UBCO’s Student Newspaper
February 1st 2016 | Vol 28, Issue 9
“I hate everyone.” since 1989
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thephoenixnews.com |
Campus
News
Sports
Life
The Alshahouds Story: From Syrian Refugees to Canadian Citizens p.3
#1 Heat Light up #7 Thunderbirds p.18
Careers to Consider if You Have RBF p.16
UBC v. UBC Rivalry Continues p.19
Winter Stole My Heart p.17
Opinions
Arts
Features
Racism, Michigan, and Why Peta Has Failed- Again p.13
Book Review: Lauren Marshall’s Purlieu p.6
What’s in Your Bag, UBCO? p.9
The Oscar Boycott: Why Should We Care? p.14
“Battle on the Hill” p.7
UBCO Students Launch Canvas Project p.5
“I run this circus.”
Listen Up! p.8 “I’m hearing all of the jokes, I know that they tryna push me, I know that showing emotion don’t ever mean I’m a pussy.”
“I live, breathe and sleep Phoenix.” “Jacky is my work husband”
Sarah James
Alex Barberis
Maranda Wilson
Production Manager
Coordinating Editor
Project Manager
On the cover: We have our own Production Manger’s bag. She usually carries almost all of these things with her at all times, which include: an agenda and notebook, “To keep myself organized between my three jobs and to keep all of the important Phoenix Production information on hand when I’m in the office.” Lipstick, chapstick, small bottle of perfume and hand lotion, “To help me go from the office to my other job, serving at Cactus Club.” A Bescherelle, “This is a must have when learning how to speak French, verbs are key.” “My New Years resolution this year was to drink more water, so I carry my Swell bottle with me everywhere!” Advil ,”Because we share an office it can get pretty loud sometimes...” There you have it, if you want to share with us what’s in your bag tweet us at @ubcophoenix or send us a snap on snapchat, ubcophoenix.
University Centre 3333 University Way Kelowna, BC, Canada V1Y 5N3 Office: UNC 132B Phone: 250-807-9296 thephoenixnews.com Cover by Maggie Wilson
Coordinating Editor Alex Barberis coordinating@thephoenixnews.com
Sports Editor Grayson B. Leahy sports@thephoenixnews.com
Visual Editor Varenka Kim visual@thephoenixnews.com
Production Manager Sarah James artdirector@thephoenixnews.com
Current Affairs Editor Mark Dreger current.affairs@thephoenixnews.com
Production Assistant Kelsi Brown production@thephoenixnews.com
Project Manager Maranda Wilson project@thephoenixnews.com
Life Editor Amithisste Multerer-Zarda life@thephoenixnews.com
Copy Editor Francesca Gimson copy@thephoenixnews.com
Web Editor Justin Kroeker web@thephoenixnews.com
Life Reporter Tiffany Goodwein lifereporter@thephoenixnews.com
Video Editor Riley Petillion production@thephoenixnews.com
Opinions Editor Brittni MacKenzie-Dale opinions@thephoenixnews.com
Life Reporter Maria Otto lifereporter@thephoenixnews.com
News Editor Laurence Watt news@thephoenixnews.com
Staff Writer Kathryn Helmore helmore@thephoenixnews.com
Contributors Jeff Bulmer, Shanna Albrecht, Brianna Ferguson, Harley Roquentin, G.E. McKinnon, Gordon Hamilton, Stephen Dass and Marina Lor
Arts Editor Jacky Deng arts@thephoenixnews.com
Photo Editor Maggie Wilson photo@thephoenixnews.com
The Phoenix is the UBCO students’ free press. Editorial content is separate from the University of British Columbia Student’s Union Okanagan (UBCSUO) and from the UBC institution at large. The editorial staff encourages everyone to submit material to The Phoenix but reserves the right to withdraw submissions from publication for any reason. “Any reason” could be material deemed to be sexist, racist, homophobic, or of poor taste or quality. The Phoenix will not publish materials which condone, promote, or express actions which are illegal under current laws. This does not include articles which provide an in-depth examination of both sides of a controversial subject (e.g. legalizing marijuana). The Phoenix is published, in part, by the UBCSUO and is an active member of the Canadian University Press.
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News | thephoenixnews.com | Laurence Watt - News Editor
News
PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER
Photo by Laurence Watt/ The Phoenix News
THE ALSHAHOUDS STORY: FROM SYRIAN REFUGEES TO CANADIANS
Mohammad Alshahoud reveals how he and his family escaped civil war and started a new life in Canada
IRANIAN SANCTIONS LIFTED Lifted sanctions allow Iran to re-enter the global market Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor On January 16, the United Nations lifted sanctions against Iran, allowing the Middle Eastern country to re-enter the world economic market. Sanctions have been lifted after Iran complied with the UN on scaling down its nuclear programme after an agreement was reached in July 2015. Iran had to cut its stockpile of low enrichment uranium by 98%, and remove two-thirds (14,000) of its nuclear centrifuges in exchange for
the lifting of many sanctions imposed on the country. Technicians also removed the core out of a reactor in Arak and filled it with concrete. The lifted sanctions will help Iran out of the high double-digit inflation and unemployment rates that have hurt the country’s economy in the last decade. “It’s now time for all—especially Muslim nations—to join hands and rid the world of violent extremism. Iran is
“ Mohammad describes life in Canada as “simple and peaceful,” similar to the way life was before the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
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Laurence Watt News Editor anti-government demonstrations and interrogate individuals thought to be opposed to Assad. “The army would After escaping civil war and shoot people and they set up barriers in spending three years in Jordan, the the street,” says Mohammad. Alshahoud family finally arrived in As civil unrest escalated into civil Kelowna last year in May. war, the place that the Alshahouds used Living in Rutland with his wife, Sara, to call home became too dangerous and their five children, Mohammad for living. Fearful for their lives, describes life in Canada as “simple and Mohammad and his family made the peaceful,” similar to the way life was critical decision on March 9 to escape before the outbreak of the Syrian civil their hometown and seek shelter with war in 2011. his uncle. From there, they crossed the According to Mohammad, civil border into Jordan, where they would unrest in Syria began as a result live for the next three years. of people being unhappy with the Initially, the Alshahouds were government in power. “People were relieved to find stability in Jordan. unhappy with Bashar Al-Assad and Shortly after arriving, they were able to wanted revolution,” says Mohammad. rent a house and find temporary peace. In March 2011, Mohammad and his “People were very welcoming and life family first started to become fearful. was good,” says Mohammad, “but there During this period, the police became were a lot of refugees.” increasingly militarized and started With no end in sight to the using violent means to shut down increasing influx of Syrian refugees
ready,” Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Twitter. With the lifting of sanctions, Iranian banks will be allowed to connect with European banks, and European companies will be able to pursue business with Iran. Iran will also be allowed to buy commercial airliners to upgrade their dated and unsafe aircraft. American companies, however, are still restricted by terrorism, human rights, and ballistic missile-related sanctions that remain in operation. After the lifting of sanctions, Iran and the US exchanged prisoners, with Iran releasing four Iranian-Americans, including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, in exchange for seven US-
into Jordan, mounting pressure was put on the Jordanian government to balance providing relief for refugees and listening to the demands of the local population. In response, the government enacted measures to prohibit Syrians from working in Jordan. Eventually, the United Nations reached out to the Alshahoud family and asked them to choose from a list of countries for settlement. After much deliberation, they picked Canada, mainly for its reputation for being a welcoming country but also for its multicultural success story. Upon making their decision, the Alshahouds were put into contact with the Canadian embassy in Jordan and they underwent a lengthy application process to become citizens of Canada. In May 2015, Mohammad and his family finally arrived at their new home in Canada with help from the Central Okanagan Refugee Committee, which consists of United Churches in Kelowna and Winfield. Since arriving, the Alshahouds have spent their time in Kelowna adjusting and settling into their new home. “Life is simple, easy and good,” says Mohammad, who currently attends weekly ESL classes in the morning and works in the afternoon. Among other topics, Mohammad and I also discussed culture and soccer. In particular, we touched upon how so many of the things we enjoy today, from sushi to assortments of tea and coffee, we owe to other cultures and foreign influence. Mohammad also revealed that he and his sons are big soccer fans and they enjoy going out to kick a ball around whenever possible. Being an avid fan myself, I told his sons that whenever they want play some footie—whether it be on the Xbox or the pitch—they are more than welcome to join myself and other students at UBCO. Since moving to Kelowna, three things in particular have stood out for Mohammad and his family: the people, family, and peace. “The people have been very nice and friendly,” says Mohammad, “Kelowna’s peaceful and nobody makes you nervous.” Though our discussion was in-depth and touched on a number of delicate subjects, I could tell before Mohammad began detailing his family’s story that I was looking into the eyes of a person who had been through more in four
years than many of us living in the West may undergo in an entire lifetime. In particular, three thoughts stuck with me following my discussion with the Alshahouds. First, I felt fortunate to gain insight into their experience firsthand as it enabled me to understand the true nature of events in Syria. In the Western world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to grasp an idea of what is happening in the Middle East as the majority of mainstream media outlets publish conflicting narratives— CNN will report that Syrian refugees are suffering and need our support, whilst Fox will report that refugees are dangerous and need to be feared. By meeting Mohammad and his family personally, I was able to tear through the curtains drawn by mainstream media, and particular politicians, and obtain an honest, firsthand account of the Syrian Refugee Crisis. I was also able to better understand the process through which refugees are able to obtain citizenship. Currently, there are still a number of people who believe that any refugee can simply apply for citizenship on day one and become a citizen on day two. However, the fact that the Alshahouds had to wait two years, and undergo a lengthy process involving immense amounts of paperwork and dialogue, dispels this myth. Perhaps most importantly, meeting with the Alshahouds and hearing their story allowed me to put life in perspective. Living in the West, we are largely desensitized to tragedies occurring around the world—atrocities have become routine and deaths have become nothing more than statistics on a screen. We are tremendously fortunate to live in an environment where our fundamental needs are met and conflict and violence is comparatively minimal. For the Alshahoud family, Syria used to be a place that was similar to Canada in the sense that the environment was peaceful and people from different backgrounds and faiths could coexist harmoniously. Having met with the Alshahoud family, I can confidently confirm that these new Canadian citizens are not here to steal our jobs, frighten us or cause havoc. They are here because they are just like you and me, and we share an inherent drive to feel accepted, care for loved ones and live in peace.
