The Meliorist, Volume 46 Issue 18

Page 1

Referendums are important.

PLEASE VOTE! in the Students’ Union referendum January 30th - February 1st

For the week of Thursday, January 24th, 2013 • Volume 46, Issue 18


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 02

News Campus Beat Features Entertainment Top Story Procrastination Opinion Sports Lifestyle TLFs Student’s Union Classifieds 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

4-5 6-7 8 - 11 12 - 15 16 - 17 18 19 20 - 21 22 - 23 24 - 25 26 - 27 30 An autonomous body, separate from the U of L Students’ Union SU-166, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4 Phone: 403-329-2334 www.themeliorist.ca

Business Manager

Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief Opinions Editor einc@themeliorist.ca

b.manager@themeliorist.ca Creative Director/ Ad Manager/ Production Manager

Brandon Wallis

ad.manager@themeliorist.ca Photo/ Podcast Editor

Jon Martin

Vacant

Features Editor f.editor@themeliorist.ca

p.editor@themeliorist.ca Art Department Assistant

Sam Loewen Copy Editor

James Forbes

Staff Writer/ Distribution Manager

Matt Baird

Design Assistants

Myles Havinga Nico Koppe

Travis Robinson

Sports & Lifestyle Editor s.editor@themeliorist.ca

Design Intern

Kenzie Ferguson

Account Representative

Kristy Jahn-Smith

account.rep@themeliorist.ca Webmaster

Chris Morris Printing

Leyland Bradley 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 The address, ID and phone number will not be published.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.

Nelson Chin

Campus Beat & News Editor n.editor@themeliorist.ca

Maggie Kogut

Entertainment Editor e.editor@themeliorist.ca

Southern Alberta Newspaper Group

Cartoonist

Ryan Kenworthy Contributors

Makay Murray RJ Balog Laura Howells Ryan Clarke Cherise Letson

Podcast Assistant

Andrew Martin Cover

Brandon Wallis Sam Loewen


Psst. Hey Readers.

countless personal gardens, the sheer

against the whims of a corrupt sheriff,

The Meliorist here. Thanks to all the

scale of the destruction has forced

lost a bet, and burned the place to

applicants to the Features Editor and

him back through the United States

the ground. Ashes mixed with split

Editor in Chief, as well as the

border.

lager as he turned his back on another

Business, Advertizing, and Production

After skipping into Texas, he

ruined dream, and as his rap sheet

manager positions. Applications are

laundered the cartel money through

grew, the heat from the flames paled

now closed, and there are a bunch of

an El Paso casino, falling in love with a

in comparison to the Mexican bounty.

great ones to go through, which will

seductress who beat him in cards. The

I've taken him back, and he's gone

be going on over the next couple of

affair was short lived; she was the

weeks.

brains behind the child slavery ring he

Keep an eye out this week, and in

The

had crushed in Tijuana, and while he

future issues, and report your findings

Pronghorn is back from its Christmas

may be the fastest land mammal in

to einc@themeliorist.ca

break, which nearly broke him.

the western hemisphere, there's not

Second

housekeeping

note.

He ended up in Mexico with a bad rap from the Federales while doing an

many things alive that can outrun a

into hiding once more.

Love,

bullet.

undercover operation to expose a

Dingy alleys and a harsh recovery

notorious cartel. While the ruination

followed, but he worked his way

of his reputation down south may

north, eventually taking refuge in a

have saved two orphanages and

rural Idaho town. He opened a bar

The Meliorist


Attitudes around

Cannabis shifting in Canada Cherise Letson

Torben Bjørn Hansen/The Peak

The Brunswickan

FREDERICTON (CUP) — Want to get high? With the Liberal Party of Canada adding marijuana legalization to their platform last year, along with the recent legalization for recreational use in Washington state and Colorado, it looks like a lot of people do. Decades ago, many thought marijuana was the devil’s drug, which would cause whoever uses it to turn into a sinful, psychotic, promiscuous junky, as seen in the 1936 American propaganda film Reefer Madness. However, these recent events show the culture around cannabis has changed. “I think it’s shifting to the opposite end of Reefer Madness,” said Donald MacPherson, executive director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC). “I think people are waking up to say that continuing to prohibit this substance is clearly not in the interest of people; it’s not in the interest of law enforcement.” MacPherson said the CDPC believes there is a need for regulation of marijuana through a public health approach, and that doing so would allow a more honest discussion on the benefits and the harms of it. He said that although too much of anything can be problematic, new research is shedding light on cannabis, especially in the medical field. “The growing body of research shows that there are clear benefits to cannabis,” said MacPherson. “The research coming out of the medical cannabis area is growing at a great rate. It’s showing cannabis is useful for

a number of conditions where existing pharmaceutical products may not be working for an individual.” MacPherson also said marijuana prohibition makes unnecessary criminals, especially out of young people, and that criminalization of cannabis smokers doesn’t solve the issue of organized crime. Julie Dingwell, executive director of AIDS Saint John, said the criminalization also prevents people from seeking help with substance abuse, since they feel stigmatized and marginalized by society. “I think if we look at what’s been happening in different countries around the world, Portugal for instance, when we take the criminal aspect away, people who have serious addictions and for whom abuse is the problem, they seek treatment,” said Dingwell. She also said marijuana criminalization is actually fueling the market of large crime. “I think it’s time we realize that all we really do is fuel an underground economy — a black market — a very lucrative market for big crime, and we don’t have to do that,” she said. “We can decide to do things differently, because we have evidence that strongly suggests we should do things differently.” Dingwell believes that criminalization also doesn’t solve one of the issues of drugs in general. “We lock people up, instead of trying to decide what the bigger issues are. If we’re going to look at the bigger issues of drugs, then perhaps

instead of criminalization, we could be looking at things like treatments,” she said. Attitudes have definitely changed since Reefer Madness. Dingwell said that marijuana is a norm for many people, and the intense fear around it has disappeared. She said the traditional scare-tactics are not working anymore, especially on youth. “Fear mongering just doesn’t work,” said Dingwell. “It just isn’t the way to talk to people about being safe.” Marijuana has been illegal in Canada since 1923, and with a few failed attempts for decriminalization, it’s clear that marijuana legalization won’t happen overnight. David Coon, the leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, said legalization in Canada would require a change in federal government. He argues that legalization under the current Conservative government won’t happen. “[The current federal government is] very rigid in their thinking,” said Coon. “The other part of the whole drug story of course … is addiction needs to be treated as a health issue, not as a criminal issue.” “[Stephen Harper] is so rigid around any of these issues. There’s been, to my understanding, quite a struggle on support, federally, for needle exchanges and safe injection sites and so on. He seems to be eager to criminalize everything,” said Coon. “So I think [regarding the legalization of] marijuana, you’re not going to see him budge.” The Green Party’s platform includes

marijuana legalization, which involves putting regulations in place regarding its production. Coon said the party would also develop a taxation rate that’s similar to what exists for tobacco, and would require it to be sold through licensed establishments, similar to liquor stores. The money made from its taxation would go towards funding public services. He thinks if the federal government legalized cannabis, it would probably be done in two steps. He said the government would likely decriminalize it first, which would allow them to consult the public and work out the already existing issues with medical marijuana. Then the government would put plans in place to pursue legalization. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011, there were 61,406 reported cases of marijuana possession in Canada. There were 16,548 reported cases of production, and trafficking. This make a total of 77,954 marijuana-related cases. A poll released last year by Toronto-based Forum Research Inc., 66 per cent of Canadians are in favour of the legalization or the decriminalization of marijuana, with only 20 per cent of people thinking laws should be left as they are. “It’s becoming a bit of a joke that we can’t get beyond this point,” said MacPherson. “The public is so far ahead of the politicians.”


