Issue 26, Vol 141, The Brunswickan

spoof! // the bruns presents cocktail >> insert inside

Volume 121 Issue 3 · Aug. 28, 2008

thebruns.ca

the brunswickan canada’s oldest official student publication.

Proving their ‘metal’

Melanie Bell sits down with former PM, Paul Martin

Breakfast with Dickie

amorningmealwiththeathleticdirector

Students at NBCCD show off metal working talent in new exhibition

News, page 2

Sports, page 10

Arts, page 7

One on One

VP External Elect resigns

Maple Leaf stands up for Lady Reds Mitchell Bernard

Council looks to hire for vacant position Mitchell Bernard The Brunswickan

The incoming Student Union executive will be working as a four member team, as the elected member Tim Ross resigned from the position after much pressure from both the current executive and the council.

Ross, a third-year Renaissance College student, was elected in the February general election as the VP External, though he resigned from the position shortly after, on April 3.

A letter of resignation was read to council on Thursday night on behalf of Ross, stating that he understood the concern with his inability to fulfill his duties as VP External because he would be out of the country on a two-month internship. He explained that though he understood the conflict, he saw a fundamental flaw with the executive positions and therefore exclusion of Renaissance College students from holding executive positions.

Bethany Vail, current VP Academic and incoming President, described the situation as “unfortunate”, explaining that they now had to do the best they could with the situation at hand.

“It’s an unfortunate situation to be in, but there’s nothing we can do now. We are going to move forward and do the best we can.”

In place now is a five-member committee that will appoint a person to then be approved by a two third majority of the Student Union council. Since last week’s council meeting was its last, the union will have to call an emergency meeting and hope that quorum can be met in order to approve a new executive member by May 1.

Vail explains that if this option does not work, the president can appoint a member to work in the interim until council can meet to approve the appointed person, explaining that “Again, I know it’s not an ideal situation, but we are following the by-laws and doing what is best with the circumstances we have been dealt.”

The Brunswickan

Darryl Boyce has laced up his skates with the Toronto Marlies and the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, but at heart, he’s still a Varsity Reds fan. And like most other V-Reds fans, this NHL’er is standing up for the now-defunct varsity women’s hockey team.

While working in rehab from a serious shoulder injury suffered during his first NHL game in late January, Boyce was more than willing to speak to The Brunswickan about the loss of what he saw as an important component of the V-Reds system.

“I don’t feel that it’s right for the teams to be cut from the university; I don't understand the reasoning behind it,” said Boyce, who spent two seasons at UNB and was a member of the 2006-07 National Champion men’s hockey team before signing a minor-league deal with the Toronto organization.

“I am a product of our UNB men’s hockey team, and now I've played in the NHL,” said Boyce. “So who knows, maybe we’ll have a woman at UNB who will have a shot with the women’s national team.”

Aside from being impacted as a former UNB athlete, Boyce added that the decision to cut women’s hockey hit close to home. His sister, Danielle, played women’s hockey for the Mount Allison Mounties in the AUS before transferring to the University of Calgary to play for the Dinos.

“I just don't think this is fair to the athletes...

I have been around women’s hockey for a long time [and] I believe women’s hockey is very important not just to UNB, but to all universities,” said Boyce. “[It] gives women the opportunity to continuing playing at a high level of hockey just like the men’s university hockey does.”

Like most people, Boyce has heard the justifications made by the university and the athletics department for cutting the hockey team. And like most people, he’s refusing to buy the excuses.

“Funding can't be an issue [since] they are building new soccer fields and new workout facilities,” commented Boyce, pointing to the recent renovation and improvement of Chapman Field and the proposed construction

Courtesy of Andrei Tokarev

Darryl Boyce has progressed quickly through the Toronto organization, playing for both the Marlies and the Maple Leafs this season.

His ties to UNB, however, have not weakened, and he is now speaking out in support of the women’s hockey team. of the Richard J. Currie Centre, expected to begin soon.

The reasons, he added, don’t necessarily matter. The result is the problem.

“The only thing I know is that if you take the women’s hockey team away from UNB, you’re taking away dreams, you’re taking away fun, and you’re taking away an exciting product from the fans,” explained Boyce.

“All you’re left with is a lot of disappointed people.”

When Boyce suited up for the Maple Leafs to take on the Washington Capitals, he became arguably UNB’s most successful men’s hockey alumnus. Boyce ensured that he would, if possible, use his newfound celebrity to help his former hockey counterparts.

“I don't know if there is a role for me, but I know I would stand up for the right of the women’s hockey team to remain a university sport at UNB,” commented Boyce.

“I would do anything I could to see that through.”

“...if you take the women’s hockey team away from UNB, you’re taking away dreams, you’re taking away fun, and you’re taking away an exciting product from the fans.”

- Darryl Boyce

Jennifer McKenzie / The Brunswickan

Gone but not forgotten: a sombre anniversary One year later six Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan are remembered for their contributions

by Lauren Kennedy

Kevin Kennedy, Donald Lucas, Aaron Williams, David Greenslade, Christopher Stannix, and Brent Poland. To some people, these names won’t ring a bell, but to others, these are the names of fallen heroes.

Last Easter Sunday, April 8, the vehicle these six men and three others were traveling in struck

a roadside bomb, resulting in the worse lose of life during a single day for the Canadian Forces since Korea.

This year marks the one-year anniversary of the deaths of these soldiers.

Lee Windsor, professor and Deputy Director of the Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Conflict, was in Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces as the unit historian and a historian for the second Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment when the incident occurred.

“I remember it being a very hot day, one of the first times the blistering heat of the summer was starting to be felt. The temperature rose over 40 degrees Celsius,” he described. “We received word back at the command post that something had happened and when it became clear that they were dead in a vehicle, a cold wind blew through the post.”

According to Windsor, everyone was conscious of what the day signified. It was the 90th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge

and Easter Sunday back home, so the loss of these men struck everyone who was stationed in Afghanistan hard.

“The fact that it was practically a whole section gone at once came as a huge blow. It took a little while to sink in,” he said of the mood overseas. “It was a blow to realize that ‘OK, it’s not one man coming in, not two, not three. It’s four, it’s five, it’s six, and then another three were injured.”

The six men who died were all from the same section: the Hotel Company, 22 Bravo. The group was known as the jokesters, always ones to clown around, remembered Windsor.

“This section of guys was considered to be the best of the best, not just soldiers, but guys who were loved in their company, Hotel Company.

Every one of those guys was a good person,” said Windsor.

This particular group was most times stationed out in the desert while most other units were stationed closer to cities. They had very

little contact back at the base but even still, being far out in the desert, they still had a lot of morale and boosted it for everyone around them, he fondly recalls.

“They were the ones who kept everyone smiling through a tough job and when it became known it was them, it hit everyone hard.”

A regiment like the one the six came from is molded as a type of family unit. They are seen as one, a family who works together and is strong together, and when a significant loss occurs, whether it be one or more men, the loss is felt throughout the family.

When Canadians started to move into the Afghanistan area soon after September 11, 2001, the Taliban and drug gangs ruled the area. Canadians were stationed to secure this area and create peace and order, not just for citizens, but to help the government rebuild the growth within the country and attempt to reconstruct what had been destroyed. Basically, they were stationed to help redevelop the

war-torn country.

Regardless of where people sit on Canada’s purpose in the mission, Windsor explains that they were still people who believed in something.

“Regardless of where people sit on the mission, these guys didn’t pick it. They were there because they believed in something that was bigger than themselves and saw a better world for others.”

Lieutenant (Navy) Brian Owens is the Public Affairs Officer for CFB Gagetown and remembers the day like it was only yesterday.

“I remember getting a phone call the morning of Easter Sunday at 7:15 with the report to come into work,” he described. “I remember thinking, maybe it was one that died, but when I realized it was six, the shock hit everyone.”

Owens explained that as soon as the deployment left Base Gagetown on January 2007,

see Soldiers page 2

News

2 • April 9, 2008 • Issue 26

One on one with a former PM: Paul Martin talks to the Bruns Following last week’s Lightbulb Lecture, The Brunswickan sits down with former Prime Minister Paul Martin to discuss international development

by Melanie Bell

The Right Honourable Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada, addressed UNB students and Fredericton residents on March 31. As the inaugural speaker of the Lightbulb Lecture Series, Engineers Without Borders UNB’s first sustainable lecture series featuring high-profile speakers, Martin’s delivered a lecture focused on “How can government and businesses help economic development in Africa?”

Reporter Melanie Bell spoke with Mr. Martin about his involvement and views on international development.

The Brunswickan: With the five consecutive budget surpluses you recorded as Finance Minister, did any of that money go towards Lester B. Pearson’s 0.7% pledge?

Paul Martin: Oh yes. We used that money to double our aid to Africa, which we promised to do by 2010, or actually 2008, and then to increase it beyond that. [It also] went to Darfur and a special allocation of 90M of that, as an example, went to AIDS relief. So we doubled our aid to Africa and then on top of that, we put in a whole series of special programs using that money.

B: As of yet, Canada has not reached the 0.7%. What factors have played into that?

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Paul Martin spoke at the inaugural Lightbulb Lecture on March 31st, at the Dineen Auditorium at Head Hall.

PM: Well, initially we had a huge defi- Accord had any influence on your cur- not get adequate housing, good educacit and we had to deal with that. Then, rent projects abroad? tion, and good healthcare. as we came out of that deficit, obviously PM: Oh yes, it has a tremendous B: I read that you are co-chairing the there were many areas, from education influence. Kelowna is essentially to High Level Advisory Panel of the Afrito health care, that were under-funded. provide provision—decent education, can Development Bank Group. What As soon as has that experiwe got our“Too often, when dealing with the ence been like selves into for you and in developing world, we try to impose what capacity a surplus have you parposition, we our own views on them... I think started init’s sometimes pretty important to ticipated?

PM: I do creasing. We listen to them” two things. I didn’t want co-chair the to increase - Paul martin High Level it all of a Panel advising sudden and then cut it. We wanted to have a steady healthcare, and housing—and while the African Development Bank. It’s the series of increases over a 10-15 year pe- the current government has reneged most important African-owned develon that, I do not believe Canadians will opment institution and it’s now wellriod and that’s what we’re doing.

B: Has your work on the Kelowna stand for any sector of our country to financed, but it’s really got to focus very

heavily on the areas where it can have some more influence. We basically said that those are the infrastructural and vocational training needed. The other project I’ve got is the Congo Rainforest, which is the second largest rainforest in the world, the largest of Africa, and it is being deforested at a rapid rate. It is essentially one of the world’s major lungs, in terms of climate change. So we’re just getting going on that.

B: What about your work with the African Common Market?

PM: The common market is very important because Africa is basically a bunch of very small countries with very small markets, and what they have to do is give themselves a larger market so they can be much more self-sufficient. I’m spending a lot of time on that.

B: Currently, eastern and southern Africa are involved, yes?

PM: Yes, those are two of the regional associations, and there’s a third in western Africa. But the problem is that you’ve got to bring all of Africa together.

B: What initiatives are you working on towards that?

PM: It’s really a question of working with the G8 countries and hopefully convincing them that they’ve got to participate, along with the richer African countries, in helping the poorer ones in adjusting to a common market.

B: What skills from your jobs as Finance Minister, businessman, Prime Minister, and from all the other different roles that you’ve played, are you finding most useful for your work in international development?

PM: I think the most important skill is understanding where the other side is coming from. Too often, when dealing with the developing world, we try to impose our own views on them, and I think it’s sometimes pretty important to listen to them, because what we sometimes think is just a refusal to act. Really, they’ve got some very legitimate reasons and problems they have to overcome,

but we can help them.

B: I read on your website that you are involved in the Leaders L20 Forum. In what capacity are you involved in that?

