The Cascade Friday, March 4th, 2011 Volume 19 Issue 7

Revolting since 1993

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011 .

www.ufvcascade.ca

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THE CASCADE

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

Too much freedoill for the Middle East?

-JED MINOR similar to that of Iran. Bill O'Reilly EDITOR-IN-CHIEFquestioned President Obama on Fox News, asking whether, "The he popular uprising of the Muslim Brotherhood, a great conEgyptian people that forced cern to a lot of people, are they a long-serving ruler Hosni Mubarak threat to the USA".These concerns to step down has received mixed are being voiced despite the fact reviews in the west. Pundits who that the Muslim Brotherhood rewere for the Iraq war because it ceived less than 1 per cent of the might bring democracy to the vote in a presidential straw poll, people of that country are now according the Washington Instiquestioning whether the people tute for Far East Policy. of Egypt are going to be able to Perhaps what pundits like govern themselves. The Muslim O'Reilly are most afraid of is the Brotherhood is often cited as be- fact that the Egyptian people ing a potential ruling party, which would be able to determine their would essentially turn the gov- own destiny. The US has supporternment of Egypt into a theocracy ed the Mubarak regime for over 30

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years, and if this popular uprising hadn't unseated him, they probably would have supported him indefinitely. Although Mubarak had a long history of quelling protest and oppressing his own people, US foreign policy regarded Egypt as a stable, friendly government within the region and gave him military aid.

While this transition towards democracy in Egypt may be uncomfortable for some in North America, we should always be .careful when trying to decide what we think is best for the citizens of another nation. Arguments such as "they are unable to govern .

themselves" have been used successfully in the past to support colonialism and slavery. Libya is currently going through its own democratic growing pains, and Canada should be at the forefront of condemning the violence which Muammar Gaddafi has perpetrated among his own people in an effort to quell the uprising.

We in Canada have reaped the benefits of being a self-governing democratic nation. Now it is time to do all we can in helping the people of other nations to do the same.

Editor-in-Chief jed@ufvcascade.ca Jed Minor Production Manager cascade.production@ufv.ca Randona Conrad Production Scott Varga

Copy Editor Chris Bonshor

News Editor alex@ufvcascade.ca

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Volume 19 · Issue 7 Room Cl02., 33844 King Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8

Alex Watkins

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Arts & LHeEditor cascade.arts@ufv.ca Paul Falardeau

Sports Editors cascade.sports@ufv.ca Joel Smarr esau@ufvcascade.ca Paul Esau Opinion Editor sophie@ufvcascade.ca Sophie Isbister Online Editor onlineeditor@ufvcascade.ca Nick Lbds

Distribution Specialist Jack Brown

Photographer Brittany Wiesner Staff Writers Ali Siemens Jennifer Colbourne Chelsea Thornton Trevor Fik

MARS

MAR10

JAN27-MAR27

InternationalWomen's Day

U-Districtat Casey's

CarlyBatesat the Reach

UFVwill be celebratingInternationalWomen'sdayin the Chilliwack studentlounge(outside the library).The librarywillbe servingcoffee. tea, andcookies to all students,facultyand staff anday 19:30a.m.to 4 p.m.J. Additionally, Dr.JeanScottwiDbe visiting the studentloungeat 3 p.m.Accordingto UFV'swebsite, "The 98-year-oldScott is a local author,women'srights activist, labournegotiator,co-founderof Chilliwack's . . n house, UFV honorarydoctoraterecipient,and

GovernorGeneral'sPersonsCase . awardwinner.ForJeanScott, InternationalWomen'sDayis personal:un•sa reminderthat the strugg1e is not overyet, andthat all womenaresisters no matter

}their.agesor,backgrounds."

Attentionall students!The Universityof the FraserValley and the city of Abbotsfordare goingto continueto experience high growth ratesin the yearsto comeand universitieshavebeen seento be importanteconomic generatorsfor anycommunity.

UFVand the city of Abbotsford wantto createa dynamicuniver• sity district aroundthe campus.

Thisis an opportunityto provide input on whatyou wantto see in yourU-District:soccerfields, morecoffeeshops,better housing options,morerestaurants etc. Wewantto hearfrom you!

Stopby at Caseysanytimefrom 11-4 Thursdaythe 10th and come shareyourthoughts.We wiDbe offering$4.00 burger and fries special, awesome prizes,free finger foodsand ,.greatdrink specials.

The Reachis currently showing CarlyBateslatestseries, "Everything butthe Light," in the Grottoand SouthGallery.

According to their website: "Bates'paintings interpret light in multiple layersand exploreits capacityfor warmth and energyand how light triggers personalmemories.

Thepaintingsthat she creates contain an atmosphericfeel to themthat invokesa senseof familiarityandcomfortof past experiencebut alsosuggest uncertaintyof the presentand future... [Sheexplains:]To createthe suggestion of light in my work,everythingbut the light itsetfis depicted.Objects are brokendownintocolour andpaintis appliedusing sev• eral layers of glaze.Asalways, admission is free.

Contributors . Matt Tanner Nicolle Hodges Amy van Veen Karen Aney Katherine Hiebert Carol Bartels Desmond Devnich Tiana Bain Hockey Writer Justin Orlewicz Printed By International WebExpress The Cascade is UFV's 8UIOllOmousstudent

newspaper.

It providesa forumfor UFVstudenls to havetheirjournalismpublished. It also ..:IS as an altttnalive pressfor the~ Valley.The Ca9alde is funded with UFV stuc1em funds. The Cascade is published every Friday widl a ciJcula. lion of 1500and is distributedat UFV camptlS(S and throughou!Abbolsford, Chilliwaclc,andMission. TheCa.'IC&de is a member of the Canadian Unh>ersity Press.a llllliooaloooperaliveof 75 university and college newspaper., from Victoria to St.John's. The Cascadefollowsthe OJPethical policycooceming materialof a prejudicialor

oppressive narure.

Submissionsare preferredm dectronic format through &-mail.Please send submissions in" .l'<t'' or".doc"format only.

Articles and lettersto the editor must be typed.

The Cascadereoervesthe right to edit submis$ions for clarity and length.The Cascade will not printany articlestha1COlll3inracist, se.,tlst,homophobic or libelloos oonient. The writer's name and student number must be submitted with each submission. Lettersto the editor must be under 250wonls if intendedfor print. Only one Jeru,rto the editor perwriter in any given edition.

Opinionsexpresseddo not necessarilyreflectthat cf UFV,Cascadestaff and collective,or associared member.;.

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THECASCADE

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

Insufficient funding for student loans UTHERINE HIEBERT CONTRIBUTOR ritish Columbia's students are B feeling the effects of the current economic situation in more ways than one. Over the last couple of years, new students have flooded into the post-secondary education system in the .province, with a number of dramatic effects. In addition to the financial squeeze on the institutions due to a decrease in provincial funding and an increase in enrollment, students are finding themselves sinking deeper in debt as they struggle to afford tuition fees that are among the highest in the country. Both federal and provincial student loan distributors have experienced a rise in the number of borrowers, and the $15 million federal loan budget that was supposed to last until 2014 will be maxed out this year.

With the average student debt in BC at $27,000, many are worried that, if things don't change soon, students will find themselves entering the job markets with a discouragingly large debt load to pay off. Unfortunately, B.C.'s student financial assistance budget has decreased by nearly 20 per cent from 2009. A 2010 poll commissioned by the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Canadian Federation

of Students (CFS) found that 85 per cent of British Columbians were in favour of a reduction in tuition fees. According to Nimmi Takkar, CFS-BC Chairperson, "Today in BC, the average student graduates from a four-year program with over $27,000 worth of debt from education alone.

That means that, unlike graduates before us, we can't buy cars, or homes, Qr make investments. I

think a lot of students are turned away by that."

"I think it's a huge problem that there is such a discrepancy between provinces when it comes to funding," Takkar continued. "The federal government has no national vision for postsecondary education, and so students in BC are disadvantaged because if your chosen field of education - like medicine - isn't

something you can afford, it's something you just can't do here.

There's a lot of talent being wasted or lost." Many students are eligible for bursaries and grants as a supplement to financial aid, but those extra dollars have become harder to attain due to thi! increase in students competing for these awards.

James Coccola, chairperson of the University of Victoria's Stu-

dents' Society, noted: "It's telling the amount of pressures students have to deal with. The average tuition per semester is about $4,800, and that's before living and general expenses. Clearly there's been an impact on how students can spend. This should. be embarrassing for BC - its future is having to cut spending on food because tuition is so high and rent is so high and [the cost of] living is so high," he said.

"Obviously, something is going wrong here."

This year, the University of British Columbia was able to offer some financial assistance to local students who were most in need. However, the program can only help so many, and since students are often denied loans because they have a valuable asset, like a car, this is not sufficient to meet the demand. CFS has also begun their Education Shouldn't Be a Debt Sentence campaign with an online petition, rallies, and letter-writing to local MLA's.

Unfortunately, the future of students in the province remains uncertain, as it will be some time before the economy regains its footing and the employment market becomes more accessible.

Sources: Ubyssey, Clearwater Times, Canadian Federation of Students

Salviato be criminalizedin Canada JENNIFER COLBOURNE STAFF WRITER

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ccording to CBC news, the Canadian government has confirmed that it is going to make an effort to criminalize the hallucinogenic drug salvia, though it could take up to two years for it to do so. Conservative MP Shelly Glover admitted that the anxiety about salvia use among Canadian teenagers has stemmed from recent high-profile usage by celebrity teens (notably Miley Cyrus), and noted that Health Canada is concerned because there has been little study on the drug's long-term effects. Even more alarming to the government were the results of the 2009 Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey, which revealed that 1.6% of Canadians over 15 and 7.3% of those aged 1524 have tried salvia.

Salvia.net, self-described as "a site dedicated to a plant variously named Salvia divinorum, Ska Pastora, Diviner's Mint, Sally-D, and Lady Salvia," is· concerned about Canada's move to ban the drug.

The site states that "There are no reports of Salvia divinorum being eith~r physically or psychologically addictive."

It also claims that the drug "does not have any negative sideeffects" and "is nearly impossible to overdose on... when used normally." It states that while scientists have not determined what a lethal dose is, "they believe it is very high," and argue that a user would lose consciousness before being able to overdose.

Therefore, according to Salvia. net, "The major health risk when using salvia is that a person might lose awareness and cause physical injury to himself or others.

Therefore it is very important to fatalities to date, and that the drug tive effects, regulations should be have a sitter present at any time ... is quite safe in a stable environput into place ... It makes me nerSalvia should not be given to mi- ment, but Health Canada and the vous to think of what could hapnors, mentally unstable, or violent government do not share in their pen to a hallucinating person in people." confidence. public. I think a lot more research Although often compared to UFV students had mixed reac- should go into the effects of the LSD and other drugs, salvia is not tions to the proposed ban. One drug and what it would be used related to any other commonly fourth year student, who pre- for before making any kind of used drug, nor is it a "party drug," £erred to remain anonymous, said: criminalization judgment against as the effects are far too intense "I don't think it really matters. it... what benefits does it provide and short-lived. Salvia was origi- Legal or not, people will do what to a person's health? Why is it lenally ritually used by Mazatec they want. I guess that the g~vern- gal? What is it supposedly for? If shamans to enter the supernatument is trying to protect people it's only on the market so that kids ral world; now, it has become from something that they feel is can get a quick high, I'm all for "increasingly popular amongst dangerous, but you can't protect taking it off the shelves."

Fine Arts student Anne Frankexplorers of non-ordinary states people from themselves." of consciousness," ac(,ording ·to . . tJo:wever, .Nursing . student lin, on the other hand, argued that Salvia.net. Activists · claim· that April Zielinski- begged to differ: · "most· psychoactives, including· there have- been no salvia-related .· "Seeing_as it does .have psychoac- · salvia, ought to be legal to take.

What we put iri.our bodies should be our own, properly educated decisions ... I believe that when taken in the right setting, and with the proper intentions, people can and have achieved great insight through the use of non-addictive psychoactive substances. I personally doubt I would. ever take salvia, but I'm strongly against denying anyone the opportunity if they feel it would lead them to a better place within themselves.'; First year student Vanessa Hoskins agreed: "Salvia is generally a low-profile ,and seldom-used drug. Unlike marijuana, salvia is limited in its use as it doesn't do well in parties, large groups, or certain environments ... If the government is looking for ways to discourage the use of Salvia, perhaps they should encourage it instead, as the use of the drug itself is the best disincentive. A bad trip can be very terrifying and stressful and those who have experienced one are often very reluctant to try the drug again."

She continued: "Even some of those who have had a 'normal' trip are satisfied with trying it just once and no more. This, combined with its generally harmless effects, limitations in its use, and its scarcity and difficulty in obtaining it, proves that the pursuit of criminalizing Salvia [is] rather groundless. I think that the government would be better off pursuing a more serious issue."

Whether the government believes it could be better occupied remains to be seen over the next few years. In the meantime, prepare to say good-bye to one of the last legal hallucinogenic drugs in Canada.

4

THE CASCADE

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

McGillproftalks Egyptian/Tonsian to UFV · TREVORFIK STAFF WRITER ith the actions of a Tunisian fruit vendor, the political landscape in the Middle East and Northern Africa was set ablaze in a series of violent and nonviolent protests, forever altering the lives of individuals in each country.

The first change to government in over 60 years in Egypt and Tunisia has raised questions concerning the future of government in these countries, the effects of change on other volatile countries in the Middle East, and the global repercussions of transitional governments in some of the world's most powerful nations.

Hoping to shed some light on the subject, the University of the Fraser Valley welcomed McGill University professor Rex Brynen to speak to students and staff about political reform in Egypt and Tunisia and about the probability of such change occurring elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East.

Apart from authoring several books on politics in the Middle East, Brynen has also served as a member of the Political and Security Policy Staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

"Political scientists are notoriously adept at predicting things after they have happened. If you would have asked us three months ago if it was possible for a regime change in countries like Egypt and Tunisia, nobody would have predicted it," he noted.

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Brynen added that - despite decades of authoritarian rule in Egypt and Tunisia - the need for political and economic reform, encouraged by a relatively youthful population, led to mass protests and the eventual removal of those in charge in both countries.

"While issues around political succession and rising food prices initially lead to the protests, social networking sites and mobile phones allowed the protests to occur and become organized," he said.

Clark picked to beBritish Columbia's Hogindustry continues to damage newleader Manitoba's environment, experts say

He noted that the power of regimes such as those found in Egypt and Tunisia relied on the air of immense strength that surrounded them, adding that the longer they lasted, the more they seemed impossible to topple.

"In a sense they were selfreinforcing, building upon the strength of having been impenetrable for so long," he told the audience.

This is why, as Brynen explained, citizens of the world were so caught off-guard by the im-

mense change occurring in Tunisia and Egypt.

Brynen also commented on the role that mass media has played in the various revolutions. As most countries in the Middle-East only had access to the Al Jazeera tele. vision network, constantly bombarding audiences with images of the successful toppling of governments in Egypt and Tunisia has spurred on individuals in other countries.

"People in Bahrain and Libya have seen that a relatively peaceful revolution can accomplish immense change. This has encouraged individuals who otherwise would have never taken up protest against their regimes," he noted.

In order to calculate if the wave of democratic reform sweeping across Northern Africa and the Middle East will continue, Brynen has made note of several variables whose possession appear to be key in predicting whether a country will succumb to the wishes of protestors.

"Countries who seem to have a divided population in terms of religion and ethnicity appear to be 'most prone to more violent protests. Countries like Bahrain, where a Sunni Muslim government rules a population of roughly 75 per cent Shiite Muslims, will likely result in a more deadly revolt then was seen in Egypt or Tunisia. The countries that seem to be most stable are those with an abundance of oil and a firmly established and popular monarchy. This includes countries like Saudi Arabia, where the standard

of living of the average citizen is much higher then elsewhere in the region."

Although the establishment of interim governments in both Egypt and Tunisia has been accomplished with relative ease, the prospect of a new regime achieving social and economic change quickly and efficiently will inevitably be a more difficult feat, Brynen noted.

"While Tunisia has a good chance for successful democratic change - having a cohesive population with an apolitical military - Egypt's future is entirely reliant on how they handle the serious economic problems that lead to the need for reform. Libya, on the other hand, is a poor prospect for change, having most of the population in the capital of Tripoli, [and] making democratic reform more likely to end in civil war," he said.

