The Weal - January 13, 2014

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WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE SAIT STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 88 ISSUE 14

EVERY MONDAY THEWEAL.COM

January 13, 2014

Solutions to your resolutions

Get back on track after the holiday binge PAGE 4

PAGE 11

The Trojans score a new goalie PAGE 10

2

January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com

NEWS EDITOR

Show us the money

NEWS WRITER

Number of Scholarship Applicants at SAIT rising

Crystal Schick

Sheldon Smith

A&E EDITOR Inonge Chimwaso

A&E WRITER Husson Zaman

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Yashica Anandani

LIFESTYLE WRITER Krista Conrad

OPINIONS EDITOR Monica Henderson

SPORTS EDITOR Steve Sucha

SPORTS WRITER Andrew Halipchuk

PHOTO EDITOR Brent Calver

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Evan Buhler

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Mikaela Mackenzie

ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Susan Kim

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR Patricia Rye

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR Alannah Pohran

WEB MASTER Jennifer Poon

FACT CHECKER Evan Whitmore

COVER ILLUSTRATION Mikaela MacKenzie

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Siebert, Erin Craig, Carys Richards, Robyn Hertz Direct letters, questions and concerns to:

PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Giselle Wedemire ph. 284-8458 / fax 210-4216

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Heather Setka, Publications Manager ph. 284-8077 / fax 210-4216 Advertising deadlines Bookings Monday @ noon Published every Monday during the academic year by SAITSA (SAIT Students’ Association).

The Weal V219, 1301-16 Ave. N.W. Calgary, Alberta T2M 0L4 Fax: 403-210-4216 The Weal serves the SAIT community by promoting student activities, presenting news of interest to its members, and by fostering a learning environment in which members may participate; the newspaper is supported by student fees. The Weal is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Canadian University Press. Contents do not reflect the views of SAIT or SAITSA. Printed direct-to-plate Adobe Acrobat International Web exPress.

Canadian University Press

BY MIKAELA MACKENZIE WEAL WRITER

More people than ever are applying for scholarships this year at SAIT, and there are also more scholarships available to apply for.

The SAIT scholarships department has been working on raising student awareness of available scholarships and bursaries for the last few years, and it seems to have paid off.

“In the last few years we’ve seen a significant increase in applications,” said Sarah Kromm, awards representative at SAIT. There have been an “extra 683 applications compared to this time last year,” she said.

This year, there are 3,750 scholarships available, which is about 300 more than last year.

This has increased the total amount of money out there for students from $3.7 million to $3.9 million.

When there are more scholarship donors, more develop.m.ent officers (staff that ask companies for donations) are hired, which in turn increases the number of donors. According to Kromm, this is a “positive cycle.”

Having a student engagement specialist, Courtney Garlough, employed with the alumni department as of this year, has facilitated this growth. Her task is to raise student awareness of SAIT scholarship opportunities.

“People are starting to realize that [applying for scholarships is] not such a daunting process,” said Kromm.

This has helped get the message across to students that applying for scholarships is fast, easy and relatively painless.

“Everybody loves free money,” she said.

However, many students are still unaware of the scholarship program at SAIT and the financial benefits it can bring.

Oluwadamilare Akinfenwa, first-year IT student at SAIT, said he didn’t know about it scholarships and that he has “too much workload” to take the time to fill out an application form.

Applications are done almost exclusively online through mySAIT.ca, except for in special cases where supporting documents are needed. This has made applying for multiple scholarships simple, so Kromm recommends that students apply for many, even if they don’t meet all of the criteria because SAIT has to gift all donor money designated for scholarships.

This means that even if an applicant doesn’t meet all of the requirements, they could still potentially win it if they are the best qualified, for the award must be given to a student.

“You can’t win the lottery if you don’t have a ticket,” said Kromm.

However, students must be in the right year of their program, as the computer automatically eliminates applications from people in other academic years of study.

These scholarships can make a huge difference in a student’s life, whether it’s through not having to work a part-time job during their studies, preventing them from dropping out, or just making them feel good.

Kromm mentioned that “a lot of people cry” when they find out that they’ve won an award, and that she sometimes cries with them.

“It’s definitely happy tears, for sure.”

Calls for service At approximately 3:05 a.m., Security was informed of the smell of cigarette smoke coming from a Stan Grad Centre stairwell leading to the basement.

Security arrived on-site at 3:10 a.m., confirmed the smell of smoke from the top of the stairwell. The smell was traced to a room down the stairs, inside of which a former student was found sleeping.

The suspect admitted to smoking a cigarette in the room. He was compliant and apologetic as he was escorted out of the building.

Calls for service At 10:31 a.m., Security received a call from a SAIT staff member regarding the suspicious state of some offices in the Senator Burns building.

Security arrived and met with a SAIT staff member who presented footprints he found on a chair in an office. Security was also informed that a computer had been turned on and a desk unusually disorganized.

An envelope containing keys had also been partially opened and re-situated on a desk while the office occupant was away for the holidays.

Photos of the suspicious items in the offices were taken and Security was off-site at 10:47 p.m. There was no report of missing items.

Since the offices in question are in an access-controlled area, a report was generated for the period of December 24, 2013, starting at 16:00 and ending at 05:00 on January 2, 2014.

The report reveals that SAIT custodial staff had entered the area on three different occasions during the defined time period.

Disorderly conduct/ disturbance At approximately 10:30 p.m., Security found a highly intoxicated student sleeping in the main floor common area of the Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre, across from the Starbucks and Subway concessions.

