the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 02
News
6
Campus Beat
7
Features
8-9
Opinion
11
Top Story
12 - 13
Entertainment
14 - 15
Business Manager
Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief Opinions Editor einc@themeliorist.ca
Nelson Chin
b.manager@themeliorist.ca Creative Director/ Ad Manager/ Production Manager
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Vacant
Features Editor f.editor@themeliorist.ca
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Sam Loewen
TLFs
16 - 17
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18 - 19
James Forbes
Classifieds
21
Matt Baird
Students’ Union The Meliorist: Mel-io-rism (meel’e riz’m) the doctrine that the world tends to become better or may be made better by human effort
22 - 23 An autonomous body, separate from the U of L Students’ Union SU-166, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4 Phone: 4 0 3 - 3 2 9 - 2 3 3 4 www.themeliorist.ca
The Meliorist is the student newspaper of the University of Lethbridge, published most Thursdays throughout the academic year by The Meliorist Publishing Society, an autonomous incorporated body. Please address all correspondence to The Meliorist, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge Alberta, T1K 3M4, or drop it off at room SU-166. Deadline for submissions is Friday at 4 p.m. The Meliorist appreciates and encourages the writing of thoughtful, concise, timely letters. However, the Meliorist will only consider for publication those letters that are signed by the author. Special arrangements may be made for those wishing anonymity, but absolutely no pseudonyms. Letters should contain the author’s legible name, address, telephone number, and student identification number. The address, ID and phone number will not be published. The Meliorist reserves the right to edit submissions and will not print libelous material. Letters may be edited for brevity, clarity, and legality.
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Entertainment Editor e.editor@themeliorist.ca
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Sam Loewen
The Meliorist is hiring!
for the following paid postions for the 2013/2014 year: Editor in Chief responsible for running the Meliorist, approving content, managing staff, and hiring for the upcoming years or to replace staff members. Time requirement: 20-30 hours weekly
Business Manager works to maintain a balanced budget, process payroll, file tax returns, and oversee the accounts payable/receivable for the Society. Time Requirement: 20-30 hours weekly
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ANd Hiring Immediately for: Features Editor responsible for the Features Section of the weekly publication including writing articles, helping the design team with the layout of the section, and managing contributing articles. Time requirement: 10-15 hours weekly
Application Deadline: Jan. 20, 2013 E-mail applications to einc@themeliorist.ca
Deadline for application is January 23rd
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 06
Idle No More Student perspective Abby Morning Bull
News Op-Ed Contributor Students’ Union FNMI Rep. The Idle No More movement began in response to the Conservative Government’s introduction of eight pieces of legislation which impact First Nations, Metis and Inuit people’s rights. Although Prime Minister Harper had agreed with First Nations leaders at last year’s Crown First Nation’s meeting that he would not unilaterally amend the Indian Act, that is exactly what this legislation does. There was no consultation with First Nations leaders. Prime Minister Harper and his government have demonstrated with their handling of Bill C-45 that they do not adhere to the democratic process as they refused to allow the members of the Opposition to question any amendment of legislation in the massive bill. When First Nations leaders marched to Parliament carrying the two-row wampum treaty, the doors of Parliament were shut and our leaders shoved back. Bill C-45 includes amendments to the Fisheries Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which directly impact First Nations rights that are protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. Although the Crown has a legal duty to consult with Aboriginal people when it has knowledge that its actions may adversely
impact Aboriginal people’s rights, the Conservative Government did not consult with any Aboriginal people. The Navigable Waters Protection Act reduces the number of protected waters within Canada from tens of thousands to around one hundred. Every living being relies on water for its survival, from the plants, fish, and wildlife to human beings. Every Canadian will be affected by the amendments to this act. The main concern is that this amendment, as well as the Conservative Government’s gutting of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, paves the way for the proposed pipelines. Bill C-45 became law on Dec. 14, 2012. These bills are detrimental to our people. There was no consultation about these bills. Aboriginal people have not been allowed input on them, neither have they been asked what they see as the alternative to the Indian Act. In 2013 the Government of Canada still has a very paternalistic view of its Aboriginal people. It appears since 1876 nothing has really changed. Prime Minister Harper spoke of reconciliation in his apology to the Indian residential school survivors. It is obvious that these were just words. Although Canada has agreed to and adopted the United Nations Declara-
tion on the Rights of Indigenous People, it has ignored this International Law. The democratic process has been ignored. Bill C-45 is over 400 pages long, and the official opposition was denied its right to question and amend the act. Many think that Idle No More is just a bunch of Indians getting mad over taxes, over money, and that we have no right to be upset. Well, in our minds all Canadians should be upset, as Canada is turning its paternalistic eye towards Canadians. The exploitation of land and resources benefits a small percentage of Canadians, and the youth have been overlooked. Those who wish to be an MP or want to work as a public servant: you will not receive your pension until you are 65 while those who are MPs now receive it when they are 55. You will also pay more into your pension than those who preceded you. Those who want to work in environmental preservation: there have been deep cuts to the environmental protection agencies. Social programs that benefit all Canadians have been cut. Jobs have been created in oil and gas, but not every student goes to school to work in oil and gas. Over $46.6 million was cut from food inspection agencies, which opens the door for another food crisis.
For entities that ensure that the government is accountable, their funding has also been cut so that there is one corporation, one board, one government. Justices in the Supreme Court and Federal court of repeal have pay increases upwards of $70,000; that could be someone’s wage for a year. Employment Insurance also took a hit; the seven-member board that set premiums was slashed and jurisdiction will be transferred to the cabinet. The list goes on. Don’t believe me? Google it. Do your research. Stop being idle and allowing a government to infringe upon your life; you may not think it will affect you but if we continue to sit back and do nothing, that opens the door for more changes that will be even more detrimental to not only our future, but also our children’s future. They may never see fresh water; they may never swim in the Old Man River like we have. We stand against this legislation for them, as our only legacy will be them. If you want to be involved or want more information, as this is a huge issue, check out www.idlenomore.com, the Idle No More Facebook Page and the Idle No More Uleth Facebook page.
