November 28, 2012

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 13

NOVEMBER 28, 2012

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Sensible B.C. comes to Kamloops 2

Old Main renovations continue 4

WolfPack sports

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Coffee on campus

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TRU’s Independent Student Newspaper

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November 28, 2012

Feature The combat against cannabis crackdown

Dana Larsen and Sensible B.C. stop in Kamloops to advocate marijuana decriminalization Travis Persaud

tone from Ottawa, which has passed legislation like March 2012’s Bill C-10 that sees drug offenders face mandatory “We’re leaving a nightmare,” minimum sentences. said Dana Larsen of his hope “The only good thing about for the decriminalization of the mandatory minimum is the cannabis. backlash,” Larsen said, speaking No stranger to the world of to the outrage he hopes the cannabis advocacy, Larsen has sentences will create. focused his most recent efforts The campaign operates under on decriminalization with his the slogan “Decriminalize Sensible B.C. campaign. Larsen for a safer province.” Larsen is touring B.C. to promote the supported the claim by telling campaign, stopping in Kamloops the audience that directing on Nov. 20. police and court resources away Sensible B.C. has proposed from cannabis possession would what it calls the Sensible Policing give more time for the legal Act, which would prevent the use system to deal with “real crime.” of police resources to enforce Citing presentations from cannabis possession laws.

Stop the Violence B.C., an If the act is approved by organization a proposed concerned with referendum and the link between becomes law, it cannabis prohibition would effectively and violence decriminalize the stemming from substance. organized crime, But regulation of cannabis falls

—Dana Larsen, Sensible B.C. Larsen explained the majority of the under the federal cannabis industry Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, meaning at Desert Gardens on Seymour is not violent, emphasizing that “the more you crack down, the provincial governments do Street, downtown Kamloops.

In his presentation Larsen more violent it gets.” not have the power to outright Dan Werb, a researcher for dispelled any notion that B.C. is decriminalize cannabis.

Stop the Violence B.C. and coThe redirection of police an overly pot-friendly province.

According to the B.C. Ministry founder of the International resources encompasses part one of Justice, 61 per cent of 2011 Centre for Science in Drug of the Act. Part two combats federal drug-related offences were for Policy, said decriminalization wouldn’t have an impact on control of cannabis, calling cannabis possession.

Additionally, Statistics organized crime. on Ottawa to remove cannabis “Decriminalization does from the Controlled Drugs and Canada noted that B.C. had the Substances Act or provide B.C. highest rate of cannabis offences nothing to impact the backend trafficking networks and those with an exemption from the act among the provinces.

Larsen told the audience since that control them,” he said. in order to establish a regulatory In an interview before the 2005 the number of cannabis system for the sale of cannabis.

For the act to become charges in B.C. has increased. Kamloops stop, Larsen said law it must go through the This rise in cannabis charges decriminalization would have referendum system in B.C. The coincides with the Harper less of an impact on organized next referendum is slated for government coming to power in crime, adding that to have an impact, measures surrounding September 2014 but to get on the 2006, Larsen said.

While he doesn’t believe the cannabis must go further. ballot Sensible B.C. must collect Among the attendees was signatures from 10 per cent of B.C. government has consciously all registered voters in each of upped the ante on cracking down Carl Anderson, who operated on cannabis users, the police are the Canadian Safe Cannabis the province’s 85 ridings.

Sensible B.C. has 90 days to responding to the anti-cannabis Society in Kamloops until it was

Ω Contributor

collect the signatures it needs and will begin doing so in September 2013.

When asked about the resistance to the movement, Larsen said he feels the biggest opposition or difficulty the movement will have to overcome is organizing themselves, noting that the high threshold of signatures makes it seem as though the referendum system is “designed to fail.”

He feels the long lead up promoting the act before next September is crucial to Sensible B.C.’s success in getting the act on the ballot.

“Winning the referendum will be the easy part,” Larsen told a supportive crowd gathered

“The more you crack down, the more violent it gets.”

Dana Larsen of Sensible B.C. promotes decriminalization of marijuana and is touring the province to promote his organization’s cause. According to Larsen, directing police resources away from cannabis posession will free them up to deal with

“real crime.”

—PHOTO BY TR AVIS PERSAUD

shut down by an RCMP raid in November 2011.

When asked about the legal loophole that allows medical marijuana dispensaries to exist, Anderson said, “There isn’t a loop hole,” explaining that dispensaries are operated by those passionate about the issue who are willing to put themselves at risk for the greater good. Larsen offered further explanation saying the cannabis dispensaries “operate through the tolerance of their

Larsen speaks to those assembled at Desert Gardens on Seymour Street on Nov. 20.

communities.”

Ultimately, the tone of the evening was an optimistic one.

Those in attendance were ready to match Larsen’s call to action.

The crowd was eager to embrace Larsen’s portrayal of a future generation that could simply not fathom a time when cannabis was illegal.

“That will be a happy day,” Larsen said of the day when he casts the vote to end the war on marijuana, stirring applause from the crowd.

—PHOTO BY TR AVIS PERSAUD

ON THE COVER: It comes in many sizes, flavours, and from many different places. If you like your coffee as much as we do, check out page 6 for more.

— PHOTO BY MIKE DAVIES

3

The Omega · Volume 22, Issue 13

THE

MEGA

www.theomega.ca

November 28, 2012

Volume 22, Issue 13

Published since November 27, 1991

editorialstaff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Editorial/Opinions The reason for the season

Mike Davies

editor@truomega.ca

250-828-5069

@PaperguyDavies BUSINESS MANAGER VACANT NEWS EDITOR

Devan C. Tasa

news@truomega.ca @DCTasa ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Brendan Kergin

arts@truomega.ca @roguetowel SPORTS EDITOR

Adam Williams

sports@truomega.ca

@AdamWilliams87 ROVING EDITOR

Courtney Dickson

roving@truomega.ca @dicksoncourtney COPY/WEB EDITOR

Taylor Rocca

copy@truomega.ca @manovrboard

omegacontributors Travis Persaud, Kassandra Mitchell, Mark Hendricks, Taylor Fry, Justine Cleghorn, Oriol Salvador, Marvin Beatty

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

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Literary and visual submissions are welcomed.

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

Opinions belong only to those who have signed them.

copyright

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

Editor’s Note Mike Davies Ω Editor-in-Chief When I was young, I’d wake up early Christmas morning (I’d likely barely slept anyway) and hurry downstairs, giddy with anticipation of what I’d be getting.

We’d all tear the wrapping off whatever was under the tree (and had our name on the tag, obviously), thank those present for what they’d given — even if we were disappointed — and I’d hurry to the phone to share with my friends what I’d gotten, and find out if they had a similar morning, either being jealous of their haul or surely making them jealous with reports of mine.

Fast-forward to present-day.

Assuming I get to go home (not sure why I still call wherever my parents live “home,” but that’s an examination for a future column, I think), I wake up when they force me to, likely because “everyone’s waiting and getting hungry,” I mosey — or maybe slump — my way down the stairs, dutifully take my seat on the f loor, and stoically pass out gifts.

We pass one to each of the people assembled, open them

(Correspondence not intended for publication should be labelled as such.)

Twitter: @TRU_Omega “Like” us on Facebook.

Do it.

Seriously.

Whether that’s in the form of charity donations to organizations I agree with, or devoting some time at the food bank stocking shelves. Giving has taken over getting as my raison d’etre for the season.

I’ll probably donate some time making music for people somewhere, too — though it won’t be in the form of carolling.

Maybe it’s still for selfish reasons that giving feels so good.

Some would argue that there’s no such thing as altruism. Some feel that giving isn’t an unselfish act because you’re doing it to make yourself feel good, there’s actually less virtue in it than people acknowledge.

Well, to those I say this: I’ll take giving over getting as the source of my selfish happiness any day. If someone else’s smile of appreciation makes me feel good, too…so be it. editor@truomega.ca

Manipulation station

Cariboo Student Newspaper Society (Publisher of The Omega) TRU Campus House #4 Box 3010, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 0C8 Phone: 250-372-1272 E-mail: editor@truomega.ca Ad Enquiries: managerofomega@gmail.com

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one at a time, and show everyone what’s been given. It’s not that I’m not as happy with the celebration — I am — it’s that I look at it differently.

There was a lot of “what did you get?” when I was a kid, and the excitement was in the receiving. Now I look forward to buying gifts for my friends and family, so that I can get them something that expresses my thanks for having them in my life in whatever capacity that happens to be. I don’t see the need to wake up ridiculously early on one specific day of the year to do that, hence the morning prompting I mentioned.

