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May 25 2006 Editor-in-Chief: Chris Beauchamp 220-7752 [email protected] News Editor: Emily Senger 220-4318 [email protected] Section Editors 220-4376 Entertainment: Kyle Francis [email protected] Sports: Jon Roe [email protected] Opinions: Kate Foote [email protected] Features: Garth Paulson [email protected] Photography: Chris “Quick Shot” Tait [email protected] Production: Ændrew Rininsland [email protected] Illustrations: Danny Kirk [email protected] Business Staff Ratings? We don’t need no stinking ratings! Business Manager: Evelyn Cone 220-7380 [email protected] hen the Maclean’s with options ranging from ‘very included graduate data in its annual Whether the survey is scientifi - Ad Manager: John Harbidge 220-7751 university rankings good’ to ‘very poor.’ ranking in 2004. cally sound or not, participating [email protected] are published each The schools backing out have What is surprising is that nearly universities are to be ranked on Graphic Artist: Ken Clarke 220-7755 W [email protected] November, a number of things criticized the survey as unscien- half of Canada’s publicly-funded the same criteria. The playing fi eld Network Manager: Ben Li invariably follow. Universities on tific because of its low response universities are not participating is level. Contributors: Laura Gerhardt, Kristina the lower end of the scale will rate and statistical faults. These in the special June issue, includ- If the U of C—or any other Lord, Sarah Malik, Chris McGeachy, Daniel Pagan, Ryan Pike, Rebecca Pfl iger, criticize the process. Most of those are fair criticisms for any peer- ing some that did well last time. dissenting institution—is confi dent Sherri Shergill coming out on top will be herald- reviewed scientific study, but Nearly all universities will still students are happy with the quality Golden Spatula: Sarah Malik for abstaining from tears when Emily forced ing the quality of education at their for a comparative survey designed be on-board for the full-blown of their experience, they would do her to hack the shit out of her first story. The Gauntlet institutions. Meanwhile, prospective for public consumption, they’re November rankings, however. more than participate, they would Room 319, MacEwan Students’ Centre The University of Calgary, students are left scratching their more like public relations maneu- But the graduate survey isn’t that actively encourage all alumni to fi ll Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 General inquires: 220-7750 heads, not sure what to believe. vers. Another criticism is that ask- different than Maclean’s usual out the short survey. Instead they’re http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca It’s no surprise then that a num- ing for the opinions of grads doesn’t methodology. The difference is in refusing to pass the survey along, Furor Arma Ministrat ber of universities, including the reflect the situation for current the pr impact. and Maclean’s has promised to The Gauntlet is the offi cial student newspaper of the University of Calgary, published University of Calgary, are choos- students. Fair enough, but anyone After all, alumni criticism is the collect data with or without their most Thursdays throughout the year by the ing to back out of the most recent involved in the post-secondary most damning kind an institu- participation. Gauntlet Publications Society, an autonomous, incorporated body. Membership in the society Maclean’s project, a graduate survey system, whether as student, staff or tion can receive. It’s easy to refute It remains to be seen whether is open to undergraduate students at the U of C, but all members of the university community are asking recent alumni to rank their faculty, knows that improvement is dissenting opinions when they the ploy will cause more harm than encouraged to contribute. Opinions contained experience. The eight-question slow. No level of investment can turn come from outsiders, but when good, but prospective students will herein are those of individual writers, and do not necessarily represent the views of the entire survey is admittedly simple, ask- things around in a year or two. they come from those you are be scratching their heads more than Gauntlet staff. Editorials are chosen by a majority of the editorial board. ing recent grads to rank things like It’s certainly no surprise the supposed to serve—students—it’s ever. Our Letters policy and Grievance policy are online at: ‘quality of teaching’ and ‘entire U of C has refused to participate; we trickier to spin your message with Chris Beauchamp http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca. The Gauntlet is printed on recycled paper and uses dalek-based ink. We educational experience’ on a scale came in dead last when Maclean’s a straight face. Editor-in-Chief urge you to recycle/ex-ter-mi-nate the Gauntlet. GAUNTLET May 25.06 3 news Editor: Emily Senger—[email protected] Maclean’s cont’d Rankings unfair? from cover ooney said all three Alberta universities publish that material too,” said Keller. “Many “It’s really a loss for students, potential stu- do their own student surveys, which of them were resistant to release that data.” dents and their parents,” said Keller. Che believes are more accurate than the According to University of Lethbridge Keller disputes the Alberta universities’ Maclean’s methods, and better refl ect recent President Dr. Bill Cade, Maclean’s claim that the Maclean’s survey would not investments into post-secondary education. used the Freedom of Information and reflect current student experience, and In March, the U of C joined with the U of A Protection of Privacy Act to access the added recent grads actually tend to rate their and the U of L to meet with Maclean’s edito- university surveys for publication in the university experience more favourably than rial staff and voice their concerns. During this June 19 issue. foip allows individuals in Alberta current students. meeting, Alberta’s universities also requested to request any record in the custody or under “Recent grads tend to have a slightly differ- that Maclean’s survey current undergradu- the control of a public body. ent perspective because they can look back at ate students, rather than recent graduates. “They’ve done it through foip , but we’re their experience,” said Keller. “When you see Maclean’s refused. happy to make it public,” said Cade. “Prior to comparable questions, the scores are generally “The three Alberta universities talked about now [our graduate survey] was used internally higher when you’re out of university.” it and met with Maclean’s a couple of months by the university. There is so much information U of C Students’ Union vice-president ago,” said Cooney. “They were receptive in the out there already, and [the Maclean’s survey] academic Shannon O’Connor said the sense that they heard our arguments. We think did not seem to be accurate.” Maclean’s survey would be convenient for the onus is on Maclean’s to ensure their data According to Keller, almost all of the students seeking information, but also needs gathering is accurate.” approximately 23 schools not participating to be accurate. All three schools plan to provide data in the Maclean’s survey will provide their “I like it when [survey results] are public from their own surveys for publication in own student survey data for publication. in Maclean’s because it is one central place le photo le the University Student issue, but Maclean’s Despite this, Keller said he is disappointed for students to go that is really easy to access,” fi managing editor of special projects Tony so many schools decided not to participate. said O’Connor. “But, it’s equally important for Keller, said the universities offered to do so He hoped the Maclean’s graduate survey would them to have accurate information.” only under duress. provide a standardized pan-Canadian survey, Cade said the U of L will participate in Gauntlet “The schools that did not participate said which would be more useful to students and the November Maclean’s University Ranking In 2004 only 43 per cent of U of C there are other surveys which are more useful potential students than the host of different issue, but Cooney said the U of C has not yet grads gave this place a favourable to them and we said we would be happy to surveys the schools conduct internally. made a decision. rating. Ouch. University signs $40 million deal with Xerox