Security approached him and informed him that sleeping was not permitted inside buildings, and asked him to leave. At approximately 10:37 p.m., the student left the building, only to migrate to the west entrance of the Aldred Centre where Security caught up with him a few minutes later and managed to

obtain his student ID. In addition to being quite intoxicated, the student was also belligerent towards Security—shouting insults, throwing chairs and pushing tables around.

At 10:45 p.m., Security radioed for backup. Backup arrived on-site to witness the student’s argumentative and verbally abusive behavior.

Security spoke calmly with the individual who then began poking Security in the chest with both of his index fingers, and warning them to watch their mouths.

Security cautioned the individual to keep his hands to himself, and then radioed for the assistance of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to help resolve the matter.

After hearing the radio communication, the student agreed to Security’s request to leave the premises. At approximately 11:00 p.m., Security returned to regular duties. CPS did not attend.

Medical At 6:32 p.m., Security received a phone call from 911 Dispatch advising that EMS was enroute to Campus Centre for a medical situation.

At 6:33 p.m., Calgary Fire Department (CFD), EMS and Security arrived on-site in Campus Centre. Security escorted CFD and EMS to a Campus Centre men’s washroom, where a student was found unconscious on the floor.

The student appeared to have consumed too much alcohol and passed out. At 6:44 p.m., EMS moved the individual on a stretcher from the washroom to the ambulance for further assessment and was off campus with the student at 7:01 p.m.

Disorderly conduct/ disturbance At approximately 12:30 a.m., Security intercepted a Caucasian male who had just entered the Johnson-Cobbe Energy Centre. He was in his early to mid-forties, carrying a white plastic bag and a black backpack, and smelled heavily of alcohol. The individual refused to provide ID, so Security escorted him out of the northeast entrance of the building. After he exited, he re-entered at the Thomas Riley building where he was once again escorted out of the school. Security watched him cross 16 Avenue NW and walk behind the Petro Canada and Loco Lou’s.

All Incidents Are Provided Courtesy of Paladin Security’s Daily Log Book

theWeal.com | January 13, 2014

3

The Executive Corner

New year, new opportunities

BY KEN TAYLOR SAITSA VP EXTERNAL

Hello and welcome back to another semester at SAIT. The New Year holds the promise of exciting new opportunities and experiences. We at SAITSA wish you all the best in 2014.

As a welcome back to school, SAITSA held its SAITSA Welcome Week (Jan. 6 – 10)

for members of the SAIT Community. This year, members of the Student Legislative Council have decided to survey students.

The results of the survey will give SAITSA’s councilors direction when deciding upon initiatives to improve SAIT campus.

To learn more about the survey, and to share your opinion, please visit SAITSA.com/survey.

One lucky respondent will be awarded an iPad, so fill it out before Jan. 17, 2014!

Off campus there are a number of exciting changes taking place to Alberta’s post-secondary system. Last December, the Premier of Alberta, Alison Redford made an abrupt change to her cabinet, which means that postsecondary education has a new minister. The previous minister (and Deputy Premier), Thomas Lukaszuk had a very polarizing term in Advanced Education. On one hand, he committed to hosting roundtable meetings with student leaders and was keen to

undertake transformative changes to our post-secondary system; on the other, he inflicted widereaching cuts and subjected students, teachers and Albertans to troubling uncertainty. Now, the ministry has a new name – Innovation and Advanced Education – and a new Minister – Deputy Premier, Dave Hancock. From what I hear, Minister Hancock is a fan of e-learning, a seasoned politician, and a booster for education; hopefully this mix can restore confidence in the sector and mend broken relationships.

There have been five advanced education ministers since 2011, so I’m eager to see how long Hancock keeps the portfolio.

In February, the Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) - www.albertastudents.ca – will be lobbying MLA’s during its annual Lobby Week. As chair, I am working with my team to coordinate lobby meetings, develop advocacy documents, and un-

dertake research to support Alberta’s students. We are currently working on policies to stabilize tuition/fees, develop online textbooks, extend student loan support to married and part-time students, and expand student representation on the boards of Alberta’s schools. ASEC’s members are diverse, so we focus on changes that are good for the whole system; these policies envision a system that is affordable and accessible for all Albertan learners.

At the federal level, SAITSA is working to promote the needs of Canada’s polytechnic students. For example, less than 3% of all federal research funding goes to colleges like SAIT, so SAITSA is drafting policies to persuade MPs to change the system. Personally, I don’t believe we should exclude Canada’s college students from research opportunities solely because their school doesn’t have “university”

in its name. These policies will be developed in partnership with other student leaders through the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) – www.casa-acae.com.

If you’re curious to learn more about Canada’s post-secondary, please check out academica.ca/topten or contact me and I’ll be happy to fill you in.

Have an excellent year!

The Executive Corner is a weekly column series written and submitted by members of the SAITSA Students’ Executive Council. This content is unedited by The Weal’s staff.

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January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com

Lifestyle YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Bring on a Healthy Lifestyle this Year

BY YASHICA ANANDANI LIFESTYLE EDITOR

The aftermath of a holiday filled with sugar cookies, gingerbread men and eggnog can pose a challenge to the waistlines of the health conscious.

Findings in an article on Phys.org state that “the average Christmas dinner contains over 1,400 calories, 70 per cent of the total calorie intake for an adult woman (2,000 calories a day) and over half the amount for an adult man (2,500 calories a day).”

However, according to registered dietician Desiree Nielsen, the only way to combat the aftereffects of a hefty calorie intake over the holidays is by returning to the baseline of establishing a day to day routine of healthy living.

