Your guide to student eating

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September 12, 2016

Gourmet instant ramen

Recommended by Max James Hill

If you’re a university student living on your own, chances are you’re more than familiar with instant ramen. These dollar-a-bag delights are OK on their own, but you can turn a mediocre meal into something extraordinary by following these simple steps.

Step 1. Buy better ramen. My favourite brands are Shin Ramyun, Mama, and Maruchan. Please don’t buy Mr. Noodles.

Step 2. Only use half the seasoning packet. The whole thing will overpower any other flavours you want to add.

Step 3. Add green onion, pepper flakes, and an egg to the broth while it boils. The egg will come out creamy and delicious.

Step 4. If you’ve got the cash, head to a nice produce place for some bok choy, bean sprouts, and mushrooms. If not, a bag of frozen vegetables (carrot, peas, and corn) will work fine.

Step 5. Add your own sauces and condiments — vinegar and miso paste work wonders. Fish sauce will also do, if you’ve got some lying around.

Step 6. Splash in a little lemon juice or milk at the end (but not both, unless you like curdled dairy) and you’ve got yourself a delicious bowl of ramen.

Everything but the kitchen sink curry

Recommended by Courtney Miller

If you’re looking to make a large, one-pot solution to your dinners this week, this is your best option. Making one large curry and portioning it out in some containers is a great way to have home-cooked meals all week. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, and anything in the fridge or pantry. If you buy a package of lemongrass (usually around $2), freeze the extra stalks to use at a later date. If you skip the lemongrass, it’ll still be delicious, just not as delicious. Curry paste doesn’t go bad for a long time. Store extra in the fridge for next time.

Heat a big pot on medium-high, add oil when hot.

Add lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. Stir for 30–60 seconds. Add onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, turnip, and rutabaga. Cook until onions are translucent, stirring often. Add protein and cook until browned.

Add curry paste, stirring it around for one minute.

Add half the stock and stir until curry paste dissolves. Add remaining stock, soy sauce, and sugar. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes (the longer you simmer, the more flavour will come out in your dish).

Stir in coconut milk, mushrooms, cauliflower, and bell pepper. Bring back to a boil. Cook for five minutes. If you have leafy greens to add, add them now, and cook for three minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. Goes well over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

4 tbsp vegetable oil

1 stick lemongrass

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tbsp ginger, minced

2 onions, chopped

4 carrots, diced

6 sticks celery, diced

2 potatoes, peeled, diced

1 turnip, diced

1 rutabaga, diced

2–3 cups protein (tofu/chicken/pork/beef/beans/lentils/etc.)

2 tbsp, heaping, curry paste

4 cups stock (chicken or vegetable, or possible substitute: water)

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sugar

2 cans coconut milk

1 cup halved mushrooms

1 head cauliflower, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

2 cups leafy greens

Salt

Pepper

3 tbsp lime juice (optional)

Cilantro, chopped (optional)

Baked Kraft Dinner

Recommended by Tamara Connor

If you’re total trash but want to feel a little less greasy, I suggest spicing up a good ol’ box of KD. This Kraft Dinner bake is pretty simple.

Step 1. Make a box of Kraft Dinner. You’ll need some margarine and a splash of milk.

Step 2. Grate up some cheese and mix it into your Kraft Dinner.

Step 3. Add a can of tuna.

Step 4. Warm up some frozen peas and toss them in.

Step 5. Pour everything into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle more cheese on top.

Step 6. Put it in the oven at 350 C for 10–15 minutes!

And there you have it. The perfect way to disguise your cooking incompetence.

Hog heaven

Recommended by Jessica Pickering

This is a great recipe because it’s simple, cheap, filling, and heats up well the next day.

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 C and grease an oven-safe dish.

Step 2. Cover the bottom of the dish with two cups of chow mein noodles, then layer on top a sliced zucchini, a small diced onion, and a sliced tomato or red pepper.

Step 3. Pour one cup of broth, vegetable or chicken, over all of it.

Step 4. Season with salt and pepper (and fresh basil if you feel like being fancy), then bake for an hour, using more broth if it starts drying out.

Step 5. Top with shredded cheese and broil until it melts.

Overnight oats

Recommended by Phoebe Lim

If you’re anything like me, you love food but hate cooking. Especially in the morning when you’re groggy from pulling an all-nighter on that term paper or project presentation. Well, fear not! Overnight oats require zero cooking; all you need is a jar, oats, and a few other items you likely already have or can find at your local grocery store. Mix it together in a jar, seal the lid tightly, leave it in the fridge overnight, and wake up to the cool, delicious taste of oats. I’d take this stuff over hot oatmeal any day.

You can modify it as much as you like — try mixing in different foods to make it your own.

Ingredients

⅓ cup Greek yogurt (sometimes I even use yogurt drinks or Kefir)

½ cup (heaping) rolled oats

⅔ cup milk

1 tablespoon chia seeds

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

4-6 frozen strawberries, cut into smaller pieces

Future of Highland Pub uncertain as fall semester begins

By

EIC

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September 12, 2016

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The future of the Highland Pub to be murky as it reopens for the fall semester.

