Enough with elbowgate already!
I am a self-proclaimed goody two-shoes. I never skip class, always have my readings done on time, and always write a completed draft of my term papers a week before they’re due. Hell, I’m even writing this article well in advance of its due date. As the embodiment of a responsible and conscientious student, my behaviour has been teased constantly. I’ve endured eyerolls and the oh-so-original insult of “nerd” by my peers. I learned to keep quiet when they complained about how stressful their semester was, how they were so behind on their readings, and how they still hadn’t started their papers that were due the next day. When enrolment dates came around and they were frustrated about not getting into their classes, I kept my mouth shut and my early enrolment date a secret. Silence has become my golden rule, as I could never relate to stories of pulling all-nighters while drinking Red Bull and coffee. After all, nobody wants to hear about time management skills or responsibility. The few people to whom I’ve divulged my GPA or scholarship details usually silence themselves
immediately. They nod with wide eyes, then awkwardly proceed to change the subject. All throughout elementary and high school, I never felt like having good grades was something to be proud of in my circle of friends. It was the strangest paradox, as good grades were the ideal that many strived to achieve, but those who had them seemed to be best-off keeping their accomplishments to themselves. Needless to say, I learned that the golden rule of keeping silent about my grades was key to keeping my friends.
But what many people don’t understand is that there is also an underlying reason I push myself to do well. My family immigrated to Canada six years ago with the intent of providing educational opportunities for my brother and me. After seeing my parents work long and hard to
get us here, I’ve never taken their efforts for granted. During times when I was tempted to skip class, the thought of the incredible time and money they spent for me to be able to go to a university like SFU killed the thought real quick. Going to class and doing my best in school is a small way for me to show how much I appreciate them. My dad, who is one of the most driven and hardworking people I know, encouraged me to seize every opportunity I could when we moved here. One of his favourite phrases is, “If you finish 95 percent of a task and leave five percent incomplete, it hasn’t been done to its fullest.” Because of him, I began to step out of my shell by deciding to join clubs at SFU, and pursue a co-op term. Much of my determination and work ethic come from him, along with putting 100 percent of myself into everything that I do. So yes, I’m a nerd, in all her organized and studious glory. I am a nerd who has moved countries, goes after new experiences, and works her ass off. A nerd who, after being silent for years in order to fit in, wants to be freely proud of her accomplishments for once. Call me any name you want, but this is one label that I will proudly own.
On June 3 from 8:30–10 a.m., SFU’s Woodward campus will host Creative Mornings at the Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre. Barrie Mowatt, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, will be speaking at the event. Due to high demand, tickets are available through a lottery system. Simply register for the waitlist, and tickets will be randomly selected. A first come, first serve breakfast will be available, complete with coffee and tea.
Stuck in a hospital bed is an odd place for inspiration, but this was the case of SIAT student Henry Lo, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in grade 11. Now cancer-free, Lo has used his past experience as well as his studies in interactive arts and technology to give back to the community. Along with fellow SIAT grad Janice Ng, who also visited the hospital quite often due to a weak immune system, the two have developed Farmooo, a virtual reality video game for cancer patients. Reflecting on the project, Ng said that she and Lo decided to take the course since they both wanted to make a game, but also wanted to create something for a good cause. Farmooo — developed under the supervision of Dr. Diane Gromala, the director of SFU’s Pain Studies Lab — “is intended to help teen cancer patients get distracted during chemotherapy treatments. . . so [that] they will focus more on the activities inside the game, rather than the medical treatment,” Lo said in a statement to The Peak.
Inspired by popular online games such as Farmville and Gardening Mama, Lo and Ng were able to create this virtual reality game that helps cancer patients “by shifting their mindset into the game rather than their physical surroundings through immersion.
“Simply, [Farmooo] saturates patients’ minds with wonderful and cheerful sensations [so] that their mind is less prone to painful senses,” Lo added. Once they came up with the idea, the pair began looking for a
supervisor who could assist them in the process. Opting to take a directed studies course landed them with Dr. Gromala, a professor who usually teaches at the graduate level. Dr. Gromala saw eagerness, intelligence, and motivation in both Lo and Ng. Lo recalled how “intimidating” it was to contact her to be their supervisor for the project. But for Dr. Gromala, taking them on was not a problem. “I consider myself to have a rigorous screening process,” Dr. Gromala said with a laugh. “It was very obvious that they were talented, and had a lot of personal experience to bring to the project.” Dr. Gromala said that Lo and Ng’s project comes at a special time, with technology continuing to advance each day. Further, she said that this is an excellent example of how SFU is able to engage students, and the community, through its research. “This is a perfect way for them to give back to the community, to help patients benefit from what they are doing. It can also inspire patients, something like, ‘This
game was made by someone who survived!’” When asked about the future of Farmooo , Lo said he hopes that this project can help draw attention to virtual reality, beyond the scope of gaming or the entertainment industry. Ultimately, Lo would like to see VR being developed in the medical field. Ng echoed that sentiment, explaining that they hope to expand the game to adapt to different mediums and modes of interaction. “We are currently working closely with BC Children’s Hospital to get our ethics proposal done, [and] eventually we see it being installed in the new hospital,” Ng said. If all of this goes well, Lo said that Farmooo could potentially be available for use by the end of this year. In reflecting on his time at SFU and the excitement that has come with this project, Lo was thankful that SFU provided him and Ng with the opportunity to have their own “directed studies,” and urged other students to pursue their dreams and passions, and take risks. “If Janice and I decided to just finish the normal courses and requirements and just graduate, we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Lo said. “Whether it is career choices, love choices, health choices. . . it is us who needs to work hard for it.”
