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Criteria for Enbridge pipeline good for B.C.

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EIC
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 By Benedict Reiners
Photos by Eric Miller

Recently, in response to both the Alberta and federal governments pushing for B.C. to allow Enbridge’s Northern Gateway Pipeline to be built through the province, the B.C. government issued a set of five criteria that the project must meet in order for the province to allow it. These criteria aim to do a variety of tasks, and focus on the protection of the environment with three of the five criteria. The other two terms deal with B.C.’s financial compensation for its part in the project, and the rights of the First Nations who will be affected by the project. Though the terms laid are far from ideal, and will likely do little to even slow the project, let alone stop it, they represent the provincial government doing what it can with the little influence it has.

Criticism for the criteria has come from a variety of sources, with many, notably the Albertan provincial government, who say that B.C. should not stand in the way of such a large economic development. Environmentalists have opposed it too, suggesting that what B.C. needs to do is not simply set up a series of criteria, but rather refuse the project outright. However, even they must realize that they couldn’t just stop this project in its tracks, not with the current attitudes of both the federal and Alberta governments. Judging by the efforts of these two groups pushing this project forwards, the pipeline is likely to be made, one way or another, and at this point even environmentalists must see that the best that the provincial government can do is stall it, ensure that any spills will be cleaned up as efficiently as possible, and milk it for what it’s worth to the province.

One thing that the environmentalists should like is the inclusion of terms demanding an expedient, efficient cleanup. The fact remains that there is a high probability that there will be a spill at some point, sooner or later. When that happens, the best thing that opponents of the project can hope for will be that it will be cleaned up expediently, with as little damage being done to the environment as possible, and that those responsible for the project will be held accountable when such problems come to light. These criteria aim to make sure this happens.

The criteria have actually put the federal government in a difficult place, and could take them out of the process to some degree, something that the environmentalists should like. If the Tories push it through without accepting the terms of the criteria, they will look like the bad guys in B.C., and will likely suffer a blow to their popularity in our province. However, if they validate the terms, Alberta will respond similarly, and the Tories will risk offending their base. This may have even pushed the federal government towards supporting B.C.’s demands, had it not been for the fact that they already know that in all likelihood, almost anyone who would consider themselves environmentalists would not vote for them in the first place.

If anything, the best thing that the B.C. government did in the criteria to prevent the federal government from just pushing the project through was to involve groups other than just environmentalists. This is most prominent in the monetary terms, which instantly make sure that it’s in everyone in the province’s best interest to have the criteria implemented. This has also been done on a more narrowly defined level as well, with the inclusion of terms for B.C.’s First Nations. These terms mean that anyone trying to push aside the criteria is essentially attempting to push aside First Nations’ rights, likely offending many First Nations groups not only in B.C., but across the country. This may not have stopped either this government, or others before it from pushing forward projects in the past, but at least it means that, come Election Day, they may feel its consequences.

Although B.C. may not be the source of the oil heading through the pipeline, it will bear most of the risk for it. As such, it deserves to be rightfully compensated and given a say in how the project will move forward. We’re facing an uphill battle, but at least the province is doing what it can.

Dance majors push for emphasis on conditioning

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EIC
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By Alison Roach

Jana Jacques and Meredith Page believe that there is a definite lack of emphasis on body conditioning and strengthening in dance programs

Second year SFU Dance majors Jana Jacques and Meredith Page are to be recognized for their research in dance overspecialization and injury. Jacques, 31, and Page, 24, have been chosen as presenters for the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) annual conference, to be held from October 25 – 27 in Singapore.

After their study proposal was unanimously supported by the SFU Faculty of Dance, Jacques and Page did a directed study in the spring 2012 semester, exploring what they believe to be a key cause of injury in dance: overspecialization.

Jacques and Page believe that there is a definite lack of emphasis on conditioning and strengthening in dance programs, leading to extreme strain on dancers’ bodies. Jacques explained that, “Dancers are athletes, but they don’t train like athletes. . . . No one is taking responsibility for teaching dancers to condition themselves.”