When I was younger, I would fall into the trap of rushing around on Dec. 23 or even Christmas Eve — as some of you still do, I’m sure — but I think that was because I hadn’t yet realized the joy that comes with giving. Now I enjoy spending the time searching for the perfect gift for someone, assuming the stores aren’t too full, and I have the time to spare to conduct the search thoroughly.

I’m almost done my holiday shopping already this year — and it’s not even December yet.

So what to do while I’m waiting for the opportunity to give these gifts that are waiting in the closet for their colourful wrapping?

Other than getting some much-needed and wellearned sleep (after I finish exams and final assignments, of course), I’m going to spend some time giving to those I can’t purchase a gift for, because I’ve never met them and wouldn’t know what they want.

TRUe Thoughts Taylor Rocca Ω Copy/Web Editor Humans are selfish. I think that goes without saying. We all are and I would challenge you to argue otherwise.

Sure we all have moments where we “give” to varying degrees. But more often than not, we take, take, take.

I’m not talking about being selfish in regards to material things or possessions. I’m talking about being selfish in an emotional and psychological way.

Now, let me preface this with the following — what I am about to say is something I have concluded based on my life experiences and people I have met.

Am I generalizing based on those experiences?

Yes. Do I realize not every person falls into this generalization?

Yes. I am still going to generalize for the sake of this read.

When I say people are selfish in an emotional manner, I am referring to the little games people like to play with one another.

More often than not, this sort of thing goes on in a playful manner and no harm is done.

But there is also a recurring theme of people intentionally toying with the emotions of others in a way that has no amount of good intention or nature. This is more commonly known as manipulation.

So, why do we do it? Why do we manipulate people in our lives who we care about?

Perhaps it is that we only pretend to care about them? Is it because we are strictly looking to obtain something from the person? Something like sympathy?

A feeling of superiority? An advantage over the competition? A cookie from the cookie jar?

I don’t know what it is. All I know is it happens way too often.

I’m not going to stand here (yes, I am standing as I smash

—IMAGE COURTESY PAVEL SAVELA/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

this into my keyboard) and pretend I am somehow innocent in all of this. I’m no saint. I do stupid things just like everyone else (don’t try to fool yourself, this isn’t a generalization, it is fact.

Every single person on Earth commits unintelligent acts of manipulation at some point in his or her life).

But seriously, humanity...what the hell?

You know, if every person took it upon themselves to do one less manipulative thing on a daily basis, this world would be a lot more pleasant for everyone.

There would be more smiles than scowls on the bus because less people would be scheming about how to manipulate their boss into thinking they did a good job on that latest project, when really they just stole the PowerPoint off the Internet. There would be more polite exchanges on the street because more people would be less concerned with trying to figure out if that new guy or girl they are dating is just playing mind games with them.

Think about it for a while.

Then go ahead and call me out if you don’t agree.

For all you know, this might just be my attempt to manipulate you into being a better person... copy@truomega.ca

Obesity as the last bastion of prejudice Meaghan Smith

The Athenaeum (Acadia) Wolfville (CUP) — I recently found myself offended during one particular session of my class on historical fairy tales.

I wasn’t offended by the blood and gore that naturally accompany fairy tales, as some are when they learn what some of the stories are actually about and delve deeper into the realm of fairy tales themselves and find they weren’t created

by Disney, however. The class was tasked with re-writing a classic story, and one student decided to base his story around “the plague of obesity.” I sat in the front row while this student read his story to the class. His re-visioning was of Little Red Riding Hood as a gluttonous sloth of a human being.

I sat uncomfortably for five minutes while he fired joke after joke at the expense of fat people and was disheartened to find most of the class laughing along at the expense of this “dumb” fat girl.

Obesity is a touchy subject that has not yet been properly publicly explored. Apparently, because I am obese, this somehow allows people to feel like they have the right to insert themselves into my life.

I listened while the presenter talked about Red’s new lip balm made of butter and how the wolf could crawl to the grandmother’s house faster than the waddling Red (who stopped, of course, halfway there to eat a cheeseburger). I kept telling myself that this should not offend me, and that I should try to be more lighthearted. I also tried telling myself that people with these opinions are not attacking me personally — but they really are.

I am sure most people will dismiss this as a whiny fat girl blaming everyone else for the way she is. I am honestly not here to blame anyone for my weight, nor am I here to apologize for it. I live a perfectly normal life that I am extremely happy with.

The problem I have is the openness with which people seem to feel entitled to when attacking obesity.

Obese people seem to be the last group of people that can openly be made fun of.

This no doubt stems from the idea that fat people are stupid, that we chose to be fat, that we are too lazy, and that we eat too much. Case closed: all fat people solved in a neat little (big) box.

I do not care what you think of me— especially since you’re basing your opinion on my weight. I do not have time for people who assume that I am at McDonald’s four times a week, as the story in class suggested.

When you discuss fat people in terms of obesity, all you do is make us feel guilty for the way that we look.

Do not quote statistics to me about health care costs and other things that go along with obesity, because, to be honest, I have been scared away from going to the doctor. It has become so bad that I am convinced that if I go in with a broken arm, the doctor will tell me that it is because I am fat and that I need to lose weight.

I have never stepped into the gym on campus because I am terrified of the looks I will get as a fat person trying to exercise. These stereotypes are just as hurtful as the misinformation about nutrition that leads to such problems as obesity. Misinformation fuels obesity, but that still does not mean that you can assume that a fat person is stupid.

Yes, escalating weight is a real issue in modern society. Yes, we live in an extremely high fat and sugar-based society.

Making jokes and mothering fat people is not going to make this problem go away, though. Many fat people suffer from eating disorders and the guilt that is placed upon them by this ignorant attitude fuels their eating. Welcome to the cycle!

4

November 28, 2012

News Devan C. Tasa Ω News Editor

TRU’s various faculties and schools are beginning to respond to a provincial government challenge to reduce their budgets.

In the 2012 budget announcement in March, the government announced cuts of $70 million to post-secondary education over the next three years, a 2.2 per cent decrease.

Kevin Falcon, the finance minister at the time, challenged universities to reduce behind the scenes administrative costs in his budget speech on Feb. 21.

“The province will work with universities, colleges and other institutions to help ensure that front-line programs are not af-

School of Nursing

fected,” he said. “We believe a one per cent cost reduction is very achievable.”

A letter signed by 25 postsecondary presidents, including TRU’s Alan Shaver, said students could be affected.

“We must be clear that it is unrealistic to assume that the reductions contemplated by Budget 2012 can be achieved without implications for service levels,” stated the letter.

In order to meet the government’s challenge, the senate’s budget committee has instructed TRU’s faculties, departments and schools to present possible savings that would result in a two per cent cut in their budgets for the 2012-13 year.

From the senate agenda posted

online, seven faculties have presented proposals.

All of the proposals would affect staffing.

Many of the faculties will not be replacing faculty members that have left with new hires. For the faculty of arts, that’s three positions; the school of business and economics, 1.5 positions; and the faculty of adventure, culinary arts and tourism, one position.

Other faculties propose replacing retiring faculty members with sessional instructors and using less sessional instructors than before.

Another common proposal is to reduce travel, equipment and printing expenses incurred by the faculty’s staff. For instance, the school of nursing is looking at ex-

iting an organization of nursing schools to save on membership fees and travel costs.

The school of trades is looking at having students pay for materials that were previously paid by the university, which would save it $40,000.

It’s also looking at cutting programs with low enrollments, such as the glazier, partsperson, motorcycle and power sports tech and joinery programs.

All together, the seven faculties hope to save $858,584 in the 201213 budget year.

According to the proposal submitted by the school of trades, faculties will be expected to f ind a fur ther 1.5 per cent savings in 2013-14 and 1.6 per cent in 2014-15.

Savings Target

Actions

$94,042.00

Leave collaborative of schools of nursing to eliminate annual membership fees and travel expenses.

Change two tripartite faculty positions to bipartite.

Delay hiring for three faculty positions.

Faculty Of Arts

$210,975.00

Use small fraction of the faculty carry forward account to cover the remaining savings required.

Eliminate funding for a part-time auxiliary position.

Reduce non-salary budget lines related to equipment, travel and printing.

Faculty of Student Development

$50,000.00

School of Business and Economics

$140,013.00

Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism

$76,750.00

Reduce interpreting budget.

Replace retired faculty member with sessional coverage during peak periods of the academic year.

Delay hiring for 1.5 faculty positions.

Delay hiring for one faculty position.

Reduction in identified non-salaried expenses within faculty.

Cost of $50,000 in student course materials to be no longer absorbed.

