Nexus Issue 19-11 Feb. 4/09

Volume 19 Issue 11 February 4, 2009

Camosun’s Student Voice Since 1990

velo viXen biKers

All the riGht bitts

tAttoo troubles

Don’t even try cutting these chicks off the road; they might just get up in your grill with a dance.

Your Valentine’s date won’t approve of strippers for entertainment, so go for some burlesque instead.

Can’t get a job and you’re totally qualified? It could be all that ink that you’re trying to hide.

news—4

Arts—10

fAshion—12

C

ould me s you pa ome ss The love Vale ntin ? e’s i

ssue

DraWiNGS: SHaNe SCOtt-traViS

VieWS Nexus Editorial

2

Deadline: noon Feb. 11, 2009 Address: Location: Phone: Email: Website:

3100 Foul Bay Rd., Victoria, BC, V8P 5J2 Lansdowne Richmond House 201 250-370-3591 [email protected] www.nexusnewspaper.com

Publisher:

Nexus Publishing Society

NE XUS PUBLISHIN G S O C I E T Y ST U D E N T B OA R D M E M B E R S

Kyla Ferns Kelly Marion Andrea Moir Jason Motz Chris Pal Miriam Putters M A N AG I N G E D I TO R

Jason Schreurs L AYO U T E D I TO R

Laila Brown ST U D E N T E D I TO R

Tessa Cogman CO P Y E D I TO R

Alan Piffer

Rosy cheeks and fists of fury tessA CoGmAn StaFF Writer

Sweet, chocolate-y goodness, many shades of red, and giant bouquets of flowers are just around the corner, waiting to pounce on the single and depressed.

One year i even carried a thumbtack around with me so i could pop any “Will you be my Valentine?” balloons. It happens every year; your best friend is down and out because he or she thinks there’s no one to love, and our society attacks broken hearts by bombarding them with cupid images. Singles form into groups and make pacts to stomp on every bouquet and avoid every couple in sight. I’ve been single on Valentine’s

E D I TO R I A L A S S I STA NT

Kait Cavers STA F F W R I T E R S

Guy Alaimo Brendan Kergin Jason Motz STA F F P H OTO G R A P H E R

Courtney Broughton A DV E RT I S I N G S A LE S

Breanna Carey Jason Schreurs 250-370-3593 Campus Plus NATIONAL 1-800-265-5372 D I ST R I B U T I O N

Adrian Binakaj Ashley Moore CO N T R I B U TO R S :

Guy Alaimo Olivia Bertrand Adrian Binakaj Courtney Broughton Breanna Carey Kait Cavers Alisha Charmley Tessa Cogman Zan Comerford Maelina de Grasse Samantha Doney Michael Duncan Brendan Kergin Donald Kennedy Keltie Larter Will Maartman Kelly Marion Chloe Markgraf Jason Motz Shane Scott-Travis Jenna Sedmak Rhea Smilowski Ed Sum Joel Witherington Camden Wright

Open Space

Send a letter Nexus prints letters that are 250 words or less in response to previous stories. Nexus reserves the right to refuse publication of letters. Letters must include full name and student number (not printed). Nexus accepts all letters by e-mail to [email protected]

DraWiNG: SHaNe SCOtt-traViS

check on presents; a few lines of text and a dash of pink can say it all. Most of us work far too hard, and we should use every excuse to celebrate something in our lives. Whether it’s staying home with a friend and watching romantic comedies, or going out for a romantic dinner with your special someone, Valentine’s Day should be about appreciation, not an angry mob of

singles with torches and axes. The more people there are complaining about Hallmark holidays, the more people there are feeling guilty for enjoying them. Just keep in mind that everyone, at some point, has felt bitter towards Valentine’s Day, but next year’s could be really sweet. Then you can be a hypocrite like everyone else!

Open Space accepts submissions from Camosun students. Submissions to Open Space should be 400 words or less. responses to previous articles in Nexus should be 250 words or less. e-mail submissions to [email protected] and include your name and student number.

Print journalism just too legit to quit brendAn KerGin StaFF Writer

At a recent Canadian University Press conference, the final keynote speaker, Jesse Brown, asked 300 smiling delegates, “Are you insane?” at the beginning of his speech. Once done, he answered his own question, saying, yes, we’re all insane for getting into this business. Writing for newspapers and magazines is just not a growing sector for employment. Print journalism is taking a massive hit from online bloggers, cell phone videos, and anybody else with a modem and keyboard. This is a serious issue for anyone interested in the ink-on-paper style of knowledge transfer. While books seem relatively safe, since trying to read a 500-page opus on a Dell is certifiably insane, newspapers and magazines are fighting to stay financially viable. With the recession, advertising sales are down for everyone, everywhere. Print is generally the first place companies are going to pull

help build our team

the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, not of the Nexus Publishing Society. One copy of Nexus is available per issue, per person. Nexus is printed on a mixture of 100 and 40 percent recycled paper. Please recycle your copy. thanks! Editorial meetings Come out to our weekly Nexus editorial meetings, where all Camosun students can get involved in their student newspaper. Meetings take place every tuesday at 11:30 am in the Nexus office, richmond House 201, Lansdowne. Call 370-3591 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Day before and I know how horrible it can be. Seeing happy couples everywhere, or watching your best friend get more cards than you, can make Feb. 14 feel like more of a popularity contest than a holiday. You look out the window before you leave the house, just in case there’s someone waiting to point and laugh at you. One year I even carried a thumbtack around with me so I could pop any “Will you be my Valentine?” balloons. But can we just stop burning pictures of our exes and move on with our lives? Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be about the girlfriend and boyfriend, the girlfriend and girlfriend, the boyfriend and boyfriend, or even the love-triangle type. Anyone and everyone can enjoy Valentine’s Day. Don’t have a love in your life? Send out cards to friends, parents, or siblings! Don’t want to spend money on cards? Then make them like you did in second grade and use those sparkles that are harder to get rid of than the herpes. It’s not like it’s Christmas and you have to spend your entire pay-

nexus needs student volunteers if you would like to write, take photos, or just want to help out with the newspaper, get in touch with us asap! 250.370.3591 [email protected] www.nexusnewspaper.com Richmond House 201, Lansdowne

ads from. Companies once willing to spend a few hundred dollars for a one-day ad in a daily paper are now looking towards websites with timed ad space and targeted demographics. If that wasn’t bad enough, subscriptions are down for everyone from your local newspaper to gigantic multi-national magazines. With both avenues for income being slashed, corporations are cutting the paper and magazine budgets, focusing money on more web-friendly mediums. Hundreds of jobs are being deleted. This creates a vacuum where good investigative journalism once was. Many once-respected newspapers are becoming rags for the regurgitation of massive, agencywritten stories that run on dozens of websites and other papers. If you go through the Times Colonist, how many stories are from Reuters and the Associated Press? All of this makes us over at Nexus a little unsure of our own

Letters

Next publication date: Feb. 18, 2009

February 4, 2009

pulp-based publication. We write, design, and distribute something

We write, design, and distribute something we enjoy making and hope it goes on to bigger and better things, like informing students, entertaining our readers, and, when all is said and done, lining Fluffy’s cage. we enjoy making and hope it goes on to bigger and better things, like informing students, entertaining our readers, and, when all is said and done, lining Fluffy’s cage. So all this doom and gloom we

Hebron article informative but slightly misleading

Thanks for the fine article on Hebron and Palestine in your Jan. 21 issue. It taught me a few things, but I would like to point out a couple of errors. On the front cover, the story headline describes Hebron as “ . . . Israel’s divided city.” Hebron has been illegally ruled and controlled by Israel since 1967, but it’s not in Israel, it’s in Palestine. Also, throughout the article, the word “Jews” was used to describe the settlers in Hebron. I feel that’s incorrect. These settlers are Zionists and, to be more specific, they’re Political Zionists who are racist extremists. They have little or nothing in common with the many Jewish people from around the world who disagree with the

heard at the conference is a little disconcerting. Of course, all student newspapers are in a similar situation. While some are doing some blogging, podcasting, and video uploading, it’s interesting to see everyone still appreciating the ink version of student publications. We’re at least part of the future of journalism and, for the most part, print is our choice. It’s like vinyl and blacksmithing. We don’t really need to collect records or ride horse-drawn carriages around town, but isn’t it somewhat cooler to do so? Here’s the crux—media and journalism is changing; there’s nothing we can do about that. But we still have a choice. Plenty of people are willing to go out and report on vital issues. Don’t let a centralized media gain complete control of information. Look for other sources, and don’t forget that independent press provides the journalistic freedom corporate machines will never offer.

Israeli state’s occupation and oppression of Palestine. All Jews are not Zionists, and for that matter all Zionists are not Jews. Much of the political and financial support for a completely Zionist Israel comes from fundamentalist Christians. They are diligently funding and working for the biblically foretold return of the Jews to Israel, which will bring on Armageddon, which will bring J.C. back, who will then convert or kill the Jews and send these Christians to Heaven . . . honest, I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. Which, to my mind, makes these fundamentalist Christians Zionists who are also anti-Semitic and nuts to boot. Sometimes it gets so confusing you need a program to tell the players apart. But your informative article did help to clear away some of the confusion.

Kevin neish COMMUNITY MEMBER

NeWS

[email protected]

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Economic crisis hits Camosun hard JAson motz StaFF Writer

Let’s just say a fair amount of bad news has been on the economic front as of late. And Camosun College also has its share of bad news to report. Camosun is predicting it will carry a deficit of $3.4 million for 2009/2010. Even without additional provincial government funding cutbacks, layoffs could occur at the college as early as April.

“the government is failing the citizens of the province by not funding postsecondary schools.” Jerry oettinG CaMOSUN’S CUPe UNiON

As part of the 2009/10 budget development process, a town hall meeting was held at each Camosun campus last week so teachers, support staff, and heads of all departments could hear directly from the college’s Chief Financial Officer Peter Lockie about the causes of the deficit and what it means for faculty, staff, and students.

Those in attendance were told the deficit was a result of underfunding, expansion, and the increasing cost of everything, especially operating costs. Salaries and benefits alone eat up 90 percent of Camosun’s budget. Camosun College Faculty Association President Darryl Ainsley says the faculty are “concerned” with the possibility of layoffs at the college, but won’t say more until he’s met with his membership. Until the government tables its budget in February, the college doesn’t know what to expect in grant funding for 2009/2010, says Lockie. But he believes a shortfall is inevitable. “The extent of the expenditure reduction and its impacts are still very much under development, and will be communicated in due course once they are known,” says Lockie. Camosun College’s CUPE Local 2081 President Jerry Oetting says the government has put the college in a vulnerable position by not providing funding numbers in a timely manner. Also, it has not taken the cost of inflation into account. “The government is failing the citizens of the province by not funding post-secondary schools,” says Oetting.