Brynen concluded his presentation by glossing over potential issues regarding rel.ations between Egypt and Israel, the effects of Middle-Eastern reform on United States policy and intelligence, and the shift in focus away from Iranian nuclear ambitions in the region. He added that the unpredictable nature of change that has overcome the Middle-East and Africa is likely to continue, and that while the protests thus far have been accomplished with relatively little bloodshed, revolutions in countries such as Libya and Bahrain are expected to be exponentially more violent.

SFU scientist tackles Amelia Earhart Gaddafi accuses Westofabandoning Mobileetiquette seengettingworse, notbetter mystery him

British Columbia's governing Liberal Party elected Manitoba's hogindustry isdestructive totheenvilife hasbeenbusyforDongya Yang eversince Christy Clark astheirnewleader onSaturday, ronment, sayexperts, andthereturnofsmall-scale, Simon Fraser University student JustinLong apsetting thestage forhertobe<ome premier ofthe mixed farming isneeded tocombat theinfluence proached himafewweeks agowithaproposition resource-rich province onCanada's Pacific coast. ofindustrial pigoperations intheprovince.

Joe thatcouldshedlightona70-year-old mystery.

Clark willreplace Liberal Premier Gordon Camp- Dole<ki, professor ofenvironmental economics at "Thephone hasnotstopped ringingsince,"Yang bell,whoannounced inNovember thathewanted _Brandon University ...made several submissions to laughed. tostepdown.Campbell's publicsupport was theClean Environment Commission in2007, when Yang, agenetic archaeologist atSFU, willbe ravaged overa dealhestruck tomerge thefederal thearms-length provincial agency wasinvestigat- looking atfourenvelopes supplied byLong, which andprovincial sales taxes.

Clark, aVancouver radio ingtheenvironmental impacts oftheindustry.

"In contain letterswrittenbyrenowned aviator host,' ranasthe"outsider" intheLiberal leadership industrial agriculture youhave somuch waste...

Amelia Earhart.

Through theextraction ofDNA raceinwhichshedefeated threemembers of thatit isimpossible ... nottoenduppolluting,• fromEarhart's driedsaliva ontheenvelopes, Campbell's cabinet.

Clark wononthethirdballot, hesaid, adding thattherearetwokeysides ofthe theteamhopes to produce aDNA profileofthe buthadledonthefirsttwovotes.

•Myfirst hogindustry-production andslaughter.

During woman.

From there,researchers maybeableto prioritywill betoputfamilies first,•Clark saidin production, pigsareraised andhoused inbarns, testwhether ornotbonefragments foundonthe hervictoryspeech inVancouver.

"Change begins requiring largequantities ofwatertoflushout SouthPacific isleofNikumaroro areindeed hers. tonight."The right-of-center provincial partyisa manure.

Theliquidmanure generated fromthis Thefamedaviation matriarch vanished during coalition offederal Conservative andliberalParty process, whichisrichinnitrogen andphosphorous,her1937circumnavig3tion oftheworld,and members, andClark isviewed asbeingfromthe isstored away andpumped ontofieldsasfertilizer. since thenherstoryhasgripped andfascinated liberalwing.BritishColumbia's nextprovincial Theproblem, however, isthecropcanonlyabsorb enthusiasts, including Long's grandfather Elgen. election isnotscheduled until2013, butClark has alimitedamount ofthenutrients withinliquid Elgen, a record-setting pilothimself, became so manure, andanyexcess manure isextremely costly interested inEarhart afterhisownflightaround saidshewouldlikelycallonebefore then.

Pollshave shciwn publicsupport fortheliberals totransport elsewhere.

"Bevated levels ofnitrogen theworldthathecame to beconsidered ascholar haslargely rebounded overtheleft-leaning New inwatersources have beenassociated with... onthewoman andherdisappearance, eventually Democrats since Campbell announced'he would miscarriage andstomach cancer;"the CEC wrotein co-writing abookentitledAmelia Earhart: The stepdown.TheNewDemocrats willelectanew their2007report, entitled"Environmental sustain· Mystery Solved. leader inApril. abilityandHogproduction inManitoba."

Apps- ThePeak Ethan Cabel -The Uniter (University ofWinnipeg) Chris Reuters

Inaninterview withtelevision network ABC on Monday, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, facing apopular uprfsing, accused Western countries of abandoning hisgovernment initsfightagainst "terrorists."

"I'msurprised thatwehaveanalliance withthe West tofightalQaeda, andnowthatwearefightingterrorists, theyhaveabandoned us,"Gaddafi, toldABC's Christiane Amanpour.

"Perhaps they wanttooccupy Libya."

Gaddafi calledPresident Barack Obama a"good man"but saidheappeared tobemisinformed aboutthesituation inLibya, ABC Newsreported onitswebsite.

"Thestatements I haveheard fromhimmusthave come fromsomeone else," Gaddafi said."America isnottheinternational policeoftheworld," he added.

Reuters

Whether isit textingduringdinner, talkingona cellphone inapublicrestroom, orusingalaptop whiledriving, mostpeople thinkmobileetiquette isgettingworse, notbetter.

NinetyonepercentofU.S. adultsquestioned ina newpollbycomputer innovation company Intel saidtheyhaveseenpeople misuse te<hnology, andthreequarters thinkmobilemanners have de<reased inthepastyear.

"Newdigitaltechnologies arebecoming amainstayinconsumers' lives,butwehaven't worked outforourselves, ourfamilies, communities, and societies whatalltherightkindsofbehaviours andexpectations willbe;'saidGenevieve Bell, theheadofinteraction andexperience research atIntel.

Thepollof2,000adultsrevealed thatmostU.S. adultswished people practiced bettermobileetiquetteandfoundthelackofcellphonemanners extremely annoying, eventhoughabout20per centadmitted topooretiquette themselves.

Nearly 75percentsaidthelackofmobilemannershascreated anewformofpublicrageand 65percentadmitted theybecame angryaround people whomisused mobile devices.

Reuters

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

5

THECASCADE

WestboroBaptistChurchand anonymousface off AUSIEMENS

STAFF WRITER he hacktivist group AnonyT mous is now claiming it was framed for posting an open letter that threatened the Westboro Baptist Church - an institution known for its controversial protests vilifying homosexuality. The letter was published on the AnonNews website, a page explicitly designed to allow anyone to post anything without censorship. It appeared to act as a warning to the church, demanding they take down their numerous websites and cease to spread their messages; it threatened that, should they fail to comply, "the damage incurred [by Anonymous] will be irreversible."

Anonymous has gained international attention for targeting the websites of groups or individuals for amusement or vigilante purposes. The group has a history of hacking websites and then vandalizing them (often replacing a homepage with their logo), or implementing a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that makes the website unavailable to users. A representative of the group told the BBC that they specialize in targeting those, "that are bowing down to gov-

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emment pressure." Anonymous previously supported Julian Assange during the censorship of Wikileaks - most notably by taking down the Visa and Mastercard websites in December 2010 after the companies denied Wikileaks their services - and are currently working on operations involving

Egypt, Libya, and Iran, attacking government-run websites. WBC has many websites, including God Hates Fags, Your Pastor Is A Whore, God Hates Canada, God Hates America, and Priests Rape Boys. The group believes that most other religious groups are "Satanic frauds preaching Arminian

lies," especially those that don't express disapproval of homosexuality. WBC criticizes America and other countries because they tolerate homosexuality, abortion, and divorce, and the church often displays signs that state: "Thank God for Dead Soldiers," implying that these soldiers are killed by God for defending America. To spread their message, WBC often pickets the funerals of soldiers, people who have died from AIDS, and homosexuals, as well as Jewish institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The letter written to WBC was filled with strong statements about its members, calling them "an assembly of graceless sociopaths and maniacal chauvinists and religious zealots," expressing unhappiness with the church's conduct.

But the question still under debate is: who actually wrote the letter threatening to take down their websites? Anonymous roundly denied ever writing the letter, claiming that they always admit to their hacking. In a phone interview on The David Pakman Show, Shirley Phelps-Roper - spokesperson for the WBC - confronted a source from the hacktivists group.

During the interview, the Anonymous representative gave several

reasons why it was impossible for the letter to be connected to his organization. He noted that all of their attacks are well-planned and meticulously organized, and that the letter that appeared on AnonNews does not match their style or voice. At one point during the interview, he also speculated that the WBC could have participated in creating the press release in order to get their organization in the public eye, and claimed that another hacktivist known as The Jester (th3j35t3r) "deserves some credit" for actually taking down several WBC websites previous to the interview. Phelps-Roper denied the accusation.

Although Anonymous denied downing the WBC websites, the conference call soon took a quick turn as the group hacked www. westborobaptistchurch.com and posted a picture of the Anonymous logo on the site, accompanied by a letter declaring: "Anonymous has lost its patience with you" - all while still speaking with Phelps-Roper on-air.

The WBC was unable to capture the IP address of Anonymous or The Jester, which could offer proof that they were responsible for altering and disabling the WCB websites.

B.C.'s new provincialbudget does not help students NATHAN LOWTHER secondary

facilities.

Post-secondary funding has increased by 36 per cent sirice 2001n their latest budget, the British 02 - a raise that many students Columbia government has kept believe is inadequate. Approxithe education system a "key prior- mately 30 per cent of all students ity." But students will find that not attending post-secondary instimuch has changed. tutions are currently accessing The budget, which was released student financial assistance, and on Feb. 15, was labeled a "status a recent misinterpretation of budquo" budget. It also tilted a little geted funds for post-secondary in favour of health services. education had more outraged.

Post-secondary institutions ''There were reports that we throughout the province will re- had made a $34-million cut to stuceive about $1.9 billion in 2011-12, dent aid, bringing the aid from $84 marking a similar commitment to million to $50 million, but in real2010-11levels. According to Minis- ity the money was redistributed ter of Science and Universities Ida to regional skills development," Chong, approximately $700 mil- Chong said, adding that students lion of that is headed for technical will still have access to the same and trade institutions, with the amount of funding., rest earmarked for general postWhile Chong said this year's THEMARTLET (UVIC)

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budget is not set in stone, she maintains that, for now, post-secondary resources will remain the same.

"Post-secondary has not received less than last year, and it will not be seeing reduced funding," she said. "With the new premier we may see a movement and realignment in the distribution of funds, or [he or she] could decide to keep things as they are."

Chong said that after the new B.C. Liberal premier is voted in at the leadership convention on Feb. 26, the future leader may also decide to keep the ministries together or pull them apart depending on the structure he or she wishes to emphasize.

Chong said she would continue to stand up for students through

her ministry, though she believes the province is doing an acceptable job already.

"Is [the current student funding] enough? I certainly believe so.

We've added 33,000 spaces to institutions in B.C. over the past five years, which means thousands of students are able to study closer to home so they don't have to move," she said. "It also means people stay and practice [their learned trades] at home."

Chong said all around the province the government has been seeing an underutilization of certain types of spaces at institutions, though nursing, doctor and medical work remains one of the highest-need programs across B.C. "If we're funding an empty seat in one program we have to look at

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the distribution model to see the labour market and demand, and the funds we need to rebalance that," she said.

Despite what Chong sees as the province's successes, she did acknowledge that she has heard from many student representatives who have stated they wish to see an adjustment to the student loans program. She said she has asked those representatives to put together their ideas for a comprehensive package to hand off to the future premier.

"You never know - in three months, everything could change with B.C.'s financial situation," Chong said. "We're still going to be providing as much aid to students as we can with the resources we have to work with."

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THE CASCADE

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

OPINION

The Belief Column This is the source of sickPAUL ESAUworld. ness, suffering, pain, depression,

SPORTS EDITOR

H

ello, and welcome to The Cascade's new Belief Column! As most of you know, UFV is attended by stud'ents from a wide variety of religions and philosophies, each representing a different tradition and a different perspective on life's mysteries. In this column, members of four of those perspectives - <;::hristianity, Hinduism, Atheism, and Sikhism - will be attempting to respond to some of the bigger questions leveled at the religious institution.

This week's question: what is the purpose of religion?

Derrick Uittenbosch is a thirdyear UFV student studying criminology. He is a leader of University Christian Ministries and attends Northview Community Church. Feedback is welcome at derrick@ufv-ucm.ca.

natural disasters, and other sad and damaging events. While God in his perfection did not like this state of affairs, he had given us the option to choose an alternative to his design, even if that alternative was painful. One of the painful consequences was ultimate separation from God in hell. But in his unfailing and unfathomable love, God created a plan to rectify this painful situation. The purpose is to redeem and heal the broken creation and restore everything and everyone back to His original perfection in ultimate happiness, joy, and love.

When someone calls him/ herself a Christian, he/she has decided to accept the freely offered gift of redemption. First, the person acknowledges a need for healing and a desire to be unified with God in ultimate joy in heaven - as opposed to being forever separated from God in ultimate suffering in hell. Secondly, that person commits to taking the tough step of joining with God in His plan to redeem the rest of our broken and destitute world. That is God's purpose for the "religion" of Christianity.

much like the rock. We know thatit occurred naturally in early human history, not once, but many times.

And it still happens today. A modern example that comes to mind is Scientology. The purposes that the faithful often ascribe to religion include promoting happiness, goodwill towards neighbours, and revealing the mysteries of the universe. I also hear that religion is what gives our lives purpose.

I would like to point out that the human experience itself is more of a reason than any of us need to go on living. My family, hobbies, and even writing articles like this give my life great meaning and purpC?se. This philosophy of life being its own reward has a few different names; Humanism is one of the common ones. Go Google it.

From my Humanistic philosophy flows my happiness, goodwill, and optimism. Then, with science and logic firmly in hand, I set out to discover the mysteries of the universe! And it's much more fun than having them revealed!

Sikhism- HappyParmar

social teachings brought to humanity by the universal educators about every 400 to 1000 years strengthen and push human activity on the planet. These spiritual and social teachings have impelled humanity to advance from clan to tribe to village to town to city to city-state to empire to nation, and today we're headed toward planetary unity, kicking and screaming.

The spiritual teachings of these universal educators reveal the universal truths of life according to our capacity to understand them at a given time in history and are embodied in the social teachings that energize and inform all human endeavors in the sciences and human relations.

I personally believe that every religion has two basic aims: to acknowledge the creator and to accept ethical and societal values as outlined by the creator.

Religion helps us to build faith, hope, and belief in a power that runs the entire world. The power may be something we call God, but it is true that most of the religions never explain this to us: is their religion's god a man or woman? Was he/she born and will he/ she die? Where does that power exist?

I am pretty sure that there are many questions that can't be answered by any religion, but still, religion gives a man or woman the understanding to live peacefully and happily in all aspects and areas of his or her life.

Religion is as old as human beings are. Religion is a way of life that you may or may not choose to follow. It helps you in all areas of your life. It helps you find comfort in God (whatever you believe in) when you lose someone or go through a tough time. It's something really beautiful. Religions are guides, manuals, instructions, and doctrines for the purpose of living well. The root meaning is to unite with God. The purpose of true religion is to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization. The spiritual and

Sheetal is completing a philosophy major with a minor in political science. She is on the executive board of the South Asian Peer Network Association (SAPNA) an extension of the Centre of Indo

Christianity - DerrickUittenbosch Some religions focus on what must be done by the followers in order to achieve a reward (eternal life, reincarnation, and so on). In Christianity, the primary purpose of the belief system lies not in telling the followers what to do, but in showing what God has already done through the person Jesus Christ. But first, a little background.

In a nutshell, the story of the Bible is as follows: God created a perfect world and perfect human beings to live in it. Very quickly, the humans decided to reject the perfection both in them and in the world, and in doing so set off a cataclysmic chain of events which badly tainted the perfect

Aaron Bayes is the president of UFV's Atheists, Skeptics, and Humanists Club. Feedback is welcome at Aaron.Bayes@student.ufv.ca.

Atheism-AaronBayes Purpose exists only with reference to a person's intent. A rock has no purpose for itself; it simply obeys the laws of physics. When a person uses that rock as a tool, it acquires a purpose. Religion is

Canadian Studies at UFY, and serves as the president for the Student Association for Philosophical Counselling (SAPC), which is a division of the Association of Students for Philosophy (ASP).

