Nexus Issue 19-13 March 4/09

Volume 19 Issue 13 March 4, 2009

Camosun’s Student Voice Since 1990

trees PleAse

uGh, my NeW bff

struttiNG it

This environmental group is getting the job done without being protesting tree-huggers.

A look at how addictive reality TV is, and how it keeps us coming back for another hit.

So you think you can’t dance? Take some notes as we look at Victoria’s current dance scene.

cAmPus—7

life—9

Arts—13

games

2009

Pages 10-11

Photo: courtNey brouGhtoN

2

vieWS Cops versus grills and guns

Nexus Editorial

March 4, 2009

tessA coGmAN Staff Writer

Next publication: March 18, 2009 Deadline: noon March 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

NEXUS PUBLISHING SOCIETY STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS

Kyla Ferns Kelly Marion Andrea Moir Jason Motz Chris Pal Miriam Putters MANAGING EDITOR

Jason Schreurs LAYOUT EDITOR

Laila Brown STUDENT EDITOR

Tessa Cogman COPY EDITOR

Alan Piffer

graPHiC: adriaN biNakaJ

How many police does it take to screw in a light bulb? Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says he needs 475 more police officers to bring their staff in line with the Toronto police, and 875 more to compare in size to Montreal’s force. With 12 shootings in 16 days, Vancouver is starting to look more and more like Detroit City. Although we are an island away, the sound of gunfire is getting far too close to home, and is leaving many Victoria residents anxious, with some pointing the finger at the police. The number of gangs in BC has grown from about a dozen 10 years ago to more than 100 today, fueled in part by an expanding drug trade. Police haven’t yet confirmed that the incidents are gang-related, but we’re not idiots. Four of six shootings in early February were likely linked to drug or gang activity and most of the victims’ vehicles had chrome rims. But don’t go boarding up your

windows just yet, Victoria. After the Surrey killings, the province formed the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, an integrated gang task force and violence suppression group, to target gangsters and guns on the street.

four of six shootings in early february were likely linked to drug or gang activity and most of the victims’ vehicles had chrome rims. The team, which has more than 100 officers from every regional jurisdiction except Vancouver and suburban Delta, was created in 2003 in part to coordinate investigations of gang-style killings that spilled across municipal boundaries. But the team doesn’t have 100 new recruits; they are just pulling

their efforts into one area and taking them out of another. The Vancouver police departments are obviously shorthanded and gangs are taking advantage of this. This is where the citizens step in to lend a helping hand to solve these murders, right? Wrong. The people that know who’s responsible for these events are reluctant to talk. Generally witnesses will give statements but never carry through with them. I don’t blame them; I wouldn’t want a cap in my ass either. But, instead of blaming the police, we should be applauding them for their efforts. It’s obvious they are trying as hard as they can, and it’s difficult with all their witnesses keeping quiet. So until the guns cease-fire, avoid skipping down Douglas Street in total oblivion and, while you’re at it, tell your fellow friend to simmer down on the rap music. While it’s no time to be paranoid, it is time to be aware of your surroundings; Victoria could easily act as a getaway for some of these shooting suspects.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Kait Cavers STAFF WRITERS

Guy Alaimo Brendan Kergin Jason Motz STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Courtney Broughton

Open Space

Camosun not UVic’s sloppy seconds christi KAy

ADVERTISING SALES

DISTRIBUTION

Adrian Binakaj Ashley Moore CONTRIBUTORS:

Guy Alaimo Adrian Binakaj Allie Bowman Michael Brar Courtney Broughton Cristian Cano Breanna Carey Daniel Carranza Kait Cavers Tessa Cogman Maelina de Grasse Michael Duncan Elizabeth Harvey Christi Kay Donald Kennedy Keltie Larter Joanna Lillard Will Maartman Hayley MacDonald Kelly Marion Chloe Markgraf Andrea Moir Jason Motz Amee Nijjar Alan Piffer Sheila Porteous Andy Roberts Shane Scott-Travis Ed Sum Joel Witherington 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. 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]

CoNtributiNg Writer

I was walking into school the other day and overheard a conversation between two fellow students. Their topic was one I hear all too frequently. They were complaining that attending Camosun, especially the Lansdowne Campus, is an embarrassment. I just don’t understand it—Camosun is a great place to be. Many students choose to look at the older structures, like the Young Building, as being outdated. Why not look at it from a more positive angle? For example, the Young Building is a historical structure dating back to 1915. It was a military hospi-

Letters

Breanna Carey Jason Schreurs 250-370-3593 Campus Plus NATIONAL 1-800-265-5372

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.

tal during the war and later became Victoria College. The history and

i value the privilege of arriving on campus 10 minutes before class, parking at the far end of the parking lot, and making it to class on time. character in the Young Building is far more inspiring to me than some stuffy modern establishment. I also talked to one student who said he felt like the education at

Weight loss story inspiring

Chris Burnett’s feature story, Losing the baggage [Feb. 18 issue], was one of the most positive and encouraging stories I’ve read in a long time; no fuss, no drama, just one man’s struggle against a problem of his own making. I too can identify with Burnett’s story. As a teenager I was always overweight, often straying into the obese category. I spent entire summers wearing sweaters because I was ashamed of my appearance, and trips to the swimming pool became a thing of the past. Walk around without a shirt on? Get real. But, like all big life changes, these transformations require two ingredients—brute force and a belief in yourself. Nobody can persuade you to go to the gym and cut down on your food intake; fundamentally, you have to experience that epiphany for yourself. As the rapper Maxi-Jazz would say, “No one can be the source of your contempt—it lies within, in the centre.” In 2000, at the end of a long-term relationship and faced with a large degree of uncertainty in life, I began a regime that would conclude with

Camosun was sub-par. He felt the same first-year courses at UVic would be better than the ones he was taking here. That’s ridiculous. First-year courses at a university like UVic can have several hundred people in them, where each student is nothing more than a number. Speaking of numbers, tuition at UVic is higher for the same courses. Also, I value the privilege of arriving on campus 10 minutes before class, parking at the far end of the parking lot, and making it to class on time. That wouldn’t be plausible at most universities where you need at least two maps to find the way from the parking lot to the classrooms. The landscaping and large

me losing a third of my weight, dropping from 240 pounds to a lean and svelte 160 pounds. Ultimately, only you can put your hopes and dreams into action; one day I simply decided I’d had enough, and that I wanted to take one last shot at trying to be the person I wanted to be. It takes time and courage, but there’s no better feeling than getting back to school after a break without a hefty set of man-boobs.

ANdy roberts CAMOSUN STUDENT

Brand names the real enemy Whatever happened to “send your kids to college, they come home Marxists?” In Students shouldn’t support fake brands [Feb. 18 issue], Alissa Laurin writes “quality, trust, and honesty are obtained in the purchase [of branded products].” This is a myth of the brand; actually, the disparity in price between brand and “no-name” products goes towards manufacturing a brand image which consumer fetishism allows us to appropriate into our own identity through the transmogrification of the purchase. Basketball shoes are easily produced, but

amount of trees creates a great atmosphere at the Lansdowne campus. Anyone who walks in from the corner of Richmond and Hillside has taken in the beauty of the trees lining the original driveway leading up to the Young Building. No matter how many times I trek up that hill, the scenery always energizes me. Our pub may only be open for two hours a week for six months of the year, but otherwise we’ve got it pretty good. Students should focus more on what Camosun does have to offer. And at least we don’t have to dodge a minefield of rabbit feces each time we arrive on campus. Take that, UVic!

only the magic of advertising can imbue $2.50 worth of materials and labour with the essence of sport. The article also states purchasing a faux “takes away from the original creator of the item . . .” You don’t have to agree with Proudhon that all “property is theft” to consider the idea of intellectual property rights dubious; either way, if you’ve ever downloaded music from the Internet, then you’ve already stolen intellectual property from someone who probably needs the money much more than Versace does. It’s true the ubiquity of the knockoff takes away from the prestige of the authentic and augmented status that comes along with the purchase of it. Depending on your worldview, you may consider this an argument in favour of purchasing the imitation; this clandestine act of consumer terrorism subverts an elitist and materialist system. In an age when consumer decisions shape our world more than democratic actions, what should students consider when spending their few spare dollars? How about ethical consumption guided by environmentalist and humanitarian principles?

hAydeN Kee

CAMOSUN STUDENT

vieWS

[email protected]

3

Is Obama-rama justified? Pay attention to Canada, not Obama Peter GArdNer CoNtributiNg Writer

the question about obama is can he bring about the positive change so many of us are hoping for?

AlAN Piffer Staff Writer

Every time I watch the news, I find it hard to fathom Barack Obama is actually in office, especially after the years of the Bush administration. Besides the milestone of its first African-American president, the United States has a leader who’s young, tech-savvy, intelligent, and progressive-minded. In the midst of two never-ending conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a massive global financial crisis, a lot of hope rests on Obama’s shoulders. Although it’s going to be a struggle for Obama to deal with the current situation, he appears to be as qualified a leader as anyone else to clean up the current mess we’re in. But is he really? I have as high hopes for the Obama administration as anyone else, but with all the

hero worship going on in the media, I feel a little uneasy. Progressiveminded people see Obama as their saviour and don’t want to criticize him. Meanwhile, American conservatives have done their best to demonize him. The question about Obama is can he bring about the positive change so many of us are hoping for? Is Obama really the leader of the free world, or, as many conspiracy theorists believe, just another puppet on a string like Bush? Not long after Obama was sworn in he announced the closure of the highly controversial Guantanamo Bay prison; after that, he announced the States’ commencement into stem-cell research. These all appear to be good signs, but how far can Obama really go? Will Obama pull out of Iraq and work towards ending America’s

dependence on foreign oil through development of alternative energy sources? Can he transform America from the reactionary, imperialist nation under the Bush-ites into the progressive nation we’d all like to see? I hope so. But I also understand that the many powerful people in America will do whatever they can to preserve the status quo. Maybe Obama got in to throw us progressive-minded people a bone after so many years of Republican domination. And while everyone on Earth who doesn’t fall into the right-wing conservative camp is ecstatic over the young, hip new president, the same old things will go on as usual. But, at the very least, as Ralph Nader once said, “Anybody’s better than Bush.”

Everyone in America has been watching Barack Obama very closely, and many people love him. Many Canadians have been keeping a close eye on him as well, and have the same hopes for his presidency as the Americans do. But when there’s so much going on in our own country, as well as our province, why are we paying so much attention to Obama? Our government was almost, for lack of a better term, overthrown this past December. The BC government doesn’t know up from down and they’re hiding from the opposition with an election coming up. The economy’s in such dire straits that Camosun College is expecting huge cuts to its government funding, as a great deal of money has been lost in investments. So why don’t I hear anything about these things from students when I walk through the halls? Yet most students went crazy on Obama’s inauguration day. Maybe it’s just a matter of marketing. So much money was put into campaigns for Obama. As well, every celebrity and their mom were talking about how only cool people vote for Obama. How often do we hear a Canadian celebrity, other than Rick Mercer or a news anchor, talk about the federal government? So perhaps it wasn’t hard to get swept up in the

commotion of everything Obama. But even so, why don’t we pay attention to what’s happening here? The provincial Liberal government is trying to sit in the house as little as possible, diving through all sorts of loopholes to get out of the way of an overly eager NDP.

do we need someone like Steve Nash to tell us we should pay attention to our own province?

It’s really exciting and interesting to follow Canadian and BC politics right now but, again, not many people are paying attention. And there’s an election just around the corner! Would it be more interesting if some celebrity endorsed the NDP? Do we need someone like Steve Nash to tell us we should pay attention to our own province? This is in no way a knock on Obama, who was able to capture the hearts of a usually politically apathetic country. I just wish Canadians would get their hearts back and put them in the body of the country they live in.

Acceptance of other cultures is a two-way street mAeliNA de GrAsse CoNtributiNg Writer

Embracing many cultures and welcoming immigrants to share our country is what it truly means to be multicultural. But with so many ethnicities coming to Canada, each with their own customs and traditions, there are bound to be differences in way of life. Should Canada be expected to change its own customs and traditions to further accommodate those who move here? Or should new immigrants adapt to change, since they’re the ones who have chosen to live in this country?

Should Canada be expected to change its own customs and traditions to further accommodate those who move here?

Bruce Allen of CKNW’s Reality Check was introduced as a member of the creative team shaping the

ceremonies and entertainment of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. But his job was threatened when he disagreed with the proposal to translate the Canadian anthem into Hindi. Many new Canadians found his comments offensive and tried to get him fired. But there’s no reason for people to be offended. Loyalty to one’s country shouldn’t be thought of as an act of racism. Why should the Canadian anthem be sung in anything other than Canada’s official languages? Canada has already opened its arms to people and cultures from

all over the world. Most importantly, immigrants are welcome here just as they are. On the other hand, Canadians offer to share their home just as it is. There’s no deal including individual renovation plans. Is a homeowner expected to change the wallpaper if a guest doesn’t like it? Upon moving here, Sikhs aren’t asked to wear beaver-tail turbans, and Muslims aren’t expected to stitch the Canadian flag onto their burkas. These people have a right to the elements of their culture and home, and so should Canada have every right to its cultural elements,

such as the national anthem. There’s a fine line between accepting diversity and maintaining individuality. Changing the ways and traditions of Canada puts it at risk of losing its identity. Multiculturalism is a valued quality of Canada, but it can’t and shouldn’t be its only distinctive feature. Assorted ethnicities in Canada should add to its identity, not replace it. Life is a two-way street. New Canadians should be just as accepting of Canada as the country is expected to be of them.

tell us your best joke. BY TESSA COGMAN

shANNoN Potts

christA mAcAtee

richArd bAer

hAyley lithWicK

“What does a duck do when it’s flying upside down? Quack up.”

“two peanuts are walking in a park. one is a salted.”

“What is the capital of iceland? about $25.”

“a guy walks into a bar and says, ‘ouch.’”

cArlos mArticoreuA “What’s the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts? beer nuts are free, and deer nuts are a buck and a half.”

mArK WilhelNis

berNAdette Perry

“What do you call two Mexicans playing ping pong? Juan on Juan.”

“Why did Spock pee on the ceiling? He wanted to go where no man had gone before.”

NEWS



March 4, 2009

BC’s education budget doesn’t measure up, say student groups Guy Alaimo Staff Writer

Despite a 7.3 percent rise in funding for postsecondary education, the recent 2009 provincial budget announcement still has BC student groups fuming. Not only is the funding not nearly enough, the budget does nothing to help student debt, according to the groups. “The budget is really frustrating for students,” says Shamus Reid, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). “The government had an opportunity to invest in the future at a time when we are really going to need it in an economic recession. History tells us that in times of economic decline, people go back to school to upgrade their skills in order to build a stronger economic fortune for themselves, and with this budget we are continuing to put these goals out of reach.” Reid is especially worried about the national student debt that, according to the CFS, has collectively surpassed $13 billion. He says the government should have a hand in helping offset student debt. “Here in BC and Canada there was no investment in financial assistance for students whatsoever,” says Reid. “There is a realization south of the border that offsetting student debt is necessary, and this realization has not seemed to make its way up to our federal and provincial government. We need to see the federal government invest more funding into the budget and the provincial government reducing tuition fees and investing in grants for students.”