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 05

Government loses students' personal information

583,000 students affected by Canada

Student Loans Program

security

breach

Laura Howells The Muse

ST.JOHN’S (CUP) – A division of the Canadian federal government has lost a hard drive containing the personal information of 583,000 clients of the Canada Student Loans Program. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) issued an advisory on the privacy breach on Jan. 11. The hard drive contains information on students who took out loans between 2000 and 2006. The missing information includes students' names, social insurance numbers, birth dates, contact information, and loan balance. The breach affects students from all provinces, except for those in Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. Michael Walsh is the Newfoundland and Labrador Chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students. He has been getting numerous inquiries from students who are concerned about whether this breach affects them personally, and what it means to have their personal information compromised. “These are students who are already burdened with huge student debts. They already have the stress of trying to work to pay off these huge debts and now they have the added stress of wondering if their personal information is in the hands of a stranger.” Walsh believes that this breach highlights a larger problem of post-secondary tuition fees for Canadian students. “The fact that so many students across the country are forced to borrow in order to finance their educa-

tion is the reason that we have a situation of such magnitude right now. “I think this shows that we have a system of post-secondary education in Canada where largely, students have to finance their education on debt.” Adam Awad, national chairperson for the Canadian Federation of Students, agrees. “If we just funded education properly across the country, we wouldn't have to deal with this all.” Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley issued a statement on the breach on Jan. 11. “I want all Canadians to know that I have expressed my disappointment to departmental officials at this unacceptable and avoidable incident in handling Canadians’ personal information,” said Finley. “On behalf of our government, I want to reassure Canadians that we are serious about protecting their personal information. As minister, I will ensure that every effort is taken so that HRSDC meets the expectations of Canadians in keeping their information safe and secure.” There is no indication as of now that any of the information has been accessed, however all affected accounts have been put on high alert. The situation is currently under investigation by the RCMP.


Constitutional changes go to

referendum

this month Leyland Bradley News Editor

Students will be asked to vote later this month in an effort from the Students’ Union to introduce some new changes to their constitution. The SU is looking to add a new executive position, the VP External Affairs, as well as change the name of the VP Internal to VP Student Affairs, and other adjustments. A Vice-President External is a position with emphasis on student advocacy, federally, provincially, and municipally. Currently the VP Operations & Finance and the VP Academic share the advocacy responsibilities within the SU – federal and provincial, respectively. The creation of a VP External would move the former advocacy responsibilities from the portfolios of the VP OpFi and the VP Academic, effectively streamlining their positions to focus on internal matters. Under the proposed constitutional changes, the VP OpFi would acquire the duties of overlooking and updating SU policy and bylaws, thereby allowing the VP Internal to focus on clubs and events – hence the name change to VP Student Affairs. As the

SU moves to bring in bigger acts and hold larger events, the title change from VP Internal to VP Student Affairs reflects that changing emphasis. SU President Armin Escher says the changes are a step in the right direction, on the basis that a referendum to the constitution now will allow the opportunity for more students to get involved in the SU, and he says the right time to act is now. “There were a lot of timing issues with this. Either we could have a referendum now and run the new position, (if it passes) this year, or we could have this awkward situation where we have a VP External position approved at the same time as an election. [Holding the referendum now] is the cleanest way to do it.” Debate surrounding the new position has been had for over a year within the SU. One of the most pressing issues about bringing in a new position is where to physically put the person – the SU has limited office space, and the only possible way of fitting in a new office is incorporating a makeshift office for the VP External in the back SU boardroom, at least for a

little while. “The SU boardroom would be split into two offices. We’re looking at making one office for the VP External – if the referendum passes, obviously – and one office for the Fresh Fest coordinator this year, so they will have a legitimate office. If next year’s council decides to have a volunteer coordinator, they will have a home office there as well. We would lose a boardroom, but it’s been used for storage in the past. We have the council chambers for meetings as it is.” Escher stated that the President’s portfolio would change the least, with the VP Academic experiencing the most change. “Until now, there’s been a struggle between doing the role of an External when it comes to advocacy stuff, and the role of an Academic when it comes to education and research. The VP Academic would not have to wear a second hat.” And for a smaller school like the U of L, an emphasis on undergraduate research is unique. The ULSU received some input and help from other Students’ Unions in the province, most notably the U of C

and the U of A, on how to compose the VP External position. “We got some input from them and talked to them about how their council is structured. [VP Academic] Julia discussed with other VP Academics throughout the year and she got a lot of advice on how the Academic position can change. The other schools have been very helpful.” When asked if there has been any interest in the potential new VP External position, Escher claims there has been some, but also emphasizes the potential for any student to fulfill the position. “These jobs are not as hard as sometimes people think they are, and you don’t really need a background; regardless of how many years on council one has had, everyone learns on the job.” The SU is hopeful that the referendum will pass, allowing the opportunity for another student to experience a leadership position. Voting will take place online from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 07 Ryan Clarke

The

U of L

Curling Club! Ryan Clarke

ULMCC President Campus Beat Contributor The U of L Mixed Curling Club is open to curlers of all skill levels. Although the club is a recreational league, it does have a more competitive edge as well. Each semester teams compete for “The Curling Cup,” and a chance to have their names immortalized in ULMCC history. Every year, the ULMCC hosts its annual open bonspiel. This year we will be celebrating with the 30th annual bonspiel, which takes place from March 15-17. Past bonspiels have been a huge success, with an average of 15 teams signing up. There are always fun themes to the events, such as “Be your own party animal” and “Superheroes vs. villains.” Participants are encouraged to dress up, and prizes are given out for best team costume. This year, the bonspiel’s theme will coincide with St. Patrick’s Day, and curlers will be encouraged to wear green. The event takes place throughout the entire weekend. Friday is “Name that tune” night, and Saturday is the dance and supper. If this sounds like your idea of a good time, and you are interested in entering a team, send us an e-mail at curling.club@uleth.ca. League fees for the semester are only $50, and can be paid at the Sports and Recreation desk in the PE building. The club curls out of the Coaldale Granite Club every Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. If you are interested in joining the ULMCC, you can contact us at curling.club@uleth.ca.


New money


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 09

when even the Mint gets it wrong Kelti Boissonneault Editor in Chief

This past year the Canadian Mint released new formats for bills in the denominations of the 100s, 50s, and most recently the 20s. These bills are made of plastic instead of paper, and are intended to last much longer than the old-style paper bills. As most people don’t handle 100s and 50s on a day-to-day basis, with the release of the new 20s there has been a lot of attention (and in some cases, uproar) surrounding the bank notes and some of the flaws in them.

Paper ripped, plastic melts

While we all know the frustrations of putting old paper money through the laundry, chances were that if the bill was in fairly decent condition before you neglected to check your pockets, it was still usable after it was washed. However, with the new bank notes, a trip through the dryer on high can actually melt the polymer, making the inside of your pocket a whole new world of fun to explore.

Plastic rips too, actually

Do not try this unless you want to actually rip the money. If you start a tear along the edge, the plastic rips smoothly and easily, much like packing tape: hard to start, but smooth as a hot knife through butter once you get it going. This is typically

most usefully demonstrated by half-drunk machos in bars when you bet them they can’t get the bill to rip (make sure it’s their bill).

The ATM ripped me off! Oh wait…

One of the biggest criticisms with the new bills is their tendency to adhere together quite closely. Because the note itself is relatively foreign still, most people don’t know what one versus two-stuck-together feels like. Therefore it is often the case that two bills issued by an ATM have stuck together when dispensed, but the client retrieving the money believes they’ve been shorted. This issue has probably made for some very interesting (frustrating) days at work for some bank tellers.

The vending machine tussle

To further the frustration of many Canadians, the notes are rarely accepted by vending machines due to their different texture and the fact that oftentimes the feeding-wheels that bring the note into the machine slips on the polymer and so is rejected by the machine. You can imagine the impact this has had at, well, everywhere.

The maple leaf is the wrong species

This one surprises a lot of people, but some botanists are positively gleeful when pointing out the mistake the Mint has made by including the leaf of the Norwegian Maple on the newly minted bills instead of the Canadian Sugar Maple. A spokesperson for the Mint iterated a short while ago that the choice was a stylistic one, stating that the outline of the Norwegian Maple is more interesting to look at. While Norwegian Maples do exist in eastern Canada, a happy-g0-smart botanist will always point out that they were imported by Europeans, and are not native to North America. Since Canada is famous for its maple syrup produced by Canadian Sugar Maples, the justification of “it’s prettier to look at” may actually offend a lot of Canadians.

