SFU alumna descends into the Dragons’ Den

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January 22, 2015

SFU alumna and entrepreneur Margot Micallef escaped relatively unscathed after her appearance on Dragons’ Den last night, where she pitched Gabriella’s Kitchen, the health food company she started with her sister.

Micallef, who holds a degree in psychology from SFU as well as a law degree from UBC, entered the business world after her sister was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003. The two began cutting certain foods from their diets, but struggled to find products that fit their new lifestyle.

“I was looking for a high quality, healthy, low-carb and low-calorie pasta, and none existed,” Micallef told The Peak. “So I hired a chef to create one for me!”

Micallef’s efforts resulted in the creation of SkinnyPasta: a high-protein, low-carb pasta. She later expanded her line to include a gluten-free pasta, eventually renaming the company Gabriella’s Kitchen after her sister.

“The dragons have a wealth of knowledge and having them as partners would be awesome.”

Margot Micallef, SFU alumna

“We want to empower people to eat well without compromise,” replied Micallef when asked about her goals with the company. “That means without compromising taste, convenience, affordability and health.”

Twelve years after starting her business, Micallef found herself in Toronto, descending the stairs into the Dragons’ Den to pitch her company to five all-star investors.

When asked why she decided to apply for the show, she replied, “The dragons have a wealth of knowledge and having them as partners would be awesome. I believe we are never too old to learn from others.”

Micallef spent almost an hour in the den with the Dragons. “The time flew by,” she commented. “The piece that gets aired is quite short relative to how much time we spend in front of the Dragons.”

Despite her lengthy pitch, Micallef left without an investment from the Dragons.

“I was disappointed at the time that the Dragons chose not to invest‎,” said Micallef. “But I’m a big believer in playing the cards we’re dealt. So I don’t usually linger too long on ‘what was,’ but focus more on ‘what is.’”

Since doing the show, Gabriella’s Kitchen has expanded their business across Canada, and Micallef is excited about their impending US launch.

That’s So Joel!

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EIC

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January 21, 2015

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Trailer for a new season of That’s So Joel! No ordinary teenager; Joel can see glimpses of the future! Watch this season to see all his new schemes and misadventures!

Students reject Build SFU loan

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EIC

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January 21, 2015

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Students denied the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) board of directors the right to pursue a debenture regarding the Build SFU Student Union Building (SUB) and Stadium projects at their Special General Meeting (SGM) today.

The special resolution to approve the society’s pursuit of a loan to fund the Build SFU projects generated a lively debate. Many students expressed a wish to postpone making any decision on the matter and to put it to a referendum question in March.

The motion to postpone failed, and the meeting continued to address the issue of securing a debenture. A motion to vote by secret ballot also failed.

After almost an hour and a half of discussion, the debenture question was put to a vote. The special resolution ultimately failed, receiving only 65 per cent of votes in favour. It required 75 per cent to pass.

After the Build SFU motion did not pass, a large percentage of attendees exited the West Gym. The motion to disallow future SFSS boards from voting to discontinue the student levy also failed to pass.

The future of the Build SFU project will be under discussion at the next SFSS board of directors meeting.

As the meeting came to a close at 3:30 p.m., the remaining students voted in favour of recognizing Greek life organizations on campus.

This story is breaking. More information will be added as it develops.

Why you should vote to keep SFSS Food and Beverage Services open

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EIC

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January 20, 2015

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The upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM), to be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the West Gym, lists on its agenda the possible removal of the SFSS Food and Beverage Services (FBS). Unbeknownst to many students, this would mean the closure of The Ladle, Higher Grounds Coffee Shop, catering services, and, arguably the most impactful aspect, the Highland Pub.

I feel that the reasoning behind this motion has to do with the amount of debt the SFSS is in. Those behind the motion to close the doors on these food services are only focusing on the fact that the food and beverage services currently run a deficit.

One can speculate that halting the accumulation of debt from FBS is needed before Build SFU’s construction projects can move forward, as I suspect this debt may be blocking the SFSS from receiving further loans needed to put Build SFU into motion.

The Highland Pub — where I’m currently employed — has been on campus for nearly 5 decades. As the go-to place to hold events and fundraisers on campus, not to mention the only affordable place to have a decent meal with a pint of beer, the Highland is an institution among the SFU community. Its closure would be a serious detriment to campus social life and to the university community as a whole.

The idea that SFU lacks community within the student body is common around campus, and has made its way into our institution’s reputation. Few places on campus allow for students to meet new people and socialize, and the Highland Pub is the only place that constantly encourages students, faculty and staff to bond over a drink. The Pub is a safe haven free from the hierarchies that plague other areas of the university.

