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THE OTHER PRESS Student Newspaper of Douglas College PUBLISHED SINCE 1976

Room 1020 - 700 Douglas College Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 5B2 TELEPHONE: 604.525.3542

EDITOR IN CHIEF Garth McLennan [email protected] NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR Chloe Bach We break down everything happening in 2011 [email protected] -Maria Asselin-Roy, Pg. 04 BUSINESS MANAGER & ADVERTISING Angela Szczur [email protected]

NEWS EDITOR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Jenn Markham Is Natalie Portman in line for an Oscar? [email protected] -Angela Espinoza, Pg. 06 STAFF REPORTER Maria Asselin-Roy [email protected]

LIFE AND STYLE EDITOR LIFE AND STYLE Stephanie Trembath What are the New Year's best jewels? [email protected] -Stephanie Trembath, Pg. 10 SPORTS EDITOR Josh Martin [email protected]

ARTS REVIEWER FEATURE Angela Espinoza A look into the inner workings of the credit indu~try ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR -Jeffery Bishku-Aykul, Pg. 11 Cody Klyne [email protected]

OPINIONS EDITOR Trevor Dore OPINIONS [email protected] Here's an easy solution for your resolutions GRAPHICS -Jacey Gibb, Pg. 15 Timothy Arndt [email protected]

LAYOUT SPORTS Brian Yoo Who's the frontrunner for NFL MVP? [email protected] -David Hollinshead, Pg.18 PHOTOGRAPHER Maria Asselin-Roy [email protected]

WEBSITE EDITOR/I.T. Knowlton Thomas WHO WEARE [email protected] The Other Press has been Douglas College's student newspaper registration, and from local and national advertising revenue. The DISTRIBUTION MANAGER since 1976. Since 1978 we have been an autonomous publication, Other Press is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP), a Ben Claydon independent of the student union. We are a registered society under the syndicate of student newspapers that includes papers from all across Society Act of British Columbia, governed by an eight-person board of Canada. directors appointed by and from our staff. Our head office is located in The Other Press reserves the right to choose what we will publish, and the New Westminster campus. we will not publish material that is hateful, obscene, or condones or The Other Press is published weekly during the fall and winter promotes illegal activities. Submissions may be edited for clarity and semesters, and monthly during the summer. We receive our funding brevity if necessary. All images used are copyright to their respective from a student levy collected through tutition fees every semester at owners.

2 Promises to keep?

made me give some good thought to resol~tions. I, like many people, made my ~wn bst of resolutions this year and again Garth Mclennan hke many people, I fully intend to live up Editor in Chief to them (for now at least). I've seen and heard a lot of negative ince becoming the managing vibes surrounding New Year's resolutions editor ~fTh~ Other Press, I've though. So, which are they: good or bad? had a bttle difficulty coming up HARD S Essential for every December 31 •• or a with a compelling letter to the editor, or waste of time? 'Lettitor' as we've grown accustomed I get both sides of the argument, and 9 7 1 4 to calling the space you're reading now, i .-, I know that the vast majority of people each week. At first glance, it doesn't seem 1 5 out there have a tendency to put their -- like that complex of a task; after all, I resolutions on hold indefinitely or simply wrote five or six articles per week back in Ia- abandon them altogether, but I'm still l 3t I 6 I my sports editor days. going to say that on the whole, it's good However, it feels different now. to make resolutions. We all have baggage, 8 7 ' I Penning the lead article every week 1 l - and I don't think anyone realistically comes with, to me at least, a certain believes that the passing into a new year 2 ~ount of responsibility. Logistically, is going to wipe any slate completely this should be the very first article you clean, but there's nothing wrong with t 3 14 8 see when you thumb through the pages trying to create a fresh start. j of your esteemed student newspaper, and I think that what the whole notion of 5 3 g ! because of that, I try my best each week '- --1-c--- a New Year's resolution boils down to is to come up with a lettitor that hopefully our ability to hope. We all want tomorrow 2 m~es y~u think, maybe makes you laugh to look a little brighter, and even if we a little b1t and perhaps most importantly, don't wind up adhering to our resolutions 2 1 r 6 t ~ makes you want to keep on reading there's nothing wrong with hoping for a ' through the rest of the paper. better tomorrow. So for the very first edition of The Other Press in 2011, I had my plans for this week's lettitor all mapped out. My theme was going to be about New Year's resolutions. It seemed to really fit the time of year; just about everyone has an opinion on them and I figured I had something to say on the subject. It was to my dismay however, when I found out that several other writers were planning on speaking at length about New Year's resolutions as well, and sure enough, there are three or four very strong articles on the topic to be found in the following pages. Upon reflection, it's a good thing that we had those articles (after all, they are good stories). They

~c:angltpublhd Submissions will be editl!d fbr clarity NEWS SUBMISSIONS en lntheOtherPI..rJustemail and style. [email protected] -· )OUr story to the appropriate section The Other Pless will pay $50 to SPORTS SUBMISSIONS editor from the 1st on the right i1nJ student who writes an artide d [email protected] = Please send )OUr file as an MSWad at least lJXYJ v.ads fbrthe'feat\fts" ME SUBMISSIONS II: doc file, and inckJCie )QJI'ful name. section. Submit story ideas to the [email protected] email addless. and WOld OOU1t. Edtor In Chief. Offer good once per semester per student FEATURE ARTICLES Theweeldydeidlefbr [email protected] ... 5\bnissions is Wednesday night fOr The Other Pless holds weekly stair - publication theilllowing Monday. meetingsat6PMon Mondays In OPINION SUBMISSIONS [email protected] S1 0 off any purchase of $50 or more ... l..etters 1Dthe Edtor and~ room 1020cithe NewWeslmiiiStel upon presentation of this coupon sensiliYe"artides(weelend 118'5, campus. Allnb!lest!d Sludenls­ .... welame.

• 3 What's happening in

By Maria Asselin-Roy, movies, Harry Potter fans will be few. For more information on concert of mirrors with in-scripted texts. Staff Reporter thrilled to see the final movie of the listings for 2011, check out ticket Another new gallery event is titled series "Harry Potter and the Deathly master. WE: Vancouver-12 Manifestos for the 011 has slowly crept up on Hallows Part Two" and probably a Sporting events will take a City. This event examines Vancouver us, and now it's already here. little heartbroken as the series comes significant place in 2011 as well. through its range of practices, actions, 2Vancouver is expecting to go to an end. Also, Johnny Depp will be The Vancouver Sun Run will take and ideas that make this city what it through economic changes, play host starring in an animated film called place on Sunday, April 17. This will is. The exhibition includes works of to several events including sports, "Rango" which is expected to hit be the 27'h annual Sun Run. Last over more than 40 Vancouver based galleries and exhibits, concerts, and theatres in March. Other exciting year's Sun Run had over 50,000 producers displaying various forms much more. 2011 is expected to be a animated films include "Cars 2" and people participating, and this year of architecture, showing the different year of growth in all aspects. "Kung Fu Panda 2." Transformers is expecting even more. This is ways in which humans occupy their Vancouver and the rest of fans are excited for "Transformers 3" Canada's largest 10km run and the environment. Other exhibitions Canada will be expecting minimized starring the original cast (sans Megan second largest run in North America. can be found on the Vancouver Art economic growth. This will be a good Fox) and more robots than the first Vancouver will also have its annual Gallery website. change for Canada in the sense that two movies; the expected release marathon, hosted by BMO. The With all of these listed events and there will be some uplifting relief date is June 29. Something extremely marathon will take place on Sunday, many more, we can tell that 2011 will from last years economic crisis, exciting is coming out for the Lord May 1. The race is a huge event and be a well fulfilled year. Vancouver which Canada handled fairly well of the Rings fans; "The Hobbit" is is run purely by volunteers. There is has all of the makings of a successful compared to some other countries. hoping to be released on New Years a full marathon, half marathon, and and fun year, but according to various The economy has yet to fully recover, Eve in 2011. Peter Jackson will be an 8 km run. The race will include sources what Vancouver and the rest but business owners are pleased by producing this film and it will serve prizes, merchandise, promotions, of Canada would really like to see saying "A new year means a fresh as a prequel to the Lord of the Rings and much more. For registration and in 2011 is peace in the Middle East start." trilogy. more information on the race, please with better governance and enhanced Douglas Porter, BMO's Capital Contributing to the entertainment, visit www.bmovanmarathon.com. security, lower taxes for hard working Market's deputy chief economist, Vancouver has an exciting list of Of course hockey and other sporting Canadians, the RCMP to use less predicts that BC,Alberta and upcoming concerts. Interpol will events will be popular this year so for excessive force. Also, sources say Saskatchewan will lead Canada's be playing at the Orpheum Theatre information or tickets on the Canucks that the government will work on the growth with an average GDP on January 27; Eric Clapton will be and more, visit ticket master! fact that Canadians should be given increase of about 3.5 percent because performing at the Rogers Arena on The Vancouver Art Gallery the legal right to buy insurance for of commodity prices, as well as February 25. If you're into a harder will be hosting a few exciting new private medical treatment in 2011. less reliance on the U.S economy. style of music, Crystal Castles will galleries this upcoming year. From These issues will not fully come to Because of less reliance, business be performing at the Commodore February 12 to September 25 Ken a halt in 2011, but we are working owners are expecting to be slightly Ballroom on March 7. There are Lum will be exhibiting his work. on improving these conditions. more successful in 2011 as the stock hundreds more artists that will be He is an artist from Vancouver who Nonetheless, 2011 will be a year market is trying to dig itself out of a performing throughout the year will be showing works from public of economic progress and full of hole. including Bon Jovi, My Chemical spaces, sculptures from rented innovative and exciting things to look 2011 is most definitely going to Romance, Taylor Swift, Mogwai, furniture, studio portrait photographs, forward to. be a year of entertainment. As for and Goo Goo Dolls just to name a paintings, and interesting mazes 4 Planning long term: bucket lists Planning short term: New Year's resolutions

