during popular songs like “Street Sleeper,” which may have gotten the most response out of the audience all night. The audience jumped up and down and sang emphatically along with the band for the entire duration of the song.

While there was this burst of energy for the one song from the audience, it didn’t seem to be reciprocated from the band. The band members themselves didn’t appear to be as into that song as the audience was.

Those who want to be able to see the band live for themselves can see Grand Theft Bus when they come to Fredericton again, Sept. 27 at the SUB. They will be performing with I See Rowboats, Rich Aucoin, and Slowcoaster.

brunswickanarts

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 9

AND BLUES FEST Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

Hey Rosetta!

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

Working the stage Alison Clack

The Brunswickan

The Hey Rosetta! show at Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival this past Thursday night got off to a rough start, but the stroke of bad luck did not last for long.

The emcee for the show at the Taylor Barracks Tent made the unfortunate faux-pas of pronouncing the St. John’s, NL band’s name incorrectly as he introduced them to the stage.

The announcer mistakenly announced the band by the name, Hey ‘Rose-e-ta!’ as opposed to the proper, Hey ‘Rose-etta!’

Beyond the minor problem in the opening, the show ran through seamlessly.

The band kept up a good sense of humour and made light of the slipup when they first came on stage.

Their performance was completely unaffected, as they went on to steal the show from headliners Grand Theft Bus. Over the course of the year, Hey Rosetta! has become increasingly well-known for their breathtaking live performances; the seamless quality of Thursday’s set followed suit.

Throughout the show the band delivered a high level of energy into each and everyone single of their songs, seeming genuinely excited about performing their music at their first-ever Harvest Jazz &

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

Blues appearance.

The band members worked the stage and you could see them feel the music with every inch of their bodies as they played out their heart and souls. Lead singer Tim Baker delivered melodies with intensity and passion. He sounded absolutely incredible live – as did the entire band – disbanding any doubts of competing with certain pop starlets up in terms of live performance quality.

Something else that was great to see is a whole band working together throughout the show.

When one singer would run out of breath another band member would come in and fill the space with their voice; an action that showed how synchronized the group was. It resulted in a strong display that made their sound seem rich and full.

Don’t mistake the band and their songs as overly serious though – the band was able to have fun with their songs too. At one point in the show the cellist, Romesh Thavanathan, was dancing around the stage playing a tambourine along with the song.

The band’s energy transferred over to the audience as well.

Throughout the show the audience was singing along and having a good time. During some of their more popular songs, “There’s An Arc,” for instance, the crowd was jumping up and down in a wave along with the beat of the song.

The in addition to their infectious energy on stage, another exciting

aspect for the audience of Hey Rosetta! is the array of instruments that are used.

Throughout the course of the show multiple instruments were used including multiple guitars – both acoustic and electric, a bass, a cello, a violin, drums, and a tambourine.

The eclectic mix of the instruments creates a new and interesting atmosphere for the audience to experience. It also creates an innovative mash-up of styles within their music – melodic violin parts melded in with guitar riffs and powerful drums.

The whole thing gave itself to creating a great show for the audience to enjoy.

Hey Rosetta! was so good at Harvest Jazz and Blues that they even managed to show up the following headlining act, hometown favourites, Grand Theft Bus. The audience feed off of the energy that Hey Rosetta! provided in droves throughout the show; they were singing along and dancing around to the music noticeably more throughout the Hey Rosetta! show than they were during Grand Theft Bus’s performance.

For those who missed Hey Rosetta! performance at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, or for those who just want a chance to see them again, they can witness them live when they open for Stars at the SUB Ballroom, Oct. 29.

Two Hours Traffic

Doug Estey / The Brunswickan

brunswickanarts arts@thebruns.ca

Not quite jazz or blues

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 10

When nostalgia goes too far Pop Tart Ashley Bursey

Doug Estey (above) & Jens Ourom (below) / The Brunswickan

Bloc Party’s display of musical talent wasn’t limited to the stage on Saturday night. Singer Kele Okereke took it upon himself to get the crowd involved.

From Bloc Party Page 1 “To be completely honest, I was slightly pessimistic that we would be accepted as a live band in North America because the musicianship over here seems to be so much better.”

According to Bloc Party, how can one country be more musically talented than another?

“Personally, I think it’s generally attributed to the fact that over here people have more space to rehearse, a garage or a basement for example. In England, we just have to hope that we have very understanding neighbours. So we were really surprised to how responsive

people in North America were to our music.”

Their third album, Intimacy, has already witnessed much hype, even though it doesn’t officially ship until October. Instead of making fans wait it out, the band released a digital copy of the LP online and without any forewarning.

“We knew we wanted to come out with the album this year. We mostly just wanted a surprise. We weren’t so much trying to avoid it leaking like the the last two albums leaked, because I think that has a negligible impact on record sales, but it’s almost more because we find it rather disconcerting when we have to listen to what people think what it will sound like before it actually comes out.”

Tong claims that while the new

album is much more experimental and different from their previous work, the band doesn’t have any trouble with it during live shows.

“We’ve never been that interested in playing our recordings to their entirety because we don’t believe in patronizing our audience in that way. So many technical failures can occur with the way our music is played now that it isn’t worth it.”

He gazes out the window, sipping his depleted glass quietly through a straw, before furthering explaining further.

“I was watching the Foo Fighters the other day and quite honestly, it bored the fuck out of me. There just wasn’t anything there. They play really well, but... that was it, you know? There was no tension, no sense of passion, and it feels less

human.”

For a group of musicians so intensely monitored and anticipated, the drummer and his band mates seem relatively care-free about how their music is received. From the dance rock guitar rhythms that stretch through their first album, Silent Alarm, to the eclectic, stuttering electronic feel of Intimacy, they’ve certainly demonstrated their love for experimentation as well as their fearlessness of the general public.

Smiling as he casts his empty glass aside, Matt Tong stands up and extends his hand forward.

“Coming from London, it’s always nice to be somewhere with trees and fresh air. I’m genuinely enthused to be here and I’m very excited for the show tonight.”

I started off seventh grade with a dream. It was something I had been anticipating for year, a follow-up to the decade of dance rehearsals already under my belt. In fact, my fourthgrade ‘life plan’ of sorts asked me to name my aspirations in life. They were, in this order: model, lawyer... and cheerleader.

On my first day of junior high, the I.J. Samson cheerleading team had a demonstration during the backto-school pep rally. Their colours were yellow and black (later to be referred to as ‘bruised bananas’) and the mascot was a Samson Saber – a ferocious-looking prehistoric animal with bizarre tusks, a mainstay on our homemade black and yellow Bristol board signs.