Alongside the social benefits associated with the only pub on campus, SFSS Food Services all provide reliable, flexible employment for students.

Boundaries between professor and students break down over a pitcher of beer. Grad students meet other grad students during organized orientation events. Residence and international students flock here for cheap wings and live DJs long into the night on Wings Wednesday. Relationships between students in all faculties develop and flourish, and the proposed motion for the upcoming Special General Meeting would mean the end to all of this.

With the knowledge that these food services provide an invaluable space for students, there is irony in the fact that the SFSS would like to close these spaces only to build new ones — a rather pointless prospect.

Alongside the social benefits associated with being the only pub on campus, the Pub and other SFSS food services all provide reliable, flexible employment for students. They also provide quality food and beverages, and lead the movement for fair trade options on campus. These services benefit more people than any other provided by the SFSS — a fact that must be considered for the vote at the SGM.

The SFSS FBS is an integral part of the SFU community. SFU would not be the same place without the continuing legacy of the Highland Pub. I urge students to come out to the SGM and support this legacy, and the role it plays in social life on campus. Our food services have become an institution, their closure would mark the end of an era at SFU.

Upcoming Special General Meeting generates opposition

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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As students prepare to vote on motions related to the Build SFU projects at the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS)’s Special General Meeting (SGM) this Wednesday, January 21, some students are calling for the projects’ termination.

No to Build SFU has advocated over the past few months for greater dissemination of information related to the projects, which include the Student Union Building (SUB) and the Stadium.

If students vote to approve the debenture on Wednesday, the SFSS will be able to pursue a loan for the projects, with construction on the SUB scheduled to begin this summer.

No to Build SFU began calling for greater transparency following the SFSS’ Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 22, 2014. The meeting reached full capacity before all students were able to enter the SFU Theatre, making some students unable to vote on two motions related to the Build SFU projects.

“The AGM was just kind of the last straw where I saw that they weren’t providing a venue for a vote, for students to be informed on both sides of the issue, and to decide for themselves,” explained Kaitlyn MacInnis, a fourth year history student. “We’re just trying to provide a counterbalance.”

The four students spearheading the campaign are also concerned with what they consider to be a lack of dissemination of information related to the project, as well as a perceived preferential treatment of student athletes at the AGM.

“We’re just trying to provide a counterbalance.”

Kaitlyn MacInnis, fourth year history student

Selina Wall, a fourth year history student, stated, “We’ve heard a lot of reports that athletes were let in ahead of other students at the AGM, and that’s really troubling because they have such a vested interest in the Stadium being built.”

Zied Masmoudi, SFSS VP Student Services, admitted that some athletes were let in in front of other students in line, but only because they had briefly left the line and returned. “There was no privilege given to students,” Masmoudi stated. “There wasn’t any special treatment towards anybody. I think what happened was just blown out of proportion.”

When asked if the SFSS had specifically targeted student athletes when advertising the AGM, he replied, “We tried to reach out to everybody.”

Masmoudi continued, “We happen to have two athletes on our board, so that’s obviously an important part of the outreach, but I don’t think that we mainly focused our outreach on the athletes because they would vote in favour or something like that.”

This time, the SFSS is hosting their meeting in the largest indoor venue on Burnaby Campus, the West Gym, which they hope will accommodate all interested students.

“We think that by hosting the SGM in a bigger venue, then hopefully everyone will be able to come in, voice their concerns, and vote,” explained Masmoudi.

“There was no privilege given to students. There wasn’t any special treatment towards anybody.”

Zied Masmoudi, SFSS VP student services

Another demographic of students the Society is attempting to engage are those who attend SFU’s satellite campuses. Earlier this month, SFU Senate agreed to encourage professors to grant academic amnesty to students who would otherwise have to miss class to attend the meeting.

For Melissa Lee, a third year english and history double major, this is not adequate: “Students, especially in the performing arts, [. . .] are obligated to be at those campuses all day rehearsing.”

Masmoudi told The Peak that the SFSS looked into the feasibility of installing mobile voting stations at those campuses, but that it was ultimately not an option due to a lack of resources.

“We tried to do our best to accommodate everyone,” said Masmoudi. “At the end of the day, it’s a meeting. It’s not a referendum where people can vote over a couple of days. It’s a meeting and the notion of a meeting is people get together in a room and make a decision.”

For the No to Build SFU team, they explained that their mission is purely to educate voters.

