Muse

Volume 59 Number 13

The January 15, 2008

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The coMUNdrum: Lovers in an Even sports isn’t Stay in school,
N.L.’s high debt economically recession-proof kids
and low tuition dangerous time See $sports p. 15 See $feature, p. 8
See $news p. 3 $opinions, p. 7
Cover Photo by Chad Young , Illustration by Elsa Morena
  NEWS
MUNSU lowers signature
expectations for petition
Director external optimistic
about eliminating loan
interest despite economic
downturn
By Kenny Sharpe
T he MUN Students’ Union
has decreased its goal of
20,000 signatures on a petition
for student loan interest
elimination to be presented to
the provincial government.
“At this point I think we have
a count of about 7,000, which
is positive,” said Cameron
Campbell, external affairs
director for the MUN Students’
Union (MUNSU).
“Our goal is to collect
between 5 and 10,000 signatures
so we have already surpassed
or are going to meet our
expectations.”
Campbell says that over the
next couple of weeks the bulk
of petitions should be collected,
boosting the overall number of
signatures to be presented.
MUNSU’s meeting with
Minister of Education Joan
Burke is tentatively slated for
the end of this month.
C a mpb el l hop e s t he
message of the petition will be
incorporated into this year’s
provincial budget.
“As long as [the signatures]
are in before the budget
consultation is wrapped up,
we’re OK. We obviously want
to be able to get in there
beforehand. We don’t want to
hand [the petitions] in after the
money is all gone.”
“We’re pretty optimistic
about it, and we hope that in the
midst of all this financial crisis
that we are still remembered
and that students aren’t left
behind,” said Campbell.
Eliminating the interest
on provincial portions of
Newfoundland and Labrador
student loans would cost about
0.5 per cent of the province’s
surplus for 2008.
In h is pre-budget a r y
Muse
The
Staff
Editor-in-Chief Arts Editor
Kerri Breen Sarah King
chief@themuse.ca arts@themuse.ca
News Editor Sports Editor
Ian MacDonald Jon Dykeman
news@themuse.ca sports@themuse.ca
Production Manager Features Editor
Nathan Downey
Elsa Morena
production@themuse.ca features@themuse.ca submissions@themuse.ca
Copy Editor
Science Editor
Zaren White Ashley Lockyer
copy@themuse.ca science@themuse.ca
The Muse is a member of Canadian University Press (CUP). Established in 1950 as a successor to the Memorial Times (est. 1936), it distributes 12,000 copies weekly and is published by The Muse Publications Inc. The Muse reserves the right to
edit copy for length, profanity, content, grammatical errors and material that is unfairly discriminatory or which contravenes Canadian libel laws. Opinions expressed in The Muse are not necessarily those of the staff, MUNSU, the Board of
Directors, or the administration of Memorial University. Material within is copyright The Muse and its contributors, 2006. Permission is given for any member CUP paper to reproduce (giggady) and alter material for publication so long as the
original intent is not altered. The Muse is printed by Transcontinental.
{ Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca
consultation, provincial Finance
Minister Jerome Kennedy noted
the readiness of the provincial
economy despite the global
economic downturn. 
“We face a unique situation
as we prepare for this year’s
budget,” he said.
“While we are projecting
our fourth consecutive surplus
for the fiscal year 2008-09, we
are currently in the midst of
a global economic downturn.
Our province is well-positioned
to weather the economic
uncertainty, however, we have
seen some effects, particularly
in our mining and forestry
sectors…and will continue to be
impacted by low oil prices.”
Julian Benedict from the
Vancouver-based Coalition for
Student Loan Fairness says that
students in this province still
face high interest rates at the
federal level.
“Of course when you get a
loan in Newfoundland, 60
per cent of it is federal, and
the federal government are
not reducing interest rates
on these loans. So people in
Newfoundland are still going
to get hit with interest rates
on the federal portion of their
loans.”
Still, Benedict applauds the
effort made by the students
in this province and urges
students across the country to
become active on the issue.
“We are encouraging people
to speak to their member
of parliament as well as the
Canada loan system and let
people know in writing that
they want the system to be more
cost effective for students.”
“As usual,” he said. “It
seems that Newfoundland and
Labrador is showing the rest
A MUN Students’ Union petition advocating the abolishment of student loan interest will be going to
of Canada how to proceed and
government with about half as many signatures as expected. Ken MacLeod
address student debt.”
Phone: 737 8919 Thursday, Jan 15, 2009
Fax: 737 7536 Volume 59, Number 13
Email: chief@themuse.ca
Web: www.themuse.ca
Office: UC-2002
Board of Directors Contributors Advertising
Photo Editor Systems Administrator Human Resources Kerri Breen Natalie Holden, Courtney Phone: 737 6161
Chad Young Chad Young Justin Madol Brad Stone Barbour Email: ads@themuse.ca
photos@themuse.ca sysadmin@themuse.ca hr@themuse.ca Noreen Golfman Fax: 737 7536
John Gushue Multimarket advertising
Senior Photographer Webmaster Design Asst. Cameron Campbell Campus Plus
Ken MacLeod Alex Gillis Adam Puddicombe
Phil Howell Phone: 1 800 265 5372
photographer@themuse.ca webmaster@themuse.ca Distribution Courtney Barbour Web: www.campusplus.com
Business Manager Barry Ross
Submissions Editor
Brad Stone Madhu Pinto board@themuse.ca
Krysta Fitzpatrick
business@themuse.ca
Senior Reporter Asst. Business Manager
Kenny Sharpe Kathryn Curran
Reporter@themuse.ca
Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca } NEWS
N.L. student debt
prevails despite
low tuition
CFS-NL casts critical eye on backend
funding strategies
By Ian MacDonald
A s tuition fees rise across
the country, student debt
continues to grow. But this
province continues to pump out
graduates with high debt levels
despite having some of the lowest
tuition in the country.
In 2006, the most recent data
available, over half of Canadian
post-second a r y st udent s
graduated with some form of debt.
The average amount they owed at
the end of a four-year bachelor’s
program was $24,047, according
to the Millennium Scholarship
Foundation.
Newfoundland and Labrador
has gone against the national
trend as student debt and the cost
of tuition has decreased.
According to a report given to
government from the Canadian
Federation of Students (CFS), the
province’s undergraduate debt has
dropped from $30,000 to about
$26,000 over the last 10 years.
Daniel Smith, regional
chairperson for the CFS in
Newfoundland and Labrador,
says the falling debt is a result of
government’s willingness to work
with the student movement.
“Since we’ve had the freezes and
tuition fee reductions and such,
things have been coming down.”
The debt, however, is still higher
than the national average.
When compared to other
provinces that have similar up-
front strategies such as grants and
low tuition, N.L. students come
out deeper in the red than most.
Manitoba also has a tuition fee
freeze and reduction strategy,
but students shell out $600 more
than MUN’s undergraduates for
tuition.
According to a report on
Manitoban student debt by
the Millennium Foundation,
graduates in 2006 came out of
school owing $14,000 − $12,000
less than N.L. students. Smith
places the blame on rural
students having to move to St.
John’s or Corner Brook for their
education.
“Even though we have low
tuition fees, we still have students
who are high in need in the
province,” said Smith.
“Anyone who’s coming from
Twillingate, St. Anthony, any of
these places, is taking on that
extra cost to go to school. They
don’t have the opportunity to live
and study at home.”
He also says that students from
other provinces − attracted by the
initial low cost of tuition − come
here and plunge into debt due to
living expenses.
A 2008 report released by the
Educational Policy Institute says
that the decreased debt has more
to do with the type of backend
or post-graduation reduction
methods the CFS has been known
to speak against.
The publication says that
by combining provincial and
federal tax credits in Manitoba,
undergraduates can wind up
being paid $50 per year for their
education.
Smith says this is only the
case if things go perfectly for the