Iranian citizens accused of violating US sanctions. Iran does not recognise dual citizenship, and Iranian-Americans are treated as Iranian. The main opportunity for Iran lies in allowing the country to re-enter the oil market. Iran is the world’s fourth largest oil producer, but Iran has been virtually excluded from the international market for the past five years. Now, Iran is expected to increase production to 500,000 barrels a day and raise the nation’s oil exports by 60% within the next year. After sanctions were imposed in 2012 over Iran’s nuclear programme, their oil market share collapsed from 2.3 million barrels a day to 1 million barrels. Iran currently has approximately 38 million barrels of oil in their floating reserves
ready to enter the market. Iran also hopes to return to pre-sanction level of over 2 million barrels of oil a day. The problem with Iran entering the oil market is that it will further add to the oversupply of oil. “We are having an oversupply [of oil] and anyone who will introduce more supply in the current situation will make it worse,” said United Arab Emirate’s Energy Minister, Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui. After the announcement, oil fell to below $30 a barrel, and with more oil entering the market, the price could fall further. This oversupply will have a drastic impact on other oil countries across the world as the price continues to fall.
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Laurence Watt - News Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
News
CANADA TO SIGN TPP
The Liberal government will sign the TPP on Feb 4, but will not yet ratify the deal
Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor
Photo by Laurence Watt /The Phoenix News
UBCO DEBATES TEXTBOOK EDITIONS AND RAPE CULTURE Debate and skeptics societies tackle push the boundaries in first Debates and Drinks event of second semester Laurence Watt News Editor
outperformed the other. In the first debate, Eddie Tang and Daniel Kandie debated in favour of the motion “mandating the use of the newest textbook edition is necessary to ensure that learning doesn’t stagnate due to out of date information.” Opposed to the motion were James Davison and Josh Tafel. Before and after the debate, the audience voted against the motion, ultimately resulting in a victory for the opposition. In the second debate, Jimmie Owuor and Michael Flood debated in favour of the motion “we live in a rape culture.” Opposed to the motion were Eric Borsheim and Eric Doering. Although this debate was more controversial and sensitive than the former, the audience similarly voted before and after the debate in favour of the motion. However, despite the dominant opinion being in favour of the government side, the opposition managed to win by swaying
“ Students are adult and capable enough to have contentious discussions in a rational manner and in a calm environment — hence hosting the debates in the Well.
the most votes. This semester, the Debate Society and Skeptics Club will be hosting debates in the Well every three weeks and aim to have a professor moderate each one. Believing that it’s the contentious and sensitive issues that need to be discussed the most, both societies plan to push the bound-aries of debate for each upcoming event. According to the Debate Society, students are adult and capable enough to have contentious discussions in a rational manner and in a calm environment — hence hosting the debates in the Well.
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Last Thursday, the UBCO Debate Society and Skeptics Club hosted their first of many Debate and Drinks events of second semester. Moderated by Professor Carl Hodge, participants debated whether or not it should be mandatory to buy the latest textbook edition and whether we live in a rape culture. The winners of each debate were not determined by which side received the most votes, but by which side was able to sway the most votes. Often debate topics can be slanted in favour of one side — think of “we have a right to privacy” for example — and consequently, judging the winning side by who swayed the most votes attempts to address the imbalance. Furthermore, what is unique about the voting system that the Debate and Skeptics use is that, for the sake of fairness, it not only allows audience members to vote on the motion before and after the debate, but also allows them to vote for which team
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES SEIZE VALUABLES FROM REFUGEES European governments approve law to take valuables to help pay for asylum seekers Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor On January 26, the Danish Parliament voted to give police the power to seize valuable assets from refugees. When refugees enter the country, police will be allowed to search refugees and confiscate any items worth more than 10,000 kroners (2,050CAD) that are deemed non-essential. Items with sentimental value to the owner, such as wedding rings, will not be confiscated.
The procedure is intended to cover the cost of the state’s treatment of refugees in a similar fashion to the way Danish citizens receive welfare. “We’re simply applying the same rules we apply to Danish citizens who wish to take money from the Danish government,” government spokesman Marcus Knuth told The Guardian.
The confiscation is not only happening in Denmark, but in other countries across Europe. States in southern Germany have confiscated valuables and cash from €350 to €750 to help pay their asylum, arguing that refugees should use their resources before receiving aid from the state. Stephan Dünnwald of the Bavarian Refugee Council said, “refugees get a receipt for whatever they have on them, and then that money is used for any expenses the state incurs . . . That’s part of German law – nothing to do with any new restrictions.” Switzerland has also approved similar legislation that refugees must turn over assets worth more than 1,000 Swiss francs
(1,385CAD), using the idea that refugees should contribute to the costs they generate to help pay their social aid. Critics have condemned the law, saying that Europe now welcomes war refugees by taking their money and jewellery. Liberal Parliamentarians have also stated that the law prevents refugees from being united with their families for up to three years, leading some to believe that the laws are truly intended to keep refugees out of Europe.
Despite strong opposition and lists of the dangers, the new Liberal government has decided to sign the Trans-Pacific Partnership on February 4 in Auckland, New Zealand, but has stressed that signing does not mean the deal is complete. “Signing does not equal ratifying,” International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said on her department’s website, “only a majority vote in our Parliament can allow the agreement to take force. Signing is simply a technical step in the process, allowing the TPP text to be tabled in Parliament for consideration and debate before any final decision is made.” Although it is true that the agreement must pass parliament to become law, it is expected to pass with Conservative support, despite the Liberal’s claiming to still be neutral on the deal. Freeland stressed that signing the deal only keeps Canada at the bargaining table. NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair has criticized the Liberal government for signing the deal, as he doubts there will be much debate with a Liberal majority in parliament. Canada has two years to ratify the deal, which still falls within the Liberal term. Conservative Interim Leader Rona Ambrose says that signing the deal will help Canada’s falling economy and offer “huge opportunities, particularly in the business services sector and the agricultural sector.” Before losing the election in October, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the deal would be a boon for Canadian farmers. He also said that Canada cannot drop out of the deal, as “there is simply too much to gain for Canada.” The deal is said to phase out more than 18,000 import tariffs on international trade and open the markets for all nations involved, but the deal has been controversial due to its secrecy and possible damage to Canada’s auto industry. It is said to affect Internet freedom, extend patent protection for pharmaceuticals, lower wages, import unsafe food, and give foreign corporations the ability to sue governments for lost profits. The Liberal Party campaigned as being “pro free-trade”, but some analysts see the TPP as more a corporate power grab than a trade deal. Jason Kowalski, the Policy Director of the environmental organization 350.org, said that the TPP gives “fossil fuel companies the extraordinary ability to sue local governments that try and keep fossil fuels in the ground,” which may be a conflict of interests if the Liberals wish to act against climate change. Economists at Tufts University project that the US and Japan’s GDP will respectively be 0.54% and 0.12% less in ten years than it would have been without the TPP. Canada is projected to only have a 0.28% GDP increase due to the TPP, but a 0.58% decrease in net exports. They also project a total of 771,000 lost jobs between the 12 countries, with the US losing 448,000 and Canada losing 58,000. The twelve countries involved in the agreement reached an agreement on October 5, but the deal needs to be passed by each country’s respective parliaments before it can be implemented. The agreement can take effect if it is ratified by half of the nations in the deal that represent 85% of the trade zones economy. Although the deal has not been ratified, critics argue that the Liberals will ratify the bill anyway, stating that it has already been signed and that it would be foolish to back out.
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News | thephoenixnews.com | Laurence Watt - News Editor
MANAGEMENT STUDENTS SET TO VOTE AGAIN IN MSA ELECTION
PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER
MSA Declares electoral process invalid and announces re-vote Laurence Watt News Editor
Photo by Laurence Watt/ The Phoenix News
UBCO STUDENTS LAUNCH CANVAS PROJECT Are we more similar than different? Laurence Watt News Editor students in cooperation with the Students’ Union, International Programs & Services, Harmony, the Political Science Student Association, International Relations and The Phoenix News, involves participants answering 3 questions on 3 different canvases. The first question reads, “where do you consider home?” the second reads, “what’s something that you cherish most?” and the third reads, “what is something that disappoints you most?” The first event saw a large number of participants, resulting in the white canvases being transformed within a matter of hours into colourful and informative pieces of art. Although participants wrote down a large variety of responses, what stood out was the similarity of answers given for what people cherish and what disappoints them. In response to what people cherish the most, “friends” and “family”
“ The first question reads, “where do you consider home?” the second reads, “what’s something that you cherish most?” and the third reads, “what is something that disappoints you most?”
were the most common answers given by participants. In response to what people were disappointed by most, “war” and “racism” appeared the most. What the participants’ responses demonstrated was that although humans are vastly diverse beings, our core desires—as well as our sources of happiness and disappointment—are very similar. On Saturday, February 6, the second event will be set up in downtown Kelowna beside City Park. This event is significant, as it will take the project into the community and involve UBCO students publicly engaging with Kelowna residents.
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Last week, UBC Okanagan students launched the Canvas Project, a 2-day event aimed at highlighting similarities in a vastly diverse group of people. The first event occurred last Wednesday on the Okanagan campus and the second event is to be set up downtown beside City Park on February 7. The idea for the Canvas Project arose last semester, following weeks of discussions set up by the Political Science Student Association, International Relations, and International Programs and Services. The discussions largely focused on current events, specifically the Paris attacks, Syrian Civil War and refugee crisis. During the last discussion, a handful of students proposed the idea of shifting the discussion off-campus and into the community. The idea for a Canvas project came as a result of the discussion. The 2-day event, organized by
AL-QAEDA ATTACK KILLS 28 IN BURKINA FASO, 6 CANADIAN Terrorists attack hotel in the nation’s capital Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor
An attack on a hotel in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou has left 28 dead and over 50, of 18 different nationalities, injured. Masked attackers opened fire on the Cappuccino Café before moving to the Splendid Hotel and detonating several bombs. The attackers took over 150 people hostage in the hotel, including
Burkina Faso government minister Clément Sawadogo, and battled with police for over an hour. The battle then moved to a second hotel and many badly injured hostages were freed by French and local security forces. “As soon as you lifted your head, they would shoot straight away, so you had to pretend to be dead,” said one of the
hostages Mariette Kineou, “and they even came to touch our feet to check if we were alive. As soon as they knew you were alive, they would shoot at you.” Six of the dead were Canadians from Quebec, with four of them being of one family. The six had been in Africa since before Christmas and they were expecting to fly home that night. Other victim nationalities include Swiss, French, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese. It is believed that six or seven people were involved in the attack and that they were staying at the hotel as guests. Four of the attackers died in the assaults, with two
of the attackers being women. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility and said the attack was revenge against France and the “disbelieving West.” On the same day, Al-Qaeda kidnapped an elderly Australian couple in the country’s north near its border with Mali. Burikna Faso had its first free election in November when former President Blaise Compaoré was removed after 27 years in power. The country also faced a military coup in September. The current President, Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, has only been President for three weeks.