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 07
“Victim blaming Response to alive and well at the U of L” Dear Meliorist, Thank you for addressing the socially prevalent issue of victim blame in your last issue. The op-ed brought critical insight regarding the deeper messages behind our language that are not always noticed at first glance. I believe that our committees, clubs, and organizations at the U of L have the best of intentions in improving students’ experience, and I also believe it is important to express concern about the messages that we see from day to day. I’m so grateful to attend a university that encourages open expression and critical thought in our classrooms, organizations, and publications. Thank you for enhancing the discussion. Madison Webber
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Exhibition Park expansion planned
Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief
Exhibition Park, Lethbridge’s main trade and convention centre, and the location for the racetrack and farmers’ markets, is set to get a facelift in the coming years. Top planners at the centre have put together a proposal for a $91 million redevelopment and upgrade to the facility that will include more space for trade shows, multi-use rooms, a large outdoor agriplex, and lots of meeting or convention space. General Manager Rudy Friesen is aware that the proposed project will take more than a little effort, and acknowledges that cooperation and support from all levels of government will be required in order to raise the capital needed for the project. After construction it is estimated the improved centre will provide 700 full-time jobs, and create a destination
space for conventions to come and utilize Lethbridge as the epicentre for Southern Alberta. The community engagement process will take place in June and July of 2013. Once the capital is raised, a further year of planning will take place and an estimated three years for construction — putting the earliest availability date for the new centre sometime in 2018.
Some history of the grounds
Exhibition Park has been a fixture in Lethbridge since before the First World War. First developed in 1897, it has hosted over a century of agricultural, sport, trade and fairground events. It is the home to Lethbridge’s
racetrack and is the site of the annual Whoop-Up Days carnival and fair. In World War One the grounds were commonly used for troops training for deployment in Europe. Some portions were also used as one of the first concentration camps in Canada, where German prisoners of war were housed during the First World War. The prisoners housed in the “Chicken Coop,” as it was fondly called, often escaped as their containment had a dirt floor. Many of those housed as prisoners of war in Lethbridge during both WWI and WWII returned to Southern Alberta after the war to settle with their families and farm. In the early 1900s the Exhibition Grounds hosted the largest irrigation conference in the world (at the time) with over 10,000 attendees, a confer-
ence that nearly doubled the city’s population at the time. During the time of the convention, the hotels were booked up, and many of the conference attendees were hosted in the homes of the city’s residents. Additionally, the police force went on strike during the convention, but law and order was kept through the deployment of volunteers and several troops of Boy Scouts. Re-development of the park over the years has led to some dramatic changes, but photographs exist at the Galt Museum and Archives for anyone interested in taking a look.
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 09
Sex toys and hockey pucks
According to a November article in the Toronto Sun, sales in sex toys amongst couples increased with the NHL Lockout. This indicates that more time for couples was being spent between the sheets as opposed to watching one. Now that hockey is back, however, some couples may experience a lag in their new-found patterns of pleasure. Here are a few hockey game-watching rules for couples’ games to keep the fires kindled off the ice. Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief
Score!
How to play: each player declares a different team at the start of the game. Throughout the game, keep track of how many goals your chosen team scores. Also keep track of how many penalty minutes your opposing team serves. These numbers will be important in the end. Scoring: Each player divides the number of penalty minutes for the opposing team by the final score for their team at the beginning of the game. Each goal scored by a player’s team is converted into a “request.” Requests can be anything a player desires, and lasts the duration of the equally-distributed penalty time for the opposing team. For example: If Team A scores four points, and Team B serves eight
minutes of penalty time throughout the game, each “request” will last for two minutes. For numbers that don’t divide evenly, round to the nearest minute. Take turns cashing in your points to share the love around. If one player’s team manages to win by a substantial margin, or shuts out the other team completely — how fortunate! Alternative mode of play: There are 20 minutes between each period. Use them to cash in your points, and by the time the next period is over you’ll probably be good to go for round two (and three)!
Strip Hockey
How to play: at the start of the game each player declares their team. Each time a team gets a penalty, the
contestant who claimed that team removes an article of clothing. Each time the team scores, an article can be either put back on, or removed from the player whose team did not score. Alternative mode of play: There are 20 minutes between each period. Use them to let off some steam and re-dress for round two and three!
Trivial Pursuit Hat-trick
How to play: Before the game starts grab the Trivial Pursuit question card deck from your favourite version of the game (if you have more than one). Each player declares a team at the beginning of the game, and when their team scores, they ask the opposing player a question of their choice from the deck. The first person to a hat-trick (three correct answers) wins.
If no hat-trick is achieved, the player with the most points wins. Scoring: The winning player can ask anything of the losing player for the whole night. As with any bedroom play, one rule is the golden rule and that is respect. If one participant is not comfortable with a request, or doesn’t wish to continue, the play is over. Communicate and stay comfortable with each other and remember: no means no, no matter what form it takes.