By Karin Keefe in a TEDTalk. Sivers explains that when we talk about what we plan on re you planning to join a gym, doing, "the mind mistakes the talking lose weight or save money for the doing." We feel so satisfied by Ain 2011? If so, you won't our friends' acknowledgement of our be alone. According to a poll by the plans that we believe we are actually Marist Institute for Public Opinion taking steps toward achieving our in the US, 16% of people making goals. resolutions said they wanted to lose In another study published in weight, 13% wanted to spend less an upcoming issue of Psychological and save more, while 8% planned to Science, University of Utah exercise more. researchers Himansu Mishra and Arul If you made a resolution last Mishra showed that receiving exact year and you actually managed to feedback can kill our motivation in fulfill your goal, you were one of the our pursuit of goals. It seems that we very few. Last year, according to poll can trick our brains when feedback is respondents, only 60% of the people vague. For example, if your goal is to who made a resolution stuck with it reach a target weight of 130 pounds for any length of time, and many of and you are told that you weigh 140 them gave up after only a few months. pounds, you are more likely to lose This year, if all else fails, consider motivation than if you are told you turning to science to trick your brain weigh between 135 and 140 pounds. into not giving up. Research provides In the latter situation your brain will some insight into how the brain works believe you are closer to 135 and and points to some surprising ways to closer to your target and, as a result, succeed. will remain motivated. So, it seems Apparently, telling friends about the best resolutions for 2011 might be goals is not a good thing, according to throw away the bathroom scale and By Kennedy Kierans You will want to at least look it over, to research described by Derek Sivers keep your plans under your hat. to make sure that it still reflects you "Everything but the kitchen sink." and what you care about- you may That was a phrase we used when have new interests or priorities, or you growing up to talk about something, may be able to cross off some of the like a new car, that had pretty much things on the old list, because you've everything you could think of or want. done them. Well, now there's a new term in the Here are common things that vocabulary, but it's about buckets, not people include on their bucket lists: sinks. Relationships - get married, have Bucket lists are lists of everything kids, reconnect with family you've you want to do ill your life. They are lost touch with, work on the family not resolutions, because they aren't tree things you necessarily can or will Work I career- earn a degree, get done in the next year. They are get a designation, get a promotion, just lists of things that you want to work for a specific company, start a accomplish sometime in your life. business And, most important, the things on Money - pay off the credit cards, your bucket list do not have to be pay off student loans, have money set big or major things, like get a PhD. aside for a vacation every year, buy a They just have to be important or house or a condo interesting to you. Health -lose weight, participate Bucket lists let you dream on a in a sporting or athletic event, be big scale, and they help you set goals, active regularly, take up a sport (a figure out what you really want, and new one or one you used to participate bring more of that really-important­ in) to-you stuff into your life. If you share Creativity- try new interests, take lists with friends or family, it can also courses, travel, explore unfamiliar tell you about what is important to areas in your hometown them, and they know you better too. So start making that list, and who So, at the beginning of a new knows what exciting things could year, why not start one? If you have happen in your life! one, why not pull it out and update it? ' 5 Guilty feet have got no rhythm Great Scott! They're sending you Breaking down 'Black Swan', one egg at a time back ... to the future! where the desire for perfection can Telltale Games ain't no chicken. lead one, and Nina's unstable mind follows after it like a lost puppy. Angela Espinoza Black Swan can best be described as a psychological thriller and body r the better part of 2010, the horror. The first of the two genres hype surrounding Black Swan is easy to understand, with Nina F:had reached levels that are crumbling under the pressure she often unmatched by the film itself, places upon herself. Body horror case in point, Tron: Legacy. Seeing is another genre some may not By Cody Klyne, Arts Editor always just kind of been "old," as this is a work of Darren Aronofsky be all-to familiar with. Indeed, Michael J. Fox is hardly the same though, there was a fairly low chance even in a beautifully sophisticated Growing up in the 90s, I was raised plucky, charismatic young-man that the film would be a disappointment. looking piece such as Black Swan, on a solid diet of sugary cereals, he was back in the 1980's. Enter While Black Swan was far from it reaches fantastic levels of gory Saturday morning cartoons, 80's AJ LoCascio. Failed actor turned disappointing, it was also something 'transformation' scenes reminiscent movies and, perhaps the thing I successful McFly sound-alike, if you entirely different from what I was of various Cronenberg works and, cherish most from this time in my didn't know it wasn't Teen Wolf era expecting. more recently, District 9. Not only life, adventure games. Games like Michael J, you'd swear that it was. The story revolves around a must I warn the squeamish, but also Maniac Mansion and Day of the Sticking to their patented young woman named Nina Sayers regular moviegoers for the occasional Tentacle, the Monkey Island series, monthly release formula, episode (Natalie Portman), a ballerina living disturbing mind trick or jump scare. and Sam and Max. Games that, one of the planned five part series in New York with her mother, Erica When I initially saw Black Swan, while not always clearly logical, fittingly titled 'It's About Time' picks (Barbara Hershey). A local company I wasn't sure how to feel. It's indeed insert rubber chicken with a pulley up just six months after where the has announced plans for a semi­ a bleak tale (Aronofsky previously in the middle joke here, managed to third movie left off. With Doc Brown revised production of Swan Lake, and directed The Wrestler and Requiem get my ADD-raddled child brain to gone, and with the bank eyeing the its director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent for a Dream), and yet there are many slow down and think creatively to contents of his estate to square off his Cassel), after much consideration, has comedic moments. What's strange complete an objective. debts, and seeing nothing but dollar his eyes set on Nina to play the lead. is these funny scenes are very dark; It's 2011 and, while my signs, Marty's forced to cope with Nina, who is as fragile emotionally something the average internet troll personality and general attitude the idea that his time traveling friend as she is physically, begins to feel might find amusing, and it's all towards life has ... evened out may actually be gone ... forever? Of her part weighing down on her when intentional. Aronofsky is testing his and slowed down some since the course not! Without directly spoiling Lily (Mila Kunis), a fellow dancer, audience, pushing them to the edge of aforementioned heydays of my the story, which is a heck of a lot of proves to be something of her equal. just how cruel this world surrounding childhood, the tradition of the fun and loosely captures the essence Determined to keep the role hers, Nina can become, and it is both madcap graphic adventure game of what made the original trilogy so Nina's world descends into chaos. equally depressing and hilarious. Odds remains alive and intact thanks to great, I'll leave it at saying that Doc Yet, at the same time, the movie are you've also recently heard about developer/publisher Telltale Games. is in trouble and it's up to you, Marty is nothing like that. Much of Black Portman's Oscar buzz; I can tell you Seeing success as a result of their McFly, to go to his rescue. Swan is multilayered in visual and right now that not only will she be treatment, and revival of, the Sam Employing traditional point symbolic themes, with mirrors and the nominated, but she'll probably win. and Max franchise back in 2006 was and click graphic adventure game concept of when blacks and whites Black Swan is currently in theatres, only the beginning. Having since mechanics, combining and using become grays being played on heavily. and it honestly requires a second gone on to release a series of episodic items with objects and NPCs in the Without spoiling too much, Lily is viewing if you want to catch all the adventure games based on Wallace environment, players will be forced indeed Nina's equivalent as a dancer, subtext. and Gromit, Homestar Runner, and to solve puzzles, like how to retriev_e but they are on opposite sides of the Monkey Island, their most recent the Doc's book of notes from Biff, dance floor. Nina perfectly embodies foray in the genre will, over the and overcome challenges to see the white swan in the tale of Swan course of the months to come, take Marty to the end and rescue Emmet. Lake: graceful, gentle, and sensitive. garners back to the golden days of As a lifelong fan of the movies, Lily, however, is the absolute black traveling through time with Marty and an avid adventure gamer, I'd swan: wild, seductive, and exciting. McFly and Doc Brown. Back to the be hard-pressed to find any reason This realization does not lead to a Future is, well, back. why anyone with even a passing 'revenge' type thriller, as I have a At the top of their game, and interest in either shouldn't jump at feeling some may have expected. realizing what's at stake, Telltale the chance to experience the game Instead, it attempts to build up a spared no expense when it came to for themselves. With this first chapter combining of the two characters in stacking the deck in their favour. clocking in at three hours, and with several awesome ways. Bringing back Christopher Lloyd four more chapters to go, 2011 is On top of these themes comes the as the voice of the ever eccentric shaping up to be the year of the time­ far less hidden need for perfection. Doctor Emmet Brown was a pivotal travelling DeLorean. The character of Beth (Winona Ryder), step in the right direction towards 515 an ex-prima ballerina forced into making the game fee/like Back to retirement, becomes another obsession the Future should. But what about for Nina. Beth is meant to represent Marty? Unlike Chris Lloyd, who's 6 I have become comfortably numb The night Roger Waters took over Vancouver By Angela Espinoza, year-old Roger sang just as he did eventually by children running how important the show is as a Arts Reviewer thirty years ago. Marching men rose out and screaming at him with the whole; we don't need to physically from behind, carrying giant flags of audience in adorably fake English see Roger to know he's with us for ll alone or in two's, folks the hammers as searchlights began accents. the ride. Thre~ weeks later, and still from all over coiled swarming around the room. The stage As "Mother" came about, Roger I've never felt such disbelief towards A themselves around what was surrounded by a flurry of further opened the song by introducing his seeing anything. The beauty and truly was Rogers Arena on the night fireworks, and then, a plane suddenly 'experiment' to have his current live complexity of the live show layered of December lO.As the promptly fell and crashed, bursting into flames. self sing along with footage of "that on top of the album is an experience stated 8:00pm edged ever nearer, fans This was all within the first five poor, miserable, f-ked up young burned permanently into my skull. icing over in their anticipation began minutes. Roger from all those years ago". Near When a DVD version of the show is banging on the doors and windows. "The Thin Ice" was played along the middle point, a large, frightening eventually released, I beg all of you As if a dam had broke, people flooded to pictures of fallen soldiers and moving statue of Mother appeared in to see it. into the arena from all sides; in the family members from various wars, the back - her burning red eyes and blink of an eye, everyone was in their starting with Roger's father. For the shaking head taunting the audience seats and yet another set of everyone unaware few, The Wall is partially for the remainder of the tune. was buying merch. based around the theme of war's "Goodbye Blue Sky" was played with From a speaker came a voice consequences, and the live show has a video of planes dropping bombs demanding the crowd identify been styled to play more heavily in the shapes of various corporate which one of them was Spartacus. upon these themes. The pictures then images and religious symbols, to the The screams and cheers of "I am began to melt into a sea of blood by audience's delight. "Empty Spaces" Spartacus!" were soothed by a lone "Another Brick in the Wall, Part I", was paired with beautifully graphic trumpet building up to an explosion transposed with footage of children hyper-sexualized and ultra-violent of red fireworks shooting up from the with empty eyes and shattered homes. animation taken from the 1982 film. stage. An overtly cheery Roger ran Another searchlight appeared before As you can tell, the show went on out, stealing the trench coat from a "The Happiest Days of our Lives", like this, one spectacular performance lone mannequin and before you could and amidst the graffiti covered wall, after another. By the middle of say "Yeah", had a pair of shades a giant Schoolmaster appeared, the show, the wall separating the placed upon him. At that moment, starring down the audience as he audience from Roger had been built, and for the rest of the night, the 67- pranced about menacingly, followed one brick at a time. This act stresses I want to make video games .. . and I'm going to

