Vancouver Island University • Student Press
Vol 44 • Issue 08 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22
137
• 07 • • 17 • • 21 • “IDLE NO MORE” CAPTURING THE ESSENCE PORTAL DEADLINE OF CANADA
“Idle No More” is a Canadian First Na- The National Hockey League entered its The deadline for the 2013 issue of tions protest movement, which started in third work stoppage in just two decades on Portal magazine is approaching fast. response to Bill C-45, an omnibus bill that Sept. 15, 2012, putting the season on hold Jan. 11, at 11:59 p.m., is the cut-off overhauled the Navigable Waters Protection as hockey’s doomsday clock struck midnight for students to submit their works. Act. First Nations feel that this bill threat- with no last-minute resolution. ens First Nations’ sovereignty over water. THE NAV Vol. 44 Issue 8 •Contents• NEWS SPORTS & FEATURES ARTS ENTERTAINMENT • 03 • Editorials • 09 • • 17 • • 22 • • 04 • Promise rings as Portal deadline Jan. 11 Capturing the essence of Canada ambiguous as romantic Letters for many students Mother Mother at The Port • 23 • • 05 • Theatre Around the Rink • 10 •
“Idle No More” interview with • 18 • Jesse Recalma Do you speak the real French? Mariners in a minute Lana Del Rey New Year’s day polar bear swim • 11 • BC Summer Games • 19 • coming to Nanaimo Virtual classroom: education • 06 • on YouTube New Music 2013 Canada: • 24 • The Belle Game Study warns of smartphone • 12 • Blue Jays transformed to addiction • 20 • World Series favourites Spirituality on Tap: Part 1: Local circus performer gives “Spiritual But Not Religious” Out of the Blue and Beyond the Register for ski trips, back to disadvantaged children Black Rainbow ice hockey this semester Creamy fig balsamic vinaigrette • 07 • The Hobbit at 48 frames per • 25 • second Five cringe worthy news sto- • 13 - 16 • Get your head in the game ries of 2012 Apocalypse, soon • 21 • • 08 • The Navigator: a year in review Living With Monsters Colliery Dam’s New Year’s resolution HITCHCOCK VIU to host trades training and community careers dialogue
Roll Call
Gareth Boyce Ashwani Sinha Meagan Dyer Taralyn Cooper Amanda Key EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Production Manager President Sports Editor Graphic Designer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Kaitlyn Till Emily Olesen Lynne Williams Délani Valin Jeremy Unrau Senior Copy Editor Graphic Designer Associate Editor News Editor Bookkeeper [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Christine Franic Mady Ritzker Zoe Lauckner Jake Buhrig Jennifer Fink Art Director Copy Editor Business & Ads Manager Arts Editor Web Editor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Darian Hart Ad Sales [email protected]
The Navigator welcomes reader contributions Guest Contributors
All submissions must be original work of the author. Editors reserve the right to refuse submissions, and Délani Valin Jacqueline Gallant to edit for space or clarity. To submit, check our
• 02 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV EDITORIALS
Gareth Boyce Editor-In-Chief Give me the Walking safe the Navigator
Nanaimo is not a pedestrian-friendly town. bad news first I walk where I need to go on a daily basis because I do not have my driver’s license, Limping over the line into 2013, world and nor do I want it. However, this means news is bleak as usual. At the forefront are that I am putting myself in danger on a dai- headlines on gun violence and the narrow ly basis as well. avoidance of the “fiscal cliff” south of the This is not new. Upon researching border, and the death toll in Syria. Every pedestrians or cyclists who have been hit new year seems to bring more doom and gloominess—as it would appear accord- by vehicles in Nanaimo, it became clear to Kaitlyn Till ing to the media, anyway. However, there me that this problem is systemic, and in no Associate Editor way unique to our little slice of paradise. the Navigator are certainly some stories with positive and In the last three months alone there have promising outcomes leading us into 2013. been at least three instances of pedestrians In Vancouver just before the new year, a or cyclists being hit. In some cases, the fault lay directly at the feet of those struck, in 13-year-old autistic boy walked away from his home and disappeared over the sub- others, it is less clear. Instead of laying blame, though, I argue that it is important to zero Sunday night. Police searched for him throughout the city overnight, putting look at why these events happen in the first place. out the word. On the morning of Dec. 31 he was found unharmed on a trail near Let me tell you a story of my average day, when VIU is in session at any rate. UBC. I get up, do my morning routine, and head out the door for the University. I walk The “Idle No More” movement for aboriginal rights continues to gain support— there. I take as many side paths as I can, avoiding as many busy streets as possible— there have been rallies in Texas, Hawaii, and New Zealand and the stories continues my end goal being to evade vehicles entirely. However, many of the side streets I take to grace headlines. have no sidewalk, or if they do it will only be for a portion of the road, and then the The latest oil rig incident in Alaska is currently reported as not having resulted in sidewalk is simply gone. In many cases I end up crossing the street where there is no a leak. And apparently, the NHL and the players’ association reached an agreement crosswalk. during the early hours of Jan. 6, but (speaking as a hockey fan) it has been so long I’m sure you’re wondering why I don’t simply bus, or carpool. The reasons for and ridiculous that I can barely care anymore. my decision to walk are threefold: I don’t own a driver’s license, I enjoy walking, and Well, those are all half-promising anyway—stories of negative events that turned I do my best to help the environment whenever I can, and walking as opposed to out well in the end or have a whiff of positive change about them. The reality of bussing is a way to do that. I also don’t like being constrained to the schedules of news and journalism is that drama, chaos, and uncertainty are the bread and butter the bus system in this town, which have, in the past, been less than beneficial. The of the business. We look for the problems, the absences, and the disappointments, bus schedules have improved dramatically since I first moved here 20 years ago, but and that’s what we write about with the objective to reveal and inform. But there’s they are still not perfect. When taking the bus, I find that I am either going to be 20 that moment when as a writer (universally true for journalists, fiction writers, and minutes early or 10 minutes late. so on) we hear of something unfortunate—a bad statistic, a sad story, and think yes. I should be safe, right? I take side streets, paths, and usually use crosswalks. I That is what I will write about—and there is a certain amount of relief that goes with look both ways, and even when wearing headphones, do my best to ensure I am fully the bad news because that means that this is a story that people will be interested in. aware of all that is transpiring around me. Yet despite all the precautions I take, and Then there is that brief, immensely guilty moment where we realize that the reaction the amount of thought I put into my route, I am almost hit by oncoming traffic on is not about someone else’s misfortune, but about our fortune for having that story a daily basis. to write about. The big reasons I see for this are in the design of the city, and the lack of pro- It’s easy to get lost in and even desensitized to the bad news—which calls for a tection offered to pedestrians: sidewalks ending without warning, crosswalks often trip to the World Gratitude Map. (Found at
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 03 • THE NAV LETTERS
Dear Editor, cation, and labour and employ- in half and electing one man cies. This is no surprise since issues that need to be addressed ment policies. I am willing to and one woman from each rid- they have a vested interest to after a long history of neglect. I think it was Premier Mike bet that the younger population ing. The number of total MLA’s protect day care, health care, Harcourt who once said that is more likely to be progressive would stay the same. Not only and education as mothers. Happy New Year! the NDP are “guests in pow- in their voting intentions in is this ethically the right thing Sincerely, er” in B.C. This is an accu- comparison to the older popu- to do in terms of women’s There you go! Three simple wish- Alex Sangha rate reflection of the political lation, which tends to tilt a bit rights, it would be democratic. es for the New Year. Hopefully, climate in the province as the conservative. And as we all know with the re- our public officials will imple- right of centre parties usually election of President Obama in ment these policies based on have the media, business, and Wish #2: Make it a civic duty the United States, women tend principle and not worry about big money behind them to hold or compulsory to vote in B.C. to lean left and are more likely populist sentiment or backlash onto power indefinitely. Another huge disenfranchised to support left of centre poli- since they all are social justice Below are three wishes population is the marginalized, for the New Year that a future poor, and homeless. If it was NDP government can legislate necessary to ensure they voted To Gareth Boyce—Editor- military are not representa- the world identify themselves to help level the electoral land- then their voices would more In-Chief, the Navigator tive of every person in Isra- Spiritually as Israel. That is scape. likely be heard in the halls of el. If you wish to criticize, to say we are Israel. I observe power. They would essentially Your editorial displays an place your criticism where it that you were careful to say Wish #1: Lower the vot- become a powerful voting block amazingly poor grasp of belongs. Perhaps you should State of…when referring to ing age to 15. If youth are that is growing in numbers dur- the situation in Gaza, and mention the Likud party, or Israel. Your comparison to the old enough to work and pay ing these recessionary times. taxes, they should be entitled The well-off and rich have no in southern Israel. You are Mr. Netanyahu (and support- Holocaust is not only unfair, to vote. Youth are also a huge problem with voter turn out. making sweeping statements ers), as the ones responsible. inflammatory, and provoca- disenfranchised segment of the This compulsory voting policy about people. In fact you have While you’re at it, realize that tive, it is abusive and unlaw- population that are becoming would essentially level the play- included all Israel in these Hamas is a terrorist organiza- ful. You say shame on us, but politically mobile and demand- ing field between the rich and statements. tion with the stated goal of your shame belongs to you— ing more rights. It’s time for poor on both ends of the voting Canada has participated murdering Israelis. They have so keep it. Your statements the elected officials to listen to demographic. them. Many youth are front in bombing countries (like done so recently, (and claimed promote hatred against Isra- and centre on many social issues Wish #3: Ensure gender equal- Afghanistan and Libya). The responsibility) targeting a el, and stop (ever so) short of whether it relates to arts, cul- ity in the B.C. Legislature by relative strength (in military public transit bus inside Israel. inciting violence. You have ture, sports, environment, edu- cutting the number of ridings terms) of these countries are At the same time realize that compared Israel to Hitler, and not equal. The number of Palestinians also have many then say “we forgot a long Canadians killed, maimed, or different viewpoints. The Pal- time ago”—clearly you never injured are not even close to estinians are not wholly rep- knew enough to forget! the number killed by them. resented by Hamas. To depict I must insist that you These actions do not represent this conflict in black and retract these inflammatory the goals of all Canadians. It white terms appeals to the statements, and apologize for would be inaccurate to say basest of human emotions. the harm you have caused. Canada is a country of fas- Your statements promote the Your continuation in the posi- cist war-mongers. It is equally us-and-them kind of hatred tion as editor of this publica- irresponsible of you to say the that fuels this sort of violence. tion is not appropriate, and same of Israel. You should also realize that you should resign. The actions of the Israeli millions of people around Zev Free.
Dear Editor, need and how to help them. Therefore, it should maybe make some kind of effort to be open to Chances are if you are a student, you have expe- provide bus passes for students on Jan. 2. rienced working on holidays and riding the bus. Jan. 2 isn’t a Holiday, it’s just another Wednes- In fact, those two things are probably all you do day; a Wednesday where nearly every student when you’re not face deep in the mire of studying who rides the bus needs to buy a bus pass. Sounds and homework. Well, to ride the bus, you need a like a day the Students’ Union building should be bus pass (or sixteen pounds of fucking change), open and staffed. It’s not like its Sunday, or after and the best place to get student bus passes is 5 p.m. or whatever. VIU’s very own Students’ Union building. The And if scheduling conflicts led to this staff is friendly, chipper, and always willing to unfounded closure, then you would assume the lend a helping hand to the student body. Students’ Union, wanting to work for our ben- If they are actually in the building, and the efit as students, would maybe make some kind building is indeed open. of effort to let its people know that the building Neither of those things were happening on would be closed that day, and to make prepara- Jan. 2. Now, most bus drivers are willing to let tions for that. those riding on New Year’s Day ride with expired However, they fucked that up in spectacu- bus passes, mainly because they know absolutely lar fashion, letting those who forked cash out to nothing is open. There is basically no feasible way get to campus know that the building was closed to get a bus pass on that day. However, on the with nothing but a sign on the door. second, when everything is back to business as VIU Students’ Union, always looking out for usual, those very same bus drivers now assume your best interests! that riders are going to have their semester passes, Just not today. or student passes in hand and ready to swipe. The Students’ Union should know this, as it tries to pride itself on knowledge of what students
• 04 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV NEWS
“Idle No More” interview with Jesse Recalma
voices we seek to amplify not the message we want to door just minutes before we in its political agenda to shut the Gareth Boyce are not just the voices of the convey. I think all who were got there. Once we got there, issue down or wait till it dies down, the Navigator indigenous peoples of Canada. present definitely heard our we blocked the street and made and then sweep it away as another It is also about realizing that if songs. our voice heard to all who were piece of history. This is a matter “Idle No More” is a Canadian First we want to preserve this land Q: Are there any more sit-in or present. In that experience, I of justice and the support we have Nations protest movement, which we have to learn to take care marches planned? felt the strength of a people is outrageous. Unfortunately a lot started in response to Bill C-45, of it in a way that will allow A: There are still morewhose spirits will never give up of the political support is being an omnibus bill that overhauled us to continue to cultivate the demonstrations being presented until we have a certain level of manipulated as a platform for parties the Navigable Waters Protection resources provided to us. across the country and even success. opposing the Conservatives, but the Act. First Nations feel that this bill Q: You recently held a sit-in at some international support, even Q: What do you hope to see people must realize that this is more threatens First Nations’ sovereignty Woodgrove Centre, how did it go? though this is initially just meant achieved through “Idle No than just a political issue and that our over water. It has since expanded to A: Personally I feel that it to be in support of Canadian More?” power does not entirely rely on party include many other topics important went pretty well for an event citizens. There is a demonstration A: I hope that we indigenous platforms and political promises; its to Canadian First Nations. Chief I planned less than two days planned for Saturday, Jan. 12 at people gain a stronger say in power comes from the individual Theresa Spence, of the Attawapiskat in advance. There was quite a Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown how our affairs are conducted strength of all the people and the First Nation, has gone so far as to crowd present and I think we Nanaimo. I urge all to take part. in a federal manner. I hope that knowledge that we can influence hold a hunger-strike until the Prime picked a nice busy day of the Q: Will you be taking part in the current, and future, federal political and social powers to have Minister or the Governor General year to invade the mall. any other demonstrations? governments see that in order our voices heard. The movement is agree to meet with her. The Nav. Q: What kind of reactions A: I plan to take part in more, to survive on this land you must gaining international support and I contacted Jesse Recalma, organizer did you receive? and I plan to take part in as many respect this land. I hope that think that it should not be an issue of an “Idle No More” sit-in at A: The response from the crowd as I can between work and other Chief Spence does not have to for a colonizing government to hear Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo. was overall uncertain. Quite a aspects of daily life. I would like succumb to her hunger-strike what the indigenous peoples have to Here is what Recalam had to say. few people joined in from the to keep involved until we as a in order for these things to be say. It took Canada long enough to Q: Tell us about “Idle No More” crowd while others just tried nation succeed. achieved. I hope the people accept the UN’s declaration of the A: “Idle No More” is a as best they could to continue Q: What was the experience like? realize that they do have power rights of indigenous peoples, the least movement that is focusing on shopping. Security was present A: It was a very uplifting and in their governments and that they could do is abide by it. building a stronger relationship almost instantaneously. They poweful experience. The unity the environmental issues in Q: Is there anything else you between a government and didn’t seem so thrilled to see so among people is like nothing question, i.e. Bill C-45 and other would like to add? its people. Although the many people gathered in the I have experienced anywhere pieces of the omnibus bills that A: I’d like to thank you for your movement was started by busiest area of the mall. I think else. You can hear the power are making significant changes interest in the “Idle No More” First Nations people, it is not they were afraid that things of your voice among the masses to Canada’s environment, are movement. I hope that that those exclusive to First Nations. The would get out of hand, but this and you share that power with not strictly First Nations issues. reading this will have a greater issues that are made apparent is a peaceful movement and we so many people at the same Q: Do you think it will succeed? understanding of this movement by the demonstrations also are presenting our message in time. The demonstration I A: In regards to the question of and I hope even more so that others affect non-First Nationsan overall respectful manner— went to in Comox included a success—that is always something will become involved as a result. I people as well in that everyone no violence would have been march to the MP’s office, who difficult to foresee. I could see the say Hy’chqa [thank you] to each must be informed that the brought by our hand. That is had placed a padlock on the government doing whatever it can and everyone of you reading this.
