SPORTS // DO YOU WANNA BE ON THE PANEL? >> CHeck it out on pG. 10 Volume 143 · Issue 5 • October 7, 2009
thebruns.ca
brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.
Let’s talk about sex, baby
SU to hold byelection Sarah Ratchford The Brunswickan
Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan
A full week of events on campus aim to inform, entertain, and get students talking about sex. Sexuality Awareness Week is put on by the UNB Sexuality Centre and runs from Oct. 5 - 9.
Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan
Before you leap between the sheets, take in a Sexuality Awareness event this week. The UNB Sexuality Centre, located across from the Ballroom on the top floor of the Student Union Building, is hosting Sexuality Awareness Week, with one event funded by the Student Union. From Oct. 5 to 9, there will be fun and informative events to teach students about healthy sex. “The theme in general is just sexuality awareness. That incorporates a bunch of different things for us. We talk about orientation, different sexual orientations. We talk about safer sex, what that means. We talk about history of sex and what’s
changing. We talk about fun things with sex: sex toys, position manuals, things like that,” Sarah Olsen, coordinator of the UNB Sexuality Centre, said. The Centre tries to encompass all aspects of sexuality and sex in their annual event, while entertaining and informing students in the process. “We look at everything. We really try to touch on some of the more serious things, I mentioned sexual health, but then we also say ‘Hey, sex can be fun. Let’s look at dildos,’” Olsen said with a laugh. On Monday there were games in the SUB Cafeteria, including “Guess the STI” and “Sex-tionary,” a sexual play on Pictionary. There was also a diversity game focusing on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. On Tuesday evening, Lyndsay Anderson, a residence life manager at Dalhousie University, spoke at the week’s biggest event which was co-sponsored by the Student Union. Anderson works extensively with Dal Allies, a group devoted
to creating safe and inclusive spaces for members of the LGBTQ community on campus. The title of the presentation is Raunch Culture. “She was once a participant in the whole pimp, hoe, raunch culture atmosphere and now, being a Res Life professional, she sort of has a different viewpoint and she’s looking at it and saying ‘lets explore what this culture is.’ We’re not condemning it, but we just want to talk about why it’s happening,” Olsen said. Anderson brought with her a slideshow of aspects of raunch culture taking place on Atlantic university campuses. Wednesday’s event is a Fantasia party in the senior common room in McConnell Hall at 7 p.m. The relaxed evening is for people of any sexual orientation and provides an opportunity to learn about and buy sex toys, lotions, sex games and sensual products. Thursday evening’s event will be a showing of the film Better Than Chocolate at the Harriet Irving Library in the Nolan Room. The plotline follows two
women who meet and fall in love in Vancouver and have to deal with the repercussions when one woman’s recently divorced mother moves in. On Friday, the Blue Room will be transformed into a sex museum, displaying posters, information pamphlets, sex toys, sex models and displays about sex throughout history. Olsen said that Sexuality Awareness Week is extremely important for students. “There is the whole idea of the university culture being a place where you can explore your sexuality, maybe before, in high school you were more restrained. Now you’re coming into university, living on your own, mommy and daddy aren’t watching what goes on in the bedroom so there’s a lot more experimentation and exploration. We’re not condemning that, we’re just asking students to make sure that this is safe,” Olsen said. Sexuality Awareness Week events are free and open to everyone. For more information call 452-6272 or visit the Sexuality Centre.
The UNBSU will be holding a byelection this week to fill the empty spots around the council table. Five positions are open, and candidates for four of the five positions are running uncontested. Joshua Bojahra and Derek AJ Ness are competing for the position of Arts representative. There are three seats on council for this position, and all were filled at the end of last year. Kelly Flinn, however, resigned from her position, leaving it open for nomination. The other two Arts representatives are Tom Cheney and Karlie Hanoski. The position of Education representative is open as well. Erin Maclean, the student who was elected for the position originally, has resigned as well. Lauren Vail has obtained the one-year Senate seat by acclamation. Previously former SU president Bethany Vail held the position, but Vail stepped down as she is finishing her degree at another university. Spots are also open for the positions of Forestry and Environmental Management Representative and Residence Liaison. These positions were not filled in last year’s election. The candidates for these positions, Rachel McKinley and Brad McKinney respectively, are running uncontested. SU President Jon O’Kane stresses the importance of voting. “Students may not see it every day, but the students on council are making decisions and having discussions that impact their education. If students want to have an impact on those discussions, they can make it heard through their vote,” says O’Kane. Students eligible to vote are those from the faculties for which positions are available. That is to say, an Arts student could vote, as could someone from Forestry, Education or the residence community. Someone from the faculty of business, for example, is not eligible to vote since there is not an empty seat for Business Representative. While candidates for most positions are running uncontested, students will still have the option to vote “No.” If the majority of students negate a candidate, the position will remain vacant. Council can call a byelection at any time, says O’Kane. As per usual, ballots will be cast online.
2 • Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143
Students lend a helping hand Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan
This year’s Volunteer Fair proved that there is no shortage of places to volunteer in Fredericton. Thirty-five tables, each advertising for a different organization, lined the walls in the SUB Atrium Wednesday Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campus groups like the New Brunswick Public Interest Research Group, charitable organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and city staples like the Beaverbrook Art Gallery all had representation at the event, which was co-hosted by Student Affairs and Services and the UNB Student Union. “It’s only our second year, but we’re up in number [of booths] from the number of booths we had last year. We had really great feedback last year. There were lots
of really positive comments about the enthusiasm of the students and a real appreciation to be able to share what they do and certainly there’s a hope that students will choose to volunteer with them,” Sara Rothman, student development coordinator with Student Affairs and Services, said at the event. Based on last year’s success, as well as this year’s, the university has plans to make the fair a yearly occurrence. Anita Legere, board president for the Fredericton-Oromocto Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, was recruiting volunteers at her group’s booth. This was their first booth at the fair. The organization has close to sixty children on their waiting list for a big brother or big sister. Legere said the fair was a great opportunity for students to get involved and take on a “sibling.” “The population [at UNB] is humungous and we know that people, students, coming from different places around the province, around the Maritimes and around Canada and the world are really interested in working with children for a
number of different reasons,” Legere said. “For some it helps with their university degree, for instance education or social work. Also, some people have missed taking part in activities with children from their own families.” Rothman said students are very responsive to the fair and the event typically attracts numbers in the hundreds. She said that, though the event started at 11 a.m., their first student visitor arrived at 10:15 a.m. “I think there’s lots of great reasons for students to choose to volunteer. It’s a great way to become involved in the community outside of the four streets that border campus. It’s a great way to give back to the community. It’s a wonderful way to gain great new skills and resume building opportunities and it’s a great way to meet new people,” the student development coordinator said. Students who missed the volunteer fair can still access volunteer opportunities by visiting the Student Employment Service website where there is a section detailing volunteer positions.
