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World News Beats

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Written by: Youeal Abera, Staff Writer

 

Bob meets Donald

Bob Woodward has announced that he will soon produce the latest instalment of published memoirs dedicated to revealing the innermost details of U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House.

According to The Washington Post, Woodward, an associate editor at the publication, “sought an interview with President Trump as he was writing Fear, a book about Trump’s presidency”.

The Washington Post claims that Trump, in an 11-minute phone call, vehemently denied that he ever received a request for an interview with Woodward in the midst of his investigative studies. Within this same phone call, Trump admitted that Senator Lindsey Graham had informed him that Woodward wanted to talk.

Fear, the upcoming account that will encompass all of Woodward’s findings on Trump’s presidency, is set to release within the next year.

With files from The Washington Post.

 

Conceptions of Kavanaugh

Brett Kavanaugh, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee in the search for the new Supreme Court Justice, engaged in controversial behaviour while in court hearings. His manner of conduct has caused a considerable amount of commotion within the United States’ Supreme Court in the past week.

In one video, Fred Guttenberg, father of Parkland victim Jaime Guttenberg, can be seen openly approaching Kavanaugh with an arm extended in greeting. Instead of shaking Guttenberg’s hand, Kavanaugh gives him a blank stare, turns around, and walks away from the visibly hurt and confused gentleman.

Kavanaugh received backlash when discussing the issue of women’s reproductive rights within the United States Supreme Court. During his third day of hearings, he called contraceptives “abortion-inducing drugs.”

As a candidate for Supreme Court Justice, Kavanaugh’s conception on a wide array of social issues is set to be further dissected and assessed.

With files from Time and Global News.

 

An epigraph of the Canadian economy

Statistics Canada has reported that, in August of 2018, Canada’s economy “lost 51,600 net jobs [ . . . ] in a decrease that helped drive the national unemployment rate to six per cent, up from 5.8 per cent in July.”

Ontario found a unique raise in job creation within the month of July. However, this was quickly overshadowed by the mass employment loss in the following month.

Royce Mendes, the senior economist and director for CIBC Capital Markets, stated that although the labour force survey is sometimes “implausible,” “there’s certainly nothing in the report to suggest that the economy is racing ahead”

With files from CBC News.

 

RIP Mac Miller

On September 7, U.S. rapper Mac Miller was announced dead due to an alleged overdose. News broke out over social media, to which friends and fans shared sentiments of disbelief and hurt.

Miller’s death falls in line with a considerable amount of drug-involved deaths in the world of entertainment. This past year has included the unfortunate overdose and tragic death of rapper Lil Peep. This past decade has been afflicted with the drug-induced deaths of actors Heath Ledger and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as well as singers Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston. With the inundation of overdoses and deaths, many have begun to discuss the profound issue of substance addiction within the music industry.

US Rapper J.Cole spoke of the issue on Twitter in the wake of Miller’s passing. He tweeted, “This is a message for anybody in this game that’s going through something. If you don’t feel right, if you feel you have a substance problem, if you need a ear to vent to. If you uncomfortable talking to people around you. Please reach out to me.”

With files from The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, and The Odyssey.

 

News Beat: What’s With All The Construction On Campus?

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In today’s ‘News Beat’, we look at the various projects under construction at SFU.
Created by Melissa Campos

POLITICAL CORNER: Theresa May’s no-deal Brexit may be just as dangerous as Brexit itself

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Photo courtesy of Baz Ratner/Reuters

Written by: Kelly Grounds, SFU Student

It’s been a while since Brexit was mentioned in the news, but this week it was back, and in a largely uninspiring way.

     With less than 200 days until Britain is scheduled to leave the EU, it was revealed that there are no negotiations being drafted by Prime Minister Theresa May and her Conservatives. Instead, May’s government is placing their focus on a no-deal Brexit, meaning Britain will leave the EU without further planning or agreements with the EU. This change in focus reflects a change in the attitudes of many government ministers who are now estimating 50-50 chances of a successful Brexit.