PM: Well, I’m pushing it. The G20 is a group of finance ministers with whom I was formerly very active. When I was Prime Minister, I really felt it should exist at the leaders’ level. The G8 is simply too small. It’s not representative enough without China and India, so I’m really pushing to see a leaders’ 20 created because I think that we cannot deal with the problems of this world unless China, Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico are at the table.

B: What would be your recommendation for students who want to make a difference in terms of international development?

PM: First of all, get an education. Get a very solid education. Then go abroad for a year. Work in another country, even a Third World country and get a feel for the problems so that you understand them. Then, you come back and you can go back into regular life, or you can go with an NGO or go with the government. But I think the most important thing is to get an education and develop an understanding of what it’s like in a developing country in reality, not just from books.

B: What’s been your own most integral experience in terms of traveling to another country and seeing the reality on the ground?

PM: I think it’s visiting Africans where you’ll see 30 one-room school houses with 30 chairs to serve anywhere from 6, 7, or 800 kids, to realize that some of those kids walk two hours in the morning and two hours back home at night. They’ve got huge responsibilities and huge dangers. It’s amazing that these kids get an education, but they do.

I would say [the best thing] was seeing the tremendous desire of these young people to overcome huge barriers to get an education.

Soldiers: A brotherhood from Soldiers page 1 they were on the edge of their seats waiting to get a phone call such as that one. He and the rest of the base back home knew the realities of the situation and expected they would get a phone call. They had hoped they never would but they expected it nonetheless – but nothing to the extent that it was.

“No one saw it coming, to have six gone like that was completely off the scale,” he said.

This was the largest deployment of soldiers from Gagetown since the base was founded in 1958.

A soldier’s life, as Owens explained, is one that goes from day to day. Soldiers are handed a mission or task and they simply do it. He feels that tragedies like this one, though sad, help people understand that soldiers are human, too.

“Even for me, I saw the looks when I walked in today (to the Student Union Building in uniform). People looked at me like ‘What are you doing here? Why are you here?’ Situations like this help

break down the myths surrounding us,” he described. “It shows that a soldier could be the person sitting across the table from you, or the person you go to school with, and people are now taking the time to understand us better.”

The government plans to have Canadians out of Afghanistan by 2011, and February 2009 is when the next deployment of soldiers will be sent from Gagetown, but as Owens explains, there will always be another mission on which to embark.

Nonetheless, he says that these brave men, who died for something they each believed in, will always be remembered.

Every time a soldier falls, their respective unit, fellow soldiers, and broader community takes the hit, explains Owens.

“They will always be in our minds, and we hope that we don’t have to go through something like this again,” he said. “Every time the phone rings on a weekend or late at night, the first thing I think is, ‘Oh God, what now.’ They will all be remembered, are all considered part of the forces of brotherhood. They will be missed.”

CLARIFICATION In the article “How safe do you feel on campus?” 46% of students agreed the campus was safe, while 36% strongly agreed the campus was safe. In total 82% of students agreed campus was safe.

News

Issue 26 • April 9, 2008 • 3

Earth Hour: A step towards a cleaner planet Earth Hour began last year in Sydney, Australia, and has now spread to a worldwide event

by Naomi Osborne An effort to conserve energy in Sydney, Australia, last year has now become a worldwide effort.

This year on March 29, from 8-9 pm, 24 cities across the globe turned off their lights and unplugged unnecessary power appliances to do their part in creating a greener world.

Fredericton was one of the cities that participated in this event. Local businesses and residents all over the

city took it upon themselves to help raise awareness of the effects of global warming and the dangers of greenhouse gas emissions.

Among local parties who participated were UNB, NB Power, the provincial government, the City of Fredericton, the Delta Fredericton Hotel, the Regent Mall, and Fredericton Volkswagen.

According to the Manager of Media Relations at NB Power, Heather MacLean, there was a significant reduction in energy consumption during Earth Hour.

“At 8:15 pm, we saw the electricity drop in the province by eight mega watts, which equates to 150,000 light bulbs being turned out,” said MacLean.

NB Power also played their part by encouraging their employees to participate.

They also created a province-wide

challenge to all sixth grade classes to come up with ideas on what they would do to reduce electricity consumption.

The company will be awarding up to twenty classes $1,000 each to put towards a class project. The money for this challenge is being raised through an inside promotion where employees sign up to switch to paperless power bills.

This is just one of the many things that NB Power has done to help promote energy efficiency.

The General Manager of the Delta Fredericton, Sara Holyoke, is one of the people on the hotel’s environmental committee who is very passionate about providing an energy-efficient hotel for their guests.

“I think people will come to our hotel because we are environmentally friendly. People are more educated and aware of environmental issues, so they are looking for that type of experience,”

said Holyoke.

They participated in Earth Hour by encouraging all of their guests to take part in the effort. The hotel provided an event in DJ Purdy’s called Cocktails

by Candlelight, where they served cheese fondue heated by candlelight. The whole bar was also done up in candles while an acoustic guitarist came in and entertained the guests.

“Our goal was to give them something to do for that hour when they couldn’t watch TV,” said Holyoke. “It was packed, and the guests loved it.”

In addition to participating in Earth Hour, the Delta is taking other steps to become more environmentally friendly.

They are in the process of developing “Green Menus” for people who hold conferences at the hotel, allowing them to save materials each conference.

They are also working on a composting program to help reduce the

amount of wasted food and beverages in the future. The entire hotel has been retrofitted with more energy efficient light bulbs.

The Delta is not the only business in the city that participated in Earth Hour that has big plans for the future to conserve energy. Fredericton Volkswagen is in the process of developing new technology to be launched in September that will create one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road.

Thor Olesen is the Dealer Principle at Volkswagen, and he feels that being conscious of conserving both energy and fuel is very important to them.

“We try to help out everyday, whether it’s recycling or taking more responsibility in conserving energy and fuel,” said Olesen.

All the staff at Volkswagen did their part to make sure that they put all their efforts into participating in Earth

Hour.

“We walked around and made sure every computer was turned off and we had to reset the timers for the outside lights to make sure they didn’t come on,” said Olesen. “It was a fairly nice day out, so we had the heat turned down very low, and all electronics were either unplugged or shut down.”

Other Volkswagen dealerships in cities like Halifax also participated. Olesen feels that it is Green Matters that deserves a lot of recognition for taking the initiative and involving others to come together and take part in the event. They are the ones who explained Earth Hour to businesses around the city.

“It’s not that people don’t want to do something, sometimes it’s a matter of not knowing,” said Olesen. “It is events like this that remind everybody to take these steps and make a difference. It’s a great reminder and initiative.”

College Hill votes: The candidates of Ward 11 Fredericton’s Municipal election is May 12th. The Brunswickan asks the people who want to make a change in Ward 11, where much of the university student vote lies.

Doug Pond Occupation: Consultant with the Local Governance and Community Infrastructure Branch, NB Department of Local Government Time lived in Fredericton: About seven years Attended UNB or STU: Neither, but had two children attend UNB.

Wendy Hebert Jordan Graham

Occupation: Student and Vice-President External, UNB Why should university students vote for you?

Student Union Over my 35-year career in radio, I constantly worked with Time lived in Fredericton: 3 years the 18-25 age group including UNB and STU as Program Attended UNB or STU: Both, currently UNB Director/Announcer with CIHI/KHJ radio here in Fredericton, with UWO/ London, and in Kingston with Queens. I was also on the advisory board of Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, for their broadcasting and communications program.

As a City Councilor in Moncton, I was the liaison Councilor for ABU and worked on many UdeM related projects. In all of these cities, relations were improved between students and residents by direct communication, not confrontation.

Students, student unions, the UNB and STU administration, and the City sometimes take each other for granted, but perceived barriers can only be removed with constant dialogue – not just when there is a crisis involving one group or all. Solutions and improved relations must have input and dialogue from everyone: students, administration, residents, and the City.

What makes you stand out over the other candidates?

My wife Karen and I have six grown children between the ages of 32-37 years old (two attended UNB) and 10 grandchildren. At 57, I still relate to all age groups and thanks to a 35-year broadcasting career and a big family, communicating is not a problem! As a former Councilor in Moncton, in addition to ABU, I was Liaison Councilor and board member for the Downtown Business Association, Tourism, City Art Gallery, and I was also a member of the Environment, Transportation, and the Downtown Development Board Committees to name a few. I also spent five years on the Codiac Regional Policing Authority, becoming Vice-Chair and head of the Finance Committee. I was also on the board of directors of the "Friends of the Zoo", YMCA Ambassador Committee, Honorary Past President of the Moncton Press Club, Kingston Kinsmen Club, and was a small business owner as well. I have vast experience with people, businesses, and civic administration. Also, I have worked with the NB Department of Local Government here in Fredericton.

Having lived in Fredericton and chosen to return to Fredericton, my exposure to life and universities in Edmonton, London, and Kingston in Ontario, as well as Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, gives me a perspective of how students and residents live and deal with day-to-day concerns and problems. I realize how lucky we are to call Fredericton and the surrounding area "home".

How will you bridge the gap between students and long-term residents in Ward 11?

I know students have concerns about everything from transportation to housing and that UNB, STU, the City, and residents have many concerns important to them. As Ward 11 Councilor, I would work constantly to find possible solutions by listening and talking with all parties involved. I have already met with UNB President McLaughlin to discuss concerns and issues on both sides and will schedule a meeting soon with STU's President. I will continue to discuss the issues and gather input from Ward 11 residents.

Students are a big part of our city and contribute greatly, but as the leaders of tomorrow, they also have to take a role and responsibility in what is happening today.

Why should university students vote for you?

I feel that I am the best option for students for three major reasons. The first is that I share their challenges, ambitions, and voice. Attending UNB has allowed me to understand the obstacles that come with being a student. Additionally, I am still involved with the university community, which can ensure students that I will not forget their interests when I cast my vote at City Hall.

Secondly, I’ve worked hard for students over the past year and have proven myself as a dedicated, effective voice.

Between working toward saving UNB Saint John, meeting with government decision-makers, discussing policy, or bringing a recycling depot on campus, Fredericton students were my driving force.

The third and most important reason is that it is time students are not seen as problems. Over 10,000 students in Fredericton contribute over $150 M to the local economy.

[These people represent] cultures from around the globe and visions that will drive the world of tomorrow. I recognize that amongst those students, some cause problems like any other large group, but let’s not paint all students with the same brush. We need to do our best to make sure those who do cause problems are dealt with correctly, and the majority of students are able to co-exist in Fredericton with long-term residents. We have been a university city for 200 years; it is time we learn to make the most of it instead of pointing fingers.

What makes you stand out over the other candidates?

The most obvious thing that makes me stand out over the other candidates is that I’m the youngest, which many view as a great asset. With it, I bring energy and vision to Ward 11 that it has not seen for far too long. The energy will be used to engage community members and keep me from growing tired in doing what I love – serving people. The vision I want to take to the table in areas such as property tax reform, sustainability for the arts community, and a desire to expand and enhance our heritage areas are innovative. Combine this with my years of experience in leadership positions in everything from local committees, to the Canadian Commission for United Nations ESCO, and we open ourselves up to the possibility for real change.

How will you bridge the gap between students and long-term residents in Ward 11?

Step one to bridging the gap is getting involved. This year, I was the only candidate in this race that served on the Mayor’s Working Group on University/Community Relations, so that step is taken care of. Step two is to recognize students as not a “hole in the community,” but an asset that needs to be taken advantage of. From there, we need to get tough with those who are breaking by-laws and engage the people that not only want to see the problems gone, but a community and sense of pride restored to the area. Fixing the problem is only half of the solution. The real answer is in building a neighborhood where everyone can belong.

Occupation: Co-operator of Hebert & Hoel Renovations Time lived in Fredericton: All her life Attend UNB or STU: STU Why should university students vote for you?