brunswickannews
Abdelrazik comes home Hilary Paige Smith The Brunswickan
Abousfian Abdelrazik’s journey has not been an easy one. The dual Sudanese and Canadian citizen told his story of accusation, torture and societal exile before a large crowd in Tilley Hall last Tuesday. The event attracted city residents, students and members of independent media organizations, filling the room to capacity. Abdelrazik is currently touring Canada with Project Fly Home, the public campaign initially started in Montreal to return him from Sudan, and the evening’s speech was hosted by the Fredericton Peace Coalition, The People’s Commission and the New Brunswick Public Interest Research Group Society. While living in Montreal, the trained machinist and parent of three children became the target of investigations by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in 1997. These investigations continued until 2003. Abdelrazik was suspected of involvement with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Shortly after the World Trade Centre attacks on Sept. 11, CSIS’s investigation of Abdelrazik increased in intensity. “After Sept. 11, their harassment became very, very harsh. Anywhere I went, I found them following me, like a shadow. And sometimes I find, in the middle of the night, one car parked in the front of the building and I move anywhere, they follow me,” he said before the crowd. Abdelrazik maintained that he has never worked with any terrorist organization and was never charged. He received word in spring of 2003 that his mother in Sudan was ill and he made plans to return to his native country to care for her. CSIS learned of his plans and their suspicions were immediately aroused. He was visited by two intelligence agents and Abdelrazik eventually
called the police to have them removed from his property. “While they walk away from me, one of them he turned to me and said ‘You are travelling to Sudan, you will see.’ Now me, I don’t take his word seriously,” he said. Abdelrazik left for Sudan and was arrested in Khartoum while taking care of his mother. He remained in detention there until the fall of 2004. He recounted the torture he endured in the Sudanese jail, including times where he was beaten with a rubber hose and forced to stand for hours on end. At one point, Abdelrazik was visited in jail by Canadian intelligence agents. “’You remember? The last time I saw you in Montreal I said to you, you will see. Now, you will see in Sudan,’” Abdelrazik said, quoting the words of the CSIS agent. “The last of the interrogation, the Canadian interrogation. I said to them ‘Look, I am a Canadian and I need you to help me to go back to Canada. They said ‘We are not going to help a terrorist person.’ I say ‘I am not. You do not even have evidence against. Why you do not bring me to Canada? I am willing to face any kind of charges.’” Following various failed attempts to come home and a second detention, Abdelrazik made a public plea to Canadian citizens. This is how Project Fly Home was born. He took refuge in the Canadian embassy in Khartoum, where he lived in a changing room for 14 months. Abdelrazik was eventually returned to Canada on June 27 of this year after an overwhelming response by Canadian people. Though he has been returned to Canada, Abdelrazik is still living under a travel ban and asset freeze because his name is on List 1267, the United Nations terrorist no-fly list. He is not allowed to work, make a salary, own a home or receive gifts. Abdelrazik is currently working to have his name removed from the list and is suing the government for $27 million. The presentation ran for nearly two and a half hours, concluding with a standing ovation by the overflowing crowd.
brunswickannews
Council slow but steady Lee Larrett The Brunswickan The final motion at this week’s UNB Student Union Council meeting had to be postponed to the next meeting as councilors started leaving and there was fear that quorum would be lost. The majority of this week’s meeting was spent discussing the presence of religious groups on campus. During Orientation Week this year, Christian groups had a strong presence on campus, which suggested to some students that Orientation Week or the Student Union endorsed religion. This made some frosh uncomfortable. Science Rep Ashley Wile introduced a motion to pass a policy to prevent these groups from having a strong presence during orientation week. The policy suggested restricting “noninclusive, political religious or otherwise in nature,” from official SU Orientation events, but allowing them at events open to the community such as the Corn Boil. The details of the policy were debated for over an hour by councilors. By the time the policy passed the councilor who had brought forward the policy had left council. Much debate raged over the wording used to describe the groups whose participation was to be restricted. Council debated if the wording should be made narrower so as to restrict the broad interpretive power this policy would bestow on the Orientation committee, or if the wording should remain broad to allow the exclusion of other controversial groups that are neither political nor religious. Some examples that councilors gave included racist, hate based, or pro-life groups. Council Chair Chris Samuel suggested that a recess was needed for councilors to come up with proper wording for an amendment. There was the suggestion that councilors come to future meetings having thought through amendments they might propose and have drafted a hard copy, rather than think of amendments in the heat of debate and leave council to spend time debating poorly worded amendments.
The final wording was that the groups subject to limitations were organized political parties and their affiliates, and religious groups and their affiliates. Council did not come back to their discussions surrounding pro-life, hate and racist groups in the first amendment. A further amendment removed the word “non-inclusive” from the policy. The final amendment related to the Orientation Kit and what kind of materials political and religious groups could include in the kit. This clause was in response to a religious group’s attempt to have copies of the Bible put in each Orientation kit. Computer Science Rep Ash Furrow summed up what many councilors felt. He said that council wants to “allow groups to promote themselves without promoting their agenda.” Councilors considered that students may wish to gather information about these groups, and those who aren’t interested can simply throw away the information. In spirit of this Council passed an amendment that religious and political groups can only include a letter size paper in the kit. The next item on the agenda was a motion put forth by SU President Jon O’Kane for participation in the National Student Survey. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is organizing a national survey of University students, which would provide primary research to assist Student Unions in developing policy. Student Unions would be given the chance to provide input on what questions would be part of the survey. VP External Ryan Brideau pointed out that the UNBSU pays a large sum to be a part of CASA, and now is expected to pay $1000 to take part in the survey. After debate about the credibility of the data that would be collected and the value of such a survey, it was amended that instead of allocating $1000 to participate in the survey, $0 would be allocated and the SU would attempt to bargain their way into the survey. Debate surrounding Orientation policy had carried on for a large portion of the meeting, and there was no time and barely enough councilors left for quorum. As a result, item 11 on the agenda, Student Access Guarantee, was postponed to the next meeting.
Oct 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 3
Fredericton Peace Coalition protests at career fair
Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan
Students protested against CSIS, RCMP and Canadian Forces recruiting booths on Thursday.
Sandy Chase
The Brunswickan
Many students don’t have a clear idea what they want to do after they graduate. This year’s annual career fair, which was put on by the Student Employment Service, saw an attendance of around 1000 students looking at potential jobs. Companies ranged from Lays Potato Chips and Pepsi to the Fredericton Police department to manufacturing giant Procter and Gamble. The event, which took place at the Aitken Centre, was packed with displays from over 90 different companies as students browsed the aisles and considered their future careers. A group of students made an appearance at the Aitken Centre to protest several recruitment campaigns, including those of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the military recruiting booths.