     If May’s government pursues a no-deal Brexit, it’ll be problematic across the board. The consequences include British citizens living abroad losing their pensions, debit payments costing more for EU citizens, and hospitals facing supply shortages.

     More than just hurting their own citizens, Britain risks causing the breakup of the United Kingdom by pursuing a no-deal Brexit. Scotland in particular was not in favour of Brexit to begin with, and could use the whole incident as motive to pursue an independence referendum to try to stay in the EU.

     Whether no-deal Brexit is there to make the current plans drafted by May’s government appear more palatable, or is simply a product of reemerging nationalistic sentiment in Britain, it poses a huge issue and it will affect the citizens of both the UK and the EU. This should be enough to push UK officials some sort of deal, especially with the first major summit approaching. But all Britain’s done is engage in a game of chicken with the EU, and push Brexit to an even more dangerous position.

SFU libraries remove fines on general collection items

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Under the new system, fines will only be applied to general collection items when the items are recalled by another student or faculty member. (Israrul Haque/The Peak)

Written by: Amal Javed Abdullah, Staff Writer

 

SFU libraries have ceased charging fines for overdue items from their general collection until they are recalled, and they have increased borrowing and renewal time for most books to a full term. These changes were put into effect in May 2018.

Formerly, all loaned library books were charged a fee of $1 for each day that they were overdue.

In an email interview with The Peak, Mark Christensen, head of SFU’s libraries’ Access Services, stated that the fine for overdue books created a financial barrier for students and faculty, which made the library less accessible and harder to use.

​     To “remove barriers and enhance student experiences at the library,” ​a fine-free system has been implemented, allowing students and faculty more time to use borrowed books. However, “when a book is recalled by another student or faculty member, it still has to come back,” Christensen wrote. “If you don’t return a book when it’s recalled, you can still get fines or penalties.”

Removal of fines from overdue books is not a new notion — academic libraries around British Columbia, such as Whistler Public Library and the libraries at Thompson Rivers University and Vancouver Island University, have implemented similar regulations. According to Christensen, “after ending fines in 2012/13, Vancouver Island University Library concluded that there was no significant effect on borrower returns or circulation rates.”

“The fine for overdue books created a financial barrier for students and faculty, which made the library less accessible and harder to use.”  – Mark Christensen, head of SFU’s libraries’ Access Services

Overdue charges accrued on collections such as equipment, reserves, and media still apply as these items are in high demand, and need to be circulated among as many patrons as possible. Fines for these items begin as soon as the item is overdue, and an account with unpaid fines exceeding $10 will be suspended.

Fines exceeding $50 will block patrons from registering for courses, or receiving parchments or transcripts. Any fines incurred prior to May 2018 will still apply.

My summer accomplishments

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Illustrated by Tiffany Chan

Written by: Jessica Parsons

The summer sun, the cool and refreshing ocean water, the long hours of daylight spent sipping on lemonade; this is what summer break promises. We spend all spring gearing up in anticipation for the days of fun ahead and planning for all the things we will get done over the sunny months. I, for one, got so much done this summer, I . . .

. . . finally got that summer bod. My skin is so burnt from falling asleep on the beach and I’m  so full and bloated from ice cream sundaes that I can’t go into the grocery produce section without being mistaken for a tomato. No, Sandra, I am not a mascot for the supermarket here to give you a discount on your Roma tomatoes.

. . . had the time to do that marathon. I can proudly say that I am now up to date on all of my shows. Yes, Netflix, I am still watching!

. . . hiked up a mountain. Great views, beautiful scenery . . . the fear of my lungs giving out at any moment weighing on me heavier than the 35-degree heat. Probably shouldn’t have eaten all that pizza and those chips during my Netflix binge . . .

. . . went on a road trip! Sitting in a hot car in the dreaded middle seat, getting lost and having to ask directions from a stranger in the middle of nowhere, spending so much time with other people you are pretty sure you never want to see again . . . nothing could be better.