To test this theory, the two designed a conditioning program based on Page’s experience as a certified personal trainer that had more focus on strength training and aerobic capacity, as opposed to most dancing training, which revolves around dance-move-specific classes. They offered this program to the entire dance student body, and ran classes three times a week for 14 weeks.

“We had fitness testing three times, at the beginning, middle, and end. We also had a questionnaire given to the students trying to figure out what the perspective is on conditioning, if there’s a perceived value,” said Jacques. They were pleasantly surprised with the results. The questionnaires showed that there was actually a very high value placed on conditioning and strengthening, going against the perceived stereotype of dancers striving to look like small, delicate ballerinas.

The issue of injury in dance is an important one. Professional dancers are known to hit what is called the “40-year wall”: around age 40 their joints simply get too worn out to dance at that level any more.

Jacques feels a personal connection to this research, since she was injured herself. After studying dance for 13 years, she injured her knee repeatedly and had to stop.

“I think it’s really devastating to be passionate about something and suddenly to be injured and not be able to do it,” said Jaques.

She would like to see some sort of boot camp program in place for new students, a two-week conditioning program that would be run before any intensive dance training.

It seems that things may be heading in this direction already at a professional level, as Jacques said, “The aesthetics for dancers are changing, they’re lean and they’re strong. I’m sure they’re expecting full athletic training, and I think that message needs to come to dancers earlier.”

Page and Jacques will now be presenting these findings at the Healthy Dancer Canada Convention in Vancouver on September 16, as well as at IADMS. For now, Jacques and Page are focused on actually getting themselves to Singapore. Estimating their costs at roughly $6,000 for the trip, the two have been granted $2,000 from the SFU Dance Department, through the Iris Garland Program Enhancement Fund.

For the rest of the cost, they will be holding a fundraiser on August 5 at the Anza Club in Vancouver; a screening of the Victoria documentary, “The Whale.” The 19+ event will include food, drinks, and a raffle with prizes ranging from decorated cakes to the top prize of a $1,500 film equipment rental package from William F. White. Jacques hopes that their research into this area will affect some change in the way dance programs are run.

In the study detail Jacques and Page presented, they state that “With our findings, we would like to propose that a conditioning class be added to the SFU dance program curriculum. . . . We think this would help prevent injury and missed classes due to injury, as well as increase the performance level of SFU dancers and create healthy habits that could extend their dance performance careers.”

SFU grad scores food bank donations

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EIC
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By Kelli Gustafson 

Richard Loat finishes up third annual Five Hole for Food national tour

On July 21, Five Hole for Food concluded their 3rd annual coast-to-coast tour of Canada in the 800-block of Granville Street. Many people turned out to watch and participate in the organized games of street hockey while raising awareness and donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Simon Fraser University graduate Richard Loat founded Five Hole for Food (FHFF) to raise money for local food banks by bringing together Canadians through a common passion: hockey.

Each year, Loat and his team embark on a 19-day tour of Canada, visiting 13 cities along the way. These cities include: St. John’s, Halifax, Charlottetown, Saint John, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, and, finally, Vancouver.

This year, while in Victoria, FHFF collaborated alongside Topaz Hockey, a local non-profit organized outdoor street hockey club, in order to raise money for a local Victoria non-profit, The Mustard Seed.

Topaz Hockey was founded by Shane Nicholls and James Mallach of Victoria. Nicholls joined the FHFF team in wrapping up their season back in Vancouver earlier this month. “What an amazing experience,” Nicholls said after being invited to Vancouver, “the whole trip was life changing. It surpassed all expectations. I will make a promise to myself that I will not miss another Vancouver FHFF again.”

Nicholls played alongside Loat throughout the day in a variety of organized street hockey games. Three “courts” for street hockey were set up between Robson and Smithe on Granville Street, and included drop-in games, a kid’s game, a Corporate game, and a VIP game, which featured Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

FHFF has had their most successful year yet, raising over 130,000 pounds of food across Canada. Victoria raised over 8,000 pounds of food, thanks to combined efforts from Topaz Hockey, while Vancouver alone raised over 43,000 pounds of food for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

In 2010, FHFF’s first tour, they raised over 6,000 pounds of food across Canada. In 2011, they raised seven times this amount (over 42,000 pounds of food), and this year they have nearly tripled the amount raised from last year. As FHFF continues to grow, they have captured the attention of many Canadians in this nationwide event. Loat and his project were featured in the unveiling of president Petter’s new strategic vision for SFU earlier this year.

