Winners at achievement since 1918
fraternities, rcmp and ubc meet in the aftermath of saturday’s debacle Read what happened on page 3
couch surfing: how safe is it?
the ubyssey
page 5
SEPTEMBER 16, 2010 • volume 92, number v • room 24, student union building • published monday and thursday • feedback@ubyssey.ca
clubS days are coming
have you chosen yours yet? page 7
Debating Society — Dragonboating Club — End Poverty Now — Equestrian Club — Freethinkers Club — Friends of the Spartacus Youth Club — Go Club — Golf Club — Handball Club — Help Hear Haiti Student Coalition — Italian Club — Jour
nalists for Human Rights — Juggling Arts Club — Libertarian Club — Motorcycling Club — NDP Club of UBC — Oxfam Club — Peace and Love UBC — Ringette Team — Salsa Club — Triathlon Club — Trivia Club —
UBC Campus Conservatives — UBC Loves Vaginas — Persian Music Ensemble — UNICEF Club — Unlimited Popping and BreakDancing Crews of UBC—Venture Capital and Private Equity Club— Wargamers’ Society— Wing Chun Internal Kung Fu
Aqua Society — Badminton Club — Canadian Liver Foundation of UBC — Caribbean African Association — Chin Woo Athletic Association — Chinese Varsity Club — Competitive Video Gaming Association —
2 / u b y s s e y. c a / e v e n t s / 2 0 1 0 . 0 9 . 16 september 16, 2010 volume xcii, no v editorial coordinating editor
Justin McElroy : coordinating@ubyssey.ca
events thursday, sepT. 16
news editor
i saw you...
Arshy Mann : news@ubyssey.ca
associate news editor
Sally Crampton : associate.news@ubyssey.ca
ARTS INTERNSHIP INFORMATION SESSION
Jonny Wakefield & Bryce Warnes : culture@ubyssey.ca
Need career-related experience but still enrolled in classes? Want an experience more challenging than stuffing envelopes? Come and learn about the Arts Internship Program, internships designed with Arts students in mind, and open up a world of possibilities. This info session will cover the program requirements, available opportunities, and more. • 12:30pm–1:30pm, Buchanan B210.
culture editors
associate culture editor
Anna Zoria : associate.culture@ubyssey.ca
sports editor
Ian Turner : sports@ubyssey.ca
features editor
Trevor Record : features@ubyssey.ca
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Virginie Ménard : production@ubyssey.ca
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Kai Green : copy@ubyssey.ca
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Tara Martellaro : multimedia@ubyssey.ca
CREATIVITY KILLS HER
Stephanie Warren : associate.multimedia@ubyssey.ca
UBC BFA student Karen Tennant presents Creativity Kills Her: an exploration of death and the female body using large-scale installations of paint, fabric and resin. • Sept 13–17, 10am–4pm, AMS Art Gallery.
associate multimedia editor video editor
Matt Wetzler : video@ubyssey.ca
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friday, sepT. 17
accidents happen
rough and dapper gentleman
you: Girl with short, black hair
I saw you on the basement of the SUB. You were wearing a three piece suit (pocket watch included) and had bandages across the side of your face. Buy me a martini? when: Sunday, Sept 12 where: Bus Loop YOU: Man me: Man
and a tattoo of an airplane on your arm. We were riding a crammed 99 B-line and you fell on me when the driver slammed on the brakes. Can’t get you out of my head! when: Monday, Sept. 13 where: 99 B-line bus heading to UBC YOU: Woman me: Man sleeping beauty
You slept through our entire English class on Tuesday. You’re skinny, scruffy looking, have dreads and wear baggy clothes. I was the redhead sitting two rows behind you. Maybe next time we can sit together? when: Tuesday, Sept 14 where: ENGL 110 YOU: Man me: Woman
laissez-faire
You were reading Ayn Rand and wearing Doc Martens. I was drinking a capuccino and wearing a lime green polo. Let’s get together and discuss rugged individualism. when: Monday, Sept. 13 where: The Boulevard YOU: Woman me: Woman Visit ubyssey.ca/i-saw-u for the online I Saw UBC submission form.
business Room 23, Student Union Building advertising: 604.822.1654 business office: 604.822.6681 fax: 604.822.1658 e-mail: advertising@ubyssey.ca
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MEN AND WOMEN’S SOCCER GAMES
34TH ANNUAL INDOOR PLANT SALE
Join the Blue Crew and get into every Thunderbird home game for only $10. Go cheer on the home team at men’s (UBC vs. University of the Fraser Valley Cascades) or women’s soccer (UBC vs Manitoba Bisons). • Women’s game at 5pm, men’s game at 7:15pm, Thunderbird Park.
Detoxify your home with hundreds of unusual indoor plants, herbs and flowers at student-friendly prices. All funds generated from the plant sale support research and educational activities at UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research. • 11am– 6pm, UBC Botanical Garden (6084 SW Marine Drive).
Paul Bucci : webads@ubyssey.ca
ubc debate society meeting contributors Kenji Hayakawa Jocelyn Lan Ginette Monaco David Chen Chris Borchert Nicole Nyaga Brendan Albano Ginny Monaco Jon Chiang
Micki Cowan Jeremie Rodger
Meet fellow debaters: learn about upcoming events, socials and tournaments, get the occasional free meal and have the opportunity to practice debating with some of the country’s top competitive debaters. It is entirely free and anyone and everyone is welcome to show up. • 4pm– 6pm, Buchanan B216, contact ubc. debate@gmail.com for more info.
Andrew MacIssar Rhys Edwards Anna Kouzovleva Callum Kingwell Andrew Hood Yooji Cummings Joanna Chiu Kait Bolongaro Anne Tastad
Karina Palmitesta
legal The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia. It is published every Monday and Thursday by The Ubyssey Publications Society. We are an autonomous, democratically run student organization, and all students are encouraged to participate. Editorials are chosen and written by the Ubyssey staff. They are the expressed opinion of the staff, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Ubyssey Publications Society or the University of British Columbia. All editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the property of The Ubyssey Publications Society. Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of The Ubyssey Publications Society. The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP’s guiding principles. Letters to the editor must be under 300 words. Please include your phone number, student number and signature (not for publication) as well as your year and faculty with all submissions. ID will be checked when submissions are dropped off at the editorial office of The Ubyssey; otherwise verification will be done by phone. “Perspectives” are opinion pieces over 300 words but under 750 words and are run according to space. “Freestyles” are opinion pieces written by Ubyssey staff members. Priority will be given to letters and perspectives over freestyles unless the latter is time sensitive. Opinion pieces will not be run until the identity of the writer has been verified. The Ubyssey reserves the right to edit submissions for length and clarity. All letters must be received by 12 noon the day before intended publication. Letters received after this point will be published in the following issue unless there is an urgent time restriction or other matter deemed relevant by the Ubyssey staff. It is agreed by all persons placing display or classified advertising that if the Ubyssey Publications Society fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS will not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value or the impact of the ad.
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CORRECTION: In the September 13, 2010 issue, the story written about the RCMP’s threat to cut funding to SFU’s criminology fund was wrongly credited to David Proctor instead of Kendra Wong. also, the letter written to us entitled “UBC should fully disclose information about animal research” was mistakenly cut off. The Ubyssey regrets these errors.
2 010 . 0 9.16 / u by s s e y. c a / n e w s / 3
News
editor ARSHY MANN » news@ubyssey.ca associate SALLY CRAMPTON » associate.news@ubyssey.ca
Frats and UBC meet over officer assaults University: Fraternities are entirely responsible for activities that take place in the fraternity village ARshy Mann news@ubyssey.ca Representatives from UBC, the RCMP and the fraternities, as well as alumni and residents met on Monday to discuss last Saturday’s incident, where two officers were assaulted at the fraternity village.
