UBCO’s Student Newspaper
October 5th, 2015 | Vol 28, Issue 3
Dogs in the office since 1989
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thephoenixnews.com
//In this issue
news
life
arts
sports
All Candidates Forum p.5
Club Spotlight: African Caribbean Student Club p.7
FINA Gallery p.12
McMorris Brothers at UBCO p.14
Bike Access p.3
Teaching in Thailand p.6
Modni Drumming p.10
The Rugby World Cup p.15
Fall Fashion Forcast p.9
University Centre 3333 University Way Kelowna, BC, Canada V1Y 5N3 Office: UNC 132B Phone: 250-807-9296 thephoenixnews.com Cover and Masthead photo by Sarah James & Maggie Wilson Feature photos by Sarah James, Maggie Wilson & Alex Barberis
Intro to Rock p.13
Coordinating Editor Alex Barberis coordinating@thephoenixnews.com
Arts Editor Jacky Deng arts@thephoenixnews.com
Production Assistant Kelsi Brown production@thephoenixnews.com
Production Manager Sarah James artdirector@thephoenixnews.com
Sports Editor Grayson Burton Leahy sports@thephoenixnews.com
Copy Editor copy@thephoenixnews.com
Project Manager Maranda Wilson project@thephoenixnews.com
Life Reporter Maria Otto lifereporter@thephoenixnews.com
Web Editor Justin Kroeker web@thephoenixnews.com
Current Affairs Editor Mark Dreger current.affairs@thephoenixnews.com
Opinions Editor Brittni MacKenzie-Dale opinions@thephoenixnews.com
Photo Editor Maggie Wilson photo@thephoenixnews.com
News Editor Lyndon Duncan news@thephoenixnews.com
Visual Editor Varenka Kim visual@thephoenixnews.com
Contributors Gordon Hamilton. Kelsey Anderson, Dr. Wayne Broughton, Brie Copeland, Sarah Weissmeyer, Shanna Albrecht, Zoe McNair, Tiffany Goodwin, Steve Wodz, Steven LIn, Jade Mah-Vierling, Delator Hini
opinions Let’s talk about my abortion p.17
Why should I vote? p.18 Register by Ocotber 13th p.19
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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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | news@thephoenixnews.com | News Editor: Lyndon Duncan
//News TRENDING
CBC Jian Gomeshi pleads not guilty
Water on Mars
Gupta moves to UoT
Register to vote
Piper make library #1 priority
//Events
October 4th Pizza and Politics Junior Collegia (UNC 336)/ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM What’s better than learning where the parties stand? Probably free pizza. Come to the Jr Collegia in UNC 336 this Monday to feast on some ‘zza, learn about what the parties have to offer and get informed! October 7th 2015 Federal Election: What is the Truth? A Public Q&A Between Professors and Students ARTS 103/ 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Join Political Science professors Carey Doberstein and David Ding for a 30 minute discussion concerning the election and its implications, followed by 30 minutes for students to ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.
LAW OR LIFE? THE CYCLIST’S DECISION Bypass to Ellison overpass on the way Zoë McNair - Contributor No longer will student, staff, and faculty cyclists have to choose between breaking the law and risking their lives when commuting to campus. Earlier this year, after many conversations with the owners of Curtis Road, the BC Supreme Court ruled that students may not use this private road unless they have classes or employment in the Creative and Critical Studies Building or the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre that day. This ruling sparked frustration from students and faculty alike, who point out that Curtis Road is still the only safe bike path to campus. The Campus Planning
//News Briefs Catalans Vote For Independence Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor
and Development team is working with the City of Kelowna to develop other cycling routes from a variety of neighbourhoods. Currently under construction is John Hindle Drive, a two-lane roadway connecting Highway 97 to Glenmore Road via UBC Okanagan. The federal, provincial, and municipal governments are jointly contributing a total of $11.6 million to its construction. This project includes a multi-use paved pathway that will span from Glenmore Road to the Hollywood Road roundabout near campus. This pathway is intended for both pedestrians and cyclists. John Hindle Drive is expected to improve safety and travel times for commuters to campus while reducing traffic on other major roadways. At this time the estimated completion date is late 2017. There is also a planned pathway that responds to the challenges of cycling
on Highway 97. The City of Kelowna is developing a new route, which will take cyclists onto Bulman Road, and then under the Ellison Overpass, crossing the CN Rail Corridor. This project is receiving $1.55 million in funding from the provincial government. This will allow cyclists to avoid the Ellison Overpass, which is well known by cyclists for its lack of a safe bike lane. The CN Rail Corridor, which was recently acquired by the City of Kelowna, will become an important access point in the future. While a construction date has yet to be announced, the corridor will offer connections from many popular student neighbourhoods, including Quail Ridge, Rutland, Glenmore, North Glenmore, and all the way to Downtown. In addition to these developments, bike access to Academy Hill will continue to be improved as
Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeastern Spain with its largest city Barcelona, has elected a secessionist government to power. The government will be composed of two parties from the right and the left that have nothing in common except the desire for Catalonian independence within 18 months. The right-wing “Together for Yes” party won 62 of the 135-member parliament and plans to form a coalition with the 10 seats from the left-wing PUC party. The obscure coalition is unlikely to last until the next scheduled election. Voter turnout was at a record high 77.4%. The separatist parties may have a majority in the parliament, but the two parties only acquired
Photo by Maggie Wilson
that neighbourhood grows. Academy Way will be extended from John Hindle Drive to the road network, which connects with Sexsmith Road. As improved bike access is a part of the Okanagan Campus Master Plan, students can expect that cycling routes will continue to develop over the next few years. “We have some great solutions that will be realised in the short term and hope that they will not only provide an opportunity for those that already cycle to campus but also provide the opportunity for more students, faculty and staff to cycle to our campus,” assures Anthony Haddad, director of the Okanagan Campus’s Planning and Development team. Student cyclists who have been eagerly awaiting the development of safer and more efficient biking paths will hopefully begin to see change by 2017.
48% of the national vote, which hurts the legitimacy for independence. Opinion polls show that the people want a referendum on independence, but are evenly split regarding secession. Catalonia has been fighting for independence for years, with secession gaining popularity during Spain’s economic meltdown. Catalonia represents nearly 20% of Spain’s economy. The main problem facing Catalonian independence is Madrid, as they will do all they can to block Catalonia’s moves towards independence. Spain’s constitutional court prevented Catalonia from holding a
October 13th Rule out Racism: A Conversation UNC 200/3:30PM - 5:30PM Join UBC Okanagan’s Rule Out Racism committee in a conversation about what antiracism initiatives currently exist on campus and in Kelowna, and discuss what those initiatives could look like in the future. October 16th Deadline: Last Day to Withdraw with a ‘W’ Last day for withdrawal using the Student Service Centre from most Winter Session Term 1 courses and Distance Education Term A courses with withdrawal standing of W recorded on a student’s academic record and a partial refund. After this date, students will not be able to withdraw from courses.
referendum on independence last year, because Spain’s constitution prohibits regional independence; however, Catalonia will continue to move forward for independence and Madrid will continue to block Catalonia’s proposals. In the unlikely event that Catalonia gains independence, secessionist movements in Scotland, Quebec, Flanders, Basque, and other regions may take the opportunity to promote and reboot their independence movements for secession.
