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SFU Cribs

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While most SFU students (or SFU-dents) know of the legendary antics of our president, one Andrew Petter, far fewer knows of his luxurious digs located in the penthouse suite in the UniverCity complex. Here is where he comes to retire after a long hard day of presidential duties like making sure soap dispensers are full and keeping the TAs in line.  This is his Bat Cave, his Fortress of Solitude, his respite from the prying eyes of the world, when Andy P can be Andy P.

Naturally, we at The Peak just had to get the scoop on our own mountaintop White House, so armed with only our suction cup boots, rappelling cables and a healthy dose of pluck, we set out to uncover the mysteries of the president’s residence!

Here are some of the highlights:

  • Butler’s quarters
  • Dog’s quarters
  • Dog’s butler’s quarters
  • Drive-in DVD racks
  • Indoor bungee jumping facility
  • Peacocks. Peacocks everywhere
  • Human-sized chess board
  • People acting as chess pieces
  • A towering stack of our tuition money
  • Chandelier farm
  • Scale model of SFU Burnaby fitted with thousands of tiny meticulously crafted replicas of each student and staff member
  • In-suite washer and dryer

SFU Convocation in 1 minute

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EIC
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If you didn’t get the chance to go to SFU’s Convocation this year, here’s 4 hours condensed into 1 minute for you.

Created: Julian Giordano
Contact: [email protected]

Score: Beltaine – Bring to the Boil

Snakehead fish brought to SFU

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EIC
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By Sahira Memon

Elusive species of fish captured in Burnaby’s Central Park

After a 27-day-hunt, members of the B.C. community were successful in capturing what National Geographic calls “Fishzilla” from the Burnaby Central Park lower pond. The snakehead fish is invasive and highly predatory, which increased the urgency to remove it from the pond. SFU was well-represented in the hunt, with biology graduate student volunteers working with the City of Burnaby crews, ministry department members, and the city parks department. The fish was euthanized and will be taken to SFU for further study.

The snakehead was first spotted a few weeks ago, causing a stir in the Metro Vancouver community, and becoming the subject of several YouTube videos.

The snakehead is a species of fish native to Africa and Asia, where it is prized as a delicacy, but in B.C., they are imported and used in aquariums, or sold as food in markets such as T&T — a practice that has been disputed due to the predatory nature of the fish if released into the wild. The importation of snakeheads in the United States is banned, something that minister of environment Terry Lake wants to emulate in B.C.

The snakehead is astonishingly fertile and can lay up to 150,000 eggs a year. This incredible rate of reproduction allows them to take over many small bodies of water.

They are also known for their hardiness, and are able to survive up to four days without water. They are known to sometimes migrate up to a quarter-mile on wet land, and they accomplish this by wriggling their body and fins.

The first attempt to capture the snakehead occurred a couple of weeks ago when word reached city officials. This attempt failed, which prompted harsher measures that included draining the 100-metre wide pond until it was only 30 centimetres deep. The fish was then spotted by a biologist, who scooped it up with a net.

The snakehead was euthanized soon after it’s capture, as well as most other exotic fish found in that pond, to avoid the potential spread of diseases transmitted by the snakehead to other fish.

“I’m glad they caught it. People want exotic pets, but they are invasive. This cross-proliferation happens before we’re aware of it,” said bystander Gerry Klein to The Province.

The fish will be taken to SFU, where it will be examined to confirm how long it’s been in the pond and what it has been eating.

SFU grad student Corey Phillis commended the resident who alerted the authorities to the risk. “It’s good to have someone out there that knew what they were looking at and knew of the dangers of having that fish potentially becoming established in our local waterway,” he told the CBC.

After the examination, SFU biologists will carefully preserve the carcass and send it to the Royal Museum of British Columbia, where it will be stored as a part of their collections.

Breaking out of the back room

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EIC
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By Monica Miller

A book blogger’s guide to author readings and literary events

After one of Ami McKay’s book readings last year, I approached her for a signing of my advanced reading copy of her latest novel, The Virgin Cure. She exclaimed, “I haven’t seen these!” and asked me where I had gotten it. I told her I’m a book blogger, and that her publisher had sent it to me. As she signed my name in the book, she asked if I was on Twitter, and it turned out that her husband had shown her my tweets about the event from earlier that day.

I felt like a giddy fangirl, but this anecdote illustrates the best part of author readings: accessibility.

If your vision of author readings and literary events is a small back room with folding chairs and a quiet crowd, you’re missing out. Book readings can offer deep, meaningful insight into an author’s craft. Festivals and literary events can be even livelier; they range from quiet readings and reflective conversation, to interactive and entertaining shows.