Burgers and brews at the Highland Pub won’t be a thing of the past — at least for the time being.

In May, Martin Wyant, CEO of the Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS) spoke to The Peak in the wake of the announcement that the campus pub would be closed during the summer semester. The closure meant that not only would thirsty students have to look elsewhere for a post- (or pre-) class beverage, but that the students who work at the pub would be left without shifts for an entire semester.

The decision to close the pub during SFU’s least busy semester was made by the Food and Services branch of the SFSS, which claimed that the pub’s loss in sales was too steep to justify being open for business. However, as Wyant explained in a recent interview, the semester-long closure “was an opportunity to identify the problems there and what we can really improve on.”

Wyant and SFSS interim president Larissa Chen confirm that the pub will indeed be open for business during the fall semester, but with a new business model in the works. They hope to explore a “more event-based, catering-based business offering to see if it will help us generate a better return for students,” explained Wyant. The new business model will be presented to the board in mid-October.

The pub will indeed be open for business during the fall semester, but with a new business model in the works.

Chen mentioned some possible ideas for future pub events in hopes of sparking student interest, including a “speaker series, open mic nights, karaoke, [and] trivia nights,” as well as reintroducing previously successful regular events such as Wing Wednesdays.

A possible game changer would be for the pub to allow minors. Wyant expressed that he is aware “students don’t always want to be in an environment that is dominated by alcohol,” and hopes to look into other options when it comes to the pub’s licensing. However, this move also poses difficulties, as the restaurant’s licensing is in the hands of SFU and not the SFSS.

Shayne Grimmer, a fan of the Highland Pub who has watched the pub’s decline in recent years, noted that these changes are long overdue. He told The Peak, “Until I see a detailed breakdown of why it’s costing over $700,000 [Editor’s note: The Peak was unable to confirm this number] to run a pub that’s only open five days a week and during school time, I will be very skeptical that something isn’t right.” He and friends who have worked at the pub believe a makeover like this is crucial for the pub’s survival and claim that fresh ideas for improvement of the pub have even been shot down in the past. From their perspective, poor management has contributed to the pub’s losses, and a change in how the pub is run could benefit everyone involved.

Attendance is only one half of the issue. Chen and Wyant emphasized that finances were the main reason why the pub was closed down this past summer, and continues to be a prominent issue for the SFSS.

As Wyant explained, there are a number of large expenses that must be paid to keep the pub open, including staff wages, operating costs, rent paid to SFU, and most significantly, the skyrocketing costs of food — especially in the last couple of years.

Furthermore, Chen noted that “there seemed to be inconsistencies with record-keeping” before Wyant began working for the SFSS. Sources close to staff at the pub attested to this, as they had previously experienced days and weeks of great sales from the pub and could not imagine that finances would be a problem.

The SFSS suggested students to offer feedback on what they want to see in the pub, emphasizing its value as a student space. However, it is unclear if there is a direct route for students to offer this input. Chen suggested this can be done by joining the SFSS Events and Promotions Committee, by emailing VP services, or filling out the input box on the SFSS website.

With files from Ashley Fraser.

Public forum on pipeline and energy strategy at SFU held by Terry Beech

By

EIC

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September 12, 2016

1

“Facts show the project should be rejected.” So said economist Robyn Allan of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion project on September 7 at SFU’s Diamond Alumni Centre.

She made the statement at a public forum organized by Burnaby North-Seymour MP Terry Beech, the most recent in a series that began in July. Allan and a panel of experts from pipeline-related fields spoke to the over 250 citizens who came to voice their concerns about the pipeline expansion.

During the introduction to the event, Beech made it clear to the attendees that the experts were invited in response to public feedback from previous events, and that their presentations were not vetted by any approval process.

Allan appeared to take full advantage of the freedom, explaining emphatically to cheers and applause that not only the pipeline, but the pipeline approval process was flawed. She questioned the arguments supporting the pipeline’s construction, accusing the National Energy Board (NEB) of “betraying” Canada by recommending conditional approval of the project on May 19.

Vancouver alone could lose up to $1.2 billion in the event of a spill.

The Trans Mountain Pipeline transports oil from Edmonton to Burnaby, and the proposed expansion would triple its capacity. During the NEB hearings, many environmental and community groups criticized the project for posing a risk to the environment and public safety, and tabling aboriginal rights.

There was also criticism of the NEB itself, which reportedly did not consider some environmental impacts in its assessment, and had a former oil industry consultant appointed to its ranks by the Harper government.

A common argument against the pipeline is that a catastrophic oil leak or spill would cause billions of dollars worth of damage to British Columbia’s economy, impacting fisheries, tourism, and local water supplies.

Michael Lowry of West Coast Marine Response Corporation explained that there are many resources in place to rapidly combat an oil spill, but critics insist that the measures are insufficient. The local environmental group Stand argued in a media statement that “the best way to prevent oil spills is not to increase tanker traffic.”