The students, who were members of the Fredericton Peace Coalition, staged a quiet protest by handing out flyers and talking to students. Organizers gave them a table where they unfurled a large red banner with the words Fredericton Peace Coalition painted on the front. “Any student has the right to work wherever they want, but there’s a difference between the student having the right to work somewhere and between the Student Union and the university administration facilitating certain organizations being on campus. There’s a crucial difference between these things,” says third year law student Shane Martinez. “We feel that the university and the Student Union don’t have to welcome every corporation onto campus to recruit students. There should be some level of scrutiny as to what the company does and whether that’s beneficial, taking companies like Lockheed Martin for example, who produce huge amounts of weapons and make billions
of dollars off weapons,” said another protester who wished to remained anonymous. The protesters were also handing out pamphlets describing the cases of four individuals who had been allegedly tortured or mistreated, including Maher Arar, Omar Khadr, Adil Charkaoui and Abousfian Abdelrazik, the last of which gave a talk on campus last week. Neither CSIS or the RCMP were at the event. The RCMP had been double booked since the summer, and CSIS made a last minute cancellation the day before. CSIS does intend to return at a later date. Sgt. Scott Smith of the Canadian Armed Forces did say this about the protest: “If they’re taking any side that’s opposed to us, they’re exercising their right for freedom of speech and we gladly defend that right for them to do that, no issue, no contradiction here.” “We hope that the university will stop extending invitations to CSIS in the future,” Martinez says.
brunswickanopinion
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 4
editor@thebruns.ca
Financial troubles hit the good, the honest, the pure
the brunswickan
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief • Sarah Ratchford Managing • Alex Duncan News • Lee Larrett Arts • Doug Estey Sports • Colin McPhail Photo • Andrew Meade Copy •Nick Howard Production • Christian Hapgood Online • Alison Clack Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Dan Gallagher Contributors Zaheer Abbas, Stephanie Allen, Chris Cameron, Kathryn Chase, Sandy Chase, Alison Clack, Maggie DeWolfe, Dave Evans, Sarah Farquhar, Josh Fleck, Kennie Gathuru, Dan Hagerman, Cody Jack, Jacques Landry, Simon Leslie, Brandon MacNeil, Cameron Mitchell, Matthew Murray, Nick Ouellette, Brian Savoie, Hilary Paige Smith, Ysabelle Vautour, Alex Wickwire & Valerie Woodman.
Flickr Creative Commons
Not even an AK-47 can shoot down today’s fiscal troubles, as satirist Jon Salmon so graciously points out.
Jon Salmon The Brunswickan Well that’s it. The recession has gone too far. I could handle it shutting down small businesses and affecting many of our dayto-day lives, but this is a leap over the line of decency. The worst of the worst. In times such as these with political and religious disputes in every direction you look, the weapons industry seemed the only safe bet for a quick million. But that thought looks like it will go the way of the Dodo bird.... Mikhail Kalashnikov had a dream. A dream where malicious guns were affordable for power-hungry governments and
professional terrorist organizations alike. However, Kalashnikov’s perfect world looks like it is crashing down upon his head like rounds from his famous AK-47 upon suppressed citizens in the Middle East. Since its introduction into society in 1947, the AK skyrocketed to celebrity-like status in the homes of revolutionaries and bloodthirsty tyrants. It caught the eye of the Soviets and was absorbed into their military almost immediately. Although it is said to be less accurate than other automatic rifles, it fires 600 rounds a minute. So don’t worry, you may not hit your target the first time, but keep your finger clenched and eventually you’ll get it. Ah the simplicity of warfare.... And speaking of simplicity, this work of
art was designed with just that in mind. The original advertisements actually adopted the slogan “so easy a baby can use it”, but complications arose when the Soviet children turned the guns on the camera crew. Just a horrifying scene...bullets and teethers flying everywhere. You’d think the producers would have thought to remove the ammunition before handing the weapons to infant Soviets, but live and learn I guess. Well not exactly. Larry Kahaner, author of The AK-47: The Weapon That Changed the Face of War, described the harbinger of death as “simple, cheap, [and] indestructible. You can fix it with a coat hanger and a piece of gum.” Remember that for when you’re running through the desert chasing enemies of
the state and your only defense jams. Don’t panic, there’s got to be a coat hanger around here somewhere.... For a gun with such a rich history of death and despair, you would think it could hold its own in the tough times of today. But it is pretty hard to mow down financial troubles with 600 rounds of projectiles. The recession and the appearance of AK impersonators has put a strain on the inventor and the once thought to be endless money train is quickly screeching to a halt. Kalashnikov responded to the copycats by saying “it’s not fair.” Well think of it this way Mikky, you’ve had a long run of being the foremost leader in indirect murders, maybe it’s time to cut your losses and hang up the scythe.