Peter Lockie: College in the red

The college does have a $2 million contingency fund allowing for smooth operations to continue, but this will only last for the next six months. This is the timeframe for the college to find a way to make up for any lost funding. According to Lockie, “We can’t wait that long before starting our budget development, so we must plan based upon the best information that we have.” That means, for the time being, all department heads are being asked how they can cut five percent out of their budget. “Administration is working hard on developing budget options that will ultimately be taken to the Camosun Board of Governors for

NEWS BRIEFS

by KAit CAvers

approval in April,” says Lockie. For the moment, there should be no discernable change in operations on campus. Any future reductions will be made in a way so as to have a minimal impact on the student body. Also, Lockie makes it clear students won’t see any increases in tuition to offset the deficit. “Tuition is capped by the provincial government’s policy which limits its increase to the rate of inflation as measured by Statistics Canada,” he says. Province-wide, every educational institute has lost 2.6 percent from its base budget. “Our challenge is not unique and is being experienced by virtually all post-secondary institutions,” says Lockie. Budget deficits are not entirely unheard of or new at Camosun. The college’s operating budget for 2008/2009 showed a deficit of $2.48 million. At the time, an action plan was drawn up to deal with the deficit. “We made a number of expenditure cuts, including eliminating three positions in administration in June,” says Lockie. Right now, it would appear those actions may not have been enough. (With files from Will Maartman)

Student bounced from CamFood meeting JAson motz StaFF Writer

One student’s crusade to affect change in Camosun’s cafeteria has met another obstacle. On Jan. 23, Matteus Clement showed up to attend the latest Camosun Food Committee (CamFoodCom) meeting, but he was promptly escorted out. Clement, a Lansdowne student, did not resist and left without incident. Minutes after Clement arrived at the meeting, Kathryn Le Gros, Camosun’s Manager of Ancillary Services and CamFoodCom chairperson, informed Clement he wasn’t welcome. PHOtO: COUrtNeY BrOUGHtON “[Le Gros] asked me to step Matteus Clement: Shown the door outside to talk,” says Clement. “She informed me that this was a closed ing for healthier meal options on meeting and I was not invited.” campus, as well as transparency Clement made news last issue between the college and its business when Nexus reported on his anti- dealings with Aramark, the comAramark Facebook group for pany now providing food services Camosun. He has been advocat- at Camosun.

Despite explaining he was only at the meeting to make recommendations, Clement was shown the door.

“[Clement] was told prior to the meeting that his agenda—to rid Camosun of aramark—was different than the mandate of the committee.” KAthryn le Gros CaMOSUN COLLeGe

Application to the CamFoodCom is open to any and all Camosun students. The committee votes in

students who best express how they might contribute to CamFoodCom, according to Le Gros. Two students currently sit on the CamFoodCom—Christopher Gillespie and Elizabeth Harvey, both board members of the Camosun College Student Society. Other members of the committee include Le Gros and Donna Burger, food services director for Aramark at Camosun. Clement claims Le Gros told him his removal from the CamFoodCom was because he had a conflict of interest. But Le Gros denies this. “He was told prior to the meeting that his agenda—to rid Camosun of Aramark—was different than the mandate of the committee,” she says. Clement says he wasn’t surprised by Jan. 23’s events. “So much for the ‘committee,’” says Clement.

Unlucky number 13 Well, it’s official. Canadian student debt has surpassed $13 billion. the situation is now being referred to as a crisis. Since 2001, tuition fees have risen by more than 100 percent in BC, which has resulted in the massive debt. the average student debt upon graduation is now in excess of $27,000. the 13 billion in the red doesn’t even include provincial and private loan debt, such as lines of credit. in communities across the province, events are being held by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) to call on the provincial and federal government to take action. the CFS is composed of more than 80 university and college student unions across Canada and is the country’s largest student organization. Over 150,000 of its members reside in BC.

Un-bama the recently announced federal budget straight up ignores core funding and student debt, while focusing solely on $2 billion for campus infrastructure. Unlike the proposed american stimulus plan, the budget doesn’t address debt or access to post-secondary education. So how does our budget measure up to that of our neighbors to the south? Obama’s proposed package includes a boost to grants and nearly $500 million for student jobs. With our huge debt continually snowballing, we’re in need of a little help! So where is it? Mr. Harper, i’m speaking to you!

Can you hear me now? Camosun College’s Visual arts Department and african awareness Committee plan to collect over 500 used cell phones for an art display. On top of the display being a sight to behold, it will also raise awareness about the use of the coltan mineral in cell phones and the resource conflicts in the Democratic republic of Congo. if you and your friends are done yapping, and want to turn your trash into treasure, you can drop off your used cell phones at the bookstores on both campuses before Feb. 20. For more info or to find out how to help, contact Francis Yee at 250–370–3307.

Continued on page 4

What’s your most memorable Valentine’s Day experience? By Tessa Cogman

stACey riChes

iAin robertson

lAurA lAbelle

Andrew formosA

melAnie CAwthrA

mArK liGhtburn

nieves sierrA

two years ago my boyfriend, who was deathly ill at the time, cooked me a huge gourmet meal and we listened to Lounge Against the Machine.

i was dumped while holding a handbook of Latin love phrases and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Skydiving and bungee jumping naked, followed by the Harbour House restaurant, and wine and dessert at Cheesecake Café.

Blind date—coffee at Starbucks, crazy punk kid drops acid in our drinks and we spend 12 hours trying to figure out what happened and how to get to the nearest hospital.

i don’t have one.

My ex-girlfriend gave me two gifts instead of one.

i absolutely hate Valentine’s Day. it’s the dumbest Hallmark holiday. People should be more creative and not give into consumerism.

NEWS



February 4, 2009

Vixens in love with their bikes Guy Alaimo

Photo: Courtney broughton

Zan Comerford is the only member of the local Velo Vixens bike troupe currently attending Camosun College.

Bike love was most likely the inspiration behind one of the Vixens more recent staged events, a “Bike Prom” where people would show up to a dance with their bicycle as their date.

“You got a gang, but instead of violence, we use bikes . . . road bikes.” zan Comerford Velo Vixens

Comerford’s instant allegiance with the bicycling beauties was a result of her friendship with many of the group’s members, as well as the group’s reputation of being nutty.

“All of us, despite our differences, are pretty out there, ridiculous people,” says Comerford. After viewing a couple of the Vixens taped routines, the “out there” description rings true. One video clip shows the group of women moving around the pavement, somewhat in unison, as they ground-thump, fist-pump, and bike-hump to the tune of Vanilla Ice’s 1990 smash hit, “Ice Ice Baby.” “I love performing and having a posse,” says Comerford. “You got a gang, but instead of violence, we use bikes . . . road bikes.” The Velo Vixens MySpace page serves as a hub for all the group’s activity, including upcoming event information and links to some of their recorded performances. For Valentine’s Day, the Vixens are planning a big event on Feb. 12, at a location yet to be confirmed. According to the group, burlesque performers, poetry readers,

and a performance from themselves is on the schedule for the event. The group will also be using their Valentine’s Day party as a fundraising vehicle for their trip to Vancouver to attend Bikes Inside, a bike festival that celebrates biking culture in the dead of winter. If all goes well, the Velo Vixens will make the trip to Vancouver and extend their bike love mantra onto the mainland. “It’s about loving the planet, your fine ass, the community, and being healthy,” says Comerford. As for what the future holds for the recurring cast of seven or eight members, keeping it “simple and on the same path of casual bike love,” according to Comerford, will help this creative group of bike lovers stay together for years to come. For more information on the Velo Vixens, go to www.myspace. com/velovixens

Two-day reading break angers students Jason Motz Staff Writer

2009 is barely underway, but an especially cold-for-Victoria winter has likely magnified the winter blues for some people. Fortunately, there’s some relief coming. Camosun’s Reading Break is fast approaching!

“It’s bullshit.” Kenna Foort Camosun student

Of course, as any seasoned Camosun student knows with bitter irony, our reading break is a mere two-day sabbatical. New students might be shocked to learn their days of having a weeklong spring break are over while they’re enrolled at Camosun. This semester reading break falls on Feb. 19–20, a Thursday and Friday. Toss in the weekend, and students have four days to catch up on unread novels and textbooks, seminar readings, missed labs, or those assignments that somehow just never got completed. “It’s bullshit,” says Camosun student Kenna Foort, one of many who feel the reading break is insufficient. This semester, the reading break doesn’t favour Foort at all.

by Kait Cavers

Intl. Dev. Week by VIDEA

Staff Writer

They’re bizarre, they might be a little kooky, but they definitely love their bikes. The Velo Vixens, an all-female dance troupe that perform dance routines with their bikes geared towards the biking community, have been together for two and a half years. They first started performing as a group in their living rooms as an excuse to have a good time, not realizing what their antics would eventually fuel. “Bikes play a prominent role in our shows and they develop their own personalities,” says Zan Comerford, a Camosun Creative Writing student who has been a Vixen since early 2008. During their spare time the group of seven or eight strong hang out at Recyclistas, a quaint, ramshackled bike repair shop, sitting on the edge of the Island Highway and nestled against the Galloping Goose Trail. Recyclistas might be listed as a bike shop, but it permeates a clubhouse atmosphere, with regulars walking in and out while exchanging friendly chatter and making adjustments on their beloved bicycles. It’s no surprise Recyclistas is where the Velo Vixens hold their weekly meetings and stage rehearsals. Due to their entertaining performances, the bicycle-dancing troupe has become a fixture in the local biking community. “We’re doing something silly, and not taking ourselves seriously,” says longtime Velo Vixen Trianne Tambay. “The main focus is around bikes. We got a lotta bike love.”

NEWS BRIEFS

“I work that Friday and Saturday. So I get Thursday,” she complains. Many Camosun students echo Foort’s sentiments, agreeing two days is simply not enough, especially in light of the fact UVic students are entitled to a full week off. “Our Academic Schedule Policy determines how we will structure our terms/quarters and semesters,” says Nicole Greengoe, registrar of student services at Camosun College. “Our policy allows for a maximum of two days for reading break.” In fact, reading break has never been more than two days here at the college. Camosun has a policy placing emphasis on the amount of time instructors have to prep for their courses, as well as providing plenty of office hours outside of their regular instructing duties. “We want to ensure students have enough classroom time with their instructors,” says Greengoe. For some students, reading break simply boils down to prioritizing among their courses. “I have to pick my battles,” says Foort, “What do I want to catch up in?” For her English class alone, Foort has to read Jane Eyre, another novel, and has a textbook to sift through. “Even if I sit there and read one of the novels, I’d never catch up,”

she says with exasperation. For many students, just catching up is the best result they can hope for out of reading break. Darryl Ainsley, president of Camosun’s Faculty Association, admits, as it stands, the current reading break doesn’t benefit all students. “It’s a fairly common practice for people not to have class on Friday. So the reading break amounts to

Thursday for those students,” says Ainsley. “Which is not a heck of a lot of a break, I’d have to agree.” But students aren’t unanimous on the subject. Some are indifferent to reading break, like Lansdowne student Rob Bergsma, who isn’t at all fazed by the duration of the break. How does he intend to spend his reading break this semester? “Not studying,” quips Bergsma. Instead, he’s going camping.

