September
23
2014
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s independent newspaper since 2009.
Please Don’t Stop the Music Low registration causes cancelled music classes
Featuring TEDxKPU
Dianne Watts
FIND US ONLINE / RUNNERMAG.CA / TWITTER.COM/RUNNERMAG /
Creative Writing Guild FACEBOOK.COM/RUNNERMAG
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Masthead
The Runner is student-owned and operated by Kwantlen Polytechnic University students, published under the Polytechnic Ink Publishing Society. Arbutus 3710/3720 12666 72 Ave. Surrey, B.C, V3W 2M8 778.565.3801
www.runnermag.ca Vol. 07, Issue no. 02 September 23, 2014 ISSN# 1916 8241
The Runner
September 23 / 2014
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In This Issue
EDITORIAL DIVISION Coordinating Editor / Matt DiMera editor@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3803
Executive Editor / Samantha Thompson
News........................................................ 5 Money, money, money.
deputy@runnermag.ca
Production Editor / Roland Nguyen production@runnermag.ca
Photo Editor / Mark Stewart photos@runnermag.ca
Opinion.................................................... 6 Honourary degrees - cheaper than real degrees.
Assistant Photo Editor / Charis Au Social Media Specialist/ Yaunna Sommersby Cover Photo: Mark Stewart
CONTRIBUTORS Joseph Keller, Kier-Christer Junos, Awais Mushtaq, Pauline Tiongson, Natalie Mussell, Danielle George, Scott McLelland.
Feature.................................................... 8 Music students struggle to find classes.
Culture.................................................... 10
TEDxKPU comes to campus, students might get tickets.
BUSINESS DIVISION Operation Manager / Scott Boux office@runnermag.ca / 778.565.3801 The Runner recognises that our work, both in and out of the office, takes place on unceded Coast and Strait Salish territories, specifically the shared traditional territories of the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Sto:lo and Tsawwassen First Nations. Our name is inspired by the hun’qumi’num meaning of Kwantlen, which is tireless hunters or tireless runners. Just as Kwantlen is adaptable and changing so is The Runner.
Procrastination........................................ 14 Dogs are better than cats.
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The Runner
September 23 / 2014
From the Editors
Editorial
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Mark Stewart / The Runner
The reality of “families first”
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The Runner Editorial Board
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Families are pretty cool. Not everyone likes them, but there is something about the idea of “family” that hits a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. Families can be those you’re born with, or those you choose for yourself: define family however you want, there’s just something about it that makes your heart swell. Families pull at the heartstrings, and the word itself carries a certain weight to it - the common idea is that families are something that we should protect. Because so many people feel this way about families, politicians have decided they love families too. After all, if you say you’re in favour of something most other people are also in favour of, maybe they’ll vote for you come election day. Politician after politician has used the “families first” or “protecting families” moniker, and quite frankly it’s getting a little old. The truth is, the word is being thrown around for the sake of votes, but when it actually comes time to do something, families can be thrown out the window for all they care. Our first example comes in the form of Christy Clark. School-aged children in B.C. have been out of school since before the summer began, and the B.C. Liberals are prioritizing a propaganda campaign against the B.C. Teachers Federation instead of working towards a fair deal at the bargaining table. The delay in negotiations has resulted in unexpected costs of childcare on parents, a delayed learning start time for children, and financial
hardship and morale attack on teachers. This runs contrary to the launch of a “Families First Agenda” several years ago by Clark, complete with a swanky website, which is meant to show how the government’s actions are benefitting families. However, in 2013 B.C. ranked last in Canada when it came to child poverty rates. And while she was the Minister of Education in Gordon Campbell’s government, she made significant changes to the education system that were not exactly “pro-family,” either. Since her most recent election, many of her actions would signify that she is not in fact putting families first, but rather prioritizing big companies in the name of “benefitting the economy.” Stephen Harper, too, has been a lover of families. He has focused on being seen as a family man for quite some time now, going so far in 2008 as to call the Liberals and NDP anti-family. More recently, in a speech last week before the new session of parliament began, he said, “We are here for Canada … we will keep delivering for Canadians and their families.” He pointed out that the Conservatives had been responsible for tax breaks that would save up to $3,500 a year per family. Conversely, in 2011 he scrapped the $5-billion national child-care program that was designed to help families cover the cost of childcare, and he has made cuts to to the First Nations Child and Caring Society of Canada, the B.C. Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, and to the National Council of Welfare. It is important to remember that issues impacting families are not limited to education or health care, but also re-
sources that assist in times of financial hardship or organizations that provide support to families in various forms. Harper and Clark are not alone in this profamily platform - the trend crosses party lines and is present at all levels of government. However, with the recent behaviour of both Clark and Harper, it seems a slap in the face to families for them to keep using it over and over again. If pro-family platforms come in the form of prioritizing capital projects over public education or a living wage, or rushed free trade agreements over a legitimate social security net and accessible post-secondary education, the opposite is nightmare-worthy. As we head into a new sitting for both the federal and provincial governments, we need to remind our politicians that we want tangible goals in their platforms and bills, using language that represents what they’re actually doing. A more accurate representation of Clark’s actions as of late are, “Those with money who can get me elected first,” and for Harper it’s, “I can do what I want and people will still elect me.” Frequent misrepresentation of the truth is what tires the population of the whole political process. If we start holding our government accountable, demanding the truth without propaganda, then maybe the system will gradually begin to change. The easier it is for politicians to get away with lies, the more likely they are to use them. Don’t let them play on your emotions. Demand better. Call it like it is: a spade is a spade, and none of our governments are presently putting families first...and haven’t been for years.
