A b s y n t h e
Volume 7, Issue 3 October 5, 2005
riding into the danger zone since 1999
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absynthe
October 5, 2005
mienai editorial wo sagashiteiru
Here we are again for another glorious Sunday, even though it is technically Wednesday since that’s the earliest any of you froods will be reading this. Head of the Trent’s down, the bloodalcohol content of the campus population is way up, and September - much like ourselves, and Socrates - is dust in the wind. At Absynthe Central we’ve really started picking up some awesome inertia, and thanks to all those who sent in submissions to make it so. If you’re interested in getting your work in the next issue, send your submission to absynthe@trentu.ca by October 14th. But that’s not the topic I meant to get on. I in fact meant to get on the topic of how all our campus transportation needs are fulfilled by yellow school buses, some of which have painful luggage racks and smell faintly of urine. Personally, I don’t mind
them that much, but I recognize that this is probably going to end up being one of the key issues of the year. Considering that this is really screwing over a lot of people at Trent and in the local community, though, I hope that it’s resolved as soon as possible. The problem with this transit situation is how it’s going to unfold. For every day that Peterborough Transit isn’t running, the transit charges that all full-time students pay as part of student fees are gradually losing their value, even though for about $250 we’re getting a mindblowingly cheap deal. If you’ve got spare time in lecture or something, calculate how much your weekly transit budget would be if you had to pay $1.75 per ride. There is, also, the unlikely potential that Trent could sign a transit contract with another agency, annihilating our free rides on the city buses.
So, if you’ve got anything you want to say about the transit strike, whether or not it’ll still be going on in two weeks, write up your thoughts and send them in to absynthe@trentu.ca. In other news, Absynthe at long last has a presence outside the medium of print, having made the leap to radio as well. Radio Absynthe, a talk program where Lindsay Taylor and I talk about what’s going on in the news, current events, and whatever else we feel worthy of talking about, is now airing on Trent Radio from 9 to 10 AM on Thursday mornings. So, if you’re up that early and want to listen to something potentially informative, or if you just want to call and yell at us for some reason, tune your dial to 92.7 FM and listen the hell out of it. I’m surprised I was able to write that much. Thank you. Comrade Editor Andrew
The Absynthe Players Editor-in-Chief: Andrew Barton Soliciting Editor: John Mullin Production Manager: Matt McGowan Production Assistant: Cynthia Warn President: Lindsay Taylor Secretary: Colleen Barfoot Treasurer: Kristen Rading Copy Editor: Lyndsey Darling Webmaster: Crystal Robertson Member Representatives: Laurel Karlsen, Laura Perry, Crystal Robertson Contributors: Erik Bostock, Joel Buxton, Chippy, Chris Glover, Alex Leach, Ian McKendry, Jessica Monteith, Kate Morris, Sarah Michelle Ogden, Andreea Radulescu, Patrick St. Amand, Maria Thomaidis, Craig Zollner
Hey, you! Exercise your buttery freedoms of speech, thought, and assembly by writing for Absynthe! We accept submissions of up to 1200 words on almost any subject you can possibly think of, be they poems, stories, reviews, or what have you. The submission deadline for our next issue is Friday, October 14th. If you’ve got anything you want us to print, send it over to absynthe@trentu.ca today.
On Tap for This Newest Issue of Absynthe: The Return of everybody’s favourite, Psychic Sam . . . Page 10
The mandate of Absynthe Magazine is to encourage constructive dialogue and critical thinking within the Trent community. As an on-campus publication, Absynthe shall strive to represent as many people of the community as possible by presenting varying views on all matters that are of importance to the community, and especially the student body. In the spirit of free and independent press, the Absynthe shall strive for the highest degree of journalistic integrity and excellence while providing a medium for creative and alternative expression. It will actively stimulate and encourage discussion through itself or any other means available to members of the Trent community. All members of Absynthe will attempt to represent fairly and without prejudice the issues and views of Trent in a manner conducive to proficient journalism.
October 5, 2005
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Once Around the Kitchen Raises Funds for a Multitude of Programs
It has been another busy week at Trent Athletics. Registration for Campus Rec programs is an on-going process and students who are interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The leagues/tournaments are filling up fast! Beach Volleyball was a huge success over the weekend of Sept 17th. All teams had an amazing time playing in the sand. The weather was perfect for volleyball. Perhaps even too perfect for team “No Mercy” as they came out on top. Thanks to all of the other participants. We hope to see you next year! Three Pitch and Frisbee Golf kept “Campus Reckies” busy this past weekend (Sept. 24 & 25). Again, the weather was perfect both Saturday and Sunday (even I got a little sun). “Champwangs” came out on top again this year in the three-pitch tournament when they met up with the “Cornflakes” in the final. Congratulations to all teams who participated. It was an excellent day for some baseball fun. Belly dancing, hip hop, dry land aerobics and more will be coming soon to Campus Rec! We’re in the process of hiring new fitness instructors. If you have instructed in the past, and are interested, drop off a copy of your current resume and complete the required application form at the Athletics Complex. Rec and Competitive Soccer as well as Ultimate Frisbee and Innertube Water Polo will be starting between now and October 11. Plenty of teams have signed up so far, and it’s looking like we’ll have a jampacked program. The moment you’ve all been waiting for is fast approaching! That’s right, hockey is coming! Campus Rec Hockey of course. The Hockey Flyer has been posted, just click on our website to download a copy. Remember that you can always check out our website at www.trentu. ca/athletics for more Campus Rec information or stop by the AC! Campus Rec… Everybody Plays… Everybody WINS! Chris Glover Campus Rec Assistant