Being creatures of habit, Nielsen said, people tend to have a hard time getting back into a healthy lifestyle because every time there’s a change in eating schedules over the holidays, it becomes difficult

to overcome the inertia and get back on track.

Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables and unprocessed foods on a daily basis, Nielsen said, provides people with the opportunity to wholeheartedly enjoy the holidays when they come around.

“One of my favourite tricks that works no matter what style of diet you have or what you like to eat is [to understand] that every time you look down at your plate, if 50 per cent of it is fruit and vegetables, you will be healthier,” she said.

“Whether the other half of that plate is covered in pasta or burgers, it’s more about getting the healthy foods in, so that your body is nourished, as opposed to avoiding foods.”

Nielsen says starving yourself is a complete no-no because going hungry leads to bad eating choices later on.

The consumption of simple and healthy foods such as beans, rice, apples and bananas not only fit comfortably into a student’s budget, but also provide the kind of nutrition

SAIT students can get back into their healthy lifestyles and routines after the holidays by making good dietary choices, such as choosing fruits over cupcakes.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE PHOTO

that students need to help keep them well.

With the arrival of the New Year, Nielsen also suggested making two or three little, but concrete, goals to get back into healthier living, as opposed to creating too many restrictions for the body.

“The greatest key is to not

tell yourself ‘no.’ [This] builds confidence and also helps you maintain this lifestyle of health.

So if you’ve done things right today, you’re naturally going to want to make better choices later on [and] when you reach those goals, choose a couple more,” she advised.

For students in particular,

Nielsen recommends the Environmental Working Group’s website and its downloadable PDF as a resource to help students figure out healthy eating on a budget as well as the environmental aspects of food choices.

Simple steps to Healthy Eating

BY YASHICA ANANDANI LIFESTYLE EDITOR

After a month of pigging out, resisting the urge to binge on practically anything that contains sugar and carbs can prove to be a pain in the butt for many.

However, with registered dietician Desiree Nielsen’s top six tips for getting back into the healthy way of living, you just may be able to finally get rid of the temptation to overindulge.

Eat off of smaller plates

at beans more E often

Big plates lead to bigger servings, which eventually result in higher chances of over-eating.

In Nielsen’s opinion, “unless you’re an athlete, you should be eating off a side plate.”

Aside from being incredibly inexpensive, Nielsen said beans are as near to a super food as anything can get and are often overlooked.

tock up on fruits S and veggies According to Nielsen, half of your meal or snack should always consist of some fruits and vegetables.

budget—but you would also be cutting out all of the cream and sugar that’s added into the coffee you purchase.

Don’t pay any heed to temptation

Make your own coffee and drink it black

According to Nielsen, an effective way to resist the urge to chow down on fatty foods at parties and gatherings is to go on a half-full stomach.

Not only would you be saving on the cost of buying coffee every day­ —which may take away from your healthy food

“You always want to eat something that’s protein plus vegetables before you go to any kind of eating opportunity that

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you know there’s going to be a lot of temptations,” she said.

Be comfortable saying ‘no’ In Nielsen’s opinion, saying ‘no’ takes a lot of confidence and sometimes people can have a hard time when someone is offering food or drinks that they would prefer not to have.

She therefore suggests that people “be confident enough to politely decline.”

theWeal.com | January 13, 2014

5

Frozen fruits and veggies may be better than you think

BY KRISTA CONRAD WEAL WRITER

Most people have been taught all their lives that eating fresh produce is a healthier option than frozen fruits and vegetables. It may seem counterintuitive, then, to hear that many nutritionists and dieticians worldwide claim that frozen foods may actually be better for you than their fresh counterparts.

Scientific studies comparing frozen fruits and vegetables to fresh, conducted since 1998, have indicated that frozen fruits and veggies pack more nutritional punch than their fresh alternatives.

According to Gene Lester, plant physiologist for the United States Department of Agriculture, this is because fruits and vegetables chosen to be frozen are picked at their prime ripeness, which is when their nutrient values are at an optimal peak.

Lester also explained that fresh fruits and vegetables harvested for sale in the produce section of grocery stores tend to be picked before they fully ripen, which means that the food has not developed the vitamin and nutrient values it would contain when mature.

Fabijana Jakulj, registered dietician at Preventous Collaborative Health, was wary of agreeing that frozen produce is always better for you than

fresh because there are benefits to both types of food, depending on the situation.

“Frozen foods can be more nutrient-dense because they’re picked at the height of the season and flash frozen, but produce local to the area is always a good fresh option,” she said.

According to studies conducted by Health India, some vegetables like peas and beans lose a significant amount of vitamin C within hours of being picked. This means that if fresh produce has traveled to the grocery shelf and then kept in a person’s refrigerator, it may be lacking in the vitamins one would expect.

In an Albertan winter especially, Jakulj explained, many fresh foods can be difficult to find at their prime ripeness.

“If foods are out of season, frozen can be just as healthy,” she said. “And if you’re looking for exotic food like lychees, you might as well get frozen anytime because those aren’t grown here.”

Since frozen fruits and veggies tend to be less expensive than fresh, they are often the first choice of budget-conscious shoppers. According to Jakulj, buying frozen food to keep fruits and vegetables in a diet is preferable to not eating these foods at all.

Ivy Friesen, first-year medical laboratory assistant student, lives in SAIT residence and primarily

buys fresh produce.

“We don’t buy any of the processed food,” Friesen said. “It makes it feel more like home.”

Having lived with her family in a small town, Friesen grew up eating home-cooked meals prepared with fresh foods and has continued the tradition while attending SAIT. Friesen and her roommates tend not to pay attention to the cost of the produce they purchase, but try to get the best value for their money when they shop.