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Calendar
The Runner
September 23 / 2014
The Runner is hiring!
What’s Up This Week? Wednesday Sept. 24
RUNNERMAG.CA It’s time to find the perfect back-to-school job, and we’ve got the perfect fit! The Runner is now hiring for the following staff positions. We offer competitive wages (to be discussed at the interview) and a fun, positive working environment. We’re also awesome co-workers. If you are interested in applying, please email a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples (or graphic examples for image-based work) to Samantha Thompson at deputy@runnermag.ca. Deadline for applications is Friday September 12, at 5 p.m. We thank all applicants for their submissions, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Web Designer
The Runner’s website needs a makeover, so if you’ve got the skills and a creative eye, we’re looking for you! Successful applicant will have experience with HTML and CSS, and previous web design experience. This is a project-based position.
Web Editor
The web editor is responsible for posting all print content online in a timely fashion, and assisting in getting traffic to the website. The successful applicant will have experience working with various website platforms, especially Wordpress. Knowledge of grammar and Canadian Press style an asset. Position requires approximately five to 10 hours a week.
Food Connection Harvest Feast Come join the party of food! Bring any local seasonal fruits & veggies or other ingredients to contribute to: soup, salad, flatbread (pizza), and blended ‘ice cream’ dessert. RSVP required. 6:30 p.m., Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Free.
Thursday Sept. 25 KPU Volunteer Expo Looking for the experience to boost your career into the stratosphere? KPU has you covered. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., KPU Surrey Campus. Free.
Friday, Sept. 26 Rick Steves in Vancouver Missed your chance to travel the world this summer? Rick Steves has guided us through castles and cathedrals of Europe and he is here to share his stories and tips. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, Cedar Building. $25.
Saturday Sept. 27
Staff Writer (on-campus news)
The staff writer (on-campus news) is frequently on campus or available to cover on-campus events. The successful applicant will have writing experience, some knowledge of the campus community, and a fairly open availability. Articles written are compensated in addition to wages for this position. Position requires approximately 10-12 hours per week.
Staff Writer (campus politics)
The staff writer (campus politics) has a passion and understanding for politics, and is able to cover student politics at Kwantlen. This staff writer is responsible for covering meetings of the KSA and university, as assigned by the deputy editor. The successful applicant excels at writing objective pieces, is a quick learner, has writing experience, and has a basic knowledge of how the KSA and KPU administration processes operate. Position requires 10-12 hours per week.
Public Relations Specialist
The PR specialist has a knack for creating promotional materials that work. They are responsible for generating in-house ads, as well as creating a brand for The Runner and generating promotional materials. The PR specialist will also assist the current promotion staff with raising the profile of The Runner. The successful candidate will have experience in graphic design and be passionate about student media. Position requires five to 10 hours per week.
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Bowling with The Pirates Prepare those guns and get ready to bowl to support the Richmond Food Bank. Eye patch suggested! 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Zone Bowling Centre, Richmond. $10.
Sunday Sept. 28 Vancouver Escape: Half-day trip to Bowen Island Hop on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay with your bikes and friends and spend the day exploring the beauty of Bowen Island with time to be back for home for dinner. All day, Bowen Island. $11.65.
Monday Sept. 29 Vancouver International Film Festival Tired of the big blockbuster hits? Check out something different at the international film festival in Vancouver.
with Mark Stewart! September 24 - October 5
Sept. 25 – Oct. 10 daily, Vancouver International Film Centre. $11.
Tuesday Sept. 30 Cheap Movie Day! Tuesdays are well-known for being the best day for cheap movies. Take your best pal to the theatre, and revel in a world that is not your own. All day, theatres everywhere. Cost of cheap movie ticket.
Wednesday Oct. 1 Kwantlen Gaming Guild Tired of beating off all your noob friends? Practice those finger muscles and get ready to game! Come check out the Kwantlen Gaming Guild to meet some awesome people who love the games you love. 3 p.m., Wednesdays in the Social Justice Room (Birch 208). Free.
Friday Oct. 3 KPU Eagles men’s Basketball vs. UFV Cascades Basketball is a really fun spectator sport, and this is sure to be quite the game! 8 p.m., 33844 King Road, Abbotsford. Free.
Saturday Oct. 4 KPU Eagles men’s basketball PACWEST Mini Scrimmage Day Break out the facepaint and noisemakers and show your support for Kwantlen. Go Eagles! 10:45 a.m., Langara College (100 W 49th Ave Vancouver). Free.
Sunday Oct. 5 2014 Vancouver Book Fair Looking for a new book? The wonders of dragons, poets, and knights await you in the worlds beyond the pages. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., UBC Robson Square. Free.
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The Runner
September 23 / 2014
News
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Mark Stewart / The Runner
Love in this Club A guild for writers to share their love of the craft.