School of Trades and Technology

Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development

$91,442.00

$195,362.00

When tool room attendant retires, position will not be filled immedately.

Cancel programs with low enrolments (Glazier, Partsperson, Motorcycle & Power Sports Technology and Joinery).

theomega.ca

Faculties propose cuts in response to provincial challenge

Reduce sessional allocations.

Fill faculty positions when faculty-student ratios indicate a need within programs.

Allocate funds from three-year rolling average needed to reach the savings target.

Law school renovations continue, other students hope to share space Kassandra Mitchell Ω Contributor

The provincial government approved $7.4 million in funding last month for TRU’s new law school and as renovations on campus become visible, students from all faculties are hoping to benefit from the new structure.

The renovations will add more than 40,000 square feet and over 1.5 storeys to Old Main, the location for the new law school. As TRU’s population continues to grow, it’s not just the law students who are hoping to benefit from the new facility, according to TRU student union president Dustin McIntyre.

“There are 10,000 students on campus right now and we’re growing exponentially…a lot of students are going to want to use that space,” he said.

The Brown Family House of Learning (HOL), where law students and faculty have been housed since the school’s inception last year, is simply not enough space for the pro-

gram to operate successfully, said Anne Pappas, assistant dean of law.

“I can’t see us functioning with another 100 students,” Pappas said.

“It’s just impossible – you can’t fabricate space and you can’t attract faculty, students or staff if you don’t have it.”

Pappas agreed the renovations shouldn’t be seen as solely advantageous for law students.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she said. “You’re getting a building on campus, which is getting renovated for all the undergraduate students downstairs and it’s coming at the price of the law school funding so everyone’s benefiting.”

With classes packed full and little room available for studying, law students have been vocal about the need for the new building. First-year law student Andrew McDaniel said he’s excited to leave HOL and see the new building next year.

“It’s been pretty tight because there’s just so many of us…we need some breathing room,” McDaniel said.

“Law students require a lot of quiet and in some instances absolute silence,” Pappas said. “I think the new space will go a long way to making the students feel like law students in terms of being in an environment that lends itself to the study of law.”

With such a sizeable financial investment in the project, student union president Dustin McIntyre hopes the space will be inclusive for other student body members as well.

“This is the second year in a row now where law students have been very upfront about their need for quiet study space that’s just their own,” McIntyre said. “Obviously the new building represents that. At the same time, the third and fourth floors alone are the same amount of space as the entire House of Learning building. That’s a massive amount of space that they can’t fill up all on their own.”

Christopher Seguin, TRU’s VP advancement, said although the new space is designed specifically for those in the law program, all stu-

The Old Main renovations now have an expected completion date, but some are wondering whether it is only the law program that will benefit from the work. —PHOTO BY MARVIN BEATTY

dents on campus are welcome.

“Law students will have priority, but when it’s empty or unused other students can also participate in the space,” Seguin said. “It’s important to note that the renovations and seismic upgrades have made the building far more attractive as well as safer for everyone.”

Renovations to Old Main are expected to be completed for the beginning of the 2013-14 academic

year. Whether other faculties and students will benefit from the new facility remains to be seen, but Pappas is optimistic.

“Historically at every university where they’ve opened a law school, it hasn’t been enveloped with open arms and been given a big huge institutional hug,” she said. “I think it’s just going to take time for the rest of the community to actually see it as a positive.”

5

The Omega · Volume 22, Issue 13

News Nutrition critical for students during exam season

and vegetables can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20 Ω Roving Editor per cent.

“Students looking for a The TRU Wellness Centre held Nutrition Suspicion in Old healthy snack should visit ComMain on Student Street on Nov. mon Grounds in the Independent 21 and 22, an information booth Centre. The TRUSU coffee shop featuring healthy food samples, carries healthy, freshly prepared options,” Corsi said. games and prizes.

In 2006, the B.C. govern“During the last weeks of the semester, nutrition tends to fall ment attempted to introduce the by the wayside for students be- Healthier Choices policy, mancause they have other things on dating healthy options in vendtheir minds,” said Chelsea Cor- ing machines located in governsi, wellness coordinator at TRU. ment-funded institutions. The idea of the “People get program was really overthat it would whelmed.” cut healthcare According costs in the to Corsi, nufuture. trition is one As univerof the key sities were factors in the part of the managing of initiative, the stress. Along University of with sleep British Coand exercise, lumbia fought good nutrithis idea. tion enhances They prefocus and atdicted a huge tention, she loss of fundsaid. ing used for Sh ayl i n schola rsh ips Davidson, a and bursase cond-yea r ries that came human ser vices practi—Chelsea Corsi from the sale of junk-food cum student, vending organized the TRU Wellness Centre in machines. two-day event “I would with the help of Corsi, Davidson’s practicum like to try putting a healthy vending machine in Old Main,” supervisor.

“There have been quite a few Corsi said. “There is one in people trying the unique foods,” TRUSU and I think it does fairly Davidson said. The foods avail- well.”

To combat stress and depresable to sample included, but were not limited to, starfruit, sion unrelated to poor diet, the Wellness Centre is in the midst kale and dates.

Nutrition Suspicion also pro- of organizing six to eight weeks vided inquiring minds with a worth of Yoga for Your Mood mini-cookbook. The four meals sessions.

“There are certain postures listed were found at 5dollardinners.com, making them cheap to that relieve depression and anxiety,” Corsi said. prepare.

Two Yoga for Your Mood “Students go for easy, cheap food,” Davidson said. “It only classes will be offered Nov. 28 took half an hour to prepare in the Grand Hall.

Students regularly visit the all the healthy snacks we have Wellness Centre with concerns here.”

There were more than 15 trays regarding overall wellness, but of unique fruits and vegetables typically stress. Corsi’s job is to assist those seeking help to cut-up and ready to try.

Nutrition is also important for create wellness plans for themlong-term health. According to a selves.

“I’m not living [students’] Canadian Cancer Society study, healthy eating can prevent 30 to lives for them, but I can help 35 per cent of cancers and eating them make a plan to improve the suggested servings of fruits stress and eating habits.”

Courtney Dickson

“During the last weeks of the semester, nutrition tends to fall by the wayside...”

Got a story idea?

Get in touch with the appropriate section editor (email addresses on page 3, left side) and we’ll explore it.

International Intonation

Teachers being bullied, Saudi sexual struggles continue and possible news from Mars Mark Hendricks Ω Contributor

Leading by example More than 17 per cent of teachers have been bullied – with the main sources being colleagues and management – according to a recent survey in Germany.

While bullying among students is a commonly discussed and condemned topic, it seems teachers are not immune to this form of harassment.

The survey consisted of 1,831 German teachers and was conducted

by Reinhold Jager, a professor of at the University of Koblenz-Landau.

The survey found of the 17 per cent who had been bullied, 54 per cent reported some form of bullying by management, which was the largest source. Additionally, 48 per cent also reported to have experienced bullying at the hands of colleagues.

Teachers who are more than 40 years old and female teachers are more likely to be bullied. These two demographics had a 56 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively, higher chance of being bullied.

Where you can find more: www. worldcrunch.com

The text messages were an optional program men could opt into to replace the yellow slip, but as of last week it has become automatic for all women leaving the country.

“Apparently, as a Saudi woman, I don’t even deserve the simplest of rights like the right to privacy,” Safa Alahmad, a freelance journalist, told The Guardian. “The core issue remains the same. Saudi women are viewed and treated as minors by the Saudi government.”

Where you can find out more: www.guardian.co.uk Big news from the red planet in the near future NASA’s Discovery rover has made a new find on the surface of Mars and while NASA scientists won’t say what it is yet, they say it’s big.

Discovery has a built-in laboratory. The news that has everyone at NASA so excited is about a soil sample that has been analysed.

“This data is gonna be one for the history books. It’s looking really good,” said John Grotzinger, the principal investigator for the rover mission.

NASA scientists are reluctant to come forward with a claim in the event that they’re wrong, which happened when NASA scientists thought they found methane in the atmosphere on Mars. In truth, the methane had actually travelled with the rover from Earth.

Grotzinger expects NASA to be ready to reveal its findings in several weeks time.

Where you can find out more: www.npr.org

A text you don’t want to ignore When Saudi women are leaving the country, their male “guardians” now automatically receive a text message warning.

Tasks such as travel, employment, marriage, and health care have long been subject to the approval of their “guardian” for Saudi Arabian women.

This change was put in place to streamline the previous process of women needing to present a yellow slip signed by their “guardian” in order to leave the country.

— IMAGE COURTESY CHRISTIAN FISCHER WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

What do you do to manage exam period stress?