Propaganda on the bills

The newly issued “Frontier Series,” as this new round of bills is called (if anyone is curious, the previous series released in 2001 was called the “Canadian Journey”), features a number of Canadian frontiers on the bills: 100s – Sir Robert Borden is portrayed on the bill, along with advances in medical sciences that

Canada takes credit for: the DNA double-helix and a vial of insulin. 50s — William Lyon Mackenzie King is shown alongside the CCGS Amundsen (CCGS = Canadian Coast Guard Ship) in arctic waters and is a proud display of our arctic sovereignty. It also says “Arctic” in Inuktitut. 20s — Queen Elizabeth II is shown (since we are still part of the Commonwealth) along with the memorial canonizing the heroic efforts of Canadian troops at Vimy Ridge, France. 10s — These bills featuring John A. McDonald have not yet been released, but they will be out sometime this year. They will also feature the Canadian (a train) on its epic journey along Canada’s trans-continental railroad. 5s — These bills featuring Sir Wilfred Laurier, which are also due out this year, will also show the Canadarm2 and Dextre (the space station’s robotic handyman, who is less famous than the Canadarm, but his day will come).


What does the U of L have to offer? (besides classes) a look at

CKXU 88.3FM

Makay Murray

Features Contributor The University of Lethbridge can offer us a great many things – from a degree to friends, to parties, and even a date or two. In addition to this, the U of L offers many fantastic resources to support you, guide you, give you a place to belong and give you opportunities to expand your horizons. The next few articles from me will focus on these institutions and clubs at the U of L that can help you out the most! This week I’ll focus on the CKXU 88.3FM radio station where I currently host the program “University Power Users” every Wednesday at noon (shameless plug). CKXU is not only the university’s but Lethbridge and area’s community radio station. Turn your dial to 88.3FM to listen or go to ckxu.com to listen online. Located on the first floor of the SU building right next to the registrar’s office, you will find a very comfortable lounge with a Nintendo 64, leather couches, and some of the coolest people on campus who are ready and willing to chat you up. You can charge your devices, eat your lunch and even grab a free coffee sometimes! Now, CKXU is also a fully operational radio station (duh), and as such it is always in need of volunteers and

talented individuals to help with design projects, technologies projects, web design and PR. If you are an aspiring graphic designer, CKXU could be the perfect opportunity for you to flex your creative muscle and add some pieces to your portfolio. If you are a computer science major, the CKXU is migrating from the analog world of yester-year into the digital and automated world of tomorrow. This requires technology; if you are looking for something to add to your resume and sharpen your skills, feel free to stop by. For musicians and audio programmers, CKXU can train you to become a radio DJ and give you a time slot to broadcast (if there are any available). Learn the techniques and methods of radio hosts, how to love the sound of your own voice, and how to produce radio-quality audio. There is a lot more that goes into it than one might think. And all of what you can learn is immediately applicable to the real world because you’re not working in a classroom; you are working in a real radio station! In addition to all this, CKXU also houses a gigantic digital and physical collection of music, from CDs to cassette tapes and even vinyl records,

covering all genres of music with one exception: no top 40 songs. This means that every album is probably an album that you have not heard about if you usually listen to more “mainstream” (god I’m a hipster) radio stations. This means that you could very well find music that you absolutely love that may never make it to the top 40 list. That’s what it’s all about – finding an artist that you enjoy. Furthermore, if you are a burgeoning artist and have an album, you are more than welcome to drop off a CD and maybe have your music heard on the air. Now, that’s quite a lot that CKXU has in store in its office. It also hosts several events throughout the year. Coming up in February is “CKXU Loves You,” which takes place on Valentine’s Day in The Slice downtown and features live bands all playing to a theme of love and romance. It’s a great place to take your date for some great music and fun. There are even prizes and a raffle to which businesses from all over town contribute, so you can even take home some cool swag if you win. After that is “CKXU Love and Records,” which takes place in the summer. Bands come from all over Alberta and sometimes farther to play

for Lethbridge in the Galt gardens along with a plethora of local businesses to show off. CKXU sells off old vinyl records at heavily discounted prices for all you lovers of what some call the best-sounding medium for music. This last summer, CKXU broadcasted live from the stage as well, and during the breaks in musical performances people from the crowd could come up and play their purchased music on air or just chat with the DJs. If you’re around this summer I definitely recommend this event! I could go on, but the Meliorist probably won’t let me consume three pages about the events, so go check out ckxu.com for a list of all CKXU’s events. So, if you want a cool place to hang out, meet amazing people and listen to new and possibly great music, look no further than CKXU. Next week’s article will be about the Campus Women’s Centre. If you liked this and would like to suggest other topics for me, drop me a line at feeback@universitypowerusers.com and check out the podcast over at universitypowerusers.com where I talk out loud for an hour about all the same kinds of stuff I write here.


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 11

Hunger strikes

effects & dangers Leyland Bradley Features Contributor

Depending on whom you ask, hunger strikes have been used as a successful means of strategic political gains. With the recent international attention on the hunger strike undertaken by Chief Theresa Spence as an accompaniment to the Idle No More movement, one need only conjure images of Mohandas Gandhi to grapple the intensity of attention and notoriety that enduring a fast may bring. A Google search of the term “hunger strike” will bring up a number of definitions – most definitions hold a hunger strike to be something voluntary as a means of protest, by reason of imprisonment or other unfavourable situations. Whether a hunger strike is effective or not may be up for debate; as for what happens to one’s body, I wanted to know. I interviewed Kelli Phillips, RN, to discuss the physiological damages than can be brought on by a lack of a proper diet during a hunger strike. Phillips has no direct affiliation with the Idle No More movement or Spence, nor is Phillips affiliated with any political party. Phillips had the following information to offer: “The average person needs about 1,200 calories a day to maintain brain

function, normal heart rhythm, electrolyte balance, etc. If somebody were on a true hunger strike – which means water only – glucose within the body would be depleted in about 24 hours. It actually can take up to three days to completely deplete the glucose. A state called ketosis will start then; this is what happens in a lot of high protein diets.” Ketosis is a state in which carbohydrates are either used up or eliminated from the diet. Think Atkins. “Once all the fat stores are used up, which for overweight or obese people, they are “better” off – for lack of a better word – for fat stores to work through. After weeks of this, because the body is a remarkable thing, the body can survive for a long time. It’s then that the muscle is used for energy. Now, everyone is different. One could feel the effects of skipping a meal. They could experience hunger pangs, feel dizzy, they may have some nausea. And then something happens in the body, and I’m not sure what it does, but the hunger feelings stop. For some people it’s a day, some people it’s a few days. It can be quick. Then the body goes into starvation mode. One may start to feel cloudy in the mind, and of course, weak.

“Additionally with decreased intake of calories is attention on how much energy is being expelled. Attention needs to be addressed on how much water is being taken in as well. 20 calories a day is like a beef bouillon cube. Is one drinking four liters of water? That may be a bad idea.” From what I gather here, the situation at this point is a depiction of starvation. The body goes into a total survival mode. “There’s a fluid shift in the body, in which you have the small limbs and the big belly. One could survive a long time [on a hunger strike], but everyone is different. [In Spence’s case] I have read that she is taking in herbal tea and fish broths, and I did see on the news that she was receiving moose broth but I can’t comment on her situation. Although, as I have heard quoted from others, Spence is doing a hungry strike. A hunger strike is different – it’s starvation.”


cinema ends on a high note and with a bang Maggie Kogut

Entertainment Editor 2012 was a year of great movies. 21 Jump Street, Looper, Brave, The Dark Knight Rises, The Amazing Spiderman, The Avengers, and Skyfall are a few among many that come to mind. Two films that wrapped up 2012 in cinema did so very grandly, and did not disappoint: Les Misérables and Django Unchained.

