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The Caper Times

Volume 30, Issue 12

March 9th, 2009

Coalition of the Willing? Petty Political Posturing Prorogues Parliament In This Issue:

Parliament Prorogued (Pg. 3) Daniel MacIvor Profile (Pg. 2) Tilting at Windmills (Pg. 4) Any Freshmen Left? (Pg. 8) Opining on Picasso (Pg. 8) End of Tradit’l. Family (Pg. 9) “Cadillac” of Sports Facilities Coming to CBU (Pg. 10) Photo Courtesy Suzanne MacNeil /// CT

The Caper Times welcomes back all students and faculty! Have a great winter semester! The Caper Times is: Editor-in-Chief: Chris Lawrence Associate Editor: Griffyn Chezenko

Business Manager: Marisha Bandaratilaka Distribution Manager: Misty MacPhee

Writers: Brittany Harnum Ryan Hynes Suzanne MacNeil Kenny McClean Leslie Yorke

And Much More!!! The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily the opinions of CBUSU or the Caper Times Editorial Board. If you do not agree with something in this paper, then do something about it. This is a student and community paper, and both the university and local community are encouraged to be heard. Have something that needs to be said or just want to say something? Contact the Caper Times at [email protected].

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Albertan author talks about Dirty Oil and the future of Canada By Suzanne MacNeil The Tar Sands in Alberta has put its home province in prominent economic standing, but on March 2, Cape Bretoners had the opportunity to hear from Albertan journalist Andrew Nikiforuk, whose work stands as a critical voice in opposition to the energy project. Nikiforuk recently published book “Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent” is a call to action for all Canadians to examine the country’s approach to energy strategies, and to begin a serious national conversation on where to go from here. Speaking to a crowd of about 150 at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, the Calgarian author said “This is not a story of us ‘versus them, big bad oil companies’. This is fundamentally a Canadian story, one that affects every one of us. We’re all very much actively a part of the things we deplore.” The Tar Sands is, as identified by Nikiforuk, the “world’s largest energy project”, encompassing an area in Northern Alberta equaling the size of Florida. The extracted product is bitumen, a very heavy type of petroleum that requires a highly complex refinement process to separate it from the sand and clay in which it is found. Nikiforuk defended his use of the term “tar sands”, a technical misnomer, rather than “oil sands”, because of the low quality of the resource. “It is a badly degraded hydrocarbon…

[that is] twenty times more expensive to process than conventional crude”. He explained that it takes one barrel of oil to produce three barrels from the Tar Sands, whereas crude from Saudi Arabia requires one barrel per twenty produced, and termed the resource intensity of Tar Sands production as “energy cannibalism”. Renewed Canadian and global interest in the Tar Sands project coincides with National Geographic magazine making it a feature in a recent issue. “The article really didn’t contain anything new. It could have been written ten years ago.” Nikiforuk make the point that coverage of the issue is more due to growing concerns about the environment and other impacts made by the project. Though concerns about climate change have been eclipsed by the global financial crisis over the past four months, Nikiforuk explained that the Tar Sands have affected Canada negatively on both issues. About 31% of our greenhouse gases come from Alberta, and because of this, he argued, “[Canada] couldn’t meet any of our emissions goals because of the Tar Sands”. Nikiforuk pointed out that because so much of our economy depended on the mega-project, our economy is not as diversified as it should be and is more vulnerable in an economic meltdown. The issue of water was raised, and Nikiforuk explained that bitumen production required large quantities of water. One

year’s activity in the Tar Sands consumes double the amount consumed by the city of Calgary in the same timeframe. Corporations with operations in the Tar Sands have free access to Canada’s water resources, using an equal amount to that consumed by California’s mega irrigation projects. Pollution from tailings ponds was also an issue of grave concern. Nikiforuk said that many communities in close proximity to the Athabasca River would suffer immensely if the any of the dams keeping the ponds intact were breached by means of a storm or earthquake. He pointed out that many communities already suffered health problems due to contamination. When asked what progressively-minded people could do to influence the direction of Canada’s future in relation to the Tar Sands development, Nikiforuk first challenged Atlantic Canadians to reflect on their role in supplying much of their workforce to Fort McMurray, and what it is doing to their home provinces. “As Atlantic Canadians, how has this helped us, or hurt us? Made us better or worse off?” About 14% of the Atlantic Canadian population has been “exported” to Northern Alberta in the last decade. His second suggestion was to start looking at energy security in our own region. “Look at Europe, and how they made renewables economically attractive and vital.” Prompting us to build local vision, Nikiforuk said “you could be building vibrant, sustainable local economies here rather than

The Caper Times supporting a 19th Century economy in Alberta.” Nikiforuk also encouraged us to join with other citizens and prevent Canada from becoming a “Petro State”, a government dependent on a moribund resource to exert political power. “Governments need to start acting less like developers and more like governments. Take that money off the table, raise revenue through taxes, and be accountable to the people.” The event was sponsored locally by JCI Cape Breton, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Just US Coffee Roasters, and is part of a tour across Nova Scotia.