Woodward’s Community Singers meet on June 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A free drop-in community choir, the music ranges from gospel to pop, and the informal group of approximately 30 wants you to join. No experience is required. The event, located in the Sky Room of the PHS Community Services Residences at the Woodward’s Complex, is free. The group meets every Thursday at the same time until the end of July, and everyone is welcome.
On May 30 from 7–9 a.m., attend the SFU Athletics Scholarship Breakfast at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre East. The fundraiser helps to provide funds for student athletes. Tickets for regular admission cost $225 and are non-refundable; tickets for young alumni cost $75 and are non-refundable.
News
May 30, 2016
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JOB JUMBLE
Critics pronounce Skills for Jobs Blueprint a failure Program, which was to train for LNG jobs, lambasted for “grandiose promises”
Miranda Macfarlane Peak Associate On April 29, 2014, the Government of British Columbia launched BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, a program designed to facilitate the growth of BC’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. Premier Christy Clark claimed that 100,000 LNG-related jobs would be created by the program. Two years later, skeptics are questioning the credibility of this program and where the purported jobs are. One such skeptic is BurnabyLougheed MLA and NDP member, Jane Shin. She said that the BC Liberals’ promises during the election for the Skills for Jobs Blueprint were misleading. Shin stated that “the grandiose promises were never going to be achieved in the timeframe she was promising,” claiming that if the Clark government were genuine in their assertion to help students transition from school to the workforce, they would avoid “dismantling public education, slashing supports for post-secondary, and gutting our apprenticeship and trades training system.” Given the current circumstances in the LNG industry — dramatic price drops internationally and a glut in the market — many have criticized the Blueprint’s restriction of funding to only specialized post-secondary programs.
As president of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC George Davidson explained, this means that post-secondary institutions — which have been undergoing cuts to funding throughout the BC Liberal administration — must allocate their budget towards programs for jobs specified by the government. “One hundred and thirty million dollars over the last couple of years has been devoted to this. Where are the jobs?” Davidson asked. “You’ve got a lot of students who are taking these programs, but there are no jobs when they come out at the end.” To this, Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson stated that there will be almost a million job openings by 2024. “The Ministry of Advanced Education is aligning funding and programs to these high-demand opportunities in a variety of sectors. [. . .] Government invests an average of almost $5 million per day in the public post-secondary system,” he said. Davidson stated that, with inflation accounted for, government funding for post-secondary operating grants has been cut by 27 percent since the BC Liberal government came into power in 2001. He also noted that inflation for post-secondary education and
Photo courtesy of The Huffington Post LNG jobs have been a focus of Premier Christy Clark’s (above) government. healthcare is larger than it is for consumer price index industries. This reduction in funding has meant that post-secondary institutions must make cuts to programs, providing students with far fewer choices than there used to be. When “you starve institutions of funding [. . .] there are only a few ways of making that up, and increased tuition is one of them,” said Davidson. “This year the government will take in through its institutions $1.92 billion in tuition. That’s more money than the government is putting into operating grants for institutions.” The current amount given is $1.82 billion. International students in particular pay the price for this: “International student tuition makes up more money than the government
operating grants at places like Langara and Douglas,” said Davidson. According to Wilkinson, the total operating grants provided to post-secondary institutions has increased by 41.6 percent since 2001 — from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion. He also noted that “Only 25 percent of operating grants to public post-secondary institutions will be specifically targeted to a broad range of in-demand programs.” Additionally, Shin alleged that BC residents may not be the ones receiving work for the planned programs. “Most of the major LNG proposals plan to hire temporary foreign workers from overseas during the construction phase, meaning these jobs will not go to British Columbians as promised,” she said.
“One simple thing government could do is reinstate the requirement for companies working on public sector projects to have a minimum number of apprenticeship spaces.” As for the future of BC’s LNG industry and the Skills for Jobs Blueprint, both Shin and Davidson are dubious of its potential for success. “BC’s economy is best when it is diversified. We should not put all our eggs in one basket like Clark has done,” said Shin. Davidson stated that LNG is a short-term answer as it’s cleaner burning than coal, but that “we need to start looking at reducing greenhouse gases, and reliance on LNG in BC is now below the targets that the government has set [. . .] I don’t see how they can achieve those.”
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News
Imagine coming upon a giant lizard that’s five metres long and weighs 600 kilograms — could you escape by running away? This is a question that Australians have been asking ever since they came across the fossils of the extinct giant goanna, or
Megalania. Recent insights by SFU researchers have shed light on an answer. Giant goannas were a member of a diverse genus of lizards that include some of the smallest and largest living lizard species, such as the Komodo dragon. As the size of these lizards increases, so too does their mass. These animals have an
unusual way of managing the stress of this increased mass that interested Taylor Dick, a PhD candidate in the department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology at SFU. The cross-sectional surface area and properties of muscles and bones increase at a slower rate in comparison to mass as the size of a species increases; because of this, their muscles and bones have to deal with the increased levels of stress required to support the body. Giraffes, rhinoceroses, and elephants have all solved this problem by becoming more upright, as their legs are positioned directly under their bodies and take most of the weight. “[T]hey become upright so that their muscles and bones don’t have to deal with that extra mass and the stress of that extra mass,” explained Dick.