This behaviour by non-UBC students is deeply reprehensible. matt parson i n t e rfr a t e r n it y c o u n c i l president
In a statement released on Tuesday, InterFraternity Council President Matt Parson expressed confidence in the potent ia l effect iveness of t he talks. “These discussions will resolve any issues stemming from that night and help in the implementation of preventative measures to eliminate any further incidents,” he said.
Parson claimed that Delta Kappa Epsilon (Deke) fraternity, which hosted Saturday’s party, called the RCMP initially in order to deal with non-UBC students who wouldn’t leave. He alleged that the incident was a result of a small group of uninvited non-UBC students who intruded on a closed function and caused a serious disturbance for all invited attendees, and that “no alcohol was distributed at any houses within the Greek Village.” Pa r s on w ent on t o s a y that,“this behaviour by non-UBC students is deeply reprehensible and requires the attention of not only fraternity organizations, but also the broader campus at large.” To date, the Deke fraternity has not issued a statement on the matter. Janet Teasdale, senior director of student development and the university’s Greek liaison, said that fraternities need to take greater responsibility for the events that they throw. “UBC has made it clear in numerous discussions with many alumni, international headquarters for individual fraternity organizations and the members themselves that the
responsibility for hosting events and ensuring that they are safe and secure rests with the fraternities,” she said in an email. “The fraternities are independent organizations renting land from UBC. UBC does not manage the fraternity village and the fraternities are entirely responsible for the activities that take place there.” Teasdale argued that regardless of whether or not the assaulters were non-Greeks, fraternities are still responsible for whatever happens on their property. “When the fraternity organizations negotiated the terms of agreement relating to the fraternity village, they insisted they should have their autonomy without UBC’s oversight of their activities. In return they agreed to be responsible for the actions of any people at the fraternities, regardless of whether they were fraternity members, even whether they were not invited,” she said. “It is foreseeable that given the number of houses in one location that the courtyard would be part of the problem and the fraternities are responsible for managing this.” U
ubyssey file photo illustration
UBC rapid transit lowest priority for MetroVan Draft document of regional growth strategy places Surrey as top priority Arshy Mann news@ubyssey.ca Those waiting for a Skytrain to UBC will likely be kept waiting for a long time—a very long time. Metro Vancouver has released a draft of its regional growth strategy that places a rapid transit line to UBC at the bottom of its priority list, with transit upgrades in Surrey at the top of it. The strategy, which outlines the region’s prospective plan for 2040, means that rapid transit to UBC is much less likely to actually be built. AMS President Bijan Ahmadian expressed surprise at the announcement. “When you look at all the facts, the big one being that UBC is the second largest transit destination after downtown, this strategy doesn’t reflect that,” he said. “I’m disappointed because this has been on our radar and this has been on Metro Van’s radar, and everybody has known about this for a really long time.” He argued that the new Provincial UPass program means that an even greater strain will be placed on Translink services, and that rapid transit is necessary to combat that burden. The AMS intends to protest the downgrade by lobbying Metro Vancouver through the VP
UBC Line shoved to bottom. david chen Photo Illustration/ The Ubyssey
External’s office, as well as circulating a petition in order to gauge students’ opinions on the need for rapid transit to UBC. A h madia n, however, be lieves that this new plan makes it doubtful that UBC will ever have a Skytrain. “This is the 2040 plan. So if it’s third on the priority [list], it essentially means it will never happen,” he said. Electoral Area A Director Maria Harris also believes that a
rapid transit line to UBC is very unlikely. “If you start looking at the needs of the broader region, anybody who’s crossed t he Port Mann bridge knows that there are broader needs than just ours, so let’s start talking about what is immediately affordable,” she said. Instead, Harris argued that the university needs to start looking at low-cost solutions to provide better transit in the short-term.
“To me what’s critical is that students, faculty or staff who work here or study here can be at their place of work or study quickly and reliably,” said Harris. “This does not follow in my mind that this means investment in rapid transit of a Skytrain form or even a rapid railway form. “Some of the choices are later [class] start times, dedicated buses, and efforts to work with the City of Vancouver to try to clear more and more of the parking lanes, or to have some prioritized signals for the B-lines.” Ahmadian said that these fixes are only a stop-gap measure and do not address the broader problem. “There are definitely lots of short term options that the university should explore,” said Ahmadian. “But at the end of the day we have to think about where we’re going as a province and where we’re going as a region. And none of those short term options are going to meet our demand.” Metro Vancouver will receive comments on the draft strategy from now until October 15, 2010. Before it can become law, it must first be formally accepted by all of Metro Vancouver’s 22 member municipalities, the Tsawwassen First Nation, TransLink, and all adjacent regional districts. U
NEWS BRIEFS Gender gap found between Asian students A recent study by a UBC professor has revealed that Mandarin-speaking girls are four times more likely than other Asian students to get good grades in high school in Canada. Cantonese speaking boys are said to be four times more likely to struggle. The study, conducted by Prof. Lee Gunderson, examined the marks gained by immigrant students graduating from high school in 2009. RCMP back down after threat to cut funding (CUP) After threats to end their contribution to Simon Fraser University’s criminology department, the RCMP have issued the university $4 million over the next five years. Deputy Commissioner Gary Bass allegedly threatened to cut funding for the department after SFU’s criminology director Robert Gordon criticized the RCMP’s handling of the Robert Pickton case. Gordon accused the RCMP of “arrogance” in the case, which he said slowed down the investigation and allowed Pickton to continue killing for a longer period of time. On Aug. 22, Bass responded to Gordon’s allegations in a lengthy email. The email was copied to approximately 25 high authority figures, including top RCMP brass, municipal police chiefs and the president of SFU. The RCMP contribution funds two research chairs at SFU. It costs approximately $4 million to keep these positions in place for five years.
4 / u by s s e y. c a / n e w s / 2 010 . 0 9.16
Psychology is WEIRD UBC researchers argue too many studies are based on westerners callum Kingwell Contributor A team of UBC psychologists is concerned that the overuse of experimental subjects from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) environments is causing behavioral researchers to make false claims about human nature. In a paper published in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, psychologists Joe Henrich, Steven Heine and Ara Norenzayan concluded that people in the WEIRD demographic are behavioral ‘outliers’ and ‘one of the worst’ populations that could be used to study our species. A full 96 per cent of test subjects used for experiments are WEIRD. “For most of human history we lived in relatively small groups…without internet, police or hospitals—and even things like numbering systems, watches and calendars,” said Henrich. He argued that living in an industrial society like Canada can influence human psychology, which makes this group a poor representation of humans in general. The paper takes aim at a number of ‘human’ behavioral theories which may only be true for the WEIRD slice of humanity. In the study, researchers compared westerners with non-westerners. Westerners assigned more importance to personal choice, and showed less desire to conform to social norms
than other groups. They also possessed an inflated sense of selfworth. In one study, 94 per cent of American professors rated themselves as “better than the average American professor.” Another group routinely used to explore ‘human’ psychology is undergraduates. In the US, home to two thirds of test subjects, 67 per cent of those studied were in undergraduate psychology courses. College-aged Americans are typically found at the extreme end of the distribution for WEIRD characteristics—tending to rationalize choices, reject conformity, favor transient relationships and be less trusting than other Americans who already exhibit those tendencies. Most psychology is done in WEIRD countries, on WEIRD people, by WEIRD people. Coauthor Steven Heine said this is no coincidence. “We live in a highly individualistic society, and so it is meaningful for people to try and figure why they do the things they do,” he said. “In other cultures, people tend to do things because the community wants things done a certain way, so I think it’s less valuable for them to think introspectively.” Henrich believes that outdated traditions are partly to blame for the overuse of WEIRD populations in experiments. “The rules of the game have been that if you experiment on undergrads, you can write about what ‘people’
Bad weather confounds Twister record attempt
think.” He hopes that, in light of the group’s findings, other researchers will begin to break away from this convention. Psychology graduate student Damian Murray is less optimistic that the paper will inspire the much-needed changes. He said that this is not the first time this issue has been raised and “psychology as a whole seems fairly slow in responding to criticisms.” However, he made it clear that the paper does not imply that all research on WEIRD people is worthless, simply that it means psychologists need to be more cautious when generalizing about groups. U
ANdrew Hood Photo/The Ubyssey
Andrew Hood Contributor
Geoff Lister Photo/The Ubyssey
Last Sunday, Vancouver Improv Anywhere failed to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest game of Twister. The current record was set by the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in May of 1987. Around 50 people attended Sunday’s attempt, which failed to surpass the Cold War-era record of 4160 people. Heavy Vancouver rain pelted the array of twister maps that were spread out over MacInnes field, drenching the few people who attended the event. In addition, space became an issue when a Vancouver park declined their request to host the event, which resulted in the choice of MacInnes Field as the venue.