Hinduism- SheetalDeo I don't think there is a general purpose of religion; if there is, then perhaps I've missed it, because nothing about religion is general. I find it to be very personal - perhaps that's why it's as sensitive of a topic as it is. Having been raised by fifth-generation Fijians, and being a first-generation Canadian, my practice of the Hindu religion has, for lack of a better term, deteriorated enough from our Indian ancestors to refrain me from identifying as an orthodox Hindu.

Though I would not negate my practice of the Hindu religion or my identity as a Hindu, I would much rather identify myself as practicing the Hindu religion as I've understood it. I ,was born into Hinduism; my parents practiced and observed it - again - as they understood it, and I followed suit.

Religion then was something different for me than religion now.

Then, it was a guide - a handbook, really - of "do's and don'ts." Anything I needed to know to ensure a fulfilling life, religion provided in the colourful tales of the Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana. Now, religion has shifted from what I needed to know to the answer to that which I don't know - a faith in a higher power to which I can confidently attribute that which I cannot explain. I believe this is the essence of the Hindu religion; as we read deeper into the scriptures, our understanding transcends the colourful tales and religious practices to a higher level of religious, spiritual, and life consciousness.

Have a question or response for the Belief Column? Send it to esau@ufvcascade.ca

WestboroBaptistChurch:extremists or scamartists?

ALEX WATKINS NEWSEDITOR he Westboro Baptist Church is T all over the media once again, this time surrounding a debate with the hacktivist group Anonymous ovet the authenticity of a threat it allegedly made against the WBC. The group is no stranger to the public eye - indeed, it seems to actively seek media attention.

And because their message is controversial, they generally get it; they believe that God hates homosexuality and punishes all those who are homosexual or support LGBT rights. The WBC also denounces patriotism, saying that God hates countries that are gayfriendly, and thus punishes those who love and support these countries; it most often targets America in particular.

The premise of their entire argument is highly questionable.

America is inciting divine wrath because it is so gay-friendly?

Need I remind anyone that homophobic hate crimes are on the rise in America? FBI statistics re-

leased in November 2010 showed an overall 11%increase in this type of crime from the previous year, noting that it is the third most common type of hate crime (behind race and religion-related violence.) I think it is also important to note that America still does not have federal recognition of same-sex marriage, nor does it have uniformity in its laws about same-sex couple adoption. Pardon my cynicism at the WBC's claim that America "loves" gays.

The message gets even more convoluted when the WBC tries to bring dead American soldiers into the issue. Let me get this

straight: God hates America because it supports "fags" by getting rid of anti-sodomy laws, legalizing same-sex marriage, etc.?

And therefore God is punishing America by killing the soldiers that fight for it, regardless of the actual cause, or of the individual soldier's personal life?

The American military is only just now beginning to dismantle the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevented gays from serving openly in the military. The policy was very recently repealed, in December 2010. So an anti-gay God has been punishing an army that actively excluded gays, and that is arguably fighting a war that in no way truly protects American freedoms, which includes any freedoms related to sexual orientation? Give me a break.

Shoddy arguments like these seem to only bolster claims that the WBC seeks to profit off of the hate that it spreads, hoping to incite enough rage in individuals that they attack the group or otherwise violate the group's rights, giving the WBC grounds to sue.

I think that this is an important claim to address. I mean, theoretically, this would be an excellent way to make money - for anyone without the slightest amount of shame or conscience. Pastor and founder Fred Phelps has a rather shady legal history, and (according to the Southern Poverty Law Center) estranged son Nathan Phelps claims that his father's approach involved making frivolous claims in the hopes that parties would settle out of court to avoid the costs of defense. For instance, he once filed a $50-million class action suit against Sears after a television that he purchased from the company was delivered several days late. It was cases like this that made the Kansas Supreme Court decide that Phelps had "little regard for the ethics of his profession," permanently disbarring him from state courts in 1979.

Many of the WBC make their living as lawyers, and some of them work for the Phelps Chartered law firm, which was founded by Fred Phelps. This firm han-

dies all of the group's legal needs, so any legal fees that are credited to the WBC by the courts essentially help to fund the WBC itself.

So what seems most profitable for the group? Having their rights clearly violated. This would help explain why they spend so much time and money trolling controversy, like their (thankfully denied) attempt to visit Canada to picket the funeral of Tim Maclean Jr., who was decapitated on a Greyhound bus. The group claimed that the murder was God's way of punishing Canada for allowing gay marriage. Furthermore, church member Shirley Phelps-Roper told media that the group is not actually out to win souls with its abrasive technique.

Which makes me wonder: why bother?

Does the group actually believe the shockingly hateful doctrine that they preach? Perhaps.

However, the answer to this makes no difference to their ability to profit off of the message that they spread.

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

THECASCADE

7

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: OPINION

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Backyard chickens: a timely solution CAROLBAUELS CONTRIBUTOR or many years we have been F assured by food industries and the government that they have our best interests at heart.

Ad campaigns such as "The Faces of Farming," featuring photos depicting wholesome families posing with contented farm animals, have succeeded in making us feel closer to the foods we choose.

Canadians obligingly and unwittingly have handed over the reins and put money and power in the hands of business. Few of us even • keep a vegetable garden, let alone the half dozen or so backyard chickens which were once quite common. We've come to rely on multi-million dollar corporations to satisfy our appetites. From ge-' netically engineered and modified soy, com, and grains, to antibiotic and growth hormone-laden meat, we have consumed without ask, ing questions. Until now.

In recent years, eye-opening documentaries such as Food Inc. and Earthlingshave cracked open the exterior of the farm industry.

People are beginning to be concerned about their own health, but they're also starting to wonder about the inhumane treatment of food ·animals. A sense of vulnerability in the face of the corporate giant leaves us wanting to take

control of our lives. What seems like a growing trend to enjoy humanely grown, antibiotic- free meat, organic fruits, vegetables, and grain has led to a collective push to find alternate sources of food.

Like the folks in Vancouver who recently and successfully demanded a bylaw allowing them to raise their own chickens, people in other so-called urban areas are asking for the same. Why then are so many municipalities saying no to them? Do we not have a basic right to produce food ourselves, or must we be reliant on these factory farms for our sustenance? People are also looking for a certain connection back to the land for themselves and for their kids.

In the wake of Vancouver's decision, many chicken advocates in various Canadian communities have picked up on the call to have a bylaw introduced in their own towns. Lately people have been concerned about where we will

get all the food that our growing population needs. And how do we find healthier food for ourselves and for our families? The allowing of a backyard flock may be one answer to our problems.

Many people spoke out against the Vancouver bylaw in city council meetings before it was adopted, citing possible mistreatment and neglect of chickens. If you know anyone who keeps a small number of chickens you would see a virtual "Chicken Hilton," compared to the conditions commercial poultry are kept in. Water and food. are available at will, and the chickens can walk around pecking the dirt for bugs and other treats. These chickens are living in luxury, which can't be underestimated when compared to hens spending their lives in crowded cages, heads stuck out between the bars pecking at a communal trough, barely able to move or lay down.

It hash't been long since stories of species jumping, mutating viruses and superbugs have dominated the headlines. Fear of zoonotic diseases that can transmit from animal to human bring to mind epidemics like the Spanish flu, but sometimes media hype and sensationalism can obscure the facts. Some poultry farms have over 100,000birds, mostly in battery cages, which is close to the enormous size of some of the op-

B.C. shouldfurthersubsidize tuition NICK UBELS ONLINEEDITOR s waitlists at UFV continue to grow in the wake of the provincial government's 2010 freeze on post-secondary educatiQn spending, British Columbia's 2011 budget shows little relief for students and their families, once again putting the brakes on a much-needed i~crease in funding.

Canada's public post-secondary institutions are the responsibility of their respective provincial governments. Without continued support from the province, B.C.'s colleges and universities will be forced to choose between quality and affordability. This would result in either significantly increased tuition fees, which would prevent thousands of aspiring students from enrolling in higher education, or critical cuts to teaching staff, class selection, educational materials, or equally important support service. Not to mention larger class sizes.

We live in a province with an increasingly knowledge-based economy that depends on educated workers. Yet stagnant spending on post-secondary education does not reflect inflation rates or increases in population and demand. Far from merely inhibiting growth or maintaining the "status quo," to quote B.C. finance minister Colin Hansen in his presentation of this year's budget, the check on education spending will cripple our current post-secondary institutions' functionality.

The funding freeze is a reactionary measure to the recent economic downturn and such a move is incredibly short-sighted. Postsecondary education is a longterm investment with consider-

A

able social and economic benefits for both the individual and the community.

In his 1999 report for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives entitled The EducationDividend, Oxford economics professor Robert Allen examined "the social rate of return" of education spending in British Columbia. He found that additional tax revenue generated by the increased lifetime income of post-secondary students amounted to a 10 percent return for the provincial government, should it absorb all costs associated with a degree or · training program. This puts more.money in the public treasury, benefiting the general population. Allen advocates running a small deficit to .

fund post-secondary education, writing that, "it is only good business," to borrow at 5 percent for a 10 percent return.

Aside from the benefits to taxpayers, greater government subsidy of tuition helps bring equality to higher education, enabling eligible students from poorer families to attend university without having to take out massive student loans.

The prospect of finishing an undergraduate degree saddled with substantial debt is a key deterrent for many potential students in B.C., where the burden of costly unpaid student loans is common. According to the Canadian Federation of Students, the average student debt in British Columbia is $27 000, the highest in Canada outside the Maritimes. To combat this problem, a majority of British Columbians are looking for tuition relief.

In a 2010 B.C. poll commissioned by the Canadian Association of University Teachers and the Canadian Federation of Students, 85 per cent of respondents supported reduced post-secondary tuition fees.

Heavily-subsidized higher education is not only good for the long,term health of B.C.'s economy, but for the quality of life of all of its citizens. For example, doctors provide medical treatment, and those with Bachelor's degrees can become teachers and instruct future generations.

It's time for the B.C. government to make education at all levels a top priority. Only time will tell if recently elected Premierdesignate Christy Clark will reverse this dangerous trend of inadequate p6st.:~econd~ryfunding.

erations in which 17 million birds were destroyed during the avian flu scare of 2004.

Citizens against the bylaw also talked about the smell and noise the chickens might make.

While roosters can be very loud in the morning, hens are not. They squawk a little bit whenever they lay their eggs, but besides that, they make a soft clucking noise, and by sunset, they are fast asleep.

Residents were anxious about drawing unwanted pests like rats and ·racoons to the neighbourhood, even though these creatures already exist in downtown Vancouver, drawn by garbage, compost, and gardens.

When I was a kid my dad converted a shed in our yard into a chicken house for half a dozen hens. We always had a lot of fresh eggs. I fondly remember the soft warm feeling of the chickens' feathers on my hands as I reached under them and took their eggs.

They were gentle and could be petted and held like any domestic animal. A natural fit with children, • backyard chickens don't need much space, and the soft chattering of a few chickens goes unnoticed in a world filled with barking dogs, boom boxes, and traffic. When you compare the smell and noise of keeping dogs, I would say keeping hens is more beneficial and less invasive.

Even if you wanted to boycott factory-farmed eggs, the government makes it difficult for you to employ any other option. While backyard chickens are allowed in Abbotsford, Chilliwack urbanites aren't able to keep chickens, and organic free range farmers are subject to so much red tape they can't compete. It appears to me that the whole issue is about profits. Similarly, as the dairy industry and the health authority refuses to let independents sell raw milk, bureaucrats and growers seem to be in cahoots together to control our food.

Why do they care? The threat of avian flu? We know that it started in - and thrives on - overcrowding. Is it the welfare of the chickens? I think it is better to have a few well cared for hens in my backyard than 100,000 featherless, sickly hens with their beaks cut off. Is it the noise and the smell?

Somehow I doubt it when the din of urban life drowns out everything natural and the smells of huge factory farms are as close as your open window. According to the City of Chilliwack, 1 can keep three dogs and two cats in my city yard no matter how large the dogs, or how small the yard, but I may not keep one solitary chicken. In Vancouver, New York, and Portland, okay but not in Chilliwack?

What's new in the 'Wack popcorn sale with proceeds going

DESMOND DEVNICH to Chilliwack Community Learn-

CONTRIBUTORing Society. · Student Life in Chilliwack held e may be small and we may two special contests recently. The be quiet, but exciting times Reading Break Facebook photo are taking place on "the other contest was won by Reelax Alhucampus" this semester. The per- maidi for 67 'likes' of the photo he fect blend of fun and charity has submitted. Students were also enbeen created by Student Life and couraged to drop by Chilliwack the Student Union Society (SUS) Campus Centre and enter a draw. at Chilliwack Campus Centre in Michelle Ford won this draw. Stubuilding G. You just have to dig dent Life was proud to give away to find the information, or maybe a Tim Horton's gift card to Reelax make suggestions for what you and a generous coupon book for would like to see happeh at your Cheeki Cherry to Michelle. very own UFV Chilliwack.

Student Life is drafting a Food seems to be the moti- team of runners, walkers, and vating factor on campus. Every those who like to stop and smell Wednesday morning, SUS hosts a the daffodils for the Canadian delicious breakfast - free for stu- Cancer Society Relay for Life in dents - complete with scrambled Chilliwack. This 12-hour event eggs, bacon, hash browns, coffee takes place on June 3 and 4, and or juice, and an English muffin. includes food, games, prizes, live The weekly meal is prepared at entertainment, and the resoundthe Trades and Technology Cen- ing spirit of celebrating our cantre by our own skilled culinary cer survivors, remembering those arts students. we've lost, and fight back against On Friday, February 11, the a disease that has terrorized so UFV library, English, and theatre many. To join, email desmond. departments joined forces to pres- devnich@ufv.ca. ent Chilliwack campus' 3rd anOur lovely librarians will be nual poetry slam, entitled "Mad, serving tea and treats on InterBad, and Dangerous to Know." national Women's Day, Tuesday, Event organizer Lisa Morry March 8, outside of the Chillicalled the event "a great success," wack campus library. noting the growing attendance These are just a few of the types each year. For the second year in of events that have happened and a row, Josh Tompke garnered the are happening in Chilliwack. We most appla~se for first place. Lau- have a lot of potential for specra Auffray, Josh Frede, Natasha tacular events, on campus and in Becker, and Spencer Richard col- the community, easily found by lected second, third, fourth, and a quick perusal through posters ' fifth place r_espectively. and websites to find the dates.

Student Life recently cel- Don't forget "the other campus," ebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday on Abbotsford! Students of all camWednesday, March 2 at Chilli- puses, please let us know what wack Campus Centre. Students you would like to see happen and their families were invited in Chilliwack, and remember, to join us for a slice of cake and the 'Wack has tons of fun events a showing of **Horton Hears A worth driving a bit to get to. · Who*". Student Life also held a

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8

THECASCADE

.Polygamyis irrelevant to modern society CHRIS BONSHOR COPYEDITOR olygamy once served a purP pose. In places and times where there were far fewer men than women because of war or population crises, polygamy was necessary in order to preserve societies. Now it is not as there is about an equal number of men and women in our society today.

We cannot argue for or against polygamy simply based on problems of population because, in the case of Bountiful, B.C., it is practiced by only about 1000 people.

That does not mean that it is not important to consider whether it -is a practice that should or should not be enforced as illegal in B.C., where it is still currently illegal.

There is also no reason based on one way of living being better than any other to dismiss polygamy as "old-fashioned" or worse than monogamy or polyamoury. Let us keep in mind that some things we now accept as legal and acceptable practices were illegal only a short time ago: for example, homosexual relationships were only decriminalized in ·1968 in Canada - relationships, not even marriage.

Polygamy is not just a religious choice but also a way of living, fundamentally so. Like any choice that determines the way in which you live - as well as your offspring, as polygamy is primarily about bringing sexual partners together for the sake of creating chi!-

dren - polygamy cannot simply be a religious decision because it has important economic consequences. This is because it is very expensive to raise a child to adulthood in Canada. The Canadian Council for Social Development (CCSD) estimates that, in 2004 dollars, the average cost to raise a child to the age of 18 is about $166,750, just shy of $10,000 per year. How can one man afford multiple wives let alone their many, many children?

