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FORT HEWEEKOFSEPT EMBER26TH VOL UME47/I SSUE3
CONTENTS
Ryan Macfarlane
Editor-in-Chief einc@themeliorist.ca @_ra_mac
Alisha VanWieren
Campus Life Editor cl.editor@themeliorist.ca @vdubsmeliorist
Andrew McCutcheon
Garrett Bishoff
Meredith Pritchard
Travis Robinson
Features Editor f.editor@themeliorist.ca @smartstooge
Opinions Editor o.editor@themeliorist.ca @CoffeeAndLiars
Arts + Entertainment ae.editor@themeliorist.ca @mereyrose
Sports Editor s.editor@themeliorist.ca @sivartrobinson
Business Manager
Production Manager
b.manager@themeliorist.ca
p.manager@themeliorist.ca
Nico Koppe
Kenzie Ferguson Keely Goulding
Advertising + Distribution Manager
Photo Editor
Printing
Mohamed Hassen
Karl Johnston
Design Assistants
Kjel Erickson
a.manager@themeliorist.ca
p.editor@themeliorist.ca
Creative Director + Illustrator
Copy Editor
Sam Loewen
c.director@themeliorist.ca
Southern Alberta Newspaper Group Cover
Emma Ferguson
c.editor@themeliorist.ca
Sam Loewen + Kjel Erickson
Contributors
Dr. Jay Gamble Matthew Gal Ben Toner Jenna Schwartz Amanda Berg Adam Roy Arden Shibley
The Meliorist:
Mel-ior-ism (meel始e riz始m) the doctrine that the world tends to become better or may be made better by human effort
CAMPUS LIFE OPINIONS FEATURES SPORTS ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT TLFS STUDENTS UNION SU166, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge AB, T1K 3M4 Phone (403) 329 2334 themeliorist.ca @The_Meliorist
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear, Editor: I am writing in regards to the drastic cuts to Alberta’s post secondary education system. As you know, the Redford government ran on an election platform of modest, if predictable and stable funding to post secondary schools in Alberta. Redford explained that post-secondary education would see a two per cent increase each year for three years.
On March 7 of this year, the government dropped a budget that made cuts to post secondary education of more than 7%. Our schools are still reeling, and the full effect of these cuts will not be felt for some time. These cuts have devastated our institutions. Now, our Minister of Advanced Education Ignorance, Mr. Thomas Lukaszuk has said that students will not feel the effects of these cuts: “not on the backs of students,” is the oblivious rallying cry of the Redford government. I would expect that students are already feeling the effects of these cuts with a rise in non-instructional fees, with fewer course offerings, and other signs of the disaster that will be unfolding over the next few years. Mr. Lukaszuk is quite delighted with the fact that he has frozen tuition; bear in mind, students, that this tuition freeze lasts for one year. When your tuition skyrockets next year, be sure that your anger is directed at the proper source. Mr. Lukaszuk has attempted a divide and conquer strategy: he has attempted to woo students with a tuition freeze, with quarterly meetings with student leaders, and numerous photo-ops with students. The students I know at the University of Lethbridge can see through this charade. Mr. Lukaszuk has also stated that he has not heard much from students or their parents. And it is this claim I hope you, students of the University of Lethbridge, will prove to be staggeringly inaccurate. I urge you to contact Mr. Lukaszuk. I urge you to follow the #abpse hashtag on Twitter. I urge you to get involved and demand that the government reverse these cuts; let’s protect the University of Lethbridge and your education. Let’s show Mr. Lukaszuk and the Redford government what a united, educated citizenry is able to accomplish.
P.S. The opinions expressed in this letter are mine and do not reflect the views of the University of Lethbridge or its administration. P.P.S. You may contact the Honourable Thomas Lukaszuk at the following addresses: Twitter: @ThomasLukaszukMLA Phone: (780) 427-5777 Fax: (780) 422-8733 Snail Mail: Lukaszuk, Thomas, Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister Office of the Minister Enterprise and Advanced Education 408 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Regards, Dr. Jay Gamble
— 3
CAMPUS LIFE
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— JENNA SCHWARTZ
Before you start planning that intervention, realize that this describes you to a tee, and begin the self-hatred (or pride – either works). Let’s take a moment and try to determine why we, or your beloved junkie friend, are the way we are. It could be that we’re vain, plain and simple. Maybe we’re insecure. Maybe we’ve been conditioned, since we were young enough to stare at a TV, that this is how the big girls do it. Perhaps it is a form of self-expression. Personally, it’s a blend of all the above. Just remember, beauty is only skin-deep. And you know what else is skin-deep? Makeup. Therefore, makeup equals beauty. See what I did there? Let us take a stroll down memory lane. The year is 2004/2005 and the grade is six. It was around the time that my friends and I discovered makeup. I remember going over to my cousin's house one day – she being the same age – and we decided to get dolled-up. We looked undeniably ridiculous, but that was beside the point. We had makeup! We were pretty! We were adults. I also remember the disappointment her dad felt at seeing us so delighted in such an ugly mask. He expressed his concern to my mom, and I was given the talk about how I should love the skin I'm in and that I don't need makeup... I'm beautiful already.
It didn't sink in. And so, here I am: Twenty-something, and just as reliant on makeup as ever. This past year, I've tried to look a little more natural, not because I disagree with the idea of makeup, or that I should be more honest in my appearance, but because it's bad for my skin. People relentlessly ask if I’m feeling okay, or if I’m tired. “No," I respond. They don't believe me. “I'm just wearing less makeup,” I explain. Is someone without makeup so rare that it's now unappealing? Or, is a me without makeup so rare that no one knows what to think? Neither scenario is any good. I posted the photo “Facebook Post” on Facebook after I had made a status explaining the “Makeup Issue” that I was attempting to explore. Regardless of the fact that I had caked on makeup and that this photo is not a true representation of myself, within minutes the photo had multiple likes and comments saying how beautiful I was. People who I haven't interacted with in months – years even – suddenly noticed and “liked” the picture. I liked the attention. Who wouldn't? It suddenly validated what I had been striving for since the sixth grade: I am pretty, I am worth it. (Thanks, L’Oreal™.) But only artificially so. Even without a smile, a done up face
garnered everyone's attention. There were no comments regarding the melancholy, lachrymose look in my eyes, just how beautiful I looked with a little face paint. The photo served the exact purpose I thought it would. The done up me is far more worthy of attention than the au naturel me. What am I supposed to take away from that? Don't get me wrong, I quite like the photos of myself done up; I am a junkie, and mascara is my blue crystal meth. But why is it that I only hear the words, “You're so pretty,” or “You’re so beautiful,” when I've taken great pains to look good? “The Makeup Issue” resulted in a “Before and After,” seen above. Which do you prefer? I may never know your preference, but for now, I'll take solace in the fact that makeup can always make me pretty, I can quit whenever I want to, and my mother thinks I'm beautiful.
— 5
CAMPUS LIFE
Embarrassing stuff happens to the best of us. Itʼs usually not funny at the time, but it can make for a hilarious story. Appearing in your university newspaper for the firt time is a safe place where you can anonymously air all of your dirty laundry (in around 150 words, although expections may be made). Submissions can be emailed to me cl.editor@themeliorist.ca or (eventually) submitted online. So, I was really drunk with my friends at 50s Rockabilly night at the Biltmore, which was awesome. But we left to get some food and stumbled upon a karaoke bar, and my friend was super excited, so we went in and we signed up to do two karaoke songs all together. One was “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” which we rocked, and then my other friend and I were going to do a duet to “Roxanne.” But, halfway through the song, he just walked off stage, and I was too nervous to finish the song, so I just said, “This is my worst nightmare,” into the microphone and ran out of the bar. One time, being my inattentive self, I somehow managed to get the hem of my skirt tucked into my underwear without noticing. I then proceeded to meander about campus for a couple of hours until someone pointed it out. Needless to say, the experience was embarrassing, and I now check to see where my skirt has ended up before going anywhere!