Despite Sunday’s poor turnout at UBC, Piché is determined that after the Twister World Record is broken, which he intends to attempt again, Vancouver Improv Anywhere will attempt to break more world records—on a hopefully clearer day. Having put on successful events, such as emulating the Grand Central Freeze in parts of Vancouver and doing random acts of kindness around the city, Piché yearned to host an even larger event. “We really want to put ourselves on the map, not only as an improv group but as a city too,” explained Vancouver Improv Anywhere co-founder Larry Piché after the event. “I think that giving [Vancouver] another world record would be perfect.” U
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CouchSurfing: A safe way for students to travel? Joanna Chiu Contributor Eleven years ago, Casey Fenton emailed University of Iceland students to ask for free accommodation. He was eventually taken in and his gracious hosts took him on a thrilling insider tour of Reykjavik. When he got back home, Fenton launched a website, CouchSurfing.com, to help others find the same sort of accomodations. Since then, the appeal of getting free accommodation, turning strangers into friends and gaining cultural knowledge has attracted more than 2 million people from over 230 countries to join the online community. It has become especially popular for university students travelling on a budget. However, since the rape of a 29-year-old female CouchSurfing member by her host Abdelali Nachet, some travellers have become concerned about the safety of using CouchSurfing.com. On March 5, 2009, a female tourist from Hong Kong arrived in Leeds, England to meet Nachet, who prepared dinner with her before raping her twice and threatening to kill her. The woman notified police the day after. A Leeds judge sentenced Nachet to ten years in prison. CouchSurfing Media Relations Representative Rock y Sang uedolce described t he
are more likely to have a safe experience with CouchSurfing. Ward, a student at McGill Un iv er sit y, m a kes t he fol low ing safet y recommendations: “Make sure you review the profiles and read the references by other surfers. Go with a friend (or more) if you feel uncomfortable and always have a backup plan [at a hostel, hotel etc].”
The appeal of getting free accomodation [...] has attracted more than 2 million people from over 230 countries... It’s impolite to leave your shoes on when taking a couch. jon chiang Photo Illustration/The Ubyssey
incident as “t he worst case scenario.” “Out of the approximately 6 million experiences that people have had through CouchSurfing. com, in which 99.6 per cent of those were good experiences, negative things are bound to happen. The incident in England was the worst incident that CouchSurfing has had,” said Sanguedolce.
Most of the managers of the non-profit website, including Sanguedolce, are volunteers, which ultimately places the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the network onto CouchSurfing users. Sanguedolce describes CouchSurfing as a “selfpolicing” network. “With our three point verification and reference system,
you can check that the person is who they say they are and you can read about other travellers’ experiences with that person to determine whether you want to stay with that person.” This verification system is not mandatory, but CouchSurfing members Adam Ward and Sally Kolenda believe that with adequate precautions, people
Kolenda, a recent graduate of Texas A&M University, has used CouchSurfing 13 times and hosted guests 12 times. According to Kolenda, “Any time you stay with someone you don’t know, there is a potential for something unpleasant to occur. I believe that on the whole, people are good, and you have to believe that to use the site.” U
Open the gates and seize the day! Write for news! arshy mann | news@ubyssey.ca U theubyssey.ca
6/ubyssey.ca/advertisement/2010.09.16
2010.09.16/ubyssey.ca/clubs days/7
clubs days
editor TREVOR RECORD » features@ubyssey.ca GUEST EDITOR KENJI HAYAKAWA
Clubs Days are a-comin’
Clubs Days 101 Why check out Clubs Days? Clubs Days will be your best chance to check out the clubs at UBC. Hundreds of clubs and organizations will set up booths in the SUB from September 22 to 24. From depressing sciencefair failing banners, to stupefying dance teams, all of these clubs will be out in full force hoping to get you to sign up. Beyond the AMS clubs, resource groups and even your humble campus paper The Ubyssey will also be present at Clubs Days.
Kenji Hayakawa Guest Editor So you think you know what Clubs Days is. Well, we’ll see about that. From September 22 to 24, hundreds of clubs will crowd the SUB with booths. Those booths, filled with exciting opportunities, are the cornerstone of what makes Clubs Days a worthwhile festivity. Cruise around, talk to the outgoing club representatives and discover what they’re doing. It’s more than likely that out of all the booths filling the SUB, at least one will fit the bill for what you consider worth pursuing in university (besides academics). They say that joining a club at UBC is an excellent way to ‘get involved.’ This, obviously, is an understatement. Sure, after becoming a club member, you may feel merely ‘involved’ for the first one or two weeks. What you will discover after a month, however, is that great feeling of finding people who share your passion on campus. Maybe it is an athletic activity. Maybe it is an academic subject. Maybe it is a deep game. Maybe it is a complex art. You meet the people and master the skills. You accomplish projects together with your fellow members. These experiences take you to a new level. What is more fascinating, you are likely to be with others when you reach that new terrain. By April, you won’t be able to imagine how life at
What if I miss Clubs Days? The AMS has a list of clubs online at www.ams.ubc.ca/campus-life/clubs/ which includes emails and web sites for their clubs as they become available.
A veritable cornucopia of Clubs Days in years past. Geoff Lister photo collage/the ubyssey
university could possibly be rewarding for those who did not join clubs. The above narrative is not an exaggeration at all. My club experience for the past two years can testify to this. As a freshman, I entered UBC believing that other students would be disciplined like animals, whipped and rewarded by the system called grading, and that nobody would have an authentic, autonomous hunger for learning. At the same time, as an international student, I lacked the confidence necessary to stay energetic and take on projects. The one thing I knew for sure was my passion for a particular academic subject area.
I joined the relevant club, not thinking too much of the consequences. The first Friday night club gathering blew my mind. There I met 20 or so senior and graduate students as well as others at my level. We exchanged life stories, research interests and other smaller anecdotes. It was a fantastic night, laid back and calm, yet a definite sense of excitement for the coming year was clearly felt in the atmosphere as well. That night’s gathering proved my negative assumptions about UBC wrong. Since then, I have become closer friends wit h many of the members. I took up the role of treasurer in my second year for the same club.
At present, I have a special bond with the club members and alumni, a bond that only forms with sharing an authentic passion for learning. The t h ree day per iod of Clubs Days is short, and there is much to explore. This supplement offers just a small sampling of the clubs that are out there. Maybe you have some specific activity in mind, in which case you just need to head to the SUB and run to that specific booth. Otherwise, why not take your time and spend the whole three days? Schedule your visits, and try and get the best out of this short yet rich festival. You are in for a wonderful surprise. U
How do I find the club that is right for me? There are over 300 clubs, most of which will be at Club Days. So chances are that you’ll find the one that fits best for you, even though it may take a while to find what you’re looking for. Luckily, club booths are generally placed by category. This year, the categories they were asking Clubs Days applicants to file themselves under were: - Academics/Management - Community Service - Cultural/Identity - Media/Arts/Performance
The history of clubs at UBC
- Political/Social Action Some of our favourite defunct old clubs
“This used to be all orange groves!”