By Simon Staszkiewicz it's important to realize that finding your place in the industry starts with t started when I was six years old, deciding what path you want to take. fighting with my brother for my Suffice it to say, there are many I turn to play Super Mario Brothers. different kinds of jobs available in the A few years later my dad told us that video game industry and you should he sometimes set the clock ahead study up on what you want to do. an hour and sent us to bed early so Programming is a safe choice because he could play too. Fast forward to if you're finding it very hard to find a my final year in high school where job in the video game industry, you're my computer programming courses still very employable as a programmer were my GPA boosters; it was there, elsewhere. after creating a fun little tank game Employers are looking for for a final project in programming somebody who's passionate about class, that I decided that a career in games. That passion will separate you video game programming would be from the competition. Marching into awesome. an interview for a position as a junior It only took me four years to programmer with EA or Ubisoft realize it that I should have pursued and telling them that your only real that. I've talked to a few industry experience with games is your time professionals since then and I've spent with Farmville and Sudoku Working with a friend, or going it as when you started after a few days, learned a few things that I thought I puzzles is probably not going to alone, you should take the time to start you can say with confidence, "I want should share: · impress anybody. Let it shine through a side-project. It can be as complicated · to do this for a living." The next step There are three main kinds of that you love games and that you're or as simple as you like. The idea is is planning out your future in such a "game makers". There are designers, proud to be a gamer. to get a sense of whether or not you way that you can confidently say "I programmers, and artists. Obviously If you've never made a game enjoy actually making the game. If am going to do this for a living." this is quite a generalization, but before, you should do it. Now. you find yourself still just as interested 7 Objectively, beautiful Steve Martin's latest novel offers a crash-course In art, If not fiction By Sharon Miki voiceover than as a substantial character. Worse, as Daniel himself hat is lost when admits, the character seems to devote something, or someone, nearly two decades of his life and W crosses the threshold risk personal ruin for the whims of a from something to be admired to sometimes-friend. Lacey is meant to something to be coveted? What be a figure of intrigue who apparently The welcome back edition happens when one turns "objects of is able to charm her way through the Jan 6-8 beauty into objects of value"? high-rollers, yet her cold unfeeling An Object of Beauty (Grand demeanour leaves the reader feeling Central, $29.99) chronicles the 20- unconvinced as to why she holds year art-world ascension of ruthless such mythical-like powers over those vamp Lacey Yeager, from the around her. Lacey is sexual, with Sotheby's basement to high-priced frequent unexplained references to uptown galleries in the dizzying New her penchant for "vibrating herself,'' York art scene. Narrated through and yet is seemingly incapable of the meekly sardonic lens of Lacey's any other serious emotion. In this long-time friend and admirer, Daniel way, Lacey is ultimately a character Franks, the story wryly comments that the reader wants to root for, but on the seemingly arbitrary economic doesn't. rollercoaster of the art world, with What An Object of Beauty lacks Lacey's personal career-path serving in character development, however, as witness. is nearly forgiven by its unique show­ Steve Martin, who rose to fame and-tell strategy for educating the By Cody Klyne, Arts Editor performance featuring the works as a television and film entertainer, reader on its subject-matter. Scattered of Bach, Villa-Lobos, and more! has quietly developed numerous throughout the novel are 22 colour inter break was great. Admission is always free, and with sub-careers as a musician (he won a reproductions of the artworks being Spending time with new performances each week, Grarnmy award in 2010 for his banjo­ described by the story. By using W friends, family, and all there's bound to be something for filled bluegrass album), screenwriter, the eclectic mix of art as a device the other cool people in our lives everybody. art collector and novelist. An Object to move the plot forward, Martin and, even though you probably of Beauty is Martin's third novel, manages to keep the reader engaged indulged more than you should Friday, January 7 following 2000's Shopgirl, which in the story-if only to see what have, you're totally prepped for In the list of things that I like was later made into a film starring piece might come next. 2011 and can walk away from 2010 more than the first week back at Martin, and 2003's The Pleasure of Overall, An Object of Beauty feelin' good ... right? The truth is school, and trust me, it's a big list, My Company. lacks the level of believable you're probably already stressing Friday nights spent at The Biltmore Reading An Object of Beauty, characterization to make it a great out about the new semester. The would be somewhere at the top. it is quickly clear that Martin is literary work. However, Martin's weight of last year, and the year $10.00 at the door gets you in an astute observer of the human novel is still worth reading, if not before, and the year before, have for what should be a great night condition and a good writer. Through skimming, for its crash course in only further compiled into what of music from local bands 41st his narrator's musings on Lacey's derisive cultural commentary and is more commonly known as & Home, Oh No! Yoko, and The life, Martin provides a startlingly visually-aided art history. But, then "baggage." Thankfully, for most, Oh Wells. Brought to you by the crisp and nuanced portrait of the again, it's always possible that, like the first week of classes is usually folks at VancouverlsAwesome. unique culture and personalities the masterpieces described in the the most lax of the semester; so com and Discorder magazine, it's that frequent the various angles novel, I might not be sophisticated take your time! Stretch out, sit the perfect kinda party-party to of the art scene. From the multi­ enough to fully appreciate the book's back, and ease yourself into the keep your holiday mellow going grottoed ecosystem of assorted New value as a work of art. flow of things. Before you know it, that necessary extra day, or two, or York neighbourhoods, to Russia, you'll be churning out reports and three ... to Boston, to California and Asia, writing your midterms. Lacey flits across the art world in her Happy New Years! Saturday, January 8 dealings, dragging the reader along AN If staying home and watching Thursday, January 6 the Canucks take out the Detroit with her. e1J c ~· While the story is well-written The Arts at One weekly live Red Wings on a Saturday night and obviously well-intentioned, its er music performance, running nearly isn't your jam (7:00pm), why not main characters seem to follow the IE.AUTY every Thursday throughout the head down to The Rio Theatre lead of the champagne one imagines semester, has become something and catch Tron Legacy before it's is frequently enjoyed in the story's of a tradition at the college after gone? Last year's seizure inducing world; they sparkle and pop initially, 20 years. Pop by the Laura C. blockbuster is this year's ... seizure but ultimately fall flat. Daniel's Muir Performing Arts Theatre inducing blockbuster. CGI Jeff narration is largely unnecessary, for 1:00pm sharp and observe Bridges compels you. functioning more as a Martin-toned a rousing chamber music