. . . lazed on the beach. Sand in my eyes, sand rubbed into my skin via sunscreen, sand in my ears and hair, and places I don’t even want to get into. It’s been months since I went to the beach and every now and then I find myself crunching down on those little particle bastards.

. . . worked. Because being an adult apparently means spending all day in a freezing cold office filled with AC pumped too high, and then trying to hang out with friends afterward only to find their work schedules don’t line up with yours.


So I definitely got a lot done this summer! And all the awfulness of sweating on transit seats, getting minor heat exhaustion from trying to walk to the 7-Eleven for a Big Gulp, and getting sunscreen in your eyes so often you’re pretty sure every time that this is the time you’ll be blinded almost makes September a relief. Heavy emphasis on the almost.

 

WGOG: Undisclosed mayonnaise in restaurants

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Photo courtesy of CBC News/Julie Van Rosendaal

Written by: Gene Cole, Opinions Editor

I understand that disliking mayonnaise is far from a universal stance. I’ve always felt it to be an overpowering blandness that ruins a good burger, but I respect that plenty of others consider it a staple of sandwiches and dips. Everybody’s got different tastes.

     What I don’t understand is why so many restaurants just don’t feel the need to list it as a significant aspect of a menu item.

     I can’t think of many toppings that get the same treatment. Occasionally veggies or a pickle will go unmentioned, but these are things that can be easily removed in most foods. As a sauce, mayonnaise soaks into the bread and coats the meat and veggies, infecting them with an all-encompassing flavour and goopy texture. There’s no escape from its oily and eggy taste once it’s arrived.

     It’s certainly unfair to expel mayonnaise from our world, but I’m not convinced that enough people like it to justify its silent inclusion. I’m so tired of uncomfortably asking, “Hi, um, so are there any sauces on this burger?” All I want is to make my picky sandwich orders as quick and easy as possible for everyone involved.

Student Union Building opening delayed

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SUB construction, originally projected to be completed in fall 2018, is currently on budget. (Israrul Haque/The Peak)

Written by: Amneet Mann, News Editor and Srijani Datta, Assistant News Editor

 

The Student Union Building (SUB) is now projected to open in the summer 2019 term.

     According to a press release provided by the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), the building construction will be completed at the end of March 2019. After an additional month of preparation, a grand opening for students will be held at the beginning of the summer term.

     The building was previously projected to open in the fall 2018 term.

 

Causes of the delay

The SFSS has cited multiple reasons for the delay.

     “The soils were not what was expected based on test drilling that has been done prior to the start of construction,” read the press release, which led to a longer excavation period than was originally anticipated.

     Concrete pouring and underground work was stalled by heavy snowfall during the two previous winters.

     A busy construction market in Metro Vancouver, the complex building design, and building components that had to be custom-ordered and manufactured overseas were listed as other reasons for the delay.

     “The SFSS is not willing to compromise quality of construction in order to open the building sooner,” read the press release.

     To address the delays, the press release reports that the SFSS has met with SFU and the contractor to develop new processes to speed up construction. The SFSS also provided additional funding to architects and other consultants so that they would spend more time on-site and “help speed up the question-and-answer process between the contractor and the design team.”

 

Construction and finance of the SUB

Pro-Can Construction Group is the contractor for the SUB, and SFU manages the company workers, as well as the architects and engineers. The press release stated that the “SFSS is not involved in managing the construction work.”

     The SFSS manages the financial needs of the project and works on design elements such as furniture selection and signage.

     According to the press release, the Build SFU project is currently on budget.

 

Community involvement

The SFSS has confirmed that Women’s Centre, Out on Campus, and the First Nations Student Association will retain their space in the Rotunda until the SUB opens.

     Students are being invited to submit names for the SUB. The decision came out of the SFSS board of directors meeting on May 25 where the board selected a three-part process for finalizing the name.

     The first step will offer all SFU students the opportunity to suggest names. The second step will require a board subcommittee to shortlist the suggestions to a list of suitable candidates. In the final stage, all SFU students will be allowed to cast a final vote for the new name from the shortlisted ones.