I went to Sodexo – and this is kind of a good story about Sodexo – and I got a thing of sushi, and then I was walking through the atrium and I tripped over nothing, and I punched the plate of sushi out of my hand, and sushi went everywhere, and the only people who were there were the Valentines Candy-Gram people and these DJs, and they were all staring at me awkwardly. Then, this man came up and picked up all my sushi for me, took me back to Sodexo, and gave me some free sushi. He was the manager of Sodexo, so it was really nice.
So, I walked in the house, taking a break from cutting the grass, and the phone rang, and it was my buddy. So I picked it up, and I’m talking to him, walking around the house on the cordless phone, and we’re having whatever conversation we’re having. Then it hits me that while I’m talking to him, I have to pee. Now, instead of being like, “Hey, I’m going to call you back in two minutes,” I thought, I will just be sneaky about it and he will never know it happened – plus when I’m done, end of story. So I walk in the bathroom, I put the phone between – well ear and shoulder technique, right – so I’m talking to him, and I got one hand holding down the waistband of my underwear and shorts and the other hand… steering. And while I’m talking to him, I’m kind of oblivious to the situation, and the phone slips out from between my shoulder and my ear and falls towards the toilet. So in an act of panic, I reach out to grab it, but when I do, I let go with both hands. I’m looking down to catch the phone, the waistband comes up, but it doesn’t go up all the way. I’m staring face down into a fountain of myself. All my buddy on the other end hears is “Ahhhhhhhgluglgugluglguglgugugh!!!!!” *sploosh*. Cordless phone in the toilet. I called him back on the landline after I showered. And that is the story of how I peed in my own face.
— 6
CAMPUS LIFE After running in the Color Me Rad race with the guy I was seeing, we obviously needed to wash the paint off of us. What better way to do this than showering together, right? Wrong! The shower was great, but all my clean clothes were in my car, so he went to get them as I stood in the kitchen in a towel. At that moment, his mom walked in the front door and decided it was the perfect time for a lengthy conversation. Moral of the story: don't have sexy showers mid-day when you still live at home with your parents.
So, one night, my roommate and I decided it would be a good idea to drink two bottles of wine and then invite people over and then drink two more bottles of wine. At the time, I was having casual sex with one of my friends and he was one of the four or five people we decided to invite over. I guess I really wanted to get laid that night, because when he left to go home (he had to write an exam the next morning) I decided to run after him yelling “Wait for me, I’m coming with you!” To make matters worse, although he kept telling me to go home, I continued to follow in hot pursuit. After running after him for a bit, I fell down on the road and cut my leg open, and was bleeding everywhere. I lay in the middle of the road moaning, “Go on without me!” but unfortunately, he came back. I don’t remember anything until the next morning when I woke up next to him, fully naked in his bed, neither of us very satisfied. Needless to say, we don’t talk any more.
I had been dating this guy for a little while, and we were just starting to figure out what the other liked in bed. I remembered, a couple months before, his brothers joking about some guy who asked his girlfriend to call him Spider-Man in bed. As a joke, halfway through getting it on one time, I asked him to call me Spider-Man. He didn’t think it was a joke, and called me Spider-Man until it was over.
I had a sinus infection and had to use nasal sprays and a Neti Pot to clean it out. One day, I had the guy I was seeing over at my house, and I thought it would be a good idea to clean out my nasal cavity before we hooked up. After I was finished using my Neti Pot, I tried to seductively get on top of him and start something sexy, but a big snot ball fell out of my nose and into his mouth and eyeball. The moment was killed, to say the least.
One night, I accidentally had very drunk sex with my friend’s best friend. Fast forward two years. I am drunk again and have sex with his roommate. Thanks to Facebook, the next morning I realize he was my friend’s weird neighbour we grew up with, and friends with my little brother. As if this isn't awkward enough, guy number one from two years ago decides to grace guy number two and me with his presence in the morning, while we are still in bed, and decides it is a good idea to lay in between us and chat. I guess it is a small world after all.
A couple of months ago, I got a yeast infection. I was too embarrassed to go get Monistat, so my saint of a boyfriend went for me. I took the pill and put the box in his glove box, completely forgetting about it. A couple days later, his mother decided to clean out his car, glove box and all. She then decided to text me out of concern for the state of my “lady parts.”
— 7
ARDEN SHIBLEY
ADAM ROY
KJEL ERICKSON
OPINIONS
— MATTHEW GAL "It's good to be in something from the ground floor. I came too late for that, and I know. But lately, I'm getting the feeling that I came in at the end. The best is over." It was January 10, 1999 when Tony Soprano spoke this immortalising statement. While it had specific relevance to him and his situation, its immortality is a result of its echo across the television landscape. The Sopranos was in on the ground floor. In fact, it was the ground floor. It took a sophisticated and challenging look at a morally ambiguous anti-hero and the challenges he faces because of the violence and love intrinsic to his nature. Tony had one thing very wrong, however. The best was not over – not by a long shot. In the decade following The Sopranos, television entered what many critics now regard as a golden age. Raw, layered television became a mainstay of many cable networks – most notably HBO, Showtime, AMC, and FX. A very particular type of show championed this golden age, propelling television from the arena of lesser art into the arena of films and novels. This type of show is now aptly referred to as the anti-hero drama. Often, these shows depict morally opaque characters who operate within or without the bounds of the law as it suits his or her ends. These shows are not just prevalent, but they saturate the television market. Why? What is it about these anti-heroes that we find so compelling? The obvious answer is that we live vicariously through the anti-hero. Wouldn't it be nice to smoke, drink, and womanize like Mad Men's incorrigible Don Draper? We can fantasize about these things without actually having to suffer the moral and societal ramifications these behaviours entail. We also feel good passing judgement when these characters are forced to face the consequences of their renegade actions. I think vicarious experience as an explanation for our enjoyment of anti-hero dramas is overly reductive. Let's look at the superbly crafted Breaking Bad as an example. Breaking Bad begins with an almost painfully good man, whose choice to cook methamphetamine is a result of underachievement, a life of bitter disappointment, and inoperable and terminal lung cancer. Walter White is heartbreakingly sympa-
— 10
thetic, and even those who would decry the vehicle he chooses to provide for his family must ultimately concede that his reasons for doing so are admirable. The show devolves into a series of moral scenarios, the results of which leave Walter in a more corrupted state than when he began. We see the deterioration of a soul, blackened and withered by the expanding ink ripples of little compromises and decisions that erode any semblance of the good man we thought we knew. There is little about Walter's descent that audiences enjoy or fantasize about. His life and the decisions he makes are never glamorized, yet there is something undeniably
—
— appealing about Breaking Bad. I think it has a lot to do with the philosophical musings that Walter's life affords us. Art allows us a safe place to contemplate the decisions we might make were the world – more specifically, our situation in the world – tweaked ever so slightly. It represents our world as only one of many possible outcomes – and consequently, our morality as just one of many moral schemas. It is this ambiguity which drives our interest and the astounding quality of these shows. The Shield's Vic Mackey, both cop and criminal, does his best to uphold the law in a broken system, but he never forgets to take a slice of the pie for himself. Dexter, a serial killer, feeds the beast inside of him (an addict narrative if ever there was one) but he also eliminates “bad guys.” Tony Soprano is a mobster who kills, lies, and steals, but he does everything for his family. The examples are endless, and so too are our reactions to these characters –
yet, the metaphysical choices appear so familiar. Who among us could say for sure, that given the life of one of these characters, faced with the same decisions, we wouldn't come to some of the same conclusions? And if we would act differently, how so? That, too, says much about us and how we view the world. The Sopranos ended on June 10, 2007. Television would never be the same. The Sopranos not only crafted a hero out of a mobster, but carved a human being out of wretched actions and impossible decisions. The Sopranos showed us that ambiguity was about to be the weapon of choice for a new generation of television writers – and the experiences of audiences is richer for that. Take the final scene of The Sopranos. Tony Soprano is eating dinner with his family at a restaurant while an ominous calm enshrouds them. A man stares at Tony from the bar while "Don't Stop Believing" plays over the whole scene. The Soprano's cuts to black. Just as polysemous as it began, The Soprano’s leaves us forever unsatiated. Our only option left is to project our opinions onto the ending. Did Tony go on to live a rewarding life with his family, or was he gunned down for the atrocities he committed? How we answer that question says as much about us as it does the anti-hero.
