Vol. 1 Issue 9 by The Runner

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21, 2009

The Religion Issue

NEWS AND CULTURE NEWSPAPER FOR THE STUDENTS OF KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page ten

OUT AND ABOUT

Hop a Ride for Pride Parade BY MELISSA FRASER CULTURE EDITOR

Photo Courtesy Canadian Federation of Students

In 2007 the CFS were “building pride on campus”, this year theyʼre “drowning in debt.” Think lifeguards, sailors and waterfights.

Have you ever felt like a halfnaked sailor drowning in student debt and the only person that can save you is an even-more-naked lifeguard who thinks pelvic thrusts count as first-aid? Perhaps that’s how the Canadian Federation of Students was feeling when they chose this year’s theme for their Pride Parade float. Or, perhaps that’s how the Kwantlen Student Association was feeling when they decided to join the CFS in the parade this year. Either way, drowning in student debt has never sounded so fun yet so terrifying. Half-naked or not, the KSA, along with the Kwantlen’s Gay Straight Alliance, are encouraging students to join them on the CFS’ “Drowning In Student Debt” float at this years Pride Parade. Students are also reminded that how much or little clothing they wear is completely up to them.

“Students can expect to meet a lot of high energy people and there will be water fights, of course,” says Michael Olson, National Executive Representative for CFS BC. “There are always water fights.” Olson says students are urged to bring banners and pamphlets from different school clubs and associations. For example, the Kwantlen Gay Straight Alliance is encouraged advertise the club. “There’s going to be hundreds of thousands of people there and it’s guaranteed there will be people from the institutions,” says Olson. “It’s great for getting the word out about clubs.” The KSA had planned to build their own float but, Vanessa Knight, the KSA’s director of events and student life says it wasn’t possible. “Because of the level of student interest and our timeline, we decided that joining the CFS would be more feasible.” Students who want to walk

with the CFS should be at the parade early to help put the finishing touches on the float and they’re encouraged to dress as sailors and lifeguards to match the theme. Olson says the theme was partly chosen because of the fun students could have with the costumes. Other schools taking part in the CFS parade walk include Douglas College, UBC Thompson Okanagan, UVic and a number of other local colleges and universities. The parade takes place on Aug. 2, starting at noon at Robson and Thurlow, downtown Vancouver. While it cost the CFS a registration fee to take part, the event is free for students who want to walk with the float, or take it all in from the sidelines. For more information, students can stop by the KSA, call the office, or visit the Kwantlen Gay Straight Alliance’s Facebook page.

CALENDAR

‘Tis the Season: Pride Events in Vancouver It’s Pride Season, and that means Vancouver is going to get a whole lot brighter and a whole lot sassier. Assless chaps or not, everyone’s welcome at these events. Take advantage of the diversity our fair city embraces, and get a snow cone while you’re at it. Picnic in the Park Date:Saturday July 25, 2009 Time:11:00 am to 6:00 pm Place:Brockton Oval, Stanley Park Price:Free Pride In Art Date: July 28 - 29 Time:7:00 pm and 9:00 pm each day Place:Roundhouse Community Centre Price:$10 at door Pride Movie Night Date:Thursday July 30, 2009 Time:7:00 pm Place:Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour St.)

PRIDE In Fashion Date:Thursday July 30, 2009 Time:9:00 pm Place:Celebrities Nightclub, 1022 Davie St., Vancouver BC Price:$20 Advance $25 At Door Pride Weekend Launch Date:Friday July 31, 2009 Time:12:00 pm Place:Vancouver Art Gallery Davie Street Pride Party Date:Friday July 31, 2009 Time:7:00 pm to 12:00 am Place:Davie Street, between Burrard and Bute

Terry Wallace Breakfast Date:Saturday August 1, 2009 Time:9:00 am Place:Davie St. and Bute St. The Dyke March Date:Saturday August 1, 2009 Time:12:00 pm Place:McSpadden Park Price:Free Pride Day Service Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:8:00 am Place:Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard at Georgia) Price:Free

Sunset Beach Festival Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:11:00 am Place:Sunset Beach Price:Free Pole Pride Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:9:00 pm Place:The Penthouse Price:$10 Pride Youth Dance Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:9:00 pm Place:West End Community Centre Price:By donation

Pride Parade Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:12:00 pm Place:Robson and Thurlow to Denman Street following along to Pacific and Beach Avenues Price:Free

CHICAS - Premiere Lesbian Afternoon Party!!! Date:Sunday August 2, 2009 Time:3:00 pm to 9:00 pm Place:Sheraton Wall Centre (1088 Burrard St @ Helmcken) Price:$40

Wikipedia Commons

Swing your partner, gay or straight, round and round. This yearʼs Pride Parade is accompanied by a ton of other gay-friendly events to get you out and about in the city.

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page eleven

TRAVEL

LOCAL

Travelling the Pilgrim Trail BY ANASTASIA KIRK

Whether you think religion is good or bad, it is an incredible part of human history. Traces of religious conquests and liberations can be found the world over, and they’re definitely worth checking out whether it be to snap a photo, to understand more about our past or discover ourselves anew. If you’ve got some cash (or generous parents) and a little bit of time to explore, these travel picks will have you singing "hallelujah" all the way to the airport and chanting "ohm" the whole way back. Top five faith-based travel picks:

Bethlehem, Israel Located about five miles southwest of Jerusalem in Israelicontrolled West Bank territory, Bethlehem is one of the world’s most famous religious cities. From the birth of Jesus Christ to King David, this “little town” has had its handprints on the walk of fame more than once. Islam’s famed Prophet Muhammad even stopped in for a prayer while passing through to Jerusalem. Today it’s still one of the most elusive places on earth, and its location in the occupied West Bank area continues to be one of the most hostile lands of our time. Filled with mostly Muslims and Christians, the Jews still have a tight hold on this sacred town, and it’s easy to see why. But despite all the stick-throwing, tourism is still strong in this part of the world and as long as you don’t stray too far off the beaten trail you should be fine. Check out: The Church of the Nativity of course. Not only is it the birthplace of the most popular half-man in history, this church (or ba-

silica) is the oldest continuously operating church in the Holy Land.

Canterbury, England You’re likely to feel shivers from the past as you wander through this medieval town. Famous for Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury Town echoes the distant chanting of monks and high priests while boasting new world mod cons and old world charm. Steeped in Christian and Pagan history, Canterbury is a reminder of both the terrifying takeover of Catholicism in Western Europe and the mystical pagan religion that had engulfed this region before the arrival of the Romans. It has also been England’s most famous pilgrim trail ever since Archbishop Thomas Beckett died at the hands of King Henry II. His martyrdom has had Catholics and tourists flocking to the area for over 800 years. Check out: If you peer down the narrow waterways that line the houses around town, your eye may be surprised to catch a glimpse of a “witch-drowning chair.” Still hovering over the canals, these relics of Pagan times, Catholic rule and horrific witchhunts will send a chill down your back.