“We really want students to come out to the SGM and to make an informed choice,” Wall told The Peak. “Ideally, we don’t want approval for the loan to pass. Ultimately I think we’re looking to put an end to the project.”

MacInnis added, “If that’s what students want.”

The SGM will be held on Wednesday at 1:30pm in the West Gym, with registration opening at 12:30pm.

Women’s basketball down Wolves in record setting night

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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Bruce Langford, who finds himself at the top of the wins list with 364, was more focused on winning the game than breaking records.

On a night that was focused on Clan head coach Bruce Langford, who became SFU’s winningest coach, the women’s basketball team did not disappoint.

The Western Oregon Wolves were no match for the Clan Saturday evening, who notched a 20-point win. With a final score of 76–56, SFU dominated the game from the opening tip, never giving up the lead, which peaked at 23 points.

Clan forward Meg Wilson started out strong, as Western Oregon’s defence failed to deal with her early. She ended the game with 19 points and nine rebounds, most of her baskets coming from layups and easy points inside.

Western Oregon rallied to within five points late in the first half behind the play of Sami Osborne. Wolves center Emily Howey went down with an ankle injury in the first half and would not return to the game, eliminating Western Oregon’s interior presence.

After the break, the Wolves continued to push the Clan, causing turnovers and misses early in the second half.

The Clan recovered by focusing their defence and scoring 21 points off turnovers. Ellen Kett had a great outing for SFU, finishing with seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals.

The onslaught continued, with the Clan mixing outside shots with interior baskets. This was sparked by the commanding performance from senior and team captain Erin Chambers, who was without a doubt the star of the game. She shot 8–15, including a stellar 3–5 from long distance.

Western Oregon’s backcourt played hard with Elise and Jasmine Miller tallying three steals each.

However, the Clan would not be denied, and the night belonged to Coach Langford who was given a standing ovation at the end of the game. With a record of 364–86 (0.809) he becomes the most successful coach in SFU sports history, surpassing former Clan coach Allison McNeill.

After the game, Langford was grateful but remained focused.

“It was nice because some of my ex-players came out. But I like the fact that we got a league win more than anything else,” he told The Province. “I’d have been really choked if we didn’t. These were must-win games”.

OMG! Celeb Confessions:

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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Celeb Confession: Andy sent a selfie to the dean of education!

Even SFU celebs have totally cringe-worthy moments, just like us! “I take a lot of selfies,” SFU prez Andy Petter spills to Teen Peak. But it doesn’t always go according to plan. “One time, I accidentally sent a pic of myself to Thomas Homer-Dixon, the dean of education,” he cringes. “I meant to send it to my bae, but I clicked the wrong Snapchat account, and by then it was too late. Thomas was giving me weird looks for weeks afterwards!” Looks like Andy needs to up his Snap game, before he accidentally sends a selfie to the whole school!

I bailed in front of my entire lecture hall!

I’m an adjunct prof at SFU and I always get nervous teaching big rooms of students. One day I was teaching BISC 100 in front of a packed lecture hall when I started to lose my balance. I remembered that I had bought new shoes recently, and that I had forgotten to check if the laces were tied. It turns out they were totally twisted in a knot, and I tripped and fell in front of a lecture hall of over 300 students! Everyone started laughing and I turned beet red. One of my TAs even had to help me up! I’m wearing velcro shoes from now on.

Scott, 52, biology professor

I sneezed all over my TA!

The other morning, I was standing in the line at Renaissance Cafe. I’ve had a terrible cold for a while, and I felt a sneeze coming on. I turned to sneeze away from the guy in front of me, but I didn’t see the person standing at my side, and I sneezed violently all over her! There was snot everywhere. But it gets worse: I looked up and realized in horror that I’d blown snot all over my history TA. She just glared at me, said “nice,” and walked away. I felt soooo gross! I hope she doesn’t fail me.

Kevin, 19, history major

I farted on Bennett Library silent study floor!

OMG, you won’t believe this. Last week I was studying on the silent floor of the Bennett Library, where nobody makes a sound. I was sitting at one of the new communal study-tables working on an assignment, when I let out the biggest, most bowel-trembling fart ever. Everyone turned their heads to stare at me — some even plugged their noses. This hot guy I’ve been crushing on shifted uncomfortably in the seat next to me, and I almost died. I haven’t returned to the silent floor to study since!

Emily, 21, communications major

Editor’s Letter

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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Hey hey, SFUers and SFUettes!