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Joseph Keller
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“We’re a group of students who promote community among Kwantlen writers,” says creative writing major and Kwantlen Creative Writing Guild secretary Winston Le. Students with a passion (or even just a casual interest) for the written word can check out the Kwantlen Creative Writing Guild, to meet other literary minded students in a relaxed but stimulating environment. The Guild provides a place for student writers of all types to improve their skills and share their love of the craft. Writing of all forms and genres is encouraged. Poetry is popular at meetings because it is the easiest form to workshop in a meeting setting. Guild writers also bring in other forms of writing including prose stories, plays and screenplays. In the case of longer
works, copies can be sent home for Guild members to look over on their spare time. The Creative Writing Guild holds regular weekly meetings in Birch 106 on the Surrey Campus. At the meetings, new and old members alike discuss what they are currently reading, show off and workshop their current creative writing projects and socialize with like-minded peers. Time is also set aside for the planning of a wide variety of other writing related events hosted by the Guild. While the club is mostly comprised of creative writing students, it encourages students of all backgrounds to join as well. The club was originally formed in 2009 but was “resurrected” in 2011. “We’re more community-oriented,” says Le on the revamped Guild, “in setting up more events outside the classroom, like the monthly slams and readings.” They host a variety of events in addition to their weekly meetings, includ-
ing a monthly Slamapalooza on the third Thursday of every month at the Grassroots café on Surrey campus. Slams are spoken word events where writers are given the opportunity to perform their poetry to an audience of anyone who wishes to attend. An open mic night is also held at the end of the semester, where students can show off what they’ve put together over the last few months, and last fall, the Guild hosted a reading and performance workshop with the late Vancouver-based spoken word artist Zaccheus Jackson. According to Le, the workshop gave members tips on “how to improve [their] own performances when [they] read [their] work out in public.” The Guild is planning many more events for the new school year. A poetry of the month contest is in the works, which would allow Kwantlen writers to submit their best work for a shot at a $50 cash prize, and having their winning piece displayed on a post-
er at the university. For September, Le says they’ve selected Kate Cymet as the recipient. The Guild also plans to head to Granville Island come October to attend the Vancouver Writers’ Festival. New members can expect an opportunity to hone their craft to a new level, while forming friendships in a close-knit community of student writers. Writers of all skill levels are welcome, from seasoned literary veterans to hobbyists just starting out and looking for a place to learn. According to Le, members don’t need to bring anything other than an “enthusiasm for writing” to their weekly meetings. The Guild is open to suggestions from both new and old members, and Le says, “We want to know what they want out of this group.” Further information can be found at the Kwantlen Creative Writing Guild Facebook page including dates and times for upcoming meetings and events. Questions can be directed to creativewritingguild@gmail.com.
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News
The Runner
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September 23 / 2014
News Briefs
Professors victims of cyberbullying
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$20,000 endowed to international student scholarship
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KPU Eagles’ seasons begin The fall semester is officially underway, which means many seasons
Lida Blizard, a KPU nursing instructor, is in the midst of researching
Recently, the Canada Wenzhou Friendship Society donated $20,000 to
for KPU’s varsity teams have begun as well. The Kwantlen Eagles men’s
students cyberbullying professors, and its impact. According to an
create an endowed scholarship for international students studying at
soccer team has had a diverse season so far, playing eight games and
article in Maclean’s, Blizard’s small study sample of 36 faculty members
KPU. Beginning in 2018, the annual $1,000 scholarship will be awarded
taking home two wins, two ties, and four losses. The KPU women’s
showed that 25 of the professors reported being fearful of teaching and
to a student from China studying in the institution’s school of business.
soccer team has had a similar season, playing 11 games with four wins,
of students, and saw a drop in their productivity; 21 felt depressed, nine
The Society is a non-profit organization founded by immigrants from
six losses and one tie. The golf team is just starting their season, having
had thoughts of retaliation, and one had thoughts of suicide.” Some of
the Chinese city of Wenzhou, and this is the organization’s first endowed
participated in two tournaments so far and currently sitting in fourth
the cyberbullying comes from the website, RateMyProfessors. A similar,
scholarship.
place overall in PACWEST. Basketball will be kicking off on Sept. 26.
large-scale study is occurring at SFU as well.
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The Runner
Student Life
September 23 / 2014
#BestPhoto from @cmonaileent (Aileen Tran) Each week we’ll pick our favourite photo from the Kwantlen social media community. To submit your photo, use the hashtag #kpufall.
Continue the conversation! Find The Runner on social media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram @runnermag
Fall 2014 Semester Student Publication Fee Opt-Outs Available In Person Sept 15-26 Student ID & Proof of registration and payment required Arbutus 3710/3720 Surrey campus
Mon: 10:30 - 3:30 Tues: 10:30 - 12:30 Wed: 10:30 - 4:30 Thur: 10:30 - 2:00 Fri: 10:30 - 4:30 Phone: 778-565-3801 office@runnermag.ca
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Feature
The Runner
September 23 / 2014
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Music department deals with growing pains
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The Runner
September 23 / 2014
Feature
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Mark Stewart / The Runner
Late class cancellations vex students.
