February 8, 2012

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 19 FEBRUARY 8, 2012

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CFS National Day of Action 2

Another NDP candidate pops by 2

Hockey team downs undefeated SFU! 15

Small or large, everyone got a chance to celebrate the Cup at the TCC p. 12

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PHOTO BY RYAN PARKER

TRU’s Independent Student Newspaper

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February 8, 2012

News TRUSU Day of Action

National CFS event held on Student Street

anyhow,” Pankewich said.

“Why should [students] be Roving Editor strapped with the cost of [school] when it’s a social benefit to everybody to have these students in Feb. 1 marked the National Day school?” of Action for the Canadian FederaAccording to its 2011-12 budtion of Students (CFS), including get, TRUSU will spend $44,800 the Thompson Rivers University on advocacy campaigns and govStudents’ Union (TRUSU). ernment relations this year.

The National Day of Action is a The funding for the National Canada-wide event that takes place Day of Action came out of this annually in an effort to fight for budget, according to Harris. education as a right, not a privilege.

Apart from educating its stuThis was the first time that TRUdents, TRUSU also lobbies both SU hosted the event since 2007. the federal and provincial TRUSU focused its government about these event with an educaissues. tional stance in mind.

“We met with the preRather than protest in mier and the minister [of public or in front of goveducation],” Harris said. ernment buildings, the “We mentioned all of event’s goal was to eduour arguments from our cate on issues at hand campaign, from tuition for B.C. and TRU stufees to debt to interest dents through the use of rates.” carnival games on Old Tom Friedman is an Main’s Student Street.

English professor and “TRU does receive

—Olivia Skagos former president of the the lowest amount of TRU Faculty Association funding for post-sec(TRUFA). ondary education out He was on Student of all research schools Street to show his supin B.C.,” said Jordan “If you are having trouble pay- port for TRUSU’s campaign.

Harris, vice president external of “I see that students are having ing your tuition, you can apply for TRUSU. Apart from low funding, tuition a student loan but you have to pay to work two jobs, maybe three jobs,” Friedman said, “They’re fees in the province have also been the interest on that afterwards.”

B.C. is the only province in Can- tired when they come to class. on a steady rise.

“Tuition fees have risen 200 per ada without a needs-based grant They can’t appreciate what campus life is.” cent and 12 times the rate of infla- system.

Apart from supporting the NaKevin Pankewich is entering the tion over the last 10 years,” Harris tional Day of Action on campus, arts program at TRU. said.

He volunteered at the National TRUFA also teams with CFS in Olivia Skagos is the Women’s Collective representative for TRU- Day of Action because he believes lobbying the provincial governthat making tuition more expen- ment.

SU. She was stationed at a table edu- sive and education less accessible Editor’s note: cating students on B.C.’s needs- creates a barrier that prevents people from entering into postbased grant system.

Check out page five for inforStudents spun a Wheel-of-For- secondary education.

“The work from students and the mation on how other B.C. Interitune-style game that landed them on a game piece representing a spe- knowledge that they accumulate or institutions got involved in the winds up going back into society National Day of Action. cific province.

Taylor Rocca

If a student spun ‘Alberta,’ Skagos provided them with a comparison of the needs-based grant system in Alberta versus that which exists in B.C. “If you are a student in Alberta and you’re having a hard time paying your tuition and you need financial aid, the provincial government on average will give $2,500 per student,” Skagos said.

“It’s a needs-based grant, so they don’t need to pay it back. In B.C. there is no needs-based grant system.

“In B.C. there is no needs-based grant system.”

ABOVE: Students visit TRUSU’s grants education station on Student Street during Day of Action 2012.

BELOW: Omega’s news editor Brendan Kergin tests his strength at the tuition increase station on Student Street during Day of Action 2012. PHOTOS BY TAYLOR ROCCA

Another NDP hopeful speaks at TRU Federal NDP candidate Dewar talks about “building up the grassroots” of the party

TRU is becoming a hotNews Editor spot for federal NDP candidates. The second leadership contender of the month came through the city and TRU at the end of January.

Paul Dewar, the MP for Ottawa Centre, is currently criss-crossing the country it an attempt to drum up support for his bid. In particular, he’s aiming to re-grow the NDP’s roots.

“My focus has been building up the grassroots of our party. I want to be the leader of a party that has a strong grassroots presence right across this country,” said Dewar in front of the International Building Jan. 31.

His discussion with media covered a variety of topics including the current attitude of the Conservative party in power, building up local, community and youth support, Senate reform, pensions and education.

“I’ve put forward two ideas that I think are important. First is with the federal, in partnership with the provincial government, is to bring down tuition by an average of $700 per student.

“This is something we did in the 2005 budget when we helped to rewrite the Liberal budget. To pass on transfers directing them to reduce tuition.

Brendan Kergin

“The second thing I’ve put forward is an innovative idea called Your Canada Year. To give every student the opportunity to volunteer either here in Canada or a year abroad for a not-for-profit organization and to volunteer for a year to help work in a community...but then to be rewarded with a year’s tuition.”

While discussing education he also touched on the debt issues in B.C. “We have students coming out of university with $30,000 on average in this province.

It’s wrong.

“Most people who are in Parliament didn’t have that burden, so it’s hypocrisy, so we have to change that.”

When asked who he considered the grassroots of the NDP Dewar listed off young people, people involved with not-for-profit organizations, people who work in everyday jobs and one group in particular.

“The one group I’d love to connect with is the 40 per cent of Canadians who didn’t vote. Those are the people who’ve been turned off politics,” said Dewar.

“People are disassociated from federal politics right now.”

W hile the Republican par t y in the US has had a lot of negative campaig ning for its presidential candidate choice, Dewar thin ks having eight federal N DP

PHOTO BY DEVAN C. TASA Cameron Boyd reads to an energetic audience at the Oct. 26 poetry slam hosted by The Art We Are on Victoria Street.

candidates t ravelling Canada is a good thing.

The candidates are recon necting with people in a var iet y of com munities instead of all staying in Ot tawa. Dewar does concede it is leaving a bit of a vac-

uum in the House of Com mons.

The N DP leadership convention is March 24 this year in Toronto with voting taking place online.

The next federal election is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 19, 2015.

3

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

THE

MEGA

www.theomega.ca

February 8, 2012

Volume 21, Issue 19

Published since November 27, 1991

editorialstaff

Editorial What to talk about?

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Davies

editorofomega@gmail.com/250-372-1272 BUSINESS MANAGER Natasha Slack

managerofomega@gmail.com 250-372-1272 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Cory Hope

SPORTS EDITOR

Nathan Crosby Copy Editor

Larkin Schmiedl Photo Editor

Editor’s Note

News Editor

Mike Davies Editor-in-Chief

Cory Hope Brendan Kergin Roving Editor

Taylor Rocca Promotions Coordinator/Adsales

Amrita Pannu

omegacontributors Ryan Parker, Devan C. Tasa, Amy Berard, Matt DiMera, Kristyn Filip, Julia Panikova, Michael Potestio

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF * Mike Davies BUSINESS MGR * Natasha Slack INDUSTRY REP * Mike Youds FACULTY REP * Charles Hays STUDENT REP* Sadie Cox

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Literary and visual submissions are welcomed.

All submissions are subject to editing for brevity, taste and legality. The Omega will attempt to publish each letter received, barring time and space constraints. The editor will take care not to change the intention or tone of submissions, but will not publish material deemed to exhibit sexism, racism or homophobia. Letters for publication must include the writer’s name (for publication) and contact details (not for publication). The Omega reserves the right not to publish any letter or submitted material. Opinions expressed in the Letters & Opinion section do not represent those of The Omega, the Cariboo Student Newspaper Society, its Board of Directors or its staff.

Opinions belong only to those who have signed them.

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All material in this publication is copyright The Omega and may not be reproduced without the expressed consent of the publisher. All unsolicited submissions become copyright Omega 2012.

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Study in Vancouver!

With so much going on around campus and around Kamloops right now, it’s hard to decide what to talk about this week.

I could talk about the football game that just took place, I suppose.

I could discuss how the New York Giants must have come up with a whole lot of extra funds to be able to afford to buy the services of the New England Patriots receivers — who dropped more Tom Brady passes than they have in the past two years all on one afternoon (or so it seemed).