Letters What Idle No More means to me
I have nothing to do with Idle No More; I do not speak for their cause and I never have. I support their cause, for their cause is good. They have focused, from the beginning, on the environmental destruction caused by "progress" and the need for humanity to protect Earth from the Americanization of business. They began by protesting the Keystone XL pipeline, and continued with their various protests along the way. Canadians have all the resources. We have the cleanest water, we have the softwood timber, and we have the arable land. In Canada our environment is relatively pristine compared to the rest of what "progress" has achieved. Today in Biology 1020 class I learned of the population jump of humans in millions beginning in the 1950s, and the correlation of the loss of bio-diversity globally. In turn, I knew that oil production really began in the 1950s, which is a fascinating correlation indeed. As a population grows, so does the consumption of energy. As consumption of energy increases, so does the demand for more energy increase and thus the need for more resources increases as well. Basic... If indeed I am a being with a body and not a body with a being, then the same holds true for the Earth, for the sun, for the moon, and all other physical manifestations in reality. Everything has a spirit... so to speak. If one were to see the Earth as a being with a body, and the environment of the Earth as the physical expression of the spiritual energy Earth maintains, then one can see the importance of a revolutionary movement such as Idle No More. Soil is skin, trees are follicles, rocks are bones, oil is marrow, and water is blood. If one were to take all the marrow from the bones, then the
organism as a whole will die because marrow is needed to produce blood. Science is catching up to the ideologies of native peoples at an increasing rate every year: see the "Gaia Theory." The Idle No More movement was always about establishing environmental consciousness first. "Mother Earth" has always been a focus of the movement because the Earth is our only home as people. Humanity will never be able to colonize Mars; by the time humanity as a whole really does something about what they need to do, such as support the Idle No More movement, they very well may die off along with the Earth from the effects of "progress": the effects being climate change, pollution, over-population, and the over-consumption of resources, all of which were seeded by the colonization of the "Americas" and the Industrial Revolution. The "Americas" never has been the name of Turtle Island, and for the sake of correct nomenclature should not be referred to as "The Americas" ever again. The target of the movement has been and remains the omnibus bill C-45, which strips Canadians of so many rights and freedoms that it is baffling that one man and his not-among-the-gifted committees are allowed to do such a thing to their own people by their own people. The amendments to the Navigable Water Protection Act give the American oil companies such as KBR and Murphy Oil (both owned by Halliburton) free range to spill their tailings (wicked chemicals from processing oil from the oil Sands) into the clean waters of Canada. In Blackfoot Territory, near present-day Banff, begin five rivers. Each of these rivers feed and flow
through the rest of the continent and eventually empty into the Gulf of Mexico. All of this freshwater is what we have to use, and as far as humans and our fellow beings (animals) are concerned, less than one per cent of the freshwater in the world is usable to us. Harper signed away the Canadian right to freshwater with the omnibus bill and through the G20, which allowed the process of Americanizing business and governance in Canada to begin... and the general population of Canada has allowed him... but not the native population. We stood up and did something for you, and your children and your grandchildren. We stood up and said Idle No More; not for just us, but for you, the general population of Canada as well, because you were doing nothing and seemingly chose to remain idle. When the colonizers arrived on their boats, they were very sick. So the native peoples healed them with various medicines... tree bark to cure scurvy. Back to Europe they took our foods: potatoes, corn, beans, and tomatoes, and they thrived. The colonizers had taken our medicines, refined them, and used them often to their detriment... such as the abuse of tobacco (meaning use of the plant without prayer). The spirit and intent of the treaties was to share our home with the colonizers, and so we did. We as native peoples have given up everything for you! We gave up our food! We gave up our homes! We gave up our lives! We gave it up so that you may live! We gave it up to fight for you! And when your leader Stephen Harper signed away everyone’s right to clean water because of the American oil companies’ bullying — you let him. The native peoples said no... we will
Dear Editor, In response to “Victim blaming alive and well at the U of L” article. I understand your concern with the poster: it shocks viewers into perhaps blaming themselves for traumatic events which are not their fault. I also understand that society sometimes blames victims for things they had little or no control over. This is absolutely wrong. No matter how much we teach people that stealing is wrong, thieves remain. Therefore (and because there may be nothing else to be done) police, Crime Stoppers, and U of L
officials alike warn you to lock away the valuables in your car, and to not leave your possessions unattended in the library. This is victim blaming, right? No, these are merely reminders to protect yourself to your ability. Having something stolen from you does not put you at fault, but if there is/was a way to prevent it (i.e. locks on doors, keeping your PIN secret, and so on), it is/was your responsibility to implement those preventative measures. A victim is in no way at fault for being assaulted, ever. However, as the poster attempted to express, it is everyone’s personal responsibility to
protect themselves, as much as is in their power. I am not misogynistic, and I understand the sensitivity of the issue. I am merely expressing that there needs to be a balance between teaching and preventative measures. One cannot assume that every poster that warns people to protect themselves is automatically blaming victims. They merely encourage people to remember to take responsibility for what they can control. Peter Goertzen
not allow you to do this to us... we will not allow you to do this to yourselves... we will not allow you to do this to our children, and we will not allow you to do this to your children. Out of our love for you, we stood up and said Idle No More. Out of our love for all humanity; out of our love for all the world. My question to you is, why won't you? Don't you just love your babies? Don't you smile when they laugh? Don't you hurt when they cry? Don't you want to see them grow in a world of safety and hope and faith and love? The native peoples do... so why don't you? Why won't you? Think about that. Love, Martin Heavy Head
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 11
Our truth and effort
The NHL doesn’t deserve our support
Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief
This month the owners and players of the NHL finally reached a tentative and, to both sides, unsatisfactory agreement in the lockout dispute in order to bring professional hockey back for a shortened season. As such, many team-enthused fans are happy, and pubs/living rooms will once more be full of die-hards eagerly anticipating the drop of the puck for each and every of the remaining 30-odd games. My question is: why? There is absolutely nothing to warrant fans’ respect for the NHL players or owners at all. The lockout was about money: wage caps and ownership rights, and fans have been continually disappointed by both sides’ inability to negotiate over the
past several months. Given that neither side of the issue could come to a responsible agreement for the betterment of the game, and given that this debate was not about closing franchises, or even rules and regulations, but was specifically about paychecks, makes me wonder why anyone in their right and reasonable mind would pay any heed to professional hockey at all? I’m not bashing the sport in any way. I grew up watching WHL (Western Hockey League, which is what the Lethbridge Hurricanes play in) games and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The players are paid a pittance, if at all, and in addition must maintain above-average marks in school (since
most of them attend high-school or college) in order to participate. Minor leagues like the WHL, the regional hockey leagues, university teams, and kids’ hockey all have players who play for the love of the sport — not a six-figure paycheck. They embody what the sport is really about and represent everything about the sport that makes me proud it is Canadian. Therefore, given these alternatives, why would fans want to spend their hard-earned cash in support of players and owners who couldn’t get along because of a disagreement in the distribution of profits? Why not cheer for the younger guys who are just playing for the love of the sport or for their shot at the big-time? I can assure
you, having seen hockey at all levels, that while the breakaways and fights might be a touch more thrilling at NHL games, there is nothing like seeing the joy of a younger team after a hard-won goal or game. Additionally, here at the U of L we have both men’s and women’s Pronghorns hockey teams. Supporting their games is an excellent alternative to wasting time watching millionaires complain about neither side making an effort to hash out their differences. I suppose this year I will continue to love the game, but I don’t need to watch so-called professionals in order to do it.
