The Cascade Friday, May 13th, 2011 Volume 19 Issue 13

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FRIDAY,MAY 13th, 2011

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Religion in· Politics pg.5

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THE CASCADE

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

Elevating the discussion NICKUBELSPeople rightfully feel passionTHECASCADE ate about these matters of outlook, whether religious, political, Linus Van Pelt once said that or otherwise, because they are of there are three things you should tremendous social and personal never discuss: religion, politics, significance. There is a commonand the Great Pumpkin. While ly-held and well-established bethis editorial may be The Cascade's_ lief that these conversations can only mention of that benevolent, quickly degenerate into blistering yet frustratingly absent Hallow- tirades from all sides and result in een spirit, there ·are five articles arguments that threaten our most about two of these contentious cherished relationships. Yet basic topics in this week's issue. assumptions about the nature of One might wonder why we our existence and purpose inform would ignore the advice of this the little decisions we make every beloved and erudite seven-year- day and shape our lives' narraold cartoon character and choose tives in powerful and profound to publish so much content on ways, whether we choose to acthe touchy subject of one's world- knowledge· them or not, which is view. Are ~e trying to attract why it's so regrettable that mean· controversy or simply fishing for ingful and respectful discussion hate mail? Fiery reactions seem to has been lost to social taboo. As inevitably accompany any men- Canadians, we often sacrifice contion of Jesus, Richard Dawkins, viction for politeness, yet the two or Gilles Duceppe in print or in do not have to be mutually excluperson. Yet what these reactions· sive. tell us is that religion and politics It is my sincere hope that in are two of the topics most worth our own little way, The Cascade can help promote dear-minded discussing.

Volume 19 · l$$Ue13 RoomC:::1027 33844 :Ktn.g Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8

Acting Editor-in-Chief esau@ufvcascade.ca Paul Esau

ManagingEditor nick@ufvcascade.ca Ni&Ubels

Business Manager ali@ufvcascade.ca Al.iSiemens

ProductionManager production@ufvcascade.ca Randona Bushell Linus and Sally from It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, 1966 discussion and greater understanding between those of all political and religious perspectives through articles like the ones included in this .edition. Universities are a· place where these sorts of robust debates are supposed

to take place. Let's do our part to build a culture where we are free to discuss the things that are most important to u_swhile maintaining the civility and open-mindedness that Canadians have come to be known for.

Production Srott Va.tga.

Copy£ditor Chds

Boushor r

N&W$Editor alex@ufvcascade.ca

Camosun students fuelling up on cooking oil Collegewilluse excesscafeteriaoilto run biodiesalreactor even be sooner because the reactor RENEEANDOR

THENEXUS is already fully functiol;lal; they're just waiting for the formula to be VICTORIA (CUP) - Camosun finalized.

Brian Calvert, associate direcCollege will soon be using biodiesel from cafeteria cooking oil tor for physical resources, can't waste, thanks to some students Wait to start using the green fuel in the environmental technology in the grounds ~quipment at the college. program.

"We're very excited about it," Ryan Olivier, Daniel Hayhurst, Paige Dawson and Michel France Calvert said. "We're really waitco-ordinated with Camosun's ing to try to mix a batch and start physical resources and chemistry implementing it into some of our program to build a biodiesel reac- grounds· vehicles for testing." tor and come up with the correct The college currently buys biochemical formula to make the al- µiesel to use in the grounds vehicles, and the cafeterias have the ternative fuel.

Olivier says it will be up and waste cooking oil picked up and running by June, and that it could recycled, so Calvert considers it

a win-win. The college will save money on fuel, and will use the cooking oil waste from the cafeterias for free.

Besides feeling good about helping Camosun become more sustainable, Olivier says the .experience helped him improve his group co-ordination skills. And he hopes future students will learn new skills by using the reactor for training.

"I would just be happy if it gave other students a chance to get some hands-on experience," Olivier said.

Calvert agrees, saying he wants the automotive and mechanical ·engineering programs to use the

reactor for training. He also says the trailer the reactor is sitting on is licensed, so he hopes to take it to community events to show the public how it works.

"It's good for the environment," Calvert said. "And it's a great opportunity to educate people about alterna~ive methods of saving energy."

Once the reactor is up and running, Calvert says students will probably smell it.

"I don't know if it'll drive up the sale of French fries when the guys drive around with the lawn mower," Calvert said. "[But] that's kind of the odour it'll give off in the exhaust."

Alei.WatkiM

Ari$&We Editor paul@ufvcascade.ca Paul'Falard.eau Sports Editors

JoeJ@ufvoa$C8de.ca Joel.Smart

DistributionSpecjalist JackBrown StaffWrit•s KarenAney

JenniferColbourne 'ItevorFlk Sophie Isbister

Chelsea Thornton Amy van Veen

Contributors Sarah Kingston SashaMoedt

TimUbds

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It providesa forumfor UFVstndenls to bavetheh:joumalism published It also I\(;!$ as an altemalivepn,s,sfor the Flaser Valley.The Cascadeiii funded with VfV studentfunds.The Cascadeis publishedeveryFriday Wid'laciJCU!a.. tiQIIof 1500and is distn1rulixl at VfV campusey andthroughoutAbbotsford,Chilliwack:, andMis· sion.The Cascade is a memberof theCanadian Uni~ Press,anationalcoopeialiveof75 uni~andcollegenewspapersfrom VICtoria to SLJohn's,The Cascadefollows• CUPefbi. cal policyCQl1Cel1lfflg materialof a piejudicialor

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FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

THE CASCADE

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Writer in residence passes on the torch .

ALEX WATKINS THECASCADE

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he term of UFV's fourth official . writer in residence, local pqet Elizabeth Bachinsky, has officially come to an end.

A former UFV student herself, Bachinsky attended classes here during her first year after graduation before going on to study creative writing .at Douglas College and UBC, eventually obtaining her degrees at UBC. Before her residency on campus, she worked for two years as the Maple RidgePitt Meadows writer in residence, where she worked to build literary culture within the community.

Bachinsky noted that one of the most memorable and rewarding parts of her time at UFV was the opportunity to watch students' writing develop. The efforts of many of these individuals were displayed at her April 7 .goingaway reading, in which live ~eadings of both her work and those of UFV students were staged. She recalled: "I was so choked up... I was so proud of everybody. They worked so hard and they had no reason to work that hard other than they just love writing and they love what they do."

She also cited representing UFV at the recent Mission Writer's Festival ~s one of the aspects of her residency that she especially enjoyed, noting that "o.ut in the valley... you have to work a little harder ... to create community, and

especially a literary community ...

Any cultural endeavour you make out here it's almost like you're building it up from the ground ... but it was really nice to see that some of those efforts are already well in place and the festival was really well attended."

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tural base, and encouraged them to actively participate in building this culture.

She advised students to begin this venture by getting in touch with universities and local arts councils, which have the resources to provide both space and funding to new programs. In particular, Bachinsky spoke of the importance of doing one's research in order to find out who to approach with ideas and of being persistent.

She noted that when enquiring at universities and arts councils about who to approach with an idea, ."the thing is to never take nobody for an answer... [if they say] we're not interested, you say: 'Well ... if someone were interested, who might I talk to?' And keep asking the question until someone says, 'Well actually,. maybe you could talk to so-and-so."'

Bachinsky continued that even after attaining spaces and funding, if organizers want to create something that the community .will be interested in they must "have a bit of a long vision and [they] have to be consistent." This means establishing a set schedule photo by: David Ellingson for an event and holdil}.g it at the same time every month, which Building this sense of commu- helps to build a regular audience. nity is an important enterprise for She encouraged students to obtain Bachinsky, and it is one of the rea- the information of regular attendsons she enjoys living in the val- ees so that they can keep them ley. She acknowledged the diffi- informed about upcoll)ing events, culties and frustrations that youth and to make use of social media, may experience growing up in an which is not only easy to do but environment without a strong cul- free. Overall, she emphasized, "It

Studentsin a Post~Election Canada bility in the repayment of student AMY VANVEEN THECASCADE loans." Their future plans are basically described as building ith a 40 per cent win, Ste- on what they have already set in place; they hope to "enhance the phen Harper's Conservative Government became the majority Canada Student Loan Program leader of Canada last week, with for part-time students"; "double the NDP close behind at 31 per the work exemption for Canada Student Loans"; and "support recent. Despite all of their attempts sear~h partnerships between colto attract a l4rger voter turnout lege and university researchers from citizens, the CBC reported and students." · that 61.4 per cent of Canadians Despite the parties' focus· on voted - a slight jump from the 2008 education and 59.1 per cent turnout. Despite all post-secondary tuition costs, a poll done by the of the statistical data and party promises, the real question on the Historica-Dominion Institute reminds of students is: what does vealed different attitudes than those expected of students. Tuition this mean for us?

In their platform, the NDP is not the oi:ily thing on the minds of Canada's next generation, and promised to "make post-secondary education more affordable ·with so many other issues finding priority, it seems to pale in comby directly attacking skyrocketing tuition costs with a desig- parison.

According to Macleans Onnated $800 million transfer to the provinces and territories to lower Campus, the number one issue tuition fees"; to "increase the on students' minds is "that [their] standard of living will be lower funding in the Canada Student Grants Program by $200 million than [their] parents." The fragila year"; and to "raise the educa- ity of the economy has Canadian tion tax credit from $4800-per- youth thinking further into the year to $5760-per-year to help future than just their four years with increasing education costs." in university. As much as the Conservative and NDP parties have Harper's Conservative party, on the other hand, included few advertised their post-secondary plans, students desire national actual figures in their platform and opted instead to call atten- economic stability to be in place in order for individual financial station to what they have already bility to allow them to move out of done, such as having "established the Canada Student Grants Pro- their parents' homes and become self-sufficient adults. gram for low- and middle-income Another concern students have students, part-time students, students with dependents, and is "that the health care system students with permanent disabil- won't be there for [them] when [they] need it." With the highly ities"; having "made scholarships publicized healthcare controverand bursaries tax-free, introduced a tax credit for textbooks"; and sies south of the border, Canadian having "increased greater flexi- youth are reportedly thinking

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takes time... perseverance... and having faith in the importance of creating culture in your community."

This advice comes from Bachinsky's own personal experience with creating and promoting events in the Fraser Valley. "When I was the writer in residence for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, by the end of my two years there I had a pretty consistent audience of between 60 and 80 people every month coming to the readings. It was actually remarkable.... And you know, often people don't even realize that they're going to enjoy something like a poetry readi.ng ... until they do it a couple times, and then they're like: 'Oh yeah, this is pretty fun!"'

Bachinsky was buoyed not only by her positive experiences with the writer in residency program at UFV but also the news that the program has officially become a part of the university's budget, meaning that "thex don't have to fight to· have it included every single year." She urged students to seek out the next writer in residence early and often, as the fourmonth term goes by very quickly.

"The only thing Yd like to say to. students [is] to keep writing, don't stop ... the only way you don't become a writer is if you stop writing... Keep your goals .focused ahead of you and just be confident, be brave, keep doing it, have faith and visit the next writer in residence."

Canadians call for change in Ottawa Bloc since its inception, promptly SARAH KINGSTON

CONTRIBUTOR stepped down from his position after the final election results he 41st Canadian general elec- were counted. For the first time in tion will go down in history years, Quebec has voted for a fedas a day of change for Canadian eralist party that they believe will politics. Each of the five main par- represent their needs: one led by ties - Conservative, Liberal, New Quebec-born Jack Layton.

Democrat, Bloc Quebecois, and Green Party leader Elizabeth Green - experienced significant May was elected Member of Parchange in the May 2 election. liament to represent Saanich-Gulf In response to a non-confidence Islands in BC. May is the first vote from the House of Commons Green Party representative to be on March 25 that brought on this voted into the House of Commons year's general election, Canadians as a Green. The Green Party has· have voted for a Conservative ma- nad one representative who was jority government led by Prime elected as a Liberal and became Minister Stephen Harper. Thi~ is Green a few months before the their first majority government 2008 election. This is not only the since 1988. first time that a Green Party repreFor the first time in Canadian sentative has been elected to parhistory the NDP are the official liament in Canada, but worldwide.

Opposition. This puts them in a The Liberal party suffered from precarious position. Jack Layton the OlOSt surprising change of will have the job of holding the all the ·parties this election. They Conservatives accountable for earned only 34 seats, the fewest their actions for the first time in seats the Liberal party has obtheir history, a task that is signifi- tained in Canadian parliamentary cantly more difficult with a major- history. The Liberal party has conity government. The future· of the sistently formed the government NDP will be based on the public's or the official Opposition.

There has been a tremendous appraisal of his performance over amount of speculation about why the next few years.

The last two governments have the Liberals have fallen so quickbeen Conservative minorities. A ly. I believe -the poor results for Sources: minority government provides the the Liberal campaign are due to inconsistent representation from other parties with opportunities http://oncampus.macleans:ca/ education/2011/04/27/where-did-the- to collaborate, whereas a major- Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff ity government has enough votes compounded with effective attack idealists-go/ to pass legislation without coop- ads from the Conservative camp.