I think it’s because I have lived in the university area the majority of my life and experienced the changes in housing trends, from homeowners to rental properties; this gives me a unique perspective and understanding of student living.

Having been involved in residential property management for over 20 years, I have rented to students, lived in apartment buildings with them, and have seen first hand how they contribute to our community.

I believe efforts should be ongoing to establish a “good neighbor” policy between homeowners, students, and landlords. Just as we would welcome a new homeowner as a neighbor, we should extend the same hand to students moving into houses in our neighborhood. We need to form a bond of mutual respect. Then, if problems do arise, you have a base formed from which you can discuss the situation.

It is a mistake to prejudge all renters; you build a relationship, you build a community. Everyone – homeowners, students, landlords, and the City – needs to work together to provide quality housing for all.

Students should vote for me if they would like to work together on a daily basis to build a sense of community in our area.

What makes you stand out over the other candidates?

Having grown up in this city and in the university area, I have been at the center of the ever-evolving dynamics that make up this area. I also returned to university as a mature student in the ’90s and became heavily involved with student activities, serving on student council as a mature student representative and working on the Orientation Committee. I experienced first hand what kind of mesh there can be between age groups working together for common goals.

This same bond can exist between homeowners and students living in rental properties in our neighborhoods. There is more to focus on in our ward than the negative publicity the area is given in September and April, when students arrive and leave. Students are a vital part of our community who not only contribute to the economic growth of our city, but also spend hundreds of hours doing community service and raising thousands of dollars fundraising for charitable organizations.

I believe my positive attitude and strong desire to maintain our neighborhood sets me apart as a candidate for our area.

My home has been in our family for over 50 years, so I’m not going anywhere. Your concerns are my concerns.

How will you bridge the gap between students and long-term residents in Ward 11?

Bridging the gap between students and long-term residents will be an ongoing process. It won’t necessarily be an easy one, but I believe when we can leave the lines of communication open between parties, we can resolve our differences or come to mutually acceptable solutions and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. If people are given a decent place to live, they will respect it and if people are treated fairly, they will respect each other. Communication and the willingness to work together is the key.

Cathy MacLaggan Occupation: Policy Advisor with the provincial government Time lived in Fredericton:46 years (including an apartment dweller for six years and a homeowner for 25 years) Attend UNB or STU: Six years at UNB for a BSc and MBA Why should university students vote for you?

First, I encourage all residents of the city to vote. The election is May 12, and voting for Ward 11 will be at the Coliseum Building on the Fredericton Exhibition Grounds.

Many students have expressed concerns about Climate Change. I am committed to developing community sustainability plans, green projects (energy conservation projects), and building on the City’s Green Matters Campaign. I bring my work experience as an environmental planner to this issue.

Regarding student housing, I have lobbied universities for more on-campus student housing and the provincial government for property tax relief for non-profits. I have assisted students in finding accommodations and addressed specific tenant issues. Providing students with reasonably priced, good quality housing alternatives is the key to addressing the problem of absentee landlords converting family homes to poorly managed rentals.

I have worked extensively to address the quality of life, safety, and security issues throughout Ward 11 through the Neighbourhood Watch, the Good Neighbour Program, and by addressing specific issues such as bus stop safety and street lighting.

I continue to work on concerns related to transit services, pedestrian safety (especially on Regent Street), and biking facilities. I encourage students to participate in the public consultation now underway regarding the transit and recreation master plans.

I have worked with students on issues and I have highlighted their contributions to the community. I have also consistently supported the UNB Community Health Clinic and would like to see UNB’s Woodlot protected from further development.

What makes you stand out over the other candidates?

I know the issues, the City, and provincial governments and how they work. I have experience on council and have built important working relationships. I strive to be well informed and I vote on the issues. I am accessible, responsive, and effective. My role is to represent the interests of the residents of Ward 11 and the City. It is also important to me to help individual constituents.

How will you bridge the gap between students and long-term residents?

I will continue to do the following: Work with residents and students to develop community-based events and projects to build a better relationship (e.g. Habitat for Humanity, community suppers, Adopt-a-Street projects, social events, additional recreation facilities, and implement a “dump and run” program). [I want to] develop a plan to deliver quality student housing alternatives and revitalize the College Hill.

[I want to] make it clear that the concern about absentee landlord conversion of homes is not an attack on students.

Address problems such as fires, broken glass, garbage, trespassing, vandalism, and criminal activity in the Platt and Hill area, track changes and evaluate measures taken.

[I also want to] communicate accomplishments.

4 • The Brunswickan

April 9 • 2008

Comments & Letters Bruns goodbye

Dear Board of Governors: Congratulations on a Mission Accomplished

After 26 issues, this will be the Brunswickan’s last for the year. Some of this year’s Editorial Board are off to do bigger and better things, while others will remain to continue building on the amazing things happening here at the paper. I want to thank each of them for their outstanding contributions this year, and wish them luck with everything in the future.

I am excited to welcome in next year’s editorial board: Josh O’Kane- Editor in Chief, Tony von Richter- Managing Editor, Sarah Ratchford- News Editor, Doug EsteyArts Editor, Mitchell Bernard- Sports Editor, Andrew Meade- Photo Editor, Christian Hapgood- Production Editor. Thank you for your readership.

Jennifer McKenzie, Editor-in-Chief

An open letter to the Premier Dear Mr. Premier, I would like to express my concern regarding the recent cuts to New Brunswick's French Immersion Program.

What you have done, Mr. Premier, is lowered the bar. Instead of having proficiency targets of Advanced for Early Immersion Students, the target for students in the proposed Late Immersion Program will be Intermediate Plus. Once a lower standard is in place, programming doesn’t have to be as good, does it, Mr. Premier?

Allow me to use an analogy to explain.

Let’s say my goal is to exercise every day, but I find myself exercising only once a week. So, I change my goal to exercise once every two weeks and suddenly I am surpassing my goal! However, I certainly will not be physically fit.

Rather than lowering standards, Mr. Premier, I would suggest that a better way to increase the percentage of Anglophone students reaching proficiency targets would be to identify areas in which the program fails and to improve in these areas.

My example of physical fitness brings me to my next point. The Department of Education’s news release of March 14, 2008, states that the gained instructional time from the elimination of Core French at the elementary grades will be used for art, music, physical education, and enrichment opportunities. I do not disagree that art, music, and physical education are important for a child’s development. But, why can’t we offer students French, art, music, and physical education? These subjects could be taught in French. Voilà! A simple, effective solution to the problem, which

would likely not cause thousands of your constituents’ blood to boil.

Have you considered the implications of the decision to eliminate Early Immersion to the future of New Brunswick? Not only will Canada’s only bilingual province also be the only province without an Early French Immersion program, you have made a conscious decision that will lead to a population that is less able to communicate amongst itself. Let me remind you, Mr. Premier, that according to the changes, Anglophone students will no longer achieve Advanced proficiency; they will only achieve Intermediate Plus proficiency.

Therefore, Anglophone New Brunswickers will be less able to communicate with their Francophone neighbours, further dividing linguistic communities in the province. Furthermore, because a large number of Francophones are bilingual, uni-lingual Anglophones will miss out on employment and advancement opportunities because they cannot speak a second language.

One criticism of the Early French Immersion program is that it is elitist.

I would argue that the Department of Education and schools across the province have brought this stereotype upon themselves. What is the first thing that happens when a child in Early Immersion does poorly in school or has behavioural problems? Why, he or she is transferred out of the Early Immersion program, even if he or she was not having any problems with French! This very quickly leads to a situation where the well-behaved children who get good grades are primarily in the Immersion classes, while the poor non-Immersion teachers are asked to teach all those with

eic@unb.ca • April 9, 2008

learning disabilities, behavioural problems, etc. This problem can be resolved very easily by eliminating transfers out of the program, precipitated either by the school or by the parents (recommendation 2b in the report) and by giving French Immersion teachers the tools and resources they need to teach children of all abilities.

I understand the desire to streamline the Immersion program based on considerations both financial and academic.

However, why does the proposed program have children starting so late? It has been proven time and time again that the earlier a child is exposed to a language, the better he or she will learn it. If a child does not hear a word of French until he or she is 10 years old, it is simply too late. If they cannot start in Grade 1, why not start them in Grade 3 or 4? Furthermore, if children were exposed to French in the early years (K-2) (for example, during art or music class as I suggested above), they would develop an ear for the language, facilitating their transition to French Immersion in Grade 3 or 4.

Mr. Premier, there are many things that could be done to improve the system already in place, instead of scrapping it for a totally different program. Were these alternatives considered? If not, I strongly suggest they be considered. If so, I would like to know the rationale for disregarding these options in favour of the proposed program.

I leave you with one more question, Mr. Premier. Are you prepared to lose the next election on this issue?

Yours sincerely, Raissa Marks

the brunswickan. packs its bags for summer ;) thanks for reading, see you in 2008-09

Dear Editor: A few years ago, my Dad gave me some advice: If you want to know why someone makes a decision, just take a look at who benefits from it. It sounds simple, but it’s proven useful to me over the years as it’s allowed me to gain perspective on decisions that astonish me. Take, for example, Ben Affleck’s decision to star in Gigli. I don’t think I need to explain this in detail, but I’m confident he didn’t accept that role for the artistic value.

This year, I was President of Neill House; an amazing experience that I wouldn’t have traded for the world.

Of course, this isn’t to say that the year didn’t have its ups and downs. One down in particular, which you may have read about in the article “From the Top” published in the March 26 edition of The Brunswickan, was the banning of our annual couch burning ceremony. A celebration of a successful year and an opportunity to literally pass the torch to the incoming President and House Committee, the couch burning was an event that was highly anticipated all year long.

But it was also more than this - it was something that made Neill unique. Every house on campus prides themselves on the little things that make them different from the other houses. Aitken, for example, spends a good deal of money to fill their basement with sand so they can party on top of it, Harrison throws an overgrown vegetable off a roof while wearing cloaks, Bridges jumps into a pool of uncomfortably cold water in a frigidly cold month, and the list goes on.

While all of these things seem to be foolish, they are incredibly important to the identity of the house. The members of that house get to experience something that is unique to them and no one else.

This is a huge part of what makes residence life enjoyable, and what creates a sense of pride in the students that live in any given house. To eliminate these events, is to eliminate not only what establishes character, but also what makes for a desirable place to live.

When I was found out why this decision that was made by the Board of Governors, I was nothing short of amazed. I was told, more or less, that because of the couch burning incidents

on Graham Avenue at the start of the school year, and all the commotion they caused in the community and the city, the university didn’t want to risk the PR headache they might incur if they allowed a residence to do such a thing.

So now that I have the opportunity, I would like to say this: I can understand how the ramblings of an ignorant councillor have influenced your decisions to avoid negative press- really, I can. But if it were a minor headache you’re trying to avoid, personally, I’d recommend taking some Tylenol.

Now, to bring this full circle, when I look at whom this decision really benefits, I can easily understand why it was made. So I offer my congratulations to you, the Board of Governors, on successfully avoiding a possible, however farfetched, PR headache. Mission accomplished. You can now sleep at night knowing that your asses are far from the fire on this one. And don’t worry - it’s only the students that are going to suffer.

Sincerely, Dustin Eisenhaur

Lady V-Reds snubbed again Dear Editor: Each year, the UNB Associated Alumni gives all graduating varsity athletes a Citizen watch to commemorate the conclusion of their UNB athletic careers. The watches are given at a small ceremony held before the annual UNB Athletic Banquet and afterwards, all the graduating players march into the banquet room, the Parade of Graduating Athletes, stand at the front for the national anthem, then join their teammates at their respective tables. This is how the Athletic Banquet begins every year and speaking from experience, it makes an impression on ‘rookie’ athletes.