student.
“I would find that a bit
skeptical,” said Smith.
“The [Manitoba] student
movement is a bit pissed off with
what their government has been
doing; I would be shocked to find
out if that was the case.”
He says that the downfall
of backend programs is their
inability to be beneficial to all
parties, leaving those who don’t
meet their criteria to fall between
the cracks.
Nova Scotia has also introduced
backend tax credits as a way of
trying to help out students.
Although tuition is much higher
on average, Nova Scotia graduates
are $3,000 better off than those
from Memorial, according to the
Globe and Mail.
“Sure it will help some people
on the backend, it will help the
people who make the most money
on the backend, but it doesn’t
proportionally impact everybody
the same.”
Whether or not backend
methods reduce the average
amount undergrads have to
pay back, Smith says the main
problem is the inability of these
policies to open doors for potential
students.
He says by having higher
initial fees people with less cash
have a harder time getting in to
universities to begin with.
“Just picture yourself 18 years
old just about to start university
and your mother or father looks
at you and says ‘Don’t worry about
the cost of education you’ll save it
on the backend.’”
A new www.muse.
ca coming soon.
we promise.
  NEWS { Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca

MUNSU and MUN By Kenny Sharpe needed on that never-ending book

list.

bookstore team up against R yan Marshall, director of advocacy

of the MUN Student’s Union hopes
to draw attention to high textbook costs
“On the publishing side of things, we
have an issue with bundling. You know,
where you get your textbook, and you

expensive books with a new campaign called Be Book

Smart.
One of its objectives is to reach out to
those professors who don’t take book
price into consideration when they
select their course texts.
Marshall says that professors can
play a major role in helping to reduce
the amount a student has to pay for
their course materials by paying more
attention to the products they select.
“Professors should be most involved
in this campaign, along with the
students. Professors have the last word
and the final say as to what goes on the
bookstore shelf.”
The campaign is a partnership between
MUN Students’ Union (MUNSU) and
the university bookstore.
The bookstore is distributing
bookmarks that list facts about book
pricing and what can be done to reduce
it.
The Be Book Smart bookmark reads
that textbook prices have increased by
an average rate of 280 per cent the rate
of inflation.
Marshall says that while inflation
has added to the issue of soaring book
costs, the main problem comes from
unnecessary publishing practices by
many of the presses that print the texts
get your supplementary issue, and you
get your CD. I have had students come
to me and say that they don’t need all
these tools.”
Marshall says another unnecessary
practice by publishers is pumping
out new editions of a text year after
year because a few chapters have been
changed around or a graph or two has
been added.
He says that while buying older
editions at second-hand prices
is sometimes an option, some
professors would rather not push this
alternative.
“[A] professor told me that they can’t
recommend older editions because
oftentimes older editions aren’t available
anymore, and you can’t expect every
student to find a second-hand copy.”
The cost of books influenced sociology
undergrad Jillian McHugh’s decision to
drop a course.
“I was registered for a certain course
and then I went to the bookstore to find
out that the text would have cost me
about $150. So what did I do? I dropped
the course.”
Marshall says that this is just the
beginning of the Be Book Smart
campaign and that it can only gain
momentum in the future.

Memorial’s Students’ Union aims to lower students’ expenses by pressuring profs to use cheaper
textbooks. Ken MacLeod

WE HAVE THE CAREERS

YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITIES

NOUS AVONS LES CARRIÈRES

The Canadian Forces offer you over
100 full- and part-time job opportunities
in stimulating environments.
• A wide range of careers in professional
fields and technical trades
• Paid tuition, books and equipment
• Guaranteed employment after graduation
• Training and education programs
throughout your career
• Opportunities to work close to home
and abroad
Come and meet one of our recruiters.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Memorial University, Administration Building,
room 1043, Elizabeth Avenue, St. John's
VOUS AVEZ LES POSSIBILITÉS
Les Forces canadiennes vous proposent plus de
100 possibilités d’emploi à temps plein et partiel
dans un environnement des plus stimulants.
• Un vaste choix de carrières dans des domaines
professionnels et techniques
• Les frais de scolarité, les manuels et
le matériel scolaire payés
• Un emploi assuré à la fin de vos études
• Des programmes de formation tout au long
de votre carrière
• La possibilité de travailler près de chez vous
ou à l’étranger
Venez rencontrer un agent de recrutement.
QUAND : Mercredi 21 janvier, de 18 h à 20 h
OÙ : Memorial University, Administration Building,
bureau 1043, Avenue Elizabeth, St. John's

FIGHT COMBATTEZ
WITH THE CANADIAN FORCES AVEC LES FORCES CANADIENNES

WWW.FORCES.CA 1-800-856-8488
JOIN US
ENGAGEZ-VOUS
Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca } NEWS 
Since you’ve been gone
A roundup of campus news from the break
it was eight years ago, putting prototypes. Campbell goes through the
By Ian MacDonald and A report released by the $896 back into the pockets of The clickers allow faculty process of opting out step-by-step.
Kenny Sharpe Educational Policy Institute, students. to ask students a set list of As of December 2008, roughly 14
a non-profit education study multiple response questions per cent of Memorial’s work force

W hile everyone was home

boozing with family and
enjoying turkey, life on campus
was pretty boring. But some
important stuff did go down.
Per-course instructors
and MUN reach
agreement
The Lecturers’ Union of MUN
(LUMUN), which represents
all per-course instructors at
the university, has reached its
first tentative agreement with
administration. The deal promises
LUMUN members a four year
plan, increasing pay eight per cent
in year one, then four per cent a
year for the next three years.
A vote to ratify the agreement
will take place sometime this
week.
Study says school costs
are down
organization, shows that
nationwide post-secondary costs
aren’t growing like many think.
The sticker price of tuition has
been continually rising in almost
every province, which has been
the focus of a number of debates
surrounding the cost of education.
The report takes this sticker price
and uses inflation and government
relief for students to calculate,
what they call Everybody’s Net
Tuition (ENT).
According to the ENT, Canada’s
tuition has only increased $230
since 2000.
Once broken down on a
provincial basis, things look
a bit different. The report says
that while Manitoba is actually
giving students a free education
now, due to “enormous increases
in tax rebates,” British Columbia
has seen an increase of around
60 per cent.
While tax credits have been
decreasing in Newfoundland, the
ENT is still 35 per cent less than
Temelini is da man
Readers of the Scope have
named MUN political science
professor Michael Temelini the
best professor in St. John’s.
The Best Of St. John’s poll
allowed voters to nominate who,
or what, they thought made
up the city’s best of the best.
Topics ranged from the best new
restaurant – Pi – to the best boat
tour – O’Brien’s Whale and Birds
Tour.
Campbell promotes
Remember Millionaire’s staff opting out of pay
fastest finger? stubs
Well, not quite. Memorial
University may soon be
implementing new clicker
technology that will put students
on the spot. In early December,
faculty at Memorial’s St. John’s,
Marine Institute, and Grenfell
campuses tested some clicker
and the students answer with
their clickers. The information
is tallied, almost instantly, and
results can be displayed for
learning purposes.
Which clicker technology MUN
will select for its campuses has
yet to be decided, and Distance
Education has set up a brief
survey to gather feedback on the
initiative.
The survey can be found at www.
distance.mun.ca/clickers.php
Acting President Eddy Campbell
recorded a brief holiday greeting
full of paper-reducing joy. In
his video, Campbell personally
urges faculty and staff to opt out
of receiving paper pay stubs in an
attempt to add to the university’s
sustainability.
had opted for the paperless way,
with about 4,400 employees still
receiving pay stubs every two
weeks.
Tapping back into tap
water
Various groups and officials
at the university are looking at
the possibility of banning bottled
water from campus. The move
sprouts from similar action taken
at other universities across the
country.
Critics denounce the use
of bottled water, citing the
environmental concerns from
packaging and processing.
Campaigns director with the
MUN Students’ Union, Melissa
Penney, says in addition to those
concerns, purchasing bottled
water means that we are doubting
our “far superior” public water
systems.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING CENTRE