On May 2, Canadians did their http://oncampus.macleans.ca/edu- eration from the others, making cation/2011/05/03/monday-vote-sees- it much more difficult to hold the part in a call .for serious change in Ottawa. There were some good .party in power accountable. modest-bump-in-turnout/ The Bloc ·Quebecois is no lon- changes and some changes we can http://xfer.ndp.ca/2011/2011-Plat- ger an official party as they only only wait to find the outcome of, won four seats in Quebec. That is but Canadians are voting differform/NDP-2011-Platform-En.pdf a huge downturn from the 49 seats ently than ever before and are acthttp://www.conservative.ca/media/ they earned in the 2008 election. ing on the change that they desire.

ConservativePlatform2011_ENs.pdf Gilles Duceppe, the leader of the · long-term when it comes to being able to survive both financially and physically in a post-election Canada.

Another big concern for students is "the erosion of democracy" and, particularly, how this relates to international affairs and "foreign threats to Canada." Surprisingly, the Macleans poll found tuition and the environment, which are stereotypical student issues, at the bottom of the list for what Canadian youths are prioritizing.

With these findings regarding the Canadian student population's main concerns on the table, political leaders may have to rethink their attitudes toward student voters. A platform emphasizing hopes for easier post-secondai:y finances and a greener earth may be less effective in drawing the student vote than expected as youth are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned with what it means to have physical and economic security in the future, and, more specifically, what it means to have this kind of a future in Canada.

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THE CASCADE

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

HIRING:EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Qualifications:

All current UFVstudents are welcome to apply.

The respcmsibilities of the Editor-in.:.Chiefinclude over·seeing all aspects of the paper's production including: managin9'l:he paper's editorial noard; ~. tr~ and tutonng-sfaff; and liaising with the Canadian Umversity Press. The Editor""in-Chiefreports to the cas~ cade Board of Directors and is ultimately responsible . for the editorial content of the newspaper.

The job requires heavy time .commitment and is not recommended to full time students. Candidates will be required to pass an editing test to be considered for the . position.

This position has a term of one year.

Experience or knowledge of newspaper writing, editing and layout; candidates with previous expenence editing and/or layout experience will be given preference. · -

Abilityto work in a high-pressure environment with a diverse and eccentric group of volunteers.

Interest and experience with editorial content and journalism.

Commitment to the goals of the Cascadestudent

newspaper.

Please e_mail applications to sonja@ufvcascade.ca or bring them by room Cl027

The Editor-"in-Chiefis paid an honouraria of $300 per is$ue

before4pmJuly3,

Questions? Email sonja@ufvcascade.ca

2011.

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Y-0uth thanked amid'orange crush' success Canadians witnessed a series ofastounding changes intheirfederal political landscape onMay 2asStephen.Harper's Conservatives achieved their majority government andtheNewDemocratic Party achieved official Opposition statusforthefirst timeinhistory.

• Theso-called "orange crush" ofNDP support swept through Quebec andevenpartsofOntario andthe Prairies tonettheparty102seats,obliterating their previous record of43seatscaptured in1988.

NDP leader JackLayton thanked the"thetensof thousands ofyoungc.anadians, someofwhom voted fortheveryfirsttime:' "You, young (.anadians, areaninspiration anda source ofhopeforourcountry's future;' Layton told alargecrowd indowntown Toronto.Layton becomes Opposition Leader inStephen Harper's firstmajority parliament.

TheConservativescaptured a totalof167seatsonMonday night.

'Weareintensely awarethatweareandwemust bethegovernment forall(.anadi;ms, induding thosewhodidn'tvoteforus,"anenthusiastic Harper saidin(.algary.

TheBloc Quebecois werereduced from47seats toonlyfour,leaving Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe -who losthisownriding oflaurier-SainteMarie totheNDP - toannounce hisimpending departure fromtheparty's leadership position.

Emma Godmere - CUP Ottawa Bureau Chief

photo source: greenparty.ca

Maymakes history withGreen seat

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photo source: facebook.com

Facebook mayhaveleaked your personal information: Symantec

Hist~~was madeintheriding ofSaanich-Gulf .

Facebook users' personal information could have Islands todayasCanada elected itsfirstGreen beenaccidentally leaked tothirdparties, inparticular member ofParliament-partyleaderElizabeth advertisers, overthepastfewyears, Symantec Corp May. saidinitsofficial blog.

Maywontheridi~g, which ishometomanystuThird-parties would havehadaccess topersonal dentsattheUniversity ofVictoria, Camosun College information suchasprofiles, photographs andchat, andRoyal Roads University, withapproximately andcould havehadtheability topostmessages, the 48percentofthevote.Shebeatincumbent Gary security software maker said.

Lunn, a Conservative cabinet minister.

'Weestimate thatasofApril 2011, doseto100,000 applications were enabling thisleakage;' theblog "Itshould shock fewtoseetlJeuniversity community ofSaanich-Gulf Islands' youthelectc.anada'.spostsaid. firstGreeri MP. Regardless ofpolitical affiliation, "Over theyears, hundreds ofthousands ofapplicavoters wantchange onenvironmental issues;' said tionsmayhaveinadvertently leaked millions ofaccess Dylan Sherlock, finance director fortheUniversity of tokens tothirdparties," posing asecurity threat, the Victoria's students' society. blogpostsaid.

"TheresultinSaanich-Gulf Islands shows thatwhen Thethird-parties maynothaverealized theirability to youthfeelliketherearepeople addressing their access theinformation, itsaid. issues theywillvote.Elizabeth Mayengaged youth Facebook, wasnotified ofthisissue andconfirmed the inhercampaign betterthananyone else.Toooften leakage, theblogpostsaid. youthsimply feelliketheirvotedoesnotmatter. itsaidFacebook hastakenstepstoresolve theissue.

Whatwehavelearned isthatyouthareinterested "Unfortunately, their(Symantec's) resulting report has inthepolitical process butweneedtotalkseriously afewinaccuracies.

Specifically, wehaveconducted a aboutelectoral reform ifwereally wanttoincrease thorough investigation which revealed noevidence of youthvoterturnout," addedJamesCoccola, outgo- thisissueresulting inauser's private .information beingchairperson forUVic's students' society. ingshared withunauthorized thirdparties;' Facebook While specific voterturnout demographics havenot spokeswoman Malorie Lucich saidinastatement. beenreleased, Mayhopesanincreased youthvote Lucich saidthereport alsoignores thecontractual obliimpacted hersuccess. gations ofadvertisers anddevelopers which prohibit themfromobtaining orsharing userinformation ina ..: Kailey Willetts~(.anadian University Press waythat"violates ourpolicies~

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U.N.expects freshHaiticholera outbreaks withrains

Mdrepressure onPakistani military overbinLaden

Humanitarian workers inHaitiarepreparing forfreshcholera outbreaks astherainyseason threatens to revive anepidemic thathaskilled nearly5,000peoplesinceOctober, U.N. officials saidWednesday.

Thewarning fromtheU.N. Office forthe Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and thePan-American Health Organization (PAHO) reflects bigchallenges thatwillconfront Haitian President-elect Michel Martelly.

Martelly, aformercarnival singerwithnopreviousgovernment experience, takesthereinsofhis impoverished, earthquake-battered Caribbean nationSaturday.

AhugeU.N.-led humanitarian operation has helpedto reduce thefatality ratefromthecholera epidemic frompeakslastyearwhendozens ofsick patients weredyingeveryday.

Butdownpours heralding thisyear'srainyseason appearto haveledto increased cholera cases againinsomeareas,prompting fearsoffresh outbreaks ofthedeadly diarrheal disease.

"More watermeansmorecholera andthe sanitation inthecountry isstillveryweak;' OCHA spokesperson Emmanuelle Schneider told Reuters.

"Wearecalling forheightened vigilance ...weare expecting (fresh) outbreaks ofcholera intheWest, including Port-au-Prince, SouthandSoutheast Departments," sheadded.

Pakistan's opposition leader accused thepowerful spy agency ofnegligence andincompetence Wednesday asthecountry's funner president saidrogue members ofthesecurity establishment mayhavehelped Osama binladenhidefuryears nearIslamabad.

Ratcheting uppressure onthecounlly's military as• itfights offsuspicion thatitsheltered thealQaeda leader, rival India named fivePakistani armyofficers in a listof50aiminals itwants extradited tostandtrial onterror charges.

Nawaz Sharif, whoheadsPakistan's largest opposition group, rejected agovernment decision toputanarmy general incharge oftheinquiry intointelligence lapses thatledtothekilling ofbinladeninahelicopter raid byU.S. commandos onMay 2. .

Sparing thegovernment anditsleaders inhistirade overthebreach ofPakistan's sovereignty byU.S. forces, Sharif blamed the"worst caseofnegligence and incompetence"by thecountry's security agencies. "ltis(a)matter ofserious concern thatoursecurity iAstitutions knewnothing whenthehelicopter gunships andcommandos remained inourterritory and airspace fursolong;'he tolda newsconference, calling forajudicial commission toleadtheinvestigation to dispel doubts aboutitsobjectivity.

Sharif demanded tokriow howtheworld's mostwanted mancould remain holedupinacompound lessthana kilometer (0.6miles) fromthecountry's mainmilitary academy, andbemoaned thedamage thematter hascaused toPakistan's reputation abroad.

Reuters

Reuters

THE CASCADE

FRIDAY,MAY 13th, 2011

5

Beyond Belief PAUL ESAU THECASCADE

Sikhism

Hinduism

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he word 'Sikh' in the Punjainduism is often inaccurately understood as a religion of bi language means 'disciple.' multiple gods and goddesses, but S1khs are the disciples of God Hinduism cannot be neatly pack- who follow the writings and aged as a polytheistic religion, or teachings of the Ten Sikh Guany one of the other particular be- rus. The wisdom of these teachlief system labels. Over the years, ings in Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the best way I have come to under- practical and universal in their stand and explain this confusion appeal to all mankind. All Sikhs is with the assistance of a utopian are encourageg by their Guru (Guru Granth Sahib) to perform structure of government. . The multiple gods and goddess- Seva or Selfless Service. This is es that Hinduism is widely known not only good for their commufor, predominantly the "trinity" nity relations but also for the Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, and moral uplifting of their person. their respective consorts, Parvati, You will find Sikhs engaged in This week's question:in Lakshmi, and Saraswati, are re- free service in the Gurdwara: comparisonwith all other sponsible for particular compo- washing dishes, cleaning the world religions, what makes nents of the universe: Shiva the floors, serving food, etc. yours unique? destroyer, Vishnu the preserver, Moreover, Sikhism is foundBrahma the creator, Parvati the ed on the principle of Sarbat Sheetal is a goddess of power, Lakshmi the · da bhalla - · working towards Philosophy goddess of wealth and prosper- the "coinmon good of all." For student as well ity, and Saraswati the goddess of . Sikhs, this means reaching out as on the Board education. The list goes on, attrib- to serve and uplift all of huforSouthAsian uting a god or goddess to every- manity as an expression of dePeer Network thing under the sun - including a votion to the Creator. Many sun god! Brahma the creator is not other Sikh institutes, such as Association (SAPNA)- an . to be mistaken with the Brahman, Guru-ka-Langar, Kirtan, Paath, extensionof the Centre of Indo Canaanother name for the Atman, or etc., depend on the performanc.e Supreme Being, the formless high- of Seva by many in the congredian Studies. er consciousness, to which our gation. The principles of Seva Navpreetis an souls merge with liberation from underpin many Sikh values their cycle of life(s) and death(s). such is the importance given to international student in his The Brahman is understood as the Seva in Sikhism.

I am completely sure that last semester formless authority that a governof a BBA de- ment is established to preserve Sikhism is the only religion that gre. He also is unspoken rights such as justice, offers a "free kitchen" everyinvolved with freedom, respect, etc. And just as day in every temple, no matter the UFV Centre for Indo-Canadian a nation has a prime minister and w~ether the temple is in Canada or ·Dubai, Italy or Norway.

Studies. ministers of different departments - health, agriculture, educa~ion, If you are hungry then you can etc. - so are the multiple gods and come to the temple and eat. Our Derrick Uittenbosch is goddesses to be understood as re- guru (saint) taught us that no a third year spective authorities of their min- person is different in terms of Criminology istries. However, none are 'above caste, colour, name, or race, so student. He the Brahman,' and each of these we should treat everyone equalis a leader entities has a form and restri~- ly. This means that everybody is of Univertions. invited to enjoy the fresh food, sity Christian The Brahman is formless and even in the three temples that Ministries at UFV. Send feedback unrestricted, boundless and all- we have in Abbotsford. to derrick@ufv-i:icm.ca. pervasive, the embodiments of the We are called Punjabi and properties attributed to our com- Sikh for three things that we mon understanding of "God." This carry everywhere: our language Aaron Bayesis the president is why it is difficult to encompass (Punjabi), our religi9n (Sikhof UWs Athe- Hinduism as a solely polytheistic ism), and our culture (Cloths, ists, Skeptics, religion and one of the reasons Food, and our Bhangra dance). ·and Humanists why Hinduism is unique. · , Oub. -Navpreet Parmar .