Bedi has been convicted for playing a role in the murder of Maple Batalia
Gursimar Bedi has been found guilty of being an accessory after the fact in the murder of Maple Batalia, as ruled by a BC Supreme Court judge on May 27. This decision comes months after Batalia’s ex-boyfriend Gurjinder Dhaliwal pled guilty to charges of second-degree
murder, as he shot Batalia three times at Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus on September 28, 2011. Bedi, an acquaintance of Dhaliwal’s, has now been found guilty for his connection with the murder. Batalia was 19 years old. She was studying to become a doctor,
Jamal Dumas / Print News Editor
news@the-peak.ca
Dick observed that the group of lizards studied in the project did not become more upright over time as their size increased, “so you can imagine, moving around in a permanent push-up position, that’s really going to be difficult.” In order to learn more about why this is the case, Dick and her research group collected a wide range of species of lizards directly from the Australian Outback, and also worked with donated specimens. To study the musculature of the lizards, they filmed them in front of high-speed cameras to learn more
about how they run. Then they dissected the lizards to learn more about the properties of the muscle tissues themselves. “The results were even more pronounced than [the researchers] thought they might be, suggesting that as these lizards get really really big they actually change the design or the architecture of the muscles, but that comes at a cost,” said Dick. This cost is based on the fact that muscles can be built to specialize for two purposes: support or propulsion. If they are designed
to support, then that will likely decrease the propulsion power of the muscles and slow the lizards down. This brings us back to our original question: could you outrun a giant goanna and live to tell the tale? Based on the models built using living lizards, Dick thinks that this is very possible, as the massive lizards would have had to trade off their propulsion abilities for increased support. Nevertheless, according to Dick, “you would not want to come across one.”
and was also an aspiring model and actress. According to Crown prosecutor Wendy Stephens, Dhaliwal killed her because Batalia wanted to end their relationship, as he had been unfaithful to her several times. The Crown prosecutors in the case also charged Bedi with manslaughter, but he was acquitted of those charges. They stated in the closing arguments that they could not provide sufficient evidence to prove the allegations against Bedi. A few days before the murder, Dhaliwal had Bedi rent a vehicle for him which allowed him to
follow Batalia without her knowing. A court order had prevented Dhaliwal from renting it himself, so he enlisted Bedi’s help.
and his cell phone signal was also picked up by the nearby cell towers. However, the Crown could not prove that Bedi was present for the murder, leading to the acquittal of the manslaughter charge. Bedi will be back in court on June 9, where he will be sentenced. Dhaliwal is already serving his sentence, which is life in prison with no chance of parole for 21 years. He was sentenced earlier this year.
Bedi also kept tabs on Batalia, letting Dhaliwal know where she was and if she was with a new man. Witnesses placed Bedi at SFU on the day of the murder,
News
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May 30, 2016
NEW HIRE
University Briefs
By Christina Agatep
Photo courtesy of SFU Athletics
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Hanson (above) will step in after the previous coach left amidst allegations of misconduct.
SFU men’s basketball names Steve Hanson 1 new head coach
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with files from The Ubyssey
CALGARY
with files from UToday
“I think one of my strengths as a coach is communication.”
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3 TORONTO
SFU Athletics announced on May 26 that Steve Hanson will be the eighth head coach of the men’s basketball team. He was the lead assistant coach last season at SFU under former head coach Virgil Hill, and previously was the coach at Terry Fox Secondary. “We have to re-establish stability and re-establish credibility with our men’s basketball program,” said Theresa Hanson, SFU Athletics director, in a press release. “Steve has demonstrated technical expertise in his coaching and teaching abilities, and he displays the personal character that Simon Fraser values so highly.” Steve Hanson will be tasked with rebuilding the struggling men’s basketball program. Last season, the team had a 2–24 overall record, and 1–19 within the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Hanson said he knows that in the beginning, there will be many challenges. “Well, I think in the short-term I think the most important thing is getting a group of guys who are willing to stick out some tough times,” said Hanson. “I think in order to do that you need some guys with some long-term vision like I have. “I think the number one thing is we have to build culture. That has to be around some core values. I
recruiting. Former head coach Virgil Hill stated when he was hired that he was going to focus heavily on local recruiting. Hanson is planning to open up more to international recruiting, but still wants the core of the team’s talent to be BC Nick Bondi players. “With [the] Internet and YouPeak Associate Tube, there’s so many devices now have some core values of my own, that recruiting is international,” he [but] I’m going to let the players and explained. “It really doesn’t matfuture captains bring out what the ter where the players are from, as core values of the team are going much as [it does] having a common to be.” vision of what they want.” While core values can be a good Hanson said he is expecting to announce two new recruits in the next 10 days, to add to Vinnie Safin and Kedar Wright, who were announced on Steve Hanson April 7. SFU basketball head coach A big challenge for Hanson will be idea, nailing down what that means erasing the memories of last season can be a bit of a challenge. Hanson for the returning players, as well as said he believes he has a good vi- the fans. On April 1, former head sion of what those values might be. coach Virgil Hill resigned amidst nu“I think trust is huge between merous allegations of misconduct. players and coaches. I think one of Hanson indicated that they are “fomy strengths as a coach is commu- cusing on the future,” and the fallout nication,” he said. with coach Hill is not affecting his “Letting players know that you ability to recruit players. care about them outside of prac“I think it’s a fresh start for evtice is really important. This is a erybody,” said Hanson when asked tough school, it’s eaten a lot of about his idea for the future of people trying to get their degree the program. “[Every] head coach up, and when you pile on athletics brings a [different] element, difand the pressures of being a varsity ferent type of leadership. [. . .] I athlete, it’s tough. expect to bring a different type of “I understand that, and I can leadership. help the players get through it.” “With good culture, I think we A change of direction for can surprise people, whether it’s this program will be the focus on next season or the season after.”