Les Misérables

With many adaptations over the years, from radio adaptations to the famous 1980 musical adaptation, Victor Hugo’s epic novel was brought to life yet again in 2012 through its third film adaptation. With a cast stacked with stars, along with a few fresh faces including Samantha Barks (who gave a heart-shattering performance in the role of Éponine), this highly anticipated musical film adaptation has received good response in general, but has also been subject to some mixed reviews. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone praised the film saying that, "Besides being a feast for the eyes and ears, Les Misérables overflows with humor, heartbreak, rousing action and ravishing romance. Damn the imperfections, it's perfectly marvelous." However, Variety’s Justin Chang said that the film “will more than satisfy the show's legions of fans," but that the editing "seems reluctant to slow down and let the viewer simply take in the performances." And then David Denby from the New Yorker comes in with, "this movie is not just bad ... It’s terrible; it’s dreadful. Overbearing, pretentious, madly repetitive." Ouch. According to a much less influential opinion, my own, Les Misérables is an amazing, astounding, beautiful, and heart-wrenching piece of work, but it is not an amazing film piece. To explain, most students, particularly in their high school careers, have suffered through countless plays or musical adaptations of various novels and plays. These adaptations on film

are usually rather dry, and serve to quickly induce sleep upon viewing. I’d like to suggest that Les Misérables is made in the same way, as a live musical performance simply put on screen, rather than a film created as an attempt at cinematic artistry. However, Les Misérables is really well made as an adaptation and is, of course, an infinite number of times better than the high school-era films of Lord of the Flies or of Romeo and Juliet that we were subjected to as a “treat” in our English classes. The last decade has offered countless musical film adaptations including films such as Hairspray, Mamma Mia!, and Rent. In 2001, Baz Luhrmann even gave us a jukebox musical created solely for the screen, Moulin Rouge! Les Misérables differs from this tirade of musical films because unlike most of them, there is little to no dialogue in Les Misérables, and what the audience sees on screen is the cast actually singing while being filmed. This is rare with musical films, and gives the performances in Les Misérables more raw emotion, and more power. As well, as far as I am aware, musicals are meant to be above the ordinary and heightened in performances as well as in emotion. With its impeccable scenery and costuming, tear-jerking and jaw-dropping performances, and furious waving of the tricolour flag, Les Misérables is definitely above and beyond the ordinary. Even though I think Les Misérables isn’t made to be a fantastic piece of film art, it is still an amazing piece of art, an amazing musical simply put on screen for those of us who can’t afford tickets to live performances of the real musical.


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 13

Django

Unchained Django Unchained

“The ‘D’ is silent.” In the new Tarantino movie, Jamie Foxx takes on the character of Django, a man whose sole goal is to free his wife from slavery. In the process he might just happen to go from a timid man still getting used to (and barely believing) his newfound freedom, to a ruthless and assertive bounty hunter whose presence guarantees copious amounts of explosions, deaths, and plenty of Tarantino movie splatter blood. Although by now most have probably come to accept the inevitable violence in Tarantino’s work, Django Unchained has sparked some newfound critique concerning the amount of times that the film uses the N-word – 108 times to be exact. Although that number seems very excessive for the use of such a controversial word, I don’t see why it should be critiqued as much as it is. While watching Django Unchained, I didn’t particularly notice the use of the word. Why? Because characters in the film don’t stand in front of the camera and repeat the word 50 times in a row. Rather, 108 is simply the amount of times that the word falls into conversational usage in the film. It is not particularly emphasized in the film, and its usage is far from the main focus of the film. The word is simply placed in the movie in natural conversation. The word blends into the context of the film rather than standing out as a blatant and controversial usage. I’m not advocating the open use of the N-word. The word is still controversial, hurtful, and derogatory, but so is Tarantino in some ways. Just think of Inglorious Bastards. Through the impression that I got from Django Unchained, I feel that Tarantino is not trying to spark pain or insult. Rather, his movie deals with a very tragic and brutal time in history that is still uncomfortable today and, like many uncomfortable events in history, rather muffled. In Django Unchained,

although obviously not meant to be a serious historical documentary or anything, Tarantino approaches his subject matter without constraints and without holding back. Tarantino exposes slavery in his film with uncomfortable frankness. And this leads me to defend against a second criticism that Django Unchained is subject to: Django Unchained glamorizes slavery. Wrong. Django Unchained does not glamorize slavery. It portrays slavery with a raw and uncomfortable brutality. Many scenes in this film were utterly terrifying to watch, and in one scene Tarantino ingeniously employs frightening flashbacks that demonstrate how the brutal treatment of other human beings impacts the character of Dr. King Schultz. Perhaps this critique of glamorization stems from the scenes that show Calvin Candie’s slaves living in his home and wearing extravagant clothing, but many aspects of even their situations were disturbing. I have not personally studied slavery in the U.S., but as far as I know, there was a certain hierarchy within the slave system where certain slaves, ones that were placed as servants in the houses, were treated better than other slaves. Samuel L. Jackson in the role of Stephen does an incredible job of portraying the issues and complications that arise due to this hierarchy. Overall, Django Unchained is a great film with spectacular performances from everyone involved, particularly Christopher Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, and Leornado DiCaprio who, as usual, has a great accent. I feel that some scenes in the film could have been omitted, mostly the scenes where Django and Dr. Schultz grandly ride horses and shoot things in the wilderness (they’re badass bounty hunter cowboy types, we get it; we don’t require roughly 10 of the same scenes to get that), and that is my only minor complaint about an otherwise really damn good movie.


graphic novel Sweet Tooth: Vol. 1, Out of the Deep Woods

“The world beyond the trees is almost dead”

RJ Balog

Entertainment Writer Every now and then you come across something new that causes a stir inside you. This can be good, bad, or sometimes a combination of things. Reading Sweet Tooth is a combination situation. You get an overwhelming surge of emotions and feelings relative to just how good this book is; but then you get an almost depressive sadness that you haven’t been reading it all along. Sweet Tooth is a book that I’ve long had under my interest radar (due to a staggering amount of communal praise), but never had that push to give it a try. That’s where things like birthdays and a girlfriend that sifts through the nonstop jabberings of a comic enthusiast really ends in your favour. So what is Sweet Tooth? The story takes place in an apocalyptic future setting in which an affliction has killed the majority of the Earth’s inhabitants. The survivors are left sickly and with little resources, but most importantly they are left altered, with few children capable of being born other than a

Jeff Lemire | Copyright Luigi Novi Wikimedia Commons new breed of human/animal hybrids. Gus is a nine-year-old boy who’s only ever known his father his entire life, and has lived a sheltered existence in a cabin deep within the woods. This comes from necessity as Gus was born with the features of a deer, antlers and all, and in this dystopian future the children hybrids are hunted and processed for scientific research. Out of necessity, Gus’s father hid Gus in the woods. But that couldn’t last forever, and Gus gets thrust into a big and scary world that he has never known, a scary world that will hunt and persecute him for no reason other than what he is. Gus’s innocent nature juxtaposed with the apocalyptic wasteland creates a sense of desperation and almost anxiety when reading Sweet Tooth. This book is written, pencilled, and inked by Canadian Jeff Lemire who recently (and in large because of Sweet Tooth) has become a pivotal player in some of the DC New 52’s most acclaimed titles among readers,

including Animal Man, Frankenstein Agent of Shield, Justice League Dark, and next month he’ll also be taking over the Green Arrow series. With Lemire handling each aspect of Sweet Tooth, the book presents itself more as a cohesive whole. In many panels, the art takes over the storytelling with little to no dialogue at all. This is one of the book’s strongest aspects as the panels and pages interact with fluid transitions, making the book come to life in front of you. Lemire’s art is unlike anything else out on the shelves, and in many ways this makes Sweet Tooth what it is. The artwork is gritty, almost rough and scratchy but not in a sloppy or messy way. It holds a more natural feel to it, really allowing the care and attention that Lemire is putting in to shine through. In many ways the art is almost childish – not that it’s bad in any way though, more that it makes it more real and actually becomes part of the storytelling as well, mirroring Gus’s innocence. Above all else though, I think that the

strongest element of Sweet Tooth is the real emotions that come out in the story. When I was reading Sweet Tooth, I couldn’t help but get this gut reaction of sadness. I was completely sucked into the story to the point that I not only sympathised with the characters, but I also started to feel their despair and the impact of the situations that they encountered. That’s the mark of a great story. Not just for a comic, but for any medium. The story develops to a point where you forget that you’re reading it and it becomes a first-person experience. I cannot stress enough how good this book is. So if you’re looking for something new, something a little different, consider this book. Sadly the ongoing series ended this month with its 40th issue, but the good news is you can easily blow through it in its collected entirety of trade paperbacks. That’s what I plan to do at least. ‘Til next time, and as always: when trouble comes… look to the skies.