-Sheetal Deo fuedback is weloome at Aaron.Bayesgl studentufv.ca.

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ello, and welcome to The Cascade's Belief Column! As most of you know UFV is attended by students from a wide variety of religions and philosophies, each representing a different tradition and a different perspective on life's mysteries. In this column members of four of those perspectives-Sikhism, Christianity, Hinduism,. and Atheism-- attempt to respond to some of the bigger questions leveled at the religious institution.

Have a question or response for the Belief Column? Send it to esau@ufvcascade.ca

Christianity

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Atheism

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he knee-jerk response to this heism is a belief in a god. The question is: everything! But . prefix "a" means without, as that's not very helpful, so I'll in "without a belief in a god." There highlight a couple of the key is nothing more that must be said to components that are not found have a complete definition of athein any other religion. ism. Do you know of any religions First, while the idea that that can be described so quickly something has to be done for and neatly? Atheism is not a reour bad actions is common to ligion, just as ''bald" is not a hair many religions, the Biblical re- colour, and not collecting stamps is sponse is completely different: not a hobby. Here is why atheism is you don't have to do anything. better than religion: Yep, that's right. There's noth1. No central doctrine. No sacred ing you have to do. In fact, text means no holy wars. there's nothing you could do 2. No guilt required! Many rethat would make any difference. ligions say you were bad person That's where God comes in and before you existed, but how is that a little thing- called grace. God fair? knew we couldn't do anything 3. No resources wasted on ritual. to completely make up for our Imagine if instead of mega-churchbad actions, so he gracefully al- es we had mega-hospitals with lowed us to get away scot-free thousands of volunteers instead of by levelling the penalty against parishioners. someone else, Jesus. We are giv4. We get a coherent picture of en the choice to accept His grace . the universe. Evolution, geology, and live in paradise without the cosmology: these things all help us penalty of our actions, without to understand how big and amazhaving to do anything ourselves. ing the universe really is - and it's Second, God is the ultimate much better than the worlds deauthority and power over the scribed in holy books. universe. He is the king of cre5. Atheists can rely on medical ation and the creator of ev- science. Studies have shown time erything. He is perfect and and time again, prayer has no effect all-knowing, omnipresent and on the sick. If you don't believe that, omniscient, ever-loving and for- ask yourself why god never cures giving. At the same time, he is amputees. not inaccessible. We can talk to 6. No need for faith! Faith is behim anytime and anywhere we lief without evidence, even contrary want to. In fact, this is exactly to evidence. what he wants. God loves each 7. Without a divine directive, and every one of us so much that atheists are left to take responsibilhe desires to have an intimate, ity, and credit, fqr their actions. Our personal, and loving relationgood deeds are done for their own ship with you. sake, not for the reward or threat of You are the apple of his eye, heaven and hell. the crown of his creation, and 8. Religion is dehumanizing. It the child he dearly loves. He is tends to assume people are genernot a distant, disdainful, uncarally bad, and have no right to quesing, unreachable God sitting off tion the religious leadership. It tells in the middle of nowhere. He people that they are chosen and is right here beside you, loving better than others. you, forgiving you, and sacri9. Sex! Religions are not known ficing his son for you, even be- for enlightened perspectives on sex, fore you knew you needed him. they often forbid it altogether. AtheNo matter what you've done or ists can openly discuss the risks where you are, God is still there, and benefits of sE!)(ualactivity then calling you by name, waiting make informed and unrestricted for you to run back into his out- choices. stretched arms.

10. It's not wrong. There are many religions in this world, all -Derrick Uittenbosch claiming to be the only true one.

They can't all be right, but they can all be wrong.

a

-Aaron ~ayes

TommyDouglaslovedJesusand Canada didn'tfallapart JACK BROWN.litical discourse. Despite nearly

THECASCADE three centuries of Enlightenment secularism, a m•ajority of any commentators have citizens in Canada still at least written of the pernicious nominally identify as belonging influence of religion on the public to some faith group. Although discourse in Western nations, in- many would not agree with cluding Canada. Often, these com- the theological doctrim!s their mentaries focus on ·the relation- preferred faith community emship between certain right-wing braces, attitudes and moral intupolitical parties or ideas and cer- itions are still very much influtain factions of religious groups, enced by them. But it is not this such as the recent work The Arma- latent influence on the attitudes geddon Factor by Marci MacDon- t>f citizens that is most notable. ald. _This focus on the 'religious That designation belongs t<;>the right' in Canada and abroad, and legacies of our political leaders the worry that many have voiced and their parties. regarding its influence in our pubIt is easy to forget that J.S. lic discourse is flawed, ahistorical, Woodsworth, founder and first and rather short-sighted. leader of the Co-operative ComIt will come as no surprise to monwealth Federation, was a all that religion influences po- Methodist minister. His social-

M

ism and his dedication to peace · against tyranny and prm:r,.ote both respectful and honest. Of and pacifism were bound up justice? Or the Buddhists who course, a modern, multicultural with his own faith, in a manner encourage compassion and un- liberal democracy has no busisimilar to that of his successor,· derstanding toward all living ness being theocratic in its poliTommy Douglas. It was Tom- things? What about the Baha'is cies or institutions. It is neither my Douglas (himself a Baptist who dedicate themselves to correct nor proper for the state preacher) who brought univeradvancing universal brotherto indulge in playing out theosal public Medicare to Canada hood and fidelity amongst all logical arguments in the public as leader of the first democratic peoples? In every circumstance, sphere. socialist government in Sas- the doctrines espoused by these Nevertheless, a robust pokatchewan. For both of these and many other faith commulitical culture should be able men, their faith was profoundly nities are ones that enrich our to accommodate a myriad of influential in their politics. public discourse, not destroy or different views. Should it matIn _ contemporary society, . undermine it. ter whether one looks to Christ many more religious doctrines To be sure, the dangers of or Muhammad or human reaand faith communities popusectarianism are ever present. . son itself for guidance in seri~ late Canada, and increasingly, But the solution to intolerance ous matters of public concern? members of these newer groups or narrowness is not to for- No. Should we forbid citizens have entered public life. Should bid totally the voice of faith in and leaders alike from drawwe fear the influence of the our public discourse. Rather, ing upon their religious views Sikhs-who, as_members of the the lasting solution is to en- as inspiration for building the Khalsa order, are bound to fight gage with it in a manner that is common good? Definitely not.

. THE CASCADE

6

HST vote a double-edgedsword iceberg in terms of _massive disTREVORFIK

THECASCADE crepancies between governmentpredicted effects of the tax and y July 22, voters across British reality.

Columbia will have cast their Another one of the key selling ballot to uphold or repeal the Har- points of the HST was the positive monized Sales Tax that has been in effect on economic growth and job place in the province since July 1 creation the tax was expected to have.

2010.

While government promotion To a province reeling from the and handling of the tax has been effects of a recession, this parnothing short of a catastrophic ticular idea was music to ipany failure, the initial economic ben- people's ears. With a high unem~ efits from a $1.6 billion federal ployment rate and low job prospects for many people, any way to grant have many people worried about the effects of cancelling the create new jobs was welcomed by the province. unpopular tax.

However, what the HST has While trying to sell the HST to the citizens of British Columbia, amounted to in terms of job crethe government has offered noth- ation has been far below the ex-ing but inaccurate estimates of the pected amount. Last year, the HST benefits of the tax while down- resulted in the creation of only 3,000 new jobs, far less than the playing any potential harm.

The breadth of the government's government's original prediction imprecision about the tax was 113,000 new jobs by 2020 when extrapolated over nine years. Esbrought to light by a governmentfunded panel designed to explore timations now range somewhere (and as the Liberal party hoped, in the more conservative area of celebrate) the effects of the HST. 24,400 jobs.

This gross over-estimation was What the panel found has only served to lessen the population's yet another lie in a whole string trust in an already embattled gov- of fabrications being sold by the Liberal government and their HST ernment and increase scepticism spin crew. They cannot hide the about a tax that has been dubbed panel's findings that while taxpaythe "Hated Sales Tax." The panel found that those ers are paying an extra $1.33-bilmaking less than $10,000-a-year lion-a-year as a result of the tax, were the only people who stand businesses are paying $730 mil· to benefit from the tax in terms of lion less.

As if to add insult to injury, the rebates. Families whose incmµe is in the range of $70,000 or above government has commissioned an (or the majority of families in the additional $1.7 million of taxpayer money in an attempt to "inform" province) will pay an additional $527-per-year. This is far above the the public of the HST's benefits. government-estimated $107-per- Translation? Pouring more money . year, and is only the tip of the into the HST sinkhole in an at-

B

AMYVANVEEN

A

s with most hunting protests, the opposition bases its claims on too. little knowledge and too much Disney. Not only are harp seals not pets, but the hunters are not malicious, blood thirsty killers: they are employees doing their jobs.

The government, too, does not allow free range killing of as many seals as possible in the short March and April hunting season.There is a quota on. the seals that can be hunted and, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, since 2009 that quota has been 280,000 harp seals, a mere dent in their population of almost nine million; a population which has quadrupled since the 1970s.

There are times when the government allows hunters to exceed the quota set in place, but this is to allow for the loss they endured in past years when they have come short of their limit.

Protesters of the hunt have accused the federal ang regional governments of giving too much economic importance to this once a year seal yield. However, these same ignorant people who are condemning the treatment of. these sea animals are refusing to see the importance this hunt has for the economies of the individual employees and companies.

While they harpoon the government, they are harpooning some of -these east coasters who have one third of their income coming

photo from: Flickr.com

from this spring event.

The hunt is not useless. The CBC explains how the pelts are obviously the first thing people go to, accusing hunters of discarding the rest of the seal like people used to do with elephants for their tusks. However, the meat of the seal is used for both human and animal consumption, seal oil can be used for fuel for both cooltjng and lamps as well as providing oils for Omega-3 rich fish oil capsules, and seals can al.so be used for leather.

The footage of the seals being killed is gruesome, that's for sure, but the reason these videos are so hard to swallow is because they

UFV. SPEAKS!!

tempt to clog the bad press and even worse public reputation the tax has garnered., What the Liberal government has failed to understand is that the province is not entirely upset about the tax itself, but it is upset by the way Gordon Campbell and his sneaky Liberal government implemented the tax when they had given every inclination they would not.

Christy Clark and her platform of positive economic change and growth would be badly hurt by a repeal of the HST tax, and rightfully so. However, the real losers in a repeal de.cision would be the economy of British Columbia and those who support it: the population. While the gqvernment officials feel free to rol! the dice on the provincfs fragile economic state, the $1.6 billion federal grant· given as a result of implementing the HST would likely have to . be repaid. That on top of the 1824 month delay in getting back "It doesn'taffectme as much as my parents,but with the NDP beingthe official to the provincial sales tax, along oppositionit workedinto my favor." with the high cost of such a return (hiring tax collectors, paper work, etc), this endeavour by the government will have proved to be a costly one.

While positive effects of the tax such as a more competitive economy, greater export, and a larger foreign investment in British Columbia cannot be denied, when -the average person is not seeing any of these promised benefits firsthand in_the form of cheaper goods or more job opportunities, the resulting vote will register as damned if you do, damned if you do not to the people of BC.

The Question: how do you feel about the results of the election?

Dalton

Kim

Need to know:the seal hunt THECASCADE

FRIDAY, MAY 13th 2011

do not depict footage of treatment commonly bestowed on animals.

Most of the public prefer sea creature videos of adorable dolphins saving humans or humans cuddling with otters, but when it gets real, people complain. It's the same reason there are not videos taken in slaughterhouses. These kinds of thing happen, whether or not people want to see it. The average citizen is not equipped to maturely deal with the footage, but because seal hunting is done out in the open and not behind locked doors like cattle, pig, and chicken harvesting, people take greater offence to it. · The main thing that needs to be addressed, though, is the false accusation that ·hunters kill white coat seals, which are newborn seals. Since 1987,regulations have been in place which prohibit these seals from being hunted - they • must first shed their coats and be separated from their mothers before being eligible to be harvested.

The question I have for opponents is why are prote~ts not in place for any of the other topfive seafoods in Canada? What about the snow crab, the lobster, shrimp, and cod? Why are these animals left out of the running for top priority protests? It's because these particular animals are not adorable. If the lobster didn't look so much like a sea dwelling cockroach, maybe it would get as much attention as tlie adorable seal. In reality seals are food, and a resource that allows· for economic stability on the east coast.