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Kier-Christer Junos
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A choral group sings a four-part harmony in a private practice room, and the quartet’s tenor belts a sharp note. The soprano sardonically corrects him, saying, “Actually, John, we’re singing an F-sharp major.” The vainglorious tenor belligerently scoffs at her: “Why don’t you take your damn tuning forks and f--” This—musically and socially—is called dissonance. And it’s what some third- and fourth-year students are feeling in reaction to cancelled courses. Last spring, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Dean of Arts Diane Purvey held several meetings with about a dozen music students, and there, she heard their concerns and ideas about the music program. According to Judith Souman, a former KPU music student, one of these concerns included the issue of low enrollment courses, which subsequently prompts class cancellations and deters potential transferees from coming to KPU. In response, Purvey promised to run low enrollment courses in an attempt to grow the music department. “It’s true,” Purvey said, in a phone interview. “My understanding of this discussion is that I’d run enough electives so they’d be able to take courses in the stream they were inter-
ested in. I believe I’m still maintaining that.” Since the students felt reassured after the meeting, Souman says they began to register with good prospects. But in the final week of August, the faculty of arts cancelled two core 3000-level music program courses: history of jazz and pop music; and the language of music VI, a theory course. The reason for the cancellation was low enrollment. “I remember we all came out of that meeting feeling quite strongly that they would be running low enrollment courses,” says Souman. Late cancellations left students with few options. “If [KPU] hadn’t promised anything like that,” says Souman, “[students] would have had the time to look for other non-music electives.” Souman adds that affected students could have allotted time to consider transferring to another university. Despite these cancellations, Purvey says music students can still expect to graduate on time. The cancelled theory course is being offered next year. This semester, the faculty still offers the history course as a “guided study,” where the instructor determines the course format. This can include weekly meetings, online work, and in the history course’s case, mostly online work. Purvey says the faculty member running the history course—which, according to Don Hlus, the chairperson of the music department, has the maximum number of students allowed for a guided study, five—feels com-
fortable teaching the course online. Purvey also says that the faculty wouldn’t prescribe a subpar learning method, but Souman contests the online method’s effectivity. “It’s unfair because they expected an inclass course, which usually gives you better results and a better environment,” Souman says. “Yes, they’re graduating on schedule, but it still sucks.” Because the class’ regular sections were cancelled, Souman says students saw the dean’s spring-meeting-promise broken, but Purvey insists the contrary. “If they say I made a promise, I feel like I’m living up to that promise,” says Purvey. “There’s a number of courses that have six, seven, eight, nine students, and I’m keeping them open because I do need to grow the program. I can’t allow numbers of five or less [to run as a regular course]. It’s just impossible to do that.” Some courses with seemingly low enrollment are going ahead, but not all of them. Hlus suggests it was on the students to register on time. “If they would have registered on time,” he says, “I’m certain the courses would have ran.” “It was very challenging because we knew there were 11 to 12 students that could register for the course,” says Hlus. “The dean’s office was very generous and said we could run the course with these low numbers. But unfortunately, students weren’t registering for the course, and despite sending out a cou-
ple of emails, they didn’t register on time. We waited, and waited, and waited, and at the end, we couldn’t risk running the course that low. It was really frustrating.” “When you look at a student who registered the day the window opened for them to register, and when some of their other colleagues didn’t register, they kind of let themselves down in that way,” he adds. He points out that a lack of definition was ultimately the problem with the studentfaculty conflict concerning the spring-meeting-promise. “The thing was, no one really defined what ‘low enrollment’ is, in terms of a threshold. I don’t think there’s a handbook that says, ‘this is what low enrollment is.’” “It’s kind of a no-win situation,” Hlus added. He made an example of a first-year music course: “If we let the music and computers course run, even up to the first week of classes, and then we don’t get students who registered late, they’re disappointed because we didn’t give them enough time to look for something else. But if we cancel the course early, then they’re complaining that we should have let the course run even with low enrollment. It’s a nasty situation. It’s not a lot of fun for anybody.” He says the university has always been flexible with the music program, and other once-young departments who also experienced low enrollment. “In these cases,” said Hlus, “I think they felt that it was too low.”
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Opinion
The Runner
September 23 / 2014
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Nat Mussell / The Runner
The best of intentions Honorary degrees can be problematic.
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Samantha Thompson Executive editor
At first glance, honorary degrees seem like a sweet deal. You get all the glory, with none of the financial burden, stress of exams, or four years (or more) in a classroom. There are certainly people who revel in the beauty of advanced education, but I know more than a few students who would jump at this kind of chance. Unfortunately all of us are out of luck, as honourary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, and it usually happens once they’re well into their careers. Over the past several months, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been handing out honorary degrees to multiple people, as is standard at times surrounding convocation ceremonies. At KPU’s spring convocation ceremony, honorary degrees were given to David Aisenstat (president and CEO of The Keg restaurants, founder of The Keg Spirit Foundation), Christine Brodie (community outreach teacher), Joanne Curry (vice-president of external relations at SFU) and Baltej Singh Dhillon (head of the RCMP’s Federal and Serious Organized Crime Intelligence Unit). In a press release, KPU president Alan
Davis said, “Honorary degrees recognize outstanding achievement and public service. Those we honour this year have, in different ways, made significant and positive contributions to Canadian life.” The same release stated, “Honorary degrees are awarded to those honoris causa in recognition of dignified achievements or outstanding service to the public. Nominees are exceptionally distinguished scholars, creative artists, public servants, persons prominent in the community and the professions, and others who have made significant contributions locally, nationally or globally. Members of the community-at-large are invited to nominate honorary degree candidates.” Since August, KPU has awarded three additional honorary degrees, including soon-to-be-former chancellor Arvinder Bubber, former superintendent of the Surrey School District Mike McKay, Jane Adams, secretary, president and CEO of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation, and Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts. These degrees will be awarded at the fall convocation ceremony. While many of the honourary degree recipients are very deserving, the award to Dianne Watts is perhaps most interesting. Post-secondary institutions generally avoid giving honourary degrees to current politicians, as it can be interpreted as too self-
serving - giving one to Stephen Harper, for example, could be seen as trying to encourage Harper to favour/give more funding to KPU over other institutions. Watts, although presently Surrey mayor, had implied that she didn’t intend to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election, which would have eradicated any perceived conflict of interest. However, last week her campaign sent out a press release stating that she would be running in an upcoming federal election as a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada, in the riding of South Surrey-White Rock. It is unfortunate because it puts KPU in a complicated position where suddenly they are giving an award to a potential MP, whereas just weeks before they thought they were giving one to a Surrey mayor whose term was about to be over, after 19 years of being the face of Surrey. The university’s policy on honorary degrees stipulates that recipients’ excellence “will reflect positively on Kwantlen Polytechnic University,” and “Honorary degrees are not normally awarded to those who currently hold political office, including senators.” Although this caveat is far from an outright ban, it certainly suggests that the goal is to avoid giving honorary degrees to presently-elected politicians. Since 1995, KPU has awarded 35 honor-
ary degrees, ranging from non-profit leaders, to scholars, to athletes. Only a handful were politicians, including: Fred Gingell, a Liberal MLA from 1991 until his death in 1999, and the first president of thenKwantlen college who received his honorary degree in 1999; Penny Priddy, NDP MLA for Surrey-Newton from 1991-2001 and city councillor in Surrey from 2006-08 who received hers in 2001; and Mike Harcourt, former B.C. premier and in office from 1991-96, who received his in 2010. Priddy was awarded her degree between her times in office, when she was not an elected politician, and Gingell was presumably awarded his degree posthumously. The difference in Watts’ case is that there will be a very small window where she is not a politician, between receiving her award and running in the federal election. Therein lies the difficult problem with honorary degrees. They are a powerful way for an institution to recognize community leaders and influencers, and to raise the profile of the university. However, when it comes to doling out awards to the political sphere, it would seem that decisions made with the best of intentions can still be thrown into conflict with a single press release.