8 lffe and st"rte BodVBreak: RESUSCITATE YOUR BRAIN!

By Stephanie Trembath, myself, I loitered in bookstores for unnecessarily descriptive, Tucker effects. Like much of his other works, Life and Style Editor an absurd amount of time over the Max's first novel is a recount of Huxley's novel enlightens the reader . holidays and picked these gems out as his twenties as a partying addict through methods of escapism and fter two weeks spent eating, my personal favourites; and floundering lawyer. He is rude, philosophical questioning. If you socializing, and enjoying If you enjoy escapism: cynical, chauvinistic, racist, and an want a light or easy read, do not A time off from the familiar Oryx and Crake and The Year of egotistical drunk, but his novel is choose one of Huxley's works. stresses of school, it's natural for that the Flood by Margaret Atwood. Her hilarious in an unusual way and a ' If you have a love for literature: general feeling of dread and angst to . writing may be really dry and hard nice break from the norm. A word of In the Skin of a Lion and begin creeping up as we prepare for to get into, but it's the perfect way to warning; ladies, you are going to take Slaughterhouse by Michael Ondaatje. the new semester to start. Personally, escape for a few hours and her novels offense to just about every second One of my personal favourite writers I have already began thinking about usually leave you thinking about the word out of this guy's mouth so if you based on his purely poetic language midterms and planning which days way our society works and often are are a little too sensitive or a radical and effortless ability in describing I can study and for how long, but I disturbing and depressing. Oryx and feminist I would go back to Atwood. mundane events with such precision still think it's important to savour the Crake is the prequel to Atwood's Keep in mind you don't have to agree and immaculate detail. Typically few moments you get by yourself recent novel The Year of the Flood; with what he is writing and the fact dealing with romance and conflict, by doing something you enjoy, both offer a dystopic view point of that you will hopefully never run into both novels are written in a place which for me happens to be reading. the world and the way we live. If this guy and you will be alright. between fragmented memories and Likewise, if you spent the holidays you enjoy works by George Orwell If you enjoy philosophy: a present state, so the stories unfold snowboarding, travelling, partying, and his novelJ984, you will enjoy The Doors of Perception by slowly and not in linear fashion; or rushing around shopping malls Atwood's novels. Aldous Huxley. Written about his events are slowly transformed and for all your perfect Christmas gifts, If you want to laugh: experience on the drug mescaline, details are hidden to stir the suspense. reading is one activity that allows a I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell Huxley's novel is delicately written, chance to relax for a few hours while by Tucker Max. Extremely offensive incredibly intellectual, and shares a still enjoying yourself. A book nerd to women, often disgusting, and rare knowledge of drugs and their Christmas cheer and New Year's resolutions Babe on a Budget

By Stephanie Trembath, choices and those types of adult the kitchen. I now have a steamer, that resolution lasted exactly twelve Life and Style Editor things, which is not always the case. rice cooker, slow cooker, and hours. I woke up Saturday morning Instead of taking my over-generous three vegetarian cook books. I am and where did I immediately go? hristmas this year passed me check from my dad that I received for extremely excited to chop, mix, and Yes, I headed to Starbucks, but in by much too fast and came my birthday and putting it towards toss things into my cookers to stew my defence I was not at my place Cway too soon; I had barely textbooks or saving it for rent, I all day so that my dinner pretty much to·use my brand new coffee maker finished exams when I found myself purchased a ridiculously priced pair prepares itself, but I am not going to so. that one morning was my freebie agonizing over what to buy friends of jeans from Miss Sixty. They are lie; I am terrified and the whole idea (I anticipate lots of freebies in the and family with what little money mostly dark denim with a strip of gives me anxiety. I intend to start upcoming future, especially during I saved over the course of our fall black nylon running down the middle reading the cookbooks right away the first week back to school). semester. My meagre diet of sushi, of the leg, and I got them on sale at and have already invited friends over Alas, 2011 is a brand new year eggs, and yogurt is a sure-fire way 30% off, but they are not practical for a dinner party in the upcoming and I intend to use all my practical to save money although my coffee for use every day and will most week. My backup plan; I have a gifts to their full extent and ease up addiction was fast at consuming my likely be out of style within the year. couple of bottles of wine I received on the frivolous purchases (especially squandered funds . After decidedly However, I wore them out twice for Christmas so I can always get since I exhausted the majority of my setting up a secret Santa among over the holidays and the amount of everyone drunk before I feed them. funds on my Miss Sixty jeans, a white my sisters (there's four of us) and compliments and stares I received That way no one will a) care what shirt that makes me look like a flying splitting the cost of my parents gifts make them totally worth it, and I they are eating, or b) realize what is squirrel when I stretch my arms out, with my sisters (they must think I figured I just won't tell my dad what I on the plate. and a belt that I've wanted and got am so cheap), I made it through the used the money for. My boyfriend, along with the sick of waiting for it to go on sale). holidays with enough money left over For the rest of my family, the razor blade necklace, bought me to pay rent. ones who know me better and realize pillows, slip covers, a French press Thankfully I received a ton of that I have the tendency to do what machine, and a humidifier. He's money for my birthday which is I want when I want regardless of a keeper isn't he? I mean, who in December, and for Christmas the future consequences, I received wouldn't want razor blades and from relatives and family members more practical gifts that I would pillows for Christmas? Again, they who know I recently moved never on any account purchase for are things I desperately needed, out. Apparently moving out is a myself. My lovely sister, who is especially the French press to make responsible and mature act, so twenty years old and miles ahead of coffee so I can quit spending $5.65 everyone has the shared idea of me in the logical department, bought a day on lattes. My New Years my growing up and making better me a combination of presents for resolution was to cut Starbucks, but 9 lffe and StYle