Touba, Senegal A pilgrimage to the birthplace of one of Islam’s most contradictory religious sects, Touba is a sobering experience. It's a fascinating display of how Muslim and Rastafarian tribal faiths have come together to create a truly bizarre branch of Islamic followers, the Mouride. Baye Falls, members of a group within the Mouride

sect, dress in patchwork pantaloons and don dreadlocks in honour of their dreaded-up marabous who lead the religious followings in this sacred city. No alcohol is allowed in this Muslim sect and smoking is banned from the town. It is not unusual to hear these guys utter praise to both the Muslim Prophet Muhammad and Rasta master Bob Marley in the same breath. Reggae music is the foundation of their happiness and the Mosque is the foundation of their faith. Check out: If you’re in the area, head west to the coast and take a boat over to Goree Island – the sinister site where slaves were held before boarding death ships to the new world. Also, have a listen to Akon’s aptly titled single Senegal. The Senegalese-born rap star rattles off lyrics about Goree Island and “that holy place called Touba where prophets are born.”

Lhasa, Tibet Historical stomping ground for Central Asian Nomads, Tibet is one of the most spiritual territories in all of Asia. For centuries Tibet has prospered under the influence of independenceseeking Dalai Lamas and peacemongering Buddhist monks. Still ruled by China’s iron fist, for ages the region has struggled for religious freedom despite China’s numerous attempts to oust Tibetan Buddhists from the area. To top off a long history of tyranny, China’s communist government moved into the neighbourhood in the 1950s and has been a painful thorn in the sides of Tibetan Buddhists ever since. Most recently, Tibetan refugees have been the focus of many international protests with the chant “Free Tibet” quickly becoming a well-known activist slogan and pop-culture term. Buddhist monks and holy Lamas are no exception to the exile rule. Many of them have also been locked up or cast away as refugees. Situated on one of the highest plains on earth, just north of the Himalayan mountain range, Lhasa is the Buddhist capital of this sacred land. The spirited

smiles of the local people and the solemn smell of wafting incense throughout the town will have you feeling nothing less than enlightened. Check Out: Get lost in the chanting of mantras at Jokhang temple, the holiest pilgrim destination in Tibet. While you’re in the hood, take a trip to the Mt. Everest base camp and meditate at the foot of the most menacing mountain known to man.

Varanasi, India Often dubbed the holiest city in the Hindu world, Varanasi’s banks border with the River Ganges – a morbid pilgrim destination for Hindus from India, Bangladesh and across the globe. Hundreds of Hindu temples line the banks of the Ganges where some of the most important Hindu festivals and religious congregations take place. The river is worshipped and personified as a goddess in the Hindu faith. It is popular Hindu belief that one should bathe in the river at least once in a lifetime, or drink its water in times of sickness. This could be considered ironic and kind of gross considering Varanasi’s riverbanks are also the cremation sites for deceased Hindus whose ashes are then spread in the river! Check Out: Take a dip in the River Ganges and wash away your sins. Rub shoulders with Hindu ancestry while you’re in there. Rid yourself of sin then contemplate a shower.

Pray Local If a trip to Bethlehem is out of the picture, check out some of these local holy grounds that make you feel as if you’re somewhere over the ocean. Holy Rosary Cathedral Corner of Richards and Dunsmuir, Vancouver

* * * * * * * * *

Christ Church Cathedral 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver Lingyen Mountain Buddhist Temple, 10060 No. 5 Road, Richmond International Buddhist Society Temple, 9160 Steveston Hwy, Richmond Jami’a Mosque 12300 Blundell Road, Richmond ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, 5462 Marine Drive, Burnaby Akali Singh Sikh Society 1890 Skeena Street, Vancouver Guru Nanak Sikh Temple 7050 120 Street, Surrey

And just for the hell of it... Church of Scientology 401 West Hastings Street, Vancouver -Anastasia Kirk

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page twelve

TRAVEL

Jon Healy / jonhealy.ca

Fulford Harbour, at the south end of Salt Spring Island, is known for its hippie-tinged boutiques and great food.

BY STEPHEN SMYSNUIK CO-ORDINATING EDITOR

the UV bliss.

t was a whimsical decision, a trip planned last minute by Jon the Photographer as he flipped through a B.C.-bybicycle tour guide published 34 years ago. The plan now is to haul ass to Salt Spring Island with our bicycles and spend the afternoon riding across the largest and grooviest of the Gulf Islands.

1:43

And then the hills begin. What Johnny failed to mention to me is that Salt Spring is a fucking mountain. When cycling,

one gains an intimate knowledge of the landscape, and when the landscape is all uphill, it’s a tremendous pain in the ass/ thighs/groin/neck/shoulders. We’re working our way up impossibly steep inclines that never seem to crest. Rid-

1:10 p.m. The Queen of Nanaimo settles against the dock at Long Harbour on the north end of the island. There’s a crowd of foot and bike passengers waiting to disembark, but we’re the first two off. There’s a sign at the terminal that reads: Cyclists please allow ferry traffic to clear before riding. Nerts to that, I think. I ain’t waitin’.

1:17 My front tire hits a large stone and I swerve into the narrow traffic lane as a Chevy Geo swerves to avoid running me over. “I think we better stop here,” I say, and settle on a patch of unkept grass to wait for the cars pass. Johnny shares his ham sandwich and we lie back in the shade. Sun filters through a canopy of evergreen above us. A kettle of three hawks circles low, to the west. Five minutes on the island and I’m considerably calmer than I was on the ferry. My blood pressure has decreased. Anxiety reduced. Breathing is easy as a I watch a tree branch bends gently in the breeze.

Cycling Salt Spring Island

1:30 We buy an eight-pack of Moosehead Lager and ride into Ganges, the Gulf Islands’ most populated town, complete with new condos and gated retirement communities overlooking the sail-boat spotted harbour. The town’s bustling – townsfolk and tourists wandering about, checking out the soccer tournament, advertised with a giant hemp cloth banner at Memorial Park. We pass dozens of bed and breakfasts –beautifulhomes with $1-million-views of the Ganges harbour. “This is like Whistler without the mountains,” Johnny says and he’s right. There are beautiful people everywhere, in

Jon Healy / jonhealy.ca

Two cans of Moosehead Lager left illegally on a wooden shelf at Fulford Harbour. The men who left the cans clearly hold no regard for wooden shelves.

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page thirteen

TRAVEL Mary Lake. We settle our aching asses/ thighs/groins/necks/shoulders on the floating dock and each crack a can of Moosehead. Three women, overweight and pale as eggshells, are pleading with their dogs, Beatrice and Friday, not to swim too far out. “Beatrice, oh Beatrice! Don’t do that Beatrice!” Finally they leave and it’s calm. We’re calm. Leaning back on the dock, we’re just two city boys sipping our beers, taking nature up on what it has to offer. The wind casts ripples across the water. A man in an inner tube drifts listlessly and alone. I’m thinking about Vancouver – a city sprawling with nature of its own, yet how easily distracted most of us get from the pleasures it provides. And how easily we forget how close to paradise we live. That’s the scourge of urbanity, I suppose.

3:34 We leave after our beers and head back from the direction we came. It’s all downhill and we yip and scream as we ride. The wind screeches through the holes in my helmet as I careen 70 km/hour. We reach the bottom and ride past a field with nine sitting deer. They follow us with their gaze as we pass. Fawns, does, bucks. The whole group, Village of the Deer, following us with their silent stares. We head on and come to a fork in the road. Look around – forest, a single gravel driveway to the left. No indication of where the hell to go.

4:23

Jon Healy / jonhealy.ca

Wheeling ferries onto bikes is a favourite pasttime of Gulf Island inhabitants.

ing up what feels like 90 degree angles. On and on we go. The heat is unbearable and neither of us have any water. Other cyclists – sporting finer outfits and calve muscles more defined than our own – pass us with a grace and agility that completely obliterates my confidence. Johnny cries out in frustration. “Fuck this,” he says. He hops off. And so do I.