Joel Decker

Hsiang Kung

“I like to relax and do the things I like to do.”

“Go talk to people and use facebook. I also like to have some parties.”

Third-year business administration

Fourth-year tourism management

Kevin Lourens First-year business “I play hockey!”

6

November 28, 2012

Life & Community Caffeine fiends rejoice!

The Omega explores the on-campus coffee situation...and gives you a map!

Taylor Fry

Situated on the second f loor of Old Main, Revvup provides the largest selection of fair trade and organic coffees for $2.23*. Its central location is perfect for students trying to move quickly between classes, however its early closing time means students have to get their mugs filled early.

Common Grounds: 4/5 cups

Ω Contributor

For the eco-conscious student spending time studying in the CAC, there is Common Grounds.

Owned and operated solely by the TRU Students Union, it provides fresh, fair trade organic coffee in biodegradable cups for a worthwhile $2.25*. With a cream bar allowing students to perfect their coffee, Common Grounds also has a study area for all those unavoidable cram sessions. The only downside is the distance from the majority of classes, as it’s parked on the far northern end of campus in TRUSU’s Independent Centre.

With a million people in line ahead of you, there are only 10 minutes left until your 9 a.m. lecture begins. Barely awake, you need sweet, soothing coffee and its warm caffeine bliss if you even hope to survive class.

Where can you go?

It’s that time of year again -the days are shorter, the weather colder and the lines for coffee longer. TRU students move toward the grand finale of the fall semester, with classes ending and a holiday break approaching, trudging through the final push of late nights and early mornings.

This last-minute dash through the homestretch is often fueled by a steady supply of caffeine.

Every coffee fanatic knows there are a variety of places on campus to fuel up and each caffeine fiend has their own favourite rest stop. For most students location is the major factor in choosing the place to get a fix.

Where, however can a student coffee-devotee find the best cup on campus?

International Café: 4.5/5 cups With a name that includes the word international there’s not much surprise that this is in the International Building. This coffee shop brews Starbucks coffee for $2.18* per regular cup. If the lines are a bit long, the quality of the coffee makes up for it.

Trades Café: 3.5/5

The Terrace: 3.5/5 cups

Up the hill from the central section of campus in the Trades and Technology building, the Trades Café is a nice, quiet place to grab coffee for students who don’t mind the walk. A regular cup sells for $2.23* but the lack of variety may turn a few students off, despite the quality.

Sitting above Common Grounds, the Terrace Cafeteria offers students a place to get a wide variety of food, as well as coffee. On the island in the center of the room, students can find fair trade coffee in an assortment of roasts, including the (probably unnecessary) decaffeinated versions. A cup of black rings in at $1.99*.

If you’re looking for a fast place to grab and go, Bean Me Up and Common Grounds are the best places to go. If you don’t mind a possible wait for the dependable coffee you love, there is the International Café and Tim Horton’s. For students wanting to try something different, Revvup has its host of different roasts, whereas those wanting some food to go with their caffeine may prefer the Terrace.

Bean Me Up: 3.5/5 cups

House of Learning (HOL) Tim Horton’s: 3.5/5 cups

Snugly located across campus on the second f loor of the science building, Bean Me Up provides sleepy science students with a much-needed chemically-induced boost at exam time.

Serving up fair trade with a well-stocked cream bar, students can enjoy a regular cup for only $2.23*. Rarely is there a line, so students looking for a fast cup of coffee can grab one at warp speed if they’re in the neighbourhood.

By far the most convenient places to grab coffee are either of the two Tim Horton’s on campus. With both open early and the HOL location staying open until 10 p.m. on weekdays, it can be a student’s saving grace. At $1.78* a cup, it is affordable and easily at hand. The only downsides are this time of year the lines can be extremely long and students can’t personally add cream and sugar to taste. If you are looking for price, Tim Horton’s is the cheapest on the list, making the lines worth the wait.

*Campus-wide regular coffee sizes are 14 oz. with the exception of Common Grounds which runs with an uncommon 16 oz. regular cup. Each price includes taxes.

Revvup Smoothie and Juice Bar: 4.5/5

Sum m

ive

nn e Co

id Hills

TRU Student Residence

Horticulture • Student Recruitment and Liaison • Radio CFBX • • Materials Distribution Centre & Purchasing Disk Golf Course •

• Animal Health Technology

2 3

Facilities •

4

Clocktower Library

5

• Hillside Stadium

Dinner and Dance Party in the Grand Hall of the CAC

Faculty Annex A •

• Actors Workshop Theatre

1

• Upper Grass Field

Winter Wonderland

•

Culinary Arts •

• BC Centre for Open Learning

•

ive Summit Dr

O LO

Happy holidays from The Omega

SUMMIT EXIT

• Old Main

TR

1 - Faculty Association 2 - Daycare 3 - Omega 4 - Aboriginal Culture Centre 5. Research offices

• Arts & Education Campus Observatory • Activity Centre • • International Building • House of Learning

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S AN

VANCOUVER (CUP) — The case of a UBC education professor who claims she was the victim of racial discrimination is now in the hands of the highest court in the province.

The B.C. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether to throw out a human rights complaint filed against UBC by Dr. Jennifer Chan.

The hearings are another step in Chan’s complaint, which she filed in May of 2010 after being denied a prestigious research position. Chan argues she was not appointed to the David Lam Chair in Multicultural Education in part because she is of Chinese descent. Chan, who lost the chair to a white candidate, claims she is more experienced in the field.

Last January, the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal allowed Chan’s case to proceed to a full hearing despite numerous attempts by UBC to have the case dismissed.

In March, UBC filed a petition to have the B.C. Supreme Court review the tribunal’s decision.

UBC argues that a tribunal hearing would be redundant, because a university investigation of Chan’s complaint determined there was no wrongdoing on the part of appointment committee.

In 2009, Chan went through UBC’s discrimination investiga-

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tion process, which includes a full evaluation of the complaint by an investigator appointed by UBC’s Equity Office.

At the hearing this week, UBC’s legal defence argued that Chan’s complaint got the “whole nine yards,” including “expert investigators from outside the university.” J.S. Russell, UBC’s lawyer, said Chan should not get another “kick at the can” because she isn’t happy with the UBC decision.

But Chan claims that UBC’s process was unfair because the university retains control over hiring an investigator and setting the terms. Chan named several senior administrators in her initial complaint. She hopes her claims will be eventually be evaluated by the tribunal.

“My lawyer tells me it’s really quite unusual to ask the court to intervene at this stage,” said Chan. “In my opinion, it’s totally unreasonable to ask the court to intervene. It delays [the hearing] for almost a year and a half. It’s a delaying tactic adding to the cost and the energy and everything else.”

The hearing was attended by around 20 people, including reporters from Sing Tao and Omni News.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected sometime before the end of the year. Chan’s Human Rights Tribunal hearing is scheduled for September 2013.

Formal Attire

University Drive •

Jonny Wakefield

$15 Tickets

it Dr

r ecto

B.C. Supreme Court hears arguments in prof’s racial discrimination case

• Alumni Theatre

Colleg e Driv e

• Gym •

Sciences & Health Sciences

• Fieldhouse

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ive

Dalhousie Dr

• Lower Grass Field

On-Campus Housing McGill Road

Thursday, December 6th

6:00pm-10:00pm

7

The Omega · Volume 22, Issue 13

Life & Community Batman teaches science?

Justine Cleghorn

TRU Intercultural Council uses German film to explore idology Oriol Salvador

Ω Contributor Have you ever wondered what it would be like to become Batman or Iron Man? Paul Zehr, a professor and director for the Centre for Biomedical Research at the University of Victoria, has written two books on just that.

Zehr gave a lecture explaining how popular culture references could be used to teach science to a sum of 30 students and professors on Nov. 22 at the TRU Science and Health Sciences Building.

By building on concepts the general public already understands, science can become something that can resonate with people, he said.

In his published books, Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero and Inventing Iron Man: The Possibility of a Human Machine, Zehr used superheroes as the platform to explain science and attract readers.

“By understanding how Batman’s body works, you learn how your body works,” he said, adding kids are more interested when they are shown how Batman’s body works.

Zehr considers his teaching technique like “slipping the medicine in with candy.”

While Batman helps bring understanding to how the body works, Iron Man helps bridge the conversation into neuroprosthetics. Similar to how a prosthetic gives a person the functions of a missing body part, Iron Man’s suit gives his body extra abilities he didn’t have before. Instead of being worn like an article of clothing, the suit is controlled by the brain. By connecting Iron Man with brain functions, Zehr transitions into discussing how the brain operates.