with files from U of T News
Hanson promoted after serving as lead assistant coach last season
VANCOUVER
News stories from campuses across the country
UBC Pride flag burner pleads not guilty [ VANCOUVER] – UBC student Brooklyn Fink, who was charged with mischief for burning an LGBT Pride flag back in February, has pled not guilty. Fink, who is trans, sad that her actions were not a hate crime. Instead, she burned the flag to protest the inclusion of transsexuals into the LGBT community. She explained that transsexuality is “a medical condition,” and including it within the LGBT community brings those with the “condition” into the spotlight when they wish to stay quiet and anonymous. The trial will begin in March 2017. The university has reportedly suspended Fink.
University of Calgary law students assist Fort McMurray evacuees [CALGARY] – In response to the devastation caused by the wildfires in Fort McMurray, University of Calgary (U of C) law students have taken it upon themselves to offer legal assistance to the evacuees. Students working for Student Legal Assistance (SLA) at U of C, with practicing lawyers, are providing support with issues such as insurance law, landlord-tenant disputes, and family law matters. Those who had to evacuate the town may be allowed to return home in the beginning of June. The help from SLA could address the growing need for legal assistance among Fort McMurray residents.
U of T invention works to find origins of disease [TORONTO] – Post-doctoral fellows Babak Alipanahi and Andrew Delong, with help from professor Brendan Frey, have created a tool called DeepBind. The innovation has been recognized as one of four U of T Inventions of the Year. DeepBind uses computational techniques to study how and when genetic variations and mutations cause disease. Their goal was to create an algorithm that would be easily accessible to biologists working with these diseases. DeepBind is available and free for academic use.
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Opinions
RE: Fuck Donald Trump — really? Your article has my approval and gratitude, sir. A little research shows that Mr trump is in reality a very clever and thoughtful man, not the loose cannon image liberals have worked so hard to cultivate. Donald Trump for president 2016 (anyone but that douchebag Hillary and her campaign slogan for idiots: “fighting for us” lol) — Michael Merry
I can’t believe the Peak printed this bullshit. Trump is sexist, racist, classist, ableist, and pugnacious. He is, and will continue to be, a menace to society. — Chris Brown
Whether or not Trump is racist, he appeals to racists and doesn’t shy away from their support, which from a utilitarian standpoint is just as bad if not worse. He has shown blatant disregard for the truth, and will say literally anything to get attention. I’m not even sure his actual policies are relevant — he’s contradicted himself so many times, I’m sure some subset of his positions matches my beliefs perfectly. But that’s not the point. The point is, if he becomes president, it’s a sign that whatever thin correlation there ever was between “electability” and actual competence is gone forever. — Benjamin Buckley
Adam Van der Zwan / Opinions Editor
opinions@the-peak.ca
particularly strong one. Then again I think its hard to defend this clown in the first place. — Ty Knoll
When you understand that the Immigration crisis has been because of US drug enforcement policies, you begin to understand that it’s a terribly myopic idea that’s an attempt (a very racist one) to deal with the symptom than the cause. Also, arguing that the businessman is not a terrible businessperson because “other casinos have also shut down in that time” is not really an argument. — Reslus
RE: Universities should adopt a uniform grading scale Yes! It was extremely frustrating when I applied to grad school, because my GPA was lower than students from universities like Queens where its the norm for everyone to finish their biology degree within 4 years and honors. — Laura Ulrich
RE: Athletes should be allowed to use performance enhancing drugs Interesting argument. I could be swayed. — Brandon Wong
RE: TAs should be formally taught to teach All this article serves is the normalization of Trump’s absurdity, and the tacit approval of his extremely right wing views (did the author forget his “ban on Muslims”, his completely reprehensible views on women etc. etc.?). Keep this trash off my timeline, and in the dustbin of political commentary where it belongs… — Humza Sayed
Pretty stoked to see the Humour section slowly swallowing other sections of the paper. I’m voting Jokes 2016. — Colin Sharp
Hey I’m all for freedom of speech and this article has a right to be up here in the name of political debate. That being said I feel the author skimmed over a lot of Trump’s bigoted and sexist remarks, and wrongheaded political ideas. I feel the author also ignored much of Trump’s brashness and how that’s dangerous on an international level. If this is a defense for Trump its not a
While I agree that there should be more support given to starting TAs in developing their pedagogical skills, I feel like this article can only be written from the perspective of an undergraduate without firsthand experience of the teaching assistant system. You make it sound like graduate students are entitled to teaching work. This is not the case. Finding a TAship is competitive, and securing one has more to do with one’s teaching history than GPA. You know those reviews you write of us at the end of the semester, where you grade our performance? Those determine whether or not we get to teach again. All semester long, we are monitored by the professors we work for, who screen all of our grades, attend our tutorials, and make sure that we are up to standard. This is appropriate, because for practically all of us, this is our first time at the front of the classroom. Your article makes it seem like this is an oversight on the part of the university, and that TAs should be more qualified, but this argument is circular. [. . .] — Andrew Zuliani
The morning weather report had never been so sexy — until recently. Last week, Liberté Chan, a meteorologist for KTLA in Los Angeles, was so harshly criticized by viewers for wearing a ‘cocktail’ dress on the morning weather report that her colleagues coerced her, while on the air, into putting on a cardigan to cover up. The whole incident is a blatant example of sexism, and I want to both condemn those who have insulted Chan and applaud her on her maturity during the unfortunate incident.