New Year’s day polar bear swim
the event memorable and picked spectators of the event put to participants in case of which is the most I’ve ever Caitlin Olesen out distinguishing costumes to on by the RDN and the emergency. seen,” she concludes. Contributor attend the event in. “We picked Arrowsmith Search and Rescue Sahlstrom added that the Annual Polar Bear whatever we had,” L. Hall says water rescue team. Participants annual event usually draws Swims took place all across Nearly 200 brave participants of their unique Polar Bear Swim were advised and encouraged in a large crowd but believes B.C. including a swim in of all ages celebrated the New ensembles. The couple hadn’t to bring multiple towels and this year had the largest turn Vancouver’s English Bay nd Year with a splash at the 22 previously participated in a warm winter clothing to change out. “Approximately 180 that had 2223 registered annual RDN Polar Bear Swim Polar Bear Swim but said it was into following the swim as the people went into the water participants and drew a at Parksville Beach. Registration something they would definitely freezing temperatures threaten crowd of over 18 thousand. for the event began at 11:30 take part in again. “This could be the risk of hypothermia. a.m. and the swimmers were to a tradition for us,” L. Hall adds. “Search and Rescue be ready to dive in by noon. “We plan to be regulars until we handles the safety of the “We thought we were can’t do it anymore.” event, watches for signs of supposed to just jump in Some event-goers were hypothermia, and brings and jump out, but we had not as enthusiastic to brave people to the first aid center to swim out to a rope so it the frigid waters and attended put on by the Parksville fire was a little bit of a surprise,” the swim to simply cheer on department,” explains Liz say participants Keith members of their community. Sahlstrom, 57, organizer of and Lisa Hall, both 49, of “It definitely lookedthe Search and Rescue’s efforts Parksville. As they would interesting but I don’t think it for the Polar Bear Swim. The both be celebrating their 50th is something I’ll be trying any Arrowsmith Search and Rescue birthdays in the coming year, time soon,” says spectator Jill water rescue team’s mobile Keith and Lisa decided an Baldwin, 19, who was visiting station, neighboured by the exhilarating swim in the -1 her home town from Victoria. Parksville Fire Department’s °C waters would be a perfect Hot beverages and snacks first aid booth, was assembled way to begin 2013. were available on a donation adjacent to the busy beach Photo by: Caitlin Olesen The Hall’s wanted to make basis to participants and to provide immediate care
THE NAVIGATOR •Jan.09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 05 • THE NAV NEWS
Study warns of smartphone addiction
to stay connected. “It has to Toronto Star, South Korea Beg. He said symptoms of academic well-being.” Daryl Gallinger be near me. Even when it’s has started a program to help depression are often tied to Hart said he was unaware The Lance charging it has to be near me.” children with their addiction internet addiction and people of a program to treat such an Ken Hart, a Psychology to the Internet through often resort to escapism by addiction, but said that he could WINDSOR (CUP)—A new professor at the University of various gadgets, including playing video games to cope. see an increased need for one in survey suggests Canadians are Windsor, was surprised by the tablets and smartphones. The Hart said that improper the future. “The larger problem becoming addicted to their results of the survey and said South Korean government smartphone use draws is being distracted…maybe smartphones; good news for it could indicate an addiction estimates that 2.55 million people’s attention away from they’re addicted to distractions,” those in the business, but phone trend. Hart defined addiction of its people are addicted. the current task at hand, be Hart says. “On the other dependency is a real problem. as a loss of control. “The person Mohsan Beg, clinical that studying, driving, or hand...feelings of depression On behalf of Canadian feels a compulsive need,” he director at UWindsor’s Student holding a conversation. and loneliness can be alleviated cellphone provider, Wind, says. “This overwhelming urge Counselling Centre, has not “As an instructor, I see by the smartphone, which is an Vision Critical recently to engage in the behaviour is yet encountered issues of students use smartphones in outlet for social engagement.” conducted an online survey of very strong, and the person is smartphone addiction among class, even when they’re not Hart uses the internet 1501 Canadians to determine unable to restrain themselves.” students. “We do see some supposed to,” Hart says, adding mostly for work and engages what they would give up in “[Addictions] cause your life internet addiction,” he says, that despite his policy against in social media sparingly. order to keep their smartphones. to become smaller and narrower, adding that patients typically mobile phones, students He only uses a landline and “The response to pets because other activities in your have issues with video game use. violate it regularly, even after doesn’t own a cellphone. “I was the most surprising,” life are being displaced by this,” “[Students] engage in the seeing him confiscate phones. don’t need one.” says Alexandra Maxwell, a Hart says. “Important life goals technological world to escape “It can be dangerous in the spokesperson for Wind. The that you’re trying to achieve the real world,” explains sense that it can harm their survey shows that 17 percent don’t get accomplished, so you of smartphone users would start becoming unhappy.” give up their pets. “I just A Pew Research Center didn’t see that coming, but I study of 2200 Americans last guess some people just love Mar. indicates that about 10 their phones more.” percent feel they use their According to the survey, 40 phones too much, suggesting percent would give up video people are becoming aware of games, 28 percent would give potential abuse. up alcohol, and 23 percent “I use my smartphone would part with coffee rather every day,” says Allisa Oliverio, than give up their smartphone. who admits to feeling like “Surveys are a great she’s addicted to the device. way to check the pulse of “Without it I think I’d be consumers. With more and lost… It’s always with me; it’s more Canadians switching to always in my hand.” smartphones, we wanted to Oliverio said that she sets see just how much Canadians boundaries with her use, such loved them,” Maxwell says. as avoiding using it when she’s “I’d feel pretty weird hanging out with friends since without my phone,” says Hanna she views that as rude behaviour. Bellacicco, who wouldn’t give Other countries are already up her pet in exchange for her struggling with smartphone Photo by: Caitlin Olesen phone but would cut out coffee addiction. According to the Local circus performer gives back to disadvantaged children
schools, hospitals, and orphanages On Sunday, Jan. 13, Strong Emily Olesen along the Thai-Burmese border. and her family will be giving a the Navigator The Strong family spent multimedia presentation at the two months teaching children First Unitarian Fellowship of Internationally acclaimed the creative art of circus Nanaimo. The presentation will performer Karina Strong, of performance. Strong says that include personal photographs as Nanaimo, has been entertaining the experience was “amazing” well as performance videos from audiences across Vancouver and says that although she was the Strong family’s mission in Island with her troupe, Vesta Fire initially worried about teaching Thailand. They will be sharing Entertainment. Strong, a social with a language barrier she found stories of their experience worker trained as a professional that movement was an effective working with children and circus artist, founded Vesta Fire means of communication. bridging the language barrier two years ago as a way to share “[What] I was the most through physical performance. her knowledge of performance worried about going into the The presentation will take with others. experience was how I was going place as part of the regular In 2012, Strong, her husband to teach, and then it turned out Sunday service beginning at Kevin, and their two young to be one of the easiest parts,” 11 a.m. in the Unitarian Hall children traveled to Thailand says Strong of her teaching at 595 Townsite Road. to volunteer with Spark Circus, experience with Spark Circus. For more information on an international collective of “We found that sound effects, Vesta Fire and Spark Circus, circus performers who provide body movement, and body check out their websites at
• 06 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV NEWS
Five cringe-worthy news stories of 2012
for booking. Officers were ton Wal-Mart employees called 22, aptly told the Huffington As if pulled from a Emily Olesen concerned for the well- the police and reported that Post in Dec. “During the scenes, This Hour Has 22 Minutes the Navigator being of the loose hamster he was walking around naked I think about how we’re going sketch, reporter Joe Perkins after Huey allegedly stated in the store. Security cameras to be filthy rich.” The grade rationalized that the chips “Frankenfish” invasion “so you should just kill it,” captured the bizarre footage nine dropout had previously were “perhaps somewhat of threatens Burnaby pond after questioning her if the of Taylor as he stripped down worked as a bartender until the a hot commodity” due to In May, a so-called “frankenfish” hamster would have a place before entering the store. Cars family faced eviction three years their limited edition and was sighted in the dim waters of to stay overnight. It took swerved to avoid the parking ago. She decided to enter the made sure to include sev- Burnaby’s Central Park pond. A three officers to capture lot exhibitionist. He proceeded adult entertainment industry eral close ups of the chips video showing the aquatic beast the critter, which was later to grab a pair of socks and tried as an exotic dancer in order to to illustrate their golden swimming through the pond placed in the care of a local them on. Police officers used a cover the family’s expenses. hue and crusty texture. Per- quickly attracted national me- veterinary clinic. Beaverton taser to subdue Taylor after he Jessica, 56, was encour- kins carefully illustrated the dia attention on YouTube due Police Department state refused to comply with their aged by her daughter to crime by including shots of to the creature’s reputation as that there is a lesson to be orders and allegedly spat in an launch a porn career to test his outstretched arm pop- an invasive species. learned: “If transporting officer’s face. West Whiteland the waters. “I wanted to sup- ping the precious cache into The elusive “frankenfish” your hamster it might be a Police Department Detective port whatever it was that she his off camera mouth as he was reported to be a snake- good idea to have it in some Scott Pezick told the New York wanted to do—[and] I’m right sternly traced the footsteps head, a prehistoric-looking type of container for its Daily News, “He was just bab- behind her,” she added. of the “BBQ bandits.” predatory fish with the unique safety. In unrelated hamster bling and talking incoherent. The homeowner was awo- adaptation to survive on land. news, Canadian dungaree He was making some refer- “BBQ chip bandits” ken by her “growling Chi- In June, B.C.’s environment connoisseur Justin Bieber ences that caused us to believe In a quiet Saanich, B.C. neigh- huahua” and “tippy toed,” as ministry confirmed that the was accused of animal cru- there was a substance abuse is- bourhood where residents en- Perkins poignantly described, “frankenfish” had been cap- elty by the California Ham- sue. It’s a unique situation. I’ve joy snacking on lime- flavoured towards her phone to dial tured and destroyed as a ster Association (CHA) for never had anything like this.” chips, taco chips, and cheesies— 911. Soon officers from three potential ecological threat. handing over “PAC,” his staggered two drunken Universi- different police departments Mother-daughter porn Russian Dwarf hamster to ty of Victoria students who were: and the canine unit arrived on tag team aspires to Hamster placed in pro- a screaming concertgoer at “overcome by a certain craving— the scene to follow a possible become “filthy rich” tective custody after his Atlanta Jingle Ball show. the kind that hits late and hits trail of crumbs. “The chips owner’s DUI Bieber has since received an What could be more heart- hard,” reported CTV News Van- had been accessed and there In Oct. police officers in apology from CHA for his warming than watching the couver Island in June. had been some illicit chip Beaverton, Oregon pulled action. PAC is currently re- holiday specials of Here Comes “These were very spe- tastings,” Jantzen adds. The over Nicole Huey, then 27, siding with Alabama teen- Honey Boo Boo with the family cific, hard-to-obtain, bar- two intoxicated students were on suspicion of impaired ager Victoria Blair. “He’s and a bottle of Southern Com- becue chips,” says Saanich, taken into police custody and driving. As officers ap- fine. He sleeps during the fort? Well, a Florida mother police’s Sgt. Dean Jantzen charged with breaking and proached the vehicle they day and plays at night—he’s and daughter have developed an to reporters before bursting entering for stealing the chips noticed a small furry pas- acting like a normal ham- unusual way of spending time into laughter. The pair spot- that retailed for a dollar. senger aboard. The ham- ster,” Blair, 18, told
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THE NAVIGATOR •Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 07 • THE NAV NEWS
Colliery Dam’s New Year’s resolution
Solomon, who is originally citizens of South Nanaimo. reasonable and logical thing Preservation Society, visit Emily Olesen from Montréal, says that the city Environmental activist — then we step in.” their facebook page at < the Navigator does not realize the untapped David Cutts has a different For more information www.facebook.com/groups/ natural beauty of the dams and approach to preserving the dams. on the Colliery Dam Park SAVEcollierydams>. says that Montréal residents “We intervene when common On New Year’s day, members would “kill” to be blessed with a sense does not prevail,” says Cutts, of the Colliery Dam Park park of this caliber. who acts as the communications Preservation Society held a He says that the group has coordinator for Veterans of small demonstration to gather received a lot of support towards Clayoquot, a direct action group messages of hope towards the their grassroots intuitive to save who were jailed to protect an old preservation of the dams. the Colliery Dams which are growth forest near Tofino in the Supporters gathered by the slated for removal in summer 1990s. Cutts and the Veterans lower dam and wrote down their 2013. “Everybody thinks that of Clayoquot were also involved New Year’s resolutions towards it really stinks and would be a with the two year occupation saving the historic Nanaimo humongous loss,” says Solomon of trees in Cathedral Grove. landmark and personal memories of the City’s decision to remove Both of which succeeded in the of the park. The promises were the lower and middle dams in protection of old growth forests. then ceremoniously burned Colliery Dam Park. “It’s helped “We’ve never actually and the ashes were distributed us to continue to struggle on lost,” says Cutts, who was also through the dam. because it’s been really hard.” involved in the protection of Jeff Solomon, spokesperson The decision to remove Mount Benson amongst other for the Colliery Dam Park the dams was made by city environmental victories. The Preservation Society, wrote that counselors in a closed session activist has located a tree all he wanted for Christmas was last Oct. The City claims that near the lower dam of which to ensure that the dams would be the decision to remove the dams he plans on occupying if preserved for future generations was based on an engineering city council is not swayed to enjoy. “That’s certainly the assessment that concluded that by the Save Colliery Dams big one for me and probably a the hundred year old dams had group. “If Jeff’s group is not lot of other people because it’s reached the end of their service treated with respect and if such an important part of their life, and claim that the dams the citizens aren’t satisfied Photo by: Kyle Langelier lives,”Solomon says. pose a potential safety risk to that city hall is doing the
VIU to host trades training and community careers dialogue
prosperity. This public dialogue will also be an opportunity Emily Olesen will also be an opportunity for for current and prospective the Navigator residents to speak to VIU trades trades students to learn more instructors, current students, about VIU’s diverse trades Thinking of a future in skilled and Kevin Evans, CEO of ITA. programs, and the wide and trades? A community trades “The Dialogue at VIU is range of rewarding careers training and career dialogue about providing opportunity available from post-secondary hosted by the Industry Training for folks in the Nanaimo area education in skilled trades. Authority (ITA) will be held at to tell ITA’s senior management A tour of the VIU trades Education pricing now VIU’s Nanaimo campus on Jan. and Board of Directors what training facilities will follow 15. This free event is open to needs to be done to make sure the dialogue session. available on select all members of the community B.C’.s apprenticeship and The event will be held * and will cover topics from trades training system is ready from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Apple products. youth engagement in trades, for the skills shortages that bldg. 200, rm. 203, 900 Fifth apprenticeship, and skilled are coming at us,” says Evans. St., Nanaimo. Participants can trades career options. “Plus, a dialogue being a two- register at
Apple Specialist BOUTIQUE|MAC www.boutiquemac.ca 250-754-6229 *Current VIU students and faculty, with ID. 78 Wharf St. Nanaimo
• 08 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV FEATURES
Promise rings as ambiguous as romantic for many students
“I feel that giving a promise ring is a bit more The definition of a promise ring has serious than giving a Claddagh ring. I think changed a lot from its start in biblical times. a promise ring is a symbol of one’s dedi- Today it is interpreted by each couple who cation and promise to stand by a significant chooses to partake in the tradition. A promise other,” Cairns says. “Personally, I’ve always ‘ring’ doesn’t even have to be something that thought of a promise ring as something that lays embedded in the creases of your finger. is a step below an engagement ring, therefore It could be a necklace, a song, or spoken word something that should be done in a very seri- poem. Today’s promise ring is just a symbol ous relationship in which you can see yourself between two people who care for one another. with this person for a long time.” Photo by: Jacqueline Gallant / The Aquinian
physical symbol of the agree- when she started dating me Allie Christensen recently The stigma that promise Kayla Byrne ment she made years before. In and was feeling insecure when received her own ring. It wasn’t rings are only for couples who The Aquinian Shakespeare’s era of prose, the we started to get serious. I bought at a store and it didn’t are thinking about marriage has promise ring was used as an ‘I wanted to prove to her that cost hundreds of dollars. All it shifted and alternatives are con- FREDERICTON (CUP)— owe you.’ A man who couldn’t my partying days were over, took was digging around the stantly cropping up. Last winter, Aly MacIsaac and yet afford a life with a wife and so I got her a ring as a prom- utensil drawer. Her boyfriend “My boyfriend and I are very her boyfriend, Matt Estey, jok- child would give his future bride ise to stay faithful,” Hayes says. melted down a spoon and made close friends. I feel that the tra- ingly told friends about a glitter- a ring to show his intentions. “I just picked out a ring that I a unique ring alternative. dition behind the Claddagh ring ing promise ring that they were Last month, MacIsaac and thought she would like. Turns “I think because it was hand- really embodies the bond that about to pick up. With mock Estey celebrated their one- out it’s an engagement ring, made I give it a lot more of a sym- we share,” Holly Cairns says. wide-eyed excitement MacIsaac year anniversary over dinner. but we both know it doesn’t bolic meaning. If it was just a ring The Claddagh ring is a tradi- gushed about taking her rela- After a stomach full of fettuc- hold that kind of seriousness.” someone gave me, I’d treasure it and tional Irish ring given as a token tionship to the next level. cini, MacIsaac received her own There is no set style for a all that, but I feel more of a connec- of love, friendship, and loyalty. Their friends believed the promise ring—a simple band promise ring. Some are simple, tion to this one because he put the tall tale and responded largely with tiny diamonds. inexpensive trinkets while others thought and the time in and made with an uncomfortable ‘Oh, “For someone who had nev- drip with diamonds. it for me,” Christensen says. really?’ or ‘How nice.’ The cou- er wanted a promise ring I was ple then burst into laughter. pretty excited when I opened “I didn’t even know promise that box, but then I was like rings were still a thing outside jeepers, what does this mean?” January student special: of high school,” MacIsaac says. MacIsaac says. Start the new year off right. “There would always be an over- “I thought it would be a good excited girl skipping around the way to show my love for her and 4 month student special hallways showing off her new that I’m serious about our rela- ring. I just assumed most girls tionship,” Estey says. “This isn’t ONLY $130 Get four months for begged their boyfriends and he high school anymore and we’re the price of three! One month free!! probably begged his parents to adults so it’s time to start making foot the bill.” those big decisions.” Enjoy the gym before you break up for summer. In the usual promise ring For this smitten couple the 1 year special sign up Only $34.99. fables, after a young girl is pre- promise ring holds a traditional sented with the sparkler, she meaning. You can freeze membership through the summer if needed goes home and later that night “I know I want to marry this We will pay the administration fee for you!! might change her MSN instant girl, but I also know we’re still messaging display name to ‘I young and can’t afford all the love you babe—one month, ties that come with marriage. I Over 45 classes included in membership. two weeks, 6 days…always and bought the ring to show her that Join our club within a club option Brazilian JuiJitsu and MMA forever, no matter what!’ This I’m willing to wait until we are or is usually followed by a line of both in the right position to go our Super Sunday Jazz and Hip Hop 6 week courses. hearts and squiggles. A week lat- ahead with our future together,” er, the same girl would be single. Estey says. “That was just never my In the 1990s, somewhere Come in for a visit and join thing. I can for sure see why peo- between grunge and boy-bands, Nanaimo’s friendliest gym! ple see promise rings as corny or the promise ring became mod- dramatic,” MacIsaac says. ern. It’s not all about engagement The concept of the promise parties and wedding vows. People ring has been around for cen- started handing out rings for a turies. The ring can have dif- slew of reasons. I promise to take ferent meanings from religion, care of you, I promise to be your purity, faithfulness, or the most friend, I promise to quit smoking, 1451 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo common, the pre-engagement and the list goes on. promise. In biblical times, a “I have no idea if I’ll marry BEHIND THE QUARTERWAY PUB lot of marriages were arranged. my girlfriend, but I did get her a The not-yet couples would be promise ring,” Megan Hayes says. 250.716.1111 betrothed and would promise Hayes was living in a world of par- www.nanaimoathleticclub.com to marry their chosen partner tying and unfaithful relationships when the time came. The girl when she met her girlfriend. [email protected] would usually wear a ring as a “She knew my track record @ilovenac
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 09 • THE NAV FEATURES
Do you speak the real French?