ACADEMIC WORKSHOP OFFERINGS
WINTER SEMESTER 2009
Effective Reading and Study Time Management Skills
Skills Workshop (5 week Workshop (2 week duration)
duration)
Round 1: Starts Monday, January
Round 1: Starts Tuesday, January 26, 2009
27, 2009
Time Slot 7 (Monday &
Time Slot 16 (Tuesday & Wednesday @ 2:00 p.m.)
Thursday @ 12:00 noon)
Round 2: Starts Tuesday, March
Round 2: Starts Monday, March 3, 2009
2, 2009
Time Slot 19 (Tuesday &
Time Slot 4 (Monday & Thursday @ 2:00 p.m.)
Wednesday @ 11:00 a.m.)

Oral Presentation Workshop
Writing Term Papers and (one-day workshop)
Essays Workshop (4 week
duration) Date: Wednesday, February 18,
2009
Starts Monday, January 26, 2009 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Time Slot 5 (Monday &
Wednesday @ 12:00 noon)
To register, drop by the University Centre, Room 5000, or call 737-
8874. www.mun.ca/counselling

Aquarena Tim Hortons Re-Opening!

Friday, January 16, 2009
Now serving sandwiches, soups, chili and specialty teas!
 NEWS { Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca

MacEwan maxes
out tuition
increases
“We’re still in the process of
By Justin Bell, Intercamp asking for degree money. We’ve got
our science degree and the board

E DMONTON (CUP) – Tuition

fees for students at Grant
MacEwan College in Edmonton,
Alta. will rise next year by 4.1 per
cent – the maximum allowed by
the provincial government.
The decision was made at
the Dec. 11 college board of
governors meeting. The provincial
government sets the maximum
allowable for tuition increases
and ties it to the Consumer Price
Index.
The increase was a necessary step
to ensure the college has adequate
funding for the future, says
Cathryn Heslep, MacEwan’s vice
president of student services.
has approved the communications
degree. Anytime we’re asking for
money, we have to be cognizant
that when the government gives
you opportunities to generate
revenue, you have to take
advantage of that, if you will.”
Heslep also says if the college
doesn’t move to the maximum
allowable, they can’t make that up
in future years. With the economy
taking a turn for the worse, it could
mean substantially smaller tuition
increases in the future.
“In terms of the college budget,
we know that we are going to be
at considerable reduction to the
maximum allowable.”

CORRECTION
In “Government Adds Fire to Autonomy Flames” (the
Muse, Vol. 59, Issue 11) The Muse incorrectly indentified
Gerry Byrne, Member of Parliament as an appointee to
MUN’s Board of Regents.
In fact, it was Jerry Byrne, president of the DFB group
who was appointed. The Muse regrets the error and
apologizes for any inconvenience.
Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca } EDITORIAL
Crisis shmisis
While sitting down to write
articles for this special money
issue, I realized one thing: I’m
utterly sick of hearing about the
global financial crisis. It seems as
though for months all I’ve been
hearing are steadily worsening
reports of how fucked we all are.
If I, as a semi-hardened member
of the press, am finding myself
depressed by all of this bad news,
I can only imagine the mood of
the general readership.
The fact of the matter is the
media looks to big stories like
the financial crisis as a way to sell
newspapers, or to generate online
traffic, whatever the case may be.
I’m not saying that what the
media is reporting isn’t true – it is.
I’m saying that it’s important when
inundated by gloomy reports such
as these to examine the whole issue
for yourself and base judgments
Recession-proof your sex life
The Loch Sex Monster
By Krysta Fitzpatrick
G reat sex can be pricey. And
I’m not referring to how
much some people spend on high-
class hookers.
A romantic dinner, lingerie,
contraceptives, lubricants, sex
toys, hell, even just dinner and a
movie to charm someone, can cost
more than the average student can
afford these days.
Here are some tips to maintain
a healthy sex life without breaking
the bank.
Let’s start with basic dating.
Dinner at a nice place and a movie
afterward can be pricey. However,
it can still be done affordably
without resorting to Big Macs.
Fog City, for instance, is an
affordable restaurant right in the
Avalon Mall (so you won’t have
to make two trips) and when you
eat there, you and your date can
each purchase movie tickets for
on the facts themselves.
When viewed from a different
angle, it’s even possible to find
a silver lining in the economic
slump that we will face.
First of all, we’re all doing
basically the right thing: Staying in
school. The time, money, and effort
that we expend here at Memorial
could pay real dividends when we
enter a shrinking job market.
Banks may be reluctant to
extend credit to newly minted
graduates, but that will prevent
us from racking up more debt in
the form of car and home loans in
a hostile economic climate. Each
financial decision we make will
have to be done with prudence and
careful consideration.
Moreover, the economy won’t
stay bad forever, particularly in
Newfoundland and Labrador.
When commodity prices rise –
half price. Not a bad deal.
Still out of your price range?
There are a lot of great affordable
and sometimes free things to do
around town on a date.
The Rooms is free to visit on
Wednesday nights and the first
Saturday of each month. Though
it may sound nerdy, museums can
be a lot of fun. Plus there’s a little
restaurant and snack bar so you
can grab a coffee.
Also, don’t overlook the classic
date of staying home, popping
some popcorn, and watching a
scary movie. If one of you owns a
good scary movie then there goes
the cost of renting one.
Nothing is better for a date than
turning the lights down low and
cuddling together during the
scariest scenes. Plus, it’s almost
free.
More romantic evenings and
special occasions can be pricey. If
you want to plan something nice
that involves lighting candles,
and think about it, they have to –
the province has the potential to
enjoy a period of unprecedented
prosperity.
The lessons we will learn in
times of financial hardship will
serve us well in fair weather as
well.
Money management, frugality,
wisdom about the hazards of
frivolous spending –
all these insights will benefit us
when the world economy kicks
back into gear.
While job markets may be
tight and competitive in the short
term, looming labor shortages –
or limitless opportunities for
employment, depending on your
perspective –
lurk on the horizon.
With baby boomers retiring
in droves, positions will become
vacant, and opportunities for
throwing on some lingerie, and
breaking out the sex toys, it
can often cost a pretty penny.
However, there are ways to pull
this off without maxing out your
credit card.
First of all, don’t waste your
money buying those fancy scented
candles at Wicker Emporium. At
Dollarama (a frugal shopper’s bff)
you can get a bunch of candles for
a few bucks.
Lingerie, on the other hand, can
be tricky. Sure, we all want the
cute little outfits from La Senza,
and sometimes we get lucky and
they’re on sale, but for those less
fortunate days there is always
Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart and other department
stores have some great lingerie
finds for a fraction of the price
that you might find at a fancier
store. Do you really think any
guy is going to want to check
the brand name on your g-string
anyways?