One of the most prominent alleged polygamists in B.C., Win~ ston Blackmore, who, according to The Vancouver Sun, has been married 25 times and fathered at least one hundred children, used to be a successful business man and millionaire, as well as church father. I use the phrase 'used to' deliberately. According to an affidavit he recently filed with the B.C. Supreme Court, Blackmore is more than $5.68 million in debt and only has assets worth $867,000. This man, who has been fighting the courts for the past several years regarding polygamy in B.C., cannot pay his lawyers, and two of his businesses are in bankruptcy protection. How can he support all of his

wives and children? I am unsure of whether his financial woes are the result of battling the courts for years, or simply the result of having to pay for more than one hundred kids, 25 of whom are still under the age of 18. It seems clear that polygamy should remain illegal in B.C. for the simple reason that it is economically untenable, even for millionaires.

Besides this, however, the idea of polygamy must also have psychological consequences for those who believe it, ones which are not consistent with parts of the constitution of Canada. All people in our society are supposed to be valued equally, and much of the work done over the past quarter century and more in Canada has been with the focus on making Canada a more equal society. However, the practice of polygamy has at its core the fundamental, unshakeable belief that one man is worth as many women as he can marry. fn the case of Bountiful, w.eshould really be talking about polygyny, one man with many wives, as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints (FLDS) does not offer women the same options as men with regards to marriage.

I think it is clear that polygamy has little to recommend itself in the context of contemporary Canadian society. It is a system that does not work with the economic realities and ways of thinking about equality that are part of our society.

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

UFV6·=~-= SPEAKS II

Danielle Q. Why is important to have social spaces on campus?

A. To foster school spirit and a sense of community.

Q. What's your favourite thing about spring?

A. My bike gang starts riding aga:in.

Q. Are you taking summer classes? Why or why not?

A. No, I'm going travelling.

Q. What do you think about polygamy?

A. I thi~k it's a bad idea.

Plural marriages: more to love KARENANEY CONTRIBUTOR ountiful, BC has been popping B up in headlines with alarming frequency lately. The most recent was in The Vancouver Sun's February 26 issue, where the front page article described the abduction of two minors (and six other women) across the Canada-USA border for marriage to men in the town. Now, don't get me wrong: abduction?

Not cool. Dalliances with minors?

Not ok. But pedophilia and abduction are not being discussed in these articles: the 'crime' of polygamy is. If polygamy wasn't forced to be a marginalized practice - if these families weren't forced to live outside the realms of the law these minors would be offered all the same opportunities and protections as a typical high school girl. So why do we think it's ok to force them to live in secrecy?

Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants us freedom of religion. Polygamy is, fundamentally, religious - but not just-Mormon (as we've come to know it). Both polygyny (many wives) and polyandry - when one wife has multiple husbands - have been practiced throughout the world and in many different religions. Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, even Christianity have parts of their histories that involve plural marriage. Don't hate the messenger, Christians read Der Beichtrat, a document from the Protestant Reformati<_m.

It specifically allows plural marriage. So, this isn't just one wacky religion practicing one wacky part of their holy book; it's a rich partof

wodd history.

In essence, is this debate any different from that of homosexual marriage? My answer to that hot-button topic is the same: who cares? If our country spent half as much time worrying about arts and sciences as it did protesting other peoples' loving relationships, we'd have a rich culture indeed. If two men love each other so much that they're willing to brave public scorn to be together, power to them; how many heterosexual relationships could hold up to that strain? If three or more people love each other so much that they're willing to brave public scorn to be together, more power to them as well.

Plural parenthood seems like it could only be beneficial to its offspring. As children are so expensive to raise, polygamy could provide relief to federal and provincial financial assistance programs. For example, if there is one husbandand two wives, two

adults can work while the third provides childcare. As an alternative, all three adults could work varying shifts: if two-parent families make it work, I'm sure three or more can. Just to make sure every group possible is offended by this article: given the choice between placing a child in the care of three capable adults and one capable adult, would any logical person place said child with the single parent? That isn't to say that single parents aren't able to raise their children properly, or that they love their children any less.

But given logical considerations, polygamy is an economically responsible choice - especially given the struggling economy.

A final beneficial aspect of polygamous relationships is the fulfilling nature of the relationship for the adults involved. Plural marriage gives the individuals the opportunity to pursue their own interests apart from their spouse without leaving them lonely or their children uncared for. This, again, can only be beneficial: one mother has time to take an advanced first aid course, a second mother takes some lessons in basic mechanics, a father learns to knit the possibilities are endless.

Next time you judge polygamous relationships, pause to think before you fall from your high horse: pedophilia occurs in twoperson relationships. Financial aid is abused by citizens of all ages and marital status. Women can be marginalized in every culture and type of relationship. When it comes down to it, polygamy is simply a representation of people loving eachother.So whoares?

Matt Q. Why is important to have social spaces on campus?

A. To have social places to hang out.

Q. What's your favourite thing about spring?

A. There's nothing good about spring because that means summer's on the way and my birthday and Christmas have already passed.

Q. Are you taking summer classes? Why or why not?

A. I hope to, because then I'll get government money and I'll finish school sooner. · Q. What do you think about polygamy?

A. Well person~lly, I'm not so good at sharing.

Harry Q. Why is important to have social spaces on campus?

A. So you can drink.

Q. What's your favourite thing about spring?

A. It's not too hot and not too cold.

Q. Are you taking summer classes? Why or why not?

A. No I have got a lot of important things to do.

Q. What do you think about polygamy?

A. I think it'd be a lot of work.

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

9

DISCUSSIONSRE.LOW THE RELT VI0LOHART

Western society·as between two people; and the very concept of SEXPERT property and inheritance requires clear parentage (or at least it

ince the world's very first orgy, polyamory has been a part of the sexual playing field. Polyamory, the practice of taking more than one consenting lover (and do note the use of the word "consenting": sleeping with more than one person without the others' knowledge is just plain old cheating), is quite different from polygamy. While polygamy involves marriage and thus a more permanent tie, the vast majority of polyamorous encounters are usually casual and infrequent. While singles may enjoy the adventure of a 3-way or _anorgy, it is also fairly common for couples to experiment with new people in their bed.

Though it is becoming widely accepted that most people will have more than one sexual partner during their lifetime, having multiple concurrent partners is still a very contentious issue. Most certainly seem to regard the human as an essentially monogamous species: romance has long embraced the concept of "soul-mates"; marriage, regardless of gender, is accepted in

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[Interview 2]: "I think withpolyamoury, as with all aspects of sex and relation~hips. the key is communication and enthusiasm.

My two negative experiences with threesomes happened in a situation where I was the "other woman," and the motives of the couple that I was sleeping with were unclear.

The one positive experience I had involved four people who were all single, and it was a situation that arose organically, and everyone was very into it. I noticed with the ones that didn't go well that the female in the relationship·was reluctant to have· me acting sexually with their partner.

In one situation, after we all finished. the girl slept 1 a separate bed and I fell as eee w-ith her partner.

In the other negative experience. th~ girl and ~er partner had argumen"t and she stor_med out. ~n the 1atter s1fua ion. tne couple ended up bonding over the experience. and I was left feeling like perhaps they had used me in order to work out something that was wrong in their relationship. In both of 11JYexyeriences with couples, while I was the one who was the novelty (being the person outside the relationship).

I still definitely felt like the third wheel.

I find that group sex works the best when everyone involved is enthusiastic. on-board, and is crear and open about what they are physically and emotionally · comfortable with. In my positive experience. we were all clear about what we wanted,.there was no emotional confusion: and .we had a great time.n

[Interview 1] "I have tried being polyamorous in the past. Mainly from a place of curiosity and an "I'll try anything once" sort of mentality.

With that said, I don't see pclyamorY as unheaithy in and of itself: however, I also don't believe it is healthy in a couple's relationship.

I had a prof once say that if there were three in the bed, whether the third was an addiction, job, person, or what-have-you...

You can get laid, but you can't get loved. I know that there are some very loving couples who are open a~d communicate honestly and feel safe enough with each other to practice being polyamourous, but my own experience tells me that is the exception to the rule and that to truly have a healthy and loving relationship you can't have room for triangulation (especially in the bedroom). I am definitely not interested in this kind of lifestyle again, merely because it doesn't fit who I am. I want a monogamous, intimate, and co111mitted relationship."

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did until the invention of DNA testing and reliable birth control).

Furthermore, ,chemicals are released to bind you to whichever specific partner you have sex with; from an evolutionary point of view, this was probably to ensure the protection and therefore the survival of a child and its mother, back in the bad old days when tigers and bears ate human babies for lunch.

But what about free love? While most embrace monogamy as the social norm, many still desire or feel the need to experiment sexually with multiple partners, even when married or in a longterm, committed relationship. Curious, I once asked a sex-specialized psychologist whether or not this was a healthy behaviour for couples; I was told that it can be, but that maturity and age, as well as openness and comfort were huge factors that came into play.

This makes sense - if you take a quick peek on Craigslist, there are a surprisingly large number of middle-aged couples looking to try something new. Younger couples are usually still trying to get comfortable sexually together, and often busy raising a family as well. As for singles - it is much more generally accepted if a single plays around. Not being in a monogamous relationship already, nobody seems to mind if the rules of monogamy are broken.

As there is no consensus on the issue to date, I asked some UFV students to share their polyamorous experiences and opinions, keeping their identities anonymous for obvious reasons.

[Interview 3]: "I think its exflnterview 4]: "[My only 3-way] citing [for couples].

I think it was an interesting if not embarallows a couple to once again rerassing experience.

I was very experience that dating experidrunk at that time but even under enc;e, •• hd't1!1@-'acriish on somebody the same conditions I don't think again ... yet with the security of I would do it again. It was a good being with someone and pursuing experience because it will make the romance ith. your partner. a great story in 5 y~ars. As far Obviously it has to be collective; as polyamory goes, I don't have you both have to be attracted to any qualms about it...

To carry somebody else or another couple. out, ideally, a healthy polyamWhen you're single, you're always orous relatjonship would seem to trying to find your life partner, be [a lot of] work; to keep comand when you can't, you can get municatiOJl open between all partfrustrated or disappointed; but ners and equal. A lot of these wh~n you have found your partner, relationships are bound to fail exploring outside your relationthou~~- As children most of us ship <;an just be fun, you can just have grown l¾,Pin a home comprised explore together.

It can be awk- of 1 or 2 parents and are unfamil-ward, but it's usually more awk- iar with how to successfully have ward for the out-side person, not.._,,a 1re_1at1onship with more than one th~ couple, as long as they have partner ~t!et alone [having] it be 8" strong relationship.

I guess heaHhy. 'This is just from a long 1f you're riot okay being ai tbfrd ter111 relationship point of view wheel you shouldn't mess -ero nd though. Jo ■y, knowledge there are with couples. you- shotild know a number of people who experitl'lat going in - but t:hen again, ment with multiple partners on if you're a single person you can a completely sexual level.

Other just relax and 'nave fun and rethan the risk of STDs/STis and alize this is not a relationship emotional attachmeJlt I don't see you're going to pursue-, it's just an issue.

All in all, polyamory for sex.• is not my personal choice. but if you can make it work, afl the power to you."

www.ufvcascade.ca

10

One Book, One UFV School-wide bookclubaimstobuild commu~ity

FRIDAY,MARCH4th, 2011

Huck Finncensorship stirscontroversy 'Nigger' essential to book'srelevance, saysQueen's prof

KAREN ANEY CONTRIBUTORnear Bombay, is available in the bookstore on Abbotsford· campus n March 29, the Centre for and online via Amazon or ChapIndo Canadian Studies and ters. In the novel, Irani uses rich the English Department will be imagery to depict the setting, no holding the Ehsaas South Asian doubt inspired by his childhood Readers and Writers Festival. This near Dahanu. The storyline in esevent is part of the Centennial an- sence is rather simplistic; rich son niversary of the National Historic falls for servant daughter, things Site Gur Sikh Temple in Abbots- go right, things go wrong, and ford. It is open to students, staff, then the book ends on a definitiveand the community as a whole. ly happy or sad note. What makes The Festival will host three au- the novel special is its expressive thors: Tariq Malik, Gurjinder Bas- narrative. Poetic descriptions of ran, and Anosh Irani, who is head- landscape are adequate even for readers who have never visited Inlining the event.

There is currently an attempt to dia, and the accuracy with which form one huge book club throughIrani describes the dynamics of out UFY. The idea is to get as many slavery· are culturally educational. students and staff as possible to It's a fairly easy read - and not the read Irani's newest book, Dahanu kind of 'easy' that your teacher Road,before the event. They will gives you two days to read and rethen be able to discuss the piece at port on, the real kind that you can the reading, which will be held on get through in a long weekend or the 29th at 7 p.m. in BlOI on Ab- in between classes. botsford campus. Similar events The concept of the book club is have been rather poorly attended interesting, especially given the in the n.0v~l. by ihe sitid€nt body; at the risk subtext of class i.ssu-es of losing such important contri- These aren't easy ideas to concepbutions to the university's atmo- tualize, and they're a large part sphere, students are encouraged of Indian cultural history. This to participate while they still can. makes the novel a perfect choice Dahanu Road,named for a city for this club and this event; the

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base of the book rests on Indian culture, and this reading is to celebrate the Historic Sikh temple - by extension, it's a celebration of the prevalence of South Asian influence in Abbotsford society.

Sharanjit Sandhra is the coordinator of the B.C. Regional Innovation Chair in Canada India Business and Economic Development, out of the Centre for lndo Canadian Studies. As one of the organizers of this event, she has been marketing it to a few external media outlets (including OMNI TV). While neither the reading nor the book club have been widely publicized to date, this push may alert more students and community members to its existem:e and result in greater attendance. If for no other reason than having the opportunity to talk about a book without having to write an essay on it, check this book out and attend the Ehsaas South Asian Readers and Writers Festival.

If you have any questions regarding the event or the book club, feel free to contact Sharanjit at Sharanjit.Sandhra@ufv.ca.

Book Review: The Sentamentalistsby JohannaSkibsrud CHELSEA THORNTON their retelling, and how our per-

STAFF WRITER ception of truth and consequence shapes our relationships and our ohanna Skibsrud has lived ev- lives. Skibsrud's incorporation of ery aspiring Canadian author's famous poetry and pop culture is ciream: come up with a novel idea also strong. The references to e.e. to honour your dead relative, get cummings, Keith Douglas, and a Canada Arts Council grant to the movie Casablanca genuinely write it, include a wealth of refer- enrich and deepen the narrative. ences to poetry and literature of Also, Skibsrud is an award-winyour choice, get the novel printed ning poet, and the influence of pothrough a small publisher you etry is evident in her prose. She is love, then, magically, find your- able to embody within the reader self the winner of the Scotia Bank the atmosphere of a dream. The Giller Prize, with your book sud- book reads fast and seems to float denly in such high demand that across the mind, so that the first the uber-publisher Douglas & things you think of when asked to McIntyre picks it up. Skibsrud has describe the book is not the plot or birthed a unicorn of modern pub- characters, but instead the feel of lishing: a book that stays true to the book - a world of warped time an author's heart while attaining and images of moments. popular approval and financial The plot, however, is less than success. award-winning, if only because it It is easy to see why The Senti- has won awards before - family mentalists attracts critical atten- generational drama, the staple of tion. The book, while anchored contemporary Canadian fiction. in narrative, is primarily philo- Children coming to terms with the reality of their parent's indisophical, questioning the nature of truth in our experiences and in viduality, parents struggling to

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adapt to the grown-up children, divorce ... The family has become quite possibly the most ·common subject of fiction with hopes of being considered literature. Unfortunately, the repetition has killed the drama in family drama. Skibsrud does offer a new twist on this common theme: her characters are mostly- American, although Canada supplies the central setting; and the drama is generated by the father's experience in the Vietnam War (a topic previously ignored in popular culture, right?) However, the story ultimately boils down to an echo of many books that have come before.

The Sentimentalists,despite the hand-me-down plot, should be considered a significant book, not so much for its contents, but for the reminder that it provides.

Skibsrud has reminded everyone that Canadian literature continues to grow and evolve and produce promising young talent - Atwood is not the only writer in Canada, after all.

ALEXANDRA POSADZKI it, then we need to ask why it's unCUPONTARIOBUREAU CHIEF nerving."

Judith Yaross Lee, a Twain exTORONTO (CUP) - An Ala- pert and communications profesbama publisher's decision to re- sor at Ohio University, also dismove the use of "nigger" from agrees with Gribben's decision.