The criteria for attending the ceremony and receiving one of these watches are the completion of a degree at UNB or the completion of all five years of CIS eligibility. But exceptions have always been made. For instance, two members of women’s hockey team during the 2006-2007 were going to complete their degrees during summer session that year and graduate in the fall. They technically were not graduates and they both still had one year of eligibility left.

However, both of these players were invited to the graduating athletes’ ceremony, both received watches, and both were part of the parade of graduates with their fellow graduating teammates

from the 2006-2007 season.

The UNB women’s hockey team recently lost their varsity status along with five other teams. This apparently includes the exceptions that the alumni association used to make for certain graduating athletes. This year, two players on the women’s hockey team were invited to the graduation ceremony only to be uninvited the day before the Athletic Banquet. They were told they were not going to be receiving their watches because they are not graduating this May; they are graduating in September and December. Both players have years of eligibility remaining, but due to UNB’s decision to cancel the women’s hockey program, both players have opted to complete their degrees as soon as possible as there is no longer a reason for them to stay at UNB an extra year.

Why were similar exceptions made at the end of the 2006-2007 season for women’s hockey players and not this year? Why did the UNB Associated Alumni, the alumni association that represents not just graduated UNB athletes, but all UNB graduates, not allow these two players to celebrate the completion of their UNB athletic careers with their teammates? The Alumni Association has told the players that

they will receive their watches next year in what was described as a one-on-one presentation. This sounds like a quiet push out the back door. What else is left to take away? We have been stripped of our Varsity status and now are denied recognition as a graduate of the athletic and academic programs that we have poured our hearts into. This may not seem like a huge travesty to most people, but it means something to the athletes and is yet another slap in the face to members of the women’s hockey team.

Thanks UNB. The ceremony for graduating athletes is the last opportunity for the Associated Alumni to make a lasting impression on graduating athletes who are entering the workforce in hopes that those grads will look back on UNB fondly and generously donate in the future. As rare and very fortunate debt free graduates, we were looking forward to the opportunity to give back to the Varsity Reds program that, until this year, had given us so much. The UNB Associated Alumni has made the decision not to donate to the Varsity Reds Program and UNB an easy one.

Sylvia Bryson, BSE (GE) ’08 UNB Women’s Hockey Team Elizabeth Arbeau, EIT UNB Women’s Hockey Alumni

Good Neighbours/Good Neighbourhoods Dear Editor: Last fall, the Mayor's Working Committee on Community/University Relations established the Good Neighbours/ Good Neighbourhoods Sub Committee. The mandate of this committee is to identify and facilitate initiatives that will contribute - in a sustainable way to a positive living experience for both long- and short-term residents of the College Hill area.

Through participation on this sub committee, College Hill residents, the City of Fredericton, the University of New Brunswick, St. Thomas University, and the UNB and STU Student Unions, have joined forces to address neighbourhood issues and effect positive change. They were joined on the sub committee by representatives of the Fredericton Landlord's Association, the Fredericton Police Force and the Fredericton Fire Department.

After conducting research on the on-

going issues and reviewing best-practices in other municipalities, the subcommittee has identified a number of initiatives to modify unacceptable behaviour and promote a safe and attractive neighbourhood for all.

These initiatives, ranging in nature from education to enforcement, will be implemented starting this spring and fall and will be ongoing. They will include efforts to prevent arson; information brochures for students, landlords and long-term residents; neighbourhood meet and greets; and programs to recycle student furniture and other household items.

Neighbourhood surveys will be conducted in the fall of 2008 and 2009 to measure results and set benchmarks against which the effectiveness of various initiatives can be measured. The sub committee believes that by working together all parties can address the concerns of the College Hill area.

For more information, please contact any of the following: Joanne Thomson Community Liaison Coordinator, City of Fredericton, 460-2188, joanne. thomson@fredericton.ca Shirley Cleave Associate Vice-President Academic (Learning Environment), UNB, 458-7749, scleave@unb.ca Jane McGinn-Giberson Director of Student Services - Student Life and Retention, STU, 452-0578, jmcginn@stu.ca Jordan Graham VP External, UNB Student Union, 458-7164, external@unb.ca Andrew Handrahan VP Education, STU Student Union, 460-0301, su_vpsl@stu.ca Sincerely, Sandra Howard

Comments & Letters

6 • April 9, 2008 • Issue 26

The old man rant an opinion from Dave Evans

I

f there’s anything I hate more than having to sit through a Paulie Shore movie, it’s liars and shit-disturbers. The legions of you who faithfully read my “Old Man Rants” each week (and no doubt agree with them without question), you may have been shocked to read the allegations of one Mr. Blake McNeil. He claims that my rant is a sham, and that I am in fact not a cantankerous old coot. These accusations are more shocking than the time I walked down Main Street and realized I wasn’t wearing any pants. To set the record straight, McNeil is just trying to stir up trouble in his latest attempt to discredit me. That old son of a bitch has been living across the street from me for the past 60 years, and let me tell you, the feud has been a bitter one. The year was 1947 and I was contemplating walking down to the general store to buy some rhubarb seeds as I thought having some sort of garden would look pretty sharp. That’s when I saw him moving into the house across the street. I thought I’d be cordial, so I went over to introduce myself. He was kind of funny looking, and introduced himself as Blake McNeil. Normally, I wouldn’t think anything odd about that, except I could tell he had a heavy German accent; I couldn’t remember the last time an Irishman smelled like Oktoberfest sausages. With it only being a couple of years after the war, I was naturally suspicious, so I asked him about his whereabouts between the years of 1938 and 1945, to which he replied he was on vacation. I wasn’t prepared to voice my suspicions, as I’m not a self-righteous, glory-hogging jackass like he is. I went back to my house, but you can be sure that I kept the cock-eye on him. I don’t think he appreciated that I dropped a U-Boat on his front lawn, and we’ve been enemies ever since. In fact, I have photographic evidence of him out back of the Jean Coutu paying the neighbourhood shits to steal my rhubarb, which he then gets his wife to bake into pies he eats while sitting on his front porch. In fact, I’m surprised he even wrote those columns last week or read my previous rants, since I stole his glasses at the early bird buffet two weeks ago. So, now that the record has been set straight, I hope that you’ll think twice before listening to anything that old son of a bitch tells you. The last time he gave anyone advice, I’m pretty sure the Wehrmacht lost worse than the NDP in a federal election.

An open letter to Mr. Lamrock The Brunswickan Dear Editor: Wasn't Lamrock supposed to be this smart messiah of change, coming in on the wings of angels? Did he just check all that experience and will to fight for students at the door after leaving UNB/ STU for the legislature? I figured being an MLA pays better than his former lobbyist position at the CFS, but I could be wrong.

We've already lost middle immersion classes in this province, why then are we throwing the baby out with the bath water by doing away with early immersion as well? It's unfortunate to see him lobbying for change that is regressive and taking the province back in time. I figure, if I wanted to be told where to send my kids to school based on their mother tongue, I'd live in Quebec, not NB. It's unnerving that I and many other voters have to deal with bad governance granted to us by a little under half the voting electorate.

The problem is not the political popularity of his decision and the lack thereof, but how we, the electorate, become slaves to our political masters for four troublesome years. There is no accountability for poor bureaucratic decisions, as there is no mechanism to make sure his decision is reflective of the voice of the people when our trust has been breached. This question of eliminating early immersion deserves to go to referendum.

Lamrock, a technocrat wannabe, brings out the true etymology of democracy-rule by mob. This public servant is no longer serving us… I'd call for the "demos" to take swift action to show our displeasure by placing him under the lovely French invention known as the guillotine, alas, I fear it would not stop his rolling head from telling us he knows best.

Amit Virmani Hanwell NB, off at Queen's University

An open letter to Mr. Lamrock and Mr. Graham Mr. Lamrock and Mr. Graham: I am fed up with hearing you talk about the "privileged" children in EFI. I am a single mother of two children who attend EFI. I work very hard to make ends meet and we do not have any "extras" whatsoever! As a matter of fact, we have gone without food on far too many occasions and yet, I still send my children to Early French Immersion. I am certain that I am not the only "less privileged" parent sending her children to French Immersion. This is an absolute insult to many parents who are trying very hard to give their children the best they can provide.

Secondly, these literacy tests that you so obviously hold in such high esteem are nothing more than smoke and mirrors. These have absolutely nothing to do with intellegence. The fact is, not every person will attend university, which you obviously think is the only meaningful measure of a person's intellegence, and yet will go on to become very intellegent trades people, business people and entrepeneurs, to name a few. Further, having EFI available will only make them

more competent AND bilingual to carry on their chosen professions, hopefully in the province of New Brunswick.

Thirdly, could you please be honest about why you want to scrap the EFI program? You have yet to tell the people of New Brunswick, the people who voted for you by the way, the truth behind this ridiculous decision. You have changed your story so many times, it's obvious you are hiding something.

I would hazard a guess however, that you are stealing from the children who are successful, which could be any child if the parents so choose, to improve the useless literacy scores that measure absolutely nothing except the stupidity of politicians such as yourself who believe they mean anything whatsoever.

Perhaps we can develop a test to measure politicians' intellegence and compare them nationally. I feel certain the Liberal party of New Brunswick would be scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Sincerely, Joanne Underhill (Ex-liberal supporter, particularly in New Brunswick)

Editorial Board

Editor-In-Chief • Jennifer McKenzie Managing Editor • Tony von Richter Co-News Editor • Josh O’Kane Co-News Editor • Lauren Kennedy Arts Editor • Ashley Bursey Photo Editor • Andrew Meade Sports Editor • Brian Munn Copy Editor • Alicia Del Frate Production Editor • Ed Cullinan Staff Advertising Sales Rep • Bill Traer Delivery • Mike Lee Contributors Christian Hapgood, Brad Conley, Alison Clack, Jordan Gill, Doug Estey, Dan Hagerman, Sean Horsley, Dave Briggs, Melanie Bell, Naomi Osborne, Mitchell Bernard, Ed Bowes, Jason Henry, Nick Ouellette About Us The Brunswickan, in its 141st year of publication, is Canada’s Oldest Official Student Publication.

We are an autonomous student newspaper owned and operated by Brunswickan Publishing Inc., a nonprofit, independant 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 10,000.

Letters Must be submitted by e-mail including your name, letters with pseudonymns will not be printed. Letters must be 600 words maximum. Deadline for letters is Friday at noon.

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 Editor-in-Chief.

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New Degree at UNB Starting Fall 2008

Bachelor of Science in Environment and Natural Resources

Choose from 3 Majors:

Wildlife Conservation Environmental Management Water Resources Management For further information contact: Yolanda Spithoven Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management (506)458-7701 yolanda@unb.ca

Arts & Entertainment

bruns.arts@gmail.com • April 9, 2008

The best Canadian band in Texas Gordie Johnson and Texasbased Grady will bring their “pummelling” show to Fredericton

by Ashley Bursey

Having fronted Canadian rock icon Big Sugar through six albums and dozens of big-name tours, Gordie Johnson decided to move to Dripping Springs, Texas, to try things a little bit differently. The outcome? Grady, a distinctly rocking band that’s impossible to pigeonhole, brings together Johnson, along with guitarist Chris Layton, and drummer Nina Singh. But that’s not it; Johnson also played a huge part in producing Joel Plaskett’s “Ashtray Rock”, the rockopera album that captured six ECMA awards for Plaskett. Here, Johnson talks about everything from rocking in Fredericton to what’s really badass.

The Brunswickan: How’s the weather down in Texas?

Gordie Johnson: It’s actually kinda rainy, which is okay. We had a couple of years of drought so we’re not sad to see rain here.

B: Or snow. I’m sure you saw enough of that when you were in Fredericton for the ECMAs! GJ: More than enough, thank you.