Tryouts were to be held in a few weeks. I began preparing, learning how to properly clap my hands (it involves an exaggerated head-nod, if you can picture that), practicing the arm motions and jumps (high-V and toe-touches are any cheerleader’s bastion moves), and yelling ridiculous chants, much to the chagrin of my poor parents.

When tryout day finally arrived, I was ready. There were butterflies whipping around my stomach and Vaseline slicked all over my teeth (a dancer’s trick to keep her smiling.)

I was wearing the skimpiest booty shorts I could convince my mother to buy me.

It took a week for them to post the results, but when they did, I was ecstatic; I was one of three seventhgraders to make the team. And I enjoyed it. From the freezing-cold jaunts to a local hockey rink to cheer for the boys’ team to the drama that inevitably came with being part of a pack of hyper-social girls, it was all worth it.

My cheerleading career continued for six years. I spent each subsequent year on junior high and high school on the team, twice as captain. I branched out into the dance team. We were in the Christmas parade every year, wearing two pairs of extra-thick tights and sweaters underneath our uniforms.

Years later, I would go on to tutor a girl three years my junior, a girl who wanted desperately to be a cheerleader.

She’s in her first year of university now

and has already made the team there – a huge accomplishment.

Now, as a university graduate, I can look at my cheer-days with nostalgia and good humour. It was an exciting time for me, a turbulent time, but it was something I could never forget.

It’s sort of like that all over again.

I didn’t expect to be working in Fredericton after graduating from university. I expected this to be a springboard of sorts, a launching pad to bigger and brighter cities. I expected to be cavorting in Montreal, or trying to figure out the subway in Toronto.

But I’m here. And seeing everyone going back to classes – me, on the sidelines for the first time in 17 years – is a bit unsettling. I’m torn between wishing I was still a part of that world, and being eager to race into the next chapter of my life.

Not so much for 33-year-old Wendy Brown from Wisconsin. It was her story that opened the floodgates of my personal wander down memory lane. Just this week she was charged with felony identity theft.

It seems Brown has a 15-year-old daughter, who lives in Nevada with her mother. In a moment of inexplicable desire, Brown stole her daughter’s identity and enrolled in a local school to get her diploma and, of course, join the cheerleading squad.

Oddly enough, she made the team (bizarre, especially considering her terrible bleach job). She allegedly attended practices, received a cheerleader’s locker, and went to a pool party at the coach’s house.

Brown has a history of identity theft, but this one takes the cake. It reeks of desperation; a depressed single mother, pregnant at 18, eager to relive the youth stolen from her. Perhaps she was resentful of her daughter, who, at 15, had her entire life ahead of her. Perhaps she just really, really wanted the hand of a letter-jacket stud tucked under her arm. Or maybe she just has a thing for short skirts and booty shorts.

Whatever it is, it’s a rare case that lends itself to an interesting analysis.

Of course, reliving our youth would be an incredible opportunity – fixing all the mistakes we made, unsaying all those stupid things we said, taking back all the drunken nights and awkward next-days.

But would we really want to do all that...as someone else?

Maybe, for Brown, it was the lure of the cheerleader. I can understand that. It was my dream, too. But she’s 33. It’s time to stop living vicariously through your daughter and realizing that short skirts and side ponytails can only get you so far - assuming, of course, that she wants to go further than the backseat of a football player’s Chevy.

NB Film Co-op Get on the social music bandwagon

YOUNG AT HEART September 15, 8pm at Tilley Hall Director: Stephen Waker With: Young @ Heart Chorus Run Time: 107 minutes

A hit among audiences and critics at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and winner of an audience award at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival, Young @ Heart is a humorous and inspiring doc that challenges the stereotypes of old age in a world obsessed with eternal youth.

For over 25 years, the Young @ Heart Chorus has entertained audiences at home and abroad with unique renditions of punk, rock and rhythm and blues songs by musicians as varied as Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix and The Clash. Of course, the average age of most rock ‘n’ rollers isn’t eighty years

young. As the group prepares for a new show hilariously titled “Alive and Well,” Young @ Heart’s taskmaster and choral director Bob Cilian has a new collection of songs for these lively elders to learn. Far from a novelty act, the group is as much about serious music and supportive community as it is a way to stay active and engaged in a society that often expects seniors to be passive and quiet.

Documentingtheuniquechallenges faced by this impressive collection of senior citizens, Stephen Walker’s intimate and delightfully whimsical documentary demonstrates that the Young @ Heart Chorus only gets better with age. Funny, poignant and inspirational, the film offers the kind of wisdom that can only be cultivated with age, as the elderly protagonists cope with loss and forge on in an ever-changing society.

The NB Film Co-op presents the Fredericton Monday Night Film Series. The series partners are the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival and the UNB Faculty of Arts. The series presents limited release, independent foreign and Canadian films for one-night screenings, with the goal of diversifying local access to cinema. These films are new or recent releases, which would not otherwise be available to Fredericton audiences on the big screen.

From The Tubes Doug Estey Discovering new music is, for some, a pretty exciting experience.

For others, it can be a painful and discouraging effort.

Luckily, if you’re dying for some new music but interested in sticking to your tastes, you no longer need to worry; when your hipster friends are busy attending dance parties in basements or waiting in line for concert tickets, you can turn to Last.fm as an avenue of exploration into the musical unknown.

If you think we’re talking about some kind of radio station, give your head a shake. Last.fm is a free music recommendation service, based in the United Kingdom and brought to you by the internet.

Taking your current musical preferences into account, it compares the artists you listen to against a community-generated database, spitting back at you a handful of

new bands to check out.

It’s smart, too. If your music collection consists entirely of Nirvana, you won’t find Last. fm telling you to check out to Britney Spears or Fall Out Boy. Instead, you’ll see links to Pearl Jam or Alice in Chains. Add in a little LCD Soundsystem or The Trews in there, though, and your recommendations will adjust accordingly.

The entire

ally. For example, if you were to listen to something that Last.fm hasn’t heard of before, it would set aside a page for other members to add a biography (which is also editable, a la Wikipedia) as well as images and video. Photos can be voted up or down to serve as the default profile picture for the artist, so that if the first picture of a band is upped by some moron with a threeyear-old

site is powered completely by its own community, and is therefore completely self-sustained.

Using free-tagging, users can describe artists with keywords that help Last.fm in figuring out that, for example, Nickelback (tagged as ‘canadian rock’) doesn’t sound like Death Cab for Cutie (tagged as ‘indie’).

In addition, the service generates artist profile pages automatic-

cellphone, it will be quickly cast aside by one taken with a digital SLR. So how does Last.fm figure out what you’re listening to?