Rita Hoggarth learned about child poverty when she worked as a school volunteer. “Children were coming to school hungry and they really counted on the breakfast program. The teachers said the children learned more and had a better attitude when they had breakfast.” It was recently reported in Peterborough that one in five children under the age of six, lives in poverty. This concern for children led Rita to organize a day-long culinary fund-raiser at the Evinrude Centre, with the proceeds to go to programs for children. The show, Once Around the Kitchen, will be along the lines of Fiesta Buckhorn. Rita is an experienced volunteer fund-raiser. For several years she spearheaded the Kawartha Lakes Cleanup, with volunteers cleaning up Little Lake and improving fish habitat and shoreline. Once Around the Kitchen will be held October 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Evinrude Centre. There will be more than 50 exhibitors, including international award-winning chefs, fivetime dessert champions, and a three-time world champion maple syrup producer. The cooking demonstrations will feature Greek and Thai cuisines, sea food preparation, gourmet platter presentations and more. Participants include Food/ Wine Columnists Shari Darling and Larry Paterson, In a Nuttshell, Ste.Anne’s Spa, Hendrix Kitchen Supplies, Kawartha Wineries, Colio Estates, Irwin Inn, Holiday Inn Peterborough, Class Connections, Shishkabob Hut and many others. It took more than a year and a half to put the show together. What started out as pencil sketches and notes over a cup of coffee with friends, suddenly became a fundraising expo opportunity for many
other organizations. “It was so rewarding to hear other committees wishing to participate as vendors to raise money for their causes.” Among them are a variety of youth groups including Family Counseling Services, daycare centres, Blue Diamond Studios for Hurricane Katrina Relief, and the Kawartha Lakes Cleanup Program for Little Lake Rehabilitation. Rita says: “What has really pulled this together is the enthusiasm and help that these vendors have offered to make this show a reality, despite their 24/7 demanding schedules. I simply could not have done this show without their expert advice. Ontario business owners are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. Shows like these are the public’s opportunity to show appreciation and support to their skills and talents.” Everyone, including local service clubs, is invited to enter the dessert competition! Six chefs, including Sir Sandford Fleming College’s Casey Van Den Heuvel, will evaluate entries based on appearance and flavour. The theme of the dessert is “After a Perfect Meal.” Pre-register your dessert by contacting Rita at 657-3636 or at productions3d@sympatico.ca. Show tickets are $10 and are available in advance at participating exhibitors such as Shishkebob Hut, Class Connections, Church Key Brewery, Kawartha Wineries, Hendrix Kitchens, Irwin Inn, and are also available at the door. Ticket-holders receive a sample glass upon arriving and start with three $1 tickets for food sampling at the different vendors. Media Contact: Rita Hoggarth, 657-3636, or productions3d@sympatico.ca
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October 5, 2005
Looking Through You
Cereal Box Multiculturalism (Or, Je Me Souviens) We all do it. When we are sitting down to eat breakfast, it is almost a certainty that we will read the cereal box. And what action always follows from reading the cereal box? Reading the French text, of course. And, like most actions that seem exceedingly banal, this simple ritual holds an important truth for Canadian society. Canadians are proud of our multiculturalism. And we should be; not too many places in the world have the sort of ethnic, religious, and political diversity that a place like Canada does. That is to say, not too many places have that diversity peacefully. And why shouldn’t we be proud of our diversity? Every day in most Canadian cities, we see and hear things that are shining examples of our toleration. Clearly, things are going ok. Now, anyone who has be-
lieved a single word to this point is not going to like what is coming next. Our multiculturalism is, almost entirely, a failure. I actually felt terrifically proud of the fact that I was able to read (most) of the French on my cereal box. I let my head get so swelled as to think I was learning French. Then the stark (and ugly) reality hit me. I do not know the first thing about what it means to be French. I know next to nothing of the rich history, the language, the customs or the people. Francophones are a founding nation of Canada and I cannot even conjugate a verb. That led me to think about what I know about other cultures. I knew even less about virtually every other ethnic, religious or political group in Canada. But, from time to time, I would catch some trivial aspect of, say, Muslim cul-
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ture. Perhaps I might learn that they pray five times a day and I would suddenly feel very multicultural. Now, do not get me wrong. It is a wonderful thing that we have and accept so many groups of people in such relative harmony in Canada. Where multiculturalism has failed is the pride we take in it. What is worse than pretension? I have argued before that ignorance (in the form of pretension) is the worst condition to be in. And our pride in multiculturalism is the height of pretension. Just like I thought I was a hotshot for being able to read a cereal box label, most people think they are very multicultural for merely being in the presence of someone who is not of their culture. Shake those notions; they are absurd. It is not through tolerance, but through
understanding, that we can make multiculturalism work. Toleration is a big part of it but it is for naught if it stops there. Do not be content to know that a Muslim prays five times a day; learn why. Ask what their reasoning is. Do not stop until you do understand. And I apologize for picking on the Muslims. I might be forgiven if I add that the things we admire from afar remain mysteries. In closing, if you think I am off base, then take my multiculturalism quiz. If you know what ‘je me souviens’ means, you can get your name in the paper next issue under the heading, ‘John Mullin Is Wrong About Multiculturalism’, right here in this space. John Mullin johnmullin@trentu.ca
October 5, 2005
We Need You Dave Chappelle! (More Than You Know) Matt McGowan Every generation has its stand-up comic that in some way or another pierces through the pop-culture jungle to reign as the supreme voice of their time, place and era. The 1960’s had George Carlin. The ‘70s had Richard Pryer, the ‘80s had Bob Saget (man, that was a low point in history), and the ‘90s had Jerry Seinfeld in the first half and Chris Rock in the latter. But what of the new millennium; who is the new post Y2K pop-culture comedian? That comedian is Dave Chappelle. And man, has he pierced deeply into the heart of the pop-culture jungle. With only two seasons of his show, “Chappelle’s Show,” on Comedy Central, he not only produced some of the funniest skits seen in years, but also became an instantly quotable pop-culture source. Chappelleisms are becoming as common as Simpsons, Seinfeld, South Park or Trailer Park Boys quotes, if not more so. His first season quickly became the all-time, highest selling TV DVD in history, with the second trailing close behind. And while on the topic of money, Comedy Central renewed Chappelle’s contract for $50 million (!) over three seasons. It became very clear that Dave Chappelle was about to become not only the voice of our time, but among the greatest (and most successful) comedians EVER. Until last April, however, when Dave Chappelle, in the middle of shooting his third season of “Chappelle’s Show,” went AWOL and bolted for South Africa (say what?). The tabloids, as they always do, had a friggin’ field day, claiming that he 1) had suffered a mental breakdown, 2) that tensions between him and the execs at Comedy Central had become strained, 3) that he had been fired by Comedy Central, and (my personal favourite) 4) that he had traveled to South Africa to enter a drug rehabilitation centre (not the