Mouth Off
By Krysta Fitzpatrick and Ken
MacLeod
advancement will become
available.
Sticking around here at school Are you
will actually be a great investment
down the road.
I’m not telling you to delude
concerned
yourselves into thinking the
economic slump will be easy.
about the
News reports about the world
economy going down the toilet economic crisis?
will keep on coming, and they will
all be true.
In order to preserve our
collective sanity, it’s important to
consider the whole issue. It’s not
delusional to think that staying
in school is the best thing to
do in times like these. Nor is it
delusional to hold on to the hope
that this recession will not last
forever, and that we may come
out on the other side of it for the Carisa Collins
better. Second-year psychology
Nathan Downey Yeah, five people at my work got
laid off because of it.
Dash Malone
Fourth-year religious studies
No, because I plan to abandon
ship sooner rather than later. I’m
going back to South Asia after I
get my degree for more lucrative
work.
Chris Bruce
Third-year political science
Barack Obama is my opium.
Ken MacLeod
But what about the sex toys?
I don’t know if you’ve been into
Our Pleasure lately, but that stuff
isn’t cheap. The most economical
ways to buy sex toys and lube is
actually online.
Mallory Chafe
Third-year French
A little, but I’m not following it
We b s i t e s such as enough to be concerned.
healthyandactive.com have
all sorts of great discount sex
toys. And more importantly,
shipping costs are usually pretty
minimal.
As for sexual safety on a budget,
well that might be the easiest. A
lot of students who are living on
their own cannot afford monthly
birth control or condoms, but
there are solutions. Places like
Planned Parenthood (the N.L
Sexual Health Centre) offer
affordable birth control and free
condoms.
So unless you have Heidi Fleiss Maggie Hyslop
on speed dial, having a great sex Fifth-year English
life doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Not really. I don’t have any money
Like almost everything else in life, to begin with. Poor is poor.
sex can be done on the cheap.
  FEATURE
Managing your money in a recessi
How students can deal with the financial challenges of
the current economic downturn
By Kevin Schulz, The
Manitoban
W INNIPEG (CUP) – The
traditional benefits of the
university experience have often
come at a steep financial price.
Scrimping, borrowing, and
penny-pinching have long been
the staples of an average post-
secondary student’s life.
But not since our grandparents
and great-grandparents struggled
through the Great Depression has
the young generation inherited
such a gloomy and dire economic
global condition.
While the recent market
slump will not directly affect
most students, Janice Compton,
a University of Manitoba professor
of economics, warns that if these
negative trends continue, Canada’s
economy could enter into a nasty
downward spiral where many
financial institutions and private
businesses will completely clam
up and further restrict their
already tight lending and spending
policies.
“It’s going to be harder and
harder for students to get credit .
. . so when you want to get a car or
something else that’s big, it’s going
to be really tight to get the [money]
Managing and limiting
student debt
With the global and national
economy in such dire straits,
many university students may find
that they need assistance to help
cover the cost of tuition or to pay
for their rent and groceries.
But in light of the predicted
large-scale job losses, banks and
credit card providers have become
increasingly selective in giving out
loans.
As an alternative, many banks
and credit card providers have
also increased their interest rates
substantially in an attempt to
recoup some of their losses.
For this reason, Compton
stresses that while credit cards can
be beneficial for students looking
to establish a credit rating, the key
is in establishing a great credit
rating by using your credit card
both prudently and responsibly.
“Using a credit card to establish
you need,” Compton said.
All of this troubling economic
information culminates into what
fellow U of M economics professor
Robert Lobdell calls a “situation
that is unprecedented in many of
our lifetimes.”
“It’s something that everyone
should be concerned about,” said
Lobdell.
Despite these claims, Lobdell
notes that the economy has
endured some very rough patches
in the past, and somehow, it has
always come back stronger on the
other side of trouble.
Lobdell also believes that
students should not panic, but
rather seek guidance and take it
one step at a time.
“The first thing every student
should do is go get some solid
advice. Don’t do anything in
haste; just take a step back and a
deep breath”.
In attempting to find this solid
financial advice, it is important
that young people consult a
number of sources.
Unfortunately, many students
are either unaware of where they
need to look, or they do not have
the time necessary to seek out the
advice that they need.
From speaking with a number
credit can be very helpful for
students, you just have to be
very careful,” he said. “It’s really
important for students that they
don’t just make [the minimum
payments], but that they are
paying their bill off in full every
month.”
Despite the potential benefits of
credit card use, professor Lobdell
feels that the risk of racking up a
huge debt greatly outweighs the
positives and suggests that students
look instead towards either local
credit unions or the government
for financial assistance.
“Credit cards are just so
dangerous so I think you are much
better off to go to a credit union
or to apply for a student loan,” he
said. “The student loan business
is a lot better than it’s made out
to be and credit unions really try
to make your life better and are
also more flexible [than the big
banks].”
Barry Stone, the acting director
of the Financial Aids and Awards
of experts in the economics and
business professions, the following
presents some of the key recession-
proof tips and hints that students
should keep in mind.
Invest in skills and
education
According to Compton, choosing
to make a greater investment in
skills and education (or what is
known as human capital) is among
the smartest decisions a student
can make when encountering a
poor economic climate.
Compton believes that in an
ultra-competitive environment
where the supply of jobs in the
marketplace is low, but the demand
for work opportunities is high,
any extra degree, accreditation,
or relevant work experience on
your resumé will be extremely
helpful for being hired for the job
you want.
“There have been studies done
that show that for students coming
out of school and looking for their
first job in a time of recession,
they actually come out at the
very bottom, and unfortunately,
you might not ever catch up. So,
I think that the priority should
be on your education. Students
office at the University of Manitoba
strongly encourages young
people to consider applying for
a Canadian government student
loan and firmly believes that a
student loan is the best financial
assistance option available to
university students.
“The government student loan
is almost always financially better
for students because to start, there
is a very low rate and secondly, as
long as the student stays in school,
the rate stays the same and there is
no obligation for them to pay off
their debt,” Stone said.
Stone also addressed the issue
of how applying for a student loan
is perceived by some students
to be time-consuming and
complicated.
“From talking to students, we
have found that a lot of them are
going towards private credit lines,
because from what I have heard,
many of them feel that the student
loan process is complicated and
cumbersome, but I think a lot
should invest in their human
capital because the big issue for
students right now is when they
go to graduate, everything has
tightened up and there will be a
lot of competition for jobs.”
“The best thing students can do
right now is to just stay in school.
If you are thinking about grad
school, it’s a really good time to
go to grad school. If you feel like
you need to graduate and get a job,
consider coming back to do a night
course, because it’s a really good
time to improve [your resumé],”
Compton said.
Murray Baker, the acclaimed
best-selling author of The Debt-
Free Graduate, agrees with
Compton on the importance of
enhancing your human capital
and jokes that, “When the going
gets tough, the tough go to grad
school.”
However, Baker also stresses
that the competitive job market
won’t just affect recent graduates
but also those university students
looking for relevant part-time
work or full-time summer jobs.
“There will be fewer jobs out
there this year, especially the
really good ones that everyone
wants. My recommendation is
to start looking for summer jobs
of that is perception. Of course,
things could always be more
streamlined, but we are working
on that, and we will work with
students every step of the way to
help them get the aid they need.”
“Plus, with the new online
and electronic programs that we
have, the student loan process can
actually be quite seamless,” Stone
added. “We are here to help the
students.”
David Domes, the manager
of the Sanford Credit Union in
Manitoba, accepts that government
student loans are often the safest
and most practical choice for
students, but points out that most
credit unions have plans in place
for students to receive further
assistance when their government
loans are still not enough to cover
all of their costs.
“Where student government
loans sometimes have zero per
cent interest for now, and we
and other credit unions have
very low rates, with a credit card,
{ Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca
early. The tendency is to wait until
the spring, but in these tough
economic times I think it’s best
to start looking for jobs even over
the Christmas holidays.”
Baker has advice on how eager
job-hunting students can begin
their search for summer jobs over
the winter break.
“When you are at home together
with your family, start talking
about your goals and begin asking
your aunt or uncle if there will
be any summer job openings at
their work that you could apply
for. The Christmas break is a great
time to go through the networking
process, and once you discover
any job openings, start applying
for them right away,” Baker said.
The ongoing global financial
meltdown also presents students
with certain realities. In a world
where post-secondary education is
often very costly, and where there
is now a limited opportunity to
find well paying part-time work
to pay for it, sometimes student
debt is inevitable.
A key to successfully surviving
a global economic crisis is not
necessarily to avoid student debt
altogether, but rather to get the
best deals on loans so you can
limit what you owe.
you’re looking at 18 to 25 per cent
interest and maybe even more,”
said Domes.
“I think the student loan is
still the best option available to
students as long as it meets their
needs. Beyond that, we have
a student loan special for our
members, where we will top up
their Canadian governmental
student loans and we have
subsidized rates that really cater
to our students’ needs.”
Finding the financial assistance
plan that’s right for you is often
a critical step in helping you
enhance your human capital.
But along with nearly every
other matter pertaining to your
economic well-being, finding the
plan that fits your needs takes a lot
of foresight and planning.
Carefully budgeting your
finances and planning ahead are
both especially important in a
recessionary period, when your
expenses are rising, but resources
are often harder to come by.
 Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca } FEATURE
ion, the post-secondary edition
Budgeting, planning,
budget i ng , a nd
planning
There are different methods
that can be used to budget your
finances, but the basic idea is
to accurately record all of your
expected expenses over an
allotted timeframe, versus your
expected income over that same
timeframe.
You can then work out a plan
on how you are going to cover the
difference.
“It’s more important now than
ever to think ahead and really
have a solid game plan with your
finances, and the reason I’m
such a big advocate of budgeting
and planning ahead is because
it prevents forced error,” Baker
said.
“When you don’t start out the
school year with a solid plan, then
you may find out at the beginning
of March that you have run out
of money, and then with exams
and things, it can become a real
scramble.”
Baker believes students should
plan to leave a significant portion
of cash available to pay short-
term expenses and help cover
any errors made in long-term
budgeting. He says this money
should be left in a high-interest
savings account so it grows in the
meantime.
“Its important that students
have enough cash to pay for
their short-term expenses like
their rent and groceries, but it’s
best to invest your money into a
high-interest savings account so
your money doesn’t just sit there,”
he said.
According to a new poll from
the Royal Bank of Canada, about
79 per cent of all Canadian
university students say they plan
on budgeting their finances in
some way this year.
However, Kavita Joshi, director
of student markets at RBC, points
out: “The challenge is creating
a budget that’s realistic and
practical.”
Joshi suggests that students
should split their expected
expenses into two separate
categories.
“To start, you should have fixed
expenses like rent, tuition, and
other things that you need to
pay for each month. Then, make
another list of variable expenses
such as groceries and clothing;
items you need, but the costs can
vary from month to month.”
Joshi explains that in spite of a
Photo by Ken MacLeod, Layout by Elsa Morena