Rebecca Pfl iger the nine affected employees four have after but the collective was bent,” said Gauntlet News taken positions with Xerox Canada, aupe Local 52 chair Shirley Maki. one employee was moved to another “We would be happier if all the staff The University of Calgary offi - job on campus and two positions had remained part of the bargaining cially privatized another university were abolished without the option unit, but this was the decision most department last week, dubbed the to be employed by Xerox. of them made.” IMAGinE project. “The individuals have been looked see xerox, page 4 The U of C signed a $40 million, seven-year contract with Xerox Canada to revamp all printing, CAMPUS QUIPS scanning, storage and document

creation services on campus. The experience been so far? How has your undergraduate deal is expected to save the U of C “My university experi- $13.8 million over the length of the ence has not been what I partnership. expected. I expected it to Unlike the privatization of Food be a little bit more fun.” Services last summer—when 400 – Danny Fultanov, positions were terminated—this deal fourth-year communica- saw university administration work- tion and culture

Christ Tait/the Gauntlet ing more closely with the Alberta Maybe the new deal with Xerox will make creating illegal Union of Provincial Employees Local “It’s over now and I wish 52, copies easier than ever before. resulting in fewer job losses. Of I could have gotten more out of it, but it was all right.” – Heather Imordg, fourth-year psychology

“It’s been all right. I trans- fered here from another school and the other school was better.” – Nichole Stewart, fourth-year communica- tion and culture