Reading break, take me away Zan Comerford Contributing Writer

Camosun College’s reading break may only equate to a four-day weekend, but sometimes that’s all we need for a quick getaway! We’re fortunate on the west coast to have some of the world’s hippest, most progressive cities at our fingertips. You could spend Feb. 19–22 like any other long weekend, nursing a hangover at home. Or you could be nursing that same hangover somewhere new and exciting! By pulling an all-nighter in Vancouver and catching the first train faster than you can say “choo, choo,” you can arrive in Portland, Oregon before 2 pm. Return fare included, this little ticket to paradise only sets you back $92. If Portland doesn’t tickle your fancy, return fares to San Francisco and Seattle measure up in value, at $200 and $80 respectively. Once you’ve arrived in the cultural Mecca of your choice, you’re on easy street. Reading break falls smack-dab in the middle of a budget travelers dream—the off-season.

The best hostels drop their prices, some by nearly half. Reduced accommodation means even more greenbacks in your pocket to run wild with. And there are also cheaper restaurants and the one legal advantage the US holds over Canada—the happy hour. One-dollar pints of Budweiser from 2–4 pm? Yes please! Maybe currency exchange isn’t really your thing and you’d rather hang out up here in the Great White North! While there’s no place like home, sometimes getting off the rock for a weekend can be just what the doctor ordered. Vancouver! Yes, it takes too long to get there on public transit, but where else can you see such a scale of both despairing poverty and million-dollar penthouses? Plus, reading break weekend in Vancouver offers T.Dot hip-hop, Orange County surf rock, New York’s best mashup, and the World Wheelchair Curling Championships. Add 24-hour sushi to that list, and you may find yourself wondering, “Is this heaven? Or just the best place on Earth?”

It’s not a typo; it’s the Victoria International Development Education Association. This year they’re hosting a series of events to celebrate International Development Week, running until Feb. 7. This week is devoted to highlighting the work of Canada’s development community and an opportunity to increase awareness within communities across the country. The events will include talks with author Linda Rogers, Michelle Mulder, and Peggy Herring as well as an exhibition entitled Through an African Lens. For more info, go to www.videa.ca or call 250–385–2333.

Represent! The Victoria Genealogical Society presents author Mairuth Sarsfield in celebration of Black History Month. Sarsfield’s presentation will focus on the life and times of Sylvia Stark, a Black woman and early pioneer whose family settled on Salt Spring Island in the 19th century. The novel takes place in a time when the US had divested California from the Republic of Mexico, legally swindled BC out of the Columbia River delta, and began to negotiate with Russia for Alaska. To hear more about Stark and how Salt Spring was first settled and developed by intrepid Black families, head to the Gordon Head United Church on Feb. 12 at 7 pm. Admission is free, and you certainly can’t put a price on this story.

Sinner’s delight The Belfry Theatre presents The Sinners’ Ball, a fundraising event exploiting the after-life in the best of ways. The evening starts on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7pm, with Cocktails in Purgatory, before the guests are sent to Heaven or Hell. Throughout the evening, there will be performances in the Heaven and Hell rooms by R&B and jazz bands. The dancing takes place in Hell, while Heaven is reserved for classy loungers, and will feature the relaxing musical vibes of piano extraordinaire, Louise Rose. Wild and crazy costumes are encouraged. Tickets are available at the Belfry Box Office at 250–385–6815. For more info, go to www.belfry.bc.ca

Literally Camosun Beside the Point, Camosun’s student literary journal, held a concert/reading night recently at Solstice Café to celebrate the release of its third issue. This online journal features writing submissions from our talent pool of budding student authors. Created last year, the online journal has broadened its focus to include visual art, and has also been featuring more and more works of original poetry and fiction. Beside the Point’s group of editors is also planning an eventual print edition to accompany the online version. If you’re interested in contributing that short story or poem you’ve been developing, go to www.besidethepoint.net

CaMPUS

[email protected]

5

College child centres care for kids [then] become community members,” says Stekelenburg. “They might be finished at Camosun or transferred to UVic, or another institution in the Victoria area, but we never kick anyone out. Our services are an integral part of many students’

“Our primary mandate is to offer childcare for students of the college.” lisA steKelenburG CaMOSUN COLLeGe

PHOtO: COUrtNeY BrOUGHtON

says Lisa Stekelenburg, manager of CCS, “and our secondary mandate is Being a parent is a full-time job. for staff and faculty’s children.” Students who are parents might Childcare isn’t exclusive to have a mountain of worry working Camosun’s denizens, either. Memagainst them. It’s bad enough having bers of the community are also able to leave a child for extended periods to benefit from these facilities. of time, but a concern is where “About 85–90 percent [of chilexactly to leave them? And with dren in the daycare] are student whom? Quality childcare is top of and faculty,” says Stekelenburg, the pile in this tentative world. “10 to 15 percent are community It’s a feather in our cap that members.” Camosun College’s Child Care ServiThis isn’t too surprising, conces (CCS) runs five licensed centres sidering CCS’ reputation as one of on both campuses. Victoria’s top facilities. “Our primary mandate is to offer “Usually what happens is a famchildcare for students of the college,” ily will start with us as a student, and shAne sCott-trAvis

CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Insufficient funds for most students oliviA bertrAnd CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Think the recent announcement that student debt has reached an alltime high of $13 billion is bad? Well, personal debt, such as credit cards, bank loans, or student lines of credit, which many students are burdened with in addition to their student loan debt, is not even included in that staggering figure. After a year or two of studies, the money pool can run dry and many students find themselves coming up short when it comes to their monthly expenses. Student loans often give just enough to cover tuition and when this happens daily and monthly expenses are left unaccounted for. It’s at these times that credit cards or lines of credit become a saving grace for some students. For someone who’s working and has a good credit history, getting the first credit card shouldn’t be a problem. All banks have their own qualifications, and rates may vary, but they tend not to vary too drastically. “A first-time credit card holder can expect an interest rate of 19.75 percent,” says Heather Meiklejohn, financial advisor for TD Canada Trust. “If they qualify for a $1,000 limit, they may choose our lower rate card at prime 6.9 percent for an annual fee of $25.” Most students find a way to rack up their cards fairly quickly, no matter their specific limit, until all of a sudden they’re suffocating under a mountain of debt.

How about a student line of credit, then? This is a feasible option for those whose studies make it difficult to work more than a few hours a week, if at all. Of course, in that case you’ll need a co-signer. Meiklejohn says the minimum credit limit at TD Canada Trust is $5,000.

Most students find a way to rack up their cards fairly quickly, no matter their specific limit, until all of a sudden they’re suffocating under a mountain of debt.

learning at Camosun.” The college’s child care centres support students from the Health and Human Services and Early Childcare Programs, supervising practicum experiences and observations. CCS has even helped business students learn how to run a non-profit. “Last year we had 110 students pass through our centres in a variety of different learning capacities,” says Stekelenburg. CCS facilitates full-time care Monday through Friday from September to June. The Lansdowne campus tends to toddlers and preschoolers, as does Interurban, along with facilities for infants. They can also provide care for children with special needs. So, maybe that mountain of worry needn’t be so high after all? For more information on Child Care Services, go to www.camosun. ca/childcare

Time for tea shAne sCott-trAvis CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Speak up!

every February tea-totallers from far and wide descend upon Mile Zero for the largest public tea exhibition in North america—the Victoria tea Festival! this highly anticipated event is also Camosun’s Child Care Services (CCS) signature fundraiser, so students can feel extra good as they sample and seek out many of the most flagrant and flavorsome teas the world has to offer. CCS is teeming with anticipation for the third annual event. Partnering up with Camosun’s Customer Service Program, CCS has gone to great lengths to prepare and promote this fête, but they are still looking for students who would like to volunteer for the two-day event. the tea Festival, which expects 3,000 visitors this year, provides an occasion for vendors from across North america to exhibit their teas and tea-related products. apart from all the plentiful tea tastings, expect to find numerous lectures and demonstrations, a silent auction, and a world of sugary tea-foods, tea wares, and assorted tea-related products. this truly is a Mecca for tea fanatics. the event will be held at the Crystal Pool on Feb.14–15, from noon until 5 pm. tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. if you’d like to volunteer or learn more about the event, visit the website at www.camosun.ca/childcare

C A M O S U N C O L L E G E I N T E R N AT I O N A L

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PRESENTS

Adrian Walraven CIDA Afghanistan Task Force Kandahar Operations Unit Keynote speaker Mr Adrian Walraven will present his perspectives on the reconstruction of Afghanistan as part of British Columbia Speaking Tour, which will culminate Camosun College’s celebrations of International

“A student line of credit is a mix between a chequing account and a Visa,” she explains. “[They] have a minimum payment of just the monthly interest amount while the student is attending school, and then larger payments 12 months after leaving school.” Students can chip away at the balance of their debt faster by putting a little more than the minimum payment down each month. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your bank for a lower interest rate at any time, and write down all of your purchases so they don’t get out of hand.

Development Week 2009.

FREE ADMISSION S T U D E N T S , F A C U LT Y , S TA F F

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COMMUNITY

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Where: Camosun College, Lansdowne Campus, Young Building, Room 216 When: Wed, Feb 4, 2009 • 6:30 – 8:00pm For inquiries contact CCI: 250-370-3681 [email protected]

camosun.ca

LIFE



February 4, 2009

Conference examines sex worker stigmas Keltie Larter Contributing Writer

“I’ll tell you something, [being a sex worker] used to be a lot safer back then. Someone always knew where you were and when you were coming back. Not like it is now,” said a woman from the podium. Dagmar, a sex worker for 44 years, was speaking at a recent conference in Victoria organized by the Women’s Health Research Network (WHRN). A growing movement exists in Canada to decriminalize sex work and organizations such as the Prostitutes Empowerment Education and Resource Society, the West Coast Co-operative of Sex Industry Professionals (WCCSIP), and Prostitution Alternatives Counselling Education have been working hard to change legislation surrounding sex work in our country. Recently, the WHRN organized a conference here in Victoria “to try to bring together different stakeholders interested in improving the health, safety, and security of people working in the sex industry,” explains Cecilia Benoit of WHRN. The conference was entitled Myths and Misconceptions: Work-

ing with the Media to Reduce Stigma and Enhance Public Understanding of People Who Work in the Sex Industry. “This conference is aimed at challenging the dominant myths and misconceptions about sex workers in an attempt to reduce the debilitating stigma attached to sex work in our country,” says Benoit.

“This conference is aimed at challenging the dominant myths and misconceptions about sex workers.” Cecelia Benoit Women’s Health Research Network

Speakers at the conference came from as far away as New Zealand, where sex work has successfully been decriminalized. Representatives were also in attendance from Victoria, Vancouver, and Montreal, a city infamous for its many massage parlours and fullcontact strip clubs.

Photo: Courtney broughton

Street workers are only a very small contingent of the local sex trade.

