SFUO -Today

Ryc-Talk

2010-01-25T23:48:00.001-05:00

2010-01-20T03:05:00.001-05:00

2010-01-20T02:46:00.001-05:00

BOA January 2010 Part 1

2010-01-17T12:11:00.001-05:00

BOA Newsflash - What the Faculty Director's are up to...

2009-12-02T21:38:00.002-05:00

Dear members of the federation,

Sometimes, meetings are boring. Or long. Or both. Like this one right now. So what are people up to at the table?

A certain faculty director may or may not be studying for an exam next week.

A certain faculty director may or may not be checking their live feed on facebook.

A certain faculty director may or may not be playing Meerca Chase II.

A certain faculty director may or may not be reaquainting themselves with Neopets as well.

Your turn to talk...

2009-10-08T12:50:00.002-04:00

Let's call this a new social media project. If you have a question that you would like to ask a candidate, howsabout you post it on youtube, and I show the candidate the question?

Try responding to the video above, and we can have some fun.

Wolfe Talk

2009-10-01T20:26:00.006-04:00

SFUO President and outgoing advocate Seamus Wolfe talks about bi-elections at the Student Federation, and has a special message for the Engineers Student Society.

The Horses Mouth - Richard Mah

2009-09-26T15:38:00.002-04:00

Sleep deprived, possibly drunk, Richard Mah was found wandering the Jock-Turcot Student Centre

Transcription to follow...

Movin' on...

2009-09-26T10:36:00.004-04:00

Greetings again! And this is Kyle Ryc from the SFUO blog! Sorry about that...
Umm.. I'm sitting here, outside the Agora, in the University Centre, at the beginning of Tools of Change: An Activist Assembly. The SFUO is putting on an event this weekend to help people know how they can get involved on campus, different groups they can work with, tactics and tools to promote change around here. I'm here with the Muggy Monday's table, because Muggy Monday's likes to show up to these events... And, oh, look who it is! We have... Ted Horton! Oh my god! VP University Affairs of the Student Federation. And we're just chatting right now about the upcoming by-elections of the SFUO and a lot of our Federated Bodies... Who happen to be missing a bunch of VP Socials; other than engineering, who just completed, last night... I don't know if... Are the elections results out for Engineering... Who won? Oh, I'll find that myself. Okay. Well, doesn't matter. I'll post up some information about that in a few minutes. Hopefully will be able to talk with the Engineering elections, Richard Mah. But, just to let you know that the SFUOblog is up and running and maybe I'll get a haircut if the polls...

Sorry for the lack of formatting. On a high note, I will now have close captioning on my videos.

Also, if you can comment on whether you want videos like this (where I talk) or videos of interviews (where they talk), or a mix of both, that would be very helpful.

Upcoming Elections Coverage...

2009-09-24T14:31:00.002-04:00

Apparently, there are bi-elections coming up at the SFUO, and to its federated bodies.

SFUO blog will (hopefully) be gearing up to deal with these elections really soon.

The Legacy of Mark Kelly

2009-05-04T15:06:00.003-04:00

Today was going to be the beginning of a bright new summer, one filled with blogs perhaps. However, something has soured this day. I had it in my mind to go and start something cool, like liveblogging a Senate meeting with the new student senators. Perhaps interview a few, and show the blogosphere another aspect of student governance here at uOttawa. But I cannot. A tangible reminder of of this past year greeted me at the entrance to Tabaret 083. Two lovely Protection officers and a nice lady with a list. An invitation list. A member's only list.

Now I could rant and rave about a lack of acess and that the university is trying to cover things up, but, once again, I cannot. For the sake of the business of this institution, Mr. Rock has to restrict acess to one of the more entertaining political bodies on our campus. And I agree with him. I want the Senate to go about its business, and get things done. Create new programs, new degrees, and new classes! Abolish things that are not up to snuff. Make this institution better than what it is. Engage, educate, and inspire us to ever greater feats.

Maybe this will eventually happen, but not without outside ideas. The BOA works, in part, because of that all important open forum at the end. The Senate met earlier this year in the chapel, specifically to allow more people to participate in the process, the struggle, to make this place better. Now, I, an engaged student, someone who strives to enjoy his student experience, has to sit on the steps of Tabaret because another student took issue with his coursework. Perhaps the Senate should take a lesson from another governing body nearby. If someone is disruptive, kick them out. If someone just wants to show up, let them stay.

Success!

2009-04-15T12:40:00.000-04:00

Two months and five days later...

A New Video from uOttawa

2009-04-10T04:18:00.006-04:00

The Global and Community Service Office is one of the new initiatives of the Alan Rock administration here at uOttawa. The idea, as far as I can tell, is to form a comprehensive volunteer opportunity database. For those of us still looking for a job, they are currently hiring (although the position in charge of the office needs something like 10 years of fund raising practice?).

On all points, however, I must give this video props. It successfully incorporates both English and French, and keeps you listening if you do not understand both languages. Familiar, and influential faces, such as those of Jon Rausseo (uOttawa Sustainability Coordinator), Jason Benovoy (Shared World Initiative), and Alan Rock himself, make appearances. If only I could find out what the music is.

P.S. To all the folks out there looking for their video fix, we will probably be getting started again soon.

PIDSSA Elections?

2009-03-23T19:26:00.002-04:00

A rogue HSS student has invaded a packed LMX 220. Look at the crowd!

Post-Election blues? Nick Taylor-Vaisey

2009-03-19T09:46:00.002-04:00

Former head of the anti-student movement on campus, and general layabout, Nick TV managed to take a break from his busy, go gettem life and chat about life after student politics.

Candid Talk - Enoch Kwok

2009-03-19T09:32:00.001-04:00

Candid Talk - Logan Ouellette

2009-03-19T09:31:00.001-04:00

Special thanks to Logan, who transcribed his own interview, and then translated it!

SFUOBlog: OK, and we’re still in the University Centre couch lounge, and I’m here with Logan, who is currently running for the presidency of the Communication Student Association.

Logan: Yes sir.

SFUOBlog: So, you list on your poster that you have dedication and organization. What does that mean to the CSA?

Logan: Well, I’ve been a dedicated member of the CSA since I finished my 101 Week. I got involved with the Commie Crew, which is the social crew that helps the VP Socials organize and plan their events. After that, I got involved during the summer with Shinerama, during which myself and Emily Selst (Shinerama Coordinator for the CSA) raised over $4500 throughout the summer, between the two of us basically, for our student association and that was a lot of fun. Also, during the summer, I worked on a new initiative for the CSA with Sarah Burke, our VP University Affairs. We started the “CMN Challenge”, which was a challenge that brought the practical side of communication back to the students who might be lost in a sea of theory and words, so we gave them a little bit of a hands-on experience. I’ve also been going to all the events and making lots of friends, and I’ve just really been enjoying my time with Communication.

SFUOBlog: What do you bring to the table that is unique compared to anyone else who would approach the presidency?

Logan: Well, one of the things I talk about on my poster is organization. I’m a very organized individual, if you just ask Amanda (Marochko, my roommate). I keep my room very clean, I lead a very organized life, but that doesn’t exactly relate… In relation to job experience, right now I’m currently the Registration Chair for Relay for Life, so I send out daily emails to the volunteers just reminding them of their shifts. I keep the schedule updated with input from dozens of volunteers every day, and I’m really enjoying that, it’s been a really great experience so far, and I look forward to Relay for Life on March 27th.

SFUOBlog: You were recently nominated for the Support & Teamwork volunteer award. What does a nomination like that mean to you?

Logan: It means a lot actually; it was a really, really great feeling. Of course, I lost out to you, Kyle Ryc, but I’m not going to be bitter about it, I think you really deserved it. It was great just to get my name out there and get a little recognition for all the volunteering I’ve done these past two years, and I was just really happy to be nominated, you know? I’ve got two more years ahead of me; I’ve got a lot more volunteering up my sleeve, so maybe next year or the year after? We’ll see.