OPINIONS
— GARRETT BISHOFF The world’s major military powers have been playing a back-and-forth teasing contest for decades. Iran threatens Israel with nuclear war before breakfast every morning. North Korea holds the world’s largest unfed (yet somehow miraculously) standing army. While China and Russia take turns vetoing everything the UN does (i.e., not much). Yet, in spite of all this, a band of rebels in a small Middle Eastern nation, backed by the very thorns in the Security Council’s side, has inspired the world to take action through a passive vote. The Syrian government under Bashar Al-Hassad felt the effects of the Arab Spring in 2011 when thousands of protesters took to the streets to make their voices clear, in sync with millions across the Arab world, stretching from Tunisia to Yemen. These protests, contrary to some opinions, were not against Islam as a religion, but the seemingly omnipresent oppressive governments across the region. This is not a religious war, though the Islamic religion’s influence has no doubt played a major role. The protests soon grew into violent episodes, and very quickly the country was brought into a vicious civil war. Currently, over 100,000 are estimated to be dead, with countless more wounded and imprisoned on both sides. Until recently, as with most countries affected by the Arab Spring, the world refused – at least officially – to step in. The world, instead, let things work themselves out – a policy many agree with today. With UN sanctioned air strikes and a blockade to aid rebels fighting the forces of Gadhafi, Libya
How many Canadians are willing to get involved in another far-off war in the Middle East, when actions in Afghanistan have left many questioning our government’s choices in foreign relations?
was the only nation to receive any direct military foreign aid. Currently, the same issue has risen regarding the nation of Syria, which is located just north of Lebanon and Israel. Syria, long supported by economic giants China and Russia, sent in armed forces to quell the conflict that began with demonstrators. Thus, things escalated into a full-blown civil war. Inside this maelstrom, reports of torture, indiscriminate killings of civilians, and the use of weapons considered illegal have been brought forth on both sides. Details remain sketchy at best due to the current impossibility to get all of the facts straight – as the UN is attempting to do. In the government’s case, Russia and Iran – among other countries – are known to be supplying weapons and aid. Accusations of the government’s use of chemical weapons, and other horrific means of dirty fighting, are arising. On the rebels’ side, support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar – again, amongst other countries – is being used to keep their cause alive while reports of abductions of officials and similar cases of torture and other brutal methods are also being reported. The UN is divided on whether to intervene, but has gone to major lengths to make a decision. “China and Russia, which have refused to agree to a UN Security Council resolution against Syria, insist that any military action without the UN would be illegal.” This quote, from the BBC, reflects Britain’s refusal to intervene, while France is pushing the issue. Canada is also for intervention, and the US is trying to gather enough support to make military strikes similar to those used in Libya. While many nations offer aid in arms, homes for the displaced millions, or secret support, a deadlock on the issue of official intervention persists. The biggest issue that we see is that, while Russia’s stance is firm – providing aid to the government without intervention – the US is still on the fence about what it will do. On the one side, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Turkey, France, and a few others push strongly for intervention. On the other side, Russia, Iran, Britain, and many more call for non-intervention. The fear is that an attack on Syria will bring on Israeli and Iranian strikes against each other, which would involve the US, China, Russia, and other major players, until it escalates into World
War III. That’s a little scary. However, it seems cooler heads are prevailing, in a sense. Britain has voted not to go to war – as have many other nations – and the US recently accepted the resolution to remove all of Syria’s chemical weapons, rather than attack immediately. Closer to home, Canada sits in support of military intervention, forcing us to wonder what we will do if there is any escalation. How many Canadians are willing to get involved in another far-off war in the Middle East, when actions in Afghanistan have left many questioning our government’s choices in foreign relations? It boils down to this: Like Vietnam, Somalia, and other famous past examples, we have learned that it is bad policy to interfere with a state’s affairs – especially those we are not closely connected to. It is also bad to support them only because of the positives that lay in store for our interests alone. To summarize, we should not go into Syria because we don’t have the authority to meddle. On the other hand, there is hard evidence that illegal crimes on an international scale have been committed. As such, it is our duty as a nation of the world – and of the United Nations – to ensure the protection of civilians and those not involved with the war who are nonetheless affected by it. The point is, we must intervene to prevent horrors seen in the past from coming to harm millions of innocents in the present. So where do we stand? Do we go in, bravado and all, to protect human rights, or do we stay back, respectfully allowing the situation to be solved by those involved? I cannot answer these questions, because there is no clear answer – otherwise, these issues would have been solved already. In the end, as far as Canada is concerned, it is up to the people of the nation to make the choice. What do you think should be done? We can only wait now to see what our militant neighbours will do, and whether we will stand beside them in their decision. One can only hope for a quick end to the conflict, one that will make the future a safer place for all. In this, I think, we can all agree.
— 11
FEATURES ANDREW McCUTCHEON
The way superhero origins have historically happened, you would think that radioactive materials were being carted around every side-street, highway, and back alley in the United States. If not for the rise of the radioactive material transport industry, it is safe to say that the world of comic books would’ve been conquered by villains multiple times over. As Canada has very strict policies regarding the unsafe passage of super-power-inspiring waste, we’ve had to turn to alternate methods. Wallie Desruisseaux, proprietor of Ka-Pow comics in Lethbridge, is a man with a more humble origin. He did not fall into a vat of dangerous chemicals, nor was he bitten by any scientifically altered arthropods, nor was he chosen by any intergalactic squads of emerald jewellery enthusiasts. Wallie just had cool parents. “My mom was really into sci-fi and my dad loved Kung-Fu movies,” Wallie recounts on a Tuesday morning in the sunlit foyer of Ka-Pow. “I remember my father hated horror movies, but my mom loved them. When my father would go work on the road, we’d watch them.” Wallie speaks with a breathless enthusiasm and knowledge of all things geek, having grown up on a steady diet of movies, comics, and D&D. Although Wallie’s origins happened over two decades ago, his store is a more recent endeavour. Ka-Pow, the self-proclaimed “favourite comic, gaming and hobby store” of Lethbridge, has been in business for a little over half a year, having recently celebrated its six-month anniversary in August. “It was always that dream, that kind of hazy dream that would never happen,” recalls Wallie. “I had knee surgery, I was sitting at home, a little depressed . . . maybe not depressed, but really bored.” Some may say that necessity is the mother of invention, but boredom seemed to be the key factor for Wallie. “I realized ‘I’m tired of working for people’ and I started thinking, what would my comic shop look like?” Wallie’s explanation reads like the kind of day dreams we all have. An old fantasy coupled with tons of free time would result in nothing but harmless daydreaming for most, but not for Wallie. He quickly set out to make it a reality, and it all started with the name. “We came up with [Ka-Pow] as a joke, and then we thought, ‘Oh my God! that’d be a great name for a comic shop.’” Within a year, the name was registered and Wallie, with the support of his wife, was already searching for places to host his secret hideout of “geekdom.” Ka-Pow’s recent meteoric rise closely parallels the rise of the mainstream geek culture within Western society. It’s in large part due to the success of the recent Marvel and DC films, which have come a long way from their cheesy forbearers.