Microsoft and Apple’s media players automatically notify it, right? The answer, of course, is no (although if you’re using Songbird, it’s a feature that comes out of the box.)

Instead, you have to down-

load a handy little plugin called an ‘audioscrobbler’ which runs alongside whatever you use to listen to music and keeps your Last. fm profile up-to-date. This fun little bit is called ‘scrobbling.’

The audioscrobbler code (or API for anyone who cares) is open source, which means that nerds all over the world can easily create a scrobbling plugin for anything that plays music. This means that even iPhones and Windows Mobile devices can help Last.fm keep track of what you’re listening to, and therefore renders the service even more useful.

It has its quirks, but Last.fm is a great little service that is growing wildly popular across the net. It certainly does what it’s supposed to, and it also servers a friendly little social media clique (without pokes and third-party applications.)

If you want to check it out for yourself, head on over to www. last.fm, sign up for an account, and get scrobbling. Fresh tunes are a beautiful thing.

Doug Estey is the Arts Editor for The Brunswickan. His Last.fm username is xxxvision.

brunswickanarts

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 11

Something from nothing

Hagerman’s happy horoscopes

The Final Score

Aries

Dan Hagerman

Spore is a game that lets you evolve a single-celled organism, entirely designed by you, into a spacecolonizing civilization in a matter of hours (as opposed to billions of years.)

The game is the brainchild of the famed game designer and programmer Will Wright, creator of other such creation games as Sim City and The Sims. That immediately tells a lot of people two things: that the defining characteristics of the game involve user-created content, and it’s also easily accessible by a wide assortment of gamer types.

How does a game with such lofty aims allow both casual and experienced gamers to create life?

The game works by essentially giving the player a block of clay and a set of very easy-to-use tools and pieces, and with a plethora of pieces and options to choose from, you can make essentially anything your mind can think of.

There are five stages of development, with each stage offering different levels of customization.

The cell stage is short but sweet.

You can either eat other cells, plants or both. Your choice of diet affects the future development of your species. Each time you eat something, you grow a little bigger and get points that let you buy eyes, mouths, different movement types, and weapons to adorn your creature with. Once you grow big enough, you can pop on a pair of legs and advance to the creature stage.

The creature stage is a little bit tougher, but still pretty neat. You can either attack other creatures and wipe them out, or socialize with them and become an ally. Upgrading different parts of your creature gives it different attributes. Each set of creatures

You are destined to get in a fight with your significant other this month, dear Aries. However, since your significant other is yourself, refrain from resorting to physical violence. Just say bad things about yourself behind your back. Your lucky pita contains a lot of cheese.

Taurus

Beware of taking on too much this week, dear Taurus.

You may think that you can stuff six Tim Horton’s donuts into your mouth at once, but unless you get paid a lot of money, I would advise against it. Your lucky Pop Tart flavour is apple cinnamon.

Gemini

You may have a guilty conscience this week, dear Gemini. Although it may be hard to come to terms with, I know you took my pen. Just own up and give it back. I won’t judge you. At least, I won’t judge you very much. Your lucky sport is beach volleyball.

Screenshot

Dan’s creature, Dragizor, doesn’t look so hot, but he loves him so. that you destroy or ally with lets you increase the size of your brain. When it gets big enough, your creatures will no longer evolve physically, but instead form a tribe.

The tribal stage was frustrating for me in particular because I’m completely horrible at real-time strategy games.

Your continued goal is to survive, but as a tribe you can now customize your tribal outfitting that goes on top of your already-established creature.

Your goal is to befriend other tribes with gifts and music or destroy them with axes and spears. Defeat the tribes and your creatures decide to build a city in the civilization stage.

The civilization stage has you designing cities and, in particular, the buildings that your creatures inhabit.

You can also make your own tanks, jets, and boats with a very large assortment of fully customizable building blocks. In this stage, you are now the dominant species on the planet and your goal is to unite all of your different cities. Once you do this, you

launch your own custom UFO and begin exploring the galaxy.

The galaxy stage is the largest and theoretically endless stage, because at this point you can make friends with other species, transform planets so that they can become habitable, go to war with other species, or just freak out the indigenous animal life on other planets. This mode is very pretty and gives you a wide range of things to do, but sometimes it’s almost too much. I could be out ‘terraforming’ a planet and suddenly get a distress call to save my homeworld from invasion, which can get pretty annoying. Still, it’s an absolutely beautiful galaxy to explore.

The neat thing about Spore is that all of the other creatures you find in the game have been created by other people, be they the creators of the game, your friends who also have the game, or total strangers (if you so choose to allow it.) In the creature stage I bumped into another creature I had previously

made, except that it was 10 times larger than me.

Don’t start thinking that this is like World of Warcraft, though.

Spore automatically downloads the creature and building data from its database, so the game is actually entirely single player. The other players’ creatures are always controlled by the computer in whatever way the creator originally played their creature.

I haven’t mentioned the graphics yet because they’re so user-defined.

It literally takes a matter of minutes and you can have a creature straight out of Pixar, or, if you’re as creativity-challenged like me, your nightmares. Do you want five eyes on your creature? If you have enough points saved up, why not?

I carefully placed two beluga whale mouths on the sides of my creatures face with a fish mouth in the centre.

It didn’t really help my creature out, but it still looked sweet.

The graphics are also scalable to run on any range of different computers, and there’s even a free trial version of the Creature Creator on Spore’s official website. The only downside to that is that it may not be as pretty as it could be if it were scaled for higher machines, but a game accessible to everybody is better than a prettier game accessible to only a select few.

Everything is customizable, even the music. You can have the game randomly generate your capital city’s national anthem or you can compose it yourself and even upload online for all to hear. Furthermore, you can take pictures of your creature, upload videos of your creature directly to YouTube, and even import creations into your game by just dragging the final directly into the game window. If that’s not sweet, I don’t know what is.

I think that Spore’s simplistic nature is the very essence of its appeal to me. I have full-time classes, two jobs, and something resembling a life. I don’t have time for games that require time commitments of 10 hours a day. Spore is something that you can just pick up, tinker around with, and still actually accomplish some neat things.

In short, Spore tries its best to appeal to everyone with any semblance of a creative urge and succeeds. It also offers a really fascinating perspective on the universe as a whole, from the very big to the very small.

Whatever type of gamer you are, there’s probably a little bit of Spore for you.

Cancer

You are not taking enough risks this week, dear Cancer.

Try a new and exciting activity, like vigilantism or bear blasting. Just remember that I’m in no way liable for any awesomeness (or lack thereof) that you may experience. Your lucky rubber duck is named Squeakers.

Leo

You may be feeling a bit paranoid this week, dear Leo, but it’s perfectly understandable. Not because many people experience paranoia, but because they actually are all out to get you. Better that you hear it here than elsewhere.