I have attended many readings and literary events over the past few years, and the success of any event sits with the authors and moderator. You’ll be hard pressed to find any author who wants to read longer than 10 minutes, because the audience’s attention begins to wander. So usually events set time aside for themed discussion, Q&As along with a short reading. Sometimes a moderator may conduct a full panel.

Say Wha!? Readings of Ridiculously Rotten Writing is a recurring literary night that is highly accessible, often NSFW, and features rotating performers who read from the worst books they can find.

The brainchild of comedian, actor, and writer Sara Bynoe, March’s Say Wha!? night was spent railing on New York Times bestseller, Fifty Shades of Grey — who’s ever heard of a college student in this day and age who doesn’t have email? The performers choose their own books, ranging from outdated parenting guides and cheesy sci-fi to bad celebrity bestsellers and awkward erotica.

Traditional reading festivals and literary events are thriving around the city, as well as many non-traditional events. Word on the Street is a free literary festival, and  a great place to sample everything from fiction to zines to performance art.

There’s a lot more to the local literary scene than a stereotypical, dull book signing — there are poetry slams, open mics, comic book conventions, and even a reading series for terrible books.

Although governmental arts funding may be lacking, supporters and ambassadors of the local arts scene have been hard at work. We have a lot of publishers and literary groups producing exceptional work and putting on fun events with authors from near and far. Vancouver’s literary merit is on the rise, and I can’t wait to attend the next author event.

More condos planned for Burnaby Mountain

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EIC
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By Graham Cook
The space currently parking lot G on the east end of campus will be turned into 714 housing units

Phase four, the final phase of the East Neighbourhood at UniverCity, is nearing completion. It will include up to 714 housing units and replace what is currently Parking Lot G. The lot is located to the East of the university, past the Cornerstone buildings.

Dale Mikkelsen, the Director of development at SFU Community Trust, spoke with The Peak about the continuation. He stressed that “it’s not a change, it’s the official community plan that was adopted in the 1980s. . . . This is just the final neighbourhood of what was called the East Neighbourhood.” Mikkelsen continued to clarify how the regions are broken down. “The East Neighbourhood generally represents . . . what is already built. . . . What we call the phase three neighbourhood is what wraps around where the water tower is, and then [there is] the phase four community which is the G lots.”

By the end of the development of phase four, Mikkelsen stated that the East Neighbourhood will accommodate roughly 7,000 residents in approximately 3,000 units. He stated that he felt this region would be mostly populated by “a lot of families and a lot of people involved directly with the university.”

As far as whether or not the parking space will be replaced, Mikkelsen pointed out that SFU Community Trust is not obligated to build or replace parking spaces. However, the working agreement they have with SFU, he said, is that “any of our revenue from development goes back to the university and the endowment.” Those funds can apparently be used for teaching, research, and/or building replacement parking as required. Mikkelsen pointed out that there are approximately 1,300 spaces in the G-lot that are currently underutilized.

Another factor described in the parking supply problem is that with the U-Pass program, almost 70 per cent of students use transit to get to campus. According to Mikkelsen, these parking lots were created in the ‘70s and ‘80s, when the university was more of a car-based commuter campus. This means that SFU may not need to replace the spaces, a possibility that he considered “a pretty positive carbon story for the university.”

Also discussed was the addition of amenities in the area. The official community plan, adopted in September 1996 and amended in April 2002, dictates that there will be two additional buildings located on University High Street that will account for 50,000 more square feet of commercial and retail space. This same document also notes a South Neighbourhood near Discovery Park, though Dale Mikkelson noted that work is “several years away if there is to be any expansion at all.”

The community plan outlines what is to happen with the land atop Burnaby Mountain. It is self-described as providing “considerable development flexibility . . . to accommodate the University’s desire to have the option of developing either market housing or University uses in the areas defined as potential Residential Neighbourhoods, without a need for Plan amendments, rezonings, or Public Hearings.” The plan goes on to explain that the property that is used for non-university purposes will become subject to property taxes and other charges, and that “taxable occupiers of property not used for university purposes will be subject to these charges in the same manner as other Burnaby taxpayers.”

Burnaby Mountain is not the only SFU campus area with development plans, however. The Civic Centre Development Project for Central City in Surrey will include a new city hall and office building, a central library that opened recently, an outdoor civic plaza, a performing arts centre, as well as additional space for SFU’s Surrey Campus. Also planned “as part of a creating a great, walkable, enjoyable city centre,” is a “major beautification of King George Highway and significant upgrades to the current Skytrain Station and Bus Transit Exchange.”

The plans for Phase 4 were to be discussed at a June 11 city council meeting, but had to be pushed back to June 18 due to time constraints.

SFU victim support group runs in memory of Batalia

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EIC
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B.C. Victims of Homicide joins with the SFU Hummingbirds to raise money and awareness

On June 24th, the SFU Hummingbirds will walk or run in support of B.C. Victims of Homicide (BCVOH), in order to increase awareness and raise funds at the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. This year the cause will be especially relevant, as the team will run in memory of homicide victim Maple Batalia. Batalia was an SFU student who was shot and killed at the SFU Surrey campus last September.