I can’t even BEGIN to POSSIBLY EVEN about how much you’re going to LOVE this issue!! I pinky promise that it has absolutely all of your favourite celebs, gossip, and pretty people making funny faces and talking about how normal they are! Did you know that the Terry Fox statue used to not even be a statue, but a real guy?! I know, right??! And he was SUCH a cutie. Can you imagine being his girlfriend? Some of our totally fab readers did, in this very issue! We also talked to the totally handsome 25-year-old guy who looks like a handsome 17-year-old guy who was in that insanely huge box office dystopia movie that came out this month, and you WILL NEVER GUESS what his favourite flavour of slurpee is. Oh, and also I met a guy on the bus last week and we totally made eye contact! Yaaaaayyyyyyyy!!!!

Toodles!

Cedric tells all

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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Q: What’s your favourite thing about watching basketball?

A: REEEEEEE-bound!

Q: What’s your favourite movie?

A: REEEEEEE-bound!

Q What’s your favourite ligament brace?

A: REEEEEE-bound!

Q: What are your thoughts on the Icelandic economy?

A: REEEEEEEE-bound!

Q: What are your thoughts on the Bulgarian economy?

A: No comment.

Behind the electronic dance music

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EIC

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January 19, 2015

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You won’t be surprised to know that SFU is a cesspool of raw musical talent. These up-and-coming disc jockeys have been spinning this campus out of control with their mad beats. We sat down with three of the best and brightest to find out what it’s really like to walk in the shoes of an SFU DJ.

DJ SAJID

An SFU student and renowned heartthrob, Sajjid has wowed the crowds of two of SFU’s recent SFSS concerts.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?:

“Honestly, check Twitter and Instagram. I wake up, see my phone on the right side, it’s ready to go.”

When you’re making your beats, what do you tend to start with?:

“Usually the melody, something that will hook people into the song right away. Try to focus on that and just build from there.”

Can you sing a part of one of your favourite tracks?:

“There’s a lot of them… One of my artists, he’s a first year at SFU, and he just came out with a new song called “Analog Dream,” but it’s not something you can really sing. It’s like that electronic sound.”

Can you try?:

“Ok well another song I like is Showtech, “Sun Goes Down,” so *begins singing* When the sun goes down, dun na na na na na, dun na na na na na na na.”

Who would be your celebrity crush and why?:

“Damn, that’s a hard one. Probably Kendall Jenner. She’s the same age, it’s like, ‘Hey, maybe I can date that one day.’”

Do you have a catch phrase?:

“No, don’t think so.”

Do you want a catch phrase?:

“No.”

DJ Potspin

When he’s not competing in business speaking competitions, DJ Potspin turns the tables at some of the hottest clubs around.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?:

“Protein shake, obviously. Fifty crunches — I’m building up to 100, but starting off with 50. Of course I have to moisturize my face. If you’ve watched the first scene of American Psycho, it’s pretty much that, but a little more intense I’d say.”

Who would be your celebrity crush and why?:

“Kim Kardashian, no questions asked. Perfect figure, perfect proportions, she’s perfect.”

Describe your ideal Tinder date:

“One swipe. It has to be on the first picture. No more than five sentences before a meet-up. DTF is mandatory. And we’ll go from there.”

On a scale of 1 to Zac Efron, how many chin-ups can you do?:

“Zac Efron plus 5. How many can he do?”

Can you sing a part of one of your favourite tracks?:

“Unce unce. Ba da da da da da, like a series of da-da-da-da-da-da-da DROP boof!”

In high school, did you fit any stereotype?:

“Alpha male douchebag. Can I say douchebag? But a nice guy too. A nice guy version of an alpha male douchebag.”

What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?:

“Keep spinnin’. Keep spinnin’. Keep the hope alive. Number one.”

DJ ALFA-MALE

When he’s not working behind the production scenes, DJ Alfa-male takes centre stage with his own set of unique beats.

What is the first thing you do in the morning?:

“Look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that I’m awesome.”

Who would be your celebrity crush and why?:

“That’s a tough one. If I had to I would have to say Selena Gomez. Childhood sweetheart.”

Describe your ideal Tinder date:

“Ideal Tinder date is a girl who loves pizza and beer and who would sit around and watch movies.”

So would that be what you’d do on your first date?:

“Maybe second or third one in. I’d keep it a little classier at first.”

Can you sing a part of one of your favourite tracks?:

“Let’s go with, *begins singing* and I don’t even know how I survive. *stops singing* In case you didn’t get that that was Trevor Guthrie.”

Is there no unce unce in there?:

“Ahh, there’s a little bit of unce unce. There’s always a bit of unce unce.”

Do you have a catch phrase?:

“Yes. ‘It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Rohan.’”