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The Runner
Culture
September 23 / 2014
Mark Stewart / The Runner
Seeking out geniuses TEDxKPU to be the talk of the town.
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Awais Mushtaq Contributor
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TED has always been devoted to its mission of “ideas worth spreading,” and on Sept. 27 Kwantlen Polytechnic University will share in this dedication, hosting an independently organized TED event known as TEDxKPU.
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a recognized brand as a result of its conferences featuring thought-provoking speakers, the videos of which are uploaded to their website in popular “TED Talks.” The event at KPU will be open to students, faculty, staff and the public, with “moment of genius” as the theme. “By ‘moment of genius’ we meant the tipping point in people’s lives, where they
have some sort of realization. That realization could be a change in their direction, looking at a problem in a new way or really any change of understanding or focus,” says the event’s organizer, Keri van Gerven who works as the confidential assistant to the office of the president. She and her committee have been responsible for planning and coordinating the event since last November.
The TEDx initiative grants free licenses to organize conferences in a TED-esque experience within communities around the world. Van Gerven says the idea to host an event at KPU came from a range of people, including students who presented the idea but needed a way to facilitate and fund the event. The president’s office and the office of advancement rose to the challenge, and the students, along with executives from different departments at the university, together make up the organizing committee. TEDxKPU stems from the general guidance of the TEDx program, as overseen and supported by the TED conference. It is designed to bring people together to become part of the TED community, in order to magnify the impact of notable projects and activities. A wide variety of scheduled speakers both from KPU and the Greater Vancouver area will be presenting on a diverse range of topics that reflect dynamic and polytechnic characteristics personified by the university. Some speakers are students or instructors, but there are also people engaged with the community. “We placed a priority on speakers who were connected to KPU … however we didn’t exclude speakers that were nominated but did not have a direct affiliation with KPU,” says van Gerven. “The goal of the event is to engage and educate students, employees and the overall community in a day of discussion.” The conference will be streamed live from the TEDxKPU website, with viewing parties happening at both the Surrey campus at the Grassroots café and Langley campus in the main auditorium.
S P E A K E R S Dr. Dorothy Barenscott: Art historian, professor and writer whose interdisciplinary approach has resulted in research on the connection between urban space and media technology as it relates to modern and postmodern identities. Barenscott’s discussion will focus on the multifaceted idea of genius as understood through the major turning points of modern art history. Katie Warfield: A faculty member in the department of journalism and communications at KPU whose interest in interdisciplinary design and visual culture has led to her Making Selfies/Marking Self research project. Warfield’s talk will explore our fascination with mirrors and the contemporary subject of online identities, selfies and Instagram culture. Kent Mullinix: KPU’s director of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems who actively engages and conducts applied research on advance sustainable agricultural systems. Mullinix will speak about the two opposing agri-food system paradigms and their effect
on humanity’s supreme imperative of sustainability as an integral part of society. Amit Sandhu: A real estate developer and entrepreneur whose passions extend to community initiatives and collaborations. Sandhu will be discussing the impact of his upbringing, on his entrepreneurial way of thinking. Lisa von Sturmer: The founder of Growing City and former MMA fight show editor, von Sturmer’s presentation will highlight how creating businesses you love are an important step in not only having a positive impact on communities. Dr. Tom Waller: A member of the Sports Technology Research Group, who has varying experience in both academic and commercial settings that have guided his specialist expertise in the application of technology, for the pursuit of performance enhancement resulting in innovative products. Waller’s speech will focus on the breakthroughs that occur when chasing technical excellence and
the controversies that arise from it in the world of athletics and ultimately how physiological, technical and psychological phenomenon lead to success. Dr. Ross Laird: An author, educator, scholar and founder of the Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts Program at KPU, whose work centers on personal and professional development within the postsecondary experience and beyond. Laird will speak about what we have and have not done with the educational enterprise as it exists today. Farhad Dastur: An educator and researcher of brain and behavioural sciences whose research interests are as wide ranging as he is. Farhad’s talk will cover his personal experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how the seven-day trek helped shape his perceptions and ultimately led to self-healing. Tu Diep: The Executive Director of Clinical Development for OncoSec Medical Inc. Diep’s talk will look at how cancer therapy has changed.
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Mark Donnelly: As a professional singer Mark will speak about his personal struggle with weight loss at the age of fifty, his subsequent transformation to living a healthier life, and the impact of obesity on today’s children. Jenn Clark: A graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University who engages in psychological research on differences between sexual orientation, gender, homophobic humor and the its implications on traditional patriarchal sex practices. Clark’s speech discusses how television today shapes our understanding and contributes to larger societal issues of stereotyping Dr. Salvador Ferreras: A member of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame and dedicated music producer and educator. With his background in ethnomusicology, Ferreras’ talk will reveal how the Latino culture has shaped and influenced much of the popular mainstream traditional and online media soundscapes.