The Brunswickan relies primarily on a volunteer base to produce its issues every week. Volunteers can drop by room 35 of the SUB at any time to find out how they can get involved. About Us The Brunswickan, in its 143rd year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication. We are an autonomous student newspaper owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a non-profit, independent body. We are a founding member of the Canadian University Press, and love it so. We are also members of U-Wire, a media exchange of university media throughout North America. We publish weekly during the academic year with a circulation of 6,000. Letters Must be submitted by e-mail including your name, letters with pseudonymns will not be printed. Letters must be 400 words at maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at 5 p.m. before each issue. Editorial Policy While we endeavour to provide an open forum for a variety of viewpoints and ideas, we may refuse any submission considered by the editorial board to be racist, sexist, libellous, or in any way discriminatory. The opinions and views expressed in this newspaper are those of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Brunswickan, its Editorial Board, or its Board of Directors. All editorial content appearing in The Brunswickan is the property of Brunswickan Publishing Inc. Stories, photographs, and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the express, written permission of the Editorin-Chief. 21 Pacey Drive, SUB Suite 35 Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3 main office • (506) 447-3388 advertising • (506) 452-6099 fax • (506) 453-5073 email • editor@thebruns.ca www.thebruns.ca
brunswickanopinion
Provincial funding unfocused Union Update Jon O’Kane In March 2009, the provincial government responded to the work of the UNB Student Union and the New Brunswick Student Alliance (NBSA) by announcing comprehensive changes to student financial aid. These new policies are targeted at helping students who need support the most. The changes were applauded by student groups across the province, but as theycome into effect, administrative issues are affecting how they actually help. One new program is the Timely Completion Benefit, whereby students who graduate in the prescribed length of time for a program will have any provincial debt above $26,000 forgiven. The NBSA is lobbying to have this clause removed from the student loan debt cap because of the diverse number of circumstances that may cause a student to not graduate on time. The government, however, has emphasized the flexibility of the program. For example, students with dependents, students who fell ill, and students who have taken a break in their studies still qualify for the Benefit and could save thousands of dollars. The issue lies in communication. Though this program will save the average New Brunswick graduate roughly $8,000, the uptake is incredibly low. Action can happen on two fronts: the government can do more to tell students that they can give them money, and we, as students, can do more to spread the message amongst our population. The provincial government is nursing a deficit of roughly $7 million. If cuts need to be made to programs, spending is likely to be
cut forprograms with small uptake. That is to say, if we don’t use it – we lose it. Second, the government committed an annual fund of $3 million to support underrepresented groups. This dedication seemed somewhat rushed at the time of announcement because it was unfocused. The government stated that it would accept program suggestions from university administrations as to how they could improve the participation rates of underrepresented groups like rural students, aboriginal students, students whose parents did not attend university, et cetera. With this program, the concern has so far been the lack of movement. In fact, when I planned writing this piece, the government had not announced where any of this funding was going. With interesting timing, the government has since announced two allocations of the funds. First, $600,000 is going to a program at l’Universitaire de Moncton in Shippagan and second, is a $200,000 access program based out of Mt. Allison. This is still only a fraction of the funding that has been committed. There are questions raised about whether this funding will be genuinely used this year or whether a year of funding has been missed due to the late nature of these announcements. Even so, where is the funding for access programs in partnership with UNB? Asking such a question to many departments at our university has provided me no further insight. To conclude, the government has made commitments to students that we have the opportunity to maximize. We must take advantage of current programs to ensure their long- term sustainability. Further, it is the duty of your elected representatives, including myself and your Councilors, to ensure government funding is directed as promised. In the end, if the government wants to give you money, take it while you can.
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 5
The old man rant a satire from Dave Evans
L
ast week, I was complaining about greasy hippies who don’t seem capable of biking on the correct side of the road. I don’t understand how people have such a hard time sticking to the right-hand side. If the world was a perfect place and idiots didn’t exist, all movement would be governed by common sense. Naturally, however, people are stupid. When I go to the mall to get my Pepto-Bismol, I always see these crowded aisles full of sweaty mouth breathers who don’t understand how to walk in public. Take the Wal-Mart for example; the aisles are narrow enough to begin with, but they have displays set up in the middle which necessitate people to move in streams around them. Logically, people would treat these aisles like roads and move on the right-hand side. Instead, they push their carts full of sweatpants and pork-rinds down the wrong side, and cause me to have to jump away and knock over a display full of candy. Bastards. Worse are the ones who see someone they know in the store and decide to simply block all paths out of the store. Heaven forbid someone should be behind you when you stop to ask someone how they’ve been and ask about their family, even though you know you really don’t give a damn and think that their kids are definite losers in the genetic lottery. Of course, morons aren’t limited to retail outlets. Have you ever been on the sidewalk and had to jump on to the grass because the dicks who are coming towards you can’t be bothered to walk single file instead of threeacross? Of course you have. I keep hearing propaganda in the media that Canadians are among the most polite and courteous people on the planet. I call goddamned shenanigans. When it comes right down to it, people are stupid, plain and simple. Except me of course; I may be a prick, but I’m not stupid. I think I should contact City Hall about creating a new public awareness campaign. I’ll call it, “How not to be stupid, the Dave Evans way”. I’ll create pamphlets and hand them out at Wal-Mart, or the dollar store, or wherever else the dregs of society hang out. Maybe I could convince the big box stores to paint directional arrows on their floors, so when I see someone walking the wrong way I can point out how retarded they are. Failing that, I’m just going to get on a horse and go up into the mountains where no one will bother me. Actually, that’s not looking like a bad idea. Dave Evans is a grumpy old man. He doesn’t believe in this new-fangled email stuff.
brunswickanopinion
6 • Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143
Student
Viewpoint.
Let everyone know whats on your mind.
“Yes.”
“Yes, whats a by-election.”
Adam Thorton
Amanda Donaher
Caitlin Doyle
“No comment.”
Brittany Saab
“Yes, to root out those Tory cronies.”
“Yes.”
Cody Jack
“Yes.”
Laura Higgins
Do you plan on voting in the upcoming SU byelection?
“I am.”
Dave Allison
“No.”
“No.”
Leanne O’Reilly
Samantha Dixon
brunswickaninternational
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 7
Exploring the globe
A little wake up call on Bahamian culture Culture Shock Danielle Bodie
Natalie Kay / Submitted
First-year student Lisa Schellenberg spent last semester in South Africa with the Outta Town program. She spent much of her time there working with children and enjoying the friendliness of the people.
Danielle Bodie The Brunswickan
Lisa Schellenberg has experienced what life is like abroad. She recently took part in the Outta Town Program, which is based in the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. Schellenberg, a first-year student at St. Thomas University, decided to join the program after her sister went to Guatemala and suggested she also participate. The program is completed in two parts. First participants travel west from Winnipeg to British Columbia, and during the second part of the semester students have a choice of either going to Guatemala or South Africa. Schellenberg chose South Africa and saw the trip as a learning experience. “The trip was meant for you to work
on yourself. It is not about putting your ideals on someone else; it is about learning from someone else,” says Lisa. Lisa described life as very different in South Africa. “It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen,” says Schellenberg. The most shocking thing for Lisa was the huge difference in social classes among the people. “Everything is really extreme. At one end there are really rich people and the other end really poor people. There is such a huge difference in the [social] classes of people even though they live right next door to each other.” During the trip Lisa experienced living with both the rich and poor people of South Africa. First she lived with Afrikaners, who are the wealthy white people in South Africa. While living with the Afrikaners she was shocked to realize that they live in a very secluded way. Afrikaners, she says, lived in lock down camps with high walls, barbed wire and fences. The family she stayed with lived in a gated community. “There was only one way in and one way out in there. You would have to show a special pass to get in and there are four or five different body guards. This is be-
cause crime is so high there. I didn’t really have a problem with [crime] because I was cautious,” says Schellenberg. Crime is a problem because many people in South Africa are desperate for money. In 2001, 57 per cent of people in South Africa lived below the poverty line. The second week Schellenberg was there, she lived with a black family. They had to travel in groups, and they had to be home before nightfall, she says. Schellenberg spoke about being afraid in this area. “If someone steals from me obviously they need it. I was more shocked that I had to be so cautious when I went out. Here in Canada we take for granted that we can get up and walk around by ourselves.” Schellenberg’s group contributed a lot to the community. She spent time working with kids in townships and contributing to schools. “It is a beautiful place, it is breathtaking. In a township without your friends you have nothing, so everyone was so caring for each other. I missed this coming back. There is no such thing as personal space there, and I miss that.”