SFUOBlog: What do you think is the biggest problem facing the Communication Student Association at this point?

Logan: I think one of the problems we face is that we kind of lose our 101ers after 101 Week. I remember last year, a few of us got involved, but I would like to find a way to get our 101ers to stay involved but also reach out to students in older years who might feel alienated because we focus too much on 101ers. So, something I’d like to do is to make every Communication student feel like they’re a part of our association, as they should. We are an association of roughly 1000 members, but usually our events bring in, I would say, around 20 or 30 centered members in our association. So I’d like to see events that can get a greater participation from all of our students, and hopefully reach out to 3rd and 4th years who are probably very focused on their studies, but they need to have fun too.

SFUOBlog: The CSA office is right next to CHUO (radio station). If you could have a radio show, what would be its’ name?

Logan: Uh, that’s a tough question! Kyle, you and the tough questions. You know what, I would probably call it the “Loganizer Hour” and I would play lots of Britney Spears and Lady GaGa.*

SFUOBlog: OK, thank you very much.

Logan: Thank YOU.

SFUOBlog : Bon, alors nous sommes encore dans le salon des canapés du Centre universitaire, ici avec Logan, candidat pour la présidence de l’Association des étudiants et étudiantes en communication.

Logan : Oui, monsieur.

SFUOBlog : Alors, vous démontrez sur votre affiche électorale que vous êtes dévoués et organiser. Qu’est-ce que cela veut dire pour l’AÉÉC ?

Logan : Bien, mois j’ai été un membre dévoué de l’AÉÉC depuis la fin de ma semaine 101. Je me suis impliqué avec le « Commie Crew », ce qui est le comité social qui assiste aux V.-p. aux affaires sociales avec leurs événements. Après ça, je me suis impliqué durant l’été avec notre coordonatrice de Shinerama, Emily Selst, et ensemble nous avons soulevées plus de 4 500$ entre nous deux au nom de notre association étudiante. Aussi durant l’été, j’ai assisté à une nouvelle initiative pour l’AÉÉC en collaboration avec notre V.-p. aux affaires universitaires, Sarah Burke. Nous avons commencé le « Défi de communication », ce qui était un défi pour but d’amener les aspects pratiques de la communication aux étudiants qui se sent submergé par la théorie, alors on voulait leurs apportés la chance d’avoir des activités plutôt à main. J’ai aussi assisté à tous nos événements et fais beaucoup d’amis, alors je dirais que je me suis beaucoup amuser avec l’AÉÉC jusqu’à l’heure.

SFUOBlog : Qu’est-ce que tu apportes à la table en termes d’aspect unique comparé aux autres candidats qui se soumettent à la présidence ?

Logan : Une des choses donc je parle dans mon affiche électorale c’est l’organisation. Je suis un individu qui est pleinement organisé dans ma vie, fais juste demander mon collègue Amanda (Marochko). Je garde ma chambre très nette, mais ce n’est pas un aspect qui est entièrement relié à mon expérience comme président… En termes d’expérience de travail, je suis actuellement chargé de l’inscription et les tables d’informations pour le « Relais pour la vie », avec des responsabilités qui incluent la dissémination de courriels quotidien et la gérance de l’horaire des bénévoles que je garde à jour avec la contribution d’une couple de douzaines de bénévoles. Ca fait une expérience très jouissant jusqu’à date et je me réjouis au Relais le vendredi, 27 mars.

SFUOBlog : Vous avez été nommé récemment comme candidat pour la bourse « Bouchard & Latreille d’appui et travail d’équipe ». Comment est-ce cette nomination te fais ressentir?

Logan : Il signifie beaucoup effectivement; ca me donne un très grand sentiment. Bien sûr, j’ai perdu contre vous, Kyle Ryc, mais je ne vais pas être amer à ce sujet, je pense que vous l’avez vraiment mérité. Il a été très juste pour obtenir mon nom là-bas et obtenir un peu de reconnaissance pour tout le bénévolat que j'ai fait ces deux dernières années, et j'ai été vraiment heureux d'être nommés. J'ai encore deux ans d'avance sur moi, j'ai beaucoup plus de bénévolat à faire, alors peut-être l'année prochaine ou l'année d'après ? Nous verrons.

SFUOBlog : Que pensez-vous est le plus grand problème auquel l’AÉÉC doit faire face en ce moment?

Logan : Je pense que l'un des problèmes auxquels nous sommes confrontés est que nous perdons nos étudiant(e)s 101s après la Semaine 101. Je me souviens l'an dernier, un peu d'entre nous se sont impliqués, mais je voudrais trouver un moyen pour soutenir nos 101s à rester en jeu, mais aussi tendre la main aux étudiants en année plus âgés qui pourraient se sentir exclus, car nous nous concentrons peut-être trop sur les 101s. Alors, quelque chose que je voudrais faire c’est de faire certain que chaque étudiant(e) en communication à l’impression qu'ils font partie de notre association, comme ils le devraient. Nous sommes une association d'environ 1000 membres, mais en tant que participation à nos manifestations, nous avons seulement environ 20 ou 30 membres impliqués qui nous soutiennent. Donc, je voudrais voir des événements qui peuvent avoir une plus grande participation de l'ensemble de nos étudiants, et nous espérons atteindre les étudiant(e)s en 3ième et 4ième années qui sont probablement très centrés sur leurs études, mais ils ont besoin d'avoir du plaisir eux aussi.

SFUOBlog : Le bureau de l'AÉÉC est à côté de la station radio CHUO. Si vous pouviez avoir une émission de radio, qu’est-ce qui serait son nom?

Logan : Euh, c'est une question difficile! Kyle, vous et les questions difficiles. Bon, vous savez quoi, je doute appeler mon émission « L’heure Loganizer », et je jouerai beaucoup de Britney Spears et Lady Gaga.*

SFUOBlog : D’accord, je vous remercie.

Logan : Merci, Kyle!

Candid Talk - Amanda Marochko

2009-03-19T09:14:00.001-04:00

Board of Administration - Friday, March 13th, 2009

2009-03-11T22:12:00.007-04:00

The inauspicious day of reckoning cometh. A motion has been proposed, read it for yourself:

Whereas there is a case contesting the 2009 elections between Garner, Hasinoff, and Chaput v. Wolfe, Dubois, Séguin and Guillaume, hereafter referred to as “the case”.

Whereas irregularies in the process of the case before the Student Arbitration Committee have put the credibility of the committee into question.

Whereas the decision rendered by the Student Arbitration Committee could potentially violate the constitution of the Federation.

Whereas the implications involved in allowing this case to continue in the present context could cause legal ramifications for the Federation.

Whereas the Board of Administration has the following powers, as outlined in the constitution and state the following:

The Board of Administration administers the affairs of the Federation in every respect and has full powers to manage the affairs of the federation, conclude or cause to be concluded, in its name, any contract that it may legally conclude and, subject to the bylaws, exercise in general all powers and take measures allowed by the letters patent and applicable laws.

Whereas the ultimate decision making body of the Federation is the Board of Administration.

Whereas the hearings into the case have shown to pose a possible threat to a members’ right to a positive space.

Whereas the hearings must be heard in a way that is fair and just.

Whereas it was suggested by the Federation’s solicitor to the Student Arbitration Committee to request direction from the Board of Administration, before concluding its latest decision.

Whereas it is a Federation member’s right to contest the elections.

Whereas the advice of the Federation’s solicitor, Vice Hunter Labrosse LLP, as per: Marc R. Labrosse was sought on this matter, and that his recommendations were as follows:

…that if the BOA first determines that it is in the best interests of the SFUO to restore some calm to the situation and intervene, the following three options which we discussed with you would be reasonable:

1. To appoint three (3) new members to the SAC and allow the participants to exercise their rights under section 8.6.1.4;
2. To allow the parties to exercise similar rights as under 8.6.1.4 and select from amongst the members of the BOA who would be prepared to sit at ad hoc arbitrators despite 8.3.1.1;
3. Appoint an independent arbitrator (with formal legal training) to hear the appeal.