No, that will just get me riled up. I hate the Giants. I’m not huge on the Patriots, but I can’t stand the Giants. Let’s talk about something else.

I could talk about the newspaper!

It consumes most of my time anyway, so I’d like to think I’m somewhat of an expert on this particular subject.

But you’re about to read it — and likely have already read some of it since you’re on page three — so you’ll find out about

the newspaper soon enough.

I could talk about International Days!

But I can’t really even do that, because even by the time you’re reading this (if you get to it the day it hits the stands) International Days will only be half over. And I can’t even talk about that half, because newspapers take time to produce, so by the time I need to have the issue at the printer, we’ll only have had the opening day of the event.

It’s not going to stop me from telling you that you should get to as many sessions and activities as you can, though. But I did that last week, too.

Hmmm.

I could talk about politics or theology or capitalism versus socialism!

But that will just make some of you mad, no matter which way I lean on those subjects, and since I didn’t want to piss myself off by talking about the Superbowl, what right do I have to do it to you?

Puppies.

I’m going to talk about puppies, because you can’t be upset when you think about puppies.

Try it.

Picture a playful little fur ball of a puppy, brand new and exploring the world, bouncing around and suddenly getting confused — and a little frightened — by a ladybug or butterf ly.

Now pick him up and put him against your chest so you can feel his heart just thumping away and he nuzzles up to your neck and licks your face.

Yeah.

Puppies.

Apathy. Yeah, Kergin gets it I’ve seen the trend of apathy on campus for a while now.

I was going to write about it this week, but thought you probably wouldn’t read it anyway.

Kergin’s Take

editorofomega@gmail.com

Homeless in Kamloops more numerous than you may think As a community, there are still issues on our campus left hidden and rarely discussed.

Youth homelessness in Kamloops is a current reality, but without local research for evidence it is difficult to end the problem. Students on our campus are struggling to find the necessary supports they need to maintain housing, independence and financial stability.

Homelessness does not have a simple definition, as people can fall into one of three different categories.

Absolute homelessness includes the visibly homeless who we see on our streets downtown and are forced to sleep in spaces unintended for living.

The at-risk homeless are those who may lose their homes because they reside in inadequate housing or have insecure income.

The hidden homeless are people who live in temporary accommodations like motels or stay with family and friends. The hidden homeless can be known as “couch surfers” and this is usually the category most homeless students identify with.

The Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan (HAP) was developed in 2010 with the goal of ending homelessness in Kamloops in five years.

It is a bold plan, but with a realistic approach based on the ‘housing first’ strategy that determines permanent housing as the top priority.

There are only a few major cities in Canada that have taken on this kind of challenge with a formalized plan and community support.

Calgary is the first city to create a plan for the sole purpose of ending youth homelessness with its own unique goals and objectives tailored to the needs of youth.

Know Your Community Amy Berard

It is important to recognize that overcoming youth homelessness in Kamloops will act as a major step in tackling the larger issue.

Student housing is rare in Kamloops and often unaffordable with a low availability rate.

As a result, many TRU students reside in basement suites and other affordable rental units, taking away

this valuable space from the usual young singles or couples looking for housing.

It has become increasingly apparent that while Calgary and some B.C. cities are gathering data on this issue, there is a strong need for local research to be conducted here. Kamloops is a hub city, a university city, and as such we present very different needs.

Last week, United Way and the Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) announced a new partnership to further explore community-based research.

One of the first projects to develop is a partnership between TRU, United Way, and the Kamloops Homelessness Action Plan to gather Kamloops-specific information on youth homelessness.

This research will help our community address the root causes of youth homelessness and hopefully bring a network of business, nonprofit and government together to create change. Youth living in poverty deserve the possibility of a better life too. They deserve the same quality lifestyle we all hope to achieve when we reach our convocation day here.

Amy Berard is a TRU business student and the campus liaison for United Way. To get connected with the community, email her at youth@ unitedwaytnc.ca.

Kamloops to improve transit “service” Mike Davies Editor-in-Chief

So B.C. Transit offers Kamloops a whack of more “service hours” to integrate into their bus system.

At an approximate cost to taxpayers of an additional two million dollars, according to city development and engineering services director David Trawin, there will be more busses more often, one would hope.

I pay my taxes, and I ride the bus, so I’m okay with you putting my taxes toward improving the bus service.

I really am.

But is it too much to ask that I be treated like a human when I use the service?

A couple of weeks ago I watched a bus driver get frustrated that she had to get up to secure a kid in a wheelchair — presumably because that would delay her route — and then get angry at the teenager for having a wheelchair that is difficult to secure.

But at least she waited until he was secure before tearing off down the road (I suppose she had to, since she couldn’t go back to her comfy air-ride seat until he was tethered).

I’m not afforded the same “luxury” when it’s just me with my toddler in a stroller.

Hang on, folks. We’re about to be paying more for the increased opportunities to be treated like shit.

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February 8, 2012

News CUEF exists and you’re encouraged to use it Fund provides a large variety of services already, but most don’t know how they can take advantage

Brendan Kergin News Editor

Peter Hilton, vice provost of TRU and chair of the CUEF is hoping students will start looking at what the CUEF actually is.

CUEF stands for Comprehensive University Endowment Fund. Funded by students through ancillary fees paid with tuition, it collects about $1 million a year for a variety of projects across campus.

It was set up when TRU made the jump a few years ago from college to full university to help create more of a university culture on campus.

Currently it funds a wide variety of services, activities and events on campus including the President’s Lecture Series, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (which assists professors in

improving their teaching), dis- ing an open event on campus. think we fight all the time with ability services, Supplemental Some research grants are also communications, getting the fund out,” he said.

Learning (a program for peer- awarded each year.

While the fund is often mostly CUEF is run by a steering led study sessions), orientation, the Elder in the House, aborigi- used up each year, Hilton would committee which recommends to the TRU Board nal initiatives in of Governors how Kamloops and the money is spent.

Williams Lake, Hilton is a memCIS Athletics, ber of the commitrecreation, TRU tee, but as CUEF’s Survivors (an chair, doesn’t vote. annual student The votes go to c omp et it ion), eight people, made TRU Wolfpack up of four stuBaseball and endents, two faculty trance scholarand two adminships. istrators. TRUSU Many of these VP External Jorservices rely on

—Jordan Harris dan Harris sits on CUEF to exist as the committee. it is often a maW hile he sees a jor source or the only source of funding for them. like students to be more aware lot of positives with the f und, The fund also accepts stu- of it and the opportunities it pro- as a member of the union he also wants to make su re money dent’s applications for a variety vides. of projects and events, such as “It’s always good for students f rom the st udents is going back attending a conference or hold- to know that it’s there. And I to the st udents.

“We want to make sure that it goes directly to student-run events and grants.”

“The union is always watching and mandating,” said Harris.

“We want to make sure that it goes directly to student-run events and grants.”

Harris does consider the fee high and thinks while the grants are a good utilization of the money, some of the services need more base funding from the school.

“We want to have a good solid base for student services [from] TRU [administration],” he said.

“I think there should be more base funding for student services.”

Students will have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the CUEF soon as the committee is working on a survey for students.

At press time it was uncertain whether that survey will come together this spring or next September, the two periods Hilton figured were most likely.

More lawsuits surround Kwantlen Student Association Impeached director of finance sues interim KSA board Matt DiMera

The Runner (Kwantlen) SURREY, B.C. (CUP) — Recently impeached Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) executive Balninna “Nina” Sandhu is attempting to undo the results of the Nov. 30 special general meeting (SGM) where she and 12 other directors were kicked out of office.

Sandhu, the KSA’s former director of finance, and student Gary Singh Dhaliwal filed a petition Jan. 10 in B.C. Supreme Court claiming that the SGM was invalid and seeking a court order to reinstate the impeached directors and to place 14 other current and former students and staff members back in good standing as KSA members.

As members in bad standing, the

26 are currently not allowed to run for office in the KSA or vote in KSA elections.

According to the petition filed with the court, Gary Dhaliwal intends to run for office in the next KSA election.

At that Nov. 30 meeting, more than 350 students voted unanimously to remove Sandhu, Harman “Sean Birdman” Bassi, Nipun Pandey, Parminder “Bobby” Padda, Jaspinder Ghuman, Tarun Takhar, Shivinder Grewal, Money Dhaliwal, Gaven Pangly, Simmy Grewal, Kamalpreet Dha and Jagraj Hayre from their elected KSA positions.