Although the Tim Burton Batman film of the ‘80s was a commercial success, 2008’s Iron Man can be seen as the first true step toward a mainstream interest in comics and nerd culture; Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man franchise saw incredible success, but Iron Man made it cool to like superheroes. Moreover, the rise of personal technology has supported the mainstreaming of nerd culture. Video games, as a function of our phones, have become intertwined with our daily lives, which has a large part to do with the idea of technological convergence. “These technologies have been in development for over seven decades,” says Dr. David Clearwater, a professor at the University of Lethbridge, “and today they show up in all kinds of consumer electronics and parts of popular entertainment.” When a mass consumer product like the smartphone can also be an e-comic reader and a video game device, in addition to being a personal accessory, it only makes sense that such hobbies are more easily mainstreamed. Moreover, Clearwater cites an increasing amount of leisure time as a factor, saying that “people simply have extraordinary amounts of time to delve into hobbies, interests, and popular culture.” For these reasons and more, it is undeniable that nerd culture has gone through extreme changes within the past decades. Wallie, not only as a nerd, but also as a savvy businessman, understands the necessity for the industry to change along with nerd culture. With its wide-open storefront, organized entrance, and expanded seating area, Ka-pow does not conjure up images of the stereotypically dark, dungeon-esque comic shop. “You walk into Superstore and the first thing you walk into is the produce section: wide open, colourful, you can see everything, and they want you to start exploring,” says Wallie, demonstrating his years in mainstream retail management. “Most comic book shops, you walk in, you’re assaulted by boxes and displays.” Wallie reveals that not only does he have a vast knowledge of comics, but he also has an innate understanding of business and of human nature. Whereas comic book shops have historically been uninviting, Ka-Pow is designed to be nothing but welcoming. “Other stores . . . they got it right,” Wallie adds, “You can look in, you can see what’s going on. And the other thing is, I really wanted to [encourage] women.” This small addendum leads into a veritable Pandora’s Box of issues related to the recent changes in nerd culture. Historically, comics and video games were predominantly considered male hobbies. Although this still colours social perception, it is no longer true. More and more, women are engaging with nerdy hobbies, to the disapproval of some of an old
KJEL ERICKSON
vanguard of geeks. This has led to a nauseating environment of misogyny within nerd culture. The symptoms are clear enough for anyone to see. The term “fake geek-girl” is often casually tossed around, with women being harassed at conventions, and their legitimacy as fans attacked. This misogynistic and distrustful guardianship that men take towards geek-girls is bullying. Once again, Wallie reminds us that what is most important is sometimes what is most simple. “Women read comics,” states Wallie, flatly and authoritatively. “They really do. I’d say at least a third of my comic [subscribers] are women. And they aren’t just reading My Little Pony. They are reading X-Men and Nightwing and Batman and all the major titles. Think of how much nerd culture is for women now. Look at The Avengers. . . . Look at Saga. . . . There tends to be this overwhelming attachment, like they are reaching out and grabbing the female audience.” With one sentence, Wallie conquers the entire issue by recognizing the obvious: Not only do women want comics, but the industry wants women too. What’s good for the geek-goose is also good for the geek-gander. There are no fake geek-girls; there are only people who love these hobbies as much as anyone else. And those people just happen to have two X-chromosomes. How has the old guard of geeky gamers reacted to Wallie and the new mainstream nerd world? Quite well, by Wallie’s account, although there are always exceptions. “I’ll tell the guys, ‘No. You aren’t going to be like that to a new player.’ I want new people to be welcome. I would rather two new people play together than some old guard, stuffy Grognard who just wants to win.” Echoing Wallie’s welcoming sentiments, his flair for business supports his politics of equality. “The old guard that other hobby shops may cater to . . . they’ve bought everything already. These new people haven’t bought anything yet. As much as we pimp out ‘We’re welcoming, come see us, yay, we like everyone!’ – and it’s true, we do – we want people to come buy stuff. It’s how we stay open.” As a final word on the subject, Wallie says, “you [hear] the old guys saying, ‘Oh! These hipster gamers, they only play because it’s cool now’ . . . Well, yeah, it’s cool! That’s why they are doing it.” In this way, if Wallie has a super-power, it’s his ability to remember the most obvious and most important things: people play games because games are cool; women read comics, period; a welcoming business is a profitable business. In this new world of the mainstream nerd culture, with its petty controversies and unwelcoming old guard, it’s important to have somebody like Wallie, and his store, around. It keeps us honest, it helps us remember what’s important, and it’s just a damn nice addition to downtown. He’s not the hero this city deserves; he’s the hero this city needs.
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FEATURES
“About two years ago, [in] October I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. So, I had to leave school, go for treatment, stay with my family, and it was during my treatment that my cousin in Ottawa came across this party. She picked me up a T-shirt and mailed it to me.” Riley Miller points to the bright green words saying “Fuck Cancer” adorning his black T-shirt, which no doubt attracted much attention on his way to meet me in the middle of the SU Food Court. Close to one-in-three Canadians have been touched by cancer in some way, through friends, family, or themselves. I once counted myself among the fortunate few who had never put their hand up when asked the question: Who can name someone they know affected by cancer? That was until last year. Not only did a friend of mine undergo long treatment for stomch cancer, thankfully without relapse, but I also found out a close relative was diagnosed with the same form that Riley himself has survived. Cancer remains an almost forbidden word that scares not only children, but adults too, and for most would rather be swept under the carpet and forgotten – but not for Riley. His goal “has been about two and a half years in the making,” trying to bring a special kind of event not only to Lethbridge, but to western Canada, and for the first time. Fuck Cancer started four years ago when Julie Greenwood of Montreal watched as her mother passed away from the disease. “On her deathbed,” explains Riley, “her mom said ‘fuck cancer.’ And it’s been a [tribute] to her mom.” Those words have become a rallying cry for thousands of people touched in the same way. Julie began her organization as a way of reaching out to younger people. Not only does it spread information about cancer, but it also sends the message that it is ok for younger people to help out in tackling the massive impact it has had on the world and individuals. Finding it better than cancer research – something younger people have neither the advanced education nor money for – her approach has gained momentum since starting up in Montreal. Upon learning of the event in 2012, Riley immediately set to work contacting Julie to bring the fundraising event to Lethbridge. “I wanted to bring a party to Lethbridge,” says Riley, “because I think it’s a good location. It’s a university and college city; there’s thousands of students here of our age demographic. . . . It just snowballed after that.”
Fuck Cancer is aimed at the 18-24 age demographic, focusing on the rebellious attitude many express as they are growing into adulthood. A giant fundraiser focused on selling T-shirts with the infamous phrase ends with a party to thank all those who have contributed. “Basically [we] bring together our age group and celebrate like we would do on any other weekend, but make it mean something,” says Riley. This approach has garnered attention in larger cities, not only in Canada, but across North America. From Toronto to Los Angeles, the movement has attracted celebrities like Paris Hilton, Adrian Grenier (Entourage), and Wilmer Valderrama (famous as Fez on That ‘70s Show). It has also developed a partnership with American Apparel, crucial for a T-shirt-based event. Facing the challenge of bringing a big city event to a location like western Alberta, where the low per-capita exposure to cancer has been the biggest hurdle; Riley has had his work cut out for him. While big-name celebrities have popularized “CancerTalk,” bringing the term to kids and people who have a hard time facing it, Riley has had to organize a trail-blazing venture. “There’s been cancer relays before . . . but this one reaches towards our age demographic in how it becomes associated with everyday society,” says Riley. During the event planning, Riley has had to gather contacts and sign contracts for setting up the booth and after-party. No stranger to fundraising for a good cause, Riley has been involved with charities before. “In my second year,” recounts Riley, “I started the ‘Shine a Light’ Muscular Dystrophy button campaign – and I still see buttons today, which is awesome. . . . I was [also] the graphic designer for ‘Staches and Cashes’ last year, and we raised about $5000 there.” Though Staches and Cashes was a month-long event, like Fuck Cancer, “compared to this, the level of organizing [I’ve dealt with before] was basically organized-crime standards” in terms of small operations and low publicity. Riley’s comment may be in jest, but it does highlight the incredible difficulty of running an event like this. Luckily, support from Julie has been flowing, and without any sign of stopping. A company called “Inwykiwyk” (an acronym, pronounced ‘In – Wick – Ee – Wick,’ standing for ‘It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know’) has provided the shirts, and Julie, whom Riley has been in contact with every day, has organized
“the connections . . . the not-for-profits, PSAs, handl[ing] them for me. She also set up the contracts for the club as well as my sales team. . . . [She] provided the building blocks for me.” Riley’s vision of a massive party for those who’ve helped donate will be held at Pulse Nightclub, where entry is gained simply by buying a T-shirt for $25 – cheaper than he has seen at other similarly successful events. As a fifth-year student (technically fourth-year, due to his absence during treatment), Riley understands the pressures facing his peers when considering an event like this. “I wanted it to be in September, when students still have finances and motivation, lack of coursework, and all those other things that play a factor in how engaged students are,” says Riley. The booth, set up in the 1st Choice Savings Centre, has acted like an interactive poster for curious students, allowing them immediately to get information about the event. It has made leaps and bounds when compared to the word-of-mouth advertising of his previous campaigns. “From the sales we’ve had now,” says Riley, “I think we’ve reached 326 T-shirts sold [as of Friday, September 20], and our cap is 600.” And this was before hitting the college. “From what I see, I don’t expect it to be less than a 400 person event.” Riley believes the attraction to this type of event, versus more traditional relays, is in the invasive methods. “Quite frankly,” says Riley, “it’s how blunt it is. I think it’s what catches people off-guard. . . . It takes a spin on a derogatory term to knock down something that is so much more serious. It takes a negative into a positive, so it invokes a kind of awareness. . . . It’s more stimulating in how the approach is, how it reaches out to a certain demographic.” The method seems to be paying off. “So far I think they’ve raised over $100,000 [in cancer research],” says Riley. There’s no sign of the event’s momentum stopping anytime soon. It brings a unique feel to “buying a T-shirt that shows the Cancer ribbon . . . expressing the cancer that’s affected you; . . . there’s nine different colours.” And for those lucky few who have been untouched by cancer, a welcoming attitude is present. “I don’t see any reason why it should be closed off [to people unaffected by cancer]. People who support the Heart-and-Stroke foundation don’t need to have [had a stroke].” The response so far has been tremendous.