     The first step has already commenced, as SFSS has started accepting student suggestions of potential names for the building. Submissions will be accepted until September 30, and everyone who submits a name idea will automatically be entered in a draw for a $200 cash prize, as per the SFSS’s website.

     Additionally, the student who submits the winning name will be recognized both at the grand opening celebration for the student union building and on a plaque in the new building.

 

Album Reviews: Best of Summer Hip Hop Edition

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By: Michelle Gomez

 

Astroworld by Travis Scott

Houston, we have a banger! Texas-born rapper comes in hot with his third studio album — if you haven’t heard it yet, stop everything you are doing and listen. Named after a Houston amusement park that was shut down in 2005, Astroworld is meant to be a continuation of Scott’s last album, Rodeo. After listening to them back-to-back, I have to agree.

     Astroworld constantly shifts in mood and fluctuates in tempo, making the album enigmatic and stimulating. The album starts out with Travis’ classic auto tuned vocals and melodic verses in “STARGAZING” and “CAROUSEL.” “SICKO MODE” featuring Drake includes sharp back-and-forth between the two rappers, as well as dynamic instrumentals. With features like The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Sheck Wes, and James Blake, listening to Astroworld feels like being inside an amusement park of talented artists. 

     The only thing that could have improved this album would be a stronger ending. Although Scott includes his already hit single “BUTTERFLY EFFECT” toward the end of the tracklist, I would have appreciated an energetic finale. Despite its disappointing ending, I appreciate what Astroworld is trying to do and I respect Travis finishing what he started with Rodeo.  

Scorpion by Drake

     In case you live under a rock and haven’t heard yet, Canada’s golden boy has come through with the album of summer 2018.  With his rapping skills, catchy verses, and wholesome smile, Drake delivers the fire in Scorpion.

     I immediately fell in love with the swanky OVO sounds flowing through my eardrums.  The “I’m Upset” music video takes you back to the Degrassi days, a simpler time for most of us (including Drake). “Nice For What” is the female-empowerment anthem of the summer, with the music video starring a range of fierce and successful women. The catchy and upbeat song “In My Feelings,” I’m sure, will be replayed on mainstream radio until we all hate it.  

     While this particular mixtape has been criticized for sounding exactly like his other music, I can’t blame Drake for sticking to his own style. Although I admit the album could have been shorter — a 25-song tracklist is a little overwhelming — Scorpion is packed with a good balance of chill tunes and lively summer hits.  

Honourable Mention: Good Thing by Leon Bridges  

     I went into this album expecting Bridges’ usual swanky, soulful, New Orleans sound, but was surprisingly disappointed by what came out of my headphones instead. As many great and unique artists eventually do, Leon Bridges officially made the move toward becoming a mainstream pop artist.  

      Bridges moved from smooth 50’s tunes to contemporary Sad Boy Music. I respect what he is trying to do with tracks “Mrs,” “Shy,” and “Beyond,” but many of the other songs fell short of my expectations. In my opinion, Bridges’ album lost the simple charm that his last album, Coming Home, offered.  

 

SFU football win first game in nearly four years ending 33-game losing streak

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The Clan will play their first GNAC game of the season next week. (Photo courtesy of SFU Athletics)

Yes, what you heard is true: the Simon Fraser University football team has won a game. Their four season, 33-game losing streak is now over, and it took new head coach Thomas Ford only one game. What is more impressive, however, is the dominating fashion in which they won in front of 1,265 fans at Terry Fox Field.

The Clan hit the ground running, leading 21–0 just nine minutes into the game. Their initial lead came via the run as Jason Nelson got his first touchdown for Simon Fraser with a one-yard run. The second touchdown came on the defensive end as cornerback Jaryn Bailey got a 60-yard interception return shortly after. Finally, quarterback Miles Richardson and wide receiver Rysen John connected for a 38-yard touchdown, something that we should get used to this season.

By the end of the first half, the team had given themselves a 35–0 lead, giving them the freedom to play backup players in the second half.