Sandhu and Dhaliwal have also asked the court to set aside the new bylaws that were passed at the meeting and to prevent the current KSA

board from holding new elections until the court case has been resolved.

The day after the SGM, Sandhu accused the meeting’s organizers of not allowing her and the other ousted board members to speak in their own defense.

“We were barred,” she explained to The Runner Dec. 1. “Ask the petitioners of that meeting why we were barred from the meeting. I’m a student. I’m an elected official. I was barred from the meeting.

“Someone told me I wasn’t allowed in. He said, ‘You’re not allowed to get in.’ They wouldn’t let us register,” she said. “If I was let into the goddamn meeting, I could have said my statement.”

According to the court petition filed

by Sandhu and Dhaliwal, none of the

impeached board members attempted to sign in.

However, the impeached director of operations, Nipun Pandey, told The Runner Dec. 1 that he was able to register for the meeting, but claimed that he had been refused entry.

Sandhu, Pandey and former director of external affairs Bobby Padda all said at the time that their supporters had been too intimidated to attend the meeting.

The court petition also specifically mentions that all of the impeached board members and all of the students placed in bad standing are South Asian.

None of the allegations made by Dhaliwal and Sandhu have been proven in court.

The court dismissed an application Jan. 13 to expedite the case.

In a second application, heard Jan. 17, Sandhu and Dhaliwal asked for a court order to prevent the new KSA board from bargaining with their staff’s union, from signing or changing any contracts, and from calling any elections until the case had been resolved by the court.

That application was withdrawn when the KSA’s legal counsel then agreed that the new board would not take any “extraordinary actions — out of the ordinary course of business until the application or interim relief is heard on a preemptory basis.”

Sandhu did not respond to an email request for an interview before deadline.

The new KSA board has not yet filed their statement of defense.

Save the planet 1 sweater at a time Feb. 9 is International Sweater Day and as a member of the TRU Community you are encouraged to wear a sweater and see how your action reduces Green House Gas Emissions.

We’re also turning down the thermostats that day by 3 degrees in all buildings. On Feb. 9, go to www.tru.ca/sustain to access the TRU energy dashboard and see how dressing warmer can help save the planet.

www.tru.ca/sustain

5

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

News Student Union Different student unions, president resigns different Day of Action anything that comes their way.

“If they need any help from me News Editor I can help any way I can.”

Dustin McIntyre, TRUSU VP The TRUSU and student coun- internal, is one of the executive cil will be without a leader for a members helping fill the duties El couple months as President Abdal- Chami had been performing, inlah El Chami has resigned his po- cluding chairing student council meetings. sition.

“It was unfortunate [to see him He made the decision over winter break and recently sent a letter go].

We wanted to continue working to the TRUSU to step down officially. He made the decision due with him; we were proud of the mostly to personal obligations and work we had done together,” said also new opportunities away from McIntyre.

Before beKamloops. coming presi“I just had dent last May, some perEl Chami had sonal obliheld the posigations and tion of VP inafter I graduternal. ated I kinda “I’ve always had to decide wanted to be whether or involved with not I was gothe governing ing to go back of things that to Vancouver go on around or stay in Kayou. At TRU, mloops,” said it’s such a El Chami. young school, He graduathaving a stued last semesdent voice is ter from TRU really, really with a BBA important beconcentrating cause you’re in marketing helping build with a minor the foundation in finance. for the univer“Me gradusity,” said El ating wasn’t Chami. the reason I “So being left.

Origi—Dustin McIntyre part of stunally I was dent politics planning to you know stay for the that you’re whole term,” able to get your voice and your he said.

“I made the decision very re- peers’ voices out there to make cently. It got to a point where it sure that decisions being made was last minute and I had to decide are in the best interest of the stuwhether or not I was going to stay.” dents.

“I feel that I did contribute a As part of the TRUSU executive he worked closely with the vice lot and helped push it in the right president external, VP internal, direction, but there’s still a lot VP finance and the executive di- more work to do.”

The TRUSU will continue rector while also chairing student council meetings. He’s confident without a president for the rest of that the team he was working with the term due to how the election will be able to continue solidly procedures work for the union.

According to McIntyre it would without him.

“Obviously when you’re part of not be cost effective for there to team you don’t want to put your be a by-election. The soonest it could happen would be only a burden onto the others,” he said.

“There [are] a lot of professional couple of weeks before the genpeople now working at the student eral election, so the TRUSU will union that would be able to handle hold all elections together.

Brendan Kergin

“We wanted

to continue working with him; we were proud of the work we had done together.”

Devan C. Tasa

Omega Contributor Student organizations at the three universities located in the interior of B.C. took different approaches to promote awareness of post-secondary issues during the National Day of Action on Feb. 1.

The University of B.C. Students’ Union Okanagan (UBCSUO) held an off-campus rally as well as a festival with guest speakers on campus.

The Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS) at the University of Northern B.C. didn’t participate, instead choosing to organize a different campaign. TRUSU focused on educating students about postsecondary issues.

The UBCSUO’s day of action began with a rally along Kelowna’s main highway.

Students then returned to campus around noon for a free lunch.

They then participated in a festival and listened to guest speakers.

“We had Adrian Dix, leader of the official opposition speak,” said Kirk Chavarie, UBCSUO executive chair, “We had a professor speak. We also had our student [representatives] speak

about their personal experiences and how they have spoken with students on these issues.”

Also on the speaker’s list was Michelle Mungall, the B.C. NDP critic for advanced education.

NUGSS choose to not participate in the National Day of Action.

“Because we aren’t members of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), we didn’t participate formally,” said Nadia Nowak, NUGSS president.

NUGSS had recently joined a different post-secondary lobby group called Where’s the Funding?! (WTF), which includes the student unions at the University of B.C., Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria.

“We didn’t want anybody to be confused about what our messages and campaign goals were,” Nowak said.

“We didn’t want the media to think that we were part of the CFS when we were part of WTF.” Novak says that NUGSS is doing a Valentine’s Day campaign in which students send Valentine’s cards that ask Premier Christy Clark to commit to more funding of post-secondary education. NUGSS will also participate in a lobby week in March.

TRUSU focused their day of action on informing students

about post-secondary education issues. They did that by running a series of carnival games that each highlighted a particular issue.

“We went with that route for the day of action because we think the best thing right now is to educate the members about post-secondary education,” said TRUSU Vice-President External Jordan Harris.

“When change is to come, we need to have community support.

We think that educating the community is the best way to build support for the campaigns.”

All three student unions felt that their approach to the day of action was effective.

“We have politicians speaking more on the issue and we’ve been able to engage in dialogue with students to talk about these types of initiatives,” Chavarie said.

“We haven’t really done advocacy work in the past for student funding, so [WTF] is a really good first step for us,” Nowak said.

“I think it’s a good way of educating and building support,” Harris said.

“If everyone from across the province is informing their members and creating support for an affordable system of education, I truly think it’s effective.”

PHOTO BY TAYLOR ROCCA Student street was busier than normal on Feb. 1 as the Canadian Federation of Students’ National Day of Action activites took place all afternoon.

6

February 8, 2012

News In case you missed it, Kergin’s got you covered:

Things you probably didn’t see happening around you last week

Brendan Kergin News Editor

Global

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• Life on a dwarf star?

GJ 667C. That string of letters and numbers is actually the name of an M-class dwarf star with another planet which may support life outside our solar system.

This would be the fourth such possibility found in about a year by a variety of space agencies around the world.

At about 22 light years away, this Super-Earth is orbiting a much smaller star, though it’s much closer to it. Four-and-a-half times the size of Earth with a rocky surface, this looks to be another chance for liquid water to exist on the surface of the planet, which is considered vital to life.

What makes this planet a little more interesting is the star it orbits.

As a much smaller star than our Sun, it was thought this was an unlikely place to find the right type of planet, as they would have to be close for energy to make its way across the void and there are fewer minerals in it.

While there may still be lethal amounts of radiation from the star, it has scientists interested as M-class dwarf stars are the most common star around. If this one has potential, there are many more possibilities.

Read more at news.nationalpost.com.

• South Sudan South Sudan, the world’s newest country, is going through some growing pains.