Suzanne MacNeil // CT

March 9th, 2009

By Ryan Hines The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation announced changes that could forever alter Canadian identity, late last month. We all know and love the CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, perhaps the single most iconic piece of Canadian programming of all time. And we all love to hate the rest of CBC’s programming (Being Erika and Heartland are by no means an exhaustive list of these), though there are the rare gems that we hate to love (Rick Mercer Report, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and Little Mosque on the Prairie – hmm, this list wasn’t intended to be exhaustive...). CBC Radio 1 and 2 are an assumed part of Canadian broadcast culture with its commercialfree content available to the vast majority of Canadians via conventional radio and now satellite radio as well. Many of these assumptions are on the table for drastic makeovers. Increasing American content, incorporating commercials into CBC Radio are two of the more controversial suggestions made by President and CEO Hubert Lacroix late last month. If these suggested measures are implemented, devil’s advocate begs the question: how will the CBC be any different from any private venture in Canada? CBC is a Crown corporation, meaning that Canadian tax dollars pay for it. Do we really need more Canadian money to be spent on American television? More importantly, why

spend our tax dollars on American content when it would only take minimal statutory relaxation to allow the ever-eager American private sector to ram it down our throats for us! If this is really the solution, then we do not need to pay for it, we can have it delivered on a silver satellite platter with a side dish of Obama-mania and NFL football – alleged to have been invented here but most of us are happy to let the Americans take the blame for that. A little clarification is needed here. It’s not the American programming that gets us upset. It is this: when I type “un-American”, it automatically hyphenates it for me, however when I write “uncanadian” it earns a red squiggle. Why? Because we do not know what it is to be Canadian anymore, and if we do not know what Canadian is, how can we say anything is un-Canadian? In our last issue we had an article detailing the outcry about the Vancouver Olympics not translating the national anthem into Hindi. The outcry claimed that this refusal was un-Canadian, but if we did this what would be Canadian afterwards? CBC, right? We can depend on that remaining Canadian! Nope. This is why we do not want to allow the CBC to become yet another Canadian station spewing American content. Critics are also complaining that this would not conform to “the mandate of the CBC, the legislated objectives by which the Corporation is governed”. Being legislative in nature, the mandate

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is highly repetitive and ultimately redundant. As such, there are only a few main themes throughout the document. The theme in jeopardy here is first stated in section 3.(b) which states, “the Canadian broadcasting system… provides, through its programming, a public service essential to the maintenance and enhancement of national identity and cultural sovereignty”. Then again, CBC has a perfect track record for following its mandate up until now; just look at section 3.(g): “the programming originated by broadcasting undertakings should be of high standard”. Canadians unanimously agree that CBC has upheld this much of its mandate so we should definitely give them a break here… Anyway, what’s the big deal? Why does Sydney, Nova Scotia care if one more piece of Canadian identity slips through our desperately grasping fingers? Cape Breton has grown used to losing its identity over the years. At the time of confederation Nova Scotia was the richest province, with trade routes everywhere accessible in the Golden Age of sail. That identity was stolen when Central Canada told us we had to trade nationally rather than internationally, oh and we’re not going to pay nearly as much. Cape Breton Island supported mainland Nova Scotia for many years (do you think they built the deepest causeway in the world because we are nice people?) through the steel

industry, coal mining and the fisheries. All of a sudden, (not really, but then you would never know it) like a small child would tell its adoring parent: all gone! When we ran out of natural resources to support the economy, Halifax has abandoned us like a child who reached the age of majority, got pregnant and joined a cult. That cult is called Social Assistance and Halifax is just jealous. The child has grown into a call center and is just waiting to stick a knife in our economy, and leave town when it will most cripple us. Cape Breton’s identity is as a has-been, and we don’t often get credit even for that. Nova Scotia is laughing at Cape Breton while Canada is laughing at Nova Scotia. Did I mention that CBC has also suggested selling off some of its smaller assets? The way I would interpret that, and the way it has been explained to me, is “bye-bye Sydney newsroom, we are going to Halifax”. I don’t know if this is exactly the case, but I imagine that this would be in the works for many “smaller” newsrooms across Canada. Just to add insult to injury, they may even start adding commercials into the mix for us all. Ok, so I have convinced you that Canada’s identity could be at stake here, or at least that the last scraps of Cape Breton’s cultural autonomy from the mainland is being seriously threatened by these proposed makeovers (or else you would have stopped reading my rant 500 words ago!). But you are still asking, why do I, a student at Cape Breton University,

