Other Press Jan. 14 by Other Press

THE DOUGLAS COLLEGE NEWSPAPER SINCE 1978

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STAFF LIST Jacey Gibb Editor-in-chief  editor@theotherpress.ca Natalie Serafini Assistant Editor  assistant@theotherpress.ca Angela Ho Business Manager  accounting@theotherpress.ca Chris Paik Distribution Manager  distribution@theotherpress.ca Cody Klyne Layout Manager  layout@theotherpress.ca Joel McCarthy Graphics Manager  graphics@theotherpress.ca Ed Appleby Ilustrator Jony Roy Social Media Coordinator Patrick Vailancourt News Editor  news@theotherpress.ca Cheryl Minns Arts Editor  arts@theotherpress.ca Sophie Isbister Life & Style Editor  lifeandstyle@theotherpress.ca Elliot Chan Opinions Editor  opinions@theotherpress.ca Eric Wilkins Sports Editor  sports@theotherpress.ca Courtnie Martin Sports Reporter Sharon Miki Humour Editor  humour@theotherpress.ca Cazzy Lewchuk Aidan Mouellic Julia Siedlanowska Staff Writers Steven Cayer Brittney MacDonald Senior Columnists Brad McLeod Brody Steves Christopher DeMarcus Contributors

By www.stateimpact.npr.org

The Surrey School District gets a passing grade (or at least positive feedback) Jacey Gibb Editor-in-chief editor @theotherpress.ca

It seems like whenever education makes headlines in BC, it’s about the incessant amount of crap being shovelled onto our school system. You hear about teachers being legislated back to work or the cost of tuition being too damn high (about $2,300 for three courses? You the best, SFU!), but the first week of classes this year brought good news for a change. On January 6, the Surrey School District announced that it will be discontinuing the use of letter grades in several of their elementary schools, opting to use constructive feedback and comments as the sole representation of how a child is doing in class. The shift is meant to help provide more in-depth feedback for the students, as well as help parents better understand their child’s progression in class. Almost 40 elementary schools are now officially part of the letter grade-less program, which will be evaluated later this summer.

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Once the past six months have been analyzed, a decision will be made on whether or not the program will expand to the rest of the district. As someone who’s going into education (and if we’re getting specific, early childhood development), I’m absolutely thrilled about the transition away from letter grades. I’m sure many parents are going to be worried about their child’s learning no longer being quantifiable, but the change is a big step towards helping improve the way educators, students, and everyone else see the school system. The reality is that grades are rarely an accurate representation of the learning a student has achieved (ask anyone who’s received a minus grade when they could have easily had an even A, B, and so on). If you want me to get personal, I myself have a decent GPA in my fourth year of postsecondary. I hover comfortably around the B/B+ field, which is a goddamn miracle considering the amount of work I’m able to allot to my studies. It’s not that I intentionally neglect my schooling; it’s that between all of my jobs/volunteering/

occasional sleeping, it’s hard to put in the required work that I know I should be doing. And yet, I’m somehow able to achieve relatively high marks without learning 9/10 of the course material. I would also like to publicly apologize to any of my former professors who are reading this. It’s not you folks; it’s me. This unfortunate mentality has dominated my experience in post-secondary and it’s only in the past semester that I’ve begun to reconsider my approach to schooling. I’ve become obsessed with just finishing my degree so I can move onto a career, which is incredibly short-sighted. I need to be a sponge during this time and soak up all the knowledge/ tips/trivia/networking I can in these years, but I’m instead focussed on the finish line. What I learn in a class is lower on my priority list than what my final mark is. I’ve never left an exam thinking “Yeah, I’m glad I learned all of that stuff and I’m glad I’m going to remember it when I’m applying this information to my actual career.” It’s always a grand exhale as I mentally freak out over whether or not my guesses

will at least count for halfmarks. It’s an incredibly flawed mindset, and the grade system is at least partially to blame for it. I doubt we could ever completely remove the letter grade from our education system and I don’t think we necessarily should. It would make higher education a difficult filtration process of who would be allowed into what programs/classes (as elitist as it sounds, there needs to be a screening process) but that’s why it’s elementary schools undertaking the change. I’m sure the bumper sticker industry is furious at the prospect of no longer being able to produce “My child is an A-student at Overachievers Elementary School,” but I’m sure they have other sayings they can stickerify. When it comes down to it, a report card for students without letter grades means they can focus on other parts of their education. Like, you know, the whole learning bit.

Get to know us!

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The Other Press has been Douglas College’s student newspaper since 1976. Since 1978 we have been an autonomous publication, independent of the student union. We are a registered society under the Society Act of British Columbia, governed by an eight-person board of directors appointed by Wand from our staff. Our head office is located in the New Westminster campus.

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The Other Press is published weekly during the fall and winter semesters, and monthly during the summer. We receive our funding from a student levy collected through tutition fees every semester at registration, and from local and national advertising revenue. The Other Press is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP), a syndicate of student newspapers that includes papers from all across Canada.

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The Other Press reserves the right to choose what we will publish, and we will not publish material that is hateful, obscene, or condones or promotes illegal activities. Submissions may be edited for clarity and brevity if necessary. All images used are copyright to their respective owners.

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This issue:

Have an idea for a story? Let us know!

 Douglas College student to lead CUP

Contact: Patrick Vailancourt, News Editor

 The Skills Bridge research project

 news@theotherpress.ca

 A brief history of Canadian political security failures

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

Mars One shortlist revealed  One-way trip to Mars attracts over 200,000 applicants worldwide Patrick Vailancourt News Editor

news @theotherpress.ca

non-profit organization with the objective of starting a human colony on Mars by 2025 has revealed a shortlist of just over 1,000 would-be space travellers out of the more than 200,000 applications received. Mars One, the non-profit program, was co-founded by Dutch billionaire Bas Lansdorp and is funded through sponsorships and donations. The group also has a strategy to raise funds to put together the $6-billion necessary to make this project a reality. Funds will be generated from a crowd-funding campaign, as well as the sale of broadcasting rights, and a reality show that will be aired to

select the final candidates to go to the red planet. Mars One proposes a oneway manned spaceflight to Mars for the purposes of establishing a human colony. Missions to Mars are expected to commence in 2016, when supplies would start being sent out. At this time, three to four supply missions are scheduled before the first colonists would be sent to Mars in 2022. Applicants have been vetted and the shortlist contains 1,058 applicants, all of whom have submitted video essays revealing why they should be selected for the journey. The shortlisted candidates will now undergo a series of physical and medical exams, knowledge testing, and other exercises so that the project can narrow the list to 40 prospective astronauts. Once the 40 candidates have been selected, the project

plans on narrowing the field further through a reality show that is to be aired online. The program expects to select 24 candidates, which would compose six teams of four. The flight to Mars would take approximately 10 months and the first crew would be expected to arrive sometime in 2023. Their mission is to build the settlement using materials already on the planet supplied by previous unmanned missions. Seventy-five Canadians made it past the first round. Application criteria for the Mars One program was very inclusive. Applicants had to be over 18 years of age, apply in any of the 11 most commonly spoken languages on the Internet, and be willing to leave Earth for good. Candidates will essentially move to Mars and die there. Photo by www.mars-one.com

Breaking his own rules

 PM Harper doesn’t rule out federal election before 2015 Patrick Vailancourt News Editor

news @theotherpress.ca

rime Minister Stephen Harper has not ruled out the possibility of calling a snap election in 2014, according to a recent interview with Postmedia News. Harper, whose governing Conservatives are in a bit of a political slump over a string of scandals—including the Senate expenses scandal—and breaches of election laws by former members of the Tory caucus, have had a difficult time finding their focus as opposition parties keep delving deeper into alleged misbehaviour by the government. The prime minister is not prohibited by law from calling an early election, but it would be the second time in five years that Harper would ignore the fixed election legislation that his own government tabled after assuming office in 2006. Harper called a snap election in

Stephen Harper // Photo by www.ipolitics.ca 2008, saying that his minority government was unable to govern and that a new mandate from the people was required. The fixed election legislation, which mandates that federal general elections be held every four years, would see the next federal election take place in October 2015. Given that the Conservatives enjoy a majority of the seats in the House of Commons, it is unlikely that

Governor General David Johnston would refuse a writ of election submitted by Harper. Some in the Conservative ranks may see a snap election as their best possible opportunity to be given a new mandate from Canadians, particularly as NDP leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau are untested in terms of leading their respective parties in an election campaign. Harper’s only federal electoral loss came

in 2004. Polls suggest that the Liberal party have had a good 2013, especially since the election of Justin Trudeau as leader. The NDP, on the other hand, have lost support in national polls from the historic highs they garnered in the 2011 general election. The possibility of a snap election could bring about division within the party: some Conservatives may believe that a snap election would allow the Harper government to get back on message and give them the opportunity to take the Senate expenses scandal out of the news cycle; meanwhile, other members of the Tory caucus may feel that a snap election at this time puts them at risk of losing government. Harper himself may find some resistance from his own backbench at holding a snap election, as the prime minister’s leadership has come into question of late. Mark Warawa, a Tory backbencher, has openly called on the

Prime Minister to be more flexible with MP’s statements, protesting the involvement of PMO staff vetting MPs talking points. Another MP, Brent Rathgeber, left the Conservative caucus altogether to sit as an independent, in protest of similar concerns. Concerns about the prime minister’s handling of the Senate scandal has also made its way onto the government’s front bench, which has led to an increasing dialogue in political circles and in the media about who may potentially succeed Stephen Harper as leader of the federal Conservatives. Under the current fixed election law, the next general federal election is scheduled to take place on October 19, 2015. Prime Minister Harper has the option of calling an election before the fixed date. The Canadian constitution limits the mandate of a government to five years between elections, although the fixed election legislation calls for elections to take place every four years.

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theotherpress.ca

Security around Canadian prime ministers

 A brief history of security fails Patrick Vailancourt News Editor

news @theotherpress.ca

n event last week attended by Stephen Harper at the Vancouver Board of Trade resulted in protesters bypassing the prime minister’s security umbrella and has prompted some discussion about security for Canadian political leaders. Prime Minister Harper was participating in a question and answer session on energy and the economy as protesters, who were dressed as catering staff, appeared on the stage and stood mere feet from the prime minister, holding placards in protest of the government’s environmental policy, or lack thereof. This has prompted some serious questions about the security of the prime minister. The RCMP is ultimately responsible for the prime minister’s security, and resources and security detail for the Prime Minister’s Protective Detail had been previously increased under the former officer in charge, Supt. Bruno Saccomani. While the prime minister’s office has upheld the tradition of not commenting on or disclosing any information related to the security of the

prime minister, security experts believe that someone will be losing their job over the security breach in Vancouver. “Yes, someone’s in trouble,” said Larry Busch in an interview with CTV, a security expert who was responsible for Harper’s security in Ontario. Harper has fallen victim to four major security breaches throughout his tenure as prime minister. In 2009, a group of approximately 200 protesters sat in the gallery of the House of Commons and heckled during question period. In 2011, during the Throne Speech, a Senate page approached the centre of the chamber midspeech to display a sign that said “Stop Harper.” The page, Brigitte DePape, was promptly fired from the Senate and has started an anti-Harper website. She was also a key organizer behind the Vancouver protest. Environmental activists were also successful at protesting Harper’s environmental agenda while the prime minister was abroad—specifically, in 2013, when Stephen Harper addressed the British MPs in the United Kingdom. While all of the protests directed at the incumbent prime minister have been peaceful, some past Canadian prime ministers experienced some scary security breaches that

Protester at Vancouver Board of Trade meeting with Stephen Harper // Jonathan Hayward could have potentially been lifethreatening. Former prime minister Jean Chrétien was involved in a few episodes that may have potentially endangered his life. In 1996, Chrétien was involved in an altercation with someone at an event in Hull, Quebec which resulted in Chrétien grabbing the man by the throat and shoving him

aside. While visiting Prince Edward Island in 2000, Chrétien was targeted for a “pie attack,” and a protester was successful at breaching the security perimeter and hitting Chrétien with a cream pie to the face. While Chrétien wasn’t injured (though his ego may have been damaged), the incident prompted a review of the prime

minister’s security procedures. Chrétien was also involved in a life-threatening security breach in 1995, when a man managed to break into 24 Sussex Drive, the prime minister’s official residence, and attempted to attack Chrétien and his wife, Aline Chrétien, with a knife.