Alberta Music seeks Albertan musicians to perform at Untapped Alberta 2013 Maggie Kogut
Entertainment Editor Alberta Music is currently seeking submissions for Untapped Alberta 2013. Running for the fourth time, this music series will consist of six concerts across Alberta. Each concert will include three acts for a total of 18 available slots for Albertan musicians. Untapped Alberta is sponsored by ATB Financial, and the radio group CKUA will record the concerts and create a radio series from the Untapped Alberta concerts. In order to qualify for performance at Untapped Alberta 2013, according to the Alberta Music website, candidates must fulfill the following requirements: “Current Alberta Music membership Current or upcoming professionally recorded demo/EP/full-length album
Professional promo material (including bio, website and print-ready photos) Performance history, including one year of professional dates Eagerness to help promote your Untapped Alberta show, if chosen” As well, candidates must submit an application (online or hard copy) by 4 p.m. on Jan. 25. Online applications are available at abmusic.wufoo.com/forms/untapped-alberta-2013-submission-form/ and questions can be addressed to the Alberta Music office at 780-428-3372 or to Jessica March at Jessica@amia.ca. Alberta Music, the Alberta Music Industry Association in full, is a non-profit association that is “dedicat-
ed to helping professionals in the industry to succeed in their careers.” One way that Alberta Music does this is by providing opportunities like Untapped Alberta for artists to showcase their talents. Last year’s Untapped Alberta concerts were located in Edmonton, Beaverlodge, Okotoks, Canmore, and Camrose. The series started at the end of March and ran until the end of April. Untapped Alberta 2013 is a great opportunity for Alberta artists to showcase their work, and if applicants require an Alberta Music membership, they are available through the Alberta Music website. Student memberships cost $15.75 while associate memberships cost $31.50. Full, band, compa-
ny, and sustaining memberships are also available. Along with eligibility to apply for Untapped Alberta 2013, Alberta Music memberships also provide such benefits as newsletters, discounts to various events and workshops, free concert tickets (occasionally), access to the Alberta Music Resource Centre, and other benefits. For the full list and descriptions of the various memberships that are available, visit the Alberta Music website. Lethbridge and the surrounding area is home to many astoundingly talented artists whom I believe deserve to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their work at a province-wide event.
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 15
Live music in Lethbridge
Band: Ruby Plumes
Maggie Kogut
Entertainment Editor Last Friday, the ULSU’s Frostbite event culminated in a three-band concert at The Zoo featuring the Ruby Plumes, Jesse and the Dandelions, and Daniel Wesley. Among many other live performances that night, across the coulees Cal Toth and his partner entertained those at Average Joe’s Sports Bar with their Duelling Pianos show. With remarkable piano and vocal talent (and remarkable pants on Toth’s part; he can rock leopard print like no one else), the Duelling Pianos team played for the audience virtually almost any song requested, from Fun to David Bowie, to Elton John, to Taylor Swift (however, the Taylor Swift performance came to swift end at the generous bribery from audience members). Like this past weekend, the upcoming weekend of Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 is also packed with live music to fit every taste, time slot, budget, and restaurant/bar of choice. Here is a list of the many places to check out this weekend for a good time.