New Years nonsense: Jagged jewels and stylish scales Pack all whimsical ruffles and romantic lace into storage to start off 2011 By Stephanie Trembath, designer Meredith Kahn developed her holiday season decked out in tiny fish around your pretty little head. Life and Style Editor own edgy line of jewellery called Made scales, which leads me to believe that As I enjoy finding new obscure Her Think. Her accessories combine a fish theme in the fashion industry is things to wear, and secretly adore the ust when you think you have spikes with rhinestones, chunky about the be big as New York designer idea of wearing jewels that look like seen everything and are tired pendants with chains, and rings that Lauren Wolf showed off her latest something out of Startrek, I loved Jof watching a re-run of vintage come with heavy fringes around square diamond studded fish bone bracelet. this idea of blending weaponry with trends on the runway (think harem shaped stones or look like long talons. Another funky trendsetter this fashion wear. Christmas morning I pants and bomber jackets circa 1980) a On the plus side, if you find yourself season featured Jennifer Behr, whose happily opened a jewellery box I got designer will come up with something being followed home one night all that headbands stood out with large spikes from my boyfriend and to my entire rare and trendy to sweep across the it would take is for you to flash your or silver studs on thick black bands. If family's dismay, I pulled out a long fashion scene and inspire a whole new talon ring and perhaps your stalker will you ever want to spend a night warding necklace made entirely out of razor­ look. While classic pearls and pastel back off, although you also run the risk off all men, rather than dancing at blades instead of the traditional blue colors will never grow old, women of impaling your date at the end of the Vancouver's newest gay club 560, box from Tiffany's. Personally, I would celebrated this holiday season in an night. simply purchase a head-wrap decked much rather ring in the new year assortment of dazzling jewels that serve Along with the eagle talon rings, out with one inch spikes from ear wearing jagged jewels and scales than as multifunctional weapons as well as Club Monaco displayed a wide array to ear. I promise, no men will hit on something everyone else is wearing, eye-catching accessories. of metallic and gold varnish cuffs this you with a metallic weapon wrapped but that's just me. Club Monaco's inspirational BIKRAM YOGA COLLEGE OF LNDIA EWWE T 2WEEKS FOR $30 STUDENT RATES AVAILABLE • 2 Yoga Rooms • Smoothie Bar • Cardia Center • Infrared Sauna • Mats &Towels Available • Non-Porous Antibacterial Floor • Directly Across from Columbia Skytrain Station • Free Parking

10 Inside the credit bore us By Jeffery Bishku-Aykul- McGill birthday. It was so easy. She walked in, As consumers, everyone is affected multinational and publicly traded on Wall Daily (McGill University) she said she wanted one and a week later by their credit rating, a statistic that Street. she had one. And so I decided, 'Hey, if determines what we can buy, which phone The calculation of credit ratings MONTREAL (CUP) - "I never dreamt she can do that, I can do that too,"' said plans are available to us, which credit is a big business. In 2001 , Equifax had that they were going to take my Visa away Goulding. lines we can open and which maximums operating revenue of just over $1 billion from me. That was a shock. I thought, "It was a novelty. It was something we may obtain on our credit cards. Credit USD; by 2009, it had increased to over 'This year I'll be good and I'll fix it.' But I couldn't do before and I wanted to do bureaus have existed for more than a $1.8 billion. they took my credit away from me." then. I wanted a Visa," she added. century. However, as the market for credit Tom Reid, Trans Union Canada's Concordia University student Brandi Goulding received her Visa after a cards grows and companies obtain an director of consumer solutions, explains Goulding, 20, first began struggling short meeting with a TD representative; ever-increasing amount of information in a conference call that his company with debt after moving to Montreal. she filled out a form and was asked about their customers, new concerns are offers a way for lenders to understand the This month her Visa card expired with a several brief questions regarding her being raised about consumer privacy risk that various customers represent. $500 debt and no option for renewal. For employment status and income. Yet there and the effect that these ratings have on "The credit granting community Goulding, repaying this debt, as well as was no discussion of credit ratings. Since borrowers. doesn't care what your score is, per se. several student loans and a maxed-out then, Goulding has never requested a Furthermore, these companies are Your score is just a label that tells them $3 ,600 Future Shop credit card has been a credit report. part and parcel of North America's credit what the amount of risk you represent is," major challenge. "Having a credit rating has not economy, which critics blame for a he said. Her relationship with credit began affected me yet; I haven't hit that road host of problems, including the current The most important type of credit shortly after her 18th birthday, when she yet. I'm really worried for when it does. economic downturn. rating for consumers is the Beacon Score, applied for her first Visa card. The second I try to get a bank loan or TransUnion and Equifax are by which is graded on a scale of 300 to 900 "One of my best friends since certain jobs they are going to check my no means household names. But these and represents your likelihood of repaying growing up, her birthday is two weeks credit rating." two companies are Canada's largest debts to creditors. before mine. She got a Visa on her Goulding is not alone. credit bureaus. Both companies are -Continue Pg.12

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11 According to TransUnion's statistics, to an outcome, in this particular case international attention following the long-term market share that they would nearly two-thirds of Canadians have what [whether] that someone is going to miss subprime mortgage crisis of 2008, when gain would pay off in the end." the industry considers a ''fair" to "very three consecutive payments." millions of houses in the U.S. were Banks spend millions every good" rating, ranging between 700 and In late October, Bank of Canada foreclosed on as a result of mortgage year marketing credit cards to young 900. governor Mark Carney warned Canadians delinquency. Bonds relying upon these Canadians, particularly university Companies like Trans Union of the country's rising debt-to-income payments that had formerly been top rated students. In 2005, the average Canadian additionally provide a wide variety of ratio. In 2003, for the first time, were sent spiralling in value. university graduate left school with scores to calculate your financial habits; Canadians accumulated a collective debt Last month, the Financial Stability $18,000 of debt. Credit cards only how likely you are to respond to a greater than their income. The debt-to­ Board, an international organization exacerbate the problem. promotional offer, for instance. income ratio, which has hit an all time established at the 2009 G20 Summit in Robert Manning, a professor of "Each organization uses fairly high, now indicates that for each dollar London, U.K. as a response to the credit finance at the Rochester Institute of complex empirical data and algorithms the average Canadian earns, he or she crisis, publicly advocated a decrease Technology and author of Credit Card to determine the relationship between owes $1.47. in the dependence of the financial Nation, says companies frequently forge the characteristics of a borrower and the Sam Gindin is a professor of political community on credit rating agencies. lucrative deals with universities so that likelihood of a specific outcome," said science at York University and the co­ "[Credit bureaus] play this very they may solicit credit cards on campus Reid. author of the recent In and Out of Crisis, a important role in assessing risk," said grounds. Research in this area has been critique of neoliberal economic policy and Gindin. "Now, the trouble with it is "[Universities] should have been accelerating ever since 2002 when its role in the current economic downturn. that they're not independent from the using a substantial portion of that money Canadian Tire, which operates its own Gindin argues that as worker benefits companies they are rating. If you're to promote financial education," said line of credit cards, began analyzing began to decrease in the 1980s, more getting paid for these ratings, you want to Manning. "In the absence of that, what the relationship between customers' labourers began to work longer hours. In be careful if you come down too tough on you have is the banks are basically shopping habits and delinquency. The the late 1990s, this increase in work time [a company]. So there's this problem in training young people to learn the rules most reliable credit users were found to began to level off and consumers started the system: Rating companies themselves of the game that they want them to learn have a penchant for premium birdseed. turning to credit for their purchases. are compromised." rather than to actually learn how to use Unreliable borrowers, on the other hand, "In the '60s, when people were And credit ratings have fuelled the credit and debt to their best advantage." were more likely to buy chrome skull car relatively secure, they were pretty popularity of credit. Shanahan also worries that student accessories, and to frequent a pool bar on confident and they were raising their According to Shanahan, credit scores debt will have major repercussions for the Concordia's campus called Sharx. wage demands," he said. "And out of have allowed bankers to analyze the risk adult lives of youth today. Following studies like Canadian that came a counter-attack. That counter­ that customers represent at speed never "If a young person is leaving as a Tire's, these kinds of purchases can also attack was to discipline workers. It was before possible. As a result, banks have graduate with $25 ,000 dollars in debt, influence your ability to access credit. to let unemployment rise, clamp down on come to realize that the mass marketing of this would serve to delay really all their "When a consumer makes a request wages and speed up production. So one credit represents a greater profit than one­ adult development and plans," she said. for credit, that organization wants to of the things that happens is workers were on-one decision making. "Economically that means it delays home look at what the likelihood is that the defeated and they're trying to maintain "Now, if your Beacon Score is good purchases. It delays starting a family. individual is going to become a 90 days their standard of living." you get the .loan," she said. "If you are If you lose your employment, then you or worse delinquent," said Reid. "The As consumer dependence on credit declined, end of story. The employer is are at risk for bankruptcy. This is what organizations want to know what the increases, so does the dependence of not interested in employees spending the generation corning up is facing: likelihood of delinquency is because that lenders on credit scores. But this statistic two hours with one client when you can The chances of having periods of no leads to write-offs, and that is a cost to does not always provide a reliable approve ten Visa cards in ten minutes." employment are greater than ever." that organization. So they are using tools reflection of a person's or a company's This ability to calculate risk based Goulding has witnessed this from Trans Union to try and better identify financial standing. upon the information that credit scores phenomenon take place at Concordia. who the optimal customer is for that Brenda Shanahan is a former banker represent has led these same banks and According to her, the frequency with organization from the perspective of risk." now writing her PhD at McGill University credit card companies to make offers to which banks solicit credit cards on He explains that any time you on credit card companies. She also students and young consumers that would campus has increased over the past year. apply for credit or enter a contractual teaches financial literacy to Canadian not have existed even 20 years ago .. "In Concordia's library,