tumultuous worldwide financial
situation, good planning and a
detailed budget can still get you
a long way.
“With a good plan and a little
discipline, you may even manage
to have some money left over.”
Baker also notes that young
people should avoid losing too
much sleep over these tough times,
as poor economic conditions are
not going to last forever.
“I do think that this is certainly
a big wake-up call, but everything
is cyclical so even if there are
some rough years ahead, history
has shown us that things always
come back better.”
10 ARTS & CULTURE { Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca

MUN vs. musicianship

By Sarah King Adam Baxter supports music career
W hile many university students
have trouble financing the
basics, Adam Baxter has to factor
on a student-sized budget
his budding music career into his
budget.
He says his regular performances
within St. John’s music scene help
out, but they don’t exactly make for
an easy living.
Like any MUN student, most of
Baxter’s money goes towards rent,
bills, groceries, and his cat Otis.
And, like your typical student, he
would like a convenient way to pay
for it all.
“I make some money as a musician,
but not enough to quit my day job
and make it my full-time profession,”
Baxter said via e-mail.
Baxter attends MUN’s School
of Music with a focus on theory/
composition. He has been performing
in St. John’s since the fall of 2005
and plays anywhere from two to four
shows a week − making for a pretty
intense schedule.
Baxter also works as a youth
counsellor and a guitar teacher to
cover his usual expenses. He says that
while this makes helps his finances,
it creates another problem.
“Balancing those [jobs] with shows
and a full course load can leave one
with little free time,” he said.
Baxter says that the time crunch
and stress of making ends meet can
be hinder students who are aspiring
musicians. Between work and school,
there’s little time or money left to
develop any sort of musical career.
“I am working, going to school,
and playing a great deal of gigs,” he
said. “If I was not in school, I could be
working full-time and thus making
more money to further myself as a
musician.”
But it’s not all bad. Baxter has
some tips for low-budget aspiring
artists and music enthusiasts like
himself.
“If you have a good eye for gear,
second-hand purchasing can be a
very good way to save a few dollars
as a musician,” he suggested.
Baxter says students can easily
attend events like Distortion’s Epic
Wednesdays, Jerry Stamp and
friends at the Bull and Barrel, and
Danielle Tobin’s showcase every
Tuesday at CBTG’s.
“There are a great deal of weekly
low cover shows going on in the city
that showcase a lot of the city’s great
songwriting talent,” he said.
He also says that the Internet
can be a great way to discover
and experience new music, even
locally.
“I like to check out local music two
ways: In the flesh and on screen.”
Baxter suggests looking for local
acts online first and then picking
which ones appeal to you most. This
way you’re guaranteed bang for your
buck.
A university budget makes
experiencing local musicianship
more difficult, but Baxter
demonstrates it can be done with
time management, dedication, and
good humour.
“I don’t mind having a pathetic
social life, so [fitting everything in]
really doesn’t seem that difficult,”
he joked.
Check out Adam Baxter’s music
online at www.myspace.com/
adambaxtermusic.