Wearing a thinner-strapped, black beaded dress, slightly cut above the knee, Chan is simply conducting her morning report when an off-screen hand holds out a cardigan.
“What’s going on?” she asks before taking the cardigan. “You want me to put this on?” Another hand then reaches in to help Chan put on the sweater. “We’re getting a lot of emails,” replies a male voice. “What? Really? OK,” she says. “I look like a librarian now.” And while you’re watching, shocked that this is happening, the man off-screen delivers a painfully sexist comment: “It’s a librarian who’s gone to a cocktail party.” Within minutes, Twitter and other social media platforms rightfully exploded with anger at the incident. Firstly, while the comment was probably intended to be innocent, it really demonstrates, on television, that blatant sexism endures in the workplace. This incident outright discourages women from entering news broadcasting, and delivers the message that women must be
very careful in displaying stimulating body parts — such as shoulders, arms, and knees — in a professional environment. Secondly, I believe that KTLA viewers have no right to comment on the appropriateness of Chan’s outfit. The dress was not overly revealing in any way, and wasn’t distracting during her report. But even if the dress was inappropriate, KTLA viewers should have simply flipped the channel instead of outright insulting Chan via email. Think about it: do you go up to every individual who you see wearing something you find distasteful, in order criticize them about it? No. You simply keep walking. However, Chan displayed perfect humility in a response to the incident by saying that she is not insulted by her colleague’s comment; nor did she seem hurt by the overwhelming number of distasteful comments she has since received online. I believe that Chan’s modesty and positive response to the incident should be recognized and applauded. While Chan didn’t deserve the comment, or the criticism from viewers, she acted very maturely. She serves as a role model to women everywhere on how to dismiss sexism and negativity in the workplace.
Opinions
May 30, 2016
Dear editor, Re: “TAs should be taught to teach”
“Elbowgate” is the affectionate misnomer the media strapped onto a minor hiccup by Prime Minister Trudeau in the House of Commons on May 18. But the name isn’t the only unfortunate circumstance — this entire thing is ridiculous. Of course, we will never truly know what intentions (or lack thereof) were behind the embarrassment that transpired in Parliament. What we should know is that the entire story was blown out of proportion by politicians and thirsty media, and gobbled up by a ravenous public. Trudeau walked across the floor to escort the Conservative party whip Gord Brown to his seat. When Trudeau pushed through a group to reach the man, he accidentally elbowed an NDP member in the breast. At this point, I would like to remind everyone that even though Trudeau is our Prime Minister, he is still a human being. As such, it is completely understandable that he would accidentally knock into someone in a crowded area as he went by. He apologized. Everyone should have moved on. But they didn’t. Trudeau shouldn’t have left his seat to try and help the
Conservative through — which he acknowledged and also apologized for. That should have been the end of it. Ruth Ellen Brosseau, the aforementioned NDP member, stated that she left after being elbowed in the breast because “it was very overwhelming.” OK, but why? Hasn’t anyone ever tried to squeeze past her and accidentally nudged or elbowed her before? I understand that in Parliament physical touch is unacceptable, but adding accusations on top of mistakes seems like the worst possible way to calm down a non-situation.
NDP leader Thomas Mulcair then decided, for reasons unknown, that this was an act of utter disrespect. Mulcair’s misguided and deliberately inflammatory comment to Trudeau, “What kind of man elbows a woman?” caused the two men to get into a shouting match in the middle of the House. All I can do is shake my head at this honestto-God idiocy.
There have been parliamentary sessions in other countries, such as Ukraine, where legislators have literally broken out into physical brawls on the floor; yet Canadian politicians and media are getting this wound up over a simple accident. There is something to be said about media’s portrayal of Canadian political ‘issues,’ and it’s not good. For whatever reason, any problem or mistake Trudeau encounters is slapped with a ‘gate’ suffix. No, that’s not how it works. An issue isn’t a problem just because you’re naming it after Watergate, which was an actual crisis. All it does is reinforce the idea that you have nothing bigger to bug Trudeau and his Liberals about — you’re grasping at straws. It’s trite, it’s immature, and frankly, it’s embarrassing. This entire bad dream should have ended on the legislative floor with Trudeau’s apologies. Mulcair shouldn’t have resorted to screaming insults, and Conservative leader Rona Ambrose didn’t have to fuel the fire with her arrogant, self-entitled speech on how appalled she was at all this childish behaviour. I understand that Canadian politics don’t have a lot of drama, but that doesn’t mean we need to create some, or over-magnify the tidbits that do occur. Come on, Canada. We’re better than this.