Mark Twain's 1884 novel The Ad"I am distressed that general ventures of Huckleberry Finn has readers, parents and school boards sparked controversy among schol- have reacted with such venom to ars~ remarks by racists in a raciallyAlan Gribben, a Twain scholar progressive literary classic - and --A a.L...., -••J...l~ ....J........ -t A.T- • .._..,C...,,..,.,-J.. vvithsu.ch_ ton~-deafness to irony C:U\U ULC yu.vu~UCI. VI. 1•·.n:VV..,VUUL Books, will replace more than 200 and such mistrust for the skill and instances of the word with "slave," goodwill of teachers .- that a repaccording to a press release from utable scholar would find it necesOhio University. sary to sanitize Twain's text," she This act of censorship will said. weaken the book's moral dimenGribben may have been motisions, says Robert Morrison, a lit- vated by a desire to have Twain erature professor at Queen's Uni- more widely read, says Morrison, versity. adding that he can sympathize Morrison believes that the use with his position. But he contends of the word in the book speaks that "if you take that word Ol!t, not only to Huck Finn's struggle to you're no longer reading Mark overcome racial bigotry, but also Twain." society's ongoing battle with racNicholas Maronese, a fourthism. year professional writing major "To remove the word lessens at York University and the editor what Huck achieves," said Mor- of York's university newspaper, rison. "I worry that it gives us a agrees. "That word is there for a sense that we've done better at reason, to show how ignorant the eradicating racism than we actu- characters who use it are," Maally have. We should confront our ronese said. "Censoring it takes past. We shouldn't try to rewrite away from the original so much it." that it's not worth it, really."

Morrison concedes that talking Morrison points to other issues about race can be tricky. He taught of proposed censorship, such as James Baldwin's racially-charged a push to change the stereotypiessay "The Last Poor Richard" in cal portrayal of Shylock, a Jewish his introductory course last No- moneylender, in Shakespeare's vember, and found that many stu- The Merchant of Venice. dents were hesitant to participate If we want to combat stereotypin discussions out of fear of of- ing and racial bigotry, the only fending someone. way we can do so is by talking But it's necessary to have these about it openly, he says. difficult discussions, he says, and "What Huck has achieved as censoring Twain's work removes a an individual, we as a society valuable opportunity to do sq. have not yet achieved. Racial big"You need to teach texts that are otry still lingers," said Morrison. challenging and difficult, but that "Huck Finn is a brilliant book that have the ability to change people's gives us a real chance to talk about views and attitudes," he said. "If it, and I think that we need to seize people are upset or unnerved by that opportunity."

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

Victoria designers make sustainable duds fashionable ,.

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Outside the (take out) Box •1-

22372 Fraser Highway Langley, BC V3A 4H6 www.sushibob.ca

Kappa Roll to $5.25 for an Unagi AMYVANVEEN

Adhesif clothing is not only stylish but environmentally friendly. (Photo by Benjamin Kwan)

All OMELANIEC

Even cotton production, which THEMARTLET many people think of as natural, relies on pesticides that can cause VICTORIA (CUP) Eco- problems in human and animal friendly clothing is becoming respiratory systems. more than a trend, especially for According to the World Wildlocal designers. Melissa Ferreira life Fund, cotton production acof Adhesif Clothing is one local counts for 24 per cent of global who's doing her part to save the sales ofinsecticide and 11 per cent planet through her designs. of global sales of pesticide.

When we met, the 26-year-old Ferreira is helping combat isFerreira looks like a 1930s fash- sues associated with modern fabionista, wearing a handmade, rics by using post-consumer mateslim-fit vintage vest and wool be- rials and limiting her use of new ret from her fall/winter 2010 line. fabrics. Not only are her items reIt takes a second glance to realize cycled, but all of the materials are these pieces are actually made of "sourced from vintage fabrics, texrecycled materials. tiles and second-hand clothing at Ferreira proves that going green local thrift stores." doesn't mean losing your fashTo top it off, all of Adhesif's garicrr ~ent-e with her one-of-a-kind ments are produced by local seampieces. She brings conscience into stresses. her garments by incorporating her "What we're doing is very passion for nature while creating grassroots. Everything is handan identity for her customers. made," Ferreira said. "[We] go "I've just always had a huge against the grain of any corporate love and understanding for Moth- company." er Earth," Ferreira said.

The majority of the materials Experts say that our current used at Adhesif are 50 to 100 per clothing industry, known as "fast cent recycled. fashion" by retailers, is leaving a "Even our buttons are vintage large ecological footprint, causing or found," Ferreira said proudly. environmental damage and even Ferreira says she believes it's inhealth issues. creasingly important to customers Modern fabrics such as polyes- whether clothing is eco-friendly or ter require large amounts of en- not. ergy and petroleum to produce.

"People ask now, 'Is it recycled?'

It's becoming a huge demand. It's not a trend; it's a movement," said Ferreira. "People want to have a consciousness in their consumerism."

Ferreira isn't the only designer incorporating sustainability into her designs. Shirra Wall, a 39-yearold Victoria designer says she has always been interested in a sustainable earth and has also incorporated it into her creations. Her pieces are 100 per cent recycled. "[It's something] you get to feel good about," she said. _Wall sources all of her materials from used clothing, fabrics and even curtains from thrift stores.

She creates a large range of products, from circle scarves to pillows, complete with appliques and screen pniitS. Wall believes this trend is encouraging a healthier planet and says using second-hand clothing in place of new materials is an affordable strategy for designers.

"Material is a lot less expensive when it's recycled," she said. "It takes more effort as craftspeople, but it's worth it."

Ferreira's and Wall's items are proof that eco-friendly clothing certainly doesn't have to be grungy.

"It's sexy to be sustainable now," said Ferreira.

CONTRIBUTORRoll. There is always the option, too, for Sushi and Sashimi combihere may be a few Japanese nations, lunch and dinner box sperestaurants that go by the cials and Party Trays. For the true name Nikko, but none of them sushi lover, there's the Sushi Boat can hold a finger to Murrayville's for about thirty dollars and yes, it top sushi joint. From the moment comes on a boat. you step under that neon sign and Not only is the service fantasacross the threshold, it is readily tic and the food divine, but Sushi apparent this place is different.

Bob's love for hockey brings fans in The sushi bar is right there from all around. With a TV turned in the middle of the fairly small to the sports channel above the space. Sushi Bob, the owner, and sushi bar for Canucks games, a TV the staff are quick to offer a wel- above the open seating, and even a come hello and whisk you off to TV in the back booth, hockey fans a table. There are several options will not have to choose between for places to sit including the bar Japanese dining and the game. itself, some open tables, semi-priNikko is in the heart of the vate tables separated by screens, Murrayville community, and they or the booths on the right side of know their regulars extremely the restaurant. The chefs are ready well, treating them to special with a smile and the service is perks every now and again. Newquick and efficient without being bies need not be intimidated, fake ori.ftvii;ivc. Theylet!h~ir cus- though, since the walls speak for tomers enjoy their meals without the ~~er-growing Nikko-loving neglecting their needs. community themselves. What Sushi Bob's skills are· beyond started out as a fun honour of havcomparison with everything a Jap- ing one's picture taken and posted anese cuisine connoisseur needs. on the wall has become a monsoon There are the safe choices like of pictures of customers far and California Rolls, Miso Soup, and wide filling the walls, the booths, Tetjyaki dishes, but, for the more the corners, the door frames, and adventurous, there is an array of even the ceiling. For those who Nikko's Special Rolls. Ranging in have had their honour fulfilled, price from $4.25 to $11.95, these half the fun is craning their necks specialties are sure not to disap- to find their snapshot. The photos point: from the Hockey Roll to also act as the perfect awkward the Dancing Unagi Roll. The pride moment distraction for any meals and joy of Nikko's Sushi, though, gone awry. comes in the form of the self-exLocated on Fraser Highway by planatory I Love It Roll. Anyone 224 st, Nikko's is only a twenty who tries this special concoction minute drive from campus and is bound to utter the self-same is well worth the jaunt, and when phrase. If the special rolls are a you leave, the chorus of thanklittle too special in price, there is you's and goodbyes makes you always the selection of Maki Mono want to return as soon as possible.

Sushi ranging from $2.95 for a

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www.ufvcascade.ca

12

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Crystal Castles

Not in Love

Native Speaker

2TeapotHill Crystal Mess 3 Teapot Hill

Worms of the Earth

TeenDaze

4

Featuring The Cure's Robert Smith, this is the electro-punk duo's dance floor confession. "I'll give you my heart, no one lives there anymore" sighs Smith as he reaches the song's chorus and concludes "I'm not in love"

sound

Beach Dreams

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PAUL FALARDEAUSean Lennon ARTS& LIFEEDITOR

Braids

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

Wait ForMe

The Heir to the Lennon genes proves his mettle here with his wonderfully sad album Friendly Fire.Stemming from a bad breakup with an ex who cheated with his best friend, Lennon wrote the album after that friend died in a motorcycle crash before he could make amends. The results are a deeply emotional discourse and helpful lines like, "It takes time, and plenty of wine."

mini

bites

Beck

Jeff Buckley

AlreadyDead

Last Goodbye

This track is a highlight on Beck's already wonderful album, Sea Change."Already dead to me now, cause it feels like I'm watching something die," Beck sings as the minimal guitar goes discordant. The heartbreak is there in full.

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From the transcendent Grace, Buckley does the rare thing by admitting the pain of the break, but keeping optimistic and even friendly, making his former other half know, that their time wasn't wasted. This frankness in itself, of course, is what makes the song so touching in its bare eloquence.

reviews

SFistCity

Deoms/Live Fisting

Said the Whale

6

Bear Bones

7Synthosaurus Synthosaurus

Wavves

8 9 1O 11

King of the Beach

Dum Dum Girls I Will Be

Little Miss Higgins

Across the Plains

Hooded Fang

Album

PS I Love You

12

Meet Me at the Mus·eum

"1~ The :B!adiKey~

.1.J

Brothers

Sandman Viper Command

14

Everybody See This

Blisterin' Barnacles

1S

Rock n 'Roll Avenue

Papercuts

Lucinda Williams

FadingParade

Blessed

There is nothing particularly bad about Papercuts' Fading Parade but nothing particularly good, either. The album is mellow to the point of boredom; none of the songs really pop out, and as they're all quite slow they tend to meld into one never-ending super-track that lulls you into a melancholy stupefaction. Not only are the songs lacking in striking melody or originality, but there is little instrumental color as guitar dominates the entire album. As for the lyrics, if you can understand what the singer is saying, you're lucky; there is just way too much reverb, to the point where the singer's voice seems to be coming from a distant sea-cave. Overall, the sound quality of the album makes one wonder if the whole album was recorded in someone's basement. The album isn't really awful though, just mediocre and, well, boring. It's the kind of music you'd want playing quietly in the background when you're feeling sad, staring out the window at the rain.

- Jennifer Colboume

David Myles

16 17 18

Turn Time Off

TenKens For Posterity

Kobra and the Lotus

Out of the Pit

Skull Fist

19 20

Heavier Than Metal

Striker

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Eyes in the Night

Featuring Lucinda Williams' lilting and raspy vocals and contemplative lyricism, Blessed, the tenth release from this seasoned songwriter, is an album you should listen to while drinking whiskey and thinking about sadness. The use of twangy pedal steel guitar infuses the tracks with a comforting country feel, but the gravely intensity of the vocals keeps Blessed from sounding cheesy. Thematically similar to her earlier work, the tracks all speak to experiences that seem personal in their mournful dismissal, including "I Don't Know How You're Livin'," and the slow !!'.0Yir.gand 5&6."Sweet Love," in which Williams uses her voice like an instrument to create an atmosphere, and the lyrics themselves feel almost like an afterthought to the emotion produced by the raw vocalization. With effortless vocal mastery this country blues album is worth a listen or two.

- Sophie Isbister

The Psychic Paramount II

This album is the third fourth, if you include live recordings - by Psychic Paramount, an instrumental group reminiscent of bands like Lightning Bolt and Fugazi. While this genre is a fair departure from the top 40, it's one worth taking: the lack of lyrics make it a great listen for relaxing, homework, or other - ahem - activities that you don't want to be distracted from. Their music is widely admired by instrumental lovers and rock fans alike; the talent and artistry in the album is plain to even the untrained ear.

Their music is sometimes called, aptly er.cu!!"h, "psv<::hedeli!: !!:'!:.'le:" -· through <>theus~ of seemingly random guitar effects and unusual chord groupings, their songs tend to stray just far enough away from the 'noisey-noise' variety of rock to remain comfortable. Their first single from the album, "DDB," is a good choice if you're looking for an introduction to the genre or the group themselves: the texture of instruments it creates provides a chaotic melody that doesn't get old even after many consecutive listens. Long and discordant solos make for a continuously interesting listen, even without lyrics.

Jon Cohen Experimental

Behold Beholdis the sophomore album

by The Jon Cohen Experimental, but its eponymous mastermind is no stranger to making records, cutting his teeth in the vibrant post-millennial Montreal scene with stints in a handful of wellregarded indie bands, including The Dears and The Social Register. Building on the success of their 2006 self-titled debut, Experimental's latest offering cycles through a broad spectrum of upbeat and baroque yet resiliently soulful pop songs held together

by Cohen's often double-tracked and always soft-spoken vocals.

The ba~d w·:ork;cvffifcrtabiy out of a distinctly Canadian style that wouldn't feel out of place on Arts & Crafts' carefully curated roster.

Unfortunately, Behold's generously layered production is stifling and claustrophobic on "Don't Be The Cloud." That said, Cohen's band strikes a perfect balance between these studio flourishes and a sense of spontaneity elsewhere, such as "This Wind of Mine," channeling the cool, yet playfully manic spirit of Blitzen Trapper.

-NickUbels

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

13·

Esperanza Spalding

- OU!

TotheGrammy's andBeyond AllSIEMENS

R THECASCADE

STAFFWRITER

his year's 2011 Grammy winner for Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, beat out four other popular artists including, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, and Mumford in Sons for the honour. Following the big win, the twenty-seven-yearold jazz artist has no intention of slowing down her music career.

Spalding's last album was released in August 2010, Chamber Music Society, along with Esperanzain 2008 and Junjoin 2006. The young musician is currently working on another album that will be released in late 2011 titled Radio Music Society.

Although not all Grammy followers were happy with Spalding winning the award for best new artist, including Canadian artist Justin Bieber, Spalding has dreams for the jazz music she loves being enthusiastically supported by many.

The trilingual singer picked up the upright double bass at age fourteen and knew it was her calling. Spalding was asked why she plays the bass instead of the original instrument she learned on, the cello: "it wasn't a choice, but the bass had its own arc and resonated with [meL" she said.

Listening to Spalding's album ChamberMusic Society,it is obvious she was right about this instrumental calling. In her song "Little Fly," Spalding's voice is intoxicating. Her ability. to properly represent the blues and jazz era, as well as hit the high notes with her obviously strong ability as a soprano, leaves no questions about her recent win at the Grammy's.

A powerful aspect to Spalding's talent is her ability to meld together her instrumental ability with her strong voice. As the listener, it's difficult to say which area she is stronger in because both areas are so perfectly developed.

Spalding prides herself on her

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EAREERIE~DLY, . ESSIONAL, ANDWEDON'T MOSTLY ...

'41 musical ability and being recog- ics of love, relationships, and the nized solely for her musicianship. body.

In· an interview in 2008, Spalding With each discovery of the singmentioned that, "female musi- er-songwriter's music, the energy cians must take responsibility emitted in her music leaves her to avoid over-sexualizing them- audience asking for more. Spaldselves." Spalding is conscious ing isn't only being recognized by of this decision, focusing on her an everyday fan base, she was inmusic and not appeasing the mu- vited by President Barack Obama sic industry's thirst for sexy musi- personally to perform at the Nocians. She wants to be known for bel Peace Prize concert and at an her talent, not her sex appeal. event to honour the 2009 Laureate, Even though Spalding strays Obama himself. from the sexualized aspect of the Spalding has made a quick music industry, her attitude does rise to stardom, admired by both not take away from her feminine everyday fans and highly recogappeal in both appearance and nized celebrities. With everyone voice. In other songs on her 2010 anxiously awaiting her newest alalbum, "Wild is The Wind" and bum release, Spalding's success in "Really Very Small," her voi.cecar- the music industry is bound to get ries both high and low, reaching better. Listen for the release of Raall ranges on the musical scale. dio Music Society later in the year Along with her feminine voice, and be ready to melt as you are her lyrics contain the same femi- taken over by the voice of a new nine interest, often including top- star.