A planned meeting to reduce inter-ethnic issues ended in bloodshed, with trucks full of gunmen reportedly rolled in as the meeting degenerated.

It is reported that 37 people died in a gun battle that included different police forces, soldiers and security guards.

Like Libya, South Sudan is finding it difficult to take many of the participants of a rebel movement and turn them into government troops with a proper control and command structure.

Read more at bbc.co.uk/news.

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as “new” Canadians for an event Undercover police linked him set up for the cameras. with a cocaine deal.

It turns out they were brought in One of his other brothers is last minute to fill out a rather poor charged in a targeted hit in Sur• Oilsands showing for the ceremony.

Only rey while another was killed in DOCKET/AD#: 11-HRB-047-BW-SP-E-1 NEWSPAPERS: With Canada regularly being criti- three of the 10 people shown were Kelowna in what police believe actually new, the rest were em- was a targeted hit. cized for the oilsands in Alberta, the- ENGLISH JOB NAME: TS ‘12 YOUNG ADULT NEWSPAPER Immifederal and Albertan provincial gov- ployees of Citizenship andSCANNER DATE STARTED: Jan 11 AREA: – MEDIUM gration Canada. While the event Read more at cbc.ca. ernments are joining forces to workLIVEon ARTIST: CS – held at the request of Immia better monitoring system of the TYPE en-SAFETY:was REV#: 0 • Dix on top vironments around and affected byTRIM: the8" X 10"gration Minister Jason Kenney’s LASER %: BLEED: – office’s request, it looks like the energy-rich area.

DISKED: BW poorly thought out decision was Adrian Dix, leader of the proTests will be made public, though made byMGR. bureaucrats vincial NDP, is currently outpacthere won’t beCOPY anWRITER independent ART DIRECTOR CREATIVEcommisDIR. PRINT PROD. STUDIO ACCT. MGMT. from Citizen sion for oversight. While many critics and Immigration Canada who just ing Premier Christy Clark in polls.

When British Columbians were and environmentalists believe the new grabbed colleagues for the show. asked who would be better suited plan is a positive step, there is great conRead more at thechroniclehe- for the job as premier, Dix bested cern about the lack of independent overClark for the first time since they sight to improve accountability. They rald.ca. became leaders of their respective say federal and Albertan governments parties. have lost trust over the oilsands.

Provincial Dix did this despite a negative ad campaign aimed at him.

Read more at cbc.ca.

• Gangster guilty Clark has been steadily declin• New Canadians Normally people are a fan of ba- ing since she was sworn in, while con. However, the courts last week the B.C. Conservatives have seen a rise in three straight polls, showCitizenship and Immigration agreed a Bacon was guilty.

Canada is in some hot water for setThis time it was a brother, one ing they may be coming back into ting up a photo shoot for the Sun of the three believed to be heavily relevance.

News Network in the fall. The point involved with drug trafficking in Read more at vancouversun.com. of criticism is the use of bureaucrats Vancouver.

National

Local • Trees need planting Students are being courted by the forestry industry for a classic student job. The difference now is that there are fewer youth going for the basic manual labour that is tree planting. The industry is aiming to put 40 million trees in the ground, but looking at a labour shortage. Some are suggesting this is due to the high demand for young labour in the Albertan oilfields.

Read more at kamloopsnews.ca.

• Sweater Day Campus will be a couple degrees colder on Feb. 9. We can be certain of this as all the buildings will be dropped down three degrees as part of Sweater Day. The World Wildlife Foundation created the event to bring attention to energy conservation, especially around heating concerns. By dressing a little warmer a lot of energy can be saved by not warming unnecessarily.

Read more at sweaterday.ca.

7

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

Life & Community The grad school journey Professors and students offer insight into taking the big jump at the end of your degree Kristyn Filip

The golden ticket: The reference letter

The Fulcrum (U of Ottawa)

Applying and the aftermath

After obtaining reference letters, the grad school applicant must move on to the next step of the process: Preparing all necessary documents and actually applying to his or her program of choice.

Admission processes differ according to school and faculty, but both Sourisseau IMAGE BY JULIA PANKOVA/THE FULCRUM and Coulas emphasized the importance of asking for help when necessary.

“The process of applying was a bit I’m still worried that the level of original should also demonstrate the applicants’ daunting, but it just comes down to thought required from grad students is a ability to write coherently. “[Some submissions] are not very well reading the requirements for the schools bit beyond me still.” written and that tends to disqualify peoCoulas had similar concerns. you’re interested in, following directions, “I was terrified that grad school was ple,” said Allen. “People can really knock and calling or emailing their application representative if you need help,” said only for smart people, and though I’ve themselves out by being a bit sloppy with always gotten good grades, I’ve never their statements of purpose.”

Coulas.

Sourisseau turned to her professors for considered myself smart enough for that Is it worth it? sort of thing,” she said. guidance.

Make up your mind Studying at a master’s level is certainly “The application process was straightGiven the somewhat dismal state of forward and pretty easy once I’d made more demanding than the undergraduate While there is no universally acthe decision to do it,” she said. “I asked level, but Coulas mentioned that students the current job market, many students cepted “right” time to start thinking the professors who had agreed to be my shouldn’t feel graduate school is only for decide to apply for graduate school simabout pursuing a graduate degree, ply to avoid facing the real world. references for tips on how to write a state- the elite. many professors suggest students beOthers consider this to be a mistake, “What you have to remember is that ment of intent.” gin considering their options in their At the U of O, the general requirements while grad school is challenging, it’s not believing a master’s degree to be unnecthird year of undergraduate study. for master’s of science students are a B reserved for the kids that get 90 per cent essary and little more than another masProfessors Victoria Burke of the average in an honours and upwards,” she said. “It’s just another sive debt to pay off in the future.

University of Ottawa Allen noted students with high grade bachelor degree and level of education, like university was afEnglish department point averages could have their master’s good letters of reference. ter high school.” and Magdi Mohareb degrees funded.

“If the student meets of the faculty of enProfessors tell all [the faculty’s] requiregineering both men“[The English department’s] course ments, his or her file is tioned the ability to work program here is only one year long How can a student guarantee his or and if you have an 8.0 grade point avercirculated in the departapply for scholarships ment,” said Mohareb, her application will dazzle the gradu- age, you’ll be funded. Given what the job in a timely manner as who is the graduate pro- ate school committee? While there is no market is like, why not get an MA?” he a reason why students gram coordinator of the magic formula for success, professors are said. should think about graduate studies beAlthough Allen believes a master’s in

—Magdi Mohareb Ottawa-Carleton Insti- more than willing to offer general advice tute for Civil Engineer- to any student applying to grad school. fore their fourth year.

English will “pay off down the road,” he Mohareb believes the biggest mistake cautions students against “getting a [masing. “Files for master’s “I think it’s ideal to students, if admissible, applicants make is “not talking to poten- ter’s degree] just because they think, ‘Oh, have made a decision by the end of your third year because cants ask for reference letters from profes- are circulated among professors the candi- tial supervisors before submitting their I need to beef up my resumé.’” date identified as possible supervisors for application.” there are external grants you can ap- sors whose classes they excelled in.

“Nobody’s going to hire you for a spe“Sometimes professors cannot accept cific job just because you have an MA in “The first thing is to approach profes- his or her thesis. If the professors are preply to in the fall,” said Burke, noting that the Ontario Graduate Studies sors who gave you the best marks,” she pared to accept the candidate as a student, students because students have specified English,” he said. they need funding while the university is Fellowships and the Social Sciences said. “Even if you’re not entirely sure the he or she is admitted in the program.”

“But on the other hand, if you’re going Although the faculties of arts and sci- unable to provide it,” he said. and Humanities Research Council of professor remembers you, as long as you into teaching or if you’re applying to law “In other cases, the department may school later, it looks good. The intellectual Canada fellowship are due by early have the written material you produced ences are very different, their admission already have a large number of students challenge is good.” for that professor, he or she will be able to processes are similar.

October. “[In the English department] the mem- to supervise or may find your interests do “It is best for a student to consider look at your work and speak in really conBurke mentioned the transferability of bers of the graduate committee — who not match their present research activi- skills acquired at the master’s level as a graduate studies one year before crete terms about what your skills are.”