The NEB report on its decision explains that $1.3 billion has been set aside by various oil companies and international bodies, but a UBC study said that Vancouver alone could lose up to $1.2 billion in the event of a spill. There was also some controversy during the forum about whether spill responders could clean up the diluted bitumen in the same way as conventional oil.

Another recurring theme of the evening was the sentiment that the Liberal government has already struck a very different tone from its predecessor since its election in October 2015.

Canada-Asia expert and UBC professor Paul Evans explained that “[former prime minister] Joe Clark often talks about our new Liberal government [. . .] as, he’s never known a government that has tried to do more things more quickly and with more consultations.” Beech was also praised widely by MPs Joyce Murray (Vancouver Quadra), Joe Peschisolido (Steveston–Richmond East), and audience members for organizing the public events.

However, attendees voiced concerns throughout the evening that the Trudeau government’s approach to the environment and energy seemed to be out of sync. “I don’t think we yet have an energy strategy,” Evans said, explaining that Canada’s relationship with China is currently undergoing rapid change. The capacity increase to the pipeline has been marketed as a way for Canada to sell more oil to the Asian superpower.

This past August, in Montreal, protesters marched into the NEB meeting room for the Energy East Pipeline that would carry tar sands oil from Alberta to New Brunswick. Two NEB meetings were cancelled in response.

During the response period, some members of the audience expressed that same defiant attitude, with one explaining that the government could choose to not approve the project in December, or things would have to be done “the hard way.”

What you need to know about Fringe Fest 2016

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EIC

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September 12, 2016

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Vancouver Fringe Festival is a massive celebration of all things theatre. Some of the productions are weird and offbeat, while others are of a more low-key nature. It’s an opportunity for everybody to find something that they are interested in, but with over 700 performances to choose from, it can be more than just a bit overwhelming.

This is our solution to the overwhelming nature of Fringe: a guide that contains a few helpful tips and tricks so that when you decide to go to Fringe you don’t yell, “Fuck this shit, there is just too much and I can’t even.”

PLAN AHEAD

While this would seem obvious, it never hurts to be reminded. There are numerous venues that take part in Fringe (with the majority being on Granville Island), so one way to plan ahead is to pick a specific venue if you want to watch a little of this and a little of that. It also helps to know how you plan on getting places. Find out what the transit schedules look like for the area and if buses run late. Nobody wants a $50-cab to a SkyTrain station. You could also make a show-by-show schedule if you know there are only specific ones you are interested in. The program guide is available on the festival’s website or at select Blenz Coffee locations.

GO WITH A GROUP

Just like any other festival, it can help to go with a group. Having other people to rely on can take away some of the uncertainty if you are debating what to go and see, as there is usually at least one person within the group who has a set idea on what shows to attend. If that person isn’t you, it will help you to make a decision without feeling overwhelmed, and can also introduce you to something that you didn’t know you liked.

KNOW YOUR AGE RESTRICTIONS

Some of the venues are 19+. So make sure that if you are underage you don’t set your heart on a show at one of these venues.

TICKETS, MEMBERSHIP, AND OTHER BORING THINGS

There will be some tickets sold at the door beginning 45 minutes before the show starts, but sometimes shows will sell out early, so if you really want to see something buy your tickets early. All tickets are $14 unless you purchase a Frequent Fringer card, which will get you discounts.

You also need a Vancouver Fringe Theatre Society membership to get into the shows. It’s $5 and is good until September 6, 2017. You need this to get into any and all shows, so make sure you have it with you at all times, or you’ll be charged again.

Be there early. Every show starts right on time, and with over 700 shows scheduling is important. If you aren’t there on time you won’t be let into the show. No exceptions.

An interview with Mayumi Yoshida, creator of the play NeOn

Alex Bloom, Multimedia Assistant

Mayumi Yoshida’s NeOn weaves together many different stories to explore how love shapes us. Yoshida is a Japanese actor, playwright, and director. Born in Yokohama, Japan, she has lived in Belgium, Washington state, and currently resides in Vancouver. She grew up speaking Japanese and learned English at a young age, but NeOn is her first time writing and directing a play in English.

The Peak: What was your vision in writing NeOn?

Mayumi Yoshida: I wanted to see how many different types of people could be on stage and mesh together. They’re so different but they still coexist. Which is what we live in right now. I feel like what I tried to do is [. . .] everybody is so different but they seem to have similar problems, even in different time periods, different races, backgrounds we seem to struggle or strive for something that is quite similar.

P: Why the capitalization of the “N” and the “O” in NeOn?

MY: Right, because in Japanese “Né” is a sound that we have, and it has so many meanings, and “On” [means] sound so Né-On, it’s two different words but in English it means neon.

P: Would you consider yourself more comfortable speaking in Japanese or English?

MY: Japanese. Sometimes I dream in both languages, though.

P: Do you think in English or Japanese?

MY: It depends on the topics. I taught an acting class in Japan when I went back. I did these acting exercises and it was so hard because I kept on thinking in English. Some things are easier to do in English and sometimes it’s vice versa. I don’t [know] where or how my mind separates that.