To participate is as simple as bringing a food donation and your hockey stick.

The fuck-it list: The things you didn’t accomplish over the summer and why they would have sucked anyways

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EIC
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By Gary Lim

 

Well, shit. Summer’s almost over, isn’t it? I mean, sure, you have August, but once you account for all the time you plan to spend lamenting the end of summer, coupled with the week that it’ll probably rain, not to mention exams, you’re looking at about, let’s see . . . carry the three . . . about 37 minutes of summer.

Where did all that time go? I mean, yeah, there was the weekend you spent lying around the house with the curtains drawn, drifting in and out of consciousness. But you only did that about five or six times, tops. There’s just no way that could be it.

Anyways, what happened, man? Like, two weeks ago, you were all hopped up on summer, all ready to soak up that sunshine, excited at the prospect of wearing shorts and getting some colour in your almost ghostly translucent skin.  But now look at you, on a bus (presumably), reading the newspaper. Pathetic.

Still, it’s not too late, there’s still a little bit of time left.  No, not enough for you to fulfill any of your aspirations or goals, but just enough for you to realize it would’ve ended terribly. Because all those best laid plans of yours were pretty terrible anyways.

Failed Summer Resolution #1: Hit the beach

Oh yeah, hey, let’s round up the gang, hop in the back of the jalopy and cruise down to the waterfront. Don’t forget to pick up some burgers at Pop’s or Jughead will totally flip! The point I’m trying to make is that the last time it was fun to head down to the beach, Kennedy was in the White House, the Vietnam War was just starting, and certain words from Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn were considered totally fine to say in public.

Objectively, the beach sucks. It’s just where land meets the water. Now, how exactly did that become the pinnacle of vacationing?  Maybe in Maui or the French Riviera, that’d be a good idea, but have you been to a Vancouver beach?

Cold, gray, jagged: like a night with my ex-wife. A beach is where you go when you want to spend the next two weeks picking sand out of various crevices. It’s gritty, crowded, and a breeding ground for parasites — also like my ex-wife.

Failed Summer Resolution #2: Read More

Everyone says they want to “read more,” but no one really wants to. At this point, it’s just a phrase that’s been so mindlessly repeated over and over again, it loses all meaning.

The main reason that people say they want to read more is to put on an air of sophistication, like how you don’t pronounce the T at the end of Monet or why you leave old copies of Time magazine on your coffee table.

Reading is just a way to make you feel better after not reading for a long time.  In that way, it’s like going to the gym. Also like hitting the gym, reading carries with it a butt-load of reading accessories and paraphernalia.  Kindles, book lights, bookmarks, reading performance-enhancers, and the list goes on.

I’m not going to deny that there might be some pleasure gained from reading, but com’on, smartphones have that beat by a country mile, which is an indeterminate distance, often longer than one would expect. I looked that up on my smartphone.

Failed Summer Resolution #3: Get that awesome summer job

Everyone wants that one awesome summer job; somewhere you can put in a chill couple of hours a week, and line your pockets with some extra spending money.  While we’re talking about pipe dreams, I’d like a wall-mounted corndog dispensary, like something you’d put in a gerbil cage, but for people.

Chill summer job? How about any job? Long gone are the days of “Help Wanted” signs and the circling of “Want” ads. Now you’re competing with PhD candidates for the coveted spot of coffee-slinger at your neighborhood Starbucks.

If you do find some extra work in the summer, it’s going to be far from chill. Businesses that hire in the summer do so because they need the extra manpower to accommodate extra work; the same logic applies to stores hiring people to help with the Christmas rush.

Chances are, you’re going to wind up at one of those thinly-veiled pyramid schemes selling, health and diet drinks or going door-to-door and convincing people to switch their hydro to some coal-based power source.

Failed Summer Resolution #4: Road Trip!

A road trip? Are you mad? Greater men (and women, because, you know, it’s the 21st century) than you have tried and failed.