“My undergrad experi- ence was relatively good. There were people who really challenged me.” – Daniel Martinez, masters, resources & envi- ronment

Interviews and photographs: Ændrew Rininsland 4 May 25.06 GAUNTLET NEWS Xerox, cont’d Of mice and breasts from pg. 3 Stem cell cloning useful in breast cancer treatment Xerox representative Glyn Davies explained that in situations like this Sarah Malik staff are either offered positions Gauntlet News within Xerox, or reassigned within the association. t’s difficult not to catch the When the U of C started explor- contagious excitement in ing a partnership with Xerox, IDr. Leo Behie’s face and ges- IMAGinE project director Theresa tures as he explains the revolution Mueller stressed there would be no in cancer research and the part the job losses or outsourcing, both of University of Calgary is playing which have proven false. in it. Maki said administration assured Behie is a member of a U of C her that no other plans for privatiza- research team who have discovered tion exist on campus. a way to replicate cancer stem cells, “I would certainly like to believe which could lead to improvements that the university is not giving us in breast cancer treatment. misinformation,” said Maki. Until recently, scientists thought Xerox will evaluate existing equip- cancer was caused by cells within the ment and systems before making any tumour all replicating uncontrolla- changes. bly, and treatments such as chemo- “We try to maximize on the invest- therapy were developed to kill off ment the customer already has,” said as many tumour cells as possible. Davies. “We don’t want them to fork Despite these treatments the breast out a bunch of money and have us cancer death rate remains the same, come in and say ‘do it all again.’ But killing more than 5,000 Canadian if something doesn’t fi t, it will be women every year. replaced.” Recent research challenges the The university plans to create a traditional understanding of cancer, Chris Tait/the Gauntlet system to save and send documents pointing to the existence of cancer Benjamin Youn grins. You’d be smiling too if you just made a cancer breakthrough. electronically. This will reduce the stem cells in the tumour, whose need for actual printing and will self-replicating behaviour might be Arindom Sen, and PhD candidate ratory fl asks, but the U of C team long it will take to change therapeutic save space on campus. responsible for the spread of cancer. Benjamin Youn have developed a way can produce hundreds in a single interventions. The digital plans raised security These stem cells act like seeds, grow- to produce a virtually inexhaustible bioreactor run. Youn said ideally, the research concerns earlier in the negotiation ing new tumours even when other supply of these rare breast cancer Bioreactors are large fermenta- will allow a patient to pop a pill, process, but Xerox is sure they can cells have been killed. They are also stem cells, giving researchers ample tion chambers, providing closely treating the cancer much like a maintain security in the system. rare, comprising less than 0.01 per cells to study. controlled environments where cells common cold, and killing off the “Xerox has a lot of fi nancial cus- cent of the tumour mass. Previously, breast cancer stem can be reproduced. This method has cancer stem cells responsible for tomers, so we are well equipped to U of C researchers Behie, Dr. cells were grown in simple labo- been proven with breast cancer stem the growth of tumours without the keep information secure,” explained cells from mice, who share 95 per cent harsh side effects of traditional Davies, stressing that integrating a of their genome with humans. therapies. university-wide system is still in the Behie, director of the phar- “The ability to investigate breast planning stages. maceutical production research cancer stem cells opens up new U of C communications director facility, said the same methods will areas of research that have not Colleen Turner said students will further research on human breast been as exhaustively studied,” said see benefi ts from the deal almost cancer stem cells and brain cancer Youn. “This promises new and more immediately. stem cells. effective treatment strategies.” “There are possibilities of intern- “The cancer stem cell research Details of the research will be ships with Xerox, and anything that is defi nitely not over-hyped,” said published in the June 2 issue of makes things easier for faculty will Behie, adding he doesn’t know how Biotechnology Progress. trickle down to students,” she said. U of C honours fallen soldier