“We need to see the federal government invest more funding into the budget and the provincial government reducing tuition fees and investing in grants for students.” Shamus Reid Canadian Federation of Students

According to the budget, announced on Jan. 29, postsecondary institutions will receive $228 million over three years, with $165 million of that allocated towards making higher education more accessible for students. The government also states that new capital investments into postsecondary education will create jobs and provide space for BC’s colleges and universities in partnership with the federal government. Student Society of UBC Vancouver’s vice-president of external affairs officer, Tim Chu, says the budget is less than adequate for students. “Current funding levels for postsecondary education are inadequate, and the new budget shows no sign of improvement,” says Chu. “The $165 million to increase over three years works out to $55 million a year. This does not even make up for the damages caused by the $60 million that was cut last year.” But the Chief Financial Officer/ Bursar for Camosun College, Peter Lockie, says the announced funding increase is promising news, although he isn’t sure how the funds will specifically benefit Camosun. “This is certainly promising news for the postsecondary system as a whole, where overall operating funding to institutions is budgeted to increase by 7.3 percent,” says Lockie. “How that will be allocated to individual institutions is not yet known. We understand that the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development staff is working on these allocations and these are expected to be

provided to us in early March.” Meanwhile, Reid acknowledges that funding to schools is increasing, but says it still isn’t enough for struggling students. “The student aid budget remains constant but is expecting a 7.3 percent increase in enrolment,” says Reid. “So while there is an operating increase in this budget, it is still projected to fall behind enrolment and inflation increases.” Lockie says Camosun is projecting a shortfall in their budget this year, despite the increase in funding, and is getting prepared no matter what happens. “Although the funding news looks positive, it is by no means certain that any additional funding we receive will totally solve our projected budget shortfall,” says Lockie. “We will be continuing

our budget development process in order that we are prepared to respond to whatever funding situation results when the actual details are given to us.” Before the budget announcement, Camosun predicted it would carry a $3.4 million deficit for 2009/10 and has already asked department heads how they can cut five percent out of their budget, a task that has some faculty concerned about the longevity of their jobs and students fearing an increase in tuition. While the threat of job losses is a serious possibility, Lockie says students need not worry about a rise in tuition to offset the school’s deficit because the provincial government has put a cap on tuition increases to the rate of inflation. (With files from Jason Motz.)

Less teens bumping uglies Amee Nijjar

Contributing Writer

We live in an over-sexualized society, there’s no doubt about it. But when comparing teens of the ’90s with teens today, the numbers of those who have “knocked boots” looks to have dropped. Telephone interviews with thousands of Canadian teenagers showed the amount of teenagers aged 15–19 who have had sex at least once dropped from 47 percent in 1996 and 1997, to 43 percent in 2005, according to Statistics Canada. Victoria High School senior Anna Macdonell was surprised to hear the numbers had been dropping. From what she’s seen around school, Macdonell says by senior year most girls have had sex.

“Youth want to learn about sexual health. It’s a topic that is current, relevant, and fascinating to them.” Jennifer Gibson Health educator

“The media is telling teens that it’s cool to have sex, so kids want to try it and see what it’s like,” says Macdonell. But, even with the sex-saturated media of today, Macdonell says she is waiting for a steady relationship with someone she really trusts before she decides to have sex. “I would like to believe that girls are wanting to wait a little more and don’t feel too rushed, and that they are also scared of the consequences,” says Macdonell. Jennifer Gibson, who works as a professional health educator in Victoria, says education at earlier ages and access to community resources is partly responsible for this decrease in sexual activity. “The earlier we begin conversa-

tions about sexual health, the more comfortable our youth are with sexual health information, and the longer they have to really consider the risks,” explains Gibson. “Youth want to learn about sexual health. It’s a topic that is current, relevant, and fascinating to them.” The number of teens becoming sexually active at an early age also declined. Statistics from 1996/1997 show 12 percent of teens having sex before the age of 15. In 2005, eight percent had sexual intercourse before the age of 15. The numbers remain idle for males, however; their stats have remained unchanged in both cases. Gibson believes young women are becoming more empowered and aware of their right to say “yes” or “no” to sex. In contrast, she thinks many of the young men she works with feel a huge amount of peer pressure to be sexually active—a pressure that’s still very acceptable to be placed on males. “I make sure that the youth I work with know that not everyone is having sex, and that if people are talking about it casually in the hallway, then they probably aren’t doing it with anyone other than themselves,” says Gibson. By the time both genders reach the ages of 20–24, the number of those having sex increases to 80 percent. “The number probably jumps so high in college years because many students move away from their family to go to school, and experience more freedom which influences their decision making,” explains 21-year-old Camosun nursing student Emily Burrows. “Also, once people leave high school, they may be moving away from a core group of friends who had a large influence on the decisions they made.” Gibson says it makes sense that with these new experiences come opportunities for sexual activity. “It also helps that the body and the mind are pretty well equipped, hormonally speaking, to be curious and very interested in sex.”

NeWS

[email protected]

5

STV, WTF?

NEWS BRIEFS

A guide to electoral reform

Share underwear

PHoto: CourtNeY brougHtoN

A new voting system could be passed in the upcoming provincial election.

Will mAArtmAN CoNtributiNg Writer

“It’s sort of like the difference between driving in your car and actually understanding how it all works,” explains Camosun Political Science professor Ross Lambertson. STV was chosen in 2004 by the BC Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, consisting of 160 people randomly selected from the voter’s list. They met throughout 2004, considering many possible voting systems before finally choosing STV by a wide margin.

There will be more to think about than simply voting for an MLA in the May 12 provincial election. A referendum will also be on the ballot, asking British Columbians if they would like to change BC’s first-past-the-post voting system to a proportional representation system, known as Single Transferable Vote (STV). If passed, the change would take place for the next election. STV involves a preferential ballot where a voter ranks candidates according to preference, with the goal of minimizing wasted “at the moment i only votes and providing proportional have one Mla, which representation. The goal of proportional repis analogous to me resentation is to match the percentage of votes parties win in an going into the grocery election with the percentage of store and there only seats they receive in the Legislabeing one kind of tive Assembly. Currently, the BC Liberals have only 46 percent of breakfast cereal.” the popular vote, but 58 percent ross lAmbertsoN of the seats. Compare this to the CaMoSuN College Green Party, with 10 percent of the vote but no seats in the Legislative Assembly. Under STV, the electoral boundaries would be redrawn larger, cre“This is a wonderful example ating fewer ridings, but each riding of what I call ‘enlightened popuwould elect several members to the lism’—in other words, getting legislature. real people to make the decision, In our voting district (all of but also, people that have studied greater Victoria, including the Gulf the situation extensively,” says Islands) there will be seven seats to Lambertson. “This is probably win. Regardless of district size, a one of the strongest arguments in candidate will need around 20,000 favour of STV.” votes to win a seat. Lambertson also points out Under STV, voters cast several STV would be a more inclusive votes on their ballot (or only one if system to minorities. “The parties preferred), ranking the candidates may become more representative from most to least favourite. Vot- of minorities, and more likely to ers will place a “1” beside their encourage members of ethnic, relipreferred candidate, a “2” beside gious, or gender minorities to run,” their second choice, and so on. says Lambertson. When the polls close, the votes are Countering this point is fellow tallied in rounds. Camosun Political Science profesIf your preferred candidate isn’t sor Randall Garrison who mentions elected in round one, your ballot there’s no evidence of STV causing isn’t wasted. Instead, your vote goes more equality in politics and the to your second choice candidate. So, candidates who will be elected if your first choice candidate isn’t “would be the people with the highelected, your preferences are still est profiles with the public, which part of the process. is straight, white men.” Of course, STV’s added comSTV will theoretically encourplexity may be confusing for age smaller parties like the Green some. Party, who are shut out in the

current system, but Lambertson warns, “It’s actually difficult to say, because every country and province is unique and has a different political culture.” Garrison adds to this, saying, “It would mostly just encourage prominent individuals who already have a name of their own.” STV could encourage more people in general to take part in the electoral process, says Lambertson. “Let’s say right now you’re a strong supporter of the Green Party; you might feel there is no point in supporting that party and might feel disillusioned by the current system,” says Lambertson. “Maybe STV will encourage more people to participate.” But what about STV’s potential downsides? “Well, you are being left with an either/or choice,” says Lambertson. This tends to create more minority governments, which can sometimes be unstable and unproductive, much like our current federal government. Although, according to Lambertson, not all minority governments are bad. “We had minority governments in the ’60s under Lester Pearson. And the Pearson government was very productive, it really worked very well,” says Lambertson. “You can also see how coalition governments are quite common in parts of Europe, and often do lead to stability. So it is a possible danger that you will have political instability, but I don’t think there is a high level of likelihood it will happen.” Other opponents of STV believe our current system creates a greater degree of accountability since each electoral riding has only one MLA. “Here you’re faced with several MLAs, and that is certainly a major change and some people see that as negative,” says Lambertson. In the STV system, voters can’t hold that many politicians accountable very effectively, especially independents, as opposed to a single MLA from one party, notes Garrison. But is more choice a bad thing? “At the moment I only have one MLA, which is analogous to me going into the grocery store and there only being one kind of breakfast cereal,” says Lambertson. “Now I might be able to say I have five people representing me, and if I don’t like this person over here, I can choose this person here.” Who could benefit the most from STV in BC? “I would first say smaller parties, but let’s turn it around and say who’s got the most to lose,” says Lambertson. “And perhaps that is the larger parties. But in the long run I would say that British Columbians have the most to win.” And that’s good news for voters, especially those disheartened by our current system. “The political system needs a change,” says Camosun Political Science student Leah Davis. “Something needs to be different; the current system is not balanced and British Columbians are not represented equally.”

by KAit cAvers

Mustard Seed has got food covered. Salvation army has got the coats. Now here are some students with a real plan. former Camosun students, along with uvic nursing students, are organizing an underwear drive on campus to provide much-needed underwear to our Place, an organization that provides social, health, and advocacy services to victoria’s street population. the drive will be running for the entire month of March and donation boxes will be located in several spots around the campuses, so head to Zellers to grab a 10brief bundle and keep your eyes peeled for donation boxes. for info, contact Chris bigelow at [email protected]

Hunger pains in response to the alarming amount of complaints about aramark filed via Nexus, ami Muranetz, a second-year visual arts student at the lansdowne campus, is creating a public mural to hang in front of the ewing building. the mural portrays french food activist Jose bove who became publicly recognized worldwide after deconstructing a Mcdonald’s franchise with the Peasant’s Confederation in ’99. the mural made by Muranetz will depict quotes from bove and others on the negative outcomes of serving low-grade food. be sure to stop by and check it out on March 4 while you’re enjoying your overpriced egg salad sandwich.

Dodgy athletics on Monday, feb. 23, 50 people making up seven teams participated in the first annual dodgeball tournament at Camosun. the round robin tournament resulted in playoffs and a championship game. the winners received t-shirts boasting the phrase “dodgeball Champs ’09,” and tickets to a Salmon kings hockey game. the event was only open to Camosun students registered in the Sport education program, as well as instructors and Camosun Chargers athletes, but it still had a fantastic turnout. if you’d like to organize, watch, or participate in the next tournament, contact Sam doney at [email protected] and find out how she worked her magic.

Olympics or bust in early february, the alma Mater Society (aMS) student council voted to pass a policy to bring awareness to how the ubC campus will be impacted by the 2010 olympic activities. the 25-page report addresses the possible lack of student consultation, effect on transport, inadequate access to student housing, as well as cost of security initiatives and surrounding environmental impact. Stefanie ratjen of the aMS council says that “students have not been adequately consulted about the olympic activities on campus” and goes on to say she doesn’t want to see any students’ rights violated. the aMS’s mandate is to promote high-quality student learning while improving the quality of education and the social and personal lives of ubC students. visit www.ams.ubc.ca for info.

Mad film skillz? tourism victoria is asking all students to submit a concept for a 60second web commercial about victoria. they are looking for creative, dynamic, unique, and/or humorous concepts that are easy to shoot. the commercials about victoria are meant to appear “un-commerciallike,” and are expected to gain influence in the world of viral videos and Youtube. Your brainstorming and ideas could lead to a prize of $250! Submissions are due March 4, so get to work aSaP! feel free to include storyboards, illustrations, or photos, but don’t submit actual videos. Submissions can be sent to [email protected] and more info can be found at www.tourismvictoria.com

Call for submissions Thirdspace is a ‘zine developed by the uvic Women’s Centre that focuses on experiences that are devalued by the mainstream. it aims to bring awareness to racism, patriarchy, and colonization. the publication is currently seeking submissions that relate to the upcoming topic of “education is political.” Submissions include artwork, opinions, poetry, photography, rants, interviews, movies, books, music reviews, found items, reflections, experiences, or anything else related to the topic. for information about this publication or to submit your work, visit www.uvss.uvic.ca/wcentre/thirdspace.html or email karmin and rebecca at [email protected]

Call us on it! Nexus columnists are a lively bunch of writers that like to express their points of view. Now we want to hear yours. did any of our columns spark your interest or get you riled up? tell us what you thought in 250 words or less, e-mail your feedback to Nexus, and we’ll reprint them. give our columnists a piece of your mind!

250.370.3591 [email protected] www.nexusnewspaper.com Richmond House 201, Lansdowne

NeWS How safe are the streets of Victoria?

6

March 4, 2009

AlAN Piffer Staff Writer

PHoto: CourtNeY brougHtoN

Victoria police encourage students to stay on well-lit streets late at night.

Many people in smaller communities might see Victoria as a big city associated with attentiongrabbing crime headlines. When they move here they often find that, even though Victoria does have its problems, it isn’t really that bad. But while cycling through town after midnight a few days before Christmas, Camosun student Jay Morritt had an experience indicating Victoria definitely has its big city problems. “I was biking down Grant St., approaching Cook,” describes Morritt. “I passed by a very large, young thug in a yellow jacket, who was flanked by a smaller dude and a girl. Or rather, I tried to pass by them, but was stopped by ‘yellow jacket’s’ fist colliding smartly with my face. This sent me off my bike, and ‘yellow’ proceeded to follow up his initial blow with a series of very serious blows to my face, head, and

neck, all the while commanding me to give him my money. Eventually I was able to communicate to him that he needed to stop hitting me if he wanted the money, and he reached into my pocket and took $50 and my keys.” What disturbed Morritt the most was the attacker appeared to be motivated by nothing other than malicious intent. “I can only conclude that, judging by the zeal and determination with which he beat me and the neglect of my other valuables, ‘yellow’ wanted most just to hurt someone,” says Morritt. “That was the scariest part.” Sgt. Grant Hamilton of the Victoria Police says while random violence does occur in the city, he stresses these instances are very rare. “Most assaults and violent crime are between individuals who know each other,” says Hamilton. “When a victim is assaulted and

robbed for their money, it is usually because the suspect is looking for quick cash to buy drugs.” The majority of violent incidents, says Hamilton, are involved with alcohol consumption in the club scene. “When we respond to assaults downtown around nightclubs, it is because either one or both individuals have been drinking and got into some form of altercation.”