Aaron Bergen, first-year student in the administrative information management program, deliberately purchases a mix of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

“Frozen is convenient for blending smoothies, but I think fresh tastes better,” Bergen said.

“I have an equal amount of both stocked up to stay healthy.”

Fruits and vegetables found in the grocer’s freezer section may be more convenient, cheaper, and more nutrient-rich in the winter, but in the summer months, fresh local produce is more readily available at low prices, and is typically picked at its ideal ripeness for immediate sale.

“At the height of the season, there would be minimal difference between fresh or frozen,” Jakulj said. “I would recommend going for fresh whenever possible in season.”

Fresh or Frozen?

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On the Go Whether you’re running out the door to make it to class or looking for a quick snack to have with you during the day, go for fresh fruits and vegetables as your easy-to-grab, portable option. Keep them washed, cut, and ready to eat to make it even more convenient to grab that apple, pear, or handful of carrot sticks and grapes on the way out. Cost: About $4/kg for most fruits

Smoothie Savvy Especially since fresh berries are expensive to buy out-of-season, frozen bags of the succulent fruits are more cost-efficient for the smoothie lover. The frozen berries help add to the texture of your smoothie while adding flavour and tons of vitamins and minerals. Not only are they cheaper and easier to use, but they will last longer than fresh if you’re an occasional smoothie drinker. Cost: Fresh - $4.50–$6/kg, Frozen - $4/kg

Rush Hour If you find yourself making quick meals between classes and evening commitments, or you get home late and need something easy but substantial to eat, consider stocking some veggies in your freezer. Nutrient-rich frozen mixed vegetables can be easily added to any stir-fried meat, pasta, canned soup, or rice to create a hearty meal in a hurry. Cost: $2-$4/kg

Egg Enhancer Eggs are a cheap, simple, and protein-rich option for any meal of the day. Consider fresh vegetables for these dishes, whether you’re scrambling your eggs or making frittatas or omelets.

Try using fresh peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach, and tomatoes to boost your breakfast. Cost: $1.50-$4/kg

Predict a happy new year with chinese astrology

BY KRISTA CONRAD LIFESTYLE WRITER

With the dawn of a new year, some people turn to astrology to determine what the upcoming year may have in store.

Chinese astrology is a practice which, according to Astrology. com, dates back to about 3000 BC. According to local astrologer David Lai, Chinese astrology uses a person’s birth date and time of birth, in conjunction with five philosophical elements: fire, wood, water, metal, and earth.

“People like to know about their life and changes in their future,” he said.

Lai said an annual Chinese astrology reading can give

a person insight into the upcoming year, while a lifetime reading can be more in-depth, giving a glimpse into which career path a person is destined for, or what his or her lifetime mission or purpose is.

Chinese astrology service varies in cost from about $70 –100, depending on the time invested in preparing and delivering a person’s reading.

Lai does readings for about 20 people per month and in his practice, he serves people of all age groups, social statuses, cultures, and professions.

Chinese astrology is so popular that websites like Horoscope.com and smartphone apps like Chinese Horoscope by Buzlylabs offer free readings to

Some have faith in Chinese astrological readings, while for others, they’re a novelty to be taken with a grain of salt.

EVAN BUHLER PHOTO

their subscribers. Hundreds of other websites and applications make the same promise.

Lai does not find that the increase in availability of Chinese astrology readings has affected his business or his clientele.

“The number of people using Chinese astrology service is quite steady,” said Lai. “They think the personal touch is more trustworthy.”

Kimberley Rourke, former University of Calgary student, has never had readings done but has always been interested in astrology and numerology in general. Though skeptical of the outcome, she has turned to astrology during difficult or demanding times in her life.

“When I was in university I read a book about my Chinese astrology sign when I was stressed about the end of a semester,” Rourke said. “It was sort of like any astrological sign. If you want to believe in it then you see more of yourself in it.”

Although she is more familiar with the Western astrology, Rourke is interested in getting a Chinese reading done to compare the two philosophies and see if their predictions are parallel.

In Chinese astrology, the monkey is Rourke’s sign, while her May birthday makes

her a Taurus in the Western philosophy. The contrasts of these two signs has left her with some doubts.

“I don’t know if I could really be a carefree monkey if I’m also a stubborn bull,” Rourke said.

Despite her reluctance to believe solely in the forecasts of astrological readings to

determine her future, Rourke intends to have a Chinese reading done by a professional astrologer soon.

“I know once you get into the elements of the signs it gets a lot more detailed and interesting,” she said. “But for me it’s more for fun than serious.”

6

January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com

Arts & Entertainment

CULTURE FOR THE SAIT COMMUNITY

Local rapper aims to put Calgary’s hip hop scene on the map

SAIT alumni and local rapper Beni Johnson graduated from the new media production and design program in 2008.

AMANDA SIEBERT PHOTO

people who share the same passion band together with the same end goal in mind they’re more likely to advance in their craft. In his eyes, those who choose to stand alone often don’t progress as easily.

“I think it’s a human condition and a human lesson that can be learned,” he said.

“We only do great things in large numbers. Our small selfish individualistic ideas only bring forth isolation. With isolation you only have your ideas, but when you work with two other people already there is

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two other ideas in the pot, when you work with a thousand people now you have a thousand different strengths.”

Building on people’s strengths is something that is key for this rapper as like-minded individuals who aim towards exposing the hip hop talent in this city often surround him.