star of Half Baked!). All of these, with the exception of #2, were grotesquely wrong. Tensions did mount, however, between Chappelle’s use of his “complete creative control” over the show and Comedy Central’s cold feet over some of the racial-themed material prepped for his third season. The trip to South Africa, in hindsight, turned out to be a breather for Chappelle to figure out what path to take with his career. The answer: back to standup. Yes folks, it’s true: Chappelle’s show is over. Even Charlie Murphy (“darkness, everybody”) confirmed the news in a recent interview. Chappelle himself has confirmed it by booking himself in small comedy clubs again (recently fulfilling a four night stand in a small club in Kentucky), and loving every minute of it. And why not? Dave Chappelle, as much as we all disagree, has done the right thing. A great stand-up comedian is simply not meant for TV. They’re born to do their thing in front of a small crowd of wildly attentive and supportive people, literally hanging off of every word. The best stand-up comedians never truly translate their act into television because the two are not compatible or conducive to their form of comedy. Anyone who has seen his comedy specials “Killing Them Softly” and the recent “For What It’s Worth” clearly see that the comedy central show was just an attempt to televise and regulate a steady flow of stand-up comedy. And a rigorous production schedule is a death sentence for a great comedian like Dave. As much as we will all miss “Chappelle’s Show,” it means that we all now have the opportunity to see Dave live, the way it is meant to be… bitches.
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Athletes of the Week Trent University is proud to announce that Sarah Asbreuk is the Riley’s-Junction female Athlete of the Week for the week of September 26th. Sarah is the goalkeeper for the Trent soccer team and played a major role in limiting the 2003 OUA champion Ottawa Gee-Gee’s to just two goals this weekend. Sarah hails from Kemptville, Ontario and is a 3rd year nursing student.
Trent University is proud to announce that Mike Simmons is the Riley’s-Junction male Athlete of the Week for the week of September 26th. Mike led Trent to a win over the Royal Military College with two penalty goals and is currently in third place in the OUA East for points scored. Mike is a native of Peterborough, Ontario and is a 4th year business student.
Upcoming Distribution Dates October 19, 2005 November 2, 2005 November 16, 2005 November 30, 2005 December 14, 2005 January 11, 2006
January 25, 2006 February 8, 2006 March 1, 2006 March 15, 2006 March 29, 2006 April 12, 2006
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October 5, 2005
Who We Really Are Andreea Radulescu
On August 29th, 2005, the disaster of Hurricane Katrina hit the region of New Orleans with an incredible power. The disaster was major and many lives were lost. Following this event, humanity on a global scale amassed its powers and sense of responsibility and many organizations started collecting donations to help the survivors of the hurricane. Even at Trent University, although students, as it is well known, are limited in their financial possibilities, there were donations towards this cause. The iHUB (Intelligence HUB) organization was one of many from Trent University collecting donations for the survivors of Katrina. The event took place in two rounds on the week of September 19th to September 23rd. The donations were sent to “Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund Organization.” The “Bush-Clinton Fund” managed to raise around $1 billion when the tsunami occurred, hence the decision of sending the donations to them. You can read more about them at http://www. bushclintonkatrinafund.org. With the iHUB organiza-
tion, I had a chance to participate in gathering donations. During the event, I learned to my biggest surprise that people are hypocritical. Political issues were brought up even in relation to this disaster. First and foremost, we are humans and regardless of what nationality we are, we should help each other out when in need. However, it seems to me that people cannot surpass the issue of borders and national differences. It’s surprising to see that not even a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, can erase temporarily or at least make us forget about politics or whose fault it is. It seems that the saying “forget but don’t forgive, or forgive but don’t forget,” does not take any meaning among individuals nowadays, not even for a short while. I will be explicit as possible and I will hereby like to write the responses that I got from students here at Trent: “Oh Americans, why should I help? They don’t deserve it. They are comprised of fifty states, so they can get enough help from their own country.” And I was even more surprised when such replies
came from international students at Trent as well. Personally speaking and without insulting anybody, I was not surprised when I heard Canadians saying these things. However, what bothered me was how judgmental they were against the States and their hypocritical position. As far as I know, Canadians like to portray themselves as being helpful and ready to jump to the rescue when needed. Needless to say that I was more than disappointed to hear them talk like that. Of course not everyone replied negatively but there were more than a few who made me cogitate upon the issue. After all, it seems to be a discrepancy between what they want to be portrayed as and what they really are. I am not trying to defend the United States because I have my own political opinions of them, but when it comes to being human, I ignore the political side of it. And just as a side note, let’s not forget that whenever there is a disaster or a need anywhere in the world, the United States are the first to give a helping hand. Of course, there is a political subtext for doing so, but