Following a mix up during the voting process last week, Management students are set to vote again for their next MSA executive team. On January 28 and 29, the Management Student Association held its annual election for the executive team. However, Kelly Taverner, Management student and Vice President External of the Student Union, claimed she was allowed to vote in the election without providing her UBC student ID. This revelation prompted concerns that if one person was allowed to vote without UBC issued identification, other people could have also been allowed to vote without UBC ID. The MSA responded to the revelations immediately and conducted an investigation which concluded with them declaring the voting process as invalid. According to a statement issued by the MSA, to ensure a fair and just electoral process for the hardworking candidates by strictly following the constitution, a re-vote is to take place Tuesday, February 2 (9:00A.M. – 4:00P.M.) and Wednesday, February 3 (9:00A.M. – 12:00P.M.). The MSA, one of the largest student associations on campus, has sincerely apologized to all management students and stressed the importance of coming out to vote again on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you have any questions regarding the re-vote you can email the MSA President, Douglas Canning, at president@msaubco.ca, and if you wish to read the MSA’s statement, it can be found on their Facebook page.
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Jack Deng - Arts Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
Arts
Photo provided by Lauren Marshall
BOOK REVIEW: LAUREN MARSHALL’S PURLIEU
Purlieu is a gorgeous ode to the Okanagan and to the complicated commemoration of family
Brittni MacKenzie-Dale Opinions Editor “Grandpa clasps my right hand between his muddy palms, forming a womb around the smooth oak handle that separates stainless steel from prepubescent skin.” This is how Lauren Marshall’s new chapbook, Purlieu, begins as a collection that snags you with its extended hand and leads you through the Okanagan landscape. It is a thrilling adventure, packed not only with gorgeous descriptions of the act of foraging, but also with inexpungible wisdom. It would have been easy to play it safe. Marshall, however, takes the gritty and realistic route; she allows for beauty to shine through the act of foraging. Making space for it, the book not only smells and looks good, but it tastes good upon indulgence. Purlieu is truly an ambitious project, designed to (re)make unique what we take for granted. Book-ended with stories of grandparents, connection to the earth and our ancestors, and feeling of community, life, and hope, Marshall’s words seek to draw a line between sustenance and family. In short, Marshall’s chapbook is a perfectly balanced blend of environmental philosophy and poignant lyricism. Purlieu is a song to the glory of nature. I had the pleasure of hearing Marshall read “Pineapple Weed”, the book’s most obvious ode: “Your brew slips down tight, anxious throats, heating and kneading scalene trigger points loose for breath to flow unobstructed.” Additionally, “Desert Parsley” has a brilliant ending that says everything we need to know about Marshall’s view of sustainability, future progress, and life:
“You desire life as water does, suck it deep with vacillated breath…however brief the season.” Trembling disillusionment haunts Marshall’s chapbook. At times, there is a feeling of digging through the dirt, foraging yourself (or for yourself) along with Marshall. We first see this in “Lobster?” in which a confused narrator explores foraging for the first time. “Peppergrass” is also a stunning example of this, though a somewhat darker glimpse at becoming. Almost directly in the middle of the chapbook, our narrator cocoons herself in the landscape, allowing herself to be moulded by it. “Nepeta Cataria” comes along to remind us, again, that where there is life there is hope: “In disturbed ground, one must make the most of every ray.” Marshall’s use of minimal dialogue serves as a clever punch, reminding us that we are earthly participants, but small in the vastness of our environment. “To Forage I” and “To Forage II”, the first and last poems, are the only time we see the firstperson used, once again speaking to the discovery of self. This environmentally friendly chapbook is a joint endeavour. Among others, Marshall makes sure to accredit local forager Scott Moran. Of course, acknowledgments are to be expected, but make no mistake, Marshall is teaching us something both with her thanks and with her lines. The poems, taken in their entirety, are a rumination on community-building. Purlieu is a clever romance with the act of foraging—an astute comingof-age tale while also acting as an
immersive experience for the reader. At times, it is a snapshot of young confusion. However, the book seeks to remind us of the inherent hope found in the local, in transgenerational ties, and in the maturing act of memory in narrative and nature. “The lines of his mouth are memories, memories of his own parents, memories of a cowboy riding a yellow, fungal saddle, [memories of] Grandma plucking Chenopodium,” Marshall writes. Above all, the book is a gorgeous ode to the Okanagan and to the complicated commemoration of family, and is written with thrilling language that delights the tongue. 1. I am interested in the pacing of this chapbook. Can you explain the choices that went into the placement of your poems? Pacing the poems was tricky because I had to work under a strict deadline. I didn’t experiment with placement as much as I would have liked. My rationale for the order of the poems was to book-end with first person poems from a forager speaker and bridge the gap with plant/fungi poems that go from being explorative and descriptive (the learning process) to more immersive and embodied. I want readers to learn about foraging as they progress through the book, much like the forager character does. 2. To write a chapbook like this, one has to be immersed not only in the surrounding environment—the purlieu—but also to be deeply in touch with food. What is your relationship with food? My family loves food, so I was
encouraged to try new dishes while growing up. Food time was family time, so human interaction was always linked to dinnertime. In first year university, I went through a phase where I ate for the sake of consumption because I didn’t know how to cook well. Eating became a solitary, uninspired process that didn’t nourish me mentally as it had before. I ate fast and without conversation, so I often felt hungry after eating. That summer, I asked family members and friends to teach me how to cook. My first lesson was a ratatouille dish from one of my best friends. That relational cooking experience reminded me of the importance of community in daily life. I also found that I love the process of cooking. As a busy person I do have to eat alone quite often, but now I take my time cooking dinner which makes the process relaxing. I feel proud of the finished product and I eat slowly so I can enjoy every bite! As an environmentalist, I try to be conscientious of the food I purchase and consume. Buying food from locals at the Kelowna Farmer’s Market is my preferred means of shopping, with well-researched organic brands being the next best alternative. However, I’m a student, so budgeting for a sustainable diet took practice. I cook a lot of vegetarian dishes now because vegetables are inexpensive and delicious. I also have a strategy for eating out. The price point of fresh, farm-to-table food is often higher than imported food, so rather than eat out weekly, I like to save my money for one nice meal every month or two. Wine touring and talking with
Arts
sommeliers has also helped me refine my palette when it comes to pairing food with wine. The perfect wine pairing can really enhance a dish. I appreciate restaurants that promote local wine, beer, and spirits because the Okanagan is full of innovation in these areas. The media promotes an unhealthy party culture that glorifies alcohol consumption as a means of getting drunk. There is no knowledge dissemination of the science and craft that goes into producing alcoholic beverages. I think it’s very important to appreciate everything that one consumes, so I hope Purlieu promotes a reflection on the quality of food and beverages in readers. My first interview with forager Scott Moran took place at Krafty Kitchen+Bar. He brought porcini mushrooms and chanterelles for us to eat, which made for an experiential learning process. I tried to utilize all of the senses in the research phase of the project so I could relate the sensations accurately in my poems. Scott forages, cooks, and sells his wares, so sharing his knowledge with the community is important to him. His concern for the Okanagan community and food security made him the perfect partner for the project. He introduced me to the staff at Krafty Kitchen, who also care deeply about community and sustainability. 3. Purlieu is a reflection not only on the natural world’s impact on our sense of self and well-being, but also of familial impact. How did you balance drawing on personal sources with the more scientific presentation of fungi, flowers, and vegetables? A point of interest for myself, Scott, and Mia of Krafty Kitchen is the generational transmission of knowledge. I picked berries with my Grandma when I was little, Scott’s father is a forager, and Mia’s family owned a restaurant. I tried to capture this generational learning in “To Forage I” and “To Forage II” by showing a young forager grow into a confident cook and salesperson. I think many readers will be able to relate to the family dynamic in the poems. There is a familial nostalgia that food can evoke and I explore that in “Chanterelle” and “To Forage II.” Biological phenomena aside, all of the poems are a construction; I don’t think any presentation of a plant/ fungus is objective. Some poems focus on the relationship between species, some focus on human interaction with nature, some focus commercialism and fine dining. All of the poems are politicized, with some explicitly addressing an issue more than others. I wanted to explore these somewhat abstract themes by melding them with concrete, scientific facts and phenomena. So there is truth in the biological aspects of the poems, but these truths are transmuted with fiction into a narrative. To pick up a copy of this chapbook, please contact fourth-year UBCO student Lauren Marshall.
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Arts | thephoenixnews.com | Jacky Deng - Arts Editor
Photo by Adam Flockemann
“BATTLE ON THE HILL”: MAKING POETRY IMPORTANT UBC Okanagan poet Jada Larkin wins battle between the best wordsmiths in Kelowna Jacky Deng Arts Editor
To the judges, audience members, organizers, and poets at UBC Okanagan, the university’s collaborative event with Inspired Word Café, “Battle on the Hill”, was, in a word, enlightening. As student-poets Ahmed Dirar, Nygel Metcalfe, Jada Larkin, and Lolu Oyedele duked it out against community poets Erin Scott, Aaron Gordon, Jack MacLeod, and Tarran Kostiuk, one could not help but breathe in the vast air of wisdom which permeated throughout the UNC Ballroom. Lesson One: Poetry Nobody fucking knows what poetry is. If you were to ask any “Battle on the Hill” ticket holder to define poetry, the diversity of answers would only be rivaled by the diversity of attendees. Put simply (and rather conservatively), poetry is an artistic medium, and unarguably the most fluid, dynamic, and malleable literary medium relative to its contemporaries.
Though I do not doubt that many of the “Battle on the Hill” participants hold a firm idea of what poetry is, it does not take a poetic connoisseur to recognize the vast variability present in both the poets and performances. From Kostiuk, Gordon, and Metcalfe’s collection of pieces on beautifully tragic romanticism to Larkin and Dirar’s pieces regarding the disregarded plague of present-day racism, “Battle On The Hill” illustrated the true nature of poetry as a living organism capable of articulating ideas, ideals, and imaginations into forces for change, recognition, and self-reflection. “Who is my poetry for?” asked UBCO’s Jada Larkin. When faced with the sea of variety at the event it becomes difficult to see who poetry is for, or if poetry, in its grandeur, simplicity, and flexibility, is for anyone at all. To those who wish to develop an awareness of social issues, poetry is for you. To those who
wish to relate to heartbreak and love, poetry is for you. To those who wish to experience anything and everything, poetry is for you. Frankly, poetry is for those who wish to listen, who wish to be open, and who wish to learn. Lesson Two: Social Injustice Many attendees of “Battle on the Hill” expected a fun little student event complete with inspiring words and free drink tickets. But as expectation was once again trumped by reality, the event was headlined by topics such as racism, feminism, sexual assault, technological uncertainty, and body image. One could argue that “Battle on the Hill” was less of a battle and more of a sermon designed to instill a fresh worldview within listeners (though there was an incredibly entertaining exchange between Metcalfe and Scott taken straight out of 8 Mile). MacLeod highlighted the tendrils of technology within our black-mirror generation,
Oyedele’s vibrant letter to a selfconscious friend was beloved by judges and audience alike, Scott’s poems on female empowerment ultimately propelled her to the final round, and both Larkin and Dirar proselytized the societal state of their African brothers and sisters. Larkin’s second poem, by far the most impactful and substantial poem of the night, illustrated the fragility of masculinity and contended for a society in which women are respected and cherished rather than raped, objectified, and standardized. MacLeod may have possessed the most astute technical talent of the participants, but something just felt perfect about having Larkin and Scott in the final stage of the event. As co-hosts Michael V. Smith, professor of Creative Writing at UBC Okanagan, and Rawle Ian James, prominent member of Kelowna’s collective of artistic talent, prepared to announce the winner, the reality of what both
UBCO students and community members had experienced finally began to settle in. Never before in UBC Okanagan’s faint, youthful history, has there been such a phenomenal display of all that the university strives to provide — an educational experience that connects campus and community in a united fight towards a better future. Although Larkin ultimately prevailed as winner of the inaugural “Battle on the Hill”, the sheer volume of knowledge thrown towards a captivated audience may lead one to reason that the latter were the true victors of the night. “Battle on the Hill” is, quite possibly, the best thing UBC Okanagan has ever done.