This includes some of the individuals involved in 10 at 10, a monthly hip hop event that occurs at Commonwealth Bar and Stage at 10 p.m., where 10 people take the stage for 10 minutes at a time to showcase

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Local artist Beni Johnson is predominantly known in Calgary for his involvement with 10 at 10: A Hip-hop Showcase of Beats and Rhymes. However, there is more to this rapper than just a host and organizer to this monthly event.

Johnson is a full-time entrepreneur that is fully immersed in Calgary’s hip hop culture.

“I breathe hip hop, that’s who I am, and when there’s no dollars coming in and when nobody is looking, I’m still doing hip hop,” he said.

“This, for me, is a genuine calling.”

Through his calling, Johnson has managed to create a number of different avenues that have allowed him to incorporate hip hop into his everyday life. But for this hip hop enthusiast it isn’t all about making a name for himself as much as it is about creating a sense of community amongst other hip hop lovers here in Calgary.

“I can move to Toronto and be a dime a dozen or I can stay here and make a real impact, so that’s what I’m here to do— make an impact.”

According to Johnson, when

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their talents. In addition to Johnson, the crew behind this event includes producer and DJ Rico Drummmond and DJ GrimRock, rapper and co-host Ryan Serquina, lead visual showcasing artist Ryan Postic, and community liaison Sarosh Rizvi.

Together, these individuals have set out to help elevate the hip hop scene in Calgary as opposed to waiting for an opportunity to fall in their laps.

“Everybody always says someone should do it, and you have to realize that you are someone so go ahead and do it,” said Johnson.

Through his efforts to support and motivate, Johnson has managed to remain modest while letting his work and personality speak for themselves.

Often people aren’t even aware that Johnson is one half of a duo called Humble Giants— a rap collaboration whose name rings true to both his personality and that of the duo’s other half, local rapper HalfCut (Marty Loughran).

Outside of his passion for hip hop, Johnson is a web and graphic designer who studied new media, production and design at SAIT. Through his company, Beni Johnson Media, he’s able to exercise his creativ-

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ity while also making a tangible income for himself.

As a web designer, Johnson launched an online publication, 10at10.ca, that showcases the many different avenues of hip hop in the city. This publication is much needed in YYC because, according to Johnson, “nobody is running to write a story about hip hop because to them it still sounds the same like it did 15 years ago, and nobody is looking at Calgary for their hip hop artists, for their entertainment value or for their scene.”

While Calgary hosts a great number of individuals that are passionate about different musical genres, Johnson says hip hop in Calgary isn’t often talked about in the media. Because of the lack of exposure some may even argue that it simply doesn’t exist.

Through the online publication he hopes to shed light on a scene that is slowly growing here in Calgary. This online publication will be an extension of the monthly event (10 at 10) that aims towards to same goal, to create exposure for hip-hip enthusiasts.

“The infrastructure in Calgary isn’t even paying attention to what we’re doing so we’re going to create our own stars.”

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theWeal.com | January 13, 2014

7

SAIT student has hot style in cold weather

BY ERIN CRAIG WEAL WRITER

Spotted in the Stan Grad Centre, The Weal came across dashing first-year business administrative student, Jeffrey Thompson. Dressed in weather-smart boots, a cozy long sleeve sweater and a burgundy infinity scarf, he managed to maintain a cool, laidback style of effortless class. Thompson also embodied a sense of style through his colour-coordinated use of grey, beige and black to put together his charming campus ensemble. The Weal chatted with him about what inspires him and what informs his style.

The Weal: What kind of message are you sending today through your outfit?

TW: Why did you choose to mix and match these colours?

Thompson: This is a coincidence. I didn’t even notice it until I looked at myself in the mirror when I walked by. I acTW: Do you find that your style tually don’t pre-meditate my is influenced by the weather? outfits that much like some people. Everything I buy is like Thompson: Oh yeah, for sure. the same colour, like I wear I’m not going to wear a cowl black and grey and white and in 25-degree weather, and you that’s it. I thought ‘Oh this looks know, boots. tight,’ and I headed out.

Jeffrey Thompson: Comfort and style, generally. Be yourself.

TW: What inspired your outfit today, other than the weather itself?

Thompson: I always have black skinny jeans on, and a sweater.

I like to look young, professional.

TW: What would you say is your favourite item in your wardrobe?

Thompson: My favourite item in my wardrobe is probably my shoes, just like every other person. Today, that is my Palladium boots and my cowl. I like my cowl.

TW: So who inspires your style?

Do you inspire your style?

end of the day, it’s just clothes, man. If you need to look good and if you think dressing nice is going to make your self-esteem higher then shit, go for it.

TW: You mentioned that one of your favourite items in your closet was your shoes, do you mean all of your shoes, or those shoes you’re wearing today?

Thompson: No, all of my shoes. I have a wide collection of Emerica, Vans, Palladium and Timberlands.

TW: Where do you shop?

Thompson: I’ll go with that.

I don’t watch movies at all. I don’t know actors, or musicians, even. Maybe the lead singer of the Gorillaz, if I had to pick one person [who inspires me], because I think he dresses super badass. I don’t have a person that I’m trying to, like, look like.

TW: What advice would you give people in terms of how they dress?

Thompson: Little Burgundy— that’s where I work—and The Source Snowboards and Skateboards.

TW: I see that you’re wearing a ring. Do you accessorize often?

Thompson: I have a ring. I have one jade Buddha necklace but it didn’t make it on the wardrobe today, because I was going to be in a hoody all day, but I love that necklace.

Thompson: You know, at the

Got Style?