that still does not make it a bad thing because the cause excuses the means. The fact is, they are always willing to help, whether we like it or not, (and often I tend to think that we are jealous of the United States of America for being so helpful). Yes, there is a political reason behind it, but don’t forget that every country has a political reason for the help they are offering. However, they do help and that is worth more than any of our judgments. Let’s leave politics aside and focus on the important things. After all, we do not want to live in a chaotic world and be led by our misjudgments. We have to see the big picture and ignore the irrelevant details. It’s like calling an ambulance but if the doctor is an Arab or any other “unapproved nationality,” some would rather choose to die rather than call that ambulance. Think carefully about the priorities of humanity rather than the system within which we are living. If are interested in contacting me and talking about it, I would love to get some feedback from you. aradulescu@trentu.ca
Mr. Nice Guy Cliche Maria Thomaidis I agree that Max Innal’s article “The Mysteries of Life” has some merit. I say this because I do believe that some women can be idiots who repeatedly fall for assholes instead of the “nice guy.” Maybe the reason that these assholes are so successful in the dating scene is because they are not afraid to enter it. They are confident enough to enter it and conquer it, taking no prisoners while the nice guy gets their leftovers. Oh please! I am so tired of men complaining that the reason they are single or not getting laid is because US WOMEN do not want a nice guy. Yeah, that’s right! Who
doesn’t want to be “pumped and dumped?” Yeah, because US WOMEN want to get used and then thrown away to end up crying on those so-called “nice guys.” No offence to men, but they are not the only victims in the “nice guy” syndrome. If nice guys believe they get nowhere, imagine how the opposite sex feels. There are many girls who probably wonder, “will he notice me?” or “when will he see me?” Men are not the only invisible ones and it is a selfish thought to think they are. We invisible people make ourselves invisible to the opposite sex (or the same) because unconsciously we make ourselves
go unnoticed by always staying in the background. We have got to stop blaming the other person if they do not happen to notice our potential, because maybe we are just not displaying any. As one of those “nice girls,” I know how it feels to be invisible and feel that there is something wrong with me. I have always thought “maybe I am broken,” and nobody wants something that is broken. I am always surrounded by males, ones who tell me about their conquests, theirs fears, ones who show me who they are. And all I think is, “Hey, notice me.” And then I realize that blaming them is
a lost cause. I cannot blame them for being comfortable with me, because I have allowed them that right. I have allowed them to see me as “the girl next door,” as “the guy’s girl.” If I honestly want to be me, maybe I should start acting like me, like the woman I am. So for all those “nice guys,” if you want something, stop whining and go for it. If you do not get it, then do not get crushed. Grow from that experience and keep trying. Maybe the trick is not to be like the asshole, because eventually even the asshole hits a wall.
October 5, 2005
Are the Peterborough Police Drama Queens? Lindsay Taylor I never thought in all my life that I would be writing an article about the police force and their excessive use of sirens, but I can’t let this issue go since it bothers me on almost a daily basis. I live in downtown Peterborough in the Traill area, a nice part of town (student accommodation wise), and I have lived in that area for three years now. And over the past three years my roommates and I have noticed a trend in the excessive siren noise throughout the day and night. But this year seems have topped it! It has got to the point where it was waking me up at night. I would say that on a daily basis my roommate and I would hear sirens about three to five times. Sometimes the siren would only be for a couple of seconds (I guess they were going through an intersection) or for a few minutes (which felt like twenty minutes) until it was out of ear range. My roommate and I have been thinking of reasons why the Peterborough Police would need to use sirens literally 24-7, at any and all times of the day and night. My first thought was the crime rate, but I don’t think that there
is so much crime that people are being arrested every hour or so (as the sirens would indicate). Another thought was that they were responding alongside calls that required fire trucks and ambulances, but I haven’t heard a fire truck or ambulance horn accompanying the cop car as of yet. So, my roommate and I have come to the conclusion that the Peterborough police are drama queens! It seems the littlest thing sets them off into action, even if it’s a fresh batch of donuts at Tim’s. Unless someone can come up with a more logical explanation of why the cops here use their sirens at least three to five times a day, I am going to stick with that not-so-logical conclusion. Hopefully, now that the weather has cooled down and my windows will be closed, I will not be awaken by sirens during the night or bothered by them during the day. And if this doesn’t work, I’ll be heading back to Toronto in the summer where, surprisingly, this isn’t such a problem (considering the crime rate and gun killings this year). Maybe that really says something about Peterborough’s Finest.
An Unusual Evening Dinner Alex Leach The moon burns my eyes We are out of time for cooking; Cars cannot convey this to us, This burning sensation creams can’t cure, And shampoo just gives a nice smell. Microwave food is a bland hunt, Silent dinner is just so wrong. So, let’s shed this soft, supple skin For armour made proof against complacency You and I can leave this table, overturned, Not able to hold the weight of the true hunt, Made to fill the necessity of our appetites. So let’s take a stroll through the night, And pick up something with a bit more blood.
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Trent Peer Mentoring: Students Helping Students It is once again time to get back to writing, researching and studying. But have those prospects got you a little nervous? Do you have a class that you feel lost in, or need extra help to do well? If so, then Trent Peer Mentoring might be for you. The Peer Mentoring Program is designed under the principle of students helping students. What we offer is a matching service, pairing up students who need guidance with students who have had success in the course of study in question. What we do not do is offer tutoring. The difference between a mentor and a tutor may
seem irrelevant, but it is very significant. The help you will receive through our program is directed at helping you with course-specific problems; our mentors will not and cannot do the work for you. Our guiding principle is to help you get you through tough spots in a course. If you would like to apply to be mentored, or feel if you have achieved 70% or higher in a course and would to mentor for it, please email mentor@trentu.ca. Include your name, level of study, course you would to mentor/be mentored and phone number.