Could you do something about that (laughs)? What a great victory lap, to stand onstage with Joel Plaskett...that was such a rush. I’m so proud to have worked on the record. It’s almost like...I can’t believe I had anything to do with it. I listen to it and I’m like, that’s a crazy idea. There aren’t that many people making rock opera anymore, so to see a

B: And what you’re playing now is a bit of a departure from Big Sugar. I’ve even heard it called “blues rock”.

GJ: I’ve heard a lot of funny descriptions of our music. We’re putting out a record from Jello Biafra (from the “Dead Kennedys”) because he thinks we sound like “Junior Brown” meets “Black Flag”, or John Lee Hooker backed up by “Motorhead”... I don’t think blues rock is a wacky enough description. When I hear blues rock, I think, “That’s really been done before.” I don’t think there’s anyone that’s born after 1980 walking around playing blues rock...I don’t see myself going on tour opening for “Lynyrd Skynyrd”; we’re too progressive for that, even though we’re rooted in tradition.

I mean, I live in the counSubmitted try, wear Wranglers and a Grady is badass, not kickass - make sure you get it right when they come to the Back Nine in Fredericton on April 19. cowboy hat, and I guess if guy undertake something like that and Ashtray Rock”... You can’t even say the the club and going in and rocking – and you don’t like it, fuck you. That’s part of have people get it...It’s challenging for word “ashtray” in public anymore. then there are still two more bands. It the Texas attitude... “Fuck all y’all, we’re the audience, but he’s good for it. That B: So after all the success you had was reinvigorating and reaffirming my from Texas.” You see those t-shirts and bumper stickers all over the place. It’s guy… I’m stoked to work with him. had with Big Sugar, why did you take commitment to rock and roll.

You have to want to do it well or it sort of an unapologetic view of where We went through a lot of red wine off to Texas?

GJ: It was really starting over. I really stops sounding like rock and roll; it just you live and who you are. It’s kind of to arrive at that record. I started the process of working with him on his last wanted the opportunity to go some- sounds like a big corporate belch...I just the birthplace of outlaw country, that project, “Make a Little Noise”. I did where. And I know lots of people here really wanted to test my mettle and see whole attitude down here.

B: And what’s it like making music three songs for that DVD and we had and people know who I am because Big if I was willing to still do that, because such a gas doing it that it hardly seemed Sugar played down here, so it was a place I’ve been doing it for a long time. I just in that kind of atmosphere? like work. We’d stay up till 4 am playing records and he’d tell “I live in the country, wear Wranglers and a cowboy me some lyrics and we’d kill ourselves laughing...he had so hat, and I guess if you don’t like it, fuck you.” many great ideas, I knew I had - Gordie Johnson to make sure there were no obstacles in his way.

GJ: It’s invigorating. It’s really inspirAshtray Rock was such an ambitious I really knew well and really wanted to didn’t feel like the whole machine surproject. I don’t think we even told the be. I did kinda cheat a little bit; I had a rounding me felt the same anymore, so ing to hear – okay, on the same night management or the record label what we bit of a head start when I got here, but it I wanted to come down here with like- I can go hear guitar at a honky-tonk were doing until it was almost done. We was really starting over from putting an minded individuals and crank it out, and then a speed metal show that will sear the flesh off your skull on the same said, “By the way, it’s a rock opera called amp in the back of a car and hauling it in come hell or high water.

block, in the same town, and see some of the same people at those gigs. You’re more likely to get on the front page of the paper if you play every Monday night at the Continental Club than if you’re a big-name band because you’re one of us and we love you.

B: So what’s happening with Grady right now? It seems like your music is constantly evolving.

GJ: It is evolving. We’ve done a few records now, and recently added a new drummer. We’re really excited to be playing with her; she brings a whole new approach to the music for us and she’s really eager to just like, kick a hole in it; she’s got so much energy. I like having someone whipping the mule from behind. She’s also Canadian, and we didn’t know that when we auditioned her. We auditioned a bunch of guys and she showed up. I didn’t care if she was a man or a woman, and she just made the most noise, just lit it up as soon as she sat behind the drums. We found out later: “I hope you don’t mind, being from Texas and all, but I’m actually Canadian.” We’re the best Canadian band in Texas, that’s our claim to fame.

B: What’s next for Grady?

GJ: I suppose we’ll start working on a new record this summer. We’ve already played a bunch of the new stuff...when people see us in a couple of weeks, they’ll see some unrecorded stuff. We find out what works. If you tell us it doesn’t work, we won’t put it on the record.

B: And what’s the live show like?

GJ: Every show for us is kind of a surprise. The music is pretty shocking the second we hit the standby switch and launch – it’s pretty pummelling. I hope people are up for some badass rock and roll, because that’s what we’re bringing.

That’s the difference between Canada and the States. I did an interview [with a Canadian media outlet] once and said the music was badass. When I read it, they had written “Gordie Johnson says the music is kickass.” No, I didn’t. Don’t change that. Kickass versus badass...

That’s the difference. Big Sugar was kickass and Grady is badass.

Proving their ‘metal’ Low-budget brutality

by Ashley Bursey

by Andrew Kelly

It’s everything from the whimsical (earrings made from thorns) to the functional (silver bowls) at “Forging Reflections: Mind Over Matter”, the latest exhibition from students at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design.

The exhibit, which features work from students in all four years of study, is exactly what it sounds like: pieces in silver, bronze, copper, and gold, as well as precious and semi-precious stones forged to create jewellery, hollowware vessels, and steel knife designs.

Brigitte Clavette, Studio Head, is putting the show together. For her, metal is one of the most fascinating media for physical art.

“Metalwork is so important because it has symbolic value. People have always worn jewellery, they’ve always adorned themselves, so there are various reasons why you wear jewellery, like allegiance to certain groups, marriage, symbolic, and emotional reasons,” she says. “Also from that point of view, there is art jewellery, stuff that gets a little edgier.

We have a lot of people altering their bodies through scars, tattoos, and body piercing, although a lot of it is contemporary... I don’t know if people have been informed of the history of this; how it’s bandied about now is new, but it has other meanings.

“Some of the work we do is edgy or conceptual. People ask, ‘Why would you wear a cube on your lapel?’ Well, think about it, you know. People have always valued and coveted metal, especially gold, and now in particular it’s at the highest price it’s ever been, so people want it; they identify with it.”

But it’s not just jewellery, although Clavette admits she’s seen some phenomenal pieces this year.

“If you go towards the hollowware, it’s functional and there’s a long history there about passing on pieces. From Ecclesiastical work – making things for churches or synagogues – so many rituals need metalwork. So there’s another tradition there, and that’s the appeal – people like to have christening bowls or

We’re sitting on the 20th floor, downtown Halifax, in my buddy’s apartment.

It’s kind of a boring Saturday, so we watched a movie. Luckily, I just so happened to have a zombie movie sitting in my backpack for the weekend away from Freddy.

I had told my friend and his girlfriend it was probably going to be a pretty wild movie. They were stoked at the idea and we broke out some day-old ’za while getting our positions on the couch.

The movie doesn’t waste any time.

Immediately, shit hits the fan and people are infected, turning them into zombies.

People are foaming at the mouth and fathers are trying to digest their kids.

It’s total madness, until...

This woman is running through her house when one of the zombies finds her. He punches her in the stomach and then performs the most brutal C-section ever captured on film. Then, without missing a beat, the zombie bites into the foetus and the woman screams “My baby!”

That’s the kind of movie “Automaton Transfusion” was.

When I heard the budget was only $30 000, I was stoked. Cheesy horror flicks are often the best way to spend an afternoon – but what’s even better is when the movie you expect to be lame turns out to be exactly the opposite.

There have been some crazy zombie movies and I’m definitely not saying this is the best one I’ve ever seen, but it’s up there. It made me feel really uncomfortable, but awesome at the same time.

The plot is this: A bunch of high school students get infected by something (I think it was in the water) and start eating each other. There are several main characters, but they pretty much all die for the most part. Sorry if that spoiled the ending – but zombie movies don’t tend to leave a lot of survivors.

As soon as somebody got sick, everything went nuts. The movie just hit the ground running right from the start.

The zombies moved so fast, it actually looked scary.

The kids would run, looking like

Andrew Kelly / The Brunswickan

One of the students at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, creating a piece for the ‘Forging Reflections’ show. baby spoons, and that’s where it starts. tunity to display their work in their own There are rites of passage pieces of jewel- show at the gallery.

“A bit of competition doesn’t hurt lery given to you from your family, like a anybody,” Clavette says, with a laugh. cake knife for your wedding...”

“This show is going to be splendid, and For many, the show will be an eduI think it’s going to be shiny, bright, cational one: Clavette says that most fresh, and engaging.

The students will people have no idea how metalwork is see what it looks like when you work, created, especially jewellery. She plans work, and work, and you put it up and to incorporate sketches and diagrams you walk away from it. explaining the metalwork processes “A painting is in its shape in the along with several of the exhibits. studio as it is in someone’s home.

“Sometimes people ask, ‘Well, can you When you put it in a gallery... jewelcover this silver ring with melted gold?’ lery becomes even more precious in a Do you know how high the temperature way, because we move it and put it in is to melt gold? Your ring will be gone. a showcase, and then you light it and So it’s an interesting field, because it’s there’s something about it that changes, huge, broad, and very diverse. It can be and then you put it on and you get the highly conceptual and also very munact of wearing it and it’s a whole differdane and functional.” ent story.”

This exhibit in particular is important The show launches on from 5:30-7 for the college: along with donations pm on April 10 and continues until from various organizations, Gallery May 5 at the Gallery at NBCCD on 78 has also offered to pick a promising Queen Street. young artist and give them the oppor-

they really were giving it their all, and around every single corner there would be dozens of zombies waiting for them and running just as fast. Normally, zombies are sluggish until they want to kill and eat you, but not the zombies in Automaton Transfusion! They just ran marathons all day long. They must have had to have cast some sort of track team as zombies.

The best part is that if you like this film, there are two more movies for you to indulge in – it’s a trilogy. My guess is that by the insane situation the characters are in at the end, the writers ran out of fucked ways to kill people and wanted some more time to continue this

sick, amazing zombie story.

After we were done watching the movie – and my buddy’s girlfriend had tapped out due to the extreme cheesy gore of the film – we were stoked. For an entire hour and twenty, we had been entertained and exhausted. The movie didn’t let up at any point – and if it did, the silence was ended by somebody getting messed up in the most gruesome ways possible.

Some of the effects sucked, as per the low budget, but most of it was crazy.

I’m not even sure where you’d go to rent it, but if you want to see some outof-control zombie action, you should find this movie.

Andrew Kelly / The Brunswickan

‘Autmaton Transfusion’ is all B-movie gore, including “the most brutal Csection ever captured on film.”

Arts & Entertainment

8 • April 9, 2008 • Issue 26

Acting Out and nurture itself with new blood and relevance.”

Nyarady entered on a whim last year, The deadline for after Falkenstein encouraged him to the NotaBle Acts transform one of his radio scripts into Summer Theatre a stage piece. Nyarady, who has been acting for years with the Calithumpians Festival is just and local theatre groups, jumped at the around the chance.