1:50 We come to a road leading downhill. Johnny’s outdated B.C.-by-bicycle tour guide says we can reach Fulford Harbour – our final destination and ferry terminal, at the south end of the island – using this road, so we’re back on our bikes. It’s quiet and forested. The road’s not very smooth but at least it’s relatively flat. We find a public access point of St.

A grey-bearded man on a red bicycle, wearing a helmet too big for his head, is riding along awkwardly on bicycle too small. Johnny asks him: “Which way to Fulford Harbour?” His eyes widen. He scoffs. He says: “Oh, you’ve come the wrong way. Oh, you betcha.” He scratches his face, hair sticking willy-nilly all over. “You need to turn right, then go back up the hill. Uh huh. Then left, then left at Samuel Avenue. Yup. And that’s a mother of a hill, alright. Oh yeah.” “Is it a real mean hill?” I ask. He nods, smirking. Eyes twinkling. He’s a simple fellow but a hell of a nice guy. A shining example of the Island Folk I’d always heard about but never met. He says: “Do you have any water?” We shake our heads. “Do you want some water?” We nod our heads. “Well, come on up.”

He leads up the gravel driveway that happens to be his property, settled with a quaint little cabin surrounded by wild forest. It’s a hell of a spot. He says he and his wife had visited the island about 15 years ago from “On-terrible” and never went back. The wife takes our empty water bottles and brings them back full a few moments later.

4:45 We worm our way back up the 70 km/ hr hill. The excitement of our encounter with the island people long since evaporated. My calves burning and screaming for mercy. We steer in gratuitous zig-zags on our bikes, dulling the incline. We find Stewart Avenue – only a kilometre or so from St. Mary Lake – and it is a hilly mother. A seasoned cyclist could do this no problem but certainly not I. Certainly not Johnny, in is jeans and Converse high tops. A never-ending hill, steep as greatest incline in Hades, I’m sure. The varying altitudes synching in obnoxious metaphor of our own peaks and valleys of our adventure as Johnny and I get cranky with each other. A screenwriter couldn’t do a better job. And I’m pushing and pushing, thinking back to a motivational speaker telling us in Grade 9: “When the going gets tough, you must persevere!” and all that. I look back at Johnny, now wheeling his bike and walking with his head down, sun gleaming off his helmet. That’s it for me. My calves are screaming: “Damn you, boy!” I walk my bike and look over the edge of the road, way, way down at the water. “We were down there once!” Johnny says. “We’ve just biked up a fucking mountain!” Yeah... We find another fork in the road and some friendly cyclist – a Brit – points us in the right direction, tells us we don’t have far to go at all. And it’s all down hill from here. We crack two more beers in celebration, sipping them sloppily as we ride. We turn some corners, smile as the breeze passes through our teeth, over our gums.

6:15 And finally we make it, with 45 minutes to spare. Fulford Harbour. Independent art shops and restaurants imprinted with the hippie era. A bookshop/café is selling organic everything and as well as counterculture literature like the John Lennon biography, Dharma Bums, Toward 2012, and various Gabriel Garcia Marquez titles. Posters on the town billboards advertising local art shows with names like “Book of Eyes” and “New Moon Float.” The town gas pump is coated in rust. There’s a sale on tye-dye today. We grab a bite at Rock Salt and the food tastes like the angel Gabriel had made it himself. We sit on the dock with our legs swinging out over the water as we eat. A mountain across the harbour swells in lucid grandeur, putting us measly humans and whatever problems we face into context. The afternoon sun drifts ever closer behind that mountain. And all that. There are others just like us waiting for the ferry – young men from the mainland riding across for the day. Others visit with their cars and I pity them. A mother is breast-feeding her new-born on a bench by the terminal. A young hippie woman smiles and says: “Pumping station.” Everyone laughs. The sun closes in on the hill to the west, silhouetting the anxious ferry passengersto-be.

7:05

Jon Healy / jonhealy.ca

The view from Fulford Harbour is about as pretty a sight as one can get when in British Columbia. Try sitting; the beauty might knock you oﬀ your feet.

We board and find a bench, facing the stern of the ferry and we each crack a beer. We sip casually as the sun dips further behind the mountain and the island grows smaller by the inch. And I pat Johnny on the back and say, “Well, that certainly sucked. Yeah”

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page fourteen

MOVIE CULTURE

JESUS MOVIES

DEGREES OF SEPARATION: Seth Rogen to Dennis Quaid BY KYLE SLAVIN CONTRIBUTOR

Funny People – In Theatres July 31 I hope this is going to be good, but hope is fading. The concept sounded really good, and the first trailer looked as if Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen were going to put out a darker and a little more heart-felt comedy. But it looks as if that’s not the case anymore, and that’s a shame. Sandler plays a standup comic who learns he has a terminal illness, and takes a newcomer, Rogen, under his wing to build a true friendship. It’s supposedly two hours of dick jokes. Hopefully it’s not as bad as early reviews are saying.

Horton Hears a Who As we’ve seen in the past, some Dr. Seuss stories work well as movies, and others fail miserably. Horton Hears a Who, oddly enough, is a middle of the road movie that doesn’t offer much for adults except nostalgia. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t overly good. The characters have a classic Seussian look, while using the voices of Jim Carrey, Seth Rogen and Isla Fisher. If there’s nothing else to rent, give this one a shot; at least you won’t be sitting through The Cat in the Hat.

Five Offensive Jesus Flicks Life of Brian Arguably the greatest satire film of all time earned a legion of detractors for its revision of the Jesus Days. The characters are ignorant followers willing to believe in anything thrown their way – including the mistaken-asChrist Brian –– which, of course, has made fools of modern-day followers. True to Monty Python etiquette, the characters speak in coarse English accents, trivializing this “sacred” historical period even further.

Memorable Offensive Moment: Wise Man #1: We were led by a star. Brian’s mother: Led by a bottle, more like.

Last Temptation of Christ Martin Scorcese’s re-imagining of Christ as a tortured man who gives up his destiny as the Son of God to take up Satan’s promise to live as a normal man. The film inspired unprecedented backlashes, including a fundamentalist Christian group throwing Molotov cocktails inside the Parisian St. Michel movie theatre as a protest. The film is still banned in the Philippines, Singapore and South Africa.

Memorable Offensive Moment: A brief scene with Jesus making love to his wife, Mary Magdalene. Also, Willem Dafoe plays Jesus, and that’s not a pretty sight.

The Lookout I don’t remember much about this movie, but I remember enjoying it. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock From the Sun) stars as a young man who lost his short-term memory in a car crash. He is befriended by the wrong crowd and ends up unknowingly being an accessory to a bank robbery at the bank where he works. Jeff Daniels, Isla Fisher and Matthew Goode support the cast. It’s a very intense movie with well-written characters that make you completely gripped by the end of the film.

G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra – In Theatres Aug. 7 If there is one movie that I’m not looking forward to this summer, it’s G.I. Joe. There is no doubt in my mind that it’s going to be horrible. Dennis Quaid leads a cast of niche actors (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rachel Nichols, Channing Tatum) in what looks to be a really terrible war movie. Why do movie studios believe children’s toys make good movies? Monopoly and Candy Land are being made into full-length films. And just recently Viewfinder: The Movie was announced. Boycott this piece of crap!