care about anything the CBC wants to do? CBC is for old people, I really can’t be bothered to pay attention to some measly cutbacks in an economy where bankruptcy is the norm. Well, maybe you are right; so long as you don’t mind getting your news from Boston. Ok, maybe Halifax, but do we want Halifax to get any more credit? I say we go with the Boston broadcast for spite. If CBC wants to cram American crap down our throats from Halifax then we may as well get it straight from the Bull. Definitely the Boston feed for me. Get my point? If we don’t care, we are as good as American. Once CBC folds to American media pressure, how long until our media is completely saturated? How long until Canadian culture gives way entirely to American? How long until Canada becomes America? I am proud to be Canadian, even if I do not know what that means anymore. As such, I do not want to see one of my culture’s last forts fall to the siege of Manifest Destiny. Besides, America caused this whole economic mess the world is in. Therefore, America caused the CBC to consider these drastic proposals. America did not learn its lesson in the thirties. Nor will allowing CBC to use our tax dollars to purchase American content teach them anything. You can be sure that if we make it out of this economic state without civil war, the only thing Wall Street will learn this time is that causing world economic strife makes padding Wall Street pockets with government monies even easier. I want CBC to remain true to their Canadian mandate because in this case I prefer the devil I don’t know.

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The Caper Times

By Kenny McClean Light spills out of the doorway as it swings open, illuminating the footpath and driving back the darkness beyond. Music and laughter drift out slowly as patrons spill into the night, heading back to the places they will be from.   A cool breeze blows through the trees, and if I close my eyes the trees are talking to one and other, whispering of the things they’ve seen. A misstep, a careless word, and suddenly the idyllic scene is one of rage and violence. It’s a warm night for March, and I’m working the door. Ostensibly, what I’m doing is keeping an eye out for disorder and disturbances. What I’m really doing is

babysitting, keeping an eye on those too imbibed to keep an eye on themselves. For minimum wage, I put myself in the middle of the worst of human behavior, and was thankful for the opportunity. The nights working as a bouncer all followed a script, and ran into each other until the first and the last get mixed up in my mind. With repetition comes familiarity, and it became such that spotting trouble before it started was a reflex, instead of a conscious action. Tone of voice, posture; these speak louder than slurred words ever could. That is not to say that it was easy: drunks are nothing if not unpredictable. It is said

that “A drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts,” and this holds true not only for words, but actions. Only the drunkest of fools would attack a bartender for little more than closing up shop after last call; the shame of a drunk is the burden of the sober. Every night was a fight to stay on top of the antics of the fully-grown children that frequented the bar. There are no atheists in foxholes, and there are no heroes among bar staff. Working in a bar is a team effort: diving headfirst and alone into a situation is a recipe for disaster. If there is one thing that becomes quickly apparent while working at a bar, it

is that drunks love a fight. In the eyes of a drunk, the bar becomes a modernday coliseum and they the gladiator facing down a lion. A fight was never oneon-one, for at least several people took it upon themselves to join in. One person separating two angry people is a daunting task: one person separating a crowd is impossible. The Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, but we still retain that animal thirst for blood and violence. Young men and women, angry at the perceived injustices of the world, take out aggression on each other when they’ve drunk enough to ignore common sense and inhibitions. For this reason, working in a bar was always a team effort. The job had appeal, certainly. It was on campus, the management was easygoing, and the sense

Staying Tuned:

things like “If you like blues, this album is for you” or “If you like techno, this group is for you.” As far as instruments are concerned, I recommend The Monster Show to anyone who loves blues guitar, I recommend this band to anyone who loves country. It is suggested that you listen to The Monster Show if you love slow songs, poetic lyrics, banjo picking, piano, driving around and listening to an 80’s rock radio station, and/or telling ghost stories around a bonfire. “And In Our Final Days As Archipelago” is The Monster Show’s album, and it is a doozy. A doozy is by no means a terrible thing concerning this album. Upon receiving the CD, I opened it. It was one of those cardboard CD cases where

there are three covers. One side contains the sleeve and one side contains the actual disk. You know which kind I’m talking about. Anyway, on the middle cover there was a nice poem. The first time I ever saw a poem of any kind on a CD case. It read: “And in our final days as archipelago, we continued, the inevitable fragmentation like seeds, blown, to drift and shift at the whim of lunar tides and solar winds. Fragments so lovely and unique, each still connected to the others, but only by the invisible strands of time that near their measured ends. Fated then, from the outset, to strain and pull – individual landforms that never will again occupy the same continent, nor never the same waterways and

passages – but made better, and stronger perhaps, by quiet things passed from shore to peninsula to isthmus – these pieces that become a part of each of us.” At the end, it said Kitchener, May 23, 2008. I probably read that six or seven times before I got a chance to listen to the CD. It intrigued me and it made me laugh a little bit; not at the poem, but at the fact that I never came across a CD case so interesting. I plan on discussing certain songs, songs that highlight how lyrically awesome these guys are, if the poem wasn’t enough evidence of that. The first song, “Winnipeg & Fargo” (And yes, they mean the movie) is a fantastic introduction to the rest of the album. In my opinion,