“I've been writing for my own benefit corner since high school, mostly doing short scripts or stories. Since then, the only bit of writing of mine that went public was

by Ashley Bursey an animated short which I also animated and directed called ‘Earl the Talkin' Pie’,” he says. “My first theatre work was Chris Nyarady always thought his a radio script which I later adapted as a writing was “too silly” for theatre until play called ‘Do You Believe?’ Since then, he entered the NotaBle Acts theatre I've been writing various things specififestival. cally for theatre. Like every medium, it nbActs, as it’s often called, is an out- has its own set of challenges, but it's still door summer festival in Fredericton, very fun to write for.” showcasing local talent with short plays “Chris’ play was great. It was my perby local playwrights. For most of the sonal favourite among the street theatre writers, it’s the first time they’ll get to see plays,” Falkenstein says. “Chris has been their work performed for an audience. writing for other outlets, but it’s the first This year, the deadline for submis- time he submitted something to us, and sions is right around it was a lovely little the corner: April play. I called it ‘The “Theatre 23 will be the final Existential Doctor that only call for short plays, Seuss’ [because] it was which range from does things sort of a delightfully 5-7 minutes to just commentary from other absurd under an hour. on, as I saw, conforplaces and The idea for the mity and organized competition was religion and all sorts times is an born in 2001, when of other things.” incomplete Len Falkenstein, a This year, NyaraUNB theatre prody is writing a piece theatre...” fessor, realized there called ‘Hide and Go - Len Falkenstein, was something seSell’, which he says is UNB theatre professor riously missing in a satire on the state of the New Brunswick modern advertising, theatre scene: local playwriting. as well as an unnamed zombie piece.

“I think that if you believe in the imHe would encourage anyone with an portance of theatre, as I do, it’s impor- interest in theatre to put pen to paper tant not just to produce plays by writers and try to come up with an idea for from other countries and times, but it’s NotaBle Acts. important to do work that is relevant in “Don't keep your work a secret. a very specific way to your community,” Show your writing to friends, family, he says. “That’s how theatre continues or whoever to get as much feedback to grow and live, by nurturing new as possible. Once you have something, people who want to live in it. Without get your work out there, anywhere,” he the writer, you don’t have a theatre, and says. “You can be very surprised with theatre that only does things from other the results.” places and times is an incomplete theatre, For more information, check out I think, and it doesn’t continue to feed www.nbacts.com.

Cross-Canada banger for Buck 65

by Andrew Kelly

“My dad was a DJ. I just heard rap all around the house. It was inevitable that I would start to make shit,” says Rollie Pemberton, also known as Alberta rapper and producer Cadence Weapon.

He’ll be joining east-coasters Buck 65 and Skratch Bastid on a Canadian-wide tour later this month.

This is going to be Cadence Weapons first “real Canadian tour,” and Pemberton is stoked.

“We’re all going to be sharing a bus,” says Pemberton. “It’s like a monster bus – a power bus. I just feel like this tour is going to be four dudes buying records and having way too much fun. It’s cool for me because I’ve never really done a proper Canadian tour.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Skratch Bastid and Buck 65 have just released an album together, “Situation”, and have two more in the works.

“The next album has 100% electronic production,” says Buck 65, also known as Ricardo Terfry. “That's new for me.

But I wouldn't say it represents a new

direction. It's more of a detour. The other record is more wide-open exploration – as with records like “Vertex” or “Talkin' Honky Blues”. I'm digging into more folk and blues stuff, but lots of other stuff, too.

Cadence Weapon just dropped his latest album this month. With all the new music, Pemberton thinks it’s going to be an energetic 20 shows.

Though the venue is the Playhouse in Fredericton, the seats and formal setting doesn’t deter Pemberton – he has plans of his own.

“I’m gonna make everybody stand up. I’m gonna formally ask everybody to stand up,” he says. “I’ve done that sort of thing before. Buck invited me to come on stage with him [once] and people were just staring – it was creepy.”

The intimate venue might just be part of the appeal, though. Buck 65, fresh off a European tour, writes almost daily in his online blog – and fans love it.

“To be honest, I'm not always sure why I or other people do that,” he says in an e-mail from his hotel room in Paris. “When I consider what it says about ego to indulge in such an exercise, I suddenly feel pretty gross. And when I come face-to-face with my audience at

Submitted

Cadence Weapon and Buck 65 perform at the Playhouse on April 13 shows, I'm often quickly reminded of how vulnerable I've made myself. That's dangerous, but I also think that perhaps it's been a key to my success so far.”

Normally Pemberton, along with

DJ Weez-Il, are in Alberta working on music, producing tracks, and remixing others – and 2008 has been hectic, to say the least. They just came off a week in Austin, Texas, where they played the massive South By Southwest festival and are just getting started with this current cross-Canada banger.

“I’ve produced all my music. I produce all of it,” says Pemberton. “But I mean, I’ve been slowing down lately – touring has kind of made it hard.”

Cadence Weapon doesn’t sound like everyday hip hop, either. There are pulsing beats that sound like club music, and then the lyrics and upbeat hooks come straight out of left field. Cadence Weapon has been cultivating the sound since they began recording and according to Pemberton, it gets the crowds bumping.

“It’s good to get up in front of people,” he said. “I’m screaming and rapping, getting people moshin’ around.

It’s kind of like a mash of a bunch of different styles of music.”

The Alberta hip hop will meet with the Nova Scotia sounds on Sunday, April 13 at the Playhouse in Fredericton.

They will also be hitting the Empress in Moncton this Thursday.

Pure and awesome, concentrated in a browser The Final Score by Dan Hagerman

Off-road Velociraptor Safari (PC) The things you find while randomly browsing the world can be incredible.

For instance, the other day, I was cleaning my room and I found about 30 tokens for the arcade at Empire Theatres! There was even this one time that I opened my friend’s fridge and I found a box of pizza! I was sure he wouldn’t miss it. But, of course, the most amazing

NOTE: Ashley Bursey, Arts Editor, does not support and did not participate in The Brunswickan ads placed in the April 2 issue of The Brunswickan. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

things that you can bump into are the things you can find online.

During my daily forays into the interwebz, I came across a humble little website called raptorsafari.com. After installing their little browser software, you can embark on the epic adventure of Off-road Velociraptor Safari. After playing this game, you will want to play little else. It will suck your life away like only a succubus and Canada Revenue Agency can.

Graphics: The game runs entirely from your browser, so you wouldn’t expect the graphics to look particularly good, which they don’t. I mean, your jeep looks enough like a jeep, I suppose.

And the velociraptors look enough like velociraptors, except they’re not scary and they have feathers, according to

recent scientific theory (or so the website claims). Aside from that, the desert-like area is adequately portrayed. But, not unlike me, this game isn’t about how it looks; it’s about how well it plays.

Gameplay: The whole point of the game is to drive around in a jeep running over raptors and doing stunts in slow motion and getting points. Yes, I just said raptors and stunt driving in the same sentence. Once you run over the raptors, you have to use a bizarre ball and chain mechanism on the back of your jeep to carry the raptors to a pickup point. You can even use the raptor on the chain to hit another raptor, giving you about 20,000 points for what the game calls “Raptor on Raptor Action”. I give up on trying to contribute anything useful to society, because no matter what I do,

it will pale in comparison to this free game. Let’s recap, shall we? Raptors.

Stunts. Jeep. Slow-motion. What else do I need to say about this?

Sound: There’s almost no sound in the game to speak of. The jeep revs and the velociraptors make some sort of a bird sound when you run them over, but that’s about it. But who needs sound in a game like this? It could totally be silent and I would play it for 10 hours straight, easily.

The Final Score: 10/10, two thumbs up, five stars, whatever you want to call it, this game is the game that every gamer has been looking for. Oh, did I mention that the driver of the jeep is another raptor?

With a pith helmet? You have no excuses.

Play it now.

“A product of the scene”

by Mitchell Bernard It’s indie, punk, blues, and acoustic. It comes from Sackville, Moncton, Hampton, and Fredericton, along with other areas of the province. Heck, it’s even a mix of Anglophone and Francophone – and it represents the New Brunswick independent music scene to the fullest.

Bryan Acker and Shane Nadeau, cocreators of music blog site Herohill.com, set out back in January to create a mix tape, or compilation of artists and songs, to showcase some of the talents each province has to offer. After completing Nova Scotia and Ontario mix tapes, the avid music bloggers moved on to New Brunswick, where they mixed together “Ultra-Magnetic”, a collection of the hottest bands in New Brunswick.

They have searched high and low for New Brunswick’s best artists. The result is a track list that promises to capture the province’s finest in the music scene.

“I think we decided to do New Brunswick [third] because I fell in love with a few songs from Olivier Jarda, but that really makes it sound more planned than it is,” said Acker. “As far as picking the bands, this was the first mix that really is a product of the scene itself. We got e-mails, MySpace ads, and Facebook comments from people all over New Brunswick. We had already covered a few of the bands for [Halifax] Pop Explosion and we've worked with Forward Music Group, so those choices were pretty easy, but we also got a nice set of bands from Marc LeBlanc [DJ Bones] and Chuck Teed [BBQ Records].

“After that, it was just a matter of finding 20 tracks that fit into the mix and hit on as many genres as possible.

We wanted to get male, female, and Francophone vocals, and try to move past the traditional ‘guy and guitar and drums’ routine. The one piece we missed out on was hip-hop, which is weird because we get CDs from every other province going.”

And it’s a great mix, indeed. Some of the featured artists include Saint John pop-rockers The Carousels, Moncton experimentalists Morse Code Project, and Fredericton’s acoustic trio The

Courtesy of Kyle Cunjak

A New Brunswick mix tape project features local artists from across the province. Check it out at www.herhill.com.

Olympic Symphonium.

The Canadian mix tape project will go a long way in helping many local underground bands gain attention. The flourishing scene throughout the country will benefit as listeners may become aware of not only the indie music scene from their own region, but also the rest of Canada.

“Since we started taking this blog seriously, we just wanted to pass along good music to people. At first, we were just excited to get promo CDs from people, but after a few years we wanted to stand out and decided, ‘Why bother writing about the same bands that everyone else is’? Instead, we wanted to talk about mostly Canadian acts, hoping that a few loyal readers would grow and grow into something more. I have to say it's worked out well. There are very few Canadian-centric blogs out there right now. I Heart Music [and] From Blown Speakers are two that jump off the page.

Oh, and the Zunior guys as well. People are really happy to read about new bands from the Great White North. Now, we are trying to dig deeper and find new bands, hoping a positive review might help them get an EP out or sell a few shirts when they set up their first tour,” explains Acker.

Both Acker and Nadeau are very familiar with the Canadian independent music scene (as one East Coast rocker put it, they are the quintessential ‘indielectuals’). So what are the guys’ favourite New Brunswick artists?

“Obviously, you can't mention New

Brunswick without talking about Eric's Trip and Julie Doiron, but those are the easy ones,” said Acker. “I really like Olivier Jarda's record and am super excited to hear more from Ghostown Belle and Manoli & the Sacred Hearts. Shane really got hooked on the Edge on Spiraltrack we were sent and he was the one who got me excited about David Myles.

I think we are both waiting eagerly for the Calm Down It's Monday’record to be released.”

The Slate Pacific, and indie-rock group from Fredericton, was one of the 20 bands chosen for the New Brunswick mix tape. Upon discovering that they were included in the compilation, the band was ecstatic.

“I had no clue until now. I don't think any of us did,” said drummer Zach Atkinson. “We are pumped to be a part of the mix tape. We are just finishing our first EP that will be released in the summer. I think [the compilation] will attract some fans simply because we don't really have any as of yet. We have established ourselves a little in Fredericton, but that’s about it.

“The line-up on the compilation is awesome. There are a few names that I don't even recognize, so it's great to be able to take a listen.”

The guys at Herohill hope that fans will use the mix tape to discover new music and to go out and buy the artists’ records, supporting the local music scene. You can download a zip file of the Ultra-Magnetic mix tape at www. herohill.com.

April 9 •2008

The Brunswickan • 9

Classifieds

Classifieds are a FREE service for members of the university community. Please try to limit submissions to 35 words or less. Your name, student number, and phone number are required at submission, but will not be published. We can accept them at Room 35, SUB, 453-5073 (Fax), or e-mail: bruns-ad@unb.ca. Please do not submit by phone. We reserve the right to edit or refuse publication. All classifieds are subject to available space. For display advertising contact Bill at 447-3388. Classified deadline is Monday at noon.