“When a victim is assaulted and robbed for their money, it is usually because the suspect is looking for quick cash to buy drugs.” GrANt hAmiltoN viCtoria PoliCe

Hamilton also says while Victoria will have a higher rate of violent incidents compared to smaller cities, it, like many other Canadian cities, is seeing a dwindling crime rate. “The crime rate is generally going down across the province,” says Hamilton. “We will have more assaults than, say, Saanich, because we have the majority of the liquor seats and nightclubs. But, overall, we are the same as other major cities.” Even still, Hamilton advises people to take precautions while walking around the city. “Overall, Victoria is a very safe city, but people need to be aware of their surroundings and walk away from confrontations,” says Hamilton. “The usual safety rules apply—stick to well-lit areas, walk with a friend, and avoid groups of people if they are associated to the drug trade downtown.” Morritt says the incident hasn’t changed his opinions of Victoria, but he’s now more wary while traveling through the city. “Nothing like this has ever happened to me before; I don’t feel as safe out at night alone, that’s for sure,” says Morritt. “I don’t really feel differently about the city; I still think Victoria is awesome. I just take a bit more care when I’m on the street alone late at night, and stick to more trafficked routes.”

money back

Excalibur Dialog Eye Opener Mike Chronicle Western News Imprint Cord Argus Opus Muse Gazette Aquinian Manitoban Quill Carillon Sheaf

NEWSPAPERS:

On Campus Gateway Intercamp Meliorist Bricklayer Peak Other Press Cascade Mars Hill Omega Martlet Nexus Plant Varsity Ryersonian Pro Tem Fulcrum

Incite Niagara News Lance Lambda Nomad Saint Caper Times Baron BCIT Link Kwantlen Chronicle Over the Edge Navigator Underground At Guelph Shield Campus Journal

fast

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.

08-HRB-041-BW-BE-10.indd 1

PRINT PROD.

BW

CREATIVE DIR.

BLEED:

TRIM: 8" X 10"

TYPE SAFETY: –

LIVE AREA: –

ART DIRECTOR

DISKED:

LASER %:

COPY WRITER

call us. REV#: 0

1-800-HRBLOCK (472-5625)

ARTIST: TT

come in today or call

Screw

DATE STARTED: DEC 9

and you could win $5,000 towards a road trip. visit refundroadtrip.ca

JOB NAME: STUDENT CAMPUS NWSP ADS

DOCKET/AD#: 08-HRB-041-BW-BE-8

walk in with your taxes, walk out with your money

STUDIO MGR.

ACCT. MGMT.

GOT SOME TIPS?

250.370.3591 [email protected] Richmond House 201, Lansdowne

1/26/09 9:23:21 AM

CaMPuS

[email protected]

7

Students campaign to protect old-growth forests jAsoN motz Staff Writer

A battle to protect BC’s old growth forest is being waged at Camosun College. And University Transfer student Selena Raven Cordeau, founder of the Action for Old Growth (AFrOG) student club, is in the thick of it. What began as some volunteering on behalf of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee (WCWC) soon took on a life of its own. Not long after, Cordeau organized a nascent version of AFrOG at Camosun. While her studies got in the way last semester, Cordeau came into 2009 committed to the group. Her focus was soon rewarded, as a core of like-minded environmentalists quickly joined her ranks. “I didn’t know what to expect, especially from a small college,” says Cordeau. “The core group is into it and really motivated; it’s really positive.” Cordeau hopes the group will be able to move towards achieving its intended goals, namely protecting BC’s old growth forests. “We want to do something we feel is a good cause, but at the same time we want to do it and feel like it’s going somewhere and is positive,” says Cordeau. The group will keep busy this March with several events and activities designed to raise awareness. These plans include rallies and marches at Camosun, UVic, and downtown, as well as letter-writ-

ing campaigns, an aerial picture to be taken at Lansdowne, and a movie night. Ken Wu, Victoria campaign director for the WCWC, was an early supporter of Cordeau. “Selena is a great example of the best kind of environmental movement-builder,” says Wu. “She’s motivated, she’s familiar with the outdoors, having been an outdoor adventure guide, and she has great people skills that motivate everyone around her.” Camosun has long been a focal point for young activists such as Cordeau and her AFrOG “froggies.” “Campus-based groups like Action for Old Growth have been a fundamental part in the success in ballooning the influence of the ancient forest movement in Victoria,” says Wu. “The students are the first to take action, and they give the movement a major momentum that attracts all others in society.” But this is no merry band of anti-forestry zealots. The crucial difference between AFrOG and other activist groups is in the lessthan-confrontational ways they put out their message. “The difference, maybe, with other environmental groups is that [AFrOG] is not so much based on confrontation, conflict, or protest,” says Cordeau. AFrOG’s goals are to be carried out through the development and implementation of sustainable logging practices. Their primary

aim is to convince the government to move away from old growth logging and commence with second growth logging.

“the difference, maybe, with other environmental groups is that our group is not so much based on confrontation, conflict, or protest.” seleNA rAveN cordeAu CaMoSuN aCtioN for old groWtH

With only 10 percent of productive old growth logging remaining on Vancouver Island, such a switch is inevitable. Cordeau is rallying government to speed up the switch. Hardest hit by any downsizing in the forest industry are the mills “We are asking the government to that once dotted the island, but subsidize those companies to be are now slowing down or shutting able to retool. The government down permanently. Part of the prob- subsidized agriculture and autolem, and one Cordeau says needs mobile companies when the times immediate fixing, is the expense were rough, so why don’t they do it with forestry?” of retooling the mills. Negotiating directly with the “One of the reasons is that they’re all tooled for old growth government is one of AFrOG’s aims. forest, like big logs. So for them With elections fast approaching, to be retooled to second growth there’s no time like the present is quite expensive,” says Cordeau. for activists to make their cases

PHoto: CourtNeY brougHtoN

heard. “The politicians are a bit more willing to listen to the public because they want to be re-elected,” says Cordeau. “Now is a good window to make our message heard.” “The support of the Green party is really strong,” she adds. “The NDP is quite supportive too.” Regarding the Tories’ show of support, however, Cordeau just laughs.

Camosun chemistry student ranks Beating the bell high in prestigious competition joANNA lillArd

CoNtributiNg Writer

jAsoN motz Staff Writer

Despite the long history of Camosun’s Applied Chemistry & Biotechnology (ACBT) program, no student in it had ever competed in the annual Canadian Institute of Chemistry Student Symposium. Not until Shanna McDonald followed a whim last year. “I had no idea that it actually existed,” says McDonald of the symposium. Credit a seminar hosted by one of the prospective judges that motivated McDonald to submit her name for the event. Even though it was a last-minute entry, McDonald’s 15-minute presentation about the effects of Nalgene on drinking water was good enough for second place. Flash-forward a year, and once again McDonald took part in the CIC Student Symposium, held at UVic. This time McDonald discussed the illuminating history of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and received another second-place prize. “I was a little bit better prepared with regards to the types of questions I knew they’d ask,” says McDonald, comparing her experience to the previous year. “Last year, I was really quite shaky because I had been away from school for awhile.” Nasr Khalifa, a professor in Camosun’s Department of Chemistry and Geoscience, was impressed with McDonald’s performance.

“College is a different environment; it’s a lot more supportive.” shANNA mcdoNAld CaMoSuN StudeNt

“Considering the fact that she was competing against both graduate and undergraduate students at UVIC, she did very well,” says Khalifa. For her symposium topic this year, McDonald had 15 minutes to present on GFP. In front of the judges, a group of mostly retired Chemistry professors, McDonald explained how this cluster of amino acids, once isolated from an Aequorea jellyfish, fluoresces green when exposed to blue light. McDonald presented to the panel a timeline stretching back to the origin of the green fluorescent stuff in 1955, up to the 2008 Nobel Prize-winning research by Martin Chalfie, Osamu Shimomura, and Roger Y. Tsien. This revolutionary advance in neurobiology could lead to dramatic changes in modern medicine.

“If I was full of GFP right now and someone turned out the lights and just put on a blue light, it would glow and you would see the parts that were, say, skin cancer,” says McDonald. McDonald is indicative of some of the bright minds Camosun is churning out. Larry Lee, chair of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology at Camosun, sees McDonald’s recent success as an encouraging sign the future will reap increasingly greater rewards. “We are trying to get Camosun students to go and bring home the bacon,” says Lee. The ACBT program is a good fit for those students who have professional ambitions. “We try to mentor our students,” adds Lee. McDonald echoes those sentiments. Having spent the better part of 10 years toggling back and forth between the military and university, McDonald has nothing but praise for the college scene. “It’s a different environment; it’s a lot more supportive,” she says. For finishing second, McDonald won a cool $200, plus bragging rights. As for the opportunity to claim the top prize at next year’s Student Symposium, McDonald is content to let another student try to jump the final hurdle. After this term, McDonald is off to Royal Roads University to begin graduate school. Says McDonald, “I just wanted people to know that college kids are kicking it too.”

ing good money to be here,” says Arsenault, “it is rude, and it can disrupt the whole class, but we’re the ones paying.” Each instructor deals with tardy students in their own way. While many deduct marks off a student’s attendance grade, others go so far as to lock the classroom door once class has begun.

After a class starts, there’s always a straggler or two. They slip in 10 or 15 minutes late, looking guilty and apologetic while trying not to disturb the lecture. Despite the remorse written on their face, the same scenario plays out once or twice a week all semester. While being occasionally late is one thing, being consistently tardy can be downright rude. What does “You wouldn’t show up chronic lateness suggest about late to work a person, particularly a college student? continually, so why According to Camosun learnwould you for class?” ing skills instructor Darryl Ainsley, student tardiness stems from a dArryl AiNsley variety of issues, including lack CaMoSuN College of motivation, but it particularly points to poor time management. Having good intentions for being An adequate punishment for on time isn’t enough, he says. lateness remains subjective, but “If you are driving to school Arsenault admits if he were to get in the morning during rush hour, in trouble for being late, it might should you anticipate lots of traffic? be incentive for him to show up on Of course, it’s rush hour,” says Ain- time. “If a teacher got mad at me, sley. “Time management is a matter especially in front of the entire class of factoring in the inevitable.” then, yes, I’d try not to be late again Ainsley adds tardy students may just to avoid the embarrassment.” be unaware of the accepted norms It may be impossible to teach of the college, where punctuality students motivation, but it is posis valued. “Students should treat sible to teach them how to practice school as if it were their workplace. effective time management. Try You wouldn’t show up late to work planning on being early—not just continually, so why would you for on time, but early. class?” “It has been said that after 21 Geo-sciences student Matt Ar- days of solid repetition we can senault admits he’s frequently late create habits,” explains Ainsley. for class, but doesn’t believe tardi- “It is hard for punctual people to ness is something instructors have appreciate the difficulty in arriving the right to punish students for. on time because they have gotten “We’re all adults and we’re pay- into a habit of being on time.”

LIFE



March 4, 2009

Tales of Victoria’s raccoon raconteur raccoon whisperer. “Raccoons would rather run than face injury. Despite what you think, they don’t want confrontation.”

“Raccoons take whatever you throw at them; they’re very resilient.” Jeff Krieger Alternative Wildlife Solutions

Shane Scott-Travis Contributing Writer

A sudden clatter from the kitchen pulls you out of a sound sleep. What could it be at this time of the night? Before you can get your slippers on, another loud crash peals from the pantry. The fight-or-flight impulse kicks in and a frightening possibility looms—is this a home invasion? Just then, an unexpected chattering shatters the stillness. A newfound courage carries you to the kitchen in time to see a black masked intruder waddle out the cat door. Another furry fellow follows in hot pursuit and you see his striped tail—like Davy Crockett in

Most Victoria residents have encountered raccoons and many share their attics, backyards, basements, crawlspaces, porches, and tool sheds with these pesky party-crashers. “We get calls all the time about raccoons,” says Andrea Moraes of photo: courtney broughton Victoria Animal Control Services. “We usually direct them to the Wildminiature—flash for an instant as he too beats a hasty retreat out the life Arc or another agency.” Seeing a need for wildlife serteeny door from which he came. You’ve just been punked by a pair vices, Kreiger started Alternative Wildlife Solutions four years ago of resourceful raccoons! “Today I was up a tree after one,” and never looked back. “I realized there was nobody says Jeff Krieger, owner of Alternative Wildlife Solutions, “I wouldn’t around doing a really good job normally do that after a raccoon, but of humane animal control,” says Krieger. in this case I did.” Krieger may be the best friend These bushy-tailed brutes, with their highly social lifestyle, bold these masked bandits have around disposition, and opposable little these parts. “Raccoons take whatthumbs, are seldom given much ever you throw at them; they’re very resilient,” he says. credence in our society. Many residents in the Greater “You have to make sure that the Victoria area have crossed paths animal has an escape route and come at him from the other way,” with the animals, some on a more says Krieger quietly, like a re-worked ongoing basis.

“We had a family of raccoons living under our deck,” says Sonya Hull, a Fernwood resident, “and we were concerned our pets might get attacked.” Like any animal, raccoons will protect their young, explains Krieger. “Usually they’ll mind their own business and want to be left alone,” he says. “When dogs and cats have been attacked by a raccoon the reason is usually that they were defending themselves and their young—they won’t fight back unless they’re cornered.” Hull decided the best course of action was to call for help, so she contacted Krieger. “We didn’t want the raccoons to be harmed,” says Hull, “so the SPCA suggested relocation.” Raccoons can be safely relocated from 500 meters to 1 km distance, but relocation is always a last resorts, says Krieger. “A raccoon who lives in Fernwood learns to follow their mom and do as she does, looking into garbage cans or what have you,” explains Krieger, “If you take them out into the woods they don’t know how to get food and it can be a slow death for them. A relocated raccoon family can be doomed. The mother might abandon her young due to food scarcity. It is often not a good thing.” In captivity or in the wild raccoons can live 20 years, but in urban environments their life expectancy drops drastically. Experts say two to four years is the average life span for city-dwelling ‘coons. “I’ve seen and identified the

same raccoons for years,” marvels Krieger, “but some don’t make it very long. Many get hit by cars or poisoned or hunted. People will leave food out for feral cats and raccoons will get into that and another bad habit starts.” Protecting yourself is the most important thing, advises Krieger, as well as properly maintaining your property, especially as it gets closer to spring. “Springtime is a busy time for me because of the concentration of youngsters and the noises they make,” says Krieger. As winter gives way to summer a mother raccoon may birth up to seven cubs. Krieger certainly has his work cut out for him. “A lot of times people will be hearing a loud litter and not know what to make of it. The grunting and growling of baby raccoons can frighten people and I’ll get calls about an aggressive animal only to find a mother with her babies,” says Krieger. Living in the city, it’s easy to overlook animals and casually brush aside their interests. It’s also easy to forget they live with us, not for us. The next time a bump in the night pulls you from that fitful sleep, consider the little lives all around you and act accordingly. “My phone never stops ringing. I’m at it seven days a week,” says Krieger. If you are concerned about raccoons or other animals in close proximity to your home, contact [email protected]

Pemberton music festival postponed to 2010 Hayley MacDonald Contributing Writer

Music festivals have become huge events, attracting people of all ages from far and wide. Some festivals have developed worldwide reputations. Glastonbury, Coachella, Summerfest, and North by Northeast are familiar events to concertgoers everywhere. The Pemberton Festival near Whistler, which debuted last summer, seemed destined for the same type of international fame. But fans looking forward to Pemberton 2009 will have to wait at least another year. Live Nation, the company behind the festival, has confirmed it will be focusing on summer 2010 for

the next festival. This year’s event has been cancelled because it took extra time for the BC Agricultural Land Commission to issue a permit, leaving too small a window to book high profile bands. Live Nation spokesperson Liz Morentin had little to say to Nexus’ inquiries about the last-ditch possibility of a Pemberton 2009, stating “let’s revisit [it] later in the year.” Following last year’s festival, the Land Commission ordered improvements be made at the venue. They involved transportation, water supply, and waste disposal. Pemberton elevated the concept of a festival to great new heights. In July 2008, over 120 artists performed over four days across four

stages for over 40,000 fans. Headlining acts included Coldplay, Jay-Z, Nine Inch Nails, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

cluding Ozzfest, and Pemberton “I’d like to see more washrooms was the best,” says Camosun stu- . . . [and] make the price of [alcohol] dent Jason Carter. a little more reasonable,” says Rolling Stone Magazine wrote Camosun student Kevin Ogborne. “the first annual Pemberton Festival With more time to plan, Pemwill gladly take the title of the next berton Festival should return in Glastonbury.” The Glastonbury 2010 with even more force, blowing “I’ve been to a few Festival takes place in a small Brit- even more minds with its crowd music festivals, ish town called Somerset, not very numbers, musical acts, and, hopeincluding Ozzfest, and different from Pemberton, BC, fully, washroom improvements. about 30 minutes past Whistler. “It’s a letdown, but . . . they are Pemberton was the Many people who supported last gearing it for 2010, so it’s someyear’s Pemberton festival wondered thing to look forward to,” says best.” whether the event would return for Carter. Jason Carter a second year. After last summer’s solid headCamosun student While there were some logis- line of performers, the expectations tical problems, festival-goers didn’t are huge for 2010. “I would love to seem to mind the inconveniences. see Red Hot Chili Peppers,” adds “Everything was perfect . . . I’ve “It was disorganized, but every- Carter. been to a few music festivals, in- thing worked,” says Camosun Despite this year’s cancellation, student Liam Wanless. “The people there’s much hope and anticipation were good to each other. I didn’t see for the festival’s return in 2010. any violence.” Coupled with the Olympics, Although the festival was a huge it’s clear the world spotlight will success, there’s always room for be shining brightly on British Colimprovement. umbia next year.