Ranting & Raving by Eileen Coole Album Review: The Monster Show – “And In Our Final Days As Archipelago Imagine The Tom Fun Orchestra releasing a new album. Now, picture that The Tom Fun Orchestra released an album which focused on classic rock and roll, but their eclectic instruments managed to seep through because they couldn’t help it. The Ontariobased band, The Monster Show, released an album similar to the previously mentioned situation. Many album reviews may say

of camaraderie after a hard night’s work made up for being spit on and punched. As a student bar, it was more casual than a bar downtown, allowing the staff a degree of freedom that would otherwise be impractical. Right in the middle of everything, the job helped foster a sense of belonging, being part of the big picture. Bar work, like retail, is great except for the customers. The evenings I spent working were some I wouldn’t trade for anything. I worked with some great people, made some friends, and grew up a little bit, watching and learning from the mistakes of others. All things must come to an end, though, and it’s time I was moving on. It’s a warm night for March, and I’m working the door for the last time, watching the stars come out. they couldn’t have picked a better song to be the first song. The song starts off with a somewhat ambient guitar sound. You can tell it’s a guitar, but it sounds more technologically distorted. The rest of the song has some hard rock influence, something you’d hear on mainstream radio. The song talks about in Fargo, North Dakota, the soldiers look to the plains and deserts and seem somewhat nervous of the challenges they are facing. In the end of the song, the verse says “there was a time when our soldiers battled waves.” Pretty powerful stuff. The second song, “How To Bicycle Home From Downtown, Slightly Drunk, While Carrying 3 Used LPs” lyrically depicts exactly what

March 9th, 2009 the title says. It’s another no-frills rock tune, and the song instructs you on how to bicycle home from downtown, slightly drunk, while carrying 3 used LPs. It is simplicity in words, but it’s quite humorous. The third song is a folk tune with banjos, called “When The Sky Is Full And Dark”, and this is where the previous bonfire recommendation comes into play. It sounds like a few people got together, brought their banjos, and sang a song about how they did not want to stop singing that night. It’s a very natural, sing-from-your-heart tune. Another song that deserves a mention, later in the track listing, is called “We Could Make Dinner At Your Place” is very short and it’s more of a ballad. It is about a failing relationship, “”Sure”, she says, though she is anything but. And they continue walking together, but their footsteps are out of synch and fall apart”. Those were four of many songs on the Monster Show’s only album, but the other songs are equally as good as those that I have mentioned. I changed my mind on the recommendation for certain types of people to give it a listen; I recommend this album to anyone.

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Page 6 The Trouble with Free Speech By Terrence Rochon It has been reported that some people were partaking in the promotion of certain candidates in this past election campaign; these people were not members of this party’s team and as such not allowed to promote the party by distributing fliers, banners, etc. This was put to a stop. However, nothing was done to stop certain individuals from going around and telling people to go vote for a particular party. What is the problem with this one might ask? It is just someone practicing free speech, we can not interfere with that...can we? Such is the problem I will try to amend. In a rigidly controlled system or competition such as our university’s elections, does everyone really have the

Letter To The Editor Binge drinking is a leading concern among faculty and staff on campuses in regard to the safety of not only themselves and the students, but also the university as well. Vandalism, sexual assault and physical assaults are only a few of the dangerous outcomes of binge drinking. Post Secondary institutions often offer social activities among university students that have limited supervision that encourage the use of alcohol. Drinking games and easy access to alcohol are prevalent within postsecondary institutions. University settings may promote a culture of acceptance for alcohol consumption and the resulting student social relations may

The Caper Times ability to exercise their free speech? Will people who have an opinion express it among their companions? Obviously yes they will. Will they, however, go and seek out people whom they do not know and try to persuade them to accept their view or do something (vote) the way they want them too? One would think, baring extreme circumstances and conditions, that the answer is no. So within the limits of our quaint election system is that something that should be controlled? When we have deemed that people are unable to promote a party without being listed as a campaign member should we not also restrict whom they can go out and “recruit” for that very same cause? I for one think the logical answer is a profound yes. I would think that it follows that in our election system, which requires one to be on

a party’s campaign team to promote them, that our “free speech” should be restricted. We are overstepping our boundaries when we go from talking to our friends to talking to complete strangers. In the confines of our humble little election, we are moving from free speech to promotion. Such promotion should be restricted to only those on the campaign team of a particular party. By-laws should be made to enforce such a rule with penalties more than “stop doing that”. If elections are to be taken serious they should be run seriously. We should reward for actions within the rules and create real consequences for people who decide to gaily ignore the rules of our electoral system. Leave that cloak and dagger business to princes. In the end what should be done? Set up rules so that no one can conscript votes

