In the “primarily undergraduate” category, Mount Allison University in New Brunswick tops the list but the University of Northern B.C. (UNBC) has climbed to second place from fourth last year.

And in the medical/doctoral category, the University of B.C. slipped to fourth spot, down from second place last year, while McGill University led that ranking for the fourth year in a row.

Now in its 18th year, the Maclean’s university rankings compare 47 Canadian universities and surveys more than 87,000 students nationally.

The complete list of the 18th annual rankings hits newsstands on Nov. 13 — and will be on sale until January 2009.

The rankings are weighted by students/classes (20 per cent), faculty (18 per cent), resources (12 per cent), student support (13 per cent), library (15 per cent) and reputation (22 per cent).

Her satirical, character-driven solos are garnering rave reviews across Canada and the U.S. The Globe and Mail insists that “Friedenberg portrays men better than they can themselves” while the Georgia Straight describes her work as “an incandescently hilarious performance.” In her latest work, you’ll meet slick talk-show host Nick and lovelorn Juanita as they navigate the minefields of lust, desire and love. Friedenberg will amaze you with her dexterity, both as a dancer and as an actor, as she leaps between characters and genders with finesse.

Performances are at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23; 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday. Performances will be held at the Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street in Victoria. Tickets are $26 and can be purchased online.

Dylan’s most recent trilogy of studio albums — Modern Times, Time Out Of Mind and Love & Theft –have been among his most commercially successful and critically lauded, each having sold more than a million copies in the U.S. and earning Grammy nominations for Album Of The Year (Time Out Of Mind won that award in 1998). He wrote and recorded “Things Have Changed” for the 2000 film Wonder Boys, for which he received both the Academy Award and Golden Globe.


The first volume of his memoirs, Chronicles, was one of the most acclaimed and best-selling non-fiction works of 2004, and No Direction Home film, directed by Martin Scorsese, captivated audiences worldwide as it documented Dylan’s early career and rise to fame. The film won a Peabody Award in 2006.

Tickets cost $69.50, including GST.

The special guest speaker will Nigel Fisher, president & CEO of UNICEF Canada. He will speak on the urgent need for sustained programs, advocacy and fundraising to limit the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and help halt the spread of the disease.

Masks are required for the ball, with a limited quantity for sale at the door. Prizes are given away for Best Male Mask, Best Female Mask and Best Couple.


First noted in Italy during the 15th century Renaissance, masquerade balls were costumed public festivities that were particularly popular in Venice. They were generally elaborate dances held for members of the upper classes, and have been associated with the tradition of the Venetian Carnival.

Masquerade balls became common throughout mainland Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A Swiss count is credited with having introduced the Venetian fashion of a semi-public masquerade ball to London in the eighteenth century, with the first being held at Haymarket Opera House. Throughout the century the dances became popular, both in England and then Colonial America.

Its prominence did not go unchallenged; a significant anti-masquerade movement grew alongside the balls themselves. The anti-masquerade writers stated the events encouraged immorality and “foreign influence”. While the writers were sometimes able to persuade authorities toward their views, enforcement of measures designed to end masquerades were not successful.

Tickets for the ball ($95 per person) as well as colourful period costumes and masks can be purchased at Surroundings, 249 Cook Street. You can also rent a costume at Charlotte Rennison’s costume rental company.

“This will be the only Amateur Program running out of the City of Victoria right now although there is one in the western community,” says Sandy Ibrahim, owner of Capital City Boxing. “I’m thrilled to have Chris’ expertise head up the team and look forward to a great year. Chris and I come from pretty different backgrounds, but we are both excited about how well we work together.” Jones, who is in his 60’s, started boxing in his teens and Ibrahim, 40, took it up 5 years ago training out of Cappy’s Gym in Seattle. “We look forward to developing a team of boxers that can compete with other Island boxing clubs as well as those elsewhere in B.C.”


Besides offering a place for amateur boxers (ages 11 and up) to train, the gym also provides boxing training for fitness and recreational boxers, where Ibrahim says, “you can train like a boxer, but not bleed like one.”

Fitness Boxing has become recognized as one of the top trends of the decade and continues to draw a wide clientele due to the positive results of increased cardiovascular health, strength, self confidence, and stress relief.

Capital City Boxing is located at 506A Alpha Street in the industrial district in Burnside. Visit www.ccityboxing.com or call 250-386-UBOX (8269).

The GCBF has quickly become one of the worlds’ must attend beer events. People from all over the globe visit Victoria to attend the GCBF — as do brewers from as far away as Australia, England and Belgium. Victoria’s little annual beer festival, first held in 1993, has blossomed into an international brewery event. Only all-natural beers from keg and cask are served - with most of the brewers on hand to answer questions, and accept compliments.

The GCBF is held each year on the first weekend after Labour Day with over 40 craft breweries from across Canada, Belgium and the Pacific Northwest. Admission is by Advance Ticket only. No ticket sales at the door.

This delicate, moving piece tells the story of Clara and Patrick, two elderly residents of a home who may or may not have been lovers many years before. Confronted with their parents’ blossoming romance, their children must deal with their own feelings of love and loss. With tenderness and humour, Half Life explores the realities of love, beauty, memory and aging.

John Mighton is a mathematician, author (The Myth of Ability, The End of Ignorance), playwright, and the founder of JUMP Math, a non-profit organization that helps children learn mathematics. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at the University of Toronto.

In 2005 John won the $100,000 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, presented to a professional playwright who advances Canadian theatre through a body of work and influences emerging theatre artists. The jury cited the profound combination of intellect and heart embodied in his work. His voice has grace, delicacy and a gentle humanity. John also brings tremendous depth to his plays, taking complex, sophisticated ideas and making them playable in a truly theatrical manner.

Half Life features the talents of John Webber (Set & Lighting Designer) and Karen Levis (Costume Designer). Kim Smith is the Stage Manager.


Half Life is generously supported by Canon Business Solutions, CFAX 1070, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council and CRD Arts Development.

Tickets range in price from $23 - $38, depending on the show you attend, and can be purchased by visiting or calling the Belfry Box Office at 250-385-6815. High School students receive a 50% discount* on tickets. Post secondary students receive a 25% discount* on tickets. (* With valid ID / Excluding Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm & Opening Nights).