Hosting informal discussions rather than formal lectures is the strategy Zehr has found most effective in teaching students about science.

By having informal sessions in coffee shops and bars, more direct interaction occurs with

Thought provoking Wave

Ω Contributor

That’s not Batman, it’s Paul Zehr giving a lecture about how superheroes can be used as the platform for easing the teaching of science to those who find it hard to engage with the subject.

—PHOTO BY JUSTINE CLEGHORN

the audience, which leads to more engaged participants.

“Student engagement is a priority in the faculty of science,” said Karen Ross, a science department professor. According to Ross, student engagement in first-year science courses can be a struggle, so Zehr was invited to speak at TRU to inspire student engagement when learning science.

“It’s nice to hear how another educator approaches teaching,” Ross said.

The café-style talks not only benefit the general public, but also push professors to sharpen their public speaking skills and communicate their message more efficiently.

“Talking science with the general public doesn’t mean just saying the same thing using smaller words,” Zehr said. The trick is to use terms and context that the other person will understand, according to Zehr.

His style of educating forces him to provide people with what they need to know, without adding unnecessary details.

“He did a great job of introducing a different way to speak to people,” said Kaitlyn Bleasdale, a fourth-year cellular molecular biology student. “It was

really cool.”

The world is becoming more complicated and science based.

Knowledge about science is necessary “so we can know better about the choices we are making about what we are buying, what we are subscribing to [and] what we are eating,” Zehr said.

“I hope I can get more and more people involved in doing this because I think science belongs to everybody and people just aren’t getting information that they need,” Zehr said. “What I’m hoping is that 10 years from now, this kind of thing is just common place.”

Zehr wants to implement his strategies at the university level first. He hopes to see future professors and teachers using these techniques.

His third book is anticipated to be released in 2014. Project Batgirl, the working title, is a first-person diary narrative exploring what it takes to become Batgirl and is directed at teenage girls.

His lecture was part of a series of seminar sessions the science department offers to students and professors three Thursdays a month at 12:30 p.m. in room S373 of the Science and Health Sciences building.

German movie Die Welle (The Wave) was shown on campus at the TRU Intercultural Council’s second monthly event, held Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the Alumni Theatre in the Clock Tower.

Approximately 50 students and some faculty left studying for midterms and assignments aside to enjoy an evening of film and discussion with free popcorn and drinks.

The Intercultural Council, which aims to integrate domestic, international and aboriginal students into the university culture, organized a movie night after an on campus DJ event last month.

“We wanted to do something that would be interesting, thought provoking, entertaining and [with] a cultural relevance,” said Andrew Dalgleish, a TRU student and member of the Intercultural Council.

2008’s Die Welle, directed by Dennis Gansel, fulfills those requirements.

The movie is based on a real event in April 1967 at Cubberley High School in Palo Alto, Calif.

A high-school teacher experimented on how democratic societies are not immune to dictatorships. The recent movie script is actually based on a previous film and novelization from 1981, which moved the events to Germany.

“There is [a] dangerous assumption which thinks fascism and totalitarian societies are a thing of the past,” Dalgleish said.

“It’s important to realize it could happen anywhere and that we need to see how it develops. I think the movie demonstrates that.”

The movie starts just like any other teen movie: the cool teacher Rainer Wenger singing the Ramones’ “Rock ‘n’ Roll High

School” on the way to class, the popular athletes gang (a water polo team trained by Rainer), the hippy, the nerd, the bullies…it’s all fairly standard high-school fare.

The plot starts with a project week about autocracy that ends up creating an autocratic movement.

The movement becomes The Wave, Rainer becomes Mr. Wenger and the wave gets out of control when the movement’s members felt the power of belonging, social acceptance and collective power against a common enemy that, in this case, is another class studying the political theories of anarchism.

After the film, concepts such as acceptance in social groups, the concepts of unity and conformity, bullying and the chances of a dictatorship in the current first world societies were pointed out in a discussion moderated by Intercultural Council members.

“After watching the movie, I think [dictatorship] may be possible anywhere on the right conditions. We have the tendency to think that it happens only in places where the social conditions are very poor but the thing about Die Welle is that [it] shows conditions can be quite good and those types of ideologies can still take hold,” said Kyra Garson, a TRU Intercultural Coordinator and special guest to the event.

“To me, what was really interesting from that [intercultural] perspective was that even in a highly individualistic society they structure The Wave because they need to belong, they need to have meaning and [the movement] chase them away very quickly.”

The event closed with international trivia & prizes. The Intercultural Council will be hosting a new event in campus in January 2013.

Club looking for the ‘write’ stuff Devan C. Tasa Ω News Editor TRU’s writers and poets now have a chance to be published.

The TRUSU Writer’s Club is calling for submissions for an anthology they are putting together in the new year.

“We want as many people as possible to be writing over the holidays and come back in January and have a bunch of pieces that they want to be published,” said Will George, the club’s copresident.

“We’re hoping for some poetry – and it can be about anything – as well as some short stories and maybe some novelettes.”

Any student of TRU can submit a piece of work, as long as it is sent by Jan. 17, 2013. There are no restrictions on type, genre, format, or number of submissions. There aren’t a minimum number of words, but the

maximum is 3,000.

The anthology has been a project the club has been working on for a while.

“We’ve been working on this project and have been getting it off the ground for about two to three years,” George said. “We’re very excited for it. I know since I’ve been in the Writer’s Club, we’ve talked about this, but with all of our new members and the enthusiasm and all our pieces, we are actually going ahead with this.”

The Writer’s Club has existed intermittently for approximately 20 years, back when the university was known as Cariboo College.

“They had an anthology way back in the day, but we’re excited to have one of our own,” George said.

Another reason why the club is enthusiastic about the anthology is it gives its members the chance to be published and to be

able to tell future employers that they’ve been published during their university years.

A panel of five or six people chosen by the club will edit the anthology. The club is also looking for people who would be willing to sit on the panel. Each piece will looked by at least two people to ensure the process is objective.

The cost of the anthology will depend on how many pieces the club receives and what kinds of deals it can work out with other writing organizations in Kamloops, George said.

It will be released at TRU’s undergraduate conference, which takes place in early April.

Those wishing to submit a piece for the anthology can send it by email at trufictionsubmissions@gmail.com or in person at one of the Writing Club’s meetings, which are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in AE 162 in the Arts and Education building.

—IMAGE COURTESY R AT PACK FILMPRODUKTION

8

November 28, 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Album review: A Cup of Kindness Yet Brendan Kergin

Ω Arts & Entertainment Editor Out of the musically-gifted town of St. John’s, N.L., indie heavyweight Hey Rosetta! has released a seasonally-centered, four-song EP covering Christmas, wintertime and the oncoming New Year.

A Cup of Kindness Yet involves a mixture of traditional carols and original compositions in Hey Rosetta!’s unique rock style.

Things open with “Carry Me Home,” a more upbeat track, akin to a Raffi song updated for an older audience.

A bouncy piano keeps things happy over the rest of the band’s uplifting rhythm. Tim Baker leads some harmonizing, while lyrically it mixes traditional references like St. Steven and creatures stirring while also taking a more personal tangent on mothers and getting bus tickets on Christmas Eve. The group then takes on the 19th-century hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a more peaceful, slower-paced piece at first, building into some big, bluesy riffs and then a bigger shouting bit from Baker.

Since the song has evolved over the last 150 or so years and its history can be traced back even further, there are a variety of verses and Hey Rosetta! chose three and

spends a lot of time on the refrain/ chorus.

Moving away from the religious overtones, “The First Snow” is a slowly building ballad as Baker uses a quiet moment from the winter as a chance for an introspective look. Less a happy Christmas carol for the kids as it is an acceptance of life, the cool musical choice compliments the thoughts well.

The seasonal session is wrapped

up with a look back in “New Year Song,” which, like the others, starts off quietly and builds to something more, this time a singalong trumpet-led “Auld Lang Syne.”

To wrap up, this auditory gift to Hey Rosetta! fans is a holiday album not too filled with jingle bells and clichés that it will disenchant the bah-humbug types, but it’s still a set of songs fit to be brought out with the wreaths.

Concert previews: December Kyprios & The Chaperones with Nouveau and The Hunter – Nov. 29 Cactus Jacks, doors at 9 p.m., $7 advance or $10 at the door Going solo, former mainstay of Vancouver’s hip-hop collective, the Sweatshop Union, Kyprios is taking a live band on this tour, the Chaperones, a group of musicians he led to the Peak Performance Prize in 2010. Now he’s touring the province, in support of his new EP and prepping the land for a release in 2013.