Research project aims to improve the learning and work strategies of BC students  The Skills Bridge: Essential Skills for BC College Students research project

Julia Siedlanowska Staff Writer

he Skills Bridge: Essential Skills for BC College Students is a research project funded by participating institutions through BC Colleges, a consortium of British Columbia’s 11 public post-secondary institutions. The role of the consortium is to lobby the provincial government on matters of policy and funding and to facilitate collaboration between the colleges. The project builds upon the results of the Association for Canadian

Community Colleges National Framework for Essential Skills Research Project of which Douglas College students from health sciences and commerce & business administration programs participated in 2012. “The goal of the National Framework project was to demonstrate that through a systematic approach to essential skills development, student performance and subsequently their success at school could be improved,” said Cat Adler, skills coach with the Douglas College training group. “Although the research project was a success, it was decided that it would be worthwhile to further research this approach.”

The project aims at improving the learning and work strategies of BC postsecondary students by offering weekly study strategy sessions that incorporate essential skills methodology in approaches to learning. The Government of Canada has identified and validated nine essential skills: reading text, document use, writing, numeracy, oral communication, thinking skills, working with others, computer use, and continuous learning. Students will participate in weekly two-hour study sessions at which they will be given customized learning strategies. They will be given the opportunity to apply

these learning strategies to their homework and class assignments. Project administrators stress that students’ workloads will not be affected by the project, as participants will be able to complete their homework during the study sessions. “Currently, this project targets students from the hospitality, health care support worker, and dental assisting programs. Ideally, we would like to see as many students as possible from these programs come to participate. We are offering free study sessions which will help students learn how to be better students,” says Adler. “At the same time,

students that participate in this research project have an opportunity to change the face of college education. Ultimately, we would like to give students the tools they need to succeed at school and at work and through research projects such as this, we can identify the best way to provide these tools.” Adler also said, “If the project is successful, we would like to expand it and refine it, working with more programs from different faculties and disciplines. At Douglas, our ultimate aim is to provide access to essential skills coaching to all students who want it, regardless of the program they are in.”

issue 14 // volume 40

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Douglas College student to lead organization of Canadian journalists  ‘Other Press’ News editor elected president of Canadian University Press Brody Steves Contributor

student from Douglas College and a member of the Other Press newspaper will be leaving for Toronto in a few months to lead Canada’s largest and oldest student journalism cooperative, Canadian University Press (CUP). Patrick Vaillancourt, who currently works as the News editor with the Other Press, was elected by the membership of CUP on January 12 at their annual general meeting in Edmonton. Vaillancourt said in his address to the plenary that he was “deeply honoured to have received the confidence and a mandate from the membership of the Canadian University Press.” Delegates from campus publications across Canada were in Edmonton from January 8 to 12 for a five-day conference, titled NASH, which focuses on professional development and networking opportunities. The Other Press had sent a delegation of eight students to NASH, which was hosted by the University of Alberta’s student publication, the Gateway. Vaillancourt had originally been contested in the presidential race, but his opponent withdrew her candidacy a few days before the scheduled vote. Despite some calls from the membership to delay the election to allow for a contested election, the plenary gave Vaillancourt a convincing mandate to lead the organization for the next 12 months. “It was just strange coming into the conference being perceived by the membership as an outsider and underdog for the presidency,” said Vaillancourt. “After my opponent withdrew, my Twitter followers list grew substantially. That’s when I realized that, in the blink of an eye, I went from being a long-shot candidate to the presumptive winner of the election.” In making his case to the membership, Vaillancourt stressed that the vision for his presidency focuses on three pillars: reversing the trend of member attrition, charting a course to organizational sustainability, and the eventual

reacquisition of growth. “It’s certainly a lofty purpose, and one which may not be accomplished in a one-year term, but certainly a framework for success in these areas will be established,” said Vaillancourt. The plenary also elected Jane Lytvynenko as national bureau chief, in an election which saw three strong candidates in the running for the organization’s top editorial job. Lytvynenko currently serves as CUP’s Ottawa bureau chief, and will replace Brendan Kergin as national bureau chief this fall. Outgoing CUP president Erin Hudson was elected as the CUP continuity director, and will remain on the CUP Board of Directors, providing guidance to the incoming executive. Vaillancourt said that he was excited to be working with the new national bureau chief and the outgoing national executive. “Jane’s an absolutely fantastic person and very qualified for the role,” said Vaillancourt. “She brings with her some solid experience from the Ottawa bureau and she will play a major role in the turnaround strategy I have laid before the membership in the coming year.” Vaillancourt also had some kind words for Hudson, who he’s set to succeed. “Erin Hudson came into the job as CUP was facing some of the biggest challenges in its 76-year history. Despite the challenges, she has been instrumental in strengthening the CUP brand in the last year, and I look forward to continuing some of the great work she has done as president.” Vaillancourt has acknowledged that the role of president-elect of CUP is one that will consume much of his time, but has indicated that he would stay on as the News editor for the Other Press, the student publication from Douglas College, until a successor is found. It is known that Vaillancourt is one of only a few people with ties to Douglas College or the Other Press to run for CUP’s top job. Vaillancourt will officially become president of the Canadian University Press on May 1.

By www.patrickvaillancourt.ca

date

FINE ART

JANUARY 22

FANTASY

place

The Atrium Coquitlam Campus

WILDLIFE

GIANT-SIZED POSTERS

hours

MUSIC

9-7 last day

FRAMES & HANGERS

9-5

PHOTOGRAPHY 1000S OF POSTERS

THE

POSTER SALE

FILM

This issue:

Seen something worth sharing?

 Under the Feminist Microscope: Orange is the New Black

Contact: Cheryl Minns, Arts Editor

 Trials and triumphs of fundraising for the arts

 arts@theotherpress.ca

 A review of the music streaming service Rdio

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

New art exhibit presents food for thought  Explores themes of consumption and art history Nicola Tibbetts // By Cheryl Minns

Cheryl Minns Arts Editor

arts @theotherpress.ca

et ready for a feast as the Amelia Douglas Art Gallery presents Nicola Tibbetts’ Foods Behaving Strangely, which runs until February 14. The gallery walls are adorned with four series of realistic and fantastical food-related paintings that Tibbetts describes as her “stories, photographs, memories, and groceries.” The Other Press spoke with Tibbetts about her work, her fascination with food art, and what she hopes Douglas College students will enjoy in this exhibit. Could you describe how you created one of your food paintings? [Tibbetts chose the piece The Feast: The Remains] This is the final painting in a series of four that document

a feast from beginning to end. In this one, the feast has been consumed and you’re sort of getting an idea of the excess that went on during the feast, although it doesn’t look totally grotesque because all the objects are uniquely portioned. There’s not a whole lot of gross dripping and what a pile of used food would actually look like. It’s more pleasant than that. I wanted to get across that idea of overconsumption, eating, and excess, but also still think it kind of beautiful and interesting to look at. How did you decide which foods to include in the painting? This is the last one I painted [in the series] and I had these three [other paintings] as a reference for some object that I wanted to include. Like, I have a black forest cake in [the third painting] and then I also included black forest cake in this one. I was painting my lunch, dinner, and breakfast

throughout the course of a couple weeks in order to get piles in here. There’s oatmeal in the morning and then there’s bean soup here. I was working just with things that I was eating but also working off of the other objects that I had included in the other feast paintings. I wanted them to be an equal distribution of meats and other foods because in the medieval feasting tradition, which is sort of my inspiration for the work, meat was such a big part of the food culture. I also wanted to include some objects that one would use in preparing the food and also to eat the food with, so that’s why I have the used dishes up top. And then throughout the series as well there appeared some references to art history, like the lemon peel for example I directly took out of an art history book idea from the 17th century.

Do you have a favourite food that you like to paint? I really love painting meat. I am a vegetarian, but I do love painting meat because I love any food that has a saturated colour and texture and if it can have deep detail like meat does. I’ve always kind of been fascinated by meat aesthetically because it comes in all different colours of reds and pinks, and there’s fine lines from the muscle, and then there’s a little bit of bone, and sometimes a little bit purple or bloody or white from the fat. So I have to say, I do like painting meat. Are there any other favourite foods that you like to paint? It’s also really pleasurable to paint something like a beautiful desert because they’re just so pretty. I went to a French bakery and I picked up these little miniature French desserts and they’re really fun to paint because they’re just so delicate and beautiful.

How do you think your art will appeal to college students? One thing I try to achieve is to have my work accessible to many different groups of people. I think there’s something that children could enjoy in this work because it’s bright and it’s big and there’s food. Food, first of all, is a subject that everyone can get something out of. University students, I think that they could begin to understand some of the depth that’s in the work, like the historical depth and some of the technical things that are going on in the work. To learn more about Tibbetts’ work, visit her website at www. nicolatibbetts.com Foods Behaving Strangely Nicola Tibbetts Amelia Douglas Art Gallery Now – February 14

issue 14 // volume 40

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Still of Timothy Olyphant in Justified // By imdb.com

Netflix Pix: Hidden gems on Netflix Canada Aidan Mouellic Staff Writer

etflix is dominated by blockbuster programming in the form of shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Dexter, which means some shows that deserve equal credit get pushed aside. Justified is one such show. The show follows the life of US Marshal Raylan Givens,

played by the often underrated Timothy Olyphant, as he goes around small-town Kentucky tracking down criminals and giving them a rough day. The show blends drama, witty comedic elements, romance, and action together to great effect. Already in its fifth season on the FX network with the first two seasons available on Netflix Canada, Justified is an addictive show, and it’s beyond me why more people aren’t tuning in. The show’s theme of cops chasing bad guys isn’t a new concept, but the characters and how they work in the show

makes this one of my favourite shows ever. The dialogue is perhaps the best in the business and when it’s delivered by brilliant actors such as Walton Goggins and Jeremy Davies, who play large supporting roles, it makes the show worthy of winning awards. Justified has something for everyone, from fast-paced action and lots of bad guys getting taken down, to witty hillbilly humour and brilliant acting—all of which make it an awesome show that should be at the top of your Netflix list.