*
 '


MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill

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

Secure your future at the Camosun/VIATeC

Trades

&Technology Career Fair

Thursday, April 9 10 am-2 pm

Technologies Centre, Interurban Campus ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $250 CAMOSUN GIFT CARD. Camosun Co-operative Education & Student Employment www.camosun.ca/ses

Specialist exhibitors, employer presentations, on-the-spot interviews, pizza!

Get prepared, bring your resume, and dress for success. Open to all Camosun students and alumni.

life

[email protected]

9

Camosun students need reality TV check Allie boWmAN CoNtributiNg Writer

As its popularity continues to rise and television networks push boundaries farther than ever before, are some students falling victim to the media phenomenon of reality TV? “It’s like an addiction,” admits business transfer student Briana Fikus. “The more ridiculous the show concepts become, the more tempted I am to tune in and see what happens, even if I find it completely stupid or offensive.” Fikus is referring to recent shows like Paris Hilton’s My New BFF and A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila, both of which are examples of how quality content is being rapidly replaced with shock value and cheap thrills. Reality TV is often a competition of who can create the most dramatic and demoralizing shows using sex, alcohol, and violence to capture the viewer’s attention. And the bar keeps rising. Camosun student Jason Fentiman is appalled with the latest additions to prime time schedules. “I thought watching 25 women compete for the affections of one guy on The Bachelor was sad enough,” says Fentiman, “but then the next day I saw the advertisement for that Tila Tequila show and realized

television had hit an all-new rock bottom.” In the dating-style reality series, which ran two full seasons

“all it looked like to me was a bunch of naked, drunk idiots screaming at each other and making asses of themselves on national television.” jAsoN feNtimAN CaMoSuN StudeNt

on MTV, bisexual internet star Tila Tequila searched for her one true love amidst 16 males and 16 females. The contestants participated in foolish and embarrassing scenarios (including pole dancing, cross-dressing, and spin the bottle) to prove their affection and dedication to Tequila, whom they had only just met. “All it looked like to me was a bunch of naked, drunk idiots screaming at each other and making asses of themselves on national

television,” says Fentiman. “What a waste of time.” Considering A Shot at Love debuted at number one in its time period and its finale was MTV’s most watched series telecast, it looks as though young people have no problem wasting their time. “I have to confess, I’ve put off doing homework and studying for big tests in order to catch finales of reality shows,” says university transfer student Jenny Lawrence, who stayed up until 3 am writing a paper after watching back-toback episodes of America’s Next Top Model. “It’s so easy to get sucked into the drama! It starts with one show and before you know it you’re spending 20 hours a week watching reality TV instead of doing more important things,” says Lawrence. But not all Camosun students find themselves completely ob- The one and only Paris Hilton with the cast of Paris Hilton’s My New BFF. sessed with reality TV. episode of reality TV. Camosun student Alana Robil“I don’t mind The Biggest Loser, “I don’t even have cable,” says liard believes balance is achievable but only watch it sometimes, if Caffiero. and programs are only negative if it’s on,” says Shelina Point, who “Me neither; besides, it isn’t they are allowed too much influence doesn’t let the show’s schedule even real reality,” adds Whetung. or cause a distraction in someone’s affect her schoolwork. With more reality shows being life. On the other hand, some stu- created every day with increasingly “Sometimes it’s fun to escape dents, like Marco Caffiero and scandalous storylines, the tempta- reality for an hour or two a week,” Karen Whetung from the First tion to watch is only expected to says Robilliard. “Reality TV is like Nations Family Support Worker grow. Is reality TV abstinence the anything else in life . . . in moderaprogram, have never seen a single only way to avoid addiction? tion, it’s okay.”

Nude club shedding clothes and swimming laps shANe Priestley CoNtributiNg Writer

A national survey showed that 39 percent of Canadians have walked around their house nude. The survey, conducted by Market Facts, also found 51 percent of British Columbians have felt the need to shed their clothing. Keeping in the spirit of this survey is a local nudist club. The Arbutus Park Nudist Club (APNC) is inviting anyone and everyone, including college students, to join their monthly nude swims at a local recreation centre. The president of the club, who wished to remain nameless, welcomes all who are interested in naturalism. “This is the first time we’ve opened up outside our group,” he says. The swim consists of people from all ages and they all have one thing in common, they swim in their

birthday suits. The club members are of any age or size; small, large, or pear-shaped. “We have people in their twenties that come to the swim; a good mix of men, women, and different races,” explains the president.

“Honestly, i think it’s awesome. More people are better off without their clothes.” GeorGe ANstey CaMoSuN buSiNeSS

The APNC had the idea to open the swims up to the college community because some of participants of the swim are Camosun students. Though some are very conserva-

tive and self-conscious about their bodies, nudists appreciate it as a form of self-expression. Being nude in a social setting helps you become more comfortable with your own body, says the group’s president. “Basically it’s just like a normal swim with bathing suits, same guidelines,” he says. APNC is part of a larger league of nudist clubs that connects to American, Canadian, and European naturalists. “We are affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation, probably around 60,000 members. If you’re a person who likes to travel, you can be a member in our organization,” he says. In the colder months it’s hard to find nude swimming venues, and this is one of the reasons the group is opening up for students. “Honestly, I think it’s awesome. More people are better off without

their clothes,” says Camosun Business student George Anstey. Complete nudity is expected at these swims, so if you jump in with socks on, you might get a few glares. But nudists are very accepting people; they really don’t care what you look like. “I say more power to them,” says Eli Bell, a Camosun university transfer student. “I’m from Nelson, BC and I don’t even own a bathing suit.” The swims take place once a month at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre. The APNC have been running the swims for two years at the Panorama, and this is the first year at Gordon Head Recreation. “Nice facility there, they have a steam room and you can swim laps; they also have a bit of a water park and sometimes we play volleyball,” says the president. The swims cost $10 and run

from 9:30–11 pm. Drop-ins are not welcome since this is a private event. If you’re a first-timer you have to phone ahead and a club member will go through all the regulations and requirements. “We have somebody that’s willing to take the original phone calls because you have to talk to somebody here before you go,” says the club’s president. The swims are separate from the actual nudist group; you don’t have to become a member to swim. It’s a confidential and very sociable event. So instead of getting drunk and jumping naked into your mom’s jacuzzi on a Saturday night, go experience naturalism to its fullest, and purposely leave your trunks at home. For more info, go to [email protected] or phone 250–472–1805.

Employment opps in some unexpected places elizAbeth jArvis CoNtributiNg Writer

Summer is approaching and for most students it’s time to start looking for a job. While many dream of sandy beaches, reality involves saving money to afford school in September. Those students dreading another menial labour job like flipping burgers might want to look at more exotic opportunities. A motivated and adventurous student could make big bucks working at a mine site in Northern BC or entertaining children on a luxurious cruise ship. Lindsay Budge, a former Camosun student, paid for her tuition by working for Dechant Construction as a flagger on a mine

site up in Tumbler Ridge. “I worked 12 hours a day for 24 days with three days off. I made $16 an hour, plus overtime, and saved all of it because food and housing was covered with living at camp,” says Budge. Although her hours were long, Budge’s job entailed sitting in a van all day, listening to the work chatter, and avoiding getting squashed by large mining trucks. Her responsibilities included flagging and then halting all incoming vehicles to the mine site. As she gained additional skills like laying pipe with the culvert crew, she earned $19 an hour. “This is not a job for people that do not like the outdoors, wild animals, and dealing with rig pigs.

No wusses allowed,” she says. Meagan Blaquiere, who is planning to attend Camosun in September, is currently working for a Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel, Spirit and Sky, as a youth counsellor running programs for kids ages 2–17. “I get paid on a monthly basis, starting from $1,000 going anywhere up to $1,750 US, plus tips, for my position. Room and board is paid for, so you bank all of it,” says Blaquiere. She works 30–40 hour weeks, depending upon the routes and schedules. Some staff don’t actually see their families for months at a time, which can be an added bonus for those who want to avoid nagging parents. Cruise line jobs available

for students include hosting, cruise ship entertainer, spa attendant, or receptionist.

is sometimes lucky enough to be invited to eat with guests. Still, Blaquiere says it’s the “best job ever!” “You can go anywhere in the world and get paid. “this is not a job for You’re working, partying, or explorso it’s too busy to get homesick,” people that do not like ing, she says. the outdoors, wild A summer job doesn’t have to be boring, menial labour. The adanimals, and dealing venturous type can embrace a crude with rig pigs. No existence in a northern Canadian town or float romantically about wusses allowed.” the ocean. liNdsAy budGe Many exciting jobs are out there forMer CaMoSuN StudeNt for students to satisfy the need for money and travel. When looking for a job this summer, broaden the Blaquiere’s biggest disappoint- search beyond the classified ads. ment is the crew food that consists An adventure could be waiting just mainly of fish and rice, but she around the corner.

10 10

featu

March 4, 2009

t

hawing out and getting active

breNdAN KerGiN Staff Writer

Springtime

is upon us. flowers will bloom. birds will chirp. bees will start making sweet, sweet bee love. it’s a beautiful time, and probably quite bountiful for those in the insect porn industry. but if gardening isn’t your thing, if you equate bird-watching to watching paint dry, and if you don’t enjoy watching invertebrates mate, then there are plenty of other outdoor activities out there, many of them legal. for those students looking for something a little different from endless jogging or the odd game of tennis, but still want to do it in public, we’ve come across a medley of urban or suburban pastimes. from the world’s biggest scavenger hunt, to the “ultimate” in disc-based games. from a super simple yet über-cool way to get from point a to point b, to schoolyard games gone street. from . . . well, it’s just the four activities today, but there are others out there.

G

eocaching Geocaching is the world’s biggest game, bar none. It has to be. It uses the entire globe. Essentially orienteering mated with a scavenger hunt, and using the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a pirate map, participants hunt for booty wherever booty may be hid. Okay, it isn’t quite that haphazard, lists of geocaches can be found on the internet. Checking out a website like geocaching. com will give you the locations of hundreds of thousands of Tupperware containers around the world. But, one hinge, the locations are listed as coordinates. You could use a map, pen, calculator, and a couple other analogue instruments, which would be difficult, timeconsuming, and absolutely ludicrous. Instead, geocachers use GPS receivers—small, cell phone-like devices that’ll tell you your location on Earth and which direction to go to get to another location. If you have a GPS in your car, it’s similar, but that one probably won’t work. The best bet for a cheap GPS unit is the internet. eBay generally has second-hand units for under $50 US. Once you find the hidden containers, treasures are located inside them, usually some McDonald’s toys or dollar store gifts. The idea is you trade an item of yours for an item you want and then sign the logbook. While it’s not necessary to trade an item every time, you are supposed to sign in once you find the geocache. Then, once you’re successful in the wilds of, say, Mt. Doug, return home and log your find on the geocache’s home page, alerting the world that you are a truly amazing hu-

man being for finding a lunch container in a local park. Geocaching can provide endless hours of hiking, searching, and exploring. With about 1,000 hidden locations in the Victoria area (even including one at the Lansdowne campus), the capital region is a hotbed for this burgeoning activity. A wide variety of geocaches are out there for the absolute beginner, the super lazy non-outdoorsy type, and even the “Grizzly Adams was a pussy compared to me.” The only costs associated are the GPS unit, batteries, and transportation. To get started you can check out geocaching.com, which is the main listing site, or vigps.com for local geocachers.

P

arkour One of the most buzz-worthy activities nowadays is parkour, or it’s flashy sibling, free running. After stints on the Bond flick Casino Royale and a Madonna music video, parkour has receded a little, back into athletics and shoe company ads. Despite this, it’s still a blast. I know, right, something that’s still a blast after it’s faded from the mainstream! This is a much more physically demanding pastime. It requires some athletic ability, good balance, and a willingness to fall down a couple times. A French invention, parkour has some of its basis in the philosophy of movement and strength. But to most beginners it just looks fucking awesome to have abilities just below the superheroes. While free running is based more on freedom of movement and expressing

oneself through speed and agility, parkour is more pragmatic. Participants (traceurs) liken it more to a martial art, with no set rules or competition. So how is it different from a martial art? Instead of being combative, it’s transportation. If a gang attacks you in an alleyway, someone trained in kung fu might try to fight. A traceur will be able to run away, no matter what, in any direction. Originally, parkour developed out of the idea of training oneself physically to enable a person. If the big earthquake ever does hit this town, it’ll be the guys well versed in parkour who will be able to get around the easiest. It’s very much like regular training, but with a creative edge. Some basic moves are common, but each traceur is free to try and develop their own abilities in to new moves for different situations. For those interested in trying it out, it’s super easy to get started. Plenty of videos are on YouTube, including some instructional. Once you see it done a couple times, it’s much easier to grasp the concept of how it’s done. At full speed, it looks like the guy went through the wall, or fell directly from the top of the building, but after closer inspection he slid his feet over the wall, or purposefully bounced on a couple things on the way to the ground. Those with poor natural ability need not fear; even the best traceurs out there didn’t start out perfect. Balance and agility become heightened with practice. The only suggestion for parkour gear is some good shoes. Grip and shock absorp-

t o m

U

o a B I f

t l t f s i

g o s n m

a g

a f T s e

o p w

ature

[email protected] [email protected]

11

rGiN riter

hirp. ove. porn

paint ty of

ging oss a hunt, way well,

kour eurs) o set

rtial

ansalleyht try way,

of the nable does ersed ound

, but s are and oves

out, ty of ome

mes, pt of e the ectly loser ll, or hings

need here gility

ear is sorp-

PHotoS: CourtNeY brougHtoN

tion are important, so tuck away the Pumas or Chucks and pull out something a little more gym class.