Hummingbirds team captain and SFU assistant professor Brenda Morrison explained the importance of an organization like BCVOH. “The two eight-week homicide-bereavement support workshops, monthly drop-in groups, and the helpline have benefitted survivors of homicide victims in the last year tremendously.”

When asked why the team is called “The Hummingbirds”, Morrison explained the parable of the hummingbird related to restorative justice. “The story goes that there was a fire in the forest and all the animals ran away, except the hummingbird who flew back and forth between the stream and the fire bringing tiny beads of water. When the other animals looked at the hummingbird like he was a fool and asked what he was doing, he said ‘I’m doing what I can.’ ” Morrison added that it takes tremendous courage to deal with the homicide of a loved one. She credited Christopher Ducharme, a victim of homicide and a fierce advocate with countless hours spent to establish the organization.

In 2011, Ducharme with the support of fundraisers, the B.C. Justice Institute, and Mason Raymond of the Vancouver Canucks, launched BCVOH as an initiative by the B.C. Bereavement Helpline, in order to help families and loved ones of homicide victims.  He stated that the services offered by BCVOH are essential for supporting and healing victims. “Support groups are vital in creating a sense of community especially after such a traumatic event. By being with people who truly understand the homicide victimization experience, there is a common sense of compassion and understanding that is so hard for victims to find in society. These relationships are paramount in helping victims to re-learn faith in humanity and trust in themselves and in others. Support groups are non-counseling, non-therapy peer support groups that are cost free for victim participants,” stated Ducharme. In 2007, the only support group to exist in Western Canada was in Edmonton.  With roughly 120 murders a year in B.C., Decharme realized that this type of service was necessary.  B.C. Bereavement Helpline has been succeessful at filling the gap. In the past year the service has helped some 300 people deal with the aftermath of homicide, including SFU Criminology student, Cristina Pastia.

In 2009, Pastia lost both parents to homicide. “They left to attend business in Romania but they did not return,” Pastia told The Peak. She recalled the pain and anger she went through trying to make sense of what had happened to her parents. Even with family and friends around to support her, Pastia felt that she needed to connect with others who had been through similar experiences. When asked how she benefitted from BCVOH she explained, “The benefits were twofold for me. First, being around other people who had gone through something similar and whom I did not know outside of the group made me feel more able to share what I was going through. Second, being in a support group for homicide victims gave me a chance to really think about what had happened and how it was affecting me.” Today, Pastia is a dedicated volunteer with BCVOH, helping other victims deal with their anger and grief. Last week she graduated with honours, and will return to SFU in the fall to begin graduate studies in criminology.

To join The Hummingbirds in supporting BCVOH through the Scotia Bank Group Charity Challenge, please contact Mami at [email protected]

Album review: Here by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

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EIC
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By Colin O’Neil

Here crafts a childlike ode to a life of peace

Here it is: the chaotic musical circus that is Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros has followed up on their breakthrough debut with Here. Led by frontman and founder Alex Ebert, known for his work in electro-rock group Ima Robot, the band brings familiar epics, soft Spanish love songs, and folk-rock jams in their newest offering. Though without a song to match the memorable “Home”, Here is consistent, solid, and most importantly, fun.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is a band that uses myth as often as they use harmonies and trumpet solos. Up From Below was released in 2008 with the accompaniment of cryptic online videos, which portrayed Edward Sharpe, played by Ebert, as a messiah-like figure who wandered the desert in search of peace, music and an understanding of his place in the world. In the mythical story designed by Ebert, Edward Sharpe had come to Earth with the mission of healing mankind, but was repeatedly distracted in his quest by girls. The humour of the myth aids to the mood of the music.

Both Up From Below and Here are loud, full, and musically layered deliveries of a peaceable and childish attitude about the world. Though more outspoken than they once were, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros remains shrouded in myth. From the group’s origins to their abnormal take on spontaneity and innocence, the music and the band both fascinate and bring laughter to your eardrums.

Here begins with the single “Man on Fire”, a simple song about creative output, dance, and learning. Like the rest of the record, it builds and falls with the aid of co-vocalist Jade Castrinos. The album only gets weirder and funkier. The Great Depression-era folk song “I Don’t Wanna Pray” addresses religion while bouncing along with background gospel singers and verses traded between Castrinos and Ebert. The soft “Maya” follows, revealing the band’s connection to Spanish guitar music and booming horns. The rest of the album is an orgy of trumpet solos, simple chords and the overarching theme of love.