CELEBRITY GOSSIP

Gossip Break Jon Gosselin is the best dad ever! Jon Gosselin has moved to New York City to be close to his new 22-year-old lady friend, Hailey Glassman. He purchased an apartment in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The apartment has 2 bedrooms, which is perfect for when his 8 kids visit. Needless to say, he will be receiving “The World’s Greatest Dad” award or better yet a coffee mug.

Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter This Canadian cult film about Jesus Christ’s modern-day struggle to protect a group of Ottawa lesbians from blood-thirsty vampires didn’t make many controversial waves due to its very limited release. However, Jesus kicks enough ass in the movie to offend any devout Christian stuck on the belief that their Saviour was supposedly a very nice guy.

Memorable Offensive Moment: “We’re running short on skin. We’ll need to harvest more lesbians.”

Jesus Christ Serial Rapist The name says it all. A deranged psychopath believes he’s the reincarnated Son of God and decides to take his revenge out on all those that did him wrong. It’s a bloody, despicable film that does everything it can to offend just about everybody. It’s low-budget and laughably hokey.

Memorable Offensive Moment: All of it.

Jesus Christ Superstar The musical about Christ’s life trivialized the man’s sacred story for many devout Christians, who felt that scriptures should never be made light of. For the rest of us, it’s simply annoying.

In other Jon Gosselin we will not be creating a douche clothing line for Ed Hardy. Which sucks because there are not enough douche baby and kids in the world.

Janet Jackson splits with boyfriend After having sex for 7 years with a midget, Janet Jackson quit Jermaine Dupri ass. This explains why he didn’t attend the biggest funeral in the universe, Michael Jacksons. Sources say that one of the reasons for the breakup was because mini Dupri was more outgoing than Janet.

Memorable Offensive Moment: Images of bearded men prancing and singing in unison – in English, mind you.

Procrastinate

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page ﬁfteen

What the Fur -Tamara Hecht- York University

HOROSCOPE

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Buy a a wheelbarrow and a pair of You’ll encounter a cougar in scissors.You’ll need them for the the next month. It may be the harvest this September. animal. It may be the old lady.

LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

No one understands why you think the month starts on the seventh. It’s best to stop arguing about it.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

Everything as you know it will change.Your best bet is to drink as much Red Bull as possible.

SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

You could go have your cards read by a psychic. Or you could buy a Slurpee and a cellphone.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan.19

Gather a group of people you don’t know. Play a game of Mahjong and make new friends.

AQUARIUS Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Hide behind a chair and scare the next person that walks in. You’ll be the talk of the town.

PISCES Feb. 19 - Mar. 20

If someone offers you $20 for your t-shirt remember that you’ll be cold but you’ll have $20.

ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr.19

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

You should spend time in an ice cream truck at the end of the month. It’s good karma.

The solar eclipse will fall in the fourth house. This might not make sense but it’s important.

TAURUS Apr. 20 - May 20

CANCER June 21 - July 22

Try doing something exotic this month. Spread you wings. For instance, try Nando’s chicken.

Spend four hours in a park on July 27th. Bring raisins and a taco. You’ll meet your soul mate.

Starbucks vs Kwantlen Starbucks

Sudoku Easy # 50 Special to Canadian University Press By Jennifer Zhou, CUP Graphics Bureau Chief

INTERESTING FACT

Starbucks coffee at Starbucks is $1.73. The same cup of Starbucks coffee at Chartwells is $2.10. That’s a 35 cent mark up. Unacceptable.

In Wales there is a village called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters), which in English means “Saint Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of Saint Tysilio near the red cave.” The locals call it Llanfairpwll. Source: http://www.interestingfacts.org/?page=category&id=3

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page sixteen

GRASSROOTS CAFĂ&#x2030; AND LOUNGE

12666 72nd avenue, enu nu surrey, G building uild (across from the gym)

www.kusa.ca/cafe PROUDLY STUDENT OWNED AND OPERATED

News & Politics

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page two

STUDENT JOURNALISM

Student micro-publication gains international reputation BY KENDRA WONG THE PEAK (SFU)

ANTIGONISH (CUP) – The first submissions came from down the street. Then from London. Then South Africa. Before Jeff Diamanti knew what was happening, his small student-run micro-press had gone international, and it was time to play catch-up. Diamanti was born in a suburb of Toronto – a wonderland of ‘zines, blogs, and other forms of self-publishing. “I was immersed in cultures that had up to five competing magazines at once,” he said. But when he moved to a small town in Nova Scotia to study at St. Francis Xavier University – where micro-press culture is more theory than reality – he had to take matters into his own hands. To show off the startling talent of young writers in the region, the Frequent and Vigorous Quar-

terly was born. “When I came here, it was immediately obvious that there was no publication here, there could very easily be one, and that the community of Antigonish would be receptive to such a publication, especially the creative writing community.” But what was impossible to foresee was how successful their publication would become and how quickly it would take off. While he and his co-editor and -founder Katie Arthur initially envisioned a local micro-magazine, the two are now planning national distribution strategies from Toronto to Vancouver. And with submissions coming from as far away as England and South Africa, the world is at their fingers ‘tips. “I think we both decided around the same time that as the magazine grew larger – in terms of interest and submissions – that it would be in everyone’s best interest to consider wider distri-

bution,” Arthur said. “We started with Toronto because we’re both from Ontario and we have a very good grasp of the venues in the Greater Toronto Area that would suit the magazine.” The pair are now negotiating distribution with Pages, a popular Toronto bookstore that specializes in micro-press publications, and have also listed the publication with the University of British Columbia’s Canadian Literature database. The latter could well have been one of the reasons the magazine took off as quickly as it did. “The database serves as a collectivizing mechanism for Canadian writers and is a major part of the reason we are receiving so many national submissions now – because writers across Canada are able to access this site, and thus find out about us.” With Vancouver and Toronto ticked off, though, Diamanti and Arthur aren’t resting on their

laurels. They still want to see the magazine in a few different locations in a few more major cities – including Montreal, Halifax and Edmonton — to better reflect the base of their contributors. “The bulk of our submissions are national or international,” said Diamanti. Yaqoob Ghaznavi, for example, is one of the Quarterly’s most recent contributors. He was born in India in 1941, before living variously in Pakistan, England, West Germany, Hong Kong, and the United States. Though he earns a living through accounting and bookkeeping, he was “bitten by the passions of writing poetry” in his sixties. He discovered the FVQ on the popular writers’ forum, placesforwriters.com, and submitted a few pieces, most of which focus on issues of urban space. Not to outgrow their britches too quickly, though, the editing duo remain firmly rooted in

Nova Scotia. “We want the Quarterly to continue to be rooted in Antigonish because that’s how it started,” Diamanti said. “In some capacity, we’ll be extending the skills we’ve developed and applied to this magazine in whatever we do next, which is likely going to be graduate school in both cases,” said Arthur. With both editors now in their fourth years, though the future of the FVQ is uncertain. They plan to “pass the torch” to younger editors, keeping the publication in student hands. They can only hope that the torch will continue to burn from generation to generation. Funding for their startup initially came from their students’ union, though additional funding has since been provided directly from the office of the president of St. Francis Xavier University and its English department.