Be it resolved that the Board of Administration of the Federation reorder a new hearing into the contest of Garner, Hasinoff, and Chaput v. Wolfe, Dubois, Séguin and Guillaume, presently before the Student Arbitration Committee.

Be it further resolved that the Board of Administration of the Federation relieve the Student Arbitration Committee from the current case and set in place a panel of three directors of the Board of Administration of the Federation to hear the case.

Be it further resolved that Garner, Hasinoff, Chaput select one of three directors on the panel; that Wolfe, Dubois, Séguin, Guillaume select one of the three directors on the panel, and by doing so the parties agree to the decision of the panel; and that the two directors on the panel selected by each party shall decide upon the third director on the panel, whom shall chair the panel.

Be it further resolved that the Board of Administration of the Federation shall choose the final director on the panel, should the directors selected to be on the panel be unable to come to a decision on the third director on the panel.

Be it further resolved that a director on the panel must not be in her own cause, a witness or a representative of the implicated parties.

Be it further resolved that the panel will follow the minimum guidelines to abide by in relation to sections 8.4.2.2 and 8.4.3 of the constitution of the Federation.

Be it further resolved that the full procedure and any rulings in regards to procedure will be agreed upon by a two-thirds vote of the directors on the panel.

Be it further resolved that minutes of all meetings and panel hearings of the meetings shall be voice recorded and released to the public.

Be it further resolved that the panel hearings ensure a positive space, that they are video recorded for public distribution, that they are closed to the general public, and that they are open to the following:
(a) All directors of the Federation, including the executive of the Federation
(b) The chairperson of the board of administration of the Federation
(c) All parties involved in the contest of the elections
(d) Counsel of all parties involved, pursuant to 8.7.1 of the constitution of the Federation
(e) Any witnesses called to the hearing by the parties involved in the contest of the elections
(f) One staff member from “The Fulcrum”
(g) One staff member from “La Rotonde”

Be it further resolved that the decision will be rendered by a two-thirds vote of the directors on the panel.

Be it further resolved that the decision will be rendered as soon as possible.

Be it further resolved that the decision may be appealed within two business days of the decision being rendered by the panel to the board of administration by one of the parties by submitting a request in writing to the chairperson of the Board of Administration of the Federation. The Board of Administration of the Federation may only overturn the decision of the panel by a vote of two-thirds of the directors present. The decision on the appeal is final.

Motion presented by:
Dean Haldenby, President of the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa
president@sfuo.ca / 613.808.1393 / 613.562.5800 x4061
March 11, 2009 at 3:00am

Seen in the UCU... Office of the President Elect

2009-02-13T21:04:00.002-05:00

Seamus Wolfe had a present waiting for him when he (eventually) got to work today.

The polls are closed - Federico Carvajal

2009-02-13T16:56:00.001-05:00

External Commissioner of GSAED Federico Carvajal lays back and discusses the fun of the whole party.

Bigger than Jesus? Polls are closed.

2009-02-13T01:30:00.001-05:00

What the fuck.

Official Senate Winners

2009-02-13T00:29:00.001-05:00

Telfer
André Huranchyk
Arts
Mel Book
Sciences
Alex Bevington
Social Sciences
Kyle Simunovic
Law
Bruno
Medicine
Andrew Boolaray
Health Sciences
Shamin Mohammed Jr.

The polls are closed - Tyler Steeves

2009-02-12T23:26:00.001-05:00

Love life, and enjoy the show with a few last words from Tyler Steeves.

The polls are closed - Mark Kelly

2009-02-12T22:42:00.001-05:00

There are few people who have generated more conversation on campus than Mark Kelly. Here he is, giving a few seconds to the discussion.

The polls are closed - RPG

2009-02-12T22:36:00.001-05:00

The man people believe in gives an honest discussion to some frank questions.

The polls are closed - Nick Taylor-Vaisey

2009-02-12T21:35:00.001-05:00

NickTV is looking dapper, and enjoys the spotlight yet again.

Candid(ates) Talk - Amy Kishek

2009-02-12T16:16:00.001-05:00

As if she hasn`t said enough, Amy Kishek is still talking.

Candid(ates) Talk - Jeremy Stuart

2009-02-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

The man with the coolest posters on campus sat down in the couch lounge to enjoy the sights, sounds, and stupidity of our central comedy crew.

Heard in the UCU... Gilbert and Sullivan

2009-02-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

Very models of a modern major general? A special guest appearance of Jeremy Stuart and Ted Horton, giving their Broadway best!

Live @ CHUO... The Finale

2009-02-12T15:03:00.003-05:00

As if it was not enough...

More popular than Wassim? - Tristan Dénommée

2009-02-11T23:51:00.000-05:00

Love him or hate him, Tristan Dénommée is speaking his mind. The video cuts out - blame the battery.

More popular than Wassim? - Amalia Savva

2009-02-11T23:08:00.001-05:00

The most awkward interview. Ever.

Heard in the UCU... Pie-the-candidate

2009-02-11T22:08:00.002-05:00

Notable absences from the hit-and-run event included Roxanne Dubois (who may or may not have bought off the organizers), Wassim Garzouzi (who was unavailable for comment), and Sidney Loko. Sorry for the video cutting off early, the computer ran out of batteries.

Heard in the UCU... Pie in the Face Buildup...

2009-02-10T21:48:00.004-05:00

Apparently, the candidates have pissed off a lot of people, as the crowd is building to swamp some politicians with curdling milk.

Sylvia is sitting in the Blogger`s Corner, and has this person on her wish-list of pie-in-the-face targets: Wassim Garzouzi. Watch out, W.

Golden Soapbox Award

2009-02-10T20:53:00.001-05:00

www.sfuoblog.ca has been awarded the title of Best Multimedia/Video Blog for the SFUO Elections in 2009. The awards are hosted on the SFUO Soapbox. Editor Kyle Ryc was not technically awarded the title of Best Student Journalist, but appreciates the mention.

Help Wanted!

2009-02-10T18:59:00.003-05:00

Anyone who want to help out in transcribing some videos, please feel free to participate! Apparently, the Elections Bureau does not feel the same way about their videos... Until further notice, I am at 1848.

It has begun...

2009-02-10T16:40:00.001-05:00

Zombocalypse.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-10T16:25:00.004-05:00

Sidney Loko, Alex Bevington, and the Yes to Millenium Villages crew showed up here to enjoy the sights and sounds. Countdown to the Zombocalypse nears its end.

Candid(ates) Talk - Alex Bevington

2009-02-10T16:16:00.002-05:00

President of the Physical Geography Student Association, and candidate for the Senate and the BOA for Science, Alex Bevington is loving it all.

SFUOblog: We`re still in the University Centre couch lounge and my guest is BOA candidate Alex Bevington...

Alex Bevington: Thank you.

SFUOblog: And you put on a good show at 1848 last night!

Alex Bevington: Thank you very much, thank you very much. I love it.

SFUOblog: So... You are not a one-trick pony. You are a science student,

Alex Bevington: I am.

SFUOblog: ...you play bass guitar,...

Alex Bevington: I do.

SFUOblog: ...and you're running for student politics.

Alex Bevington: I am, I am. The three fundamental truths about Alex Bevington.

SFUOblog: Is there anything else that's fundamental about you?

Alex Bevington: I'm a curious guy. I like all kinds of stuff. Lots of music, lots of reading, lots of travelling. I travelled a lot. I love outdoors, physical activity, stuff like that, camping. Maps, I'm obsessed with maps. I just came out of a GIS course, which is computer mapping, and, uh... I feel pretty good right now.

SFUOblog: How'd that... That's the best way to feel after a course

Alex Bevington: (Laughs) Yah.

SFUOblog: So, you are running for the BOA.

Alex Bevington: And the senate.

SFUOblog: AND the senate, sorry.

Both for the faculty of science.

SFUOblog: And you are encouraging people to vote for you, obviously.