Dead Pool // Marvel Comics

Comic Corner: Secret’s out! Deadpool is a dead end for the faint of heart! Brittney MacDonald Senior Columnist

 ‘Deadpool: Secret Invasion’ review

Dead Pool // By www.comicsalliance.com/

Steven’s Man Cave: ‘Deadpool’ game review Steven Cayer Senior Columnist

his week, I’m reviewing the underrated video game, Deadpool. I know it came out last June, but it’s the funniest video game I’ve ever played. The game itself acts like it has the biggest ego, but it’s actually pretty small, like Deadpool himself. He’s known as the “Merc with a Mouth”

and boy does he talk a lot. My favourite part of this game is the near-constant witty banter between Deadpool’s multiple personalities, all voiced by video game voice-over all-star Nolan North, who voiced Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series. The level of comedy in this game is outstanding. The funniest part by far is definitely at the beginning of level four, where Wolverine lets Deadpool drive the X-Jet—he crashes, of course. You, the player, get to try and wake up Wolverine,

who’s unconscious, by slapping him. The funny thing is that if you keep hitting the button, Deadpool will keep slapping Wolverine, saying something hilarious every second slap! … I guess you have to be there. Other than the comedy, the story and the combat are pretty basic. Sinestro is trying to take over the world, so you and the X-men need to take him down. You get three weapons, four guns, and four items. I loved this game—simple yet hilarious.

eadpool has always held a particular significance for Canadian comic fans. Despite all the pro-America moments in his video game, Deadpool—along with Wolverine—are probably the most well-known Canadian superheroes in any franchise. Unfortunately for many readers, Secret Invasion can be intensely hard to read and understand. Written by Daniel Way, Secret Invasion pits Deadpool up against the Skrulls, a shape-shifting alien race intent on world domination. Looking like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, the Skrulls attempt to take an entire baseball stadium full of people hostage, only to meet an eager Deadpool with a sack full of guns. After a Die Hardworthy battle sequence, Deadpool then surrenders to the Skrulls, offering his services as a mercenary. But in typical Deadpool fashion, sometimes his real motivations are hidden behind a whole bucket full of crazy. Illustrated by Paco Medina and Carlo Barberi, the art follows a classical approach but is also accented sporadically with a more cartoonish aesthetic to better convey the comedy of the novel and expression of the characters. It all works very well for the light-hearted feel of the Deadpool universe. This novel breaks many of the common rules of comic books—such as breaking the fourth wall, where characters speak directly to the narrator or audience. This disregard for form can be confusing to newcomers who are unfamiliar with the regular narrative style of graphic novels because it requires a familiarity with the form to understand why it’s being broken. Secret Invasion is the first volume in this title series, and unfortunately requires further reading either within the series itself or a previous series in order to be fully enjoyed by anyone new to the Deadpool universe. This requirement is a huge detriment to an otherwise enjoyable read.

arts // 8

theotherpress.ca

New Westminster history strikes a chord with Kickstarter campaign  Trials and triumphs of fundraising for the arts Cheryl Minns Arts Editor

arts @theotherpress.ca

was completely smitten with Orange is the New Black when I first watched it—and I still am. The reasons being that (1) it excites me, (2) it surprises me, and (3) it passes the Bechdel test with flying colours. This series is absolutely laying new ground for television, and (this will probably be the most controversial thing I say) Breaking Bad pales in comparison. Looking at Orange “under the feminist microscope,” we can check off a few things from our list. First, the cast is predominantly female and the show was created by a woman, which are rare characteristics to encounter. The story is based off the memoir of real-life prison inmate, Piper Kerman (played by Taylor Schilling in the Netflix comedy/drama). The story focusses on upper middle class Piper Chapman, a white yuppie on the verge of success with her artisan soap company. Recently incarcerated into a low-security women’s prison, her references to getting her product on the shelves of the well-known department

store “Barnes” are a striking juxtaposition to her new surroundings. Incarcerated for being a drug mule to her thengirlfriend Alex Vause (played by Laura Prepon), her past hits her hard as she struggles to reconcile her current image of herself with that of years ago. Now in a long-term, monogamous, heterosexual relationship, she struggles to keep her fiancé. Under such trying circumstances, she is forced to face questions regarding her sexuality.

any possible stereotypes imposed on them. Without the constraints of a public television network, the creators are unafraid of portraying female sexuality from a female perspective. There are plenty of scenes of female intimacy made for women to enjoy—now how often do you see that?! What happiness it brings to see such things as if they were the norm, and not having to search for them in the deep dark recesses of the cutting room floor, or male-oriented pornography.

a patriarchal society imposes on women—with Healy being the worst. Originally favouring Piper on the grounds that she is white, middle class, and educated, his assumption that she is “different” and therefore in some way above the other inmates leads him to believe that she will subvert to him. When she disobeys, what is ultimately revealed is his hideous insecurity and character. In her article, “Orange is

Now CSNW has turned to Kickstarter to raise funds for a professional studio recording of the musical to reignite the interest in this production that captures the legacy of New Westminster. This brings me to my second checkpoint: the show is completely unafraid of queer and transgender issues or versions of female sexuality transgressing from heteronormativity. Orange features just about every version of female queer activity you could think of. As with everything else, the scenarios and characters are so complex that the relationships are authentic regardless of

The third and final checkpoint is the way that Orange exposes patriarchal misuse of power. In addition to a fabulous cast of female inmates, there are also the male guards. With a moustached pervert, “Pornstache” Mendez (played by Pablo Schreiber), and a homophobic counsellor named Sam Healy (Michael Harney), the show is able to successfully portray (in a very handy metaphor) the problems

the New Black, and How We Talk About Race and Identity,” TF Charlton writes: “Healy represents the benefits that accrue to white women who ally with ‘benevolent’ white patriarchy, and how this sort of patriarchy relies on hierarchies and divisions between women to maintain its power.” Since Orange is so sound from a feminist perspective, we can afford to look at it from a racial perspective, as well.

Many have criticized the show for having a white female lead and for stereotyping black and Latina women. However, the show successfully bites back at the white, upper middle class with its self-awareness and, most importantly, with the complexity of Piper’s character. We don’t need to like her! Her selfishness, naivety, privilege, and ignorance are not at all lost on us. Through her interactions with Healy, we can see clearly the struggles of a woman trying to find justice in patriarchy, and its effects on all the relationships in her life. Healy’s final failure as a law-enforcement officer can almost be seen as a direct representation of the results of women feeling trapped in the need to compete with one another in patriarchy. All this being said, the show is in no way “manhating.” Part of its beauty is that it effortlessly creates circumstances that expose certain truths about women, part of these truths being that their lives can centre around self-discovery, camaraderie, and internal conflict—struggles traditionally reserved for maledominated film and literature. But what else can I say? Just watch it!

Rdio will make you sing a new tune

 A review of the music-streaming service Rdio

Aidan Mouellic Staff Writer

etflix has changed the way we watch video content—so much so that video rental stores are practically non-existent now. What Netflix did for movies and television, audio-streaming website Rdio might do for music: make it more accessible and inexpensive to consume. One of the most popular music streaming sites in the world right now is YouTube, but it’s designed for watching videos and includes advertisements, which makes it an awful option for listening to music; this is where Rdio comes into play. You go to the

website and you can stream practically any song or album you want in great quality audio with no ads. Just like Netflix, though, this service is only free for a short trial period (for up to six months on the web, or for two weeks off mobile devices with Rdio Unlimited). The Rdio subscriptions are reasonable at a regular $9.99 a month, and are much less expensive than purchasing album after album on iTunes. College students can get a discounted Rdio subscription rate for $4.99 a month—but this only applies to US students, and is good for a maximum of four years. My iTunes has seen little use lately since I’ve been using Rdio for almost all of my music needs, and I’m extremely pleased so far. Unlike other

popular music streaming sites, such as Spotify and Pandora, which are only available in the US and other nations, Rdio offers an excellent streaming platform for Canadians. My favourite part about Rdio besides the great selection of music and ease of use is how simple it is to synchronize devices. No matter where you are, you can be connected and listening to your library of Rdio favourites. On my Android phone, the app is fantastic: not only can you listen to your music, but the mobile Rdio capabilities allow you to use your phone as a music remote control. At home, I will often leave my laptop connected to my sound system and play Rdio throughout the house, using the Rdio app on my phone to change what’s playing.

Screenshot of Rdio app // By www.wired.com Developing a personal music library can be tedious and expensive. For pure convenience and pleasure, Rdio is much more ethical than using torrents or streaming ripped copies on YouTube. Sure, Rdio has some obscure tracks missing from

its vast library, but I don’t mind since it offers me the freedom to enjoy my music without Apple products or ads. It has allowed me to explore new musical avenues I might not have otherwise.

issue 14 // volume 40

arts // 9

Publicity photo from Orange is the new black // By Netflix

Under the Feminist Microscope: Back in orange

 A deeper look at Netflix series ‘Orange is the New Black’

Julia Siedlanowska Staff Writer

success with her artisan soap company. Recently incarcerated into a low-security women’s prison, her references to getting her product on the shelves of the well-known department store “Barnes” are a striking juxtaposition to her new surroundings. Incarcerated for being a drug mule to her thengirlfriend Alex Vause (played by Laura Prepon), her past hits her hard as she struggles to reconcile her current image of herself with that of years ago. Now in a long-term, monogamous, heterosexual relationship, she struggles to keep her fiancé. Under such trying circumstances, she is forced to face questions regarding her sexuality. This brings me to my second checkpoint: the show is completely unafraid of queer and transgender issues or versions of female sexuality transgressing from heteronormativity. Orange features just about every version of female queer activity you could think of. As with everything else, the scenarios and characters are so

complex that the relationships are authentic regardless of any possible stereotypes imposed on them. Without the constraints of a public television network, the creators are unafraid of portraying female sexuality from a female perspective. There are plenty of scenes of female intimacy made for women to enjoy—now how often do you see that?! What happiness it brings to see such things as if they were the norm, and not having to search for them in the deep dark recesses of the cutting room floor, or male-oriented pornography. The third and final checkpoint is the way that Orange exposes patriarchal misuse of power. In addition to a fabulous cast of female inmates, there are also the male guards. With a moustached pervert, “Pornstache” Mendez (played by Pablo Schreiber), and a homophobic counsellor named Sam Healy (Michael Harney), the show is able to successfully portray (in a very handy metaphor) the problems a patriarchal society imposes on women—with Healy being the

worst. Originally favouring Piper on the grounds that she is white, middle class, and educated, his assumption that she is “different” and therefore in some way above the other inmates leads him to believe that she will subvert to him. When she disobeys, what is ultimately revealed is his hideous insecurity and character. In her article, “Orange is the New Black, and How We Talk About Race and Identity,” TF Charlton writes: “Healy represents the benefits that accrue to white women who ally with ‘benevolent’ white patriarchy, and how this sort of patriarchy relies on hierarchies and divisions between women to maintain its power.” Since Orange is so sound from a feminist perspective, we can afford to look at it from a racial perspective, as well. Many have criticized the show for having a white female lead and for stereotyping black and Latina women. However, the show successfully bites back at the white, upper middle

class with its self-awareness and, most importantly, with the complexity of Piper’s character. We don’t need to like her! Her selfishness, naivety, privilege, and ignorance are not at all lost on us. Through her interactions with Healy, we can see clearly the struggles of a woman trying to find justice in patriarchy, and its effects on all the relationships in her life. Healy’s final failure as a law-enforcement officer can almost be seen as a direct representation of the results of women feeling trapped in the need to compete with one another in patriarchy. All this being said, the show is in no way “manhating.” Part of its beauty is that it effortlessly creates circumstances that expose certain truths about women, part of these truths being that their lives can centre around self-discovery, camaraderie, and internal conflict—struggles traditionally reserved for maledominated film and literature. But what else can I say? Just watch it!