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Culture
The Runner
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September 23 / 2014
Fall Movie Preview The biggest movie releases for November and December.
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Title: Fury Release date: Oct. 17 (was originally going to be released on Nov. 14) Director: David Ayer Cast: Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Scott Eastwood, Jon Bernthal, Xavier Samuel, Jason Isaacs, and Michael Peña Plot: A World War II drama that follows a five-man tank crew as they work their way through German battlefields. Why we’re looking forward to it: This anticipated historical drama is supported by a talented male cast and may just be an awards contender this season.
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Title: Foxcatcher Release date: Nov. 14 Director: Bennett Miller Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Michael Hall, Sienna Miller, and Vanessa Redgrave Plot: Based on a true story, Foxcatcher explores the mystery behind the 1996 murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz. Why we’re looking forward to it: Funny man Steve Carell will be playing John du Pont. He coached brothers Michael and Dave Schultz (Tatum and Ruffalo) to be Olympic athletes and sadly murdered Dave. After the premiere at Cannes, Carell and the film itself started to gain awards buzz.
Yaunna Sommersby CULTURE CORRESPONDENT
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Title: Interstellar Release date: Nov. 7 Director: Christopher Nolan Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Wes Bently, Casey Affleck, Topher Grace, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy, Ellen Burstyn, and John Lithgow Plot: Universal exploration is constantly changing as new technologies and environmental factors develop. Interstellar will follow a group of scientific explorers as they use the discovery of a new wormhole to surpass human space travel limitations. Why we’re looking forward to it: Christopher Nolan’s films always take you on a grand adventure through their stunning visuals and captivating stories. Add in a mix of incredibly powerful actors and you have an amazing film.
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Title: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 Release date: Nov. 21 Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Woody Harrleson, Jeffery Wright, Stanley Tucci, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Donald Sutherland Plot: The first part of The Hunger Games finale, Katniss (Lawrence) discovers the truth about District 13 and must grapple with being the face of a rebellion. Why we’re looking forward to it: Not only is Jennifer Lawrence everyone’s spirit animal, her performance as Katniss is a driving force of the films. The final two films are set to highlight the real message behind the franchise.
Information from IMDb and Entertainment Weekly. Photos from IMDb.
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Title: The Theory of Everything Release date: Nov. 7 Director: James Marsh Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, EmilyWatson, DavidThewlis, Charlie Cox, and Harry Lloyd Plot: A glimpse into physicist Stephen Hawking’s life as a University student. The film also focuses on his relationship with his wife and his struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Why we’re looking forward to it: After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival recently, actor Eddie Redmayne is already gaining Oscar buzz for his role. The trailer showcases his performance, and this could be a breakout role for the rising star.
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Title: The Imitation Game Release date: Nov. 21 Director: Morten Tyldum Cast: Bennedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Mark Strong, Charles Dance, and Allen Leech Plot: Mathematician Alan Turing (played by Cumberbatch) was a brilliant mind, but he had a repressed childhood and risked persecution for being gay. During World War II, he worked with a team of code-breakers to crack the Enigma code. Why we’re looking forward to it: Even though the movie archives are flooded with war films, The Imitation Game will likely give us a unique behind-thescenes perspective of World War II.
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The Runner
Culture
September 23 / 2014
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By the end of October, you will likely start to hear talk about the Hollywood award season that is just around the corner. Oscar voting season starts in November, which is why films released between October and December tend to win more awards. Keep the conversation going and let us know what films you’re looking forward to using #KwantlenRunner.
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Title: Exodus: Gods and Kings Release date: Dec. 12 Director: Ridley Scott Cast: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Indira Varma, and Aaron Paul Plot: A retelling of Moses’ role in freeing and leading Israelite slaves out of Egypt. Why we’re looking forward to it: Gorgeous and unique costume and prop designs will make for a visually rich film. The actors chosen to play the main characters may seem like strange choices, but hopefully they will surprise audiences with their performances. Ridley Scott’s historical epics never disappoint.
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Title: Into the Woods Release date: Dec. 25 Director: Rob Marshall Cast: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, James Corden, Billy Magnussen, Christine Baranski, and Mackenzie Mauzy Plot: A baker and his wife try to reverse a curse that a witch cast on them. On their journey, they run into quirky characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel. Why we’re looking forward to it: Another Broadway favourite is finally making the journey to the big screen.
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Title: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Release date: Dec. 17 Director: Peter Jackson Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Richard Armitage, Hugo Weaving, Evangeline Lilly, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, and Aidan Turner Plot: Smaug has escaped the Misty Mountain and is now heading towards Laketown, causing desolation in his wake. Middle Earth is also about to see one of its biggest battles with the Dwarves, Men and Elves fighting against the Goblins and Wargs. Why we’re looking forward to it: The Desolation of Smaug ended with a terrible cliffhanger so it will be exciting to finally take a journey back to Middle Earth, one last time.
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Title: Unbroken Release date: Dec. 25 Director: Angelina Jolie Cast: Jack O’Connell, Alex Russell, Domhnall Gleeson, Jai Courtney, Garrett Hedlund, and Spencer Lofranco Plot: Olympic runner Louis Zamperini (played by O’Connell) was captured by the Japanese and detained as a prisoner of war during World War II. Why we’re looking forward to it: Unbroken is Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut and is gaining early award season attention. It will be interesting to see how wider audiences and award officials react to the film.
Information from IMDb and Entertainment Weekly. Photos from IMDb.