Alex Bevington: Yah... I'm doing it mostly to vote and most to get informed, because I find that a lot... The worst thing that can happen... I just put a post up on my blog, about five minutes ago, abevington.ca (laughs), about how, like, the worst thing that you can possibly do is have an uninformed vote. That violates the fundamentals of democracy. So I would just love people to get informed: read the blogs, watch the videos, read the newspapers, talk to the candidates, get informed. So if people want to vote for me, that's wonderful. I think it's a great idea.

SFUOblog: Yah, okay. So. When it comes to this campaigning, you work to inform people, but for some reason you also pay attention to student media. Why is that?

Alex Bevington: Why is that? I think it's... I think student media is coming from students, so it's opinions from students who are not necessarily voting for me, but they are influenced by the same thing I'm influenced by. So if I were to just blindly campaign without paying attention to any of these things, then I think I'd be lacking a big part of the perception of the candidates. You know, I'd be lacking who's going where, and doing what kind of campaign, and whose poster got ripped down. Which to some extent, you could argue, is completely useless for my campaign, but, it keeps me informed. And I think the better I'm informed...(chuckles) He's laughing at me.

SFUOblog: Serge Miville is laughing as he packs up to go to CHUO.

Alex Bevington: This is like blogger central area. I feel like I walked into a Mission: Impossible scene.

Serge Miville: We are the source of every single information that comes out. We control everything.

SFUOblog: Well, I don't know if anyone will hear that, and hopefully it won't pick up on the microphone. Um... What do you think is the most pressing issue for science right now?

Alex Bevington: For science? I think the most pressing issue is probably inter-faculty relations. Because, unfortunately, for some reason, the faculty of science has kind of a... Not a bad rap. I don't know. A lot of people, it's... Not very interested in campus politics, because they're not really, they don't see it everyday. They don't see. Science is a bit neglected in that way. But in science, you can approach it a certain way that science students can understand that campus politics do matter for science students. I've got a couple articles on my blog about "when scientists get political," that's the title, and I try to keep a theme. Politics are fundamental to science, like, I think that we really need to have properly researched information using scientific methods, you know? I think it's, so, inter-faculty relations. That's definitely the most important.

SFUOblog: I don't have any more time, but I'm going to ask you if you could describe Wassim Garzouis in three words, what would they be?

Alex Bevington: Wassim Garzouzi. Wassim Garzouzi is a gentleman of character.

SFUOblog: Gentleman of character. Okay. Thanks.

Alex Bevington: Thanks

Candid(ates) Talk - Martin Schoots-McAlpine

2009-02-10T15:47:00.001-05:00

Marxist, activist, and jovial fellow, Martin Schoots-McAlpine took a second out of his fierce campaigning to sit down and enjoy the show.

Candid(ates) Talk - Alex Chaput

2009-02-10T15:29:00.001-05:00

Alex Chaput entered the quadrilateral in a frank and modest mood. It truly is great to see humility in what is sometimes essentially a popularity contest.

More popular than Wassim? - Faris Lehn

2009-02-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

PIDSSA president Faris Lehn calls out candidates to be responsible!

Candid(ates) Talk - Roxanne Dubois

2009-02-10T14:03:00.001-05:00

Roxanne Dubois is looking to get re-elected to the executive of the SFUO. This is what she had to say.

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-10T13:58:00.001-05:00

Serge Miville and company chill out in the couch lounge.

2009-02-10T01:37:00.001-05:00

Aboriginal Counseling Resource Elder Service (ACRES) yes 6
ALTEEN, Matt 4
Ban the Sale of Tobacco in SFUO Businesses no 3
Ban the Sale of Tobacco in SFUO Businesses yes 4
BAY, Brandon 3
BEDARD, Scott 4
BELVITT, Aminka 3
BERRADA, Osama 2
BÉRUBÉ, Marie-Eve 6
BÉRUBÉ, Myriam 4
BEVINGTON, Alexandre 5
BLOUIN, Dominique 5
Bon Appetit! yes 7
BOOK, Melanie 6
BOOZARY, Andrew 5
BRANNIGAN, Lain 4
BRISSON, Danika 7
CHAPUT, Alexandre 6
CHEEVERS, Michael 8
DATARS, Eric 4
DUBOIS, Roxanne 1
FANCIE, Mike 2
FLYNN, Peter 5
GARNER, Renaud-Philippe 3
GELINAS-FAUCHER, Bruno 5
GODOY-SMIRNOVA, Liliana 6
GORVIE, Miatta 6
GRAY, Cam 7
GUILLAUME, Jean 7
HAMMETT, Amy 1
HASINOFF, Maureen 2
HORTON, Ted 8
HURANCHYK, André 5
KANJI, Khadija 7
KELLY, Marc 2
KING, Sarah Jayne 8
KISHEK, Amy 5
KOZAK, Aaron 6
LAMARCHE, Michèle 8
LEVIONNOIS, Julie 7
LOKO, Sidney 1
MAH, Richard 7
MARENTETTE, Stephanie 1
MENYASZ, Austin 6
Millenium Villages no 7
Millenium villages yes 8
MOHAMED, Shamin Jr. 6
MOMOH, Khadeejat 7
MONTGOMERY, Cameron 2
NTWARI, Landry 8
O, Ivy 2
PRAZERES, Robert 2
RAE, Jim 8
RASHOTTE, Laura 1
ROWED, Casey 1
RYC, Kyle 8
SANTOS, Verônica 1
SCHOOTS-McALPINE, Martin 3
SÉGUIN, Julie 1
SELMAN, Mohammed 2
SILVA, Naveen 1
SIMUNOVIC, Kyle 3
Smoke-free Campus no 1
Smoke-free Campus yes 2
STARK, Arthur Dennis 6
STEEVES, Tyler 4
STUART, Jeremy 3
Student Life Services yes 5
SYMONS, CJ 4
VILLENEUVE, Dominic 3
WOLFE, Seamus 5

This is the distribution of candidates required to clean-up campus on elections night. I would like to take this time to unfairly punish the elections bureau for a few mistakes. I have to make these public as they actually anger me to an unnecessary degree:
1) Roger-Guidon Hall is not listed. Funny thing, too; the elections bureau does not have to count ballots this year. Are they going over to RGN to clean it up themselves?
2) Danika-Brisson is scheduled for 7, and the referendum that she is supporting, ACRES, is 6. Is she supposed to do both? What about other people in the same spot?
3) Shamin Mohammed Jr. is Senator Elect for Health Sciences. He does not have to run a campaign, and is also not in the continent at the time. All I can question is... Fanshaw Student Union?
4) Most importantly, Jim Rae, Laura Rashotte, myself, and undoubtedly other candidates have NOT contributed to the greatest dendrocide in Ottawa since the construction of the canal in 1832. Why are we being forced to clean up other people`s mess? Civic duty? It being in our eligibility requirements? I will have you know that the Jamestown Massacre was not pretty, not at all.

Thanks for dropping the ball, Wassim. Thanks for dropping the ball.

Heard in the Oak...

2009-02-09T23:18:00.003-05:00

uOttawa Campus Conservatives held an informal debate/forum for all takers tonight in the basement of the Oak on Laurier. The attendance is a testament to the influence and esteem this group is held in: Tyler Steeves, RPG, Kyle Simunovic, Mel Book, Ted Horton, Cameron Montgomery, Peter Flynn, Scott Bedard, Amy Kishek, and more managed to brave the cramped quarters to give their two cents.

Missing was the mainstream media of the uOttawa community; namely, La Rotonde, CHUO, or the Fulcrum. However, a few intrepid bloggers snuck in: Visit Amalia Savva`s blog for some pictures of the event.

In greener pastures... - Recyclemania

2009-02-09T21:41:00.009-05:00

Recyclemania opens up tonight at 1848. The two-month long event evaluates nearly every campus' in Ontario and compares them against each other in their effectiveness to reduce, reuse and recycle. To kick things off, 1848 is playing host to ten, count `em ten bands tonight. The question is, where are all the green candidates?
Ted Horton, Sarah Jayne King, and the king of wheelies Shaughnessy O`Reilly are here.