include behaviors involving the abuse of alcohol. The growing popularity of these drinking games may also be associated with the fact that they reduce social anxiety levels with new environments and unfamiliar social surroundings for first year students. Interpersonal violence is often the result of on or off-campus binge drinking and takes three forms: sexual assault, physical assault, and hate crimes. Sexual assaults are not just individual, but in some cases have happened in groups. Non sexual assaults, specifically dating violence, includes violence toward the partner by slapping or other forms of violence including hazing which is a dangerous activity that through humiliation you are

expected to join regardless of your willingness to do so. And hate crimes is the use of defamation harassment and violence have also been seen on some campuses. Binge Drinking can be curbed by the use of community intervention. Increase security and the increase of resources prior to the start of the university year can help address the dangers of binge drinking and help those in need. For more information you can visit the Facebook group “Student and Binge Drinking” for help or further resources.

and get off on technicalities. Politicians are generally thought of as some form of self concerned sub-human who will do anything to win. The university and its union

have no need for those tactics and those people. Play inside the rules or take your toys and *insert explicit word of choice* off to some other sandbox.

SUBJECT TO CLASSIFICATION

IN THEATRES EVERYWHERE FRIDAY, MARCH 13! Editor’s Note: Letters are printed as recieved. If a letter is deemed offensive, or contains offensive language, it will not be modified, it will simply not be printed. When submitted, please include your full name, and contact information With that in mind, if you do not agree with what is said here, or in any other matter, feel free to send us a letter at [email protected]

March 9th, 2009

Caper Times Profile: Jeff Black

Jeff Black is not only a Cape Breton University student but also a mixed martial artist. Jeff fights professionally and currently has a professional record of 2-2. While he has two losses, he currently stands undefeated in his weight category. Jeff was kind enough to answer a few questions regarding his sport. Catherine Lunn: What originally peaked your interest in martial arts and at what age? Jeff Black: Just watching the sport of mixed martial arts peaked my interest, I have been watching the UFC and various other MMA (mixed martial arts) since the late 90’s and had always wondered if I myself could compete. I did not start to train in any martial art until I signed for my first fight (Very dumb idea) and then I started to train in Juijitsu and Kickboxing. I would say I stepped in there much too quickly and if I allowed more time to train prior it would have seriously impacted the outcome. CL: At what “level” do you currently fight and in what weight category? JB: I fight at a professional level usually across the Maritime Provinces. I have had offers to fight as far as British Columbia and Costa Rica, and even got an offer to fight a training partner of Anderson Silvia (UFC) in Ontario. I will take these higher caliber fights in due time when I feel I am good and ready (I already embarrassed myself on TV

once already). I fight at the lightweight division of 155lbs but for my first two fights I fought in welterweight division of 170 and down. I learned about dieting and cutting water weight to make a weight class and not be seriously outsized by my adversary. If I am walking around at 170 I can easily make 155 within a week and go back up to almost 165 in the day between the weigh-in and the fight. Weight cutting is a big part of any combat sport, done correctly it can prove to be a huge advantage. CL: Do you prefer the “no holds barred” approach to fighting, of the early 90s, or the current more regulated form? JB: I think that the rule set that is enforced in most organizations today is the best. There are certain rules in place that enforce a degree of safety for the athletes and if the rules were not in place it would be nothing more than a street fight. This is a sport not brawl. CL: Are there any regulations you deem unfair and would change? JB: No I am happy with the rule set, some different athletic commissions have different rules about tape and lubricant for the face so depending on the province you fight in you may not be allowed to tape ankles or apply Vaseline to the bridge of the nose and around the eyes (to prevent friction cuts from the leather gloves) so I would like them all to agree on unified regulations. It is a hassle to get there and find out you can’t tape your ankles or use Vaseline. CL: Do you have a message to those who think it is still too violent?

Page 7 JB: This is just like any combat sport; Mixed Martial Arts is just combining them all and shrinking the gloves for added interest. If you think it is too violent you are not looking far enough into it. It is very difficult to link together various strikes and submission transitions. If you can learn to appreciate the hard work put into it is quite beautiful and sexy… hahahha just kidding. CL: Have you had any major injuries? JB: In my first fight I got two black eyes and lost my two front teeth(Next time I will keep my hands up) not because of the violence of the sport but because I did not allow myself time to prepare for a professional fight, nor did I have the proper instructors to compete at this level. CL: How much time do you spend training a week? JB: When I am close to a fight I attend my club Mondays and Tuesdays with the other students that attend for regular classes, I also try to make it out 2 or 3 more times a week for long and tiring sparring sessions. I lift weights at the gym about 5 days a week. To combine that and school makes for a busy week and also makes me pretty sore. CL: What is the next step in your training process? JB: I am always looking to train with new people and in new disciplines. This summer I spent at a great club in Vancouver titled Universal MMA and Muay Thai and consistently training at Sprawl Or Brawl MMA in Glace Bay. This summer I will be traveling to Thailand to train in Muay Thai kickboxing at Fairtex, which is one of the best