ECONOMIC CRISIS

Canadian ﬁscal problems minor, says professor BY LINDA GIVETASH THE CORD WEEKLY (WLU)

WATERLOO (CUP) –Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced on May 26 that the federal deficit for the 2009-2010 fiscal year would be $50 billion, up $16 billion from the original forecast presented in January of this year. The discrepancy between the forecasted and actual deficit has raised some alarm for Canada’s long-term economic outlook. The cause for concern, according to David Johnson, a professor of economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, is rooted in the source of the recession. “Most recessions in the past 30 years have had really clear

causes. They have been caused by short term tightening by monetary policy . . . because it was perceived that inflation was a problem,” Johnson explains. Policy and inflation are not, however, the cause of the current recession that mimics the Japanese recession of the 1990s, in which there was a large price fall in real estate and stocks. “We don’t have very many periods [in Western countries] in which asset prices have experienced the kinds of declines that they have,” says Johnson. Thus, the fear becomes a similar experience to Japan’s “lost decade” where recovery was a long and slow process. Despite these concerns,

Canada’s situation is not dire because of the economic stability the country had entering the recession. “When the recession started, the budget was approximately balanced,” says Johnson. “It’s actually the Americans that have a big fiscal problem; we have a relatively minor one.” With Canada’s deficit only reflecting about three per cent of the GDP, in comparison to the United States’ deficit estimated to be between nine and 12 per cent, Johnson says that the recovery will be manageable. Nevertheless, Canadians will eventually have to pay off the accumulated debt. Shane Scott-Travis / Nexus (Camosun College)

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING

Feature: reporting from conﬂict zones BY JENNIFER RAE THE CORD WEEKLY

WATERLOO (CUP) – Today’s globalized society is one characterized by a near neutralization of time and space. Modern means of travel and instantaneous forms of communication are transforming the way that people across the world relate to one another. In the midst of this, media outlets and the reporters and journalists that serve them are fighting to meet the expectations of an audience that is learning to demand first-hand information delivered directly from the source – wherever that source may be located. The topic of a globalized media and the issues surrounding it was the focus of a recent panel discussion hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Centre for International Governance In-

novation (CIGI) and presented in partnership with the Canadian International Council (CIC). The event, entitled “Media Panel: Canadians reporting from Conflict Zones,” featured two of the most prominent names in the field: Graeme Smith, a foreign correspondent for the Globe and Mail, and Scott Taylor, the editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps. Rick MacInnis-Rae, host of Dispatches on CBC Radio One, moderated the discussion. John Roe, editorial page editor of the Kitchener Waterloo Record newspaper, introduced the panelists and set the tone for the evening. Roe began by noting just how quickly the media world is changing. Moreover, he explained how foreign correspondence, which often features the elite of the journalistic community, is becoming an ever-more

critical aspect of a healthy and well-functioning news media. Roe went on to pose several questions to the panelists, inquiring, “What are the obstacles and concerns facing foreign correspondents? Why are foreign correspondents important? Why should Canadians care about what is happening abroad? The discussion that followed was both informative and illuminating. MacInnis-Rae was invaluable in his efforts to elicit important insights from the expert panelists, whom he described as premier war correspondents with admirable penchants for finding themselves stuck among the enemies as well as the friendlies. Graeme described the purpose of his work as “covering the collision between two different universes that don’t understand each other. Sometimes that means sitting cross-legged with men with

long grey beards drinking cup after cup of green tea and sometimes that means waiting until dusk falls, listening to troops, who have nothing else to do, as they talk about girlfriends and ex-girlfriends, into the night.” Taylor shared similar sentiments, explaining that his role with Esprit de Corps often involves playing the role of middleman. Troops bring information to Taylor, who he must use his discretion when putting this information forth in the media. The two panelists discussed some of the basic frustrations of their work abroad, such as the pressure to push out copy and the common “if it bleeds, it leads” mentality of many of their superiors. Technological advancements have also complicated the media game, as the truth becomes increasingly easy to manipulate

through anonymous and filterfree Internet posts. Nonetheless, the ultimate challenge of the job remains the outright danger associated with reporting from conflict zones. In 2004, Taylor himself became the subject of news headlines. He was held hostage for three days, during which time he was abused and threatened with execution. On the issue of Afghanistan, both panelists offered somewhat bleak predictions in regards to an ideal ending scenario. Interestingly, both men agreed that introducing democracy is not a practical goal. Instead, Graeme emphasized a harm reduction strategy. Such a strategy would focus on minimizing fatalities, curbing the opiate drug trade, cutting down on air travel in the country and investing in education, especially the procurement of teachers.

News & Politics

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page three

FARMER’S MARKET

Stephen Smysnuik/ The Runner

Kwantlen’s inaugural Farmer’s Market a success BY KASSANDRA LINKLATER NEWS EDITOR

On July 8th, Langley campus parking lot was a hub of excitement: it was the grand opening of the first annual Langley Community Farmer’s Market, which will run through the summer until October 7th. The market featured over 30 vendors selling a range of products from fresh produce, eggs, honey, herbs, and cheese, to seafood, meats and preserves. Non-profits and various artisan stalls were also in attendance as well as live entertainment, primarily from Kwantlen’s own music program. The farmer’s market was conceived last November when Gary Jones, a horticulture instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and chair of the Langley Community Farmers Market Society, formed an organizing committee to bring the idea to fruition.

Jones explained that the idea came about from “Green Wednesday’s that we’ve been doing [with] the school of horticulture since last spring. At those evenings several organic producers asked if we [could] have a farmer’s market at Kwantlen at the parking lot and it seemed like a great idea.” The committee, now known as Langley Community Farmers Market Society (LCFMS), was initially comprised of councillors from Langley City, Langley Health, the Township of Langley, local producers and several organization. Jones stated that, “this formed the society and we appointed also directors. We’ve hired a market manager, and she’s been terrific and working extremely hard on the July 8th opening.” The market will focus on being environmentally sus-

tainable and will feature a wide variety of organic products. The market is just one way that Kwantlen is trying to fulfill is mandate as “the University aspires to inform and transform attitudes and values to reflect its role as a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable educational institution.” In regards to the University’s support and co-operation, Jones noted that, “it actually has been amazing. The group of people who came together to form the organizing committee, both Kwantlen and the senior leadership team and the president group have been tremendously supportive. The Stephen Smysnuik/ The Runner students in the horticulture programs have also been Kwantlen student entertains the crowd during the launch of the Farmerʼs Market. very supportive.”

Although the launch of the market was a great success, Jones still says there is room to improve for next year. “Next year we aim to start earlier in the year, probably around early May time, when the producers have fresh fruit and vegetables to come to the market.” “Obviously this is our first year and we are starting relatively late, it’s a relatively short season for a farmer’s market. And that for a number of reason, one of which is we wanted wanted to have a successful first year, we are taking it one step at a time and we’re making sure that the twenty or thirty vendors who turn up on day one will have a really good summer season and we’ll see at the end of the year how it went and what we can build in for next year.” Jones noted that there are many opportunities for Kwantlen students to get involved with the market. “We need people to help to set up the market before the vendors get there, we need help with tear down, and clear up after the markets.” There will also be opportunities for business students to help with promotional events. Jones commented that, “we’ve already included a number of students from the music program who will be there every Wednesday playing life music.” The opening day featured one of Kwantlen’s music students playing classical guitar. Jones closed by saying, “Just get involved and come and enjoy with us on Wednesday. It really is quite exciting.” The Farmer’s Market will run every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kwantlen’s Langley campus in the Glover Road parking lot until October. For more information on the market or how to volunteer, contact Gary Jones at 604.599.3311or via e-mail: gary.jones@kwantlen.ca. Interested in examining the rising cost of tuition? Facinated by the KSA? Entralled by Senate’s policy on degrees? Or just want to write a good-old-fashion news story? Contact The Runner at news@runnerrag.ca

STUDENT AWARDS

Kwantlen alumni receives distinguished PR industry awards BY KASSANDRA LINKLATER NEWS EDITOR

Courtesy of Kwantlen Kwantlen PR Student, Jenn Currie, recieves the Canadian Public Relations Societyʼs Dean Miller Award.