Update: Seamus Wolfe has been sighted. Perhaps everyone else is at the Campus Conservative`s party at the Oak?

Update: Danika Brisson has also made an appearance. As has Roxanne Dubois.

JHC, I read like a bad blog by Wassim.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T16:34:00.001-05:00

Roxanne Dubois is trying to buy my vote with gifts. This is what she had to offer.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

Sidney Loko is rocking it! IF only I could understand French at that speed.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T15:55:00.002-05:00

Tyler Steeves has managed to keep on playing the live, loving the life, and enjoying all the fun that the election has to offer.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T15:47:00.002-05:00

CJ Symons managed to dance around the ever-present danger of The Fulcrum`s AGM, while still discussing the anti-war movement, SCAW, unionizing, and work.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T15:22:00.004-05:00

Cameron Gray speaks his mind when it comes to sustainability, greening our campus, and living in a plastic bag free world.

Live @ CHUO...

2009-02-09T15:10:00.005-05:00

Nick TV is doing this thing at CHUO right now. It is a great part of this election, if I do say so myself.

However, Mike Cheevers withstands any attempts to be converted to the capitalist side.

Serge Miville is enjoying the view.

Referenda Mania - Millenium Villages

2009-02-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

Nadine from the Yes Committee for the Millennium Villages wants to put people`s fears to rest. You can find their complete to-do list on their website, mvillagesm.blogspot.com

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-09T11:23:00.002-05:00

I hate to rumor monger, but I had to get this one out before Serge Miville. I will get someone to actually discuss this as soon as I can.

Candid(ates) Talk - Austin

2009-02-09T10:34:00.001-05:00

You know you want it...

Candid(ates) Talk - Mike Fancie

2009-02-09T10:33:00.000-05:00

Campaigns coordinator and Faculty Director Mike Fancie reveals more about his campaign for the Senate.

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-09T10:11:00.001-05:00

More popular than Wassim? - Dean Haldenby

2009-02-08T21:27:00.001-05:00

Current and outgoing president of the SFUO Dean Haldenby invites me into his office for a brief, but beautiful, interview.

2009-02-08T21:09:00.001-05:00

Fiesty, petite, and newly elected to the Fulcrum`s board of directors, Maureen Hasinhoff, is looking to nab a big seat at the SFUO: that of V.P. Finance. You can visit her website at www.votemaureen.ca

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-08T20:40:00.000-05:00

Do you really want to know? I hate blogging.

More popular than Wassim? - Nick Taylor-Vaisey

2009-02-08T20:32:00.001-05:00

What you may not realize is that I do not put up all the interviews I do, for varying reasons. Wassim Garzouzi actually sat down to talk with me, but, to be honest, was a complete flub. Then, out of nowhere, Nick TV shows up to discuss this.

Bigger than Jesus?

2009-02-08T20:30:00.001-05:00

"Wassim. Freaking. Garzouzi" - Mike Fancie, Senate candidate.

More popular than Wassim? - Serge Miville

2009-02-08T20:00:00.003-05:00

Bloggeur-en-chef of www.sergemiville.ca sat down with me to talk shop.

Help Wanted!

2009-02-07T03:41:00.000-05:00

I am taking the day off to transcribe videos and do a few smaller interviews. If anyone wants to help out, just e-mail me at editor@sfuoblog.ca

More popular than Wassim? - Frank Appleyard

2009-02-07T03:35:00.002-05:00

Editor-in-chief of the Fulcrum Frank Appleyard entered the quadrilateral outside the CHUO broadcasting booth to discuss some big news, and to shoot the breeze.

SFUOblog: We're back with the SFUOblog in I guess CHUO, the basement of Morrisett. The Dungeon, as some people like to call it. And I'm here with Frank Appleyard, the editor-and-chief of the Fulcrum?

Frank Appleyard: Editor and chief.

SFUOblog: So you had a rather momentous event tonight?

Frank Appleyard: It was relatively momentous, yah. It was a big day for the students, I would say. It was the Fulcrum's annual general meeting, and it's not necessarily a Fulcrum event, it's an event for all students that support the Fulcrum, which is of course every member of the SFUO and every member and every member of the graduates students association

SFUOblog: And, specifically, there was a ... formerly controversial that... I will say, was either brought up or defeated depending on how you look at it. You got rid of the boycott, as it were.

Frank Appleyard: The membership did vote to remove the boycott list at tonight's annual general meeting.

SFUOblog: Do you know what precipitated that move?

Frank Appleyard: A lot of it had to do with the economic situation that's currently going on in the country we're in. The Fulcrum did lose a significant amount of money through losing that National Defense boycott last year. And given the downturn and the loss of advertising that's happened this year, the board of directors ultimately put forth this motion to rescind the boycott list, which was accepted by the membership at the meeting tonight.

SFUOblog: Wow. And I'm sure there are... there are... there's a significant faction within the Federation that fought for that last year and I guess they didn't show up tonight.

Frank Appleyard: There was actually... It was a unanimous vote tonight. And this was a meeting that was advertised and promoted according to our policies and by-laws in accordance with what was advertised last year. And it was a unanimous vote amongst students this year.

SFUOblog: On the flip side of things, you guys are also... You just released your elections coverage.

Frank Appleyard: We did.

SFUOblog: A beautiful insert...

Frank Appleyard: Thank you.

SFUOblog: Some people in colour, and some people were in black and white, but I appreciate the effort that you guys did.

Frank Appleyard: Well... I mean if I can speak to that, I mean it's impossible to get everyone in colour for financial reasons and logisitical reasons. It's not possible to do a full cover... or a full colour issue the size that we did. That's the reason that there were some colour and some black and white.

SFUOblog: But on the issue of the elections... How does your position as an independant organization from the Student Federation affect your input into the conversation that is the election for the Federation?

Frank Appleyard: What do you mean "the conversation", sorry?

SFUOblog: Well, you guys contribute a lot to how people see the election and how people see candidates, and you are independant of the Student Federation, you are not controlled by.. well, Dean Haldenby or Julie Seguin in their current roles. You have your independence, which La Rotonde also won early last year.

Candid(ates) Talk - CJ Symons

2009-02-07T03:10:00.003-05:00

Anarchist, anti-war protester, and generally chill dude CJ Symons joined the party that is the www.SFUOblog.ca with a few quick minutes sitting down with me in Jock-Turcot`s couch lounge. You can find more info at his blog, here: http://cjsymons.blogspot.com/

Candid(ates) Talk - Jim Rae

2009-02-07T03:08:00.003-05:00

If you are in science and want to know what is going on, you probably have come across this firecracker. Jim Rae has demonstrated in his classroom presentations that he is considerate and determined. Check out his site at http://sites.google.com/site/jimraeboaca/

Candid(ates) Talk - Renaud-Phillipe Garner

2009-02-06T11:04:00.002-05:00

Possibly the most loquacious and verbose candidate ever to grace the stages of 1848, RPG has been making a storm on his way towards the presidency. I would not go to to his website (its crap), but you could probably expect to see him show up for some class presentations in Marion, Montpetit, or Arts in the next few days.

Candid(ates) Talk - Sarah Jayne King

2009-02-06T10:56:00.001-05:00

Outspoken activist and unnecessarily nice person Sarah Jayne King waltzed on by and demanded an interview. I had to acquiesce.

Candid(ates) Talk - Mark Kelly

2009-02-06T10:43:00.002-05:00

Mark Kelly managed to stick around in 1848 for long enough to talk with me. The presidential candidates seem to have a lot more to say, so I think I will not have the time transcribe everything. We`ll see on Saturday.

More popular than Wassim? - Virginie Corneau St-Hilaire

2009-02-06T04:43:00.000-05:00

A lady with many hats, Virginie is most commonly known as the coordinator of the Centre for Students with Disabilities, and as an outspoken activist on social justice. She had a few moments to chat during the spectacular debates on Thursday.