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Jack Deng - Arts Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
LISTEN UP!
Arts
Composite image by Maggie Wilson/ The Phoenix News
Highlighting some of the best up-and-comers you should be listening to Stephen Dass Contributor
Hinds Hinds is an all-female band from Madrid who play lo-fi garage rock, mixing child-like spontaneity with some serious musical talent. They have spent the last two years releasing tracks about dancing, having fun, and paying tribute to how much of an asshole your ex is, coupled with catchy riffs to tie it all together. Riding the wave of constant touring, and endorsements from NME, Fader, and Pandora, Hinds have finally released their debut album Leave Me Alone. While the band embodies a nonchalant demeanour in their various interviews and performances, the group is critical when it comes to the negativity and sexism they have experienced over the course of their short career, and are active in fighting the fetishization of the female band. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Strokes and Mac DeMarco, and mixing in some pop-style singles with infectiously sloppy vocals and increasingly
unpolished frantic guitar, listening to Hinds will you remind you of a time when Kelowna wasn’t so snowy and cold. Your first listen: Hinds - “Davey Crockett” The Last Shadow Puppets A super-group headed by one of the biggest bromances in modern rock music between Miles Kane, ex-front man of The Rascals, and Alex Turner, leader of the Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets have come together once again to release a new single for their next project. Bad Habits was released on January 10 and is a fantastic listen complete with chaotic riffs (for which Turner is famous), groovy baselines, and humming strings from Canada’s own Owen Pallet. Kane and Turner have both individually created bodies of work that have garnered considerable critical and commercial success, especially in the U.K. It will be interesting to see if this project is
THE OSCARS: WHO SHOULD WIN?
A look into some of the favourites at this year’s Academy Awards Jeff Bulmer Phoenix Alumnus
The Oscars are an annual celebration of the best of the year in movies. And what better way to highlight the best in movies than with the Phoenix’s own favourites and predictions list? Below, we have listed 2015’s nominees, along with our picks for the winners, as well as some notable names and movies missing from the ballot. Without further ado, here are my thoughts on the best of Hollywood in 2015. Best Picture: The Big Short, Bridge of Spies, Brooklyn, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Martian, The Revenant, Room, and Spotlight. Who Should Win: The Martian 2015 was a remarkable year for film, resulting in arguably the strongest list of Best Picture nominees in recent memory. And yet, even with such a fantastic offering of movies, one clearly reigns supreme. Ridley Scott’s scientifically gratifying, surprisingly down-to-earth tale of an astronaut stranded on the surface of Mars was not only hands-down the best movie of the year, but also a highlight of Scott’s entire
career. Larger-than-life set pieces; smart, meaningful dialogue; and one of Matt Damon’s finest performances combined to make The Martian a movie truly worthy of The Phoenix’s only 5-star rating of 2015. Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl. Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs. Bryan Cranston, Trumbo. Matt Damon, The Martian. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant. Who Should Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant. Leonardo DiCaprio tends to get a lot of press around Awards season for his seeming inability to win an Academy Award. After being passed up for a Best Supporting Actor nomination for 2013’s Django Unchained, and missing out on a Best Actor award for last year’s The Wolf of Wall Street, DiCaprio is back for a fifth time this year for his role as frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant. And honestly, this might be the role that finally lands Leo his Oscar. As Glass, DiCaprio’s performance was transcendent. Relying often on little more than strained growls and gurgles to convey everything up to and including complex thoughts and emotions, Glass was
another example of Turner’s penchant for completely transforming the sound of his projects. It is being said that an entire album has been completed already and will be released soon, so one can expect a kick-ass tour from The Last Shadow Puppets in the near future. Your first listen: The Last Shadow Puppets - “Bad Habits” Courtney Barnett The 28-year-old self-professed ramen noodle addict is one of 2015’s most critically acclaimed artists. Barnett’s debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit, showcases witty commentary regarding mundane and ordinary subjects, and subsequently uses the unspectacular to inspire dense, meaningful lyrics that float amidst catchy rock riffs. The lyrics are clever, wordy, and self-deprecating, and these characteristics are best exemplified in the track, “Avant Gardener” as Barnett
one of the most memorable characters of any film this year. In our review, we said Leo “gets more mileage out of grunts and spit-slurping than some actors get out of their careers” Best Director: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road. Adam McKay, The Big Short. Lenny Abrahamson, Room. Alejandro González Iñárritu, The Revenant. Tom McCarthy, Spotlight. Who Should Win: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road With its explosive practical effects, memorable (albeit quiet) characters, and unflinchingly badass action sequences, Mad Max: Fury Road brought the Wasteland screaming back to life in one of the most awesome movies of the year. Best of all, Fury Road brought back the genius behind the original Mad Max: George Miller. Miller’s world-building for Fury Road was spectacular. In a fake civilization built around cars and fuel, every car worked. Every character, no matter how small, had a backstory and role in society. Despite its name, the Wasteland felt more vibrant and alive than even the real world at times. Who Got Snubbed: Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice While Inherent Vice wasn’t Best Picture material by any means, Paul Thomas Anderson’s trippy story about a
sings, “the paramedic thinks I’m clever cos I play guitar, I think she’s clever cos she stops people dying.” While her messy hair, aversion to makeup, and XL t-shirts feed into her slacker aesthetic, she is undoubtedly one of the hardest working women in music. Barnett is an inexhaustible tourer, and beyond making her critically acclaimed albums and EP’s, she is also the founder of Milk! Records—a position that further showcases the gradual decline of hegemony that major label companies have on musical artists. Aside from her music, Barnett is also a social activist, opting to donate 10% of sales from Milk! Records to save Tasmanian rainforests. She’s been nominated for “Best New Artist” at this year’s Grammy’s, so make sure you check out Barnett, as she is sure to make to her mark. Your first listen: Courtney Barnett – “Pedestrian at Best”
detective at the edge of the sixties was something truly unique. Fascinating as the most colourful neo-noir film ever made (moreso even than Dick Tracy), captivatingly bizarre as detective movie with unreliable leads, and featuring a dream ensemble cast, Inherent Vice is already a guaranteed cult classic. As the man behind the camera, Anderson wove together a nearly incoherent list of seeming antonyms into one of the year’s most memorable movies. I am not sure I was expecting to see Anderson’s name on the nominations list, but I would certainly say it ought to be. Other Notable Snubs: Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight; Alex Garland, Ex Machina; Hiromasa Yonebayashi, When Marnie Was There Interested in some of the other categories? Check out the rest of this article at www.thephoenixnews.com.
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Features | thephoenixnews.com | February 1st 2016
Features
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG, UBCO? We asked people from each faculty to share with us the contents of their bag. Maranda Wilson Project Manager
Nursing
Name: Rachel Ollivier Major: Nursing Year: 4
“I have my I.D. for my job as an undergraduate nurse employee in Calgary, but I also always have my I.D. for my current practicum here in Kelowna.”
“I’m currently studying for my NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse), which I will be taking in June. I also have with me my Tropical Medicine handbook because I will be going to Zambia and I might encounter diseases not found in Canada.”
“I had this bag for about a year... I bought it because I love the colour purple!”
“The thing about engineering is that all work must be done on engineering paper because profs will only mark work done on this paper. It’s kinda expensive too, which sucks.”
“Because I work at the OPT Clinic (Options for Sexual Health), I always have with me teaching materials and plenty of condoms and lube to give away. Keep it safe, UBCO!”
“I always carry a first aid kit with me because it’s always good to have just in case! I also have iron supplements because I regularly donate blood.”
“I made a bottle opener in one of my classes using a water jet to cut the steel.”
Engineering
Name: Arpin Bhullar Major: Mechanical Engineering Year: 3
“I actually use this wood pencil to break into rooms in the EME.”
“I’m waiting for my new passport to come in so my old one is just in there.”
“We are, we are, we are, we are, we are the Engineers We can, we can, we can, we can, demolish forty beers Drink rum, drink rum, drink rum all day, and come along with us ‘Cause we don’t give a damn for any old man who don’t give a damn for us!” “When you begin in engineering, you swear an oath and receive a pin. I don’t wear it but I guess it’s still in my bag.”
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February 1st 2016 | thephoenixnews.com |
Features
“I am the biggest Totoro fan, so this little pouch holds my external hard drive with all of my teaching slides and materials.”
Education
Name: Jordyn Senger Major: B.A. English Minor: History Year: 1
“I’m doing my practicum at Kelowna Senior Secondary, and so I have with me the school protocols to look over, and of course, keys to my classroom and the staff rooms.”
“I’m currently assisting in marking English 10 Provincial exams. I happen to have the marking key in my bag to look over... but I do have to give it back.” “I bought myself a bag with wheels because I hate shoulder bags and I felt a backpack would look unprofessional. This bag fits so much stuff, but the only downside is that you can’t roll it in snow.”
“My mentor teacher had an extra laser pointer/slide clicker, so she gave it to me to use in class..” “1/5 pairs of Nike runners I own. Colour coordination is important.”
“My Faculty of Education field guide. I guess once you make it, everything is encased in leather!”
“I normally keep things like my protein and supplements in my car.”
Human Kinetics
Name: Madison McCardell Year: 3
“I usually hit the gym in the A.M. before my classes, so a lot of my getting ready in the morning happens either in my car or in the washrooms on campus.” “Dental health is heart health! So remember to floss.” “I got an iPad for Christmas and it has since replaced pen and paper for notetaking. “This is only one of the many bags I usually carry. I also have another bag for my meal preps and sometimes also a backpack!”
“I need my protein shake after hitting the gym to help promote muscle recovery. I probably drive my roommate crazy with all the shaker cups around the house.”
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Features | thephoenixnews.com | February 1st 2016
Fine Arts
Name: Maggie Wilson Major: Visual Arts Year: 4 Picture- “I just love this girl... or maybe its for my next project.”