Friday, Jan. 18 Riviera Paradise; Genre: Blues; Where: Mocha Cabana; When: 6-9 p.m.; Cover: none Lethbridge Folk Club Bluegrass jam; Genre: Country; Where: Wolf’s Den; When: 7 p.m.; Cover: $2 Incura with the New Weather Machine; Genre: Rock; Where: Pulse; When: doors open 7 p.m., music starts at 7:30 p.m.; Cover: $9.99 Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series III Wind Ensemble; Genre: Classical; Where: Southminster United Church; When: 7:30 p.m.; Cover: $23-$37 Duelling Pianos with Cal Toth; Genre: Pop; Where: Average Joe’s Sports Bar; When: 9 p.m.; Cover: $5 after 9 p.m. Open jam at Jimmy’s Pub; Genre: Rock; Where: Jimmy’s Pub; When: 9 p.m.; Cover: none Hurtin’; Genre: Country; Where: Lethbridge Casino; When: 9 p.m.;
Cover: none The Void with Panda Corn; Genre: Alternative; Where: Owl Acoustic Lounge; When: 9 p.m.; Cover: none Blackberry Wood; Genre: Folk; Where: The Slice; When: 9:30 p.m.; Cover: N/A
Saturday, Jan. 19 Riviera Paradise; Genre: Blues; Where: Mocha Cabana; When: 6-9 p.m.; Cover: none Vista Park with Lucy for President and Open 24-7; Genre: Rock; Where: Moose Hall; When: 8 p.m.; Cover: N/A Cal Toth; Genre: Jazz; Where: Ric’s Grill; When: 8 p.m.; Cover: none Lizzy Hoyt Band; Genre: Folk; Where: Wolf’s Den; When: 8 p.m.; Cover: $20 for members and $25 for non-members The Avulsion, Ted Bundy, Trancide, Pandemic Being, and the Morbidly Depraved; Genre: Metal; Where: The Vent (Coaldale); When: 8 p.m.; Cover:
$10 Hurtin’; Genre: Country; Where: Lethbridge Casino; When: 9 p.m.; Cover: none Spirit of Helen Awards Fundraiser with the Wet Secrets; Genre: Rock; Where: Owl Acoustic Lounge; When: 9 p.m.; Cover: none Bocephus King; Genre: Folk; Where: The Slice; When: 9:30 p.m.; Cover: N/A
Sunday, Jan. 20 Plugged in Jam; Genre: Metal; Where: Owl Acoustic Lounge; When: 7 p.m.; Cover: none Check out “Flavour of the Week” in the Meliorist for weekly live music listings. “Flavour of the Week” listings are sponsored by L.A. Beat, The Lethbridge Alberta Beat: Arts and Entertainment Magazine.
** Submit your TLFs at www.themeliorist.ca. All TLFs must be submitted via a valid uleth e-mail account. Keep in mind that libelous or offensive TLFs may be edited or omitted. The TLFs do not reflect the view or opinions of The Meliorist Publishing Society.
PSYC 2200 textbook “social psychology” used text for sale. Over 100 used @ bookstore. Offering for 90. Please contact me 4039755682 Sociology 1000 New Society Brym used for sale very good condition sold for 90.50 offering for 80. Please contact 4039755682. Momeni says he wants to make Linear Algebra fun for us. I hope he brings jello shots. Dear my cuddly panda, I missed you so much over the break. I love seeing your face everyday. Love, Your Love Monster What is Lethbridge Fly Shop I see it around town anyone dealt with them?
teach someone who is interested in learning?! Don’t be shy, rush Kappa Pi Chi! Check out our website: kappapichi.com Rooms for rent, 15 min walk from the school. 2 girl roomates looking for 2 more rommates. Fully finished condo with full kitchen. email me if interested n_rob@live.ca I held a cupboard full of toilet paper open for a waitress at a charming local pub. She was so beautiful I couldn’t make words. special thanks to the pool gallery for being at the most constant temperature in the whole university! You make my mornings wonderfully warm
so ronrey for valentines day :( Dear lesbians, your zoo meeting TLF did not have a time. So to any lesbians interested in hanging out and/or Lword marathon 12 o clock Friday January 18th at the zoo? Dearest Nerdy Feminist your passion for the things that matter rock my socks!! Our conversations always make me think and I love that about you! Hey 4th Kyu, you be willing to help
“Hoes on my dick cause I treat em like a bed pan Hit em with the left hand, get real creepy Hoes on my dick when I make them real sleepy Flow like BP, hoes on my pee-pee”-lil b LOST silver/white gold ring with three gems – sapphire, diamond, and aquamarine (sapphire is in the centre) please contact security if you’ve found this ring!
If i was in a horror film…… There would be a shortage of comfortabe jeans in this world I was eating a sandwich yesterday….. Today i had soup The tall club has been reinstated…… And all wishing to join must follow the formal height requirements Windy overrun Herod Hogg…… A tlf written by random use of samsung swipe Justin timberlake is bringing sexyback….. Again…..
the Homeless fundraiser! Application deadline: Jan 25th @ Midnight. Contact uleth5days@gmail.com for info! Can we get a functioning 3-ring hole puncher in the 24hr study computer lab? #WhereDoesOurTuitionGo? Hey D2, stop jumping around on the floor every damn night. There are 50 people who live below you, and can hear you! When I’m at the gym, instead of dropping the weights I put them down gently and scream, “I AM A HETEROSEXUAL!”
From the makers of “funny people”…..comes a timeless classic: “unfunny people”
To the two girls living in C-sec on the swim team- marry me?
Dear potential climbers who don’t come to the wall because they don’t have a belay buddy: don’t be shy, climbers are more welcoming than you think. – Friendly climbing girl
To the captain of the hockey team…you’re hot, but would be so much hotter without your beard! Love always, your large group of female admirers. Ps. your tattoos are sexy!
Library staff! Y u so noisy?!
ULeth-> Put more effort in Science courses! The arts courses are amazing; wonderful professors, course layout…but the sciences suck! -Transfer student wanting to transfer back!
Apparently even in Universities we can not comprehend how to park properly in snow. Security I hope you have everyone possible out there ticketing!!! Now accepting volunteer sign up & participant applications for 5 Days for
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 17
THE
MELIORIST IS HIRING
Just came across the “Why I Refuse to Wear a Poppy” article from this newspaper and I am hurt beyond words. It is not common that I say this: People are indeed ugly creatures. Nervous about public speaking? Want to develop public speaking skills? Check out Downtown City Speakers Toastmasters – guests are welcome. Tuesdays at noon, 5th on 5th.
To the cute philosophy tutor: are you single? ... well... all outta TLFs. I would recommend you guys write some more for next week. Say whatever the fuck you want as long as you aren’t mean to people. Go. Write one now!