FOR SALE Large cedar hope chest. “Art Deco” style.

Fine shape, best offer. Call 454-4550.

After five rings please leave message and phone number.

Portrait studio equipment. Portable backdrop stand, dyed muslin backdrop, light stands, umbrella, Sunpack 120J Pro flash and rechargeable powerpack, Gossen flash/light meter, reflectors, extra muslin fabric for backdrops. Worth $1400+ new, $450 O.B.O. Call 455-5633.

TANNING SPECIALS

3 LOCATIONS 530 Queen St. 458-9771 1113 Regent St. 454-8267 154 Main St. 472-5048

ONE FREE TAN

20% OFF 04/15/08

Main Street Bowl-A-Drome 301 Main Street 472-2361

1 FREE GAME

• Shoe Rental Included • Birthday Parties a Speciality • Restaurant – Licensed Lounge • Air Conditioned • Student Rates

Student I.D. Required.

Valid Until April 15/2008

Limit 1 per person per day. During public bowling times.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Not valid with group booking. No cash value

Six drawer chest drawers (all wood) $60; four drawer dresser $45; small table and two chairs $45. folding cot, extra thick mattress $60; wooden dog house for large dog $40; armchair gold and brown stripes $25.Rocker Glider $35. Two large comforters for double bed $15 each. Call 455-6450.

15” Apple Powerbook G4 (Aluminum), 1.5 GHz, 512MB, 80 GB, Wireless, Bluetooth, DVD+-RW/CD-RW. It was $2499 new, and still functions the same.

Brand new battery ($80 value). Price $699.99. Wireless presentation device & optical mouse (PC). Like new, with the box and CD and manual. Bought for $260+tax. Price is $89.99. Please e-mail me at s87w1@unb.ca. Works for both Windows and Mac operating systems I collect old camcorders or vcr’s. if you got any to give away. E-mail me now Gordon.knight@live.ca.

Offered: Spanish lessons. Beginner & intermediate levels, 6 wks. Mond & Wedn 6-7:30pm. For more information, or to register, contact Miguel at m_america_789@hotmail.com or call 206-2939.

WANTED We are two students and looking for a ride from Fredericton to Montreal between: April 26th to 28th. We will help with the expenses of the ride. We have two suitcases, so a van or a car with a spacious trunk would be an ideal. I should mention that, if the drive would be on April 28th, it should be early in the morning, since we should be in Montreal by 5:00 p.m. Please e-mail me at iebrahimim@gmail.com.

ACCOMMODATIONS Rooms for rent - seconds from UNB. Five large bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living room, laundry. Room for parking. Heat, lights included. Would like a group of five. Available for Sept 1st/08.

E-mail: carol.j@live.ca or call 363-5200 or 461-7104.

Three bedroom apartment. Main level of Cape Cod house. Great for students.

Available July 1st. Walking Distance to STU/UNB. Large living-room, come take a look. 620 York Street. $1095. heat included. Call 506-386-4152 or 506-878-9314.

Rooms to rent: Now taking deposits for rooms for the college year 2008-2009 commencing Sept. 1/08 and ending April 30/09 – serious, mature male students only— furnished bedroom, separate kitchen, bath, laundry and entrance.

Utilities included. Cable and internet available. Five minute walk to UNB. Four rooms available on Kitchen St. Phone 455-1979 or 451-2979.

Five bedroom house for rent at 559 Kings College Road. Very close to university.

Please call Andy at 476-9788.

Available September 08. Three bedroom apartments. Dundonald St. and Canterbury Drive. $825 and up. Also available as a six bedroom house. Call 457-2509.

Two rooms for rent, in excellent condi-

tion. Very pleasantly furnished. Separate kitchen and entrance. Heat, lights high speed internet, cable included. Near bus routs. Lease, damage deposit. Please call 472-7294.

Available May 1, 2008: One unfurnished bedroom in a three bedroom furnished apt. to be shared with 2 other male students. Location Beckwith Street, two min. walk to campus. Laundry on site.

Summer rent negotiable. Call 455-0263, leave message. E-mail Phillip at j3nm1@ unb.ca and/or Steven at p59tv@unb.ca.

We are renting a house in downtown Fredericton. Three rooms are available, we prefer women, the rent is $330 per month per room. Phone 454-7831 or 260-7597, or e-mail: hccpd@stu.ca or gzmst@stu.

Available May 5. Fully furnished room with heat, lights, laundry, cable and shared tkitchen and bathroom. Parking, on bus route. Centrally located. Quiet home, no smoking. Call 454-4550. After five rings please leave message and phone number.

Renting now for September 08. Five bedroom house, five minute walk to UNB. All utilities included. Laundry, parking.

Call: 470-6236.

Looking for subletter from May 1 to Aug 31 One room in a three bedroom place at new suite residence, at UNB, Rent $400 per month, includes, heat, hydro, cable, internet, local phone, fully furnished & Laundry facilities available. E-mail: h27y6@unb.ca or call 260-6402.

A nice four bedroom apartment on Graham Avenue available for rent until the end of August, 2008. Three minutes to campus. Laundry, parking and air exchanger. Please call 459-5465.

Room to rent: InterSession and summer session – May to August – serious, mature students only- furnished bedroom, separate kitchen, bath, laundry and entrance.

Utilities included. Cable and internet available. Five minute walk to UNB. Five rooms available on Kitchen Street. $90 per week. Phone 455-1979 or 451-2979.

Beautiful spacious 3, 4, and 5 bedroom house for rent. Very close to university.

New appliances, excellent condition.

Available from May 1. Please call Peter at 449-3202.

PSAs The Canadian Mental Health Association Fredericton/Oromocto is holding its 9th annual dinner auction at the Delta on April 26. Tickets are $35 each. Lots

of great items to bid on and great door prizes! For more information call our office at 458-1803. See our Web Site: www. cmhafo.ca.

“One More Chorus” - an evening of Celtic and Maritime music featuring the talent of local musicians Matt Carter (bouzouki and bodhran), Kim Moller (vocals and bodhran), Will Toner (vocals, guitar, and bass) Chris Mercer (guitar and bass), Helen Morag McKinnon (vocals and penny whistle) and Katherine Moller (fiddle). The concert will be held on Sunday the 13th of April at the Charlotte St. Arts Centre, located at 732 Charlotte St., Fredericton, and will begin at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets will be available at the door and will cost $10. For more information, contact Katherine Moller at 440-3123 or email: katherine@katherinemoller.ca.

The York Early Music Ensemble will be presenting a concert of Baroque consort music on Friday the 11th of April, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The York Early Music is an amateur string ensemble under the direction of Katherine Moller that performs music from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The concert will feature works of Praetorius, Susato, Dowland, J.S. Bach, and Purcell and will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, located at 224 York St, in Fredericton. Tickets will be available at the door and will cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For more information please contact Katherine Moller at 440-3123 or e-mail: katherine@ katherinemoller.ca.

The Fredericton Concert and Marching Band presents A Spring Concert Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall on the UNB campus. All welcome, admission by donation.

The Fredericton Chapter of Parkinson Society Maritime Region invites you to attend their 6th annual “Porridge For Parkinson’s” breakfast on Saturday, April 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Christ Church (Parish) Church on the corner of Westmorland and Charlotte Streets, Fredericton.

Attention all Ex-RCAF Airwoman : RCAF Airwoman’s 9th Reunion June 5-7, 2009, London, Ontario. www.rcafairwomen.ca or E-mail: glen@rcafairwomen.ca.

Heartmenders-coming out of the shadows healing life’s hurts and dealing with what lies beneath. Overcoming life’s controlling issues--sexual abuse, anger, depression, suicide, grieving your losses and forgiveness. May 9th 7:00 p.m. May 10th 9:00 a.m. To register: www.sunsetchurch. com/heartmender or call 506-458-9255 or 506-443-9960.

Sports

brunswickansports@gmail.com • April 9, 2008

Breakfast with Dickie

athletic director chimes in on unb sports

kevin dickie on...

The Brunswickan’s Brian Munn sat down for breakfast with UNB Athletic Director Kevin Dickie to talk about the ups and downs of a great year in UNB athletics, and the director’s hopes for the program moving forward.

by Brian Munn The Brunswickan: I think the best place to start is to give me your thoughts on the year that was in UNB athletics.

Kevin Dickie: The one thing we always do very well is academics; we’re very good, and quite a few of our student athletes are Academic All-Canadians.

Being a student athlete, you should have fun, but at the same time you have an invisible jersey on all the time and have to act accordingly. I think our people do a great job with that.

From an athletic perspective, we do a sort of “power ranking” where we evaluate our program as compared to the other programs [in the AUS]. This year we finished fifth out of 11. That’s okay, but we want to be, athletically, one of the top programs in Atlantic Canada on a perennial basis.

In the end we had some things that were outstanding, some other things that weren’t outstanding, and some other things that were somewhere in the middle.

B: One of the highlights of the season, at least here in Fredericton, was the CIS Women’s Volleyball Nationals. What was your take on UNB’s first crack at the tournament?

KD: It was a huge success.

I was a part of the [women’s] basketball nationals here a couple of years ago, but we only had it for one year and you can’t really do something like that for one year.

Your work, overhead, and financial investment pay off in the second year.

We just did such a tremendous job, and there’s no question in my mind that the crowds will be even

sooner than later. I wouldn’t say that I’ve been in the periphery of the Currie Centre discussions, because I’m involved were I need to be from an athletic, performance court, and locker room perspective.

The turf field, we got up and running on October 3 and we got everything out of it that we needed to this year. Our indoor dome showed up in early January, but by the time you clean off the snow on that part of the field, get the [dome] in place and heat it, we couldn’t make the business plan work for four months.

So the dome is here right now, and it’ll be up and running next November, so we’re excited. You’ll see a lot of changes in the infrastructure of the turf field here, and that’ll actually start as soon as the snow goes away.

B: Speaking of changes, one of the major changes for the Varsity Reds will be on the bench for the men’s basketball team. How is the coach search going?

KD: There has been a lot [of recruiting for the position]. We went through the same thing with our women’s basketball coach. Jeff Speedy was interested in the position, but make no mistake, there was a recruiting job involved in the process. It was a proactive one to let him know that we’re interested in him being here. He gave up what is arguably the top women’s program in the country [the University of Regina Cougars] to come out here.

We were prepared for anything, but we’ve had some tremendous candidates here for our men’s position. We’re going to have a good coach, there’s no question about it. We’ve got until Friday for that position to close. We identified some people across the country but at

It’s important that people understand the distinction between [club and varsity status], but at the same time, when it comes to competing in the varsity events, they will be Varsity Reds for sure. And we’ll recognize them. We expect golds in the future.

B: Will the same be true for the cross-country and swimming teams?

KD: Absolutely.

B: The other team affected, obviously, was the women’s team. I think we have heard enough about the decision itself, but was the response in support of women’s hockey something you had anticipated?

KD: Yeah, it is. It really is. The tough part for me is that around here, I’m know as an Athletics Director, but if you get outside of here, I’m known as a hockey guy. My whole life has been about understanding hockey, understanding what makes it tick, and understanding why people are passionate

the end of the day, a couple of the people that we were very keen on have applied.

B: As with any major organizational shake-up, there have been rumors and such about the final status of the club teams. What can you tell me about the decision, and where do those teams stand?

KD: I think that we’re all a part of the miscommunication; if you take a look back, maybe with our communication we could have tightened a couple of things up. I think from a media perspective, things get distorted at times – not by fault, but they do.

I think this is a good way to put it: without question, wrestling will be one of the sports that will become a club program. But at the end of the day, we’ll continue to have the Vince Cormiers’ and the Krista Betts’ of the world out there as Varsity Reds at the CIS events. When they’re not doing that, they’re involved in their club program.