HONOURS NOMINATIONS INVITED Each year, during the fall, the Committee on University Honours invites nominations for Honorary Degrees and Eminent Service Awards from members of the University community. Honorary degrees are awarded by the University’s Senate to individuals in recognition of their contributions to academic life or to society as a whole. The Eminent Service Award honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Trent University in any area of its activities and may be granted to individuals with close connections to Trent or to members of staff and faculty at retirement. The list of individuals who have previously received these honours is located at: http://www.trentu.ca/admin/secretariat/honorary-alpha.html You are invited to submit nominations, in confidence, to the Committee on University Honours c/o the University Secretariat, Bata Library. It is important to include biographical information and a brief rationale for honouring the individual you nominate. Nominations received by mid-October each year will be considered for Convocation the following spring. Questions may be directed to Nancy Simmons Smith, University Secretary (nsmith@trentu.ca or 748-1223).
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Students Join Transit Demonstration at City Hall Absynthe Staff On September 28th, a group of Trent students joined a demonstration in front of Peterborough’s City Hall to show solidarity with striking Peterborough Transit workers. Employees of the city transit system have been on strike since September 26th, following the city council’s refusal to accept a new collective bargaining agreement. Despite recommendations from the city’s Manager of Transportation as well as the negotiators appointed to deal with the
city lose Trent’s transit contract, Peterborough Transit would cease to honour the university student ride policy, inhibiting the ability of Trent students to travel within the city. Amid chants “honour the deal” and “students need the bus,” more than a dozen Trent students joined the picket line across from Confederation Park, where they campaigned to raise public awareness of the issue. With the withdrawal of services provided by Peterborough Transit,
issue, Peterborough’s city council has yet to accept an agreement that would bring the transit workers back to work. One striking bus driver who declined to be identified criticized the city government, saying “they don’t want to honour an agreement in writing, signed by both parties.” “The city wants to throw at us a lot less than they originally agreed to, and a whole bunch of maybes in the future.” the driver said. On the subject of resolution, he said, “I really hope it’s done inside the next week.” Though the general mood at the demonstration was one of seeking an equitable solution, it was recognized that the strike situation may not be resolved overnight. In particular, it has been speculated that should the
Trent University has temporarily contracted Coach Canada to provide transportation on Trent Express routes using school buses. “It’s pretty inconvenient,” said Daniel Bastien, one of the Trent students present at the demonstration, speaking on the transit situation. “I like to bike, and take the bus. Now it’s scab buses so it’s kind of annoying, and kind of guilt-trip inducing.” Bastien said that he attended the rally to, among other things, make a statement with regards to mounting tutition fees and student debt. “It’s just neoliberal rule screwing over the poor for the rich,” he said. Absynthe has thus far been unable to reach any members of the Peterborough City Council for comment.
October 5, 2005
A Line Worth Waiting For Patrick St. Amand As I was walking back from dinner at Gzowski, crossing the bridge that leads to LEC, my friend said, “That’s him! It’s K-OS!” I looked over the bridge and saw one figure casually strolling towards Champlain. Skeptical, my friends and I still doubted his identity. With a bit of courage my friend yelled “K-OS” and, much to our surprise, he turned around and waved. This same figure, the nonchalant pedestrian, later managed to blow away several Trent university students. Myself included. Nevertheless, as I approached the concert I was exceptionally unbelieving. Perhaps I was a little naive in regards to how crowded it would be. Much to my surprise, there was a massive line. As I was waiting in the cold to get in, more and more inebriated people formed the movement. Drunkards obnoxiously cussing at someone farther up the line, or just randomly cussing in general, set the tone. Also, I had heard mixed reviews about K-OS’ live shows. Was this to be a wasted night? Finally I managed to make my way into the concert. As the show starting roughly at nine, the rapper from Whitby came out with his band. Performing with a guitarist, a bass player, a D.J. and a drummer, the quintet came out with a lot of energy. Any-
one could see that they enjoyed what they were doing and having a fun time on stage. All memory of the uncomfortable line vanished. But it didn’t stop there. He was clearly a veteran with a microphone. In between each song, he would interact with the crowd, talk with them and joke with them. But the crowd itself was what surprised me the most; not so much the size, but the diversity of people within it. Inside the crowd of fans were people wearing preppy clothing to individuals sporting dreadlocks. Even though there was immense diversity, once that music came on, people, no matter what they wore or how they presented themselves, came together. The crowd was dancing, jumping and just hanging out to good music. Even I, awkward as I am, couldn’t help but dance a little bit to the music that was delivered. As the night continued, the music got better and better. Surprise variations to the songs “Crabbuckit” and “Man I Used to Be,” his two most recent singles, really got the crowd whipped into a frenzy. So as I left the concert, I did so with a certain sense of fulfillment. No matter what type of music you listen to, you would have to appreciate some aspects of his show. I know I did.