"I think it sucks!I do not agreewith the Conservativeagenda,I don't agreewith theirpolicyon corrections,thefunding cuts, theirsocialpoliciesand I think they aretoo individualistic." ·

Mark "I am happy with the resultsbecausethe Cqnservativeshave beendoinga good job, and I think they will continueto do so."

Kathleen 'Tm okay with it. I'm glad thereis a majoritygovernmentso they can actually do thingsand pass bills."

Photo Credit: Ali Siemens

!I

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

y,ww.ufvcascade.ca

7

UFV heads in the write direction Languagecomes alive at UFV SASHAMOEDT CONTRIBUTOR

looks bright for budThedingfuture writers at UFV, although it is a developing university; there is a vision and initiative in poetry and creative writing emerging in the Fraser Valley. As new courses and concentrations are being developed, more students are being given opportunities to be involved in writing academically and creatively. Outside of that setting, resources are being provided for emerging writers by the UFV administration and by students who to make funds for this position want to connect and share with a line item in the UFV budget." other writers.

Bachinsky, Carroll notes, "was a Writer-in-residence Elizabeth positive, inspirational, and proBachinsky gave her final reading fessional presence, everyt]:ling a April 7th after a very rewai:ding writer-in-residence should be." term at UFV. Author of poetry A week later, on April 14, readcollections Curio (2005), Home of ers, contributors, and editors celSudden Service (2006), and God of ebrated the third edition of UFV's Missed Connections (2009},Bachin- Louden Singletree.Pieces were read sky worked at UFV from January by authors published in UFV's lituntil April, helping students and erary magazine.

I'll admit, I had to Google 'loudinstructors with their writing. She · worked one~on-one with writers, en singletree' before covering dropped by creative writing class- this reading. The only thing that es, and appeared at various UFV popped up was some agricultural readings and events. At her final deyice "for use in raising loose hay reading, several students who in the barn or stacks with horse were mentored by Bachinsky read forks or slings." Well.

Sophie Isbister, an editor of their poetry and prose.

Bachinsky's impact could be the Louden Singletree, confirmed clearly seen through the interac- that yes, it is a piece of farming tions between herself, students · equipment - circa 1885. Isbister and .instructors. Perpetually en- explained that whe~ the foundergetic and friendly, she created a ers were choosing a name, they positive atmosphere. Miriam Hux- were looking for something that ley, who read her poems ''.Mont- "sounded nice and also kind of martre" and "Memento Mori" at mysterious, but which had some Bachinsky's farewell, says that relevance to the community that "Elizabeth was so helpful, and the magazine comes from." I'm really made the whole reading thinking· they had a nasty sense process less daunting: She's had · of humour, and wanted to doom so much experience as far as pre- future editors to the fate of forever senting her own work goes, and answering the question: Louden she honestly helped build my con- Singletree?What the hell is that? fidence."

To be honest, she's got it right.

After the student readers, Louden Singletree does sound Bachinsky read a few poems from good. We've got the conviction in Home of Sudden Service. Her read- the louq, individuality in single ing style is inspiring, her voice and then tree, which always has strong and self-assured. good connotations. Mysterious A writer-in-residence is an · farming equipment, I'd write for invaluable resource for writing that.

The launch .reading was quite students. Bachinsky made herself very available to one-on-one a success. Editor Miriam Huxley was pleased with the tqrnout and meetings with writers; students atmosphere. "People were really could bring in course assignments excited about the reading and the or just their own personal writing and receive advice and sugges- third issue," Huxley remarks.Isbister comments that "it was tions.

Students at Bachinsky's ·wrap- also great to put some faces fo up reading commented on her names; we worked all semester ability to make the writer comfort- with these people's writing, and it was nice to finally meet some of able during these appointments.

UFV student Katie Stobbart, them and hear their work the way . who read a few pieces, met with it was meant to be heard."

Bachinsky, and was enthusiastic Andrea MacPherson, Faculty about her experience. "Liz was Ad'(isor of the Louden Singletree, so encouraging and I feel that she was pleased with the level of has been a major contributor to my writing: "We've definitely got a success in creative writing this se- wider range of submissions and, mester and to my future wrl.ting." therefore, a wider range of voices "Elizabeth's readings are so and style, which is always a good inspiring," Stobbart continues, "a thing." MacPherson hopes that poem is at it's strongest when it is "the fourth issue will grow in this read in the voice of the poet, when . way, ·seeing not only fiction and the intent of the writer and the in- poetry, but also non-fiction, monoterpretation from her audience is logues, and children's lit." fused."

The Spring 2011 edition con"I look forward to working tains poetry, fiction, and visual with other writers who come to art by students, alumni, and facshare their experience and knowl- ulty. The poetry is diverse, spanedge at UFV." ning from the short, clipped voice English Department Head John of Robert Martens's "I Take My Carroll says that a writer-in-resiCoffee Black," to the lovely, wistdence will "become a permanent ful imagery in Shannon McConfixture at UFY, since the English nell's "Tangled Coasts," to the department argued persuasively darker tone of Miriam Huxley's

wrWRITE "Memento Mori." The short stories are well written, with Chris Scarrow's gruesomely captivating "Sandbox," and Sonja Szlovicsak's poignant "A Day in the Life of the Fabulous Mrs. Poulivard." For visual art - both Jessie Somers's Into the Tide and Brian Carlisle's Tofino Sunset and Surf 2010 are stunning.

Contributor Paul Falardeau says that "the jotunal is getting better every year. We do a good job with what we have."

"For me a big improvement, as a scliool, is -tohave more and more people contribute. The quality will get better and better the more poems we have submitted."

Falardeau also adds that an im- · provement might be to have the reading at Casey's - "it'd be a bit rowdier!"

Other readers included Lacey Hall, Sherylynn Niezen, Shannon McConnell, and Jennifer Colbourne.

Miriam Huxley explains that submissions are open now until December 14, 2011. • "Guidelines are available on the Louden Singletree's UFV page. (http://www.ufv. ca/ english/ Louden_Singletree. htm). Submissions must' be submitted via email to louden.singletree@ufv.ca.

These two reading events show that the poetry scene at UFV is very vibrant and growing. Elizabeth Bachinsky's reading revealed dedicated and enthusiastic writers at UFV. The Louden Singletree,just three years in print, contains brilliant writing and has made considerable advancements in those y.ears as far as contribution and quality goes.

Editor Miriam Huxley urges

writing with other students has· given me a lot of insight into what it means to be a community of writers."

"Writing in a group and opening yourself up to other people is an integral part of being a writer.

That, to me, is one of the best parts of taking a creative writing course: you get the opportunity to form a small community of writers who support, encourage, and learn from each other."

Currently, UFV administration is making· moves to further graphic by: RandonaBushell expand and strengthen Creative UFV writers to, "write, constantly, Writing at UFV. and share your work! Form writing According to John Carroll, the communities, take classes, submit ministry has recently approved a to lit mags, just get your work out package of extended minors, inthere. Sharing my work has meant cluding Creative Writing. Students that my style has changed and de- can now combine this extended veloped, and I've really found my minor with extended minors in own voice." Though the Creative art history, visual arts, digital and Writing program is "small and graphic design, theatre, fashion growing," Huxley says it is "mov- design, media and communicaing in the right direction." tions, and visual studies. Addi"It would be .great to see more tionally, the English department classes, and more levels in each has·put through a concentration in genre."

Creative Writing - now students Though UFV hasn't had the op- completing a BA in English can tions of a major or minor in Cre- focus on Creative Writing. Carroll ative Writing in the past, there is comments that Creative Writing the option of a concentration in serves to give students "a solid Creative Writing. Currently, a ma- grounding in the literary tradijor in Engltsh can be divided into tions." three groups - Drama/Theatre, This expansion is exciting. This Literature, or Writing and Rheto- past year, experimental poetics ric. was offered for the first time, CarSophie Isbister observes that, at roll noted, while a 300 level screen UFY, "the quality of instruction is writing course will be offered in great." the next academic year. While "Creative Writing at UFV has ther~ will be more Creative Writforced me to output a lot of work. ing courses offered, new courses I definitely feel that my quality of are being considered for developwork has improved, as well as my ment. Carroll described a course ability to take criticism in a work- in song lyrics, as well as a course shop setting." ~ross listed with visual arts - the Isbister also would like to see graphic novel.

Creative Writing become more Carroll states that "within the available at UFV. "I think that discipline of English, the teaching for the Creative Writing depart- · of Creative Writing can, among ments to progress into a machine other things, serve the function of that can nurture and develop a studying literature from another lot of the raw talent in the Fraser perspective - not as the critic or -Valley,it needs to grow into a full scholar, but as the creative artist." degree program or at least a miThis exciting growth of Creative nor."

Writing fits well with UFV's wideKatie Stobbart is impressed range of programs and courses ofwith UFV's Creative Writing fered. With more opportunities for courses. She describes her profes- young writers, it can be hoped that sors as "encou.raging and inspir- students will become a driving ing." force behind the expansion of po"I feel that work-shopping my etry and Creative Writing at UFV.

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•••

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FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

8

UFV BFAGRAD SHOW Leave Your Skin at the Door

Amy Powers - Without Words

Michelle Carlson - Human Remains

Sandy Moulton - Free-Floating Hostility

photos by: Nick Ubels ft Ali Siemens

Outside the (take out)

Box

AMYVANVEEN lain, True Foods offers ginger cookies and THECASCADE the classic chocolate chip, as well as wheat, dairy, and egg-free pecan topped cookies. ort Langley is home to many little treaDespite all of the wonders that come out sures, but there's only one little coffee of that back kitchen, there are certain things shop whose reputation precedes it. At the that need to be kept in mind when visiting end of Glover, right before the train tracks, this particular establishment. Fort Langley Wendel's Bookstore & Cafe sits on the cor- is a small town ~nd as a small town, their ner, beckoning passersby in for a freshly storefronts are also rather diminutive. This made treat or two. is fine when peeking through a boutique for As the name suggests, half of Wendel's kids' clothes and even delicately moving is a cozy little bookshop that spills into the through the home storeswith fragile vases other half, which is a cafe. Though "cafe" everywhere you turn; however, in a restauelicits thoughts of coffee and scones, their rant, things can get a little tight. Anyone menu is hearty enough to satisfy even the who has ever been to Wendel's can attest to hungriest customer. With a fully functionthe fact that qespite its size, the employees ing restaurant kitchen in the back, their of Wendel's Bookstore & Cafe are trained breakfast to <;iinner menu covers a range in the fine art of dealing with high volof options. Fancy French toast or Belgian umes of customers and little square foot_ waffles for some early morning energy? age. If it's too tight amongst the tables, their Sure. Does lunch time only require half a corner location offers a wrap-around covsandwich and a salad or soup? Absolutely. ered patio throughout the seasons. Also, Prefer to try an entree such as their To- their system is relatively flawless with an mato Basil Tortellini or Wok Stirred Gin- order, take your wooden number and sit ger Chicken? You can find that here. Their situation. To avoid crowds, there's a level display cooler also offers a range of dessert of common sense that a customer needs to options from cheesecake to brownies, tira- have. If it's a sunny Mothers' Day Sunday, misu to pie; Wendel's seems to have it all. expect line: Despite its crowdedness, the The prices range from under $7 to $11 service is always friendly, always helpful, for breakfast, which is served from 7:30 to and always welcoming, and their quality 11:30 a.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. -on made food with fresh ingredients elicits a weekends, to under $15 for lunch or a din- chorus of "this is so good" and "delicious" ner f;?ntree.They also offer coffee, muffins, throughout its table upon table space. and cookies for those who are just looking Wendel's has become an integral part of for a s~ack to take on the Fort to Fort trail. the Fort Langley experience and the qualNot only does Wendel's make all of their ity of its food and coffee will not disap· own meals and treats, they also offer True point. So grab a drink, a scone, and maybe Foods, which is their own line of allergy- a Pesto Chicken and Brie panini and enjoy · sensitive snack options. For those with the tiny space with big heart that is this sensitivities, gluten seems to be a rising vil- street corner cafe.

F

103 - 9233 Glover Rd, Fort Langley http://wen<;telsonline.com/

a

photo from: Facebook.com

r FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

9

www.ufvcascade.ca

RELOW THE

RELT

VIOLET HEARTair conditioning (nor, in the case Play with ice cubes, dragging it FEELIN' THEHEAT of most students, can we afford up an_ddown your partner's body. to). When you're literally sitting Get a wet face cloth and wring litummer time. Finally, we all in a pool of your own sweat, un- tle droplets of water on them. Eat have time to relax and recuperable to move from where you lay frozen fruit off of them. Use a wet ate from the school year (except, prostrate in front of the fan, sex is cloth to blindfold and/or tie them of course, those crazy and/or de- the last thing on your list. Human down. termined students among us who touch in a furnace heated sevenLast, but not least, go outside. are taking a full load in the short fold is incredibly unappealing.