The two main issues of the conference were a lack of funding for proactive initiatives and an abundance of ignorance regarding the realities of sex work. Complicating things, the sex industry is a challenging moral

issue for most people, sex workers are reluctant to self-identify themselves because they have nothing to gain and everything to lose by coming forward. Studies in Canada rely almost entirely on information from out-

door workers and almost nothing is known about the indoor sex trade. Because of this, conference attendees agreed the media are only able to focus on very narrow aspects of the industry, usually focusing on the ugliest parts of the business. Jody Paterson, a UVic journalism instructor and advocate for sex workers’ rights, told the group that “news media is a simplistic format for telling complex stories” when it comes to portraying the sex industry. Susan Davis of the WCCSIP spoke about different initiatives the organization is trying to get started in Vancouver. Such initiatives include a catering company, a publishing enterprise, and a consulting company. Davis explains a serious lack of funding is standing in their way. “Sex work isn’t the flavour of the day,” says Davis, “the flavour of the day is housing.” Everyone at the conference agreed rights for sex trade workers is a complex situation that calls for innovative solutions, and the time for solutions is at hand. Davis summed it up quite well by saying, “In the end, we are looking at system-wide reform.”

Oh Web 2.0, and we hardly even knew you... Hooper, a second-year Computer Service Technology (CST) student. The World Wide Web made its “It can’t be easily explained in a way onto the public scene in the mid sentence or two.” ’90s. Now, more than a decade later, In the early ’90s, information Web 2.0 is at its height. But does found on the web was pretty statanybody know what it actually is? ic and basic compared to today; meant for scientists to share data. But when it turned into a publicly accessible place to read news “It’s about social and do commerce, the landscape networking and giving changed. Not to be confused with the people the ability to Internet, the backbone where the web resides, surfers have slowly put content on the seen a new generation of content web in an interactive and content-making possibilities on the web pages they visit. kind of way.” Visiting a website won’t neRick Caswell cessarily yield the same material Camosun College twice. It’s like the stock exchange; numbers are flying fast and nothing stays the same. Most people aren’t aware they’re “Web 2.0 is also about a speeven using Web 2.0, and depending cific set of technologies to creon who you ask in the computer or ate interactive web pages,” says information technology industry, Clint Lalonde, web specialist at there’s no solid definition. Camosun’s Learning and Teach“It’s a catch phrase to say how ing Centre. “To the general public, things have progressed,” says Greg it often means the evolution of Ed Sum

Contributing Writer

websites to become much more dynamic.” Rick Caswell, an instructor in Camosun’s Applied Communications Program, says new social possibilities and forms of user interaction are key driving forces behind Web 2.0. “It’s about social networking and giving people the ability to put content on the web in an interactive kind of way,” says Caswell. But many other popular applications are also synonymous with Web 2.0, including Amazon, eBay, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Wiki, blogging, and social bookmarking. Most of today’s popular online services had some kind of start before the turn of the century, indicating Web 2.0 was slowly emerging, but widespread recognition didn’t happen until Y2K fears subsided. On these websites, one can take part in a wide variety of commercial, social, and creative activities. An early adopter of Web 2.0 was eBay and it’s real-time auctions. But the possibilities don’t end

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MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill

Supporting more affordable and accessible post-secondary education [email protected] 250-952-4211 www.opposition.bc.ca

there. Google is doing more than just offering their popular search engine; they want to bring the user’s computer desktop to the web with applications like Google Calendar, Docs, Maps, and Talk. Even though there’s a lot this new generation of technology can offer computer users, the question of privacy should be a concern. “Privacy has always been an issue,” says Hooper. “It’s coming to the fore because people are putting so much of their personal information on the web.” According to Shohreh Hadian, an Camosun Computer Science instructor, people should exercise control in what they post. “The consumer has to be educated about the information they are handing over because it’s stored on a database,” notes Hadian. Most companies have strong security measures to protect clients’ information. But many people have reasons to surrender some of their privacy online with applications like Facebook. “Some people are willing to give a bit of privacy up,” says Lalonde, “just to have the ability to stay in contact with people.” Up next? Web 3.0 is right around the corner and there’s no clear definition for that either.

Computer speak 101 Wiki A collection of web pages that lets anyone contribute or modify content with a built-in editor. These pages can be used to create communities or information warehouses on a variety of topics, such as TV shows like Lost. Twitter A service where users can post and read other people’s status updates (known as tweets) on the web. The updates are similar to status updates on Facebook but the site uses other technologies like Really Simple Syndication (RSS) to keep people updated. RSS RSS is a service delivering up-to-theminute information to the user’s desktop or web browser. The information can be about world news, Facebook activities, or the latest Hollywood gossip. The advantage is saving users’ time by not visiting a lot of websites; info is quickly summarized for them by subscribing to the feed. Social bookmarking Instead of keeping a user’s list of bookmarks stuck on one computer, social bookmarking allows users to access interesting bookmarks on other computers. One popular social bookmarking service is Delicious.com

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PISE students intern at cutting edge sports lab Jeff Baldry Contributing Writer

Photo: Courtney broughton

Physiologist James Brotherhood shows off PISE performance equipment.

An internship currently in the works between the Canadian Sports Centre Pacific (CSC Pacific) and Camosun College will allow students access to cutting edge, high performance sports equipment at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (PISE) at Interurban. The CSC Pacific has been working with the Sport and Exercise Education Department of Camosun to develop an internship that will allow students to be a part of a professional environment. “Students will be given an opportunity and the exposure to being in a high performance physiology lab,” says Ben Sporer, CSC Pacific physiologist. “The opportunity consists of coming in and learning basic lab techniques, observing interactions with high performance athletes, being a part of those interactions, and learning about health and safety issues in a lab.” Sporer oversees the Performance Preparation Division at CSC

Pacific and is confident in the future of their work with Camosun. CSC Pacific has many opportunities for Camosun students to benefit from, including physiology, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, and performance analysis.

“Students will be given an opportunity and the exposure to being in a high performance physiology lab.” Ben Sporer CSC Pacific

“The opportunity to actually do crossover is enormous,” says Sporer. “Because the lab is still very new, as well as the degree program being offered, we are trying to evolve how they can bring the two together to provide the students

with more opportunities within the high performance environment. Down the road our goal is to have more student interaction within the facility.” The lab works with the PISE team to collaborate packages available to students and community members. Recently, they have worked with the Lower Island Soccer Association to test and evaluate its group members. “They have been using our facilities quite extensively. They want to do some testing, monitoring, and strengthening and conditioning. So we look after the testing and monitoring, and the PISE group looks after the strength and conditioning component of it,” says Sporer. “It’s like a one-stop shop!” The CSC Pacific is also involved with many of BC’s Olympic athletes and coaches. By taking advantage of this opportunity in advancing sport education, Camosun students will get a head start in joining in on the action with Canada’s finest athletes.

Chargers teams at a disadvantage, say coaches Guy Alaimo Staff Writer

Camosun’s sports teams would be a lot better if prospective players had more reasons to play here, according to a former Chargers coach. “[Vancouver Island University Mariners] can say they got dormitories, and they even got a few bucks to throw around,” says Vic Lindal, who also coached the national volleyball team, broadcasted for CBC, and is currently a motivational speaker. “The key element [to success] is recruiting.” Lindal, who is also the grandfather of Charger women’s volleyball player Stephanie Lindal, says Camosun is at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting top tier players. “There’s no UVic volleyball program; that hurts Camosun,” says Lindal. “The very best players get invited to play in the US on

scholarships. The next ones go to Alberta or University of Northern BC. The next down are schools that used to be colleges, but now have a U in their title.”

caliber volleyball players because there’s no place in Victoria they can get a degree and play volleyball. This is also, according to Lindal, why better players avoid coming to Camosun and choose schools up island or on the mainland. According to Lindal, another “The key element [to factor that generally hurts Camosun success] is recruiting.” sports teams is funding for the coaches. Vic Lindal “A lot of the schools have fullFormer Chargers Coach time coaches,” explains Lindal. “I always thought the athletics department should have more of a Schools such as Vancouver role in recruiting. They put way too Island University and Capilano Uni- much on the coaches. Remember, versity used to be colleges, but now, [the coaches] only make around because of their title change, can of- $7,000 a year.” fer degree scholarships and remain Chargers men’s basketball more attractive than Camosun. coach Craig Price puts more of UVic, who used to feed from an emphasis on funding, but also Camosun’s volleyball program, no echoes some of Lindal’s opinions. longer has a volleyball team due to “Things like not having a resifunding issues. This makes it more dence hurts our chances of obtaindifficult for Camosun to attract high ing talent from outside of Victoria,”

says Price. “The only expense the our players and staff members who college pays for is the regular sea- are fundraising.” son. Any tournaments or exhibMeanwhile, Lindal has another ition games, that comes out of our answer to the woes of this year’s pockets.” women’s volleyball team. And while the newly built PISE “I just noticed the team only gym facilities at Interurban might has a couple of third or fourth be a draw for some students, ac- year players, while everybody else cording to Price it costs $50 per is second or first year,” he says. team per hour to use the gym. It also “Don’t you think that makes a big runs the teams around $3,500 every difference?” time they travel to the mainland for As of press time, the Chargers away games. women’s volleyball team was sitting To offset some of the costs, second to last in the province with fundraising programs like Adopt a 2–9 record. Their latest defeat a Charger and the Chargers Acad- came at the hands of the second emy are run by the teams. place UBC Okanagan Heat by a Graham Matthews, Camosun’s score of 25–9, 25–4, and 25–17. Recreation and Athletics coordin- The men’s basketball team also had ator, is not shy to the idea of more a record of 2–9. funding from the school. Meanwhile, the other two teams “More funding is always help- were faring much better. The men’s ful,” says Matthews. “We are al- volleyball team sat eighth in the ways looking for other sources of country as of press time, while the revenue to help with recruiting. It women’s basketball team was third would take the burden off some of overall in Canada.

Chargers to watch for

By Samantha Doney

What are your personal goals this year?

What are your personal goals this season?

I want to improve my basic skills, as well as develop skills that would help me be a more effective team player—for example, communication.

I was one of the only two returning players to our team, so my goal was to take on the role as a leader and be a positive role model for the new players.

What are your team goals?

What are your team goals?

Our first team goal is a top spot at provincials, and the final goal is to make it to nationals.

Our team sets different goals each week; this week, our goal is to take a match off of our opponent.

How are you feeling this year with all the changes, like the new gym and new players?

Aleks Saddlemeyer—#4

Team: Men’s volleyball Year: 2 Position: Left side Height: 6’ 5” Hometown: Sidney, BC High school: Parklands Camosun program: University Transfer

The new gym was a hassle to get into, but now that we’re here, it’s amazing, and it’s really nice to have a home court. We had several new players to the team this year. They have all proven they belong on the team through their hard work and dedication. They are all great additions to our growing roster. How is it looking heading for playoffs? Providing we continue to play at the level we are capable of, we are in good shape for provincials. We have the skill to match or beat any team there.

How are you feeling this year with all the changes, like the new gym and new players?

Caitlin Weir—#12

Team: Women’s volleyball Year: 3 Position: Setter Height: 5’5” Hometown: Nanaimo, BC High school: Wellington Camosun program: Nursing

I love the new gym; I’ve been with the team for three years now and it’s great to have a home gym to play in. This year has been challenging with all the new players. Even though we haven’t been seeing the results we’ve wanted, I have seen huge improvements in everyone. What’s your role on the team? As one of the captains, my role on the team has been to lead by example. I hold everyone accountable for their actions on the court, and try to keep the girls motivated.