WRITERS MEETINGS AREHEtD IN ROOM Cl429 AT12:30ONTUESDAYS, OR YOUCANJUST.SEND MEAN EMAIL AT dED@UFVCASCADE.CA MAKE YOUR VQICE HEARD. WELOOK FORWARD TO HEARING IT.

Album Review: Wye Oak - Civillian NICOLLE HODGES CONTRIBUTOR resonance to the next is complimented by the peculiar undertone The music from indie folk duo of vibration throughout the first Wye Oak's new album is best few minutes. It's a fusion between described as sound in layers. disjointed melodies and a smooth The album's title, Civilian, comes folk-like feel. from the bands belief that everyWasner's pained voice is effortone wants to be normal, but no less in expression, singing of odd one truly is. Singer-guitarist Jenn encounters such as seeing dead Wasner and Andy Stack are the birds upon returning home from masterminds behind this intimate work or keeping her baby teeth in exploration of clashing an eerie a jar at her bedside table. The song vocal production, pounding gui- is laced with subtleties of lonelitars, truthful lyrics, and new age ness and desire. The perfect pitch psychedelic. of the voice exploits such tragic In a recent interview with emotions in a way that seems thefrontloader.com, Wasner de- more artistic than painful. The lyrscribed the new songs as being ics allow for a feel of realism and "about aloneness (the positive reflection, painting a landscape of kind), loneliness (the horrible absolute free interpretation. There kind), moving on, and letting go is-a wavering feeling between the (of people, places, and things)." edge of total emotional surrender The first track begins with a light, and a raw rebellion of social norairy feel. It's very fluid with its malities. rhythm, almost what an audio reWasner sounds playfully just cording of a dream would sound out of reach some moments. The like. The drearyshift from one amorphous ambience thatcreated

t

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the calming pools of self reflection are suddenly disrupted by the furious execution of a guitar solo that sounds like rage on strings. The album contains a certain bite that only comes from being completely unpredictable from one moment to the next. The chaotic intensity of the guitar is the only slight frustration as its sound momentarily gives the feeling of looking at the sun too long or biting ice cream too cold. You wait for the pain to subside because overall the beauty is worth the beat. The music fills up like warm bath water and can be soothing, encompassing, and relaxing. However, once you close your eyes and fully begin to feel the music, the tune drastically changes- and every sound is suddenly overflowing.

With Wye Oak less is more, and their music is most enjoyable in moments that are sprinkled with absolute silence or an undertone

raspy voice. The opening song is a standout favourite as it has a sleepy tone to it, as if Wasner is on the verge of a drunken revelation and can barely pronounce her of reverbermonbeneathWasner's words, all the while being levi·

tated by the ticking of a guitar, the tinge of an organ,. and the rhythm of a heavy drum. During the first few moments of the album the listener will become almost intoxicatedby theentirety of themusic.

www.ufvcascade.ca

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ARTS &LIFE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

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.The 83rd Academy Awards Anunsurprising Oscar review

Wisdom from thebook ofJames Franco

ARIEL FISHERFranco quickly grew passionate THESILHOUITTE for the profession. He started off with bit roles on various different HAMILTON, Ont. (CUP) - As TV shows, as well as a small part he is about to take on the daunt- in the Drew Barrymore romantic ing task of co-hosting the Oscars, comedy Never Been Kissed. One it seems that nearly overnight of his earliest supporting roles James Franco has become a distincame in the form of a romantic guished man of many talents. teen comedy Whatever It Takes However, this would be a dev- alongside fellow teen heartthrob astating understatement. A bit of a Shane West. modern Renaissance man, Franco Following this came his leading is not only bursting into the scene role in a TV movie as the incomas a marketable and substantial parable James Dean. Released the acting talent, but simultaneously same year as Life with Judy Garas soap actor, author, PhD student land: Me and My Shadows, Ken at Yale University, a painter and a Tucker of Entertainment Weekly budding director. regarded these television movIn the past 14 years Franco has ies as "a revolutionary force in appeared in 37 films, nine televi- the television movie genre," and sion series - including two ma- Franco won a Golden Globe for his jor starring roles on Freaks and performance, as weJ_las a nomiSOPHIE ISBISTER Geeks and General Hospital nation at the Screen Actors Guild OPINIONEDITOR shiny grey gown worn mid-show, are ranking the lack of surprise). a crazy silver gown covered in The entirety of the King's speech four short films and has seven Awards. espite an apparently huge ef- tassles, a maroon and silver slinky itself was played over the mon- films currently in pre-production, These were surely the roles that fort to appeal to a younger dress, and, my personal favourite, tage of Best Picture Nominees, _as wen ·as Your Highness, the new put him in the industry's face, and demographic, the 83rd Acad- a royal blue shiny off-the-shoulder stripping the awards show of any Danny McBride and Ben Best film from there he became recognizemy Awards managed to fall flat. sculpted creation that looked kind element of surprise it could have to be released April 8 of this year. able as Harry Osborn in SpiderThis year's Oscars came across as of like a collage of recycling bags. had, and completely railroading In the mix with this incredibly Man. Accepting roles in the Nichscripted and unsurprising, with Hathaway saved her worst dress the moment of suspense when the vigorous acting career, Franco olas Cage directed Sonny later in very few upsets and only one F- for her equally awful stilted clos- little card is pulled from the enve- managed to complete his under2002, he started to ram rather than bomb (dropped by Melissa Leo ing· monologue: a long sleeved lope. Needless to say, The King's graduate degree at UCLA in cre- place his foot in the door. From high necked jewel encrusted black Speech won Best Picture, grass is ative writing in 2008, as well as his 2002 until 2007 Franco managed when she won Best Supporting Actress in one of the few startling mesh monstrosity. green, and the sky is blue. No surMFA in writing at Columbia Uni- his highest output in his career to versity in 2010,which he did while date. That was until 2010,at least. turns of the night.)

Perhaps the worst part of the prises here.

So what was new this year? Ce- attending the Tisch School of the With his Oscar-nominated turn The key youth viewership was 83rd Oscars was the utter preArts, the Brooklyn College of Fic- as Aron Ralston in 127 Hours, a constant source of comment dictability of the major awards. line Dion sang a lovely rendition during the show; host Anne Ha- Everyone knew Natalie Portman of "Smile" over the In Memoriam tion Writing and North Carolina's Franco has emerged seemingly thaway quipped to cohost James was going to win Best Actress in slideshow (which snubbed Corey Warren Wilson College for poetry. overnight as a leading tour de Franco during the opening mono- a Leading Role for her dark turn Haim), in a successful attempt to He is currently doing his PhD force in cinema. After its release, logue, "You look very appealing to in BlackSwan,and she did. Every- quell uneven and awkward ap- at Yale while simultaneously at- discussions sparked around his a younger demographic as well." one knew Toy Story3 was goip.g to plause for dead folks who may tending the Rhode Island School previous work in films like PineBut if green co-hosts Hathaway beat out How To TrainYourDragon have been more famous than of Design. While doing his un- apple Express and the wealth of and Franco wanted to prove they for Best Animated Film, and, sur- other dead folks. The presentdergrad at UCLA he managed to knowledge regarding his scholashave the chops to take the stage all prise, surprise, it did! Inception ers for Best Actress in a Leading finish with a GPA greater than 3.5, tic endeavors began to surface. night, their first ·move shouldn't won Visual Effects, Sound Mixing, Role and Best Actor in a Le11d- and took 62 units of classes in his Before anyone knew what was last quarter. The suggested limit happening it seemed he had sehave been to introduce their fam- Sound Editing and Cinematog- ing Role Geff Bridges and Sandra ily members in the audience. raphy, which was well deserved, Bullock, respectively) addressed for any student is 19 units per cured himself the position of OsThe Oscars split their focus and the only upset people were the nominees directly in the au- quarter. car co-host, and news of his deciCalled "the coolest guy alive" sion to adapt and direct WilJiam this year between appealing to probably HarryPotterfans who felt dience before showing their clip, which I felt was a nice personal the YouTube generation with bad robbed for the Visual Effects nod.

by Time magazine, the question Faulkner's As I Lay Dying and The King's Speech landed far touch, but it went on a little long. becomes one of authenticity and Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meauto-tuned movie spoofs and substance. Is James Franco a true ridian was flooding the Internet. pandering to old Hollywood nos- from the sweep it could have had, And in a rare refreshing moment, talgia. The result was a somewhat but it definitely did not fare poor- adorably young and fluffy-headed talent and brilliant mind who just The man shows no sign of slowschizophrenic look at the films ly. The humble hit with the com- New York Univer&ity grad Luke so happens to be a workaholic, or ing down, in fact with his turn as conveniently-named "Franco" on this year, complete with a visit pelling story won Best Director, Matheny won Best Short Film for is he simply a workaholic trying Best Original Screenplay, and pro- GodOf Love.He was so excited that to fill the void of time between, General Hospital, it would appear from hologram-Bob Hope!

Hathaway's seven costume pelled Colin Firth toward his first I almost started to care about the and during, projects? The two he's more keen than ever to load changes, taken from the Valen- gold statue for his portrayal of the bloated awards show. thoughts are not mutually exclu- his plate as full as he can manage. sive.

We should look forward to far tino archive collection, included titular royal. TheKing's Speechwas Revealing in interviews that more of this Renaissance man in a classic scarlet gown, which she also involved in the biggest unwore on the red carpet, a white surprise o(the night (that's right, he took up acting as a means to the coming years, and the expecovercome incomparable shyness, tations will surely be high. jewel-encrusted flowy number, a there were so few surprises, we

D

Film Review Unknown known and Saltare undeniable. So TREVORFIK

STAFF WRITER much so that it becomes insulting to the viewer that we were tricked hile sitting throµgh a view- in to paying admission twice for ing of Liam Neeson's most seeing what amounts to the same recent foray in to the thriller-chase movie. The elements of the chase, genre Unknown, I was struck with a character sifting through an a sense of deja vu. Much like Nee- identity crisis, and pursuit by a son's character in Unknown I was seemingly God-like agency are lost, grasping at straws in an at- present 1.n bpth films, leading me. tempt to corner a feeling of hav- to believe tnat certain elements ing been on this adventure before, were changed just to allow Neeonly something was different. In- son to slide effortlessly into the stead of Neeson being my guide lead role.

While we are on the topic of it was the infinitely sultrier Angelina Jolie in the lead role, com- Neeson, I do feel sorry for the plete with all the explosions and characters he. portrays. From getgrandeur that accompanies most ting his identity stolen and memo-. ry totally wiped o~t, to having his of what Jolie does.

The similarities between Un- daughter kidnapped and sold in to

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sexual slavery, it is not a good time to be portrayed by Neeson.

The story of Unknown, with all of its potential, amounts to little more than a romp through old Berlin as Neeson's character, Dr. Martin Harris, struggles to regain his identity. In Germany to attend a work-related conference, Harris gets in an automobile accident which leaves him in a coma for several days. When awake, he returns to the hotel he was staying at before the accident, where his wife (played with a shocking lack of emotion by January Jones) is spotted with another man who claims to be the real Martin Harris.

With the rugged charm of his looks/ and soothing melancholy of

his voice, Neeson displays the in- cobblestone streets add a touch of nate ability to garner sympathy for mystery to the otherwise thriller his characters and their plight. In by numbers film, becoming a Unknown, however, not even Nee- much deeper, more complicated son's blazing blue eyes can make character than any of the actors on us care about his character. When screen. you leave a film it should be with The sad thing about Unknown a feeling of feigned exhaustion is that it had the potential to be as you have, in a way, struggled such an invigorating, psychologithrough and triumphed along cal thriller. It raises the question with the characters on screen. In of, when everyone thinks you are Unknown, after the conclusion is insane, and you are the only perleaked (far too early), I found my- son in the room to believe you are self caring so little about the main not, have you gone crazy? For excharacter that the ending could ample, it is something akin to benot come soon enough. ing someone who saw Unknown, The movie's one saving grace, and in a room of rational minded apart from featuring the always · people, thought it was a·n original, ravishing Diane Krueger, is Ber- provocative film. lin itself. The cold war relics and

FRIDAY, MARCH 4th, 2011

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www.ufvcascade.ca

Channe1surtin1 Reo lity. . . . reolly?

AMYVANVEEN anything deemed just ridiculous CONTRIBUTORenough to become addicted to.

Whether you want to watch eality television is technically people bake unbelievable sweets unscripted programming that on shows like Cake Boss, Ace of features allegedly ordinary peo- Cakes, and Cupcake Girls, or you ple. Those who are not profession- want to watch the aftermath of al actors are considered ordinary, people who have for too long insuggesting actors carry some sort dulged themselves on such sugarof extraordinary status. There are overloaded treats like Heavy, 600 different forms it takes, sometimes PoundMom, the big hit The Biggest game shows, sometimes voyeur- Loser, and the UK's Supersize vs. ism, often it holds some kind of Superskinny.Such shows can either a challenge with a cash prize of induce nausea and disgust or lead sorts because only idiots would to emotional attachments made compete in stupid challenges through that glowing screen in ev(Minute to Win It, anyone?) for eryone's living room. nothing. From its ground breakFor those who want to see the ing roots in the big series Survi- gritty details of life's progression vor and Big Brother,reality TV has from love to marriage to new life, branched off into communities, there is something at every stage. niches, and homes that viewers First comes love thanks to The would normally not want to enter. Bachelorand twin sister The BachThis cheap, both in cost and qual- elorette,Datingin the Dark,and Rock ity, programming offers just about of Love2 or Rockof LoveBus or need

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there be more? If the love train hits a rough patch, though, people can always indulge themselves in watching relationships that are far worse than their own, thanks to shows like Cheatersand ToolAcademy. After love comes marriage and, more specifically, the I Do's.

Wedding dresses, wedding cakes, wedding planning, wedding weight loss, and wedding plastic surgery: there is a lot involved in becoming man and wife, and from the comfort of a couch, anyone can watch it all unfold thanks to drama ridden shows like Say Yes to the Dress,My Big RedneckWedding, Platinum Wedding, and its spinoff Amazing Wedding Cakes.The most horrific train wrecks that are impossible not to watch, though, include Sheddingfor the Wedding where larger than life couples compete against each other to lose the most weight before their

big day and Bridalplasty,which is fairly self-explanatory. After the heavenly nuptials, though, kids come into the picture with Outrageous Kid Parties, Kate Plus Eight, 19 Kids and Counting,and the truly disturbing Toddlers& Tiaras.Kids grow up, though, and they either seem to grow up to be on Beyond ScaredStraight,where convicts tell the gruesome tales of criminal life to juvies, or TeenMom. If the man of the house cannot relate to any of the above shows, there are always some more masculine options, like: Ice Road Truckers,Gold Rush Alaska,and Repoanything.

There are of course the celebrity classics following either Denise Richards or the frighteningly dysfunctional Hogan clan or even that rogue vixen herself, Sarah Palin.

To top it all off, though, are those shows that cannot fit into any category no matter how hard one

tries. Jersey Shoreis in a league all its own with GTL and SBTS.RuPaul's Drag Race definitely marches to the beat of its own drum.. The RealHousewivesare popping up all over the American landscape from NJto Beverly Hills, OC to Miami.

It's only a matter of time before The Real HousewivesDes Moines make their way into the picture. The ultimate reality TV all-stars, though, have got to be the Kardashian clan. No one heard. of them until they enlisted the American public to keep up with them, and audiences are still puzzled by what exactly it is they do.

cascadeArcade Theogewhen exclusive deals rule JOEL SMART SPORTS EDITOR alve recently announced that V with the purchase of the PS3 version of upcoming blockbuster

Portal 2, players would be given a free Windows and Mac OS version of the game. It signals a trend in exclusivity deals that has taken the gaming world by storm lately, but it also provides a glimpse at something far better.