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News Editor: Lyndon Duncan |news@thephoenixnews.com | The Phoenix | October 5th 2015
Kelowna - Lake Country
Stephen Fuhr
Ron Cannan
Norah Bowman
UBCO ALL-CANDIDATES FORUM Meet your local candidates and get informed before you vote. Candidates present: 2 Liberal, 2 Conservative Candidates, 2 NDP. and 1 Green Zoe McNair - News Reporter Last week UBCO students got the opportunity to meet and speak with their local federal election candidates. All candidates from the major political parties in the Kelowna-Lake Country and Central OkanaganSimilkameen-Nicola ridings were present at the forum to speak with students and staff and give short speeches on their campaign promises. The event was hosted by
//News Briefs
European Union Agrees To Share Refugees Mark Dreger - Current Affairs Editor
Political Science professor Dr. Carey Doberstein. The Kelowna-Lake Country riding covers Lake Country, Oyama, and most of Kelowna, excluding the Mission neighbourhood and those living in the downtown core on the south side of Highway 97. Students living on campus, in Academy Hill, Lake Country, Rutland, Glenmore, and north of the highway downtown will vote in this riding. Three candidates from this riding were present at the forum. Conservative Ron Cannan has been an MP since 2006 after working many years in marketing and as a Kelowna city councillor. When asked how he would support students if re-elected, Cannan spoke of the importance of maintaining transfer payments to provinces, as these are the bodies ultimately responsible
for education. On the question of student employment, Cannan noted, “The government doesn’t create jobs. But it can create the environment for investment.” For Cannan this means ensuring a confident and stable economy and keeping Canada’s debt low so as not to pass it on to future generations. The Liberal Candidate is Stephen Fuhr, a retired Canadian Forces member. Fuhr is also being supported by local members of the Green Party after their candidate stepped down to endorse the Liberals. In response to student needs, Fuhr promised that a Liberal government would invest $1.3 billion into co-op programs, preapprenticeship training, and green jobs for youth. A further $125 billion will be invested in Canada’s transit, social, and
green infrastructure. Investing at this strategic time when interest rates are low, Fuhr explained, will trigger growth and therefore boost the employment rate. During his speech at the forum, Fuhr elicited cheers from the crowd when he announced the Liberal party’s promise to practice evidence-based policy and end the censoring of federal scientists. Fuhr was also excited about the Liberal Party’s plan to implement democratic reform within 18 months of being elected. This would improve not only election processes, but transparency and fairness in the House of Commons. “This will allow me to truly represent you, the people of this riding.” Representing the NDP is Norah Bowman, the Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies at Okanagan College. Bowman is no stranger to our campus: “I
was a student here back when it was Okanagan College.” Bowman emphasized creating stable and secure employment for students after graduation, acknowledging the difficulty of piecing together part-time jobs while trying to pay off student debts. The party also plans to establish a $15-a-day childcare program. Bowman pointed out the difficulty young people often face taking time off work to raise a child when they are just at the beginning of their career. Bowman also championed the NDP’s plan to decriminalize marijuana “on day one” and introduce a bill stating that Canadians should be able to express their gender in whatever way they feel comfortable. The Central OkanaganSimilkameen-Nicola riding is a new
The European governments have agreed to force refugee quotas to share 120,000 refugees across Europe, a deal which overruled opposition from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania. The four countries perceive the defeat as bullying from the west, especially Germany and Brussels, saying Brussels cannot force them to take refugees because it violates their national sovereignty. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said he
will defy the vote, saying that “mandatory quotas will not be implemented on Slovak territory.” French President Francois Hollande said that no European country can be exempt from taking in refugees. Britain has refused to join in the resettlement, but has offered to accept 20,000 refugees in the next five years. Finland abstained from voting. Germany overruled the four opposing nations with a qualified majority vote, and although such
a decision may be a victory for Germany, the vote could cause major damage to the union. The Hungarian government has accepted the decision, but questions the feasibility of such quotas. “We believe it will be impossible to keep people assigned to, say, Slovakia if they want to go to Germany,” said Hungarian government spokesman Zoltán Kovács. “How do you keep people in one country if they want to go join their relatives who live in another
EU country or want the more favourable social welfare benefits in that country?” In the deal, refugees will not have a choice of which country they are assigned; they will be placed in a country that best matches their language skills, qualifications, family, and cultural ties. To prevent refugees from moving to a more desirable country than the one they are assigned, the deal will force refugees to reside in the EU nation they are assigned and
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | news@thephoenixnews.com | News Editor: Lyndon Duncan
Central Okanagan Similkameen-Nicola
Karley Scott
Robert Mellalieu
Angelique Wood
Dan Albas
Photos by Alex Barberis and Sarah James
riding this election, and includes the Kelowna downtown core south of Highway 97, the Mission neighbourhood, and West Kelowna. Students living south of the highway downtown or on the Westside will vote in this riding. There were four candidates from this riding attending the forum. Looking for re-election is Conservative Dan Albas, who became an MP in 2011 after working in commerce. If re-elected, Albas would place the economy as a top priority in order to improve quality of life and retirement living. Albas’s past accomplishments include implementing measures against invasive species in local lakes and helping to remove inter-provincial barriers for the wine industry. In his speech at the forum Albas stated that he had a 100% attendance rate for votes in the House of Commons in his term
as an MP. The Conservative party is also planning to introduce tougher legislation against crime and terrorism, including amending the Criminal Code so that criminals could be subject to a life sentence without parole. Representing the Liberal Party is Karley Scott, the Board President for the Métis Community Services Society and an associate at a Kelowna law firm. Scott highlighted the Liberal’s Youth Employment Strategy, which includes a plan for 40,000 new student jobs each year for the next three years. “I am proof that that investment pays off,” says Scott, having worked in governmentfunded youth employment when she was a student. Scott is enthusiastic about giving students the opportunity for employment that will help develop meaningful skills. The Liberal party also plans to
legalize and regulate marijuana as well as pass legislation which further protects trans rights and the LGBTQ community. If elected, a Liberal government will also work with provincial premiers to develop strong environmental policies and put a price on carbon pollution. Angelique Wood, the former director for the Regional District of OkanaganSimilkameen, is representing the NDP. Wood is placing her priorities on climate change, healthcare, and care for seniors this election. This includes the NDP’s pledge to cut oil subsidies and redirect that money to other causes. Wood has also spoken about her party’s plan to raise the federal minimum wage and introduce a national Pharmacare program. The NDP opposes the construction of the Northern Gateway pipeline and is committed to introducing a
nation-wide cap-and-trade program to cut Canada’s carbon emissions. They also plan to repeal Bill C-51, the Conservative’s controversial antiterrorism bill. Running for the Green Party is Robert Mellalieu, an IT professional. Passionate about environmental issues, Mallalieu wants to improve local water quality issues and reduce dependence on the oil industry. The Green Party hopes to prevent the construction of new pipelines and increase corporate tax rates. Their platform also includes abolishing tuition by 2020 and introducing a guaranteed liveable income. Students and staff wishing to vote in the federal election on October 19th are encouraged to register online, at an Elections Canada office, or at any voting station on the day of the election. For residents of campus and
Academy Hill there will be a voting station in the Purcell House Lounge from 7am-7pm. Students who wish to vote in their home riding may do so by advanced polling or by mail-in ballot. This must be completed by Oct. 13th. Any Canadian citizen of at least 18 years of age is eligible to vote provided that they bring ID to the polling station on the day of the election as well as proof of their current address if it differs from the address on their ID. More information is available at elections.ca.
would require legal authorisation to move. If they move without authorisation, they will be apprehended and returned to their legal residence. Refugees will be allowed to work and claim benefits, but only in the country they are assigned. For now, only 15,000 refugees will be divided between nine central and eastern European countries, while Germany and France will share about 30,000. These numbers do not represent the current number of refugees,
as close to a million are expected to enter Germany this year alone. Thousands of refugees were caught between Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia this month. Refugees turned violent when they were trapped between Hungary and Serbia, with Hungary not letting them in and Serbia not wanting them back. Hungarian police fired tear gas and water cannons across the Serbian border at the protesting refugees, as the Hungarian government passed legislation allowing the
army to use non-lethal force. With scuffles at the Hungarian border, refugees moved west to enter Europe through Croatia. Croatia’s prime minister originally stated that Croatia would provide safe passage for refugees, but after over 13,000 people entered the small country in three days, Croatia’s Interior Minister said the country could not accept any more people and closed most of its borders with Serbia. As more and more refugees arrived in Croatia, the government
started transporting hundreds back to the Hungarian border, which infuriated the Hungarian government. Slovenia offered to shelter 5,000 refugees and would allow refugees to go north if they wished, but soon reintroduced border controls with Croatia and closed its border with Hungary. On Sept 19th, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia gave up on trying to block refugees from advancing and instead opened their borders and let them all
proceed north into Austria. Up to 13,000 refugees entered Austria on that day alone, forcing Germany to implement an EU vote. Simply said, the unity of Europe is in a crisis.