U

ltimate Frisbee Disc golf has long been popular on the lower island, with courses on the UVic campus, in Colwood, and an awesome series of baskets on Pender Island. But disc golf has a bigger, friendlier cousin. It’s bigger because it’s a bigger Frisbee. It’s friendlier because it’s a team sport. Ultimate Frisbee has had a slow burn to popularity, though there are some small leagues and even a world cup. Currently there’s an official set of rules and an official body, but the spirit of the game is still super chill. It has to be. Frisbees are inherently chill. Therefore, no refs. Even in high-level games between two real clubs, it’s all selfofficiated. Which means the true spirit of sport needs to be in all players. Jackasses need not sign up; Sean Avery will never make it as an Ultimate player. The basics of the game are pretty simple and unless a league sprouts up in your social group overnight, it’s all you need. A cross between European Handball and Football, the point is to get the Frisbee from your zone to the other teams end zone. There’s to be no running with the disc. As soon as it is caught, you must make a valiant effort to stop. Immediately! Once stopped, everyone starts counting off 10 seconds. You must throw it before people reach either 0 or 10, depending on which way people count. Only one defender is allowed close to

“Jackasses need not sign up; Sean avery will never make it as an ultimate player.”

you, so at best they can block half the field. They aren’t allowed to touch you or the Frisbee. Then simply throw the damn thing and hope your team catches it. If it falls to the ground or the other team gets it, your opponents will get a shot at it. Fouls are called when contact sufficient to arouse the ire of the player fouled occurs. That’s from the original rules, developed on a college campus in the eastern US. That’s right, it’s originally a college sport. You should be playing this! Club names reflect quirky college humour, with teams such as the Knights of Nee and GOAT. An Ultimate Frisbee organization is located in Victoria, so check out vups.bc.ca for more info. Or at least buy a Frisbee, get a few friends, and try out the basic rules.

S

choolyard on the street What games were popular in your elementary school? Capture the flag? Hide and seek? Now, do you want to relive your early school days? Okay, well, how about just the good parts during recess? Yeah, thought you might. Victoria has a very active downtown core, and possibly more so than many students might imagine. Almost weekly manhunt games are going on, and other groups organize open random games, such as capture the flag and the odd flash mob. The manhunt is super easy to get involved with. There’s a Facebook group and

a blog at manhuntvictoria.blogspot.com These guys go out for a couple of hours and play a version of tag, crossed with some hide and seek tactics, using urban green spaces as their general place of fun, though some games have taken place in indoor malls. Capture the flag is much more difficult to discover. It’s somewhat similar to a flash mob, playing in public. Participants must be careful not to interrupt the public’s daily routine, but at the same time the mere presence of adults playing games out in a the city is cause for pause. Most people, especially tourists, don’t mind the strange distraction from the norm, as long as people are enjoying themselves. Semi-organized, free drop-in games can usually be found online if you look around (try searching “Victoria, BC capture the flag”). Like the drop-in sports at Camosun, all it takes are the balls to go out and be active instead of staying home, scared of a social group outside of your own. Schoolyards are where people generally learn their basic social skills, so what better way to use those, hopefully more developed, skills than on a similar playing field. The biggest issue for most of these participatory team events is lack of those willing to be co-conspirators in random fun. Players should be aware of a few laws, mostly trespassing issues, which means reading signs. The rest of the land downtown is public. Using it is our right, and using it in unique and new ways is super fun!

SPORTS

12

March 4, 2009

Playoff-bound Chargers ready to do Camosun proud Guy Alaimo Staff Writer

Two Camosun Chargers teams are competing in the BC Colleges Athletics Association (BCCAA) playoffs this year. The men’s volleyball team advanced to the BCCAA championship semifinals after beating the Douglas College Royals Feb. 26 in Abbotsford. The Chargers won by a score of 25–23, 25–17, 20–25, 17–25, and 15–12. “All year long we were led by Dan Goodburn and Brent Hall, but tonight Aleks Saddlemeyer stepped up and put the team on his back,” says Parkinson. Saddlemeyer led the way with 24 kills, one ace, and seven digs. Brent Hall added 19 kills and Dan Goodburn had 16. The win has earned the Chargers a date in the semifinals against the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners on Feb. 27. Results were not available by press time. Last week, head coach Charles Parkinson was honored with the BCCAA top volleyball coach of the year award, while Dan Goodburn was named a BCCAA first team-allstar for the second year in a row, and the third time in his career. The reliable fifth-year captain finished seventh in the league in aces, fifth in digs, and third in kills. “To win in the playoffs you need a number of things,” says Parkinson. “You need good preparation, all players healthy, terrific execution by every player, and luck. If you focus on the first three, it’s amazing how luck seems to smile on you.” Meanwhile, the women’s basketball team is coming off its best regular season in franchise history. The women finished 17–1 and are two wins away from capturing a provincial title, as their excellent regular season record has

photo: courtney broughton

Chargers head coach Charles Parkinson has high hopes for his men’s volleyball squad in the BCCAA championships.

“To win in the playoffs you need good preparation, all players healthy, terrific execution by every player, and luck.” Charles Parkinson Camosun Chargers

earned them a bye in the first round of the playoffs. But, despite their excellent regular season that at one point saw them ranked as high as number one in the country, head coach Brett Westcott says they won’t bite off more than they can chew. “We’re worried about everybody,” he says about the team’s playoff competition. “You can say our 17–1 record is deceiving. There were six games in the regular season where we had to come from behind in the fourth quarter to win.” The team’s ability to rally might be seen as strength by some people, but according to Westcott

it’s a weakness that needs to be addressed. “You would hope they wouldn’t dig themselves in a hole to start with,” says Westcott. “Another big issue we have is that we aren’t very big and we struggle with teams like UBC and VIU that are strong in the post. We just need to defend and rebound. We’ll definitely score, but if we can defend and rebound as well, then we have a very good chance of winning.” The playoffs start on Mar. 5 and are hosted by the Capilano Blues in North Vancouver. The gold medal game is slated for March. 7. The other two Chargers teams

didn’t see nearly as much success this season, and as a result will be spend the playoffs focusing on their studies instead of their sports. The women’s volleyball team, who attributed many of their struggles this season to a lack of leadership, finished their season strongly but still missed the playoffs. They lost their final game against the third place VIU Mariners, sealing their fate as they finished in seventh place with a 5–11 record; one game behind the 6–10 Douglas College Royals who claimed the sixth and final playoff spot. The men’s basketball team started the season poorly and dug themselves into a rut early, finishing second to last in BC (with a 5–13 record), despite the stellar leadership of head coach Craig Price and veteran forward Jeff Krawetz. Nick Adair, who plays post, is a BCCAA rookie of the year candidate. “There were lots of positives this year,” says Price. “We were very young and inexperienced, but I think we got better as the season went along.” The men will use their entire off-season to figure out next year’s strategy, as they could possibly be without arguably their two best players. Krawetz is set to graduate this year and Adair may leave to play for a Canadian Interuniversity Sport school. The men’s basketball team will start getting prepared for UVic spring league action and their annual camp that will run from April 10–11 at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence at Interurban. For more information, go to www.camosun.ca/sports/chargers and to follow playoff action, go to www.camosunchargers.blogspot. com

Small gyms risk increase in couch potatoes campuses and upgrade the equipment. Many students don’t know One proven relief for student they’ve paid for use of the gyms, stress is working out. Unfortu- but those who do don’t care for nately, students tend to neglect the their size. college’s gyms, and the ones that do “It doesn’t matter that I’m payuse the on-campus facilities aren’t ing, because the gyms are too small,” too happy with them. says General Arts student Alisa Palmer. The small gyms particularly cause problems when they’re full. “The overcrowding has “The overcrowding has become become a deterrent to a deterrent to certain students who not feel comfortable working certain students who do out in such crowded conditions,” do not feel explains Meghan Lambeth, Recreation and Fitness Centre assistant. comfortable working “With a larger space we would see out in such crowded a noticeable increase in our user numbers.” conditions.” Plans to increase the LansMeghan Lambeth downe workout facilities by using Camosun College the adjacent gymnasium have been put on hold by the college for now, says Lambeth. Each month every student at On average, about 60 to 100 Camosun pays almost $6 in student students per day use the Lansdowne fees towards athletics and recrea- gym, and around 45 to 60 students tion programs. This fee is partially use Interurban. Considering most used to maintain the gyms at both students aren’t using the gym, the Daniel Carranza Contributing Writer

students who use it are happy to utilize its convenience. “It’s such a good resource; I go there every day because of the convenience, and not many people use the gym,” says University Transfer student George Anstey. At Interurban, students in the sport programs have benefited from the addition of the PISE building, which features a state-of-the-art workout area, much larger than the regular Interurban gym they had to use before PISE existed. Students not in the program have to pay to use PISE, however. “The space for the weightlifting [in the Camosun gyms] is a little bit small, but you can easily get around in there fine and the machines are up to date,” says Sport Management student Jonathan Green. Another aspect of the Camosun gyms is the services available. Lambeth explains students can sign out footballs, Frisbees, or even chess sets for those who want to give their noggin a workout. “Also, we offer students the chance to ask for activity classes

photo: courtney broughton

Brittany Paziuk (standing) and Brianna Green use the Lansdowne gym.

that they want, as long as they can find eight or nine other students or friends who are interested in signing up,” says Lambeth. That means if you and your friends want to take up a Tae-Bo class, you just need to recruit a few people. A bonus for students is the lowest priced gym activity classes in Victoria are found at Camosun, even when factoring in the mandatory student recreation fees. Although many gyms in Victoria have qualified staff, trainers are an extra service the customer has to pay for. That’s not the case at Camosun. “Our fitness centre are staffed for much of the time that they are open,” says Lambeth, “which means students have the opportunity to ask for advice or training tips while working out.” So take a stroll to a campus gym and let off a little steam. It’ll be money well spent. The Camosun gyms are located on the bottom floor of the Young Building at Lansdowne and Campus Centre at Interurban.

artS The evolution of dance in Victoria

[email protected]

A tale of two dancers

ANdreA moir CoNtributiNg Writer

To picture an ordinary night out for students, most would imagine alcohol, good friends, and dancing. And whether you’re cutting the dance floor like a pro, or keeping with the standard touch-step combination, you are taking part in a ritual that has gone on for centuries—the art of dance. But it’s not just the alcohol that forces people to perform “Soldier Boy” dance routines in public. Media influence has played a large role in dance popularity. Shows like So You Think You Can Dance? highlight dancers skilled in anything from street styles to partner dancing.

Stacy Sanderson Age: 20 Danced for: 18 years Profession: Camosun College student, dance instructor, and performer. Types of dance: ballet, jazz, tap, hiphop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and theatre/stage. Favourite genre: “i don’t know if i have a favourite. i love lyrical/contemporary [a mix of ballet and jazz], i’d have to say that’s my baby!” Why she dances: “i dance because i have to! dancing is something that is so physically challenging, so artistically expressive, and so rewarding that once you start, it seems stupid to stop.”

“it’s not just about booty-shaking and grindin’ like in some music videos. it’s an art form.”

On balancing work, school, and dance: “dance helps everything else. When i’m just going to school or just working, i get very restless and bored. but dancing stimulates the other parts of your brain, your expressive, emotional, and artistic sensors. i can concentrate better, feel more alive, and have more energy when i’m dancing.”

brooKe KilGore

Dance in the future: “i’m planning on traveling to la this summer and training for a few weeks. then i’m looking at performing arts universities! ultimately, i would love to own and operate a dance company based in victoria that performs internationally. i also want to finish a degree in kinesiology and open up a training centre for dancers, involving rehab, physical therapy, cross-training benefits, and nutritional advice.”

vibeStreet daNCe

“These shows help dance by bringing it onto the front-burner,” explains Karen Clark, a local dance studio owner. “When they are on we tend to get calls at the studio, and people actually say they watch those shows. Now they want to dance.” Victoria studios have seen enrolment increase over the last two decades. Karen Clark Dance Studio has been in Victoria for 21 years and in its first decade increased enrolment by 20 percent. It has been close to full every year since 1998. In the last few years, one genre has exploded in Victoria’s dance community. That is the art of hiphop, a style that originated from traditional African dance. “Hip-hop never used to be popular, and that has brought a great number of boys into the dance studio,” says Clark. The increased interest in hiphop is what led Brooke Kilgore to open her own local company, Vibestreet Dance, in 2006. As Victoria’s only urban dance company, she’s also seen significant growth in her enrolment numbers. Kilgore believes hip-hop has become more popular due to society’s renewed attitude towards it.

13

Laura Blain Age: 20 Danced for: 17 years PHoto: CHriSti kaY

Camosun Hotel Restaurant Management graduate Laura Blain is one of many students at Karen Clark’s popular dance studio.

“People are finding that hip-hop dance actually has a culture behind it, and it is finally becoming more respected. It’s not just about booty shaking and grindin’ like in some music videos. It’s an art form,” explains Kilgore. Kilgore also agrees with Clark that dance shows are allowing all styles of dance to be noticed by society. “Dance as a whole is being seen more, and it is showing dancers of all ages and abilities dancing various styles. It’s very motivating and empowering,” says Kilgore. With dance styles like hip-hop becoming more popular, are the original dance genres vanishing? Not so, says Gina Sinclair, a dance

teacher and former owner of Sinclair Academy of Performing Arts, who has danced professionally in both classical ballet and musical theatre. “My ballet classes are full and I continue to have lots of amazing opportunities to guest teach, choreograph, and coach, so for me the ballet business is still as busy as ever,” says Sinclair. Classical ballet is one genre Sinclair says will keep its place in society. Most trained in dance would agree ballet is where the strength is found to increase abilities in all other dance genres. “Art will last forever. Art takes years of training and perfecting.

The Charleston came and went, so did the twist, and so will hip-hop in the form that it is now, but classical ballet will outlast them all because the training is core to all other forms of dance,” explains Sinclair. Whether you take part in trained dance classes, or simply move to the beat because standing motionless in front of a live band is just awkward, it’s clear dance will continue to play a part in humanity for generations to come. “Passionate people will continue to be dedicated to their craft, forever learning what they can learn. We will learn new sub-genres off each style, as we are currently,” says Kilgore. “Plus, who doesn’t want to learn how to dance?”

Profession: Hotel restaurant Management graduate from Camosun College, international Hotel restaurant Management student at royal roads university, and server at Cordova bay golf Course. Types of dance: Jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, theatre, and ballet. On balancing work, school, and dance: “i have definitely had to cut back on dance now that i’m out of high school. College was harder because i had co-op work terms, so i wasn’t in town to take the dance classes and be ready for the performances. Now in university i manage my time well and i only dance three hours a week. i manage to go to the gym still and work and get school done, so it depends on the person. i love being busy all the time.” Dance in the future: “it would be a hard industry to get into and i want to make a lot of money when i’m older, so i have decided to take a different path. Now i just dance for fun and to stay active.”

Time to SPARK it up for Belfry Theatre festival joel WitheriNGtoN CoNtributiNg Writer

The Belfry Theatre is once again hosting its wonderful SPARK Festival. The festival includes theatre workshops, play readings, a small festival of free mini-plays, plus six different full-length shows. Last year it took six weeks to present all the great plays and workshops, but this year they will try to get it all done in just two weeks. During this 14-day span, the SPARK Festival will showcase works from all across the country. “We’ve never tried something like this before,” says Belfry publi-

cist Mark Dusseault. “The energy in the building, and in Fernwood, will be incredibly positive.

