Piracy: labels hate it, artists love it
Local students and music consumers also have something to say about the availability of free product. “I love music,” states Matt Thiessen, a 21-year-old UFV student who keeps The Pirate Bay at the top of his bookmarked websites. “I am a guitarist in a newly formed band,” he continues, “and can really think of no reason why I wouldn’t want our songs available for free download on a website like The Pirate Bay. The one thing any music artist yearns for is exposure – for people to ultimately know about, and want to listen to the music we produce.”
The problem with the Quebec protests
The point of the protest is to draw attention—the right kind of attention—and create change. The Quebec government is the one who will change, but to force their hand the students must get the public on their side. Violence and damage to public property is not the way to go.
Buddhist community slowly growing in Abbotsford
Local Buddhists have been enjoying their new and semi-permanent home as a part of the Abbotsford community at the Dorjechang Centre, which opened September 2011. Hoping to expand further and spread peace and relaxation to stressed and overworked university students was a dream cut short as UFV’s Continuing Studies department turned down an application by the Dorjechang Centre to teach a meditation class through UFV.
Ikeatown: utopia or autocracy?
Is this another dangerous step toward a brand-controlled world? There certainly seems to be a frightening element of autocracy. Or, is this model of central control a good method for bringing intelligent, holistic design practices to new neighbourhoods?
Spring and the relationship status
Apparently, if I don’t declare it on the internet, my relationship isn’t real. When did “Facebook-official” become “official-official”?
Ocean Wise: sustainable seafood?
Ocean Wise, a subsidiary organization of the Vancouver Aquarium that partners with suppliers, restaurants, and grocery stores to inform consumers about sustainable seafood sources, could have its recommendations to and approval of food served at universities and other institutions dictated by external sources.
Well, it has to be someone’s problem
As I frantically attempt to register for any classes taking place over the summer 2012 semester, I can’t help but feel punished – as if I’ve done something wrong by wanting to attend classes over the summer. Punished!
Dan Savage lashes out, but is the best defence really a good offence?
As creator of the “It Gets Better” campaign against bullying, sex educator and activist Dan Savage is not someone who fits the description of “bully” very well. Much of Savage’s career has been spent advocating for LGBT rights and spreading awareness of sexual issues, yet in the last week Savage has been heavily criticized – not for defending the oppressed, but instead for being one of their oppressors.
The fight for copyright
UFV is in the midst of a battle. The University has been in negotiations with Access Copyright for the last year-and-a-half in an attempt to find a middle ground between what both parties believe is a fair tariff to pay on the copying UFV students and professors do on a day-to-day basis.
Another successful exhibition for BFA students
UFV’s 2012 Bachelor of Fine Arts Graduation Exhibition, themed “Soon This Space Will Be Too Small,” runs from April 27 to May 17. The B Building Visual Arts Gallery plays host to the free exhibit that showcases the artwork of BFA student degree candidates.
Conscription haunts throughout generations
I was sad a few weeks ago to learn that a close friend of mine would be leaving to return to his native South Korea after he received a letter in the mail from the government. I won’t state my friend’s name here given the subject matter, but the long and short of it is that my friend is going to be a soldier, due to his nation’s law that all men aged 18-35 must complete two years of mandatory military service for his country.
SUS pulls out of CASA full membership
The new Student Union Society’s (SUS) executive board has now voted to step down from its full CASA membership to associate membership with a vote of nine to five. This follows an earlier decision to table the issue so the board could become more informed about the role of the Canadian Alliance of Student’s Associations (CASA) as it applies to UFV students.
Bread and circuses raise their ugly heads
In its prime, the Romans achieved a level of political and military efficiency that wouldn’t be equaled in Europe for a thousand years. In its decline the Roman Empire achieved a legendary level of hedonistic decadence which ended in mad slaughtering by scary Germanic tribesmen. The major reason for this decline in the popular imagination (besides their strange and unusual sexual practices) is that of their preoccupation with pleasure.
Allowing animals a dignified existence
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) met in Vancouver this February, attracting scientists and journalists from over 50 nations. A wide variety of topics were addressed, but gaining the most publicity was the introduction of a bill entitled “Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans.” Since the conference, the issue has sparked controversy and made headlines around the world.
The lost humanity of modern slavery
Modern-day slavery, also known as human trafficking, occurs everywhere. According to Aaron Cohen in Slave Hunters, slavery didn’t disappear when it was abolished by law. “It more like fell off our radar,” he says, “went underground and changed its face.”
IKEA to create cities
In a groundbreaking new decision, IKEA has decided to expand into city-form. An IKEA city is set to be built in North London, and the brand is alight with the excitement of this new venture.
Canada pinches pennies
In a surprising, but not unexpected move on March 29, as part of this year’s Federal budget, the Canadian government sent the order to the Royal Canadian Mint that in the month of April, it is to cease production of the Canadian one-cent coin – the penny.
Fungi might eat plastic, but cannot save the world
According to a Digital Journal article by Anne Sewell, a group of students from Yale University found a fungus that digests and breaks down plastic. In other words, a fungus that can eat the plastic that lives under our landfills. A simple solution to the problem of our overflowing garbage? It could be. I think it’s a terrible idea.
The doctor will not see you now
The Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians states they will do their best to help all life and “renounce self-interest.” We could assume that means when we’re sick we can have someone who’s looking out for that bad case of the sniffles or post-exam headache. However, when it comes to finding a family doctor, you’ll need to prepare yourself. In order to find a family doctor you must apply, and then book an appointment where the doctor reviews your application to decide if they will take you on. Take you on?
Coast Capital Savings: Investing in a brighter future
Coast Capital Savings has decided to invest in the students of UFV in the hope that this money will allow a growth in leadership and experience for the students.
Cuts to Katimavik are cuts to Canadian youth
If you‘ve been living under a rock (or, as a student facing exams, a pile of books) this past week, and haven‘t heard the news of the new federal budget, I’m here to regretfully inform you that the Conservative government has decided to cut all funding to Katimavik, a nation-wide youth volunteer program.
Where is the compassion?
The issue of abortion brings out the fiercest rhetoric in people. Whenever the issue surfaces, people on both sides of the issue become obstinate. As the modern debate has now raged for decades, both sides have lost sight of the humanity of this issue. Both sides cite science, morality and human-rights, and both sides decry the other as morally corrupt and horribly out of touch with reality. If we are to make any ground on this issue, we must take a step back and realize that this is ultimately a human issue.
UFV students venture abroad to study
Students are taking advantage of the outbound international program offered though UFV international. UFV international offers extensive programs through partnerships with many universities all over the world.