Before the end of the third quarter, Richardson had thrown for three touchdown passes before handing the ball over to freshman quarterback Justin Seiber, who threw a touchdown pass to Devin O’Hea on the final play of the third.

Nelson ran for 68 yards and two touchdowns on the day while receivers Ethan Beselt (seven catches, 85 yards), O’Hea (four catches, 80 yards), John (two catches, 48 yards), and Robert Meadors (three catches, 40 yards) each got a touchdown of their own.

“We have a really fun offence and guys want to play in it and get on the field because we move the ball around,” Ford told SFU Athletics. “We don’t rely on one or two guys to get the job done. In this system everyone contributes and you saw that this afternoon.”

While the offence was great, the defence more than held their own as well under coordinator Taylor Summers. Willamette had 12 first downs, -9 rushing yards and only 134 yards of total offence in the game.

While it is easy to get excited about ending such a long losing streak, head coach Ford kept it in perspective when speaking to SFU Athletics. “I’m so excited for our players because this group of guys believe in what we are doing and they don’t care about the history, and they don’t care about the losing streak,” said Ford. “For them they are starting our season 1-0 and that’s all that matters.”

Peak player of the game: Miles Richardson

While he didn’t need all four quarters to do it, Richardson had an excellent  game, throwing for 180 yards on 12–17 pass completions with three touchdown passes. He did exactly what you would expect from a senior quarterback, directing the offence with poise and setting the tone for the game.

What’s next:

SFU will now hit the road for their first Great Northwest Athletic Conference game of the season against Azusa Pacific University in Glendora, California. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m on Saturday, September 8.

First-year student gets lost in Robert C. Brown Hall

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Photo by: Chris Ho

Written by: Jennifer Low

It’s been 14 days since a first-year student became trapped deep within the depths of Robert C. Brown Hall after wandering away from a campus tour group. Weak from lack of food and cell phone/Wi-Fi connection, the student was found by a TA to the relief and amazement of the entire university. Unfortunately, the TA was unequipped to carry out the rescue operation, and has left the job to the professionals who are currently brainstorming the best methods of retrieval.

Robert C. Brown hall, commonly called RCB by SFU students, is a series of cavernous hallways that twist and turn beneath the school in an ever-changing labyrinth of corridors lined with flickering lights and concrete walls. Previous attempts were made by more experienced SFU students to warn the poor unfortunate souls whose schedules bear those three fateful letters of the dangers of this place.

Despite this, reports reveal that the first-year’s unfounded belief that they could independently find their tutorial classroom led them to explore the maze. The misguided effort ended in near-disaster when the first-year became overwhelmed by the four floors of winding hallways, hidden staircases, and eerie silence. 

Initial efforts to locate the first-year were hampered by raccoon sightings, construction interference, and lack of air conditioning. No contact was made for over a week. However, since the discovery of the student by a psychology TA late last week, rescue organizers have discussed various options for how to retrieve the student, including whether or not to merely leave the student to figure things out for themselves or engage a trained brigade of raccoons. When SFU raccoons proved too difficult to train, rescue organizers were forced to consider other options.

One professor, who is a self-identified cat-lover, even suggested using a similar strategy to when he lost his cat last summer. He claims that placing a combination of caffeinated beverages, instant ramen noodles, and urgently due assignments at the building’s entrance may help draw the student out.

Rescue efforts are now currently underway as the university attempts to safely bring the student to the surface by enlisting the help of experienced SFU students, but expert navigators are in short supply. There are a number of second- and third-year students who are still fearful of the secluded corner of SFU that resembles some kind of dungeon fortress, and many fourth-years remain too horribly traumatized by past expeditions to attempt the journey themselves.  

Despite the challenging retrieval effort, the trapped student is reported to be in good spirits by the rescuers who have been providing the student with supplies as well as plenty of pre-reading semester content to keep them entertained.  

 

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

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© The Peak Publications Society

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

For advertising inquiries: [email protected]
For promotional inquiries: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society