Your lucky Predator movie is Predator.

Virgo

Your finances may fall into ruin this week, dear Virgo. Invest all of your money in paper clips. The reason will become clear in time. Exactly how much time is for me to know and for you to stay awake at night thinking about. Your lucky elevator floor is B1.

Libra

You will be feeling less than fashionable this week, dear Libra. The answer may be in your plaid pants and polka dot shirt collection in your wardrobe. Instead, try picking out a new collection consisting of leopard print spandex.

Your lucky cleaning product is Drano.

Scorpio

You are slowly becoming a hermit this week, dear Scorpio. You can still be a hermit and be social at the same time, though. All you need is a satellite linked up to a small television that is wheeled around for you. You’ll be the most portable person you know! Your lucky types of books are cookbooks.

Sagittarius

Be kinder to small children this week, dear Sagittarius.

When people say children are the future, they actually mean that children are time machines. You wouldn’t want to be mean to a time machine, would you? Your favourite type of jewellery is magnetic.

Capricorn

Taking that extracurricular activity is a good idea, dear Capricorn. Not only are lots of cute boys and girls in your class, but one of them happens to be you! Take a moment to bask in your cuteness before pointing out to everyone just how cute you are. Your lucky camera resolution is 3 megapixels.

Aquarius

This will be a week of re-awakening for you, dear Aquarius, mostly because you’ll realize that sleeping through class will not result in respectable grades. But who comes to university to earn respect? Keeners, that’s who. Your lucky piñata is shaped like Spongebob Squarepants.

Pisces

You will be feeling very anxious this week, dear Pisces.

Don’t worry, though, your secret is safe with me for the low, low price of $29.95! Act now and nobody will hear about that other “embarrassing incident” from last year! Your lucky car has two seats.

thebruns.ca

brunswickansports

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 12

sports@thebruns.ca

Reds hockey gets back to business V-Reds loaded up and are set to defend AUS title tonight in an exhibition match.

Brandon MacNeil The Brunswickan

After the most dominant season in AUS history, the Varsity Reds fell one game short of repeating as national champions last season.

It’s a day that would love to be forgotten by the players and coaches.

“It was definitely a feeling I’d never want to experience again,” said John-Scott Dickson, a fourth-year veteran. “After all of the hard work all season, and to come up short – there is no worse feeling.”

Coach Gardiner MacDougall has put last year’s loss behind him, and is looking forward to this season.

“I’m really excited,” he said, referring to the fast approaching season. “We had a tremendous journey last season. It’s now a new season, and we’re looking to improve our program. The whole idea is to start off the season in the right way. We still want to be the most improved team in the league.”

Nonetheless, the Reds have some big shoes to fill from last year. CIS MVP Rob Hennigar will not returning this season. In his four years at UNB, Hennigar led the team in points in each season. He was also a huge factor in capturing the 2007 national title. Hennigar signed a two-year contract with the

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Members of the UNB Varsity Reds scramble for the puck in front of the UdeM goaltender in last year’s play. Reds preseason play kicks off tonight when they play St. Thomas at the Woodstock Civic Centre. The puck is set to drop at 7:00 p.m.

New York Islanders at the end of last season.

“Henny was an unbelievable player for our hockey club,” said coach MacDougall. “He will be greatly missed, and we wish him the best.”

Along with Hennigar, forwards Denny Johnston and Nathan O’Nabigon have both moved on in their hockey careers. As well, all-star goaltender Mike Ouzas has signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, and is currently at the rookie camp with another former UNB all-star, Darryl Boyce.

Andrew DeSousa, Andreas Johansson, and Brad Efthimiou

will also not be returning to the Reds line-up. Lucas Madill has finished his five years of eligibility, and will take on a graduateassistant coach role much like that of Brad Pierce and Nick Marach last season “Its tough to see some of these guys leave,” said David Bowman, a veteran defenceman. “They were key guys in the organization, but you have to move on without them.”

The Varsity Reds did their homework this off-season, and have recruited some standout talent. The rookies will be expected to help the team pick up where they left off at the end of last year’s season.

Bretton Stamler of Edmonton and John Hardy of Oromocto are both rookie defenceman who have been added to this year’s roster.

After playing five seasons in the WHL, Stamler joined UNB to try to continue the development of his game, according to MacDougall.

Hardy has returned home after four years in the WHL, and is said to be a hard-nosed defenceman.

Along with the five returning defence players, UNB will have seven solid D-men to choose from this season.

Four new forwards are confirmed to be on the roster when AUS pre-season commences this week. Jordan Clendenning of

UNB rugby ready to ruck ‘n’ roll Ironmen looking strong, but drop season opener to Saint John Trojans

more fitness training,” Hickey says, “and lots of ball handling.”

Last year, they beat out Dalhousie to place second in the Atlantic University League.

This year, the Ironmen have set their sights high. As part of the New Brunswick Senior Men’s

Hickey. “We have a lot of new players, and returning players are really stepping up, which is good to see.”

Hickey says there are several up and coming players on the team who will be quite something to watch this season. Newcomers

Wilcox, “You can beat the piss out of each other on the field, and then buy your opposite a beer afterwards and be friends. It’s great.”

If the stereotype of beer and rugby going hand in hand is true, the Ironmen definitely aren’t showing signs of a hangover. The

Maggie DeWolfe

Fredericton will join UNB after a standout season in the QMJHL as a twenty-year-old.

“Jordan is a multi-dimensional scoring threat. He is very physical and is going to be a solid two-way player,” said MacDougall.

Dion Campbell of Saskatchewan is another forward coming into the AUS. He is said to have a great skill set and has joined UNB with great recommendations.

Jim Cuddihy played the previous four seasons with the Dalhousie Tigers. He has transferred to UNB in order to receive his MBA. Coach MacDougall described him as a player who sees the ice very well, and brings strong offensive

Women’s rugby kicks off this week Women’s rugby begin season this Wednesday against Lady Loyalists

Maggie DeWolfe

The Brunswickan

The Brunswickan

It may not be the ideal start, but UNB Ironmen rugby fans shouldn’t get discouraged yet.

The men fell to the Saint John Trojans Saturday 43-21, but the Ironmen put up a good fight. Sean Hutchins scored a try early on, which was converted by fullback Matt Cole, giving the Ironmen a 7-0 lead. The Trojans proceeded to score and convert a try, tying up the game. The Ironmen’s Jordan Blizzard was quick to respond, scoring another try that Matt Cole easily converted.

With a promising 14-14 tie at the end of the first half, the Ironmen lost steam as the Trojans scored several times. Jared MacDonald was able to break through the Trojan pack in the final few minutes, scoring the Ironmen’s third try converted by Cole.