Goddard, was killed in combat bring some closure to this awful Wed., May 17 about 25 kilometers story. Therefore, in conversation west of Kandahar. with her husband, Jason, we have The 26-year-old soldier also left determined that the funeral will be behind her mother Sally Goddard, open to the media.” her husband Jason Beam and two A memorial scholarship will younger sisters. also be established at the U of C in The funeral takes place at 11 a.m. Goddard’s name. Fri., May 26 at Saint Barnabas’ “Nichola’s husband Jason and Anglican Church, 1407 7th Ave. nw, her parents really wanted to make after which Goddard will be interred it available to students who are from at Ottawa’s National Military areas Nichola was passionate about,” Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. said U of C communications direc- In hopes of providing closure, tor Colleen Turner. “The scholarship the family has decided to make will be potentially for students from courtesy Goddard family the funeral open to the public and three areas: Papua New Guinea, First Captain Nichola Goddard. media. Nations students and Afghani stu- “There have been so many people dents.” Emily Senger involved in Nichola’s life, and we have Nichola was born in Papua New News Editor been overwhelmed by the messages Guinea where her parents were of support and sympathy we have teachers and, as a child, moved to Last week, the war in Afghanistan, received from across Canada and, Northern Saskatchewan where she thousands of kilometers away, hit indeed, around the world,” said lived with First Nations peoples. closer to home. Tim and Sally Goddard in a press Donations to the Captain Nichola Captain Nichola Goddard, release. “It seems to us that not only K.S. Goddard Scholarship Fund can daughter of University of Calgary we, her family, but all Canadians, be made through the U of C faculty associate dean of education Tim the nation she died for, need to of education. GAUNTLET May 25.06 5 sports Editor: Jon Roe—[email protected] Dinos star soars to Austria

Jon Roe Sports Editor

ecorated Dinos track star Jessica Zelinka will be Dreturning to Austria to represent Canada in the Hypo Bank Invitational. This will be Zelinka’s second invitation to the annual event held in the city of Gotzis, and only the fourth time for a Canadian woman. Though an experienced athlete, Zelinka admitted there was an intimidation factor the fi rst time she attended in 2005. “I just came from my sports psy- chology appointment and we were talking about how last year was my fi rst time there,” said Zelinka. “The intimidation stuff was there when I got [to Austria]. I wasn’t expecting or ready for it.” In 2005, Zelinka placed 11th in the heptathlon in her fi rst appearance at the Hypo Bank, narrowly missing a top-ten position by nine points with a score of 6,137. “This year I have more of a plan on how to stay focused on myself,” Zelinka stated. “After the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, I’m more used to these athletes. It won’t be new.” The increase in international experience has shown in Zelinka’s

results at recent competitions. Since Chris Tait/the Gauntlet last year’s Hypo Bank Invitational Jessica Zelinka works on her shot-putting skills, which also come in handy for midget tossing she has competed in the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, was to get a medal, but also to get pion Caroline Kluft of Sweden thoughts focus on the external fac- Canadian Interuniversity Sport placing 11th with 6,097 points, and a Canadian record. Les’ goal was and Commonwealth gold medalist tors. Having [the top athletes] beside level, including three Female Track this year’s Commonwealth Games, primarily to get a medal, but he Kelly Sotherton of England. Last me will defi nitely get me excited, but and Field Athlete of the Year awards, held in Melbourne, Australia, was thinking that if I got a Canadian year, Zelinka found trying to beat this time the motivation has to come a medal at this event will only pad setting a Canadian record and record, I’d get a medal.” the best of the best was one of her from the inside.” an impressive resumé and go a long placing fourth with 6,213 points. With no Olympics or World main motivations. If Zelinka can put all of her mental way toward assuring Zelinka a spot Though she didn’t earn a medal at Championships this year, the title “[Competing against the top and physical training to work, she on the Canadian Olympic squad in Commonwealth, she did accom- of largest track meet of the year athletes] was kind of what drove should have no problem continuing Beijing in 2008. plish one of her goals. falls squarely on the shoulders of me last year,” admitted Zelinka. her ascension to the tops of her fi eld “My coach [Les Gramantik] sets the Hypo Bank Invitational run- “[I thought], ‘Oh I’m here, this is and accomplishing her goal of a top Check next week’s Gauntlet for a 27 28 summary of how Jessica Zelinka his goals of what he thinks I can ning May – . where I belong. I’ve got to prove six fi nish at this year’s Hypo Bank. performed at the 2006 Hypo Bank do, then he asks me what I think,” The top-ranked women in the myself.’ But I don’t want that to be With all her credentials at the Invitational. Zelinka noted. “We usually end heptathlon are expected to lace my motivation, because that can get up on the same page. For the up the track shoes next to Zelinka, out of hand easily. You lose control Commonwealth Games, the goal including reigning world cham- of things because sometimes your 6 May 25.06 GAUNTLET Entertainment Editor: Kyle Francis—[email protected] entertainment