This issue:

Have an idea for a story? Let us know!

 War of the Words: Vaccinations

Contact: Sophie Isbister, Life & Style Editor

 Bathroom condom etiquette

 lifeandstyle@theotherpress.ca

 Public transit tips

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

Back to school blues  Combatting the real world

Cazzy Lewchuk Staff Writer

fter countless hours of opening presents, eating delicious meals, attending ugly sweater parties, sleeping late, and fighting the inevitable hangovers, the holidays are over and school is back in session. For many of us, this also means a return to our job, sport, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities. It’s a scary thought, but it’s a harsh reality. Nothing will ever compete with the feeling of sleeping until 2 p.m. under those warm, fuzzy, and oh-so-soft blankets and then watching Netflix the rest of the day while sipping a rum and eggnog. That said, there are a few ways to make the transition from holiday mode to reality mode easier and simpler. These tips will help your wellbeing, your work performance,

and your relationships with those who have to interact with you. Wake up, damn it! Sleep schedules wreak havoc with the rest of the day, and the holiday season is exactly when they get out of whack. Making the shift from rising at 7:30 a.m. instead of noon may be one of the hardest aspects of January, and it’s also one of the biggest adjustments. Getting up early jolts the body into being productive as soon as it’s awake, and hopefully that productivity rubs off on the rest of the day. Do what you have to do to wake up on time. Set five alarms on five devices. Get a roommate, family member, or significant other to bang pots and pans. Dump a glass of water on your head when your alarm rings. Regardless of your method, escaping the sleeping-late rut does wonders to get back in the groove. Have a proper morning. Once you’re up, be healthy. Actually eat breakfast. Shower

fully. Take time to apply deodorant, make-up, hair gel, or other products that make you more appealing. Do some exercise, even if it’s just a couple of push-ups or yoga moves. Keep a routine going and the morning will stimulate your entire self into feeling happy and prepared to take on the day. Enjoy the changes. Chances are, something new has come into your life since the holidays ended. New classes, new professors, new clients at work, suddenly even colder weather—the New Year brings new things. Find out what the change can offer you. Maybe your new professor is the key to helping you find an internship. Maybe the cute guy whose hair you cut is now single. Even if you can’t find anything for yourself, get to know the change and find out its merit. Enjoy people or things for what they are—you’ll probably learn to enjoy yourself in the process. Take time to relax. Don’t transition too quickly. Even if

www.huffingtonpost.com January brings a crazy schedule with it, do your best to schedule a little bit of Netflix and blanket time. The holidays are a time to relax, but there’s no reason to not relax at all just because they’re over. You’ll wear yourself out otherwise, so find a healthy balance between adjusting and refusing to give up the old ways. Be excellent to each other. Remember, everyone else around you is going through their own stuff. They’re

likely also tired, stressed, hungry, hung-over, or cold. Treating others with kindness is a good idea in general, but the post-holiday winter is especially a time to remember this. Take an extra second to remember that everyone else is a human being worthy of respect and you’ll give off warmth (metaphorically speaking, unless you’re giving hugs) to everyone you interact with.

‘The Hills’ and our lives  Modelling life on not-real-life Natalie Serafini Assistant Editor assistant @theotherpress.ca

ver the holiday break, I must confess, I got a bit trashy. Throwback Thursday kind of trashy, in that I spent hours marathoning that revolutionary reality TV show of bygone years, The Hills. The show is a cesspool of cattiness, drama, and stupidity, but the people (or more accurately, the characters) on the show display an almost admirable reckless abandon—one that, to an extent, I’d like to advocate adopting. That sounds odd and off-putting if you start reaching back into the recesses of your mind, remembering The Hills’ penchant for backstabbing friends and bar fights

galore, but bear with me. There are layers to the appeal of this indulgence. To start, the characters are largely untethered by people and situations that aren’t good for them. They know what’s in their best interests. Granted, there are those who hold onto something that isn’t working, or who hold grudges and refuse to move on; for the most part, though, these characters are self-indulgent, self-interested, and self-serving. Sounds awful in a condensed version, I agree. Yet, in smaller doses, this attitude is good. It means that you recognize when something isn’t working for you and you move on from it. Myriad reasons exist for why we might hang onto a person, thing, or situation that doesn’t do us

any good. Moving on can be hard, but sometimes it’s what’s best, and it requires knowing what’s best. Maybe this is because every weekly episode presents a new drama—alongside ongoing past drama, and the ominous foreshadowing of future drama—but the players of reality shows don’t sweat the small stuff. This is very good; the small stuff is not worth sweating. No one has to have everything in control, or have their life figured out. Worrying excessively about inconsequential matters doesn’t solve anything, and in fact wastes time and energy. Regardless of what happens, life will move on and you’ll move along with it. Since you can’t control everything and life marches on whether you like

it or not, you might as well cultivate some laissez faire rather than worry unduly. The Hills was trash, but it was trash with heart, as are a lot of contemporary reality shows. The people act with pure emotion and good (and sometimes shady) intentions. Emotion and passion—which most people in real life tamp down and ignore—make us human. As much as ignoring our feelings is something that real humans do, it isn’t realistic. Admitting that you’re vulnerable doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it can take bravery to be vulnerable. That doesn’t mean wearing your emotions on your sleeve, or sobbing when they get your order wrong at Starbucks. Perhaps just acknowledge that you’re human and emotional, and express

that in constructive ways to the people in your life. Reality shows don’t always present the best aspects of humanity, but they present self-interested humanity incarnate. True, the characters are condensed and intense—but a moderated, realistic version of what we see on screens might be more reasonable than what we currently present to the world. It’s like how high-fashion runway looks get made into ready-wear pieces for the real world. The liberal and liberated attitudes we see in reality TV—of being self-interested, of not worrying about little things, and of displaying emotion in all its ferocity—could be made into “ready-wear” attitudes in the real world.

life & style // 11

issue 14 // volume 40

Nobody wants your backpack in their face

 And other public transit tips Sophie Isbister Life & Style Editor

lifeandstyle @theotherpress.ca

xcuse me while I rant a bit. I don’t usually devote column inches to griping about the behaviour of my fellow students, but it seems each semester our time away from the daily grind causes us to completely forget to ride public transit like a respectful human being—if we ever learned to begin with. So far, throwing shade at backpack-wearers and aisle-blockers hasn’t been a winning strategy in my crusade for transit etiquette, so I’m turning to a good old op-ed on manners. Because somebody has to. First off, take your damn backpack off. I know you may be thinking, how much space can my one little backpack take up? Answer: a lot, when everyone does it. Not to mention, the people who actually do get a

seat on a crowded morning bus definitely don’t want your filthy, germy book-holster thrusting itself into their freshly awoken faces. It’s not a good look. Next, move to the back of the bus—or at least listen to the bus driver when he or she asks you to. The bus driver is not just playing some sick, pointless game when they repeatedly ask passengers to move on back. You know that awful feeling when a bus zips by you with a “Sorry, bus full” message? It’s even more awful when you can see seats and space enough for at least eight people in the back. I know you love your music in the morning, but when you’re riding transit, please keep one ear open so you can hear the bus driver when they ask you to move to the back. Unless you can be trusted to figure it out for yourself. Be alert when riding transit. Pay attention to who is around you—make sure you vacate a courtesy seat (those are the

seats at the front of the bus or near the doors on the SkyTrain) if you see someone who needs it. If you see someone struggling to get by you to move to the back, it might mean you need to move back also. Listen to the bus driver and pay attention to the social cues of those around you. This way, we all get where we need to go and hold onto that last remaining shred of sanity. Above all, participating in public life means recognizing that you are not the only person on the bus. This includes simple things such as watching the amount of perfume or cologne you wear, not eating smelly or messy food, keeping your music volume at a level only you can hear, and being aware of people around you. I know mornings are rough, and I also know that riding public transit on the daily might be a new thing for you— so keep these tips in mind and avoid being someone’s pet peeve of the day.

By Ed Appleby

Peeling the banana of bathroom condom etiquette  How public condoms symbolize society’s over-sexualization

Christopher DeMarcus, Contributor (The Cascade)

hat is proper condom etiquette? No, not how to put it on. I think I can understand the instructions—though I’m sure there are also plenty of YouTube how-to videos. I’m not talking about how to protect a banana. I’m talking about the bowls of condoms that have been left in bathrooms on my campus. Is the rule, “take a condom, leave a condom?” Can I take more than one? Am I allowed to doubledip? What happens if we touch hands when we both grab at it? Is it okay if I use them to make water balloons? Investigative reporting knows no bounds. The first thing I learned was that it is not “take a condom, leave a condom.” Apparently, the bowls of rubbers were not left for a free market of contraception trade, but for health reasons. Condoms aren’t just for preventing babies, they’re for preventing disease. Okay, I admit. I knew that—we know that. But condoms go on the penis. An organ which is

regarded as highly private; the most offensive organ in our culture, even more grotesque when erect. On an aesthetic level, condom bowls don’t feel right in public places. A private bar or gas station bathroom is the native home of the condom dispenser, not the public university. Of course, we know condoms allow for a 90 per cent STD- and baby-free ride. All the fun with none of the trouble. They get sold to us any way they can: for empowerment, sanitation, pleasure, confidence and security. We get it. Condoms are good for us, like a sexual vitamin C. But if we’re going to cross the line with making the private public, why are we stopping with condoms? The bathrooms should have free pamphlets on how to hunt down and prevent breast and prostate cancer. Don’t worry about the cost; we’ll pay for the messages with advertising revenue from social media networks. Think of the possibilities: the public washroom could become the new private bathroom. Like it or not, how we get down on each other has become public. Whether it’s China’s

one-child policy or how Canada gives foreign aid in the form of birth control, sexuality is regulated; the government says condoms are good. We think of ideas like sexual commitment, natural planning, or vasectomy as silly—or even more blasphemous: as permanent. The condom doesn’t only protect us from health issues, it also prevents us from having to make a promise. Thanks to the condom we’ll never get tied down by that pesky exhuman we dated. Condoms are freedom and flexibility. You can enjoy the sex buffet now, and try to make a baby later in life—when the time is right. Biomechanics be damned, we have the technology to drive us into a perfect future. The concepts of sexuality as a “form of expression” or

“empowerment” are old. Sex today is most often about lust and pleasure, nothing more. There is no love. There is no connection. There is no responsibility. We don’t need it. We have the technology to throw each other away when we’re done. Exactly 50 years ago from the time of writing this article, Aldous Huxley died. Unlike JFK—who died the same day— Huxley slipped away quietly in his bed at the age of 69. Kennedy was filmed getting shot by a sniper at age 46. We tend to recall Kennedy’s Camelot over Huxley’s Brave New World. We remember JFK’s sex life more than Huxley’s vision of an over-sexualized future. In our modern world, condoms are caring. They are morality. They are the way we keep healthy.