Two Kwantlen public relations (PR) students have been honoured with top industry awards for academic excellence and outstanding achievement. Jenn Currie was presented with the 2009 Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Dean Miller Award and Karin Lornsen received the Student Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).” “These awards prove that Kwantlen’s PR program is totally on point with the expectations of professionals in the PR industry.

That is why so many Kwantlen alumni are hired right out of university. We are proud of our outstanding scholarship winners and all of our PR alumni, ” stated Terri Smolar, Kwantlen’s PR diploma program co-ordinator. According to the Canadian Public Relations Society website, “The CPRS/Dean Miller Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship created to commemorate the life and career of public relations great Dean Miller.” It is presented annually: “to one deserving student who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership in the community.” CPRS Vancouver award chair, Michael Bernard, said, “The

judges found it remarkable that Currie was able to juggle so many things in her life and, at the same time, do all of them so well.” “It is one thing to be an excellent student, as she obviously is, but to excel in the eyes of her fellow students, her community, her practicum employer and CPRS, all before she has completed her education, is really exceptional.” The IABC Student Communicator of the Year Award awards $500 based on the success of a communications project in class or work. It is presented to an outstanding student who demonstrates excellence in the general field of communications. Kwantlen’s PR program is

no stranger to the Dean Miller award. It has already been presented to four different Kwantlen students. Kwantlen’s program was established in 1991 and according to the website aims “to provide students with the the strategic thinking and technical expertise to successfully work in PR.” For more information about Kwantlen’s PR program contact Terri Smolar at 604.599.2625 or via e-mail at terri.smolar@kwantlen.ca. Want to write a news story? Contact The Runner at news@runnerrag.ca and get working.

News & Politics

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page four

MULTI FAITH ROOM

AROUND KWANTLEN

Merits of multi-faith prayer room Runner contributor Victoria Almond examines the idea of a prayer room on campus BY VICTORIA ALMOND CONTRIBUTOR

A couple of years ago I was working at the Kwantlen Student Association Member Services desk on Richmond campus. It was a slow day for bus ticket sales, but there was the usual noise and chaos in the student union room outside. A young woman, modestly dressed in a loose tunic and her hair covered in a hijab, walked in and politely asked me if she do her prayers in my office. Seeing no customers, I agreed. I shut the door to block out the noise and read my book while the student knelt on the floor facing east and silently recited her prayers. After a couple of minutes, she got up, took up her backpack, thanked me, and left. This got me thinking. The Islamic faith requires that its followers pray five times a day. Isn’t there already a room set aside on campus for religious purposes? I asked around and apparently there used to be something called a multi-faith prayer room on Surrey campus, but it sat around empty, so it was given up for classroom space. Indeed, space is at a premium at Kwantlen, especially on Richmond campus. But

given the large Muslim population at Kwantlen and my experience that day, someone is clearly missing that service. What rights do students have to have their religious needs accommodated? Ensuring that students’ dietary restrictions are met (both Chartwell’s cafeterias and the Grassroots Cafe Lounge provide vegetarian options) is relatively easy. But when it comes to something that will force the school to make a real financial sacrifice, such as giving up a classroom that could otherwise be bringing in a lot of revenue, does looking after a student’s religious needs become a right or merely a convenience? Currently, Kwantlen has four religious or spiritual clubs listed in the KSA’s club index: Kwantlen Christian Ministries, Friends of Falun Gong Club, SGI Canada Student Club, and the Sikh Student Association. Simon Fraser University has eighteen, including a Muslim Students’ Association that has a room devoted to prayer space and prayer services. As Kwantlen administrators respond to the demands of Kwantlen’s new university status, will they provide more support for student clubs,

and will students take greater initiative to form new student groups? Should we have a vision for how to merge secularism and students’ religious beliefs with minimal conflict? I find the idea of a multi-faith prayer room is an intriguing concept, though not without its problems. It could be a space devoted to students’ strict prayer needs, but also could be a valuable forum to promote discussion and understanding between the many faiths and philosophies represented at Kwantlen. But if not administered properly, it could spark conflicts (political issues may make some students feel uncomfortable discussing their faith with others, certain majority faiths might hog the space) that students may wish religion were kept off of campus altogether. So how do we create a welcoming space for everyone? Should we do as we always have and wait for students to mobilize and approach the school with their needs? Or should we take a more proactive approach and start asking our clubs and individual students about the possibility of a shared spiritual space?

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE KWANTLEN CAMPUSES

JULY

Lecture: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Workshop WHERE: Richmond Campus - Room 1830 WHEN: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. WHAT: Come out and learn out to spiffy up your resume and answer that nagging question - “Do I really new a cover letter?” To register, e-mail Keith.Wong@kwantlen.ca

JULY

Lecture: Interview Preparation Workshop

WHERE: Surrey Campus - Room G1055 WHEN: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. WHAT: Come out and learn how to stand out from your job seeking competition. Learn interviewing and first impression skills. To register, e-mail Keith.Wong@kwantlen.ca

ASKING STUDENTS

A) Do you think that Kwantlen should have a multi-faith prayer room on campus b) Or do you think there could be better use of the space: JULY

Runner’s Editorial Meeting WHERE: Surrey Campus WHEN: 2 p.m. WHAT: Have your say and learn about the Runner.

AUG Miguel Agustin, a BSN student, shares his views on spiritual health.

Mandeep Dhanwa, general studies, is all for a prayer room on campus.

Accounting major, Gurpreet Singh thinks the space would be well used.

A) I like that it is multi-purpose. We all have different values and beliefs and some people use it as a way to get through school.

A) It can help students come to know about religion. Some people don’t know or understand about the customs that some people follow. I think it’s a good idea to help people communicate and know about new things.

A) I think its a good idea.

B) No, we have lots of space on campus to go to and I think it is about health and spiritual health is a big component of health.

B) It is a good use of space.

B) I think it will be well used because I have actually seen people go to the washroom to pray so this would be much more Photographs and survey compiled by Runner Contributor, Denny Hollick.