Gurnham expressed concern that large are usually four or five professors from ties.” graduation, particularly if he or she is valid reason why a student might want to In regards to statements of interest or pursue grad work. seeking financial support,” said Mo- class sizes may have hindered her ability the department — read all the files and hareb. “You can start the process later to get to know professors on a more per- make comments about them,” said Al- research plans, which many programs “I often hear [graduate] students say, on, but your chances of getting finan- sonal level, which is often an important len. “Some applicants are obvious ‘yes’es, require applicants to submit, both Burke ‘This year has blown my mind. This is factor in an instructor’s decision to write while some are ambiguous, and there are and Young urged students to avoid in- difficult and exciting and I understand cial assistance will [decrease].” obvious ‘no’s, unfortuU of O history student Laura Gurn- a recommendation. how to work at a high “I know professors are really open and nately. For the ones who ham had been thinking about grad level now,’” she said. school since she began university, friendly, but I have a hard time getting are ambiguous, there “We think of that as but found her third- and fourth-year over that student-professor relationship will be a meeting to disconcretely useful for fucourses gave her the final push neces- enough to make a connection to a profes- cuss whether or not to ture work. admit them.” sary to make up her mind about pursu- sor in a large classroom,” she said.

“We really think The application pro“I obviously have talked to some, but ing a master’s degree. that the in-depth train“By exploring school through I am worried they don’t know me well cess is not easy, but ing you get from doing more challenging courses in third and enough to provide a letter of recommen- for some students, it’s grad-level courses gives a small difficulty that fourth year, my determination [to go dation.” you additional skills Fortunately for nervous students ev- pales in comparison to to grad school] has become a bit more

—Nathan Young that are transferable to a solid,” she said. “I feel I can handle erywhere, Madeleine Sourisseau, a U of the payoff of having a countless number of difthe work and I have started to narrow O student working toward her master’s in master’s degree. ferent jobs.”

“The application process is more inten- cluding generic declarations of passion down specifically what type of pro- public and international affairs, said getYoung believes a master’s of social sciting reference letters was not as scary or sive than for an undergrad degree, but if for their chosen field. gram I want to apply to.” ence degree to be a “practical thing.”

“When students are too general — for you’re committed to the program you’re Students in their fourth year of tough as she anticipated it would be.

“The majority of our graduates go into “It wasn’t difficult to get the letters be- applying for, it isn’t difficult,” said Souris- example, expressing a general love of lit- the workforce using their degrees,” he university who are just beginning to erature — it’s just not specific enough,” said. consider grad school need not panic. cause the professors I approached were seau. said Burke. “If there’s a little too much Krissy Coulas, who is working to- more than glad to write them for me,” said “A master’s degree can also clearly be non-specific enthusiasm, that’s harder to a stepping stone for getting a PhD or for Concerns, worries, and self-doubt ward a master’s of library science Sourisseau. evaluate. Maybe there’s a fantastic stu- personal fulfilment, but it does carry a lot What was the most trying part? “Workdegree at University College Dublin, After making the difficult decision to dent in there, but we want to have their of weight in the job market. didn’t know what she wanted to do ing up the nerve to ask them!” she said.

In order to give the professors a broad actually apply to grad school, some stu- skills demonstrated to us.” until her fourth year of study at the U “We track our grads pretty carefully.”

“Sometimes the research plan is writview of her as a student, Sourisseau was dents report feelings of self-doubt begin of O. Perhaps Sourisseau summarizes the “It wasn’t until the summer before sure to provide them with her statement to surface. They become uncertain they ten like a life story and that’s a thing to validity of grad school most succinctly. fourth year that I decided [a master’s] of interest, an unofficial transcript of her “have what it takes” to succeed in a mas- avoid,” said Young. “It ought to be about “Yes, it’s a lot of work. Yes, it’s chalter’s program, despite having achieved what you intend to do as opposed to how lenging. was something I wanted to do,” she grades and an academic resumé. you got here. A research plan should not One of Sourisseau’s professors even let high grades throughout their undergrad. said in an email. “Even then, I had to “But it’s also rewarding, interesting, Gurnham, who will be applying to be about why you’re interested in sociol- and filled with great professors and new decide if I wanted to pursue a master’s her help with the letter-writing process.

“He gave me a reference letter tem- graduate school in the near future, ad- ogy — we assume you’re here because friends,” she said. in English, which was my undergrad major, or a master’s of library science. plate,” she said. “I could tell him what mitted to feeling nervous about starting you want to be here. It should be about “If you like what you’re doing — if you what you plan to do in the two years.”

I ended up choosing a master’s of li- I thought were my strengths so that he a master’s degree. feel as though you’re benefiting from it Not only should statements of interest personally, academically, professionally “I am concerned that I am not smart brary science after getting some work could write me an even better reference enough,” she said. “I get good grades, but and research plans be specific, but they — then it’s worth it.” letter.” experience in the Morisset Library.

OTTAWA (CUP) — The light at the end of the tunnel appears for many undergraduate students in their fourth year of study.

As the month of April approaches, graduating students dream of donning gowns and tossing caps in the air in before heading off into the proverbial “real world.” For others, receiving an undergraduate degree is just the tip of the iceberg. How do professors and students — those working toward obtaining a graduate degree and those in the midst of the application process — perceive the jump to grad school?

Perhaps the thing students worry about most when applying to graduate school is getting glowing recommendation letters from professors.

U of O English professor Thomas Allen reminded students that professors are accustomed to requests for reference letters.

“I don’t think there’s any reason to be shy about [approaching a professor for a letter of recommendation] because it’s part of our jobs,” he said. “We all write plenty of letters every year, so you’re not the only person who has asked us to do so.”

Nathan Young, a U of O sociology professor, encouraged students to research their professors before approaching them.

“Profs who are full time are the ones who expect to write letters,” he said.

“Part-time profs often will hesitate [to write letters] because they know they don’t carry as much weight. You should also choose a prof who is recognized by other universities.”

Burke recommended potential appli-

“It is best for a student to con-

sider graduate studies one year before graduation. ”

“It ought to be about what you intend to do as opposed to how you got here.”

8

February 8, 2012

Life & Community

International Days Gwynne Dyer (top left), award winning freelance journalist, columnist, broadcaster and lecturer on international affairs gave the keynote speech after the opening ceremonies of TRU International Days. The celebration of our multiculturalism and diversity runs all week and culminates with an extravaganza in the old gymnasium on Friday afternoon (Feb. 10).

Don’t miss out on the great events and speakers.

February 6–10, 2012

www.tru.ca/internationaldays for schedules and more information.

—PHOTOS BY MICHAEL POTESTIO

MC115782

International Showcase 12pm–7pm, TRU Gymnasium This free International Showcase event has become a favourite for many in the TRU and Kamloops communities. As TRU continues to grow and become a globally minded campus, so has the popularity of this celebrated event!

Schedule: 12pm–6pm

Submit entry for Passport to International Days Contest

12pm–7pm

International Food Fair

12pm–7pm

International Exhibits

12:30pm–1pm

Showcase Opening Ceremony

1pm–4pm

Cultural Performances

3pm–4pm

International Fashion Show

5pm–7pm

Cultural Performances

6:45pm

Passport to International Days Prize Winner Announced

Note: Time subject to change For more information contact: Krista Bergmann, Events Coordinator 250.852.6449 or email: internationaldays@tru.ca

facebook.com/international.days.2012

www.tru.ca/internationaldays

9

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

Life & Community

Community Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 8

Friday, Feb. 10

• TRU Lecture Series Arend Hardorff speaks on the importance of events in regards to city marketing and regional development.

Mountain Room, CAC 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Kamloops Symphony presents

• Yaniv Belhassen speaks on drug abuse amongst tourism workers.

IB 1015 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Kamloops Toastmasters open house public speaking tips and confidence to be gained!

Desert Gardens, 540 Seymour St. 7 to 9 p.m.

NEVER HAD A CAR LOAN? NO CO-SIGNER?

NO PROBLEM!

CALL DAWNA and drive a new car away TODAY!

• The New Cities with guests Take me to the Pilot at Cactus Jacks Bands start at 10 p.m. $10 cover

Tuesday, Feb. 14 - DODGEBALL! South Sahali Elementary (Up across from 7-11 on Summit Dr.) Contact Garrett Horvath garrett.horvath@gmail.com for details

Kamloops

Know of upcoming events the student body should be aware of?