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Title: Annie Release date: Dec. 19 Director: Will Gluck Cast: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, and Cameron Diaz Plot: The classic story of Little Orphan Annie reimagined and set in modern day New York. Why we’re looking forward to it: Musicals are great, but you can only watch the same one so many times. A modern twist and reimagining could bring new life to this popular musical.
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Title: Big Eyes Release date: Dec. 25 Director: Tim Burton Cast: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp, Danny Huston, and Stephanie Bennett Plot: Painter Margaret Keane (played by Adams) had a successful career in the 1950s and her work was very popular. However, she ran into legal issues in the 1960s when her husband Walter (played by Waltz) took credit for her artwork. Why we’re looking forward to it: Shot here in Vancouver, Big Eyes will likely have Tim Burton’s classic quirkiness. It will also be another chance for Amy Adams to show her acting chops with this exciting female lead role.
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Procrastination
The Runner
W : runnermag.ca
September 23 / 2014
Featured Fiction Pepper.
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Scott McLelland / The Runner
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Samantha Thompson EXECUTIVE EDITOR
“Mom, I’m really worried that we should’ve just gotten that last dog,” I leaned forward to the front seat of the car, watching the chainlink fence of the SPCA get further and further away. There had only been one dog in there that was even close to what we wanted, and he was a scrawny greyhound that really wasn’t all that cute. It felt as though we’d been looking for a dog forever, ever since my mom finally okayed it—likely as a way to help my sister and I through the divorce. I had wanted a dog for so long, but I was really worried that if I didn’t pick one soon, we’d just give up and I’d have to continue my lifelong wait. I was really concerned. Maybe I was being too picky. That last dog had seemed okay, even if he was a little boney. * My mom hung up the phone. “Nanny just called, and she just saw a dog at the Chilliwack SPCA that might be really good for us!” Nanny is great. She always puts onehundred percent into her family, into making sure they’re okay. My mom is like that too. My grandma had been helping us look for a new puppy, keeping an eye on all the SPCAs. She and my grandpa had a long history of adopting furry friends to their forever home. So off we went, on the ninety-minute drive to Chilliwack. When we finally got there, we were shown to a cage that had one little black dog inside. He looked sad. “Today’s his last day,” the SPCA attendant said. “He’s been around for so long, he’s going to have to be put down.” This is not something a six-year-old wants to hear. “Mom,” I looked up at her as
tears sprung to my eyes. He wasn’t the perfect dog. He was terrified of small children because he’d been mistreated in his previous home. He was really tiny, which I knew my mom worried meant he’d be yappy. But we filled in the adoption papers, and took him home. Pepper was ours. We’d saved his life! * That day seemed so long ago, now. Watching a dog grow old is really hard. You watch them physically become weaker and weaker, but without really being able to fully communicate to you what they need. I didn’t understand how much a dog’s eyes could convey, until I desperately wanted to know how to help Pepper. He started out by losing his vision, but he’d pretend that he could still see everything. Then, his back legs started to give out. He’d be walking, and all of a sudden fall down. Or be going up the stairs, and have to stop part way. He had been ten pounds most of his life, but he was losing weight quickly. He was barely eating. He became a cuddler, even though he had been the world’s grumpiest dog throughout his adult life. Now he was an ornery old man, but he craved human attention and the heat that sitting in a lap would provide. He started wearing sweaters all the time, and often we would have to wrap him up in a blanket to keep him warm. Needless to say, watching this happen is hard. Pepper had been my dog for much of my childhood, and into my adult life. We teased him all the time, but I think he meant well. His favourite thing was frolicking through a field of grass. He was the first dog I learned to really draw, which was hard because he had a complicated mustache. When I was younger we’d take him for a walk while me and my sister rode alongside on our bikes, and I’d proudly tell anyone who would listen that
he was a cockapoo. His tail would wave like a little black flag. Even though he didn’t like small children, he became overly protective of me and my sister. He wouldn’t let our grandparents into our bedroom to say goodnight, and would growl at any new man entering the house. As children we called him our little brother. One day we thought it would be a good idea if we put him in the drawer of our dresser to take a picture. We had heard about babies being put in these dressers instead of a crib, and Pepper was kind of like a baby. We thought it was so funny, and we didn’t get in trouble until years later when our mom accidentally found the photographic evidence. But now, Pepper was just looking at me with sad eyes. Picking him up actually felt like picking up a sack of bones. A dog can’t tell you when he wants you to end his pain. It’s one of the hardest decisions someone has to make as the owner of a pet. We put off putting down Pepper for many weeks, but one day my mom decided that it was time. I came home from school and picked him up to hold him one last time. We curled up on the couch. I wrapped him in a blanket so that he wouldn’t get cold. I started to tell him how much he meant to me, and how sorry I was that he was so old and sick now. I thanked him for being such a loyal dog, and for being there for me when I really needed him to be—even if he walked around as though he hated me the rest of the time. I didn’t like that he had to go to the vet to be put down. He had never liked the vet. I remember one of the first times we took him to see a vet, he popped a squat and pooped as soon as we walked through the door. Sometimes he was very good at communicating. My family came home and got ready to make the journey. I had been deliberating all day about whether or not I wanted to go with them. Part of me felt a loyalty to Pepper, to
be there with him as he took his last breath, but the other part of me was terrified and a little selfish for wanting to grieve in private. The selfish side won out, and I stayed home. I gave him one last hug, and my mom lifted him out of my arms. My mom, step-dad and sister walked out the door with my dog. And then I curled up in a ball on the couch and had one of those really messy cries they never show in movies. Loud, uncontrolled sobbing. It felt as though he had been violently ripped away from me, even though he had definitely lived a good, long life. When my family came back I was still sitting on the couch. My mom shakily explained that the vet had taken his footprints and was going to make a little plaque out of them for us to remember him by. Then we just all sat around and cried. I don’t remember what happened next. * The pain was so great, I wasn’t sure I would ever want another dog. I don’t want to go through this every time I welcome a pet into my life. It sucked, pure and simple. But the house was too quiet without him. No jingle of dog tags, no tail-wagging at dinnertime, no late-night walks. There was a huge void left behind, which was unexpected because he was such a tiny dog. I started searching the SPCA websites. And every dog adoption organization located in B.C. I felt guilty—had it even been long enough to start looking for a new dog? But I knew from when we first got Pepper that the process of adopting a dog was not a speedy one. My family needed a dog to move on, as strange as that was. Fairly quickly, we found one. Diesel, who is the exact opposite of Pepper. He’s big, messy, cuddly, and terrifyingly smart. He made it possible to move on without forgetting what it was like to spend 15 years with a little black lapdog named after a condiment.