The exclusivity conundrum began many years ago, as console makers struck deals with game companies to produce hit titles only for their particular game systems. It spawned an intense culture of fanboyism, as distraught gamers were urged to take sides in the corporate battle; if you like Mario,you need a Nintendo, but if you like Sonic the Hedgehog,you'll have to buy a Sega Genesis. That same strategy has persevered into the current generation of games as well; Gearsof War fans need an Xbox 360, but Godof War fans need a PlayStation 3.

Though companies owned by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony still make exclusive games, the rising costs of game production have made it necessary for many independent companies to make their games available on as many plat-

forms as possible. To adapt, Sony and Microsoft began a strategy most popularized by Grand Theft Auto. With GTAIII,Sony created an advantage for PlayStation 2 owners by paying Rockstar Games for a timed-exclusive, meaning the game would only be available on PS2 for a specified amount of time. By the time GTAIV was announced seven years later, Microsoft countered with a new strategy that had gamers fuming. The game

would be released on both the PS3 and the 360 at the same time, but the 360 version would receive exclusive downloadable content, including additional storylines and gameplay modes. Microsoft was essentially paying for PS3 owners to receive an inferior product for the same price. Later it was revealed that this content was also just a timed-exclusive, but it was certainly not the only example of gamers being hurt by the battle for

supremacy between Sony and Microsoft. Timed Exclusives would be later met with the late-version having a new polish and more features; gamers were left wondering who got the better deal.

While the Portal 2 deal is sure to leave 360 owners furious, PS3 owners wiU no longer have to decide between purchasing the game for PS3, Windows, or Mac OS, because they will receive all three copies at no extra cost,

thanks to Valve's digital distribution program Steam. PS3 users will simply link their free Steam account to their PS3, and they can then freely download the game to their computers. The deal also includes cross-platform online play.

Gamers should hope this will signal a new era in gaming, where they can play the games they buy on whatever platforms they own, no longer dictated by the fight for financial supremacy. Though Microsoft chose not to allow the Steam integration that makes this innovative strategy possible, if gamers demand more freedom to play the games they want, console makers may be forced to accept those terms.

It is a fantastic proposition to offer for the price of one game: the ability to play your favourite game in the living room on your PS3, as well as on your home computer, and also outdoors on your laptop. When you also consider the unifying possibilities of playing online with others who own the same game, regardless of the' system they are playing it on, that is a future worth pushing for. That is a future for gamers.

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Teen Mom Article TIANA BAIN was able to scrutinize your every CONTRIBUTORmove, word, and relationship in the process of raising that child. hree quarters of a million Such is the case with the MTV seteens between ages 15 and 19 ries, TeenMom. As a little bit of background inbecoming pregnant each year in the U.S. 8'l per cent of these preg- formation for those who are not nancies are unintentional, so it's familiar with the show, TeenMom not surprising that most teenage is a program centering on the lives girls are completely unprepared of four teenage mothers whose for the trials and tribulations of ages range from 17-18.The show becoming a first time mom. What follows the teen mothers in their if, along with the tremendous ad- first year of raising their child.

Some find the show to be very dition of responsibilities that come with having a child, an audience enlightening, as it brings aware-

T

ness to the public on the difficulty of dealing with a child at such a young age.

However, other viewers are not as convinced that the show is a positive model in reflecting the responsibilities associated with becoming a young parent. For example, an episode features one of the Teen mothers, Amber Portwood, violently attacking her baby's daddy Gary Shirley. She is seen punching him in front of their year old daughter, Leah, while yelling out a string of profanities.

Even though this behaviour may turn many viewers off, and cause great conflict, it was one of the highest viewed episodes MTV has had from a reality show. So what

defines the line between bringing awareness, compared to publicising shame?

At the end of each season Dr.Drew, who some may recognize as a counsellor on another reality T.V series Celebrity Rehab, sits down with the teen moms to discuss what has taken place over the episodes. Even with the assistance of a doctor, it's difficult to say whether or not putting your life on a reality show with a newborn is going to have a negative or positive impact on your life, and the way others will perceive teen moms.

With all the teen mom's making a salary of $280,000last year, from their reality show appearance, and

\

a few moving to L.A., such as teen mom Ferrah Abraham did to pursue a modeling career, some may question the teen moms ethics and motives. Are they trying to send a positive or negative image regarding teen pregnancy, or is it simply for the money and fame? Season 2 of TeenMom is coming out with a new and fresh supply of Teen Mother's. Will you be watching?

Who thinks these teen moms have signed on for the reality show wanting to bring awareness to a real problem or wanting the fame previous teen moms have experienced?

Artwork by Tiana Bain

Cascade Journalism ~.0cieryAGM Notice ~~

Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Cascade Journalism Society on March 14 (should quorum not be reached, a second try shall be maae on March 28) Place to be announced Agenda: i) President's Report ii) Treasurer'sReport iii) Editor-in-Chief's Report iv) Presentation of Budget v) Resignation and nomination of directors ,.

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.. ,...

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

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Cascade Playoff Report: Feb 20-26, 2011 PAUL ESAU chances of progressing, or even SPORTS EDITOR surviving until the third game in the best-of-three series. Yet last Women'sBasketball: Thursday the Cascades, led by Zeon Gray and Joel Friesen, put The· Women's basketball team on a show-stopping performance was the success story of the week in front of a hostile crowd to steal with an amazing two game sweep game one 81-80 and put the fear of of the Winnipeg Wesmen in the the Lord into TWU (Get it?). first round of the 2011 CIS playThe Spartans won the· Friday offs. The seventh seeded Cascades and Saturday games 86-69 and (12-12) were expected to quickly 89-75 to take the series and elimifall to the Wesmen (20-4), yet de- nate UFV from the playoffs, but fied expectations by reeling in two the Cascades were never far from commanding victories, 77-63 and enacting a massive upset over the 77-64. UFV enjoyed strong play team ranked fourth in the nation. from Tessa Klassen, Sarah Wierks, and Aleisha Luyken.

Women's Volleyball: The women are off to compete in the Canada West "Final Four" The team headed to Kelowna in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. for the BCCAA Provincial VolleyWhatever they place, it will be an ball Championship last Thursday impressive accomplishment for a with an 8-6 record, good enough team that has shown exceptional for the fourth playoff spot. They growth over the past year and immediately added an imprescontinues to improve. sive 3-0 drubbing of the Camosun College Chargers (25-18, 25-17, 25-20). Led by BCCAA all-stars Men'sBasketball: Kayla Bruce and Brittany Stewart, The team scraped into the CIS the Cascades then faced the firstplayoffs as the seventh seed, and ranked UBC-O, but succumbed in was therefore required to play the three games (20-25,17-25,16-25). dominant Trinity Western UniverThe women played the Capsity squad in the first round. The ilano University Blues in the Cascades were 10-14 on the sea- bronze medal match, losing in son, while the TWU Spartans were four (28-26, 19-25, 23-25, 24-26) to riding a formidable 21-3 record end their season with a respectthat boded evil things for UFV's able fourth place finish.

Men'sVolleyball: The Cascades brought a 5-9 season record into the Kelowna tournament, landing them possession of the sixth and final playoff spot in the BCCAA. Looking for redemption after a less-than-stellar season, the Cascades were hoping to reverse their momentum and earn a trip . to the nationals in Quebec. They were also hoping for a little oldfashioned revenge against their third ranked rivals, the CBC Bearcats, ~horn they faced in the first rou.nd.

Unfortunately, revenge didn't seem to be on the menu as UFV dropped three quick sets to CBC (23-25, 19-25,19-25) and were consequently eliminated from the tournament. The Bearcats moved on to place second in the league, behind powerhouse UBC-O, having gained the unusual distinction of having swept the Cascades in three consecutive games.

On the bright side, UFV's right side hitter Aaron Flanagan was named to the 2011BCCAA second all-star team (rightly so) as one of the most formidable players in the league.

UPCOM:ING GAM:ES

UFV

Heat Reoort Women'sBasketball Men'sBasketball I

"I

"That was one of our better games of the year," said Hamill. "Obviously that first period we scored early and we kept going from there, you know? We took a lot of JUSTIN ORLEWIUshots and we scored on opportuHOCKEY WRITER nities." When I asked him if having Peter Chiarelli in the J?uilding for the game had anything to do fter the Abbotsford Heat with their trouncing of the Heat, dropped two games in a row he simply replied with a smile on to the Oklaht>ma City Barons last his face and said "I don't know. weekend, the Providence Bruins You never know, but either way were in town for a two game set. we were flying out there tonight."

The Bruins are one of the older I also had a chance to ask clubs in the AHL and recently Hamill about his experience with participated in the AHL's ver- the AHL outdoor game. "It was sion of the Winter Classic against .cold, it was freezing, the warm the Connecticut Wale in sub-zero up was the coldest part, but it was temperatures in Connecticut at pretty cool, good atmosphere and Rentschler Field. The Bruins also it was fun, but at the same time, it have Zach Hamill,·a local boy that was absolutely freezing!" Hamill used to play in the WHL for the had two points in the outdoor Everett Silvertips. He got his first game. Hamill said he had roughly game in the NHL last year and has 25 people out to support him that played three games in the show night in Abbotsford, who don't for Boston this year, accumulat- otherwise get to see many Proviing two NHL points. He has also dence BruiI\S games due to displayed some of his best hockey tance and schedule. "It was nice with the Providence Bruins these for their support and for them to last two years and could make a see a good game and see us get the permanent jump into the NHL as win." early as next season. Boston BruThe following night the Heat ins General manager Peter Chi- was looking to dish a little pay arelli was in the press box for this back to the Bruins for the 4-buzz contest to check on his prospects drubbing they took the night bewhile the Boston Bruins were fore, and did they ever. The Heat staying in Vancouver for four days came out with five unanswered awaiting their Saturday night con- goals in the first two periods of test with the Canucks. this game. Then, after giving up After The Providence Bruins two in the third, they added one gave the Heat a 4-0 beating last more to put the dagger in the BruFriday (their inaugural one dol- ins, splitting the weekend series lar hot dog night), and with Heat one apiece. Stephan Meyer had a coach Jim Playfair unavailable for hat trick and an assist for a fourcomment after the game, I had a point night and Ales Kotalik had chance to chat with Zach Hamill, four assists in the 6-2 victory. who was the game's third star.

The Heat are on the road for

r -----------A

March4: UFVvs. Sask@Sask. @7:15 p.m.

Eliminated

March5: BronzeMedalGame@ 5:00 p.m.

March5: GoldMedalGame@ 7:00 p.m.

Me~'sVolleyball

Woman'sVolleyball

Eliminated

Eliminated

UFVr,1en's HockeyClub(B.C.I.H.t.)

March04: UFVvs. SFU@MSA@7:00 p.m. *EAC= Envision AthleticCenter(oncampus) • AESC=AbbotsfordEntertainment an~SportsCenter(oncampus)

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SCORE BORR□

five games before they return to the AESC to faceoff with the Pittsburgh Penguins farm club, W-B Scranton (for you Office fans) on Men's Basketball Women'sBasketball March 11. Don't forget to look for February 26: UFV @ Winnipeg student deals on Abbotsford Heat Februar_y24: UFV @ TWU W 77-63 · W 81-80 tickets.

In the tight North division February 25 UFV @ TWU February 27: UFV @ Winnipeg W 77-64 · . playoff race the Abbotsford Heat L86-89 are sitting in fifth place and four February 26: UFV@ TWU points out of the final playoff L 89-75 spot. The Moose and the Marlies Men's Volleyball are starting to pull away, but the Women'sVolleyball Heat is still in the race with 13 of February 24: UFV vs. Camosun February 24: UFV vs. CBC L 3-0 their games left against divisional W 3-0 opponents. Maybe a little fan sup- February 25:. UFV @ UBC-0 port would help? With Heat for- L 3-0 ward Greg Nemisz being called 26: UFV vs. Capilano up to the big club in Calgary, the February L 3-1 · big question has to be asked; if Kotalik keeps up his play mak- UFV Men's Hockey Club (B.C.I.H.L) ing points, will he be called up to the Flames after the deadline? The February 25: UFV@ Okanogan L 1-0 Abbotsford Heat is 28-24-3-5 at week's end.

February 27: UFV vs. Victoria L 1-0

www.ufvcascade.ca

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FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

SPORTS & HEALTH

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UFV hockey team will fold without funding NICOWHODGESteam has had two appearances to

CONTRIBUTORthe finals in their five years of operation, and though they did not make playoffs this year, that is the nocl<,knock.

Who's there? least of their worries. Instead of The UFV men's hockey team. strategizing for next season, playThe UFV men's hockey team ers are wondering, with the lack of who? funding and varsity status, if there will even be a next season at all.

Exactly.

"The guys want to play," says JarThis story all began when I rett Craig, the team's head coach was casually talking with a fel- this past year, "they have the right low student and I mentioned the mix of skill and heart, but sadly it UFV hockey team. That student may be getting to the point where looked at me with confusion and that is no longer enough." said, "UFV has a hockey team?"

Team captain Nathan Sagert That was the breaking point for wants nothing more than to see me, and I began my journey into the team succeed and implement exposing the nitty-gritty truth be- some much needed upgrades as hind this overlooked and under- he finishes off his fifth and final funded team. season. The first area of improveThe UFV hockey team is com- ment would be obtaining varsity prised of 22 skaters and three status, which would be tremengoaltenders. In the British Colum- dously beneficial for the team, the bia Intercollegiate Hockey League students, and the school's athletic (BCIHL) the Cascades have three program. "We could have someplayers amongst the top 20 in the one from a paid position oversee league: Matt Ehrenreich, who led and run the day-to-day dealings," the league last year in points, An- says Sagert. "Immediate financial drew Shaw, who is top 10 in rookie security would be another thing, scoring, and fifth-year veteran as the team currently runs on a and captain, Nathan Sagert. The year-to-year basis. With a varsity

K

INSIDE

status, the team would be recognized from the school and subsequent surrounding community. It would create a reason for people to become interested in the school.

Hockey is such a huge sport within this area and UFV is the only school in our league with a rink on campus. The school has the opportunity to have hockey games on a Friday night where students could walk right from class and go watch a high quality University product."

Jhim Burwell, Student Union Society (SUS) communications administrator, understands the struggles of the team: "It's a situation where the hockey club has always been just that, a club. They are full of am,bition and represent the University name well, but for a varsity designation, it won't happen until the University can get on board. It comes down to a question of where can you pull that money from to put it into the team?"

To run the team using the bare essentials is a minimum of $30,000.

Without adequate funding, it is extremely difficult to compete against other teams in the league.

JOEL SMART season. Suffice to say, neither he, SPORTS EDITOR nor anyone else, was expecting him to play a leading role down hen Alex Edler was side- the stretch for the Canucks just a lined with a back injury that few months later. required surgery, it was the start Tanev did attract attention in of a domino effect that saw almost his rookie season with the Tigers, every defenceman on the team suc- though, with 28 points, includcumb to injury. Fans of the freshly ing 10 goals, and an astounding first-placed Canucks were worried 33 plus-minus rating that lead to say the least, but terrified might the team and put him amongst be a better choice of words. With a the top of the league. His perforgoal and nine points in 39 games mance earned him AHA Rookie of the Week three times and he ultiwith the Moose, Christopher Tanev was not likely to make up mately received the AHA Rookie for the lost offensive talent Edler of the Year award. He was also inhad provided, but at 6'2" and 185 cluded in the 2010Atlantic Hockey All-Tournament pounds, he was going to do his Championship best to recreate the security on the Team, after he helped his team to a blue line that the team needed. school-best 28 wins, including two His first game was very solid, game-winning goals. RIT Head and included an impressive play Coach Wayne Wilson is quoted to break up a 2-on-l, barely get- on the Tigers website describing ting a skate on the pass to prevent Tanev's considerable value after he a sure goal. After losing Hamhuis, was signed to the Canucks: "Chris Ballard, Alberts, and Bieksa, the enjoyed an outstanding freshman responsibilities facing Tanev were year and was a key part of our suchigher than ever, and it was easy cess. He is a tremendous skater, to forget that the 21-year-old rook- passer, and has a great feel for the ie played his first NHL game on game."

January 18 against the Colorado Before playing NCAA hockey, Avalanche.