Spraypaint- “In case I see a blank wall that needs some gold in its life.”
Sunglasses - “In case one day Kelowna decides to be sunny.” Advil- “For those monday mornings... or every morning.”
Bag- “Marc Jacobs, surprisingly this bag holds a lot. It’s my go to!”
Lipstick- “For any chance I’m not in the studio and want to feel fancy.” Masking Tape - “This is a random one! Left over from the other day spent putting up event posters.”
Agenda + Notebook - “An attempt at keeping myself organized.”
“#Girlboss, for when I have some time to kill or I need a little extra motivation!”
Business Cards - “I have yet to give one out but I’ll be prepared when I (hopefully) get the hang of this networking thing one day.”
Management Name: Laura Johnston Major: Marketing Year: 4
“Kate Spade. Contains EVERYTHING about my day to day schedule.”
Perfume and Pink Lipstick - “To give the illusion of personal grooming during those long days of class and group projects.”
Swell Bottle (not pictured) - “I can’t go anywhere without a water bottle (weird attachment issue)...”
“Vitamin C... Bless up. They don’t want us to be healthy!”
Bag - “J Crew courtesy of my Mom’s closet.”
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February 1st 2016 | thephoenixnews.com |
Features
Arts
Name: Maranda Wilson Major: English Honours Year: 4
“I’m currently working on my Honours thesis, so I have these two books on me at all times (in case of academic epiphanies).”
“As an English major, I’m expected to read a ridiculous number of books in a short period of time. This means constantly reading a number of books at the same time. My Kobo has not only made this more convenient, but more fun (I can track my reading stats and I oddly race myself with the reading speed tracker).”
“I am the biggest Roots fan. Their leather bags are all impeccable quality, and I love the fact that they are a Canadian brand. I have this same bag in a different colour because I love it so much.”
“I’m a terrible person when I’m hungry. I basically get hangry (hungry+angry) pretty easily, so I always have granola bars on hand.”
“These cue cards were for a midterm I had today. I’m going to go home later and put these ones away into the ‘big box’, and replace these with the next set of cards.”
“My mom went to a fortune teller in Japan and she told my mom that my family needed to buy an “omamori” (religious amulet) from this specific Buddhist temple because she claimed it housed our ancestors? I’m not totally sure I believe it, but my mom makes sure I have mine with me at all times.”
“I only use Moleskine notebooks, and I have one on me at all times. I always get Phoenix writing inspiration at random times, and I need to jot them down or else I forget them.”
“I have an obsession with purple and giraffe print. Actually I love anything colourful!”
Sciences
Name: Natalie Kremer Major: Biology Minor: Psychology Year: 4
“Starbucks had a promo where you receive a knitted sleeve with a Frap purchase. I’m obsessed with cold drinks during the winter, so I use this sleeve a lot.” “I use this essential oil roller because I suffer from frequent headaches. Surprisingly, it works because the peppermint in it basically freezes your head.” “I’m a Bio major and Psych minor, so I always need to know the parts of the brain and its functions. So I always carry these flashcards on the brain around with me as reference.”
“I had a Mod Podge phase in first year -- I glittered everything (including my iClicker).”
Photos by Maranda Wilson and Maggie Wilson
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Opinions | thephoenixnews.com | Brittni MacKenzie-Dale - Opinions Editor
Opinions
ARE TRIGGER WARNINGS HELPFUL OR A WASTE OF TIME? Gordon Hamilton Contributor
2. Mocking trigger warnings restigmatizes mental illness. Yes, you might feel cool or hip by rolling your eyes at trigger warnings, but what you are really doing is reinforcing the idea that mental illness is something to be ridiculed, and that a desire for mental health is somehow wrong. You know what is cooler than sniggering at other people? Not sniggering at other people. 3. If you have not experienced trauma, you are one of the lucky few. I am going to take a wild guess and calculate that the majority of people who complain about trigger warnings are white dudes. Just because you personally have not been in a war, been raped, or attempted suicide, it does not mean that other people have managed to avoid these things. Be respectful of other people’s life circumstances, even if you are not aware of them.
RACISM, MICHIGAN, AND WHY PETA HAS FAILED—AGAIN Brittni MacKenzie-Dale Opinions Editor
“Let me not mince words: this is a racial crime. If it were happening in another country, we’d call it an ethnic cleansing.” - Michael Moore Flint, MI has been all over the news lately. After the Flint River water corroded the city’s pipes, leaking poisonous metals into the water supply, residents consumed the contaminated water, largely unaware of the dangerous effects of drinking lead. Of course, the situation has been dire for a long time now but has, unsurprisingly, taken a while to reach mainstream media. As a community, Flint is 57% black, 37% white, 4% Latino and 4% mixed race, and over 41% of its residents live below the poverty level (see: U.S. Census). It is difficult to imagine the same situation happening in a city with a different demographic. American lawyer and activist Cornell Brooks drew connections between Flint’s socioeconomic milieus and the toxic drinking water. He tweeted, “Environmental Racism + Indifference = Lead in the Water & Blood.” The worst part of the Flint water crisis is that city officials continued to assure residents that things were under control—the muddy, yellow water was being taken care of. Many citizens knew, however, that they were being lied to. Bernie Sanders responded with a biting statement towards Gov. Rick Snyder, calling for Snyder’s resignation: “There are no excuses. [Snyder] knew about the lead in Flint’s water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of
children were poisoned. Thousands may have been exposed to potential brain damage from lead.” So where does PETA get involved in this? In 2014, Detroit faced a similar water crisis. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department shut off water to accounts that had not paid their bill in 2 months. This dastardly threat to health disproportionately affected the poor. PETA offered to foot the bill for a limited amount of people if applicants
“ It is difficult to imagine the same situation happening in a city with a different demographic.
“
1. Having a trigger warning is easy. Saying or writing a few extra words (two, really: “trigger” and “warning”) is not difficult. To pretend it is difficult is only to admit your own laziness. If it takes something as simple as a small phrase to help someone else cope, why not add it? The pros clearly outweigh the cons.
Photo by Maggie Wilson /The Phoenix News
pledged to go vegan for 30 days. Later that year, PETA wanted to pay Flint to hang a banner reading “STOP THE KILLING—START WITH YOUR PLATE”, a weak attempt to help counter high homicide rates in the city. Intersectionality is an important concept: it refers to demonstrating the ways in which oppressive systems
(racism, sexism, transphobia, speciesism, classism, etc.) are interconnected and cannot be properly examined or understood separately from one another. Thus, on one hand, it could be argued that PETA was attempting to bring the plight of the nonhuman to the mainstream, encouraging moral attention to the oppression of billions of animals. But as a political tactic, this is not only a nonsensical move on PETA, it is insulting. In order for intersectionality to function properly, one thing needs to be remembered above all: compassion. Charges of racism against Flint’s authoritative system are not unfounded; the fact that PETA has so publicly chosen to respond to Michigan specifically with condemning requests speaks to a broader, systematic racism that we are far from absolving. Even if subconscious, it is no accident that minority groups are targeted by groups like PETA. While ostracized, oppressed groups are often asked to give more than any other—a disturbing showcase of racism. Now would be a good time for PETA to make up for their mistakes in previous dealings with Michigan. A better solution might be for PETA to offer funding to citizens in Flint who fall below the poverty line while providing vegan foods. This would help spread their equality politics while maintaining that compassion, above all, is most important. Heckling a community into a decision in a time
of crisis only provides more stress. On top of that, it makes PETA look like an awful and controlling company, doing exactly what veganism does not need— making those who eschew meat and dairy products seem scary. In the face of racism and inequality in Michigan, and the dangerous living conditions that poor, often black, community members must endure, PETA would be wise to focus on intersectionality in a positive manner. If PETA is truly concerned with inequality, they should
“ Charges of racism against Flint’s authoritative system are not unfounded...
“
It is sometimes difficult to discern what useful information is and what it is not, especially when you are coasting on two nights worth of sleep and are on cup number four of Timmy’s double-double. Things start seeming more irritating than they are. You just want to cut out the bullshit and focus on the important. So when your professor utters the words “trigger warning” or you see the same phrase at the beginning of a long article, it’s easy to think: what other pseudo-progressive garbage do I have to pay attention to now? I have heard a lot about trigger warnings before and noticed the debates about them, too, mostly on Facebook and Twitter. I have to admit, though, I did not really know what it was. So, in case you are like me and too embarrassed to admit it, here is a definition: “A statement at the start of a piece of writing, video, etc., alerting the reader/ viewer to the fact that the text contains potentially distressing materially (often used to introduce a description of such content).” A few common ones include sexual assault, alcohol consumption, or violence. Trigger warnings allow those who have experienced trauma in one or more of these areas to avoid the content if they feel they may react to it. Reminders of past traumas can be so destabilizing that those affected can suffer from panic attacks and flashbacks. Guess how we can easily help out our fellow human who has suffered? Two little words: trigger warning. Unfortunately, I have seen too much anger around trigger warnings to ignore it. Here are three important facts about trigger warnings, and why we should embrace them, not mock them:
use their position of financial power not to offer a deal with a catch, but to help the disenfranchised—human and nonhuman alike.
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Brittni MacKenzie-Dale - Opinions Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
Opinions
TRANS REPRESENTATION IN FILM AND WHY IT MATTERS
Why you should ignore The Danish Girl G.E. McKinnon Contributor
Cisgender: identifying with the gender you were assigned at birth Transgender: identifying with a different gender than the one you were assigned at birth Misgender: calling a trans person by the wrong pronouns (i.e. calling a trans boy “she”) Deadnaming: using a trans persons birth name after they have changed it Eddie Redmayne is currently nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Lili Elbe in the film The Danish Girl and I find myself repeatedly explaining to people that no, this is not a good thing. No, this is not progressive. No, this does not mean we are in a post-transphobic society. And, no, as a trans individual, this does not make me excited for the future of trans narratives in cinema. The same topic of conversation came up in 2014 after Jared Leto won for best supporting actor in Dallas Buyers Club and I found myself asked one question over and over: “Why isn’t this good enough for me?”