Get them in the calendar for free!

Contact: editorofomega@gmail.com

OU

828-1777

250

Thursday, Feb. 9

Romancing the Tenor Sagebrush Theatre downtown 7:30 p.m.

Mazda’s 1st time Buyers Program

TO

F TO LL E O C WN CALL

CT

10

February 8, 2012

Life & Community VASA to fund field trips and conferences

Students association holds auctions and bake sales to help fund their endeavors Cory Hope

Arts and Entertainment Editor You might have noticed the signs for VASA (Visual Arts Students Association) fundraisers going on throughout the year.

The art auction held in the gallery on campus and a few nights at Heroes were done to help raise money for the visual arts students.

But what are they using the money for?

According to Stephanie Stevenson-Patsula, co-president of VASA at TRU, “Us folks at VASA... [h]ave been doing our darndest to ensure that a few great trips and events will be open for the creative creatures of Kamloops, the most immediate being the Seattle trip that will be taking place February 17 to the 20.”

The Seattle field trip is an opportunity for students from the visual arts program to visit art galleries in Seattle and take in whatever art shows are going on in the area.

“Although it’s a bit of short notice, all fine art students who are interested in hearing about this trip should come to the meeting this Wednesday the 8 at 12:30 in the lighting room.” StevensonPatsula said.

“We [VASA] have donated funding for this trip, so there may be little to no cost for students depending on participation.”

In March, the Southern Graphic Conference is being held in New Orleans.

“The trip has already been

“It’s just a bunch of people would be the best thing for us, filled with student and staff par- the numbers improve.

“This year VASA has very as most of us [active members] who love art, and want to go ticipants,” Stevenson-Patsula strong regularly attending num- will be graduating or in our third places to see it. told us.

“We want this student associa“However, we will be having bers of visual arts students, and year this fall.

“I am hoping to see some fresh tion to work for you guys, so that a bake sale to raise a bit of extra as cheese-ball as this may sound it has been an excellent way to meat in these meetings to carry there are wacky times to be had, money for the trip.

“If anyone is interested in network and meet fellow art this community onward,” she and money for places to go.

“Plus you may just learn a said. getting involved and channel- makers and shakers.

“If you have not shuff led thing or two about postmodern“As co-president of VASA, ing their inner Martha Stewart, VASA will be looking for vol- I feel that having an increased down to a meeting and met the ism. “[I] hope to to some new faces unteers and baked goods dona- number of first and second year regularly attending VASA folks next week.” students attending meetings then I suggest you do. tions.”

Anyone interested in helping out can attend the weekly VASA meeting at 12:30 p.m. in the lighting studio.

The fundraising done by VASA members helps to pay for these kinds of trips, which enhance student’s educational experience.

Although enrollment in a visual arts course technically makes a student a member of VASA, not all of the members take advantage of what is offered to them.

StevensonPatsula is quite PHOTO BY CORY HOPE happy with the numbers VASA is getting so far, Stephanie Stevenson-Patsula and Lee Giddens are loving life as artists and members of the Visual Arts although she Students Association. would like to see

EUReKA! Science Program SUMMER JOB POSTINGS EUReKA! is a student-run, non-profit organization that strives to increase interest in and excitement towards science in youth. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to become the next EUReKA! instructors. Responsibilities include: developing and delivering science workshops (May- June) and summer day camps (July-August). Please visit www.tru.ca/eureka/staff for information.

Positions Available (#): Assistant Director (1), 4-Month Instructor (6), 3-Month Instructor (2), and 2-Month Instructor (4).

Requirements: TRU student with a science/computer background and/or experience working with children.

Submit your resume, cover letter, and a write-up of a hands-on science project for elementary students in any science th discipline by February 17 , 2012 electronically to eureka@tru.ca

11

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

Arts & Entertainment

Back to a simpler time The Artist doesn’t just remind you of a by-gone age, it takes you back to it Cory Hope

Arts and Entertainment Editor I will admit that I was skeptical when I heard that Hollywood was producing a silent f ilm.

But when a f ilm has a pedigree that includes John Goodman and Malcolm McDowell, it’s hard not to at least be intrigued.

I’m going to write this without spoilers, despite how much I want to tell you about this movie.

The Paramount Theatre was almost empty when I went to see this, which I thought didn’t bode ver y well.

It occur red to me that it might be the f irst time I had ever seen a movie in the theatre where it wouldn’t really bother me if people were talking.

It’s not like I would miss anything that anyone had to say, right?

But let’s talk expectations.

Or, more to the point, let’s talk about what I didn’t expect.

For one thing, I had no idea how tr ue the creators of The Ar tist were going to be in sticking to the for mat of the original silent f ilms.

The aspect ratio was cer tainly closer to the 4:3 than the 16:9 that we have become accustomed to, and my eyes took a few minutes to adjust to watch-

ing a vir tually square image on the big screen.

I don’t think I had seen anything for matted in this way since I had last watched a Godzilla movie at the theatre when I was a kid.

And yes, it was done as a classic cinema piece even back then, and not as a f irst-r un movie.

Another thing that took me a while to adjust to was the softer focus the entire movie was done in.

I cleaned my glasses three times before I asked my wife if something was wrong with me, or if the movie itself was out of focus.

It hadn’t occur red to me that they would f ilm the entire movie in a softer focus to closer approximate the f ilm quality of the 1920s.

They really went all out, paying attention to ever y detail.

At least as far as I was concer ned they did.

I’m not exactly a historian, but it looked to me to be as tr ue to the period as anything I’ve seen, and even if all I did was stare in awe at the cars, it would have been well wor th the price of admission.

But there was more.

The acting in The Ar tist was far more physical, of course, than the average present-day f ilm, out of necessity.

Exaggerated movements and

dramatic music were used extensively where moder n cinema would have placed much of the emphasis on the deliver y of the lines.

The best par t is, that was par t of the plot of the movie.

The Ar tist takes place in the 1920s, when “talkies” began to emerge and replace silent movies.

Jean Dujardin stars as George Valentin, an action movie star who is having diff iculty dealing with the transfor mation of cinema from silent f ilms to “talkies.”

Peppy Miller, played by Bérénice Bejo, is an actress Valentin helped discover, and as a younger player in cinema, Peppy embraces the change from silent f ilm to talking cinema.

Is that too close to a spoiler?

I hope not, as I highly endorse you heading out to see this f ilm.

When I thought about going to see this movie in the theatre, I was afraid that I would be bored senseless before an hour was up, and that by the end of it I would just be angr y with myself for having sat through it.

But my fears were unfounded, as when it was time for the credits to roll on The Ar tist, I was baff led that it had been almost two hours since I sat down.

Without divulging spoilers or other infor mation about The Ar tist I feel you would be bet-

Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo play George Valentin and Peppy Miller in the silent throwback to silent films, The Artist. The two struggle to negotiate the new Hollywood world of the “talkies,” and leave the audience wondering how they just spent 100 minutes without dialogue without noticing.

ter off f inding out for yourself, I can’t go on, but I will tell you to go out and see The Ar tist for yourself.

A unique cinematic experience (in this day and age) such

as this one shouldn’t be missed, and if I only had pockets deep enough to back it up, I’d offer you your money back if you didn’t leave this movie willing to see it again.

theomega.ca

CFBX Program Schedule for February 2012

12

February 8, 2012

Sports

Geroy Simon on life, football and the TCC Nathan Crosby Sports Editor

When BC Lions slotback Geroy Simon rolled into the Tournament Capital Centre on Feb. 1, it was hard not be envious of the guy.

Fresh off his second Grey Cup, Simon, along with centre Angus Reid and safety J.R. LaRose, brought the trophy to the place where it all started at last year’s spring training facility.

“It was the best feeling that I’ve had as a professional athlete, to win the Grey Cup at home, especially after the way we started and when no one believed in us,” Simon said.

“Everybody thought we were finished at 0-5, and to turn it around and go on a nice winning streak at the end of the year and win the Grey Cup at home, it was a great experience.”

The Lions’ spring camp is held at Hillside Stadium on the TRU campus and the team uses the TCC gym and new residence for the couple weeks they spend here in June.

With the current contract between the city and Lions usage of the TCC set to expire in two years, Mayor Peter Milobar said there is no reason not to continue their relationship.

“I think it’s been very good value for the city, we get some advertising down during Lions games, promoting Kamloops, as well as national exposure during training camp,” he said.