Chad Young
Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca } ARTS & CULTURE
Arts on the cheap By Sarah King
N ever mind the global
economy, it’s post-Christmas,
and students are having mini-
economic crises of their own. So as
you struggle beneath the financial
weight of textbooks and those gifts
for friends you accidentally left off
your first Christmas list, you may
be wondering how to fuel your
arts and culture needs on a tight
budget.
Here’s a short list of things that
can scratch your art itch without
draining your bank account.
The Rooms
The most obvious place to go
if you’re looking to fulfill your
fine art cravings, the Rooms is
free every Wednesday from 6:00
pm to 9:00 pm and on the first
Saturday of every month. If you’re
really aching to go on another
day, it’s still surprisingly cheap
for students, $5, but that excludes
special or travelling exhibits.
Movies
No matter how broke you are,
most seem willing to shell out a
few bucks for a night at the movies.
So if you really can’t resist that
new box office smash, just go
between Monday and Thursday
or to matinees. It’s only two bucks
cheaper, but hey, every little bit
helps.
Classic films
On the first Monday of
every month, the Mount Pearl
shopping centre cinemas play a
seniors’ benefit classic movie for
$5. It’s a bit of a trot if you live
anywhere besides Mount Pearl,
but it’s decently cheap for the fun
experience of seeing a golden oldie
on the big screen.
Free TV
Okay, so watching TV isn’t all
that unique or artsy, but it’s nice
to get out of the house once in
a while, right? Every Tuesday,
Tangled Up In Blue on Bates Hill
shows the comedy show Flight Of
The Conchords on the big screen
Ken MacLeod
Money! Debt
11
TV upstairs for free.
This is convenient for people who
don’t have the channels that carry
the show, or don’t have television
at all, and a cheap way to get that
dinner-and-a-movie combo in a
shorter period of time.
Open Mic
A lot of pubs around town host
open mics, but if you’re looking
for a more relaxed atmosphere
and guaranteed free cover, head
to Hava Java on Water Street. Every
Sunday, Natalie Noseworthy hosts
open mic at the coffee shop, and
there are plenty of awesome up-
and-comers who perform regularly
− not to mention some excellent
caffeinated beverages.
Photography
If you’re one of the many who
have recently hopped on the trendy
photography bandwagon, there
are probably several photography
classes being offered around town
that I cannot seem to uncover at
the moment. But, here’s an idea
− just run around town taking
pictures on your own.
St. John’s offers plenty of Kodak
moments in the form of scenery,
people, parks, and buildings, so
take that mediocre digital camera
out and have fun honing your
artistic genius.
The Bull and Barrel
Almost all of the time, at least
to my knowledge, this place has no
cover and a musician playing. It’s
a great place to go if you’re not in
the mood for an insanely loud and
hectic drunkfest and would prefer
to chill out to some tunes. Every
Thursday Jerry Stamp plays with a
guest for no cover. Hooray
There are a lot of pubs and bars
downtown that always have low
cover charges: Distortion, CBTG’s,
the Ship, and Roxxy’s, to name a
few.
The key is to check out local
listings (the Muse’s sights and
sounds for starters!) to scope out
cheap nights and go down for the
music, not the $6 drinks. Happy
budgeting!
 12 DISTRACTIONS 16. A frame on which clothes are
air-dried
{ Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca

designer; Johnson

66. Yours, mine, and ___

17. Protagonist of That ‘70s Show
18. A term for being sick, or a slang
term for awesome; Plural
19. Al Pacino film, ___ Of A
Woman
20. Meals on wheels
23. Only as specified
24. To plunge into liquid
28. To be in debt to
67. Other than the person or things
mentioned
Down
1. Holds buds which grow into one
or more leaves
2. A type of billiards game
3. “It’s ___!!!”
4. An affordable and popular meal
for university students

29. Refined or crude petroleum 5. A French commune in Brittany

31. Any of several Asian birds of 6. A narrow lane

Across
1. The type of artist that would steal your shoes
5. Talk to the hand because this isn’t home
9. An amino acid related to dopamine
14. A repeated rhymatic pattern
15. Used as an exclamation for sorrow
the starling family
7. A baby cow
32. The animals of a given region
8. Being; existence
35. Pertaining to frequencies
9. A popular weapon of cowboys
37. The noise a horsey makes
10. An aut horitat ive
38. Often used right before direct pronouncement
objects
11. A metal bearing vitamin or
41. Greatest rock band ever, ___ rock
Zeppelin
12. A popular writing utensil
42. Popular golden age Hollywood
star, ___ Merman 13. Paul Simon’s partner in crime
43. Something inserted 21. To be wary or cautious

44. A weird plate that can occur in 22. Improvising

your mouth
25. Harmony; Plural
46. Opposite of him
26. A person related on one’s
47. Popular American television mother’s side
station that ran American
Bandstand 27. Second-person sing. of “say”

48. By this 29. Sci-fi show, The ___ Limits

50. What most of us like to do after
a long day
53. Someone who devotes his or
her life to over indulgence
57. Hebrew word meaning “dog”
60. Beside the ball, you need these
to play soccer and basketball
61. What MSN messenger is
commonly used for
62. Free Word: acerb
63. Where Chip and Dale would
live
64. Flowering plants that usually
grow from bulbs
65. Popular American fashion
Teach English
Overseas
30. Terrible reality show ___ Idol
32. To steal
33. To administer extreme unction
onto
34. The part of a cow’s body that
milk comes from
35. A minor pain
36. A large tribe of North American
aboriginals
39. A different type of spelling of
42 across
40. To form a circle around
45. A rise in the body’s temperature;
plural
47. The opening at the lower end of
the alimentary canal
49. The other famous Kennedy
brother
50. To give audible expression to