THE OSCAR BOYCOTT: WHY SHOULD WE CARE? “ Photo from Creative Commons
Kathryn Helmore Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, the Academy Awards acting nominations all went to Caucasian actors. This ‘whitewash’ has inspired a boycott, and significant figures such as Jayda Pickett Smith and Spike Lee will not be attending this year’s ceremony. Yet why should we, as the UBC Okanagan population, care about the trials and tribulations of A-list celebrities in Hollywood? We should care because, as members of a university, we value diversity. Whilst reading this, some might think of a recent article from The Economist. The article argues that, while Caucasian actors are overrepresented, African American actors are actually reasonably represented. According to this article, 12.6% of the American population is black, and 10% of Oscar nominations since 2000 have gone to black actors. However, to reduce such an issue to American populations and a mathematical approach, and therefore dismiss the controversy, would be too simple. The reality is that the majority of films produced tell the story of the white man facing adversity, and this is simply limiting us. How is it limiting us? Consider our campus. Like many Western
universities, diversity is certainly a priority. Furthermore, diversity should not necessarily be a priority simply because it is the morally correct thing to do, or because it breeds better PR for the university. No, diversity is a priority because it fulfills our utmost priority: learning. Every student brings a certain history to the classroom and thus a certain perspective on life. If our classrooms were filled with people who all came from a similar background, we would be living in a metaphorical and literal echo chamber. Yet, students who come from Ghana, Taiwan or First Nations tribes offer a perspective completely removed from our own. These students allow us to broaden our horizons, which is entirely necessary in a learning environment. So how does this relate to the Academy Awards? Film, as an art form, is also intrinsically about learning. As stated by Mary Schmich, “good art is art that allows you to enter it from a variety of angles and to emerge with a variety of views”. When we continue to see the same stories, with the same actors in the same setting we learn very little. We become trapped in an artistic echo chamber—a phrase that seems to be an oxymoron. In order
to fulfill its true potential, film needs to be diverse. It needs to tackle stories that are unlike anything we have seen before. This will not be achieved by handing out more Academy Awards to African American actors or other minorities (which are, as the The Economist points out, more under-represented than their black colleagues). Rather, this can be achieved by accepting and encouraging films from across cultures and nations and from independent studios by offering coverage and financial gain. This would, by extension, represent more minority groups. It would also encourage the production of more unique art, and expand the film industry’s horizons. If you are wondering whether you should care about the Oscar boycott, please do. Simply think of the benefits that diversity offers on our university campus and consider how diversity could benefit the film industry. In other words, if you desperately do not want to see a Transformers 5 or Fast and Furious 500, and want to be stimulated by more films, give some thought to this boycott.
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Caring about the lack of diversity in Hollywood is not about morality, but is rather a matter of self-interest
“The fact that cisgender actors are being nominated, and winning awards, for portraying trans characters while actual trans women, such as Mya Taylor, are skipped over is proof that trans people— especially trans women—are not wanted in movies.”
It is not good enough because there are still directors at the helm of transthemed films who do not understand what it means to be trans. Gaby Dellal, the director of About Ray, misgenders the character repeatedly in interviews and even claimed that Ray, the titular character and a trans boy, is “just a girl who is being herself and is chasing the opportunity to start hormone treatment. So to actually use a trans boy was not an option because this isn’t what my story is about.” A story about a trans boy is not a story about a trans boy, apparently. Let’s return to The Danish Girl. Lili Elbe’s transition is implied to be inspired by sexual arousal rather than gender identity—Lili is fetishized via Tom Hooper’s direction, Redmayne’s portrayal, and other characters reactions to her. Another character gives her the name Lili, rather than her choosing
it for herself, while many characters continue to deadname her—a micro aggression that is incredibly rude to direct towards a trans person. Lili constantly looks to cisgender people for validation of how well she passes (I will not get into passing politics here but this movie heavily reinforces the demands from society for trans people to conform to traditional, Eurocentric beauty standards). Lili is misgendered and referred to as being confused throughout the film, is pressured to see psychiatrist and seek medical help to prevent her from transitioning. Most uncomfortable for me was the choice to have Lili (and other characters) refer to herself in the third person, as if she were some make-believe persona in an elaborate game of dress up. For a much more in-depth critique, please read Sally Jane Black’s review on Letterboxd: http://letterboxd.com/glazomaniac/ film/the-danish-girl/ The fact that cisgender actors are being nominated, and winning awards, for portraying trans characters while actual trans women, such as Mya Taylor who played Alexandra in the amazing indie film Tangerine, are skipped over is proof that trans people, especially trans women, are not wanted in movies— only a loose idea of their narratives and hardships are important, and even then only so a cisgender man can win an Oscar. For an actual trans narrative not based around transition and instead treating trans people as, you know, people, watch Tangerine—a superb indie flick with actual trans women playing trans women with an intriguing story, a wonderful supporting cast, great music, and experimental filming techniques. Finally, to acknowledge the most common counter-argument I have heard against casting trans people to play trans characters: the argument that actors are cast based on performance, not gender. It is not about casting the best actor, as there are plenty of talented trans actors, it is about dramatically snagging an Oscar for a cis man while exploiting a popular film trend and, by association, putting real trans people in danger due to misinformation and reinforcement of inaccurate, harmful stereotypes. Please stop supporting these projects and instead listen to trans voices and seek out trans narratives written, and acted, by trans people.
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Opinions | thephoenixnews.com | Brittni MacKenzie-Dale - Opinions Editor
DEATH: A EULOGY
Fear of death might be the greatest universal in the world But is suicide an act of cowardice, bravery or a scream for help—or something, perhaps, in between? Harley Roquentin Contributor
Photo by Maggie Wilson /The Phoenix News
WHY “QUEER” IS THE BEST AND WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO LGBT Words, by definition, ought to communicate ideas, and to bring clarity to the fuzziness of daily existence. But sometimes words like queer, besides being fantastically useful in lieu of LGBTQIA, don’t really say much. Brianna Ferguson Contributor A few years ago I became friends with a guy over our shared confusion about our sexual identities. We located each other early on in a tourism course we took together in downtown Kelowna; we quickly became friends after sharing our life stories on our many lunchtime walks to the closest Starbucks. The main topic of most of our conversations? Whether we were gay or not. Rewinding a little let me say that neither of us are—as we discussed in a random talk about reproduction early on—your average genetic bouquet. I am a woman with XY chromosomes, and he is a man with XXY chromosomes. So right off the bat, we were both infertile, and a little confused as to our connections with our own bodies. To make matters more interesting, both of us have experienced, for as long as we could remember, attraction to both genders. The reason as to why exactly we were fixated on the question of whether we were “all the way gay” or “all the way straight” can be traced back to many events in our social lives, but for the most part we just wanted to decide where we fit into the world. The problem was that we could never stick to a decision for more than a day. One day, he would be convinced he was totally gay because he thought the Starbucks guy was hot, and I would think I was totally straight for thinking
the same thing, but the next day we would experience exactly the same level of attraction towards a girl. Sadly, we finished our course and went our separate ways long before we ever arrived at a concrete conclusion. Years later, at university, when I had come to embrace my own queerness with the help of so many friends and professors and writers, I bumped into him again, and we got talking. To my dismay, he was still stuck on the same
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“Neither of us are—as we discussed in a random talk about reproduction early on—your average genetic bouquet. I am a woman with XY chromosomes, and he is a man with XXY chromosomes.”
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Is suicide an act of cowardice? Many of the people around me seem to think so. Even some academic literature reflects this idea. This is seen most prominently in Alfred Adler, disciple of Freud and founder of the second Viennese school of psychotherapy named Individual Psychology. In an essay highlighting the differences between him and his mentor Freud, Adler writes “the death wish is perhaps an unrecognized confession of weakness in the face of reality… it is a last resource for the weak in heart. An author who arrives at the view that the death wish is a general condition thereby confesses to being weak in heart. He experiences the world full of unrest and difficulties and capitulates before it.” Put simply, the desire to die follows naturally from feeling weak, of having an “inferiority complex”. This could be very true for some people. But upon looking at death in general, as well as my own experiences on the matter, we can very quickly see that Adler’s analysis is by no means universal. Let’s start with death. A frequently cited H.P. Lovecraft quote comes to mind. “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear,” Lovecraft says, “and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” The writer applied this to his stories with outstanding results. But even then, in some capacity, we can relate to them qualitatively. We may not know the horror of Cthulhu, but we know dreams; the color from space is unknown, but not color in general, and so on. The same cannot be said of death. Death is entirely unknown qualitatively. Most of us have never died, and those of us who have remember nothing of it, aside from the occasional hallucination upon recovery. Death is the ultimate unknown. If we are to grant Lovecraft his hypothesis, we must also accept dying as the ultimate horror. To overcome this fear, then, requires vast amounts of bravery, and perhaps Adler is talking nonsense. A few times, I have believed myself guaranteed to die with explicit intention. There was no sense of a lack of agency, or any feeling of inferiority in any capacity. In fact, some of the moments between my initial action and what I felt to be my inevitable destruction I look back on with great fondness. Contrary to Adler, I felt great pride for what I had done, that I had the capacity to do what others could not hope to. Here were feelings of grandeur, not weakness. Of course, this is not to say that suicide is morally justified. Good and brave do not always mean the same thing. But to say that suicide is an act of cowardice is to unjustifiably assault the pride of someone who is already emotionally unstable. It is a grotesque example of ressentement, of reversing the reality of the scenario in order to feel superior. In other words, it is ridiculous.
question, and feeling very unhappy about it. I told him all about the wonderful world of “queer,” and how one could simply be queer and never have to divulge anything more specific about one’s own self. One could simply be not straight and not necessarily cisgendered (which means identifying
with one’s gender at birth), and that was enough to be part of this whole community of people. No longer was it necessary to divulge, or even learn, one’s truest feelings. One could simply wrap oneself in the warm fuzzy blanket of queerness, and be safe in the knowledge that one’s place in the world had been found. That night, he texted me saying that he had never felt so happy and relaxed, and I told him I was happy to have helped. What I did not tell him, though, was that it has never taken long for me to need to break down the word “queer” for anyone I have used it with. Outside the platonic relations of lectures and cursory meetings, I have never once been able to say that I am queer and walk away feeling I expressed virtually any truths to my listener. I have always gone immediately into exhaustive details of my genetic and dating statuses, using words like “intersexed” and “bisexual,” until at last I could leave with the feeling of a great existential weight having been lifted from my shoulders. So I wonder, to what extent does the word “queer” actually help, and to what extent does it hinder? Words, by definition, ought to communicate ideas and bring clarity to the fuzziness of daily existence. But sometimes words like queer, besides being fantastically useful in lieu of LGBTQIA, don’t really say much. The more celebrities
(Rowan Blanchard, Miley Cyrus, Ezra Miller) who come out as queer, despite bringing a generic version of solidarity to the disenfranchised youth of today, the more we are left with questions rather than answers. Why have they decided to “come out” publicly with such a safe, enveloping term? Who is to be saved from the occasional alienation and confusion associated with one’s own infertility or same-sex desires, by someone who has chosen to say they are simply not quite straight or cis? Who hears such a declaration in the dark watches of the night and goes “Aha! Finally! Someone like me!” Every time I hear the word, I cannot help feeling that someone has hit me with the same ambiguity they used to employ when referring to someone’s gay lover around the dinner table as their “special friend.” Is the word actually helpful in the fight for humanitarian solidarity, or is it exactly the kind of safe, generic term that is meant to mean everything, and ends up meaning nothing?