Go camping for the weekend. Go semester). Whether we admit it or However, don't let the heat stop for a hike. Take a boat out on a not, once September starts in full your summer fun time. One of the remote lake. Rent a cabin. Go to swing, sex often falls between basics in sexual pleasure is, in fact, the ocean. Sleep under the stars. the cracks what with the endless the dichotomy between hot and The possibilities are endless, and rounds of studying, lectures, ex- cold. You're already hot, so bring are all much cooler and advenams, and work. Thus, summer in the cold: The obvious starting turous than sex in the suburban lives up to its reputation as a time point is water. And, while it is not oven. Of course, make sure if for romance and making love for a healthy practice to have sex di- · you're doing it outdoors. you go students. · rectly in the water, you can still en- somewhere private, since, last There's only one catch about joy a bathtub of cold water; do it on I checked, sex in public is quite this splendid season in the Fraser the side of the tub, with your feet illegal. There's nothing greater, Valley. After nine months of rain, in the' water, or in a half-filled tub though, than doing it the way rain, rain, once we finally see the doggie style. Do it in a cool show- god intended, au· natural in the sun, the heat becomes rapidly un- er. If you have a private backyard, natural. Keep the sex hot, but bearable. For with the rainforest play around with a sprinkler, or a your summer cool. qualities of this glorious valley kiddie pool (not one actual kiddies Add "Violet Hart" to your facecomes ridiculous humidity; and, use, though, please!). book for up-to-date surveys, links, because the heat comes in such and articles. Or, e-mail violet.

If you don't mind getting your unpredictable short bouts and for sheets a bit damp, you can bring hart@ufvcascade.ca if you have only a few months a year, almost the cool into the bed too. Mist any questions you would like to nobody has bothered to install your partner with a spray bottle. have answered in Below the Belt.

S

Tl £XT

--, • I.

,

The Coscade isholding onEGM onHit{ 30at6pm inroom Cl429.

Should quorum notbereoched. asecond trywill ~eheld June 6Htthesame time and location.

Please for11rd any questions to: sonja@utvcascade.ca.

Agenda: Call toOrder Approwl oftheagenda Presentation oftheA6M minutes Chair's Report Change toCascade Byl1s (remove 23a)..and donot hold a paid position attheCascade" Presentation ofamended 2011/2012 budget Nomination ofDirectors

Adjourn

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

sound

bites LITURGY

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Long Long Long Short

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Makeout Videotape Ying Yang Chains of Love Singles GSTS GFTF

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Fish & Bird Every Whisper Is A Shout Across

15 16 17 18 19

Gunsmoke Gunsmoke

Papermaps . Papermaps Babysitter Babysitter II

Suuns Zeroes QC .

Vivian Girls Share The Joy

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Kidstreet XEP

AESTHETHICA The Foo Fighter~ Wasting Light

Okkervil River I Am Very Far ·

The Foo Fighters, being alternatively described as "Nirvana-lite" or "rock gods," have never relinquished either title. Their albums, from the self-titled debut to 2002's One by One, are generally wellloved staples of modern rock. Yet, their past two efforts fell flat, with mediocre reviews by fans and critics alike. Enter Wasting Light, the •Foo Fighter's seventh studio release is an unabashed return to roots. Songs like "Arlandria" and "White Limo" would · fit nicely between "Monkey Wrench" and "Hey, Johnny Park." There is no wild experimentation here; those days seem to be behind the band.

If you are looking for crazy new ideas, pass this one up. That isn't to say that Grohl and company have no musical chops; they play with the verve of youth and the experience of age. "I Should Have Known" is an emotional song that, for better or worse, will stir the pot on Kurdt Kobain!s legend and prove there is more to Grohl's than his hard rock exterior.

Brooding, nautical, and opulent, Okkervil River's I Am Very Far couldn't be further from the sunny pop revelry of The StageNames and The Stand Ins, the folk-rock band's companion albums about the seedy underbelly of the entertainment industry. The hooks are still there, just obscured by layers of instrumental detritus and affected vocals. Though the album is remarkably consistent, the irresistibly anthemic "Rider" threatens to steal the show with its heart stopping chorus. Always in top form, bandleader Will Sheff unleashes liberal doses of wildly evocative lyrics like, "It's just a loud crowd crush. It's just a thrush, seen flying through the late· autumn dusk for the very last time," on album opener "The Valley." Most importantly, I Am Very Far showcases Okkervil River's incredible versatility. While "We Need A Myth" features orchestral flourishes and a melodic playfulness that would make Brian Wilson smile, the snaky, disco inflected "Piratess" recalls Different Classera Pulp.

Paul Falardeau

Panda Bear.

Tomboy

Following the resounding success of his 2007 solo release Person Pitch and Animal Collective's subsequent 2009 release Merriweather Post Pavilion, the pressure was on for Noah Lennox on his fourth solo outing, Tomboy.Enthusiasts of PersonPitch are liable to be initially frustrated by Tomboy,as Lennox's sprawling cascades of texture are kept to a minimum and replaced with rough and droning resonance. The samples Lennox used on Person Pitch are a far cry from the live percussion and poignant melodies of Tomboy. These modifications allow the listener to step back and take in everything that is happening in a more simplified musical landscape and is especially noticeable midway through the album on the track entitled "Scheherazade." Returning to the circular style of song writing and pop sensibilities of his previous releases, Lennox's .ibility to condense his songs into more accessible pop tunes is perhaps the most drastic shift demonstrated on Tomboy.

Tim Ubels

NickUbels

Liturgy Aesthetica

Metal can be a disconcerting genre to listen to from an inexperienced standpoint. The screaming and loud instrumentation can be off-putting, but listening to the more sophisticated groups is an interesting departure from more gentle forms of music. Liturgy, firmly-grounded in the Black Metal world, provides a progressive look at metal music. Their first song on the album, "High Gold," begins with what sounds like an electronic mandolin, repeating single tones until the sound is reduced to grey noise. The song, typical metal fare, rises out of this - but the interesting beginning works with the background that is reminiscent of a string quartet, presenting an accessible angle for future listens. Another feature of the album is the beautiful choral line·s throughout; these juxtapose with the harsher tones and make . for a great listen. These are just a few points to. extract. Overall, Aesthetica provides listeners with many new facets to enjoy, making this a great contemplative album and a good introduction for inexperienced metal listeners.

Karen Aney

Album Review: SarahJarosz - FollowMe Down -KAREN ANEY the confines of the song itself.

The sour note in the album is probably the song "My Muse." The s the warmer months ap- depressing air jars badly with the proach, we all make. adjust- .light tone that the rest of the songs ments to our lives. Somehow, beef embody. ~tsslow tempo and ?1inor stews no longer seem appealing. key imply a desire to depart frnm Suddenly, sustenance comes in the the up-tempo tone of the rest of form of fast, easy, and light meals, the works, but it misses the mark ·perhaps paired with a little lique- badly by bypassing calm and fied and chilled hops. Inevitably, heading straight to dull. The title music tastes shift as weil, we dis- and lyrics suggest that the choices card angry metal and experimen- here aim at a contemplative tone, tal jazz and move on to something but Jarosz would do better to stick a little lighter and less serious .. to what she knows and leave the .

Sarah Jarosz's Follow Me Down is muses to the Greeks. a more. grown-up alternative to The second attempt at a laidwhatever artist the Disney chan- back tempo comes in the form of nel is currently hyping. While her "The Tourist," a reworking of an first album was pun~ bluegrass, excellent Radiohead tune. This this new release celebrates these hits closer to the spirit of the alroots but becomes more accessible bum; a slight bluegrass influence to those without muddy cowboy injects some interest into a song boots sitting on their porch step. that originally was just -about the "Run Away," the album's open- lyrics and rather sparse instruing track, is a great indicator for mentation. While the original ver·the feel of the rest of its songs. sion was successful and beautiful Aptly titled, it would be perfect because of Radiohead's inherent for any road trip soundtrack The musicality, this version adds a litdriving melody is pure bluegrass; tle spice - an idle bit of conversathe lyrics and accompaniment tion for a lazy summer's day. make it sometning more modern.

The happiest marriage between . This is perhaps mostly owing to the bluegrass, uptempo style and the string accompaniment: while what Jarosz seems to be attemptmost bluegrass songs use bowed ing with the slower songs is the strings purely in the fiddle spirit, second to last track; "Gypsy." the sounds here could easily be- Maybe it's the climbing tempera- · long to the most classically trained tures, but this song is basically the violinist. While it seems like an embodiment of all the feelings of a odd juxtaposition, it works within warm summer night. The instruTHECASCADE

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mentation is pure bluegrass, but the melodies sound like a child's lullaby. The lyrics suggest vagrancy an~ seem to work in counterpart to the album's first track The album's final track, "Peace," is instrumental. It plays well off the lullaby tones io "Gypsy"· and demonstrates the talent that earned Jarosz her Grammy nomination for Best Country Instrumental Performance for the

track "Mansinneedof," on her previous album. "Peace" shows her skills through its plucky yet gentle mandolin melody, and flourishes from clawhammer banjo, guitar, and fiddle all combine to finish off what is, all in all, a great album.

Bluegrass isn't for everyone, but if you're looking to change things up with a lighter tone this summer, FollowMe Down is a great place to start.

fI FRIDAY,MAY 13th, 2011

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www.ufvcascade.ca

Book Review:

Album Review: Red Cedar - Enterthe Sun Gods PAUL FALARDEAU

UnseenAcademicals

by TerryPratchett

THECASCADE

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he group of young Vancouverites that make up Red Cedar . came up through the world of unnamed· punk and metal bands at various stages of spinning out of CHRIS BONSHOR control that makes up much of the THECASCADE Vancouver scene. Yet, their debut erry Pratchett is a B~itish auLP, Enter the Sun Gods, is far from thor who has been writing for those rough pastures of youth. It the past thirty-some-odd years. is a mature, controlled exercise in He has wrote with the likes of movement from soft to loud and Neil Gaiman (author of Coraline the steady unfettered growth of and Stardust),but his real work as emotional aural space. a writer has been in the Discworld The first track, the titular "Enter series. Now into its 37th book, the the Sun Gods," hums and buzzes series is an excellent mess of books with the kind of quiet and deterto become immersed in over the mined potential energy found in summer break. the sky immediately before clouds For those new to the series, the burst with rain. So when the elecDiscworld, or disc, is a circular tric guitar of "Take It Back" finally shaped world carried on the back arrives on the scene it is not withof a giant space turtle inhabited out a sense of satisfaction; the secby a huge variety of fairly typical ond track is a payoff to the tension fantasy characters and creatures. built in the opener.

These include but are not limited Although Red Cedar's sound to: dwarfs, . trolls, humans, igors ards. _ Cedar is a band from Vancouver is distinctly their own, a quick (yes there is more than one), elves The wizards themselves are a introductory comparison could and they aren't likely to sing about on one occasion, witches, wizards, vast contrast with those foUJld in be made to a band like My Mor- Wheat Kings or Bill Barilko. The and even sentient luggage.

Harry Potter, thank god. Jn fact, ing Jacket, who similarly mix spirit of the West Coast does hang Pratchett's true talent lies in his they pre-date that series by a fair folk, com;itry, prog, and psycheheavy on the album. Enter the Sun ability to take fairly hackneyed margin, though their most recent delic "'1'itha healthy binding dose Gods sounds anything but sunny fantasy character types and recast - well, perhaps sunny in spots, but incarnation is not quite as funny of Neil Young. Even the haunting them into hilarious new shapes as past ones. tone of vocals laid out by guitarin true British Columbian fashion that work well together in a new Allow me to explain a little ist Andy Bishop, drummer Colin the majority of the time is spent world of their own. This is where more. The Discworld series can Jones, and bassist Shaunn Watt under grey skies. Soggy titles like his immense powers of observa"Raindrops in the Cold" seem to generally be organized around a hang in the air with the same ' tion ancl., humour come in. His few central repeated characters airy ·mysticism_ as those bf- Jim especially capture the Northwestbooks are hilarious and almost along with several stand alone · Jam\!S. ern feel. always make ironic comments on books. These characters each have Yet, this . album is far from There is also something disideas from our own world. In his a repeated supporting cast. The tinctly Canadian happening with gloomy or depressing, BC kids most recent book, UnseenAcademi- first books in the series, and about Red Cedar. "Untitled" finds vocals know how to love the rain, and cals, which is ostensibly a book seven in total, centre on the wizard_ that bend in a style not unfamilwhile the album is moody and about wizards playing football Rincewind and the other top fac- iar to Gordon Downie. But, Red · brooding, the payoff in closing (or soccer for us North Americans ulty members of Unseen Univerwho don't care about the name), sity. The rapid fire banter of these Pratchett takes the idea of the ridiculous individuals is always goblin, something we all think good for a lot of laughs. However, we know about from Tolkien, and in this wizard book, Pratchett has makes it his own, commenting on taken the banter mostly out in the typical ideas we have. Pratchfavour of focusing on other new ett asks why we view goblins the characters like Mr Nutt. way we doj are they all gibberThat said, this book is well ing, murderous monsters? Or, in worth the read, though it probtrue, err, humanist style, can one ably isn't the best place to enter the goblin be separated from the rest series as a whole. You could start and show an incredible amount with the first books, though the of, err, humanity? Enter one of the writing style of those isn't nearly central characters, Mr Nutt, a gob- as interesting as later books, eslin plucked from the horde, given pecially those around the middle the chance to learn and prosper, of the series. Personally, I started and sent to the somewhat great, into the series around eight years certainly large and smelly, city of . ago with the 26th book and then Ankh-Morpork to work at Unseen bounced around from there and University, the home of the wiz- loved every moment of it.