They protect us from the unknown. But health isn’t just the mechanics of biology and psychology. It is the social connections of our psyche, our human spirituality. Perhaps it’s time we think more about committal attitudes and love. About deeper connections and the value of sexuality, instead of the cost of it. Maybe we’d get in less trouble if we kept our penises to ourselves until the time is right. Maybe it’s time to return to building trust instead of lust, or at the very least, learning that responsibility can’t come from a bowl in the bathroom.

feature // 12

theotherpress.ca

FEARS ABOUT

CHEERS Is drinking enhancing your existence, or putting a hangover on your life?

By www.dailymail.co.uk

feature // 13

issue 15 // volume 40 By Sharon Miki, Section Editor

t’s Friday night. You’ve spent the week waking up early, dragging yourself to class, and dealing with the general drudgery that is your life. All you want to do is relax, kick back, and chill with your friends. So you go out: to a bar, a club, a friend’s house. Over the course of the night, you have a few beers or cocktails, maybe a shot or two. You laugh, you dance, you’re happy. Sometime after midnight, you stagger outside and take a bus or a cab home and crash in bed. You’ve had a fun night. The next morning, you wake up feeling a little bit hung-over, but overall, it was worth it. You continue with your life and repeat the process the next Friday night, week after week—you’re basically living in the bubblegum and champagne world of a Katy Perry song. You are also—technically—considered a “heavy drinker.” According to a report published by Statistics Canada, “heavy drinking” for Canadians is defined as consuming “five or more drinks, per occasion, at least once a month during the past year.” Whether it is for special occasions, weekend partying, or a weeklong bender, drinking that amount of alcohol and more is a commonly accepted practice amongst most young Canadians. Basically, if you attend at least one social gathering a month at which you drink more than five beers or cocktails, you are a heavy drinker. This, in itself, is sobering news to many. “That surprises me,” said Lori, a 24-year-old Douglas College student. “I would not consider myself a heavy drinker… I feel that having five or more drinks once a week might be more realistic. Most people my age are doing that once a week or more.” Heather, 23, adds that “most people I know would probably be defined as a heavy drinker by that definition… I am surprised by that [definition].” Indeed, though few would classify themselves as being heavy drinkers, StatsCan shows that the prime college-age demographic of those aged 20-34 report the highest levels of drinking of all Canadians—with 44 per cent of men and 23.5 per cent of women classified as heavy drinkers according to the organization’s parameters. Whether we are aware of it or not, even those who consider themselves casual drinkers may be verging on heavy territory. With heavy drinking among young people being so clearly widespread and commonly accepted, the question then becomes: is it an issue? Or is heavy drinking just a way that young people can escape the hardships of modern life?

Do we know if we have a problem? After a certain age, messages about alcohol become a mixed dichotomy—on one hand, we are presented with images of mature adults drinking a few glasses of wine an evening “for their health” in a positive light; on the other, we are bombarded with cautionary tales of spiralling, crippling addiction to alcoholic substances. As college students, many of whom are about to or have recently reached the age where they can legally procure alcohol, these messages can be confusing. Similarly, when we see images of alcoholism in the media, we are often faced with the dark visages of people so addicted to drink that they can’t make it through a day without a fifth of something. Culturally, representations of alcoholism tend to be extreme and hyperbolized: Barney Gumble suckling beer straight from the tap, Lucille Bluth’s vodka breakfasts, or Don Draper’s shaking hands reaching for a fifth of whiskey before a big presentation. Rarely are we confronted with the quiet habits of those who can’t sleep without a cocktail, or who need a few drinks every day at lunch to make it through their workday. As such, issues with drinking are often obscured if they are not extreme; socially, many college-aged people generally view abstaining from drink as shy teetotalism—and this social pressure can lead to an all-or-nothing view towards drinking.

What’s the harm for college students? So most college students are drinking alcohol, with many doing it heavily. What’s the harm? Physically, it’s hard to deny the downsides of drinking alcohol. Over time, heavy drinking can increase your risk of long-term health issues; according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, these health risks include “liver disease, heart disease, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, bleeding from the stomach, sexually transmitted infections from unsafe sex, and several types of cancer.” Still, these detrimental health effects tend to take years to develop—something that most young drinkers will not have had time to worry about. For college-aged drinkers, the most obvious adverse effect of drinking is usually a hangover: a horrible combination of factors like nausea, exhaustion, thirst, confusion, shame, and depression. Beyond the physical effects of heavy drinking, there are also a number of negative social repercussions that don’t always spring to mind when anticipating a night of cocktails, from the fairly innocuous like embarrassing yourself at karaoke to the potentially dangerous—like drinking to the point where you are sexually violated or manipulated. Further, many young people find their judgment with alcohol faltering, resulting in legal consequences. At 24, Lori notes that “drinking and driving is a big issue these days since I personally have four friends with DUIs.”

What about school? Beyond the obvious physical consequences and dangers, drinking while you’re a student presents a unique situation: does so-called heavy drinking effect your ability to succeed in your post-secondary program? It’s hard to say. Some, like Heather, attribute occasional social drinking as a necessary evil for unwinding from the stresses of studying and as a way to combat the sometimes crippling isolation that can come from spending most of your time in class, studying, or working. During her time as a student, Heather explains that she drank regularly “either alone or at one of the bars down the street from the campus… [for] fun mostly, but also [to combat] stress and loneliness. Or boredom.” Still, she never found that drinking interfered with her schooling, noting that “sometimes I would push an assignment back or miss a class to go out and have fun at the pub but I would always get it done in the end.” While a student, Heather often drank alcohol “probably four or five days a week... Most of my on-campus or during class time drinking was with a friend. We’d go for lunch or be bored in a night class, and decided to liven it up a little with a few drinks. I did more heavy drinking after class time [though].” Still, while some might feel that social drinking is a rite of passage for the college experience, others suggest that it might take time away from studying or getting enough rest to properly engage in their course loads.

A toast to you Ultimately, the question of whether or not drinking is for you rests with you. The main thing to keep in mind—which many of us forget while in our intoxicated stupors—is that drinking isn’t a forgive-all excuse for anything. There are repercussions for our actions towards others, and ourselves, even if they are fuelled by Pilsner. Still, provided that you are over the age of 19 and aren’t driving while drunk or drinking to the point of public disturbance, it’s your choice—and the consequences, good and bad, will be yours to bear. Being aware of your own limits, the possible physical and emotional consequences, and the legalities of drinking can help you make those choices more responsibly. After all, you’re an adult now, and adulthood is all about responsibility. Cheers to that. *Identifying information for some subjects has been altered to protect their anonymity.

life & style // 14

theotherpress.ca

War of the Words: A plea for the poke  Get vaccinated for those who can’t Sophie Isbister Life & Style Editor lifeandstyle @theotherpress.ca

here has been an antivaccination movement ever since vaccines have been in existence. People have always been wary about taking vaccines into their veins, and have been arguably even more worried about government intervention into their personal health lives. This is a fair concern, and one that has been heeded by the government so far— vaccines are not mandatory. However, that has posed its own set of problems. Due to misinformation spread by actress (not scientist) Jenny McCarthy, a whole generation of parents avoided the MMR vaccine for their kids because of now-debunked reports that the vaccine could cause autism. This has led to recent outbreaks of measles across Canada in 2013. Wariness and uncertainty about the flu vaccine—usually based around emotional responses and “icky feelings”— have also posed public health concerns; health officials worry that enough people are opting out of the flu to compromise herd immunity, which is the accepted theory that having a high percentage of the population inoculated against a virus protects the community as a whole. We lost herd immunity with measles, which is part of the reason we’re seeing an outbreak. Some people can’t get the flu shot, such as people with immune disorders, or

those with egg allergies. Herd immunity protects those people: the flu is less likely to spread through populations when a high percentage of that population is immunized. This is why it becomes an issue when otherwise healthy people opt out of the flu shot. Healthy people are perfectly able to withstand the flu, but they also risk passing it along to those who aren’t able to inoculate. The flu vaccine is completely safe; it cannot give you the flu. If you got the flu immediately after getting the vaccine, it’s likely that you were exposed to the flu virus before getting inoculated. And yes, you can still get the flu after getting vaccinated—the flu vaccine does the best it can and usually protects against 70 to 90 per cent of common flu strains. But I think it’s better to hedge your bets and increase that herd immunity. If a healthy and strong adult gets the flu it is preferable to an immunocompromised person getting it—especially nasty strains like H1N1 and H5N1, both of which have reared their ugly heads this flu season. People have been turning away from vaccines for reasons that are not based in science. While I understand that it is your right to say no and opt out, illogical, emotion-based arguments have sadly been winning the vaccination battle. There are plenty of solid reasons to get vaccinated as part of a comprehensive public health operative, and very few reasons—mostly selfish ones— not to.

date

JANUARY 23 - 24

FINE ART FANTASY

place

Main Concourse New Westminster

WILDLIFE GIANT-SIZED POSTERS

hours

MUSIC

9-7 last day

FRAMES & HANGERS

9-5

PHOTOGRAPHY

FILM

1000S OF POSTERS

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This issue:

Have your voice heard!

 Some movies bomb, while others F-bomb

Contact: Opinions Editor, Elliot Chan

 Canadian army should not be mocked for civil service

 opinions@theotherpress.ca

 What’s the deal with... dog strollers?

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

Bully Band-Aid

 Plastic surgery for children doesn’t address real issues Natalie Serafini Assistant Editor assistant @theotherpress.ca

lastic surgery has become something of a non-issue in society. Where it was once shocking and inconceivable outside of the hills of Hollywood, it has normalized in other parts of the world (at least, for rich people). If you’re an adult choosing to change your appearance for yourself and your happiness, it’s your prerogative; more power—and plastic—to you. The question of surgery is more dubious though when you aren’t an adult or aren’t doing it for yourself. This applies to plastic surgery for children, in the name of ending bullying. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that within the last decade, the rate of children getting plastic surgery has increased by approximately 30 per cent. Recently making the news for this is 15-year-old Renata, who got plastic surgery to end the bullying which had resulted in her being homeschooled for three years. Renata says, “They would just call me ‘the girl with the big nose.’” She worried, having been bullied for so long and homeschooled for years, that she

would “never have any friends, or anyone to be there for me.” For help, she and her family turned to the non-profit organization Little Baby Face Foundation, which treats children with facial birth defects who are from low-income families. Renata was diagnosed with a deviated septum and hemi-facial microsomia (a condition in which parts of the face remain underdeveloped; in Renata’s case, this caused her nose to be crooked). To address these birth defects, Renata received rhinoplasty, correcting both the size and crookedness of her nose, and a chin implant to balance out her face. The concerns that people often bring up of “What if she goes on to be addicted to plastic surgery?” don’t worry me, and I don’t believe the family is fostering an extravagant attitude towards surgery. What concerns me is that this “solution” doesn’t address the issue in the first place, and consequently isn’t a solution at all. There is nothing wrong with Renata—I know she was diagnosed with a facial birth defect, but there is truly nothing wrong with her. Her surgery likely won’t accomplish much more than feeding into the xenophobic-like attitude of “You’re different from me so I don’t like you.”