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | life@thephoenixnews.com | Interim Life Editor: Maranda Wilson
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//Life
TRENDING
First annual Brains and Brawns
Also first annual Harmony event
Empowerrr drag and burlesque show
TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD IN THAILAND
Thinking about going abroad? Want to get paid? Consider teaching English in a foreign country. Steve Wodz Contributor
Would you like to live in Thailand for a year and actually get paid for the privilege? Thailand is the land of smiles, of wats and wais, of cheap spicy food, hot and humid weather, lovely beaches, and elephants walking down the main street. While all this sounds wonderful, you should also keep in mind that it’s a foreign culture with beliefs and systems of operation that can be different for westerners. I was part of the Thai public school system for seven years teaching English to high-schoolers in mid-size cities and small towns. The job taught
//Stress Relief
Midterms are coming up, and university is hard. Here are some cats.
me a lot about patience and tolerance, not to mention the need for flexibility. I made a lot of good friends, enjoyed a fantastic romance, and learned to speak a little of the language. Keep in mind that working in a country is different from simply traveling through it. As an English teacher you must get up early, prepare lesson plans, attend meetings and participate in ceremonies. In other words, you must behave like an employee in Canada. Remember when I mentioned flexibility? You might very well end up living in accommodations with no air-conditioning (Thailand is very hot and humid), TV, hot showers or a sit-down toilet. Are you willing to squat while taking a crap, and clean your butt using a water hose? Do you mind having gekkos crawling all over
your walls and pooping on your bed? Can you handle being away from your family and significant other for six months to a year? Whilst wifi is just about everywhere in the country, it’s not the same thing as being in physical contact, and many new recruits have given up after a couple of months to return home. Okay, so what are the important points to keep in mind before embarking? First off, you should know that working abroad means paperwork. You must apply for a visa, work permit, letter of acceptance from the school in which you’ll be teaching, then you need to open a Thai bank account and produce a criminal background check. Most of this will be done once you arrive there, and the school or recruiting agency should help you, but it can still be a trying experience.
So many cool events on campus
So little time
Image by Home Connect Thailand
Still with me? Here are your options: you can teach in the public school system, or a private school. At first it might seem like a private school would be the obvious choice. You get much smaller classes, students who really want to learn English, and usually better pay. These jobs are almost always located in the major cities like Bangkok and Chiang-Mai. For a more authentic experience, the public school system is best. You’ll be in a small town or village and get to meet very different people from what you are used to. As for remuneration, you won’t make a lot by western standards; however, the cost of living is so low, you will easily be able to save half of your paycheque each month. Still, plan carefully. What qualifications do you need? A TESOL (Teacher of English to
Students of Other Languages) or TOEFL certificate is a must. There are many ways to obtain one of these. As for a degree, you may be able to find an agency or school that can get you a dispensation if you don’t yet have a certificate, but it’s so much better to have a bachelor’s degree (it doesn’t need to be English, as they’ll accept science, art history or Mongolian basket weaving). For more information, the following sites should prove useful: ajarn.com covering all aspects of teaching in Thailand for foreigners eslcafe.com a bulletin board displaying teaching positions from all over the world mediakidsacademy.com the agency I worked for; recommended as they pay well and give their teachers great support.
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | life@thephoenixnews.com | Interim Life Editor: Maranda Wilson
CLUB SPOTLIGHT: AFRICAN CARIBBEAN STUDENT CLUB (ACSC) From galas to working with The Foundation Suzanne Uwanyiligira, the ACSC explores culture in more ways than one. Delator Hini Contributor Since its beginning, UBCO has been home to a rich cultural demographic, with individuals from across the border and across the globe. Now in its fifth year on campus, the African Caribbean Student Club wishes to continue UBCO’s legacy of being culturally diverse and knowledgeable by providing a place in which culture can flourish. At it’s core, the African Caribbean Student Club (ACSC) exists to be an
inclusive gathering place in which students can get togethere to learn and explore African and Caribbean heritage and culture. The inspiration behind the club came from the desire to create a place in which international students of African and Caribbean descent could have a home away from home. Today, the ACSC has over 50 active and passive members originating from various African and Caribbean nations, as well as non-indigenous members, such as members from Wales and Romania. “The main goal [of ACSC] is to educate”, explains club treasurer, Juachi Dozie. Within ACSC, culture is explored through food, music, dance and entertainment. Thus students can explore the similarities of African
and Caribbean cultures, as well as similarities within the cultures of Europe and the globe. Along with highlighting African and Caribbean culture, the ACSC also partners with various campus culture-based clubs and charities. Most recently, the ACSC has partnered with the Intercultural Committee on campus in order to promote inclusivity and intercultural dynamics here at UBCO. “We’ve also worked with The Foundation Suzanne Uwanyiligira”, said the club secretary Lolia Tamuno. The Foundation Suzanne Uwanyiligira is a charity that focuses on providing support and awareness for women living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda. Apart from acts of charity, the ACSC furthers the encouragement of cultural integration by hosting events during
the school year. “Our biggest event happens in February, where we have an ACSC week with a gala at the end”, exclaimed Lolia. Previously during ACSC week there has been cooking classes and soccer tournaments. The ACSC week wraps up with an unforgettable gala, in which there is a fashion show showcasing African attire, speakers and poets from within the community discussing issues of culture and identity, and musical performances. Another special event being hosted by the club is Afro-giving. This event takes place over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it is for students who won’t be going home for the long weekend. Here, students can celebrate with others to the music and flavours of Africa and the Caribbean.
When asked what the best part of being a part of ACSC is, Juachi expressed that “[the] perks are that you get to hang out with awesome people; it’s really a support system and community. [You’ll] get to meet new people, develop interpersonal skills, and it’s a resource to branch out and become a part of something [while] building connections”.
Photo from the ACSC Facebook page
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | life@thephoenixnews.com | Interim Life Editor: Maranda Wilson
HOW TO FINANCIALLY STRIVE AND THRIVE THIS SCHOOL YEAR Our budget queen, Tiffany Goodwein, suggests little cuts now for big savings later. Tiffany Goodwein Contributor With the cost of tuition, housing and even food continuously on the rise, the term “starving student” has become an experience that many students have endured at least once, if not every single year during their time in university. Luckily with a little will-power and few tips, you can easily financially survive and thrive this school year. Tip #1: Learn to maximize mandatory expenses: If your apartment complex includes a gym,
//New Union
Hey English majors, the English course union is back!!
Jade Mah-Vierling Contributor
consider using that as opposed to shelling out the money for a membership elsewhere. This way, you are stretching the value out of a mandatory expense. Similarly, if you drive to school, consider using your U-Pass and take the bus for a change. Saving gas equals saving money. Tip #2: Have designated “no shopping days”: If you are a chronic impulsive stress shopper (a fancy way of saying a shopaholic), it is important to control the urge to shop by having designated “no shopping days” where you forbid yourself from stepping foot in any place you may spend $$$. Remember, if you take yourself out of the shopping environment, you are less likely to spend money. Easier said than done. Tip #3: Pay off your credit card ASAP:
“By not paying off the [credit card] balance right away, you are digging yourself into a hole where you will be working to pay off interest rather than on actual purchases.”
Credit cards are an awesome way to establish a credit history, which is important if you want to make large investments in the future, however, interest adds up quickly! So by not paying off the balance right away, you are digging yourself into a hole where you will be working to pay off interest rather than on actual purchases. Tip #4: Limit your transactions and watch for bank fees: If you are really poor and your bank account ends up in overdraft, make sure to limit your transactions. Many banks charge overdraft fees that are applied per transaction, making that overdraft $5.00 latte you paid for via debit $10.00! To limit these pesky bank fees, only withdraw the amount of money you will need for the week, and then use only the cash from that one withdrawal to pay for expenses.
Tip #5: Get a part-time job and build your savings account: A part-time job is a great way to make and save money while enrolled in school. However, as a cautionary tale, having a part-time job requires you to manage your time meticulously. The take away from this is that you may not be able to control how much money you have, but you can control how you choose to spend it. The key to financially surviving on a student budget is being able to distinguish wants from needs and only investing in things that will go towards living a stable and comfortable life. By being wise with spending decisions, you can easily avoid going hungry and embarrassingly begging your parents for money, and spend more time enjoying university life.
After six years without an English course union, it is finally being brought back to UBCO. On September 24th, Jeff Malo was elected President and Aman Dehal was elected Vice President. The aim is to foster and provide a strong sense of community among English majors and minors, combined majors, students taking English courses and anyone else interested in
building relationships with their peers and professors. Events are hosted throughout the academic year with plenty of opportunities to meet faculty members. There will also be chances to get involved and participate through activities like bowling and movie nights.We will be posting further information on our Facebook page “UBCO English Student Union” so
“like” it to stay updated! Join us at our first official meeting on October 7th at 2pm in ART 281. Everyone welcome, Snacks included!