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UNSEEN ACADEMICALS

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BAD&

PAUL FALARDEAUHoldMeDown THECASCADE

Check out www.ufvcascade.ca to find links to these songs.

And feel free to comment on this issue's shuffle!

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Minus the Bear A lot of bea.rded-guy power produced this infectious tune that effectively jumps between moody synth-scapes (every fiber of me hates that "word" (though I love it in this song)) and arena rock that shouts "I want your comfort for the evening; an unlikely epic.

Sour Cherry The Kills A song that makes innuendo out of fruit and - listen closely - features a sneaky lil' cowbell, sounds like it should be the sole int_ellectual property of Van Halen, but the Kills, well, kill it here with a carefree fun sex romp, in which Allison Mosshart convinces us her words might be more than just lines.

tracks "Twice as Hard" and ''Way_ Back Home" bring the building, fuming storm of an album to its head and are probably the finest tracks on the album.

The music put forth on this fresh debut is not to be missed, and seems to herald a promising career for these talented songsmiths. Enter the Sun Gods may be prophetic 'in name as Red Cedar seems to be a band with the potential to go far; their sound, resplendent with the majestic mountains and forests of the west coast, is mature beyond the years of the band members and is only the beginning of a rewarding musical journey.

UFVSHUFFLE BlinkingPigs Little Dragon No, it's not a Sabbath tribute band. In fact, it's a kinda quirky Swedish electro-band. Did I just write kinda quirky Swedish? Oh right, electro. Well, it's really what you'd expect, like if ABBA got on the hipster techno scene, holding down a partnership with Animal Collective or some such business.

Coyote Lonely Forrest These Anacortes natives unsurprisingly find coyotes as a good muse. Maybe, I don't know if I've ever heard a menacing coyote or that the deeper meaning Lonely Forrest looks for in its howl really exists, but hey, it's a fun ride while it lasts, so get on.

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www.ufvcascade.ca

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

ChannelSurtinu ·

Live from Abbotsford, it'sanSNL column! result of watching Phil Hartman TREVORFIK

play the unfrozen cave man lawTHECASCADE yer. While people went to church on Sundays, I had my own relior somebody who grew up on gious experience with the church Saturday Night Live, the chance lady on Saturday night. And while to make a pilgrimage to the holy people relied on their parents to site of studio 8H at Rockefeller encourage them to do their homeCentre is a must. For me, the op- work or go fo school, I was moportunity came last winter on a tivated to avoid living in a van trip to New York City, where I was down by the river to continue pur· sure to make a studio tour at NBC . suing my studies. one of the first things to che~k off SNL is currently in its 36th year my list in the big apple. on the air, and throughout many To say SNL had an effect on ups and downs has weathered me growin,g up would be an un- storms that have claimed many derstatement. While people were other quality television programs deciding what they wanted to be over the past third of a century. when they grew up, I had already From humble roots· and unexdecided on a career in law as a pected success in 1975, SNL rose

F

Cascadelrcade Portal 2·Review:

Don'tmissthismindblowing adventure

to pop culture prominence on the backs of such notable performers as Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, and Gilda Radner.

Throughout the 80s and 90s SNL continued its success by introducing such c::omedictalent as Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tina _Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mike Myers to world audiences.

The format of the show can be described as a comedy sketch program. When viewing the show, SNL creator Lorne Michaels put it best when.he said that SNL should be looked upon as a variety show, where as a viewer you are bound to like ~ few sketches, hate a couple, and absolutely love one.

If you are going to rate the show

as a whole, it is best to do so' not' on a sketch by sketch basis, but by the overall quality of what is being produced. The current show h~s the ability to flow between satirical news pieces, musical numbers, and commentary on the current political or pop culture climate with ease.

In its 36th year the show is able to remain as fresh and funny as it did in its first year by keeping the writing funny, and allowing the cast to mesh well together. In order for this to happen there has to be a certain level of chemistry, with each player bringing to the table their own unique set of skills and characters in order for each person to remain relevant.

That being said it is hard to rival the current cast, with the impressions of Jay Pharaoh, the flexibility of Fred Armisen, the hilarity of Bill Hader, and the all-around comedic genius· of Kristen Wiig. ' .The key to SNL's future success and longevity lies in continuing to do what they have done in the past that has made the show such a resounding success. Keeping the · show fresh by not shying away from the issues, refusing to be censored, and relying on the raw energy of new and undiscovered talent to keep the show relevant and exciting will assure that SNL reaches the half century mark and doe's not fade away in a sea of irrelevancy and crude jokes.

Film Review ·The· Greatest Movie Ever Sold· SOPHIE ISBISTER THECASCADE

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organ Spurlock has done it again, and this time his documentary film The Greatest Movie Ever Sold managed to stay away from the s~nctimonious preaching characterized by his first effort Supersize Me. Self referential to the point of meta, The GreatestMovie Ever Sold is the chronicle of Spurlock shopping his movie around for corporate sponsorship. Interspersed with his attempts to get funding from thousands of famous :brands are interviews with people in media, film, and advertising. His goal was to have the entire 1.5 million budget of the film completely funded by product placement and co-promotion with a number of sponsors. The entire project is necessarily photo by: Chadrew transparent, so I assure you it is not a spoiler for me to say that he succeeded in his quest. this time, players are aware of how twisted The film is predicated on something that JOEL SMART this "Enrichment Center" really is, but they we all know. Hollywood blockbusters are THECASCADE also become aware that it is ·run down and notorious for "selling out" - or is it "buyfalling apart, giving each chamber a very - ing in?" The movie tacitly accepts product repare to be dazzled like never before; different feel from the Windex clean feel placement as a reality: few interviewees dePortal2, released on April 18, is the most from the first game. try branding in films. In fact, filmmakers charismatic puzlzler in existence. It is a fitIt's a much larger story than the first, seem to view it was a symbiotic relationship. ting sequel to the 2007 cult-favourite that with additional characters besides the com- . Advertisers want placement in films and had fans quoting lines of d.ialogue for years puting system in the first game, known as films need products. A segment interviewafterward, like "the cake is [not] a lie" and GLaDOS. Wheatley, a comedic robot with a ing Quentin Tarantino showed the eccentric "now y.ou're thinking with portals." For a British accent (voiced by Stephen Merchant), director lamenting the fact that Denny's game so dearly treasured, it speaks highly helps to orient and guide you through the never let him film-scenes from Pulp Fiction of Portal2's quality that it can.live up to the game. The cute turrets return as well, and and ReservoirDogs inside their restaurants. incr~dibly high expectations set by its pre- in their child-like voices still say things like The movie focuses strongly on the idea decesso~ of a personal brand: an early scene shows "Are you still there?" when they can't find The Portalseries, created by Valve Corpo- you. They try to kill the main player, but Spurlock going to an image consultant to ration, stars protagonist Chell as she navi- you'll still feel bad when you destroy one. determine his own personal brand. The gates the-testing chai:nbers within a facility idea of personal brand and image for pub- · The larger size of the game is helped called the Aperture Science Enrichment lie figures is featured prominently in a later · by the inclusion of new types of puzzles, Center. A robust computer system assists with new futuristic devices that must be interview with Donald Trump: after the the player over the loudspeaker, alerting used in addition to the portal gun. Two of interview, a pullaway sh.ot shows a peek of the player to new challenges and com- these new tools are Repulsion gel, which the professional lighting setup in Trump's menting on her performance. Both games makes things bounce, and Propulsion Gel, board room. After all, Trump himself is a are based around the use of a futuristic brand which relies on good optics and luxwhich makes things slide quickly. Incredtool called a "portal gun" that can be used ibly, even with all of these additions and the ury. Spurlock's brand is a mixture of "mindto shoot two different warp spheres onto increasingly complex nature of some of the fulness" and "playfulness," a co1;clusion almost any flat platform. The player can puzzles, the game never gets out of reach. that the marketing firm Olson Zaltman disthen leap into one of these "portals" to be The key is that gamers have time to sit and covered about him in their grueling ques-. instantly transported out of the second por- think about what to do to maneuver their tioning process, all of which, of course, was tal with the same velocity they entered. It is way to the exit door of each test chamber, as documented in the film. both exhilarating and extremely disorientThe GreatestMovie Ever Sold is insightful well as the fact that there is no punishment ing. This portal gun is used as the primary for failure. The game auto-saves often so ·- to a·point. More than that, it's hilarious. It method of solving each puzzle in the game. you never have to redo something difficult. touches on a topic we are all familiar with.

The first-person perspective can add to the A_cooperative mode is also availablelhat Anyo~e who has seen Heroessurely rememdisorienting sensation, especially for gam- can be played split screen or online. It's bers Hayden Panettiere's character receivers who are used to playing games with a one of the best parts of the game, featuring ing a Nissan Rogue as a gift, a car which, third-person view of their character, but it puzzle~ that require two-players, and four in every subsequent scene, is referred to is worth taking the time to become famil- portals to complete. PlayStation 3 owners as "the Nissan Rogue" and not "the- car" iar with the controls, as the game provides which is ho:w most people would refer to. can play co-op with PC gamers as well, the one of the most rewarding play experiences it. Most people in the film agreed that such · first time cross-platform gaming has been available. egregious product placement goes a little accomplished on PS3. While Portal is an Portal2 begins as Chell is reawakened in unmatchable classic, Portal 2 is everything too far, but the overwhelming feeling was the Aperture Science laboratory hundreds you could want in a sequel and more. Do that brands have become a normal part of of years after the events in the first game. At not miss it. the movie "business."

P

photo by: MarkRiechers The real treat in the movie is seeing the inner workings of Spurlock's ad pitches, his frequent visits to stuffy boardr<;>oms,and the thousands of cold calls he made before he found his final sponsors (which included Old Navy, Ban, Porn, Wonderful, and Amy's Natural Foods among a dozen or so others).

Spurlock also visits a firm that measures your brain waves while you watch ads to tell which ads are the most effective based on the emotional response they create in your brain. He goes to Sau Paulo, Brazil, where they have banned all outdoor advertisements, and he speaks to citizens and business owners ·alike to see how the ban has affected them (there were no complaints).

The movie follows the creation of the movie, from the pitch, getting sponsors, negotiating the labyrinthine contracts involved, and finishes by chronicling the marketing stage and all the co-promotion with his sponsors that followed. The film is laugh-out-loud funny and more than a little bit informative. But the most important part is that it doesn't preach. Spurlock uses his documentarian's tools simply to bring these ideas to people's minds. He doesn't take a stance - except once. Spurlock remarks, "I feel like I'm going to lose control of what's going on in the movie." And I'm sure he's not the only filmmaker to ever think that.

Perhaps that's the real question that he wants to bring to our minds, without specifically answering it for us either way: can corporatism be inherent in art?

FRIDAY,MAY 13th, 2011

www.ufvcascade.ca

13

GSP vs. Anderson Silva super fight is a bad idea ing to occur, but when?

TREVORFIK THECASCADE

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ith the largest mixed martial arts show in North American history in the books, fans and followers of the UFC are looking towards the future for the fighters that put on arguably the best performance of the year for the more than 55,000 in attendance at Rogers Arena in Toronto.

No one fighter at UFC 129 had as much media attention and scrutiny leading up to the event as George "Rush" St-Pierre, the man who successfully defended his welterweight title for the sixth consecutive time at UFC 129 against former Strikeforce middleweight champion Jake Shields in the main event of the evening.

Talks of a GSP and UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva super fight were prevalent even before St-Pierre's decision victory over Shields, leading many to ask not only if the super fight was go-

And while the biggest offence Shields was able to mount in his quest for the welterweight title was an accidental eye poke that left GSP unable to see out of one eye, the victory was not the overwhelming display of striking and jiu-jitsu we have come to expect from the champion. To say GSP dominated the fight would be vastly overlooking his tentative demeanour throughout the fiveround matchup.

GSP was cautious, uncertain, and unwilling to make a move throughout the title fight. In so many words he did not look like the competitor that could possibly unseat Anderson Silva from the middleweight throne.