Québec differs in pronuncia- the language, not the speaker’s and glorified by others, was The existence of this island Giséle Merlet tion, expressions, vocabulary, inability to speak it. attributed to the French spo- of French culture, which is sur- Contributor and grammatical usage from * * * ken by the blue-collar class rounded by an ocean of English the French spoken in France. Historically, the King’s French in Montréal. This manner of and American cultures, contin- I am upset when asked by Just as the accent and the was adopted by the colons speaking would be compara- ues to be in an imminent threat Canadians who do not speak expressions used in English (French settlers) who came to ble to the “cockney” spoken of extinction if not protected. French, “Do you speak the real spoken in England varies from New France, what is now Qué- in London, England. Michel Most Francophones in Qué- French?” They usually add: “I the English spoken in Austra- bec, from different regions of Tremblay, the great Québé- bec believe that their maternal went to Montréal and I could lia, Asia, Africa, the U.S., and France, and who brought with cois dramatist, used “joual” tongue represents who they are, not understand a thing.” Canada, but it is the same lan- them their own patois (local dia- in the play, Les Belles-Soeurs, their souls, their identities, their “Do you speak French?” I guage. I would never think of lect). Here are two examples of to bring attention to the cre- history, and their defiance of the ask. asking an English-speaking patois words with their modern ative language of a significant geographical reality. The modern “Yes, I took three courses at person “Do you speak the real versions: moé (moi)= me, and element of Montréal’s popula- French language spoken in Qué- university, 35 years ago.” English?”—so how is it that la boucane (la fumée) = smoke. tion. By dramatically resorting bec is respected all over the world, I wish these people would some Anglophones without Some aboriginal words pertain- to the workingmen dialect, he especially by people who have an realize how proud I am of ma hesitation ask me “Do you ing to the local reality have also affirms the value of their social understanding of the evolution langue maternelle (my mother speak the real French?” I tend been integrated into the French and cultural milieu. In one of the language. The fact that tongue.) I walk away and won- to think it is due to the lack language of the time such as ata- scene, a character in his play, French is still spoken in Québec der how they would feel if I of respect and understanding ka (canneberge)= cranberry, blé Angéline Sauvé, says: is not only remarkable, but its asked them: “Do you speak the of the status of French as one d’inde = corn. Maritime terms “C’est facile de juger le historical persistence and value is real English?” of the two official languages of as well have entered everyday monde. C’est facile de juger le acknowledged and celebrated. * * * Canada. In The Story of French, French as a result of the mode monde mais y faut connaître * * * When I was not quite six years the journalist-authors, Jean- of transport used on rivers, and les deux côtés d’la médaille! Le Nadeau and Barlow write that old, my mother brought me Benoit Nadeau and Julie Bar- lakes: the main arteries of the monde que j’ai rencontré dans c’te the French regard their lan- to the parlour of the Convent low, write: “Real French, the colony include embarquer and club-là, c’est mes meilleures amis! guage as an institution; just Notre-Dame du St. Rosaire language spoken by 175 mil- débarquer, instead of the verbs, Y’a personne qui a été fin comme as they view their public enti- where I was to be educated. lion people across the planet “monter” and “descendre” that ça avec moé avant!” ties and foundations i.e. legal The convent, a private boarding is alive and kicking and read- are used to describe the action “It’s easy to judge people. system and constitution. They school, was run by a group of ily adapting to different politi- of getting in and out of an auto- It’s easy to judge people but explain that “The French . . . nuns specializing in educating cal, cultural, and religious con- mobile. These archaic words you’d need to know both sides see their language—as fixed girls. At the beginning of the texts. Under the influence of still permeate everyday parlance of the coin! The people I meet and immovable part of the state 20th century, convents set up local regionalisms . . . and oth- of the people of Québec. in that club, they’re my best apparatus.” While the British all over the Province of Québec er languages such as English[,] The British conquest of friends! Nobody’s so nice to me tend to understate their institu- were recognized as the best edu- . . . French speakers commu- 1763 isolated the colons from before!” tions and they give as examples cational institutions available to nicate in their own versions of their mother country, and the In the early 1970s, Les the facts that “the British con- French-Canadian girls. If you French, not the stiff parlance cultural exchange between Belles-Soeurs was presented in stitution is unwritten and their were a student at a Convent des taught in schools.” Québec and France was sus- Paris with huge success. Now, legal system is not codified into Dames de la Congrégation, you When I travel in France, I pended for many years. Addi- Belles-Soeurs, a musical that has a whole.” Furthermore, they were special, or so we were told. can, most of the time, figure out tionally, the presence of the been a smash hit in Québec this argue that although “the English On the first day of school, I which part of the Francophonie British was responsible for the season, has its eyes set on per- language has rules (and many was handed a French grammar a speaker comes from through intrusion of English vocabu- forming to the rest of Canada in exceptions) the English speak- book, a French dictionary, and his or her accent. Just as I can, lary into the French vernacular an English version. In an article ers downplay their importance, a French composition book. For most of the time, guess if an in a way that could be consid- published in Le Devoir, Jacques while the French acknowledge the next 11 years, these educat- English-speaking person comes ered a linguistic assault. Such Ferron, the dramatist-journal- the greatness of their institu- ed women taught me to respect from Wales, Ireland, Scotland, are the results of any cultural ist, referring to Michel Trem- tions and accept “their language and value my language: French. England, Australia, New Zea- colonization. During the 20th blay wrote that “[t]he [working with all its rules.” These cultur- They also instilled in me an land, the U.S., or Canada. We century, English became the class] people speak “joual,” but al differences between English understanding of the necessity all have accents, even though working language for white- do not read it; the writer speaks and French speakers and how of learning a second language. we’d like to believe that every- collar workers in Montréal. French but . . . [writes] “joual.” they relate to their institutions Courses of English were added one except us does. I much pre- From my own experience, by It is also essential to point out and their languages help me into the curriculum after the fer the accent I hear as I land the 1940s, to work in an office, that Tremblay uses “joual” as a to understand how some Eng- sixth grade. Today, I am a proud at Heathrow Airport than the French-Canadians needed to dramatist’s device, but he typi- lish speakers have difficulty to Canadian who speaks both offi- one I hear in Canada. And I know some English. All of cally speaks standard French. understand how the question cial languages. am sure that the accent heard these conditions participated Jacques Brault, professor at “do you speak the real French” My daughter, Francine, as you land in Paris sounds very in shaping the French spoken the Université de Montréal, wrote is so offensive to French Cana- taught French in the Immer- romantic to English ears. So in the conquered colony. “[t]he French spoken here [Qué- dian speakers who consider the sion School Program offered let’s agree that accents are inher- In the 1960s, during the bec] is not reducible to ‘joual,’ French language as an institu- in Nanaimo; now she is an ent to any spoken language, and Québec Révolution Tranquille far from it.” Although, since the tion with which they identify. administrator. She has dedicat- that they do not change mean- (Quiet Revolution), a great late 1970s, “joual” has not been Their language is part of their ed her life to teaching French ings to the point of complete effort was made to improve prominent within the language of personality and it validates their to children of Anglophone incomprehension. There might the colloquial French used by the majority of educated Québé- national pride. families. Yet, upon returning be a need to get used to new Québec’s working class. An cois, it must be pointed out that Often when I arrive at the from France, she was asked by accents, different expressions, attitude of elitism and snob- it is still heard and spoken in Charles de Gaulle Airport in an English-only-speaking per- and colloquialisms, but, as far bery developed around certain some parts of the Province. How- Paris, what do I hear? son: “Did you have trouble as I am concerned, not under- pronunciations and expres- ever, the Francophones of Cana- “Ah, you are Québécois! being understood while you standing a person speaking in sions. Today, linguists con- da are very proud of the full range We love your accent!” were in France?” his or her maternal language is sider that view to be inval- of their language and are willing * * * a reflection on the listener’s lack id. In the 1960s, the term, to defend it from attacks and Today, the French spoken in of knowledge and interest in “joual,” denounced by some safeguard it from dismissal.
• 10 • THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 THE NAV FEATURES
The virtual classroom: education on YouTube
Although sometimes it may seem like it, YouTube is not just for cute cats and music videos. Users are harnessing the video-sharing Kaitlyn Till platform for a different kind of entertainment—an educational kind. Remember when Mentos symphony videos were the pinnacle of the Navigator awesome and we all found out what happens when Mentos and Diet Coke are mixed? YouTube education has broadened since then; thanks to many innovative, independent content creators, it has also gotten a lot slicker. It’s a no-brainer that plenty of Internet junkies like educational content when it’s presented in an interesting fashion by experts who are comfortable in front of a camera—the enormous popularity of TED talks videos is ample evidence of that. YouTube even has a page called YouTube EDU that features various educational videos broken down into Primary and Secondary, University, and Lifelong Learning categories. There are many YouTube educators out there, and here are a few of the best to get started:
CGP Grey CGP Grey is both a classroom teacher and a YouTube educator. Rather than appearing in front of the camera, Grey uses quick transitions of still images combined with voiceover to explain concepts to viewers. Grey doesn’t limit himself to any specific subject area; he educates on topics of politics, science, arts, geography, and debunks misconceptions. Some of his most popu- lar videos include “Death to Pennies,” “Coffee: The Greatest Addiction Ever,” and “The Difference Between Holland and the Netherlands,” as well as his “Politics in the Animal Kingdom” series of lessons which explain how the American electoral system works.
Crash Course Vlogbrothers John and Hank Green have already been wildly successful with their video channel that debuted back at the beginning of 2007; in 2012 they harnessed their popularity to bring a slick new educational channel to YouTube, on which each teaches an area of speciality. John started with a 42 week course on World History, and Hank started with Biology. They’ve since moved on to mini courses in English Literature and Ecology. The shows are filmed in detailed sets and partner with web graphics team Thought Bubble, making for a viewing experience that feels like it should be on television. Facts and ideas are presented at a quick pace that may sometimes require a second viewing, but the production values and details in the graphics, sets, and scripts keep repeat viewings engaging—interspersed anachronisms in the World History graphics are especially fun to watch for. The brothers integrate their humour into the content and their years of practice vlogging makes them natural teachers on camera. SciShow Hank Green has a second educational channel in which he explains scientific ideas, current news, and brief biographies of great scientific minds. He even conducts a few experiments of his own. Like Crash Course, SciShow boasts high production values and vibrantly coloured sets. Recent topics have included what gross things you should and should not worry about (Preview: your toilet seat is not one of the things to worry about.), dark matter, Henrietta Levitt, and extreme climate fixes.
MinutePhysics Embracing a low-tech, high-engagement approach, MinutePhysics primarily consists of creator Henry Reich time-lapse draw- ing with black marker on white paper illustrating voiced-over physics concepts. The simplicity makes the ideas imparted all the clearer, and while Reich does not strictly adhere to one minute, the videos are kept brief and to the point explaining just one main idea. MinutePhysics has featured such voiceover guests as Neil De Grasse Tyson and Neil Turok, and is supported by the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Big Think Big Think might best be known as the channel that hosted Bill Nye’s “Creationism is Not Appropriate for Children” video, but it does feature many more fascinating minds who, in short videos, pose questions for viewers to think about—usually relating to pressing concerns of science in the 21st century, and problems that humanity will have to overcome. In addition to Nye, the channel has featured Neil De Grasse Tyson, Michio Kaku, Ray Kurzweil, Henry Rollins, Steven Pinker, Stephen Greenblat, and Margaret Cho among others.