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October 5, 2005
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The Hammer of the Emperor: Winter Assault Reviewed Erik Bostock “In the grim darkness of the future there is only war.” Just about any avid tabletop gamer would instantly recognize this quote from the popular Warhammer 40,000 universe of games. The Gothic-inspired, ultra-dark galaxy of the 41st millennium is loved by a legion of fans who meticulously paint and field entire armies of miniature pewter and plastic warriors. The series, which has such a devoted fan base in the tabletop arena, has been sorely lacking a proper electronic successor for many years. Barring the superb PC (and ill fated 3DO) Space Hulk video games, the exciting, and extensive Warhammer 40K seemed fated to only thrive on the tabletops. All this changed in 2004 with the release of the stellar Dawn of War by Relic Entertainment. Relic, the Vancouver based design house that earned its fame with the exquisite Real-Time Strategy game Homeworld, was charged with the ambitious task of crafting a Warhammer 40K PC RTS. And boy, did they ever succeed. Dawn of War, which followed the exploits of the Blood Ravens Space Marine Chapter, was an exciting foray into the Warhammer 40K universe. Relic, however, was not content to simply rest on their laurels after the release of Dawn of War, and followed up their success with an expansion pack for the game. Named Dawn of War: Winter Assault, the expansion pack features a whole new army and delivers new units for the other preexisting armies. With more than a dozen armies in the Warhammer 40K universe, it was be no easy task to choose which to add. The original game gave us the genetically enhanced Space Marines, the traitorous Chaos marines, the warlike Orks, and the enigmatic Eldar. In the end, Relic decided that the Imperial Guard would be the next army to enter the fray. While a controversial decision, especially if you are a fan of one of the many xeno armies, the Guard represents
not only an interesting addition to the story, but also a fundamentally different gameplay style. The Imperial Guard, much like the Space Marines from Dawn of War, are on the same side. While they both fight for the immortal God-Emperor of Mankind, the Guard, unlike the marines, are not genetically enhanced supermen. The Guards are just like you and I, terrified conscripts recruited by the billions, equipped with little more than a lasgun, a flak jacket, and faith. The Guard never fights alone, though, as they have the superiority of numbers backed up by ruthless leadership, and enough artillery and armour to drown entire worlds. Yes, the Guard is ALL about sheer firepower, with very little subtlety. Yet, all this would have been purely academic if Relic could not translate it to our PCs. In game, the Imperial Guard is an intensely fun army to play, offering a fundamentally different game-play style over other armies. For example, the average Guardsman isn’t the toughest or meanest sod on the block. Unlike the previous game, where you played as power-armoured Space Marines, the Guard soldiers are surprisingly fragile. But they make up for this weakness with numbers and firepower. In keeping with their Soviet inspiration, the Guard makes heavy use of “commander units” to boost their fighting skills. For example, the average Guardsman’s morale is pretty low, unsurprising considering that they must fight horrific aliens and daemons. Add a fearsome and determined commissar, and they won’t break even in harshest conditions, since they are even more afraid of him than the enemy. It is in the field of heavy support that the Imperial Guard truly shines, with access to some of the most destructive units in the game. From the lowly Chimera transports to the terrifyingly large, horribly beweaponed Baneblade
superheavy tank, the Guard is all about righteous firepower. However, the cheese would have to go to the Basilisk heavy artillery, which makes up for the game’s previous lack of long-range firepower, allowing Guard players to pound their enemies into dust from clear across the map. Winter Assault’s single player game takes place on the frozen world of Lorn V, where an ancient and powerful war machine known as a Titan had fallen long ago. Enter the Imperial Guard, charged with retrieving this mighty weapon and returning it to the Emperor’s glorious service. At the same time, Chaos has also made planetfall, and are attempting to seize the Titan themselves. In addition, the mysterious Eldar have also arrived for unknown reasons, while the ubiquitous Orks are fixing for a fight. The campaign is broken up into two tracks, order (Guard and Eldar) and disorder (Orks and Chaos). Each side has a five-mission campaign, of which the first three are completely different. While the final two battles are the same map for both sides, the ability to play the opposing team the next time is neat twist. The story is engaging, and the maps are HUGE, offering multiple hooks per mission leading into hours of play each. As for the technical details, the game is very impressive. The voice acting, while spotty in places, is on the whole excellent, with the Guard and Orks being the most impressive. The game still sports the most detail I have ever seen in an RTS, allowing you zoom in close enough to see the men blink, load their weapons, and nervously fidget. Personally I sometimes just find it amusing to zoom on a Basilisk artillery unit, and just watch the men spot, fire and then reload their cannons. To sum things up, Winter Assault is superb, and offers itself more like a sequel than an expansion pack. The game presents
a whole new world of gameplay while carrying forth an exciting and worthwhile plot. The game comes heartily recommended, and I’d give it twelve thumbs up if it was possible. To settle things peacefully, a number of 9/10 will suffice.
ODE TO ERGONOMICS Chippy
an ergonomic keyboard is under my two hands it’s fancy button layout is what i do demand the alphabetic keypad is segmented in two banks its bulbous lower handrest is why my wrists say thanks thank you fancy keyboard is what those wrists would say the non-ergonomic models were a cause of their dismay errrrrrr-go-nomics alleviating stress errrrrrr-go-nomics now I type at my best
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absynthe
October 5, 2005
An Infinitely Broad Canvas
The Poetry of Ryan Quinn Flanagan Epicurus Cunnilingus and other poems, Published by: A Bicycle Made of Anarchy Press, 2005 Queen’s University studentpoet Ryan Quinn Flanagan recently answered some of Sarah Michelle Ogden’s questions pertaining to, among other things, his published collection of poetry Epicurus Cunnilingus and other poems. This recently published collection contains pieces such as “Bonnie and Clyde,” which Flanagan describes as a “last stand for love” and “How I Take My Coffee and Prostitutes,” a piece which mixes low and high brow, and as Flanagan says “shows both the commodification of, and similar consumption of both” coffee and prostitutes. Other pieces such as “Amereka!” criticize the history of American foreign policy right up to the present-day Iraq war. Throughout his poetry, Flanagan exhibits a profound knack for word play, a wide knowledge and insight into world affairs, and an ability to erase the boundaries between what is commonly viewed as acceptable and unacceptable in our society. Sarah M. Ogden (SMO): How long did it take you to compile the poetry in Epicurus Cunnilingus and other poems? How did you select and place the pieces together? Ryan Quinn Flanagan (RQF): It took me about three weeks to weeks to write and arrange the work in. I selected poems somewhat thematically, but in terms of placement of the pieces, I depended on visual considerations. SMO: What kind of feedback do you get about your writing? Does anyone ever express sentiments of being horribly offended, delighted, etc? RQF: The feedback I usually get is very positive. Most people seem very refreshed by a fresh outlook and are actively working to escape the stasis of constructed society as well. There are some however who “express sentiments of being horribly offended,” not through word, but usually through looks, ‘the Mothers Against Every-