Candid(ates) Talk - Tyler Steeves

2009-02-06T04:37:00.003-05:00

Steeves managed to spare a moment of his time after a full fledged political debate at 1848. You can find his well produced website at tylersteeves.com.

In the interest of actually getting some of these videos up, I am making lower quality copies. Hopefully I can replace them soon.

Special Announcement

2009-02-06T01:50:00.000-05:00

Candid(ates) Talk - Mike Fancie

2009-02-05T22:02:00.000-05:00

Mr. Fancie Pants himself stepped over to the computer to talk about his time with the Federation, his continued doubts with e-voting, and his candidacy for the Senate. Check out his sweet blog here: mikefancie.wordpress.com

Transcript will be posted as soon as it is finished.

Candid(ates) Talk - Seamus Wolfe

2009-02-05T20:44:00.001-05:00

Before he had to go on stage and talk his life away, current V.P. University Affairs Seamus Wolfe sat down in front of the iconic 1848 to discuss... Stuff.

P.S. His website is godly. Check it out! seamuswolfe.ca

The transcript will be available as soon as I can post it.

More popular than Wassim? - Joel Larose

2009-02-05T20:30:00.001-05:00

The current and outgoing V.P. Social sits down whilst enjoying the debates. Ryan Kennery shows up for no good reason.

The transcript will be posted when completed.

Candid(ates) Talk - Amy Kishek

2009-02-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

Amy Kishek sat down with me to discuss campaigning, life as the fairer sex, and the difficulties of elections without rules. Check out her website at www.amykishek.ca

I will post the transcript after I finish it.

Candid(ates) Talk - Sidney Loko

2009-02-05T14:25:00.000-05:00

I caught up with Sidney again and decided to continue with the questions

SFUO BLOG: Okay, second round. Take a seat.

Sidney Loko: Okay

SFUO BLOG: Awesome. Okay. If you could ask any one question to your fellow candidates, what would it be?

Sidney Loko: That`s a very hard question. Any question to a fellow candidate, what would it be? Well, reading... reading most of the...

SFUO BLOG: The Fulcrum. We`re just going to flash this up here. Wooo! New Fulcrum! Get it today!

Sidney Loko: I`d actually ask them. Well, since the VP.UA has to do with two services: the academic appeals one and the human rights service. I`m actually wondering what they are going to do for human rights and diversity on campus. Because I think there is an issue with diversity and minorities, and it`s not seeing to be addressed in what I`m reading. So that`s basically what I want to know.

SFUO BLOG: Another question is.. How do you feel about the posting regulations, specifically the vast number of posters that are allowed going up at this point?

Sidney Loko: Personally, I don`t like posting.

SFUO BLOG: You don`t like posting?

Sidney Loko: And I don`t like the posting at all. I`m an environmentalist. I study enviornmental... I just came out of an environmental law class. And, personally, I don`t like posting. I think that with the technology that we have now, we can use other means an media to get the message across. I mean, it is efficient, but getting 200 posters, and handouts and buttons and all those things. I think that some of it is a waste. And the most important is being able to talk to the people who you want to represent, because while I`m campaigning I don`t see a lot of people out there talking to students. I mean, is that... Are you hiding behind the posters? Or is it just that haven`t seen you, or that you don't have the time. I don't know. But I think that if you took down the posters and people used other means of media they would have to talk to the people and actually find out what is wrong with the people. Because reading what I'm reading right now, I just think that some of them don't know what they are talking about. When you are talking about access to internet... I think that there are other bigger issues than access to internet, personally. I don't want to criticize and I'm trying to keep it clean but it's just something that shocked me. Access to internet is shocking.

SFUO BLOG: There are more important issues to deal with.

Sidney Loko: I think so.

SFUO BLOG: Thank you very much again.

Help Wanted!

2009-02-05T12:45:00.001-05:00

"SFUO BLOG" is currently looking for a volunteer transcriber, not to mention some guest writers, bloggers, and indy contributors. If you think you have what it takes, please send a shout to editor@sfuoblog.ca!

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Julie Séguin is currently prepping for her debate by getting talking points in the Terminus!

From the editor...

2009-02-05T11:04:00.000-05:00

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-05T10:47:00.001-05:00

Controversy!

If anyone paid any attention to the video blog over the past twenty-four hours, they will have noticed a very controversial statement made by current V.P. Communications Julie Séguin! "IF you want that iPod you`re going to have to be better than Serge." Other stuff was said, but this is what matters. How can I claim to be fighting Serge, when he has a decent camera, and I am stuck with only my laptop!

Blasphemy! What more can I do?

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

If you were a fruit, what would you be? This is the question that Wassim Garzouzi has asked the V.P. Finance candidates.

Roxanne Dubois: An avocado. Because it is hard on the outside, soft on the inside, and has a solid core.

Maureen Hassinhoff: A tomato. Because it is the most contested fruit.

Candid(ates) Talk

2009-02-05T02:47:00.000-05:00

Sitting all by my lonesome in the Unicentre, late at night, there were only two things living: party-people at the drag-show (part of Pride Week!) and worn-out candidates. This election has taken its toll on people already: Wassim Garzouzi, the Chief Information Officer, called in sick today. Mike "The Dream" Naim stayed up all night to complete an 8:30 AM midterm. Sylvia... Well, if four years of Fed elections haven`t killed her yet, I do not think anything can.

However, a few folks still on their feet dropped by to say hello. Here is a triple header: Danika Brisson, Julie Séguin, and Aminka Belvitt. Their websites, and the transcription, will be up soon.

Welcome to the Jungle!

2009-02-05T02:05:00.000-05:00

I would like to give a big shout-out to the two newest members of the SFUO elections blogging community.

Amalia Savva is a second year Public Administration student, covering her friends and favourites in both languages. Check her out at http://amaliawillblog.blogspot.com.

Tristan Dénommée is... well, I don`t know what he is studying, but he works for the Promotions office of the SFUO, and withdrew from the race for V.P. Communications. His French blog can be found here: http://electionsfeuo.wordpress.com/!

Keep it coming folks!

Candid(ates) Talk - Sidney Loko

2009-02-05T01:12:00.000-05:00

I just happened to be in the University Center Couch Lounge when prospective V.P. University Affairs Sidney Loko dropped by. You can catch his platform and ideas at his website, http://www.votesidneyloko.webs.com/ This is what happened...
SFUO BLOG: We`ll slide this over. (Waooo...oooo...). Awesome

Sidney Loko: Awesome, yes.

SFUO BLOG: So, how, how do you feel about the... uh.

Sidney Loko: Elections?

SFUO BLOG: The elections so far?

Sidney Loko: Well, I think..I thought it was going to be a bit easier, but it`s actually hard to bring out your case..

(beeping...)

SFUO BLOG: We were just interrupted by a Skype call.

Sidney Loko: Yes, so yah. So it`s pretty hard to be active and out and about and making sure that all the campaigning material is ready and that your team is ready. So I thought it would be a bit easier, and the time will fly so fast. But there`s just so much time and effort put into this campaign that every single day feels like a week. So this two week campaign is going to feel like a whole month of campaigning. So I respect all the, all the realy politicans that have to do that for a living. But, of course, I think that its something that should be done. Because, in the past, no international student got the chance to bring his voice, and talk about the real issues that they have to face. And, yah. I`m happy I`m in the campaign, I`m happy I got the chance to bring forth new issues. Even if I don`t win, at least I know that new issues will come on the table for the next Fed office.

SFUO BLOG: What have you done to keep your energy up during this election?