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meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 15

La Pièce Française

Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain

Maggie Kogut

Entertainment Editor Dans le monde vaste des films français, il y en a plusieurs que j’ai eu la chance de visionner, et que j’ai beaucoup aimé, qui sans doute méritent de l’attention dans cet article. Malheureusement, ici je vais seulement décrire mon film français préféré. Un film incroyable, réalisé par Jean-Pierre Jeunet en 2001, Amélie est un film qui touche tout le monde d’une façon ou l’autre. Le film suit la vie d’une fille incroyablement aimable, assez excentrique, mais malheureusement très seule. Cela change lorsqu’elle décide de se mêler dans les vies des autres (ses intentions sont bonnes bien sûr), et cela mène a plusieurs aventures inattendus, et même à l’amour. Il y a des centaines de films qui montrent la recherche pour l’amour, mais ce qui distingue Amélie des autres films se trouve dans les détails méticuleux qui créent une richesse dans l’histoire qui n’est pas facile à atteindre. Il y a plusieurs personnages hors Amélie qui se développent au

cours du film, et les détails de leurs histoires, dans leurs vêtements, et même dans leurs habitudes créent des personnages riches et divers qui sont en même temps fantastiques et réels, mais qui sont surtout un absolu plaisir de visionner grandir au cours du film. De plus, le film emploi beaucoup de détails dans les couleurs et dans les effets spéciaux. Les couleurs dans ce film sont très vibrantes et visuellement sensationnelles, mais les couleurs aussi adhèrent aux unes aux autres pour ne pas dominer le restant du film. Le film emploi aussi des effets spéciaux très détaillés et assez minuscules qui fonctionnent pour intéressement mettre de l’emphase sur et visuellement montrer les émotions d’Amélie. Pour ajouter, le film aussi montre les paysages spectaculaires de Paris, particulièrement le charme de Montmartre, et bien sûr, le film est assez bizarre, Amélie est assez bizarre, mais n’est-ce pas le cas avec tout le monde à l’intérieur?

In the vast world of French movies, there are many that I have had to chance to watch and fall in love with that absolutely deserve attention in this article. Unfortunately, here I will only attempt to describe with justice my favourite French movie. An incredible film, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet in 2001, Amélie is a film that touches everyone in the feels in one way or another. The film traces the life of a girl who is incredibly lovable, pretty eccentric, but unfortunately rather alone. That changes when she decides to meddle in others’ lives (with good intentions of course), and her meddling leads to many rather interesting adventures, and even leads to love. Yes, there are countless movies that depict that everlasting search for love, but what makes Amélie stand out from the rest is in the meticulous details in the movie that create a not-easily-attainable richness in the story. There are a lot of characters apart from Amélie that are developed through-

out the film, and the details of their histories, of their appearances, even of their habits make them into rich and diverse characters that are both fantastic, yet believable, but most of all, characters that are an absolute pleasure to watch grow in the movie. The film also employs a lot of detail in colour and in special effects. The colours in the film are very vibrant and visually stunning, but they also adhere to one another so as not to overpower other aspects of the film. The film employs minute and detailed special effects that function to interestingly emphasize and visually demonstrate Amélie’s feelings. As well, the film shows spectacular Paris scenery, specifically the charming district of Montmartre. Finally, the film is pretty weird at times. Amélie is pretty weird at times, but isn’t that the case with everyone when it comes down to it?




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meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 18

Crossword

Across 1. Wild pigs 6. Sodium chloride 10. Stalk 14. Laneway 15. Chieftain 16. US inventor Elias ____ (1819-1867) 17. Absorbs written material 18. Hindu scripture 19. Center of rotation 20. Rose-shaped carvings 22. Harbor 24. Day-laborer 25. Canvas sun shelters 26. Genus of the spiderflower 29. Jai ____, sport 30. Not yours 31. Parts of a complex whole 37. Round open vessel 39. Toilet (British slang) 40. Strange or weird 41. Yellow cup-shaped

Sudoku

Hockey is Back!

flowers 44. City in France 45. Sharpen or stimulate 46. Pertaining to a South American mountain range 48. Record producer Phil _______ 52. Member of the lily family 53. Chinese philosophy advocating humility and piety 54. Deviate 58. Soviet Union 59. Entomb 61. _____ion = belief in a deity 62. Fashionable 63. Purposes 64. Danish for the "Common dab fish" 65. Batman creator Bob ____ 66. Impudence 67. Male deer (plural)

Down 1. US art historian Alfred Hamilton ____ Jr. (1902-1981) 2. Margarine 3. "Oh my!" 4. Add money to a bank account again 5. Scheme of action 6. 7 7. 50s brother singing group 8. Cover 9. Streetcar rails 10. Ventriloquist _____ Lewis 11. Poison 12. US oceanographer William Maurice _____ (1906-1974) 13. Plateaus 21. Foot "digits" 23. Plant with aromatic seeds 25. Political journalist brothers Joseph and Stewart _____ 26. Baseball legend Ty ____ 27. Hawaiian feast 28. Formerly

29. Concerning or approximately 32. Open sore 33. Most vulnerable or compassionate 34. Great Lake 35. Silicate mineral 36. Observed 38. Small amphibians 42. 4-sided figure 43. Exchange for money 47. Actor Chuck ______ 48. Trapped or adhered 49. Turkish military governor 50. Red crystalline dye 51. Enchantress in Homer's Odyssey 52. Deep chasm 54. God of war (Greek mythology) 55. "Inter ____" = among other things 56. Tinkling sound 57. Sometimes eaten with bacon 60. America

Easy Hard


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meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 19

Our truth and effort

Knowing your audience: try talking to them Kelti Boissonneault Editor-in-Chief

For anyone interested in joining a board of directors of an organization, or for anyone going from a day job to a full-on decision-making career, the tasks of leadership can seem daunting. Over the years, as I grew into adulthood (something I frequently pretend I haven’t done), I had the opportunity to be involved in a number of great organizations. As interest waxed and waned over the course of the years, and membership in each of the various clubs and societies peaked and plummeted, one theme of leadership kept repeating: how to keep the members engaged. In my experience, membership and participation goes in cycles, and clubs are carried forth on the shoulders of a relatively small number of devoted individuals. There will be years of feast – when the majority of members in a society are fully involved and excited to be there – and of famine, when few people respond no matter how many times they are prompted.

The trick in these latter situations is to approach each member individually and have personable discussions with them. This accomplishes two things, in my experience: it re-engages the individual and gets them passionate about the society, and opens the door to their suggestions being listened to. It takes a lot of leg work, and occasionally a few litres of beer, but people enjoy feeling like they are being heard. This strategy works on an individual level, with people speaking face to face. But it should also translate to a broader scale as well. I’m looking at government officials (at all levels of government) when I say you can’t underestimate the value of a face-to-face conversation with a constituent/voter. I will automatically vote for anyone I’ve had a chance to talk to, even if I disagree with some of their policies, simply because I know they have the capacity to speak on an individual level, and their attitude isn’t

all pomp and circumstance. As I become more indulgent in adult ways of life, I find myself joining more and more societies and dividing my time between a full-time job and societies where I believe I can make a difference — or ones that are directly in line with my views and interests. I am disappointed by the tendency for young adults to invest the majority of their time in pointless endeavours (television shows, hours of gaming, or excessive partying/drinking) that seem, overall, to be entirely selfish. Not that I don’t occasionally watch a show, or relax with a group by gaming, or enjoy the odd glass of wine – it’s simply that I don’t waste an entire weekend (or week) in the pursuit of idleness. Optimistically, I believe that if more people participated actively in their community, the community itself would be more interesting and greatly enhanced. I encourage everyone to find a social group or club that gets

them out of the house at least once a week; or if one does not exist that meets your specific needs, create one! Non-profit societies and organizations are in constant need of new members and new ideas — they are pretty much guaranteed to welcome you with open arms. The sense of self-satisfaction is also very fulfilling when you complete a project and know that the community, or a group of friends, is better off for it. As far as governments go (all levels), people involved in politics should consider returning to speak with people on an individual level at times other than election time. I would hope, as a citizen, a taxpayer, and a participating member of society, that I could voice my opinion to a politician and be worthy of their time. How else is one supposed to know one’s audience if they haven’t asked them directly?