thing sneer’ is one of my personal favourites to receive. The people who tend to be offended by my work are those who can’t escape the baggage they bring to their interpretation of the work . . . but that’s the point. I enjoy having people be offended by my work as much as enjoying it, because it provokes dialogue as the offended must invariably ask why they are offended. Also, once ignorance is made public, it’s not allowed to fester unnoticed around the dinner tables of the nation. Once the concreteness of labels is identified and argued, the road to understanding can be paved. I would be worried if some were not offended by my work, because it would mean that I had failed to move them or stir their soul. All reactions to my work are positive ones because they mean people are receptive to my work and not completely conditioned to slumber in the conventional mores of societal construction. Strangely enough, most people that are put off by my work, are not put off by the content, but by the medium. There seems to be a great stigma attached to poetry as a viable form of expression (like any form of expression is not a viable one). I do not understand the roots of this notion, but it has been constructed and seems prevalent nonetheless. SMO: Is your poetry for everyone? RQF: It is certainly intended to be. Some of the imagery is dense, but for the most part, the work is highly assessable because it can be read on many levels. What’s important to remember is that this work is not just for those who like it, but it is also for those who revile it as well, because the person who dislikes it must ask themselves why they dislike it (at least that’s what’s intended). This work is meant to be both thought provoking and inclusive which can sometimes be a tightrope walk, but in this case, with the marriage of imagery, I believe the desired effect is achieved. Also, by attempting to destroy labels and divisive perception to achieve understanding, I
believe the work must inherently be for everyone. The simple musicality of the poems is also meant to further provide assessability. SMO: What is your favourite poem that you have written? What is your favourite poem in general? Why? RQF: My favourite poem is the one that I have yet to write. The way I see it, anything is possible, and everything is fair game! In terms of poetry in general, there are many poems and poets I enjoy. I love to read Ginsberg’s Howl and other poems, Leonard Cohen’s Flowers For Hitler, and anything by Charles Bukowski . . . the beats in general are a huge influence on me. I love anything which challenges “accepted norms” and “literary pretense” . . . I’ll always side with the anti-hero and scat on the marble torsos of antiquity! SMO: Would you encourage others thinking about broadening their writing style to challenge ideas of morality in their writing, as you do? Or is it (writing like that) something that just has to come to everyone, so to speak? RQF: The short answer is both. I think all writing just comes from the subconscious and you take it as it comes. When I sit down to write I prepare my concoctions, go through a specific ritual to set the mood, and sit back and let it just come to me. When I sit down, I often have no idea what I’m going to write about, it just spills out. That said, I would always “encourage others thinking about broadening their writing style to challenge ideas of morality in their writing,” and in their lives as well. Question everything! If you are willing to question even those notions which seem completely plausible, you will quickly see that no notion is without fault. Beware absolutes and easy answers! Questioning is an art, and once put into common practice, there will be no shortage of subject matter. *PARTS OF THIS INTERVIEW APPEARED IN THE APRIL 2005 ISSUE OF QUEEN’S DIATRIBE
Psychic Sam Dear Psychic Sam, I heard that the guy from Tool found God recently. Is this true? If so, where did he find him? Perhaps he was under the sofa, beside those M&Ms? -Anony Mouse Dear Mouse, Yours is a persistent but incorrect conclusion. In my experience, which is measurelessly vaster than yours thanks to my superior psychic mind powers, when he is not doing what he regularly does, God is most often hiding in dusty attics. I suspect that he has a thing for pawing through old family photographs. Thanks to clairvoyance, I also know that he would be found next to old Aero wrappers, not M&Ms. Also, I recommend changing your name. I hear you can go far with one like Lymphoblast X. Tenantry. XOXOX Psychic Sam
Got a question for Psychic Sam? Just send an email to absynthe@trentu. ca with the subject line “Dear Psychic Sam,” and Trent’s resident psyker will answer your question for the ages.
October 5, 2005
Today‛s Toxic Liquor Horoscope
absynthe
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Serenity Now? Serenity, Now! Craig Zollner
Jamais the Magnificent, Completely Uncertified Astrologer Extraordinaire Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) - Jupiter is set to re-energize you this week. Better back up that essay before its vast magnetic field kicks in. Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) - The key word for you today is “erratic.” Other important terms to remember are “Appomattox” and “antidisestablishmentarianism.” Gemini (May 21 - Jun 21) - Surprisingly enough, it will end up being your deep and abiding love of mechanically separated chicken that will be your undoing. Cancer (Jun 22 - Jul 22) - As far as you’re concerned, tomorrow it will be St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s all you need to know. Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) - Today, daydreaming will be the enemy. Fortunately a swift treatment with a rusty iron spike tomorrow will keep your mind from wandering. Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) - Your creative mind will keep everyone around you on their toes next week as they try to decide whether or not you’re holding a real deadman switch. Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 23) - Sure, that building might just be an ordinary warehouse and not the nerve center of an alien invasion. But
there’s no room for uncertainty today. Best blow it up to be sure. Scorpio (Oct 24 - Nov 21) - It might feel like you’re walking on hot coals today, but don’t worry. The pain receptors down there will be destroyed before you can so much as flinch. Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) - Your attempt to insulate yourself from the threat of STDs will backfire miserably next week when your Realdoll contracts a case of electric gonorrhea. Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) - If today is your birthday, it’s already too late for you. Try to get at least five kilometers away from campus before the reaction becomes selfsustaining. Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) - Your quest to discover why all the trees in Michigan lean south will lead to several disturbing answers next week. Knock-knock. Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) - On October 2, 1936, an alcohol power plant was built in Atchison, Kansas. This will soon become incredibly important for reasons your tiny brain cannot possibly comprehend.