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | life@thephoenixnews.com | Interim Life Editor: Maranda Wilson
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Images provided by Shanna Albrecht
UBCO FALL FASHION FORECAST Our fashion columnist, Shanna, is back to help us all say goodbye to Kelownafornia and short-shorts, and hello to fall and cozy sweaters. Shanna Albrecht Contributor Hello Phoenix readers! Welcome back to school and welcome first years! I hope you are all enjoying the beginning of your school year. September is my favorite month of the year. The weather is gorgeous and all the tourists have left. It is the perfect temperature for a hike or bike ride. Not to mention that the weather allows for a mix of my favorite summer and fall
//Comic Section Lea Rose Sebastianis Contributor
styles. My main goal for school style is to be comfortable and functional. Some classrooms feel like the arctic and some feel like a sauna; the sun is still warm but the wind is cold, so clothing has to somehow combat all these changing temperatures. Here are some tips to do just that and still look chic: ➢My go-to school footwear is ankle boots, slip-ons and Converse sneakers. All can be worn with a mix of outfits and are good for walking to and from class. ➢ I always carry a sweater or jean jacket with me. This habit partially comes from my mom who would say to me every time I left the house, “Make sure you bring a coat, you never know if you’ll get in a car accident and need to stand in the cold.” As you can see, my mother is a very optimistic lady,
“I always carry a sweater or jean jacket with me. This habit partially comes from my mom who would say to me every time I left the house, “Make sure you bring a coat, you never know if you’ll get in a car accident and need to stand in the cold.”
but now I always have a coat with me. ➢If you are looking to “dress-up” a bit for school, opt for a t-shirt dress. They are easy, versatile and comfortable! My favorite is my plain black t-shirt dress from Brandy Melville. ➢I also tend to either wear pants and a tank top, or shorts and a sweater. The balance of having one area of my body covered keeps me at a comfortable temperature during the cooler fall weather. ➢Another favorite fall style is the rip-off of the classic “lettermen jacket.” It brings me all the high school feels and is a good sweater to wear while supporting your schools’ sports teams. ➢Do not forget the quintessential fall staple: plaid. The perfect versatile shirt that can be worn with almost any outfit.
➢Also, do not be afraid to bring summer styles into fall, such as: pastel hair colours! I had a fun time this summer playing around with hair colours. I did pastel pink, platinum blonde, aqua and silver. I always say, life is too short to have boring hair! Happy styling! xx Shanna
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | arts@thephoenixnews.com | Arts Editor: Jacky Deng
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//Arts TRENDING
Game of Thrones: The Movie
‘Player’ by Tinashe ft. Chris Brown
‘The Renevant’ Trailer
Harry Potter: The Musical
MODNI: DRUMMING FOR DIVERSITY
“Our art is powerful. It allows whoever’s playing to lose their selves both mentally and physically.” Jacky Deng Arts Editor
Growing up as an Asian-Canadian who related to the latter of those two words much more than the former, I’ve never been one to wear my cultural badge with immense pride and glee. In fact, throughout my childhood, I did my best to avoid standing out as an ethnic alien in a colonized Canada. I’ve also never been one to show much emotion. That all changed when I saw Modni perform live on August 22nd, 2015. Oh, woops, I meant one-third of Modni perform live on August
//Movie Review The Visit
Jack Deng Arts Editor
22nd, 2015. Often, I lie to myself by saying that if I ever saw Modni’s full force of ten performers, I would be emotionally stable afterwards. But no matter how hard I try, I know that’s not true, because never before have I experienced a group of such raw talent, power, and ethnic passion capture the hearts of 400-plus virgin viewers with just three drums and six sticks. The passion project of former UBC Vancouver student, Joon Rho, Modni is a traditional Korean drum group based in the Fraser Valley. Now you’re probably already asking: what is traditional Korean drumming? As I’m typing this out, I realize that any attempt at explanation would not do the art any justice; rather, it would insult it. The best way that I can describe it is like this: Modni encompasses the most
“We have embraced both of our cultures… We’re using a traditionally Korean art and playing rhythms heavily influenced by Western music.”
The cultural enigma that surrounds director M. Night Shyamalan is a remarkable one. Once heralded as the next Steven Spielberg for masterpieces such as The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Unbreakable, Shyamalan’s name has devolved into a household joke after recent blockbuster disasters After Earth and The Last Airbender. Cinephiles pray that he will return to form with each new film, while the layman laughs at Shyamalamadingdong whenever his name is attached to any project. So where does The Visit happen to lie between these two camps? In short, The Visit is Shyamalan doing what he does best: small, subtle films driven by brilliant, powerful ideas. Gone are the CGI-heavy
emotionally powerful amalgamation of dance and percussion I’ve ever come across within the Asian cultures. And it’s this beautiful promenade between dance and drumming that will leave you breathless. “[People] say that the visual aspects of the performance, such as our drums, clothes, masks, or body motions stay vivid in the minds long after the performance is over…” says Joon, “… the music and where the sounds or rhythms are so peculiar that audiences will sometimes remember the music over the performance aspects. “Our art is powerful. It allows whoever’s playing to lose their selves both mentally and physically.” How did it all start? Joon recalls
blockbusters, and in their stead is a simple foundfootage horror-comedy about two kids who visit their grandparents for a week. The former of the mixed genre prevails throughout the movie; your grandparents have never been more chilling, thanks to terrifying performances by Peter McRobbie and Deanna Dunagan, and a sense of claustrophobia and imprisonment is masterfully crafted by Shyamalan despite the film being set in an expansive Pennsylvanian countryside. Found-footage horror flicks have arguably become the most clichéd genre in film today, the use of handheld cameras often serving more as gimmick than thematic device. Fortunately, The Visit’s explanation for the use of handheld cameras is air-tight: the sister is an aspiring
what was going through his mind during Modni’s conception. “We began in July of 2015. I wanted to pursue a vision that was meaningful to me, and quite frankly, I wanted to break free of the norm I felt trapped in… Volunteering seems to be done with resumes in mind; relationships are built for the sole purpose of networking, and school is attended to supposedly secure a stable job. Oftentimes it just seems like there is a lack of life in our actions, a lack of joy of simply being. So four individuals and I, who seemed to share this idea with me, got together and decided to start practicing this art.” And has it ever started. In just a matter of months, Modni has
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | arts@thephoenixnews.com | Arts Editor: Jacky Deng ubcsuo “@babbulicious was getting crazy at our UBCSUO Offices Friday night! We love this guy! Thanks for being our Harmony Host! #Kelowna #UBCO #UBC”
ubco_news “Wab Kinew, with a photo of his father super-imposed behind, sings a song in his traditional language at the #UBCO Distinguished Speaker Series. #UBC #myubo #kelowna”
Check out The Phoenix coverage of Harmony online at thephoenixnews. com
//Events
October 8th
FCCS Bake Sale in the CCS Building Join FCCS for their annual bake sale for the United Way. All proceeds go towards Project Literacy. October 8th EMPOWERRR The UBCSUO Resources Centre are proud to be hosting a drag and burlesque show on campus as part of Resources Day from 6-8pm on Thursday, October 8 in the University Theatre! October 9th The Alternator
Images by Fraser Valley Korean Arts Society
performed at UBC Vancouver’s Jumpstart 2015, UBC Okanagan’s Advisor Orientation 2015, and Sauder School of Business’s Spark Orientation 2015. What’s more shocking is that two members, including current UBC Okanagan student Chad Lee, had never picked up drum sticks prior to joining Modni. “Starting from scratch two months before my first performance – I honestly thought I couldn’t make it. The only reason it was possible for me to get to the point where I could actually perform in front of many people was the team,” says Chad. It’s a shame that art forms like those of Modni’s don’t persist throughout our mainstream culture as much as
they should. As a white-washed AsianCanadian, Modni invited me to take pride in my ethnic background and gave me something to strive for as a cultural inbetweener. Funnily enough, Joon says that’s what Modni’s all about. “Since we are a group that isn’t exactly pushing to spread ‘Korean culture’ but ‘Korean-Canadian culture’ it’s a strange position to be put in when people ask us about our art. We have embraced both of our cultures, so to somewhat deny one of them by saying our art isn’t exactly just Korean drumming is slightly uncomfortable. I admit the ideal may sound a bit strange... We’re using a traditionally Korean art and playing rhythms heavily influenced by Western music.”