A previous editorial in The Peak outlined symptoms of worsening quality of education SFU students’ experience. As SFU students and members of TSSU’s contract committee, we’ve seen these symptoms progress despite our best efforts to reverse them. The driving force behind these symptoms is not TAs or professors, who both work long hours to fulfil SFU’s teaching and research mission. Rather, it is an austerity agenda implemented by a cadre of highly paid administrators who control and consume much of the university budget. The Teaching Assistant system was borne of three needs: for a greater availability of workers able to perform the grunt labour of education; for graduate students to have a means of supporting themselves in their studies; and for an academic system that granted future academics opportunities to gain teaching experience prior to graduation. Over time, as the university system has morphed, so have the job descriptions of TAs at SFU. Many students enrolled at SFU now spend more time talking to their TAs than their professors, with those TAs, who are students themselves, rarely being given the opportunity to be mentored in their teaching. The purpose of the TA job as a training and support role for future academics is directly laid out in the Collective Agreement between SFU and TSSU (Article XIII F.2). Since learning to teach is part of the purpose of these jobs, teaching experience cannot be a qualification for TA positions. While practice is an obvious means by which TAs can improve upon their teaching, TAs will become better teachers much faster with a proper mentorship and training program. To date, the only large-scale training of this nature SFU provides is the biannual TA/TM day — an event that would not even exist had TSSU members not given up monetary benefits to cover the cost. It is particularly worrying that more and more departments at
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SFU have begun to deny TAs the opportunity to attend TA/TM day. At the bargaining table, TSSU has consistently tried to negotiate improved access to training and mentorship only to be told it would cost too much. The effects of austerity on teaching at SFU can be quantified from data available through SFU’s Institutional Research and Planning department. Over the last five years, the number of full-time equivalent students at SFU has increased by five [percent], while the number of TA hours has decreased by two [percent]; combined, this equates to a seven [percent] cut. This number does not reflect a decrease in the amount of time TAs spend teaching and marking compared to previous years, but instead a reduction in the hours allocated for TAs to plan their tutorials, meet their supervisors, attend lectures, or receive training — all of which reduces the ability of TAs to deliver quality education. The effects of these cuts are particularly concentrated in younger departments, such as the mechatronics engineering program in Surrey — here, TAs have 40 [percent] less time to do the same work. While this response may paint a bleak picture of the teaching situation at SFU, these cuts could be reversed, and a true teaching mentorship program implemented, at a relatively small cost. TAs account for only $14 million of SFU’s $500 million budget, [SFU’s budget is listed as $488 million for the 2015–16 fiscal year – ed.] or 2.8 percent. Offsetting the aforementioned 7 [percent] cut by increasing TA hours would come at the price of a mere 0.2 [percent] more. Students have tremendous power to force change at their universities, yet are often reluctant to wield it. Your TAs, TMs and Sessional Instructors will continue to fight for a better SFU education; we hope many Peak readers will join us. Sincerely, Derek Sahota and Tania Arvanitidis, Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU)
NOW OPEN
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11 Features
Tamara Connor / Features Editor
features@the-peak.ca
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Arts
Jess Whitesel / Arts Editor
arts@the-peak.ca
Chance the Rapper will take you to church with his third mixtape. Whereas 2013’s Acid Rap was full of youthful longing for Rugrats VHS tapes, Coloring Book tackles more mature themes — fatherhood, religion, identity — without skimping on any of Chance’s charm or contagious enthusiasm. It’s a hell of a victory lap. Like all of Chance’s work, the album is a joy from start to finish. “No Problem” is so delightful and energetic you’ll almost forget it’s a song about threatening music producers with violence; on the other hand, Peter Pan tribute “Same Drugs” is as tender and thoughtful as the rapper’s ever been. Chance shows an impressive amount of range throughout the mixtape, while recurring themes of devotion to God and loved ones keeps everything grounded. — MJH
Ariana Grande returns with Dangerous Woman, the third release from the powerhouse singer. Her sound hasn’t changed much, it’s simply been refined and improved. Some say it’s her best album yet, and they’re right. Her maturation and confidence fully shine through in lead single “Dangerous Woman.” The entire album seems to have been bumped up in sex appeal with some of her most sultry songs to date, such as “Everyday” and “Side to Side.” Her pop anthems and ‘90s R&B combine with other styles, like reggae in “Side to Side.” A host of other artists — Nicki Minaj, Macy Gray, Lil Wayne, and Future — are all featured on different tracks throughout. Is it a musical masterpiece? No, but it’s easy to listen to and the vocals are always on point. Maybe soon Grande will embrace her full potential and give us the dynamite record her previous albums only allude to. – CM
Rapper and producer Oddisee takes an odd turn on his latest album: there are no vocals. No raps, no rhymes, no lyrics. Instead, the album bleeds from one jazzinfused tune to another. He hasn’t pulled a complete 180, though. There's still plenty of hip-hop and soul influence on this record. If you’ve heard Oddisee’s previous works — including Alwasta and The Good Fight — you know that he’s flirted with jazz, hip-hop, and soul mixology. Where The Good Fight was perfect get-up-and-go music for the day, The Odd Tape is a sexy set of tunes for the evening. “Right Side of the Bed” feels ready-made for cocktails and dimmed lights, while “Out at Night” is full of hip-hop influences. Don’t think this is an album that bounces between styles, though. The album progresses organically: there are no jarring switches from jazz to hip-hop and back. Oddisee takes firm beats and marries them with complex melodies. — NS
The original 1984 Ghostbusters is not a classic. In fact, that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It’s got little to no character development, a poorly paced and thinly drawn plot, and fewer funny lines than you remember. It’s essentially an hourand-a-half Saturday Night Live sketch, with all of the charm and irreverence that comes with that description. Which is why it’s weird that there’s been such an organised and vitriolic backlash to the film’s upcoming reboot. At time of publication the film’s first trailer boasts the most dislikes in YouTube trailer history, and several diehard fans have even suggested boycotting the film. Seriously. People hate this movie, and they are dead-set on telling you so. To an extent, I get why. I personally don’t think the trailers look great, and though that isn’t always a good measure of a film’s quality — one of my personal favourite films, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, has one of the all-time worst trailers ever — I can see why people are angry that their favourite movie might be remade as a lazy box office bomb. That makes sense. What doesn’t make sense is just how much people are against this film. The general reaction seems to be that it’s a disaster of Biblical proportions: human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria. So, when was the last time a crappy remake generated this
much hatred and vitriol? The fanboys didn’t riot over last year’s Fantastic Four reboot, which The Atlantic called “a dull, sour, claustrophobic mess.” They didn’t riot over 2012’s Total Recall reboot, which Time named as “totally forgettable.” And they didn’t riot over 2013’s Oldboy reboot, which Screen Rant quipped was “second-fiddle in nearly every way to its South Korean inspiration.”