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Amithisste Multerer-Zarda - Life Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
Life
Life
EATING DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK Eating disorders are not a choice
Tiffany Godwein - Life Reporter February 1–7 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The Provincial Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign (PEDAW), and the Nutrition Education Center at UBCO, will be running events throughout the week with the aim of educating students about resources and eliminating the stigma surrounding disorders. All students are encouraged to wear the color purple during the week in support and to show off their purple attire by tweeting #Purple4PEDAW on February 5. This year, the theme is “Love our Bodies, Love Ourselves.” “I think it is important for everyone to realize that it is not a lifestyle choice, it is a serious mental health issue,” says graduate student Danika Quesnel. Quesnel’s research focuses on the important role that exercise plays in the treatment and management of eating disorders. Quesnel opens up and explores two key aspects of eating disorders. The first area explores how exercise operates as a symptom of an eating disorder. The second area focuses on an exciting new spectrum that dives into how prescribing exercise to eating disorder patients can serve as beneficial towards the final prognosis. It was through her exploration, as well as her personal interest in eating disorders, that Quesnel started getting involved with PEDAW. Eating disorders are life threatening, highly complex illnesses that affect millions of people around the world on a daily basis. Culturally, a common misconception surrounding the development of eating disorders is that patients are simply performing the behavior to achieve an ideal body weight. In a culture so obsessed with being thin, achieving an ideal body weight certainly plays a part. However, past trauma and stressors the sufferer has experienced within their environment are often an aspect that is overlooked and not adequately published in modern media. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, based out of the United States, patients are more likely to have comorbid depression and other mood disorders that can be consuming to their daily life. “It is not an illness that is just centered around vanity. There is way more to it,” says Quesnel. Eating disorders affect individuals from every race, age range and socioeconomic background. However, college students are some of the most vulnerable due to increased stress, lack of external guidance and cultural pressure within their environment. “Another thing that is a huge trigger is that people need to just be aware of their language and their words with each other,” adds Quesnel. Being cautious with words is a simple, easy step that everyone can take. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, there are many resources available on campus through the Health and Wellness Center, and the Nutrition Education Center located in Art 179. There will be information booths set up by the Nutrition Education Center in the UNC during Eating Disorder Awareness Week if you are looking for resources or simply looking for knowledge.
An estimated one in five women in North America have or will develop an eating disorder. Artwork by Sarah James /The Phoenix News
CAREERS TO CONSIDER IF YOU HAVE RBF “I thought you were a total b*tch when I first met you, but boy was I wrong! You are a total sweetheart.” “…women used to being constantly misunderstood focus more on the words someone says, rather than their tone, body cues, or facial expressions.” Amithisste Multerer-Zarda Life Editor Throughout my life, I’ve never had a particular talent for smiling. It is not a result of my being an unhappy person; I enjoy life and consider my self a genuine and gentle human being. In my high school years, teachers would tell me to seek an appointment with guidance councillors if I ever wanted to talk. Just the other day, the manager at my current restaurant job, along with other staff members, asked me if it would hurt to smile. At my old retail job, my manager told me that a lady claimed I was not friendly when she walked into the store, and I would be fired if I did not smile more. I was so confused and dumbfounded as I was not intentionally trying to be rude. With these incessant accusations and questions, I began to ask myself, “am I okay? Is there something bothering me?” The answer is no, I am a very happy person who is simply, for some reason, unable to translate such emotions to my facial expression or tone of voice as well as others can. So if this sounds familiar, I am here to tell you that you are not alone. A few years ago, my friend told me I have RBF. “What’s that?” I asked her. “Resting Bitch Face,” she replied. Initially, I was extremely offended because I am in no way a bitch. I do not enjoy talking about others behind their backs, I have zero narcissistic qualities, and I do not need things done my way all the time. After looking beyond my bitterness, with time I realized that there is finally a term that made it seem alright to not be naturally bubbly. RBF is almost like a diagnosis. Now I can simply point out, “sorry if I offend you by not smiling when I say hi, I have RBF.” What worried me most about having RBF was being restricted in my performance at work or school. Often people have told
me, “I thought you were a total b*tch when I first met you, but boy was I wrong! You are a total sweetheart.” Often staff members or fellow students would be too scared to approach me, and would sometimes even complain about me. I was just being me. I never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable. On the other hand, I also do not believe I should put on a plastic smile or try to change my pitch or tone of voice. I was not raised to find comfort in being someone I am not. Before you argue my point, I am not trying to say that people with bad attitudes should not change. If someone has a negative attitude towards things, changing their attitude could benefit their life in enormous ways. I am simply saying that if you have a positive attitude and are a naturally happy person, but your natural facial expression might not show it, today’s society might make you feel inadequate in the workplace. But there are certainly many options you can consider career-wise that will suit you. However, I encourage you to do whatever you are most passionate about, these are simply suggestions. According to an Article written for Quartz, Texas Women’s University researcher and consultant Rene Paulson found that women with RBF are better communicators than their fellow happy-golucky-looking peers. She claims, “women confronted by a world that automatically attaches negative attributes to their nonsmiling face must quickly learn how to communicate… women used to being constantly misunderstood focus more on the words someone says, rather than their tone, body cues, or facial expressions.” That being said, one of the many careers you could consider is writing. Writers,
often naturally quiet people, illustrate their thoughts and feeling about themselves and the world best through their fingertips. Having a solid writing background can lead you to many exciting occupations such as advertising copy writer, editor, fundraising/ grant writer, video game writer, journalist, author, songwriter, search engine marketer, or social media manager. People will not be asking if you are okay after they have read your work, they will be asking you how you did what they cannot. Have you ever heard of Sia? She was a songwriter for decades before her career reached the public eye. Another career to consider is that of a publicist. A successful publicist spins any negativity, towards a product or a business for example, to create a positive image. This may sound easy, but a publicist’s career is fast paced and requires incredible patience. It can also be difficult to break into, so skills in writing, image projection, event planning, and marketing are necessary. Marketing manager is a position that pays well, and also requires excellent communications skills. Marketing managers are expected to develop marketing strategies for a product or firm, and execute them exceptionally. Marketing manager positions are expected to grow through 2016. Marketing managers often require higher education credentials, such as a Masters degree, or substantial experience. Another option for gifted communicators is to consider a career in law. If law school is not your cup of tea, you may consider pursuing administrative or organizational roles through working for civil and criminal court or governmental and independent legal firms. Paralegal or legal secretary jobs are also very rewarding in the legal sector, and are an excellent fit for those
with exceptional communication skills. These jobs may require more specific qualifications. Are you a digital artiste? Websites and social networking platforms require digital technologies, and the industry is ever expanding. The digital media sector includes careers in journalism, video production, web design, and social media. A digital media expert understands how society consumes media and information. Maybe you’re not so much of a digital artist but you enjoy using the creative side of your brain to its maximum potential. Although a career in advertising might not initially seem like a dream career, it can be fun and fulfilling if you understand what people react to. You can come up with ways to make boring, old commercials engaging and exciting. If you’ve got a sense of humour and wit to add to your advertising pitch, comedic commercials could go viral. And if you are a real go-getter, becoming Vice President of public relations or corporate communications in a wellrespected businesses or firm could earn you a median salary of $140,000 a year. Becoming a Vice President requires experience, an excellent reputation and top-notch communication skills. If you put in the years and keep strong relationships wherever you go, you will get the pay. So perhaps RBF is not a bad thing after all. You may look like Kanye West and Kristen Stewart’s love child when explaining how much fun you had last Friday, but there is nothing wrong with you. You might need a facial expression coach if you ever decide to break into the pageant world, but girl, you have got the gift of communication skills and intelligence combined.
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Life | thephoenixnews.com | Amithisste Multerer-Zarda - Life Editor
WINTER STOLE MY HEART
If you are cautious about loving winter, read how Shanna fell in love Shanna Albrecht - Contributor I tend to be a wimp when it comes to cold weather. I strongly dislike brushing snow off my car, having consistently damp feet and feeling the shrill bite of winter winds. Despite this, last winter something very strange happened and I found myself actually enjoying the season! I was even a little sad to see it go. One of my favourite days last winter was when my friend and I hiked up a mountain through knee-deep snow for far too long to take some photos. It was exhausting, and silly since the mountain was covered in fog and the trails were hidden, but our adventure gave us pretty photos and a lovely memory. This year, I spent two weeks up at Big White during the holidays. My family and I played hard and après skied even harder. The experience only furthered my newfound love of winter. We had the most incredible day skiing above the clouds with ice crystals sparkling all around—it was magical! If you are cautious of loving winter, I am here to sway your opinion. First, no one can
deny how pretty the outside becomes when topped with a blanket of snow. Second, you get to wear an amazing amount of toques. They keep your head warm and they eliminate the need to do your hair, so they win on both accounts. Fuzzy socks are my favourite item of clothing in the winter when my toes need a warm hug. Winter allows you to sit by the fireplace, read books and drink hot liquids (see recipe below). With such a short amount of daily sunlight, days can be spent outdoors skiing, snowboarding, skating, tobogganing and so forth. Afterwards, evenings can be spent watching your favourite Netflix series with a bowl of popcorn or playing a board game with friends. My favourite games this winter are Cribbage, Settler’s of Catan, Canasta, and Rook. I’ve also been obsessively watching crime documentaries—yes I’ve watched Making a Murderer, and yes I have my theories. If you like that one, you might enjoy The Central Park Five, The Seven Five, West Memphis and The Hunting Ground.
All these activities welcome comfy clothing, and there is no shame in comfort. I spent my two-week holiday in wooly sweaters and leggings. I always have believed that comfort can be fashionable. My top picks for winter cozies include: dad sweater, toque (I love American Apparel toques), RVCA fun pants, wool socks and knit infinity scarves. Blueberry Tea Sit by the fire and enjoy! 2/3 oz. Amaretto 2/3 oz. Grand Marnier 1 cup steeped earl grey tea 1 cinnamon stick I hope you find a love in winter! Xx Shanna
Photos provided by Shanna Albrecht
UBCO CLUB SPOTLIGHT: ANIME CLUB “Pikachu, I choose you!” Tiffany Godwein - Life Reporter If you are a huge fan of Naruto and Death Note, or if you simply want to relive some cartoon favorites like Pokémon, Dragon Ball Z, or Sailor Moon, UBCO has got you covered. The UBCO Anime club meets on campus every Wednesday evening at 5PM in LIB 312. This fun, free club provides visitors with a relaxing atmosphere in which people can explore, and harness their love for, Japanese anime. Jenn Pynn and Danny Chen, both fourth-year Engineering students, have
been members of the UBCO Anime Club since their first year and are now serving as the current executive members. “Our first year here, we went to club day. We saw the Anime Club and we thought it would be something interesting to go check out, so we did. Then we became the executives in our third and fourth year,“ said Chen. “Basically we are a fun, relaxing club. People can come and visit, take time off and just have fun, watch different
episodes of Japanese Anime, play games, and hang out,” Pynn added. Considering all the many clubs that run annually at UBCO, the Anime Club strives to create an interactive environment for all members that attend the weekly meetings through theme nights, discussion groups and anime related games. “One thing we had was a Pokémon event where we had a Pokémon tournament with trivia and things like that,” said Chen. “In the past we have also done Smash Brothers Tournaments, but we have not been able to run it this year because the people who owned the equipment graduated,” said Pynn.