Mikkal Waters with Lowell Friesen and Jayme McKillop – Dec. 1 The Art We Are, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30, $10 at the door (under-12 free) A folksy night at the late-night coffee shop, Waters found an ideal location to help launch his first EP. Despite being a part of the Okanagan music scene for a few years, this is the first time he’s put his music together on a physical thing. Expect a friendly set of guitar heavy songs.

Willhorse with Maurice - Dec. 13 The Dirty Jersey, show at 8:30 p.m., Free A quartet out of Golden, B.C., is touring around the western provinces in support of its debut album. With a self-described southern-rock sound, Willhorse has already had some experience on stage, opening for acts like Elliot Brood.

This time Willhorse has its own open-

ing act in Vancouver-based Maurice, who, aside from creating his own brand of indie-pop-rock, produced Willhorse’s album.

Theory of a Deadman and Big Wreck – Dec. 17 Interior Savings Centre, doors at 7 p.m., $58.75 Chad Kroeger’s post-grunge, mainstream rock stalwarts Theory of a Deadman plow through town just a week before Christmas Eve. The Juno-winning, platinum-selling band hasn’t released anything in 2012, but is still touring off the strength of its 2011 album The Truth Is…, which is still producing singles. Travelling with Theory of a Deadman this tour is Big Wreck. Best known for material released in 1997, they’ve re-formed and are supporting 2012’s Albatross.

The Phonograff - Dec. 20 Cactus Jacks Night Club, doors at 7 p.m., $5.00 A hometown hero to some extent, Phonograff was born and raised in Kamloops, but now calls Vancouver home, a city he performs in regularly. He brings a variety to his DJing, with material hailing from hip-hop (he’s produced for MCs such as Moka Only) dub and electronica. In addition, he’s an accomplished turntablist (using the record and phonograph as an instrument through skills like scratching).

Album review: Please Make Welcome Courtney Dickson

Canadian Music Corner Taylor Rocca

Ω Copy/Web Editor Once upon a time, Madchild was a heavy-hitter in the world of Canadian hip-hop as a part of the aggressive, witty and intelligent collective, Swollen Members.

Just as the Battle Axe powerhouse was hitting the pinnacle of its career, life spiraled out of control for Madchild who struggled with an oxycontin addiction, burning through $3 million in assets to feed his addiction over a four-year span, according to CBC Music.

After fighting to earn back his life, an arduous war that brought him back from the depths of a personal hell, Madchild dropped the album Dope Sick on Aug. 28, 2012.

Brendan Kergin

Ω Arts & Entertainment Editor While much of Canada’s musical media points it’s spotlight in one of four places (Toronto, Montreal, St. John’s/the Maritimes and Vancouver/the islands) the prairies are no slouch.

Currently one of the biggest names of the region is Regina’s Rah Rah, bringing a mixture of indie fun and folksy twang to stages and speakers.

The seven-piece combines male and female vocals, involves the whole group in leading and songwriting and has made a name for themselves as a group where everyone switches it up.

The record chronicles the personal battle for Madchild’s life, a clash that saw him lock horns with a variety of demons, including himself. A native of North Vancouver, B.C., Madchild wrote and recorded the entire album during a 10-month period in which he was locked away recovering from a near-death bout with oxycontin that finally pushed his body, mind and spirit to the brink.

While this is the first full-length solo album from Madchild, the gritty, blondehaired spitter has previously released five EPs, including the 2012 Little Monster EP, a precursor to Dope Sick.

An introspective and chilling look into the life of a man overtaken by drug abuse, Dope Sick is an admirable work of Canadian hip-hop worth checking out, especially for old fans of Swollen Members.

As in, two members switch off on the drums, almost everyone takes a shot at lead vocals at some point and adding musicians (they started off as a trio).

One of the early singles, titled “Duet for Emmylou and the Grievous Angel,” references the short but brilliant career of Gram Parsons, an artist who still inf luences songwriters today, including Rah Rah, despite having passed away nearly 40 years ago. This includes the colead female and male vocals on country-tinged tracks.

For a taste, the newest album The Poet’s Dead came out in the fall and the track “Art and A Wife” did pretty well indie music critics.

Ω Roving Editor

Before listening, country music fans should be warned that The Whiskey Gentry’s first studio album, Please Make Welcome, released in August 2011, will be on repeat for the next few months once they get a taste of what the group is all about.

Hailing from Atlanta, Ga., The Whiskey Gentry demonstrates an impeccable understanding for the art of bluegrass and country music.

The first track, “Queen of my Heart,” is upbeat, classic country and a precursor to what mood to expect throughout the remainder of the album. Banjo and mandolin contribute significantly to the authentic country western feeling, but it’s vocalist Lauren Morrow’s voice that really gives listeners a sense of the love this group has for their genre.

Not only talented musicians, The Whiskey Gentry is also tremendous in the song-writing department.

“I swear I care when I’m not high,” lyrics in “The Cost of Loving You,” deliver honesty rarely heard in mainstream country music.

The first ballad on Please Make Welcome is another brutally honest song about a regretfully promiscuous woman. In “Alone on a Saturday Night,” Morrow brings life to the protagonist. “Morning comes with that pit in her stomach,” Morrow sings. “It happened again.” The Whiskey Gentry may be the only group that knows how to make listeners feel bad for a lady with loose morals.

“Eula Mae” came straight out of the saloon. This track offers a

genuinely country tone. With a vocal twang and Chesley Lowe’s fast-paced banjo, there is nothing tired about this song.

Track 12, is short, but expressive. “The Gentry” is an accurate representation of what The Whiskey Gentry is -- a group that loves to indulge and have a good time. For the first time, Morrow doesn’t take the lead vocally, but the men hold their own. The masculine chorus implies a strong sense of camaraderie among the group. Everyone loves a great bromance.

The only live track on Please Make Welcome is the concluding song, titled “Comrade.” Though it is without lyrics, the energy

in the track does not go unnoticed and is amplified by the sound of the crowd hootin’ and hollerin’ in the background. Michael Smith steals the show with his exceptional mandolin solos throughout the song. The tempo accelerates as the song comes to an end, the audience left in thunderous applause.

The Whiskey Gentry is a mustlisten group, regardless of what country music sub-genre listeners are attracted to.

9

The Omega · Volume 22, Issue 13

Arts & Entertainment

Titanic survivor brought to life onstage John Fraser

The Argosy (Mount Allison)

Brendan Kergin

Ω Arts & Entertainment Editor

pursuits in Italy.

“I was really inspired by Slayter’s mantra that her mother told her: Life is a test of character, not a time of frivolity,” says Peppard. In addition to this, Peppard added her own songs, designed specifically for the beginning and end of the performance.

For this piece, Peppard assumed the role of Slayter, speaking in the first person and injecting lively or somber songs where appropriate. Her strong and beautiful voice echoed out songs in Italian and French, and her skillful use of the acoustic guitar added a much appreciated instrumental side to the performance.

In addition to her own songs and Slayter’s songs, Peppard also sang hymns, often used during the horrific scenes of the story, such as the sinking of the ship and the loss of its passengers.

The Christian hymns captured the religious atmosphere of the time, and added to the theme of faith as a response to crisis.

Each hymn chosen was given added meaning because it was either sung by Slayter or aboard

—IMAGE COURTESY U.S. NAR A

the Titanic.

The assumption of Slayter’s personality was very gripping, Peppard truly transformed into the Maritime survivor. From the joy on her face during scenes of celebration to the singing of her horror and agony when describing the cries of the drowning, Peppard’s acting drew in the audience to make them feel as much a part of the Titanic experience as Slayter was.

All the more integrating was the closing theme imparted by the performer, that no matter what Titanic the audience may be facing in their own life, with a bit of faith it can be overcome.

The memory of the lost was also strongly imprinted upon the audience “There are many heroes that are not sung about” said Peppard “I wanted to touch on the musicians who played music to boost morale until they literally drowned.”

Peppard does a wonderful job of reminding us of those who left room for others to climb to safety while they were destroyed, and that we must never forget their sacrifice in the face of tragedy.

theomega.ca

SACKVILLE (CUP) — One hundred years after the sea claimed the lives of over three hundred passengers aboard the Titanic, communities around the world still work to keep the memory of the lost alive. In her amazing performance Living Titanic, Rosalee Peppard delivers the recreation of Hilda Slayter’s survival story onboard the Titanic. With song and read diary entries, Peppard’s performance delights the audience and humbly reminds them of the tragedy of April 1912.