Photos from the web
The future of education? In the video “Digital Aristotle: Thoughts on the Future of Education,” CGP Grey discusses why the Internet as an educational tool can help solve a lot of the problems that students struggle with in the classroom. The Internet is a cost-effective private tutor. You learn at your own rate, and get to pick what you learn. The cost of producing educational shows for YouTube is a fraction of what it costs to make educational shows for television—which he notes are ultimately pushed aside for unintelligent material that attracts more viewers. Grey envisions a future with what he calls “Digital Aristotle”—a program that teaches a student what they need to learn at a rate that is suited to them. Programmers are currently working on teaching tools that would feed students videos and other online material, test their knowledge and adapt to their needs. Essentially, each student would have a private tutor in their mobile device that adapts to their learning style. We’re not there yet—the Internet’s power as an educational tool has far from reached its potential, but in the meantime get on YouTube and learn—and the next time someone asks what you’re wasting your time on, dazzle them with your newfound knowledge.
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 11 • THE NAV FEATURES
Spirituality on Tap Part 1: “Spiritual but not religious”
as I read the paper was that leads people to contemplate BJ Bruder although our society is shift- and ask questions. Additionally, Contributor ing away from religion, what one’s stance on mortality takes keeps two-thirds of Canadi- on a lived-in dimension when According to the Dec. 22 edi- ans checking the “spiritual” considering “how now shall tion of the National Post, two- box, is mortality, says Michael one live” in light of what one thirds of Canadians consider Wilkinson, director of the believes about death or an after- themselves spiritual, but only Religion in Canada Institute. life. What does this life mean? half say they are religious. “People today don’t see insti- What is happiness and how do Increasingly, the article sug- tutionalized religion as having we obtain it? How can a better gests, “[the modern world] is the ability to answer those big life be lived? Religion and/or turning away from organized questions anymore” but the spirituality can provide a frame- religion, shunning dogma and questions still remain. work to live out such questions, church attendance for a vaguer Mortality for the human but there are still many Cana- notion of spirituality” (Carlson, being, especially those humans dians turning away from reli- A6). The “spiritual but not reli- who consider themselves spiri- gion and spirituality wholly. gious” moniker now has its own tual or religious, can be the Two-thirds of Canadians check acronym, SBNR, gaining main- hinge point. For some religious the “spiritual” box, but that still stream usage on dating sites and folks, ideas about the afterlife leaves 33 percent that checked other social media personality keep those religious commit- “none” or abstained from vot- profiles. (For those, however, ments alive. Whether it is fear of ing. Also, half of Canadians who are religious, the SBNR hell or the excitement of eternal may consider themselves reli- handle can offend as it seems reward in some fashion, those gious, but that means that half to infer that those who are reli- hopes can be powerful instiga- do not. What do those people gious are not, or cannot, be spir- tors for belief. And for “spiritual believe? Where do they go to itual as well.) This article and but not religious” folks, death ask and answer questions? subsequent articles in the Sat- with or without an afterlife is Our society is moving away urday paper hinge on the idea still an unknown. Let’s face it: from religion to answer these that religion, having built West- with or without religion or spir- questions about death and the ern society, is now in decline ituality, most of us are uncer- meaning of life, but where are in that same society. What this tain when it comes to death. we moving to, and why? In Part will mean for abortion laws, Many of us know what death 2, I’ll flesh out some responses the definition of marriage, gun looks like: we’ve been bedside to these questions, in the spirit control, and other religiously for some of the most painful of what Rainer Maria Rilke has inspired socio-political issues as moments of our loved one’s written, “Live the questions” our culture secularizes remains lives, but few of us have “tasted (Letters to a Young Poet). to be seen. death” or have had near-death But what really struck me experiences. This uncertainty
Délani Valin Contributor Creamy fig balsamic vinaigrette Hopefully, we have all recovered Ingredients: Method: from our annual ritual of drink- 1/4 cup – olive oil In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsam- ing copious amounts of liquor 3 tbsp – balsamic vinegar ic vinegar, and Dijon mustard while making empty promises together. late into the night. (Did you 2 tbsp – Dijon mustard Pour mixture into blender or really mean what you said about 3 tbsp – water learning a new language, run- food processor. ning a marathon, and being nic- 1 tsp. – honey Measure and pour all remaining er to others?) In case you’re still 1 tbsp – lemon juice (roughly into blender or food processor. basking in the possibilities of half of one lemon) Pulse until mixture is smooth. your New Year’s resolution—or 4 chopped sundried figs (find if you just want a delicious salad (Add a little more water if them in the produce section of dressing to drizzle on every veg- needed.) your grocery store) etable ever harvested, here is my Pour into container and use for favourite: creamy fig balsamic 2 heaping tbsp – fresh parsley salads or as a dip for vegetables. vinaigrette. I suggest mixing it 1 clove of garlic in with some dark leafy greens, Pinch of black pepper for sea- Photo by: whatscookingamerica.net grape tomatoes, cucumbers, red soning onion, and a couple of slices of bocconcini (fresh mozzarella).
• 12 • THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 Gareth Boyce the Navigator
It is Dec. 21 2012, and things are not looking so good. The ground is quaking. Heirloom salt and pepper shakers on your highest shelf rattle like a baby’s toy. Or maybe there is a tsunami approaching, crashing into Nostradamus and other would-be prophets. Is there any validity to these claims, or is this simply Christian your waterfront condo, tearing up docks and piers, howling with wind at its back. Or maybe the dead have influences affecting our lives? Are we merely predicting apocalypses to ease the weight of our transgressions come back to life and are trying to get at your brains. Have the aliens invaded? Or perhaps the Rapture has from our shoulders? Or is there more to it? There is no simple answer, but there are explanations for why finally occurred. In the end, it doesn’t matter which apocalyptic scenario holds true, because the Apocalypse people predict apocalypses. is less than a month away—or at least one apocalypse is less than a month away—and all we can do is wait. Let’s start with Camping. Born in 1921, Camping was a Christian Radio Broadcaster with Family With Dec. 21 fast approaching, it is time to have a look at the Mayan Apocalypse and apocalypses in general. Radio, a California-based radio station that broadcasts to more than 150 markets in the U.S. Three times Where does the idea come from and why have we grabbed hold of it in so many different ways? over the last two decades, he has made claims of Judgment Day approaching. His first prediction was The Mayan Calendar that it would occur on Sept. 6, 1994. When nothing happened, his name faded from the news and he So just what is the Mayan Calendar? How does it work? And where did this date come from? was forgotten about until 2011, when he made his next prediction. This time, his prediction was widely The calendar is based upon the Mayan creation myth. Within this myth, they identify what they consider reported. But May 21, 2011, passed without the rapture occurring, so Camping recanted, stating that a to be the beginning of time, which is, according to the myth, Aug. 11, 3114 BCE (using the Gregorian spiritual judgment had occurred and that the physical Rapture would take place six months later, on Oct. Calendar). This date for the beginning of time is written using only five digits: 0.0.0.0.0. Each of these digits 21, 2011. A couple days before that date, he retired from broadcast radio, due to a stroke he suffered in stands for a length of time. For instance the first 0 is called a b’ak’tun and represents 400 years. The second June of 2011. His new date for the Rapture passed without incident, and he avoided the media, stating 0 is a k’atun, representing 20 years. The third is a tun, 360 days. The fourth is a winal, 20 days. And the fifth that he would search the Bible for clues and not make another prediction until he knew for sure. if a k’in, 1 day. This is known as the Mayan Long Count. Y2K was another matter entirely. Personal computers were just starting to become widespread in The Mayans wrote with glyphs, oftentimes carved into the stone they worked. The Long Count was no homes and businesses. The transfer of hard copy materials was just starting the endless plunge into the different, and several stone-worked stelas have been found. Of all the stelas that have been found, only one depthless forum of digitization. Suddenly, due to the way computers had been designed to record dates showed an end date for the Long Count: 13.0.0.0.0., or Dec. 21, 2012. It is thought that the Long Count (usually with two digits, such as 99), a fear was growing that come Jan. 1, 2000, computers would not will simply roll back to zero and start over again, though there is no definitive answer. It is also unclear what roll over to the year 2000 but would rather roll back to 1900. Or, quite simply, that all computers would the Mayans thought would happen afterwards. There are only their creation myths to go on, which hint at a crash and all digital data would be lost. Everyone was worried, but a solution came into being, and the series of creation and destruction. whole situation was avoided. Still, so many people had been afraid of what would happen. Would we lose Being a mathematically inclined people—one of the first to create the notion of 0—they used the so much progress? How could we go back to the way we lived before, without computers and the Internet? Long Count for many different things. It not only told them the time in relation to their Beginning, but Of course, Jan. 1, 2000 came and went without any problems, and we are still using computers today—in it was also used as a tracking system. They tracked the movement of the cosmos, accurately predicting fact, we are using them far more than we ever have. solar eclipses, and convergences of planets. It becomes clear that the Apocalypse is not just a story from the Bible, but a living, breathing entity, Whether this interest with mathematics and the stars led people to believe that their End Date was accurate or which shifts and evolves. The Bible itself is not words set in stone as fact, but is rather a text of allegories prescient is unclear. But the word about the Long Count and the End Date has leaked into the minds of our current and lessons. It can be interpreted in many different ways, take, for example, the Protestant Reformation, society. Just a couple of years ago there was a movie, and the dozens of branches of the Christian church that exist today. It is possible to find clues as to when 2012, in which the world went to hell on Dec. 21, 2012. This leads us to the question of why we grabbed hold of this idea, and seemed to believe it with such zeal. the Rapture may come, but which clues are the right ones? That is an impossible question to answer, but The Book of Revelations one that we seem keen to attempt to answer. After talking to Richard Dunstan, professor of Religious Studies and Journalism at VIU, a clear picture of The Apocalypse in Pop Culture the source of apocalypse came into view. This source is the Bible, more specifically the last book in the New Not only do we want to answer the when, but we want to answer the how: how will the apocalypse come about, or Testament: the Book of Revelations. This book was originally written in Greek, and Revelations translates what shape will it take? Will zombies rise from the ground to eat our brains, or will a series of earthquakes, volcanoes, to apocalypse in Greek. So, essentially the Book of Revelations could also be called the Book of Apocalypse. tsunamis, landslides, and other natural disasters wreak havoc upon us and our cities? These questions have been The Book of Revelations is only one of a number of texts written in late BCE and early CE, which could be described explored in several different mediums including film, literature, music, and artwork. as apocalyptic texts. The Book of Daniel from the Hebrew scriptures has a section that deals with apocalypse as well. In film, the apocalypse is played out in a wide array of ways. There are post-apocalyptic films, which Dunstan says that the idea of apocalypse is originally a creation of the Jews, who called into question a major theme of take place after an apocalypse has occurred. There are disaster films, which show an apocalyptic event God after their exile by the Babylonians. Before the exile, it was believed that God would punish the bad people while in progress. Take for example the noteworthy film rewarding the good people. But when the exile began, this was called into question. Were those exiled any worse than volcanoes. Most of these disaster films are actually2012 about—noteworthy the resiliency for of its the terrible human acting spirit, and and super- how, those who had not been exiled? So, still wishing to hold faith in God, they began to explore the idea of an “Age to Come.” even in the toughest of times, we find a way to survive and help each other. In these films, the apocalypse According to Dunstan, “The current age was seen as a time when the bad would prosper and the good would suffer… is portrayed as a change in weather, super-volcanoes, ridiculously high magnitude earthquakes, alien and in the Age to Come, God would intervene and set everything right.” invasions, zombie uprisings, and nuclear warfare, to name a few. The Christian Bible followed along with the idea of an Age to Come, and Jesus spoke of it quite often within In literature, which in this context encompasses novels, short fiction, graphic novels, and comics, the his preachings, though he referred to it as the Kingdom of God. One of the reasons for this is because of the focus is placed more on the post-apocalyptic and how humanity struggles to survive. way Christians view God’s intervention; Jesus reborn is God’s intervention, as opposed to the Jewish thought of Margaret Atwood is a good example of post-apocalyptic fiction, as is Oryx and Crake by God intervening Himself. While none of this is directly related to, or directly involves an apocalypse, the idea of Julian Comstock Wilson. Oryx and Crake is about a world torn apart by genetic manipulation and the struggleby Robert of children Charles apocalypse comes from this Age to Come, or Kingdom of God, and builds upon those ideas. Dunstan notes that to survive in such a world. Julian Comstock is set in North America after an event called the End of Oil, “not everyone who believes in the Kingdom of God believes in an apocalyptic world view.” which saw the world change greatly. Both of these books have a great deal of social commentary in them, So what exactly is the Apocalypse described in the pages of the Bible? According to Dunstan, it is important discussing problems the world is currently facing. to note that “Apocalypse doesn’t originally mean the end of the world or cataclysmic events…it means disclosure.” Apocalyptic TV shows usually follow along trending topics, such as aliens or zombies. They tend to Instead of providing specific descriptions of what will occur during these apocalyptic times, the Book of Revelations stay away from social commentary, and focus more on the human aspects of such situations. A couple of could be seen instead “as a code for those who are wise enough…to understand.” There are no specific dates, and examples of such TV shows are only hazy imagery for what the Apocalypse may be. These lack of details, however, have not stopped us from The Walking Dead and Falling Skies. exploring the possibilities of what an apocalypse could like. So, what does all of this mean? Well, it’s hard to say whether it means anything at all. The idea and concept of Recent Apocalypses the apocalypse is a Judeo-Christian creation, and being that North America is founded by Europeans, who were, Over the years, we have seen several would-be apocalypses, or apocalypse theories, make the news. Last year for the most part, Christian, it’s not surprising that we are still influenced by ideas from the Bible and adapting it was Harold Camping. Before that, in the late ’90s, there was Y2K. We also have heard predictions from them to our time. Whether it’s the Book of Revelations, or Judgment Day, or the Rapture that are mentioned in any sort of pocalyptic or post-apocalyptic texts, it is undeniable where the idea came from. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting until Dec. 21, 2012, and seeing what the morning brings.
Spread by: Jeremy Unrau the Navigator A year in review
by Kaitlyn Till
The Navigator is produced by 15 students who want to bring you stories that mat- ter to students. Ever wonder how the paper is produced, or about the stories behind the scenes? Read on for a recap of what the Nav. had to offer in 2012: the controversies, the hits, and the process.