Since I’ve been a university student here in Fredericton people have asked me a lot of random questions. Questions like ‘Do you guys have television and computers in the Bahamas?’ and ‘Wow, is this your first time in jeans?’ and ‘Do you guys ride dolphins around the islands?’ Sometimes I have a little fun and say something like ‘Yea man we ride dolphins everywhere! Even to school and work!’ Most people usually catch on to my sarcasm, apologize and leave. It is so funny to hear the questions that people come up with, and I have been shocked by their ignorance many times. Culture in my country is influenced by the United States, so of course we wear jeans and listen to some of the same music as Canadians. In fact I think that my country is more developed than Frederiction. Many people are of mixed heritage. We have people who are mixed with Chinese, Indian and even American. But we all share our Bahamian culture in
common. It is important for Canadian students to become educated about the ways of other countries so that they can better understand international students. There is nothing wrong with asking questions, but don’t ask ignorant things like whether or not this is my first time in jeans. This sort of information is widely available over the internet, so think about looking it up before you ask. Most international students I’ve spoken to are well travelled and educated. In my experience, the average international student is bilingual and has travelled to at least three different countries in the world. For most international students, Fredericton is a small place in the middle of nowhere. It is a huge change from the life that they are used to. A lot of students come from big countries like China or Brazil, where they live the big city life. It is wrong for Canadian students to assume that a student who isn’t from Canada is from an underdeveloped place. Further, this kind of thinking is completely ignorant. I think that international students and Canadian students have a lot to learn from each other. International students can share their culture and express what life is like at home, while Canadian students can introduce different aspects of the Canadian culture. The sharing of cultural differences enriches education and provides students with well-rounded experiences.
Check out thebruns.ca for web exclusive content daily!
thebruns.ca
brunswickanarts arts@thebruns.ca
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 •8
One down, one to go for the Beaverbrook Art Gallery
One of the province’s most famous and contentious legal battles in recent history has come to an end. It’s been over five years since the Beaverbrook Art Gallery began legal proceedings with the UK branch of the Beaverbrook Foundation over some of the gallery’s most important works, but the final verdict on who owns the paintings fell in the gallery’s favour several weeks ago. The decision of the appeal board following the appeal by the UK foundation in March 2007 upheld the previous ruling in the Gallery’s favour. Of the 133 works in dispute, the gallery was able to keep 85. Some of the most contentious works include J.M.W Turner’s Fountains of Indolence and Lucian Freud’s Hotel Bedroom, which together are estimated to be worth $30 million. Other disputed works include: paintings from Graham Sutherland’s collection, a major Krieghoff, and two works of the legendary Salvador Dali – portraits of Lord and Lady Dunn. Despite the impending second arbitration with the Canadian branch of the Beaverbrook Foundation concerning the gallery’s collection, Bernie Riordon, chief executive officer of the Beaverbrook Art
Doug Estey / The Brunswickan
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery has won the first of two battles for the rights to a large number of original works behind its doors, legally re-establishing its rights to 85 of the original 133. Part of protecting this legacy meant protecting the paintings that Beaverbrook left for the gallery when he opened it 50 years ago. Whether or not they were gifts or loans (as the Fredericton and the UK branches of the Beaverbrook Foundation claim respectively), the paintings are highly regarded by the gallery. “These paintings are very central to the collection. Lord Beaverbrook gave the gallery and its contents to the people
of New Brunswick. It is very important to our cultural patrimony – for New Brunswick and for Canada,” says Riordon. And the gallery itself was a gift to the place Lord Beaverbrook called home. Prior to the construction of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, people in the area had to travel far and wide to see a collection of the same caliber. “Normally, you would have to go to London, Paris, New York or Washington,
or Ottawa, where the Masterworks are found, to see the kind of paintings that we have in our city of Fredericton. It is something very special and something that makes us very privileged,” says Riordon. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is open every day from 9 a.m. (and 12 p.m. on Sundays) to 5:30 p.m. (or 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is $3 for students, except on Thursdays when the admission is by donation.
Margaret Atwood is at it again Brian Reads Books Brian Savoie Margaret Atwood is arguably one of the greatest contributors to the literary field in the last hundred years. Her novels have been published around the world and several are studied in schools across North America. So this review isn’t about whether this book is good or not. Of course it’s good! She could spit on a stack of papers, call it a manuscript and her publishers would write essays about the deep symbolism involved. I have yet to read an Atwood novel that I haven’t liked and Year of the Flood is no exception. The setting is complex, the characters are deep and they evolve dramatically as the tale unfolds; the book is impossible to put down. There is a catch, however. With this novel, Margaret Atwood has done what is normally considered a literary “faux pas”: she wrote a sequel. Six years ago she wrote a novel called Oryx and Crake, which rose to critical acclaim
cd reviews by andrew olsvik.
Alison Clack The Brunswickan
Gallery, is not terribly concerned about the process. “Well, we feel that it should be something settled very quickly. We have a model based on the decision of Mr. Corey and the appeal panel who agreed with Mr. Corey’s decision, dismissing the appeal of the UK foundation. There obviously is something to learn from the experience of all of these wise men and to use the model.” Riordon’s confidence belies how important he believes the Beaverbrook Art Gallery is to the city of Fredericton and the people of New Brunswick. In his opinion, the gallery is vastly important to the city’s cultural well-being, making the gallery’s job very important. “Our core functions are: the collection of art – [we currently are showing] the Masterworks, which we currently have [on loan] from the national gallery, so it’s a venue for people to see art from around the world; art education, which is very important in terms of young people and art classes; and of course advocacy in the arts. “So, [the gallery] has these core functions that are very important for the quality of life for the citizens of New Brunswick,” says Riordon. Riordon also believes part of the gallery’s job is to protect the legacy Lord Beaverbrook left New Brunswick when he created the gallery. “We are custodians of a major – world class – collection of art,” says Riordon.