10 15

Summer Jazz Camp 2009 WHERE: Langley Campus - Room 1650 WHEN: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

RUNNER OPT-OUTS AVAILABLE NOW Available Monday - Friday / 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m at The Runner’s surrey office #205-12877 76th Ave. Questions: 778-565-3801. *Remember to bring your proof of registration!

recruiting@runnerrag.ca

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page ﬁve

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Opinion & Editorial

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page six

OPINION

YAY

RELIGION

When Karl Marx said that religion was the opiate of the masses, he didn’t mean it as a negative thing. The common folk in Russia at that time were impoverished, the helpless victims of the ruling class’s greed. But at least they had religion. Marx was saying is that, given their terrible living conditions, at least they had Something to believe in, a common something to guide them through t heir common existence. Religion has always acted as a drug, of sorts. But more importantly, it has acted (and still does) as a stabilizing rod for society’s individuals to hold on to and to stay connected. Without that fundamental social structure, people often feel lost and disconnected. The politics of religion have led to dark times – and like anything political, religion has robbed some humans of their humanity. But for a huge number of people throughout history, religion has provided a sense of purpose and understanding in a world rife with question marks – regardless of how archaic or “wrong” the tenants seem to some. Without that, these question marks may prove too overwhelming and unbearable to deal with, especially if they have no group or familial settings to turn to in times of crisis. And this happens all too often: some people use drugs, others use sex. But these don’t work for everyone. A structured set of guidelines to spirituality; for some, is the only drug they’ll ever need. Can this lead to narrowmindedness? Yes. Has it led to

There’s no point in attacking corruption by the people who have influence over these people? religion. That will merely spiral the circle spun by religion in the Absolutely. But time and time first place: an Us again, religion has vs. Them mentality, given the individwhere one denomiual an enormous nation is “correct” sense of well-being, and the other is and that can’t be “wrong”. devalued. But religion Arguably, spiritself doesn’t pose ituality cannot be the problem. It’s the defined by a rigid people – those notoset of principles. riously fickle speciReligion is merely mens – that take one group’s interreligious thought to pretation of another extremes, politicizing person’s (or another BY STEPHEN SMYSNUIK a spiritual ideal and group’s) interpreta- COORDINATING EDITOR using it to control tion of what “God” groups of people. This is the and “spirituality” are. And it’s problem I feel many atheists and easy to dismiss religion today, with our accumulated knowledge agnostics have with religion: that it’s hierarchial and seemingly of historical events and scientific fascist, especially Christian and reasoning. Islamic nations where fundamenBut with that, Western talists have done some terrible humanity has lost its sense of things for the sake of religion. spiritual intuition, which has no But further, groups with difdoubt been cast aside with the fering spiritual ideas are pitted rise of intellectual reasoning, against each other, leading to resulting in the loss of faith for disagreements (often horrifymany. ingly violent) that can never be As an agnostic, I often find resolved because the argument myself wondering if I’m any better off than someone who does have religion. Sure, I’m free to F***ED UP explore ideas and philosophies that might be deemed “sinful” or “heretical” if connected to a particular denomination. But I have no sense of a In the Election Issue greater Something, and where (May 5, 2009), we made a there was hope for the 19th number of errors. century Russians of an eternal We gave credit afterlife, for me there is simply a to Patrick Brouwer gaping black hole and a flashing for the article, neon question mark. And that ʻOpinions:Kwantlen scares me solid. Am I any better Political Science off? Uh... Society advocates for

We F***ed Up

NAY itself is based in the abstract thought. No amount of scientific reasoning to date has proven that God exists. This is enough for people to deduce that He, She or It doesn’t exist, and therefore the violence and the control and the greed often brought about by the politicization of religion is over nothing at all. When people argue with emotion, they can’t be reasoned with. Deeply religious people are often so emotionally invested in their ideas, for whatever reason, that any idea that’s pitted against their’s becomes an absolute abomination. This type of thinking doesn’t breed a fertile environment for progress or free exchange of new ideas. In my experiences speaking with deeply religious people, you’re either with them or you’re not. One may say, “To each their own,” to another, but that other is still wrong, wrong, wrong. So while the individual may benefit greatly from the structures of a religion, it can also lead to a world view that cannot be compromised. What, then, is the cost of that?

The Runner is studentowned-and-operated by Kwantlen Polytechnic University students, published under Poytechnic Ink Publishing Society Vol. 1, Issue no. 9 June 2, 2009 ISSN# 1916-8241 #205-12877 76 Ave. Surrey, B.C. V3W 1E6 www.runnerrag.ca EDITORIAL DIVISION: CO-ORDINATING EDITOR Stephen Smysnuik editor@runnerrag.ca NEWS EDITOR Kassandra Linklater news@runnerrag.ca CULTURE EDITOR Melissa Fraser culture@runnerrag.ca MEDIA EDITOR Christopher Poon media@runnerrag.ca PRODUCTION EDITOR Cat Yelizarov production@runnerrag.ca CONTRIBUTORS Anastasia Kirk, Kyle Slavin BUSINESS DIVISION:

a Bachelorʼs Degree in Poli Sci.ʼ The article actually written by Pinder Mandair. Similarily, we gave credit to Thomas Falcone for the article, “BCNDP: NAY.” The article was actually written by Thomas Miller. We regret the error.

OPERATIONS MANAGER DJ Lam ops@runnerrag.ca ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Mat Huﬀ ads@runnerrag.ca OFFICE MANAGER Victoria Almond oﬃce@runnerrag.ca DISTRIBUTION (Vacant)

EDITORIAL

Economic Exploitation: Sex to Pay the Bills...

BY ANASTASIA KIRK

The economic recession has hit me right in the groin, and if my failed attempts at employment continue, I stand to get hit in the groin over and over again. After a long trip abroad, I

returned home to a place I hardly knew. One of my friends had his car repossessed, another went bankrupt and still more were leaving the city with a sack on a stick to find work elsewhere. Having been unemployed while doing volunteer work in Senegal for the past four months, I realized I was screwed for work just like everyone else. Everybody talks about poor developing countries and unfortunates who are forced into horrid working conditions just to put food in their bellies in these Third World countries. Well let me tell you something; I had more employment offers in Africa than I do here in our cozy Western world. Of course my situation doesn’t compare to eeking an existence in

the slums of India or losing my family to genocide in Sudan, but life here ain’t easy, and I have bills to pay like everyone else. After dropping resumes at jobs in every industry that came to mind and receiving no responses from anyone looking to hire, selling my body sprung into my head as a potentially good option. What the hell is this world coming to when us “developed” folks, with all our freedoms and securities, start believing that the only way to get our bank accounts out of the red is to whore themselves out until times are more fruitful? Now, nothing against these professions: I appreciate the art of using sex for money. After all, if I had a dollar for every time I

should have charged… But the point is, I’m not considering prostitution because I like the idea of it. I don’t need the extra cash for a Coach purse or a heroin fix. I’m a student and a volunteer worker. I need money to survive in a world where money has become the very essence of life. With serious consideration, I began to scour Craigslist for escort opportunities and stripper gigs. What I found didn’t shock me, but I read it in incredulity. More and more women were soliciting their bodies and souls in order to pay tuition, rent and grocery bills. One young woman posted an ad explaining her dire money situation and her need for some quick cash to pay for moving costs to her

new apartment. For the right price she said she would go all the way. More and more men are taking advantage of the situation too. Ads soliciting young, petite, broke-ass girls for everything from threesomes and creampies to topless masages and private home videos referred to tough financial times as a reason to jump on the ho-train. Now, I know it could be worse. I could be raped. But seriously, isn’t forced prostitution some form of rape? In this case we are being raped by our own economy, and as the rich somehow still get richer, the poor get whorier. Gotta go strap on my pumps. I wonder how this will look on my resume when the financial market bounces back.

published in the US. The publisher’s suggested price is therefore the suggested price in US dollars. Our textbooks are sold on a cost recovery basis. We do make a small profit on discretionary items such as stationery, giftware and clothing.

Anything crested costs us more for the cresting, thus the difference in price from our binders to a Staples binder. We purchase our binders from Canadian suppliers. Our clothing is high quality, crested and not made by child labour in a third world country.