This is how we do what we do The Nav. works on a bi-weekly production schedule producing 14 issues per school year: seven during the fall semester and seven during the spring. Issues appear on newsstands every second Wednesday, with editorial content from the Editor-in-Chief, Associate Editor, Arts Editor, News Editor, and Sports Editor due on Wednesdays in between. Content is uploaded to the server and printed off by the editors, then left in trays for the copy editing elves who come into the office on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to edit the work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and any other inconsistencies. The layout team then has Thursday afternoon until Sunday morning to put all content into the paper layout using Ado- be InDesign. They add graphics, design the cover, and the centre spread. On Sunday morning, the editorial staff troop in, bleary-eyed, for production day to find the work that they left on Wednesday less containing of grammatical errors, and attractively placed into pages of the paper—the graphics team tend to be early birds, already puttering away at any further layout concerns before they print off all the pages for the editorial team. Throughout Sunday, the editorial staff continue to copy edit for further errors, the graphics staff place ads, fill in the Table of Contents, and so on. Sometimes article lengths change and the layout needs shifting, sometimes there’s a shortage of material, and sometimes there’s too much—all usually minor problems that are taken care of on Sunday. At the end of the day the paper is sent to the printer, and arrives on a pallet at lem when trying to produce a paper on a deadline. We trooped on work- VIU’s artists. Mady Ritzer, Arts Editor for 2012–13 continued that popular feature. No, we’re not perfect the Students’ Union building for delivery Wednesday when it is thus disseminated ing in makeshift space in the library to finish off a great year at the paper. Sports Editor Megan Dyer has been keeping the student population interested— Now the description of the well-oiled machine that is the Nav. crew, might have to the public. Each staff member has a paper route on campus, or about town. The the sports section has been the most viewed overall on our website. left you thinking that we are a perfect collective of writerly geniuses. This isn’t next morning the staff meet to assess the issue—discuss both errors and what In Aug. a brand new staff gathered—nearly all fresh faces, which always leaves The year finished off on a controversial note with Managing Editor Gareth always the case—and sometimes shit just happens. You may have noticed the went well, as well as content for the next issue. things a bit precarious. We never know how the dynamics are going to work out, Boyce’s editorial “Shame on us all” on the conflict in Israel (note: due to a file creative spelling “Vanoucver” on the cover of our first issue in Sept., or the equal- In addition to the editorial and graphics staff, we have a Business Manager but from the start this staff has been efficient, fun, and is producing what we hope error in the print edition the editorial was titled “Editorial #7.” As you’ll see below, ly wrenching spelling of “tradgedy” across the cover of an issue from fall 2011. and Bookkeeper who make sure everyone gets paid, an ad sales team, tech sup- has been engaging and informative content. Art director Jake Buhrig has been we’re not perfect). On page 03 of this issue we’ve published one of the letters that These things happen when working on a deadline, even to the best of editors, but port, a web designer, and a board of directors. impressed by the cover art for the fall 2012 issues, citing the bee cover for issue came in response to that editorial. Of the backlash that he received, Boyce says they’re tough to come to terms with when an issue first comes out. Even more 1’s “Beekeeping on Vancouver Island” article and the “Apocalypse, Soon” cover “It’s a very delicate topic and no matter which side I decided to go on I would have frustrating was the mysterious printing error on Boyce’s apocalypse spread from The articles from issue 7 as two favourites. angered people.” the last issue before Christmas. The entirety of that article is reprinted in an extra During the spring semester of 2012, the Nav.’s facebook page received by far the The biggest story of fall 2012 came in Oct., with Emily Olsen’s article on Chris- section of this issue—making this the largest issue the Nav. has ever published, most hits for issue 13 thanks to the cover’s bright red graphic on Kony 2012 and ty Clark’s ad campaign “Hipster is not a job.” The article sparked discussion on Where have all the men gone? running at 28 pages instead of 24. the Kony 2012 centre spread written by the Nav.’s Brady Tighe—evidence that pop- other news outlets and was picked up by The Ubyssey and discussed on the Huff- The award for the 2012’s most baffling letter to the Nav. goes to a letter that ular, viral stories do drive readership; the Kony issue was the most read issue of ington Post and Maclean’s websites among dozens of other news sites. Olsen says, appeared in issue 3. Andre in Duncan complained about the lack of diversity of The future of the Navigator the Nav. that school year. The sports highlight of the year also appeared in that “I still wish [Christy Clark] would have accepted my interview request, and it was contributors to the fall’s first issue of the Nav. First of all, at the Nav. we call for Like other print news media, the Nav. is at a crossroads. We still distribute primar- issue—Robyn Cross’s coverage of the Mariners women winning the national gold funny when she wore hipster glasses to a conference in Nanaimo. It was fun to contributors all the time. If you, the audience, don’t submit, we do the writing— ily in print form, but one of the Nav.’s goals has been to drive more traffic to our medal for volleyball. Other highlight articles from that spring included news sto- watch [the story] grow online as more kept picking it up. It was a good lesson in unless you want us to pull half our stories from other universities from a news website, preparing for what will be the inevitable transition to publishing exclu- ries “Staying Smart, but Living Poor” from issue 11 and local news coverage by the new media.” The issue certainly was catchy on the newsstand, aided by the wire. In addition, Andre says “A meagre 16 percent of published articles were con- sively online. When will that happen? It likely won’t be for a few more years, but Sherry Wota. visual snap of Jake Buhrig’s cover design—Christy Clark in hipster garb on an tributed by men.” Centuries of male-dominated media and the disproportionately almost certainly within ten. Currently,
Portal deadline Jan 11 Mother Mother at The Port Theatre
Mady Ritzker the Navigator
For me, 2012 was a year of amazing concerts. I was lucky enough to see some fantastic shows, from City and Color in Jan. to The Shins in Sept., and after each one I was overcome with the familiar post-concert high, the feeling of “wow, that was the best show I have ever been to.” Seeing Mother Moth- er on Dec. 16 at The Port The- Design by: Jordan Wende atre for their stopover in Nanai- Photo by: Claudia Ritzker mo during The Sticks Tour was fiction essay. Judgment will be the perfect end to a year of fan- trolled as one of their songs: amount of time before return- Mady Ritzker placed on the compatibility tastic concerts. Just as the oth- Mother Mother balanced high- ing for the encore. Ryan Gul- the Navigator of the visuals with the text as ers were, in its own way the energy tracks from The Sticks, demond asked opener Hannah well as the overall quality of tour for Mother Mother’s new, including “Bit By Bit” and Georgas to join him for a duet The deadline for the 2013 the submission. Collaborative apocalypse-themed album was “Business Man” with favourites in “Love It Dissipates,” some- issue of Portal magazine is teams of co-authors and artists the best show I have ever seen. from their previous albums, how improving an already fan- approaching fast. Jan. 11, at are acceptable. There were a few deter- like “The Stand” and “O My tastic song. He graciously went 11:59 p.m., is the cut-off for The first issue ofPortal mining factors that made the Heart.” Transitions between on to thank Georgas, as well as students to submit their works was published in 1991 and it show different from others. The songs were smooth and calcu- the technical and management of previously unpublished poet- has since grown as a respected shrinking of the typical audi- lated. There were no jarring team on tour with the band, ry, creative non-fiction, short product of VIU’s creative minds ence-performer gap created a movements from track to track, and finished the encore, to an fiction, scripts, graphic art/orig- throughout communities across new atmosphere for the band to no out-of-place silence or awk- enthusiastic reception, with the inal artwork, and photography the nation. The 2013 issue will perform in. The Port Theatre is ward waiting for instrumental older favourite “Wrecking Ball.” to the nationally distributed lit- have a circulation of 750 copies, a small venue, and the band is shifts. They allowed the tension Georgas was a worthy open- erary magazine run by students and will be available at the VIU a local group (originally from to build appropriately before er. She’s already an established in the Creative Writing and bookstore, among other loca- Quadra Island) so there was a launching into the up-tempo act on the Canadian music Media Studies departments tions, for $7. level of intimacy in the building “Hay Loft,” and later when they scene, with several awards and here at VIU. “Portal is a national publi- that stemmed from the home pulled out the acoustic to gently nominations under her belt, and “Many students are pursu- cation so can be found in out- connection. Many of those who move into “Ghosting.” she’s toured around the U.S., ing other academic avenues but lets all over Canada,” Bolt says. attended were long-time fans In the individual songs, U.K., and Canada. However, are also gifted creative writers,” “It is a great opportunity [for from the band’s established fol- the contrast of bridled artistic as any good prelude act will do, says Art Director Diane Bolt. students] to gain exposure in a lowing, so the energy was one of freedom that Mother Mother the Ontario-born, Vancouver- VIU Students of all ages and national literary magazine.” The positive anticipation and famil- has mastered was amplified in based indie-pop singer kept her disciplines are encouraged to publication also functions as a iarity. I should also mention each track. The tempo between performance simple and mod- submit their original work for professional basis for students that I was fortunate enough to Ali Siadat’s drums and Jeremy est, allowing the audience to a chance to be published and to engage in hands-on experi- score front-row seats, and so the Page’s bass was tightened to per- appreciate the main draw to forever recognized as a member ence in the publishing busi- gap was physically even smaller. fection, and Guldemond’s gui- her music: her voice. Georgas’s of VIU’s creative community. ness. The 2013 issue is run by Throughout the show, the band tar and vocals, which ranged alternative style, and the local Submissions are limited to a students under the guidance of interacted with the audience radically from punky in “The aspect of her talent, served to set maximum of three pieces in any Creative Writing professor and as well, acknowledging fans as Sticks” to haunting in “Little up the main set perfectly, and combination of genres. While Portal publisher Joy Gugeler. “misfits” like themselves, and Pistol,” were timed—perhaps there is no doubt that with her there are no guidelines for spe- Throughout the two-semester addressing the constant dilem- even more precisely than on the Feist-meets-Emily-Haines style, cific content of the work, Bolt course, students are assigned ma of to stand or not to stand, albums—with the dual pow- we’ll soon be seeing Georgas says “[p]ersonally I am look- various roles, including, among encouraging everyone to enjoy er of keyboardist and vocalists commanding stages of her own. ing for an engaging story that is others, editing, fundraising, the show in whatever position Molly Guldemond and Jasmin After playing at The Port, thought provoking and enter- marketing, and advertising, and they wanted to. “We’re here to Parkins. The energy on the stage Mother Mother went on to play taining.” Pieces are judged and must work together to generate serve you,” frontman Ryan Gul- was completely contagious, and another small show in Camp- considered by blind voting, submissions and funding, ulti- demond said. as the audience danced, tapped, bell River, and then, on Dec. and so students are asked not mately functioning as a pub- With this sense of shrunk- sang, or sat to each track, it was 19, gave a sold-out performance to include their names on any lishing house to ensure overall en barriers, the stage was liter- evident that Mother Mother is at The Orpheum in Vancouver. submission attachments. Con- quality of the magazine. ally set up for Mother Mother not only a group of uniquely I was lucky to wrap up my con- tact information is required “Portal provides a crucial to deliver. And they sure as hell talented individuals, but a hard- cert year of 2012 with an inti- on an accompanying cover let- role to the creative writing pro- did. Recognized for their ability working, calculative, and well- mate, local-minded show from ter, which must also outline gram at VIU. Not only does the to be massively creative within a rehearsed group that know how a home-faithful and incred- title, genre, word-count, and publication create an opportu- tight, controlled sound, each of to put on a damn good show. ibly talented band. As Mother previous publications of the nity for students to immerse Mother Mother’s albums, from As the true sign of a fan- Mother continue on their jour- student’s work. themselves into the publica- 2007’s Touch Up to their latest tastic concert, I lost all sense of ney towards sold-out stadiums This year’s issue features a tion industry, it also provides a The Sticks, presents invention time. Each track was its own lit- and headlining festivals world- Creative Non-Fiction Photo platform for new and emerging and artistic development while tle gift, and the end of one song wide, their show at The Port Essay Contest, with a prize of writers to showcase their tal- maintaining musical authority: meant only looking forward to Theatre will always be at the top $50 along with publication in ents,” Bolt says. there are no weak places in any the next. After finishing with of my list. I can’t wait until they Portal 2013. Contest entries For further submission of their songs, no filler notes to the hit single from The Sticks, come back. must include 3–5 original pho- guidelines and cover letter get from point A to point B. “Let’s Fall In Love,” the group tographs paired with a maxi- examples, please visit,
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 9 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 17 • THE NAV ARTS
music may come from a tor- Del Rey’s musical themes Mady Ritzker tured place, but she doesn’t use extend beyond lust, and wheth- the Navigator her dark side as a presumptu- er she is singing about love or ous mask or an excuse for com- money or something else she It seems that in the last few plicated angst. Instead she tells maintains a sort of lazy edginess. years—2012 in particular— her story as it is, in a manner In some tracks, such as “Born we’ve seen a surge of power- that comes across as true. When To Die,” her voice is thick and ful female vocalists emerge on she sings about sex it isn’t in a theatrical, and at other times the music scene. In the pop, materialistic way, which is com- she moves in a more street-wise rock, and indie worlds women mon in popular hip-hop songs, direction, towards New York like Adele and Florence Welch nor does she reminisce past lov- City grit, as in “Diet Moun- have risen from the bubblegum ers in a sickeningly sentimental tain Dew.” At all times, though, masses to create new expecta- sense. Instead she sings of lust, she consistently keeps to her tions of individuality and origi- of choices and control: “I’m in character. There is a strong nal talent for female artists. In his favorite sundress/ Watch- sense of nationalistic nostalgia the case of Lana Del Rey, this ing me get undressed/ Take that in her music—a yearning for role has been filled, reinvented, body downtown/ I say, “You the golden age America. Del Rey and mastered over the course of bestest.”/ Lean in for a big kiss/ has referred to herself as “self- the last year. Put his favorite perfume on/ styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra” The New York native began Go play a video game.” There is and while the description seems writing songs when she was 18, no false poetry, no strategically to fit, she is not a mere one- after a four-year stint in juvenile placed coating upon Del Rey’s woman rat-pack cover act. Her rehab. It was a struggle for her at music organized to match any voice is rich in a sultry way and first—up until 2010 she record- set of standards. She limits her she plays with both current and ed EPs and singles under several style and always keeps things classic subject matter, referenc- different names while living in simple and a little weird. Her ing the old stars in the midst a trailer park outside NYC, her music video for “Ride” from of her own chaos. She sings in music career in the background, Paradise, is a 10 minute mini- “Body Electric”: “Whitman is her main focus on community film that begins and ends with my daddy, Monaco’s my moth- service work with the home- a monologue, and features Del er,/ Diamonds are my bestest less. Del Rey’s first album was Rey’s romances with various friend./ Heaven is my baby, sui- met with little response, and older men, many of whom seem cide’s her father,/ Opulence is it wasn’t until 2011 when she to be part of a motorcycle gang. the end.” released the music video to her Del Rey’s originality has There is a dark originality to single “Video Games” on You- created a sense of controversy Del Rey. She has the complicat- Tube that things finally seemed around her music. While her ed romanticism of an emotion- to take off. Del Rey began col- records have done well and she ally destructive relationship, lecting Best New Artists awards has risen as a popular figure in a Frank and Ava complex. At around the world, and her sec- the music world, many have times she comes across as a bor- ond album Born To Die, released written her off as a hipster- derline obsessive ex-girlfriend, in early 2012, was one of the icon, a shallow fabrication of and at others a sacrificial and bestselling records of the year. the indie scene. In late 2011, tragic lover, making Born To Die Since then she has embarked Del Rey told Rolling Stone she and Paradise the soundtracks to on a world tour, been featured doesn’t consider herself an indie an epic love story gone wrong. in an ad campaign for H&M, musician, “I would have loved Of the music idols that have been the exclusive inspiration to be part of the indie commu- garnered praise in the last little for a Mulberry bag, and released nity. But I wasn’t… I never met while, Del Rey has her own another EP, Paradise, last Nov. that indie popular indie, who- place. Where Adele may be the While Del Rey certainly ever the fuck that is. Who IS direction to look when recover- had to overcome some chal- indie? First of all, I can’t really ing from a breakup, and Flor- lenges, there is nothing particu- get my head around what indie ence might encourage empow- larly unique about her struggle music is. Because if you’ve heard erment, Del Rey is a voice of that sets her apart from other of it, it’s sort of pop music, a conflicted youth who admits artists who have become suc- right? Because it’s, like, popu- human weakness, accepts cessful in their music careers. lar?” The fact that she cannot impulse, and encourages self- Like many musicians, it took be placed in the pop vs. indie expression. Whether she con- time, perseverance, and luck for debate confirms Del Rey’s indi- tinues making music or extends her to make herself known to viduality, and it is her genuine her artistic direction elsewhere, the world. There isn’t anything eccentricity that has allowed her we can look to Del Rey’s work entirely innovative about the to stand out and be loved, or for combined homage to the music she makes either—she hated, by those who are exposed past fused with current perspec- sings about sex, love, money, to her music. At one point in tive in a unique voice, and for death, and other big themes— the “Ride” monologue she says an honest creative reflection of and while her voice is unique, “I was always an unusual girl, her own twisted and fascinating legitimate, and always full of my mother told me that I had a personality. She appeals to us at feeling, the same can be said chameleon soul. No moral com- the end of the “Ride” video and of many other chart-topping pass pointing me due north, no asks “Who are you? Are you in musicians. However, there is fixed personality. Just an inner touch with all your darkest fan- something different about Del indecisiveness that was as wide tasies? Have you created a life Rey, and the world seems to love as wavering as the ocean.…with for yourself where you’re free to her for it. There is truth in her a fire for every experience and experience them? I Have. I Am character and her music, and an obsession for freedom that Fucking Crazy. But I Am Free.” honesty that listeners can appre- Photos by: Last.fm terrified me to the point that I ciate, whether they recognize it couldn’t even talk about…” consciously or not. Del Rey’s