Sidney Loko: What have I done? I guess I`m thinking about the end goal. Right? I think that certain things are unfair on campus, and I think the Federation should be more open to students, and I am hoping to be able to, you know, change that. So I think that is the main thing that is motivating me: to be able to bring change, and like, have a more dynamic federation. Student Federation.Because what`s the point of having a university that doesn`t have any school spirit, and doesn`t try to, and is not recognized, elsewhere. Because, the excellence of the university. Students bring the excellence of the university. It`s not necessarily what happens in the classrooms, it`s also what happens outside of the classrooms that counts. Why do you think that, I think it`s Oxford... No, not Oxford, but... Yale. Yale University is always number one, because they have so much diversity. They always get people from all over the country. All over the world, I`m sorry. To think together, to bring new ideas forth. So I think that one of the forces of a university should be the fact that you can meet so many diverse people and think about a subject, one problem, one issue, in three, or four, or five, maybe thirty-three different ways. So, thinking of that end goal is keeping my energy up.

SFUO BLOG: Awesome. And, you are talking about steps to encourage schools spirit. What kind of steps would you personally take on, on this campus, to do that?

Sidney Loko: Well, being V.P. U.A, V.P. University Affairs you get to actually do campaigns. So one of the campaigns that I think that can be done is trying to, trying to up school spirit. For example, they did a campaign for people presenting themselves for the elections. And look at what happened? The biggest election turnout ever! So I think that, if we have a joint effort from everyone in the Fed office, trying to up school spirit, trying to show students all of the services that do exist. Because the services on campus are great services. Everyone can find himself, or herself, in one of the services. So, finding... I don`t know exactly how the campaign is going to be turned out, but having a major campaign on campus, with promoting THE services, and really presenting THE Federation as a, a union for students and by students. I think that we can really up school spirit by doing this.

SFUO BLOG: Thank you very much.

Sidney Loko: Thank you, thank you very much.

SFUO BLOG: It`s great. Awesome.

Sidney Loko: Thanks.

Candid(ates) Talk - Ted Horton

2009-02-04T23:57:00.001-05:00

Okay, this is probably one of the first videos taken. The sound is pretty horrible, so you may want to turn your speakers down. Introducing Ted Horton, candidate for V.P. University Affairs.

Ted Horton: Is the camera on?

SFUO BLOG: I have a webcam on, yah..

Ted Horton: What are you webcasting to?

SFUO BLOG: I will be broadcasting to the website, hopefully.

Ted Horton: There`s no wireless in here, is there`?

SFUO BLOG: No, there isn`t.

Ted Horton: Oh okay

SFUO BLOG: No, there, its not on live feed. That would be amazing, that would be absolutely amazing. You want to talk on here?

Ted Horton: About what?

SFUO BLOG: Anything.

Ted Horton: Why not? It`s going on your blog?

SFUO BLOG: Possibly a new blog. SFUO TV perhaps? Something that hasn`t been around for ages... I will cover that up, because it gets kind of disconcerting, to look at yourself.

Ted Horton: No, I like it.

SFUO BLOG: You like it? You like preaching to yourself?

Ted Horton: Well, I mean, ideally you`d have a picture of someone attractive up there but you`ve already got it.

SFUO BLOG: Ahh! Damn... DAMN...So, we are here tonight, in the 90U salon.

Ted Horton: Is it already recording?

SFUO BLOG: It is recording, its been recording for the past 30 seconds. Oh no, almost a minute now! And... I was wondering why, why you think you could make a difference in the life of residents on campus.

Ted Horton: Well, first of all, I know the life of residents (camera falls) Camera!

SFUO BLOG: Oh no!

Ted Horton: I also dropped my camera.

SFUO BLOG: Okay.

Ted Horton: I know the life of residents, I lived in 90U in my first year, I know how hard it can be to build a community, especially in 90U where you have two doors blocking you from everyone else. And you`ve got your lounge, but some of them are so underfurnished. Some lounges have four couches, a foosball table and a TV, and some have three chairs and a table. And no one wants to hang out. So it`s very difficult to build a community in these places.

SFUO BLOG: Except for people who love large amounts of space with nothing in it.

Ted Horton: You could, theoretically, have a congo line party

SFUO BLOG: Fightclub.

Ted Horton: Or a fightclub. But, by and large, 90U is hard to build a community in. But we did. We built our community by potluck. By potluck, dance party, murder mystery, sleeping over in the lounge, going out to bars together. It`s because we knew we had to pull everyone out of their room. We had an open door policy for people on our floor to get to know one another. And we did, we had a fantastic floor. And we had people from three floors above us and three floors below us hanging out in our lounge because we became the place to be. But, it`s difficult for residents who want to manage and it`s easier to be on campus too. But it`s easier for them to kind of withdraw from campus, because they are so close. They can just go to class, come right back to rez and go right back on to their computer. I know that was what I did during my first week, because I did not want to leave my room either. It was so convenient, it was so much easier to go on MSN and talk to my friends there. Requiring to make a campus community as engaging for residents makes them want to not just to connect with their floor, but connect with their building, with all residence, and with other events on campus. So it`s an engaging campus community. That they have good courses they want to go to, good events that they want to come to and they feel like it is their campus. And not just A campus that they have to be in.

SFUO BLOG: And you are running for Vice President University Affairs.

Ted Horton: Yes.

SFUO BLOG: Umm... If there was one thing that you could do in residence that you can`t do right now, what would it be?

(We interrupt this interview to hand in our forms so that we can post stuff in residence. CASPAR has our souls as collateral.)

SFUO BLOG: Okay. So. What would you do, if you could do anything in residence?

Ted Horton: I would make it easier for residents to host their own events. It was a big obstacle for us to try and build our floor`s community, to try and meet new people and host events. That every time we wanted to, we would have to go through the RAUO, or CASPAR, or CLS trying to get ahold of the 90U lounge. OR to try to get have enough people on our floor for an event, but the CA and other people would say "You`re past capacity.."`but we had no facilities and no way around it. Or to try and use the kitchen to host a potluck; we couldn`t bring people from other buildings because technically it`s for 90U residence only. The other buildings are so underequipped, so retro- in their outfitting, that they don`t have proper kitchens on their own. If you want to host these things there aren`t enough facilities, there aren`t spots in the infrastructure. Nor will the bureaucracy allow you to do it. The RAUO office has a DVD player and an inflatable if you want to rent it out. But you have to be down there before 7 o`clock if you want to take it out because they are going to close their office. IF you`re going to have someone crash that night, they are going to come back from the bar, rather than drive, at two in the morning. You want to have an inflatable mattress for them because you don`t want them to crash on the floor. Because they have the same carpet that they`ve have for the past ten years that contains any number of STI`s.

SFUO BLOG: Okay.

Ted Horton: So, I would want to connect the SFUO with the RAUO to provide the services the residents need to create their own community.

SFUO BLOG: Okay. So, if you had three words to describe the chief information officer of the elections, Wassim Garzouzi, what would they be?

Ted Horton: (Chortles) What a bad enemy to make. I don`t want to choose the wrong words.

SFUO BLOG: Okay, then choose the right words.

Ted Horton: (Pause) Jovial.

SFUO BLOG: Okay

Ted Horton: Cynical.

SFUO BLOG: Okay.

Ted Horton: (Longer Pause) Indescribable.

SFUO BLOG: Okay. Jovial, cynical, and indescribable. Thank you very much.

Ted Horton: My pleasure.

SFUO BLOG: Have a nice night. (Grunts as he gets up) Let`s go find some other...

Ted Horton: Nice idea.

SFUO BLOG: ...unlucky bugger.

More popular than Wassim? - Nick Taylor-Vaisey

2009-02-04T17:24:00.000-05:00

Nick Taylor-Vaisey was sitting around, apparently doing nothing, and I jumped at the chance to try out my new microphone (freshly borrowed from Zoom Productions - shout out to those hard working folks down there!)

For your information, I shamelessly stole photos from people`s facebook pages without asking them. If I need to change anything let me know!

Ryc: Hello again, and I`m here in the University Centre with Nick-Taylor Vasey. Ex-contributor to the Fulcrum and current radio host on CHUO 89.1.And, ah.. How are you doing today?