I first came across the UBCO Anime Club in the EME on January 16 during Club Day. One unique feature of the UBCO Anime Club in comparison to others at Club Day was their unwavering passion and love for their club members, and for the core subject of their club. “When I first came to UBCO, I didn’t really know of people that shared a similar interest in anime as me, and I know that sometimes people view anime as being for the nerds or the lonely people. When I saw the booth, I thought it would be a great way to make friends that share a similar interest, so we really try to stay true to that and comfort people with those same
interests,” said Pynn. Whether you are the biggest anime fan or just a newbie wanting to explore the pop culture craze of Japanese anime, the diverse members of UBCO Anime Club will welcome you with open arms.
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Sports
#1 HEAT LIGHT UP #7 THUNDERBIRDS
UBC Okanagan Heat will stay atop the CIS rankings after sweeping UBC Grayson B. Leahy Sports Editor
In both matches this weekend, the UBCO women’s volleyball team came out on top against UBC. With the Friday night match ending 3-1 in favour of the Heat, and a clean 3-0 sweep on Saturday night by UBCO, the current CIS #1 will remain on top. They hold the same record, 17-1, as their opponents for next weekend, Trinity Western. After handing the Pandas a pair of losses when U of A came to visit a few weeks ago, the Heat (with a record of 151) moved up to take over the #1 spot on the CIS Top Ten when the updated list was released on Tuesday, January 19. With the most recent list being released
this past Tuesday, January 26, UBC Okanagan shared the top spot with Trinity Western (171) for the week prior to facing UBC Thunderbirds. Considering the competitive relationship between UBC Okanagan and UBC, the outcome when the Heat face the T-Birds is always interesting. For Heat fans, it provides an opportunity to win one over on the Vancouver campus; for Thunderbird fans, it provides the chance to prove that they should not take the Okanagan campus seriously. With UBCO at the top of the CIS Top Ten and UBC ranked #7 on that list, the match-up had
Grayson B. Leahy - Sports Editor | thephoenixnews.com |
Sports
Photo by Maggie Wilson/ The Phoenix News
more at stake than simply the egos of fans of either side; both teams are in the running for a strong playoff position, and potentially a shot at a national championship. After their strong performance against U of A two weeks ago, the Heat had a bye period before coming into the weekend against UBC. During their time off, the Heat prepared to defend their spot atop the CIS mountain while the Thunderbirds looked to move themselves up the ladder by knocking off, arguably, the best women’s volleyball team in the country. Unfortunately for the Thunderbirds, their record falls to 12-6 after losing both matches to the Heat. On Friday night the Heat dominated at the net, holding the T-Birds to a hitting percentage of .160 despite allowing them to win the third set. Heat Head Coach Steve Manuel says of his team’s performance Friday night, “it was a gutsy performance by our student-athletes, so I’m pretty happy.” When asked what it
meant to him, and to his team, to be ranked the best team in the country he continued, “it’s nice. You know, it’s nice on Tuesday when the ranking come out and you see your name in the press and you’re up there high, that’s
“ “It was a gutsy performance” – Head Coach Steve Manuel
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all that it is. After that, it’s back to work; if anything, it’s more work, because now you’ve got an expectation that you’re going to stay there.” However, he ensures these expectations do not get in the way of remaining the best. “Once the whistle blows and a match starts, against all the teams in Canada West, it’s zerozero and everybody’s the same
rank, as far as I’m concerned; everybody’s so close,” said the 15th-season Head Coach. Saturday night saw much of the same, with the Heat being led by an outstanding 16-kill (.364) effort from Brianna Beamish. Despite missing senior middle Katy Klomps, the Heat put up impressive and consistent scoring numbers. Behind Beamish’s 16 kills, Katie Wuttunee put up 9, Megan Festival had 8, and Kaitlynn Given finished the night with 7. This well-rounded offence gave the Heat an efficient three-set sweep on the night, and a clean sweep for the weekend. Next weekend (February 5 & 6) the UBC Okanagan Heat travel to Langley, B.C. to face their current co-CIS #1, the Trinity Western Spartans. The Heat have the confidenceboosting advantage of having beaten Alberta, the only team to earn a win over Trinity Western so far this season, every time they have faced them.
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Sports | thephoenixnews.com | Grayson B. Leahy - Sports Editor
PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER PLACE HOLDER
Photo provided by UBCO Heat Athletics
SEATON MID SIGNS WITH HEAT SOCCER Heat women’s soccer fourth offseason signing goes to BCSPL veteran Grayson B. Leahy Sports Editor
Photo by Maggie Wilson/ The Phoenix News
UBC V. UBCO RIVALRY CONTINUES The UBC Thunderbirds volleyball teams paid a visit to the Furnace this past weekend Grayson B. Leahy Sports Editor On Friday night at 6:00 P.M., UBC and UBCO started the 2016 leg of their interinstitutional rivalry. Students on both campuses have a habit of seeing the other campus as vastly different; while this is not ideal in an academic or fraternal sense, it certainly makes for entertaining athletic competition. Over the past few years, the two campuses have not quite faced off regularly, but the meetings between the two University of British Columbia teams always seem to feed the rivalry. The last time the Heat women’s basketball team saw the Thunderbirds, UBC handed UBCO back-to-back double-digit losses in 2014. This season, with UBCO at 10-4— sitting third in the Explorer Division, and in a position to make a run into the postseason while UBC currently holds a record of 6-10 at seventh in the Pioneer Division—the competitive table seems far less tilted in the Vancouver campus’ favour. The last time the Heat and the Thunderbirds competed in men’s basketball, UBCO beat UBC two nights in a row on January 25 & 26, 2013. The last time the Heat men’s volleyball team beat the Thunderbirds was January 11, 2014. Since then, the T-Birds have beaten the Heat in four straight matches. The most recent of those Heat losses, this Saturday night, was probably the toughest loss, but it also showed that UBC does not stand above UBCO. The game ended 15-13 in the fifth set—about as close as a volleyball match can be. Arguably, the most prominent athletic rivalry between UBC and UBCO in
“ “This team has shown that we can compete with everyone” – Steve Manuel
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recent years has been on the women’s volleyball court. Just under a year ago, the Thunderbirds women’s volleyball team knocked the Heat women’s team out of the Canada West playoffs, earning themselves a berth in the 2015 CIS tournament. The year before that, UBC defeated UBCO in Canada West to move on to the gold medal game in that tournament, which they then won, before going on to play for the national championship. As of the beginning of 2016, UBC Okanagan had yet to defeat UBC in regular season or post-season play since joining CIS. The game on Friday, January 29 saw the Heat women’s volleyball team beat the Thunderbirds for the first time in Canada West league play. The Heat quickly followed up that stellar performance with another, sweeping the Thunderbirds in three sets on Saturday night to take both matches for the weekend.
On whether the matchup against UBC stands apart from other competition, Heat women’s volleyball head coach Steve Manuel says, “I think it used to, for us. We allowed ourselves to be intimidated by that in the past, and maybe even a little bit you saw that tonight, that they play the uniform and not necessarily the person, but I think this team has shown that we can compete with everyone.” With his team standing strong atop the CIS Top Ten, it is hard to argue with Coach Manuel about their ability to take on any and all challengers. Friday night saw one of the largest crowds ever to grace the Furnace, with a recorded 1100 fans present and accounted for, showing that the rivalry on the court means more to UBCO students and Heat fans than many of us would probably be willing to admit. With the Heat women’s volleyball team sitting atop the CIS Top Ten, it is no surprise that crowds are showing up, but the atmosphere was more than could be expected from almost any other pairing. The stands were filled with thundersticks, at least one person had an airhorn, and on more than one occasion, those with noisemakers went back and forth in a coordinated attempt to distract the Thunderbird servers. Both the stands and the beer garden were filled nearly to capacity, and every UBC Okanagan point was cheered loudly, if sometimes somewhat riotously. I hope to see a UBC v. UBCO matchup in the Canada West or CIS playoffs both in order to experience the crowd excitement in a post-season atmosphere, and to see the Heat beat the T-Birds and exorcise the demons of playoff matches past.
The fourth player signed to the UBC Okanagan Heat women’s soccer program for the 2016-17 season is midfielder Maddy Laranjo. The Vernon, B.C. native comes to the Heat program from W.L. Seaton Secondary in Vernon, where she will be graduating in June. Laranjo comes to the Heat with a strong soccer resume. She has played for four years with the Thompson Okanagan Football Club in the BC Soccer Premier League, and was named captain for her last year. She has also been a part of the Whitecaps Okanagan School Academy in Vernon for the past five years. The 5’5” attacking centre midfielder has also used her knowledge of, and passion for, the game to move into coaching as well. “Three years ago, I started coaching kids ages four to nine, with the Soccerpatch program in Vernon,” said Laranjo, “I have also been able to coach with the Whitecaps summer camps in the Okanagan.” The future UBC Okanagan studentathlete continued, “over the last two years, I have been very fortunate to be able to volunteer coaching soccer with Special Olympics B.C... Every time I coach, I learn new things and increase my knowledge of the game. Coaching has been on of the most rewarding and positive experiences to be a part of the last few years.” While Laranjo has continued to play almost every sport available throughout her high school career, soccer is undoubtedly her focus, as she says, “I play a minimum of 10 hours of soccer a week throughout the fall and winter.” Laranjo intends to make the most of being a UBC Okanagan studentathlete, saying, “as both an athlete and a student, I am very passionate
and determined. I have balanced my education and many athletics all through high school, and I will continue to do so in University. I plan to continue to play soccer, volunteer, coach, and pursue a degree in Human Kinetics. I am really looking forward to being a part of the UBCO Heat team and training under Coach Claire Paterson next fall. I have been playing the wonderful game of soccer for many years, [but] I know I have much more to learn and am very eager to gain more knowledge of the
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“I play a minimum of 10 hours of soccer a week,” – Maddy Laranjo
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game at the University level.” Of the most recent addition to her 2016-17 team, head coach Claire Paterson says, “It is wonderful that Maddy has decided to join our Heat program. I have had the opportunity to see her flourish into a very technically sound player over the past few years within the Whitecaps High School Academy. She is an incredibly hard working, competitive athlete who has been an engine for her BCSPL team. I believe Maddy will bring a lot to the program as she continues to grow as a player at the CIS level.”
@ubcophoenix Jacky is in the field. Get ready @UBCSUO. #FROSTFEST
@ubcophoenix “Why is the music so loud?” - #JackyintheField
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