- The Mamook Club, which ran student promotions on campus.
Justin McElroy coordinating@ubyssey.ca
- The Technocracy Club, which advocated using science to solve political and economic problems.
There are hundreds of clubs on campus. They serve just about every niche, nook and cranny you would want at a university of 45,000 students. But one question remains: which is the oldest? “This is a somewhat complicated question,” wrote AMS Archivist Sheldon Goldfarb in 2001. One reason for the lack of clarity is just how small UBC once was. In 1915, when classes first started at UBC, there were only 379 students on campus, making it very difficult for any large and sustainable club to exist. In that time, social groups at UBC were primarily broken up by their graduating class and and faculty. Multiple Ubyssey front pages from the late 10’s and early 20’s involve detailed
(and often boring) recaps of parties and social events held by these classes. Another reason for the lack of clarity is that before UBC was UBC, it was “McGill University College of British Columbia.” Operated by McGill from 1908– 1915, it was a degree-granting institution which, according to UBC: The first 100 years, “established literary and debating clubs, a student society, an orchestra, and various student traditions that included songs and slogans built on those of McGill.” While some of those clubs continued to exist after McGill College became UBC, there is uncertainty as to when they technically became clubs. Despite the inevitable murkiness of history, Goldfarb assures that the following clubs continued to exist at UBC from the 1915–16 year right up to the present:
- Men’s and Women’s Literary Societies (precursors to the Debate Club) - Players’ Club - Glee Club (precursor to the Musical Society) - YMCA/YWCA Back in the good old days of 1915–16, t he universit y re quired those student-run clubs to be “sponsored” and overseen by a faculty member. Students apparently saw potential in creating and getting involved in clubs, and so in 1916–17, two additional clubs were founded: the Chemistry Society and the Varsity Outdoors Club (then known as the “Mountaineering Club”). Since then, clubs became a tradition, and you know the rest of the story. U
- The Scottish Countr y Dance Club, which goes “yeah!” - The Fish and Game Club, which suppor ted hunting, fishing and shooting activities. - The Jokers Club, which performed “outrageous antics such as gold fish swallowing, Frog Derby, and roller skating marathons.” Sadly, the club only survived from 1945–1948. - The Brian Sullivan Appreciation Society, which appreciated our bowtie-wielding VP Students.
- Recreational/Athletic - Science - Social - Spiritual - Leisure/Hobby/Special Interest (other) This means that you should be able to find your interests more easily, even if the Young Liberals have to sit in the same area as the Spartacus Youth Club.
What if I don’t like any of the clubs at Clubs Days? Your first option is to find another club or organization that fits you. Get involved with student politics in the AMS or in your faculty constituency, or join a fraternity or sorority. Your other option is to start your own club. For more information on this, go to page 10 or check out the AMS’s web site.
8/ubyssey.ca/clubs days/2010.09.16
They’re full of cool people and live in the SU
UBC Fencing Club
UBC Photogra
The Photo Society stud
Jocelyn Lau Contributor “1... 2... 3... Smile!” It takes more than 3 “clicks” to get a terrific photo. The truth is, self-help books are not that engaging. To improve or build on your skills, it might be time to recycle the dummy-guide text and explore with like-minded people. For a start, try the PhotoSociety. If you have seen or heard of the PhotoSociety, you no doubt know about their daunting $75 membership fee. First things first, do not compare it with other clubs where the membership fee average is only $5. PhotoSoc may be costly, but what it offers may be worthwhile to note. In addition to full equipment coverage, essential tutorials on
Fencing is great for the calves, but hard on the knees. And surprisingly practiced in the SUB. chris borchert photo/the ubyssey
Ginette Monaco Contributor Stephanie Chiu joined the UBC Fencing club in 2002 for simple reasons. “I get to poke people with swords and get a workout?” she jokes. “I’ll try that.” Like many who join the club, Stephanie was completely new to t he sport—she had never picked up a sword in her life. Today, she ranks among the top female fencers in the country.
The UBC Fencing Club is ideal for those who’d like to learn t he sport. A Canadian Fencing Federation (CFF) certified coach is on hand to train all beginners and those established fencers interested in improving their form. Membership fees are the lowest in the province—$5 if you join t h is mont h—a nd a l l equ ip ment and protective gear is provided. The club hosts and participates in various CFF sanctioned
tournament s for a l l levels. Competitors are scored and ranked among their peers all over Canada. Part icipat ion in these tournaments is not required. The Fencing Club also hosts an assortment of social events throughout the year: dinners, movie nights and an end of the year holiday social. Fencing, as a sport, is a litt le u nusua l, but St epha n ie points to Holly wood’s pirate trend as an explanation for
t he club’s popularity. “I had a girl come up to me at Imagine Day and sign up because she’s wanted to fence since Pirates of the Caribbean.” If you still need to be convinced that fencing is the sport for you, the club is offering a free first lesson to prospective members. The promotion will run throughout the month of September. It is a great, commitment-free opportunity to try your hand at this swashbuckling sport. U
UBC Literature ETC. Kenji Hayakawa khayakawa@ubyssey.ca Publishing the only student-run English/Chinese magazine at UBC is perhaps the most impressive accomplishment of Literature Etc. The magazine, leMook, is a freestyle collection of photographic and literary artistic expression. Club members participate in all aspects of leMook’s publication, from voting for its annual theme to compiling and editing submissions. Four elected core members lead this project with the assistance of other members. The themes of past editions, such as Dreamism, Colorism, and Urbanism, reflect on the magazine’s serious aim to preserve and communicate between multiple cultures authentically. However, the seriousness of t his task does
No quills required at Literature Etc.
not prevent the editing process from being fun. Quite the contrary: weekly club member meetings provide opportunities not only for exciting new ideas to be brought to the table, but also for laid-back socializing between students who care deeply for cultural exchange.
On top of this already unique opportunity to gain experience in editing, Literature Etc. offers other compelling activities that speak to its members’ desire to express. October and November are “photograph months,” where students organize professional photo shoots.
UBC Film
The FilmSoc runs the Norm Theatre
Based on themes decided during earlier discussions, photographers, costume designers and location hunters put their best foot forward in order to produce high-quality, creative photographs. Another exciting event hosted by Literature Etc. is the Taiwanese Film Festival, held at the Vancouver International Film Centre. Over only three days last year, thousands of viewers filled the seats, instantly leaving a big “sold out” sign hanging at the box office. Perhaps the most bizarre of the events they host around town is Literature Etc.’s leBizarre party—a social event featuring live music, art exhibitions, and popular culture. One highlight of this event is the live painting demo done by Emily Carr students—a great opportunity to see how a work of art is created. U
Ginette Monaco Contributor What’s your favourite movie? Whether it’s an action flick about a multimillionaire superhero or an obscure, introspective French comedy, the Film Society will probably screen it sometime this year at the Norm Theatre. Screenings are $2.50 with a membership ($10 for the year) and $5 without. Membership has its perks, too. The Film Society runs events such as ski trips, dinners and an Oscar Party. Furthermore, members are guaranteed entrance to special advance screenings and receive a ten per cent discount on rentals at Limelight Video. The Film Society also has a production branch. Workshops are offered in pre-production, writing, directing, camera/lighting and post-production. Everything you need
2010.09.16/ubyssey.ca/clubs days/9
UB, these are a few of our favorite clubs....