Unfortunately, the Ironmen were unable to rally as the veteran Trojan team out-scored them, ending the game with a score of 43-21 in favor of Saint John.

“Having the Trojans as our first game was tough,” said Ironmen coach Roy Hickey.

Hickey, who has coached the Ironmen for the past four years, was not at all fazed by the loss and is feeling very optimistic about the Ironmen’s performance this season.

“This season, we’re doing a lot

Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan

The UNB Ironmen push their way through a ruck against the Saint John Trojans on Saturday. UNB ended up losing 43-21 to the Trojans. league, they plan on using their Andrew Reimer, Jason Ainslie from Men are fast and fit, showing off more experienced competition to Ottawa, and STU recruit Jordan their strength and skill. While their advantage, and develop their Blizzard are sure to impress. many of the older men on the team further.

George Wilcox, club president of Trojans side seemed to tire quickly, As Atlantic conference UNB Men’s Rugby, shares Hickey’s the Ironmen never slowed in their representatives, they hope to beat optimism for the upcoming season. resolve to play a great game.

With the way their team is the Quebec representative team “We hope to get to Nationals,” looking, the Ironmen should later on the season, securing a spot Wilcox said Saturday. at the Canadian University Men’s According to many of the players, have no trouble reaching their League championships at the rugby has much more to offer than championship goals.

“We’re gonna kick ass,” says University of Victoria. just the sport.

Wilcox.

“We’re looking good,” said “It’s a great social game,” said

instincts.

Rounding out the new offensive power is Daine Todd, of Red Deer, Alta. The former captain of the Medicine Hat Tigers has come to the east coast to further his hockey career.

“Daine is a solid player that enjoys taking the puck to the net. He has the potential to be a top line player on this team,” said MacDougall.

Travis Fullerton, of Riverview, N.B. has joined the Varsity Reds as the second goaltender, next to Derek Yeomans. Travis had an outstanding season with the Saint John Sea Dogs last year, and has turned some heads at camp.

“I really like what I see from our goalies so far,” said Justin DaCosta, a returning defenceman. “They will push each other all season for the starting role. We can quite possibly have the best goaltender tandem in the league” Coach MacDougall strongly believes in his team from what he’s seen so far. “It’s their year. They know what their expectations are.

I think we’re all excited to into real game situations. We have some high caliber players coming in this year,” said MacDougall.

The Varsity Reds will begin preseason action this week, when they play the St. Thomas Tommies at Woodstock’s Carleton Civic Centre.

Proceeds from this game are going toward the Abby Taylor Fund.

Taylor is a Woodstock native and former Leo Hayes women’s hockey star. She has developed lymphoma and is undergoing treatment at the IWK hospital in Halifax.

Pre-season will continue into the weekend during the UNB Fall Classic tournament. Dalhousie, St. Mary’s, and Carleton University will all take part in the two-day hockey showcase.

Regular season action begins on Oct. 17, when the V-Reds travel to P.E.I. to take on the UPEI Panthers.

After a disappointing loss to Mount Allison in last year’s semifinals, the UNB women’s rugby team is eager to prove themselves this season.

Women’s coach Matthew Barry has high hopes for his team.

“We look very good,” he says.

“We have lots of returning players, and between 10 and 12 new girls.

We’re fast and fit and I think we have a very strong chance.”

The ladies have made slight alterations to their training program, incorporating more fitness.

“Our practices are a lot more fitness oriented,” says Barry. “We’re doing a lot more team fitness as well as encouraging the girls to work out on their own.”

The ladies also have their share of challenges to face. Some rugby teams are a varsity sport at the university level, whereas others like UNB are not. While this does provide a better opportunity for some female rugby players, it poses a challenge to the teams who play only at a club level. There are fewer teams to compete against, making it hard to break out of an increasingly smaller league.

This, however, does not faze the UNB Women at all.

“Every team plays to their

advantages and disadvantages, regardless of league or gender,” said coach Barry.

And speaking of gender, the women are adamant that there are little to no differences between men’s and women’s rugby.

“Guys tend to start rugby earlier,” said Barry. “But other than obvious physical differences, they’re very much the same.”

Emily Corey, who is entering her fourth season with the Women’s team, says that there are only small differences.

“I think women tend to play a cleaner game,” she says, “And not quite as fast paced as men’s.

But there really are no technical differences in how each plays the game.”

And just like men’s rugby, there is the enticing social aspect of the game.

“Its great companionship,” says Corey, “It’s a very social game, and you get to make great friends.”

Rugby is also an excellent game to play if you’re looking to get fit, make friends, or take out a little aggression. It is very easy to learn, and the best part is that there is no specific “rugby player” body type. All shapes and sizes can play; whether you’re tall, short, fast, slow, it really doesn’t matter. In rugby, there is a place for everyone.

“Personally, being a back row, I like to hit people,” said Corey with a big grin.

The entire UNB Women’s team looks very promising. There are a lot of ladies on the team who have played before, and according to coach Barry, “The newbies are picking it up fast.”

Barry is very excited to get the season started. “Barring injuries, which always play a factor, I expect us to do very well,” said Barry. “Our hope is first place, of course.”

The UNB Women kick off their season this coming Wednesday against the Fredericton Lady Loyalists at College Field. Play is set to kick off at 5 p.m.

brunswickansports

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 13

Men’s soccer still undefeated Women lose, tie Colin McPhail The Brunswickan

There was plenty of excitement this weekend was at Chapman field where the Varsity Men’s soccer team played two thrilling games.

The Reds played to a 0-0 draw with Dalhousie on Saturday, but found their scoring touch on Sunday by defeating Saint-Mary’s 3-0.

After returning from Memorial University, the 2-0 Reds were facing two critical four point games ahead of them. On Saturday, the bleachers were full at Chapman Field as the 1-0 Dalhousie Tigers came to town fresh off a 2-0 win over Acadia.

UNB opened the game with ferocity. They were controlling the play with quick ball movement and strong physical play. The size difference was quite evident and the Reds were using it to their advantage by muscling the Tigers off the ball with ease. The game turned out to be a rough affair with many fouls called and three yellow cards were given out, but that wasn’t the story of the game.

The real story was UNB’s inability to capitalize on their chances. The Reds missed four great chances in the last 20 minutes of the match that could have easily been the game winner.

It was mostly due to the great performance by Dalhousie keeper Colin Power.

The Tigers had a few chances of their own, but were denied by the strong play of the UNB fullbacks and a game saving stop by keeper Matthew Lally in the dying minutes of the game. The fact of the matter is that it was a game dominated by UNB and one that they should have won but instead got two points with a scoreless tie.