If you’re fashion forward or have a unique flair, The Weal wants to hear from you! To volunteer for a SAIT style feature, tweet us at @TheWeal INONGE CHIMWASO PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

8

January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com

Catching up with the Trojans

UPCOMING GAMES Jan. 17, 2014

BY CARYS RICHARDS WEAL WRITER

COACHES

With the fall semester already fading into memory, SAIT’s Trojans teams emerge from the Christmas break with approximately half of their Alberta College Athletics Conference (ACAC) seasons remaining.

For some squads, the start of the 2013-14 season has gone as expected, while others still struggle to find traction against their competition. With Trojans teams set to commence the new semester, head coaches share their reflections on their season to date.

Women’s Basketball 6:00 p.m.

King’s University College Eagles Home

DAN GILBERT

MICHAEL STEVENS

TERRY LARSON

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

The men’s volleyball team has found early success, having recorded six wins and two losses to date.

“I’m very happy with where the team is at as we conclude the first half,” said Dan Gilbert, head coach of the men’s volleyball team.

“The players have come together nicely in a very short time and are bringing the best out in each other.”

Gilbert credits team chemistry as the team’s strongest attribute, and anticipates that once the second half of the year commences, his team will be capable of picking up right where they left off.

“We want to be the top team in Canada, and we feel that we are on pace to reach that goal.

The men’s basketball team is emerging from the Christmas break in the hopes of breaking the losing skid responsible for their plunge in the standings.

With only two wins in the season, head coach Michael Stevens has targeted his team’s offensive production as an area that requires improvement.

As one of the youngest teams in the league, Stevens’ Trojans have exhibited talent on the court, but lack experience. The acquisition of a few veteran players over the Christmas break will alter their lineup heading into the New Year.

“Hopefully, they can add a little more stability to help us at the end of some of these close games.”

The women’s hockey team got off to a slow start, dropping their first seven contests, but has put together two wins in their last three outings and will seek to carry that momentum into the New Year.

“We have a young team and building confidence has taken some time, but we’re back on track now,” said head coach Terry Larson.

The squad has found success through hard work and the ability to motivate one another, and will focus on systems, teamwork, and the improvement of basic skills to improve their record in the second half of the season.

“The team has come together and they’re playing great, I see a lot of wins in our future.”

Women’s Volleyball 6:00 p.m.

Medicine Hat Rattlers Away Women’s Hockey 7:00 p.m.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks Home Men’s Hockey 7:30 p.m. Augustana Vikings Away Men’s Basketball 8:00 p.m.

King’s University College Eagles Home Men’s Volleyball 8:00 p.m.

Medicine Hat Rattlers Away

Jan. 18, 2014

ART O’DWYER

DONOVAN MARTIN

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The women’s volleyball team encountered difficult opposition in the early weeks of their year, but concluded the first part of their campaign with a threegame winning streak to put their record at four wins and six losses heading into the break.

Head coach Art O’Dwyer said his team has been strong on defence, but still sees room for develop.m.ent while they strive to improve their record in the back half of the season. “[Defence] is the basis of what you build a team on,” said O’Dwyer, who is hopeful that his team will continue to get better in the second half of the year.

“We hope to chalk off some more wins and qualify for provincials,” he said when asked how he anticipates the remainder of the season playing out.

The women’s basketball team hasn’t had the start they anticipated, and are currently ranked mid-pack within the league.

“At times, our perimeter shooting has been strong,” said bench boss Donovan Martin, who said the squad needs to focus when it comes to converting on their scoring opportunities to find success going forward.

Martin’s team has five wins in their first 11 starts, and will seek to better the record when the season resumes.

“I keep thinking that we are going to break out one of these days with a huge game that will set the course for the second half of the season,” he said.

“Our goal is to make the playoffs, and then anything can happen.”

Women’s Volleyball 6:00 p.m.

Medicine Hat Rattlers Home

KEN BABEY MEN’S HOCKEY The men’s hockey team got off to a great start and had just two regulation loses in 17 games played. Their 12 wins and two ties were enough to land them on top of the standings heading into Christmas.

Goaltending has contributed in large part to the team’s standings. Trojans goaltender Brayden Hopfe leads the league in wins, and will continue to play an integral role on the squad once the games resume.

The Trojans face the challenge of retaining their league leading ranking for the remainder of the season.

“I think the second half of the season is going to be a pretty tight race.” “[We will] play every weekend like it’s a playoff series.”

Men’s Hockey 7:00 p.m.

Augustana Vikings Home Women’s Hockey 7:00 p.m.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Ooks Away Men’s Volleyball 8:00 p.m.

Medicine Hat Rattlers Home All home hockey games played in the SAIT Campus Centre Arena unless otherwise indicated.

All home basketball and volleyball games played in the the SAIT Campus Centre Gymnasium.

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theWeal.com | January 13, 2014

Sports

9

SPORTS NEWS AND VIEWS FOR THE SAIT COMMUNITY

advancements in

snowboarding

BY STEVE SUCHA SPORTS EDITOR

Like a teenager going through puberty, the sport of snowboarding has gone through many changes since its inception.

From the boots snowboarders wear when strapping onto their boards to the material the board itself is made of, the technology behind making the perfect board has made giant leaps.

Evan Thairi, sales associate at The Source Snowboards and Skateboards and ten-year snowboarding veteran, said that snowboarding has seen the greatest change in the past seven years.

This big change is the fact that manufacturing plants that produce snowboards have taken to owning personal tree farms to make their boards.