aphy Society
UBC Japan Association
dio. Geoff Lister photo/the ubyssey
utilization of the lights, manipulation in Photoshop, film development in the dark room and more are taught by the PhotoSoc. Occasionally, professionals in the city are also invited to give inspiring tutorials to members. And since it is necessary to receive criticism to advance, photos from members are also displayed in galleries around campus throughout the year. Whether you are a digital photographer or a film photographer, are into modern or vintage style, and know a thing or two or nothing at all, all are welcome at the PhotoSociety. If you don’t own a camera of any type, there are free rentals available for members. And of course, don’t forget their studio, where lighting and drop backgrounds are open to unlimited use for members. U
m Society
Spot the cultural references/stereotypes! The UBC Japan Association makes abundantly clear who they are. courtesy Shudan Lui
Ginette Monaco Contributor Have you ever been to Japan? Would you like to go? The UBC Japan Association ( JA) began as UBC’s social exchange program with Japanese universities. Partnered with the universities of Keio, Doshisha, and Dokkyo, Canadian students are given the opportunity to spend two months touring the country on a summer cultural exchange. The program, now going into it’s 47th year, eventually had the
JA formed around it, which also hosts Japanese students for two weeks in August. President Shudan Liu says that although she has never been to Japan, she hopes that she will be able to take part in the JA’s exchange after graduating this year . Lui says that Japanese exchange students make up about half of the club’s members, and use the club to find unique opportunities to experience Canadian culture. But you do not have to be Japanese to join the club. Canadians can also learn about Japan through the JA.
Shudan describes the JA’s activities as “cultural exchange within the club,” and whenever she makes it to Japan, she believes that her involvement with the JA will have prepared her for the stay. Beyond exchange activities, the club hosts social, cultural and sports events. JA Vice President Sally Wong says that it’s these activities that drew her to the club. Without those settings, Wong would not have had the opportunity to share her enjoyment of Japanese music with others. Past activities
include sushi making, karaoke contests, band shows, Amazing Race-style campus scavenger hunts, annual ski trips and annual sports nights. Shudan says that the JA is looking to host new events this year such as sake tastings and tea ceremonies. The UBC Japan Association is a friendly place to bond over J-Rock, takoyaki and karaoke. Even if you think gyoza sounds more like a sneeze than a delicious Japanese side dish, come out to a JA meeting. Your taste buds will certainly thank you. U
International Relations students Association Kenji Hayakawa khayakawa@ubyssey.ca
e. Nicole Nyaga photo/the ubyssey
for film production is gathered there, and members are free to create their own films all year round. These entirely member-created movies are then screened at an annual student film festival hosted by the Film Society. If you’d like to get more involved with the Film Society, there are many opportunities to volunteer at the Norm. People are always needed to run the concession stand, but if you’re feeling a little more ambitious, the Film Society also offers the training to become certified as a projectionist. It’s a place for movie enthusiasts. If you curse that you weren’t born with the last name Coppola, or would just like to spend some time with The Dude at the annual Big Lebowski beverage garden, the UBC Film Society is worth the price of admission. U
The notorious International Relations Students Association (IRSA) is a megaclub. Combining approximately 300 official members with hundreds of nonmember-participants, IRSA is so huge that each of its activities constitutes a kind of pseudo-club in itself. The Model United Nations (MUN), IRSA’s signature activity, competes in a world-wide contest with other MUNs from top universities. Twelve elected MUN members each form a separate sector‚ Arms Control, Resources, etc. within the UBC MUN. IRSA hosts an annual MUN conference with over 300 delegates. Organized in exactly the same form as the real UN, each university at the MUN conference represents a country and negotiates real, contemporary international issues with other universities who represent other countries. UBC MUN was one of the six top competitors in the last MUN conference among other universities, including Harvard. Intimidating
Sadly, due to copyright issues, the UN does not allow us to use their flag.
and overwhelming though this may sound, the members involved enjoy the challenges and develop a close friendship that only comes with being committed to this exciting project. As if the MUN alone was not enough to make IRSA outstanding, they hosts over ten other events. Most notable is perhaps
the “Night of a Thousand Dinners,” where more than 400 students dress up and socialize together with leading speakers and activists from around the world. As part of the world-wide gala movement that takes place on the same day, IRSA has the largest “Night” among the many other hosts across the globe.
IRSA also puts on conferences on pressing global issues. In the past, IRSA has held a global health conference, a sustainability conference and many more. Again, prominent speakers interact with students, where fresh and energetic interchanges of ideas take place. And check out their academics. IRSA collaborates with 20 other universities to publish the Journal of International Affairs, a peer- and faculty-reviewed academic journal. Yes, you read it correctly: faculty-reviewed. Professors who lead the field read the submitted articles and provide feedback, just as they would do for a formal academic journal. On top of those academic, social and political events that each have a tradition of more than 20 years, IRSA also is penetrating into artistic realms. For the last two years, the club has also run a fashion show. Be warned though, as tickets sold out quickly for both years: they’re popular, and it’s coming up this year again. Past costumes include a dress made of Starbucks paper cups. U
10/ubyssey.ca/clubs days/2010.09.16
No?
Return to 1.
Step 1: Creating your club
The game of starting a group at UBC
CLUBS
Step 2: Your Club Exists!
Interested in creating a club at UBC? It seems confusing at first, but it’s easier than you would think. The Alma Mater Society (AMS), your student government, has an organization called the Student Administration Commission (SAC) which, in addition to constituencies and resource groups, funds and oversees over 300 clubs on campus.
1. Picking a Club
2. Consult with the SAC
3. Executives
4. Prepare your documentation
Have an idea for a club? Good! Now check to see if it already exists. There are over 300 clubs at UBC, so there is a chance that the club you want to create has already been made. The AMS has a list of constituted clubs which can be found at www.amsclubs.ca.
Get in contact with the clubs commissioner at clubs@ams. ubc.ca. You’ll need to have a 15-minute information session with the SAC. They will provide you with information, and advise you on the next steps you should take to constitute your club.
Every club should have a president and a treasurer. One acts as liaison to the SAC, the other is in charge of the club’s finances. Beyond that, you should choose executives’ seats based on your club’s specific needs. What sort of functions do you want your club to have? It’s a good idea to have an executive position set up to oversee each of these functions of your club.
In order to get constituted as a club with the AMS, you’ll need to prepare the following documents: a constitution, a plan for the year, a budget and a letter of intent.
5. Meeting with the SAC
4c. One Year Plan
4b. Budget
Once you have all your documentation in order, submit it to SAC. You will be asked to give a five-minute presentation, which will be followed by a question and answer period. After this meeting, SAC will make a decision on whether or not to constitute your club.
You’ll need to submit a one year plan that outlines all of the activities, events and meetings you plan on having in the coming year.
You need to have an outline of the amount of money that you expect to take in, and what you will be spending it on. It’s really that easy, despite the GSS and AUS’s assertions to the contrary. A template budget can be found at www.ams.ubc.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2010/08/New_ Club_Budget_Template.xls.
4d. Letter of intent You need to write a letter which explains the goals of your group, and why it is needed at UBC. Address it to the SAC Vice Chair, and then...
4a. Constitution This is the document that will outline the core principles of your club, the price of membership and the number of executives and their responsibilities, among other things. Note that you will need to have the names and student numbers of at least ten founding non-executive members, as well as the contact information for all of the club’s executives. A template constitution can be found here: www.ams.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Club_Constitution_updated_June_2008.doc.
Did you get constituted?
6. Yes Congratulations, your club exists. Hold on there, amigo. You still need members, money and space in order to start doing things with your club.
7. Recruiting
8. Getting club space
9. Preparing to get money
The two best places to find students interested in your club are Imagine Day and Clubs Days. Imagine Day is held during the first week of classes, and is the best opportunity to take in first-year students looking for something to do. Clubs Days takes place at the end of September, and lasts for three days. Note that clubs are not allowed to solicit students for membership fees on Imagine Day. New members must sign a waiver provided by the AMS.