Sunny Day Real Estate Diary Fifteen years ago, Sunny Day Real Estate released their debut album Diary and went on to become one of the most influential rock bands of the nineties. This month, Sub Pop has reissued Diary on LP and CD, complete with two bonus tracks and detailed linear notes. Though
and commercial success. Oryx and Crake was second to none and is still a book I try to read once a year. It’s set in the near future after humanity was wiped out by a flesh eating virus that spread rampantly through most of the human population. Year of the Flood returns to Atwood’s near dystopian future of earth. The book follows the stories of two women through whose eyes the end of the world is played out. They struggle to survive, flirt with madness and reminisce about the years prior to the “waterless flood”. It sounds great; it sounds interesting. It sounds almost exactly like what she wrote six years ago with Oryx and Crake. It takes place in the same city as Oryx and Crake. Oryx and Crake are in the fucking book! Unfortunately, though it never really claimed to be, Year of the Flood is no sequel. A sequel I could understand and even approve of, but this novel felt more like a re-write of its predecessor. It was a similar plot told through a different perspective. The book did shed light on many things from Oryx and Crake that the reader never really understood. Atwood covered orgins of certain groups and people and even gave us
Sunny Day Real Estate are often considered the godfathers of the emo genre, their music is far from the contemporary idea of emo. In the place of acoustic strumming and cut wrists, soaring guitars and ferocious drumming serve as a background for frontman Jeremy Enigk’s angelic wails. Their songs are often as heavy as they are beautiful, and have influenced countless bands of all genres from hardcore to pop punk, indie to post rock and beyond. Diary is a critically acclaimed album that currently holds the seventh position on the list of the best selling Sub Pop albums of all time, and is a necessity for the record collection of any indie rock lover.
a few insights into Crake’s mentality and his virus. Like I said before, Year of the Flood is a great read and I loved it, but I don’t think that I would have enjoyed or even have been able to follow it half as well if I wasn’t familiar with Oryx and Crake. My advice is to go out and read Oryx and Crake. If you like it, then go ahead and read Year of the Flood. I honestly cannot say whether or not this book would be good without the first; thus I have to give this book 3 half melted human zombies out of 5.
Raekwon – Only Built For Cuban Linx Pt. II Although he rose to fame as a member of the influential Wu-Tang Clan in the early nineties, Raekwon went on to release one of the best hiphop records of all time, Only Built For Cuban Linx. Not only did the Mafioso themes of the album be-
come a reference point for the albums of countless rappers to come, it influenced hiphop as a culture profoundly. Fourteen years later, Raekwon returns triumphantly with Only Built For Cuban Linx Pt. II, featuring guest appearances by fellow Wu-Tang members and electrifying production by the RZA, Dr. Dre and Inspectah Deck. While Pt. II could never live up to its predecessor, Raekwon managed to create one of the most refreshing mainstream hip-hop releases of the year and living proof that not all album sequels are terrible. For opposing evidence, see Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3.
brunswickanarts
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 9
KISS and makeup: gore to the fore front what’s up in fredericton.
Christopher Olson The Link
Book reading by John Bemrose @ Memorial Hall Thursday, October 8 at 8pm
It could have been the KISS album he got for his 11th birthday, or seeing “Star Wars” in theatres for the first time, or catching “Bride of Frankenstein” on TV, but experiencing all three in one week was all it took to get Olivier Xavier into special effects. Film special effects guru Xavier has seen more blood, sweat and tears on more foam latex mannequins than most men or women have in a lifetime of watching movies. This weekend, he’s the Artist Guest of Honour at CON*CEPT 2009, a science fiction and fantasy convention in Montreal. Xavier has come a long way since his first stop-motion films, in which he tossed mannequins from rooftops and captured it all on his father’s Super 8 camera. He eventually enrolled at Concordia University with the hopes of becoming a filmmaker. “The other students were doing films about heavy subjects like suicide,” he says. “The thing is, when those guys were doing those very deep movies that ended with someone killing themselves, they’d call me in to do the blood and gore.” Xavier quit Concordia before completing his major when he had the opportunity to apprentice at Radio-Canada’s FX department. He later studied under the tutelage of Hollywood makeup artist Nick Smith, whose credits include The Exorcist. Xavier eventually created his own studio in Montreal, TEXA FX. Most of his special effects go by in
The third of a series of readings put on by the University of New Brunswick will take place on Thursday, featuring MacLean’s contributor and Giller Prize finalist John Bemrose.
50th Anniversary Legacy Collection @ TBAG From October 2 to January 4, 2010
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is proudly presenting its 50th Anniversary Legacy Collection, featuring 150 works of art including Canadian folk art by Susan Murrary and woodworking by the late Gordon Dunphy.
Bryan Lee @ The James Joyce Pub Friday, October 16 at 8pm
Harvest Jazz and Blues debuts their renowned Encore series with New Orleans master of guitar Bryan Lee for one night only at the James Joyce Pub. Tickets are available at www.ticketpro.ca or by calling (506) 454--2583.
Indigenous art with Terrence Houle @ TBAG Submitted
One of Olivier Xavier’s costume designs. a flash, Xavier says. His work on the critically-panned “Island of the Dead” featured a $15,000 mannequin designed to explode in gory fashion. “It had a zillion [pieces of debris] flying out of it and [the directors] just – whoosh –panned right by it and you don’t see shit,” he recalls. “The other thing is you can spend three hours doing makeup and they will always shoot the close-up at the end of a 15-hour day,” when, he adds, the makeup is starting to look worn out. After reading dozens of bad-to-medi-
ocre scripts for upcoming Hollywood productions, Xavier has decided to try his hand at writing his own film script, a throwback to early science fiction, called “The Allan Storm Chronicles.” The cast for the film has already been chosen. All he needs now is the funding. “I’m not saying I’m going to be the next Lucas,” says Xavier of the “Star Wars” mastermind. “But it’s the kind of movie that I wanted to watch as a kid.” To view some of Olivier Xavier’s past work and to see his short film “Punisher vs. Wolverine,” visit texafx.com.
Thursday, October 8 at 7pm
Internationally known artist Terrence Houle will be in Fredericton this week at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery to discuss issues pertaining to indigenous art. He will also be presenting his short film and performance Landscape.
The Canadian Songbook Tour @ The Playhouse Thursday, October 15 at 8pm
Murray McLauchlan, Barney Bentall, Catherine MacLellan and Nathan Rogers - four artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds - will be performing at the Fredericton Playhouse on October 15 in a special acoustic concert.