“The larger manufacturers have started to buy their own tree farms, allowing for trees that are specifically grown to become a snowboard. It makes for a lighter yet stronger board in the end.”

Another change that Thairi mentioned was that most boards are no longer surrounded by fiberglass and that most companies have made the switch from a fiberglass board to something that is called basalt glass.

“This mainly affects the strength and weight of the board, but also contributes to the smoothness and the speed of the ride,” Thairi explained.

While the most changes that the sport of snowboarding has

seen have occurred over the past few years, Thairi stated that a recent develop.m.ent that snowboard companies have conceived is the develop.m.ent of what he calls a beginner’s board.

Thairi explained that older boards, when placed flat on the ground, will be raised slightly in the middle. This raise “acts as a spring for the rider,” he said.

Thairi added that when the rider bends his knees to turn on his edge, that middle piece will compress to the ground.

When the rider pushes off from the edge the “spring action” takes effect, pushing the rider faster down the hill.

“This causes a very aggressive ride for newbies,” Thairi said Thairi while new boards such as Rocker Boards act “more like a teeter-totter.”

Thairi also said that for the weekend warriors of the hill, a hybrid between the Rocker Board and the original is available.

Small changes have also been made to the bindings of the snowboard. With the addition of the toe cap that is used to strap the boot in, Thairi said it is not only more comfortable, it also offers more control.

“The top of a snowboard boot is pretty soft. So with the old straps coming over-top of the boot it pinches your foot,” Thairi explained. “The toe cap goes directly over the toe of the boot and pushes your heel deeper into the binding, allowing for more control when you are [turning].”

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10

January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com

New face in town for the New Year

MIKAELA MACKENZIE PHOTO

BY ANDREW HALIPCHUK SPORTS WRITER

When the SAIT Trojans men’s hockey team returned to the ice from their Christmas break on Jan. 10, they were joined by a new face. Jacob Edwards, first-year academic upgrading student, has joined the men of Troy for the second half of the 2013-2014 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season, and will look to aid the team in their chase for ACAC Gold.

The Weal caught up with Edwards to see how things are and what he will bring to the team.

The Weal: Where were you playing before coming to SAIT? Jacob Edwards: I was playing down in North Carolina, trying out for the Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

TW: Where did you play during your junior hockey career?

Edwards: I have played for a handful of teams during my junior career, including the Calgary Royals [now known as the Calgary Mustangs] and Grand Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

During this time, I tried out for the Western Hockey League twice and failed to make the squads both times.

I then moved to Prince Edward Island and played for the Summerside Western Capitals in the Maritime Hockey League (MHL). After my season with

the Capitals, I was called up by the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for their playoff run.

I went on to win the richest prize in junior hockey, the Memorial Cup, with the Sea Dogs. I had suffered an ankle injury after winning the Memorial Cup and missed a year and a half of my junior career.

It wasn’t till Christmas time in my final year of junior that I got a call for a try-out from the Bridgewater Lumberjacks of the MHL, where I made the team and finished my junior career.

TW: What was your decision process for joining the Trojans?

Edwards: After coming back from North Carolina, I had been skating and training with some pros from Europe here in Calgary and they told me SAIT was looking for a goalie. I had gotten in touch with Coach Babey and here I am today, grateful to be on the team.

TW: What do you feel you can bring to the team?

Edwards: I believe I bring a hard work ethic, courage, and determination to the Trojans.

I am here for my team, to get myself better, and most importantly, to help them get better and win.

TW: Have you and Coach Babey discussed what kind of playing time you’ll see in the second half of the season?

Edwards: I have not quite sat down with Coach, but I believe now, being signed up for school and being able to

play games, I can really show what I can do to get the team wins and show the true goalie I can be at this level. I believe I’m getting better every day in practice and only time will tell how many games I will get.

But until then, I will continue to work hard and be here for my team.

TW: How did the team respond to you joining mid-way through the season?

Edwards: The team responded in a great way. They welcomed me and I had no doubts it would be a great fit.

I am also grateful for the coaching staff who didn’t know a whole lot about me, who brought me in and gave me a fair chance to continue my career.

TW: Is there anyone in the NHL that you look up to right now?

Edwards: The goalie I watch most is Jaroslav Halak of the St. Louis Blues. We’re both on the smaller side for goaltending, and its uncommon to see goalies under 6 ft. tall nowadays. So for him to succeed in the NHL being just 5’10” is simply amazing.

TW: What is your favourite moment of your career so far?

Edwards: I would have to say winning the Memorial Cup in Saint John.

The feeling of working hard my entire career and not being able to catch a break, then winning the Memorial Cup with the best team in Canada, was a feeling I cannot explain.

Jacob Edwards, new goalie on the Trojan's mens hockey team, guards the net.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE PHOTO

theWeal.com | January 13, 2014

11

Reinventing the way you view resolutions

BY MONICA HENDERSON OPINIONS EDITOR

resolutions take more than a conscious effort to be happy, healthy and not make the same mistakes as last time. They take chemistry and extreme dedication.

The University of Scranton published a study on New Year’s Resolutions for 2014 in its Journal of Clinical Psychology.

The study revealed that as of Jan. 1, 2014, the top 10 New Year’s resolutions were: ‘losing weight,’ ‘getting organized,’ ‘spend less — save more,’ ‘enjoy life to the fullest,’ ‘staying fit and healthy,’ ‘learn something exciting,’ ‘quit smoking,’ ‘help others in their dreams,’ ‘fall in love’ and ‘spend more time with family.’

The study also shared that

New Year’s resolutions are kind of like relationships — they usually start with a drunken kiss and only a handful of them last longer than a couple months.

Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Oftentimes we embrace Jan. 1 as a time for reinventing ourselves, by becoming happier or healthier, or vowing not to make the same mistakes as last year.

We make resolutions because, though an arbitrary date, Jan. 1 seems as good time as any to start chasing the goals we’ve dreamt up for ourselves the previous year.

However, like relationships,

only 8 per cent of people who make New Year’s resolutions are successful in achieving or maintaining these annual goals.

Business coach Nona Jordan was quoted in an article on PsychCentral.com saying, “The fact that people keep making resolutions even when they don’t always follow through ultimately means that they have hope and a certain level of belief in their ability to change and be more of who they really want to be.”

The problem with succeeding in many of the resolutions listed above is that because they’re so unspecific, it’s hard to know when you truly have attained your goal.

Guy Winch, a clinical psychologist and writer for The

Huffington Post, shared that the main trick to resolutions is setting an attainable goal, and not one that will have you pulling your hair out two weeks into the year.

“When our goals are unrealistic (or highly improbable) we are only setting ourselves up for failure,” Winch wrote.

“Instead, focus on the aspect of the goal you would enjoy for its own sake and remove the unrealistic aspect of the resolution.”

Examples he listed were making the resolution to join a writing group instead of writing a novel, or start a blog in an area of your interest rather than make a resolution to start a viral blog.

His suggestions are understandable because attempting to quit smoking cold turkey, for most, will just result in failure and extreme frustration.

However, with a little hard work, narrowing your smoking down to a pack a week from a pack a day might be more reasonably achieved.

‘Losing weight,’ for example, could be made more specific by being turned into ‘lose 30 pounds.’ ‘Spend more time with family’ could be narrowed down to ‘have dinner with Mom at least once a month.’

That way, progress can be more easily tracked, which could result in more self-satisfaction and less disappointment.

Smoking out the lies against cannabis

BY AMANDA SIEBERT WEAL WRITER

Defying years of misleading research, propaganda, and misinformation, a number of recent studies have shown that marijuana is in fact far less harmful than alcohol, its socially acceptable counterpart.

The results of one study, published by The Journal of School Health, showed that alcohol use—and not marijuana use—is the “primary indicator” of one’s future use of illicit substances.

The study used a sample of grade 12 students and showed that students who had consumed alcohol were 13 times more likely to use cigarettes and 16 times more likely to use narcotics. It also showed that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among firsttime drug users.

Another study, published

by Yale University, found that people who used alcohol or tobacco as a teenager were nearly twice as likely to suffer from opiate addictions later in

PHOTO COURTESY OF STOCK X.CHNG

life than people who only used marijuana.

While it remains difficult to change the mindset of many who have been convinced by the Reefer Madness movement of the 1930s and Nixon’s War on Drugs that marijuana is a dangerous and harmful gateway drug, more and more research is proving that the government-funded and paranoia-inducing ‘facts’ of the

past hold little truth.

Perhaps the most surprising of the ‘pro-pot’ studies is a publically-funded report published in 2002 by the Senate Committee of Canada, which called for a revised public policy on marijuana distribution and, like the previously mentioned studies, rejected the idea of marijuana being a gateway drug.

The report also concluded

that cannabis itself is not a direct cause of delinquency or violence, and though one can become habitually dependent on it, “dependence caused by cannabis is less severe and less frequent than dependence on other psychotropic substances, including alcohol and tobacco.”

It also went as far as to say that “Cannabis is substantially less harmful than alcohol and should be treated not as a criminal issue but as a social and public health issue.”

Although it’s taken over a decade for any of this research to start gaining ground in the media, one doesn’t need to look to science to know that though alcohol is the more legal and socially acceptable of the two substances, you’re definitely more likely to snort a line or take ecstasy if you’re drinking than if you’re stoned.

Similarly, you’d be hard pressed to find two people who have just indulged in a little ganja in the middle of a fistfight or a domestic dispute, unless they’re having a dif-

ficult time agreeing on which flavour of Doritos to buy.

Marijuana has been vilified for over a century and public discussion regarding the truth about this plant is long overdue. Though it is clearly difficult to create legislature around a substance that is being used both medicinally and recreationally, how can any government continue to justify a licit substance like alcohol, which has absolutely no medicinal properties and is a known factor in countless violent situations, without at least putting marijuana in the same category?

Though Canada may be a few years behind California, The Netherlands, or Uruguay—which recently became the first country to completely legalize marijuana—the argument against the plant no longer holds water. With cannabis being our westerly neighbour’s largest export, even exceeding all lumber and agricultural products, it’s only a matter of time before similar laws are put into place in Alberta.

First-year journalism student Robyn Hertz asks the SAIT campus:

“What are your New Year’s resolutions? How do you plan on sticking to them?

“I will like to finish my diploma

“I don’t make New Year’s resolu-

“I will try not going out as much

“To get my courses done, by

“To improve my health and

by studying hard.”

tions. I find them pointless. I pre-

in order to save money.”

studying a lot and getting into a

fitness every year. It’s a lifetime

be more active. I will stick to

new career.”

resolution.”

them by making more time to

fer to make behaviour changes.”

“I want to contribute more, and

volunteer.”

Joaquin Marquez, second-year

Janelle Christianson, first-year

Brandon Arnott, first-year archi-

Darcie Long, first-year land

Elie Dzon, academic upgrading

Cynthia Gonzalez, first-year

finance student

rehab therapy assistant student

tectural technologies student

administration student

student

emergency medical responder

12 12

January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com January 13, 2014 | theWeal.com