• 18 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 •Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV ARTS New Music 2013 Canada from Seattle, Ivan and Aloysha, music scene worldwide. After bury. They have also toured record The Big Come Up was Mady Ritzker have teamed up with Toronto- touring with acclaimed acts with acts such as Neil Young, released in 2002, and judg- the Navigator based Dine Alone Records to such as The Stills, Jack White’s City and Color, Deathcab for ing by the Grammy nomina- create All The Times We Had, The Dead Weather, and Passion Cutie, and most recently The tions, critical response, and The Belle Game scheduled for release on Feb. Pit, playing festivals across Can- Killers, showing fans around the worldwide acclaim, there is no 26. The group, formed in 2007, ada and the U.S., and securing globe their versatile, original, doubt that their next album If you are looking for a rising consists of brothers Tim and a nomination for the Best New and downright likeable style. will be seriously fantastic. local act to latch on to, Vancou- Pete Wilson, as well as Ryan Group Award at the 2011 Junos, Since their debut record, 1999’s ver-based indie-pop group The Carbary, and Tim Kim. Ivan the band has taken time to Under Feet Like Ours, through Paramore Belle Game is one to watch for and Aloysha, named after char- record their sophomore album, to 2007’s The Con and towards in 2013. The group has teamed Paramore has announced that acters from Dostoevsky’s The scheduled for release on Feb. 26. their latest in 2013, Heart- up with Boompa Records asso- they will release their fourth Brothers Karamazov, have been The first single for White Paint, throb, the twins have moved ciate Bella Union and will album on April 18. The self- gradually making a name for “Pick Me Up,” has the fun and from guitar and keyboard sim- release two new songs, available titled record will be the first full- themselves across the indie upbeat attitude of early Weezer, plicity to an increasingly elec- on limited edition 7” vinyl on length release from the group scene, releasing two EPs to criti- and the music video features the tronic, dancey sound. The lat- Jan. 21. Tracks “Wait Up For since two of the original mem- cal acclaim and touring with group playing in a field of hot est single, “Closer” emanates You” and “Wasted Light” have bers, lead guitarist Josh Farro
Photos by: tracksontracks.ca and teganandsara.com
groups like The Low Anthem. air balloons and is inspired and this new energy, and though both movement and dreami- and his brother and drummer Their performance at the 2010 influenced by the people they the guitar and keyboard are still ness, like the beach on a driz- Zac, left in late 2010. The alt- South by Southwest festival in met at a ballooning festival in prominent, the instruments are zly day, and The Belle Game rock group has announced that Austin, Texas established them the desert. The eccentricity and newly woven into a complete combines a west-coast inspired the single for Paramore will as a rising contender on the positivity of their artistic style electro track. While some fans sound similar to that of Best be released sometime in early folk-rock stage and the antici- is streamlined throughout both might miss the uncomplicated Coast with the foggy influence 2013, and that it is titled “Now.” pation has been growing ever video and song, and the record style, such as in 2004’s “I Was of Beach House to create their since. Their first single, “Run- promises to be a weird and Walking With A Ghost” from own balance of tentative tem- The Joy Formidable ning For Cover,” which will be wonderful experience. If you’re So Jealous, the musical devel- po. The group is made up of available Jan. 15, has the same really keen, the first 200 fans opment of Tegan and Sara is Welsh indie band, The Joy For- all Canadian members origi- control and gentle acceleration to pre-order the “White Paint evident in their latest release, midable, has announced they nating from Vancouver and mastered by the group’s Seat- Super Duper Deluxe Package” and though they may be turn- will release their second studio Montréal and have been shap- tle-based indie-folk neighbours will receive an exclusive song, ing towards a more complex album Wolf’s Law to Canada ing and reshaping since 2009 The Head and the Heart, while written specifically for them by style, their original and unique on the 22 of Jan. The London- to develop their sophisticated also capturing a sentimental- the band. Hollerado will sup- talent is still the determining based group has generated a sound. They have built a steady ity like that of The Lumineers. port Billy Talent and SUM 41 factor for their artistic success. response on the alternative and fan base by establishing them- If the easy and unpretentious on a cross-Canada tour, with indie music scene after releasing selves as regulars on the Cana- single is anything like their a stopover in Vancouver at the their first full-length record in dian festival circuit and visited Elsewhere: debut full-length album, All Pacific Coliseum on Mar. 14. 2011 and the buzz has grown Nanaimo recently while sup- The Times We Had will be a The Black Keys since. They have supported porting Hey Ocean! on a tour genuine and worthwhile record. Tegan and Sara Though El Camino was released groups like Editors, Passion across the Island. “Wait Up For Pit, and Muse on tour, while You” and “Wasted Light” will The latest album from Calgary only in Dec. 2011, The Black Hollerado doing a stint on both the North give listeners a preview of what indie-pop twins Tegan and Sara Keys have announced that their next album will come out some- American and European festival to expect from their first full- Juno-nominated indie-rock Quin is scheduled for release on circuits, building a worldwide length album, Ritual Tradition band Hollerado has announced Jan. 29. The twins have been time in 2013. Drummer Patrick Carney told CBS Local that the fanbase for their layered cym- Habit, which is scheduled to be the release for their second monumental on both the Cana- bal/guitar rock balance. released sometime in the spring. album, White Paint. The Otta- dian and world indie-rock scene group is aiming to have their wa-based band formed in 2007, since 1995, with six albums eighth record finished by the Ivan & Alyosha released their first full-length under their belts, several world- spring. The Ohio blues-rock- album in 2009, and have since tours, and slots at major festivals ers have consistently exceeded Promising indie-folk group been rapidly exploring the indie such as Coachella and Glaston- expectations since their debut
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 9 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 19 • THE NAV REVIEWS
The Hobbit at 48 frames per second Photo by: chud.com reality in the (brilliantly-script- image on the wall. Out of the Blue and Beyond ed) scene. And this gave me 3D shares elements of 2D hope for the new technology. film language, but its ability the Black Rainbow I think that the HFR Hob- to reach out into the audience bit is a sacrificial lamb, a bit like or back into the depths of the Rainbow is less a story than an The Dark Knight was with its image has altered what is pos- Michael Lidstone experience and attempting to con- Contributor use of IMAX. There was no way sible. Fast cutting between vey that experience in an article that Christopher Nolan’s block- close-ups is not as effective in would be a misrepresentation of buster was going to fail to sell on 3D as having a pair of actors The future of cinema has arrived the film’s true power. It is still Blu-ray, but the screen changes on screen, in focus, together. in the form of 38-year-old Van- worth noting the fantastic set sizes between the different cam- The director cannot point our couver writer-director Panos design (his production design- era types, which is somewhat eyes exactly where he wants in Cosmatos and his debut feature ers initially laughed at the idea annoying. It still sold, though, the same way when, instead of film, Beyond the Black Rainbow. that his sets could be built with because the imperfect technol- a photograph, we are looking Shot in Vancouver, the film was such a small budget), expert use ogy cannot damage what is a through a window. 3D’s simi- released for some North Ameri- of sound and great performanc- Photo by: impawards.com great film. This has resulted larity to reality means we are can festivals in 2010 but wasn’t es that gain depth with each new in IMAX gaining wider use less willing to hand our eyes distributed on DVD and Blu- viewing. Also, the incredible Mathew Snowie in Hollywood, which is good over to a director who wants ray until Sept. 2012. Raised in soundtrack by composer Jeremy Contributor because IMAX offers unparal- us to focus on something spe- Victoria on Vancouver Island, Schmidt creates a retro-futuristic leled image quality. The Hob- cific, and our mind is slower Panos is the son of the late Ital- dreamscape that in many ways I’ve decided to skip doing a full bit was going to make a lot of to re-adjust when a cut takes ian-born director George P. Cos- narrates the film as the dialogue review of The Hobbit: An Unex- money even if it was horrible (it us from one location to anoth- matos, who has directed 11 fea- itself is mostly minimal. pected Journey (4 out of 5 stars) isn’t), so to introduce the HFR er. ture films himself. When George While the last decade has since fans will go see it no mat- on a surething means that the It is understandable, there- Cosmatos passed away in 2005, seen numerous Canadian film- ter what is said, and Peter Jack- technology will proliferate fore, that many critics writing Panos inherited his father’s makers achieve great success son has offered up something sooner instead of dying on about the HFR have praised the lucrative royalties from the 1993 domestically and internation- far more interesting to talk arrival. Despite how much I “Riddles in the Dark” sequence Hollywood blockbuster, Tomb- ally, none had the debut of Pan- about: High Frame Rate 3D. I disliked it for this film (a lot) with Bilbo and Gollum. It is the stone. Unable to secure financial os who has emerged virtually plan to go back to see a 2D or I think that the HFR format, best scene in the film in terms backing for his bizarre but very out of the blue. Prior to Beyond regular 3D show so I can watch just like IMAX, should be of performance, motion cap- original script, Panos put over the Black Rainbow, his experi- the movie and not the technolo- used again. ture technology, script, and sto- one million dollars of his inher- ence was limited to visiting his gy, but, as far as new technology So what purpose does it ry. But it is also the best for 3D ited fortune into producing his father on film sets, observing goes, it is worth experiencing. serve? I mentioned before that because it is an extended scene own film. The fact that the film his late artist mother’s creation The new format took almost it would work for a filmed stage in a single location that uses was entirely self-funded allowed of abstract sculpture, some free- an hour for my mind to adjust, play, and I think that is a key long takes and shows most of Panos to be unencumbered by lance graphic design work and and until then the picture appeared scenario. But it can’t be filmed the character in the frame. It is the expectations of executives a few short films seen only at to be on fast-forward. This was like a movie. Peter Jackson tried a stage play. And for this reason or the dictates of test audiences, small festivals in Victoria. In the not helped by the film’s clunky to have his cake and eat it too. it feels more real than anything an extremely rare circumstance time after the death of his par- prologue, but Martin Freeman He used his new technology else in the movie. for a first-time director, and ents (his mother died in 1997), soon arrived to save me from to heighten the reality of his Now imagine a feature film the result is nothing short of a Panos has admitted to spiralling Ian Holm and Elijah Woods’s film, but he also framed his that is entirely made of scenes minor movie miracle. downward into depression and bizarrely bad performances. shots and edited his scenes like like this. No extravagant spe- What is Beyond the Black alcoholism before finally seeking The format allows for he did in The Lord of the Rings. cial effects to scrutinize and no Rainbow about? The story is set counselling and ultimately feel- extremely detailed high-def All the 3D film directors have fast-cutting action scenes. Just in a New Age commune in 1983. ing inspired to attempt a feature images and it removes motion been doing the same thing, quality performances with a The commune’s goal is to foster film, some of the ideas for which blur entirely. This leaves the but the HFR has brought smart script, high story stakes, spiritual self-discovery through a he had already been harbouring action on screen looking as more attention to it. and an immersive HFR 3D process of experimental, mind- for many years. close to reality as is possible. No matter how innovative picture offering absolutely expanding techniques. But dark On his twitter account, Pan- This would be spectacular for or edgy or “Quentin Taran- realistic images. It could be forces lay hidden beneath the os has recently expressed a desire a filmed stage play, or really for tino” a director may be, there the ultimate combination of veneer of “enlightenment.” The to work with 3D as he feels it’s any film that doesn’t include is a basic form of framing and film and live theatre. film unearths a concept recent- the future of cinema. For some- giant wolves, orcs, and gob- editing that all films share. 3D is here to stay. That was ly articulated by famed Slove- one like myself who has thus far lins. Every time a CG element Dialogue scenes generally have clear the moment Avatar passed nian philosopher Slavoj Žižek been ambivalent towards the appeared on screen it stuck out establishing shots and move two billion dollars worldwide. who asserts that, while New use of 3D, the thought of what like a red flag. The doubled closer to the actors through a But we are still in the experi- Age religions often stress indi- the director of Beyond the Black frame-rate doubled the stan- series of different angles cutting mental period where new lan- vidual self-discovery through Rainbow could do with this tech- dards for visual accuracy, and it between the speakers. This is guage is being discovered. Like techniques like Transcenden- nology is wildly exciting and cre- felt like seeing something made the language of film that audi- the 1930s adjusting to sound, tal Meditation, the way these ates a lot of optimism as cinema in the early 1990s. ences understand and follow the time is soon approaching techniques are often presented, moves forward into a new era. The one saving grace of the best. When filmmakers start when films likeIt Happened One with monotone-voiced “gurus” I was also born and raised on film’s CG cast was Andy Serkis on an extreme close up or on Night, All Quiet on the Western repeating rehearsed phrases to Vancouver Island and Panos has playing Gollum. This is likely an empty set with people talk- Front, and M will show audi- large groups, can create a fright- quickly become a huge inspira- a combination of a great actor ing off-camera they are playing ences how new technology can ening paradox where one’s sense tion. He offers overwhelming and a familiar character. I know with that language for a particu- be used to tell a story instead of of individuality is actually con- evidence that a key figure on the what Gollum looks like, so I lar effect. This language exists to just showing off how new it is. sumed in the process. vanguard of artistic achievement didn’t feel myself analyzing his guide the audience’s thoughts Initially written by Panos in can surface and succeed right in character design like I did for and emotions into believing in the form of an extended stream of our own backyard. the Goblin King. I accepted his a world that exists only as a flat consciousness, Beyond the Black
• 20 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 •Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV REVIEWS
Living with Monsters