All of these films are remakes of beloved franchises with predominantly male fanbases. And yet Ghostbusters is the first to earn a trailer with a majority of dislikes. By now, I think you know as well as I do why this film is getting the hate it’s getting. But just to clarify, let’s take stock of the top-rated YouTube comments on the film’s first trailer. Here’s a personal favourite: “Let’s ruin an original movie and make all of the characters women JUST to please misandrist feminists! If that’s not sexist, I don’t know what is.”
Surprise! It’s misogyny on the Internet. Of course, many of the fanboys — the ones who realise that it’s 2016 and it’s not ‘acceptable’ to be openly sexist anymore — will deny that their hatred has anything to do with the film’s female cast. Many of them might even believe that. Some have even brought up annoyance with Leslie Jones’ character’s stereotypical mad black woman schtick, which would be a fair criticism if it were matched by similar organised outrage towards all of the other racist bullshit Hollywood churns out every single year. (Spoiler: it isn’t.) And that ignores that the exuberance of Jones’ character seems to match most of the other characters she plays, as well as the tone of her standup. I call bullshit on all of these excuses. There’s a difference between passively thinking a movie looks bad and actively making videos and sending tweets about how angry you are that it’s being made. The source of this anger is plain to see, even if those who spread it can’t see it for what it is: a fear of women dominating a historically male franchise. Hating the new Ghostbusters trailer doesn’t automatically make you a sexist. But before you subject your friends to your next rant about how the movie is going to ruin the ‘spotless’ legacy of your favourite comedy masterpiece, stop and ask yourself: what are you really angry about?
Humour
Justin Stevens / Humour Editor
humour@the-peak.ca
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BLOW OFF
Police are on the lookout for a brash student high on Puerto Rican blow
Rian Bevan SFU Student Strange occurrences on transit are nothing new to passengers on the bus. Whether it’s someone rolling a joint on a bus full of senior citizens or a renegade piece of poop tarnishing an otherwise perfectly adequate seat, most riders have seen it all.
That was until late Tuesday night, when a university student attempted to turn down a chance to do cocaine for free.
“My stop was coming soon, so I decided I’d make my late walk home a little more interesting by doing a few lines of good ol’ devil’s dandruff,” said jilted cocaine entrepreneur, Rex Tito III. “But then I saw this kid at the back of the bus and thought sharing was caring and he could pro b a b l y use a line on the house.” Tito III approached the student, but was met with nothing but rudeness, according to one witness. “Usually people are stoked for an offer like this — this guy didn’t seem to understand how
Janis McMath / The Peak The drug-addled random act of kindness quickly turned sour. nice he was trying to be. It was really hard to watch.” Mistaking the student’s standoffishness as hesitancy, Tito III moved closer to the student and pulled out a knife, so the student could scrape a line he felt comfortable with. Apparently mistaking it as a veiled threat, the student quickly
snorted a portion of cocaine off Tito III’s rose-gold iPhone. “With this economy, I really need all the business I can get. I thought maybe he would end up liking it and buy some,” Tito III added. However, before Tito III was given the chance to unveil his depository of nose candies, the
student tugged the bus stop cord and quickly ran off the bus loudly mumbling unintelligibly to himself. Anyone with information regarding a student repeatedly yelling “Oh fuck!” and ‘nicky nicky nine dooring’ suburban houses in Cloverdale is asked to phone the police immediately.
Where: 3664 Park Rd
Check out the West End Farmers Market to purchase the organic harvests of spring, like carrots, cabbage, broccoli, peas, and garlic — sweet, sweet, organic garlic. Whoa, whoa, whoa friend. . . did you just say that head of garlic is $10? They’re asking for your soul, your spirit, and essentially your entire food budget! You can’t back out now since that would ruin the atmosphere of your indie date — you even wore your special socks! I’m sure munching on raw garlic isn’t that strange.
This beautiful park is ideal in the spring. Make sure to bring both of your inhalers! The park offers winding trails and fearfully steep hills and stairs. . . so very fearful. Do you think you could feign telepathic abilities and effectively lie that you just sensed your great-aunt fell ill and you have to go to her? No, you couldn’t lie to save your life (you’re sort of like Jackie Chan in Shanghai Noon, so admirably loyal). You’re just going to have to get your wheezy body up that hill for the sake of romance, you beautiful son of a bitch.
Enjoy some cheap thrills at Playland, such as excessively long lines, puking children, and suspicious sweat stains. It’s going to be a long day, filled with wedgies and the swamp of Dagobah forming underneath your tits (have fun washing that out of your white lace bralette!). Try out the Drop Zone with your date for an additional $20 — you’ll be wrapped in a giant adult-body-diaper, making sure that if you shit yourself, most of the mess is controlled. Well, unless you’ve been having diarrhoea! If you find yourself in that situation, then you’ll definitely be having some good Christian fun (and you’ll probably need the Lord afterwards, too)!