“Everything is about the organic process of our identities being manifested as a form of art.” In a time and culture so heavily focused on glorifying the white American (yes, I’m talking to all you bearded, man-bun sporting, superframed glasses-wearing hipsters), it is refreshing, as an artist, to be able to experience a dynamic form of art that is so vastly different from acoustic guitars and perpetual renditions of Riptide. But as the son of immigrants, such art is instrumental. And not just for the development of my own patriotism, but for the development of our entire nation’s diversity. “We were just five people who were practicing in a cramped, abandoned
industrial space out in Mission. And then we were performing in front of an audience of nearly 2,000 people. No words can truly describe the feeling, but I like to entertain the idea that we managed to get a snippet of a truly fulfilling life.” Through deafening rhythms that strike with the heartbeat of not just their Korean motherland, but also a nation of foreigners, Modni is proof that art is speaks volumes, no matter where you’re from.
The Alternator is proud to present the work of recent UBCO grad Connor Charlesworth, the opening reception will be held at 7pm. October 24th Yumi & Deedee Present: HALLOWQUEEN at the Cannery Lounge Presented by the 2015 Okanagan Pride Drag Competition winning queen Yumi Osaka (Shane Hookham) and contestant Deedee LaCraze (Jarred Stephen). Advance tickets are on sale at Calowna Costume for $10. Tickets will be available at the door for $15. October 31st
film-maker who wants to create a documentary about their visit, and the POV perspective adds a significant amount of intimacy that previous foundfootage horrors have failed to find. One particular scene mid-way through the film involves the camera zooming in on a character’s face, and Shyamalan’s plethoric mastery of subtle cinematic techniques during the sequence reminds the audience why he was once the next great director. Though The Visit isn’t the masterpiece that Shyamalan empathizers have been craving for since Signs, it’s definitely a satisfying step in the right direction. Critics of Shyamalan: go see this movie. Though it may not erase the pains of Airbender or
After Earth, it will absolutely allow you to appreciate the work of a stubborn man whose ever-creative ideas are perpetually polarizing. B+ P.S. Yes, there’s a twist, and it is phenomenal.
Okanagan Pride Hallowe’en The Laurel Paking House The Okanagan Pride Hallowe’en parties are one of the best attended events of the year. Come out for Hallowe’en ‘15 with great beats in a fabulous setting. Doors open at 8:00 pm 19+ Event - Advance Tickets $12 - Door $15
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | arts@thephoenixnews.com | Arts Editor: Jacky Deng
12 emilyy.mae “Getting up early for field ecology class on a Saturday sucks a little less when your worksite is this beautiful. Shout out to those sexy tress Thuja plicata and Abies laciocarpa #ecology #ubco #nature”
ubcowvb “Our fourth years are celebrating because we just beat Alberta in 4!! Rematch tomorrow at 5! #heatglory #UBCO”
Photos by Maggie Wilson
THE OKANAGAN ART REVIEW
The gallery on campus is a way for students to display their work in a professional setting. Sarah James Production Manger
Throughout the year the FINA gallery (located in the CCS building) displays work by members of the community and UBCO students themselves. It’s there as a resource and practice for fine arts students to show and properly learn how to display their work. Up until October 2nd, the FINA gallery was showcasing work done by members of the Okanagan Art Review. The Okanagan Art Review is an online art magazine that keeps readers up-to-date about what’s
//Comic Section Filbert Cartoons L.A. Bonte Cotributor
trending among its members and the Okanagan art community. Everything that goes into this online magazine is contributed by the artists themselves. The ten artists that contributed to this show are Kelsie Balehowsky, Katie Brennan, Vaelei Walkden-Brown, Connor Charlesworth, Cortnee Chulo, Lucas Glen, Asher Klassen, Wanda Lock, Hanss Lujan, and Nicole Young. Each one of these artists has some thing different to contribute to this collaborative show, their work explores different aspects of life all using a different method of interpretation. This show features photographs, sculptures, paintings and mixed media works. Among these artists are two of last years participants of the Fine Arts grad show Shelflife, Charlesworth and Chulo. Charlesworth was born and raised in the Okanagan and is
dstoddart “I like to hold on to every bit of summer. Even though I can’t wait for winter #ubco #sunset #summer #fall #leaves #kelowna #sun”
interested in contemporary painting. His work involves the act of looking and engaging with direct reference from photographs. His work also looks at bridging aspects of abstraction and figuration. Whereas Chulo’s work focuses around videography, and as an interdisciplinary artist uses the themes of location and its asethetic influence in her work. She’s interested in the way our society is obsessed with documenting day to day life rather than experiencing it. She was also recently featured in a previous article by The Phoenix, where she and other UBCO students looked and explored roadtrip culture, story telling and collective memories through different mediums. This show in particular is one that many current UBCO fine arts students
can relate too as there are current students and UBCO alumni within it. It is something that these future artists can look forward to being a part of once they finish their degree and leave the saftey of the CCS building. All of the artists in this show have something to offer the members of the Okanagan community and UBCO students.
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | sports@thephoenixnews.com | Sports Editor: Grayson Burton Leahy
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//Sports
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Photo Credit: James Hare and Jannat Singh Bachhal/Facebook
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING: OUTDOOR ADVENTURES September 26th and 27th - VOCO held it’s biggest event of the year 170 UBCO students, and VOCO alumni flocked to Penticton for a day (and night!) none will soon forget Brad Roach VOCO Editor
Students took to the rock walls this weekend at the Varsity Outdoor Club Okanagan (VOCO for short) Introduction to Rock Climbing event. The club wrangled over 170 UBCO students and traveled to the famous Skaha Rock Bluffs in Penticton where beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers tackled numerous cliff routes of varying difficulty. The
//Heat Men’s Soccer Grayson Burton Leahy
Sports Editor
veteran climbers shared their knowledge with beginners, teaching key skills for climbing. They made sure that everything was done in a safe and controlled matter but most importantly, ensured that everyone got to test their mettle on the rock. In true VOCO fashion, volunteers and participants showed up in all sort of ‘festive’ outfits as they conquered the Skaha Bluffs. Honourable mentions throughout the day go to Kris Mutafov who climbed in a pizza suit, Jayden Gross who climbed with a boombox rested on one shoulder, and students who shall go unnamed honouring tradition and climbing in the most daring and freeing attire - naked.
After a lot of top notch climbing from all of the participants, the group travelled from the bluffs to a local campground in the hills above Penticton. VOCO had booked the entire campground for the event so it was bound to be a good old-fashioned bush party. En route, some members took a big leap cliff jumping into Skaha lake, while others simply grabbed some camping supplies for the big evening. Reconvening at the campground, everyone set up their tents and began cooking their finest cuisine for a lovely dinner before the festivities began. Once darkness fell, the party really got moving. The large bonfire (which consumed 8 mature pine trees and a tank of chainsaw
gas) raged furiously, circled by UBCO students. Three trucks were parked close to the fire and using a generator, lights and amplifiers a band set up for a big performance. Soon the crowd was dancing to live music by the fire. Good cheer was easy to find in the campground that night. Some managed to last, bleary-eyed and staggering, into the morning light while others gradually drifted off to their tents where, if they were lucky, managed to get a bit of rest for Sunday. The morning treated some better than others (here’s looking at you “Mr. McPukeFace”), but gradually everyone rose from their slumber, ate breakfast and helped clean the garbage from the evening’s festivities. The bold returned to the
Skaha Bluffs to further hone their craft of rock climbing while most returned to Kelowna for rest, study and recovery. The trip was a success with no incidents, lots of good fun and plenty of great memories to last into the school year. The executive of VOCO would like to thank everyone who came on the trip and we look forward to experiencing more great outdoor adventures as the school year progresses. If you’re interested in partaking in outdoor adventures, goodhearted tom-foolery, making a lot of new friends, finding new passions and/or conquering your fears, contact us at the UBCO VOCO Facebook page or email info@ubco-voco.com. All abilities and skill levels are welcome.
With four games remaining in conference play, the Heat Men’s Soccer team have a good chance to pull their record back even with or above .500. They play their final two games at home, against Victoria on Saturday, October 17, and against UBC on Sunday, October 18. They play a ‘home and away’ against Thompson Rivers University’s side, starting at our Nonis Sports Field on Friday, October
9, then at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops on Saturday, October 10. The back-to-back games against TRU are the only matches between the Heat and the WolfPack this Conference season. The matches against Victoria and UBC will each give the Heat a chance to pick up wins against teams they couldn’t best the first time around. The Heat tied the Vikes, 2-2, in their first match on September
25, and lost 2-1 against the Thunderbirds at Thunderbird Stadium at their first meeting on September 26. With an overall record of 6-4-2 at the time of writing, the Heat Men look to be in decent position to make a push to participate in the playoffs, starting with the Quarter-Finals on Halloween. Their three remaining home games before that time are as follows: Friday, October 9 @
7:00pm; Saturday, October 17 @ 3:00pm; Sunday, October 18 @ 3:00pm.