On Sunday, the Reds played with the same physical intensity and quick, smart ball movement but this time they found the back of the net.

It was a back-and-forth affair that began with a brilliant goal by midfielder Travis Moore in the fourth minute. The goal seemed to have come out of nowhere. Moore received the ball and blasted a shot in the top shelf from about 30 yards out. Twenty-three minutes later, UNB struck again. This time Phillipe Demers tapped in his

out of position in the 56 minute.

After that, the UNB fullbacks took over. In an impressive display of power and athletic ability, the Reds defenders won virtually every 50/50 ball and cleared the box of any possible danger. The Huskies’ attacks were futile against the strong defensive presence. The Varsity Reds cruised to their third victory of the year with a final of 3-0.

Coach Miles Pinsent said “I’m very pleased with the exciting weekend...and am darn happy th

Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan

The UNB Varsity Reds men’s soccer team defeat Saint Mary’s 3-0 on Sunday after a draw against Dalhousie on Saturday. second of the season off a nicely placed corner kick. UNB kept the pressure up and turned away any Saint-Mary’s offensive and finished the half with a 2-0 lead.

In the second half, the Reds added an insurance marker to the seal the deal. Eric Karosan made it 3-0 with a smartly placed strike when the Dalhousie keeper was

with six out of eight points.” It was a big weekend for Men’s soccer as it was the Alumni weekend and ceremony where they celebrated UNB’s only Men’s soccer national championship in 1980.

The Reds will be in action at home this Saturday against UPEI at 3:15 p.m. and again on Sunday against U de M at 3:15 p.m.

UNB still seeking first win of the season after week two of the AUS season Colin McPhail The Brunswickan

After week two, the women’s varsity soccer team is still winless after a 2-1 loss to Dalhousie and a scoreless tie with Saint-Mary’s. On the bright side, they did pick up their first two points of the season.

It was a weekend of unlucky bounces and minor mistakes that cost UNB six points.

On Saturday afternoon the Reds were in tough against the Dalhousie Tigers. The Tigers, who played to a scoreless draw with Acadia last weekend, jumped out to an early lead when Kate MacDonald slid the ball behind keeper Jackie Fitt-Ryan only 18 minutes in.

The game’s first goal was due to some miscommunication among the Reds which led to a quick counter-attack by the Tigers and MacDonald was able to walk in all alone to make it 1-0.

Dalhousie didn’t stop there.

Their offensive attack was relentless and it seemed that they were going to run away with the game.

However, the combination of solid defending by the UNB fullbacks and key saves from Fitt-Ryan was enough to keep it a one goal game at half.

In the second half, the Reds came out with more energy and pushed forward, attacking the Tigers’ fullbacks and creating more chances. Just as UNB was gaining momentum, there was an unfortunate handball in the 18 yard box and Dalhousie was awarded a penalty shot. Fitt-Ryan was able to

get a piece of it, but not enough as the ball curved into the left side mesh and MacDonald notched her second goal of the game making it 2-0 at the 58 minute mark.

The Reds made it close in the 71st minute when Quispamsis native Erica Middleton slipped past the Dalhousie defenders and scored.

However, the Tigers sat back in a trap formation and the Reds couldn’t equalize and dropped their first game of the weekend, but more importantly they fell to 0-3 on the season.

In Sunday’s match, UNB came out with a sense of urgency to get their first points of the season. The 1-2 Saint-Mary’s Huskies came to town and gave the Reds quite a game. UNB played a much better game by controlling and moving the ball well. The combination of Isabelle Miles in midfield and Gina Brown along with Middleton up front proved to be too much for the Huskies’ defenders, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Both Brown and Middleton missed point blank chances by being turned away from Saint-Mary’s keeper Ashleigh Bellefontaine.

Each team traded chances but neither Fitt-Ryan nor Bellefontaine, the players of the game, could be beaten. The game ended in a 0-0 draw giving UNB its first points of the season and two out of a possible eight for the weekend. You just couldn’t help thinking that UNB should have come away victorious.

“It’s tough to give up the six points and we were a little unlucky,” said UNB coach Andy Cameron. “But we’ll take the two points. It was a good confidence builder. ” Cameron pointed out.

This just might be the turn around the Reds needed to move up in the standings.

The Reds will be in action next week at home against UPEI Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against UdeM.

UNB Baseball recap & this week’s sports briefs available as well as web exclusive content. Visit thebruns.ca

There’s no substitute for a mother’s love The only way a poor university student can say ‘happy birthday, Mom’

Balls to the wall Mitchell Bernard

They stand in freezing cold arenas, hunched together with groups of parents from the team.

They wait in freezing cold rain as the finals minutes tick off the clock. And they willingly open up their wallets so that you can play in the baseball tournament next weekend.

I still see it at the university level.

Mothers are belting out from the upper level in the Pitt, cheering on their six-foot-four product of 21 years. They just never seem to get tired of watching their child grow and accomplish.

Mothers – where would we be without them?

It was my mother’s 50th birthday on Sunday. Dad was away with my

brother in Boston, crossing their fingers in hopes that the Blue Jays could knock off the Red Sox at Fenway. Meanwhile, I had a heavy workload so I really couldn’t make the trek back home to PEI. Hence, I had to make some sort of ode to my mother.

Mom was always a proud supporter of my athletic career.

Simply put, she was a trooper.

Mom would take on extra hours and work, just to make a few extra bucks to slip into my hand as I headed to Moncton for baseball.

She would cringe and turn away every time a 260 lb. prop would attempt to crush my head into the ground during a rugby match.

Always encouraging her children to work hard and never give up hope, Mom did as she preached. A dedicated worker, she put in long days and continually supported us, always putting her children first. She wanted us to experience everything her and my father couldn’t.

There is one moment in my life that I don’t think I will ever forget.

We were traveling to play a hockey game in Souris, P.E.I., which is about a three-hour drive from my

hometown. My brother and I were in a huge Dave Matthews Band phase, and we just received a copy of their latest album.

The CD played through probably three times on the drive to the game, and three times back – enough to make any parent go crazy. But my mother just allowed the music to play as if it didn’t bother her at all.

Now, Mom isn’t the musically inclined type. I rarely hear her sing, and she’d much rather listen to the news on the radio than some teenage alternative music.

But each time the fourth track played, Mom would sing along softly under her breath “don’t

lose the dreams inside of your head, they’ll only be there ‘til your dead.” That’s it. She didn’t know anything else, but she knew exactly those lyrics.

I remember waiting for the CD to make its round, just so I could hear Mom say it again. She truly did believe in not giving up.

I still think of that moment to this day when I’m training hard in the gym, the late night cram session before an exam, or when I’m just down on my luck.