Don’t get me wrong, Renata doesn’t owe anyone anything, and if her facial changes make her happy, I’m happy for her. I wish she wasn’t making these permanent changes at such a young age, but she doesn’t have to be a martyr, suffering through high school. While her youth makes me apprehensive, it’s not her age that concerns me in this matter. I worry because she wasn’t making these changes for herself; that’s clear from the impetus for her surgery, and from her statement, “I think if they see you getting the surgery to fix something that they’ve teased you about, I think it would make them feel bad and maybe it would change their mind about doing it.” While the bullies might have lost some ammunition, the reality is that Renata’s surgery will likely have no effect on the kids’ attitudes or sense of guilt. If they didn’t feel remorse before, her validating their cruelty by “fixing” herself will give them little pause. And even if it does give them pause, Renata isn’t responsible for teaching them a lesson. The problem is that Renata was being bullied, that she felt alone and friendless, and that she felt she needed to change in order to be accepted. Hoda Kotb of The Today Show, interviewing Renata and her mother,

A teen who got plastic sergery to avoid bullying. // By NBC asked “Doesn’t it put the burden on the victim, as opposed to the bully?” Spot on, Hoda. Of course bullying is a larger problem that can and will only be addressed gradually, and I don’t fault any individual who makes choices that will assumedly mitigate the teasing. There should be more avenues and more con-

structive solutions to bullying, because this uptick in rates of kids getting plastic surgery will only continue to increase otherwise. In the big picture, plastic surgery as a “solution” is nothing more than a Band-Aid to bullying, and an acquiescent “You’re right, I’m not good enough. I’ll go fix myself.”

War of the Words: Influenza and H1N1 Vaccine  Vaccination may be a whole other can of worms Elliot Chan Opinions Editor

opinions @theotherpress.ca

f you have been vaccinated, you’re probably feeling pretty good about yourself. If modern medicine has taught us anything, it’s that it works 100 per cent of the time, right? Nope. I know I’m being a bit cheeky about an important subject, but realistically, there isn’t much we can do. Sure, health is important, but can vaccines replace good habits? Nope again. Let’s not become so dependent on medicine that

we forget the primary method of mitigating sickness: wash your hands, cover your mouth, and stay at home when you’re sick—everything your mom taught you. Fine, if it makes you feel better to be vaccinated, go right ahead and get the shots, but don’t just dive headfirst, allowing someone to inject a magical elixir into your body. Understand yourself; recognize your own habits and health. If your job demands it, get the shot—be responsible, but there’s a reason shots aren’t mandatory. Health is subjective, because only you know how you feel. I’m not a doctor, but I can

think for myself, and I know that while some people might need a shot to avoid the flu, others don’t. Although the risk of flu outweighs the risk of vaccine allergies, I must still ask: what is going to protect you from the next disease? And the disease after that? No doctor can guarantee 100 per cent that you won’t feel side effects from a “safe” vaccination. Headaches, fatigue, fever, and aching muscles are just some of the light symptoms vaccinations can cause. Yes, I know, that all seems rather minor compared to death from influenza. The

2009 pandemic was a scare, and the 2013-2014 situation is still calling a lot of attention to our health. Be aware, but don’t panic, and don’t cause other people to panic. Negativity is a poison in its own regards. I’m not advocating that people should avoid vaccination. Medicine is good, but health is a balancing act, both physically and mentally. The more you anticipate sickness the easier it is to be subjected to the placebo effect, good or bad. So, does the vaccine even work or is it just insurance? You might think that the doctors have all the answers, but for a healthy

person, they don’t have much to work with. Healthy thinking and living, to me, far outweigh the importance of getting shots. I get it, we are all busy and we need to make money, shots are the easy way to ensure healthiness. But invest in yourself longterm. Don’t allow an epidemic to force you to live better—just live better. Shots or not, it’s always up to you. I repeat: I’m not a doctor, and I’m not you either. All I know is that health is a tricky thing and sometimes covering your ass may backfire. So relax. Just as car accidents happen every single day, so do illnesses.

opinions // 16

theotherpress.ca

Some movies bomb, while others F-bomb  ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ breaks record with most fucks said in film Elliot Chan Opinions Editor

opinions @theotherpress.ca

ow did it happen that we now live in a world where the movie with the highest number of F-bombs dropped is not in a gangster movie, serial killer flick, or even a buddy comedy, but rather a film about stockbrokers? There is no argument around Martin Scorsese’s prowess as a filmmaker, and that any key choices made in

Street, you weren’t tallying the number of “fucks”—instead, the fast-paced movie probably kept your attention for most of the three hours. But hey, I’m not writing a review; I’m just wondering what 506 fucks in 180 minutes would do to me. Turns out, nothing, because I’m used to it. Swear words are so common these days that it feels a little ridiculous to even call attention to them. You hear them at sporting events and on the streets, you read them on the Internet and social media, and

Street has achieved. A movie is entertainment, and the only way to entertain is to get the audience engaged in the story. How do you keep an audience engaged? The writer must be honest when writing the script, creating truth in the situations and the characters; and the filmmaker must have courage to follow through. Would the movie be any less if it only had 435 fucks like in Spike Lee’s 1999 New York serial killer movie, Summer of Sam? Probably not— not any significant difference at least—but I know a censored

When profanity is used appropriately in film it has the same effect as a nicely timed edit or a tension-building film score. the film were well-calculated and thought-out. I’m certain he knew he was going to break some record. After all, he has shown affection for characters with dirty mouths in his other movies with high “fuck” counts: Casino with 422, Goodfellas with 300, and The Departed with 237. When profanity is used appropriately in film, it has the same effect as a nicely timed edit or a tension-building film score. You don’t even notice it, because you’re so enthralled by the film itself. Odds are, while sitting through The Wolf of Wall

of course, they fill the airwaves every time the television is turned on. Shit happens and apparently, so does fuck. I hope there will soon be actors mimicking Matthew McConaughey’s beautiful yet brutish monologue, or Leonardo DiCaprio’s fuck-filled narration—it really is a shame that The Wolf of Wall Street, pending Academy Awards, will be remembered for another fuckin’ accolade. It’s not a contest or anything and a movie’s objective is not to reach arbitrary milestones such as the one The Wolf of Wall

version of both those movies would be unwatchable. Which leads me to the next question: how long will it be until we get to see the next cussfilled movie to overtake The Wolf of Wall Street? It’s hard to say, there is no particular trend. Since the early ‘90s, filmmakers have been taking more chances by incorporating risky language, while being governed by the motion picture rating system that limits their audience. Because swearing is such a common part of modern life, I can’t imagine it taking too long. By Joel McCarthy

Walking the dog?  Strollers are new perk that pets don’t need

“T

Julia Siedlanowska Staff Writer

he Dogger, a dog quality product, is designed with senior dogs in mind and ensures that you and your older dog have the very best in comfort, maneuverability, and control… Built to last, the Dogger stroller is the best dog stroller on the market,” says the advertising for the Dogger. Selling for $249.95, the stroller offers rear suspension and adjustable handlebar for dog owners of different heights. This product may seem comical to you, but upon further inspection it’s not much more ridiculous than other dog trends popularized in the past decade.

The days when Dad would take Lassie out back for walks are gone, at least in the urban community; however, the relationship between humans and their canines has remained largely the same since. I always attributed clothing for canines to the 2000s, when I saw it popularized by Paris Hilton’s chihuahua. But accessorizing your dog is a trend that has been around since King Cuo of Zhongshan, who was found buried with his dog in 309 BC. The dog was wearing a gold, silver, and turquoise collar, surely a symbol of the ruler’s extreme wealth and power. So is the seemingly practical invention of a dog stroller not a symbol of status as well? In the age of consumerism where companies will always try to push unnecessary items onto

buyers, what you buy is who you are. If you can afford a $250 dog stroller, you’ve either got your priorities mixed up, or you’ve got more money than you know what to do with. Personally, I don’t really care. The argument that we treat our animals better than we treat some people is true and sad. The reality is that people generally don’t help others unless it benefits themselves. Sure, there are random acts of kindness, but the majority of people I know don’t think about their actions in relation to the greater good. Pets provide happiness, and so we provide for them— sometimes to excess. Then there’s treating pets like human babies and calling owners “parents.” This I do have a problem with. As dog owners, you do have a responsibility, not unlike that

of parents: you are caring for a dependent being. Your pet or child requires discipline, and you require a certain amount of education before you commit to the responsibilities. I think that people greatly underestimate the value of educational books and videos. There is a plethora of information for new dog owners, and just like purchasing a new Honda requires research, so do pets. Wonder why your dog soils the house when you leave it? Perhaps the answer lies in your humanizing it and making a great deal of your departure. When Fido looks at you with those big black eyes and you gush over him before you leave for work in the morning, you’re actually instilling a habit that will lead to separation anxiety. This materializes itself in further negative habits like

peeing on the carpet, which Fido will likely be confused by later when you come home angry. Instead of “spoiling” your dog with useless devices that inhibit its exercise, serve your dog by understanding it. Although I think a stroller is perfectly justified for a dog unable to walk, the Dogger must remain in the niche market. My problem is not with the humanization of pets, but the harm that it may cause them. Humans will always find creative ways to show their status (consciously or not), and marketers will always find a way to make us think something is a necessity. It’s our responsibility, however, to draw the line and ensure that we’re doing things for our animals’ benefit.

opinions // 17

issue 14 // volume 40

Soldiering on By Joel McCarthy

The Report Card: Theatre Elliot Chan Opinions Editor

opinions @theotherpress.ca

ntertainment is becoming more and more accessible. With Netflix, torrents, and television shows vying for our attention from the comfort of our couches, we’ve become reluctant to treat ourselves to spectacles. Our money is precious, and we work hard for it—so what will get us the most bang for our buck when we actually do leave the house for entertainment?

Pass: Live shows

Vancouver is bursting at the seams with live entertainment. We live in a city where we can watch a play one evening, attend a sporting event the next, and then go to a concert afterward. Now, when you hear the words “live entertainment” you often think about the price-heavy opera shows at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, rock concerts at Rogers Arena, or the annual Cirque du Soleil tour in the giant parking lot tent—but there is a whole other side to live entertainment. It might not be as extravagant, but a casual night with passionate entertainers is often a more engaging experience than streaming old episodes of [insert whatever TV show people are binge watching now]. There is a stigma to watching undeveloped acts or rising artists, because it’s unprofessional, they aren’t talented enough, and their equipment is not on par with the pros you see on stages and the big screen. But everyone starts off somewhere and it’s important to develop a culture and a community where we foster those rising—not only those touring. The same way we go out and watch the Vancouver Giants play hockey at the Pacific Coliseum, we should also attend comedy shows, music performances, school and independently produced plays, and other

forms of performance art that have yet to catch the attention of public media. Because every live show is different, you’ll never know what to expect—after all, live entertainment is the real 3-D experience.