The natural Travis Robinson Sports Editor

Forgive Julian Spearchief Morris for being understated. It’s just his nature. The 6’4” Pronghorn swingman and Lethbridge product is perhaps the most explosive playmaker to come out of the Lethbridge high school basketball factory, and yet he admits that “things used to come a lot easier to me.” This can be due in part to the knee injury that hobbled Julian during his early CIS career – a natural occurrence, of course, and undoubtedly devastating to any other athlete. For a natural athlete like Julian, however, it proved to be a slight setback. The natural ability that made him the best athlete on the high school hardwood has transitioned well to the CIS, where Spearchief Morris remains the Horns’ most exciting player. Athletic ability aside, Julian Spearchief Morris is an organic human being. From his methodical and laconic speech to his relaxed gait, Spearchief Morris emits a natural aura. Julian is a fifth-year player who spent one season at the University of Victoria before transferring to the University of Lethbridge under the tutelage of coach Dave Adams. Spearchief Morris is a tall and long player, who stumbled into basketball as most natural athletes do: naturally. “I used to play all the sports when I was little,” says Julian. “I got to an awkward stage where I grew tall and lanky, and I got cut from everything else except basketball.” He quickly corrects this by saying that “actually, I got cut from basketball. But basketball was what I stuck with. My body is most suited to it. After a certain age, it was the only sport I played, and I special-

ized doing it.” Julian has turned his natural build into an impressive on-court two-way threat. He can play defense as well as throw down those spectacular dunks he was known to do even in high school. His court vision is also superior. With his long socks and muscular legs swathed in blue tights, Spearchief Morris looks like a basketball player. His fluidity and court presence is sound, but his image is right. This style and substance synthesis can be explained, in part, because of Julian’s favourite professional ballplayer, and another natural athlete, Kobe Bryant. “Kobe Bryant has always been, and will forever be, my favourite player. I’ve always kind of idolized him,” explains Spearchief Morris. Kobe’s game is based on finesse and skill, and like Kobe, Julian Spearchief Morris has mastered transforming his long body into a tighter package on the court. Also like Kobe Bryant, Julian has had his share of challenges in his playing career. Julian has endured two spate knee surgeries on the same knee to repair damage caused by that freak injury. He admits that this injury has caused him to adapt his game. “It was one incident that led to two knee injuries. But now that it’s in the past, it doesn’t affect my day-to-day now. It was just a matter of getting through a pretty long rehabilitation process. Just getting used to how my knee feels now, as opposed to how it felt before.” He has taken precautionary measures to ensure that his surgically repaired knee remains strong by wearing a clunky knee brace during each game. Despite this obvious

setback, Julian moves as if such a supportive apparatus is merely a natural part of his anatomy. For such a tall man, Julian moves incredibly well, rendering his Kobe Bryant emulation valid. Despite this, Julian acknowledges that it took him some time “to trust my body again.” His dedication to the game is quite obvious, but the natural athlete is also a dedicated student, specializing in the discipline of urban and regional studies in the department of geography. “It’s a multidisciplinary degree, to some extent, because you can choose from a wide range of courses,” explains Spearchief Morris. “For me, I want to get into development and things like that.” Spearchief Morris was not always the most astute student, admitting that being a student athlete was not always his main focus. “In high school, and definitely my first year, I didn’t balance school and athletics. I’ve always been kind of smart, so I’ve never really had to put that much effort into school,” says Julian. “Balancing the two takes practice, and definitely a lot of dedication. It’s easy to let your school slip, given that we have to be on the road every two weeks, and you’re guaranteed to miss a couple classes. As long as you’re dedicated, and work on time management, you can make it work.” This dedication to both athletic pursuits and school has made Spearchief Morris a model player and teammate. Julian expects his teammates to play smart. “The trouble comes when people are taking questionable shots,” says Julian. “If you’re taking a

shot that is not best for the team, then you’re hurting us.” Julian is a cerebral athlete whose main focus is consistently centred around the team, and his leadership manifests itself in his intelligent play. He admits that the revolving door of CIS athletics is challenging in establishing a leadership role, but he manages to adapt to the change. “At this point in the season, I’m starting to figure out my players, my teammates, more than I knew them at the start of the season,” says Julian. “I have a responsibility to be a leader and help my teammates out.” In this aspect of the game, Julian diverges from his hero. Whereas Kobe Bryant can be characterized as a surly and selfish prima donna, Julian is humble and generous, offering his support both on and off the court to his teammates. As a fifth-year player, he expects this of himself and executes it brilliantly. But as a fifth-year player, Spearchief Morris also realizes that the game may soon be over. “It’s about priorities, at this point in my life. I’ve got other things I want to accomplish. If I could come back and play next year, I wouldn’t, because I’d rather graduate and move on to new things.” Julian is not selfish in his own ambitions, but rather reflective. He understands that the end is near, and he can accept this as the natural transition of any CIS athlete. Unlike other CIS athletes, however, Julian Spearchief Morris is a natural, and it is a delight to see him take to the basketball floor to work his natural ability.


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meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 21


Chuck Hughes Travis Robinson Lifestyle Editor

For some, cooking comes innately. For Montreal-based chef, restaurateur and television host Chuck Hughes, the skill was more biological. “I got into cooking, like honestly, because of girls,” admits the 36-year-old Hughes. “I took a cooking class when I was in grade six, and it was me with eight girls. So I was like, alright, this could work.” Whatever pulled Hughes into the restaurant business was undoubtedly prophetic, as Hughes has become known in his own right as both a successful restaurant owner and a magnetic television chef. His Food Network programs Chuck’s Day Off and Chuck’s Week Off have both been immensely popular, and his appearance on The Next Iron Chef America cemented the heavily tattooed Hughes as an international star. I had the opportunity to sit down with Hughes as he made an appearance at the Food and Wine Exhibition last Friday at the Enmax Centre. Here are his views on a few topical foodie things:

On fast food:

“I look at it a bit like music. You have hip hop, you have classical, you have heavy metal, and food is kind of the same thing. You have fast food, you have comfort food, you have molecular now, you have vegetarian. I like a

burger at Wendy’s like everybody else once in a while. I’m a normal guy. I inspire myself from a lot of fast food. At one point, KFC had this mashed potatoes with gravy and chicken nuggets and corn, and I was like, ‘It’s wrong, but for sure that’s fantastic.’ It’s disgusting, but it’s for sure awesome. If you play on that, and do things properly… My only thing with fast food is the quality. It’s garbage. Just empty calories and sugar and salt. If you take out fat, you need to add sugar. If you take out sugar, you need to add fat. Flavour doesn’t come out of anywhere, so you need to add to figure it out. Unfortunately, the way they cut corners is on quality. But I think there is a place for everything. I wouldn’t open a franchise, but that’s just me. A homemade burger is pretty good.”

On the mechanical tenderizing of meat:

“I’ve never used it... I feel that every piece of meat is different, and needs to be respected in a certain manner. If it’s not tender, then that means you need to cook it. There are tools that you can use to get a result, but ultimately, every piece of meat is made for something. In the end, if it’s not made to be a tender piece of steak, then don’t cook it that way. If

you cook things properly, if you use the right cuts for the right dishes, you don’t really need to [tenderize the meat]. It’s weird. Ultimately, it’s a good way to contaminate. When you work in kitchens, cleanliness is the most important thing. When I see stuff like [mechanical tenderizing of meat], I always think like ‘Eeeh.’ When I’m working fish, I work fish. When I’m done fish, I move on. Cross-contamination, just denaturing the meat – it’s not natural.”

On food trucks and carts:

“I like food carts. I love the idea of it. I love it when it’s honest and real. When you go to Portland, Oregon, it’s the food truck capital of the world, but they’re all parked in one fucking parking lot. I get it, it’s a food truck, but it’s permanently parked. To me, that defeats the purpose. I love a food truck that shows up at the beginning of a hockey game, or at the end of a hockey game. Show up in a parking lot where there are tons of people. I think having a food truck would be awesome. In Montreal, they were banned forever, and now they’re just starting to allow food trucks, but they’re in a specific spot. All three food trucks of Montreal are in a parking lot. I love the idea of food trucks, but the infrastructure is just not

cool. It just doesn’t let you be a food truck.”

On The Next Iron Chef:

“I had a really good time. We were in LA for a month. But every day, up at 5:30 a.m., and the mental roller coaster that they put us through was… I wouldn’t do it again. I had a great time, but knowing what I know now, I just can’t mentally be destroyed like that every day. You’re up, you’re down, you’re up, you’re down. Every night, when I got home, I was like ‘Why am I doing this?’ But the experience was amazing, and that’s why I did it. I knew it was going to be tough, but the fact that I got in and fought with these nine other people… and now know them as friends – it was worth it for me. I’m a guy from Montreal, and never thought any of this would be possible. The old guys were scary, because they’re good, obviously, but they have this confidence. I was really not that confident for the whole thing, and didn’t find my way unfortunately. [Iron Chef Geoffrey] Zakarian and [chef Michael] Chiarello [were intimidating]. When we did it, I was 33, and [Zakarina and Chiarello] had 33 years of experience. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was fun.”