P: What is it like writing a play that’s not in your first language?

MY: Actually I wrote the first two-thirds of the play in Japanese and then translated it. It took a while. It felt like I was writing two scripts but by that point I had the tone of the English-speaking characters and how I wanted to have these dialogues flow, so it was easier to just write in English.

P: How much Japanese remains in the play?

MY: My part is entirely in Japanese. We’ll have subtitles, and I’m playing two parts: I play a grandmother and her granddaughter having a conversation over lunch.

P: Why the choice to have English and Japanese in the play?

MY: I always felt like there was this weird division that we have, not just racial division, but we assume that people won’t be able to accept something that’s foreign when what matters more is the story and not just the language. I wanted to see how much I could blend that foreign language factor into an English-speaking play. So that the two languages can coexist. So it doesn’t feel like, “Oh, I just saw a Japanese play.”

P: What is it like directing a play that you are also acting in?

MY: Um. . . Terrifying?

NeOn

The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St.

Show times:

Monday, September 12, 10 p.m.*

Friday, September 16, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 17, 2:00 p.m.

*Half-price

An interview with Johnny Wu, assistant director of The Dance Teacher

Tessa Perkins

Disclaimer: The Dance Teacher centres on themes of sexual assault and may be triggering for some viewers and readers.

SFU theatre and criminology student Johnny Wu is the assistant director of The Dance Teacher at this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival. He talked to The Peak about how the play explores the many perspectives in a sexual assault case, what he’s learned from this directing experience, and how everyone can relate to the themes of the play.

The Peak: How did you become assistant director of The Dance Teacher?

Johnny Wu: I met Gerald [director and playwright] while working on another show and he asked if I would be interested in working on The Dance Teacher. We had a meeting and I read the script and said yes right away. It’s a topic I’m very interested in.

P: Can you describe the story of The Dance Teacher?

JW: It’s a fictionalized version of a sexual assault case, and it’s about the social reaction to the case. We don’t see any of Justin’s students, but we hear from parents of the children, detectives, professors, and his former dance teacher who had assaulted his students. It’s broken into small scenes such as Justin talking to a reporter or being interrogated. It’s almost like learning a bit more about the story each day if you were reading about it in the newspaper, and then you piece it together. The glue that holds those pieces together is your own critical thinking. By the end of the play you start to really question whether Justin is innocent.

P: What are you studying at SFU?

JW: I’m a theatre and criminology double major, and this show has a lot of connections to my criminology studies. I always want to tie social issues into the theatre, and this show ties all my studies together.

P: How has this experience contributed to your studies?

JW: I used to think that theatre always had to have a message, but now I see theatre as a medium to start discussion. We don’t know all the answers, and this show asks us as creators how we view sexual assault cases. I’m enjoying the process of questioning, and in class I’m going to ask more questions instead of always looking for answers.

P: What makes this show relevant and relatable?

JW: The show deals with the dilemma between being rational and emotional, and I think that resonates. We know rationally we need to think one way, but emotionally we feel another. In sexual assault cases we start using emotional connections to jump to conclusions; the show asks us where we stand in this dilemma.

P: Do you like Justin’s character?

JW: There’s something about Justin that makes you want to like him. He’s a sexual assault victim himself, so some people sympathize with him based on that, but it brings up the question of whether his victimization justifies his actions. It’s so hard to say whether you like him; he’s not made to like or hate and the play doesn’t push one way or the other.

P: Are there other SFU connections in the show?

JW: Tony Giroux, a communication alumnus, plays Justin. He’s a professional dancer in the city and he actually taught me dance in the past, so we joke that he’s my dance teacher.

P: Is Justin’s sexuality discussed in the play?

JW: The director wanted to create the idea that Justin is asexual. He has neutral relationships with both men and women. His dance students are mostly boys, so this adds another layer and raises questions of gender. One of the fathers says, “This is not rape because they’re not girls,” and one of the detectives mentions that for most sexual predators it has nothing to do with sexuality, gender, or marital status. It raises those questions about whether his sexuality even matters.

P: Sounds like a very interesting, multifaceted story.

JW: There is so much detail, and I see something new every time I watch it. It’s exciting to produce plays that are more than just entertainment.

The Dance Teacher

Studio 16, 1555 West 7th Ave.

Show times:

Monday, September 12, 5 p.m.

Wednesday September 14, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, September 17, 9:45 p.m.

Sunday, September 18, 5:15 p.m.

Sports Briefs

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EIC

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September 12, 2016

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web-mackenzie-lisa-dimyadi — Mackenzie Hamill was named to theCollegeSwimming.com’s Division II Pre-Season All-America team off the back of last year's strong season.

Women’s Field Hockey

SFU women’s field hockey have announced that John Smythe will be their head coach for the upcoming season. Smythe was a former member of the Canadian national men’s field hockey team.