at least at first, to be mon- short listed for the 2011 ReLit multidisciplinary conference Now in its fourth year, the Timothy Lewis strous,” Page says. She believes Novel Award, The Find was entitled “Lost and Found.” This Arts and Humanities Colloqui- Contributor that fiction should “explore the inspired in part by a visit to the academic gathering focused on um provides free public lectures terrifying extremes of experi- Courtenay Museum. The main the way extinct species and by VIU faculty members on a We all live with monsters. Some ence, the places we’d prefer storyline centres on the fiction- past ecosystems have been range of interesting topics. The are cute. They giggle when we not to go in our real lives. In al discovery of a huge ptero- represented and sensational- Spring 2013 series continues on tickle them. Monsters in litera- my fictional worlds, monsters, saur from the Late Cretaceous ized from the 19th century Feb. 15 with a presentation by ture and film terrify us, but we once truly known, often turn epoch that is discovered near to the present time, and how Dr. Laurie Meijer Drees of the love the adrenaline rush they out not to be monsters at all: a small, fictionalized, Vancou- awareness of species extinction First Nations Studies depart- provide. And, then, there are I’m thinking, for example, of ver Island town. More particu- and/or the threat of extinction ment. Her lecture “The TRC, the monsters, real and imag- Alphabet, the protagonist of larly, Page explains, “the book have informed the arts. Missing Children, and Academ- ined, that threaten to destroy which is a man who has com- explores the meaning this find Those who attend the Col- ic History” will highlight new us. Like it or not, we must all mitted a monstrous crime, and has for the paleontologist who loquium on Jan. 18 will be findings on Canada’s Indian learn to live with monsters. of Frankie Styne and the Silver discovers it, its impact on other intrigued and fascinated as Page Residential Schools, revealed by “Living with Monsters” is Man, which alludes to Mary major characters, and its com- will juxtapose selected readings formerly restricted documents the title of the free public lec- Shelley’s creation, and features peting political and spiritual from The Find with thoughts recently made available to the ture to be presented by Kathy both an embittered writer of meanings.” Reviewers praise on her own fascination with federal Truth and Reconcilia- Page, of VIU’s Creative Writ- horror stories who is contem- the book as both complex and monsters, both real and imagi- tion Commission. The conclud- ing department, on Jan. 18 at plating a murder, and a baby entertaining. In the words of nary. Page explains that her aim ing session, on Mar. 22, will the Malaspina Theatre from suffering from a very rare syn- one, “The Find offers the best is to give a sense of the kind feature Dr. John Lepage, from 10–11:30 a.m. Part of VIU’s on- drome, which makes him differ- of all worlds: descriptions that of research she undertakes for the English department, who going Arts and Humanities Col- ent to the rest of us. My interest draw you in without distracting a creative project such as this. will present “Renaissance Art loquium series, Page’s presenta- is very much focused on human from the story, realistic charac- “This is where research and and the Ancient Philosophers: tion will examine our fascination beings and what the limits of ters who face difficult choices, imagination come together.” A Study in the Representation with monsters through the lens of being human might be.” and a complex plot that keeps A time for questions and of Ideas”. her recent novel The Find. The Find is unique in Page’s you turning the pages until the discussion will follow Page’s For more information, con- Exploring the monsters work in that it is her only sto- very end …” presentation. Everyone is wel- tact Dr. Daniel Burgoyne at within us is a theme in much ry to feature a real monster, a Page’s “Living with Mon- come to attend and join in the 250-753-3245, local 2126 or of Page’s work. “Several of my fossilized pterosaur—a huge, sters” talk builds on a similar conversation. Refreshments will
dios release films in thousands obsessed screenwriter Joseph the charming, troublesome, of theaters, and if they don’t Stefano, Kurtwood Smith is the childish genius he is known to make the top three on their hardliner censor who hovers have been. He has some great HITCHCOCK opening weekend they are con- over the script with a red pen, lines, but it is his physical reac- sidered flops. and James D’Arcy is Anthony tion to the first audience seeing turns to the camera and deliv- But all of this history is sec- Perkins, the actor playing the the shower scene that makes ers the first charming quip (of ondary to the real purpose of titular psycho. D’Arcy’s perfor- him a likely contender for this which there will be many) to Hitchcock. mance seems to avoid any of the year’s awards. Standing out- his audience about Ed Gein and Under all the film trivia, the complexity of the real Perkins side the door he conducts their how he inspired Psycho. And so focus of the story is Alfred (“Just in favor of his character in the screams like Amadeus and stabs begins the entertaining, some- call me Hitch, drop the cock.”) film, Norman Bates. the air with an invisible knife. what lightweight look at one and his wife Alma Reville (Hel- A supporting part that The simple supporting of the most famous directors in en Mirren). They are a couple actually does get some devel- parts, all of them brilliant history, and the production of heading into their golden years opment is serial killer Ed Gein impersonations, and Hopkins’ his most-famous film. together, and comfortable per- (Michael Wincott) who haunts easy-to-like lead create the film’s When it was released in formances from Hopkins and Hitch’s dreams like a psychotic simple, tongue-in-cheek style. It 1960, Psycho made a huge Mirren make their long-lasting muse. There are times it seems is the sort of biopic that Hitch impact on Hollywood that love affair very believable. Run- that Gein might have more himself would have enjoyed affects movies to this day. It ning gags with Alma trying to influence over the director than because it has the bare mini- was near the end of the cen- make Hitch eat better food, and his long-suffering wife. Gein is mum of personal insights and Photo by: impawards.com sor’s reign, which had held films Hitch trying to hide his drink- one character who, along with regularly chooses entertainment back from including content ing, play out in scenes of Holly- beautiful blonde Janet Leigh over historical accuracy. We can Mathew Snowie that would get anything beyond wood negotiations and produc- (Scarlett Johansson) and slick never know exactly what went Contributor a PG rating by modern stan- tion stress to bring these two writer Whitfield Cook (Dan- on with all these people during dards. It was also at a time when characters firmly to life. ny Huston), starts to come the making of the film, and we Two brothers are digging a hole television was stealing audienc- This care and attention giv- between Hitch and Alma, and can never know exactly what outside a farmhouse. After a dis- es, and filmmakers were looking en to develop the two lead char- his appearances are some of Hitch and Alma’s relationship agreement about their mother, for new ways to lure people to acters is great for them, but it the only real insights given to was like, so having a group of one of them walks out of frame. the theatre. Hitch created a pre- leaves most of the supporting Hitch’s thoughts. talented actors performing an He returns a moment later to release buzz that was unheard cast underdeveloped. In the lead By the end, with a great ref- entertaining script is really all bash his brother over the head of, but has since become stan- up to the production a series of erence to Hitchcock’s next film, we can hope for, and Hitchcock with a shovel and the camera dard. In the ’60s a film could short scenes introduces charac- the piece that will be remem- delivers. It might not be perfect, pans to the side where Alfred open in a couple of theaters and ters who are offered up like gar- bered most is Hopkins’ perfor- but, after all, “It’s only a bloody Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) play for months before finding nish; they look great, but they mance. His makeup is perfect movie.” is watching, just like an audi- an audience and becoming a have little substance. Ralph and he uses the fat suit and ence member at a theatre. He nationwide success; today stu- Macchio plays the psychiatry- prosthetic lips to make Hitch
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 21 • THE NAV SPORTS
Capturing the essence of Canada
Despite fans constantly being Meagan Dyer neglected by the NHL, we keep “Hockey captures the essence of Canadian experience in the the Navigator coming back for more. Surely it’s not because Canadian fans are New World. In a land so inescapably and inhospitably cold, The National Hockey League shameless (…right?), but it cer- hockey is the chance of life, and an affirmation that despite the entered its third work stoppage tainly begs the question: why? deathly chill of winter we are alive.” in just two decades on Sept. It is partly because hock- 15, 2012, putting the season ey is etched as a way of life for —Stephen Leacock on hold as hockey’s doomsday many Canadians—watching, clock struck midnight with no playing, talking, and dream- last-minute resolution. ing hockey. It also reflects Fans would wait 113 days for lot of passion for [Canada], or for tournament with 46 points. amateur—and Canada’s non- the essence of being Canadi- what it meant to be Canadian. It’s We’d found something we were professional players could no the owners and players to reach an an. But what is that essence agreement. The previous lockout, a large nation, with a lot of region- uniquely good at, perhaps for longer compete with the Rus- exactly, which Stephen Lea- al division, so there’s not much to the first time ever. sian Red Army. Canada had not a mere eight years ago, resulted in cock suggested captures our the cancellation of the entire sea- bring the nation together...[hock- Canadian fans relied on won a tournament in twenty national experience? More ey] starts to become a commonality hockey during the Great Depres- years and was in danger of los- son; Lord Stanley’s Cup lingered importantly, if he speaks the in the Hockey Hall of Fame, as across the nation.” sion as entertainment. The arriv- ing our professional hockey truth when he dramatically Hockey was a perfect match al of Hockey Night in Canada dominance for good. However, winter turned to spring. It would claims that hockey affirms be a long wait for Stanley, and all for Canada’s prolonged winters (HNIC) on the airwaves in 1931 amidst the Cold War there was we are still alive…what are and often-frigid climate. Much of was as vital to national connectiv- much more than sports impli- hockey fans, wishing to see our we without hockey? favourite teams take to the ice. the early economy was seasonal, ity as the Canadian Pacific Rail- cations on the line. Soviet play- Canadian fans are renowned meaning fishermen, farmers, and way. Few opportunities for enter- ers were also KGB and army for our die-hard support and lumbermen spent months with tainment existed during the era, officers, paid by the government little work and had spare time but radio was an accessible and to train year-round. Canadian to devote to recreational activ- affordable option for many. Every players and fans alike viewed ities. Hockey was also a remedy Saturday night, as many as three the series as war on ice. for the crisis of masculinity many million Canadians tuned into an “Before the series we are men endured, says Lewis. “It’s a NHL game—the same match just over the moon, like, ‘We’re time period when the Christian heard in Halifax and Vancouver finally gonna get those red so- church was probably at a height as it was at home. Announcer and-so’s, we’ll show them what in terms of influence in Can- Foster Hewitt was instantly one we got,’” Lewis says. “But when ada, and female values of love, of the greatest Canadian celebri- that first game is a 7–3 loss you patience, and kindness were ties of all time, greeting listeners can just hear crickets across greatly valued and becoming pro- every week with, “Hello, Cana- the nation. And because it was jected on men too.” Women were da, and hockey fans in the Unit- one of those rare things that we originally banned from playing ed States and Newfoundland.” were good at, it was a real sense hockey, allowing men the oppor- The onset of WWII took of loss for Canadians who fol- tunity to display historically-mas- over a million Canadians out of lowed hockey. [We thought] culine values of physical power, their living rooms and onto the maybe we aren’t as good as we strength, and courage. However, frontlines. Lewis says the impact thought we were?” it was Lord Stanley’s daughter of HNIC was realized during the Over 3000 Canadian fans Photo by: www.ultrahosting.net Isobel who helped convince her war, as many soldiers bemoaned travelled to Moscow for the father to donate hockey’s most missing the broadcasts. “We had final four games of the Sum- prestigious trophy to Canada. all kinds of officers saying, ‘more mit Series. “Fans were on their loyalty to our colours—a Toron- Canada and Hockey to Maple Leaf fans would never than cigarettes, more than pack- feet waving that flag, which Rise Together A Reflection of our Patriotism ages from home, what really gets was still a pretty new thing, be caught dead wearing any- Hockey is certainly ingrained in thing rouge. However, if there Since its creation, hockey has the guys excited are the hockey as we only got the maple leaf our history. The first organized come to serve as a patriotic out- broadcasts.’ It just reminds them in 1965,” Lewis says. “Peo- is one thing Canadian fans are games took place in the mid- especially good at, it’s taking let for many Canadians. Out- so much of home, in that sort of ple were still kind of getting 1800s, and Montréal students side the rink, we aren’t known sense of belonging.” used to it. But there was this a punch in the chops—then played the first recorded match coming right back for another. for brazen nationalism and The Canadian militarynational team with a stylized in 1875. Meanwhile, Canada flamboyant cheering—collect- shipped recordings of games maple leaf, and the crowd After the NHL tortured was rising as a nation in just its fans in 2004 with the longest ively gregarious behaviour of overseas to raise morale. Even singing “O Canada” through- eighth year of independence, any sort, for that matter. We are the Germans realized how out the game, and making all lockout in sports history, what having been granted autonomy was the response? Breaking “supposed” to be those subdued, much our troops loved hock- these cheers. It was something from Britain with little drama— sheltered, and agreeable people ey, says Lewis. “I think in we really hadn’t seen before.” attendance records the next sea- unlike the U.S, which fought for son without a second thought. from above the U.S.; where did 1944–45, some of their propa- In fact, most would its freedom through the Amer- all this hollering come from? ganda broadcasts in English struggle to recall the last time Canadian teams played in ican Revolution. That made for a front of nearly full stadiums all But Canadians came upon to the Canadian troops said, we sang the national anthem peaceable atmosphere—but little a vital realization during the ‘Now boys, wouldn’t you rath- away from a rink or out of season, while Montréal, Cal- th for 19 century Canadians to get 1920s at the dawn of profes- er be back home listening to earshot of “Hockey Night in gary, and Vancouver sold out passionate about. every home game. The Cana- sional leagues: we’re pretty the hockey games? Why are you Canada.” Without hockey, Except hockey, argues VIU damn good at hockey. We won over here fighting in Germany?’” “O Canada” would become diens broke the single-season History professor, Timothy Lewis. attendance record at 872,193, the sport’s first-ever Olym- That love of hockey and as disused as “God Save the “Shortly after confederation, hock- pic gold medal in 1920 with a sense of protection was never Queen,” and we would rarely meaning one in every two city- ey catches on and it begins to dwelling Montréalers visited resounding 14–1 victory over more heightened than during see the flashes of nationalism evolve into its modern form,” he Sweden, followed by another the 1972 Summit Series against that bust Canadians from our Les Habs. Judging by the mass says. “At the exact same time the number of fans cheering this gold medal in 1924 after out- the Soviet Union. While Can- shells. If only for health rea- nation is beginning to evolve into scoring opponents 132–3 in ada’s NHL superstars weren’t sons, Canadians need hockey lockout’s end, arenas could see its modern forms, and the two are even greater attendance records. six matches. Newfoundland’s allowed to play, the top Soviet as a safety valve to ensure we growing together. There was not a Harry “Moose” Watson led the leagues were still regarded as don’t blow a gasket.
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 22 • THE NAV SPORTS
Around the Rink
went on to win 5–2, and pep- toria in an exciting 6–4 victo- powerplay. multi-point games from only Meagan Dyer pered Surrey goaltender Glenn ry. Nanaimo opened the game Nanaimo then played a Jordan Levesque and Adam the Navigator Ferguson with 45 shots while with goals from Colten Dahlen home-and-home series with Smith. The team fell to Comox Jason Argue made 32 saves for and Trevor Fitzgerald, before Campbell River, crushing the Valley 5–4 in a road game, but Dec. was kind to Nanaimo’s the game’s second star. Gerry Fitzgerald and Garrett Storm in both games. The first managed to notch more than Junior-A Clippers and Junior- Nanaimo then embarked Skrbich scored for the Griz- was a 4–1 road victory on Dec. a single powerplay goal for the B Buccaneers, and both teams to the mainland for three road zlies to tie the game 2–2. Dick, 6, which saw two goals from first time all month. closed out 2012 with a vic- games in three nights. The first Taylor Grobowski and Mason Curtis McCarrick and single Nanaimo defeated Camp- tory. The Clippers recorded was a 3–0 loss to the Chilliwack Mitchell notched three unan- tallies from Will McNamara bell River for the third time three wins and three losses in Chiefs. Nanaimo couldn’t find swered goals for Nanaimo, but and Derian Hamilton. The in two weeks on Dec. 20, in a a month that saw them on the the back of the net despite fir- Victoria responded with two Bucs won the following game 6–5 victory that saw the visiting road for four games, while the ing 40 shots in the game. The late goals to make the game 5–4 6–1 on the road, which saw Storm at one point leading, and Bucs notched six wins in eight team had better effort the next with 20 seconds remaining. three-point games from McNa- tieing the game twice. Quentin games. evening against Penticton, but Nanaimo scored an empty net mara and Garrett Dunlop. McShane scored the eventual The Clippers began Dec. still fell to the league-leaders goal to secure the win. The four Playing their third game in winning goa. In the final game with a two-game homestand, 5–2. Josh Bryan and Greg Fra- Fitzgeralds playing the game— as many nights, Nanaimo lost of the month, the Buccaneers first falling to the visiting Pow- ser tallied goals for Nanaimo. Victoria’s Fitzgerald triplets of 5–3 to the Oceanside Gener- beat Oceanside 4–1 on a three- ell River Kings in a hard fought The Clippers got back into Gerry, Leo, and Myles, and the als. Despite entering the final point night from Dunlop. The 4–3 loss. Special teams were winning ways against Trail on Clippers’ Trevor Fitzgerald— period leading 3–1, Oceanside team finished 2012 atop the the dagger for Nanaimo, who Dec. 16 with a 4–1 victory accounted for four goals and stormed back with four goals North Division with 38 points. went 0–3 with the man advan- over the Smoke Eaters. Fraser seven points. in twelve minutes to stun the The Buccaneers’ next game tage and allowed two powerplay scored twice to add to his team- Meanwhile, the Bucca- Bucs. Both teams struggled is at home against the Kerry goals on three opportunities. leading point total, including a neers were amassing a successful on the powerplay, as Nanaimo Park Islanders, followed by an The second game of the shorthanded goal just six min- month in the Vancouver Island failed to score on four oppor- away match against the Oceans- homestand was Dec. 9 against utes into the game. Austin Dick Junior Hockey League, begin- tunities and mustered just two ide Generals on Saturday. The the Surrey Eagles. After sur- scored on the powerplay for ning with a 4–2 victory over shots in the third period. Clippers next games feature a rendering the opening goal just Nanaimo, an area lacking pro- league-worse Kerry Park. It was Nanaimo regrouped for a home-and-home series with 38 seconds into the game, the duction in previous games. a penalty-filled game, but both 5–1 victory over Kerry Park in a the Cowichan Valley Captials, Clippers responded with three In the final game of 2012, teams finished scoreless on the game that saw five different goal at home Friday, Jan. 11 and in unanswered goals. Nanaimo the Clippers travelled to Vic- scorers for the Buccaneers and Cowichan on Saturday, Jan. 12.