“I hear from a lot of people that they’re very excited for it,” says Riley. Many have been offended by the language but “I haven’t yet encountered a person who was so outright offended that they’ve written the event off. I’ve had people approach me and say ‘my mom and dad would be offended if I wore that shirt, but it’s a good cause.’” With such interest, Riley “can’t see why it wouldn’t be an annual event,” and hopes to start a long and powerful tradition. “After the event happens, we’ll see how that goes,” says Riley. The event, says Riley, will have “three DJs, including myself. . . . I hope to get confetti and fog cannons to go off.” Held tonight, Thursday, September 26 at Pulse Nightclub (1016 1 Ave South) at 10 p.m. Riley offers a warning about T-shirt sales: “Smalls and mediums are in high demand, and we sold out of those right away. There’s been actually a high percentage of girls that have bought [them, so] a shout out to the boys that they need to jump on it.” I wish Riley success in his venture tonight, for all those affected by cancer that this organization has inspired and helped.
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ONE TENACIOUS REASON TO KEEP PLAYING SOCCER TRAVIS ROBINSON
ANNEMARIE CLARK
SPORTS
I meet with fourth-year Pronghorns soccer workhorse Shannon Clark at her late afternoon soccer practice. It is an atypically frigid and wet fall day with seemingly no letdown for the gathering crowd of soccer athletes and staffers preparing for the weather ahead. I observe assistant coach Fred Trinh layering up in multiple tracksuits for the practice session. His toque is ill-fitting for a sport that has been spoiled with unseasonably high late summer temperatures, as its season goes into the heart of the schedule. Head coach Ilsa Wong is also heavily layered, with a business-as-usual look plastered on her focussed face that shows her experience working with harsh conditions. Many of the practicing team members are ingenious in their designs to keep warm. Layers upon layers of tights, jackets, and socks appear to be the appointed and necessary uniform for the practice today. Shannon is in stark contrast to her coaches and teammates; she is dressed in street clothes, save for a ‘Horns hoodie that emblematizes her involvement in the game of soccer. Shannon is bubbly and passionate when she speaks of her accomplishments, both on and off the field, in a makeshift interview room (the bathroom of the training facility, to keep us out of the cold). Shannon’s personality seems to brighten the surrounding area with an air of unabashed positivity. As the captain of her team, it is her responsibility that her teammates emulate her warm style and embrace her captaincy as both a peer and a superior. Her captaincy, however, was marred last year in a series of setbacks that ultimately kept Shannon off the field for most of the season. “I completely tore my ACL,” says Shannon. “I decided to just play through it.” This decision, however, came at the cost of further injuring the same knee on a trip to Montana. Such injuries are not necessarily common to soccer players (think ankle and lower leg injuries as the main concerns for these athletes), but are just as devastating as they are to any other mobile athlete. For the natural leader that Shannon is, this recurring injury was just motivation to push her team even further. “I had to retrain my brain not to be hesitant,” notes Shannon, on having to make the push back onto the field. “The only thing I still cannot do well is slide tackle.” Speaking of her gratitude for having recovered enough to make her season debut at the Breast Cancer Awareness Game, Shannon states that “I give more effort now than I can. I don’t take for granted every game.” The captaincy in sports is, of course, the most widely sought-after prize for any athlete wishing to take on a leadership role. The captaincy ensures the captain that their most useful skill, as voted by their teammates, is put to the entire team’s advantage. The captaincy cannot necessarily be taught, because a unique skillset is required to succeed in such a position. The most obvious example of this is the intangible leadership, which comes naturally, rather than through a training process. The captain must have an innate sense to avoid the meddlesome quarrels that can decimate team chemistry and cause younger players in particular to battle one another. Shannon notes that, as a captain who had to watch from the sidelines for a portion of her injured season, the inability to focus her young corps was the hardest part. Shannon’s desire to coach after her Pronghorns captaincy is over is not a unique pursuit. “I want to grow up with the team,” says Shannon. Her ambition is to allow her athletes to grow up with the program much like she did, playing Chargers football from the ages of 12 to 18. Shannon is also quick to point out that in her experience, “former players make the best coaches.” The combination of her innate leadership skills and her previous career as a player already cements the almost immanent coaching legacy that an individual like Shannon Clark will have. As captain, Shannon heads the various philanthropic undergoing’s of the soccer team. This fall, it is the issue of breast cancer that Shannon has chosen for her team to support. Many players are involved with this growing traditional game, but Shannon took the extra step of ordering striking, fluorescent pink jerseys to symbolize the team’s commitment to the cause. For Shannon, breast cancer is a very personal issue. “My friend’s auntie died from [breast cancer],” says Shannon, illustrating her immediacy to the cause. As captain, Shannon is hyper aware that the breast cancer game coincides with her return to the pitch. Although Shannon wishes to put the first win on field for the upstart club before any personal accolades, she notes that “it would be nice to score a goal” as part of her triumphant return. The pink jersey game coinciding with her long-awaited comeback is desirable for any captain, but for Shannon Clark, it is almost fate. As soccer practice commences, with her nearly mummified teammates taking the field for the rain-soaked practice about to get underway, Shannon does not seem too downtrodden not to be on the field. The desire to be with her teammates burns, but it’s her strident attitude towards both her injury and recovery that makes Shannon a true captain, both on the field and off.
I GIVE MORE EFFORT NOW THAN I CAN. I DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED EVERY GAME.