tthehe iirredeemablerredeemable Xmen

ssnikt!!nikt!! ssnikt!!nikt!!

Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox X-primer Kyle Francis Summers, Grey’s grieving husband, Even the action scenes, which are Entertainment Editor drives a motorcycle all badass-like often the saving grace of superhero we’re nerds so you don’t have to be up to the fl ooded military base for fi lms, are found wanting. Comic fans n 1963, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby no other purpose, it seems, than to will get tingles up their spine when 1963: Uncanny X-Men #1 published featuring initial roster of Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, stumbled onto the ultimate nerd yell at the water. After a good spot of Colossus throws Wolverine at a giant Angel and a non-furry Beast, led by Professor X, pitted against Magneto. cashcrop: a comic book about a yelling, the lake explodes, revealing robot (a staple of the comic books 1970: With sales in the toilet, Uncanny X-Men series reverts to reprinting old X-Men stories I 67 group of teen superheroes who were a very much alive Grey, who is now known as the “Fastball Special”), with issue # . Predictably, sales get worse. hated and persecuted because no one evil. Nerds will recognize this as a or when Iceman covers himself in 1975: Giant-sized X-Men #1 debuts new international X-Men: Colossus, Wolverine, Storm, understood them. Real life angst- quick, dirty way for the screenwriters a layer of ice-armor (known to nerds Thunderbird & Nightcrawler. New stories begin again in Uncanny X-Men #94 after fi ve years ridden teens, pissed off at those to kick-start the popular early-80’s as “Icing up”), but average viewers of reprints. who don’t understand them, have “Dark Phoenix” comic book story will feel ostracized by the constant 1980: Uncanny X-Men #129 begins the Dark Phoenix Saga, regarded by comic nerds as fl ocked to comic book stores across arc, so the lazy writing is almost rea- geek-references and nauseated by one of the fi nest X-Men stories ever published. the world for their weekly dose of sonable as a sacrifi ce to the needs the Schwarzenegger-level one-liners. 1980: Jean Grey dies in Uncanny X-Men #137. paperback power-fantasy ever since. of Hollywood brevity. Sadly, every Even Magneto throwing fl aming cars 1986: Jean Grey returns in Fantastic Four #286, found in a cocoon on the ocean fl oor by Since the sixties, the X-Men have subsequent plot point remains just at people—something that should be the Avengers. Turned out it wasn’t really her that died before. spawned innumerable comic lines, as contrived. necessarily awesome—comes across 1992: Kickass X-Men animated series debuts on FOX, featuring folks like Cyclops, Jean action fi gures, playing cards, over 15 The laughable plotting and logic as a tacked-on attention grab. Grey, Beast, Wolverine, Jubilee and Storm. videogames, two television shows the fi lm is built around speaks to its X-Men: The Last Stand could have 1993: X-Men #25, the fi nal chapter of the Fatal Attractions crossover, features Magneto tearing and three movies. fundamental fl aw: writing so awful been every fan boy’s fantasy if it had the metal from Wolverine’s skeleton. Professor X retaliates by mind-wiping him, beginning The first two X-Men movies, it’s almost offensive. Right from been left in the hands of a more com- tons of bad Wolverine stories and the massive Onslaught crossover spanning 1995 & 1996. directed by Bryan Singer, were the outset, The Last Stand drives petent creative team. The buzz sur- 1999: Wolverine gets his metal skeleton back in build-up to another massive crossover. quippily written, fun to watch and its adamantium claws through rounding the movie certainly hinted Stories immediately get better. Marvel apologizes for being idiots. generally regarded as two of the viewers’ eyes with some of the most at potential for greatness. It’s like 2000: X-Men released in theatres, grossing $54 million over the opening weekend and better superhero movies available. ham-fi sted dialogue in any super- being told you were getting a uni- nearly $300 million worldwide. The third X-fi lm, X-Men: The Last hero-genre fi lm—and that’s a rough corn for Christmas, only to receive 2000: X-Men: Evolution animated series debuts on The wb featuring a younger set of Stand, directed by Brett Ratner, is fi eld to be playing on. One scene has an emaciated badger with a cocaine characters more in-line with the movie cast. a festering pile of crap. Professor X, the patriarch of the addiction. We could have had a 2001: Colossus dies in Uncanny X-Men #390. The plot picks up where X-Men, speaking with his student nerd masterpiece. Instead, we’re 2001: Superstar writer Grant Morrison begins run with New X-Men #114, capitalizing on X2: X-Men United left off, with pretty Storm—whose mutant gift allows left with the dried husk of a good movie buzz with —wait for it—good stories. Afterwards, most writers completely ignore or much everything back to normal at her to control the weather—on the franchise, heaped upon with uncre- contradict key story elements (including the deaths of Jean Grey and Magneto). Morrison Xavier’s school for gifted youngsters. changing social perspective of those ative direction and clichéd writing leaves the company for rival DC Comics, but we’re sure that was unrelated. At the end of X2, Jean Grey, power- born with mutant powers. until it choked, sputtered and 2002: X2: X-Men United released in theatres, grossing a massive $85 million over the ful psychic and principal character, “You, of all people, should be able died. opening weekend and over $400 million worldwide. sacrifi ces herself to get her friends to tell when the weather is chang- 2004: Jean Grey dies, again, in New X-Men #150. She’s brought back several months later, X-Men: The Last Stand disgraces box only to be killed off . out of a military installation before it ing,” he says. Get it? Because she can offi ces everywhere Fri., May 26. Save your again fl oods. At the outset of the fi lm, Scott control the weather. Get it!? money for Superman next month. 2004: Astonishing X-Men #1 debuts from Buffy creator Joss Whedon and award-winning artist John Cassaday. The book immediately becomes a huge hit (winning several awards), but major characters that die in this movie *spoilers* is dogged by constant lateness due to Whedon’s fi lming schedule on Serenity and Cassaday’s super-detailed artwork. Jean Grey. In Cyclops. Killed Captain Pic... I 2004: Colossus returns in Astonishing X-Men #5. Turned out it wasn’t him that died fairness, you off within the mean Professor before. probably saw first 10 minutes X. Only heart 2005: House of M crossover cuts down mutant population from several million to slightly this coming. of the crapheap. wrenching over 200 by de-powering popular characters like Professor X and Magneto, less popular char- She is a Boring character. because it’s acters like Iceman, Quicksilver and Jubilee, and dozens of characters nobody cared about. phoenix. Not missed. Patrick Stewart. ..Ryan Pike take that, brett ratner. GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT May 25.06 7 A smithsmith ofof sexsex andand wordswords