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 23

Deep-fried Manchego cheese Travis Robinson Lifestyle Editor

In honour of chef Chuck Hughes, I present my favourite recipe of his, with my own personal twist.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1/2 pound Manchego cheese, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes Canola oil for frying Honey for drizzling Smoked paprika for sprinkling Truffle oil to taste

Directions

1.Place egg, flour, and bread crumbs into three separate dishes. We will be playing the wet hand/dry hand game here. 2.Dip cheese cubes into flour, and then move to egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. 3.Preheat canola to 375 degrees F in a deep fryer or deep saucepan. If using the saucepan, use a splatter grill to avoid being scalded by the hot oil. 4.Add the breaded cheese in batches to the fryer. Ensure each cube is able to float without touching another. Adjust batch size to accommodate cubes with room to spare. Let them fry until they are crisp and golden. 5.Remove from fryer, and transfer to paper towel sheet to soak excess oil. 6.Transfer cheese cubes to serving tray. 7.Drizzle the cheese with honey and sprinkle with paprika. Add one or two drops of truffle oil and serve.


** 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.

Hey piikanii bass lover. I love hearing your subwoofer through the wall! Please continue the Barrage on my ears. FOOD FOR YOUR THOUGHTS! Jan 29-31. Sign up to tell us what U think about web-based services at U of L. Visit http://www.uleth.ca/events for details. Is it possible to join clubs, after club rush week? White girls so easy, put them on my pee pee -BBC Monster People, it is called merge lane, learn it, use it. To the gorgeous blond in neurosci. Your name is Kris. You are radiant; a sun. If you partake in any of these events after 11pm you need to calm the fuck down. Skipping, watching tv loudly, screaming,testing new stereo system and all other noisy activities! Since when is rush week a competition over who can play the loudest music? If I wanted my ear drums to be blown I’d go to pulse.. As Nickelback is a huge joke, I’m hoping the play their music in the

halls was also a joke. Good one! Am I the only one who is tired of hearing about Chief Spence? Shame on Canadian news networks.. There is other REAL news going on in the world that I’d like to hear about.. Why can’t the pizza in uhall be actually cooked through to the middle?! #turnuptheheat My biggest pet peeve w/ idle no more is that it has been made white vs 1st nations. Not Canadians vs the govt. if u want my support u can’t be groupin me in w/ “the enemy”

1. Nickelback guy, I would rip off my ears and horribly scar myself just to get away from that 2. More hot girls should take economics - Econ guy Dear Swim Team, Stop writing TLF’s about yourself. We all know it’s you. February 14th? National Singles Day. #foreveralone As adults attending a post secondary institution… maybe we should go back to drivers training. Learn how to park.

Hip-Hop club? I’m talking Rappers, B-boys/girls, Spinners, and Graffiti artists. Reminding people to take preventative measures is not victim blaming. “Blessed are he who speaks the word Pray for the weak and lead the herd Dollar signs in the faithful eyes And a saint’s Sunday disguise” - 10 Years Oh man, I’m definitely going to change some pH levels at the party tonight!

Excuse me wind but can you blow harder. Just a little bit faster and you can swiftly carry me too school in your wispy embrace.

Pushup bras are like bags of chips. Open them up and theres nothin in there.

I have this problem with my blood which makes me unable to donate. Apparently it…melts hearts! Sly Romantic SpiderSean

To all the first year girls on the swim team…. not a single person gives a shit you are even on the team. you should probably wash those team jackets you wear every.single.day.

Dear D1, Calm your pants, we on D2 are partaking in the 60 Insanity challenge. Deal with it because were only on day 11. Feel free to join.

Alright U of L, I know you love to debate, so here’s your next subject: Full Metal Alchemist vs. The Last Airbender GO!!!

Dearest Kroegenite, if the university plays Nickelback throughout the halls I, along with so many other people will gladly drop out. Sincerely, Nickelback hater

I wanna marry a girl born on February 29th, just so I can forget her birthday and not feel bad about it.

What happened to the crossword and sudoku puzzles? No real paper goes without them.

To the boy who stole my heart on the board/ski club Kimberly (Fernie) trip… I’m yours <3

More on the physics book found, I will take it to the lost and found on Monday if no one has claimed it by then. Thanks

Everyone better go to the 80’s cab on the 26th… Gonna have the best outfit there - Econ guy

Potential interest in forming a


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 25

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Michael Jordan Unless you stole it or did something bad to get it don’t feel guilty about the food you eat. Break the cycle!

Free Pizza! Want to share your feedback on the U of L’s online services? We want your thoughts for an upcoming portal project. Check the notice board (under notices) for more info

To the girl who has too much money on her meal plan: Thank you again for buying my coffee at Tim’s last Wednesday. You’re 7 kinds of awesome. -Guy in North Face Hoodie

Dear Black-haired lifeguard on mondays, All I can say is “motorboat, motorboat…” Curvilious. Sincerely, Viewing Gallery admirers.

Hey! Why isn’t that elusive pronghorn in the paper anymore?!

Damn’t Meliorist, where’s my crossword puzzle!!

Dearest M^2, I love our meliorist time!!!!! Love Jason

This semester is not the same without my JKL family!! <3 you all are the best! <3 #JKLreunion ??

Durty Dawn, Im curious to find out just how dirty you really are. Sincerely Horny Henry. Great Dane, you’re basically the hottest guy ever Love Pigeon If you sprinkle when you tinkle, be a sweety and wipe the seaty! SERIOUSLY people do your mothers teach you nothing?!! Hey L Word fans / lesbians, Lets meet up this Friday, January 25th, 12pm @ The Zoo for a marathon! Hope to see you there!

degree, you want money, the government wants my soul… Just make it happen. Sincerely, Broke Dear “I wasnt that drunk”, You were going around the bar, dipping your fingers in wine and then rubbing people’s foreheads and saying “simba!” Sincerely, yeah you were pretty drunk Dear philosophy Profs, If we can’t determine what’s real and what isn’t, can we just agree to disagree when I tell you that my homework doesn’t exist? Sincerely, University Student

To the couple of students discussing an article in the top floor of the library on Sunday, January. 18, 2013, you were in a room that had a door. That means you should USE IT Dear university, I want a dollar back for every minute my professor wastes fumbling with the projector. So far you owe me $39… Sincerely, Studen Dear university, Please stop being a dick about giving me a government loan. I want a

I need to give a shout out to cute Matt who works the grill for Sodexo. He’s always smiling. He’s got a great personality. Thanks for brightening my day! Hey, short light-brown hair girl in music theory – single? The quality of food we are eating right now is synonymous with that of a low-end Middle Earth inn. Number 4 on the woman’s basketball team. You make watching basketball better then it usually is. Just gorgeous! Dear Kroegenite, Nickleback is

corporate radio pop/rock. Lemmy is the only metal god. Educate yourself with Accept, Omen, Death, Queensryche and Pentagram. Lesson #2 next week! The Headbanger’s Society Presents: Naraka, The Avulsion and Morbidly Depraved!! Friday, January 25th. SU Ballrooms, $10 @ the door. Help us support our local metal scene! \m/ Idle No More protestors and supporters are not true Canadians. Anyone who sympathizes with this movement is a national disgrace. RLooking back at these past few months, I hope you realize that I would do anything for you. If I could, I would give you the world. Give me a chance? - In Love With You what is up with all the hating from the women’s sports teams? we all go to the same school.. what happened to supporting each other. If you’re bored on friday nights from 7-9pm and want to know what’s what in the world of stoner and desert rock, tune to CKXU 88.3FM for Just Deserts. I hear they take requests… There should be a slide going down into uhall.

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


Year in Review, and Thanks to All of You!

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations Brady Schnell

VP Operations and Finance

The ULSU is one of 25 members of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, an advocacy group which lobbies on post-secondary education issues. Each year, CASA selects priorities to actively lobby on throughout the year, and one of the main efforts of this is “advocacy week,” held each year usually in November. Priorities discussed this year are as follows: Accessibility: - Increase funding to the Canada Student Grants Program. - Exempt in-study income and the value of one vehicle from assessment in the Canada Student Loans Program. Impact of research: - Examine the outcomes of implementing an “open access” strategy for publicly funded research. - Ensure federal research agencies provide funding only to researchers at universities that respect certain criteria concerning student intellectual property ownership.