“It works well for both groups and that’s the key to a long and strong relationship.”

The Lions’ wide out agreed with the mayor.

“I think this [TCC] has been very good for us to train here in Kamloops and I could see them renewing the contract and making it longer because it’s a great facility,” he said.

Simon had another reason to celebrate on the day the cup came to Kamloops.

His oldest son, Gervon, made his father proud last week by signing a letter of intent to play football at Army in West Point, New York.

He will play at a school famous for alumni such as former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as five people who have walked on the moon.

“He’s getting the opportunity to play college football at the highest level, it’s a great accomplishment for him. He’s put in a lot of work in his high school years and it’s paying off for him,” he said.

Gervon played quarterback in his last year of high school football for Greater Johnstown High School in Johnston, Pennsylvania, were Geroy himself played.

Gervon’s acceptance includes a full scholarship to the military academy, which competes in the Patriot League of the NCAA. Unfortunately for father Simon, he had to watch his son’s high school games over the web from his home in Surrey, B.C. “I see all his good throws and all his bad throws,” he said.

At 36, Simon knows his years in the CFL could be counted on one hand, yet the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player of 2006 is still one of the best wide outs in the league.

He finished the 2011 season second in receiving yards with 1,350 and trails only Milt Stegall by 66 yards for the record of total career receiving yards.

“There are a few records there that should be attainable, but my main thing now is to win Grey Cups, I want to win as many as possible,” he said.

Stegall has 15,153 receiving yards and Simon has 15, 087. Simon however, has the edge, with two more cups on his resume over Stegall.

“I have two now and I’d like to play two, maybe three more years. If I could finish with four, maybe five Grey Cups, it would be a great opportunity. That’s the ultimate goal,” he said.

The piece of the puzzle that helped propel the Lions over the hump to a championship was the emergence of quarterback Travis Lulay, who finished second in passing yards and was named Grey Cup MVP. Now that the Lions have found their stud quarterback, Simon believes it isn’t crazy to think they will be returning to the big game.

“We have a great team and a great core group, especially when you have a great quarterback like Travis, anything’s possible, and he’s a young guy that’s going to be around for a long time.”

Editor’s note:

ABOVE: Fans packed the Tournament Capital Centre on Feb. 1 to see a few of the Lions and have a chance to hold the Cup. BELOW: WolfPack women’s basketball player Diane Schuetze checks out the premier trophy in Canadian Football.

You can check out the Lions’ training camp free of charge up at Hillside Stadium this spring, and they always have a fan day where you can meet the players and get some autographs.

Check out bclions.com for details.

That’s what you said For this week’s issue, we patrolled the grounds looking for your answers to this question:

What did you think of the Super Bowl?

Chris Boyptchko

Lauren Wheeler

Mike Riddle

“The Super Bowl, to me, was a waste of time.

“There was two teams that I didn’t like. The only great thing about the Super Bowl was seeing LMFAO out there performing, Madonna was a waste of skin.

“She’s too old and needs to get a new day job.”

“Instead of watching the Super Bowl, I was too busy studying.”

“Brady kind of choked, couldn’t hit his targets and his receivers weren’t open.

“Manning just showed he’s clutch.”

Police and Justice Studies

Natural Resource Sciences

Pre Requisite Studies (Journalism)

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13

The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

Sports Big weekend coming up for women’s basketball team Men’s season will finish out of playoff contention Nathan Crosby Sports Editor

Win and you’re in. That’s the case for the Wolf Pack women’s basketball team, who are 7-9 after an impressive sweep on the road over Trinity Western.

Only two games remain on the schedule for TRU, at home Saturday hosting the 2-14 UBCO Heat, and a rematch on Sunday in Kelowna.

“I don’t have to talk to them about playoffs because they’re educated people, they know where they’re at and we have to win games to make the playoffs,” Wolf Pack women’s basketball head coach Scott Reeves said.

“Right now we don’t have enough wins. At the end of it, if we’ve given it our best effort, we’ll see what happens.”

Saturday’s home game will be the last for fifth veterans Kaitlyn Widsten, Kailey Colonna and Michelle Dimond, but Reeves downplayed any notion that it will be a distraction.

“Does it make it a little more special knowing that those three have their last games here, probably, but we’re happy with any win we get,” he said.

A 9-9 record would be adequate to push the team into the playoffs, but they wouldn’t mind some help. The 8-8 Victoria Vikes, who swept TRU in November, have to lose their final games against UBC. A Winnipeg loss in Calgary and another Spartans loss to UFV would guarantee the WolfPack a post season date.

None of this would be possible without the two ‘Pack wins over Trinity Western on Feb. 3 and 4

in Langley. The women’s team beat the Spartans 66-61 on Feb. 3 and 76-56 on Feb. 4, who were led by Jorri Duxburry and Jen Ju, respectively.

“We executed our offensive systems, we spread the f loor out and we used match ups that worked to our advantage and defensively we took them out of their rhythm,” Reeves said.

The Canada West women’s basketball picture got a lot more complex after last weekend. The top three in the Pacific division make the playoffs, and one wildcard spot is available for the best record not in the top three of the Pacific or top four of the Prairie division.

The wildcard is the most likely scenario for TRU to make the postseason, trailing the 8-9 Spartans and the 8-8 Victoria Vikes.

Winnipeg is also in the wildcard hunt with their 8-10 record, but they will have to hope for TRU and Spartan loses to get into the postseason.

The best bet for TRU is just win.

At 5-11, the men’s basketball team will not go to the playoffs, after losing twice to Trinity Western last weekend.

“It was disappointing for the guys,” Wolf Pack men’s basketball head coach Scott Clark said.

“It’s really tough on first year guys at this time of the year, in that they’ve played so much basketball, way more than they’ve ever played in their lives.”

All-star forward Justin King had 29 points, four rebounds and four steals in the 97-92 loss on Feb. 4, after missing games in January with a hand injury.

The night before, Feb. 3, the men lost 89-77, in a game that stayed close until the fourth.

“The first night I thought we played reasonably well, tied at half and down by two going into the fourth quarter. But we have to do a better job at the defensive end, especially when you’re on the road, and we didn’t do that,” Clark said.

“We can use a million quotes: Rome’s not built in a day or whatever, but it’s a process and the process doesn’t happen overnight.”

The intensity of playing under

pressure in February to make the playoffs was a factor for the ‘Pack. Coach Clark agreed.

“I think I’d be a fool to say that it wasn’t,” he said.

“If you look at our roster, there aren’t a lot of kids that have played meaningful games in February.”

One player who will play his last game in front of the home crowd is forward Chas Kok. He is the only fifth year player on the team and will be honoured in Saturday’s game against the 2-14 UBCO Heat.

With no playoffs this year,

coach Clark still expects his team to compete in their last two games.

“I think they are meaningful (games). I think every game is meaningful, of course, that’s the coach’s viewpoint,” he said.

“From my perspective, the goal from day one has always been to win your next basketball game.

That’s all you have control over.”

Meaningful or not, coach Clark still sees it as a an opportunity.

“Given these circumstances, this is when character is revealed.”

PHOTO COURTESY TRU ATHLETICS Kailey Colonna, Kaitlyn Widsten and Michelle Dimond (left to right) might be in their last year of eligibility, but there’s still a chance of extending the season.

WolfPack hands SFU first loss of season Taylor Rocca Roving Editor

The TRU WolfPack men’s hockey team earned a much-needed victory over rival Simon Fraser University (SFU) on Friday night. The ‘Pack overcame a late one-goal deficit to defeat SFU by a final score of 5-4 in a scrappy affair.

The defeat was the first of the season for SFU who is currently first in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) with a 13-1-4 record. TRU sits third in the standings with a 9-4-4 record.

The WolfPack out-hustled, outplayed and out-hit SFU with a solid 60-minute performance. Head coach Don Schulz was pleased with his team’s play.

“It’s a sweet victory,” Schulz said, “They’ve [SFU] been riding the undefeated roll through the course of the season.

“Our guys really answered the bell. They played hard and stayed consistent.”

Jose Reyes led the WolfPack comeback as he notched both the game-tying and game-winning goals late in the third period. Reyes’ heroics were good enough to earn him the first star nod.

“They were unbeaten so it feels really good to give them their first loss,” Reyes said.