You may also want a space for your club. Currently, the AMS does not have enough room to support all of its clubs. However, you may be able to find space for your club in other buildings depending on the nature of your club. For instance, a science-based club may be able to get space from their faculty or the Science Undergraduate Society.
Get the tedious work done quickly and get your club activities funded! Contact the AMS and sign up for a treasurer’s orientation. The treasurer will sign documents and submit their signature, then be briefly informed on how to make transactions at the AMS bank, located in SUB 238A. 10. Getting money
10c. fundraisers
10b. Club funds
10a. Getting sponsors
Fundraisers are a good option for students looking to fund a specific initiative. Move for ward to “holding events” for more information.
There are a number of funding options that exist for organizations on campus. Some possibilities include the Club Benefit Fund, Innovative Project Funds, and the Walter Gage Memorial Fund, among others. If you’re unsure of where your club might be able to find financing, speak with the finance commission: you can speak with the associate vice-president finance at avpfinance@ams.ubc.ca.
Although less common, there are a number of clubs that have sponsors. Depending on the nature of your club, interested sponsors could come in any form, from sports equipment manufacturers to beer companies.
11. Holding events
Step 3: Running Your Club
Trevor Record features@ubyssey.ca
Now that your club is up and running, you’ll probably want to do things with it. Recurring, annual or one-time events will invariably be what you use to further entice interested students into joining your club. Discuss your plans with other members, book your locations beforehand, keep your receipts securely, get your licenses safely and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
13. want liquor at your event?
13a. Serving liquor
If you want to have an event in a licensed establishment, it is as simple as coming to an agreement with the manager; they will handle serving the liquor. If not, it’s up to you to make sure everything you do is on the up and up.
In order to serve liquor, you will need to hold a special occasion licence, and people who have been certified by Serving it Right.
12. Booking space Depending on where you want to hold events, you will have to get in contact with the authorities in charge of the space. For instance, events held in the SUB must be booked through sacbookings@ams.ubc.ca.
11a. Social Events
11e. Fundraisers
Since you have an organization with a collection of individuals with common interests, why not get them together and see if some friendships form?
Have a cause you want to champion, or just need cash to send your club on a trip to Turkey? Hold an event to raise funds for it!
11b. Sports Have your club create a team at UBC Rec in one of their many leagues, or try to challenge faculty members to a game of soccer.
Now that you’re constituted, you’re going to need to look for ways to pay for your operations. You should already be getting some money from membership fees, but there are a few more sources of funding.
11d. Field Trips Be it a ski trip or a conference, field trips are a powerful way of making your club give back to its members. 11c. Academic Events Hosting a conference, or have some guest speakers!
13b. Special Occasion Licences
13c. Serving it Right
These can be bought at any BC Liquor store. Get a private SOL only if you do not plan on letting outsiders come to your event; you can get in trouble if anyone shows up who was not a planned guest. If you plan on making your on-campus event open to the public, you will need to get authorization from the RCMP.
If you want to sell liquor at your event, you’ll also need Serving it Right certifications for anyone serving. It costs money, but the exam can be done online and is open-book: www.servingitright. com. The great news is that this licence is permanent, so you only have to get it once, and it will allow you to work in permanent licensed establishments.
14. Publishing A number of clubs, particularly the academic ones, also publish journals throughout the year. Depending on what kind of club you are running, you may want to consider this as well. Finally....
Finish: Keeping Your Club active 15. Holding your AGM At the end of the year, you’ll be holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM). Your opportunity to elect new members, it’s also where the fate of your club will be decided. Add new executive positions based on the weaknesses of your last year, and vote for whoever you think will best keep your club alive next year.
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culture
editorS BRYCE WARNES & JONNY WAKEFIELD » culture@ubyssey.ca ASSOCIATE ANNA ZORIA » associate.culture@ubyssey.ca
Can you dig it? Shindig at 26
food with kait bolongaro
Ginette Monaco Contributor UBC alumnus Ben Lai’s first night hosting CiTR’s Shindig is not one he’ll easily forget. It was September 11, 2001 and the band that won that night had the alarmingly apt name of 3 Inches of Blood. It was an ominous introduction, but Lai has been the coordinator and emcee of the event ever since. Shindig is a thirteen-week battle of the bands, beginning September 14. The 27 finalists were narrowed from 100 applicants and every Tuesday night, three groups take the stage in the hopes of winning over the judges: fellow musicians, members of the radio station and music journalists. The top three bands are rewarded with studio time and the winning band gets an informal “date” with Mint Records. Last year’s winners, The Hidden Towers, went curling. th Shindig is going into its 26 year and has produced some success for contestants. In June the Hidden Towers played the North by North East festival in Toronto. Other winners have included the aforementioned 3 Inches of Blood, VanCougar, and the Salteens, who appeared on the hipster-friendly
It’s Not easy being vegan
The scene at last year’s Shindig. The weekly battle of the bands has bred some big names. Ubyssey File
children’s show Yo Gabba Gabba this summer. The event also has some notable losers. Japandroids, You Say Party, the Pack A.D. and the Mohawk Lodge all played Shindig at some point. The contest is secondary to the experience. For Ben, it’s a way to discover new music, to “get people to come out, to play and have a good time.” It’s important for the audience to understand that this is
not a genre night. The shows are diverse, to say the least. On a single Tuesday night, the line up can include anything from acoustic and folk to metal, punk or ska. It makes it difficult for the judges to compare the bands against each other, but they always manage to achieve a consensus, even if the audience doesn’t. It’s a competition that rewards artistic merit rather than preference.
this weekend friday, Sept. 17
Ben says that Shindig is kept running because of the opportunities it offers for bands who want to break into the Vancouver music scene. “I think it’s important. In the beginning, it was very important to get bands out, a lot of them can’t just play the Railway Club. We try to help them get a foot in the door.” U Shows are held at the Railway Club and start at 9 PM. CiTR’s Shindig runs every Tuesday until December 7th.
Unsure of what to do this weekend? Ubyssey Culture humbly offers up our recommendations for cool goings-on around campus and Vancouver.
saturday, Sept. 18 Earthdance 2010 Festival That Barista Thing Prospect Point picnic area, Vancouver Public Library Central Stanley Park,10am-8pm Branch (350 West Georgia St) 11am-4pm Shambhala and Burning Man weren’t enough for you? Come A café au lait battle royale feasweat out the rest of your sum- turing coffee gladiators from all mer fever with the world this over Vancouver, as well as interSaturday at a synchronized, all- national contestants. Tea leaf day, all-night global festival of readings, free beverages and peaceful creative expression music by the Reverberators will featuring DJs and more. Tick- also be part of the deal. ets are $25. Visit earthdance. ca for more information.
sunday, Sept. 19 8th Annual FarmAde UBC Farm (6182 South Campus Rd) 3pm-8pm Two years since the farm controversy, in which 16,000 people signed a petition and 2000 marched against rezoning the 24- acre research farm for additional housing , the issue seems to have dropped off the political and cultural radar. Last year’s FarmAde had less than 500 people in attendance—a relative flop compared to 2008, FarmAde’s most successful year. Will this year’s event see renewed support for the farm? Stop by and find out, and enjoy BBQ, a beer garden and the oldtimey stylings of the Agora String Band.
Here today, gone today Belkin Art Gallery (1825 Main Mall) 12pm - 5pm Sunday marks the last day of the art exhibition Here Today, Gone Today. It’s held at Belkin Art Gallery on campus and features fun stuff, morbid humour and modern art made by our Masters of Fine Arts students. Ken Lum, a “distinguished visiting artist,” will be there talking about art and stuff from 12 - 5pm.