Here offers more than its nine songs of solid musical creation. Amid its hippie notions of peace and love are appeals to the simple things in life. It urges those who may have forgotten to reconsider the value of a child’s mind, a child’s inhibitions and a child’s love. It delivers musically and succeeds in challenging our normative order. It makes us dance and think, and urges us to be here.

Sardine Can just another fish in the sea

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EIC
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By Ljudmila Petrovic

New Spanish tapas joint in Gastown serves up satisfying but unadventurous appetizers

The Sardine Can is the newest addition to Gastown’s foodie scene, located in the heart of the neighborhood. Pay attention though, because it’s easy to miss. It’s a small restaurant, with a short bar and three long tables; more likely than not, you’ll have to share a table with some neighbors (like sardines in a can, one might say).

Upon being seated, each table receives a glass bottle of agua. For those that need to brush up their Spanish, that’s water. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable; you feel like you’ve gone out for a nice dinner, but it’s not ostentatious.

On the server’s recommendation, we started with their house special, tostas de sardinas (smoked sardines on toast). It was a pleasant surprise: they weren’t as salty as one would expect from sardines, and the parsley added a nice balance to the rich flavor of the fish. The other items we had were all $10 — too much for the size of a tapas dish for most broke students — and, though they were tasty, they didn’t warrant breaking the bank. The spicy garlic prawns, or gambas al ajillo were nothing of note. They were tasty enough, neither spicy nor garlicky, but a little on the oily side.

Next, we had chicken cooked in a delicious tomato sauce with Moorish spices. Though it was slightly blander than I might have liked, it was nonetheless satisfying.

The hands-down crowning moment of the meal was that day’s special: braised lamb cheek with olives, pine nuts, and dried grapes. The meat was tender in the way that only a good lamb dish can be, and it was the only dish that I would have wanted seconds of.

Some other dishes on the menu were guisado de pulpo  (octopus, potato, and chorizo stew) and albondigas (meatballs cooked in tomato and Rioja).

Overall, the food was of high quality, and was very tasty, but played too much on the safe side to be exceptional tapas; full entrees are allowed to play it safe, but with the small amount you get with tapas, each bite should be impressive and bold.

Other than this, the service was exceptional: every single server and staff member was cheery and attentive, making the environment extremely comfortable.

While they accept cards, there’s a 10 per cent discount for anybody paying with cash, so be sure to hit up an ATM on your way.

The Sardine Can is charming and the food is good, but it’s an addition to Vancouver’s culinary scene that you can skip with no loss.

Sperm 101

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EIC
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By Ms. X

“I’d like to know more about semen. As a woman, I don’t really know much about my boyfriend’s load. For example, when he pre-cums, what is it?”

It’s time to get to the bottom of all the questions about your man’s little men: sperm. This question is one of a couple out there that are commonly asked, so let’s tackle a few of them here.

“Is there potent sperm in pre-ejaculation fluid?”

Before your man ejaculates there is a small amount of fluid released first. The “pre-cum” is a man’s body preparing for sex. It lubricates and paves the way for sperm to make a safe journey during intercourse. Pre-cum typically doesn’t have a high amount of fertile sperm, but that doesn’t mean there’s no risk of pregnancy. Old sperm can still be found in the penis and this is the sperm that will be ejaculated with the pre-cum. So while the chance of getting pregnant from this pre-orgasm ejaculation is lower than the main show, there still is a chance. Letting your partner get away with the “pull out” is not a way to ensure you will be pregnancy free. So wrap it up! This will also prevent the transfer of STI’s that can be found in the pre-cum fluid.

“Does drinking alcohol affect the potency of sperm?”

There is a huge correlation between drinking alcohol and the production of your swimmers. Though it may not be permanent, boozing and partying slows the production of sperm, lowering a man’s count. It also increases the amount of abnormal sperm produced and reduces the mobility of those that may have otherwise made it to their final destination. On that note, if you are planning on being a father one of these days, go light on the sauce.

“Are sperm victim to the ‘you are what you eat’ belief?”

While drinking may lead to garbage semen, it may also be important to your partner that your love juice doesn’t taste like trash. It makes sense that there exists a correlation between what you put into your body and what it produces. If you’re ingesting something potent, such as garlic or highly spiced food, the sperm is likely to be unappealing in taste. To sweeten your load, try foods high in natural sugar content. These mostly include fruits such as pineapple, plums, mangos, and anything in the citrus family. Foods high in different acids and nutrients will lead to an array of flavours, some buttery, some bitter, some light, and maybe some that are even tasty. The consistency of semen can also depend on what you’re eating. Ensuring you keep hydrated will keep your cum light for your partner. If your sperm has an unappetizing appeal for your partner, and you have tried altering your diet, the solution may be as simple as giving them a piece of gum. Pop in a piece, and chew carefully!

Ski Ninjas: Butt Plug

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By Kyle Lees at Ski Ninjas

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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