camps in the world. After spending 7 hours a day for a straight month with the best in the world I should be able to kick an arse or two. CL: Any advice for someone who is interested in joining this style of martial art? JB: Train, train, train. Do not jump in to this too quickly if you value your teeth, the people you will fight at this level train full time and usually have been doing some form of martial arts their whole life. Learn to defend yourself properly and be versed in all the main disciplines. You should devote a strong year or more towards training before considering competing professionally. The last thing you want to do is get knocked out early in the first round in front of hundreds of people and video cameras. CL: What is your favorite part of stepping into the cage? Least favorite? JB: I like how for the next twenty minutes or so there are countless people focusing on you and your exact movements, how my actions can affect their emotions in different ways. Also I like to keep a cool head and be nonchalant and composed so my opponent knows that I am completely comfortable with what we will be doing for the next three rounds. It is not a good feeling knowing that your opponent has no fear. Also when you get in there and you forget about all the people and the leather starts to fly for the first few punches…that’s a rush…also I like when I am fighting a home town guy and the crowd boos me right from the start, there is nothing wrong with a little added motivation. CL: What is your ultimate

Courtesy, Jeff Black

goal with regards to your fighting? JB: I want to seriously consider every offer that comes my way and be able to say I went as far as I could with it. This sport is very popular right now and the offers to fight are very lucrative. I don’t want to have any regrets. I will go as far as I can with this. My manager James Postlethwaite at Crazy J Representation helps me decide what fights I should take. CL: Where and when is your next fight? JB: My next fight is on April 11th in Moncton New Brunswick. I will be fighting Jonathan Williams of New Brunswick who is a very talented BJJ and Judo player. I will be looking to keep the fight standing and look for the knockout. This will prove to be my toughest fight yet. This is going to be a very exciting night of fights and if anyone is interested in coming up to watch they can get tickets at elite1mma. com

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The Caper Times

DISTRACTIONS

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March 9th, 2009

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Capers and X-Men play another classic before AUS Playoffs by Sean O’Neill If there was any doubt that the basketball rivalry between the Cape Breton University Capers and the St. FX X-Men wasn’t the best in the AUS, the argument can now be put to bed, once and for all. Just because the schools are a mere two hours apart, does not mean that this rivalry is built on close proximity alone. It has been built over the course of time with two teams batting each other in tense, emotional games that can, and have, gone either way, with energetic and boisterous fans helping to create the atmosphere in the arena. In the last ten installments of this drama, the Capers hold a slender 6-4 series lead, and the average margin of all victories has been only 6.7 points. This rivalry has also turned controversial this season as St. FX assistant coach Garry Gallimore received a year-long suspension from Atlantic University Sport after he slapped a minor official at the scorer’s table in Cape Breton when the two teams played on January 28 of this year. The incident put a black-eye on a 90-86 game that should be remembered for the unbelievable performances of CBU’s Phil Nkrumah and X’s Christian Upshaw. It was only fitting that the final game in the AUS regular season was a date at the Oland Centre in Antigonish. It was also apropos that the winner of this game would finish first in the AUS regular season standings. With X blowing their chance to

clinch first-place at home against Dalhousie thanks to Josh Beattie’s buzzerbeating three-pointer, it was all to play for as the Capers and their Orange Army came to town. After witnessing the incredible game in Sydney, it was hard to imagine the encore in Antigonish could live up to the hype. It didn’t live up to the hype; it surpassed it easily. At half-time, the game was tied at 32. Half-way through the third quarter, the Capers blew the game open and took a 13 point-lead on a Nkrumah three-pointer. St. FX coach Steve Konchalski took a time-out and his team came out of it in a 2-3 zone defense. This proved to be a massive difference maker as they stayed in it the rest of the game. If you are to break down a 2-3 zone, you have to do two things well: establish the inside game, and drain open shots when doubleteams are created from post play. Both of which could be considered strengths for CBU. The Capers did neither well towards the end of the game. With starting forward Scott Jaspers-Fayer in foul trouble and spending most of the third quarter on the bench, St. FX forward Terrance Taylor was able to take control of the game in the trenches and played possibly the best game of his career. The Capers’ led by one entering the fourth quarter, and the X-Men continued to take initiative as the home crowd finally came to life. With 14 seconds left in the game, and with the score tied, the X-Men had