Being vegan at UBC is challen g i n g. For a n i nst it ut ion t hat prides itself on its sustainability policy in one of, if not the healthiest cities in Canada, the lack of meal options available for those who strive to maintain a lifestyle of no animal products or by-products is quite appalling. One afternoon, I went in search of these rare delicacies, and while my options were dismal, there are a few excellent vegan opt ions ava i lable from select businesses in the SUB. The Pendu lum shou ld be at t he t op of ever y vega n’s ‘where to eat’ list. This hideaway has the widest range of options, from salads and soups to banana bread, all of which f it t he st udent budget. The vegan salads taste fresh, and are filling due to their high plant protein content. My personal favourite, however, is the vegan banana bread. The Pendu lum’s version of t h is classic vegan loaf tastes exactly like its non-vegan cousin, without the oily consistency sometimes found in vega n ba ked goods. It is even popular with customers who would usually eschew any vegan option. A not her a lte r n a t i v e i s Sprouts, in t he basement of the SUB. While lacking a large menu in general, Sprouts endeavours to serve both its vega n a nd non-vega n c u st omers alike. Most of its savoury soups are vegan, and as their soup specia l changes daily, Sprouts is home to one of the broadest vegan soup options on campus. If you are looking for a vegan treat, Sprouts also makes the best vegan brownies in the SUB. My third pick is Blue Chip Cookies. While they serve only baked goods, due to their size, on any given day there are between two and three vegan options available. My favourite is the vegan apple muffin, which is just as smooth and delicious as other Blue Chip muffins. Also, the chocolate zucchini loaf is sweet and the chocolate bits don’t have the chalkiness often encountered with vegan chocolate. My least favourite is t he vegan walnut brownie. The mint icing is a nice surprise. However, t he brownie itself is dry and too dense. A decent effort, but not something I will eat twice. U
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Bingeing on Vancouver Fringe
Weird and wonderful annual festival finishes its 2010 run this Sunday The plot is the familiar topic of a love story, encompassing the meeting, the relationship, the break up and finally the postrelationship encounter. No revelation there, but the structural experimentation manages to make this banal subject at least a little more compelling.
There are only four days left to Vancouver International Fringe Festival—the biggest theatre fest in BC. With over 600 performances to choose from, it really is an all-you-can-eat buffet. Here is our tasting menu. W icked Shor ts Staged by Vancouver Fringe “Bring Your Own Venue” veterans the Alley Theatre Company, Wicked Shorts is a collection of four short plays showing at Wicked Café, on the corner of 7th and Hemlock. Directed by local theatre favourite Marisa Smith and starring Guy Christie and Elizabeth Kirkland, Wicked Shorts’ vignettes are a mixed bag. In some instances, the shorts don’t quite fit. The work opens with an over-the-top blind date comedy involving a matador and a librarian that, while funny, doesn’t really mesh with the venue. The problem with such an intimate environment as a café is that grandiose slapstick humour that may look fine on a stage is a little awkward from centimetres away. The exaggerated expressions come off as grotesque and something just doesn’t sit right. While this was an underlying issue throughout, the actors quickly moved on to better things, improving upon their use of the café theatre environment. The next piece was a simple one involving a waiter, followed by a darker scene portraying an angst-filled reunion. The show concludes on a strong note with an absurdist sketch involving the spawn of a cyclops and plenty of laughs. Wicked Short s, wh i le not perfect, provides a great opportunit y to see some local talent and enjoy a freshly made cappuccino at the same time. —Andrew MacIsaac
—Anna Kouzovleva
Poison the W ell
Fringe Festival delivers full frontal theatre. photo courtesy of vancouver fringe festival Things That Ne ver Happen
Don’t let t he ambiguous description mislead you; Things That Never Happen is a simple magic show—no more, no less. It is certainly not the equivalent of a TED presentation. That being said, it is a very good magic show. Schmaltzy illusionist Travis Bernhardt offers viewers an hour of what can only be described as a fun, entertaining spectacle. Bernhardt is a highly skilled performer, and, despite the modesty of the venue (Granville Island’s Origins Café) he is fully able to create a funny, cordial atmosphere. Though he makes them seem simple, the tricks themselves are particularly outstanding. The profundity of the illusions
is exacerbated by the fact that the venue is so intimate—there are no dramatic stage effects at play here, just a man and some props. Yet you will almost certainly be left scratching your head, asking yourself, “Just how did he do that?” Perhaps my only complaint is the limited space in the café; those at the back definitely had to crane t heir necks to watch. But if you have some spare time and want to feel like a child again, check out Things That Never Happen. — Rhys Edwards 52 Pick Up Each performance of 52 Pick Up is a different representation of the same relationship from
beginning to end. The catch is that the order is determined at random, as the actors pick up cards indicating different scenes. The two-person play, directed by Elizabeth Baron, is performed by Gemma Wilcox and Sam Elmore. The play starts off with the two actors separating a deck of 52 cards and t hrowing it in the air. The cards are then turned face-down and picked up throughout the play. The actors perform the scenes corresponding to the cards in the order which they are picked up, hence creating a completely different show from each previous one. The lack of order creates an interesting puzzle, as the audience attempts to place the scenes in the proper story line.
In the process of negotiating a hostage crisis, childhood friends are reunited. Jim, a lawyer for a Russian oil company, is sent into a meeting wit h polit ica l act ivist/journalist Maya in the hopes that their history will allow for leverage. Simply put, the situation is unlikely. Ultimately, though, the matter of probability is not a real issue; the script concerns itself more with the reunion of t he two characters and less with the situation that brings them back together. However, instead of exploring the unexpected paths life can take, the play falls flat and never quite manages to achieve the intimacy for which it strives. As the negotiations progress, t he demands become more personal, but the play never does. Much as they try, the actors do not consistently connect to the dialogue and there is little chemistry between the two, which is certainly a problem in a play that hinges on the idea of unresolved issues and past relationships. The climax is tense, but the ambiguous ending offers little closure for the audience. Poison the Well fails to connect its characters to one another and, in the end, fails to connect to the audience. U
—Ginette Monaco
Sheriff Warnes needs YOU to write for his cow-pokin’ section! culture@ubyssey.ca
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14 / u b y s s e y. c a / g a m e s / 2 0 1 0 . 0 9 . 16
games & comics CROSSWORD Across
1. Sheet of stamps 5. Egyptian goddess of fertility 9. Sir Newton was an English mathematician 14. Iowa city 15. Potato preparation 16. Electromagnetic telecommunication 17. Tranquil 19. Exclude, remove 20. Unsnarl 21. Roofing stone 22. Person with new parents 23. Counterfeit 24. Apr. addressee 25. Plant of the buttercup family 28. Call 31. Made a mistake 32. Manipulate 34. Circular band 35. Spanish river 36. Calamitous 37. Are we there? 38. Small tree 39. Conical native American tent 40. Cassock
42. Pouch 43. Soprano Lily 44. Detained 48. Clothe 50. Link together 51. Pay for 52. Mammary gland fluid 53. Speed 54. Nights before 55. Corn of the taro 56. Ruhr city 57. ___ majeste 58. Deli breads Down
1. New Guinea 2. Change for the better 3. Cool! 4. Fleeing 5. Likenesses 6. Fine fur 7. Land in water 8. “___ loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah” 9. Erin 10. Italian sausage 11. Mine entrance 12. Adjutant
13. Cedar Rapids college 18. Nous 21. Clogs, e.g. 23. Rub vigorously 25. Dispute 26. Journey 27. Green land 28. Ask invasive questions 29. Hastens 30. Aware of 31. Merits 33. “Fancy that!” 35. Baron 36. Wine flask 38. Become more muscular 39. Stories 41. Bring up to current moment 42. Bristly 44. Bundles 45. Behind time 46. Chopin composition 47. Band’s sample tapes 48. Ages 49. Capone’s nemesis 50. Bay 51. Common article 52. Animation unit
comicmaster, by maria cirstea
solution