Fail: Cinema

There was a time when we were worried that people might stop going to the movies, but movies are still here. Just take a glance at the blockbuster hits, the superhero movies, and the state-of-the-art special effects, and you can see the appeal of the cinema. Although we’re becoming a bit more selective with the movies we choose to pay money to watch, we’re often left feeling a bit gypped by the corporate experience: expensive popcorns, the endless preshow commercials, and predictable plots. Hollywood, in my opinion, has gotten a little stale. Unless it’s a really compelling movie, I would rather chat about the performance, set decoration, and cinematography with my fellow movie watchers. Our attention spans for movies are getting thinner and thinner. Being able to watch movies from tablets and laptops has caused us to evolve from audience members into commentators—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it’s a night out with friends. Of course you should talk, but a movie theatre is not the right place for that type of social engagement. I believe movies are like books and they are best when you enjoy them in private. No distractions and nobody looking over your shoulder. When you do get a chance to leave the house, it should be a communal commitment where ideas and experiences are shared not only with a screen, but also with each other. Regardless of the entertainment’s quality, it all comes down to the memories you share with your friends and family when you actually leave the house to watch something new. Live performances are unique, where cinemas, like Hollywood scripts, are becoming repetitive.

By Ed Appleby

 Canadian army should not be mocked for civil service Elliot Chan Opinions Editor

opinions @theotherpress.ca

he city of Toronto has been the butt of jokes for far too long now (though some might say not long enough): their uproarious mayor, Charlie Sheen; the Maple Leafs doubledribbling to the playoffs; and, of course, the freeze storm. Yes, it has been an ice age of comedy for the centre of the universe, but I will not poke fun at Toronto for sending in the army to battle Mother Nature, that cold-hearted bitch. While we’re living in Vancouver, where anything below 10-degrees Celsius is considered cold, people in Toronto have been pouring cups of hot water outside and watching it turn to ice before their eyes. The sight gave me chills (remember the 1997 movie, Batman & Robin, where Arnold Schwarzenegger a.k.a Mr. Freeze kept making cold puns? I do). I know people in the Prairies are laughing at Toronto for their dramatic call to arms, but let’s be honest, if they weren’t laughing at Toronto, they would probably be shivering. Toronto is a big city that can only function when people are able to leave their households. As someone who has all-season tires on my car for, well, all seasons, I know what it’s like to be stuck at home. So I’m a little surprised that calling in the troops for reinforcement isn’t more common—after all, why shouldn’t we use our resources? Weather is one of the most

devastating forces in the world, and having the military around to back up normal people is a morale boost a country like Canada should have. We are a peaceful nation and we should lead by example. For many in the United States, the idea of sending in the troops for anything but war is still a highly debated proposition. Citizens just don’t want to see the army cruising down the streets—that is not encouraging for a healthy morale. Recent hurricanes have since changed the minds of many, but others are still convinced that a country should not rely on their army for domestic reasons. But as the world continues to face the fury of Mama Nature, it seems that the army lending a hand may become a common trend. A little deep freeze is far from a humanitarian emergency, but it would be comforting to know that the military would be able to help when disaster strikes. A soldier assisting shouldn’t be something we laugh at; it should be something we expect and respect. Taking a look closer to home, we wonder what might cause Vancouver to send in the army. How about an earthquake? What they call the inevitable “Big One” could literally happen at any moment. I sure hope and expect someone to help me deal with that crisis, especially if I get stuck on Granville Street when the city shakes. We can mitigate disaster, but we can never really avoid it. So, let’s use all we have when things get bad and build upon that for when things get worse.

This issue:

Know the score?

 Marshawn Lynch threatened by the NFL for his media silence

Contact: Eric Wilkins, Sports Editor

 Should NFL prospects enter the draft early?

 sports@theotherpress.ca

 Douglas faces Quest in first game back

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

Getting Gerwing  New coach for the women’s basketball team Eric Wilkins Sports Editor sports @theotherpress.ca

he Christmas break is a good opportunity for teams to regroup and come back for a fresh start. For the women’s basketball team, that fresh start will be led by a fresh face, as Courtney Gerwing has been hired as the new interim head coach. Gerwing comes to the Royals with a decorated resumé. She was a five-time Academic AllCanadian during her playing career with SFU, a recipient of the Sylvia Sweeney Award, an assistant coach with SFU for three seasons, and a Gordon M Shrum

Courtney Gerwing By Bob Frid Scholarship winner. Needless to say, she’s walked the walk. Athletic Director Paul Cohee was pleased that the college was able to secure Gerwing’s services:

“We are, of course, very excited to have coach Gerwing join our team of coaches as the interim head coach. Her long list of successes, both academically and athletically, make her a fantastic role model for all of our young athletes. The fact that she stayed three years as an assistant coach at a quality program like SFU’s speaks volumes to the experience she gained and the confidence that program had in her ability to coach at the University/NCAA level. She is clearly very talented and we believe she will help the team finish their season strong.” Cohee also spoke to the faith they have in Gerwing as she takes on her first head coaching gig: “Yes, this is a new challenge for Courtney, but her record shows

that she is accustomed to rise and overcome them with glowing success. I would not expect this opportunity to be any different for her.” Chloe Kennedy, one of the team’s captains, also commented on the coaching change. “It’s a whole new perspective and a breath of fresh air. It’s definitely a different style but I think we’re going to do really well.” The fact that the change comes mid-season has done nothing to deter the confidence of Gerwing. “I have some familiarity with the program and some of the administrative staff who have been incredible in helping the program continue to run smoothly. Any adjustments are part of sport: a new league,

new teams to play, things that I am excited about. Coming from coaching and playing in the NCAA D2 and CIS, I believe I bring a level of commitment and competitiveness that I hope to instil in our team and our program.” And while she’s excited for the new challenge, Gerwing has wasted little time in getting down to business: “It is a tough transition for the team because it is mid-season, but we have been practicing hard and we are learning some new systems. They have a great base of basketball knowledge to start with and are picking things up quickly. So far I’m really pleased with our progress, especially on the defensive end.”

Rub-a-dub-dub

 Douglas athletes to receive free pre-game massages

Courtnie Martin Sports Reporter

he life of a student athlete can cause an overwhelming amount of stress, anxiety, and in some cases, depression or fear of failure. Along with the typical stressors of a young adult, the pressures of maintaining a respectable GPA, competing at the collegiate level, and representing an entire institution can certainly be the reason behind muscle discomfort. Since an athlete’s body endures a constant beating with minimal recovery time once in season, Douglas College has teamed up with Vancouver Career College to provide a much appreciated service for the athletes:

massages. Vancouver Career College’s registered massage therapists will offer 30-50 minute (depending on demand) sessions at home games on Fridays for all interested athletes; there is a sign-up sheet outside the athletic trainer’s office. This will be the first time that massages will be offered throughout the entire Royal Athletics department. While this new avenue for stress and pain relief is currently on a trial run, tangible results may open the door for a more permanent setup in the future. “Vancouver Career [College] approached us with this awesome opportunity and I believe this will absolutely help our athletes, it will decrease any stiffness or tension as well as help with flexibility and

will refresh the muscles,” said Douglas College’s head athletic therapist, Alvin Tseng. Tseng typically treats eight to 10 athletes per day for injuries ranging from sprained ankles to torn ligaments, and with the college’s total number of athletes numbering over 100, he’s not complaining about the extra help. The first test-run saw more than half of the players signed up within an hour of the information being released. “I don’t think people understand how stressful it can be [being and athlete]. Not taking away from the everyday student, but I could use a massage now and again to just get away from stress and to allow myself time to regroup. I really appreciate what [they] are doing to help us,” said first-year

By www.runnersworld.com post, Sarah Jorgenson. Massages won’t completely dissolve all the issues an athlete endures, but research

has proven them to be highly effective—especially in the recovery process. Besides, who can resist a free rub-a-dub-dub?

Net loss: Royals drop a close matchup against Quest Courtnie Martin Sports Reporter

ith new head basketball coach Courtney Gerwing at the helm, the women’s

basketball team came out completely focussed and on fire against Quest University last Friday (January 10). Despite their strong start, the Royals headed into the half down 2820, due in part to the Kermodes’ double-teaming the ball constantly, forcing Douglas into

turnovers. The third quarter was an uphill battle for the Royals. Simran Bir made some huge plays, as did Nanaya Miki, but the team struggled trying to catch up. The final score was 64-51 for Quest. “I think we played really

well. We came within four at one point. [We] just have to learn to capitalize on that. I still have really high hopes for us even though our record is not that great. We are a strong team with a ton of potential, we just have to work out all the kinks,” said player Garaline Tom.

Player of the Game:

Simran Bir

sports // 19

issue 14 // volume 40

 Whether prospects should enter the NFL Draft early Eric Wilkins Sports Editor sports @theotherpress.ca

t’s the time of year when college football players make their decision whether to declare for the NFL early or head back for another year of grooming—it’s a choice many get wrong. Completely wrong. The initial thought through the minds of many is to go for the bright lights and substantial financial draw of the NFL as soon as possible, but, as with many get-richquick schemes, the end result doesn’t always match up with one’s hopes. There is no such thing as a sure thing. Former Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead was thought of as a potential first overall pick coming out of his sophomore season; however, his draft stock took a substantial hit when he threw 20 touchdowns and 20 interceptions as a junior. Unwilling to head back for his senior year, and perhaps believing teams would still value the potential he had flashed previously, Snead declared for the draft. Not a single team was interested, and Snead watched seven rounds fly by without his name called. He got a brief look as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Storm (of the Arena Football League) but neither worked out. For all intents and purposes, his professional football career is over. With that in mind, returning to school may seem to be the obvious route, but there are risks associated with this as well. No player, no matter how good, is ever guaranteed a good season. Along with this, injuries are a constant threat. Throw together a bad year and an

injury, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect storm down the rankings. A confident campaign for a Heisman can quickly turn into a nightmare. A recent example is former USC quarterback Matt Barkley: he was projected as a top-10 pick for the 2012 draft, but citing “unfinished business” he put the NFL on hold and headed back for his senior season. He had a miserable go of it. Barkley struggled, finished on the injury list, and USC ultimately lost six games. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Eagles. As illustrated by the above examples, there is no set answer for whether players should try for the NFL early or keep playing college ball; however, a good rule of thumb is to make the jump while the going’s good. Staying in school is all fine and dandy, but let’s face it, most of these guys are never going to make use of that expensive piece of paper and a college championship isn’t going to pay any bills. If getting drafted high is as close to a sure thing as possible, then go for it. On the flip-side, if the projections aren’t looking good, don’t force it.

sports // 20

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Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch // By Otto Greule Jr

Fine speaking  Marshawn Lynch threatened by the NFL for his media silence Eric Wilkins Sports Editor sports @theotherpress.ca

n a league so often ravaged by unwelcome outbursts from its players, it should come with some amusement that one of its stars is currently in hot water for doing precisely the opposite. Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was recently

slapped by the NFL with a $50,000 fine for not speaking to the media all season. Though he’s since appealed the ruling and won, further indiscretion to the NFL’s policy will incur a $100,000 penalty. While it’s easy to rush to Lynch’s defence—a fine for keeping out of the spotlight?— the talented back is technically in the wrong. It’s easy to say that Lynch is only getting paid to carry the rock and not to talk, but this isn’t actually true. NFL

media policy states that players are required to be available to the media “following every game, and regularly during the practice week as required under league rules and their contracts.” It doesn’t matter how politely an NFL player declines an interview request—it’s still his duty. There are unpleasant or unwanted aspects to every job; saying “no” isn’t a suitable excuse for why they can’t be carried out. Inasmuch as I understand, and personally don’t mind in the

least, Lynch’s blackout of sorts, the life of a professional athlete isn’t a private one. Whether they appreciate the attention or not, it’s the expectation and responsibility of players to be there for the fans and give their two cents. It’s not their right to decide when they want to get in front of the cameras. On the flip-side though, the NFL is being a little nitpicky here. It took them the entire regular season—17 weeks—before someone noticed. A whole season

went by without anyone raising a fuss about one of the league’s top backs doing his best mute impression. Even the big, bad media—infamous for making mountains out of molehills— didn’t have an issue with it. There are so many more pressing matters that the NFL could be using its time on. It seems to be a poor publicity move to attack a likeable character on such a trivial issue—which may be why the league decided to withhold the fine for the moment.