12 Insufficient (fun)ds: What's the deal with resolutions? Granville Island brewery tour By Matthew Visser Brewing up a unique experience ow I am not one to go and By Jacey Gibb time of the tour the brewery was bash someone who has a goal crowded with last-minute holiday N in mind which they want f you're a student, chances are shipments, limiting which parts of the to reach, but why wait and say that you miss the joys of having that floor we got to experience, but our that goal will start on New Years? In I wonderful thing called disposable guide made sure we understood what fact I commend people who strive to income. Vancouver is one of the most each of the machines surrounding us achieve something, let it be losing expensive cities in the world and were. I was bombarded with beer­ ten pounds or running a marathon or when you' re wadding through a sea of making trivia that made me feel learning a second language. I myself research papers and midterms, keeping like an amateur while I admired the have goals I want to achieve and a part-time job isn't always a priority. complex machines responsible for work towards to grow as a human Don't you worry though because the different stages of creation. The being and try do things I have never The Other Press has the answer for walkthrough of the brewery and the done before. One goal of mine is to students who want to enjoy life but explanation of the processes involved finish writing a book I started a while can't afford to. Every week a spotlight took about half an hour. back and am very close to being will be given to an activity that's big When the tour reached its end, done. I guess the first day of the year on fun but not on price. we were directed b"ack to the meeting makes sense because it is a solid As a beer enthusiast, when I table and the tastings began. The first date, the beginning of the New Year discovered there was a brewing sample came in the form of the Island but why is it that when the person but really you didn't. company that went by GIB (one letter Lager, probably their most basic and realized that they want to change that The act of making resolutions away from being my last name), I popular beer. The quality was a nice one thing about themselves or work is something that everyone thinks knew we'd get along swimmingly. chance of pace, since I'm used to the towards something, they don't start of and wants to try to do but doesn't Upon further investigation, I cheapest possible beer I can find in doing it that day and that moment? because they think they will just discovered the acronym stood for stores. The next sample was up to the This is what confuses me. stop doing it half way through, or Granville Island Brewing found on, group to decide on and I immediately The big reason why I think will succeed and then have nothing you guessed it, Granville Island. started influencing my fellow beer­ people love to use the word to strive to after. How messed up Active since 1984 and boasting drinkers that the Kitsilano Maple resolution is because it gives them a is this? If people just sucked up the the label of being Canada's first Cream Ale sounded like the way to feeling of hope for themselves and hard parts that come with resolutions microbrewery, I find the GIB label go. It turned out to be the right choice for other people using it. This year and achieving goals then people comes with an unspoken promise of and then our guide introduced us to my New Year's Resolution is .... would be willing to try new and good beer within. As a result of my our final sample: the limited release see, it just sounds so promising; exciting things in their lives, instead admiration, I recently make a trip to Chocolate Stout. It's a respectable promising because people want to of having the lazy attitude which Granville Island to partake in one of beer, with blatant traces of chocolate, hear that they are going to succeed most people have. their daily brewery tours. but not something you see yourself at something that they want to have A few years back I did a Well that's a lie. The first day we having more than a couple of. We in their life. People want to have that resolution ceremony where I wrote went to book our tour, they had all discussed our favourites, offering feeling of accomplishment in their down something I wanted to forget filled up for the day. We decided to feedback and criticisms before our lives, and why not? Even 1 myself or move past or learn from and have try again the next day and made sure guide thanked us and bid farewell. want this, who doesn't, have that be gone in my life on a piece of to sign up a couple hours early. We Our group shared some friendly feeling and knowing that the hard paper and with a group of friends. We arrived back at the brewery in time to conversation while we polished off the work and determination they put burned the pieces of paper signifying be seated at a long table with several last of our samples before making our in was not just a couple of floozy that we no longer wanted that thing others. We were then informed that way to the gift shop where we were words; words, which mean nothing in our lives. This is one other way the sample cups in front of us, while entitled to fifteen percent off any item. in the world of too many people who of doing a resolution without all the empty now, would later be filled The guide was knowledgeable, give up and blame other things in hard work which comes with them. with different beers for us to try out. the company friendly and the beer, their lives for their failure. Now I So whether or not you believe After a few minutes of waiting, our delicious. It would probably help if might be sounding a bit harsh, but I in resolutions or feel that they are guide joined us and led us through the you're a fan of beer, but it was an am not sorry. I just feel that people pointless,just keep in mind that dividing glass doors, into the world of interesting tour nonetheless. Just give up to easily and then look at another year has gone by and the micro-brewing. don't get unrealistic expectations that other parts of their lives to blame days and years only go by faster as I'll start off by saying this isn't an members of the group will start getting instead oflooking at themselves for we get older. And there are so many activity meant for everyone. Our guide picked off by shrinking rays and why they in the first place decided things to do and see and learn in the was friendly and very knowledgeable, falling into beer rivers, leaving you the to make the resolution and why they world that makes life pretty amazing. making sure to ask and answer sole survivor in the end to inherit the gave up on it. Because let's face it, I say try and do and see as many questions to involve everyone brewery. You might be disappointed. most resolutions get forgotten or lost things as you can in what time you throughout the tour, yet to someone a~ easily as the Christmas gift the out want to spend in your life and make who's not into beer, the whole ordeal Damage: $9.75/person of place uncle got you thinking you that time a memory to think back to wouldn't have much appeal. At the need that one very unimportant thing, next New Years.