Hopefully I’ll leave some behind that people will remember.” Despite his initial shyness, Sexsmith can’t stop himself from speaking once the conversation turns to Canadian music. “It’s funny,” he says. “It’s hip to be from Canada now. I sort of missed the boat on it, though. Now there’s Broken Social Scene, Feist and The Arcade Fire who are really great. But I’m not really part of that scene and I sort of wish I was.” As much as Sexsmith denies being part of the new cool-kids club, he’s constantly recognized as a landmark on the Canadian scene and sought out for his skill. “Some of the greatest songwriters of all time have come from Canada and some of the great bands too,” Sexsmith exclaims. “I’ve got a lot of heroes who have raised the bar for me, like Joni [Mitchell] and Leonard [Cohen]. The Canadian music scene has probably never been better. It’s very alive.” Time Being proves could be added to this list of great artists, establishing him as one of the most intriguing songwriters in the industry. Sexsmith has collaborated with artists such as ’s , Fountains of Wayne, and throughout his career and has become known for his songwrit- ing above his other talents. “I enjoy all parts of the music process, but the writing, that’s the Courtesy Warner Music most important part and the most Ron Sexsmith isn’t related to Sean Astin in any way whatsoever. challenging,” Sexsmith explains. “Songwriting’s a personal thing. I Sherri Shergill exhaustion from being in six differ- down-to-earth and quick to shrug was kind of a loner as a kid and the Gauntlet Entertainment ent cities in seven days as part of off compliments. thing that I loved most was music. his promotional tour. Regardless “I’m not like an innovator, I’m not Music was my friend and that’s where y the release of his eighth of his fatigue, Sexsmith is as polite somebody that’s changing the face my loyalty is in life. Everyone could album, Ron Sexsmith should as his music is good, which puts of music,” Sexsmith argues. “Even leave me, my family, my friends, but Bbe used to interviews. But at him on the level of a 16th-century if I was in my own little way, I don’t I’ll always have music.” a press junket for his new album, gentleman. have that kind of following to change Ron Sexsmith’s new CD, Time Being, is Time Being, Sexsmith looks any- Born and raised in St. Catharines, what happens in the world or what available in music stores everywhere. thing but relaxed as he fidgets Ontario, Sexsmith is well on his happens in the music world. But as Talk with other Ron fans, learn to play Ron’s songs, or ask Ron if he’s related with his coffee mug and avoids eye way to becoming a Canadian a songwriter, I’d like to think I’m to Sean Astin on his offi cial forum contact. Then again, it could be the music legend. Speaking softly, he’s adding to the evolution of songs. www.ronsexsmith.com.