Two down, one to go

 Douglas faces Quest

Courtnie Martin Sports Reporter

n January 10, the men’s basketball team hosted the first game back after the break

against the Quest Kermodes. After the last game resulted in a 98-85 loss, the Royals were playing for redemption. The first quarter was a bit chaotic for the Royals; the tempo was upbeat on both ends of the floor, but Douglas was still struggling—finishing behind

the Kermodes after the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, Quest started to pull away, causing coach Denis Beausoleil to call a quick timeout for a new strategy; they began to pressure and double team every possession. While the

game became a back-and-forth contest to the rim, the halftime score failed to reflect this with Douglas heading into the half, down 44-35. In the second half, despite strong efforts from Kristian Hildebrandt, Bradyn Norris, and Grant Campbell, the Royals

couldn’t close the deficit, with the final score 97-72 for Quest. Douglas will have one more opportunity to best the Kermodes before provincials later this year.

This issue:

Been told you’re too funny?

 A practical guide to icebreaker games

Contact: Sharon Miki, Humour Editor

 Ghosting: A Pre-Valentines guide

 humour@theotherpress.ca

 Netflix debuts its dating service

www.theotherpress.ca

And more!

By Joel McCarthy

Mars… and bars? Steven Cayer Senior Columnist

 New reality show aims to populate red planet with attractive jerks Sharon Miki Humour Editor humour @theotherpress.ca

s there life beyond Earth for the planet’s sexiest beings? In a move that television insiders say was “duh, inevitable,” the American for-profit organization Mars Five has announced a collaboration with the Universal Broadcasting Company, Lance Bass, and NASA to produce a revolutionary new reality show that will bring the hottest and douchiest humans on Earth to live out the rest of their lives— on camera!—on the planet Mars. “As a network—nay, as a species—we’ve simply run out of sexy locales in which the beautiful jerks of the human race can mingle,” said lead show runner for the program, Marc Burnetto. “Mars Shore solves this by taking the biggest idiots and the hottest babes and letting us watch while they move their game from the beach and the bar to the sandy beaches of the red planet!” The reality show, tentatively titled Mars Shore, will follow the fun casting process on Earth, and then the incredibly difficult 54.6-million kilometre journey from Earth to Mars. Cameras will keep rolling until cast members eventually grow old and die, with subsequent spinoff “New Generation” series in the works, provided Mars Shore is a success with audiences. “You never know, people might get bored with reality TV,” conceded Burnetto. “I hope

not though, since we will be sending people away from their home planet for the rest of their natural lives!” The show will be cast from a pool of 300,000 whiny girls, overtly chauvinistic men, models with self-esteem issues, sweet dunces, and good-looking people who tend to air on the side of beefin’ with each other. From this pool, 50 of the worst and dimmest will be selected for a rigorous two-month training regime to prepare contestants for interplanetary space travel and life on another planet. “Like,” said potential cast member Britney O’Hara, 22, “I feel it’s my duty to make sure Mars isn’t full of bitches, you know?” Indeed, a significant consideration of the casting process will be of potential cast members’ abilities to populate a new planet with human life. “I mean, we don’t want to start the planet off with people who don’t look good in a bathing suit, am I right?” asked Burnetto. “Yeah, yeah, I like that we’ll be responsible for populating the planet,” noted sexy bachelor Juan Pablo from the reality show The Bachelor, who is rumoured to be auditioning for Mars Shore producers. “I’m a real big fan of shows where I get to bone a pre-selected pool of hot women—and the space thing sounds hot… just like me!” Casting for the show is slated to conclude by the end of 2014 with the show’s earthly season airing shortly thereafter; the show’s cast and crew will then leave planet Earth in late 2016, never to return.

Steven Cayer Senior Columnist

Indifference 101

 New program rewards students for skills in lethargy Sharon Miki Humour Editor humour @theotherpress.ca

o you feel that your true strengths are not being properly recognized as a part of your academic program? Do you thrive in an environment of mediocre inactivity? Starting winter 2024, Douglas College is launching an exciting new degree program in Academic Indifference. The program— which offers slothful students the opportunity to earn an eight-year-ish bachelor’s degree in General Nothingness— responds to an overwhelming surge of students who feel like they are not being recognized for their aptitude in sitting around, zoning out, and playing on their phones during class. “Like, I don’t know,” said potential first-year student

Chloe Silverado. “I guess I could do it, if my mom, like, makes me.” Program head and Razzie Award-acclaimed Twilight actress Kristen Stewart echoed Silverado’s sentiments about the new program, stating succinctly, “Whatever.” Graduates of the flexible degree program can look forward to so-so careers as movie extras, sperm donors, and IT support. For more information, do not contact Douglas College. Interested? Here is a sampling of potential courses to be offered in Academic Indifference: Apathy 1101: This intro course offers students lessons in ennui. Coursework is focussed around watching old episodes of Girls and then tweeting about how “real” you find the characters. This course is the only pre-requisite class in the

program, as organizers got tired of thinking about requiring anything else and gave up after writing this syllabus. Studies in halfheartedly hiding that you’re texting 2023: This course explores methods of texting without being super obvious about it— but without, like, stressing over it. Examples include texting behind a shield of your own hair and texting when you’re pretty sure your instructor’s back is turned. Skipping stuff 3012: This course investigates strategies for developing essential life skills in not showing up to commitments—without failing your course or getting fired from your job. The class features an innovate curriculum in which students are rewarded for coming up with increasingly creative excuses for not attending class (e.g. cat funeral).

The Mis-Adventures of the Princess of Royal Ave By Sharon Miki

humour // 22

theotherpress.ca

A Practical Guide to Icebreaker Games W

Brad McLeod, Contributor (The Peak)

ell, it’s the start of new semester and that can only mean several things! One of those things is playing a hell of a lot of Icebreaker Games, your first opportunity of the semester to introduce yourself to the people who over the next 13 weeks might just become some of your closest acquaintances! These games can be tough though, so it’s important for you to know how to conduct yourself properly. Remember: the impression you make here is how your peers will think of you for the entire remainder of the first class! (After that they’ll go back to judging you based on your looks like the rest of the world) Anyways, here’s a basic guide to some of the most important things to remember in order to make your icebreaker introduction memorable this week.

1. Attend Class

This is definitely the most difficult step but if you want to do a good job in your icebreaker games, you’re probably going to have to actually show up to the first week of class. I know it’s pointless and they’ll just go over everything again next week, but as famous nervous person Woody Allen once said “showing up is 80 per cent of success.”* *This statement should not be confused with “showing up will get you 80 per cent, success!” which I learned the hard way on my English 203 final exam last semester.

2. Pretend to be Interesting

No matter what icebreaker game you’re doing, you will almost always be asked to say something interesting about yourself. This can be very challenging since you are probably a very boring person, but just remember that the

phrase “I’d like to say more but I promised Barack that I wouldn’t” can make any boring old male strip-club story more interesting.

3. Always One Up the Person Beside You

While being yourself is important in an ice breaker game, if you really want to be remembered, you are going to have to be better than everyone else. So, if the class is going around the room each saying what one thing they would bring with them to a desert island and the person next to you says “well I’d probably bring my iPod because I love music,” you have to take it up a notch and say “well I’d probably bring my iPhone because I love music too, but I’m richer than you… plus I could use it to call The Rolling Stones who are friends of mine.”

4. Lie as Often as Possible

This should be pretty obvious, but if you don’t already constantly lie in your everyday life, you should at least do it during an icebreaker game. “Two truths and a lie” is always much more difficult than “Two lies and a third more ridiculous lie.”

5. Pretend to Not be a Horrible Racist

This one might not be quite as obvious as some of the others, but unlike most social situations, racism is actually frowned upon during ice breaker games. I know it can be very tempting if you have to introduce a fellow student to the class, to comment on their inferior bone structure but you should probably be advised to stick to just describing their hobbies, goals and body odor.

By www.counseling.msu.edu

5 Free Interesting Facts about Yourself •

I was the inspiration for Roseanne Barr’s character on the ABC sitcom Roseanne

•

I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in under five hours

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I was the one who came up with the idea for peanut butter

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I can name every US state capital except Olympia

•

I have the same birthday as Abraham Lincoln: February 12th, 1809

humour // 23

issue 14 // volume 40

Netflix debuts dating service  ‘Netflixing’ takes on new definitions

Aidan Mouellic Staff Writer

etflix, the most popular video streaming service available in Canada, has branched off into exciting new territory. At a press conference held last month in Vancouver, BC, the company announced the launch of “Netflix Dates”—a dating service based around the Netflix video streaming platform. Netflix Dates are just what they sound like: two people meet up, watch a program on Netflix together, and then— when it’s over—watch another program. The algorithm that Netflix uses provides Netflix Dates personnel the information needed to schedule the date, pick the programming, and find a suitable location that has Wi-Fi access near both interested parties. The service has only been available for a month in its beta testing base of Vancouver, yet it’s already proving to be extremely popular with singles. Geoff Funblaum, the chief marketing director for Netflix Canada, explained the idea behind the service: “Netflix Dates is a service that finds singles nearby with similar viewing patterns, and then we see if they both want to get together and consume Netflix as a single unit… Most single people are single because they watch too much Netflix or because their relationships fail

due to incompatible Netflix viewing preferences. Our service provides a solution.” Engineers at Netflix have created an algorithm that gathers your viewing data based on show preferences, length of watching sprees, and time of day when shows are watched, and then determines who your ideal local matches are. Netflix Dates engineer Peter George told the Other Press that “the algorithm is damn complicated—it’s full of numbers and symbols and other weird-looking shit—but the results are incredible. Just by knowing what you watch, when, and for how long, we can determine your age, gender, weight, musical preferences, educational background, occupational situation, and income levels—all of which are important tools to finding you a potential mate to go out with.” When Netflix finds a match, both parties receive an alert that includes all the necessary information to make a Netflix Date happen. “All you have to do is sit back and enjoy watching your favourite movies or TV shows while we here at Netflix do all the work for you in finding your perfect match,” said Funblaum. Netflix knows its clientele, and knows how lazy single Vancouverites who watch too much Netflix are; with Netflix Dates, the company hopes to make life easier for those who love watching episode after episode and movie after movie. The service, which is

 Facebook Fails

By Joel McCarthy only available in Vancouver so far, is already planning on expanding east in the next few weeks. A few kinks need to be ironed out first, though. “Too many dates have failed since the Netflix Date users for-

got to talk to each other during the date,” explained George. “We might have to program specific pauses in the date programs we provide so that the folks can discuss the show and themselves with each other.”

As the service expands past its beta testing phase, it’s still unsure how strong of a foothold Netflix will gain within the realm of 21st century dating.