“the energy in the building, and in fernwood, will be incredibly positive.” mArK dusseAult belfrY PubliCiSt

We have everyone doing shows—from 10-year-olds from George Jay Elementary to some of

Canada’s finest theatre artists.” The whole thing kicks off on Monday, March 9 at 7 pm with a reading of Joan MacLeod’s new play, Another Home Invasion. Other events to look forward to are BASH’d: A Gay Rap Opera, back from a run of shows in New York. BASH’d is a passionate play, using rap music to look at violence, gay rights, and marriage. Radio:30 is a play by actor, comic, and writer Chris Earle, about a man who has given up his convictions to earn his paycheck as a radio ad jockey. Radio:30 won the Outstanding New Play award at the Dora Mavor

Moore Awards in Toronto. Who would trust a 10-year-old to cut their hair? Find out with Haircuts by Children. A Grade 4/5 class will be doing workshops with local professional stylists and then offering free haircuts to the public. Then the co-creator of BASH’d, Chris Craddock, returns with his solo play, Moving Along. This collection of routines about life, death, growing up, and family shouldn’t be missed. Finally, the young or the old can enjoy Rage, a thought-provoking story about an aggressive teenage boy stuck in an office with his

female guidance counselor. The SPARK Festival allows people to see a range of different performances, or just check out the one or two they’re interested in. But it should have something for everyone. For a full list of times and dates, go to www.belfry.bc.ca

SPARK Festival March 9–22 Belfry Theatre www.belfry.bc.ca

artS

1

Author launches Undergarments

PHoto: keltie larter

Keltie lArter CoNtributiNg Writer

Chinatown was the setting for the recent launch of local author Ilana Stanger-Ross’ debut novel, Sima’s Undergarments for Women, a story about the life of a lingerie store owner in a colourful Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. Stanger-Ross, a tiny woman with a bright smile and a mop of curly hair, stood in the middle of a circle of friends and fans, each clutching a copy of her book and eager to have it signed. A hush fell over the crowd as they gathered around the bar to hear the smiling author read a passage from her book. Stanger-Ross had reason to be happy; her debut book has been given rave reviews. Not bad for a first-timer. Born to Jewish parents in Brooklyn, New York, Stanger-Ross’

“i grew up thinking that everyone shopped in clothing stores where the owner squeezed your cheeks and gossiped with your mother, while deftly navigating narrow passages between rows of discount clothes.” ilANA stANGerross loCal autHor

inspiration for her main character came from her Jewish roots. “I’m Jewish, and I was raised in a very Jewish yiddishkeit kind of a home,” says Stanger-Ross. “So, for me, Sima had to be Jewish. That’s the voice in my head, the stories overhead as a child that have stuck.” Stanger-Ross explains why the story of Sima’s Undergarments for Women unfolds in a neighbourhood similar to the one where she grew up. “It was my mother’s idea; she grew up in Boro Park, the Brooklyn neighbourhood where Sima’s shop is located, and has remained loyal to it,” says Stanger-Ross. “When I was a child, we’d go to Boro Park whenever I needed new clothes, so I grew up thinking that everyone shopped in clothing stores where the owner squeezed your cheeks and gossiped with your mother, while deftly navigating narrow passages between rows of discount clothes.” In 2002 Stanger-Ross met her husband, Jordan, while they were both working as camp counselors. The couple moved to Canada in 2003, first to Toronto and eventually settling in Victoria. Stanger-Ross, a mother of two who already holds an MA in Fiction from Temple University in Philadelphia, is currently a student of Midwifery at UBC in Vancouver. She’s completing a whirlwind book tour that started in Victoria, then moved on to Toronto, Waterloo, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Stanger-Ross is excited about the release of her first novel and happy with its reception. “So far, it’s been going really well,” she says, “and it seems to be selling nicely!”

Lucht shares Ideas at Lansdowne michAel brAr CoNtributiNg Writer

Over the course of the last 72 years, CBC Radio has produced some of our country’s finest journalistic work. But few radio programs have enjoyed the same level of cultural and intellectual significance that Ideas has. To this day, Ideas continues to deliver some of the best documentaries, interviews, and panel discussions on the air. The show’s constant evolution and progression is due, in large part, to the work of one man—Bernie Lucht. Lucht has put together two books of select interviews from some of his favourite episodes of Ideas and is now touring the country promoting the newest book, Ideas for a New Century. Lucht recently stopped at Camosun’s Lansdowne campus to talk about the book and his 38 years with CBC. “What many of us fail to realize is that most of the thoughts we’re thinking today, we have thought of before and will think of again in the future,” said Lucht. Ideas debuted in 1965 under the title The Best Ideas You’ll Hear Tonight, although Lucht himself didn’t join the show until 1971 when he was hired as a lowly production assistant. “I was working in Nigeria with your premier, Gordon Campbell, before that,” remarked Lucht with a

ly appreciate modern advances in digital editing software. Lucht continued toiling in the depths of Ideas’ editing room for another 19 years before his efforts and dedication were rewarded with a promotion to Executive Producer in 1984, a position he holds to this day. Over the course of his career, the show and the broadcast landscape in general have changed dramatically, but Ideas’ core tenets have remained untouched since Lucht took on the task of defining them. Eclecticism, insight, relevance, and the pursuit of providing a de“What many of us fail lightful experience for listeners are what continue to keep the show at to realize is that most the cutting edge of the industry and of the thoughts we’re the intellectual community. “To be completely honest, makthinking today, we ing a documentary radio program have thought of before interesting from start to finish is a very difficult process,” said Lucht. and will think of again “It was quite a while before we felt we had actually succeeded in doin the future.” ing that.” berNie lucht Ideas for a New Century is comCbC radio prised of 18 interviews with some of the world’s most brilliant thinkers, smirk. “He’s an excellent basketball covering topics from psychology to player too, if you believe it.” nationalism. The common question Lucht’s first job on the show tying them all together is “what was editing recordings of that year’s does the future have in store for Massey Lecture with nothing but us?” And there’s no shortage of a pair of scissors and a roll of tape. interesting “what if?” scenarios Naturally, he has come to thorough- discussed in the book.

March 4, 2009

Noise Addict

By Michael Duncan

Ears on the indie path michAel duNcAN CoNtributiNg Writer

If you listened to all the sideprojects and solo records that are usually recorded by bands and their members it would be easy to get lost in the flood of albums. These solo forays are often explorations into other sonic ideas or completely different genres, but can also attempt to expand musical range. So, in trying to mine the depths of solo indie acts, here are three recent releases that are worthy of rising above that endless parade of albums. Dan Auerbach (myspace. com/danauerbachmusic) is better known as the singing and guitarslinging half of the duo, The Black Keys. His most recent release, Keep It Hid, is sans bandmate Pat Carney and his debut solo effort. The album is a 14-track exploration and sees Auerbach expanding well beyond his traditional blues-rock format with gospel, soul, and folk finding a home on the album. The sound of the album is oddly unique and contains a warmth and rawness in a style reminiscent of many late-’60s albums. Tempo and style vary considerably on the album, but it’s not a complete stray from Auerbach’s previous blues stylings. M. Ward (myspace.com/ mward) is in his tenth year on the solo-indie scene, but is also the second half of the band She & Him with Zooey Deschanel. Ward resides just down the coast in Portland, Oregon with his four-track recorder. He captures the beginnings of his albums, which is a case no different for his latest album, Hold Time.

Dan Auerbach

Like all of Ward’s albums, this recent effort maintains his earthy vocals and endearing sound. The songs are well crafted and lyrically relevant. They are set to Ward’s folk and blues mannerisms, establishing himself as premiere amongst contemporary singer-songwriters. Robyn Hitchcock (myspace. com/robynhitchcock) is by no means a young face, but the English singer-songwriter is a lesser-known veteran of the indie-rock scene. His latest album, Goodnight Oslo, is a tight-knit, catchy listen that shows Hitchcock working with the Venus 3, a group of music veterans that occasionally includes multiple members of REM. The album is bright and quirky with Hitchcock’s Bowie-esque vocals and witty arrangements. The album is a combination Hitchcock’s many influences; hints of The Kinks and The Beach Boys can be heard on this altogether delightful album.

Rock

Arena

Hawksley Workman Royal Theatre, Feb. 25

tessA coGmAN Staff Writer

As hundreds of Hawksley Workman fans drunkenly piled into the much-too-fancy Royal Theatre for his show Wednesday night, Geoff Berner was about to blow their minds with his opening act. Berner, a drunken accordion player that turns original Klezmer music into drunk, dirty, political, and passionate music, captivated the audience with his well-performed comedy act. His first song from his new album, Klezmer Mongrels, had lyrics such as, “Sometimes you’ll have to fuck him so he’ll go to sleep.” This is where Berner had us all chanting “Weep, bride, weep.” After Berner explained that a fan in Yiddish translates to “focher” and that he’s “so hot, hot, hot he needs a focher,” a brief intermission of drinking occurred before Hawksley Workman and band started their set. Workman arrived on stage, accompanied by violin, keyboard, bass, and guitar. Workman started by rambling about his running shoes, how delicious his candy was that he was eating, mentioned the weather, and how he once fasted

in Paris. I was left confused and curious if Workman had a short attention span. Dressed in jeans, a khaki blazer, and a matching taxi driver hat, Workman looked a lot like Canadian Idol Brian Melo, and some of his songs didn’t venture too far away from Melo’s style either. Workman calls his music “rock,” but with songs like “Almost a Full Moon,” I beg to differ. “Let’s make some soup ‘cause the weather is turning cold,” was the first line and it led to an excellent recipe that included carrots and turkey bones. Mmm, thanks Hawksley! I didn’t know I bought tickets for a cooking show! While the lyrics were sometimes soft and Workman’s microphone could have been louder, the music was absolutely incredible. “Strip Tease,” “Autumn’s Here,” “When You Gonna Flower?” and “In My Blood” were all audience favourites. A few fans even put their beer bottles down and escaped the theatre seats to dance up by the stage. Despite a shaky start, Workman and band pulled through in the end. Although I was bothered at first with the band’s tendency to try and cover every style of music, this might just be the reason why Workman is so successful.

artS

[email protected]

Curtain Call

Alcohol and resentment make for good theatre

Shuck By Daniel Allen Cox (Arsenal Pulp Press)

jAsoN motz Staff Writer

NYC hustler and would-be writer Jaeven Marshall spends his days “tweaking” (chronic Meth abuse), dumpster diving, and shacking up with a distant and moody artist. By night, Jaeven plies his trade as an up-and-comer (excuse the pun) among the elite of New York’s street meat. This is Breakfast at Tiffany’s if Chuck Palahniuk had written it. Montreal-based novelist Cox uses his past as a gay porn star to tell a rough-hewn story that manages to avoid overt sentimentality without utterly dehumanizing the characters. Shuck is a fearless, unflinching bite on the lips of staid, bloodless writing. Despite shades of Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho), Cox is quite capable of securing a reputation as a distinct voice on the literary scene. His writing bristles with anarchy and pessimism. Shuck revels in the gloriousness of hedonism, yet it never discounts the concept or the need for love altogether. Shuck is a throwback/travelogue that takes readers to the New York of a not-too-distant past. With pre-millennial tension in air and

15

joel WitheriNGtoN CoNtributiNg Writer

9/11 still a way’s off, Shuck inhabits a New York of sleaze, scum, and filth. This is the city that inspired Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side,” after all. And the same New York that spawned Andy Warhol, Sonic Youth, and Vincent Gallo. Pornographers, players, artists, Duran Duran, Fiorucci, fuckups, and degenerates fill Shuck with a kinetic energy that tastes like sugar but burns like battery acid. Shuck is easily digestible over the course of an afternoon. So nip away from your CHEM 100 text or HIST 204 course pack and browse a few pages of Shuck to remind yourself that, yes Virginia, there is a literary world outside of college.

The marvellous acting in Theatre Inconnu’s classic play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is sure to please. One warning though, except mentioning her name a couple of times, along with some other 20th century authors, this play doesn’t have anything to do with Virginia Woolf or her work. The small theatre is located across the street from the Belfry and the intimate setting makes for a great atmosphere. The one-set, fourcharacter play has been performed many times; in the ’60s it won the Tony Award for Best Play. Because of the sexual themes and mild use of foul language, the play has often been considered controversial; it’s advised that no one under the age of 17 attends. The play is a bit longer than most performances, so prepare to be in the theatre for about three hours. You will not be bored or disappointed, however. The play is about George and Martha, a couple who like to push each other’s buttons. They invite another couple, Nick and Honey,

over to their house after a party; they do a lot of drinking. Martha flirts with Nick while George makes sure everyone’s booze glass is full. He does a good job at making his wife and guests uncomfortable and angry. What makes this play so entertaining is its mature subject matter and the excellent acting skills of the performers. It’s also the best portrayal of George I’ve seen in many years. Don’t come to this play expecting an outrageous soundtrack, cos-

Ferris Bueller goes to therapy Charlie Bartlett Starring: Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis Runtime: 97 minutes

Bartlett is what happens when Ferris Bueller’s Day Off meets The New Guy, and then goes into therapy in the bathroom. Charlie (Anton Yelchin), a teenager who’s been kicked out of every private school he’s ever attended, is scrambling to fit into life at a public school. He desperately wants to be well liked, but annihilates his chances when he shows up on the first day in his private school uniform. Less than 10 minutes into the movie, the poor kid’s already getting his head flushed down the toilet. But when Charlie’s therapist suggests putting him on medication for ADD, things begin to change. The thing about Ritalin is it has the opposite effect on people who don’t actually have attention deficit disorder. Instead of calming nerves and increasing focus, it can cause extreme restlessness and hyperactive behaviour—in other words, it’ll get you high. So, after experiencing these effects firsthand, Charlie realizes he can use his year’s worth of therapy and access to prescription drugs to his advantage; making friends with Murphy, the bully who flushed his head in the toilet, is just the beginning. Charlie’s popularity skyrockets as students line up outside the

bathroom door to pour their hearts out to Charlie who’s playing shrink in the neighbouring stall. With his business partner Murphy collecting the cash for the prescriptions being handed out, the boys make a fast rise to the top of not only the financial chain, but also the social and romantic chains. Yelchin succeeds in making Charlie a loveable antagonist. Despite actions that may prove otherwise, he comes across as a harmless and innocent kid, and although he has a knack for getting himself into trouble, he only has the best intentions in mind. While not the most realistic story, the concept is cute and the ride is highly amusing. Charlie Bartlett is an entertaining and comical feelgood movie that finds a nice balance between not being too stereotypically sappy, and not being too slapstick. It settles nicely somewhere in between, accomplishing a light-hearted feel and a happy ending. The talents of Robert Downey Jr. as the school principal and Hope Davis as Charlie’s slightly twisted mother make Charlie Bartlett a memorable film, keeping it from being “just another teen movie.”

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

Coraline ★★★★★ michAel brAr CoNtributiNg Writer

Director Henry Selick, whose style is immediately recognizable from A Nightmare Before Christmas, has taken Neil Gaiman’s 192page novella, Coraline, and turned it into a 100-minute-long movie. To do this, Selick had to make a handful of small yet critical changes to the story in order to lengthen it. The resulting screenplay is functional, but may fail to haunt people’s dreams as much as the novella. Coraline Jones, an average but likable girl, moves to rainy, depressing Oregon with her parents, and the film opens with the family getting settled into their apartment. While exploring her new home, Coraline stumbles across a small, mysterious door in the wall of her living room. Little does she know a

wondrous and terrifying experience awaits her on the other side. Coraline succeeds almost entirely thanks to its visual magic. Using a combination of clay animation, stop-motion photography, and traditional computer animation, Selick wisely chose to shoot the film in 3-D. The result is something that honestly can’t be described in words. The dialogue could be removed from the movie entirely and it would still be a memorable experience because of the visuals and excellent soundtrack alone.