Chargers to watch for is written by Samantha Doney, a second-year Sport Management student and Sport Information and Promotions Intern for Camosun Chargers Athletics. Check out the new Chargers blog at camosunchargers.blogspot.com

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FeatU

February 4, 2009

Spreading the love fever

N

brendAn KerGin StaFF Writer

exus readers will have noted by now that we like to give an alternative perspective on major issues, one that reflects a student’s reality more than the mainstream media might. That’s why this year we’ve come up with some of our own cutout Valentine’s cards! That’s right, we’re printing special cards that you can cut out and give to your sweetie. But these aren’t your everyday normal kinda cards. These ones are special, high-grade romance. They are the kind you give to the girl/guy who sits on

Buying love on Valentine’s Day JennA sedmAK CONtriBUtiNG Writer

The sordid history of St. Valentine brendAn KerGin So, who is this St. Valentine guy anyways, and why do we shell out millions of dollars on his day? Well, none of it’s very clear. it seems mid-February was an important time in the roman calendar, when fertility was bestowed on young women by beating them with dead animal skins. around 500 aD a pope declared a feast for St. Valentine. this might have been an attempt to steal the pagans’ mid-February brouhaha.

“i obviously feel pressure to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” says Camosun environmental technology student alex Carota. “i’d get shot by my girlfriend if i didn’t!”

But, depending on which church you went to, the feast could have been in early or mid-summer. Now it’s gone altogether in the roman Catholic Church, deleted from the calendar in 1969 (although Feb. 14 is denoted as Saint Cyril and Methodius’ Day).

“Children are nurtured into a culture of consumption, initially through the writing and sharing of Valentine’s with their classmates, and then later through the dances, chocolates, etc. that are made to be a part of the cultural experience,” says randall tonks, an instructor in Camosun College’s Psychology department. along with the cultural expectations surrounding Valentine’s Day, various marketing and advertising tactics help fuel this lucrative holiday.

keep his soldiers from getting hitched. But there were still some elopers and St. Valentine, a Christian priest, continued to marry them. to each other.

StaFF Writer

What can better express true love than an expensive dinner at a fancy restaurant, a large bouquet of the reddest roses, and a gift of fine chocolate and jewelry? that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about, right?

Men and women of all ages participate in our culture’s version of this holiday. Our society is shown from a young age that love is expressed in the form of a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

the bus in front of you. You know the one; you sit there, stare at his or her hair, smell it a little . . . Now, instead of just “accidentally” bumping into them, over and over again, make your love known by slipping one of these doozies into their pocket when they aren’t looking. Or, if it’s a teacher you’re after, try and instigate a spark. Prof-student love might be against school policy, but not the policy of love. So get out there with a pair of scissors and this issue of Nexus and show your crush what love really is.

Searching through a historical database of martyrs and saints, the pope came across a St. Valentine. Valentine hadn’t been recorded in an earlier list of saints and martyrs, and when the feast was announced it seems even the pope knew next to nothing of his deeds. this is where things get confusing. there

It seems mid-February was an important time in the Roman calendar, when fertility was bestowed on young women by beating them with dead animal skins.

Valentine was eventually caught and sentenced to a beating and beheading. Before the big day though, he stayed in a jail where the lovers he had married came to visit, bringing him a few small gifts. also, as time went on, he “befriended” the jailer’s daughter and ended up writing a letter to her, signed, “From your Valentine.” then his head was chopped off and he died for his beliefs. Geoffrey Chaucer also had a hand in making Valentine’s Day what it is. ever wonder why cheesy love poems are a big part of the red day?

are actually a few St. Valentines, and three probably lived around the same time (250 aD), in italy. and there isn’t much known about any of them.

Chaucer and his circle popularized the idea of romantic love being the centre of Feb. 14, and, being the masterful writer he was, wrote love poems for the day.

the most famous story has a roman emperor, Claudius ii, banning marriage to

So now you know who to blame . . .

“Men are targeted for consumption to buy chocolate, flowers, jewelry, etc.,” says tonks. Stores take advantage of these cultural norms and pushy advertising, stocking up on Valentine’s gifts, flowers, cards, and chocolates. and then their prices rise even further. “Flower prices are based on a calculation that is determined by our costs; when holidays such as Valentine’s Day arrive, we see a significant increase in the cost of our raw products,” explains kelly Darwin of in Bloom Floral Boutique, who also mentions 80 percent of Valentine’s Day shoppers are men. although many people feel pressure on Valentine’s Day to shell out gifts, many affordable, homemade, or locally produced options are available. “if you’re the sentimental type, you can make a card by arranging a photo of your happy selves with a digital editing program. add flowers around your faces, and maybe a heart or two and a simple Valentine’s message,” suggests adam Podolec, UVic environmental Studies student. “Saving money on a card frees up some budget on a bottle of wine and some locally made truffles,” says Podolec, “because you know she’s probably going to share with you anyway.”

Misery loves company:

Top 5 Valentine’s Day breakups

zAn Comerford CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Valentine’s Day drudges up different feelings in different people. Some of us get warm, tingling feelings, looking into their special someone’s eyes and sharing excitement about a special “Ever had to break up with yourself? I had to call my boyfriend and remind him that he wasn’t actually d a t i n g m e a n y m o re , judging by the lack of us seeing each other for a month, and him dating someone else.” —Culinary Arts student

day. Others, however, are getting cold, prickly feelings, perhaps muttering bitter comments at couples they pass on the street. Broken hearts. Broken car windows. When it comes to bad breakups, Camosun students have seen it all. Here’s a little taste of some

“My girlfriend found out that I had been, well, getting to know other women, and broke my windshield and carved her name into my dashboard. Seriously.” —University Transfer student

“I got dumped for God. And some chick in his bible study group . . . but mostly God.” —University Transfer student

of the hilarious, brutal breakups your fellow students have endured. Names have been excluded to protect the innocent, and the guilty. Go ahead and indulge your bitter side. tis’ the season, after all.

“I was supposed to meet my girlfriend at this train station in France, and I only had a one way ticket there. So I get off the train, and she’s there, only to tell me that she’s met someone else, and that she’s getting on the train that I was getting off to go see him. Dumped and stranded.” —Psychology student

“I got dumped on my birthday, which happened to be Valentine’s Day, which also happened to be our anniversary.” —Practical Nursing student

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[email protected]

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Top five: 1.

10CC—“The Things We Do for Love”

this song will have you believing the reason you’re alone isn’t your fault, and everything is really okay. it might even get you to believe you’re a normal, functioning member of society. Good times really are on the way.

2.

Songs to get you through Valentine’s Day when you feel sorry for yourself because nobody loves you Puddle of Mudd—“Blurry”

You’re really in the pits because you haven’t kissed a girl since 2003, and you need something a little darker. this 2001 Puddle of Mudd release has saved thousands of self-pitying, misunderstood lives. the vapid lyrics will make you think about all of the hollow people in your life that have no feelings or thoughts. they don’t care about your daily plight! You’re the only one that’s real!

3.

Smashing Pumpkins— “Thirty Three”

if the archaic piano melody throughout this self-loathing gem doesn’t have you wide awake with the lights off, then it’s time to end it, my friend. if you’re feeling brave, instant message this track to a girl who won’t give you the time of day, and maybe she’ll feel sorry enough for you to go out for an awkward coffee. But don’t expect anything else.

4.

Nine Inch Nails—“ The Fragile”

according to this track, there’s some person nobody else understands except for trent reznor. He’s destined to be with this person, and “won’t let them fall apart.” if you’re like reznor, you’ll love this song, and will play it on Valentine’s Day while making fucked up faces in the mirror. Perhaps an interpretive dance or two?

Top five: Things to do alone on Valentine’s Day 1. 2. 3. 4. Masturbate every half hour.

Look for discount candy cinnamon hearts at the store, hoping you bump into that special someone also looking for discount candy cinnamon hearts.

Listen to music in your room with the lights off while trying to cry tears that just won’t come.

Wa t c h a ro m a n t i c c o m e d y, imagining yourself as one of the lead characters.

5.

Guy AlAimo StaFF Writer

Gerr y Raffer ty—“Right Down the Line”

imagine yourself in a club telling a girl exactly what rafferty sings in this song. “Woman, it’s been you, right down the line!” the crying guitar, and rafferty’s desperate/confident singing will have you feeling nostalgic and very sorry for yourself.

Guy AlAimo

5.

StaFF Writer

Drunk dialing, or scanning Facebook profiles for a glimmer of tit.

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10

February 4, 2009

Burlesque shows best Bitts JennA sedmAK CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Grow

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What better time of year than mid-February for a night of live music, sweet treats, and burlesque dancing? “Spread your love around and enjoy a fantastic evening of burlesque entertainment,” says Miss Rosie Bitts about her upcoming show, the Bitts of Tease Cabaret. The evening promises internationally renowned burlesque dancers, live music, and cheesecake from Cheesecake 101.

“Burlesque is about entertainment; its purpose is not to create sexual arousal.” rosie bitts BUrLeSQUe DaNCer

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Joining Bitts is Ernie Von Schmaltz, who will be performing “boylesque,” the male version of burlesque dancing. The show is 19-plus and meant for adult audiences of all ages. “The age range depends on the show, but can be anywhere from a mid-’20s audience to over 65,” explains Bitts. Eye-catching and flamboyant, burlesque features dancing and clothing removal, but is an art form set apart from stripping. “The performer makes a conscious choice of which body parts to display or not display,” explains

Bitts. “Burlesque is about entertainAside from an evening of great ment; its purpose is not to create entertainment, this show is also sexual arousal.” a fundraiser for a local youth The evening is for entertainment charity. and fun. Burlesque can be about “Instead of deciding between anything the performer wants it to spending your money on an evening be; it’s a creative and empowering out, or giving to charity, you can do form of dance allowing performers both,” exclaims Bitts. to express their true selves or their A portion of all proceeds from alter egos. It can also be a way to this event will be donated to the express feminism or masculinity. Victoria Youth Clinic, which offers “A burlesque figure that I look resources, health care, and counselup to is Zorita, an incredible lady at ing to Victoria’s youth in need. the peak of her fame in the 1950s. “There’s not a lot of money in At that time, it was very risky tak- these charities,” explains Bitts, ing your clothes off,” says Bitts. “they do a fantastic job and offer im“Becoming a burlesque star was her portant resources to our youth.” choice as an alternative to having a man support her.” The Bitts of Tease A passion for dance and the supCabaret port and fun within the burlesque Feb. 12, 8–11 pm community is where Bitts’ love for burlesque stems from. Victoria Event Centre “I have been dancing all my life (1415 Broad) and became obsessed with the idea $22 of burlesque about five years ago,” www.missrosiebitts.com explains Bitts.

artS

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Gaming hits Victoria by storm ed sum CONtriBUtiNG Writer