possession. They got the ball inside to Taylor but he missed and the ball went out of bounds, last touching a Caper. However, there was no time left on the clock, but nobody in the arena heard the buzzer sound. The officials determined that there was less than a second left on the clock, so X had a chance to win the game before the buzzer sounded. They inbounded the ball, but no shot was released and the game went to overtime. Not only had CBU let a 13point lead evaporate, they would face an extra period without Jaspers-Fayer and starting point guard Tremaine Fraser, both of whom fouledout. Late in overtime, Mark McGarrigle nails two freethrows as cool as only he can to give the Capers a one-point lead. On the ensuing possession, Dwayne Johnson was driving to the hole for X, but his pass was stolen by Chris Noddle. Instead of holding on to the ball, he saw Al Alilovic break down the floor. While he looked open, Upshaw sprinted back hard and picked the pass off. With all of the emotion in the building, it was hard for anybody to make that pass. Upshaw drove to the basket with the time ticking down and missed his lay-up, but Taylor was there to pick up the rebound and deposit it for X to give them a onepoint lead with four seconds remaining. For the first time in the game, the X fans were truly as passionate as the Capers’ fans, who had been signing, chanting, banging pots and pans and playing french horns all game long.

The Caper Times After the basket, coach Jim Charters took a timeout and drew up a play. The play worked to perfection as Noddle -- who lined up further away from the ball than the rest of his teammates -- made a curl back towards the inbounder as he picked up steam and sprinted towards the basket. As he ran past three X-Men, he was fouled as he went up for his shot by Upshaw. Down by one, Noddle had two shots to win the game. Before the shots took place, X fans from the other end of the gym ran all the way across the floor to disrupt Noddle when he shot. The most notable fan was a shirtless man who sprinted down the floor like he was in a mad rush to the buffet -- a place that from his physique, he knows all too well. Prior to the game, Caper fans were told that they cannot step off of the mat that was in front of the bleachers. Anytime they did step off of this mat -which was not very wide -a security guard was there telling them to push back. Then the security showed how much they care about safety when these fans were running to the other end of the floor, not only past the mat in question, but were literally on the basketball court. Clearly, X security is not biased. Back to the game. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Noddle stepped up hoping to give the Capers the win. It was not to be, as he made the first shot but missed the second and the game was sent to a second over-time. While it is easy to blast Noddle for missing a free-throw when the game is on the line, massive credit should be given to him as he made one shot to make sure

the Capers would not lose. Sadly for the Capers, this game of high-drama would end on the wrong note as X took over in the second overtime and won the game 93-84. CBU could not hit any shots and the XMen were resourceful with their possessions and shot selection. The Capers played with real heart and passion, and should not be ashamed of their performance on the night. Losing in double overtime at St. FX is never something to be ashamed of. Nkrumah was his usual self. He recorded another big-time double-double with 18 points and a colossal 19 rebounds; Ryan Roper scored 14; Jaspers-Fayer scored 12 points in only 17 minutes of playing time; and Noddle had 11 points and four steals as he did a great job coming in for Fraser in the pressure minutes. As for the X-Men, Taylor’s line was 27 points and 11 rebounds; Upshaw had 18 points and six assists; and Tyler Richards scored 17 at the final home game of his career. Sadly for Richards, it will also be the last game of his collegiate career as he will not play at the AUS Final 6 tournament in Halifax, according to the Chronicle Herald. Richards -- as well as rookies Eamon Morrissy and Will Donkoh -- were charged with assault on the Monday before the game against CBU. Some would claim that he had no business playing against the Capers in the first place. Either way, this is a sad way for Richards to end his career at X, after being named a First-team All-AUS player this year. Not that Capers fans are sending him any tissue. While CBU went 5-

March 9th, 2009 1 against their potential semifinal opponents, none of this should be taken for granted as the Capers went into last year’s quarterfinal against Dalhousie as the overwhelming favorites, and were as flat as pancake as they lost by 10. Heading into the final tournament, the Capers received some awards as Phil Nkrumah was named to the First-team All-AUS team, as well as Defensive Player of the Year. Nkrumah led the conference in rebounding (11.3 per game), was the only AUS player to average a double-double, led the AUS in steals (3.25) and fourth in assists (4.1) and blocked shots (1.1). Second year point guard Tremaine Fraser was named to the Secondteam All-AUS team as he averaged 12 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists. For the second season on the trot, and third time in his CBU tenure, coach Charters has been named AUS Coach of the Year. A 15-5 record, after losing the toptwo scorers in Eric Breland and Paul Blake, is quite an accomplishment.