Andy Brown & friends @ The Capital Bar Sunday, October 11 at 10pm
Hard-working Fredericton resident Andy Brown and band will be charming the Capital Bar on Sunday. You don’t have anything else to do on Sunday nights, so you should really come check it out.
brunswickansports
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 10
sports@thebruns.ca
UNB student pioneers mixed martial arts Colin McPhail The Brunswickan
As the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is expanding, interesting stories are surfacing left and right and Fredericton is the setting for one of them. Pro fighter and UNB student Dana Dickeson has taken what he learned from his peers and experiences and is passing it on to the community. In May of 2008, Dickeson joined longtime friend Andy Young’s Evolution Fight and Fitness Club. Today, the club offers a wide variety of classes and counselling for over 160 students. Half of the classes are co-ed, while the other is for women only. While Young teaches several cardio boxing classes and karate classes, Dickeson’s primary focus is in Brazilian jiu-jitsu where he teaches around 20 individuals. He also focuses on Muai Thai boxing and is preparing a brand new MMA class with Young. Dickeson’s reasonably priced classes are held three times a week and push the limits of any regular workout. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is basically a submission and positioning type of groundfighting system,” said Dickeson. “We train people here that are interested in competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, interested in competing in mixed martial arts, and also people who just want to get fit because it’s such a great workout.” Dickeson was first introduced to martial arts during his childhood, and he was an avid participant in judo. He only started training in MMA during his twenties. He left home and entered the RCMP for five years starting in 2000 and would later go on to be a Toronto City Policeman for the following two years. During that time, he learned a variety of defence tactics – most of which derive from martial arts. The Fredericton-native worked steadily with a partner studying and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and became hooked. After being abroad working, training and fighting for eight years, Dickeson returned home, but only to find that there
Sandy Chase / The Brunswickan
Dana Dickeson not only teaches and studies mixed martial arts, but is a full-time UNB Business student and can boast a 5-1 MMA record. was minimal interest in MMA. Taking hold of the reins, he opened a gym on the north side of Fredericton in June of 2007. Shortly thereafter, he collaborated with Young’s gym and found himself in the middle of a progressive business venture. MMA i has been gaining momentum in the community over the past few years and Dickeson has found many new clients, but his philosophy has stayed the same. “I didn’t start as a means to make a living, but as a means to be able to train and I think I kept that philosophy right through and it keeps it enjoyable.” By staying true to his philosophy, Dickeson was able to string together a
successful MMA career with a 5-1 record. In his first bout, he managed a TKO in 51 seconds. The Evolution Fight and Fitness Club caters to those who are trying to stay in shape, but also can provide the intensity and commitment needed for those who are looking to jumpstart their MMA career. However, Dickeson, speaking from experience, warns potential fighters that dedication is needed. “What we want to see is commitment. You’re in and you’re learning all the elements…when a year, a year and half goes by and you’ve proven that you’re serious; then we can start to look at taking it to the next level.”
the brunswickan presents
the panel voice your opinion
However, you don’t need any intention of entering the ring to join the club. Dickeson emphasizes the importance of knowing that this is place isn’t just for fighters. It caters to the recreational fitness types, which actually comprises about 95 per cent of the cliental. “You don’t have to want to fight. This is the new wave of martial arts. These systems are effective for self-defence, they’re great for fitness, and they’re generally low impact. Here you can pace yourself accordingly, you can work at your own level – it’s a workout that’s second to none.” “There’s nutrition counselling, boot camps, fitness camps – this is the one stop shop. It’s a hard workout, but it’s
What is your favorite sports tradition?
Colin McPhail
Tony von Richter
Josh O’Kane
Without a doubt it is playing hockey on Tide Head’s outdoor rink during the holidays. Having sweat frozen to the side of my face and no feeling in my toes just makes it that more sweet. The longer the pickup game – the better.
Hockey Night in Canada without question. Even though you can now find a game on any night of the week thanks to TSN and NHL Centre Ice there’s still something special about turning on CBC on a Saturday night, especially when the Leafs are playing.
My favorite sports tradition is backing my brother up no matter what, because I am a biased asshole.
Sports Editor
so motivating when you’re training with a group.” Even though Dickeson is juggling his role at the gym, his training, being a pro fighter and a full-time student, he is still ecstatic about being a part of this fast-growing phenomenon. “To me it’s the spirit of the sport and I want people to understand it and see how great of a sport it is. The more people that support it, the more room it has for growth in the province and in the Maritimes. It’s an exciting time. We’re pioneering the sport. It’s kind of cool, you know, to be at the bottom of something.” More information about the club can be obtained at fightandfitness.ca.
CUP Sports Bureau Chief
Sports Fan
Sandy Chase Varsity Red
My favorite sports tradition has to be playoffs beards and Sidney Crosby’s lack of one.
brunswickansports
Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143 • 11
Women’s soccer earns first win A frustrating weekend for men’s soccer
Alex Wickwire The Brunswickan
It was a much better weekend for the Reds women’s soccer as they notched their first victory of the season, defeating Mount Allison 1-0 and falling short to a tough UPEI team 1-0. The Mounties came from Sackville to Chapman field to face the Varsity Reds. Saturday’s perfect weather made for ideal conditions with no wind or rain to disrupt play. A tight match with both teams playing tremendously hard in midfield resulted in no solid goal attempts for either side in the first half. Ball possession was equal and both goal keepers did not see much work. The second half was more of the same defensive struggle for both sides. No shots on goal occurred until Robyn Potter made an excellent run away from her marker into the six yard box; she put one touch on a fabulous through ball, and redirected it into the back of the net. That ended up being the only goal of the match. “It’s good to win,” said Coach Andy Cameron with a smile. “We put in effort; I’d say the key is effort.” This was a bright spot in what has been a very tough season for the Reds so far. After being on the wrong end of a few too many close games, the Reds were happy to win on their home field. The game was relatively quiet in terms of foul play; however, Kara Johnson was booked in the 77th minute. She received
Upcoming V-Reds Events Friday, October 9th Women’s basketball Helen Campbell Tournament @UNB Men’s basketball Eric Garland Tournament @UNB Men’s volleyball UBC @ UNB @AUC Hockey UNB @ PROVIDENCE 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10th Women’s basketball Helen Campbell Tournament @UNB Men’s basketball Eric Garland Tournament @UNB Men’s volleyball UBC @ UNB @AUC Sunday, October 11th Women’s basketball Helen Campbell Tournament @UNB Men’s basketball Eric Garland Tournament @UNB Friday, October 16th Swimming Amby Legere AUS Inv. @UNB Hockey UPEI @ UNB 7:00 p.m. @AUC
Alex Wickwire The Brunswickan
Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan
Coach Andy Cameron can breathe easier now that the Reds earned their first three points in the AUS standings. a yellow card for an overly aggressive challenge on a MTA defender. On the other end, the coach had positive words regarding his own defense. “We defended well as a unit,” commented Cameron about his team. UNB had been lacking consistency in their defensive efforts all season, however Saturday’s game showed great improvements in their back line and midfield. The defense ran a fundamental offside
trap and saw plenty of success, stopping Mountie offensive threats late into the game to preserve the win. A 1-0 clean sheet victory was just what they needed. Traveling to Prince Edward Island on Sunday the Reds could not obtain the same result, losing to the UPEI Panthers 1-0. The Reds now sit four points out of a playoff spot and look to close the gap as they host Moncton on Saturday Oct. 17.