A strong sense of camaraderie and a lifelong love for their hobby inspired three local gamers to create Gottacon, an event encompassing everything gaming enthusiasts would enjoy. This upcoming Victoria convention will provide those in attendance a chance to enjoy a variety of gaming experiences, including playing some of the classic video games of all time and rolling dice to battle monsters in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. “It is a great social activity,” says Carson Upton, an alumni of the Camosun Computer Engineering Program. Upton has been spending the last two years bringing Gottacon to Victoria, along with Evan Hatch, a funding administrator at the Ministry of Education, and Michael Lum, owner of Skyhaven Games. For the three friends, the love of gaming has been with them since childhood. “I started to make a role-playing game with Michael before I first heard about Dungeons & Dragons,” says Upton. Not many gamers maintain a high level of commitment with the hobby into their adult years. After meeting Hatch, who was a delegate of Wizards of the Coast promoting Magic the Gathering and founder of the Toronto Role-Players Association, the idea of creating a gaming convention began. When not at work, Hatch dedi-

My Bloody Valentine 3D ★★★★★ shAne sCott-trAvis CONtriBUtiNG Writer

For audiences not forgiving or fond of genre films, My Bloody Valentine 3D may be too much to handle. It contains all the paradoxical charms and trappings slasher films have to offer—horny teenagers, pigheaded police officers, predictable pacing, gratuitous gore, and a plot amounting to a compendium of clichés and camp. The real reason to see this movie is for its 3D gimmick. The boom years of the early 1950s brought such classics as It Came from Outer Space, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Hitchcock’s Dial ‘M’ for Murder, but will the new 3D films coming out promise to stay true to this heritage? Valentine seems to, using Real D technology to its advantage, despite some rather soulless cinematography from Brian Pearson. The 3D bandwagon aside, this horror film follows another trend— it’s a remake. In 1981, a Canadian horror flick notable only for giving Irish musical wunderkind Kevin Shields the name for his seminal shoegaze band, My Bloody Valentine, was released to little fanfare. Cut to 2009 and director/editor Patrick Lussier has a new pickaxe to grind and another round of Valen-

cates a large portion of his downtime handling the business end and recruiting hosts to operate the various types of games taking place at the event. While most gamers usually play at home instead of in public, Gottacon wants to change that image. “Gaming is much like getting together for dinner, going to a movie, or just hanging out,” says Lum. Gaming has definitely seen its popularity grow in recent years. Dungeons and Dragons, the staple of the entire role-playing game

“Gaming is much like getting together for dinner, going to a movie, or just hanging out.” miChAel lum GOttaCON

industry, made the transition to film with direct-to-video releases, and Magic the Gathering, the king of trading card games, is still going strong with comic book and electronic game tie-ins. And videogames are also getting a lot of attention; just look at all the games turned into Hollywood movies, like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. But despite its rising popularity, it’s rare for an event like this to happen in Victoria. Usually, one has to leave the island to experience the

wonders of pop culture in a convention environment. For the past two decades, other conventions in Victoria have come and gone, with hardly any lasting beyond a second year. Because of Victoria’s previous lack of success with conventions, paying for high profile guests to attract the public can be risky. “There is no sense spending thousands of dollars trying to bring in talents as you have to establish yourself first,” says Hatch. But Gottacon won’t be without its share of high-profile guests. Along with a few gaming industry personalities, Victoria resident Dave Duncan, author of the Venice (Alchemist) trilogy, and Canadian-born Steven Erikson, author of the Malazan, Book of the Fallen series, will be in attendance to answer questions and sign autographs. Also planned is a video showcase by local comedy group LoadingReadyRun. Despite the financial risks, Gottacon’s founders hope to create a memorable event for gamers unable or unwilling to spring for a trip to conventions in Vancouver or elsewhere. “To leave the island costs a fortune,” says Hatch. “We hope to bring exciting, large, quality events to the island.”

Gottacon Feb. 6–8 Pearkes Recreation Center www.gottacon.com

CONtriBUtiNG Writer

The movie industry is abuzz about The Wrestler being actor Mickey Rourke’s best comeback film. Knowing Rourke’s background and how Sin City brought him back to the limelight, The Wrestler wouldn’t have worked if it were starring any other actor. As an ex-boxer, Rourke knows what it’s like to be a gladiator as well as how rough it was to get back into the film industry. He spectacularly plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, an aging star who retires from the scene because of health issues and falls for an equally aging stripper/dancer, Cassidy (Marisa Tomei). Randy also tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But this film has its imperfec-

Tunes for changing moods miChAel dunCAn CONtriBUtiNG Writer

Face it, your moods change during the day and, undoubtedly, so do the tunes that go with your vibe. There are times when scurrying through the endless playlists that you fail to find that special song. Whether someone’s in the mood for late night revelry, a baked evening session, or favorite times of emosolace, the music must change with the person. With that in mind, here are three bands to soothe anyone’s dynamic soul. Titus Andronicus (www. myspace.com/titusandronicus) will carry you late into any night with their riotous and unstoppable debut album, The Airing of Grievances. This gang, hailing from New Jersey, has made a triumphant recording with their blend of garage and alternative, underlayed with a punk spirit. By no means is this a simple rock-off though, as the arrangements are reminiscent of Arcade Fire, but unpolished and without any damn pretentiousness. The band’s energy is visceral and infectious, drowning out many of the conceited indie acts of today. The Alps (myspace.com/ thealpssf) are like an outer-body experience and are perfect for those times of smoke-filled relaxation. Their debut album, III, can be compared to the psychedelics of Pink

No Reservations

Starring: Catherine ZetaJones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin Runtime: 104 minutes

The Wrestler ed sum

Noise Addict

In-Flight Safety

Floyd, but is by no means a nostalgic throwback. Using a broad range of instruments, the sound of the album varies considerably in its eight tracks. The peyote-influenced elements of this band are mesmerizing, melodic, and well worth a blissed-out listen. In-Flight Safety (myspace. com/inflightsafety) is a Canadian four-piece with a moody expressionism that will keep you company in your best of lonely nights. Their sound is not whiny but comforting, and often draws near to the sonic heights of Coldplay. The excellent use of melodic guitar lines, extensive piano, and organ gives their third album, We Are an Empire, My Dear, a genuine modern rock appeal. They have also mined an odd but rather groovy ’80s new wave feel that, when mixed with the rest of the album, makes for an overall exciting listen.

And no revelations

tine violence. How romantic. The slasher flick relies heavily on varying modes of exploitation and depravity, and occasionally a self-aware sense of humour. My Bloody Valentine 3D isn’t afraid to ham it up, and with Bgrade acting, ranging from campy and over-the-top to lackluster and laughable, consider this a guilty pleasure. Or don’t consider it at all.

★★★★★

11

tions. The first half focuses on Randy and how the wrestling entertainment industry works, leaving little time for interpersonal character development to happen in the second half. Also, there are two stories; both revealing themselves in parallel as Randy struggles to live a retired life and Cassidy struggles as a single mom. The narrative is an honest look at how love should develop and how the entertainment industry and its fans sometimes treat its older stars. Don’t expect WWE to be played out, but a story to understand how life, as one ages, progresses. Should performers continue on until no one cares? This film leaves audiences to make their own conclusion. And, apparently, there is a price for fame.

“Meh”—a sound that comes hand-in-hand with an indifferent shoulder shrug. In this case, it’s an adequate reaction to No Reservations, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart. This dramatic comedy includes humour, romance, and a cute kid to tie it all together. It accomplishes everything that would be expected of it—but not a whole lot more. Zeta-Jones plays a socially inept workaholic who is the chef at a pretentious restaurant. Kate is said to be the best chef in town, but cooking has become her entire life. So, when she is landed with the custody of her ten-year-old niece, Zoe, she doesn’t quite know how to proceed. Her first few weeks as a makeshift parent include hiring bad babysitters, forgetting to pick up Zoe after school, and not understanding that a full fish (complete with head, eyes, and tail) isn’t exactly a great kid’s meal. And when Kate’s boss hires an exuberant sous chef (Eckhart), Kate immediately resents him for getting along with her kitchen staff, playing opera 24/7, and for being almost as good as her.

Predictable might be a bit of an understatement for this movie. Clearly, the new sous chef is charming, cute, and great with kids. Heaven forbid situations like these ever involve hairy perverts with acne, rotting teeth, and bad BO. The story lines for these romantic comedies are always the same. Two unnaturally beautiful people meet and hate each other. Then the hostility between them turns into a whole other kind of tension. So they get together. Then they fight. Then they get back together, but only after a traumatic event involving the child. Cue the warm and fuzzy ending. If only life were like that. Okay, No Reservations is no nail-biter, but simplicity isn’t a sin either. Movies like this have their own time and place. Sometimes fluffy is better; not everyone can stomach things like Gladiator or The Green Mile on a day-to-day basis. It may not be reality but, sometimes, after a hard day of classes, reality just doesn’t cut it.

ratings Complete disaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unfortunate malfunction. . . . . . . . A solid stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freakin’ fabulous . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FASHION

12

February 4, 2009

Tattoos and piercings could hinder employment Alisha Charmley Contributing Writer

Many things should be considered when getting a tattoo or piercing. What do you get? Where do you put it? How big should it be? And, maybe more importantly, how will the tattoo affect your future job opportunities? It’s a question most students don’t ask when modifying their bodies, but permanently imprinting an image on an arm or punching a hole through a lip has the potential to jeopardize a chance at a dream Photo: Courtney broughton job. Tattoos: Placement is everything. Tattoos and piercings are becoming more commonplace, but “When I get more, future employnot necessarily more accepted, ment will be a consideration to especially when it comes to get- where I get them. I don’t plan on ting a job. getting anything above my collar Camosun student Cameron or below my elbow.” Mikkers has three tattoos. Since Mikkers is thinking about he’s gotten them, he’s been hired becoming a teacher and underat a few jobs without question or stands potential employers can shy concern. away from candidates with body “Right now, I don’t have them in modifications. objectionable places,” says Mikkers. “People consider that when

they’re hiring, but that’s not a bad thing. I wouldn’t want my insurance agent covered in tattoos,” explains Mikkers.