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The Runner
Procrastination
September 10 / 2014
Horoscope
SUDOKU No. 104
Medium
Previous solution - Easy
2 1 6 7solution 4 3 9 5 7 1 2 6 8 Previous - Easy Medium 1 2 7 6 8 9 3 5 4 2 1 3 7 9 5 4 8 6 6 3 6 8 5 2 37 948 41 6 9 2 5 7 3 1 5 6 4 3 1 8 9 7 2 5 1 4 3 9 5 79 516 12 2 6 8 7 8 4 3 3 4 1 8 5 6 7 5 9 4 1 2 7 6 88 792 93 4 5 42 9 3 6 1 5 5 4Sudoku, 8 fill6 the board 6 7 1 2 15 3 7 9To complete by entering numbers 1 to 9 such 2 row, 5 column 3 1and 3x3 box each 8 3 7 9 8 64 6that contains every number uniquely. 5 62 4 3 1 8 9 7 2 3 For many strategies, hints and tips, 9 5 6 1 2visit www.sudokuwiki.org 7 8 4 3 4 5 you6like Sudoku 3 4 1 8 5If‘Str8ts’ 7 2you’ll9really like and our other puzzles, Apps 6 3 8 9 8 7 2 9 4and books. 3 6Visit 1www.str8ts.com 5 6 8 5 2 3 4 1 9 7
Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec 21
1 6 7 3
© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
Hello Kitty is not a cat. Our lives will never be the same.
Aquarius Jan 21 - Feb 19
5 To complete Sudoku, fill the board CROSSWORD by entering numbers 1 to 9 such each row, column and 3x3 box 6 that contains every number uniquely. 2 For many strategies, hints and tips,
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© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
The solutions will be published here in the next issue.
Across
1. ___ having fun yet? 6. A single time 10. Pole, for one 14. Sherpa's home 15. Shed tears 16. ___ Alto 17. Pong maker 18. Author ___ Stanley Gardner 19. Environmental sci. 20. Becoming obsolete 23. Situate 27. Donkeys 28. "East of Eden" brother 29. Small three-legged table 34. Type of sanctum 36. Former Russian rulers 37. Future fish 40. In spite of 43. Hot time in Paris 44. Repeat rhythmically 45. Fuel transport 46. Bodily organ 48. That's ___! 49. ___ Picchu 53. Soundless 55. Renowned 60. Wine sediment 61. Fury 62. Atlas feature 67. Periods 68. English public school 69. People and places, e.g. 70. Actor Calhoun 71. Architect Saarinen 72. Ancient tongue
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1. Actress Alicia 2. Not emp. 3. Ecol. watchdog 4. Armed conflict 5. Marner's creator 6. Is in the red 7. Emperor of Rome 54-68 8. Red or white, in the blood 9. Foil alternative
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Today’s lesson would be to count your toes and cross your nose.
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Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan 20
Your child is being eaten by a camel. Do you a) save your child or b) take a photo?
Pisces Feb 20 - Mar 20
Link and karma can be found in a legend.
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20
visit www.sudokuwiki.org 20
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If you like Sudoku you’ll really like ‘Str8ts’ and our other puzzles, Apps and books. Visit www.str8ts.com
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You would drool over a photo of Harrison Ford in 1978. Today. Go google.
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The eyephone would be a disappointment. Excuse my glasses.
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10. Glasses, briefly 11. Shoe ties 12. Unaccompanied 13. Battery units 21. Wager 22. Declines 23. Singer Cleo 24. Ready ___... 25. Type of artist's crayon 26. Again 30. Patriot Allen 31. Orgs. 32. Singer LaBelle 33. Man-mouse link 35. Gaping grin 37. Lunar valley 38. ___ a million 39. Heron, usually white 41. Howe'er 42. Old phone buttons? 47. Baton Rouge sch. 49. Distance runner 50. Olds model 51. Lucid 52. Impudent girl 54. Of Thee ___
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56. Family portrait? 57. Appraise, charge per unit 58. Aviation pioneer Sikorsky 59. Vintner's prefix 63. Neither's partner 64. Bring civil action against 65. Vane dir. 66. Disapproving sound
Who said aliens ain’t real? Word.
Leo Jul 24 - Aug 23
Gray is hotter than vampires.
Virgo Aug 24 - Sept 23
Waffles are pancakes with abs. Feel less guilt, sir!
I asked a Frenchman if he played video games. He said Wii.
Libra Sept 24 - Oct 23
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22
Did you know that cows ring bells because their horns don’t work? Now you know.
You will understand the true meaning of Christmas…in three months.
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The Runner
September 23 / 2014
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