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— MEREDITH PRITCHARD AMANDA BERG
ARTs + ENTERTAINMENT
Erinn first came to the script at Alberta Theatre Project’s Enbridge playRites Festival. “I just fell in love with the story and the rhythm,” says Erinn. “And this one particular image that was Cheater and Laurel, separated by a gate, having a conversation in the darkness. And she’s so desperate to gain food for her family; she’s a 16 year old girl, fighting against this older man who has all this control.” The play follows Laurel and her family, after they have been quarantined because a virus outbreak that has taken over the city. Their only access to the outside world is through Cheater, their old gardener, who refuses to talk to anyone but Laurel, leaving her with the responsibility of gaining food and information for her family. “This is a very dark play,” says Erinn. “This isn’t a happy play – like The NeverEnding Story, for example. Nor is this a classic tragedy, like Shakespeare. But, I think because TheatreXtra is known to be a little different, and draws in a different audience, it’s okay that you’re going to leave with a less-than-happy feeling.” TheatreXtra is a student-run theatre company based out of the university. They provide students with the opportunity to direct, act, design, and stage-manage their own productions in a safe, judgement-free environment. “What I see TheatreXtra being,” says Erinn, “is an opportunity to test the boundaries of theatre – and this play has some challenges in it. It’s a nice cast, as it’s balanced: two men, two women. And it’s small, which is always nice for TheatreXtra. But what I love about it is that we can push the boundaries in the content.” This is Erinn’s first time working with TheatreXtra. However, her passion for directing runs deep. “I love taking a piece of work and turning it from a vision in my head in[to] real life on stage. There’s something very powerful about when your actor becomes that character, or when that set piece moves in and suddenly you’re taking it from your head and putting it there for everyone else to see. When I get passionate about something, I get really passionate about it, very intense about it. So, being able to share that with everyone else, that’s part of what I love doing.” Emily Schoen, a first-year student, successfully auditioned for the role of Laurel. “I have this big emotional scene,” says Emily. “I
didn’t think I would be able to do that, but I have gotten there.” There are a lot of big emotional waves the actors have to ride throughout the show, and it takes a solid connection throughout the cast to make those moments possible. “These are all very talented people,” says Emily. “And I love working with them.” Particularly, Emily enjoys the cast’s many inside jokes, such as Cookie Tuesday (where they bring cookies to rehearsal on Tuesdays. Simple, but effective.) This is a very dark play, with some mature content. “It’s very twisted,” says Emily. “I like how it’s an open end; you don’t know what’s going to happen.” With all of these emotional twists and turns, Erinn hopes the I want them walking out of that show feeling audience will take some of something. I don’t care if they’re pissed off it away after the show ends. because of what I put them through. I don’t “I want to see the care if they’re terrified. I don’t care if they’re audience reaction,” says crying. I want them to feel something. Because, Erinn. “That is the biggest test for me. I want people to me, as a director, that is the most to feel. I want people to important thing, is to make people feel things. be moved. If they walk out of here – out of the theatre – and they’re just kind of like, ‘Well, that was a show. So, what do you want to have for dinner?’ I haven’t done my job. I want them walking out of that show feeling something. I don’t care if they’re pissed off because of what I put them through. I don’t care if they’re terrified. I don’t care if they’re crying. I want them to feel something. Because, to me, as a director, that is the most important thing, is to make people feel things.” Down from Heaven runs September 26 to 28, with the show starting at 8 p.m., and a matinee at 2 p.m. on September 28 in the David Spinks Theatre at the university. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for alumni and seniors, and $12 for adults. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office, or you can purchase tickets online at uleth.ca/tickets, or call (403) 329-2616. If you get the chance to look at a show poster, make sure to read the fine print; the articles on them are based off of things from the play.
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— BEN TONER AMANDA BERG
Jessica Engen, co-artistic director of TheatreXtra, describes this upcoming season as “something we’ve never seen before.” As this new year gets off the ground, clubs and associations all across campus are gearing up in anticipation for the coming months. The student operated theatre company is no exception to the hustle and bustle involved with starting off a new season. The two brand new artistic directors, Raynah Bourne and previously-mentioned Jessica Engen, have been keeping busy over the last months through planning and selecting the content for this upcoming year. Both are excited about the challenges they will face, but also for the learning opportunities they will meet as a team. The two friends both expressed their excitement for working together this year. The directors look forward to the challenges they will face being involved in the company this year. “TheatreXtra is just doing a lot of new things this year,” says Raynah Bourne, when asked what she is looking forward to this upcoming semester. TheatreXtra’s mandate is to “give opportunities to students and allow them to learn how to operate in a theatre setting,” says Bourne. TheatreXtra was created to give any student the opportunity to get involved in theatre in a non-traditional, excessively hospitable manner. The student-based theatre company allows aspiring designers, actors, directors, light operators, sound operators, painters – and just about everyone else in
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between – to get their hands dirty by jumping straight into the exciting world of theatre. This year, both artistic directors say the public can look forward to some inter-departmental collaborations, and some fresh takes on returning elements to the theatre season. “Proposals for our next season are due October 15,” says Bourne, sitting opposite Engen. The two artistic directors are hosting a proposal workshop on October 4 to show aspiring submitters how it should be done, and to offer tips and tricks. “Any student can submit,” says Engen. “Not just drama students.” Engen is thrilled to be promoting the first show of the season from September 26 to 28 at 8 p.m., with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. The show is entitled Down From Heaven, by Colleen Wagner, and will be directed by Erin Watson. So, whether you are a designer, a bathroom mirror-type actor, a wannabe Spielberg, looking for a portfolio credit, or you just like pushing buttons on soundboards, TheatreXtra wants you! The only requirement – you have to be a student. For more information, email: theatre.xtra@uleth.ca. (While preparing for publication, the Meliorist learned that Jessica Engen has stepped down in her role as co-artistic director. Raynah Bourne will carry on as the sole artistic director.)
ARTs + ENTERTAINMENT
TheatreXtra Season 2013/2014 Down From Heaven by Colleen Wagner
Director: Erinn Watson A virus has overtaken the city and Laurel and her parents are forced into quarantine. They are locked in their basement with no access to food or information of the outside world – except through their old gardener, Cheater, who has worked his way into the secret police. He will only provide them with these things, however, for a price. What will Laurel have to sacrifice in an attempt to provide for her family in these dark times? Show runs: Sep 26-28 at 8 p.m. Matinee: Sep 28 at 2 p.m. David Spinks Theatre, University of Lethbridge
Small Room at the Top of the Stairs by Carole Fréchette
Director: Cassandra Watson Grace is living a dream. She has the perfect life in the perfect house with the perfect man. But she feels haunted by the room her husband has forbidden her to enter. Her family advises her to forget it and be happy, but she can’t seem to shake the urge to see what is inside. This play follows her struggle to find what loved ones hide behind closed doors. Auditions will be held Oct 1 and 2 from 6-9 p.m. in W428 Sign-up sheet located behind the University Box Office (W510) Show runs: Oct 31 - Nov 2 at 8 p.m. Matinee: Nov 2 at 2 p.m. David Spinks Theatre, University of Lethbridge
Spring Shows: TBD
Both the spring semester shows have yet to be selected. So, if you are wanting to watch, direct, design, or act in a show, come to the TheatreXtra proposal workshop to learn more about the student-run theatre company and how you can propose something for the spring semester. Not only are they keen on putting up published scripts,but they really encourage student work. Last year, they put up 1000 Names, a play written by student Chelsea Woolley.TheatreXtra is a great environment if you have an original play you would like to see on stage. Proposal workshop runs Oct 4 from 4-6 p.m. in W428
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TLFs
If you signed up for Chess Club and didn’t get an email, please email chess.club@uleth.ca subject: You Missed Me! and ask to be added to the mailing list. –bad handwriting!!
Does anyone ever take a moment to consider that packing up your things (noisily, too) 10 minutes before class is over just makes you look like a disrespectful dickpickle?
Hey freshmen! Remember when Super Mario Kart was released? No, you don’t, because you weren’t born yet. (In related news, half the people reading this now feel old as f*ck.)
Anyone else noticing the amount of their classes going fully on-line (tests, quizzes, and assignments)? Is it a green thing or a conincidence it’s after the budget cuts?
The Arts are how the broken people begin to heal the world.
To the girl in the teal jacket who held the door for me at the pool. Pretty chivalrous. Pretty rad.
Vokey, next time Louis Armstrong – Tom Waits has nothing on him! Your PSYC 2030 students
To the comment that Urban Market has less of a selection than CJ’s did, did you even go to CJ’s?