It was a wearisome weekend for the Varsity Reds men’s soccer team as they settled for another draw against Mount Allison and were defeated in a tight match with UPEI. The Reds now sit in 4th spot and are seven points behind first place. “We put our foot down those final 10 to 15 minutes to try and get that winning goal but obviously we just couldn’t find the back of the net,” coach Myles Pinsent said regarding Saturday’s match against Mount Allison. The V-Reds Men’s soccer team hosted the Mounties on Saturday at Chapman field for a thrilling match with an unfavorable result. Reds usual starting forward Galen Smith was suspended from this match, giving Jason Bessey a start as striker. Bessey wasted no time after kick-off, taking a well placed pass from Shea Nordheim and putting a shot on goal in the fifth minute only to have Mountie keeper Travis Sandberg make the save. In the 21st minute, team captain Ken Morrison also put a shot in, but Sandberg denied him as well. Morrison wasn’t done, taking a corner kick shortly after and curling it into the top corner of the net. UNB took an early 1-0 lead.
Morrison stated “[I] was just trying to get it on goal.” The action continued in the 31st minute when Will Allen dribbled around three Mt. A players and hit the post. The V-Reds controlled the ball approximately 60 per cent of the first 45 minutes and looked to have a good hold on the game heading into halftime. The second half opened for the Mounties as the first half did for the Reds, with a quick chance at goal. The Reds back line made a crucial error that allowed Mt. A striker Iain Macleod to dribble alone inside the 18 yard box and deliver a shot past an outstretched Matt Lally into the bottom corner of the goal. “We made a mistake and they got a goal out of it,” said coach Pinsent regarding the 49th minute equalizer. In the 68th minute after the Mounties defended a goal attempt, a lucky bounce gave Ken Morrison a decent angle to shoot from 20 yards out, but the captain kicked it over the crossbar and showed obvious frustration on the field. UNB Keeper Matt Lally made nine saves on the day and took home the player of the game honour. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Players were obviously disappointed in themselves once the final whistle blew; they looked deflated and angry during their post game cool down. Traveling to UPEI on Sunday, the Reds frustration from Saturday’s game carried over and affected them negatively as they lost 1-0 to the Panthers. The Reds will have a chance to refocus with a bye this weekend. The men are back in action Saturday Oct. 17 as Moncton visits.
brunswickanhealth
12 • Oct. 7, 2009 • Issue 5 • Volume 143
Finding time to stay fit Elizabeth Giesbrecht
Yoga with a laugh
The Brunswickan
Ivana Pelisek
Too much beer and late nights are excellent except when two weeks of party lifestyle pass and the late-night boogying are the only physical activities you can recall doing. The truth is that well-being is all-inclusive and all too easy to forget. As a Renaissance College student, I am challenged in my schoolwork, and consequently my lifestyle, to analyse what I’m doing in many different aspects, including personal wellbeing. In my first year of university I created a model of what wellbeing meant to me. It seemed like an insignificant assignment but forced me to understand personal well-being in a new way: we have an obligation to ourselves. It’s pretty easy to achieve inner peace if we listen to ourselves, and this makes life a whole lot easier. Sounds good, right? So, how can we live our lives with freedom and excitement? Balance and routine seem like unnecessarily daunting accomplishments sometimes and this is detrimental to my life as a student. I don’t like to always have to be somewhere. We are here expanding our minds and that should involve personal choices and freedom. I’m here to go to school but also to live my life, so I analyse my success partially through my wellbeing in the model I created. I suggest you do the same. Meal hall or grocery bills might get your belly down, so get your heart rate up. Before Saturday night and after greasy
LONDON, Ont. (CUP) – Looking to add more satisfaction to your everyday routine? Yoga, in the form of laughter, may be just what the doctor ordered. Rapidly changing the way people ease tension in their lives, laughter yoga is making waves among those of us who live life in the fast (and stressful) lane. Based on a simple, yet profound concept, laughter yoga combines exercise with a sense of humour to provide revolutionary health benefits to the mind, body, and soul. Envisioned by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria of Mumbai, laughter yoga began as nothing more than a recreational club in the spring of 1995. With only five members at its inception, the “belly laugh” workout has since grown to the status of having more than 5,000 social laughter clubs in more than 60 countries across the globe. As explained on the founder’s website, its premise is quite clever: “laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and playfulness, developing into real and contagious laughter. It is meant to be a combination of laughing and yoga breathing, in order to bring more oxygen to the body and the brain. Laughter yoga is based on the assumption that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, and that their physiological and psychological benefits are thus identical.” The connection between yoga and laughter comes from deep within the core. As one laughs, one’s abdominals rapidly
Interrobang
Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan
Make sure to work on finding time to stay fit - working on your wardrobe comes next. post-Friday night brunch, take a stroll Mother Nature is putting on a wicked to the park with your buds or jog to the show; don’t miss it. Tickle your senses library for a quick study session. Know with the natural playground and keep that it’s okay to spend a rainy Sunday in living like you like to. Scheduling doesn’t have to be concrete bed as long as you avoid taking the easy way out every other time, like taking a or get you down. We have so many hours cab somewhere that is walkable. Make each day and so much opportunity that simple adjustments in your everyday life. enhancing the way we live our life can be Going to the gym or for a run is becom- so easy. You’ll look even better walking ing increasingly appealing with the falling to get to class on time if you slip spurts of leaves and wet ground, but we forget to physical engagement into your everyday take advantage of the outdoor time we routine. Life can settle and keep going have left. Grab a Frisbee and head to an forward if you don’t neglect yourself. Keep fit and have fun! open space. Fredericton is incredible and
contract and expand, in effect tightening the underlying belly muscles. In turn, this causes an increase in oxygen intake which works to effectively flush toxins from one’s body and bloodstream. According to Duncan Cook, a laughter yoga practitioner, there are many benefits beyond the physiological ones to encourage getting involved with this workout regime. Aside from its ability to bring buffness to your bod, strengthen your immune system, and even potentially diminish the signs of aging on your face, “contact with others in a laughter session offers people a place where they can be as they are, rather than how they should be. This is especially beneficial in a societal culture where constraints are placed on individuals to perform or behave in particular way[s].” Aubrey Brownne, an 83 year old retired Londoner and laughter yoga enthusiast, is certainly convinced of the exercise’s merits: “it is the best part of each and every day for me. Doing these exercises makes me feel young again and like I can do anything…all I have to do is smile and my troubles seem meaningless.” In Dr. Kataria’s view, “one minute of mirthful laughter is equivalent to a 10-minute cardio workout on a rowing machine.” To this, Cook adds that a, “laughter yoga session can [also be regarded as a form of] meditation, wherein the mind is allowed to rest for a period of time. This is important for any system - human or otherwise [and] this contributes to calming the mind stream, in turn leaving space for greater awareness to take place.” For more information on how you can participate in a laughter yoga session, visit www.joyoflaughteryoga.ca for details.