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editorial Expand the dedicated bike lanes Have you read any of the local papers about dedicated bike lanes lately? If so, you’re no doubt under the impression that the new dedicated bike lanes are a vile concept spawned by Beelzebub himself. They are a bane to innocent motorists and business owners alike, aiding only a handful of car-loathing anarchists, right? The truth is, we need to expand every non-motorist transportation option we can. Vancouver isn’t going to get any major new roads, but will continue to grow. Besides that, the cost of owning a car is not viable for many young people today. That’s just a difficulty that city planners have to get around. These bike lanes are just one way to plan for a much more crowded Vancouver in the future. The main criticisms about bike lanes are that they increase traffic and harm businesses. In fact, just mentioning bikes to certain people will make them angry. But this anger will never make the price of gasoline go down, nor the available space for roads in Vancouver go up. The only criticism we have is that we’re not sure the system is extensive enough to encourage anyone new to take up cycling. The city has been doing this piecemeal in a way that makes for good photo-ops but won’t actually encourage more biking. So we say, why not expand the system outside of downtown? People that oppose bike lanes are not going to get angrier if new lanes are created. When it comes to making this a bike-friendly city, Vision Vancouver should either go big or go home. Fraternities should stop turtling In our dreams, this paper is a titan of strength, the most-read newspaper in British Columbia. But it isn’t. The Province is. And yesterday, in the most-read paper in BC, the headline of the only editorial said “UBC frat brawlers should be expelled.” Of course, the “brawlers” weren’t UBC students, but thugs from the city looking for a good place to act like idiots on a Saturday night. The story lacked context—just like a lot of stories about the incident. But it took 36 hours after the incident broke for the fraternities to release a formal statement. The IFC president looked foolish—and yes, hungover—when he told CTV News he “didn’t know” what happened on Saturday. And DKE is refusing to issue any statements. So you can understand why media that don’t live on this campus are a little hazy on all the facts. What we can’t understand is why the fraternities aren’t being more proactive in combating a dated stereotype. The close-knit, communal—and yes, somewhat secretive—brotherhoods that make fraternities such a force become a flaw the moment they’re criticized. They’re told by alumni and their superiors not to talk. They become immediately defensive. We’ve had frat members claim that they’re the real victims, because people “take advantage” of them, and that this is UBC’s fault for not having gates to stop non-students and staff from entering the university late at night. No, really. What fraternity members should realize, and fast, is that when you already have a negative stereotype and you’re in a 24/7 news cycle, the only way to combat bad news is to be proactive, truthful and aggressive in defending your side of the story. Otherwise perception becomes reality really quickly. In this situation, though, outside of UBC, the die has been cast. People think fraternities had a 500-person party on the weekend where officers were beat up, and that’s that. But within the university, they can still change opinions. In the coming weeks, fraternity members should tell the good stories about their community (and there are a lot). They should work proactively with the administration. Finally, they should find a way to have better security for the entire village on big party weekends. Fraternities do add a great deal of value to UBC, but their performance on Saturday night has hurt their—and this university’s—public image. They would do well to recognize as such, and act accordingly. U
But I don’t want to live off campus! anne tastad graphic/the ubyssey
letters Dear GSS and Koerner’s Management Staff, I understand you have had a difficult time with your recent closure. I truly feel for you—Koerner’s was my favourite pub on campus. This evening I was turned away at the door around 9:00pm with the argument that Koerner’s was “at capacity”... It was obvious there could not have been many more than 50 people inside, and empty chairs were visible. On any night, to be turning away loyal patrons that you are clearly able to accommodate is not simply bad business—it is bad manners. To make matters worse, I was attempting to attend a birthday party. My newly older friend came to the door to say goodbye, since I had politely accepted that I was not going to get in to the establishment and still wanted to wish him a happy birthday. I was shocked when one of your doormen, fully aware that he was speaking to the person celebrating his birthday, offered to let me in on the condition that my friend (a graduate student) leave. That was simply rude, as was his accompanying suggestion that we shake hands through the door as I left. Long-term, well-behaved and loyal patrons should not be treated in such a way, and it is quite disgusting
I was forwarded your email this morning for investigation and wanted to respond quickly, lest you fear that we were disinterested in your comments. I certainly apologize for you and your friend’s brusque treatment at the front door by our security staff. They are a recently hired firm, and obviously need some instruction in the correct handling of patrons, especially in problematic situations such as the one you encountered last night. Highly regrettable, and I certainly apologize for that. As to your comments about there being empty seats in the establishment when you were told that we were in capacity, I’m sure that was the case. Our establishment is licensed for 150 patrons, including the patio when it is in use. We have looked at the licence
quite carefully in this regard since we were all hoping that the capacity of the patio was in addition to the inside licence. Unfortunately, that is not the case. That means, if there are 150 people sitting on the patio that literally, according to the licence, the entire room inside would have to be empty. We try to run the business in a more sensible fashion than that, but it does mean that occasionally we will have room for more people than we are allowed to serve. This is unfortunate but we also can’t run roughshod over the rules or we will have no licence to operate at all... Again, I apologize for the situation with security and I will be following up with the company to ensure there is no repetition of this behaviour. Otherwise, please identify yourself to me or the assistant manager, Zsuzsanna, when you are in next and we would be happy to buy you a beer. I hope this explanation does go some way to explaining the incident last night, and will leave you inclined to continue to use Koerner’s as a pub you frequent. Your business is valued and appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to let us know your concerns. — Gerald Cole, GSS Food & Beverage Manager
“real women” are supposed to look like. Since physical ideals are tied so strongly to themes of success in cultural narratives, most people get the impression that since they are not successful all the time, there must be something wrong with their appearance. This is especially true of narratives involving romantic success. The beautiful, thin princess and handsome, buff prince are very rarely replaced by the more-woman-thanmost diva or the pleasantly paunched princeling. The problem, CHASE, is not that thinness is emphasized as the ideal for girls—it’s that an ideal exists at all. The shapes and sizes of people’s bodies are poor criteria for selfacceptance, no matter the standard they are supposed to conform to. All that said, it’s totally okay to be attracted to specific traits. We give you the same advice we’d give to anyone trying to meet prospective part-
ners on campus: do stuff. Join clubs, go out to restaurants and bars, and hang out in high traffic places where you can strike up conversations with anyone who strikes your fancy. If conventional methods fail to reveal enough cushion for your pushin’, Craigslist might not be a bad place to try. You can set your bar wherever you like and I bet you’ll get at least one or two ladies who are looking for a man who loves the large. And if you do find what you’re chasing, let her know she’s beautiful, and not just big. All too often, people who live outside our cultural beauty norms can feel objectified, especially when something they might not always like about themselves becomes a big objectified draw for their partner. If you’re dating someone just because she’s heavy, then you’re not much better than the guys who ignored her because she was “voluptuous.” U
to imply that someone who chose to celebrate his birthday at your establishment leave. I have been to Koerner’s Pub many times in previous years, and every single time was there within the law. I found being turned away this evening and my friend’s treatment by your doorman completely unacceptable and I wish you to know that you need not expect my business in the future. — Sean Cregten
too sexy Hey Too Sexy,
I’m into big chicks. Not big as in tall‚ big as in chubby, voluptuous, etc. And while this on its own isn’t a problem, I do have trouble finding potential dating partners who are large enough to satisfy my tastes. I meet lots of nice girls, but they’re all either trim and toned already, or are trying to get that way as fast as possible and complain about their extra poundage constantly. What’s a guy to do? Why can’t they see themselves as beautiful, the way I do? I just want a real woman! Help! —CHASE Hi CHASE,
Let’s get right to it. While self-accepting chubby girls do exist, they can be difficult to find. That’s because of overwhelming pop culture stereotypes of what
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