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | sports@thephoenixnews.com | Sportd Editor: Grayson Burton Leahy
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Canada winless at Rugby World Cup
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THE MCMORRIS BROTHERS AT UBCO On Friday, September 25, Mark and Craig McMorris stopped by our UBCO Campus to show off the trailer for their upcoming film, In Motion. Grayson B. Leahy Sports Editor The McMorris brothers are two of Canada’s most talented, and entertaining, snowboarders. They’ve gone from growing up in Saskatchewan, without mountains, to travelling the world and its best snowy mountains. The reception that Mark and Craig received in the EME auditorium, their Okanagan stop on their Red Bull Tour, would put a smile on any snowboarding fan, and it definitely had them smiling. After their show in the auditorium, they were kind enough to
//Miami Heat
Steven Lin Contributor
Last year, tragically and unfortunately, the Miami Heat could not participate in the playoffs. Many people had lost faith in the Miami Heat because their star and one of
sit down for an interview. Being only two years apart in age, much of Mark and Craig’s snowboarding lives have been intertwined. They both started on boards very young, and snow wasn’t the only variety. Skateboarding was big for both of them, and wakeboarding was as well. Both young men state that their careers as athletes, though, really began with their snowboarding. Russel Davies is the man that they say started it all for them. “He actually made the Saskatchewan Snowboard Team,” Craig shared, “that was an opportunity for us to go out to the mountains once a month...he was the first person to really get our foot in the door.” The organization found funding for gas money from the Saskatchewan government, and Mr. Davies would drive the team to and
from the mountains. Mark added to his brother’s recognition, “without Russ, we would never be pro snowboarders.” As pro snowboarders, they have both made themselves into world-class competitors. Both are ranked in the top fifty in Canadian snowboarding, and Mark has had an amazing run over the last five years. The most wellknown piece of that run is of course his Bronze Medal in Slopestyle at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. As has been a steady trend in the brothers’ careers, they got to share the experience together, as Craig was an announcer for CBC’s coverage of the Games’ snowboard events. Being able to tour with Red Bull and promote their upcoming film, In Motion, is a result of all the work they and their circle have put in to their careers. Previously they did one-
the best players in the world, LeBron James, left the team and went back to his hometown to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. Countless doubters predicted the future of the Miami Heat was doomed. “Dwyane Wade is outmoded. He has passed his glory time.” Yet, most critics were wrong about D-Wade. In the 2014-15 season, Wade scored 21.5 points per game, higher than his 19 points per game in 2013-14. Indeed, he’s old. He can’t score as much as he did in his younger years; nonetheless, D-Wade is still a threat to every NBA team. This summer, a lot of things have benefited the Miami Heat. Chris Bosh’s blood clot has fully recovered; the Heat picked a potential player, Justin Winslow, with decent defensive skillset. Yet, the most exciting news was the joining of former NBA All-Star players, Amar’e Stoudemire and Luol
Connor McDavid’s rookie season
Photo by Brittany Schmidt/Facebook
off appearances, but they say the tour has allowed them to take it to the next level. “It’s cool to have something planned, where we can announce it way in advance,” Mark says of taking their show on the road, “all the kids can plan on coming...kids from all around the province can come, anybody can come.” Asked if it’s more meaningful to do the tour and the shows together, Craig answered, “Yeah, for sure. Public speaking in general by yourself is tough to do...when you have somebody else up there with you, you can bounce it back and forth. It’s actually ideal.” The new snowboarding movie that they’re using the Red Bull tour to promote is a work of art that they’ve made together. The show that they put on for their fans looks like a relatively easy extension of that. They make
Deng, and former Slam-Dunk champion, Gerald Green. With the addition of former two former All-Stars and former Slam-Dunk Champion, Miami has composed a potent and sturdy roster that has the potential to make a strong impact in the new season.Why do I say they have a potent and sturdy roster? Currently, the Miami Heat have Goran Dragic, who is one of the best at point guard and had a high scoring percentage of 16.6 points per game, and decent assist numbers, 5.3 per game, last season. In others words, Dragic is a thorough point guard who can score high and help the team. Also, they have Chris Bosh, an All-Star Forward who not only has the height to dominate but is also an accurate 3-points shooter who has a high 3-point-shooting percentage, at
for an entertaining and engaging pair, playing off of one another with stories of childhood mixed in with more recent tales from the road. In Motion premieres on October 13, in Vancouver, and as a huge fan of both snowboarding and the Brothers McMorris, I can’t wait to see it. Neither should you.
37.5%. Moreover, although people might say that the Miami Heat is weak at defence, the team is lucky to have a mighty and hardworking centre, Hassan Whiteside, who has high blocked shots numbers, (2.6 per game) and remarkable rebounds (10 per game), last season. This young extraordinary centre even gained several pounds over this summer, getting in shape and more powerful. He can share some defensive work with the other tall potential centres, ‘The Birdman’ Chris Andersen, Josh McRoberts, and Amar’e Stoudemire. Therefore, with strong offence and defence, are you excited for the new season and the Miami Heat? Can they possibly return to the glory of championship? Keep calm and wait less than a month for the brand new NBA season.
October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | sports@thephoenixnews.com | Sports Editor: Grayson Burton Leahy
THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
Since September, the Rugby universe has been focused on England and the twenty best rugby squads in World Rugby. Grayson B. Leahy Sports Editor
Much like the World Cup in soccer, the Rugby World Cup is held every four years. The defending champion is New Zealand, having won the 2011 tournament at home with a victory of 8-7 over France in the final match. This year, the Webb Ellis Cup is up for grabs with matches being held in thirteen venues in eleven cities throughout England. At this point, the tournament is less than halfway over. Each team has played two games as of this writing, and while there have been some very large scoring differentials, there is not a lot of separation in the standings. Of the four pools, two have ties for the top spot. In Pool A, Australia and Wales both have two victories each; Scotland has two wins in first for Pool B; New Zealand tops Pool C with two wins; Pool D has the other tie for first, with Ireland and France both having won twice. Team Canada, ranked eighteenth in the world currently, has played two matches so far at the World Cup. Playing in Pool D, their first
match came against Ireland (ranked 4 in the world) on September 19, and their second was against Italy (ranked 14 on September 26. Against Ireland, Canada was outscored 50-7, for their first loss at the tournament. They also lost their second match, being beaten by Italy, 23-18. While Team Canada may not have a win yet, the very fact that they are at the tournament is worth celebrating for fans of Canadian athletics.The Rugby World Cup runs for roughly a month and a half, and while it may not have the same general appeal or viewership that its counterpart in soccer does, it is one of the most entertaining tournaments in global sport. The World Cup gives not only the sport in general a greater platform, but allows teams that would not be widely watched outside of their home countries to showcase their talents and prove to the world why they belong in the twenty teams competing for the title of the best in World Rugby. Thus far in the 2015 tournament, the biggest upset has been Japan’s victory by a score of 34-32 over South Africa, a team that for many years has been recognized as a dominant force in rugby, and is currently ranked fifth in the world. Japan is currently ranked twelfth.Rugby is not one of the most watched sports in North America. It is not one of the ‘big four’ on which the biggest of our sports news outlets
Photo from Creative Commons/Flickr
usually focus. It is, however, one of the most globally successful sports, and has an enormous following in far more than just the twenty countries currently playing in the World Cup. One of the most memorable sayings about sports I’ve ever heard, is that soccer is a gentleman’s game played by thugs, and rugby is a thug’s game played by gentlemen. While that may not always be true, these gentlemen have converged on England to give the world one hell of a show.