Mothers – where would we be without them? I don’t even want to know.

Mitchell Bernard is the Sports Editor of the Brunswickan.

V-Reds Results Saturday, September 13th Women’s Soccer UNB - 1 DAL - 2 Men’s Soccer UNB - 0 DAL - 0 Sunday, September 14th Women’s Soccer UNB - 0 SMU - 0 Mens’s Soccer UNB - 3 SMU - 0

Upcominig V-Reds Events Wednesday, September 17th

Hockey UNB @ STU 7:00 p.m. @ Woodstock Civic Centre Friday, September 19th Hockey DAL @ SMU 4:00 p.m. @ UNB Fall Classic Hockey Carleton @ UNB 7:00 p.m. @ Chapman Field Saturday, September 20th Women’s Soccer UPEI @ UNB 2:00 p.m. @ Chapman Field Men’s Soccer UPEI @ UNB 4:15 p.m. @ Chapman Field Hockey Loser Game 1 @ Carleton 4:00 p.m. @ UNB Fall Classic Winner Game 1 @ UNB 7:00 p.m. @ UNB Fall Classic Sunday, September 21st Women’s Soccer UdeM @ UNB 1:00 p.m. @ Chapman Field Men’s Soccer UdeM @ UNB 3:15 p.m. @ Chapman Field

14 • Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142

brunswickanclassifieds bruns-ad@unb.ca

Classifieds are a FREE service for members of the university community. Please try to limit submissions to 35 words or less. Your name, student number, and phone number are required at submission, but will not be published. We can accept them at Room 35, SUB, 453-5073 (Fax), or e-mail: bruns-ad@unb.ca. Please do not submit by phone. We reserve the right to edit or refuse publication. All classifieds are subject to available space. For display advertising contact Bill at 447-3388. Classified deadline is Monday at noon.

FOR SALE

I want digital cameras (not working). Also VCRs that are broke. Call 457-8279.

Christmas, Easter, fall, summer and winter, paintings, decorations, candles, books, bedding, lamps, everything - including the kitchen sink! All are Welcome! Help us help our constituency in the capital region by shopping at our year round Yard Sale Store at 242 Gibson Street, at our Yard Sale Warehouse at 140 Canada Street or our Furniture Center at 207 Canada Street. How to get there: From the South side, by bus, take 16 N to Gibson Street, get out at Jackie’s Store and take a right to 242 Gibson. Taxi from the south side approximately $7, or walk the Trans Canada Trail Train Bridge to the North Side. Open Monday to Saturday. Call 458-9102. Part of the Fredericton community since 1983.

Rooms to rent. Five minute walk to UNB and STU. Share a home with two other mature female students.. Furnished, heat, cable, laundry, wireless internet. No parking available. Large furnished bedroom with a private washroom ensuit. $375 female students only.

Call 452-7293.

The Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton is having a fund raising Yard Sale on Sat Sept 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 874 York St, Fredericton. Close to the Corner of York and Montgomery, handy to UNB/ STU campus. Lots of items from many families. Coffee and Muffins.

Yard Sale Store: You can outfit your entire apartment for the best prices in town on second hand furniture, from couches and chairs, to tables and desks, from antiques to funky retro style. We also have every kind of knick knack imaginable, seasonal decorations for Halloween,

FOR RENT

1999 Hyundai Elantra, four cylinder. automatic, recently inspected, excellent running order, remote car starter, power windows, good gas mileage etc. $1000, call (506) 261-0581 (cell) or (506) 472-4747 (home) after 5:00 p.m.

2001 Mazda Protégé ES. 95K, 5spd manual. Air, Cruise, PW, PM, PL, Upgraded CD, Roof rack and winter tires included. Great on gas, well looked after and great car looking for a new home. Asking $6,500. Call 458-5262 after 5:00 p.m.

TANNING SPECIALS

3 LOCATIONS 530 Queen St. 458-9771 1113 Regent St. 454-8267 154 Main St. 472-5048

TWO FREE TANS

20% OFF

One single bed complete, very clean and in excellent condition. $80 O.B.O. Phone 457-2911.

Apartment size freezer $125, beige and brown flowered sofa bed

$250.00, beige love seat $150.00 Call 455-1979 or 451-2979.

Rooms to rent: January 1/2009.

Serious male students. Two students will graduate in December 2008.

Furnished bedroom, separate kitchen, bath, laundry and entrance. Utilities included.

Cable and internet available. Five minute walk to UNB. Two rooms available on Kitchen St. Phone 455-1979 or 451-2979.

Housekeeping positions available Comfort Inn Fredericton. We are currently seeking housekeepers for part-time positions in our hotel in Fredericton. We are looking for weekday and weekend positions.

We offer above average pay and also benefits If interested please apply online at www.frederictonhoteljobs. ca.

PSAs This fall, do something for yourself. Consider one of the many fun, educational and creative noncredit courses offered at UNB’s College of Extended Learning.

We have beginner and intermediate classes in photography, languages, observational drawing, and water-colour painting. If you’re interested in learning a new craft, we also have classes in jewelrymaking, as well as quilting and knitting. Whatever your interests, we have a course for you. For more information, please call 452-6360 or visit www.cel.unb.ca/ pce. Register now by calling 4534646.

STU Chapel Sunday Mass schedule. 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. Daily Mass from Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Argentine tango: Find a partner,

09/31/08

Bruns Staff Meeting Today 12:30 Room 35 SUB All Welcome

join our friendly group and enjoy this enchanting dance. If you’ve never done it we’ll show you how! Student discounts available.

For information on our program and lessons. Visit www.ouitango. ca or call James Whitehead at 4572199.

Photo Fredericton, a group of amateur photographers, meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from September to May. We meet in room GC 127, Gillin Hall, Windsor Street, UNB at 7:00 p.m. for socializing and 7:30 p.m. for the meeting. Our first meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 9th. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 470-8409.

The Unitarian Fellowship www. uff.ca. 874 York St Fredericton Sundays at 11:00 a.m. – Fair Trade coffee served, all welcome!

September 21—Rev. Mac Campbell: Finding a Compass in the Middle of a Whirlwind. Most would agree that life is a journey, both geographically (in many cases) and, more importantly, spiritually. There is less agreement about just how we chart a course for this journey. As Rev. Mac Campbell begins his four month “pilot project” with us as part-time Affiliate Minister, he will explore the ways we use to get and keep our bearings on our life journey.

He will also look at some of the possibilities for the time he will be sharing with us. September 28—Spiritual Journeys II. Three members of the congregation will share their response to the question: “How did I wind up at tUFF?” Fall Non-Credit Courses at UNB. This fall, do something for yourself. Consider one of the many fun, educational and creative noncredit courses offered at UNB’s College of Extended Learning.