CBU Women take home AUS Championship; head to Nationals by Sean O’Neill “I’ve been through the celebrations before, but this time it feels a bit bigger and better.” This was Capers’ guard Kelsey Hodgson after CBU won the 2009 Subway AUS Women’s Basketball Championship by beating Dalhousie 80-75 at the DalPlex in Halifax. “Having

that banner back in our gym where it belongs is the greatest feeling I’ve had in a while.” While some fans would believe that riding Hodgson’s hot hand all season was what won the title for the Capers, the fourth-year guard from Fredericton was having none of it. “It was such a combined team effort,” said Hodgson, “we all followed the scouting report and just listened to [head coach] Fabe [McKenzie] the entire game and stuck together.” Before getting the playoffs began in Halifax, the Capers were still not sure if they would get a bye to the semifinals. But all of that was put to rest as they impressively - and, somewhat surprisingly -- went to Newfoundland and beat the two-time defending champion Memorial Sea~Hawks twice in their own gym. This was a place that the Capers had lost on five of their last six visits, so to get these two to finish off the regular season may have been the boost of momentum that they needed before the playoffs began. The Memorial wins catapulted the Capers to firstplace in the AUS standings and an eventual semi-final date against the St. FX X-Women. The Capers won the season series 20, but won both games by a combined nine points. The X-Women were vastly improved this season from the team that failed to make the playoffs last season. Under new head coach, and former Caper player Matt Skinn, X were supremely conditioned, well coached, smart and resourceful. But this bridge was a step too far for X as the Capers won 73-57. Hodgson again led the Capers in scoring with 26 points, as well as

Page 11 10 rebounds and five steals. CBU couldn’t solely rely on Hodgson if they were to win the tournament outright, and second-team All-AUS forward Kari Everett stepped up to the plate as she registered 14 points, and Karmen Brown was a beast in the paint with 10 points and 14 rebounds. The Capers were too much for X on the glass as they outrebounded their opponents 47-29. First-team All-AUS guard and Defensive Player of the Year Ashley Stephen led the X-Women in scoring with 24 points and eight rebounds. The Capers were now in position to avenge last season’s heartbreaking final loss to Memorial as they faced the host Dalhousie Tigers in the final. While it may not have been the ideal scenario in that they were playing Dal in their own gym, this fact was eased as a clan of orange-clad Caper fans made the trip to Halifax to cheer on the girls in their march to win the banner they so desperately crave. And from the opening tipoff, CBU wasn’t going to be denied. “One big thing was that we were composed most of the game, and were all together,” recalled Hodgson. “It was a battle at times; we had the lead the whole game except when it was tied once, but we managed to pull away again.” The game was tied at 51 late in the third quarter, which was the first time the game was tied since the score was 0-0. But, the composure that Hodgson speaks of was clearly evident as they pulled away in the fourth and build a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Tigers continued to claw back in the game, but as the clock ticked down, and Dalhousie

having no choice but to foul the Capers. And in situations like this, the only person you want with the ball in her hands is the AUS Most Valuable Player -- Kelsey Hodgson. Hodgson drained her last eight free-throw attempts to clinch the victory for the Capers as they won 80-75 to claim the AUS Championship. Hodgson led all scorers again with 36 points, and Everett had another fantastic game as she had 21 points and 11 rebounds as she took the Subway Player of the Game award. For Dalhousie, First-team All-AUS guard Jenna Kaye led the Tigers in scoring with 27 points, nine assists and eight steals; Secondteam All-AUS forward Laurie Girdwood registered 19 points and 11 rebounds; and both Kelly Donald and Alex Legge scored in doublefigures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Hodgson’s list of accomplishments this year is nothing short of astonishing. She won the AUS Player of the Year, First-team All-AUS, AUS tournament MVP, AUS Athlete of the Week on three occasions, and CIS Athlete of the week. To go along with this she led the nation in scoring with 25.8 points per game, was first in the country in three-point FG% with 44%, and shot 91% from the foul line, which was second in the country. If she can continue to set this pace at the national tournament, she should add the CIS MVP trophy to her growing cabinet. However, the season is not over as the Capers travel to Regina, Saskatchewan for the CIS Women’s Basketball Championships. The seeding procedure for

this tournament is a mystery to most, and the Capers have to feel disrespected after getting seeded #7 in the eight team tournament. There are teams above them who finished as low as third in their own conference tournaments. But none of this is fazing the team. “As we head to Regina, we’re going with nothing but high expectations. Why stop believing here?” claimed Hodgson. “We’ve believed this whole way, after some bumps in the road this season, we all believed and pulled together [to win] a championship. We’re going with three more games in mind, and to play on another Sunday afternoon [for the] championship. “Every game could be the very last game of our season, so it’s all or nothing from here on out.” Whether the last game of the season comes earlier than the Capers want, or expect, they can take great solace from the fact that the last game of their Atlantic season ended up with the banner that they’ve worked so hard to win. Win or lose in Regina, the school so proud of you, girls. Until then, Go Capers!

Editor’s Note: Due to our unfortunate bi-weekly publishing schedule, the results of the Men’s AUS and Women’s CIS Championships do not exist at the time of publishing. Results of these will be published in our next issue

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The Caper Times