The Meliorist is hiring for these positions: Application deadline: Jan. 20, 2013 E-mail applications to: einc@themeliorist.ca
And hiring immediately for:
Editor in Chief:
Features Editor:
Responsible for managing the Meliorist, approving content, managing staff, and hiring for the upcoming years or to replace staff members. Time: 20-30 hours weekly
One of the reasons I have trouble taking the student newspaper seriously is that it does not engender a diversity of opinion. Include Conservative thought instead of ignoring us.
Business Manager:
Out of all the classes offered at the university I don’t know why, but apparently all the hot guys at uofl decided to take philosophy 1000 this semester.But hey I’m not complaining
Production Manager:
I feel like there should be a cosplay club or something. Nevertheless, can’t wait for convention season!!! Does anybody else just wish that the school would play Nickelback throughout the halls ? It would make the day go by faster. Chad Kroeger is a heavy metal god! Kroegenites unite!
Responsible for the features section of the weekly publication including writing articles, helping the design team with the layout of the section, and managing contributing articles. Time: 10-15 hours weekly.
Works to maintain a balanced budget, process payroll, file tax returns, and oversee the accounts payable/receivable for the Society. Time: 20-30 hours weekly
Oversees the physical production of the paper and works with the design assistants to produce a great-looking product each week. Time: 15-20 hours
Advertising Manager:
Acquires ads for the publication, online, and podcast products and maintains relationships with advertisers. Time: 15-20 hours weekly
Meliorist Podcasts avalible online at: themeliorist.ca/podcast
Have a pressing topic or question? Send it in to the Meliorist podcast! p.editor@themeliorist.ca
Study warns of Darryl Gallagher
The Lance - Windsor (CUP) Bing … new text, new e-mail, Facebook event, two people like your photo on Instagram, a friend has checked in near you, … bing … new iMessage, tweet, tweet, app updates, … ring … incoming call from “work,” ignore. A new survey suggests Canadians are becoming addicted to their smartphones; good news for those in the business, but phone dependency is a real problem. On behalf of Canadian cell phone provider, Wind, Vision Critical recently conducted an online survey of 1,501 Canadians to determine what they would give up in order to keep their smartphones. “The response to pets was the most surprising,” said Alexandra Maxwell, a spokesperson for Wind. The survey shows that 17 per cent of smartphone users would give up their pets. “I just didn’t see that coming, but I guess some people just love their phones more.” According to the survey, 40 per cent would give up video games, 28 per cent would give up alcohol and 23 per cent would part with coffee rather than give up their smartphone. “Surveys are a great way to check the pulse of consumers. With more and more Canadians switching to smart-
phones, we wanted to see just how much Canadians loved them,” said Maxwell. “I’d feel pretty weird without my phone,” said Hanna Bellacicco, who wouldn’t give up her pet in exchange for her phone but would cut out coffee to stay connected. “It has to be near me. Even when it’s charging it has to be near me.” Ken Hart, a psychology professor at the University of Windsor, was surprised by the results of the survey and said it could indicate an addiction trend. Hart defined addiction as a loss of control. “The person feels a compulsive need,” he said. “This overwhelming urge to engage in the behaviour is very strong, and the person is unable to restrain themselves.” “[Addictions] cause your life to become smaller and narrower, because other activities in your life are being displaced by this,” said Hart. “Important life goals that you’re trying to achieve don’t get accomplished, so you start becoming unhappy.” A Pew Research Center study of 2,200 Americans last March indicates that about 10 per cent feel they use their phones too much, suggesting people are becoming aware of potential abuse.
“I use my smartphone every day,” said Allisa Oliverio, who admits to feeling like she’s addicted to the device. “Without it I think I’d be lost … It’s always with me; it’s always in my hand.” Oliverio said that she sets boundaries with her use, such as avoiding using it when she’s hanging out with friends since she views that as rude behaviour. Other countries are already struggling with smartphone addiction. According to the Toronto Star, South Korea has started a program to help children with their addiction to the internet through various gadgets, including tablets and smartphones. The South Korean government estimates that 2.55 million of its people are addicted. Mohsan Beg, clinical director at UWindsor’s Student Counselling Centre, has not yet encountered issues of smartphone addiction among students. “We do see some internet addiction,” he said, adding that patients typically have issues with video game use. “[Students] engage in the technological world to escape the real world,” explained Beg. He said symptoms of depression are often tied to internet addiction and people often resort to escapism by playing video games to
cope. Hart said that improper smartphone use draws people’s attention away from the current task at hand, be that studying, driving or holding a conversation. “As an instructor, I see students use smartphones in class, even when they’re not supposed to,” said Hart, adding that despite his policy against mobile phones, students violate it regularly, even after seeing him confiscate phones. “It can be dangerous in the sense that it can harm their academic well-being.” Hart said he was unaware of a program to treat such an addiction, but said that he could see an increased need for one in the future. “The larger problem is being distracted … maybe they’re addicted to distractions. On the other hand,” said Heart. “Feelings of depression and loneliness can be alleviated by the smartphone, which is an outlet for social engagement.” Hart uses the internet mostly for work and engages in social media sparingly. He only uses a landline and doesn’t own a mobile. “I don’t need one,” he said with a laugh.
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 19
Airplane etiquette Travis Robinson Lifestyle Editor
Having recently travelled via aircraft to Southern Ontario, I was reminded that the passengers of an airplane can be the rudest bunch of human beings known to existence. If it’s not bad enough to be crammed into a moving cylinder with a bunch of strangers without room to breathe, having a rude passenger within your proximity can be torture. Here are a few reminders on proper airplane etiquette, as to lessen the general intrusiveness.