B.C. Summer Games Mariners in a minute coming to Nanaimo Meagan Dyer matches, Long Lake for rowing The team travels to Douglas College Jan. events, and various other parks Meagan Dyer the Navigator 19-20 in hopes of improving on their and centres around the city. the Navigator fifth and fourth place finishes in the two The BC Summer and Win- previous tournaments. Nanaimo will host the 2014 ter games provide an integral Volleyball The female duo of Eunice Chan and B.C. Summer Games, making development stage for athletes, The Mariners men’s team is hosting its Melissa Liew have performed well this it the second time the event has coaches, and officials looking 2013 Identification Camp on Jan. 13 in season, finishing second in the Thomp- come to the Harbour City. to move forward in their sport. preparation for next season. Head coach son Rivers University and VIU tourna- Nearly 4000 athletes, The 2012 London Olympics Abe Avender and Assistant Coach Gra- ments. Both players have also placed coaches, and officials will vis- featured 40 BC Games alum- ham Sigalet will evaluate attending ath- runner-up individually this season. it Nanaimo from July 17–20, ni, including bronze medalist letes looking for a future in varsity vol- Douglas College will be the team 2014 to take part in 19 events, swimmer, Brent Hayden. leyball. to beat, having won each catego- says the BC Games Society. “The international success Avender says the camp is an impor- ry in both tournaments this season. Athletes with a disability can we have seen from B.C. athletes tant aspect in team recruiting. “We host- compete in Athletics, Equestri- speaks volumes to the oppor- ed an ID camp the last two years which Basketball an, and Swimming events. tunities they have been given was an excellent way for athletes to con- After nearly a month off the court from Nanaimo last hosted the through the provincial sport nect with VIU and our Men’s Volleyball league play, the Mariners basketball event in 2002, and also in 1985. system and the BC Games,” Program,” Avender says. teams are back in action and working According to an assessment fol- says BC Games President Kelly Meanwhile, the women’s team will towards Provincials in Feb. The men’s lowing the 2002 event, partici- Mann. travel to Cranbrook Jan. 18–19 to take team is already in good position, enter- pants and spectators spent an More information on the on the COTR Avalanche, before host- ing Jan. second in the standings behind estimated $1,287,898 during 2014 BC Summer Games will ing Columbia Bible College the next Langara. The M’s will look to Brandon the games. be released on
• 23 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • THE NAVIGATOR THE NAV SPORTS
Register for ski trips, Blue Jays transformed to ice hockey this semester
an introductory lesson. Snow- World Series favourites Meagan Dyer shoe daytrips are offered to the Navigator those interested in trekking the Meagan Dyer mountain or Forbidden Pla- the Navigator A fresh semester at VIU means teau. a new batch of Campus Rec. On Feb. 23, Intramurals is Toronto Blue Jays fans have rea- activities for students. Registra- hosting VIU’s first-ever down- son to rejoice for the first time tion for intramural leagues and hill ski and snowboard trip at in years, as another season to outdoor recreation events began Mt. Washington, and for $90 forget was followed by an off- yesterday and sign-up for fit- students receive their transpor- season to remember. ness programs will take place on tation, lift ticket, an optional Just months ago Jays fans Monday. Here is a look ahead lesson, and equipment rentals were going through the usual at the events planned for this ($65 for students bringing their end-of-season motions, accept- semester. own gear). An overnight ava- ing another year out of playoff Plenty of intramural sports lanche awareness trip on Mar. contention and uttering the are offered for 2013, includ- 23 will inform students on how adopted team motto, “maybe ing the return of indoor soc- to detect potential avalanche next year.” A promising spring cer, mixed volleyball, and terrains and to conduct a bea- training record had fans think- Photo by: www.alternet.org 3-on-3 basketball from last con search. ing perhaps it could be their semester. A relaxed badminton Hiking and water-based year to compete for a position league is added to the docket activities continue in the Spring lous announced the rehiring of Mathis to Miami, the Blue Jays atop the American League East. for Wednesday nights and will semester, with the first hike John Gibbons as manager, who were able to deal away some But an injury-riddled sea- feature a mix of individual and around Notch Hill in Nanoose previously held the title from distractions as well. Escobar son depleted the bullpen and team matches. Bay taking place Jan. 12, with a 2004–2008. Gibbons led the was suspended at the end of resulted in stretches without Hockey fans can get their Horne Lake caving trip follow- team to their first 2nd-place fin- the season for writing a Span- leaders Jose Bautista, Brett Law- fix by signing up for the Noon ing on Jan. 20. The first Tofi- ish since 1993, and the most ish homophobic slur on his eye rie, and JP Arencebia. Toronto Hour Ice Hockey league, taking no surfing adventure is sched- wins since the Roger Clemons black, while Alvarez struggled spiralled to a 73–89 record and place every Monday at lunch- uled for Feb. 23, with six more era. to find consistency pitching finished the season 20 games time. Players are required to events taking place until June. But Anthopolous wasn’t fifth in the rotation. back of a wildcard position. bring a helmet, stick, skates, For those looking to done just yet. Blue Jays fans Starting catcher Arence- At first, the off-season and gloves, and Campus Rec. become an expert in sea kaya- received an early Christmas pres- bia, who was the target of trade looked grim. Manager John emphasizes the league is non- king, register for the five-day ent on Dec. 17 when the team rumours all season, will gain Farrell, with a year left on his competitive. “If you think you Level 1 certification course tak- acquired reigning Cy Young win- confidence with backup Mathis contract, asked to be released are Sidney Crosby this league is ing place in May. Experience is ner R.A. Dickey, and signed him no longer in the picture. The so he could instead manage the not for you,” says the intramu- recommended for passing the to a 3-year contract extension. addition of Bonifacio relieves Boston Red Sox. Farrell began ral website. course, but not necessary, and Toronto transformed its pressure on Anthopoulos to re- his career as pitching coach in The first intramural tourna- all equipment is provided. battered bullpen into baseball’s sign shortstop Kelly Johnson, Boston, and describes rejoining ment of the semester is the sec- Students looking to burn most potent pitching rotation who tied the team record for the team as manager as “some- ond co-ed dodgeball event of off some holiday pounds can in just over a month. Brandon most strikeouts in a single sea- what of a dream come true.” the year, taking place Feb. 13. register for a variety of fitness Morrow and Ricky Romero, son. Farrell’s self-imposed depar- If ice hockey isn’t your special- classes again this semester. New deemed the Jays’ top starters The least discussed offsea- ture left Toronto without a ty, try the road hockey tourna- for 2013 is Party Dance N’ last spring, will likely be slotted son pick-up is Reyes, who will manager, in the aftermath of ment on Mar. 16 at the Bowen Groovin’, hosted by reigning fourth and fifth behind Dickey, certainly add runs for the Blue the team’s worst season in eight Park lacrosse box. Organizers Rock the Boat dance champion, Buehrle, and Johnson. Jays with his .291 career batting years. General Manager Alex hope to garner enough players AJ Kule Kambere. Buehrle became one of just average and 40 stolen bases last Anthopoulos, who was publicly to have competitive and recre- If you’re pressed for time, 23 pitchers in Major League season (third best in the NL). criticized by Bautista in July for ational divisions, with the top try one of the lunchtime classes Baseball history to throw a per- His and Cabrera’s addition to not doing enough to improve teams competing for the Cam- offered throughout the semes- fect game in 2009, and also Toronto will give John Gib- the team, knew his days at the pus Rec. Cup. ter, including TRX workouts, pitched a no-hitter in 2007. bons plenty of options when helm could be numbered. Later in the semester stu- Power Punch kickboxing, Johnson is a two-time National assembling the batting order. That was until Anthopou- dents can participate in the slow Lunchtime Bootcamp, or Karen League (NL) all-star and was Reyes hitting lead-off, followed los struck a blockbuster deal on pitch and beach volleyball tour- Sprott’s 10km Running Clinic the league ERA leader for 2010. by Edwin Encarnacion and Nov. 13 with the Miami Mar- naments, or the VIU Amazing beginning Feb. 5. But it was the acquisition Cabrera could make Bautista lins to acquire starting pitch- Race event on Apr. 6. Tourna- For more information or to of Dickey that brought the the most successful cleanup hit- ers Mark Buehrle and Josh ments cost $30–60 per team. register for an event or class, vis- team from playoff contend- ter in Blue Jays history. Johnson, all-star shortstop Jose Outdoor Recreation offers it
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 24 • THE NAV SPORTS
Get your head in the game
Cole Guenter gram [but] I didn’t do it,’ ” Gra- gling with and it often leads ham says. “Subsequently, the to delayed decision making the Sheaf athlete is entering competition in competition. with a question mark on their The repetition of nega- SASKATOON (CUP)—As forehead, where they should tive thinking patterns can athletes and coaches we spend be entering it, had they done quickly turn into negative a lot of time working on physi- everything, with an exclama- results. cal, technical, and strategic tion mark.” The key to conquering skills in our particular sport. The ideal performance state self-doubt and preventing it But is that enough? What about Every athlete uses mental tac- from affecting performance the mental aspect of the game? tics to get themselves ready for is to identify the areas that How important is it for athletes sports competitions. Graham cause worry, concern or to prepare their psychological emphasizes that, even though doubt during competition. mindset? this process is different for each Then ask “what can I do According to Tom Graham, individual, there is a systematic about it?” clinical research coordinator way to go about it. Answering this question with the University of Saskatch- How athletes feel before provides the athlete with ewan’s Psychiatry department, they compete has a tremendous a strategy to improve their training the mind for sport is impact on how they perform. performance. This strategy Photo by: Samantha Braun (CUP) extremely beneficial. Thus, when athletes performincreases the athletes’ sense “The mental part is huge exceptionally well, it is impor- of control and they can begin from early season training to As the season progresses, because it can either unleash or tant to recall how they felt prior to combat the self-doubt before exhibition games to league they have several exposures to derail those technical, tactical, to the event. it enters into their pre-competi- and tournament competition playoff pressure and are better and physical preparations that Graham calls this pre- tive state of mind. to prepare for the most impor- able to manage the most impor- we spend so much time on,” competitive mindset associated Graham says the coping tant competition at the end of tant events at the end of the sea- Graham says. with exceptional performances strategy needs to be simple. the season. At each stage, the son. “We want to perform with Graham earned his doctor- the “ideal performance state.” Athletes are already on edge as athlete induces a measure of abandon in playoffs. To do this, ate in health and exercise psy- Once athletes recognize what they enter a competition that playoff emotion by visualiz- we have to apply some competi- chology from the University their ideal performance state is, is important to them. Trying ing what makes playoff com- tive simulation to the flow of of Saskatchewan in 1998. He that mindset becomes the target to stay on top of a complicated petition a remarkable experi- our season,” Graham says. also owns and operates Gra- for the athletes to reach before strategy only adds to their pre- ence. This may include crowd Some athletes won’t put in ham Consulting, a consulting every competition. competitive burden. size, larger venue, investment the training time to try extra firm that primarily works with Psychological skills like “Contrary to popular belief, in one another, representing steps, like improving their men- coaches and athletes through relaxation and visualization are athletes play better when they your city or province, and the tal game, until just before the the Sport Medicine and Sci- often used by athletes, and these think less,” Graham says. “Take consequences of winning or most important competition of ence Council of Saskatchewan skills are far more effective when the complicated strategy and losing among other things. By their careers. But top athletes to help improve physical results directed towards a targeted state simplify it as much as possible. doing this, the athlete com- prepare all season in order to be by focusing on the mental side of mind. Take the 5 points or 10 points pletes their different stages of in the right frame of mind when of the game. “You can relax and visualize in a complicated competition the season under conditions of the stakes are the highest. Here are four key areas Dr. but you may end up anywhere,” plan and boil them down to pri- elevated competitive arousal Graham addresses to help ath- Graham says. “The value inorities. mentally. letes hone their psychological identifying your ideal pre-com- “If we’re thinking about sport skills. petitive mindset is that now priority one and two, we are Adherence to physical train- those relaxation and visualiza- focusing on the big picture and, ing tion skills have a destination.” hopefully, this will take care of As a former Olympic athlete, Combating self-doubt priorities 3 through 10 in the Graham knows that while elite Once an athlete can identify process,” Graham says. athletes are expected to follow a and target their ideal perfor- Season-long preparation for physical training program, not mance state, one of the issues the big game everyone does. When an athlete they must overcome is prevent- Too often athletes expect career- enters competition, their men- ing self-doubt from creeping best performances at important tal preparedness for the event into their psychological prepa- end-of-year competitions such depends, in part, on the qual- ration. as playoffs, but do little dur- ity of their physical training. By “The worries, concerns,ing the course of the season adhering to a physical training doubts, and fears are really the to make that happen. Athletes regimen, an athlete can gain major monkey wrench issues often acknowledge that they confidence in that area and a that prevent achieving an ideal could get nervous at provincial mental edge on the competition performance state or positive or national championships at by extension. frame of mind before competi- the end of the year, but hope it Master of Management Failure to reach one’s physi- tion,” Graham says. doesn’t happen to them when MMPA & Professional Accounting cal goals and to follow a train- Negative thoughts are com- they get there. ing program, however, can mon and almost all athletes “Consequently, they do impact an athlete’s mindset, experience them at some time nothing to prepare and, guess • Designed primarily for non-business undergraduates transforming what should be an or another. They often occurwhat, they get uncomfortably • For careers in Management, Finance and Accounting area of confidence into an area while an athlete is experienc- nervous at the end of the year,” • Extremely high co-op and permanent placement of worry, concern, and doubt. ing a slump in their game and Graham explains. To learn more about the MMPA Program, attend our information sessions: “There is something inside hasn’t been competing well. Competitive simulation is us that says, ‘I was supposed to Friday, January 11, 2013 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Self-doubt makes athletes feel a method used to prepare for Room 402, Building 250, Vancouver Island University get this much stronger, I was anxious about aspects of their important competitions. This supposed to adhere to my pro- game that they have been strug- involves using the progression www.utoronto.ca/mmpa
• 25 • Vol. 44 • Issue 1 • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22• THE NAVIGATOR VIU-Nanaimo Campus Student Radio Overcoming Barriers to Live Local Content via Effective Utilization of Emerging Technologies. New project! CHLY will hold regular sessions in Nanaimo to train core groups of volunteers in the use of remote broadcast technologies and will provide them with actual production experience via participation in live event broadcasting of CHLY-FM sponsored events. Members of that core group of volunteers will travel to rural and/or remote communities within our effective broadcast range, developing their training skills by assisting in the training of interested persons in those communities. There is some provision in the project budget for monetary compensation of some volunteer trainers. The project will culminate with remote broadcasts from summer music festivals. Volunteers who have completed the training courses will be given preference in representing CHLY-FM at these festivals. Those interested in getting involved in this project can contact the coordinator, Tara, at [email protected]
Want real world experience you can add to your resume? CHLY is a perfect place to start in any of the following fields: -Audio Production -Music Management -Non-profit Operations Financial -Business Administration -Economy Localization -Event Coordination -Graphic Design -Creative Writing -Digital Media -Social Media -Visual Media -Marketing -Sociology -Broadcasting -Accounting -Web design -Fundraising -Journalism -Computer Science -Video Production -Political Science -Photo Journalism -Administration
Show Proposals CHLY is always accepting pro- posals for review! Priority show placement is being given to First Nations programs, French lan- guage, and local music shows. Send along proposals to pro- MUSIC [email protected]!
Member of a club? Use your
$500 Ad Credit
For all VIU student organizations and clubs, CHLY offers a credit of $500 per semester toward
advertisements! Making a radio ad for your events, meetings, and announcement is a great s
way to spread the word to your fellow students and community member alike. y
a
For all other advertising, CHLY has a strict mandate to only offer low rates to locally owned .
businesses that play a role in fostering a healthy community. For these businesses, it costs $7 .
. w
per ad play, after a one-time production fee of $75. That’s it!
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t
a s
Welcome new crew! i
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Make a radio show every week
o
o t for course credits?! S VIU Nursing students have got the right idea! Every week they produce a fun, interactive and informative show called A Sound Constitution. Tune in every Thursday morning from 10-11. THE NAV •Calendar• January
SUN 06 MON 07 TUE 08 WED 09 THURS 10 FRI 11 SAT 12 Book Reading Cake for Clicks Comedian Erica Sig- Celso Machado Judy Millar’s Beaver Free cake! Presented by urdson Brazilian multi-instru- Bluff: The Librarian VIUSU The Port Theatre, 125 mentalist Stories and Pat Smekal’s Upper Cafeteria, bldg. Front St., Nanaimo Errington War Memori- Small Corners 300 VIU Nanaimo Tickets $24-$28
THE NAVIGATOR • Jan. 09 – Jan. 22 • Vol. 44 • Issue 8 • 27 • • 2 • Vol. 44 • Issue 1 • Sept. 7 - Sept. 20 • THE NAVIGATOR It's a good old fashioned Call for Resumes!
Now accepting resumes for the Sept. 2009 to April 2010 school year. Deadline: Friday, Jan. 30, 4 p.m.
• Please submit resumes to the Navigator bldg. 193, rm. 217 • For more information call 753-2225 or email