Nick: I`m doing well, Kyle. Thanks for asking

Ryc: Awesome. And... If you could.. ah. What would you think... What would be going through your mind if you were an outgoing executive looking at the incoming crop this year.

Nick: Well... I mean... A lot of the outgoing executive would like to be a part of the incoming crop so... I guess I would be looking at my competition and sizing them up and making sure that the ideas that I have are fresh, but consistent with what I stood for in the last year. If that makes sense.. You want to provide new ideas to convice students that you still have, you know, something to offer, but. You don`t want to, sort of, you don`t want to be inconsistent with what... It`s interesting to answer this question, because I`m trying to be ultra diplomatic because I can`t favour anybody, but I think that was a fair assessment of what I believe. (Laughs)

Ryc: And.. umm.. from the perspective of someone who has been a part of the media, particularly on campus, how do you feel it`s going this year? How do you think the media portrayal of elections is going this year as compared to previous years?

Nick: Well, I know the Fulcrum has it`s annual elections supplement coming out this week, next couple days. I`ve seen it, but I expect that they are covering it in great detail. And I believe that both student newspapers are moderating the debates this year. So, you know I mean they seem to be doing what they`ve been doing the last couple of years. I haven`t seen any new ideas, but then again the campaign`s young and we`ll see what they offer.

More popular than Wassim? - Jon Rausseo

2009-02-04T16:29:00.000-05:00

Sorry, this one does not have any video, as the bar stools in the couch lounge are rather awkward to work with.

Ryc:I`m here in the University Centre with Mr. Jon Rausseo, the sustainability coordinator for the University of Ottawa and I just had a few questions for your. What would you like to see the SFUO do in the next year, `09, `010?

Rausseo: Umm.. Well, in the past I have had a really good working relationship with the SFUO. So obviously, I want to continue working closely with them on basically any issue related to social justice and environmental stewardship.

Ryc:If you had the opportunity to question any of the current candidates, what would you like to ask them specifically?

Rausseo: Yah, I guess as an admin member, I don`t really get to say how people should vote or anything. But, I would want to ask about what is happening with sustainable development, the portfolio, what students see as their role, in terms of what needs to be done on campus for sustainable development. Where they would like to see themselves work? In things like policies, meetings, whether that should be carried into the curriculum and so forth. So, yah, basically that.

Ryc: Thank you very much.

Candid(ates) Talk - Kyle Simunovic

2009-02-04T16:17:00.000-05:00

Kyle Simunovic sat down with my last night in the 90U lounge during the meet and greet with for residents and candidates. Here is what happened:

RYC: Sit down, do you want to see yourself or no?

Simunovic: I'd rather not

RYC: Okay, you won't see yourself.

Simunovic: Okay, you sure it can see me? I am a little tall... oh, wow...

RYC: Yah, it can see you.

Simunovic: Great.

RYC: It is currently recording.

Simunovic: Good.

RYC: Awesome

Simunovic: You're going to cut out all of this out right, all of our bullshit?

RYC: Possibly, maybe.

Simunovic: Good

RYC: So, you are Simunovic

Simunovic: I am Simunovic Simunovic

RYC: And you are running for?

Simunovic: And I am running For the Senate and BOA for Social sciences

RYC: Ooooh

Simunovic: Double dipping, as Nick Taylor Vasey, on the CHUO radio called it.

RYC: And what are the benefits of the so-called double dipping?

Simunovic: I think, to be honest, one of the big reasons why I chose to run for both was that I think the BOA has a real role to play in providing students opportunities and services and really being a voice for a lot of the student issues on campus. And I feel that that voice, and the voice of all students in general, it's an obligation of the senate to respect and respond to that. And I so think that my ability to sit as a member of the BOA and gain knowledge, and thoughts, and influence from my fellow members of the BOA of all different faculties will allow me to be a more holistic senator when I approach the work that I am doing at the Senate. So I think its going to be fun, it's a good mix of both sort of worlds one being academic and one being sort of student, sort of social oriented, so I am looking forward to it.

RYC: Awesome, and... What, well.. We are here in the 90 U lounge right now, and the pressing question that will come up again and again is what can you, as an elected representative, do for people in residence?

Simunovic: In residence. I think one of the big things in residence, and you will talk to them often, is food services. It's time and time again, I've been here for three years and you never hear the end of questions for food services, and I think what we really need to do is, as the SFUO, is find a voice for that within our organization and really find an opportunity to hear from residence and what is it that you really want? What areyour experience in other residences? I think that a lot people have come to me and spoken to me about... Guelph. University of Guelph. Amazing food services apparently. So I think it is about looking at what some of the other things out there are available, looking at what we have, and setting some goals for a particular project in terms of student engagement on the particular topic itself. SO I think that is one of the biggest issues on residence, and I look forward to campaigning throughout and hearing more from residence and seeing exactly,you know, any more expense issues... But I think that we have to remember to that residents, just like everyone else who are on campus during the day, are students too, and have the same issues that everyone else does.

RYC: Is there any particular food that you want to see served at the University of Ottawa?

Simunovic: You know, I really like sushi.

RYC: You really like sushi?

Simunovic: So maybe like some sushi, or some homemade Sheppard’s pie. My mom made good Sheppard’s pie.

RYC: Sheppard’s pie?

Simunovic: Yah, I really miss that.

RYC: Pâté chinois, as they like to call it?

Simunovic: Yes, that’s what they call it.

RYC: What do you have on your shepard's pie?

Simunovic: A little bit of ketchup.

RYC: Awesome. Okay the final question...it would be a kind of random one... If you had three words to describe the Chief Information Officer of the Election's Bureau, Wassim Garzouzi, what would they be?

Simunovic: Wassim... Well, the first two will be nice, and honest. And that would be resourceful, and probably friendly. He tends to be a friendly, friendly guy, and he's pretty resourceful. And I think that the last one will be like a bit of a pain-in-the-ass. He tends to send a lot of e-mails to us candidates. Not that it is a bad thing, but it sort of kind of makes you feel a little bit dumb sometimes, because I have an agenda, and I write it down the first time he sends it to me. Uh.. But no, he's a good guy, and I like Wassim.

RYC: Okay, thank you very much.

Simunovic: Thank you for having me.

RYC: Have a nice night.

As a side note, I highly doubt that this will ever be translated. However, if you want some really cool elections coverage en français, please visit fellow blogger Serge Miville at www.sergemiville.ca.

Heard in the UCU...

2009-02-04T16:09:00.000-05:00

Seamus Wolfe has had a banner taken down. Apparently, he is quite pissed off about this. More updates to follow.

Update: The banner was taken from a prime position in Morissett. Take the spot while you still can!

A view from the classroom...

2009-02-04T15:23:00.001-05:00

Renaud-Phillipe Garneu, Ted Horton, Alex Chaput, and a young lady from Bon Apétit showed up to Marion Auditorium for CHM 1321 today at 1300h to give their speechs. Some poor bloke running for the BOA went before them, but failed to capture the audience`s attention so that I could not hear them from the second level.

Renaud, as always, manages to put on a good show. Working off what I could only percieve were counterpoints to the BOA guy (sorry I do not have your name), the RPG did what he does best: blow up the room. Comments from around my section included "Wow, that guy is really good..." and "Get off the stage!"

Ted Horton soon followed, espousing the virtues of trying to get better integrated services within the University community, smaller classes, and more full time professors. One bloke, from the top row, answered back: "But that will raise our tuition!" Ted's answer? "No it won't. The money is already there (we just have to change how it is being spent)."

Alex Chaput managed to remind everyone that the Winter Games were rather lackluster this year, compared with previous years. Also, that the SFUO 101 DVD was his idea. Yay?

Bon Apétit brought to our attention that they are the most poorly funded service on campus (though it was contantly referred to as the "University Food Bank") though a minor mistake was made at the specifics. Instead of saying that the referendum was raising the fee by 75 cents to one dollar a semester, she claimed that we would be paying $1.50 per year (as opposed to $1.50 more).

This was a view from the classroom...