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | opinions@thephoenixnews.com | Opinions Editor: Brittni Mackenzie-Dale
//Opinions
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Gordon Hamilton - Contributor I’m turning left. An SUV is turning right. We collide; I walk out of the hospital later that night with only a few bruises, a shredded ankle, and a rock stuck in my palm. I’m lucky. I’m luckier than Patricia Keenan, who was wearing her helmet and still succumbed to injuries after being ‘doored’ – a term cyclists use when a car door suddenly opens into the bike lane. I’m luckier than a woman who was struck by a water delivery truck and then dragged down the road before being pinned under the truck for 25 minutes. I’m luckier than a man who passed away on September
// The Myth of the Worldly Scholar Gordon Hamilton Contributor
28th after being struck on September 25th. I’m lucky that I was okay despite not wearing a helmet. Patricia Keenan wasn’t. Yet people continue to blame the cyclists first: She should have been watching for car doors; she should have anticipated that truck would turn; he should have triple checked; they should have waited for the next light instead of trying to catch the green. It’s difficult to predict the future. It’s even more difficult when bike lanes disappear for 3 blocks before reappearing; when bike lanes turn into HOV lanes unexpectedly; when bike lanes become impromptu parking spots; when bike lanes become sidewalks; when bike lanes become loose gravel; when bike lanes become construction zones; when vehicles want you off the roads, pedestrians If you take your academic career seriously at all, you’ve probably heard the oft-repeated myth: that it’s important and possibly necessary to study at an institution in another country before becoming a true scholar. You’ll get a job immediately with that on a resume, one professor tells you. Movies and books reiterate this concept, frequently portraying young academics as only fully coming into their own once they’ve travelled. With that kind of encouragement (and in this economy), who wouldn’t start scrambling for Go Global applications
Refugee Crisis
Photo by David Melchor Diaz
DEATH OF A CYCLIST Cyclists are frequently blamed for accidents.
Matt Damon, ‘Diversity’
“I’m lying on the asphalt. My wrists broke my fall and I can’t move my left hand.”
want you on them, and you just want to get where you’re going without dying. Situation #1: you want to bike to UBCO today. You have two options – taking the terrifying stretch of
or postgraduate opportunities in another country? Sure, travelling and seeing the world can be great. But it’s by no means necessary to achieve any modem of success. Here’s why you shouldn’t give a damn what these professors and screenwriters and even other students are telling you: 1.You can see the world in different ways. Guess what? It doesn’t take university to see Sweden or the damp seaside hills of Scotland. In fact, visiting a country while not studying is
highway 97 or trespassing along the private gravel road in Glenmore. After you decide to take the bus, you see an advertisement for “take your bike to work & school” day. Situation #2: you want to bike to see a movie at the Paramount in downtown Kelowna. You want to take Bernard. You have two options – taking the extra-wide sidewalk and being harassed by pedestrians who feel unsafe with a bicycle swerving between them or biking to the right of your lane and hoping a side mirror doesn’t clip you while avoiding vehicles pulling away from parallel parking spots. Where is the bike lane? Was there ever a bike lane? You’re beginning to believe there is no such thing as a bike lane. When it comes to most Kelowna roads, you’re probably right. I’m lying on the asphalt. My wrists
broke my fall and I can’t move my left hand. The man who hit me exits his SUV – he has an ice cream cone in one hand. He tells me I should have been looking where I was going, that the light was green but the hand was flashing red. He doesn’t ask if I’m alright. The ambulance arrives five minutes after I’ve been hit. They clean my ankle, ask me questions, wrap up my immobile hand in a tensor bandage, calm me down. I’m shaking from adrenaline and embarrassment. A cop arrives and his last name is Law and he tells me I was supposed to be in the vehicle lane. The second thing I felt after being hit by an SUV was shame. The first thing was the SUV.
actually a hell of a lot easier. Do you know how much a student VISA costs? Upwards of a grand. And do you know how to get one? Probably not, because it’s a lot more complicated than you think. It’s not only an online application, but you have to travel to go get your fingerprints taken (less James Bond, more war criminal). Besides, if you’re not there for class, you’ll have a lot more time to actually enjoy the scenery and local attractions.
point of going to study somewhere else if you don’t like to leave your room anyways? Don’t kid yourself. Be honest about who you are. Going somewhere else does not a different person make. If I’m not in class or at work, I’m holed up in my dorm like the hermit I am playing Mario Maker. Travelling is ideal for those who are stimulated by social interaction and new environments, sure—but we’re not all like that.
2.We’re not all extroverts. What’s the
3. People are people are people are people… Part of this worldly scholar
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | opinions@thephoenixnews.com | Opinions Editor: Brittni Mackenzie-Dale
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LET’S TALK ABOUT MY ABORTION
TPP Deal
Photo by Daniela Vladimirova
Saturday afternoon, I met a new friend at Blenz for lattes. It’s been one of those fast friendships. We met in class and instantly bonded over dark nail polish, The Wonder Years, a shared obsession of spicy fries from Sub City Donair, and our biology majors. We became close enough quick enough in these past few weeks that when K. slips into the seat across from me, cheeks rosy from the late September air, I can tell something’s bothering her. “It’s my period,” she says. What about it? I ask. “It’s nonexistent,” she groans. We talk briefly about why this might be and she
confesses that she thinks she could be pregnant. Not likely, she reassures me, but still possible. I try and tell her to calm down, that the two tests she has taken that have come back negative are almost undoubtedly correct. And then I realize now is a good time to talk about it. My abortion. I do this sometimes. You might have overheard me. I’m not terribly shy about it. I don’t do this to make you uncomfortable. I do this to normalize the conversation. “Well, when I was pregnant I knew right away,” I say, sipping soy milk— not because I’m allergic, but because I read how they treat pregnant dairy cows. (It’s not good.) I say it casually, in the same tone K. has been talking about her missed period. But it’s different. There’s a beat. “Oh,” she murmurs, connecting the
dots, putting together my words and the way I used the past tense and the fact that we maybe aren’t supposed to talk about abortions in public but possible pregnancies are okay. “Oh.” K. laughs, a little nervously. She glances around and I can practically hear her thinking: has anyone heard us? Are they judging us? “That must have been hard.” “It wasn’t,” I say, not unkindly, slurping again at the pumpkin spiced latte (which I find out later does have dairy and, to be frank, that upset me more than K.’s reaction). “It was a quick process. I was sick all day, sure, but that was mostly from the medication. I don’t regret it.” I can see the tension ease out of her shoulders. She asks me a couple more questions, each one offered up more eagerly and I answer in the same light
tone. You see, I grew up in a home where I only found out my mother had an abortion because I overheard her whisper it to my grandmother in a shamed, tear-choked whisper. I grew up where the word “sex” was met with blushes. I grew up not admitting my own rape to my mother, but instead silently cleaning myself up and telling her the next day I was just tired and no, I wasn’t depressed. There was no way for me to talk about abortion because no one was talking about it. But if I can be that person to someone, why shouldn’t I? I have another friend with HSV2. Not sure what that is? Herpes. You probably didn’t cringe when you read the scientific name, but I’ll bet you are now. She struggled for years with the diagnoses, thinking she would never have sex again and no one would love
her. But now she boldly talks about it—not weaving it in unnecessarily, but within a certain context, she says it without fear. She does it for the same reason I talk about my abortion: she wants to normalize it. K. got her period the next day. This isn’t always the case and sometimes abortion is the preferred answer. And a lot of people hide these things—be it unwanted pregnancies, STIs, gender dysphoria—because we don’t hear these conversations being had. We’re all eavesdroppers. We only talk about things we think are okay to talk about it, and we only think things are okay to talk about if we hear someone else say it first. So I’ll be that first person, if that’s what it takes, but let’s make a promise to each other: to let that awkward pause hang in the air for just that one beat, and then dive right in.
myth is that we are going to be learning from The Greats™, strange and mythical beasts that exist only where we are not. While there is some truth to this—people might wish to work under those whose work they admire—it is also important to seek out the talented mentorship your own town or university offers. It’s easy to romanticize other professors and schools as being arbitrarily better, but often this isn’t the case. It’s your own hard work, discipline, and research that is going to bring you success, not always the location. The library at
Oxford, while being infinitely better than the one here at UBCO, is not what’s going to make you smarter. Besides… 4.We have the internet. In case you haven’t been alive in the last 25 years, the internet has—surprise!— been invented. We can connect with scholars all across the globe in moments. We don’t need to physically travel in order to interact with them. Perhaps the idea of the travel-weary academic was more applicable in the middle of the 20th century, when certain kinds of knowledge were
unattainable without geographical movement. However, this isn’t the case anymore. Sure, there are certain kinds of experiences one can only gain first-hand, but don’t buy into the hype that moving from Canada to Australia is going to be the deciding factor in your career. 5.Depth over distance. Yep, I’m quoting Ben Howard. And that brilliant wordsmith is exactly right: it’s more important to shape your views in a nuanced, intricate, well-read manner than to spread yourself thin unnecessarily.