The words super fight imply a battle between two competitors who have dominated all comers in their division, cleaning out their respective weight classes and leaving only each other to fight. And while Anderson Silva has proven that he can go toe-to-toe with the

While Diaz's run in the UFC Silva still have several interesting best the middleweight (and some might argue light heavyweight) was forgettable at best, having lost matchups in their respective dividivision has to offer, GSP did not two matches in a row against Sean sions. GSP would match up well look impressive enough to merit Sherk and Joe Riggs, the Strike- · against the formidable Nick Diaz.

Meanwhile, Silva could match up moving up to 185 pounds. force champion has put together However the argument has solid run in the past several years, well against a fighter like Chael been put forth that GSP has beat- having won multiple fights in a Sonnen, or even Yushin Okami.

The super fight talk, for the time en the best the welterweight divi- row. His last win against former sion has to offer, leaving only a UF.Cwelterweight competitor Paul being, has been stifled in light of transition to the middleweight di- · Dayley was of particular riote, as Dana White's announcement that vision left for the fighter who beat Diaz dominated Dayley with ease . Anderson Silva would defend his Matt Hughes, Dan Hardy, and on his way to a first round victory middleweight title at UFC: Rio against the man who gave him his Josh Ko~check with relative ease. via knockout.

That being said, there still remains I personally have never been last loss (albeit through disqualifiseveral interesting matchups for a fan of the proposed GSP/Silva cation) Yushin Okami. the fighter who has held the wel- matchup. Both fighters style lends Although a GSP/Silva super terweight championship since itself to what would amount to an fight would be sure to sell tickets 2008. inevitably boring matchup. It is and pay-per-views, both fighters Current Sttikeforce welter- not ii\ the UFC's best interest to have little to gain by agreeing to weight champion Nick Diaz has showcase a fight that would have the fight. The argument over who thrown his hat in the octagon as both its headliners roll around the is the best pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts would not a potential opponent for GSP. The ground for 25 minutes, grinding fight against Diaz holds a much out a victory by pressing their op- be settled by throwing both competitors into the ring, but should more interesting possibility for a ponent against the cage. match up then a fight against AnGSP simply has too much to be taken under the consideration derson Silva, as both fighters are lose against a fighter whQ has of the breadth of opponents both fight, and under the conditions in in the same weight class and could moved µp to light-heavyweight unify the Strikeforce and UFC with relative ease. The size dis- which they achieve victories over welterweight championships. advantage aside, both GSP and these fighters.

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Sports You've Never Heard Of: ·ves, poker is a spor~· Hashing: . A runningclubwith a drinkingproblem .

SOPHIE ISBISTER THECASCADE

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oday, in a time when humankind is increasingly concerned with toeing the line and conforming to the status quo, there exists a certain set of people who choose to do things differently. This new mindset includes the thousands of people who travel yearly to mammoth party festivals such as Burning Man. It includes people who live on communes, people who dress like clowns on the weekend for fun, and people who get to.gether with hundreds of strangers and go on pub crawls dressed as Santa Claus.

This new attitude for life, this thirst for behaving differently (and perhaps a little wrongly) isn't limited to activities that don't break a _sweat. Hash House Harriers (or hashers) is an international group, of running, drinking, and adventuring enthusiasts who meet to behave badly together. In groups large or small they play a variant of follow the leader. Known as the hare, the leader gets a head start with the map of the course they will run. Only the hare knows where they're going, and he or she leaves clues and diversions in his tracks for the harriers and hara riettes to follow. The prize at the end of the kilometres-long group runs? Ice cold beer!

Original Hash House Harriers were named so after a nickname that had been used to describe the , Royal Selangor Club Chambers, a place that been the social hub for British civil servants and businessmen working and living in Kuala Lumpur in 1938 and up until the second World War. Hashing began as an unnamed and disorganized social running club based on English school hare and hound runs. It became a wildly popular club for the purposes of running off the previous night's hangover, promoting physical fitness. Of course, equally important, it promoted "acquiring a good thirst and sat-

between the professional and the JENNIFER COLBOURNE

THECASCADE amateur; it takes blood, sweat, and tears to become a winner. espite the fact that poker is And while some may be temptfeatured on sports TV chan- ed to rule out poker as a sport nels and sports bars, many deny because it's missing athleticism, poker its rightful place as a true such a criticism couldn't be fursport. It is just a "mere" gambling ther from the mark. Poker requires· game, a game that 'belongs in a ca- utter control over the body. A sucphoto by: MelodyKramer sino, not the athletic field, gymna- cessful poker player must learn sium, or arena. However, the time total discipline of the body, refusisfying it with beer," according to hash chapters include Low Blow, has come to give poker its rightful ing the slightest twitch to cross the original charter of the Kuala Aw Fuck It, Do Me First, Beheader, due as a game requiring all the his or her face, keeping the hands Lumpur Hash House Harriers. and the· vividly imaginative Cap- skills of an athlete. completely steady, and ensuring After dying out during the war, tain Hymen Grinder. "On, on!"

For starters, poker is more than a proper posture that isn't too rehashing experienced a wild re- the hounds (or pack) yell as they a game of luck. Sure, luck plays an laxed or too tense. The body is also birth in popularity. Several more follow the path the hare sets out. important part in what cards are used as a weapon; the poker player chapters of the Hash House Har- They stop occasionally for a "beer dealt, but so too dQes luck play subtly manipulating and misleadriers opened throughout South- check" to drink and chat while a role outdoors on soccer fields ing the other players by faking reeast Asia, eventually spreading stragglers catch up. Most chapters or in a tight game of hockey. It's actions to the table, By the end of the craze overseas to Australia prefer the hash to take plac,ein na- what a player does with his 'hand, a game, often a poker player ends in 1%7. Today at least 1700 chap- ture, but there are·urban hashes as with the opportunities he is faced up as soaked in sweat as any other ters exist worldwide. The rising well. Sometimes the path is pre-set with, that matters. Poker is a game pmfessional athlete would after a popularity of hashing, and the days or hours earlier (dead trail), of strategy as much as football; tough match. hedonistic personalities that the but more commonly in North the play depends on adjusting to Lastly,like any other sports event, hashes take on, speaks to society's America, hounds follow the hare constantly changing conditions. It poker draws an audience. This may need to let loose. Describing them- (live trail). The goal is to catch the requires quick wit, cunning, and be why TV and sports bars are selves sometimes as "a running hare rather thah finish the course. flexibility. Poker players need to .ahead in. recognizing poker as group with a drinking problem," Hashing is a collaborative keep on their toes, to be 100 per a sport. It holds within it all the hashing is a sometimes R-rated event, open to anyone, for the cent alert and ready for action. intensity of a breathtaking game event for consenting and hilarious express purpose of fun and heOn that note, further unlike of hockey; the rising stakes for adults to let loose with friends, donism (although some clubs fo- a game of pure chance, success winning and losing constantly insing debauching songs, and just cus more on the fitness aspect). in poker requires talented play- crease everybody's excitement and to be, more or less, silly - all while Drinking, running, shouting, yell- ers. There are no "slots" champi- anticipation. Poker is more than getting in some much needed ex- ing, singing lewd drinking songs ons; it is the skill of a player that just a game. It's a real sport. Mayercise.

- hashers live life to the fullest, takes them to the top just like be one day the world will finally Hashing is entirely built on ca- · don't stop for anyone, and refuse with any other athlete in a profes- recognize its value and make it an maraderie. During the hash, par- to live life with banality. We could sional sport. Poker champions are Olympic event. It might not hapticipants are not called by their all learn a thing or two from these heroes too, and like other sports pen in the near future, but if dancown names but by nicknames. brave souls as they stand up to the stars, they make obscene amounts ing around with a ribbon counts, of money. There is a wide divide so too should high-stakes poker.

Some nicknames in the Vancouver doldrums of life. On on!

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www.ufvcascade.ca

A matter of speculation

FRIDAY, MAY 13th, 2011

A moment with Daniel Skeeter .

goal differential of any remaining point which could be ominous for PAUL ESAU playoff team with 1.27goals scored Vancouver. Boston doesn't try to THECASCADE for every goal scored against. This outplay small, skilled teams like is partially a result of explosive the. Canucks - instead ·the Bruins ne of the rules of playoff scoring, and partially the achieve- beat them into bloody pulp. Led hockey is never, ever start ment of goalie Dwayne Roloson, by the hulking Milan Lucic, who planning too far ahead. No game who is famous for his run to the leads the league in playoff penalty is a sure win, no team is undefeatFinals with the Oilers in '06. At 41, minutes with 31, the Bruins even able, and no series is over until it's -Roloson is one of the oldest start- managed to bring the hurt to the over. If the Canucks' near-collapse ing goaltenders in the League, yet · Flyers, an impressive feat against against Chicago in the first round his .941 save percentage speaks for any team containing the likes of showed anything, it's that the 'Nu- itself, and is hard evidence toward Chris Pronger. cks are as fickle in fortune (and Tampa's improved defence.

Even more worrisome, Bruins goal-tending) as Calypso herself.

In some eyes, the Lighting goalie Tim Thomas's .937 is secWhen it comes to Vancouver, it's and the Canucks are kindred ond only to (guess who) Roloson risky to count on them winning spirits, two skill teams who rely among the remaining goaltenders the next game, let alone the imme- on league:leading offensive ma- in the playoffs. For a Vancouver diate series, yet winning is exactly chines to win games. Both have team that struggled to exorcise the what they are doing. So I'm going solid secondary scoring (Tampa's ninja-like Pekka Rinne from its to break one of the rules of playoff Sean Bergenheim has a team-lead- collective soul, Thomas would be hockey and dabble in a little spec- ing seven playoff tallies from the the equivalent of a recurring nightulation. The question is purely hy- third line) and both play a more . mare. Meanwhile, Luongo has pothetical: which team is the best elegant, less brutal style of hockey been known to struggle against match up for the Canucks in the than some of their counterparts. teams that crash the net. The BruStanley Cup Finals? ' Both teams are backstopped by ins' feistiness might resurrect the Tampa Bay Lightning goalies in need of vindication, and phantom of Byfuglien from ChiFor the last couple of years, both have the potential to provide cago's glory days. The outcome Tampa has been the NHL's version a spectacular final series. of a series between Vancouver of Carmelo Anthony: all flash and Boston Bruins and Boston would clearly depend no defence. The top trio of Martin The Bruins are, well, the Bruins. upon the willingness of the boys St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and Like the animal after which they in stripes to blow whistles, a genSteven Stamkos has been lethal all are named, the Bruins are big, gen- eral wish that hasn't been granted year, and are responsible for 15 of erally bad-tempered, and reliably so far this postseason. an astounding 38 Lightning goals violent. Their dismemberment of Make your call at ufvcascade.ca so far this postseason. The Light- Montreal in the first round wasn't ning actually have the best playoff effortless, but it demonstrated a

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Pustules, shin splints, and mad whale disease

UFVgradrunshighlysuccessful Canucks blog KAREN ANEY THECASCADE it to Bulis is a Canucks blog Pass that has been around for just

over a year. Co-founded by Daniel Skeeter and UFV alumnus Harrison Mooney, the blog presents a fresh perspective on the face of the game. Mooney's humourous takes and Skeeter's analytical skills work well to present an entertaining view of a sometimes overlyserious topic for Vancouverites.

Blog highlights include a California road trip to follow the Canucks - where the writers ended up sitting behind Manny Malhotra's father-in-law, otherwise known as the father of Victoria's basketball darling Steve Nash. Also, the bloggers initiated a scrabble battle against Dartmouth alum Tanner Glass, raising an estimated $8000 for Canuck Place in the process.

Take pride, UFV - Mooney did us proud, beating Glass 344-313.

During an interview, he presented thoughts on the team and industry itself, starting by talking about the blog's new home at The Vancouver Sun.

}{ow long have you known this collaboration was coming?

Couple of weeks? It came up a . little bit organically. Puck World wasn't updating, Scott Brown (VS sports editor) likes our stuff, so I started needling him about the fact that our blog was better than his ... through Twitter, direct messages. Eventually it just snowballed from there.

How do you feel about S\eve Nash speaking up about Manny Malhotra's condition?

photo by: Rick Chung

KAREN ANEY lead to excessive expulsion of THECASCADE stomach contents all over your fellow bandwagoners. In such njuries are serious things no close quarters, this is sure to be matter what sport you're play- a breeding ground for bacteria. It ing. The NFL and NHL are cur- .,.could, in fact, lead to a new plague rently deeply concerned about the - possible names for this epidemic dangers of concussions; the fright- include the white, blue and green ening truth is that fans are at dan- death, or mad whale disease. ger "ofinjuries every bit as serious.