Armrests
The armrest game is perhaps my biggest pet peeve on airplanes. It is a constant jostling match to get into position and maintain your armrest spot from your fellow passengers. The rule seems to be that the window and aisle passengers have access to one armrest each, while the sandwiched middle individual has access to two armrests. This seems like a fair
trade-off for the unfortunate middle seat.
Bathroom
Having a middle or window seat and having to use the lavatory while your aisle-seated partner is asleep is extremely awkward and frustrating. Generally, the best time to make a move to use the dreaded airplane bathroom is when the flight attendants are up and active. Most people are conscious to get their complimentary Diet Coke and pack of cookies, so they will be more willing to let you out.
Stowing the carry-on
I cannot fathom why some people skip the free bag check and instead bring their massive suitcase as a carry-on, only to arrogantly place it in the overhead bin. Carry-ons are ideally placed underneath your seat, and as
such, should fit underneath said seat. Lugging a suitcase capable of holding a small child on board is ridiculous in the first place, and to hog the overhead bin space is doubly irritating.
Reclining your seat
David Lee Roth sung of “easing the seat back” in Van Halen’s classic song “Panama.” This lyric could be applied to seat reclining on the aircraft. Easing your seat back is a good way to ensure you do not startle and/or offend the passenger seated behind you. A courteous glance behind the seat towards them is also appropriate in reclining into maximum comfort.
Window shade
The glaring sun shining right into your eyes as you attempt to drift away is bothersome, especially if you are not seated at the window and thus
cannot easily close the shade. Asking your neighbour to close the shade, instead of reaching over your neighbour and shutting it yourself, is the respectful thing to do. If you are fortunate enough to have the window seat, either shut the shade or leave it open, but stick to your decision and be decisive about it. Flying is uncomfortable even at the best of times, and the passengers around you can make it even worse. Respect goes a long ways on an aircraft and by following these simple but oftentimes neglected tips, you can make your next flight all the more bearable.
Is this your favourite shirt?
$15 and it’s yours! Stop by the Meliorist office (su-166) Monday afternoon.
the
meliorist
January 17, 2013 • 21
Jobs, jobs, jobs! 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. We’re 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 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
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Go to our website for more detailed information on our services: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces.
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Upcoming information sessions:
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DECO Information Booth Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sport & Wellness Building
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Workshops to Jan. 25 (to see full schedule and sign up, go online to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/workshop s) CES resume/cover letter workshops: * Thursday, Jan. 17, 10:50 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. * Tuesday, Jan. 22, 10:50 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. * Friday, Jan. 25, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. CES interview workshops: * Friday, Jan. 18, 12 – 2:30 p.m. * Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Career exploration 101 workshops: * Monday, Jan. 21, 3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. CES career portfolios for interviews workshops: * Thursday, Jan. 24, 1:40 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Visit our website www.uleth.ca/ross/ces to find the CES online job board! Full time • Agribusiness Assistant, Various Locations ~ Richardson (Jan. 31) • 2013 Finance Early Development Program, Cgy ~ ConocoPhillips (Jan. 25) • Field Scientist, Cgy ~ Terra HDD Solutions (Jan. 30) • Corporate Sales Rep, Edm ~ UPS (Jan. 31) • New Grad Business Analyst ~ AltaGas (Jan. 31) • Housing Follow-Up Worker, Leth ~ Canadian Mental Health (Jan. 28) • Technical Account Manager, Cgy ~Divesto (Jan. 19)
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Associate Sales Representative ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) Associate Grain Marketing Advisor ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) Associate Agronomic Advisor ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) Associate Production Advisor ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) Junior Graphic Designer, Cgy ~ Blacksheep Marketing Group (Jan. 30) Agronomist(s), Taber/Vauxhall/Brooks ~ Crop Production Services (Feb. 1) Market Analyst, Leth ~ Economic Development Lethbridge (Jan. 18) Claim Representative (Bodily Injury), Cgy ~ State Farm Insurance (Feb. 2) Analyst, Cgy ~ Simmons Financial Holdings Corporation (Feb. 1) Trainee Territory Manager, Edm ~ Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (Feb. 3) Environmental Technician; Hydrologist ~ Navus Environmental (Feb. 6) Director of Education, Cgy ~ Sylvan Learning (Jan. 19) Daycare Director, Cgy ~ Calgary Jewish Centre (Jan. 31) Chief Executive Officer, Brocket ~ Piikani Nation (Jan. 21) Accounting Associate/Accounts Payable, Leth ~ Kawneer (Jan. 31) Analyst, Cgy ~ ATCO (Feb. 1) Administrative Support, Edm ~ Covenant Health (Feb. 22) Store Manager, Leth ~ DAVIDs TEA (Feb. 11) Associate Professional Development Program, Cgy ~ ISN (Feb. 14) Sun Life Financial Advisor ~ Sun Life Financial (Feb. 10) Account Representative, Cgy ~ Vecova (Jan. 28) Accounting Technician, Edm ~ Dudley & Associates (Jan. 21) Underwriting Associate – Global Graduate Program, Cgy ~ Catlin Canada (Feb. 28) Contracted Home, Leth ~ Lethbridge Family Services (Jan. 18)