In the final analysis, Kwantlen students can choose to either spend their hard earned dollars contributing to the profits of large corporations like Walmart or Staples or assist their own institution in providing the best education at the lowest cost.

- Amanda Welton, B. Comm Bookstore Operations Manager

LETTER BOOKSTORE BITES BACK... AGAIN Once again I need to correct a misconception over the price of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, as quoted in your rebuttal letter in Vol 1, issue 5 May 5th 2009. The book in question was

Pissed off about someting we wrote? Something your professor did? Write us a letter! We promise, we’ll print it. letters@runnerrag.ca

Culture

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page seven

STUDENT ART

Student Expressions Kwantlen students are encouraged to share their all their expressions with The Runner. Email culture@runnerrag.ca to find out how you can contribute.

Jessica Rolli/ The Runner

Victoria Almond/ The Runner

Clockwise from top left: An exploration of the concept of religion in a multi-faith society; The dog days of summer; Boy in a tree; A private moment during the Silent Scream for Iran in Vancouver.

Melissa Fraser/ The Runner

Stephen Smysnuik/ The Runner

Feature

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page eight

History Of Religion Hinduism

VICTORIA ALMOND CONTRIBUTOR

Hinduism is the third largest religion with about a billion faithful, and the world’s oldest and most diverse religion. Hinduism’s got monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism,

monism, atheism, and probably a few other ‘isms; yell “heretic!” in India and you’ll be greeted with a chorus of yawns. It’s where karma, yoga, and most of your New Age self-help material come from. Diwali is one its largest festivals, celebrating the mythical homecoming of the god Rama after 14 years

of exile in the kingdom of Lanka. People welcomed him by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (dĭpa), and so the celebration was named dīpāwali. But any Hindu festival is bound to include copious amounts of food, so for poor students, understanding Hinduism makes good financial sense.

“Hinduism is the mother of all religions” -Swami Vivekananda.

BY CHRIS POON MEDIA EDITOR

Buddhism was founded by Siddhattha Gautama, who was born in Lumbini, India (which is now part of Nepal). Gautama was born into a royal family and lived much of his early life as a prince who never left the confines of the palace grounds. However, at the age of 29 Gautama ventured out of the confines of the palace and was shocked to see the suffering of people, something he had been sheltered from while living in the palace. Gautama then decided to leave the palace and seek spiritual enlightenment

(Nirvana) as a means to end suffering, of course he had to figure it out for himself before he expected others to believe in him, and so Gautama retired to the forest and spent the next six years among his botanical brethren. After many years of spiritual searching, Gautama achieved Nirvana while meditating beneath a Bodhi Tree. In doing so, Gautama became the first Buddha, the definition of Buddha being someone who has achieved perfect enlightenment. Following his enlightenment, followers flocked to Gautama and he began spreading Buddhist ideals and concepts (called Dharma) around the surrounding regions.

The core of these beliefs are the Four Noble Truths, which are made up of: 1. Suffering exists 2. Suffering arises from attachment to desires 3. Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases 4. Freedom from suffering is possible by practising the Eightfold Path (the way to end suffering) In Buddhism there is also no concept of worship directed towards a deity, as the focus is on the individual’s spiritual well-being rather than appeasing a Divine being, and Buddhists believe in rebirth after death rather than an afterlife.

Buddhism

“In buddhism we have relative truth and absolute truth.” -Dalai Lama

Judaism

MELISSA FRASER CULTURE EDITOR

A long time ago, let’s say about 4000 years ago, there was a man named Abram. He was a good man with a good wife. God really liked this Abram fellow. In fact, God liked Abram so much He gave Abram, and all his descendants, free range of the Promised Land, or Canaan as it was known then. This land was meant to be a special

place where Abram and his descendants could live and prosper. A place where they could set a moral example for the rest of the world. God also promised Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and the sands and so forth and He told him that all his descendants must be circumcised as a sort of external reminder of the promise. But this promise seemed crazy; Abraham’s wife, Sarah was barren. But, of course God changed all that and Sarah

gave birth to a son, Isaac. One time God tested Abraham. He told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham thought God was being ridiculous but he obeyed. Just as he was about to cut Isaac up, God stopped him and told him it was only a test. The three laugh about it to this day. And so Judaism was born and the followers are the descendants of Abraham.

“In Judaism, there are 613 biblical commandments, and the Talmud says that the chief commandment of all is study.“ -Norman Lamm

Feature

vol. 1 issue 9 | July 21 2009 | page nine

BY STEPHEN SMYSNUIK COORDINATING EDITOR

A man with a beard and completely Liberal ideas influenced a whole lot of people. Then he was murdered because he angered the wrong people. And that was that. Then his closest friends decided

that wasn’t that after all and they spent the rest of their days telling everybody about it. They gave up food. They gave up love. They walked in sandals through the beating Israeli sun. They risked their lives and were beaten silly many times. But they did their job, oh yes. For the next 200 hundred years, the people they influenced that followed

were fed to lions and tigers, bullied and beaten, pulled limb from limb, because of their dedication to their cause. Yet, so fervent were these believers that the Roman emperor caught on and declared their belief system – now a religion – the official religion of the Roman Empire in AD 380. Which, of course, shaped the entire Western hemisphere. Amen.

Christianity

“Christianity isn’t looking for a rainbow. If it were ... we’d pass out opium at services. We’re trying to serve God, not be God.” -JOHN UPDIKE, Rabbit, Run

Islam

BY MELISSA FRASER CULTURE EDITOR

It was 610 AD, Mohammad was about 40 and he was living in Mecca, a Mecca that worshiped false idols. He was well loved in the city and was thought to be trustworthy. Then one day Mohammad was in a cave on Mt. Hera and Allah spoke to him. Thinking he may have been demonized, Mohammad

went back to his wife and told her what happened. His wife’s uncle assured them that Mohammad had been visited by Allah and that Mohammad was a prophet. Mohammad denounced the idol worship of Mecca and began to preach the idea of one true god. Mecca turned their back on Mohammad and he moved on to Medina with Jewish tribesmen who believed him to be a prophet of God. In Medina Mohammad

prophesized to the Arabs. The Arabs had learned about God from the Jews. They learned that God would send a Messiah to conquer the world and they believed Mohammad to be this Messiah. As Mecca and Medina began to war and skirmish Mohammad was named leader of the Arab-Muslims and led them to many victories.

“The tolerance within the body of Islam was, and is, something without parallel in history; class and race and color ceasing altogether to be barriers” - Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthal

BY STEPHEN SMYSNUIK COORDINATING EDITOR

An fortuitously spiritual young man by the name of Guru Nanak Dev was never too keen on the Hindu traditions and the garb and all that. He figured the spiritual garb could be burned, lost or stolen. The only way to know God was

to keep him close to the heart. So one day he goes to meditate and bathe at in a river and disappears for three days. Oh, the agony the family felt! They grieved for him, muttered to the townsfolk that he must of drowned. Such a shame! And then, of course, he returns claiming he’d been filled with the divine, muttering “there is no Hindu,

there is no Muslim.” Which in some places would have got him killed. Not here though, not in tolerant Batala. Nope. They understood what he meant. God isn’t bound by any religion, but lives as where he always knew it did: in the hearts of every living person. Only those who recognize that will find it. And so on.

“Often repeated actions are engraved on the heart.” -Guru Nanak

Sikhism