Peppard chose to put the story of Hilda Slayter to song. Slayter was born on April 5, 1882, in Halifax, N.S. She was raised there and later moved to study singing in Italy. Her studies eventually led her to meet Harry Reginald Dunbar Lacon of Ottley, the son of a British Member of Parliament. She was to marry Dunbar in Vancouver, B.C. It was on this journey, from Italy to Canada, that she boarded the Titanic in Queenstown on April 11, 1912 and crossed the Atlantic.

She survived the sinking of the Titanic, as well as the Halifax explosion and the death of her husband. She died of cancer on April 12, 1965. Slayter was the only Maritime survivor of the Titanic, a fact that led Peppard to her story.

Slayter’s story of survival and triumph is delivered with tremendous musical quality and acting poise.

Peppard was at home and comfortable on the stage. She told Slayter’s story by integrating her diary entries with some of the songs Slayter sang in her

Have a very alternative Christmas So, what to listen to so that your apathetic hipster friend won’t leap out of the car when you press play?

Or, conversely, what to play to for that person in your life who bakes seasonal goodies when you both have to share the same auditory space?

Musicians in Canada have been creating music for years, decades even. Some of it’s even related to Christmas and winter. There, in that crossover niche between Canadian indie bands and Christmas carols, folks find a nice grey area.

Or whatever you get by mixing red and green, but that’d be some sort of muddy brown, which is less aesthetically pleasing or metaphorical.

So, with that in mind, here are 15 songs from the independent rock/pop genre that carry some indie street cred with their candy canes.

Julie Doiron • “Heavy Snow” A more weather-based track, this Acadian artist, now based in Ontario, may not be the type you put on for breakfast on Dec. 25. However, the moody, cool lyrics with a bluesy edge would be ideal to drift away to while holding a hot cup of cocoa, watching snow come down, ready to be shoveled off the walk.

The Zolas • “Snow” Another ode to the white stuff, the Zolas take a more romantic tack, seeing the snow as a piece of a relationship, with kissing in the snow and a lonesome December. Rising harmonies, a quirky keyboard, a busy drummer, whimsical sounds popping in and out and lots of positive vibes going to the snow, these Vancouverites have really romanticized frozen falling water.

Nick Krgovich & Rose Melberg • “Coldest Night of the Year” Not “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” but a very similar piece, Krgovich and Melberg argue about him going home or snuggling up together. Of course, the arguing here is more singing dreamily at each other with jingle bells and a piano.

Said The Whale • “Christmas Under the Clouds” Indie darlings give the real West Coast weather report for December, reminiscing about grey skies and liquid water falling from the sky. Of course, it’s still kind of Christmas with chestnuts roasting on the open fire, but it’s not the same. They relay these feelings over a piano and not much else, a stripped down ballad. Of course, friends show up at the end to finish off with the chorus from “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” so it’s not all dull and depressing.

The Wilderness of Manitoba • “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel” Not the only ones to cover this classic carol/hymn (Hey Rosetta! recently released one as well) The Wilderness of Manitoba’s stands out due to the number of voices they include and the acoustic guitar which leads in a layered performance. Not sung as a hymn, though still with many choral traits, it’s a softer piece, despite the numbers.

Treelines • “Little Drummer Boy” A fairly straight-ahead version of drummer boy in tone, it’s filled out by a band playing and a guitar doing the famous melody. The upbeat, full sound seems to add something to what is normally a stripped-down song, even if this version is bare at times. Vocalist Matt Lockhart has an earnest voice, which just works with the 70-year-old song in a modern way.

Emm Gryner • “Let it Snow” It’s like a James Bond Christmas carol. With smoky vocals, it’s a very diverse composition; piano, strings, a lead guitar and back up vocals are all highlighted at times while the composition brushes near jazz. Again, more lyrically con-

nected with the weather as a metaphor, this may not be the most Christmas-y track, but it’s lively yet mournful sound is worth it.

Hannah Georgas • “Christmas Touch” Just the emerging solo artist and her guitar, she just wants your love this Christmas. Such a simple gift, captured in a simple song. While not quite a proper carol, this could easily be a singalong song (even she has backing vocals at a couple points) for those interested in trying to find new material for the occasion. Of course, replicating Georgas recognizable voice may be difficult.

Portage and Main • “Little Hearts” While not immediately recognizable as a Christmas song, this was written for an Christmas compilation album. Yet again, weather plays a big role in a Canadian holiday song, but ‘tis the nature of the land we live in. Super-friendly rhythm and a bit of fiddle, it’s a track that, despite the cold (temperature-wise) subject matter, is rather warm.

The Good Lovelies • “Hurry Home” A proper folksy sound, this time a young woman wishes for her love to be near. A sort of reply to “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” it seems Bing Crosby left his partner in the country with a banjo player and some people who like to clap. Luckily for him she says he doesn’t need to bring a diamond ring or fancy clothes. Important savings in this tough economy.

Great Lake Swimmers • “Hang A String Of Lights” A chime-y intro invites the listener to a song about preparations for social events for the holidays. Mistletoe, strings of lights and more strings of lights seem to be central to decoration plans. Some ribbons and bows as well, but with so many lights it might be a fire hazard.

Hilary Grist • “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” It may start off sounding like it was made on an old Casio keyboard, but this bouncy little cut builds as Grist describes her house and family for the big man clad in red. Santa Claus, that’s a reference to Santa Claus. She figures he’ll know best, but still gives ideas for her siblings anyways.

Hawksley Workman • “Merry Christmas (I Love You)” One of the more mournful songs, it’s a sad goodbye and bitter look at love, not due to love gone bad, but to the transient nature of it. In fact, Mr. Workman (aka Ryan Corrigan) takes a pretty bitter look at the world due to the loss of this person.

A sober song of loneliness but with an honest Merry Christmas.

The Mountains & The Trees • “My Favourite Sweater (Happy Holidays)” Ukuleles are always a happy instrument; it’s just the nature of the sound they make. So when this opens up with just a ukulele, it’s all positive from there.

Except for the fact that Jon Janes has lost his sweater to someone who took it with her after a break-up. He’d also like his records back but the sweater was a gift and his favourite. Please return them.

Perhaps the song is more effective than Facebook.

Rock Plaza Central • “My Children, Be Joyful” Of course, despite the weather, the missing of loved ones and the rest of the day-to-day stuff people have to go through, there is a central theme to the season. A joyous song for a song about being joyful, this isn’t just a plucky, happy song, it’s properly filled with joy.

Singing about dancing, no doubt dancing when they sing this, it’s what must be playing in Snoopy’s head when he dances.

So, there, 15 ways to not annoy your non-holiday loving friends/snobby music fans while getting a fix of wintery tunes. Or, a way to subdue your companions urges to sing “Jingle Bells.”

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November 28, 2012

Sports

Third time’s the charm

Long-recruited forward Tomassetti makes his mark Adam Williams Ω Sports Editor

It took three years of recruiting and a lot of effort but the WolfPack finally convinced Alessio Tomassetti to play hockey for Thompson Rivers University -- so far it’s a decision that’s paying dividends.

Tomassetti was named the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League’s (BCIHL) player of the week for the week ending Nov. 17. With four goals and three assists against the Eastern Washington University Eagles Nov. 16 and 17, Tomassetti found the extra gear that made him such an attractive recruit for WolfPack general manager Chris Hans.

“He was the dominant player on the ice,” Hans said. “It was determination.

It wasn’t like Eastern Washington rolled over and allowed him to collect all those points. He’s a deceptively strong hockey player. I think, one, he’s a good athlete and you combine the strength and the determination and this past weekend served as a wakeup call to the rest of the league, what to expect from Alessio for the rest of the season.”

Tomassetti’s seven-point weekend brings him to a total of 15 points in nine games played -- second on the team in scoring. The combination of Tomassetti, Lucas Daoust and Colten DeFrias has been clutch for the ‘Pack, combining for 39 of the WolfPack’s 93 points. Tomassetti plays a high-skill

on the ice,” Tomassetti said. “My linemates -- Colten DeFrias and Lucas Daoust -- they help a lot out there too with their speed and our cycling down low. So that helps out quite a bit.”

Expectations for Tomassetti and Co. continue to rise and though he is a rookie in the BCIHL, Hans and head coach Don Schulz refuse to treat him as such. He and fellow rookie Rigby Burghart bring a special dynamic to the club.

“I think they both bring a lot of experience that the other players

don’t bring,” Hans said. “Alessio for example, played in the B.C. Hockey League in Junior A, he also played in Ontario Junior A, played in a Western Canadian championship with the [Kamloops] Storm. Rigby played in the B.C. Hockey League and the Western Hockey League.

Both of them stepped up big time on this past weekend and I knew it was just a matter of time for them to feel comfortable.”