The 23-year old forward has been a

welcome addition to the squad since joining the team on Jan. 20. In four games Reyes has tallied three goals and one assist.

“We’re missing our top scorer out there so we know we had to fill some shoes and we did,” Reyes said, “It was a good solid effort.

“Our goalie Mainprize played an excellent game.”

Shane Mainprize recorded the victory in net for TRU, stopping 24 of 28 shots. At the other end of the rink, the ‘Pack peppered SFU’s Evan Kurylo with 44 shots. Kurylo would turn away 39 shots in the losing effort.

The WolfPack jumped out to a two-goal advantage in the first period.

A quick strike by third-year forward Casey Patterson followed by a tally from captain Andrew Fisher would send TRU to the dressing room with a two-goal lead at the first intermission.

The only goal in the second period would be credited to SFU’s leading scorer Ben Van Lare.

With only three goals collectively through two periods, both teams saved up their offence for a six-goal explosion in the third period.

Shane Oatway restored TRU’s two-goal lead only 48 seconds into the final frame.

SFU responded with three straight goals to take a 4-3 lead. Colton Graf provided a fast response, cutting the

PHOTO BY TAYLOR ROCCA TRU goaltender Shane Mainprize makes a glove save on SFU’s Jono Ceci in BCIHL action on Feb. 3. The WolfPack defeated SFU 5-4.

WolfPack lead to just one before Jono Ceci would snipe two goals to put SFU in front for their first lead of the night.

Then it was Reyes’ time to shine as he scored to tie the game with 9:34 remaining. His winning tally came with 5:45 remaining in regulation.

Oatway recorded three points for the ‘Pack while Andrew Fisher

and Reyes both chipped in with two points each.

SFU has had TRU’s number over the past two seasons in BCIHL play.

The last two league championships have featured both teams, with SFU triumphing in both.

TRU heads out on the road for four games with back-to-back games against the University of Victoria fol-

lowed by back-to-back games against Selkirk College.

The ‘Pack then returns to Kamloops for its next home game on Feb. 24 against Trinity Western University.

“We’re on the road now for a while,” Schulz said, “but this was a great launching pad to move on and see if we can come out with some wins there.”

14

February 8, 2012

Science & Technology

Tablets vs. textbooks Despite the increasing popularity of tablets, e-textbooks are not necessarily as cost-effective as expected ond-hand book fair and an etextbook resource were priced The Cord (Wilfred Laurier) the same, second-year student Vanessa Frey agreed that there is an advantage to buying print WATERLOO (CUP) — “I’m books. really just looking at it to read “[Second-hand] resale value, books and share pictures, I guess you can still sell it back for thir— and maybe textbooks, hopety bucks.” fully textbooks,” said Klara But with the iPad 3 rumoured Raic, justifying her purchase of to be released in upcoming an expensive, but increasingly months, tablet popularity is inpopular piece of technology: the creasing despite the fact that etablet. textbooks do not save as much The Wilfrid Laurier Universimoney as students expect. ty second-year business student “We’ve definitely seen some bought the Lenovo a1 tablet durstrong sales ing boxing week through the tablet sales for $200. … there’s defiWhile she hopes nitely a lot more to use her new interest in a tablet tablet for storing than the traditionphotographs and al desktop,” said portable internet Zybala, referring access, like many to the bookstore’s other students who technology sales. have purchased “On a persontablets and e-readal level, yeah I ers, Raic was mowouldn’t mind a tivated by hopes of tablet for convesaving money on nience of everytextbooks. thing, for Inter“This semester, net access, for I don’t have any —Mika Zybala being able to acmore textbooks cess email ... I that I can buy onthink they’re beline … but in the coming a bit more future, I would definitely continue using it and textbook is more in that access of a useful tool that can be used putting my books on here,” ex- code, so it’s a short term access in multiple aspects,” said Zyba… you do not own that e-book,” la, who bought the Kobo e-readplained Raic.

While tablets and e-readers said Zybala, explaining that stu- er last year.

Despite the trouble with tablets undoubtedly offer an advantage dents do not save as much money for avoiding the lines on cam- with e-textbooks as they would saving students money on textbooks, Zybala predicts that like pus to buy new and second-hand expect.

Coursesmart.com offers a Raic, students will continue to books — typically ranging from $200-$500 — are they worth the first-year cultural anthropology use the multipurpose e-textbooks textbook for $44.98 compared to because of convenience and the investment? the Bookstore’s price of $108.75, Bookstore will need to adapt in Raic thinks so.

“I’m thinking of just getting but the e-textbook can only be order to survive.

“It will definitely have an imthe online code and using this rented for 180 days.

“You’re not able to sell that pact on our business,” Zybala as my textbook and not spending the extra $120 dollars on the material back to the store at the said.

“I think [the tablet] has its place textbook itself … which is half end of the semester, so that’s reof the price of this [tablet],” she ally where the biggest difference and I still think that the printed book will have its place as well. is,” he said. said.

“I think, in general, it’s all When asked which she would The second-year student explained her theory that after buy from if books from a sec- about choice.”

Katie Flood

buying one or two e-textbooks online instead of in print, the cost of the tablet is likely made up in money saved.

While e-textbooks save money in the short term, Laurier’s Bookstore manager of academic material Mika Zybala pointed out that e-textbooks are usually a rental service, through which students miss out on resale value of the book.

“We’re seeing that bit of divide because general book reading is definitely moving in the e-book direction, where the traditional

“We’re seeing that bit of divide because general book reading is definitely moving in the e-book direction...”

There are pros and cons to moving toward electronic textbooks, but when it comes right down to it, as Mika Zybala says, “it’s all about choice.”

Math Puzzle of the week Puzzle of the Week #14 – What’s Wrong?

I am thinking of a three-digit number. It has at least four distinct prime factors, and it is odd.

What is wrong with the above?

This contest is sponsored by the Mathematics and Statistics department. The full-time student with the best score at the end of the year will win a prize.

Please submit your solution (not just the answer but also why) by noon next Wednesday to Gene Wirchenko <genew@ocis.net>. Submissions by others are also welcome. The solution will be posted the Wednesday after that in the Math Centre (HL210A). Come visit: we are friendly.

Watasun is coming This & other events e v e n t s .t r u .c a

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The Omega · Volume 21, Issue 19

Coffee Break 2

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32. Has a mortgage 36. Frenzied 38. Bauxite, e.g.

39. Gingrich 40. Head starts 44. Case 45. Do exist 46. The “N” of U.N.C.F. 47. Microprocessor type 48. Calculator grid 51. Precognition (abbr.)

52. Wounded ___ 54. “___ my word!”

56. Pond buildup 59. 1987 Costner role 61. Greek letter 65. Head starts

68. Flu symptoms 69. Bog 70. Fred of hockey 71. Form 72. Aspersion 73. Itsy-bitsy bits

37. “My Little ______” 41. Camp sight 42. Dowel 43. Annul 49. Narc’s target 50. “Spirit” rock band 53. Colo. neighbor 55. Dusk to dawn 56. First fellow?

57. Child’s building brick 58. Showy trinket 60. Almond 62. Sundae topper, perhaps 63. Course 64. Stirs 66. Dash lengths 67. Group w. troops

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LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

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Notice anything wrong with The Omega? Bring it to our attention and win a prize. We may have done it on purpose just to keep you on your toes...or you might just be helping us get better. Either way...you win!

16

February 8, 2012

TRUSU Membership Advisory Sweater Day

On Feb. 9th TRU will be turning down the thermostats by 3 degrees to raise awarenesss around energy conservation as part of a campaign from the World Wildlife Fund. So bundle up and save some energy!

Post-Secondary Education Fact: Don’t believe it can happen? Tuition Fees have been reduced by 25% in Newfoundland & Labrardor

This Week: • Sweater Day • Hoo Hoo Will You Choose?

Did you know that you can file your taxes online for free?

UFile and the Canadian Federation of Students have partnered so that students can file online for free! It’s fast, easy, and convenient, and all you need is a tutition tax recipt.

Pick up your

FREE ISIC 8am - 10pm Mon to Fri

at the Members’ Services Desk in the Indepdent Centre

A service for members of the Canadian Federation of Students

• TRUSU Taiwanese Club Art Exhibit Check out the Events Calendar at trusu.ca for details!

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