Classifieds 2-bedroom apartment available Nov. 1st 741 George St. N $375/month inclusive bus stop at front door, close to downtown call 876-8184
Write For Absynthe!
Talented, yet rusty guitarist, seeking out anyone interested in forming a band. Highly influenced by Blues, Rock, Jazz , Funk, Hip Hop, World and Electronic music. I love to jam (ala Phish) and hope to form a band that is capable of great improvisation. All like minded musicians are welcome. Drop Matt a line at mamadu@gmail.com.
On Friday evening I reveled in my nerdish heritage and went to a showing of Serenity, a new feature film from the pen of Buffy creator Joss Whedon, at the Galaxy downtown. This was most probably the best decision I could have possibly made, and it didn’t take very long in the theatre to convince me of that. Serenity is not a movie that pulls its punches. It is the kind of movie that punches you in the gut, kicks you while you’re down, and then stomps on your neck a few times for good measure. For those of you who aren’t aware of that most sublime of forces that makes the Browncoat legions go, this movie traces back to the short-lived television series Firefly, which ran on Fox in early 2002 until, in one of those incredibly boneheaded maneuvers for which Fox programming executives are known, it was canceled. Shortly thereafter the entire thirteen-episode series was released on DVD, and the avalanche of sales it generated was more than enough to get Universal interested in grabbing the film rights to this property. And, of course, it once again demonstrated Fox’s idiocy. But after Family Guy, Sliders, Space: Above and Beyond and so many others, it’s not like any of us needed to be reminded. Serenity, while chock-full of things that will make it pure happiness on toast to the Firefly fanbase, should also be fresh and self-contained enough to appeal to those who have no familiarity with its own particular ‘verse. In the traditions of the anime series Trigun and Cowboy Bebop, Serenity takes place in a gritty twentysixth century world that is equal parts space opera and Western adventure. The story, which seems to compress into 119 minutes what other movies would need hours upon hours to explain, picks up many of the plot threads left
hanging by Firefly’s premature cancellation three years ago. It follows the eclectic crew of the transport ship Serenity as they elude the forces of the authoritarian Alliance, trying to eke out an existence in hostile space as they get caught up in a mystery that promises to redraw the face of an entire star system. I’d really like to say more, but banal vagueness is regrettably all that you’re going to get. I don’t want to take the chance of spoil the surprises for any of you, should you choose to see it. The tone of the story is enough reason to - it switches from characters being skewered by swords to moments of incongruous comedy in the space of seconds, and the dry witticisms of the dialogue are something to really appreciate. So, if you have $8.25 to spare on Thursday, or if you feel like shelling out ten bucks for a regular-night seat, hop on one of the yellow buses and pick up a ticket for Serenity. Ultimately it depicts a world of hope, of openness, where the best thing a person can do is dust themselves off and hop back into it. At least, that’s what it said to me.
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absynthe
October 5, 2005
The Plight of an Off Residence First Year Jessica Monteith
Introductory Student Week is a chance for the Trent first year students to really get familiar with their new school in a fun, informal way. That is, of course, unless you live off campus. Being a resident of the Peterborough area myself these many years, I have no need to spend the extra dollars for a room in residence. I have a free room under my parents’ roof. But that does not necessarily mean that I have an instinctual understanding of Trent’s secret corridors and passwords. I had never been to the main campus before September 5th. So why is it that ISW seems to look more kindly on those who’ve come from afar, rather than those who live right next door? The activities hosted by the ISW team and the Dons from each college were ongoing from Monday September 5th to Friday September 9th. Including plays, formal dinners, introductory lectures, movie
nights and concerts, it seemed as though there would not be enough time to see and do it all. But the timing was so vast between the morning activities that familiarized the student with university classes, and the afternoon activities which were unapologetically more fun, it seemed impossible to bridge. On Wednesday I had a meeting with my academic advisor at nine o’clock. I had a lecture with the Senior Tutor at ten but the play Single and Sexy wasn’t until three. Where was I supposed to go from eleven until three? I have no dorm room, I have no friends with dorm rooms and I have to drive for forty minutes to get to and from school. Shelling out for gas from an already shelled out wallet was an unhappy prospect and cooling my heels at the library while everyone else was getting to know their dorm mates, would surely have plunged me into a fit of depression. So I went home and stayed there until Thursday.
Even if an off campus student does make it to all the ISW activities, there’s still an all important difference in the form of a little ticket. This ticket was the magic pass to get into a barbeque and the embodiment of any hope one might have for their college to win the House Cup. They were delivered to students via the dorm rooms and while I had heard that you could get a bundle of tickets if you were a non-resident, the details were a little dodgy. I picture a double barred room with armed trolls at the door protecting the stash of purple tickets for Gzowski College. I’m sure it seems as though this ticket nonsense is no big deal. So what if I didn’t drop one into a plastic bag held by ISW reps? I think it was the constant need to repeat to every one of those bag holders that I lived off campus. I wasn’t at home while I was here. And I suppose that is the main difference between an on campus student and an off cam-
pus one. You get the feeling that they’re getting something more out of the university experience because they’re there. They’re making new friends because you can’t help but do otherwise when you live with so many new people. They’re learning their way around because that’s where they spend all their time. They’re getting the extra help from their Don because they can walk down the hall in their bunny slippers and ask for it. I couldn’t even tell you where my Don’s office is. Keeping all this in mind, why is so much time devoted to making the resident students feel comfortable, when they’re more or less going to be forced into some kind of acceptable comfort level in the next week anyway, and the non-resident students, who don’t have the advantage of a 24/7 learning curve, muck their way through alone?