Women’s Soccer

SFU was held to a scoreless draw against the Cal State LA Golden Eagles on Thursday night. The draw leaves the Clan unbeaten through their first two games of the season. Monpreet Heer led SFU with four shots on goal, while goalkeeper Priya Sandhu saved three shots.

Volleyball

The volleyball team beat San Francisco State in straight sets in the first game of the D2 West Region Volleyball Showcase. Emma Jennings and Devon May led the team with 10 kills each. The Clan will play their first home game of the season this Wednesday against defending GNAC champions Western Washington.

Swimming

SFU swimmers Lauren Swistak, Mackenzie Hamill, and Adrian Vanderelm have all been named to CollegeSwimming.com’s Division II Pre-Season All-America team. Hamill won the national title in the 1,650 freestyle last season. Swistak broke the SFU all-time record in the 200 freestyle, and Vanderhelm had the fifth fastest time in Division II history in the 500 freestyle.

Men’s and women’s golf trying to continue previous success

By

EIC

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September 12, 2016

0

chris_crisologo — Chris Crisologo is expected to lead men’s golf once again this upcoming season.

It was a tale of two different seasons for both the men’s and women’s golf teams at SFU. While the women won the GNAC championship, the men finished below their lofty expectations, coming in third. However, head coach John Buchanan is confident that both teams will have successful years.

“I think that the women’s team are capable of repeating it. The men’s team, once you get through the regular season play, getting to regionals is just getting tougher,” Buchanan told The Peak. “There’s new schools coming in, and so they’ve got to get tougher.”

Golf is a different animal than other sports. It’s hard to create a general game plan for a sport that is as highly individualistic as golf. Once you’re out on the course, you’re basically on your own.

“There’s no offence or defence,” noted Buchanan. “It’s basically: you’re on the first tee, you’ve already played your practice round, you’ve made your notes, have you got the composure when you make a mistake not to make a bigger mistake?”

A major key to start this season will be the players’ form heading in. By NCAA rules, the team cannot start practicing and meeting as a team until September 9, and as a result players on both the men’s and women’s teams play tournaments leading up to the start of the season to get back in the swing of things. These results will be used as a “measuring stick” for the upcoming season, according to Buchanan.

One player that is expected to lead the Clan once again on the men’s side is Chris Crisologo. Last year, he won the GNAC Player of the Year award, and individually tied for third at the GNAC championship.

“Golf is a funny game, it ebbs and flows,” said Buchanan. “Expect[ing] Chris to shoot subpar every round is asking a lot. But I would be very surprised if he didn’t continue to be a number one player and have an impact in the conference. [He’ll] be a key player to help the guys get back to regionals.”

On the women’s side, Emily Leung is hoping to have another strong season. She was the winner of the GNAC Freshman of the Year award, and helped to lead the women to a GNAC championship.

“Well, when we started our season last year she won her first tournament, she was a major player for the season with her team,” added Buchanan. “When we went to the conference, she came in last in the team. It happens. She’s a very, very good player, [but] she’s going to have tournaments and rounds where she doesn’t click.”

The men begin their season at Saint Martin’s University on September 23, while the women start their season against Saint Martin’s on October 7.

Bite-sized news from around the world

By

EIC

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September 12, 2016

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worldnews — A snapshot of the latest news around the world.

BRAZIL – Brazil’s first female president impeached

The impeachment of Dilma Rousseff from the Workers’ Party has been in process since 2015. She has been suspended from office since May and lost her presidency on August 30. Rousseff was very popular amongst the public, but the growing economic problems in Brazil since 2011 led to a loss of support. Rousseff allegedly wasn’t involved in any corruption scandals, but faced impeachment due to allegations of illegal handling of federal budgets. It is claimed that she committed these crimes to enhance the standing of government accounts to gain local support, while on the other hand, Rousseff argues that her predecessors had acted similarly. Some believe that the pretext for her impeachment is a political coup against her.

With files from BBC News and The Guardian

US – President Obama calls out Trump-Putin bromance

Obama has been the president for long enough to know what to say on national and international forums. Meanwhile, Trump has been accused of making substantial, inconsistent, and illogical statements on international affairs since the beginning of his presidential run. Trump praised the “strong control” that President Putin has over Russia, while also adding that Putin is a better leader than Obama.

The courtship between Trump and Putin is no secret, as Putin has endorsed Trump’s campaign. The two have also demonstrated similar views on aggressively dealing with ISIS. Obama, expressing his distrust for Trump, recently said, “I don’t think the guy is qualified to be the president of the United States.” Obama added that presidency is “serious business.”

With files from BBC News

SYRIA – Syrian refugees’ miraculous escape in wheelchairs

It’s been five years since the Syrian Civil War began, and numerous migrants have since sought to cross the border to safety. Alan Mohammad and his sister, Gyan, are two Syrians who crossed the borders fleeing for their safety just like other refugees. However, this story is defined by the challenges that the siblings have faced as individuals with muscular dystrophy. The siblings’ journey was captured by Amnesty International. A spokesperson for the organization described their migration as a sign of their “strength and resilience.” Alan said that “for disabled people, it’s like a miracle to cross the border.” The siblings travelled by boat and were also strapped to horses on their way to Kurdistan, as shown in the video by Amnesty International.