Roommate needed anytime soon North side apt, $500/month for everything zach.dempsey@uleth.ca for more info
Toured Nara today, chilled side by side with some deer! Heading to a Hanshin tigers baseball game today! Can’t wait to see the Japanese’s wild side! Hiroshima in October! Tora~
To the Bearded Guy in PE after my night class on Mon., Sept. 23, I agree, corduroy pants and flip-flops do make a great combo. Thanks for your nice smile, keep being awesome!
To whoever rescued my blue brush from the girls change room counter when I forgot it there Thursday night- my flowing locks would appreciate its return!
Hey you! Come out and try WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL October 2 at 7pm at the Lethbridge YMCA. See you there!
Where’s my crossword Mr. Meliorist?
To the person that turned in my keys last Thursday just outside PE250, you are marvellous!! Thank you so very much! If I knew who you were I would buy you a beer!!
Interested in volunteering for Open House on Oct 5? Contact Kristina Madarasz at kristina.madarasz@uleth.ca for more information!
Dear Female redheads, Keep being gorgeous. Sincerely, everyone.
I am pretty sure I fall in love at least 500 times a day! So many beautiful people this year!
Make sure to learn about groups and clubs or ask questions before bashing an amazing club on their first meeting. Thanks.
To Andrew McCutcheon, If you’re going to bash Harry Potter’ you’re fighting a losing battle. Sincerely, The Potter Fandom
Congratulations to “Urban Market” for providing even less of a selection than CJ’s
In response to the comment on calculus assignments. See: Budget Cuts. Re: Queen Redford. #ItIsAffectingStudents Thinking of starting a mob because of the lack of crossword…… Who is in?
Dear profs, if you expect us to finish our snacks on break please supply microwaves where it won;t take 5 minutes to reach one. OR give us a longer break please.
To the Starbucks guy, you’re incredibly fetching. ;)
VINTAGE TLFs
Last night in my dreams I met a tall, muscular, attractive blonde man. If you are he, please apply. Condition: snipped – Jan. 13, 1994 If I lose any more brain cells I’ll have to drop out, put a blower on my car, and enroll in LCC - Drunken Two – Feb. 10, 1994 To the two women in Lysistrata who are always eating lunch in the food court… maybe you could sit in a table made for TWO instead of FOUR. – Mar. 12, 1998 Green-Eyed Admirer #1: Near… Far… Wherever you are… I believe that the heart does go on… And so will we. Love you always. A L W A Y S. – Mar. 12, 1998 To the bike thief: #$@$# you!!!!! I hope my rock shox fails – Mar. 12, 1998 So Zitbeard, when are you gonna get rid of your zit beard? Leadership is not for the zitbearded. – Mar. 12, 1998 Independent Girl in Econ 2001A, you are amazing. Sit closer to the back so I can see more of yer lovely face. – Mar. 19, 1998
To the guy wearing platform shoes… you look even dumber than the girls. Girls - Think about this for a moment. – Mar. 19, 1998
Chad you sexy phys-ed superstar I wish I was your snowboard so you could ride me all weekend baby. – Apr. 2, 1998
Elain: YOU are the fruit-loop! – Sep. 24, 1998 All these hotties… where’s mine? -X – Sep. 24, 1998
Platform shoes are like stuffed bras, when they come off it sure is a surprise. – Mar. 19, 1998 Philosophy majors: How does it feel knowing that management students will get a job after five years? – Mar. 19, 1998
ESC - I wonder, I wa wa wa wa wonder, if we’ll ever go out for dinner, for din din din din dinner, oh call me please. – Apr. 2, 1998
We vote to have a coke slurpee dispenser in S.U. All those in favor say coka-licious! – Sep. 24, 1998
Ever since you shaved your ear to ear beard to a goatee I can’t get you off my mind. Nice move sexy. – Apr. 2, 1998
The Meliorist needs writers… No experience necessary… High pain tolerance required – Sep. 24, 1998
King Solomon - Too bad all your parts weren’t made of gold - then your whistle wouldn’t be so rusty! – Mar. 26, 1998
Milo: do you ever think anything you don’t say? – Apr. 2, 1998
To the Angel in Zoo 3300. Are you single? -shyguy– Sep. 24, 1998
To the 2 guys who pushed my little blue Honda out of the snow bank. thanx. It’s nice to know there are decent people around. Blondie – Mar. 26, 1998
To the bitch owner of the 2nd coffee hole: learn some manners and get a personality. You’ve now been Boycotted. – Apr. 9, 1998
To all the hotties in the hall -- Thank you, couch perv – Sep. 24, 1998
Superman Hat guy. Some people choose celebacy others have it thrust upon them… I guess you’re the latter. – Mar. 26, 1998 Icicle Girl - You pierced my heart with your smile. The memory of you melts my body. Yours truly, The Snowman. – Mar. 26, 1998
To all ignorants, management is a form of science, perhaps the best form today. We are all good 4 something. Except bigots. – Apr. 9, 1998 LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD LSD rocks! – Apr. 9, 1998
Ponytail Man has struck again! Manic depressive freak insists on communication with not-quite fellow man! Terrified civilians flee for surburbian temporary haven! – Oct. 1, 1998 My monkey has been a bad monkey, so I have to spank my monkey often. - DAWG – Oct. 8, 1998
HOW THE ULSU REPRESENTS YOU Sean Glydon VP External First of all, what is the ULSU? Well, the acronym stands for University of Lethbridge Students’ Union. It exists to represent the undergraduate student population, to provide services, such as a health and dental plan, and to put on awesome events that really add breadth and depth to the university experience, such as Fresh Fest. The most important thing to remember, however, is that it is a students’ union. It exists because of the students, and every decision that is ever made has to be made with the interests of the students as the driver. Because it is a students’ union- the lifeblood of the organization- the most powerful decision-making body, the general assembly, is comprised of student representatives from a myriad of backgrounds and disciplines. After all, who better to represent the diverse nature of student needs than
representatives plucked from the various groups around the University of Lethbridge student community? The next thing you might be wondering is what the different representative positions are. Well here’s the breakdown: - 6 Arts and Science Reps - 1 Management Rep - 1 Education Rep - 1 Fine Arts Rep - 1 Health Sciences Rep - 1 Residence Rep - 1 International Rep - 1 FNMI Rep - 1 Board of Governors Rep (Non- voting) - 1 Calgary Campus Rep - 1 Edmonton Campus Rep Obviously, each of these representative positions(outside of the board of governors rep) can only group whom they are representing. This makes sense, as it would representation to have the Edmonton Campus rep to be a student at
the University of Lethbridge’s main campus. Why give elected student reps the power to make the decisions which drive the ULSU? Because that is the core tenet of the organization. From its inception, the ULSU has always held, and will always hold, that the students are unequivocally the best, and only, group that should be making the decisions for the organization that represents them. So how can you get involved? ULSU Elections are held every year from late February to early March; it’s as simple as picking up a nomination form, getting 12 signatures, a letter of good academic standing, a print-out of your tuition balance, and deciding what you want your platform to look like. I can honestly say, having ran for an Arts and Science Rep position in my second year, that the decision to take the next step in terms of involvement with the ULSU was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I was able to spend an
entire year doing incredible things such as helping organize the International Student Clothing Drive, chairing the executive review committee, and staying up for 36 hours straight on the ULSU Relay for Life team. I also made a ton of awesome friends that I probably would not have, had I decided not to run. Plus, I liked the ULSU so much that I decided to run for VP external, and now I’m employed full time by the ULSU, in probably the greatest (and most fun) job that I will ever get the opportunity to have. Want to get involved with the ULSU? Have questions, concerns, or just want to get to know your reps? Log onto ulsu.ca, open the “About Us” tab, and click on General Asall the general assembly reps, who will be more than happy to help you. Or if you want to talk to me, send me an email at su.external@ Union building, right by the Registrar); I’m always happy to help!
