Gauntlet - About: Veronika Janik

Stories

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth... For realz yo
2005-04-14 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

Over 100 years ago, Calgary hosted the first Calgary Exhibition. In 1912, Guy Weadick set out to create the biggest, most extravagant Wild West Cowboy Show that would surpass even Buffalo Bill. What Weadick didn't anticipate was that this show would continue for over 95 years and would become recognized world-wide as a true celebration of Western culture.

Originally the Calgary Exhibition was a tradeshow to showcase various agricultural products, while simultaneously creating a gathering point for urbanites and rural communities. In 1923, Weadick's Stampede and the Exhibition morphed to form what we have all come to know and love as the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.
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What's the deal withairplane food?
2005-03-31 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

The comedy club is dark and smoky. There are nearly 250 individuals waiting to be entertained. The stage is set and the spotlight is on you. With your adrenaline soaring, you begin your one-man show. The first couple of jokes are great and the crowd takes to your style. Then, it happens. Your next joke is a complete bust and the audience is silent. Now it's just you, your mic, the overbearing spotlight and a bunch of middle-aged people judging your every move. Such is the life of a stand-up comedian.

Although not as popular as film, stand-up comedy provides live humour along with a brief escape from reality. With the cost of a live show similar to a movie, the stand-up industry is boosting and will most likely continue to do so.
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Thank Guinness for St. Patty's Day
Your brief guide to history and boozing
2005-03-10 - Veronika Janik

It's that time of the year again-green paraphernalia, shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, those adorable little people we call leprechauns, one day of solid non-stop boozing, and the inevitable next-day green urine. That's right folks; it's St. Patrick's Day.

This magical celebration means all those of non-Irish descent will spend most of the day half cut "celebrating Irish tradition" and immersing themselves in stereotypical Irish symbols, beliefs, and conventions. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate culture, many forget or fail to realize the legitimacy of this holiday.
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NUTV Does Documentaries
2005-03-03 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

They began shooting in late November, continued throughout December, and then it was time to edit. Numerous proposals were submitted, however, only four were selected. This selection meant the opportunity of a lifetime--an opportunity for first time documentary film makers to create their eight minute masterpieces. So, that's just what they did.

Founded by NUTV and inspired by NUTV Producer and Program Director Tinu Sinha, the Documentary Field School gives first time doc makers a chance to gain and develop essential skills. Now in its second consecutive year, the doc school has provided its members with valuable experience through workshops and meetings with industry professionals.
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Figuratively Speaking
2005-01-27 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

Lips, eyes, arms, legs, breasts, genitals, curves, shapes, lines and language. The theme of the human figure has been present in art history since the beginning of time. Artists depict facial features in portraits, sculptures, photographs and sketches. For ages, some have portrayed the beauty of the human body with nudism, while others have artistically utilized various body parts to address social and contextual issues. Whether a political statement, a social critique, a means of psychological expressionism or simply a portrayal of the exquisiteness of the physical form, the possibilities of working with the human body are infinite.

Unfortunately, our society does not provide the average individual with adequate access or information about the body as a physical, sexual and intimate object. Nudity is veiled from children, and with this blindfold comes a sentiment of the bare body as taboo.
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One Hour One Life
2005-01-20 - Veronika Janik

"Blood. It's in you to give."

We've all seen and heard it before. The commercial ends and is followed by a plethora of others. You continue to watch mindlessly, waiting for your program to resume. You don't even think twice.
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Not Your Average Rodeo
2005-01-13 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

In the year 1986, a small Calgary based Theatre Company put on a rodeo. This was not your average bucking horse, bull-riding rodeo. It was an opportunity for new and young talent to express their artistic abilities. For years, the festival was kept open to anybody who wanted to participate. If you had a show, you were in.

The year 2005: One Yellow Rabbit Theatre Company hosts its 19th annual High Performance Rodeo. However, as opposed to previous years, the rodeo has become one of Canada's leading festivals of professional yet fresh and experimental theatre.
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Sexual Secrets 101: The World of Toys
2004-12-09 - Veronika Janik

Enter scene. To the left, two women tempting passers by to spin a "naughty" wheel to win a prize. To the right, a woman dressed in a scantily clad leather ensemble demonstrating how to use a whip to intensify arousal. Individuals stare, simultaneously consumed with interest and nervousness. Directly ahead, a stage with dancers and models. An adult fashion show ensues. The setting--Taboo: The Naughty but Nice Sex Show.

7:45 p.m.: a sign reads 'please take your seats'. Above it in black felt is 'Sex Toys 101´.
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Capturng the Courage
2004-12-02 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

They are the unsung heroes we rarely think about. They are the men and women who take time to serve and protect their communities. Of the 12,000 firefighters in Alberta, 9,000 are volunteers whose reward for risking their lives is the gratification of knowing they have selflessly assisted friends and neighbors.

Their commitment lies in the statistics. These men and women spend up to 400 hours a year risking their lives, and make up 85 per cent of Canadian firefighters. Outside large municipalities in Alberta, it is the volunteer firefighters who respond to the calls and look after the citizens.
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Standing un-united
2004-11-25 - Veronika Janik, Features Editor

Editorial - Well, the results are in. The Progressive Conservatives continue as Alberta's majority government for the tenth consecutive time. Ralphie reigns again, as part Premier, part shit disturber. Tuition remains high while funding remains low.

So, now it's time to kick back, relax and tell ourselves that we put up one hell of a fight. We made a stand, showed the public that students stand united and care about the issues facing our post-secondary education. We made our point loud and clear.
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