With files from NBC News

Satellite Signals

By

EIC

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September 12, 2016

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Woodward’s

The world is evolving and facing a time of severe climate change, a rise in sea levels, and an increase in extreme weather and environmental disasters. Join Ian Angus as he launches his new book Facing the Anthropocene: Fossil Capitalism and the Crisis of the Earth System. Angus will discuss how our world will change and evolve through the Anthropocene period, and what we can do to improve the increasing dangers that our planet is facing. This event is free and will take place on September 15 at 7 p.m. in the Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre.

SFU Surrey

Have a passion for city planning and community involvement? The SFU Surrey-Central City Student Community Engagement Competition is back! This competition asks students to enter various projects and ideas to increase engagement throughout the Surrey neighbourhood. Students can enter alone or in teams for a chance to win $2,000–$3,000 in prizes. Enter online by October 12.

Harbour Centre

Join the exciting roundtable at SFU Harbour Centre on September 16 at 7:30 p.m. discussing the growth of right-wing populism in Western countries. Speakers include professors from the Spanish-American literature department at UBC as well as SFU’s humanities and liberal studies departments respectively, who will discuss the reasoning behind the far-right’s influence on the Western world. Scholars will explore topics including neoliberal policies and the migration crisis. This lecture will take place in room 7000.

Embark’s Food Rescue Program increases its distribution this fall

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EIC

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September 12, 2016

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embark_food_web — Kevin Chau, Food Rescue Program Manager, shows one of the bins that is filled with produce each week.

It’s time to support those bruises on the fruit and vegetables in the produce aisle.

Embark (formerly Sustainable SFU), a not-for-profit society serving the SFU community and providing sustainable programs to improve SFU’s ecological footprint, has launched an initiative called the Food Rescue Program.

The program is dedicated to salvaging and redistributing organic waste to the SFU community. The Food Rescue team has re-allocated “edible yet imperfect produce from Nesters at each distribution,” said Ali White, program manager at Embark. Food Rescue Program manager, Kevin Chau, also told The Peak that “students repeatedly came back throughout the summer [for produce] and we hope that it continues to support them.”

The Food Rescue Program aims to decrease the amount of food waste that many supermarkets create by providing an affordable way for students to receive nutritious produce. Second Harvest, the number one food rescue service in Toronto, released a report in 2014 that shows food waste costs Canadians $31 billion dollars a year, with 53 percent of that waste occurring from foods deemed in imperfect in grocery stores.

The SFU program is continuing to live up to its name, “rescuing” healthy fruits and vegetables that can be collected for free or by donation. It has accomplished many of its goals since its June 2 inception. Ali White explained that the Food Rescue team has reached its distribution goal, and will be moving from distributing once every two weeks to a weekly distribution which began on September 8. There have been a total of eight bi-weekly distributions since the project began. Kevin Chau told The Peak, “we originally started the program with one bin of produce every two weeks weighing between 20kg to 30 kg.” The Food Rescue program now has two bins of produce a week with roughly 50kg to 60 kg of produce each week. The team also plans to reach out to the SFU Harbour Centre for distribution.

The program aims to show SFU students that there is more than what meets the eye when buying produce. It stresses the importance of having access to healthy and nutritious products, while also addressing a growing problem of food waste in supermarkets. It also allows students to understand that most imperfect fruits and vegetables are still edible and a healthy choice for students.

You can join the Food Rescue team and pick up your produce in Blusson Hall on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your own bag!

With files from Ashley Fraser.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY

By

Peak Web

-

September 9, 2016

0

By: Jaiden Dembo, Sarah Finley, Max James Hill, and Courtney Miller

Follow The Peak on Spotify to stay up to date on New Music Friday.

“Waste a Moment” – Kings of Leon

Courtney Miller: The intro builds quickly, wasting little time to reach the quick tempo the song rides all the way through. It doesn’t sound terribly different from other Kings of Leon songs, but it’s still fun. I imagine it would be a great song to go running to, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Max James Hill: I’ve never really been a big Kings of Leon guy, but this song is pretty OK, if a little toothless. Seems like it would fit well in an earnest teen movie or something. Also Kings of Leon spell it with a capital-A which is clearly incorrect.

Sarah Finley: Kings of Leon is one of those bands that just seems to never go away. This track follows their typical sound: guitar- and snare drum-heavy with, of course, the lead singer’s uniquely high-pitched vocals. If you’re searching for something new, keep looking.

Jaiden Dembo: Upbeat rock vibes from this track get your heart soaring with the potential of a new start. It’s fitting for the first weeks of a new semester as the lyrics encourage you to live in the moment. Except sometimes, living in the moment means taking the time to do nothing at all.

“Influence” – Tove Lo feat. Wiz Khalifa

CM: I’m really liking the low, rhythmic, and sensual mood Tove Lo conjures in the opening of this song. I’m apprehensive though as I await Wiz Khalifa’s entrance but I’m pleasantly surprised at the rap interjection. It works really well with the song, and I’d be down to listen to this again.