- Ensure the governor in council appoints a student representative to each of the governing councils of the federal granting agencies: SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR. First Nations, Métis and Inuit: - Remove the 2 per cent cap and address the backlog of applications for the Post Secondary Student Support Program for FNMI’s in Canada. International students: - Provide fast-track permanent residency in Canada to international graduates able to work in ment. The federal government always looks to CASA as an organization when they are dealing with anything post-secondary related and CASA has been successful on many fronts since its inception in 1995. CASA has been lobbying since 1998 for an increase in nonrepayable grants which, in part, has led to the implementation of the Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP), which provides up to $3000 per year to students who apply for student loans. Many of us who have received student loans may also

have received a “low-income grant” in addition to our loan; that is the CSGP at work. CASA has also been lobbying extensively on removing in-study income from student loan assessments since 2009. Since then, the government has announced that the amount of in-study income a student may earn before their loan is decreased would be doubled from $50/week to $100/week, however, CASA continues to lobby on removing in-study income completely from student loan assessments. CASA is a very respected organization in Ottawa, which is evident by the fact that the prime minister has only met with 12 organizations more than once between 2008 and 2010, and one of those organizations was CASA. Furthermore, the prime tion parties regularly consult with CASA on policy proposals and platform development in post-secondary issues. The ULSU is proud to be a member of such an effective organization which lobbies on behalf of post-secondary institutions across the country.

Constitutional referendum voting

The Students’ Union is holding a referendum next week on an updated constitution and we are encouraging everyone to vote yes. A yes vote on this referendum would mean the Students’ Union could better advocate for students to all levels of government with the addition of a VP External.

Advocacy is one of the most important things the Students’ Union does and it affects all students. With this change, there would be a position on the Students’ Union Executive Council efforts as we lobby all levels of government to keep post-secondary education accessible and

affordable. For more details on the changes and the referendum see our website: www.ulsu.ca Important dates: Townhall – Today at noon in the University Hall Atrium Voting period – Wednesday, Jan. 30 to Friday, Feb. 1, online at www.ulsu.ca


Year in Review, and Thanks to All of You!


2-3pm @ Ballroom B SU Building

learn how these bills affect your rights in PE 264 @ 6

walking with our sisters

the big idea ssc - round 1

visit lpirg.org for more info in w520 @ noon

community in unity global day of solidarity 6-8pm

Jan 28

Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 28

Idle no more teach in

CLUbs Council

visit lpirg.og for more info atrium @ noon


#ableg #yql #abpoli #inaug2013 #idlenomore #inauguration #cdnpoli #BREAKING

#uspoli

#algeria #princeHarry @The_Meliorist


the

meliorist

January 24, 2013 • 30

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. Go to our website for more detailed information on our services: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces. Upcoming information sessions: CMA & CGA information session ~ CPA designation discussion Feb. 7, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. AH100 – Andy’s Place RSVP online at www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/events DECO information booth Feb. 12, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sport & Wellness Building Deloitte CA recruitment & interview process workshops ~ Cgy & Leth Campuses See all details and register at www.uleth.ca/ross/ces Workshops to Feb. 8 (to see full schedule and sign up go online to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/workshops) CES resume/cover letter workshops: * Friday, Jan. 25, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. * Monday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. * Thursday, Jan. 31, 10:50 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. * Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1:40 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. CES interview workshops: * Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1:40 p.m. – 4 p.m. * Friday, Feb. 8, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Career exploration 101 workshops: * Friday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CES career portfolios for interviews workshops: * Thursday, Jan. 24, 1:40 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. * Monday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CES job search & networking workshops: * Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. * Thursday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m. – 5 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) • 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) • 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) • Daycare Director, Cgy ~ Calgary Jewish Centre (Jan. 31) • 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) • Outside Sales Rep, Edm ~ Consolidated Gypsum (Feb. 14) • Special Projects Manager, High Prairie ~ The MD of Big Lakes (Mar. 1) • Financial Services Representative, Leth ~ TD Canada Trust (Feb. 15) • Vegetation Coordinator, Edm ~ Carillion Canada (Feb. 15) • Operations Clerk ~ Agropur Cooperative (Feb. 15) • Sales Representative, Leth/Med Hat ~ JTI-Macdonald Corp. (Jan. 25) • Manager, Operation & Controls, Leth ~ UofL (Jan. 30) • IT Manager, Blue River ~ Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing (Mar. 1) • HR Systems Program Manager, Leth ~ UofL (Feb. 1) • Traders, Regina ~ Viterra (Jan. 28) • Crisis Beds Worker, Leth ~ Canadian Mental Health Association (Feb. 4) 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 ~ Science Alberta Foundation (Jan. 31) • Technology Development Assistant,

Edm ~ Monsanto Canada (Feb. 7) • Human Resources Advisor, Taber ~ Summit Motors (Jan. 31) • Deloitte National Leadership Conference, Cgy ~ Deloitte (Mar. 22) • Supply Chain Production Coordinator, SK ~ Syngenta (Feb. 14) • Aboriginal Engagement Facilitator, Cgy ~ TERA Environmental (Feb. 16) 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) • Student Employment with IDRC, Ottawa ~ IDRC (Feb. 3) • 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) • 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) • Seasonal Interpreter, Crowsnest Pass ~ Belleview Underground Mine (Feb. 8) • Teacher, Counsellor, Instructor, Cgy/Van ~ Wynchemna (Feb. 15) • Chess Ambassador/Chess Educator, Med Hat ~ Med Hat Chess Society (Mar. 8) • Geological Information Systems (GIS), Cgy ~ Cenovus (Feb. 10) • Department Lead; Guest Services Rep; Security Personnel; Revenue Auditor; General Maintenance; , Cgy ~ Calaway Park (Feb. 14) • Summer Camp Counsellor, Bragg Creek ~ Easter Seals Camp Horizon (Mar. 31)

• Various Seasonal Employment Opportunities ~ Dinosaur Provincial Park (Feb. 4) • Warehouse Assistant; Groundside Services Assistant; Planning & Engineering Admin; Springbank Maintenance, Cgy ~ Calgary Airport Authority (Feb. 15) • Summer Camp Employment, Seba Beach ~ Camp Health, Hope & Happiness (Feb. 24) • Wetland Naturalist, Creston ~ Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (Mar. 1) • Vegetation Management Field Assistant; Historical Resources Program Leader; Natural Resources Program Leader; Public Program Assistant, Cochrane ~ Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (Mar. 4) • Conservation Technician, Winnipeg ~ Ducks Unlimited Canada (Feb. 15) • Building Services Assistant, Cgy ~ Calgary Airport Authority (Feb. 15) • Summer Technician and/or Field Technician, Oyen ~ Chinook Applied Research Association (Feb. 8) • Field Surveillance and Operations Summer Student; Geology, Envi Sci & Economics Summer Student ~ ERCB (Feb. 8) • Site Technicians, Cgy/Leth/Edm ~ DECO Windshield Repair (Mar. 15) • Agronomy Trial Intern, AB ~ DuPont Pioneer (Feb. 20) Part time • Appliance Sales Associate, Cgy ~ Head2Head (Jan. 28) • World Vision Charity Ambassadors, Edm ~ Donorworx (Feb. 18) • Disability Service Worker, Leth ~ Quest (Jan. 26) • Barn Help, Leth ~ Naomi Gruber Horsemanship (Feb. 2) • Features Editor, Leth ~ The Meliorist (Apr. 30) • Retail Sales Merchandiser, Leth/Med Hat ~ Hershey Canada (Jan. 25) • Call Out Crisis Worker, Cgy ~ Communities Against Sexual Abuse (Jan. 31) • Administrative Supper II, Leth ~ University of Lethbridge (Feb. 1) International • ESL Teacher ~ KNS Language Institute (Jan. 30) • Teach English in South Korea ~ Eagle Consulting (Feb. 15) • 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) • English Teacher ~ Ameson Education & Cultural Exchange Foundation (Apr. 10) For details of the postings and information on the application processes, go to www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/job-board.


Hard

Easy

Try to find this pronghorn in this week’s issue of the Meliorist. E-mail the page number and a brief description of where you found it to einc@themeliorist.ca. You will be entered to win our monthly pronghorn draw. You can enter as many times in the month as we publish.

Joke

President Dubya was awakened one night by an urgent call from the Pentagon. "Mr. President," said the four-star general, barely able to contain himself, "there's good news & bad news." "Oh, no," muttered the President, "Well, let me have the bad news first."

"The bad news, sir, is that we've been invaded by creatures from another planet." "Gosh, and the good news?" "The good news, sir, is that they eat reporters and pee oil.�


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