“The key thing is for employers to see your experience and your capability to do the job.” Irene Wallace Camosun college

Bruce Frith, principal of Stelly’s Secondary in Central Saanich, says body modifications can be factors when deciding on hiring a teacher, but it’s not something he specifically looks for. Surprisingly, the applicant will usually approach him with the issue. Applicants know teachers are role models and wonder if their

tattoos will be a problem in the classroom, he says. “Prominent facial piercings or bold exposed tattoos on the neck and face would be a problem if [you] want to be considered a role model,” says Frith. “The moral standard for teachers is quite high. Sure, there are lots of teachers who have some piercings, or tattoos on arms, legs, ankles, etc . . . most of the time they are covered up. But the community and the professional standard for teachers would direct them to be discreet in their exposure of piercings and tattoos.” While it’s important in some jobs, like teaching, to be discreet about tattoos and piercings, some businesses understand they mean more than rebelling and being different, and even encourage employees to show who they are by not hiding the artistic marks on their body. “The key thing is for employers to see your experience and your capability to do the job,” says

money back

Think before you ink Camden Wright Contributing Writer

Over time, tattoos have become more of a fashion statement than a personal statement. A tattoo is a beautiful scar its wearer should be proud to bare, not a lipstick colour or a flavour of the month that can be changed when he or she gets tired of it. But mistakes happen, and sometimes a tattoo cover-up is needed. Zain Hull of Pair o’ Dice Tattoo and Piercing has been in this career since 1978. That’s 31 years of watching the tattoo industry becoming more and more mainstream. And with a growing number of clients and a growing number of bad ideas. “If you go back far enough, say 30 years ago, artists didn’t take the time to say, ‘That’s a dumb idea,’“ explains Hull. When getting a tattoo, people should consider some very important factors. “Stay away from detail; it turns into a blob,” says Hull. “Because that’s one of the problems, people are just getting something that’s way too detailed.” With age, skin will stretch and lose its elasticity, causing a tattoo to get blurry if too much detail is put into it. Colours also come into play when trying to cover up an unwanted tattoo with a new image. “You’re more limited; you have black areas that you have to cover with black because you can’t cover black with colours,” says Hull. For those who’ve tattooed an ex’s name on their arm and don’t want to cover it up with more ink, there’s always laser removal. Prices vary for size and colours in the tattoo, but it’s certainly not cheap. Also, be cautioned—it’s been said laser removal is slightly more painful than the original tattoo itself. A less-permanent option to ink tattooing is henna. Henna is a paste applied to the skin, left to dry, and washed off, leaving a stain. It’s painless and can last anywhere from seven to 21 days, but it doesn’t stick with you forever. “Probably people’s biggest mistake is they’ll spend $150 dollars on a pair of jeans and then they’ll only spend $80 on a tattoo that’s forever, for the rest of their life,” says Hull. “Get what you want, not what you can afford.” And for those not quite sure, or just too broke, there’s always the badass rub-on tattoo.

To qualify for student pricing, student must present either (i) a T2202a documenting 4 or more months of full-time attendance at a college or university during 2008 or (ii) a valid high school identification card. Expires July 31, 2009. Must also qualify for Instant Cash Back and Cash Back products. See office for details. Valid only at participating H&R Block locations in Canada. SPC Card offers valid from 08/01/08 to 07/31/09 at participating locations in Canada only. For Cardholder only. Offers may vary, restrictions may apply. Usage may be restricted when used in conjunction with any other offer or retailer loyalty card discounts. Cannot be used towards the purchase of gift cards or certificates.

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Irene Wallace, Camosun Student Employment facilitator. Jim Townley, co-owner of Fresh Cup Roastery Café in Saanichton and Sidney, believes as long as his staff are discreet about tattoos and piercings, he doesn’t see why they can’t find a common ground. Providing, of course, the customer is still comfortable. “Giving a little bit of latitude around their individuality allows the staff to be comfortable,” says Townley, “because they’re bringing their personality to work every day.”

COLUMNS

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By Keltie Larter

GIVING IT UP: old habits di by Kelly mArion

Back door love With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, forget about waxy chocolates and overpriced flowers and surprise your partner with a little something different to show them how much you love them. this year, why not surprise them with a little anal sex? One of the great things about anal play is it can be enjoyed by men and women. Unlike the penis or vagina, both males and females own the right equipment. For men, stimulation of the prostate gland through the rectal wall results in pleasurable erotic sensations and often an orgasm. For women, the many nerve endings located in and around the anus can be extremely pleasurable when coupled with some vaginal or clitoral stimulation. and just to put heterosexual men out there at ease, enjoying a little anal play does not mean you’re gay, so don’t get your boxers in a knot . . . straight men do it all the time, too. Gay men are just more open about it. “Butt” where to start? First of all, you want to make sure the area is squeaky clean. try luring your partner into the shower or bathtub with a soapy massage to start the evening off. also, to avoid a messy situation, make sure you’ve had a bowel movement a couple of hours before you play. Secondly, the most important accessory to any kind of anal penetration is a good lubricant. i repeat, do not try putting your finger or anything else up there dry; it’s painful and will most likely cause your partner to clench up, effectively killing the mood. Next, with a bit of lube on your finger, try gently rubbing around the outside of the anus and perineum while simultaneously stimulating the genitalia. in order for anal penetration to be pleasurable, it’s important for the anal muscles to be relaxed, and making sure your partner is really turned on helps make this happen. Often, men enjoy having the perineum and testicles licked while having their penis stroked. Likewise, many women enjoy receiving oral sex while being anally penetrated with a finger. if you’re inclined to take it to the next level, try slowly inserting the penis or a dildo into the rectum. this part of the fun calls for clear and open communication with your partner, and taking it slow is the name of the game. the first few strokes will likely be somewhat painful, but you’ll soon find the rectal muscles will relax, the pain will go away, and you’ll be able to engage in quite vigorous anal sex. a word to the wise: although they do it a lot in porn, alternating penetration between the anus and the vagina isn’t a good idea. it can result in embarrassing and uncomfortable infections, so clean up before you cross over. anal sex can be great if done right. it’s always good to add a little something different to your sexual repertoire, so lube up, relax, and have fun with it!

By Ivan E. Coyote (Arsenal Pulp Press) Kelly mArion

negativity The challenge

Be cheerful and optimistic 24 hours a day. In other words, be something I’m not. I’m nixing the negative vibe and embracing the good in life.

The research

If there’s one thing we know about in Victoria, it’s grey skies. It may not be so cold to ex-Easterners, but to locals winter is a downer, leading many of us to experience the winter blues. According to some studies, nearly 100,000 British Columbians are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, a mood disorder induced by a lack of sunlight that leaves one feeling sluggish, unenthused, and uninspired. Some are hit so hard they become clinically depressed. A simple cure is a burst of elating sunshine, but more common is accepting life as it is and living like a grump.

The rationale

The grass could be greener, but it could also be dead. With this in mind, I decided to make the most of what I’ve got and approach things in a half-full way rather than a half-empty one. From this day forward, I will be donning my rose-tinted glasses and come equipped with a smile. My life as a hippie begins now.

The trial

Day 1: To start my life at peace in my surroundings, I scoured my closet for a peace necklace I wore back in elementary, hoping just wearing it would remind me of less complicated days where my stress revolved around which boy I should kiss that day. Day 3: So far, so good. In being nicer to those around me, I am getting the same in return, making my life so much simpler and easier not to be such a bitch. Take, for example, last night. I made my family dinner, making my brother feel guilty enough to do the dishes, and giving my parents time to go for an evening stroll so they didn’t freak out about the pile of clothes scattered

Chloe mArKGrAf WOMYN’S DireCtOr

CONtriBUtiNG Writer

across my bedroom floor. In the end, everyone benefited; I felt like I was part of the Brady Bunch. Day 6: I slept in today, stubbed my toe when running to answer the phone, and discovered my brother drank the last of the milk, thus ruining my routine Shreddies breakfast. Could my day start off any worse? But instead of taking out my anger at the next person to cross my path, I bit my tongue, smoked some pot (then masked it with patchouli), and rocked out to some Hendrix. Day 8: Today, a customer at the restaurant where I work complained his meal was too slow to arrive and wasn’t spicy enough. My initial thoughts were to tell him to shove it, order it extra hot next time, and realize good food takes time; but, out of the kindness of my heart, I offered him a free meal instead, knowing very well it would be deducted from my next paycheck. I’m a full-time student and he probably works for the government; who could possibly need to save a buck? Day 10: An excerpt from my diary; “I feel like crap today. I woke up with a pounding headache, a full agenda, and only 17 hours left in the day. My schedule is so jam-packed these days that I can’t afford to feel under the weather and I can’t help but feel pissed off. Trying to keep a positive outlook I pop some pills and decide to take my day one step at a time. ‘Ain’t nothing gonna break my stride, ain’t no one gonna hold me down . . . oh no, I got to keep on moving . . . ‘ Thanks Matthew Wilder of Ace of Base, you inspire me. Love Kelly, xoxo.” Day 13: I helped out with the Mustard Seed Food Bank today and realized my life isn’t so bad. Even those in the worst situations are making the most of what they’ve got and holding their heads high. The sun is shining and spring is in the air, I have a great family, and an incredible group of friends. I can’t complain. Day 14: I discovered even though my thoughts aren’t entirely positive, I do act in a positive manner. I hold the door open for people, say bless you when people sneeze, and give up my seat for the elderly. Hippie-esque? Close enough.

The result

After two weeks of frolicking in the fields with a daisy behind my ear and my tie-dye dress blowing in the breeze, I’ve finally found inner peace. Okay, so that’s a little farfetched, but I am trying to let my hippie friends rub off on me by being a bit more optimistic and carefree.

Next issue

I’m giving up meat and all animal by-products. For a solid two weeks, I’m giving veganism a shot.

Get TRAC’s Free enant Survival Guide at www.tenants.bc.ca

After about two decades of Womyn’s Centres’ existence some still question their exclusivity. Why does such a gender exclusive organization exist on campuses all over North America? Womyn’s Centres were established to serve the changing needs of womyn in the 1970s. This was no doubt directly related to the feminist movement and the scope of womyn who were empowered at the time to get a job and go to school, regardless of societal pressures.

Womyn started attending schools in greater numbers and both womyn and men were competing in academics and the job market. The centres were originally created as a resource for womyn and have evolved into safe spaces for womyn to gather. Nowadays, Womyn’s Centres still challenge traditional roles. Not only is it a forum for womyn where they can be comfortable, safe, and secure, but it also serves as a place where womyn have control over their environment. If men want to come in to the centres, they must ask. It reverses

Rob Fleming, MLA Victoria – Hillside 1020 Hillside Avenue

250 360.2023 [email protected]

Serving Our Community

the roles and puts men in a slightly more passive role, while womyn in the centre become the authority. Why don’t men have Men’s Centres? Perhaps that’s a question men can ask, and men can answer. Maybe it’s less inherent in masculine behaviour to seek social networks and close connections. Though masculinity is changing, so are the times, and perhaps men’s needs will dramatically change with it. Time can only tell. Until then, all self-identified womyn are welcome in the Womyn’s Centre, and so are men on a case-by-case basis.

visit the nexus online

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Ivan offers a sense of realism and brutal honesty in his writing that will make you feel the discomfort associated with being born in a body that doesn’t fit quite right. He compares his situation to a pair of mismatched boots, stating that “she” pinches a little, while “he” slips off too easily. The Slow Fix is an interesting collection of short stories with context better suited to an older audience, but an overall story anyone can appreciate. It’s a great read for anyone who feels out of place in his or her own skin in a world where conforming to society is commonplace.

Are You a Renter?

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PHOtO: COUrtNeY BrOUGHtON

hard

Not a gentleman’s club

The Slow Fix

The Slow Fix is a collection of short stories from the life of Ivan, a transgender man (female to male), as he grows into his own skin while meeting head-on with stigmas and biases held by those surrounding him. It illustrates the hardships a transgender person faces, regardless of where they live, as Ivan moves across several cities and towns in Canada, from Whitehorse to Ottawa. Although this novel feels slightly fragmented, jumping from region to region across Canada, it pieces itself together nicely in telling Ivan’s story as he affects those around him, and in turn is affected by them.