Truth be told, there are only about two or three varsity events for our Varsity Reds [wrestlers] to attend every year. And so if you take a look at what the majority of the time is spent on, it’s a club program.

“We just did such a tremendous job, and there’s no question in my mind that the crowds will be even bigger next year.”

...filling the men’s basketball coaching vacancy “We’ve had some tremendous candidates here for our men’s position.

We’re going to have a good coach, there’s no question about it.” our role in varsity athletics. I think the Faculty of Kinesiology has a role, and that’s why we have the continuing of sports and athletics within the faculty’s program.

We knew we needed to invest a significant amount [of money] to get the women’s hockey team to a high-performance level. We’re talking an extra $120,000 per year on top of what we already put into the team, and we’re just unable to make that happen.

B: Keeping with hockey, obviously the men’s team didn’t achieve (I guess) the anticipated result this season. What was your take on the team?

KD: [Men’s hockey] is just a great

...the support for women’s hockey “When you’re passionate about something you’ve got to fight for it.”

...the decision to cut six teams “The bottom line for us is that all the things [I’ve mentioned before], whether it be turf fields, whether it be men’s hockey, or whether it be hosting CIS championships, we can’t do that anymore and pay the bills of the day.”

…what’s next for men’s hockey “Part of being an AD [Athletic Director] with a great team is you have a good coach, support where you can, and then stay the hell out of the way.”

…the rebirth of Red Bombers football “No. Absolutely, unequivocally, no.”

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

Jennifer McKenzie / The Brunswickan

bigger next year.

B: What about the impact of the tournament and the success of the volleyball programs on the community?

KD: I’ve got two boys that are 12 and 15 years old, and they play volleyball now. And I think they play volleyball because of our volleyball programs here at UNB. I think it has become a thing to do, whether it be beach in the summer or it be CIS volleyball; it has become kind of a cool activity to be a part of.

I think that our two coaches and our two teams have done an outstanding job. Women’s volleyball was tremendous: We won the AUS Championship. Men’s volleyball, on a Sunday night in Game 2 [of the AUS Finals] against Dal, the gym was rocking unlike people have seen going back to the mid-’80s.

I think volleyball was just a really good story this year.

B: Obviously a huge part of UNB’s athletic success is going to be dependant on our facilities moving forward. What is the status of the Currie Centre and the dome for Chapman Field?

KD: With the Currie Centre, I think ground is going to break

...women’s volleyball nationals

about it. When you’re passionate about something, you’ve got to fight for it.

No, none of that is a surprise.

It’s too bad it got personal at times, because there was never anything for me that, from my perspective, was a personal decision. In fact, I was just part of a process.

The bottom line for us is that all the things [I’ve mentioned before], whether it be turf fields, whether it be men’s hockey, or whether it be hosting CIS championships, we can’t do that anymore and pay the bills of the day.

When you look at women’s hockey, the bottom line is that we were investing more on a net per-team basis than any other program on campus, and we weren’t investing enough. We only had one option – can we invest enough to get [the team] to the level of the STU, St. FX, the two Halifax teams [Dal and SMU], and the Moncton team? But we just couldn’t.

B: As a hockey guy, do you feel as though women’s hockey has been set back because of the decision?

KD: It is not our responsibility to invest a significant number of dollars to develop a sport. It is not

story right now. The two toughest things in sports to do are to repeat [championships] as a team, and the second toughest thing is to overcome the “sophomore jinx”.

So for our team to come back and run the table this year, I don’t remember seeing anything like it.

You can think about the [Miami] Dolphins in ’72 and the [New England] Patriots of this year… there’s really something special about what our guys accomplished this year just in terms of mental toughness and just to have that focus.

If you ever had a “Get out of Jail Free” card, this was the year to have it, and [the team] just never let their foot off the throttle. I think it’s unbelievable.

B: Is there anything you would have done differently, or a different direction you’d take moving forward?

KD: Part of being an AD [Athletic Director] with a great team is you have a good coach, support where you can, and then stay the hell out of the way.

The better you do with recruiting new players, you’re going to end up losing the [former V-Red Darryl] Boyces of the world. We did well again this year and we’re going to lose players, but one of the things that really slid under the radar was that we had ten new players in the lineup. That’s unbelievable.

B: Urban legend at UNB seems to have us perpetually on the brink of a rebirth of the Red Bombers football team, and now the women’s hockey budget is going towards that end.

Any truth to the rumors?

KD: You know what, I’ll answer the question the same why I have for three years. It’s not even within the context of what were just went through. In five or six years, we’ll evaluate where we’re at again. Have we taken basketball to a different level? Has baseball become a CIS sport?

All I care about right now is our program being the best that it can be. We’ve gone through a month of pain to make that point, and adding

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan

or deleting further is not even on our minds.

B: So cutting women’s hockey doesn’t equal a rebirth of the Red Bombers?

KD: No. Absolutely, unequivocally, no.

B: So what kind of hopes do you have for the program moving forward?

KD: I think one of the things we’ve done through the Strategic Plan is that it has helped us prioritize.

There are three pillars to our program right now. We want to be great academically. We want to continue to be great in the community,

and part of that right now involves re-educating people in terms of this last process with the strategic plan and the changes we’ve made. We need to re-educate people in terms of why we did what we did, and at least have people understand. I think that’s important. And most importantly, we want to get our program to the highest level athletically, and I don’t apologize one bit for that. Not one iota. It’s what we’re all about.

We had seven teams ranked in the top ten in the country this year.

We’re getting there, but without change, there isn’t a prayer that we could.

Sports

Issue 26 • April 9, 2008 • 11

Marlies ink Ouzas

Jennifer McKenzie / The Brunswickan

Mike Ouzas has signed with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. Ouzas, a CIS All-Canadian in 2007-08, became the second UNB player to ink a deal with the Marlies this season, following former teammate Darryl Boyce.

Ouzas’ deal is an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) and is valid for the remainder of the season. The Marlies have four games left in their regular season schedule and have clinched first place in their division.

Ouzas joined the Marlies Monday for his first AHL practice.

Sports

12 • April 9, 2008 • Issue 26

The Iron Horse has nothing on this curtain call

Thank you, Ric View From the Sidelines by Tony von Richter

It's often said that Spring is the season of change, and while I'm not sure if that's true of everything, it's certainly true around UNB and The Brunswickan, as people will be leaving within a few weeks and everything is about to change.

It's also true of the sports world as Spring brings the NFL Draft, a new baseball season, and playoffs in the NBA and NHL. Perhaps the biggest change came from the world of wrestling on March 30 as Ric Flair wrestled his final match in front of more than 70,000 fans at WrestleMania XXIV. For those of you who follow the wrestling industry, you'll know that it's been a rough couple of years for The Nature Boy, as he's been stuck wrestling in meaningless feuds and hasn't been portrayed as the living legend that he is. For those of you who don't follow the business, this would be equivalent to Brett Favre sitting on the bench for his final few seasons, despite being able to still contribute.

Even though he hasn't been treated with the proper respect over the years, the final week of Flair's career more than made up for it, as it was the most amazing send off in the history of the business.

While all the media hype was centered around the Big Show-Floyd Mayweather match, WrestleMania weekend was all about Flair. From his emotional induction speech at the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony to his amaz-

The Fifty Mission Cap by Brian Munn Cue the sappy music and the inspirational speech, because this show is over.

That’s right, folks. This is it for the Fifty Mission Cap. A Red Sox World Series title, the 18-1 Patriots, and a CIS silver medal will mark my legacy, even though I had nothing to do with any of those events.

After 25 editions of my column – which should have been 26 if not for

Supersonics? Way to ruin it, guys.

I’m not willing to do that. I have watched far too many sports movies and spent far too long envisioning my own retirement from professional sports to ruin it by clinging to old glory. No, I’m not going to do a victory lap in a Dalhousie Tigers jersey. Instead, I’m doing this all Hollywood, all the way.

Does anyone remember the final scene from “Little Big League”? That movie where the 12-year-old kid inherits the Minnesota Twins from his grandfather, then becomes their manager? Well, MLB rules prohibit ownership from managing, to avoid conflicts of interest.

But now that I’ve ruined the movie’s credibility, let me continue. Remember how that movie ended?

Ken Griffey, Jr. makes a game-ending

Internet

Ric Flair ‘walked that aisle’ for the final time on March 30 as he wrestled his final match at WrestleMania XXIV ing retirement ceremony on Monday, WWE's annual event was a tribute to the greatest performer to ever lace up a pair of boots.

Of course, the centerpiece of Flair's retirement weekend was his final match against Shawn Michaels, which was nothing short of spectacular and showed for one final time why Flair is considered the greatest in-ring performer of all-time. The finish, with Michaels hesitating and saying, "I'm sorry. I love you," before ending the match, will go down as one of the most memorable in wrestling history and it was the perfect way to end a legendary career.

Now I don't write these things because I'm a huge fan of Ric Flair –

because I'm not. Most of his greatest moments came before I was old enough to even be aware of pro wrestling and unlike many fans, he doesn't occupy a special place in my childhood memories.

However, I am greatly aware of what he's meant to the wrestling industry.

Just like Gretzky, Jordan, and Montana revolutionized their sports, Flair did the same for his. While pro wrestling is entertainment and not a sport, that doesn't lessen the impact or the influence that Flair had over an entire industry and generation of wrestlers. Without Flair, there would be no Triple H, no Shawn Michaels, not to mention countless others, and an entire segment of popular culture would be different.

For over 35 years, Flair defined pro wrestling. Hulk Hogan may have reintroduced the business to the masses, and Steve Austin and The Rock may have driven it to untold heights, but Flair was always constant. He was the one who never wavered, who represented an often dirty and ugly business with class and respect, and became the standard by which everyone else is measured.

So just as the thousands of fans did in Orlando on WrestleMania weekend, this fan just wanted to say thank you to Ric Flair. Not only for the great matches and interviews, not only for the memorable feuds, not only for being the greatest to ever step into the ring, but for making the industry what it is today.

Internet

The Sox finally win in 2004, and I have to watch Jimmy Fallon dancing on the infield with the team? Watch out Fallon, SNL won’t save you this time. the infamous “Eye on the Ball” incident – The Brunswickan is closing up shop for the summer, and I’ll be packing my bags and heading to Halifax. Despite rumours I was traded to the Dal Gazette for a late-round draft pick in the ABA Draft, I am in fact stepping aside at the top of my game – something Michael Jordan should have tried.

Or at least he could have stuck with it; his years with the Washington Wizards were uglier than Rod Brind’amour.

Alas, I’m leaving UNB for Dal Law School, and my foray into journalism – if you can call this journalism – is all but over. I’m still waiting to hear from Sports Illustrated to see if they want me to replace Rick Reilly, but I’m not holding out much hope.

In sports, one’s reputation can be totally ruined if they hang on too long.

Wade Boggs with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays? Patrick Ewing with the Seattle

highlight reel catch in the bottom of the 12th in a one-game playoff to end the season for the Twins and manager Billy Heywood. But after allowing his Mom to marry Lou Collins, one of his players, a sell-out crowd at the Metrodome calls Heywood back to the field – clearly, the film was shot in the late ’80s when Kirby Puckett was still around and the Metrodome actually sold out – so they could applaud his efforts of trying his best, but ultimately failing.

Anyway, long story short, that isn’t the ending I have in mind for the Fifty Mission Cap. I’m thinking of an ending more like that of “Fever Pitch”, when the Red Sox win the World Series and I dance in celebration on the field with Drew Barrymore.

That’s right; around here, the Red Sox always win and I star in place of Jimmy Fallon – stop laughing and looking at the camera, you jackass.