Temporary • Municipal Intern, AB ~ Municipal Internship Program (Feb. 1) • Collections Assistant, Claresholm ~ Town of Claresholm (Jan. 28) • Disability Services Worker, Leth ~ Quest (Jan. 26) • Technical Writer, Cgy ~ Canadian Natural Resources (Feb. 3) • Marketing & Communications Manager, Leth ~ UofL (Feb. 1) • Contract Environmental Technician ~ Navus Environmental (Feb. 6) • LakeWatch Technician, Edm ~ ALMS (Feb. 22) • Regional Coordinator, Leth ~
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Science Alberta Foundation (Jan. 31) Technology Development Assistant, Edm ~ Monsanto Canada (Feb. 7) Human Resources Advisor, Taber ~ Summit Motors (Jan. 31)
Summer postings • Research Assistant/ Tutor, Deep River/Chalk River ~ Deep River Science Academy (Jan. 30) • Agriculture Research Assistant, Taber ~ Ag-Quest (Jan. 31) • Dining Hall Steward, Beaver Mines ~ Bert Sheppard Scout Reserve (Mar. 31) • Agribusiness Student; Agronomy Student, Various Locations ~ Richardson (Jan. 31) • Agricultural Research Assistant, Westlock ~ Gateway Research Organization (Feb. 1) • Seasonal Park Interpreter, AB ~ AB Tourism, Parks & Recreation (Jan. 18) • Student Employment with IDRC, Ottawa ~ IDRC (Feb. 3) • Technology Development Assistant/DEKALB Assistant ~ Monsanto (Jan. 18) • Human Resources Student, Cgy ~ Cenovus (Jan. 20) • Agronomic Intern ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) • Production Intern ~ Cargill (Jan. 28) • Park Workers/Park Patrollers, Vancouver ~ MetroVancouver (Feb. 28) • Field Summer Student ~ Harvest Operations Corp. (Feb. 17) • Vegetation Management Personnel; Weed Inspectors; Horticulturist ~ Parkland County (Feb. 4) • Summer Production Assistants, Leth ~ DuPont Pioneer (Feb. 6) • Alberta JFR Crew Leaders, Various Locations ~ Environmental Sustainable Resource Development (Jan. 31) • Property Assessment Data Collector, Taber ~ Municipal District of Taber (Mar. 15) • Labourer, Leth ~ Maverick Concrete (Feb. 7) • Technology Development Assistant, Edm ~ Monsanto Canada (Feb. 7) • Field Research Assistant, Edm ~ Monsanto Canada (Feb. 7) • Field Information Technology (IT) Summer Student, Grand Prairie ~ Devon (Jan. 25) • Enterprise Systems Summer Student, Cgy ~ Devon (Jan. 25) • Information Officer; Revenue Officer, Milk River ~ Writing on Stone Provincial Park (Jan. 25) • Agricultural Research Assistant, Leth ~ Farming Smarter (Feb. 10)
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Primary Inspectors ~ Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Jan. 20) Sales Representative, Cgy ~ Vecova (Jan. 28) Youth Worker ~ Alberta’s Future Leaders (Feb. 10) Head Swim Coach; Assistant Swim Coach, High River ~ High River Otters (Jan. 31)
Part time • Appliance Sales Associate, Cgy ~ Head2Head (Jan. 28) • World Vision Charity Ambassadors, Edm ~ Donorworx (Feb. 18) • Mystery Shopping Opportunities, Leth ~ Premier Service Inc. (Jan. 20) • Disability Service Worker, Leth ~ Quest (Jan. 26) • Barn Help, Leth ~ Naomi Gruber Horsemanship (Feb. 2) • Features Editor, Leth ~ The Meliorist (Apr. 30) • Part-Time Temp Physics 20/30 Teacher, Cgy ~ Foundations for the Future Academy (Jan. 23) • Youth Support Counselor – Relief, Leth ~ YWCA (Jan. 22) • Retail Sales Merchandiser, Leth/Med Hat ~ Hershey Canada (Jan. 25) • Call Out Crisis Worker, Cgy ~ Communities Against Sexual Abuse (Jan. 31) International • English Teacher, Various Locations ~ EF Changchun (Jan. 22) • ESL Teacher ~ KNS Language Institute (Jan. 30) • Teach English in South Korea ~ Eagle Consulting (Feb. 15) • Travel. Teach. Save!, Korea ~ Adventure Teaching (Jan. 18) • China Internship Program, Beijing/Shanghai ~ CRCC Asia (Feb. 7) • Attn. Alumni: Teaching Options in South Korea ~ KORJOB CANADA RECRUITING (Jan. 30) • Youth Ambassador, Ghana ~ Youth Challenge International (Feb. 8) • International Volunteer Placements ~ World University Service of Canada (Feb. 1) For details of the postings and information on the application processes, go to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/job-board.
Year in Review, and Thanks to All of You!
Good things proposed by the 2013 referendum Armin Escher ULSU President
The Students’ Union is proposing take place online from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. Not only are we encouraging you to vote, but to VOTE YES!
VP External, the VP Academic would be able to focus much more on on-campus and academic issues. A problem in the past has been that there has been a struggle with this
on behalf of students. Currently, advocacy work is split between the President, VP Academic, and VP would have to be somewhat restructured. For example, with advocacy
Council and General Assembly to -
Academic and VP External. The VP Internal would change to
proposed with this referendum is cate to all levels of government and would be in charge of all community outreach on behalf of the ULSU. This change is extremely important as it would allow council to have a more
policies. There are also some other small housekeeping changes proposed. We’d have to update the quorum
to update the amendatory process for bylaws and policies to allow for more transparency, making it so that all changes to bylaws and policies will need to be publicly posted be-
student life and all things related to students on campus, including clubs. with internal Students’ Union issues, and therefore VP Internal would be an inaccurate name. would no longer be performing fedwould have a greater focus on the Union, taking on some roles from the former VP Internal, such as being the keeper of all bylaws and
bers to do so. The purpose of this referendum is to create the best Students’ Union we can, so that students of the U of sible. We need your help to do this, so please vote. referendum, visit our website at www.ulsu.ca.
Year in Review, and Thanks to All of You!