Rebecca Pfl iger express a gritty worldview with- Gauntlet Entertainment out being pedantic. The paintings have not only he city pays people to cover earned him spots in prestigious it up. Most people associate galleries, but have been featured Tit with gang tags and teen- in movies like Prime, School of age hoodlums. The intricate curls Rock, and Jersey Girl. Okamura and vibrant colors of graffiti art still has even been short-listed have a stigma attached to them, to paint a portrait of Queen scoffed at by the upper echelons Elizabeth. Photo courtesy Axis Gallery of society. Over the next three days Despite any hoity-toityness Tim Okamura stands in front of a bunch of paintings. at the Axis Gallery, acad gradu- associated with royal portraiture, ate Tim Okamura is giving high Okamura holds life in Brooklyn has Okamura is also interested in commissioned Okamura for their appearances. Even Sesame Street society a kick in the ass. been one of the biggest inspirations graffiti as a cross-cultural art private collections. infl uences can be found, if you look Okamura’s colourful art is cur- for his work. form. Apparently not all graffiti “Hip hop is old being made new. closely enough. rently being displayed at the Axis “Tags are kind of like hiero- has to be vandalism. By sampling unusual, old sounds “I love unexpected icons showing Gallery in downtown Calgary. Just glyphics,” says Okamura. “They’re “When I visited Spain I saw a you make something new,” says up in graffi ti,” muses Okamura. “I don’t call it a comeback. Urban a record of people who have passed. lot of fine-art graffiti,” he explains. Okamura. love the idea that some graffi ti kid Portraits and Brooklyn Mythology By painting a portrait in front of this “I’m making vandalism or an eye- Like a dj with a paintbrush would be aware enough to put some is thought provoking and unique, graffi ti it creates past and present sore into an artistic outgrowth.” instead of turntables, Okamura of Guernica on a wall.” featuring people and scenes from at the same time. The people that He relates a lot of his artistic samples a variety of cultures in Tim Okamura’s Urban Portraits and his neighbourhood in Brooklyn. have been there, and the people expression to hip hop music, and his paintings. There are Japanese Brooklyn Mythology display can be seen Often featured against walls interacting with what they’ve artists like Ahmir “?uestlove” and Native motifs, and tech- at the Axis Gallery, Art Central main level, 107, 100 7th Ave SW, May 19–28. covered in graffiti, the portraits left.” Thompson of The Roots have niques of artists like Picasso make The Queen will not be in attendance.