MJH: I like the downbeat vibes of this song. I’ve never heard of Tove Lo before (is it pronouced Tuh-ve Loo, like love to, or Toh-ve Low?) but it’s pretty good bubblegum pop. Wiz Khalifa is totally out of place, though, just like on every song he’s in.

SF: Every Tove Lo track I’ve ever heard is about being under the influence in some capacity, so this song seems redundant. There were a few times when I almost thought the track would have some sort of bass drop or become more upbeat, but it never happened, leaving me bored.

JD: The sexy and low mood will get you dancing into the night. Tove Lo’s sensual vocals encourage your hips to sway and indulge your inhibitions late into the night. Paired with Wiz Khalifa’s quick flow, Tove Lo’s carnal tones are only further accentuated.

“Flow With It (You Got Me Feeling Like) – St. Paul and the Broken Bones

CM: My first thought is that this would make killer elevator music. The vocals are smooth, the horns are classic, and the jazz is a good feel. But I can’t escape the elevator/on-hold-with-the-phone-company vibe it gives off.

MJH: I’m kind of over the whole rock revivalism thing. These guys sound like a poor man’s Black Keys, and even they aren’t that good to begin with.

SF: This track features a jazzy horn section in the background, and the vocals don’t stray from this vibe. Romantic lyrics are the perfect finishing touch. A+ for post-candlelit-dinner-dates when you’re wine-drunk dancing barefoot in the kitchen.

JD: This tune takes you immediately to the smoky blues of yesteryear. There’s nothing more powerful than some jazzy harmonies to get your body grooving. The vocals are raspy and powerful but they blend into smooth tones at just the right moments.

“Perfect Illusion” – Lady Gaga

CM: It starts with a retro, maybe mid-’80s rock throwback sound, and then it quickly switches to a more signature Gaga experience: lots of percussion and a focus on the bass beat. Her range is great, but it does toe the line of too much whine (and crosses it too often for my liking) in the very repetitive “perfect illusion.”

MJH: This is the first I’ve heard from Lady Gaga since she totally dropped off the face of the Earth a few years ago, and I’m not impressed. She sounds a bit like Katy Perry covering Eurythmics, and the song is about as messy and weird as that would be. I miss weird Gaga. (Also it totally steals from “Everything is Embarrassing” at one point and I would not be surprised if Sky Ferreira pursues legal action.)

SF: Unpopular opinion: Lady Gaga’s new era of music isn’t nearly as exciting or fun to dance to as The Fame Lady Gaga. That being said, this track emphasizes Gaga’s impressively powerful vocals and is the best track she’s come out with recently.

JD: Classic Gaga with powerful vocals that shoot you right in the heart. This track hits home with all the heartbroken lovers as realization sinks in that what they thought was, wasn’t. Lady Gaga makes you want to dance your pain away with this cathartic track.

“Singing Low” – The Fray

CM: The vocals are breathy, which kind of works with the music, but it leaves me wanting more of the power I know to be lurking there beneath the surface. It’s not a bad song, but nothing really jumps out about it either. A perfectly listenable, middle-of-the-road song.

MJH: Dear the Fray: You will never top “How to Save a Life” so please stop trying. Love, Max.

SF: Slow, gentle, and sad, The Fray creates yet another song that’s perfect for staring solemnly out of a bus window while it’s raining. This track’s slow percussion and collection of minor piano chords will have you thinking about all your exes — listen at your own risk.

JD: You can definitely feel the beat in this track as Isaac Slade belts out heartbreak and confusion. His high tones lull you into a rhythm that convinces you to stay. Frustration at what you can’t have and what you want begs for everything to slow down and to stop everything from crumbling to pieces.

“Chroma” – Bearcubs

CM: The first 45 seconds sounded like some kind of weird musical experiment, and it never really left that path. It was dissonant — but in like a future robotic kind of way that almost worked. I’d pass on listening to it again.

MJH: The singer’s voice kind of reminds me of James Blake — as for the quality of the song, not so much.

SF: I’m not entirely certain how to describe this track other than sleepy, possibly hypnotizing. Deep, echoing, masculine vocals, with lyrics like “trip over the colors,” make me feel like I’m in some sort of dream state. Not that this is a bad thing.

JD: Do you hear a ghost calling out? Spooky ambience opens this electronic track then a voice as deep as the ocean slips in. Low, atmospheric beats accompany the vocals while voices and sounds echo through the background.

“Gucci Snakes” – Tyga feat. Desiigner

CM: Starting off with autotune so prominent I can’t make out a word is not recommended. The rap wasn’t smooth: it had weird syllables in places where they shouldn’t have been and it made the entire song overall unenjoyable. Hard pass.

MJH: Tyga and Desiigner are two of the most boring rappers in the game so this isn’t my thing. It sounds like Wal-Mart brand Young Thug. Kanye should be ashamed for putting Tyga on his label.