This isn’t to say Go Global or studying abroad are bad things in and of themselves. But let’s be real: the idea that engaging in these activities is going to transform you into some brilliant academic is overhyped and unfounded. If you’re reading this article, more than likely you have all the tools you need for research. You’re not going to be a better academic or poet or artist simply by moving cities or countries. For some people, this does happen to be the catalyst for some terrific idea—but get it out of your head that you need to leave to
create, because there is plenty to be found right where you are.
What we consider taboo can only be normalized by practice. Brie Copeland Contributor
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Opinions Editor: Brittni Mackenzie-Dale |opinions@thephoenixnews.com | The Phoenix | October 5th 2015
Photo from Elections Canada, Elections.ca
WHO SHOULD I VOTE FOR? Our voting system is medieval. Dr. Wayne Broughton Contributor No, really, it is. Our method of electing representatives to Parliament began centuries ago in England, and is often called “winner-take-all” or “firstpast-the-post”. It is antiquated, unjust, and produces ridiculous results: Since World War I, three-quarters of Canada’s “majority” federal governments were actually elected by a minority of voters, including the present one. This can happen because only the most popular candidate in a riding is elected to represent that riding, even if they have less than 50% of all the votes, so long as all the other votes are split between other candidates. Under our present system, if you vote
for anyone other than the winner, your vote ends up electing nobody. You get no local representative who represents your political views in Parliament. That makes absolutely no sense! The whole point of a democratic election is to select Members of Parliament who represent the viewpoint of virtually all Canadian voters. When a party (or group of parties) then forms the government, it should do so only because it genuinely represents a majority of Canadians. That is the central idea of representative democracy. An election’s purpose is not to choose winners and losers, where literally only half of the voters get someone they choose to represent them. What we have now is almost a mockery of democracy. Our system seems familiar because it is traditional, and because it is
//My experience at the AllCandidates Forum Mark Dreger Current Affairs Editor
also used in the U.S. and the U.K. But almost no other large advanced democracy in the world uses this idiotic way to elect representatives. Most use some form of what is called “proportional representation”, which is any kind of voting system designed to get a Parliament that actually represents the viewpoints of the voters. For example, in their 2011 election 97% of the voters in New Zealand cast a ballot that actually helped to elect a representative. But in the same year in Canada, only 51% of the voters did so. Our system is really, really backwards and out-of-date. It is time for us to finally catch up with the rest of the democratic world and join the 21st century. And October 19th can be our chance to finally do so. Electoral reform is in the air and many people are pointing
out the need for change. Every major party except the Conservatives has promised to bring about electoral reform in time for the next election. We need to elect representatives that will support changing to a modern voting system with proportional representation. Some people say that you should vote for whoever best represents your values. That would make sense only if our voting system was truly representative. But since we are still stuck with our old system for this election, it makes no sense to decide to vote for your favourite party or candidate if they are just going to lose anyways, because then your vote does nothing. You don’t get moral brownie points for voting for the “best” candidate if they don’t win! We have to cooperate and vote strategically – with
our minds rather than our hearts. For example, in the Kelowna-Lake Country riding, the Green party candidate has withdrawn from the race in order to support the Liberal candidate, Stephen Fuhr, who has promised to represent many Green party values if he is elected. This riding has traditionally been Conservative and the Conservative candidate has a lot of support. But the Conservative party has vowed to actually make electoral reform more difficult, so progressive voters need to vote together and bring about change. I urge you to seriously consider how you will vote strategically so you can help end our broken, undemocratic system and make 2015 the last unfair election.
On September 23rd, we were given the opportunity to talk and listen to the seven candidates running for federal office in the two local districts. Some candidates impressed me, but most did not. Dan Albas and Ron Cannan’s speeches both encouraged uncomfortable audience participation that seemed to receive apathetic applause, probably because they’re conservatives talking to young
liberal minds. Since they’re both still in power, they primarily promoted what they’ve done, like low taxes and a balanced budget, instead of promoting what they plan to do in the future. Under the Conservatives, I can’t expect anything more than the status quo. The other candidates that did not impress me were the ones for the Westside. Angelique Wood for the NDP briefly mentioned promoting a relationship with the
First Nations, working on climate change, and maintaining public healthcare; nothing too exciting. Liberal candidate Karley Scott was even less impressive. She talked about investing in youth for jobs, and talking about her student loans in an attempt to relate to us students. Robert Mellalieu, the Green party candidate, said the words “economy, community, government, and climate” in his speech, but he didn’t dissect
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October 5th 2015 | The Phoenix | opinions@thephoenixnews.com | Opinions Editor: Brittni Mackenzie-Dale
Illustration from the Phoenix Archives
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 13TH Refer back to our last issue for more articles written by Dr. Wayne Broughton. Dr. Wayne Broughton Contributor In the previous issue of the Phoenix, I urged you to get out and vote in the federal election on Monday, October 19th. There are enough post-secondary students in Kelowna to tip the election results and potentially change the representatives in two ridings! You can go to www.elections.ca for official details on how to vote and what you will need, and download the app called VoteNote for easy access to useful information and reminders of important dates.
what those words meant for the party and instead focused on environmental concerns. The two candidates I feel spoke the best were Norah Bowman for the NDP and Stephen Fuhr for the Liberal party, primarily because they spoke with passion. Bowman used her time wisely and spoke on climate change, marijuana decriminalization, gay rights, and repealing Bill C-51 (she being the only candidate to address the bill). Although I didn’t
“Kelowna-Lake Country” riding, and if you live at the Kelowna campus of Okanagan College you are in “Central Okanagan-Nicola-Similkameen”.
To make it even easier, here is a summary of the main steps you have to take to be ready to vote: 1) Know where you live! Your “home address” determines the riding where you can vote. If your address while you are studying is different than your usual “home”, you can decide which one to use for voting. You will need a piece of ID with this address, but if you live in a student residence you should have received a “Letter of Confirmation of Residence” from the university that counts as ID for your address. 2) Know your riding! That depends on your home address. You can find this with the VoteNote app on your GPS-enabled phone or by searching your postal code at elections.ca. If you live at UBC Okanagan, you are in the
agree with everything she said, repealing C-51 is at the top of my priority list. Stephen Fuhr seemed to receive the best audience support. He spoke of refunding federal science, not enforcing unnecessary party discipline, combating climate change (like all left-wing parties), bringing Canada out of recession, and electoral reform. Fuhr was the only candidate to address electoral reform and all the left-
“There are enough postsecondary students in Kelowna to tip the election results and poterntially change the representatives in two ridings!”
3) Get registered! Check online at elections.ca to see if you are already registered. If not, you can register online at that site, or else by mail, or in person at the Elections Canada office in downtown Kelowna. Make sure to register no later than 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 13, or else you will just have to register when you go vote.
wing parties support a change from first-past-the-post, which is also at the top of my priority list. Overall, I feel Fuhr and Bowman’s speeches were the most powerful. Fuhr and Bowman addressed many of their concerns with passion in the allotted time, Albas and Cannan sounded like the same person promoting what they’ve done in the Parliament, and the remaining candidates stayed too focused on few issues and seemed to fall flat.
As of right now, I cannot say who I am voting for. I want electoral reform, C-51 repealed, the authoritarian Conservatives out of power, and Trudeau’s ego crushed; but I hold conservative values and cringe at some of what the far-left NDP propose and believe. The Liberals have decent ideas, but with Trudeau in change I cannot bring myself to vote red. That, and they’re considering mandatory voting. I suppose I would be happiest if the NDP
4) Have ID! Your driver’s licence (or other government-issued photo ID) will work, or you can use your student card plus something with your name and address, like a utility bill or Letter of Confirmation of Residence.
5) Vote! If you are registered, you should get a voter information card in the mail that will tell you where to go to vote. If you live at UBC Okanagan campus, there will be a polling station (where you vote) in Purcell residence for you. Dates to note: •Advance voting: You can vote at an advance poll on October 9 – 12. •Voting in person: You can vote at the Elections Canada office until October 13. •Voting by mail: You can mail in your vote, especially if your home riding is not where you live now. But you have to apply to do this by October 13. •Election day: Monday, October 19.
won a minority government, just so no party has too much power with a majority, and Harper and Trudeau stay out of head office. With opinion polls across the country showing a three-party race, I believe this election can be condensed into one question: “whom do I hate the least?”