13 ------

( ~,.,.. ·0~ The giving of gag gifts Who gets the last laugh? By Jacey Gibb, Opinions Editor season, Snuggies for dogs are now drove me to ask several available. store employees on how h, the holidays, a time of It seems everyone has a solidified popular the item had the year brimming with opinion on clothing for animals: been. Though it wasn't A Secret Santa's, Chinese gift either you're dressing up your pet a smash hit, apparently exchanges, white elephants and every every chance you get or you loathe sales bad been decent. other variation of the same concept. the very idea of it. Yet it has been I wish I could say this In an attempt to avoid being the decided there is an untapped market news was surprising, but person who simply wraps up a gift of owners out there that wish for their unfortunately it wasn't. card or a crisp twenty dollar bill, you dogs to keep warm while keeping To me, Snuggies for might feel the need to get creative their bands, or paws, free. dogs represent everything with your present. It is usually in this To give you a visual, the box wrong with our society. quest to be unique and witty that you proudly displays dogs in situations Not only is the concept of do with it. I guess you could say the fall prey to the lure of tacky, cheesy where wearing a Snuggie would be Snuggies ridiculous (it's a backwards Snuggie for dogs is a gift that keeps presents that serve no real purpose ideal and even logical. One picture house coat, but without pockets), but on giving, in the sense that this will other than to receive a chuckle from bas a pair of dogs engaged in a fierce the idea that your best friend needs be something that will probably be the recipient as they unwrap it. I of game of backgammon while another a backwards housecoat as well just regifted countless times over the course am talking about gag gifts. has a dog with a television remote makes my brain ache. I'm not sure years until it finds its way into the Snuggies. Chia pets. Although in paw. You'll notice that while who I bold responsible for the dog hands of someone who appreciates it wrapping one of these items and they're kept nice and warm under Snuggie: the people who invented it for what it really is and simply throws placing it under the tree may seem a fleece blanket, their paws are free in the first place or the people who it away. harmless, you're really encouraging to accomplish day to day tasks dogs have been grabbing it off the shelves, By the way, I bought a dog future creation of these unnecessary normally do, such as browsing the choosing to spend money not on Snuggie for my roommate for abominations. As a result of fuel Food network. something useful but on an item Christmas. We don't even have a dog. being added to the As Seen on TV I couldn't find any information that will be worth a couple laughs Snuggies for Dogs are on sale now fire, a new all-time low as been on the number of dog Snuggies before the recipient begins to wonder for $14.95 wherever dumb stuff is reached. Just in time for the holiday sold so far, but personal curiosity what the hell they're supposed to sold. Shopping for serial murder? Not accepting the glamorization of violence against women

By Sharon Miki to display their garments in this way. multiple women, Sheen continues techniques. Let the plastic women While I'm sure the marketing and to be rewarded with a l)Uccessful stand up and pose. Write a catchy o I'm doing a bit of last-minute merchandising staff at this particular television career based on the support slogan. Whatever. All that I know is shopping in the mall when I store were going for something of millions of average people who that my wallet and I will not enter a Scome across a most disturbing "cute" and "different," the lifeless, tune in every week. store with dead women, synthetic or scene: female thighs, knees, calves dissected and distinctly female body According to the We Can otherwise, on display in the window. and feet dismembered and hanging parts shoved in nondescript disposal campaign to end violence against limply from the sides of packing bins could quite clearly double as an women, 51 percent of Canadian boxes. Based on the hints of frothy advertisement for serial murder. women have experienced physi<;al taffeta and crystal-flecked pumps The fact that people are willing to or sexual violence since the age of peeking from the cardboard tombs, accept this type of marketing without 16. Women are being stalked, raped, the now-mutilated women were a second glance is symptomatic beaten, abused and murdered on a dressed for some kind of holiday of the underlying acceptance and regular basis in this country, yet few office party gone horribly awry. glamorization of violence against of us seem to be bothered by the I look around for others to share women that is prevalent in our cute display of sparkly commercial in my shock, but the passersby society. For example, Two and a mutilation popping up in our keep plodding along, barely taking Half Men continues to be one of the storefronts. When we accept or, even notice. Pointing the scene out to most popular shows on television, worse, praise this type of casual my companion, the response is despite its star Charlie Sheen being message that it is ok to see women, alarmingly blase, "Geez, relax. It's a long-alleged abuser of women. even plastic mannequin women, just a store display. It's kind of nice, In 1990, Sheen "accidentally" shot depicted in this way, we are allowing like women are pretty gifts to be his girlfriend in the arm while his ourselves to become desensitized to shipped to you and opened." marriage to Denise Richards ended something that should disturb us. The thing is, I am not a present amidst allegations of threats of Sure, advertisers and waiting to be swathed in bubble violence. Last Christmas, Sheen merchandisers are faced with wrap, shoved into a box of Styrofoam was arrested on charges of domestic the constant challenge of being packing chips and sent to someone violence against his third wife Brooke innovative in order to grab our to be sliced open. As such, I find it Mueller. However, despite this long consumptive gaze, but they do not unsettling that a brand would choose list of reported violence against need to resort to these misogynistic 14 is, I usually make mine something that's easily attainable like "give up t's January again and you know windsurfing" or "inhale less toxic what that means. It's a new year, fumes". The idea behind New Years I full of new opportunities, new resolutions, that expressing interest in changes, new romances, a new body, a goal will give you the motivation to new careers; everything's going to achieve it, is great; it's the execution be new and different. All you need to of the idea that's terrible. Though I be able to achieve everything you've have no published evidence to support is ever wanted in life is a New Years me on this one and am speaking resolution. Yes, the answer's been only from life experiences, I can tell STUDENT there in front of you all along. You you that simply making a resolution NIGHT I might have been trying to do these doesn't make a difference. Long-term things for quite some time now but dedication is the key to success, so without making it your New Years deciding this week that you're "going resolution, you were destined to fail. to be more honest to people" doesn't I feel like I'm trying to sell you mean you'll feel the same way in a a miracle product for only three easy month's time. payments of $19.95, but really I'm That's why I propose that New just explaining the reasoning behind Years resolutions make like Alicia making New Years resolutions. As Silverstone's acing career and soon as the clock strikes midnight, disappear. No more vowing to do you're plunged into an uphill struggle, more/less/equal amounts of something whether it1s "battling the bulge" or in the New Year. Don't even crack "quitting smoking for real this time". jokes about how you're making a New Years resolutions are great resolution to not make resolutions because it gives us an excuse to do (Oh look, it's not even midnight and something we've actually wanted you broke that one. Whoops.) If you to do the entire time, but just didn't. want something done in life, might Make sense? I didn't think so. I recommend taking initiative and I'm worried I might be coming making it happen rather than relying off as a lot more pessimistic than I heavily on wishful thinking? That's mean to be. Don't get me wrong, I still just my solution for how to deal with make resolutions every year. The thing New Years resolutions.

15 By Josh Martin, Sports Editor topic of discussion around the league way to win is a great addition to see intermission. As the Capitals with his stellar play of late, creating what it's like on both ends of the players sit with disappointment in ere's a look around the NHL to a lot of buzz with his recent 25 game spectrum of a hot and cold team. their dressing room Boudreau lets get you up to date with what point streak which came to an end The great thing about this series them have it, throwing down the H has been the latest news over last week where he accumulated a is the fact that they show everything "f bomb" every second word. This the Christmas holidays and month of whopping 26 goals and 24 assists for that is going on and they don't hold HBO series will instantaneously December and to most importantly get 50 points during his uninterrupted anything back. In one segment bring a broader audience to the you ready for the upcoming New Year. run. He leads the NHL in scoring by of the first episode Capitals head game of hockey and particularly in Darryl Sutter stepped down as a wide margin with 32 goals and 33 coach Bruce Boudreau addresses the U.S. where hockey isn't exactly general manager of the Calgary Flames assists for 65 points, ahead of Steven his team's oii.stakes during an the primary sport to watch. last week after serving eight years to Stamkos who is currently second in the date under the organization. The the scoring race with 52 points. Crosby always-grumpy-looking fellow is was five games short of overcoming well known for coaching the Flames Mats Sundin's point streak record of to the Stanley Cup finals in the 2004 30 games which he set in the 1992-93 season but unfortunately ended up season with the Quebec Nordiques. corning up short against the Tampa Crosby's Penguins are playing strong in Bay Lightning in game seven. Ever the Eastern Conference, topping off the since that post-season run to the finals, number one position in the NHL with Flames fans haven't really had much 52 points in 38 games. to cheer about ... especially after losing If you haven't already checked defensemen juggernaut Dion Phaneuf out the new 2417 Penguins/Capitals: to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Sutter Road to the NHL Winter Classic HBO re-acquiring Olli Jokinen again this series I highly recommend·you do. :The year after trading him away last season behind the scenes view of both teams because he was living up to the "bust" is something every fan wants to be a If you're aged 18-30, live in BC, and want to reputation. It has been reported that part of and that can finally happen in learn about transportation, sustainability and team president Ken King had asked this four part miniseries. This particular planning, apply to attend by January 31, 2011. Sutter to voluntarily step down as GM. series shows an insider dish of what it's So in the meantime assistant GM Jay like on and off the ice as a coach and a See translink.ca/bcyouthsummit for full details! Feaster is the acting GM until further player in the National Hockey League. notice and Darryl's younger brother The contrast of morale between a hot Brent (who looks even grumpier than and confident Pittsburgh Penguins Darryl) remains as Calgary's head team where nothing seems to stand in coach. their way and a struggling Washington Sidney Crosby has been the main Capitals squad where they can't find a 16 . -,; ~ ~4~ lttJ.8 PaR· • ·s~

Canucks corner Hottest Team in the League? Yup.