I’ve Loved You So Long ★★★★★ shANe scott-trAvis CoNtributiNg Writer

Philippe Claudel is a celebrated writer from France whose directorial debut, I’ve Loved You So Long, is full of poise and precision. Claudel,

tume changes, or special effects; but you do get to be a fly on the wall at a very dysfunctional social gathering. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? can’t help but cause reflection on whether a “healthy” relationship can even exist.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Until March 14, 8pm www.theatreinconnu.com

who also wrote the film, lets his story unfold with steady measure, allowing the audience to become rapt in this very human tale of tragedy, family, and absolution. Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) is heartbreaking and heroic as Juliette, a woman who has come to live with her younger sister, Léa, played by Elsa Zylberstein (Time Regained). Léa has agreed to let Juliette move in with her family after a 15year prison sentence. The reason for Juliette’s incarceration, her motive, morals, and her resolve is the emotional centre of the film. Léa and her family don’t exactly roll out the red carpet for Juliette, and the disquiet in their home is palpable and unsettling. Claudel communicates this with a sometimes jittery camera and nervous editing that may not be innovative but is certainly effective. The best scenes in I’ve Loved You So Long hint at vintage Hal Hartley, especially his sparse yet prevalent use of music, carefully composed framing, and compelling female characters. So well written are Claudel’s women that he also alludes to Michelangelo Antonioni and Ingmar Bergman, each known for their matriarchal tendencies. At a crucial point in the film, Scott Thomas says, “I’m really here,” with such conviction that we can only concede. For her struggle has become ours, and so too her longing.

ColuMNS

16

Ask Anything

March 4, 2009

By Breanna Carey

do you know if you’re not that into Q:Why do girls like guys who treat them badly Q:How someone? A: A: ?

i’m assuming you aren’t talking about physical abusers, but more the type who toy with women’s minds. it’s simple, really; everyone likes the chase. Some people really get off on having to work to get what they want. Men seemingly like to keep their options open until a prime subject comes their way. until then, they may play a few women to see who they like best. i’m not saying all men are players, but the ones who are do it well. if you’re a nice guy, you’re more likely to be put in the friend category because you’re reliable, predictable, and, well, nice. girls want spontaneity and to be taken off guard. in fact, both sexes like this, but that’s the whole reason why men who aren’t always available can wrap women around their pinkie. if you’re looking to win a woman over, you have to surprise her, whether with your actions or your words. don’t give her what she wants, no matter how bad you want to, because it will pay off in the future. as women age, however, they get sick of mind games and unpredictable behaviour and seek out good guys, so you’re not out of the race just yet.

this is hugely dependent on whether you’re in a relationship or not. if you’re dating someone and you’re just not sensing the spark, it’s easy to call it quits. but if you’re in a relationship, you need to re-evaluate your needs. Sometimes couples go through ruts and things get boring. it’s easy to allow things, like sex, to fall by the wayside. it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work at it. it’s also not fair for you to expect your partner to assume all of the responsibility to fix your relationship. typically, if you don’t think about the person very much when they’re away from you and don’t miss them, that’s a clear sign feelings are fading. emotional and physical attractions are close-knit, so the desire has to be evident. everyone experiences the occasional stressful day where sex is the last thing they want. What people don’t realize is connecting with your partner in an intimate way is a wonderful way to relieve tension and stress, and get back to the loving place you were at. take time to talk with your partner to figure out what’s best for both of you.

By Guy Alaimo & Donald Kennedy

Intergalactic pop at Mexican food stop

Read this, it’s soooo gay! homophobia, although no longer overtly acceptable in society, is surA few days ago, I facing in more subtle ways. overheard a converI realize not all people who use sation in one of my “gay” interchangeably with “stupid” classes. One guy reare homophobic. I even know some ferred to something as gay people who use “gay” as a pe“gay,” and his friend jorative term. laughed and asked, “Do you think Personally, I find it extremely gay people refer to stupid things as offensive, and I know I’m not alone ‘hetero’ or ‘straight’?” in this sentiment. A few weeks earlier, one of my A few months ago, Hilary Duff group work partners sent me a and Wanda Sykes participated in message saying he couldn’t print off public service announcements chalour assignment because his printer lenging people on the use of this was being “gay.” The day before I expression. But why do we need wrote this article, another classmate people like Hilary Duff to tell us couldn’t get online because her something so obvious? laptop was “so gay.” My group partner should say I’m noticing a trend here. Appar- his printer is acting “gay” if it’s ently, “gay” is a synonym for “stupid” humping other printers of the same or “annoying.” Why? It could be that sex. Because that’s what being gay cristiAN cANo

Pride direCtor

is—sleeping with people of the same sex. Us homos aren’t responsible for ruining your printer or disconnecting your laptop’s internet connection. We aren’t, as a collective, stupid or annoying. For the record, Oscar Wilde, Leonardo da Vinci, Alan Turing, Alexander the Great, Michel Foucault, Harvey Milk, and countless other homos have made significant contributions to the human cause throughout history. I don’t call things I dislike “hetero” or “straight” because that’s improper use of the language. Next time you hear someone saying, “That’s gay,” think about what they’re saying, and decide if you want to be part of the problem or part of the solution.

Maude’s March Specials Monday

$6.95 Burger & Fries (substitutes extra) Music Bingo starting March 9 at 7:30 PM

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

.35¢ Wings (after 2 PM)

Thursday

$6.95 Perogies (after 4 PM)

Sunday

$7. 95 Brunch Specials $3.99 Caesars/ $5 Doubles

H

Y

LUNC

Daily Draft Specials

DAIL 6.95

Show your student ID for 10% off food

SOUP

H

$ ND SANDWIC A

Watch Canucks hockey here! 3810 Shelbourne Street (at Cedar Hill X Rd) 250.721.2337

Orale Taco Restaurant

1002 Johnson St., 250–590–3370 Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos, Pastel de Tres Leches, and Mexican Pop Donald: Allow me to paint you a picture. A young, would-be restaurant revolutionary is toiling away in a taquiera somewhere in Mexico. Dreaming of a life that allows simple pleasures like getting amped on counting flowers and bitching about the homeless, he spirits away to Victoria. Whilst working his last shift at the taquiera he manages to abscond with its recipes as dreams of opening his own restaurant flutter through his head. Alright, so I’ve taken a few liberties with the Orale story, but that’s basically the gist of it. Man is working at taquiera in Mexico, man moves to Victoria in hopes of replicating the menu in a small restaurant on Johnson Street. In general, Orale does a pretty good job of providing authentic Mexican cuisine. If the nachos were any better I’d probably be off falling in love with a revolutionary somewhere while the roof of Orale is engulfed in the flames of forbidden love (a la the plotline of Like Water for Chocolate). As far as my tastebuds can tell, these tasty triangles are pretty much the pinnacle of the tortilla chip world. Follow the nachos with a bowl of Pastel de Tres Leches cake and you’ll end up in a pretty jim-dandy mood. Unfortunately, the tacos here aren’t nearly as good as the nachos or dessert. The only taco filling that truly wowed me was the Nopal—a mix of cactus paddles, tomato, and sweet chili that is easily one of the more unique food items you’ll find in Victoria. That being said, I could easily get hooked on apple soda and nachos and find myself starting to resemble Pancho Villa after a few more Orale trips. Guy: I like Mexican food about as much as I like Chicano rap. I’ll occasionally rock my head to a few seconds of “Insane in the Membrane” and I’ll rarely hit up Pluto’s for all-you-can-eat-tacos. There’s just something about the Mexican culture that hasn’t allowed me to embrace it as much as I embrace the Chinese or the Japanese. As much as I’d like to attribute this fact to racism, the hard reality is I’ve never eaten at a Mexican buffet that I would ever consider returning to. It’s also hard for me to shell out the Benjamins for flour tortillas, hot spice, refried beans, and ground meat. But after visiting Orale my opinion has changed. Alright, my theory on tacos was only solidified further as they were tiny, mostly dry, and not even close to being satisfying (except for the corn tacos, they were excellent), but the quesadillas were filled with different combinations of meat, and the cheese was fantastic. I don’t know what kind of cheese Orale uses, but it has left an indent in my memory as one of the best cheese moments I have ever experienced. They use that same cheese on the Nachos, which were delectable, along with homemade guacamole. And if you like to experiment with soft drinks, Orale is like going for a walk on Jupiter without any protection to shield you from its intense atmospheric pressure. I had strawberry soda along with something that tasted like apple juice and Coke mixed together. To cap it all off, I finished with the mega-highlight of the meal—angel food cake soaked and solidified in three different types of milk. When I come back to Orale, it’s going to be a nachos, out-of-this-world soda pops, and milk dessert free-for-all. If Orale starts playing Chicano rap, I might not be able to handle myself.

Price: Tacos, three for $5 plus tax; Quesadillas, three for $5 plus tax; Nachos, $5 plus tax. Verdict: The milky cake and handcrafted nachos at Orale may just cap-

ture the elusive government worker/drug addict/pre-teen private school market yet.

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

COLUMNS

[email protected]

GIVING IT UP: old habits di By Kelly Marion

Photo: Courtney broughton

Germs The challenge Beat the odds and avoid getting sick by steering clear of germs.

The research Did you know picnic tables harvest more bacteria then Port-a-Potties do? And that most keyboards and ATM machines are more contaminated than your average toilet seat? Nearly 80 percent of germs are spread by hand, yet only 17 percent of us wash our hands after shaking hands! God only knows how many pathogens could be living on our hands just waiting to latch onto their next victim.

17

hard

ready to stay that way. Day 3: Bright yellow rubber gloves are certainly eye-catching . . . but not in a good way. Figuring they may be a bit extreme, I decided to do it Cruella de Vil style and don the black leather gloves 24/7 instead. Day 5: I went to the gym today and as I walked in I could almost see the germs just swimming around. A big sign says, “Wipe down equipment after using,” but Big Buck-O left the bench press glistening with sweat and Six-Pack Steve has left his cooties all over the exercise ball. I’m outta here! I’ll work out . . . next week maybe. So much for my New Year’s Resolution. Day 7: Eeeek, stop sneezing around me! Everyone around me is sick these days and just dying to share their nasty little germ bugs with me. Whatever happened to taking a sick day—you know, relax, rejuvenate . . . not spread your disease? Stay away! Day 9: I’m completely in the habit of wiping down everything with my handy toilettes now. I don’t miss a thing . . . door handles, keyboards, shopping carts, apples . . . okay, not apples, but I wash them to death. You never know who’s been groping those things with their filthy hands. And speaking of filthy, how about public washrooms? Why don’t they all have disposable toilet seats? I don’t want my bum touching what her bum’s been touching. Day 11: I’ve heard a theory that one in 10 people don’t wash their hands regularly, including after they wipe themselves. Today I stood in the bathroom to “people watch” and five people left without washing their hands . . . I was in there for three minutes! Day 12: I’ve decided to avoid personal contact with everyone. I look like a bad driver as I weave in and out of the crowds of people in the hall. My friend even tried to touch my arm while talking to me and I jumped back three feet. I think I freaked her out. Day 14: I went on a date to the movies last night and, of course, we got the “Movie-Lover Combo.” As he reached into the bag of popcorn a look of disgust took over my face as I thought about everything he may have touched that day. “Popcorn?” he offered. “Uhhh, no thanks!” What’s worse is when he tried to kiss me goodnight. Not these lips, baby!

The result The world is a dirty place. I’m really not surprised that some people are germaphobes. Me, on the other hand, not so much. Besides, I’ve read the best way to avoid being sick is by getting sick. It sounds counterproductive, but studies show we need to build immunity to germs and the best way to do this is by being exposed to them. I can’t live in a bubble and I haven’t been sick in a while (knock on wood), so I’ll take my chances and just try to resist the 10-second rule.

By Keltie Larter

Blowjobs So I was talking on the phone recently with my friend when the conversation veered towards things of a more carnal nature. He was telling me about how his boyfriend had given him a mind-blowing blowjob the night before and I said I didn’t find that so impressive because, really, how hard is it to give a good blowjob? My friend laughed in my face. Having a hard time believing what he had told me, I called around and talked to some other men friends of mine and, lo and behold, he wasn’t disillusioned after all. Apparently, a good blowjob is hard to come by, and bad ones are a dime a dozen. I asked my male friends what, then, made for a good blowjob? The verdict was unanimous. They all said the most important characteristic of a god blowjob is enthusiasm. You’ve got to really be into it and if not, well, you might as well not go there. My friend told me a truly great blowjob involves deep-throating; opening up your throat so the penis can slide all the way in. However, he and I agreed while deep-throating may be delectable, it just wasn’t an option for those with a sensitive gag reflex, and puking on your lover’s penis would certainly ruin the mood. He confessed this had happened to him once and the guy he threw up on had never spoken to him again. Speaking of fluids, lots of spit was also high up on the list, so if you’re feeling a little dry-mouthed when you go downtown, sipping some water first or using a mild-flavoured lubricant is key. All of the guys also stressed licking all up and down the shaft instead of only concentrating on the head and having their testicles sucked on while having their shaft rubbed. Many of them also suggested continuing the journey down south past the perineum and on to the sphincter. I say if you want someone to lick your poo-portal, you’d better make sure it’s squeaky clean down there! My friend told me one time he made a guy come so hard by licking his perineum while rubbing his cock that the guy cried like a baby. Then came the question of whether to spit or swallow. Once again, the guys unanimously agreed—they prefer it when their partner swallows. But they also said they’d rather have a blowjob where the girl spits than no blowjob at all.

Everyone’s happy growing things Joel Witherington CSEA Member

to buy trees and plant them around town. If you don’t want to bother applying for a grant, just grab some seeds from a berry or cone off your favourite tree and plant them in your ground. It’s great when you can grow your own food. Around Victoria we can grow apple, pear, cherry, and many other varieties of fruit trees. Grab the seeds from the fruit and try to grow them. Camosun Students for Environmental Awareness (CSEA) will be planting a few apple trees on the Lansdowne campus near the Wilna Thomas building and the native plant garden. Future generations of students won’t have to walk very far to get some free food. If you want more info on the tree-planting grant, check out www.treesfortomorrow. gov.bc.ca For more info about CSEA, visit www.camosunstudent.org/csea or e-mail camosunsea@hotmail. com

A great way to connect to the natural enStudents are prone to getting sick by being overly vironment is by growing stressed and not meeting the sleep requirements needed plants. Even growing for their immune systems to run properly. And the some flowers or herbs students who attend class while sick to avoid falling in a pot can give you a great feelbehind in their studies put everyone at risk of catching ing of accomplishment. Growing whatever virus they’re carrying. something from seeds lets you Next issue experience the whole plant cycle. The trial Beyond a personal feeling of I’m experiencing the Twilight trend firsthand and Day 1: Armed with a purse full of antiseptic toilettes I’m giving up . . . sunlight?! satisfaction, many positive enand a solid pair of rubber gloves, I’m germ-free and vironmental and communal effects are associated with growing plants. Trees are beautiful, they make you feel relaxed, plus they provide There appears to be a miscon- female genital mutilation in places shade from the sun. Trees are Chloe Markgraf Womyn’s Director ception that feminism implies like Sudan, or acknowledging hon- a great way to help fight global warming. They suck up carbon diFeminism is a word some kind of hierarchy. Actually, our killings in parts of Asia. that can send shivers it advocates equality. The belief that there’s equality oxide and spit out oxygen; none of us would be here if not for oxygen. down people’s spines. Rather than being insulted, among sexes is illusory. Also, the root system of a tree stops It seems to have gained why not join the movement? This perspective turns a blind landslides and they can also block a negative overtone, so A lot of disturbing inequalities eye to the devastation and crisis heavy winds. I wonder what inherent threat is are happening around the world; in many other parts of the world The BC government is offering implied by feminism? tripping on the phonetics or spell- where womyn are victims of exgrants to anyone wanting money Feminism is often associated ing of the word “womyn” is an treme violence and abuse. with bra burning and man hating, idle distraction from the bigger Getting insulted and upset by even though popular literature picture. feminism is not productive; in fact, If someone around you became seriously ill defines it as a doctrine based on Globally, we’re far from equal- it’s part of the reason we haven’t injured, would you know what to do? creating equality within the sexes. ity. Here, that means equal rep- gotten as far as we could have. Perhaps the reason some feel resentation in our government, or It’s time we let go of our egos IRST ID threatened by the word is because equal pay for womyn in the work- and personal vendettas and work it’s uninhibited and critical. force. Elsewhere, it’s addressing together to focus on real issues.