Road trips are a logistical nightmare. First thing’s first, whose car are you to take? Greg’s? Well, technically, that’s his mom’s car, so that’s a no go. What about Lisa’s Beetle? Yeah, that would be fine . . . if we were midget clowns. Steve’s piece of crap probably won’t make it to the border before breaking down.

Never mind, then. Okay, how are we going to split the gas? It would be fair to split it evenly, but I don’t think I should have to pay as much as ol’ Churley. I mean, the guy easily has 100 pounds over me . . . and so forth. Pair that with driving schedules, and your friends’ apparently peanut-sized bladders, you’ll be lucky if no one snaps and drives the car into a utility pole just to end it all.

 

So, you see, it’s a good thing you didn’t waste your summer with these plans. Aren’t you glad I showed you the error of your ways? You can thank me later.

Stuff We Hate: Children & Algeria

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EIC
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0

Children

Having children is  a lot like snorting coke — you pay a ridiculous amount of money just to make yourself incredibly annoying to everyone around you.

Other people’s babies can be cute, when they haven’t learned to talk, or walk, and don’t mind being chained to a post from time to time. But after they start moving and, god forbid, talking, from then on things take a steep turn for the worst. Humans are fragile, volatile, and rebellious, and then they only get worse.

So, say goodbye to that lakehouse in your retirement when you have a kid, because our already-extended childhoods are getting longer every generation. Say goodbye to hopes, dreams, loud sex, and a clean kitchen floor.

— Esther Tung

 

Algeria

If there’s something that really rubs me the wrong way, it’s Algeria. Now, to be clear, I’m not talking about the Algerian people, we’re cool. I’m also not talking about the Algerian cultural identity; we haven’t had beef since we hugged it out in ’76.

No, I’m talking about that piece of shit Algeria. Thinking its so high and mighty because it supplies 11 per cent of the world’s helium. Oh boy, I guess that mean we’ll be able to fill up our birthday balloons this year. Big fucking deal.

Oh and its always hanging out with Libya and Tunisia, thinking its part of their little gang. Well you know the only reason they even hang out with you is because they’re landlocked with you.

Goddamit, I fucking hate you Algeria. I hate each of your stupid provinces and districts. Just go die already.

 

— Gary Lim

University briefs

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EIC
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By Ariane Madden

Details emerge from Dark Knight Rises shootings

Details surrounding the shootings in Aurora, Colorado that killed 12 people and injured 58 others during a screening of The Dark Knight Rises last week have begun to paint a picture of the suspect’s life and possible motives for the deadly massacre. The suspect, James Holmes, is described as having once been a top student who suddenly withdrew from a neuroscience graduate program this June. While no reason for his withdrawal has been released, officials say that it appears he had been stockpiling weapons and ammunition long before the July 20 attack.

Concordia raises fund in late student’s honor

Students and staff at Concordia University in Montreal have announced a $70,000 fund gathered in memory of Lin Jun, the Chinese-exchange student brutally slain and dismembered in May this year. The money will assist Jun’s family in covering the costs of burial and stay in Canada during court proceedings against their son’s alleged killer; it will also be earmarked to assist other Chinese students studying at the university in future years.

Wanted: McFogg the Dog

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EIC
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By Graham Cook

SFU could soon have a new face behind the mascot McFogg the Dog. The athletics department, which recently took over the handling of mascot duties from Student Services, put out a call for applications with a deadline of August 3.
The position comes with a pay rate of $10.50 per hour and will require the employee to be available for anywhere five to 20 hours per week. According to the application, the duties include “Enjoy[ing] the job and hav[ing] fun!” as well as “provid[ing] a fun and entertaining atmosphere for the various members of the community who enter our sports venues.” The job is not all fun and games however, as they will also have the responsibility of “act[ing] professionally in all aspects of the job.” Qualifiers include being an SFU student and having knowledge of sports events. Previous mascot experience is also considered an asset.
Sports information director Ben Hodge spoke with The Peak about this veritable changing of the guard, stating, “with us moving in to the NCAA now it’s important to increase our environment at games . . . [switching from student services to the Athletics Department] seemed like a good way to evolve the program and mix it up.” He went on to state that they are looking for someone who “is ambitious. We want somebody who is going to interact with fans . . . students, general population, parents, and staff; anyone who wants to enjoy our events. . . . We want someone who is going to engage those people [and] make the games a more fun atmosphere.” Hodge also added that he wants McFogg the Dog to become a bigger part of the campus community. The mascot will also have a number of handlers to “get them water if they need water . . . and make sure they don’t get beat up.”
Those who wish to apply are asked to contact marketing and event coordinator Nick Sirski, though only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Daily Snooze: Fortune Cookie