By Josh Martin, Sports Editor scoring 14 points in that time frame. And this Tambellini guy ... who has been solid between the pipes Kesler's faceoff percentage is among is he? Where did he come from? with yet another win on New Year's he Vancouver Canucks are the best in the league, at 58.4% he's He's absolutely ripping it up for the Eve to increase his record to 6-0-2. lighting up the lamp in the the seventh best guy when it comes Canucks after they decided to call With his .923 SV% and 2.38 GAA T Western Conference. Nothing down to the big draw. He's the man. him up to fill in for an injury. And he's boosting confidence into the can faze this team. They have 13 The great thing about the he's been filling in that's for sure, team as a solid back-up goaltender wins in their last 16 games and 11 Canucks right now is that each line with nine goals and 15 points in 22 while also providing some options wins out of the 14 contests they had is finding ways to score. You got games. His shot on the right side, top for Coach 'V' if he needs to lean in the month of December. It seems the Sedin line which is expected to right comer is lethal and his speed on Schneider to relieve Luongo's like everything is just clicking for produce and does so on a regular fits right in nicely with Kesler's style heavy workload. With all of the the hottest team in the NHL right basis, Kesler's line which is on fire of play. The former first round, 27th hype which was speculated around now. with the addition of Jeff Tambellini overall draft pick by the Los Angeles the Canucks at the beginning of the Ryan Kesler has been carrying (and will be even stronger when Kings in the 2003 draft has possibly season about being a top contender the team on a nightly basis of late, Mason Raymond returns from his been the best surprise to the Canucks for the Stanley Cup, it's safe to say even if he doesn't dawn the "C" on injury) the Malhotra-Torres line, line-up this year. GM Mike Gillis that they have finally lived up to that his jersey it feels like he's the leader and even the fourth line which is is looking like an evil genius for recognition. Now all they have to of this team. He was on an eight chipping in here and there. It's a full nabbing the winger in the off season do is go out and win the Cup ... easier game point streak before the 4-1 win cast show that comes out to pedorm last summer as a free agent. said than done. against Dallas on New Year's Eve, on a game-to-game basis. Cory "Schneids" Schneider 17 .· .. ~ ~4~ ~8 POR·•·S-. NFL MVP debate An NHL Winter Classic

off most defence's radar, came back to being one of Brady's favourite t has become obvious that the targets, and the QB helped him to his race for the Most Valuable best season in years, almost reaching I Player this season in the NFL 1 ,000 yards for the first time in his has come down to a more contained career, which he might have reached two-man race between Tom Brady if the Patriots traded for Branch and Michael Vick. Brady, winner of sooner. three Super Bowls, twice previously Brady also has re-elevated his being the MVP, and a third helping team to elite status, making them as receiver Dei on Branch win it, one dominant as they were in their three time league MVP, being the first Super Bowl championship days. In a ended up being the final score in quarterback to lead his team to a 16-0 press conference where he was asked favour of Washington. record, setting the record for most about potentially winning the MVP, hat can get any better Throughout the game there was touchdown passes in a year with 50, Brady said, "The only award I ever than a match-up between heavy rainfall periodically every so and more recently, setting the record cared about is a Super Bowl ring." W rival teams, the Pittsburgh often that would drench the entire for most consecutive passes without Michael Vick is having a rebound Penguins and the Washington Capitals stadium. The ice shimmered, the wind an interception with 319, against season. The Philadelphia Eagles in a winter classic out in the cold in picked up and the fans cheered even Michael Vick. signed him once he was released front of 68,111 cheering fans? Pretty louder... a classic to say the least. The Vick, who has started a new from prison to be a role play~r in much nothing. The NHL Bridgestone Penguins record of 25-12-3 is good for chapter in his life afier being in their Wildcat formations, giving him Winter Classic was in full flight first in the Eastern Conference and 53 prison for two years for dog fighting, a second chance in the NFL, and in on Saturday night at Heinz Field points. However, it's pretty tight in the has returned to the exciting player life. After the Eagles traded stalwart in Pittsburgh after heavy rainfall East and even though the Pens are on he was for the Atlanta Falcons, and quarterback Donovan McNabb to the postponed the game time to commence top in that conference there are several has led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Washington Redskins, they gave the at 5pm instead of 1pm. teams that are right on their tail. division title. Brady this season has starting job to Kevin Kolb, who most The game was regarded as one The Capitals are currently on a three thrown a 66% completion percentage of Philadelphia thought was going to of the most anticipated contests of game winning streak and in the midst for 3,701 yards and 34 touchdowns, inherit the job when they drafted him the 2010-11 season, with the likes of turning things around from their and only four interceptions with a in 2005, but was replaced by Vick of superstars Sidney Crosby and previous struggles earlier in the month 109.8 passer rating by week 16, with after injuries and ineffectiveness. Alexander Ovechkin dawning the of December. They are only two one game left against Miami, where Since then, Vick has thrown for 3,018 classic jerseys and squaring it off points behind the first placed Penguins it's debatable how much he will play, yards, 21 touchdowns, and only six on the ice in just the fourth annual and sit at fifth place in the East with making this one of his best statistical interceptions, with a quarterback winter classic game in NHL history. a 23-12-5 record. It seems that finally season of his career. In addition to rating of 100.2, also providing a dual­ However, despite the hype, both perhaps the Caps are out of their funk. putting up excellent numbers, Brady threat with his mobility. superstars didn't have a large presence Ovechkin on the other hand hasn't had led his team to a 13-2 record, The Eagles have a respectable on the ice and were held off the score had the most productive season thus winning the AFC East division, record of 10-5, and clinched the NFC sheet. far with just 42 points in 40 games. clinching home-field advantage in East division. Vick though, may be Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin For any other player in the league the playoffs, having one of the most at a disadvantage in this MVP race. opened the scoring in the second those are some good numbers but difficult schedules in the league, He hasn't played the entire season, period on a partial break to make it not Alexander Ovechkin standards, and helping revitalize WR Branch's Philadelphia has a less dominant 1-0 with a shot that went between especially when he's used to 100 plus career. record, and in the 24-14loss to goaltender Fluery's legs. Shortly seasons every year. Arch-rival Sidney The Patriots traded for Branch Minnesota, Vick was held ineffeetive after, Mike Knuble then tied it up on Crosby on the other hand has had the after the falling out of WR Randy for most of the game, despite having a scramble play on the man advantage complete opposite year recently going Moss, who they dealt to the decent stats, the offence just didn't for Washington. Capitals winger Eric on a 25 game point streak where he Minnesota Vikings a week before. get it done. Whoever wins it though, Fehr put in a couple of goals himself, collected 50 points. He has a league Branch, after leaving the Patriots to both quarterbacks would rather have including a beautiful give-and-go play leading 65 points and 32 goals on the play for the Seattle Seahawks, had a a Super Bowl ring. in the third period which he snapped year in just 40 games. statistical downward spiral and fell home glove side to make it 3-1 which 18 etr***•~jj~

Last Ditch Effort I John Kroes

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Solution

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19 WHAT CAN STUDENTS Pool Touraamen Wed. Jan.5 i Noon-4pm AFFORD TO EAT? Prizes: 1st = pool cue 2nd= t-sh· PS3 Hack g Taurna•nt ~ - Thurs. Jan.6, Noon-4pm Sign up before 4pm, Wed. Jan 5 at clubsandevents@dsu 18.ca ... _2 pm or until Your play time will bee-mailed to you. Wed, we run out Prizes: 1st = PS3 game, 2nd= t-shirt

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20