We have beginner and intermediate classes in photography, languages, observational drawing, and water colour painting. If you’re interested in learning a new craft, we also have classes in jewelrymaking, as well as quilting and knitting. And last but not least, if you’re about to become a new parent, you may be interested in our popular Welcome Baby course. Whatever your interests, we have a course for you. To learn about all our courses, please call 452-6360 or visit our website at www.cel.unb.ca/pce. Register now by calling 453-4646.

Sept. 17, 2008 • Issue 3 • Volume 142 • 15

T:12.75 in

Visit an authorized Bell dealer: BATHURST Aliant Store 1173 St. Peters Ave. Northcoast Electronics 2045 St. Peter’s Ave. Sounds Fantastic 275 King Ave. BOUCTOUCHE Bouctouche Electronique/ The Source by Circuit City Dealer 193 Irving Blvd.

CAMPBELLTON DownEast Communications 13 Andrew St. CARAQUET Stereo Plus 118 Blvd. St-Pierre Ouest DALHOUSIE Abud’s Department Store Darlington Mall DIEPPE Aliant Store Champlain Mall Chandler (Distribution Centre) 911 Champlain Street Sounds Fantastic Champlain Mall

Fab 10, for the ultimate socializ^.

Talk and text all you want to 10 friends with Fab 10 student plans.1

DOAKTOWN Bett’s Building Supplies 420 Main Street EDMUNDSTON Audiotek 464 Victoria St. Tendances Meubles (Dumoulin) 50 Ave. Mrg. Plourde FLORENCEVILLE Florenceville Jewelery/ The Source by Circuit City Village Place FREDERICTON Aliant Store Regent Mall Cox Electronics & Communications 254 Main St. Eastern Wireless/ Trinity Communications 165 Whiting Road Future Shop 1220 Prospect St. Wacky Wheatley’s 781 Prospect St. Wacky Wheatley’s Kings Place Mall GRAND FALLS Broadway Electronik Inc. 103 Broadway Blvd.

Visit an authorized dealer or bell.ca/socializer for details.

GRAND MANAN Island Home Hardware 1161 Route 776 HARTLAND Valley Equipment 289 McLean Avenue

25

$ FAB TEN 25 STUDENT PLAN

/MO.

LAMEQUE Chiasson Radio & TV 20 Rue Principale

• Unlimited local talking and text messaging to and from any 10 numbers2

PLUS: Get more minutes, unlimited long distance and 500 picture/video

MONCTON Aliant Store 30 Plaza Blvd.

Future Shop 50 Plaza Boulevard Sounds Fantastic 48 Bonaccord St. Sounds Fantastic 75 Driscoll Cres.

Speedy Communications 240 Botsford St. Wacky Wheatley’s 105 Main St.

messages for just $10/mo.4

NEGUAC Quik Mart 767 Rue Principale

• 200 local anytime minutes • Unlimited night and weekend local minutes • Features included: Call Waiting and Conference Calling3 BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8130 smartphone

MIRAMICHI DownEast Communications 131 Duke St. DownEast Communications 524 King George Highway DownEast Communications Sobeys, Bridgeview Mall

OROMOCTO Cox Electronics & Communications 80 Broad Rd. RICHIBUCTO Richbucto Home Hardware 45 Cartier Blvd.

RIVERVIEW Aliant 394 Coverdale Road ROTHESAY Cox Electronics & Communications 61 Marr Rd. SACKVILLE Sounds Fantastic 100 Main St. ST.QUENTIN J.A. Electronics 344 Canada St

SHEDIAC Sounds Fantastic 370 Main St. SHIPPAGAN Chiasson Electroniques Inc. 284 Boul. JD Gauthier ST.STEPHEN Cox Electronics & Communications 224 Route 1 SUSSEX DeWitts Electronics Ltd/ The Source by Circuit City Gateway Mall Sounds Fantastic 284 Main St. TRACADIA-SHEILA La Societe Zephir/ The Source by Circuit City 26-3409 Rue Principale WOODSTOCK Home Zone Electronics/ The Source by Circuit City 365 Connell St.

Offer ends Sept. 30, 2008. Available with valid student card. Available with compatible devices within Bell Mobility high speed mobile network coverage areas. Weeknights Mon-Thur, 9pm-7am; Weekends Fri 9pm-Mon 7am. Other monthly fees, i.e., e9-1-1 (75¢), system access (not a government fee) ($8.95), and one-time device activation ($35) apply. Long distance and roaming charges (including foreign taxes) may apply outside your local area. With data use, charges apply if you do not subscribe to a data plan or unlimited Mobile Browser and fees may apply for features, content and roaming when outside your local area. Mobile Browser does not include use of your device as a modem to connect to the Internet from your computer; additional per kilobyte data charges apply. Upon early termination, price adjustment charges apply. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) With new activation on a 3-yr. contract term. (2) Applies to local calls and text messages to and from ten designated numbers. Received messages include local, international, roaming and service related messages from Bell and exclude premium, alerts and dial-up messages. Sent messages include local messages and exclude international, roaming, alerts, premium messages and messages sent with an instant messaging application. (3) Simultaneous use of airtime. (4) Applies to long distance calls made from and to Canada, in Bell Mobility and its partners’ coverage area. Research In Motion, the RIM logo, BlackBerry, the BlackBerry logo and SureType are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries - these and other marks of Research In Motion Limited are used under license.

CLIENT:

DOCKET NUMBER:

AD NUMBER:

FILE NAME:

DESCRIPTION:

Bell

8243

8243AT13

8243AT13 12.75x21.5_Rev1

U of New Brunswick - Brunswickian

FILE STARTED:

PUBLICATION(S):

None

U of New Brunswick - Brunswickian

MECHANICAL SIZE: (File built at 100% of production size) Bleed: None • Trim: 12.75 in x 21.5 in • Live: None

ART DIRECTOR:

COPYWRITER:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Israel Diaz

None

None

STUDIO ARTIST: PRINT PRODUCTION:

SHIPPING DATE: TODAY’S DATE & REV#:

COLOURS:

Derrick

Aug 12

4C

Lorenda Bennett

Aug 12

Leo Burnett 175 Bloor Street E. North Tower, 12th Floor Toronto, ON M5W 3R9 (416) 925-5997

T:21.5 in

SAINT JOHN Aliant Store McAllister Place Chandler Sales 225 Thorne Ave. Cox Electronics & Communications 1 Brunswick Sq. Cox Electronics & Communications 843 Fairville Blvd.

Future Shop 80 Consumers Dr. Wacky Wheatley’s Parkway Mall