Third, be sure to remember Bandwagoning has its own set of your running shoes, because once dangers that are very real, and · you've jumped off the bandwagwhile a lockout isn't realistic for a on, you're going to want to keep fantastically large fan base, there pace with it. Otherwise, you'll be are some simple steps bandwagstumbling to catch up to those oners can take to avoid potential fans that chose to stay on the tragedy. bandwagon rather than jump off First, while riding the band- prematurely. This can result in wagon, take the time to ensure. embarrassment - premature "anythat you are seated in the direction thing" is never good - but also a of the grain of the wood. This way, myriad of injuries that come along while sliding off the back, you are with running without proper less likely to be riddled with splin- stretching and equipment. Muscle ters. While this may seem like an cramps aren't flattering, espeinsignificant injury, splinters can cially combined with the cellulite turn into gaping, gangrened pus- you probably gained during your tules. No big deal. campout on the wagon during the Second, remember your gravol regular season. Also, the ground for those long bandwagon trips. is rough and shin splints are no There's bound to be some bumps myth, people! along the road, which inevitably Another very real danger is will result in nausea. This could the potential for other nearby

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bandwagons to claim stragglers.

Basketball recruiters are a sneaky bunch;. all it takes is one camouflage-suited brass hiding. at the side of the road. while you gracefully spring· back onto the bandwagon and BAM, you're exiled to Grizzlies territory, where your body is sure to become riddled with ugly tattoos and your hair will almost certainly become progressively greasier. This greasy mess could even potentially start changing colours, at which point you'll need to hire a full-time lawyer for all the sexual assault accusations that will follow you everywhere you go. So take care only jump if you're sure no one's around to catch you doing so.

Possibly the best piece of advice for bandwagoners, though, is to take some hormone pills and - to be vulgar - grow a pair. If watching a winning team has made you realize how great the team is 24/7, perfect! Welcome aboard. Just remember to use those new-found testosterone sacks and stick it out when they aren't doing so great.

It's not worth the hospital time if you don't.

I thought that was great. The thing is, the Canucks were trying to keep it under wraps because on the day of the surgery the last thing his family needs is to turn on the TV and hear, y'know, "today is a critical day for Manny Malhotra, if this surgery goes wrong he may never be able to see again ...''- if Steve Nash wants to go on Twitter or. something, power to him because the last thing I want is the organisation to get involved and shut up the players, especially players they don't control.

What's your opinion on the Torres headshot at the end of the regular season? How does it play in with the issue of headshots in general?

It's a headshot. Not intentional but it was to the head. I completely agreed with the decision to suspend him ... but any goodwill I felt towards the NHL for doing the right thing and suspending for a headshot went right out ·the window as soon as I heard about the Justin Abdelkader hit. I mean Colin Campbell never does the right thing, he just suspends based on how loud the cries from the audience are.

Headshots in general are a big problem right now. What needs to change?

It's a fairly loud issue and it's still yet to be enforced properly. Players don't know what the hits are,

photo from: Myspace.com

you have players saying, "Yeah I had my elbow up; I shouldn't have done that," and you have Torres saying, "My elbow was down, I thought it was clean." If the players don't know what a clean hit is, how are they supposed to make that adjustment?

Any thoughts on Keslurking?

It's a locker room. These guys, they're goofing around. It's great to see a guy like Ryan Kesler be involved in that; last year and the year before he was maybe the most over-serious guy on in the NHL, and J think Kyle Wellwood said in an interview "I can't imagine being as ~erious as Ryan Kesler," . and that it was Kesler's biggest issue going into the playoffs. Get under his skin and all of a sudden . he disappears, he's off to the side retaliating and even scores, so I love the idea that he's lightened up ... you have Kesler and his Keslurking and Ballard who's maybe the funniest hockey player the NHL has seen in a long time, and I think that it's made for a better atmosphere for the players and it really does contribute to why they're playing better this year.

And how has Henrik Sedin's captaincy contributed to that, in your opinion?

He's a relatively unemotional guy, and you need that out of your captain. I think that Roberto Luongo, his captaincy was a failed experiment not because he was a goalie, but because he doesn't have the right personality to handle it.

The improvement has been lockerroom wide, because Henrik's a great guy, and it's also been great for Luongo, who's been able to stop taking things so seriously and just tighten up a bit. When he's loose, he plays fantastic, but he's one of the few goalies I've ever seen that you can tell when he's nervous he doesn't play as well when he's nervous.

Any final thoughts on the team in general or the run to the Cup? As far as I'm concerned, the Canucks are the best team in the league, and the only way they can lose is if they lose the mental battle. So as long as they can maintain that zen-like focus they've had all year and not retaliate and not get wrapped up in those chirping battles, they should be just fine.

They're a better hockey team, and as long as this stays about hockey they'll survive.

FRIDAY,MAY 13th, 2011

15

www.ufvcascade.ca

Ryan Kesler carries the team on his hack JOEL SMART THECASCADE

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t age 13, Ryan Kesler couldn't make the cut on any team he tried out for. Rather than giving up, though, he traveled home to play for a Bantam team of his father's. Millions of Vancouver Canuck fans are thanking their lucky stars for that, as he's become a central figure for the final Canadian team in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

While the 6-foot-2 centre credits his desire to play hockey to a desire to emulate his brother Todd, for a while he tried out the sport his older sister Jenny participated in as well - figure skating. "I still skated in hockey skates, though," he said in an interview with NBC to clear up any confusion. The fact that he's been skating since the age of four helps to explain ho"; he's so comfortable on both ends of the ice in the NHL. His ease on the ice has led to primary roles on both the penalty kill and power play.

It was on August 31, 1984, that Ryan Kesler was born in a southeastern Michigan town just outside of Detroit, called Livonia. He grew up in a hockey home, and was introduced to the sport early due to the fact thaf his father was not only a Junior B hockey coach, but also the leader of a hockey school

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photo by: Matt Boulton

that Kesler attended annually for the entirety of his early playing career. His tireless work ethic paid off iri June 2000. At the age of 15, he was drafted in the fifth round to the Brampton Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League. Despite this, he chose to play closer to home in the U.S. National Team Development Program, until he could finish his schooling at Winston Churchill High School. He recorded 99 points in his two sea-

sons with the program, playing in 131 games. · His play earned him a hockey scholarship at Ohio State University, where he played for the J3uc):<eyes, a Division-I NCAA team. He managed 11 goals and 31 points in 40 games that season. That's all it took, as the Vancouver Canucks snatched him up in the first round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 23 overall. That season he played just 28 games with the NHL team, but

got his first point• in his second game and his first goal by the end of his first week, which came on November 29, 2003, against the Calgary Flames. He managed just five points, and 11 with the Moose that season, but in his next season with the Moose he was a plus-22, with 30 goals and 58 points. . That performance was enough to earn him a regular position in the Vancouver line-up. He managed 76 points over his next three

seasons with the Canucks, andl was named an assistant captai for the start of the 08-09 season.

He played so soundly defensively, while also breaking out offensive ly with 26 goals and 59 points, tha he was nominated for the highlycoveted Selke trophy, In 09-10, he managed 75 points on the year and won the Cyclone Taylor award for team MVP. Finally, in 10-11, Kesler gave Art Ross winner Dan iel Sedin a run for his money by blowing away his previous goalscoring_ total with 40 on the year, and 73 points total.

His skill in the faceoff circle has also dramatically improved, making him the most consistent on the team with the loss ot Manny Malhotra, and his ability to shu down top offensive players with' his backcheck has made him the top story for the Canucks in the 2011 playoffs. If he doesn't win the 'selke this year it would be an absolute travesty. He is, without a doubt, the team's most invaluable player.

Perhaps fellow teammate Jannik Hansen summed it up best when he was quoted in The Globe and Mail as saying "If only w could all play like him. If we could, this would be an easy .playoff."

Maybe the rest of the Canucks just need to pay a visit to his father's hockey school.

Killthe ref?

IsVancouver reallytheNHLspublic enemynumber one? made one bad play in Edmonton PAUL FALARDEAU

THE CASCADE to end the regular season and suddenly became public enemy numvery game and every sport ber one. Chicago called for blood needs rules. To uphold them, we and Seabrook heroically limped need unbiased~ impartial judges away from the play. The Blackwho are well-versed in said rules; hawks scored on the resulting we need .referees. Inevitably, the penalty. All this for a legitimate referee becomes the bane of a fan's hit with the only player at fault beexistence as, inevitably, calls don't ing Seabrook, the Chicago player go the way of the home team and in the "look-out-you're-gonnathe next thing you know, we've get-creamed zone" with his head got a riot on our hands. This is true down. Sorry for the btuises, next of all spods: a light foul in basket- time keep yer j:lead up, kid. ball, an outside strike in baseball, The real story here is the way .but in a highly physical, fast-paced the referees were calling Torres sport such as hockey, the creme de all series like he was Ted Bundy. le creme of ref-hating becomes a It ·calls to question how fair, unpart of almost every game. In the biased and well-versed in NHL playoffs, it seems like every call is · rules referees really are. Many scrutinized by not only fans, but fans suggested corruption in the coaches and players as well. league all the way to the top. BetAlthough I'm sure that every tman wants certain teams to •win team could make its claim to fame in order to increase profit margins as "the team who the NHL picks (sounds like a case for Michael on the most," the Vancouver Ca- Scarn). Of cou.rse all teams have nucks certainly seem to have a these tales of misjudgment. Nashfair argument for the title. How ville, for example, has had its fair many ti'mes does it seem that we, share to say about Ryan Kesler's as Canucks fans, watch a guy like "chicken-winging."

Dustin Byfuglien dance his way So, what does it all come down around the ice, high-sticking, to? Is Vancouver really a team that cross-checking, and roughing all Gary Bettman's NHL brings the the while with nary an eyelashhammer down on? I've searched batted in his direction? Second, the NHL.com forums~ and it after the latest offence by such a seems few franchises have such player, Vancouver is called for a a well-bred history of conspiracy weak "too-many men'' call or triptheories. It also seems like teams ping because the inanimate corpse the NHL has some investment of one of our players, fresh from a {imagined or otherwise) in get mauling by Byfuglien, gets in the calls swaying in their favour. way of an inattentive player.

What are the hard facts though?

OK, maybe I'm exaggerating (a NHL.corn's stats page offers some little) but let's look at a recent case. truth. In the playoffs, Vancouver The Raffi Torres hit on Seabrook has an average of 14.5 PIM/G, in the first-round Chicago series. · which means they have the fifthA legitimate hit on Seabrook (as it highest amount of penalty minwas later ruled) drew a penalty be- utes awarded in these playoffs. cause he went down hard and Tor- In the regular season, Vancouver res had "a reputation." Torres had - received 943 PIM, making them

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one of the most average teams in terms of penalization. Talk to the Islanders if you want to know about being in the box. Canuck's centre Maxim Lapierre does lead the playoffs with 30 PIM, but it is a slim margin. Consider then that in the reg,ular season, where Lapierre is also Vancouver's biggest offender, he ranks a paltry 77 on the list - Byfuglien ranks 50.

The sta,ts seem to indicate that we are all an enchilada short of a combination plate up here in Vancouver. It seems, judging by these stats, that Vancouver is actually one of the most evenly refereed teams in the league.

There will always be bad calls; refs are only human, after all.

Also, let's not forget that the ·same fans, players, and coaches that complain are hampering the ref to make a call in their favour. Refs need to be more impartial than they recently have been, sure, but we can't forget thatwe are all part of the problem.

It's when those calls significantly sway the course of a game that fans have the right to be upset. So, I'm not going to try and dispute any theories, either that Gary Bettman is an evil man, or that he is trying to "encourage" the winning ways of certain teams. The man clearly has one goal in mind and it's in his pockets,·not in a net, but· ask yourself how far you really think he would go? ·In the meantime it seems, even in lieu of someshaky calls (more the fault of individual efforts by a ref than of the NHL as a whole), the Canucks do not have a price on their heads.

In the end, we are still a playoff contender, the Blackhawks are on the links somewhere, and mean ol' Buffy? Well, he plays in Atlanta.

Enough said.

Now Hiring: Opinion Editor Job J;)escription: The Opinion's Editor of the Cascade is responsible for assigning, collecting, editing and laying out the content of the Opinion section of the Cascade. The Opinion Editor shall ensure that issues relevant to students are presented in his/her section, and allow for a diversity of opinions to be expressed on a range of topics. At all times, the Opinion Editor shall adhere to the Cascade Journalism Society's .byiaws, Code of Conduct and other polices, as well as ensuring that all material in his/her section does not violate the Canadian University Press Code of Ethics.

Qualifications: Must be registered in at least one credit course at UFV during the fall/ winter semesters. · Must be available to work varying hours.

Must be available to be present in the office for'at least 5 hours per week during publishing weeks in the fall/ winter semesters.

Must be able to deal effectively with Society and university staff, students and the general public.

Must demonstrate strong command of the English language by passing an editing test, which will be administered during the interview process. · Basic literacy is required.

Must have knowledge of all relevant laws and journal. istic standards concerning libel.

Please email resume and sample opinion article (500 to 750 words) to nick@ufvcascade.ca

Application deadline is Friday, May 20 at 11:59 PM

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