13

COLUMNS

1

Ask Anything Q:How do i guarantee a second date? A:

typically, if you’ve had a successful first date, that’s reason enough to promote you to the next one. But since we don’t read minds, we can only take what body language and other verbal clues our date is giving us. if you don’t want to seem boring, try to arrange a second date that isn’t along the same lines as the first. For example, if you went out for dinner on the first date (nice work!), then offer to do something sporty (like taking a hike) for the next round. the most important part of getting ahead in the dating realm is to not give too much away too fast. Mystery is essential, because if people hand their lives over on a platter, the remaining party loses interest—fast. Let your date do the majority of the talking, unless they are shy. in this case, aim to chat about topics that interest you, and try to gain some common ground. ask about their family or generic things like where they’ve worked and what they see themselves doing in the future. this may seem loaded with ulterior motive, and it is, but it allows you to gain insight into the type of person they are, dependant on their emotions and goals. keep it light, fun, and flirty, and you’re set.

February 4, 2009

By Breanna Carey

and how often should i get an StD Q:When test? A:

You should get checked before and after every new partner. Or, if you’re in a monogamous relationship, twice per year. Why? Because monogamy can mean different things to the same couple. there’s no guarantee, so be respectful of yourself and get tested regularly. the most common sexually transmitted infection is HPV—75 percent of Canadians contract at least one strain at some point in their lives, and there are over 100 different strains. Condoms help, but don’t entirely prevent the spread, since the virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. it’s wise to always be in the know. You wouldn’t want to sleep with someone who only thinks they are safe. You want to know if they’ve ever had Chlamydia or something worse. also, blood donations are a private and selfless way to get yourself checked for aiDS, because they have to screen the blood and test it before giving it to someone else. and, remember, every person you have sex with stays with you and carries on to the next. take your sexual activities into serious account, remind yourself of the consequences, and do your best to stay safe and healthy.

By Guy Alaimo & Donald Kennedy

Free lobster and hot waitresses

Be like Oscar the Grouch, go green Joel witherinGton CSea MeMBer

The list of disposable products we produce goes on and on; remember how stuffed CSEA your garbage can was after Christmas morning? North Americans produce a lot of garbage that ultimately ends up in huge landfills. When all that waste starts decomposing, it lets off gasses contributing to the ozone layer’s depletion, adding to global warming. It doesn’t have to be like this. Recycling and composting are great ways to reduce how much waste you send to the landfill. I live in a house with four other

students; after recycling and compost, we only produce a shopping bag of garbage every couple weeks. Your recycling gets picked up at your curb, alternating weeks with your garbage pickup. Most of the things you can’t recycle at your curb can be brought to the Pacific Mobile Depot. They take almost anything you would normally throw out, like Styrofoam, soft plastic, foil, and potato chip bags. Another big contributor to the garbage problem is businesses. Chain stores and other large businesses throw out everything, even things in perfectly good shape. This presents a wonderful opportunity for us poor students. Like treasure hunting?

Try dumpster diving. It may sound weird to you at first, but if you go out with someone who knows where to go, your mind will be blown by the amount of great stuff you can pull out of a big, green dumpster. Frying pans, bike parts, day-old baking, action figures, and new shoes are just some of the things we’ve found. Some business owners don’t like people poking around their bins, so show some respect; whatever you don’t want, leave in the dumpster so you don’t make a mess. For more about Camosun Students for Enivronmental Awareness, visit www.camosunstudent. org/csea or e-mail camosunsea@ hotmail.com

Maude’s February Specials $6.95 Burger & Fries (substitutes extra)

Tuesday

$6.95 Quesadilla - Chicken, Beef, or Vegetarian (after 4 PM)

Wednesday

.35¢ Wings (after 2 PM)

Donald: There’s something special about a waitress who doesn’t bat an eyelash when you order two entrees. When I order more food than a stable young man generally does, I am not asking for you to look at me like I’m some sort of Paul Bunyan-esque freak of nature. Thank you Wharfside waitress for realizing that men sometimes eat a lot, and it’s nothing to get upset about. Something that is worth getting upset over though is the utter banality of the food at this restaurant. This meal had all the pizzazz and excitement of licking a dry spoon. Eating the calamari was like reading a high school social studies textbook—the odd flicker of flavour and substance, but ultimately an experience that leaves you bored to tears. As for the main course, it was full of wiry cheese and a nutmeg flair that was buried too deep to be noticed. I suppose the middling nature of the cuisine is to be expected—Wharfside is in the Bermuda Triangle of downtown dining, after all—but it sure is fucking frustrating.

Price: $17.89 plus tax (free lobster tails if the kitchen overcooks them!)

Thursday

Verdict: Fabulous, helpful staff, but service alone does not make a man feel content.

$6.95 Perogies (after 4 PM)

Hey, check out our Victoria buffet and burger blogs at vicbuffet.blogspot. com (Guy) and vicburgers.blogspot.com (Donald).

Sunday

Show your student ID for 10% off food

1208 Wharf St., 250–360–1808 Three course local menu: Calamari, Penne with Chardonnay Cream Sauce and Nutmeg, Turtle Pie

Guy: The guy who sat us down half-snickered at us, “Nice. The local menu.” You see, at some restaurants, if you don’t ask for the local menu, they charge you up the ass for the same food on the “regular” menu. I guess it’s meant to rip off tourists. After this, I was predicting things like our food being severely overcooked or late without proper compensation. While the food was a little below average, the price was fair, and one starts to think whether the food served on the local menu is the same quality as the food served on the regular menu. The lobster was a little overcooked and rubbery (and it ended up being free). The penne was served with Asiago cheese and cooked with chardonnay, which saved the dish from being a bore. The waitress was not overly pushy or nice (although she was gorgeous), but the calamari was like eating soggy, breaded bread.

Monday

Sunday Brunch Special Roast Beef Special ($8.95) Plate of Wings ($5.95) Daily Draft Specials

Wharfside Eatery

H

UNC L Y L I

DA 6.95 WICH $ SAND ND

A OUP

S Rock, Paper, Scissors contest every Thursday at 7:30 PM

Watch Canucks hockey here!

3810 Shelbourne Street (at Cedar Hill X Rd) 250.721.2337

Mexican Tacos
Tamales
Beer






















8 typical Mexican taco llings Try any 3 for just $5 low low student prices every day

1002 Johnson St. (at Vancouver)

Visit us today at www.orale.ca

Fo r g e t g r o u n d b e e f. . . w e p u l l o u r m e a t !

eVeNtS

[email protected]

eye on campus By Kait Cavers Wednesday, Feb. 4

Canada in Afghanistan speech Canadian international Development agency (CiDa) representative adrian Walraven will be at Camosun to present perspectives on the reconstruction of afghanistan. the visit is part of international Development Week, an annual

CiDa initiative. Walraven holds more degrees than i can count, and his experience includes United Nations Development Programs in several countries i didn’t know existed. He also served as an elections observer in Ukraine and Haiti. in other words, this man knows his shit. Come experience this rare chance to gain insights into Canada’s roles in afghanistan. From 6:30–8 pm in Young 216, Lansdowne. For more info, e-mail [email protected]

Wednesday Feb. 4

Nexus pizza day Come buy a slice and i’ll show you my boobies. No seriously, i own two blue-footed boobies, which are longguys have a wicked live show set up to showcase their new songs. a trophy Life, Conversation, and Beat kids join in on the fun.

By kait Cavers

Friday, Feb. 6

Acres of Lions CD Release Show LUCKY, SHOW AT 10 PM, PRICE TBA

it’s about damn time, acres of Lions. Finally, their CD is out, and these Victoria

Saturday, Feb. 7

Die Roten Punkte INTREPID THEATRE, SHOW AT 9 PM, $15

Berlin’s sibling superstars Otto and astrid are back with the show that won the audience pick award for the best comedy at the 2008 Victoria Fringe Fest. rocking out and busting a gut finally go hand-in-hand.

winged seabirds inhabiting tropical and subtropical islands off the Pacific Ocean, most famously the Galapagos islands in ecuador, you friggin’ perv! From 12 pm until the pizza is totally devoured, outside the Fisher Building at Lansdowne.

Friday, Feb. 6

Free movie! if you’re like me and you keep putting your money on the edmonton Oilers, then you’re probably broke. So why not check out something free? Free and educational! Sometimes in april is set against the ’94 Genocide that took place over 100 days in rwanda. the movie has been hailed as a triumph of storytelling,

Friday, Feb. 13

Vincat’s Glam Rock Ball LUCKY, DOORS AT 9:30 PM, $9

Vincat, run Chico run, Bloody Wilma, Cobras Cobras Cobras, and Dreamboat are back to remind you why good bands never go out of style. Wear a glam costume and get in for $6.

Saturday, Feb. 14

A Black Valentine’s SUGAR, DOORS AT 9 PM, $18

if you didn’t find a date for Valentine’s

15

faithful to the actual events. at 6 pm in Young 217, Lansdowne. admission by donation.

Monday, Feb. 9

Employment info session Freedom 55 Financial brings terry Langridge, director of business development, onto campus to answer any and all questions you might have about future employment. info sessions mean leads, which means potential jobs, which means potential money, which means a potential mansion, which means potential kick-ass games of hide-andgo-seek. From 12:30–1:20 pm in CBa 209, interurban. For more info, e-mail [email protected] Day, then Vancouver’s SNFU, along with Dayglo abortions, the Frostbacks, and Burn Hollywood Burn, will keep you company all night. and, better yet, they won’t make you buy dinner and drinks.

Saturday, Feb. 14

Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra VICTORIA EVENT CENTRE, DOORS AT 9 PM, $15

tequila Mockingbird Orchestra appears on stage with Something Better and Victoria’s own Dano Stern Project. Check them out before they make it big.

Parkinson’s Onset By Adrian Binakaj

Sticky Vicky By Rhea Smilowski

classifieds eNGLiSH tutor for help with eSL, essay writing. Bente, 250–592–8340, [email protected] Math scribe wanted for physically disabled man in Math 053. Mon/tues/ thurs 10:30 am-12:20 pm, in CBa 117, interurban. Pay is $15 per hour. Please call rob at 250–414–7315 or drop into the Upgrading Help Centre in CBa 109.

Rules Each registered student at Camosun is eligible for up to 40 words FREE per semester. this can be in the form of a 40-word ad, or two 20-word ads. Drop off your ad at the Nexus, richmond House 201, Lansdowne, e-mail it to nexus@nexusnewspaper. com, or call the ad in at 370-3591. Please include your student number and contact information. Small print: Nexus reserves the right to refuse ads for any reason. No sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise derogatory or slanderous ads. Business-related ads are $15 for 20 words or less. 50 cents per extra word

Phlegm By Shane Scott-Travis

Overheard at Nexus

tessA CoGmAn StaFF eaVeSDrOPPer

Nexus staff works very hard during production of the newspaper, and there are times when exhaustion takes over what we say. the following is what’s been overheard at the Nexus office lately: “So we’re not going to go with my Weird Science idea?”

“i woke up with a sore ass and a red nose.”

“So, are you going to get hammered on your last day of work?

“Look at those kids holding branches in front of their faces. are they starting a cult?”

“Six writers have already gotten back to us about Disney on Ice. that’s sad.”

“it’s spreading, Jason.”

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