WE ARE THE ULSU
From left to right: Sean Glydon, Shuna Talbot, Adam Long, Katie Kalmar, and Michael Kawchuk
Shuna Talbot President Fine Arts student and I am in my second term in the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union executive council. As president this year, my main initiatives are establishing a multi-faith prayer space on campus and strengthening relationships with the Lethbridge College. Whether it’s focusing on municipal, provincial, or federal advocacy with the VP external or working with the VP operations and dents, the role of president allows me to collaborate and support all of the other executives, staff, and general assembly members. The biggest lesson I have at the university can change in an instant, and it’s important that I resolve issues that are important to students in a timely manner.
Adam Long VP Student Affairs As I’m sure you can tell from my photo above, I am your VP student affairs for the 2013/14 academic
year. Having been a student at the U of L for a few years now, I have had the opportunity to partake in a wide range of events on campus and engage in a number of different clubs. Learning from all of these experiences has allowed me to develop a wealth of ideas for planning your non-academic events and managing the more than 90 clubs we have on campus. rienced is well beyond what I imagined it would be back when I was initially elected. With honesty, I can assure you that I am eager to represent each of you in the wide variety of events the ULSU offers and help in the sustainability and diversity of clubs so no student feels left out when looking to join a club that best represents them. Cheers!
Katie Kalmar VP Academic
Airdrie, Alberta. Last year I served on the general assembly as an arts and science rep and the commissioner to the VP academic. This helped prepare me to become your current VP academic. My position entails a great deal of university committee work, and on most of these committees I am
the only student representative. These committees are responsible for making many of the decisions on campus, and I am there to ensure the students have a voice in the decision making. Over the summer, I was hard at work securing this years’ academic speakers. In doing this, I learned a great deal about working with agencies, understanding contracts, and drafting proposals. I was ecstatic when I secured The Buried Life, coming to the U of L in January as this years’ speakers. I hope to see you there!
Sean Glydon VP External
months since I’ve started this job, and already, I have learned far more than I ever thought I would. I’ve loved absolutely every minute of it. But the million dollar question is, what is it that I actually do all day? The majority of my responsibilities can be summed up in one word: advocacy. So, what that means is that I (along with your President, Shuna Talbot) am the primary lobbyist to government, that is, I bring the concerns of our students to decision-makers in federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. This is a vital func-
tion, especially this year, given the are in with Budget 2013. Aside from that, I am also in charge of the mobile app, the website, community outreach, liaising with the northern campuses, as well as chairing the advocacy committee.
Michael Kawchuk VP Operations & Finance Hey everyone, I hope you are at school as much as I am. I am greatly enjoying my time as your am working hard to promote the services that the ULSU has to offer. Much of my time over the summer was spent reviewing our policies and bylaws, as well as including budgeting, grants, and approving our audit. Also during the summer I organized a car wash that raised money for the ULSU food bank, and took part in community volunteering with the Lethbridge Humane Society and Project Paintbrush. I am looking forward to the year ahead, and would like to remind those reading about the grants that the ULSU offers. Check out our website at uslu.ca, or stop by the
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This week始s Talking Head question asks what your biggest fear is. Tweet @The_Meliorist with your worst fears, nightmares and terrors!
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@The_Meliorist I fear that this hangover may never subside. Also, @JessOnCJOC.
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@The_Meliorist Right now my biggest fear is getting laughed at every time I try to speak French with my awful anglophone accent.
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Jessica Jackson @JessOnCJOC
@The_Meliorist my biggest fear: suffocation. I have difficulty breathing just thinking about it.
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MeterStick @nickaj_55
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@The_Meliorist Only half of the TLFS are mine this week. #wtf Also, thanks for the events list on the back #ycl #thankyou
CES JOB LISTINGS Some of our services include:
WELCOME BACK EVERYONE! Let us introduce you to CES (Career & Employment Services). CES is a student service office dedicated to assisting you with your Career and Job Search needs. Weʼre within the Career Co-op Services Office in AH154, along with Applied Studies and the Management and Arts & Science Cooperative Education programs. CCS office hours are 9a.m. - 12p.m. and 1p.m. - 4p.m. Monday-Friday. Career Fair 2013
Friday September 27, 2013 Booths: 10a.m. – 3p.m. 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness. Up to 90 organizations will be on campus to talk with students about their companies and different career paths.
• CAREER ADVISING – whether you are in your first year or about to graduate, if you are wondering what you can do with your major, if your career path is the right one for you, or how to go about finding a job, come in to make an appointment with a Career Advisor! • CES JOB BOARD! – access part-time, summer, full-time, international and volunteer opportunities! Check postings 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the comfort of your own home or elsewhere on campus. For more information and how to access the site go to our website or come in to our office in AH154. All of the positions listed below can be found on CES Job Board. www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/job-board • JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES – do you have questions on resumes or interviews? We have handouts for you or drop by to sign up for a workshop • CAREER & EMPLOYER INFORMATION SESSIONS – watch for upcoming career events and information session dates. Sessions start as early as Sep 10th. • CAREER INFORMATION – we have employer information, website lists, info on professional entrance exams (e.g. LSAT, MCAT, DAT, GRE) and an array of career planning information
Information sessions on campus:
Please sign up online at www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/events to receive times and locations. • Nexen – Thursday, Sep. 26 • RCMP – Thursday, Oct. 10 • JET Programme (Japan Internships) – Thursday, Oct. 10
Workshops for October:
To see full workshop schedule and sign up go online to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/workshops. • CES career exploration workshops • CES job search & networking workshops • CES interview techniques workshops • CES resume & cover letter workshops
Go to our website for more detailed information on our services: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces For details of the postings and information on the application processes go to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/job-board
L.A. BEAT LISTINGS
September 26 - October 6
26 Prof jam
University Of Lethbridge Rock
labeat.ca
28 Karen Romanchuk for Arts Days
Sloan with guests
Average Joes Downtown Rock
F*ck Cancer with DJ Opie, Millz Skill, Rich Sharma Pulse DJ
27
Herb Hicks Jazz Quartet with Sheena Lawson Mocha Cabana Jazz
Redrum Triumph with Declan oʼDonnovan
Waterton Lakes Opera House Folk
Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series 1 with pianist John-Paul Ksaizek CASA Classical
Lethbridge Folk Club Open mic Wolf's Den Folk
Coal Creek Boys Lethbridge Casino Country
Death Pledge with Mr. Personal and Atacama Republic The Slice Metal
Dead Eye Strobe Lights
Owl Acoustic Lounge Rock
Luke Blu Guthrie
Blueprint Records (10a.m.) & Esquires (noon) Country
Herb Hicks Jazz Quartet with Sheena Lawson
Mocha Cabana Jazz
Owl Acoustic Lounge R&B/Soul
29
Sid Marty and Wailback benefit concert for Missing Piece Rendezvous to Conserve the Flathead Valley Waterton Lakes Opera House Metal
Cal Toth
Zachery Lucky
30
Waterton Lakes Opera House Folk
Indigo Girls with Jeremy Fisher
Yates Theatre-Sterndale Bennett Theatre Folk
Tim Hicks with Shane Chisholm Average Joes Downtown Country
Undefined
Smokehouse Bar and Grill Blues
Papa King
The Slice Blues
Lee Harvey Osmond Geomatic Attic Folk
Zachery Lucky
Owl Acoustic Lounge Folk
Coal Creek Boys
Locomotive Ghost
Moose Hall Country
Twin Butte Country General Store Folk
Ricʼs Grill Jazz Lethbridge Casino Country
Blue Ridge Mountain Country Society open jam
1
Open mic at Bo Diddlyʼs Bo Diddlyʻs Pub and Grill Rock
Open mic at the Slice
The Slice Rock
The Sumner Brothers
Owl Acoustic Lounge Folk
2 James Oldenburg Ricʼs Grill Jazz
L.A. Beat open jam Owl Acoustic Lounge Folk
...When you buy a condo in The Curve at Copperwood. POP A TAG, SAVE SOME MONEY AND MOVE IN TODAY!
VISIT A SHOWHOME FOR DETAILS: ESCAPE AND ENCORE SHOWHOMES 1128 & 1130 Keystone Road W Phone: 403.327.1247 thecurveatcopperwood@daytonahomes.ca
*Offer expires October 31, 2013