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EIC
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By Kyle Lees at Ski Ninjas

Board shorts

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EIC
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By David Dyck


Fall event postponed indefinitely

Although nothing was officially decided at last week’s meeting, member services officer (MSO) Humza Khan raised some serious concerns in regards to the “welcome back” concert that was being planned for the fall. The problem revolved mainly around a lack of time.

“Today I was waiting for the final verdict from the university, whether they want this event to go forward or not, and there were two sides to their response. [First] was ‘Yes, we will always support students in anything they do and in any such event that they want to put up.’ And [second] was ‘we would rather put on the best event possible than an event that is in a makeshift scenario or under a short timeline.’” Ultimately, Khan stated that he appreciated the university’s position.

“The reason it is a short timeline is that we haven’t signed a contract, and we only have the artists on hold, not booked, but on hold until Monday. Our preferred artists are on hold until Monday only, and we do not have enough time to get our contracts reviewed by the legal team.” Khan added that he was personally disappointed, but “would personally rather see it happen correctly than another K’naan event and discouraging the students. You know that if the student society fails the first time, I can guarantee you that there will be no such event for the next 10 years.”

 

New website to go live this week

Communications coordinator Stijn Daenens gave an update on the society’s new website, which is scheduled to go live this Wednesday. “If you see something that’s bothering you, or you notice something that’s wrong, please email me right away . . . and we’ll fix it,” Daenens told the board.

“We assessed the old website and tried to be creative with that,” Daenens told The Peak after the meeting. “One of the major new features is an events calendar for the campus, and with that is going to be integrated volunteer opportunities. So every event, anyone can submit any event with volunteer opportunities.”

There will also be more information available in regards to meeting times and committee vacancies in the society. “If anyone is interested, they can just go to ‘committees,’ see what they do, see the vacant positions, and apply to the chair. You can also see who is on which committee, and minutes.

“It’ll be more work for me, but I think it’ll be more rewarding for the student society,” he added.

Horoscopes: June 30th

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EIC
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Aries (March 21 – April 20)
Scorpions! Scorpions everywhere! In your shoes, in your mout ­— Oh wait, sorry that’s this week’s Horrorscope. My mistake.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)
This week’s winning Taurus is Kathleen Mayweather of Akron, Iowa. Your $20 TGI-Fridays gift certificate is in the mail.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)
This week someone will accidentally buttdial you. It will be the most meaningful conversation you’ve had in years.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)
What a coincidence, your sign is cancer too!

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
It’s finally time to stop lying to yourself you don’t like raw tomatoes. You never have.

Virgo (August 23 – September 23)
When was the last time you spoke to your mom? You know, those test results sounded kind of serious. Oh, you’re busy. K.

Libra (September 24 – October 23)
Looks like you’re going to be lucky in love this week — err no wait, it’s you’re going to be in love with “Lucky”. Cartoon leperchaun fetish.

Scorpio (October 24 – November 22)
This week, the stars say you should be less concerned with them and more concerned with the 2 mile-wide asteroid barreling towards Earth.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21)
Expect an interesting financial transaction this week. You’re going to get mugged.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)
Go for the gold this week, avoid performance enhancing drugs and boost your scores the old fashioned way, by bribing the French judge.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 19)
Jupiter is in freefall this week. Sell! Sell! Sell!

Pisces (February 20 – March 20)
You’re not going to do so hot on land, because you’re a fish. Shut up, it’s the last horoscope. Just let me drink in peace. Drink like a fish. Heh.

By Gary Lim

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024