SF: Tyga grosses me out as a human being, and his music is hardly a redeeming quality. The track opens with what sounds like retching noises, and the lyrics are entirely about how much money he has. As someone who is thousands of dollars in debt, I’m just annoyed.

JD: Re-enter the autotuned voice and what sounds like a gremlin screeching in the background. Bragging about riches, drugs, and sex is nothing new for the rap scene, as Tyga and Desiigner boast about brand names that few can afford.

“Anymore” – Melanie C

CM: I like the minimalist introduction before it low-key explodes into synth. The composition reminds me of Michael Jackson in a lot of places, but then original riffs pop in which keep me guessing whether or not I actually hear MJ It wouldn’t be out of place at an ‘80s pop party.

MJH: This song is like gum: it’s sweet at first but then it’s just kind of gross and flavourless and you want to spit it out.

SF: If you’re looking for a breakup song, this one provides an interesting juxtaposition between upbeat ’80s-style instrumentals, vocals, and percussion, and heartbreaking lyrics that centre around not being able to move on.

JD: Isn’t it always difficult to move on from someone? Melanie C preaches the struggles of loving someone you shouldn’t anymore, and the battle to escape the memories. Slow rhythms echo that frustration, then burst into an upbeat chorus that cries for the change that everyone seeks after heartbreak.

“Beast” – Tungevaag and Raaban Isac Elliot

CM: If “What Does the Fox Say” had more relatable lyrics and fewer bass drops, it could easily be a sibling to this track. The lyrics don’t always have cohesion, but we forgive them because it’s still a funky (in terms of weirdness, not musicality) and enjoyable song.

MJH: I like that these guys are trying to be a bit more experimental than your average pop duo, but the result is kind of a mess. It sounds like Chris Brown after taking salvia.

SF: The lyrics in this track sound like the type that every white boy I went to high school with would’ve created when they were going through their rapper wannabe phases. Featuring a very shallow bass drop near the end, this song just made me smirk and feel blessed to finally be in university.

JD: Vocals cut clear from the electronic beat to sing of the man-eater. In this reversal of male-hunter, female-prey the hunt is echoed through fast-paced electronic vibes. As the beat picks up for the drops, you can envision the chase between the beast and the bait and hope he gets caught.

“Errors” – K.I.D

CM: The subject matter is pretty serious, discussing an experience with mental illness. It felt like it should have been catchy based on the melody, but the lyrics weren’t in the same vein which isn’t seen very often. I’d listen to it again, but don’t think I’d seek it out.

MJH: I like this. The singer’s got a distinct voice and an earnest delivery. It definitely simplifies mental illness a bit, but I like the contrast between the sad lyrics and upbeat sound. Seems like a promising artist.

SF: This track is another one with painfully relatable lyrics about being depressed and unmotivated, sung to upbeat electronic instrumentals. Am I supposed to be dancing? Crying? I don’t know anymore?

JD: This track speaks to many a student who is trying their best but can’t help it as their mood sinks lower. Depression is addressed in this paradoxical, cheerful-angst pop song that accepts one’s failings. You can pick up on the undertones of anxiety in the fast beat of this track, with lyrics about struggling to even get out of bed and get dressed.

“Silly Bones” – Streets of Laredo

CM: It’s a light and fun song, good for listening outside on a nice sunny day. There are musical breaks that have an old video game-feel, but they’re few and fleeting so they don’t detract too much from this unassuming toe-tapper.

MJH: Not the most original song, but it’s cute. I like the chiptune feel and the twee vocal delivery. Isn’t something I would seek out, but it’s not awful like most of the songs this week have been.

SF: Electric guitar and casual vocals make this track unmemorable, finishing with slightly heavier percussion than it started with.

JD: Bring on the quick strings of the guitar and the uniquely nasal vocals. This cheery tune sings of nonsensical things that somehow make sense if you take a minute to think about it. Whether you can understand the message or not this alternative track is fun to bop along to.

“digging for windows” – Zack de la Rocha

CM: It sounded like it might be a hard rock jam, but fairly quickly it devolved into really angry-sounding rap. He overuses the echo effect which is very distracting and really detracts from what he’s trying to accomplish. That being said, I’ve no idea what the point of the song is, what he’s angry about, or what the hell “digging for windows” even means.

MJH: I’m not a huge Zack de la Rocha fan but this is pretty good stuff. The production by El-P is claustrophobic and tinny as usual, and it really matches the song and de la Rocha’s vocals well. At some points it sounds a bit like a Death Grips rip-off but overall this definitely bodes well for the rapper’s upcoming album.

SF: Angsty lyrics about living in Los Angeles are rapped over the top of a steady window-vibrating bassline. While this track is admittedly not my cup of tea, I can appreciate the work he’s done previously with artists like Run the Jewels.

JD: This track is aggressive right out of the gates as it charges into disgruntled rap verses. The gnarled beat that plays in the background grates on your nerves to work you up into the same mood as the vocalist. If you need to pump yourself up for a fight, a workout, or an exam you’re dreading, then this is the track for you.