The rationale

Feminism often misunderstood

F

w w w.nexusnewspaper.com

visit t h e nexus online

or

A & CPR Training

Standard First Aid with CPR “C" & AED, WCB OFA Level 1, 2, 3 CPR”C” Renewal,

GUARDIAN EMERGENCY TRAINING

Group Rates Available

(250) 642-1911

WWW.bcfirstaid.com

COLUMNS Other sites to keep you off Crackbook

18

March 4, 2009

Ed Sum Contributing Writer

Here’s a list of websites that are entertaining as well as informative which may help jumpstart students’

No web surfing experience is complete without stumbling upon a random, awesome website and bookmarking it. brain cells when they can’t focus on homework. Beyond our favourite search engines, news, and social networking sites, here’s another

side of the web worth checking out.

Howstuffworks.com Like the TV show of the same name, this site uses photos, diagrams, videos, and animation to explain the workings of various things. Readers can learn how historical events unfolded and find interesting trivia on how everyday objects work. This website doesn’t restrict itself to any particular topic. Readers can find out how a network television show is written, or learn what makes a particular world leader tick. The only annoying feature is the ads alongside the articles, but any ad-blocking software can stop them.

Livescience.com Contrary to what the name implies, this website isn’t just

for science nerds. With a section dedicated to strange news, even bizarre topics are explored in a semi-scientific context. Just like Howstuffworks, a variety of subjects are explained without being too complicated. Here readers can find a variety of interesting articles on the metaphysical, culture, and history, as well as trivia and media galleries. The best part of visiting this website is the wide variety of top 10 lists, including ways to destroy the Earth and unexplained phenomena.

Archive.org This vast archive of information is the modern-day answer to the Library of Alexandria. Not only does it archive nearly every single website, it also hosts a wealth of media from the public domain. The list includes videos, audio

recordings, and text documents. Examples include early attempts in filmmaking and radio plays. Modern contributions are also included, like concert recordings by the Smashing Pumpkins and the Grateful Dead. The archive is also attempting to provide an online database of every book published. Similar websites include OurMedia and Project Gutenberg.

Televisionwithoutpity.com Yes, some people still watch television and here couch critics take jibes at the entertainment industry. Unlike most fan-based sites, these opinions matter because Hollywood is paying attention. The website continues a long tradition of criticizing TV show producers and writers and mocking their shows. Visitors to the site can post on forums, read blogs, contribute

to the Wikipedia, explore the entertainment industry, and learn about where popular culture is heading.

StumbleUpon.com No web surfing experience is complete without stumbling upon a random, awesome website and bookmarking it. Users will then share that website with their friends; that’s how most websites become popular. Unlike Google, where ranking is based on the number of visits, StumbleUpon uses social networking as its method of suggesting cool websites to users. Each person uploads or tags their favourite websites that StumbleUpon then tracks and makes recommendations based on each user’s personal tastes. Basically, this site is host to an ongoing popularity contest, and the results can be very interesting.

Keep the beat going, and going, and going... Sheila Porteous Contributing Writer

Like the Energizer Bunny, I require battery backup to keep going and going and going; I have an implantable cardiac defibrillator that prevents my sudden death by monitoring and correcting a genetic heart defect. February was Heart Month across Canada—did it even make you stop and think? Nope. You’re young and healthy, why would you worry about your heart health yet? I can give you one good reason—Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Can you vaguely remember hearing the news story about the young basketball player who dropped dead

during a game? Or the young girl who was out dancing and drinking Red Bull concoctions who walked outside and fell flat, never to be resuscitated? Unlike heart attacks, SCD can happen anywhere, any time, and to anyone, including children and young adults, with little or no warning. Many disorders like SCD are genetic. Recognition of the warning signs and early medical intervention are the keys to preventing SCD. Doctors say SCD among school kids is largely a hidden problem. It’s estimated about 100 children and teens die each year because their hearts suddenly stop, and as many

as 50 percent of young people who health information center with experienced SCD had symptoms materials and resources on heart prior to their event. I certainly did. disease for patients and families. For For years, I had seizure-like epi- more info, call 250–370–8000. sodes during school runs, or when I was emotionally distraught. I was The warning signs of misdiagnosed as having an atypical seizure disorder for many years. It Sudden Cardiac Death wasn’t until I moved to Victoria that I found a doctor who took me • Fainting or seizure during physical activity. seriously. Victoria provides some of the best cardiac care available • Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement or disin Canada. tress. Information can be obtained online at sads.ca from the Canadian • Family history of unexpected sudSudden Arrhythmia Death Synden death during physical activity dromes (SADS) Foundation. Also, or during a seizure, or any other Vancouver Island Health Authority unexplained sudden death of an otherwise healthy young person. provides a patient and family heart

Click, click, yakity, yak Andy Roberts Contributing Writer

SPARKFESTIVAL MARCH 2009

MARCH 10 – 15 BASH’d: A GAY RAP OPERA MARCH 11– 15 RADIO :30 MARCH 14 & 15 HAIRCUTS BY CHILDREN

Plus Free Mini Plays, Readings and Workshops. Details at www.belfry.bc.ca Tickets $20 / $15 (PSS) / $10 (HSS) 250-385-6815

Belfry Theatre

SUPPORTED BY

MARCH 17 – 21 MOVING ALONG MARCH 18 – 22 RAGE MARCH 22 BELFRY 101 LIVE

The computer lab stations at Camosun are like Victoria’s buses; you get stuck waiting for 30 minutes, then there are three available at once. But the inconvenience of trying to find a spot in the labs, particularly on a Wednesday or during the midterm crunch, is vastly outweighed by the ignorance and selfishness that lurks within. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve unsuccessfully tried to finish a paper at school because the computer labs are too noisy, messy, or full to the brim. The signage in Camosun computer labs state cell phones should be set to vibrate, phone calls taken to the hall, and conversations kept quiet and brief. Without fail, I’m frequently forced to sit near someone having a cell phone conversation or, worse still, I’m stuck listening to a loud and pointless conversation in the hallway because people fail to realize just how sharp the acoustics are outside the lab. “Yeah, I’m just in the computer lab finishing a paper,” they say, while idly flicking through a Facebook album of their friends getting wasted the night before. As for the subject of personal web browsing, again, read the signage.

No personal web browsing before 4 pm? Most students assume this doesn’t apply to them because Facebook and MySpace are the only ways they communicate with other students. The simple fact is, from Facebook to YouTube, from Twitter to MySpace, if you’re killing time in the lab or using it for frivolous personal activity, you could be keeping a diligent student from their work. Which is, after all, the primary reason we’re all here, right? Even trickier to understand is how students ignore the “No Food or Drink” signs plastered on every wall. Even if your coffee is in a flask, and you’re only eating an apple, it’s still food. Frankly, people seem oblivious to the germs and saliva they are putting onto the keyboard, and the germs and bacteria they pick up from the keyboard and spread to their food. Next time you sit at a computer biting your nails or licking your greasy fingers, consider the thousands of other fingers you’re also tasting. Hundreds of students per day come though the computer labs; resources are tight and we all have to share the facilities. The labs are, as the signs remind us, a study area. And, like the library, they should be used with care, consideration, and respect for other students.

HUMOUR

[email protected]

Looking Glass  By Adrian Binakaj

19

Phlegm  By Shane Scott-Travis

Darth & Luke  By Alan Piffer

Top three staff washrooms at the Lansdowne Campus without retracting handles allows for uninhibited water flow. Toilet seat is wide and low with handlebars on both sides, prime for the more heavy set individual. Table and chair also available to lay items like backpacks and jackets. Great room to snort rails in. 2. Staff washroom, Young Building, third floor

Guy Alaimo Porcelain princess

1. Staff/handicap washroom, Ewing Building, second floor Ample walking space between toilet and sink. Hot and cold faucets,

Henchwomen located in the offices adjacent to this hidden gem will give you a hard time, but don’t give in to their authoritative stance. This washroom has a private toilet stall equipped with a full rising window that’s great for post-lunch shits, and even offers a nice view of the city. Paper cups for water are located next to the sink. 3. Staff/handicap washroom, Dawson Building, first floor A simple, handlebar-equipped toilet and space to move around make this ideal restroom a top three hit. Com-

Overheard at Nexus

fortable, padded chair located in the corner to lay things on top of, or to just sit and read a good book in peace and tranquility. Notable mention: Third floor of the Richmond House has two beautiful restrooms, side by side. One is an antique lover’s dream. The toilet seat is over 40 years old and is worn out from extensive use. The bathtub works well, and there’s a nice view of the back of the Lansdowne cafeteria so you can watch all the depressed employees smoke cigarettes during their breaks. Disclaimer: We will not be held responsible if you get in trouble for using these premier restrooms. But, if there’s piss all over the toilet seats in the regular washrooms, we say go right ahead and use away, because a clean toilet is your right! It’s your right as a student, and as a human being living in a civilized society. Fuck the (campus) police!

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: “Don’t worry Laila, I’m not looking at your nuts.”

“Ooo, they met an array of lobster fishermen!”

“I see Brendan running around in Beacon Hill Park naked.”

“He might threaten you with his saggy balls.”

“Is the food there any good?”

classifieds Calling all skinny-dippers and wannabes too. A local nudist club is holding monthly nude swims at a city recreation centre pool. If you are interested in attending, contact [email protected] or phone 250–472–1805 for information. 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 [email protected], 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

“Well, it does what it needs to do.”

“I’ll probably end up calling her Reef.”

Mexican Tacos
Tamales
Beer






















Tinga
Cochinita Pibil
really Beef Barbacoa What do Mexicans eat? Rajas Con Crema
Al Pastor Tinga
Cochinita
Barbacoa
Pastor low low student prices every day

1002 Johnson St. (at Vancouver)

11am - 7pm Mon - Sat

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

March 4, 2009

eye on campus By Kait Cavers

Grow

Friday, March 6

your education Add online courses to your regular studies Didn’t get into the course you needed? Is your busy schedule making it difficult to balance schoolwork and a job? Thompson Rivers University can help by bringing education directly to you through Open Learning. With over 400 online and distance courses available for registration throughout the year, you can get the credits you need and transfer them back to your home institution. You can study when you want, where you want and even set your own exam schedule. For a complete list of Open Learning courses and programs please visit our website.

www.truopen.ca

1.877.663.4091

Sweet digs finally, the sweetest revenge against aramark has been organized. the planting of fruit trees. What? You mean i no longer have to choose between spending my life savings on eating healthy or caving and buying the fried mayonnaise balls at five for a buck? Screw the pricey carrot sticks, i’m going to get some apples off a tree that doesn’t require i take a mortgage out on my life just to feed myself. if this cold dish of revenge

by kait Cavers

Thursday, March 5

Girlicious, Danny Fernandez ROYAL THEATRE, SHOW AT 7 PM, $45

okay, let’s try to stop laughing for a second here and let me list this event. alright. girlicious, a substandard remake of the already substandard Pussycat dolls are in town and onstage to make you sweat, blush, and salivate. danny fernandez joins in because, hey, publicity is great, but the chance to sneak into the girlicious tour bus is even greater. don’t you wish your girlfriend wasn’t into this shit? don’t cha?

Friday, March 6

[email protected]

sounds like something you want to wrap your talons around, then pop by the corner of lansdowne and foul bay between the Wilna thomas building and dunlop House and help to plant some future happiness. or just show up to keep some student diggers from the CSea club company. the ground breaks at 3:30 pm.

Tax facts grab your t-4s and hold onto your butts ‘cause the School of business accounting students are available to help you file 2008 tax returns. if you’ve been saving up for that new iPod touch, sweet new ride, or you’re just trying to recover from the line of credit you had to take out to pay for that egg-salad sandwich you had from the Caf on tuesday, then drop those suckers off and get paid, yo. if it makes dollars, it makes sense! from 11:30 am–1:30 pm

the previous night, then head to lucky to check out some real bands produce some real music. Spindrift’s mystic tunes will leave you convinced you’re in a Quentin tarantino movie set in the west. this is a show that will be forever etched in your mind.

Friday, March 6

The Creepshow, The Resignators SOPRANO’S, DOORS AT 9 PM, $15

a female-fronted punk/rockabilly explosion is the best way to sum up the band that has been tearing up stages since ’03. the toronto-based Creepshow have shared the stage with big names like rancid, uS bombs, and tiger army, and continually prove why their over-the-top live shows are gaining them international success. Creepy, campy, sexy, intense, bing bang boom, bob’s your uncle, i’m there.

Sunday, March 8

Spindrift, The Upsidedown

Tom Russell

LUCKY BAR, DOORS AT 9 PM, $15

if you’ve been aching for some good, old-fashioned music, then you need to go check out award-winning tex-Mex

if you’ve had ample time to recover from stalking the girlicious tour bus

AMBROSIA EVENT CENTRE, DOORS 8 PM, $28

and 3:30–5:30 pm, Monday to friday. located in Cba 289, interurban and the fisher foyer, lansdowne.

Hockey! indoor sports were invented by easterners who found it was impossible to hold onto a hockey stick in -50 degree weather in the winter months. it’s a true fact that i just made up. us victorians? We’re just effin’ wieners. Plus, 5 degrees is plenty enough heat for daffodils to bloom in february, but put me outside in a parka and winter boots and i’ll pee myself just to keep warm. that’s why it’s indoor sportin’ or nothin.’ drop-in on Mondays and Wednesdays 7–9 pm, Young 112, lansdowne. info: 250–370–3602. also, if you want to drop in on Nexus’ own floor hockey games, we play from 2:30–4 pm every Monday, also in the Young gym. bring your foil!

singer/songwriter tom russell. these acts are few and far between these days, so be sure not to miss out.

Tuesday, March 10

The Von Bondies, Nico Vega SUGAR, SHOW AT 9 PM, $13

if you still haven’t heard about the von bondies then you’ve been living under a rock. or not listening to the Zone. these guys put together a sweet little package of a set whenever they rock a stage, and their music is a subtle mixture of practice and perfection. Check them out live with Nico vega, an energetic mixture of dance, punk, and rock.

Tuesday, March 17

Buena Buya, Hillside Hooligans LUCKY BAR, DOORS AT 9 PM, $10

do your St. Patty’s day up right with lucky bar. Check out this insane ska party devoted to everything green. dress your best, down some green beer, and be on the lookout for lucky charms. Not to be missed, this will be the party of the week, guaranteed.