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Humour
Justin Stevens / Humour Editor
humour@the-peak.ca
COMICS Serious Bananas by Destiny Hsu
Creator’s Pet by Destiny Hsu
Peers by Leslie Lu
Watch your tongue by Janis McMath
K-Poops by Christy Lum
KPOOP
KPOCKET
KPUBBLE
Write for Humour!!! Born from a typo, a kpoop is simply a poop with a ‘K’ in front of it
A special compartment found on kplaid shirts, designed for carrying around little kpoops.
Born from a kpuddle of kpubble solution, this kpoop has the rare ability to grow and float away
humour@the-peak.ca
Humour
Calling it “totally sweet,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered his cabinet to install a boxing ring in the middle of the House of Commons by 2017, sources have confirmed.
“When I elbowed NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau, I felt it was the beginning of a good trend,” said Trudeau. “A boxing ring would be dope. Bombardier bailout? I’ll box their CEO and if he wins he gets that $1 billion. It’s a much fairer system of government.” Conservative opposition leader Rona Ambrose denounced the
May 30, 2016
move, arguing that a boxing ring “gives the Liberals an unfair advantage. We need an octagon, or something like American Gladiator where they battle with those huge Q-tips.” Trudeau said he hopes to “send a clear message to Canadians, that conflicts can and should be resolved with your fists” — but only in fair fights, as he clarified to the press. “When Tom [Mulcair] steps to me, I won’t have to take it to the parking lot now. We can settle it in the House.” Trudeau also pointed to the gender parity in his cabinet, noting, “It’s 2016. Women and men should both be allowed to get in the ring.”
In a recent study conducted on university students across the country, participants answered questions regarding their vodka consumption in boths group and anonymous one-on-one interviews. The data compiled was intriguing, to say the least. Of the participants studied, 97 percent of students in groups claimed they “loved” vodka. Curiously though, less than four percent were willing to admit the same when interviewed alone. These strange findings were further highlighted in taste testing rounds. While participants recorded sentiments such as “nice,” “sweet,” and “smooth,” brain monitoring equipment registered feelings synonymous with extreme revulsion and self-pity throughout their recorded statements. Additionally, when researchers reviewed their recorded sessions, they
discovered that an overwhelming majority of students tried to purposefully spill their drinks when the interviewer’s attention was drawn elsewhere.
In one instance, a participant given the affectionate nickname of “Georgy-Porgy” attempted to conceal his feelings of discomfort even during the anonymous round. He eventually succumbed to a drunkenness so peculiarly severe, researchers still struggle to articulate it today.
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At first Georgy-Porgy was brave during the individual taste tests, describing the flavours as “warm, hearty, and cultured,” while biting back tears. By the third taste test he could no longer conceal his twitching eye. By the fifth taste test he threw his glass against the wall, smacked his knee with one hand, and yelled, “Well, slap me silly and call me Sally! At least I can die knowing what ink toner tastes like.” Shortly after, he collapsed on the floor muttering the words “Georgy-Porgy” over and over again, earning the code name that protects his identity today. Georgy-Porgy is alive and well, but has since stopped drinking alcohol altogether. The findings conclude that today’s student body goes to great lengths to feign their enjoyment of vodka. The ramifications, if left unchecked, can be physically and mentally devastating.
18 Diversions Clue: A ‘spar’ is also a ship’s pole
Across 1. Aspect 5. Bog 10. Ship’s pole 14. Genesis locale 15. Fragrance 16. Leisure 17. Rip apart 18. Opposition 20. African expedition 22. If not 23. Roberto’s “two” 24. Bearded animal 26. Raise 28. Limber up 31. Nevada resort 32. Fabrication 33. Wedge 35. Wheat by-product 39. Rework proofs 41. Singer ____ Hayes 44. To ____ his own 45. Jeans fabric 47. Trudge 49. That gal 50. Guitar device 53. Fragment 55. Root vegetable 58. Stench 59. Stir 60. Singles 62. Wore away 66. Small, yappy dog 69. Wine-producing valley LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
70. Important times 71. Narrates 72. Slender 73. Monthly expense 74. Ascended 75. One time only Down 1. Solidifies 2. Brainstorm 3. Unable to hear 4. Infuriate 5. Mexican music type 6. Exist 7. Thorny bloom 8. Happy one 9. Bother 10. Briny deep 11. Chinese mammal 12. Formal necktie
13. Della ____ of “Touched by an Angel” 19. Young people 21. Decays 25. Not that 27. Cast a ballot 28. Winter toy 29. Ocean current 30. Bridle strap 34. Chart 36. File 37. Soreness 38. Hone 40. Twitches 42. Plus 43. Make more concise 46. Stately home 48. Fashion name 51. Fiesta item 52. First game 54. Immediately!
55. Document 56. Idolize 57. Holy ____ Empire 61. Farm tower 63. Shucks! 64. Long story 65. Notre ____ 67. Superlative ending 68. Capone and Gore
EVENT LISTINGS ARE FREE FOR SFU STUDENTS AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS. SEND THE DATE, TIME, LOCATION, NAME, AND A 15-WORD DESCRIPTION TO CLASSIFIEDS@THE-PEAK.CA
19 Last Word
Tamara Connor / Features Editor
features@the-peak.ca