Tomassetti’s ability to perform when he’s needed most is part of what attracted Hans to him. Tomassetti played for coach Schulz three years ago when Schulz was with the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL); Schulz still remembers him as the best player for the Storm in the Western Canadian championship.

Tomassetti also had prior experience with a lot of the WolfPack’s roster and came highly recommended by players and coaches alike. It’s a testament to the type of player and person Tomassetti is.

So while it took a few attempts for Hans to bring Tomassetti to the WolfPack dressing room, the move seems to have worked out for everyone involved.

“It’s a good transition actually, good pace, good speed,” Tomassetti said. “ It’s better hockey for sure than the KIJHL. “It was an honour to be named player of the week, this week.”

your best pitch but if you keep throwing it inning after inning, pitch after pitch, hitter after hitter things are going to work out for you.”

With two wins this weekend the men still sit in the bottom half of the standings. The team has struggled to win on the road, which put them in a hole early, but the team’s recent winning streak has brought them to .500 on the season.

Should the team fare well against the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba next weekend they might be able to finish in the top half of Canada West’s Pacific division.

Despite losing their first game of the weekend, the women recovered to win handily against Brandon University Nov. 24, outscoring the Bobcats by nearly 40 points. The win, coupled with a pair of losses by the University of British Columbia, allowed the women to move into third place in the Pacific division.

The large gap in score against Bran-

don allowed head coach Scott Reeves to work in some of his younger players and rest the team’s veterans.

“It’s this point of the season where fatigue can set in,” Reeves told TRU Athletics. “With that comes injury.

There is no reason for us to get them.

We have to get those young kids in to get playing experience but there is no sense in going with people who have had to play extended minutes over the past couple of weeks when you don’t have to.”

The women will be eyeing another jump in the standings next weekend when they take on the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, both low-ranking teams in Canada West’s Prairie division. Should the WolfPack win both their games and the University of Victoria lose to the undefeated University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Lethbridge, the ‘Pack would lock up the number two position before the holidays.

game and uses his speed to his advantage, but says said the key to his success thus far has been simple.

“Hard work in practice. I go to practice and work hard every time we’re

—PHOTO COURTESY TRU ATHLETICS

Successful weekend for WolfPack basketball Adam Williams Ω Sports Editor

Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams secured wins in their final home games of 2012.

The women lost 84-64 to the University of Regina Cougars Nov. 23 but came back with a resounding win Nov. 24, 73-35 over the Brandon University Bobcats.

The men go out winning three of 2012’s four home games, with back-toback wins at the Tournament Capital Centre, 78-64 over the University of Regina Cougars and 88-80 against the Brandon University Bobcats.

“To the guys’ credit, they showed enough toughness at money time when we were able to bear down and do our jobs,” men’s basketball coach Scott Clark told TRU Athletics. “That is what the game is—a process of doing your job. Sometimes they score against

UBC volleyball player defies expectations

Zafira Rajan

The Ubyssey (UBC) VANCOUVER (CUP) — Aweinspiring. Motivational. Resilient.

Those are only three of the many words that can be used to describe Austin Hinchey.

As a new recruit to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds men’s volleyball team from Edmonton, Hinchey has been admired for his skills as a setter and his adaptation to the intense pace of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) volleyball. But he is also praised for his ability to do it all with a prosthetic leg.

Having being diagnosed with Congenital Pseudarthosis, a rare brittle bone disease affecting his left fibula and tibia below the knee, when 18 months old, Hinchey has broken his leg seven times and undergone 13 surgeries.

When he was 10 years old, it was decided that his leg would be amputated below the knee. After all that, he never imagined that one day he would be capable of playing volleyball for one of Canada’s top varsity teams.

“I made that decision to be able to play sports. It wasn’t intended to be at a high level; it was just to play sports in general and be recreationally active,” said Hinchey, currently in his fourth year of eligibility.

“But I was lucky enough that I was able to just keep going with it, play some recreational sports and higher-level high school sports, and now, play on a professional varsity team.”

Hinchey has been playing volleyball for four years. UBC men’s volleyball coach Richard Schick emphasized that Hinchey made it on the team solely because he is at a high level of athleticism.

“In his recruiting trip, I mentioned to him that I didn’t want to notice that he was different; I just wanted him to be a good setter, and I wasn’t going to recruit him unless he was a good setter,” said Schick. “Not only is he a good setter, but he’s an amazing individual and person. In his recruiting trip we saw how much he liked the guys and how they liked him, and it was a no-brainer. It was a perfect fit for him and a perfect fit for us.”

But Hinchey’s time here is not without its difficulties. He has to work twice as hard as the rest of the team, and has to know his body well enough to know when it’s being pushed too hard.

“My biggest challenge is the volume and intensity of training that we have, but we have some really good people who are helping us out with physiotherapy,” Hinchey said. “But personally, my challenge is maintaining my physical

health so I can train every day like everybody else, because my body takes a bit more of a beating than theirs does.

“I’ve been doing it for four years right now at this level, so now I know my body well and what I need. As long as I have the people to help me, it makes it easy enough.”

Schick admitted that Hinchey still has work to do, but that goes for any athlete who switches programs and coaches. Still, he’s impressed by what he’s seen so far.

“He’s played some spot duty in certain situations, and when you’re just thrown out there, it’s a whole different level,” Schick said.

“So it’s about getting his nerves calmed, and getting him to get into a routine out there so he’s able to help us. He can do the job we need him to do; he just has to settle in and let himself play, because he’s played a lot of ball and for the most part he knows what he’s doing.”

“It’s been really exciting for me because I’m playing with people who are at another level; they understand the game better, and the athletes [are] of another calibre,” Hinchey said. “I’m really enjoying learning from them and playing at this level of athleticism. The team has been successful; we’re at where we want to be right now.

“It’s just bigger, faster and harder.… It’s really exciting and fun to be challenged again. After settling and playing in college for three years, you get used to it, so it’s nice for me to be pushing myself to learn new stuff. It’s now on me to catch up to everybody else.”

Playing volleyball at UBC was always Hinchey’s ultimate goal.

However, Hinchey’s plans don’t stop here. He’s currently completing a finance degree, and he hopes to get into coaching after he completes his years of eligibility on the team.

“I coached a club team last year, and my high school coach has been bugging me to get back there,” said Hinchey with a laugh. “There’s definitely coaching in my future. I don’t know if I’ll go any further or try pursue volleyball past CIS.…

Usually the next step is going pro, but that’s kind of a long shot. We’ll see how my body holds up.”

That’s all a few years away — but right now, life is pretty good for Austin Hinchey. He gets to play the sport he loves and inspires everyone around him while he’s at it.

“Growing up, people have heard about me or knew about me, but when I came out here, people had to see for themselves whether this guy could actually play, what he’s like and what his weaknesses are,” Hinchey said.

“I guess I was convincing enough.”

WolfPack Scoreboard

Tailback Maxime Boutin put up two touchdowns in Laval’s 37-14 victory over McMaster in the

Vanier Cup, the Canadian Interuniversity Sport football championship, held Sept.24.

—PHOTO BY SAM BROOKS (CUP)

Volleyball

Basketball

Women

Women

3-0 L vs University of Manitoba Bison 3-0 L vs University of Manitoba Bison

84-64 L vs Brandon University Bobcats 73-35 W vs Brandon University Bobcats

Men

Men

3-2 W vs University of Manitoba Bison 3-0 L vs University of Manitoba Bison

78-64 W vs Brandon University Bobcats 88-80 W vs Brandon University Bobcats

11

The Omega · Volume 22, Issue 13

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56. Wheels for mom 58. Lest 63. 1929 novel 66. Cost of living?

67. Ashtabula’s lake 68. Exhaust 69. Deuce topper 70. Turned blue, maybe 71. Interesting

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12

November 28, 2012

TRUSU Membership Advisory December 6 Memorial th

Each year on December 6th Canadians gather to remember the 14 women who were killed in an act of genderbased violence in 1989 at Ecolé Polytechnique de Montréal and vow to work to end violence against women.

Join members of your campus and community on November 29th and take a stand against gender-based violence.

TRU Art Gallery December 6th, 11am

Refreshments provided

National Day of Remebrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Post-Secondary Education Fact:

By the second year of the UPass implementation, student transit ridership increased by 92%

This Week: • A Wink and a Smile - Film Night • The Moustache Movement Party • TRUSU Biology Club Xmas Bake Sale • Council Meeting Check out the Events Calendar at trusu.ca for details!

Log on to trusu.ca and get connected!

Heading home for the holidays?

Post your ride on the rideshare and save some money!

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