51. Nil, nothing

52. Howie Mandel game show ___

Or No ___; Plural
TESOL/TESL Teacher Training
Certification Courses 54. Until
• Intensive 60-Hour Program
• Classroom Management Techniques 55. The country the Simpsons visit in
• Detailed Lesson Planning the recent episode where Bart gets
• ESL Skills Development a cell phone
• Comprehensive Teaching Materials
• Interactive Teaching Practicum
56. An eye infection
• Internationally Recognized Certificate
57. Jiffy is the best one (but we’re
• Teacher Placement Service
biased)
• Money Back Guarantee Included
• Thousands of Satisfied Students 58. ___ Ventura
OXFORD SEMINARS 59. Beatles’ hit song, ___ It Be
1-800-269-6719/416-924-3240
www.oxfordseminars.ca
Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca }
For Interest
RSEARCHER INVOLVED
WITH OLD SHIPS on both
sides of the Atlantic since 1945
offers student interested in
writing/photography opportunity
to explore coastal areas of
Newfoundland. International
drivers license, passport a plus.
726-3998 Anytime.
FOR THE LOVE OF
LEARNING offers free daily
workshops in creative writing,
theatre, and resume building at 99
Queens Rd. (basement of Gower St.
United Church, ring buzzer to get
in). For more info, call 738-7911 or
visit www.fortheloveoflearning.org.
Interested in finding out about
volunteer opportunities on campus
and in the community? Visit
the Student Volunteer Bureau,
10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to
Friday in room UC-4001 for mad
volunteer hook ups. You can also
check out
www.mun.ca/cdel/volunteer or
e-mail svb@mun.ca. Get involved
and volunteer!
THE ST. JOHN’S FARMERS’
MARKET is held weekly at the
Lion’s Chalet on Bonaventure
Avenue, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Lots of produce available, as well as
crafts and international foods. For
more information, visit the market’s
website at stjohnsfarmersmarket.
com
PROOFREADER with excellent
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GMAT tutoring available. Learn
tips, strategies and obtain a great
score!
Receive one-on-one instruction
from an experienced tutor and
successful GMAT writer. Contact
u27dcg@mun.ca for more
information.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE
A DIFFERENCE in the lives of
people living with cancer? The
Canadian Cancer Society is seeking
a volunteer to drive patients
to and from their scheduled
appointments. Just a few hours a
week can make a difference. For
more information, call Rachel Little
753-6520.
ANNONYMOUS TESTING for
HIV, Hepatitis A, B, and C. Sexual
Health Centre. 203 Merrymeeting
Rd. Tues. 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All
welcome. The Women’s Centre,
150 Lemarchant Rd., Tues. 1:00
pm to 4:00 pm, women only.
Offered as part of a study, requires
that you complete a confidential
questionnaire. Call 1-800-563-6111
or 777-7120 for more information.
THE NL SEXUAL ASSAULT
CRISIS AND PREVENTION
CENTRE Men’s Committee
needs volunteers. No experience
required; all are welcome. Contact
coordinator@sexualassaultcentre.
nf.net.
MEMORIAL AMBASSADOR.
Do you embody the spirit of
Memorial? Volunteer to represent
Memorial at university-sponsored
CLASSIFIEDS
events. Apply at www.mun.ca/
leadership.
ENGINEERS WITHOUT
BORDERS. Idea workshops
held every Monday at 5:15 pm
in EN-4000. Come learn about
international development and
social justice, or just have some free
fair-trade coffee or hot chocolate.
Everyone is welcome.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS.
If your eating habits cause you
concern, there is help. Overeaters
Anonymous is a group of
people who want to stop eating
compulsively. For weekly meeting
times or other information, please
contact us at 738-1742 or www.
oa.org.
Clubs and Societies
MEMORIAL ENGLISH
STUDENT SOCIETY. Join MESS
and get a cookie. Stop by our room
in A-3027, for cookies, chat about
lit, or to find out more about our
new graphic novel club, movie club,
mixers, and more.
MUN GEEK SOCIETY.
Looking for a good place to chat
13
with like-minded people about
games, movies, and pop culture?
E-mail us for more information,
webmaster@mungeeksoc.com, or
check out our websites and forums
at http://www.mungeeksoc.com/
forums. Open to everyone.
MUN LIONS. Looking for
students and staff to start a Lions
club on the MUN campus. Please
e-mail Bill Taylor at billtaylor@
nl.rogers.com for information.
ECONOMICS SOCIETY. Are
you pursuing a major or minor in
economics? Do you have a general
interest in economics? Join the
Economics Society mailing list by
e-mailing economics.society.mun@
gmail.com.
Personals
HJs are so JH.
DID HE taste important?
SMOOTH CHAD and the
Crunchy Bunch featuring the Ian
MacDonald Experience.
 14 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Eating local won’t break the bank
Greening McGill food experiment supports local producers
By Hayley Lapalme, The
McGill Daily
M ONTREAL (CUP) – Four
McGill University students
recently completed a two-week
challenge to eat food produced
within a 100-mile radius of
Montreal, a project designed to
demonstrate that it’s possible to
eat locally.
Aynsley Merk, Ian Vogel, Tim
Dowling, and Johanna Paquin
keep a blog to tracking their
experiences.
“I don’t think about what we
can’t have, but what we can have,”
said Merk. “I look forward to
what will come into season, and
it changes every week.”
Eating locally saves on fossil
fuels burned to import food,
and supports fair payment for
farmers.
Supporters of the movement
swear that local food simply tastes
better; naturally-grown produce
arrives fresh in comparison to
fruits and vegetables cooped up
during long-distance travel.
The Greening McGill group
was inspired by Vancouver duo
Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon,
who documented their year-long
experiment with local food in the
bestseller The 100 Mile Diet.
McGil l ’s experimenting
students searched for local food
by metro, foot, phone, and on the
Internet.
Participants found it challenging
to make time to buy produce
directly from local farms and
Economic crisis? What about the
environmental crisis?
It’s Easy Being Green
By Zaren White
O n the scale of apathy to
panic, it’s fairly obvious
what concern dominates in the
struggle of the economy vs. the
environment.
It’s money, wealth, and debt
– intangible forces that we’ve
ascribed value to – rather than
the destruction of the natural
world and all its very real, very
tangible elements that really
gives the pessimists something
to dwell on.
Money may make the world
go ‘round, but not if there’s no
world left.
We’ve been depleting the
earth’s natural resources,
destroying forests, polluting
lakes, rivers, and oceans, and
allowing the extinction of species
since – well, since we humans
took over this planet and started
abusing it.
expanded their food diversity
beyond an initial reliance on eggs
and potatoes.
Vogel explained t hat
misleading food labels made it
difficult to be sure that products
were made locally.
“Foods are often labeled:
‘Produit du Quebec,’ but it might
just be the processing that is
local and not the ingredients,”
he said.
While all four admitted to
spending far more time in the
kitchen than normal, they
maintain it’s possible to adapt
Everyday, everywhere, someone
makes a lazy or environmentally
unfriendly decision, be it as tiny
as a single person not recycling
a can, or as large as a powerful
corporation cutting corners
on sustainable practices and
diminishing environmentalism
as a priority.
Either way, the destruction of
the earth has been long in the
making, and worse, we’re not in
the dark anymore.
We’re educated, exposed to
a plentitude of information,
and immersed in environment-
related coverage in the media.
We know that we’re living in
a delicate balance and that we
cannot, as a global community,
take our planet for granted
anymore.
Still, it’s the news of financial
crisis, credit instability, and
recession that gets a lot of people
singing the apocalyptic blues.
And most likely, the person
spouting doom and gloom
prophecies about the economy
never bothered to bring a reusable
bag to the supermarket or recycle
their cans and bottles.
The David Suzuki Foundation
(DSF) website states simply,
“Climate change is considered
by many scientists to be the most
serious threat facing the world
today.”
The most serious threat that
faces us – how can that be
taken lightly? How can such an
imminent reality be ignored?
On the topic of building a
sustainable economy,” the DSF
Ashley Lockyer
to local eating.
“As long as you are willing to
change your lifestyle and diet a
bit, you could do this diet at any
time if you wanted,” Dowling
said.
The students explained that
local eating doesn’t break the
bank. They could afford pricier
goods like honey and organic
dairy products with the money
saved by cutting out caffeine and
takeout.
All participants saved money
due to the near-impossibility of
eating at restaurants.
website reads, “The environment
is the very foundation of the
economy. Nature provides
services such as clean air,
water, and soil that are rarely
factored into the cost of doing
business. Protecting Canada’s
environment and conserving
natural resources is essential for
a competitive economy in the
21st century.”
Furthermore, “In contrast [to
countries making conservation
an economic priority], Canada
has been reluctant to use
strong regulations or economic
disincentives to protect the
environment. The countries that
are far ahead of Canada in terms
of environmental protection
are also outperforming Canada
economically.”
It’s perplexing to witness the
widespread immediacy and
urgency with which people
reacted to the economic crisis,
but there is no economy without
an environment in which it can
exist. It’s time to re-prioritize,
and face the fact that the
destruction of the environment
can and will threaten us just as
much as economic ruin.
The truth is simple: Without
a sustainable and protective
approach towards nature, we,
and all the other organisms that
inhabit the earth alongside us,
will not be able to go on living.
Please check out www.
davidsuzuki.org for more
information or to sign up for the
David Suzuki Nature Challenge
newsletter.
{ Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca
While none of the students got here in September. The meals
are planning to commit strictly have been wonderful and often
to the diet once the experiment the four of us will meet and make
is up, there is a consensus that meals,” said Dowling.
they are more willing and better
equipped to seek out local foods
in the future.
“Now it is sort of becoming
routine, I don’t even feel like I
am being challenged, because I
“I haven’t eaten this well since I have it figured out enough.”
Got Your 2009 ISIC Yet?
Your 2008 card
expires when the MEMORIAL UN
IVERSITY
New Year rings in!
To avoid any hassles,
get your 2009 ISIC
from Travel CUTS or your
student union before
heading home for the holidays.
The ISIC entitles you to over 40,000 discounts worldwide!
Save on VIA Rail, Greyhound, flights and other travel options
at Travel CUTS, admissions to museums and attractions, retail
and food purchases & more.
Memorial University Canada’s Student Travel Experts
University Centre, 3rd Flr www.travelcuts.com
709-737-7926 1-888-FLY-CUTS (359-2887)
THINK YOU
KNOW IT ALL ABOUT
COMPUTER SCIENCE
AT UPEI?
THINK AGAIN!
The UPEI Department of Computer Science
& Information Technology has a new Video
Game Programming Specialization that is
CREATIVE, CHALLENGING, AND FUN.
Students who have completed one year of
computer science studies with Java should be able
to make a seamless transition into this program.
Visit upei.ca/csit and click on Video Game
Programming Specialization for details.
DEIRDRE AYRE, Studio Head, Other Ocean Interactive of
Charlottetown, PEI, says,
“Our industry is growing
exponentially, but
recruitment is always
a challenge. With
local educational
programs providing
skilled workers, we
have the potential to
grow our company
more quickly, and
better meet the demands
of our customers.”
 Jan. 15, 2009
www.themuse.ca }SPORTS & HEALTH 15
Pro sports no longer exempt from recession
By Jon Dykeman the NHL, the NBA, and the NFL –
The Sporting Life have emerged as superstar athletes.
Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan

E conomic recessions have come

and gone, impacting the wallets
and careers of North Americans,
however, major pro sports leagues
have seemingly bypassed these
economic downturns.
The watching of pro sports games
is an escape for North Americans
leading hectic lives, and hardcore
fans have always allotted a place in
their budgets for the games.
And for a long time, collecting
tickets at the gate of the stadium
was all that was necessary for the
businesses to keep their franchises
afloat.
But in the last three decades, pro
sports has changed. No longer are
the owners, managers, and business
staff of teams the highest paid
people of the franchise. Television
programming is no longer limited
to the locality of the game and
corporate sponsors are no longer
making minimal contributions.
The change has been in the source
of the business – the players. In the
last three decades, some players in
the major pro sports leagues – MLB,
come to mind. They reached this
pinnacle status in the 1980s.
This emerging status drew
attention away from corporations,
and athletes began to take on roles
similar to movie and music stars,
endorsing both sponsored products
and their respective sports.
As their popularity increased,
so did their salaries, making them
the highest paid employees of the
franchise. Corporations invested
money in the franchises, increasing
the value of the franchise and
changing its target audiences.
The NHL provides a good Contrary to previous seasons in professional sports, the 2008 recession has affected leagues in a multitude of
example. In 1988, Gretzky was ways. illustration by Chad Young
traded to the Los Angeles Kings,
which led to the eventual appearance there weren’t enough hockey fans, headaches for the many executives Johnson and Johnson backed
of the Kings in the 1993 Stanley but because NHL executives had in the current recession. out of a sponsorship deal for the
Cup finals. Hockey fans started dreams of teams thriving in large According to Maclean’s, nine per 2010 Winter Olympics, leaving
to come out of the woodwork in markets like Phoenix and Florida cent of the NBA’s workforce has organizers looking hard to fill the
LA, thanks to Gretzky and his where teams could be supported been cut, including their offices vacant sponsor dollars.
influential sponsors. His tenure in by major television contracts, in LA. The NHL, on the other hand, is
LA epitomized the influence star businesses, and a potentially General Motors has also cut slightly more protected compared
athletes have had on untapped fan growing fan base. many sponsorship deals, including to the other pro sports leagues
bases. These decisions, shared by an advertisement during the Super due to having fewer corporate
In the mid-1990s, two Canadian pro sports executives across Bowl and a major deal with golf sponsors.
NHL teams fled Canada, not because North America, have turned into legend Tiger Woods.

Financial health shouldn’t cost your body

a small amount of cash or credit for bars and still hang out with friends. healthier, it will keep you feeling
By Natalie Holden However, there are some things this purpose. full longer, and it will last you much
Health Buzz that a student can do to improve Another thing to consider is that longer than a box of cereal.
their health and well-being without A lot of people limit this amount consuming large quantities of alcohol

S urviving on a student budget is

already a challenging task, but
with the current recession, for some
sabotaging financial stability.

Determine your budget

of us it may be particularly difficult.
While it would be nice to live on
organic foods, stay ever trendy, and
hang out in expensive cafés living the
ideal hipster life, this is not possible
for everyone.
After your rent, utilities, tuition,
books, and transportation, how
much money do you have left over?
This money should ideally go towards
your groceries. It’s a good idea to have
even more by spending a portion of
the grocery money on nights out. It’s
not uncommon to spend $100 in a
night, when you add up the cost of
cabs, food, and splurge expenses.
If you want to be social on a Friday
night, try inviting people in or going
to a friend’s place. You can avoid the
costs of expensive restaurants and
TM
too frequently has no nutritional value
and hurts the body. Perhaps adopting
a “my body is a temple” perspective
would help you to spend more wisely
on a balanced diet instead.
Write a weekly grocery list
As frugal as this sounds, keep a
flyer close at hand so you can check
out the sales and do some coupon
clipping.
Also, think about your schedule
for that week. Are you going to have
time to do any cooking? Or, are you
going to be overloaded with work
and school? With this is mind, shop
Get a cookbook
Steal one from your parents, check
the library, or go to a used bookstore.
As well, you can start making your
own personal cookbook by trying out
recipes found on the web.
If you teach yourself how to cook
a few simple and healthy meals, you
can avoid buying overpriced pre-
packaged convenience foods.
These microwavable pizzas,
lasagnas, and others are usually
loaded with preservatives and
excessive amounts of sodium. If you
have no other choice, Dominion has

accordingly. a Blue Menu line of products that

It might have to be a week of
sandwiches and salads. While it’s
financially attractive to live on Mr.
Noodles for a week, spend the extra
few dollars on salad veggies if you
can instead.
This shouldn’t be thought of as a
features convenience foods that are
a little healthier.
When it comes to vegetables,
in some cases it’s easier, cheaper,
and better for you to buy frozen
vegetables.
They’ll last longer. Also, because

Ashley Verge. frivolous expense, since fruits and

vegetable are part of a healthy diet
and Mr. Noodles has no place in it.
Brighton Star. Your body will thank you.
Keep your grocery
within budget, without
compromising healthy Avoid purchasing snacks and
What’s radiant, energetic and lights choices drinks on campus
up the dark? Why, it’s Ashley Verge’s smile.
While organic foods are a nice
Like the north star, she’s always there to help
idea, they’re often more expensive.
guide students in her work with the student Generally, you can get the same
volunteer bureau. This psychology major has nutrients from regular fruits
it all… brains, spirit, and a burning pride for and vegetables. There are lots of
where she’s from — Brighton. She’s one alternatives that are good for your
bright star that’s just beginning to shine. financial health, such as beans,
lentils, occasional servings of canned
tuna, or eggs – good, cheaper protein
sources instead of steak.
Peanut butter is cheap, but typically
high in fat. It’s good to have it on
hand in case it’s a sandwich week,
but it shouldn’t be a staple.
Also, if you want to bulk up (gain
muscle mass) a peanut butter and
banana sandwich is far cheaper than
Amazing Students, a program offered by Student and just as effective as an energy bar.
Affairs and Services, recognizes Memorial’s student Also, breakfast is the most important
superheroes. They are outstanding role models meal so choosing good breakfast
and involved contributors. They are leaders in
academics, student societies, and the community. options is important.
www.mun.ca/student/amazing
Count Chocula may be tempting,
but consider oatmeal instead. It’s
we are on an island, sometimes the
nutritional value in fresh fruits and
vegetables is lost in the process of
shipping and frozen veggies can
actually have more nutritional
value.
Keep snacks in your grocery
budget. Fruits or vegetables are the
best snack options. They are the
best for you and the fibre in them
will stave off hunger until the next
meal.
It will also help you to avoid
wasting bus fare on deceivingly fatty
Tim Horton’s muffins.
Also, just drink water. No need
to spend more money on juice,
Gatorade, or crappy soft drinks
(although coffee may sometimes be
essential).
There are loads of other great ideas
to help you stay healthy without
devastating your bank account.
For more information, contact
Memorial University’s Counselling
Centre or try looking online.
Natalie Holden is studying
neuroscience and has a nutrition
degree.
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