Tanev played three seasons in the That he can pass for a regular Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey on the top team in the NHL, pro- League, from 2006 to 2009. He viding a high enough level of play played for the Durham Fury and to keep the Canucks at the top of the Stouffville Spirit before finthe League for well over a month, ishing off his final year with the is a colossal testament to the de- Markham Waxers. That season velopment he has shown in just a was quite productive for Tanev, as few short months. Tanev signed a he lead the team in defencive scorthree-year $900,000 contract with ing, served as an alternate captain, the Canucks on May 31, but even and even grew six inches. the optimistic didn't see him adTanev's first NHL point came vancing past the Moose for at least in his fourth game, with an assist a couple seasons. on a Dan Hamhuis goal. While Last season, Tanev was play- he'll likely play next season in the ing hockey with the Rochester In- AHL, if he continues to improve at stitute of Technology Tigers. The the pace he has, it won't be his last.

Tigers make up one of 12 teams in In the future, his solid defensive the Atlantic Hockey Association play will likely include a larger of(AHA) a division one conference fensive element, much like the CaNational Collegiate Athletic As- Iiucks have grown to appreciate in siociation (NCAA). In fact, Tanev Alex Edler. Chris Tanev lias been a was a Rookie for the Tigers last real season-saver for the Canucks.

W

HOCKEY WRITER here was so much going on in the world of hockey last T week; intense playoff races in both

son. Not that they will win a Cup anytime soon, but they seem to be moving in the right direction.

Let's end this week's Locker Room with a rumour. I was lucky enough to attend both of this year's outdoor games, and though I found the Winter Oassic more organized, bigger overall, and a greater showcase of talent, though the Heritage Oassic was incredibly popular. In fact, it made the most money for a single event in NHL history, not to mention it had the third-highest merchandise revenue, and had the fourth-highest viewership for a regular season game on Versus. So the question is: which teams get the next Heritage Oassic?

The Vancouver Canucks are one of the best teams in the league and the Maple Leafs has shown a sudden surge of young talent.

The Leafs have had nothing to cheer about since Vancouver put them away in 1994 in five games in the third round of the playoffs and then in 1997 when the Flyers dropped them from the third round in seven. The Canucks have been to the finals two times in their 40-year history and.lost bo!h of them; one resulted in a riot. The

riously consider what they are going to do to help. The team needs funding and varsity status, period. "The school has something special that the Student Uhion Society has recognized and supported the last five years," says Sagert.

"Now it's time for the school to help out with the program and develop something that the school can build on to help create a social experience that compliments its great academic record."

At the end of it all, in its more simplistic form, the hockey team is a group of committed men who love their sport and want to continue playing it while they finish their schooling. Sagert emphasizes the importance of the full University experience, "To me it isn't just about going to class and getting a degree but also the experience that you get with that degree.

I can honestly say that I owe my entire social University experience to the UFV hockey team. Thanks to all the guys w~o I played with over the years. I loved every minute of it."

Tanevdoes his best Edlerimpression,saves season

THE

JUSTIN ORlEWla

conferences, coming off the Heritage Oassic in Calgary, oh and the trade deadline. Very exciting times in hockey, there have been over 20 trades before deadline and it seems to be only five teams having fire sales. The Ottawa Senators who have been shipping people off like the Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Blues, and the Thrashers. The only problem is that Toronto, St. Louis, and Atlanta are still in the playoff hunt. Strangely, most of the moves are not happening right on deadline day; this year it has become trade deadline month.

Some of the recent big moves that have happened are Kovalev going back to Pittsburgh to fill the void while Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are sidelined. Brad Boyes has been dealt to Buffalo and Eric Brewer has been moved to Tampa to help tighten up the blue line. The Blues have also sent Erik Johnson to the Avalanche for Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk, Stewart has been tearing it up since his arrival in St. Louis with six goals in five games.

Johnson has also been productive since his arrival in Colorado with a goal, two assists, and a plus one in four games. Bryan McCabe has been moved to the Big Apple to help with their battered blue line as they push for the playoffs. Ottawa made a deal with Colorado, getting Craig Anderson for Dan Ellis. Now Ottawa is starting to win since shipping Mike Fisher to Nashville (so he can be closer to Carrie, who wouldn't want to be?) and acquiring Craig Ander-

The SUS has played a vital role in the survival of the UFV hockey program. "To be completely honest it has been very difficult securing any support from the school other than from the Student Union Society," says Sagert. "I personally would like to thank the SUS for everything they have done for myself and the team. It has simply gotten to the point now where the support from the SUS is no longer enough for the team to be successful and survive in a league that is getting more competitive every year."

Jay Mitchell, SUS vice-president internal, is willing to bring up the issue rather loudly with the UFV administration. "They want to be an awesome school, but don't really focus on doing it right. It's the unfortunate truth about the lack of funding, although I'm pretty sure there are areas where UFV could spend less in order to support the team. SUS has always been happy to fund UFV hockey. We will do whatever we can for as long as we can."

The future of the hockey team is in jeopardy and UFV should se-

Maple Leafs haven't won a Cup since 1%7, the last year before the expansion draft; in fact the Leafs has not even been to the finals since then. Toronto is a close second for Canada's biggest hockey market and Vancouver is an easy third.

Why not put these two franchises into the next Heritage Oassic?

It could be something big for two Canadian franchises; something to cheer about since they have not had much luck in the playoffs in the last 40. It could be done at B.C. place, but with the high chance of rain, Toronto may be the better choice. Toronto's BMO field holds 22,100,but with a few minor, temporary changes could easily seat 35,000. On the plus side for holding the event at one of the two bigger venues, they could fit at least 50,000 fans into the stadiums. So there you have it: Vancouver Canucks versus the Toronto Maple Leafs in next year's Heritage Oassic. I have already heard speculation around the locker room that these will be the two Canadian teams in the next Heritage Oassic.

For more insider info on the NHL and the AHL follow me on twitter@JustinOrly.

FRIDAY,MARCH 4th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

19

SportsYou've Never Heard Of:

Globe Riding

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ALEX WATKINSels over bumps. Both spheres are NEWSEDITOR made of soft, pliable plastic, and are connected to each other by traight out of New Zealand - numerous tiny ropes, all attached home of nude rugby - comes by hand. According to OGO's the latest transportation sensa- website, the ball is "constructed tion that's sweeping the nation: from over 100 square metres (300 globe riding. The sport came to square feet) of plastic, more than be in 1994, when Andrew Akers 1,000 little plastic anchors, about and Dwane van der Sluis invented 600 multi-coloured strings and a giant inflatable ball that people endless hours of welding, glueing, could climb inside of, which they and tieing combined with sweat, initially intended to use for walk- tears, and billions of teensy little ing on water. However, they soon kisses," and stands at 3 metres (11 discovered how much fun the feet) high. balls were to just roll around in There are two types of globes on land, and started a company offered by both companies: harto begin marketing the product - nessei:i and non-harnessed. Harwhich they deemed a "Zorb" - to nessed riders are strapped into the the public as a sport. globe, so they are immobile as it Andrew Akers and his brother rolls. Non-harnessed globes allow David opened the first official their riders to freely move inside Zorbing site in Rotura, New Zea- the globes, but there is a twist land in 1997.In 2006, the pair left water is added. On their website, Zorb after becoming "frustrated Zorb advertises a cold water-filled by an increasingly corporate cul- globe as an excellent hangover ture imposed by [the] new regime treatment. The environments that controlling the company" and riders roll across are specially destarted a new one marketing the signed to enhance the experience, same service and product, which offering all of the hills, valleys and they deemed OGO, according to ramps necessary to ensure an exOGO's website. citing ride.

The ball itself is composed of As a kid, I used to lose my lunch two spheres, an inflatable outer by simply spinning a few times in one and a hollow inner one. The a wheely chair, so I immediately air contained in the outer sphere wondered: do participants ever ... acts as a cushion for the rider, ab- you know... vomit inside of the sorbing the shock as the ball trav- orbs? Conveniently, this topic was

Bear on a wire

MATTHEW TANNER

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RESIDENT BRUINS EXPERT he current Chilliwack Bruins T season seems like it will come right down to the wire. The Bruaddressed on Zorb's website, as it is apparently one of their most frequently asked questions. Surprisingly, they claim that none of the hundreds of thousands of riders that have passed through their grounds have ever vomited because of the ball.

The balls have had immense popularity worldwide - and not just for riding in. Zorbs are one of the symbols to be used in the 2014 Soehl Winter Olympics in Russia.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, president of the Sochi 2014 Olympic organizing committee, explained to the New Zealand herald that "The transparency of Zorbs... reflect the open, accessible and inclusive society that Sochi 2014 Games is helping to !;mild."

The balls have also been requested for NASA research on Mars landings - which Andrew Akers initially thought was a joke - and have been used in Seaworld shows, on the reality television show The Amazing Race, and in musician Peter Gabriel's 2003

"Growing Up Live" tour - where he performed onstage from inside a ball. The term "Zorbing" is even included in the Oxford English Dictionary, and there are two Guinness world records related to the sport (one for the longest ride and one for the fastest).

The nearest place to go globe riding is currently Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, though there is also an OGO site at the Horseshoe Resort in Barrie, Ontario. Unfortunately, participants must be able to reach 5'6" and must weigh less than 250 pounds. Additionally, they offer only harnessed rides.

Official Zorb and OGO balls cannot be purchased by the public, due to the imminent danger of veering off into fences, people, and buses (all of which have actually happened during testing) but many companies make imitations for personal use. So, is globe riding destined to become the future of personal transportation as we know it? We can only hope.

Exclusiveinterviewwith BrendanMorrison JUSTIN ORLEWICZ HOCKEY WRITER fter stumbling into the luck of acquiring press credentials for media day at the Heritage Classic and a free ticket to the game, I was hit with another bucket of good luck. I was sitting in the Abbotsfprd airport waiting for my flight without a wink of sleep, when my close friend Joey wandered into the same undercrowded gate, which was more of a waiting area. This was-the same Joey I used to play hockey with, the same Joey who happens to be married to the sister of former Vancouver Canuck Brendan Morrison, and the same Joey that owed me a favour from way back.

Since the flight was so undersold we sat next to each other on the plane, and caught up with life and chewed tobacco while I melted on the valium my doctor gives me for my fear of flying.

When we touched down in Calgary, Joey called his wife Jen and told her to take one of Brendan's bigger vehicles to pick him up, because there would be two coming to the Heritage Oassic media day, instead of just one. Before we got to the Ramada, Joey told µ1e that he BlackBerry Messenger'ed the former centre of the West Coast Express line and told him to make sure that he gave me a one-on-one at media day. I had met Brendan a couple of times before: at Joey's Stag and wedding. On the stag I even got to golf the last three holes at Niklaus North in Whistler with Brendan's threesome because my foursome turned into a one-some due to alcohol and a lack of golf balls.

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Media day was such a zoo that it took me 15 minutes to find the Calgary Flames dressing room after their practice. I asked the Flames media Rep to find Brendan for me, but he informed me that he may have left already. I roamed around the dressing room chatting with various Flames, still hoping that I would get a chance to have a quick exchange with Brendan. Just as I finished with Backlund and was about to give up, I got a tap on my back from the media rep; there beside him was the Pitt Meadows native, fresh out of the shower.

Hey Brendanit'sbeena while,I don'tknowif you rememberme from Joey's wedding,we alsomet on the stag.

Right, right, Orly, Joey texted me this morning, he told me that you would be looking for me.

Great,let'sget rightto it, first.off whatdid youthink of the ice?

I thought it was pretty good overall, there were a couple of spots where it was pretty chippy· and there were some chunks coming out, but I am sure it will get it fixed for tomorrow.

Youmustbe prettyexcited to be playingin an eventlike this: Yeah man, it's going to be awesome; it's a big game for us, obviously the race is so close out West, but this is a pretty cool environ-

Don'tbe embarrassed. ment to be in right now, a lot of excitement surrounding it, so it's going to be fun.

No, no I won't be, Right now it might be ... It's something hip hop; it's the new Eminem song.

Brendan,I watchedyoufor so manyyears in Vancouver I can live withthat. What's the lastmovieyou saw?In and nowthat you are wearing a CalgaryFlamesjersey, theaters?At home?Onthe whatdoesthat feel like?Was plane?last oneyou saw? it weirdat first?

It was in the theaters, western It definitely was weird at first; I mean we h;q/4 lot of big games against Calg/ry over the years.

The first couple of times pulling on the red jersey was definitely different, but sometimes you gotta go where you are wanted. I am thankful that Calgary has given me an opportunity.

movie, True Grit.

Not bad, goodmovie.

Yeah.

Lo~ing forwardto tomorrow1 It's going to be awesome!

Wellyou'redefinitelytearing it up thisyear. OkayI got the big questionsoutof the way nowI haveto ask youa few personalquestions just to keepthe readershappy, cool?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Let'sstart withyourpregame meal.

Pretty standard man, I alwaY,/ eat brown rice, a couple chicken breasts, a baked potato and a little bit of pasta.

Soundstasty,nowwhat's the top songbeingplayed on your iPodrightnow?And don'tlie!

Top song on the iPod? That's a tough one.

WellI will be watchingyou outthere, Brendan,good luckand take care, good seeingyouagain.

You too Orly.

Out of respect to Brendan, I dedided not to take his photo while he was in his bath towel. Brendan /Morrison was a great sport for this interview and a big part of Vancouver Canucks history, playing on the famous West Coast Express Line. He played Ridge-Meadows hockey just like me and he is a huge part of th<! Ridge-Meadows hockey history and a major credit to BC Hockey heritage. It's fitting th he was a part of the Heritage ssic, representing the Canucks alumni and British Columbia as a whole.

ins did themselves some favours on the weekend, splitting a pair of games with the Vancouver Giants and grinding out a 4-3 shootout win over the Prince George Cougars. The Bruins will need to continue to win games in order to make it into the playoffs.

The Bruins were bolstered on the backend, not just by the return of Bruins captain Brandon Ma!lning, but also the surprise return of Jeff Einhorn from injury. Manning, one of the league's premier power play. quarterbacks, had an immediate impact on the team's performance. He netted a goal and two assists in the three games over the weekend. Manning also logged big minutes five-on-five and on the penalty-kill.

Another bright spot for the Bruins at the moment is the play of 16-year-old rookie forward Brandon Magee. Magee has shown a penchant for scoring big game goals, the kind that can change a season. A couple weeks ago Magee scored the 4-3 game winner over the Kamloops Blazers. This past weekend Magee scored two very impactful goals. First, on Friday, he scored the Bruins third goal of the night, which spurred on a key 5-4 comeback victory over the Highway-I rival Vancouver Giants. Then, on Sunday night, Magee scored the game-tying goal in the third period against the Prince George Cougars, which opened the door for the Bruins to complete the victory 4-3 in the shootout. When asked about his penchant for scoring big league goals at opportune times, Magee confessed that he thrives on big game situations. "[I] like the big games; it's where I can really up the ante and get things done." Brandon has 12 goals, 11 assists and leads the team with an 11 plus-minus rating on the season.

The Bruins will have it tough to make the playoffs this season, but they have the good fortune to, at least, still control their destiny.

Chilliwack is chasing the Prince George Cougars and Kamloops Blazers for the final playoff spot.

Both the Cougars and the Blazers have 62 points, which puts them ·five points up on the Bruins, who sit at the 57-point marker. The Bruins, though, have three games in hand on both of these teams. In addition to this, the Bruins will play the Blazers one more time this season. They will meet this Saturday, March 5 in Chilliwack.

The Bruins will hope for Kamloops to slow down a bit in their coming games. The Blazers have gone 7-2-1-0in their last 10.

Any way you slic,e it, the Bruins hopes for the season will come down to the wire. It is likely that the final game versus the Everett Silvertips on March 19 will decide their fate. It might be a different kind of "March Madness" but with 11 games in 18 days it promises to be just as crazy.

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JIii Candidate Forums vt1 be lileld: • Abbotsford 12:30 to 2:30 p.m, Tuesday, March 8, 20ll

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( 8133) Chilliwack 12:30 to 2:30 p.'m,J:hursday,March 10, 2011 ( A2Ol )

POLLING will take placeonlineat MY.UFV.CA from 12:01a.m. March16 to 11:59 p.m. March22. www.ufvSUS.co • UFV Student Union Society @ focebook.com • twitter.com/UFVSUS SUSsy Stuff--~~

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a.m. to 1 p.m.• UHouse ( F building )

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Wednesday, March 9th • 9 p.m. • Corky's Irish Rub In the Envision A.C. on the 1 Abbotsford Campus '

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