Feb. 22 - March 8, 2013
GBC student newspaper Founded 1982
Vonelle rocks live set for local charities
Students slam GBC’s response to snowstorm
Lights. In camera. Election?
Human Rights and wrongs captured in photo exhibit
Men’s volleyball team makes playoffs
2 News
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
Students slam college’s inaction on snowstorm By Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Dialog Reporter
“There was no point coming to school. If they could cancel the test that day, why couldn’t they cancel the class?” asks Maya K. (who aske that only the initial of her surname be printed), a hospitality student at Gorge Brown College (GBC). On Feb. 8, Toronto witnessed the worst snowstorm since 2008. About 30 cm of snow fell as public life came almost to a standstill. Streetcars breaking down, late busses, and slow traffic were some of the issues faced by the people who still had to go to work or school because they were open. GBC students faced similar problems in the snowstorm. Andy Lau, who is studying hotel management at GBC said, “I got to know that my class was cancelled after I reached school. The website said that school was still open. I had to go back without attending classes, apart from the difficulty in travelling, it was a waste of transit money.” While most of the students did not support the college’s decision to remain open, the college authorities backed their call. “We have a responsibility to our students who have paid fees towards their education, and unless there is a significant risk or harm, we try to honour that responsibility” said Karen Thomson, vice president of Marketing and Strategic Enrollment Management at GBC. Eugene Harrigan, vice president of
Corporate Services said, “Students are paying fees and we have an obligation to provide service. Many people are equally annoyed when you are not open, students have midterms, they want to access the library, and parents have to access the child care centers.” Harrigan believed that even though the college was open, people should take their own circumstances into consideration in these situations. According to him, it was the correct decision and it was also a correct decision later in the day to close a bit early at 3 p.m. An online poll at The Dialog’s website asked “How do you think GBC handled the winter storm?” 83 per cent of 400 people said “The college was unprofessional and communicated poorly”; “The College handled things okay, there was room for improvement” got 11.5 per cent while “The college was professional and communicated well’ managed only 5.5 per cent. Reacting to this poll, Harrigan said, “There are around 20,000 students in the college, the response of the students is relatively low, but we get the message. That’s something we would listen to and take into consideration next time. There is always room for improvement.” The Student Association’s (SA) board of directors passed a motion on Feb. 13 which said that the SA would write a letter condemning the failure of the college to respond to students needs in a safe manner and their late
r
Dialog Reporters: Preeteesh Peetabh Singh
The Dialog Room E122 - Casa Loma 142 Kendal Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 1M3 www.dialog.studentassociation.ca Tel: 416-415-5000 ext. 2764 Fax: 416-415-2491 dialog@georgebrown.ca
board of directors taking it up at a political level, or through academic advocacy.” Alistair Courtney, the SA’s director of Public Relations, said, “I think that the teachers should be lenient, knowing the fact that people could not come on that day. It was a bad day. My car couldn’t leave the driveway. It was difficult to get out. Penalizing the students for something that is an act of god is not right.”
Managing Editor: Mick Sweetman SA Publications and Communications Coordinator: Mick Sweetman Dialog Published by: Student Association of George Brown College
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response to the situation. They will also provide support to students who received academic penalties for failure to attend classes and lobby the college to revisit and strengthen their communication policies as it relates to events of this nature. Mohammad Ali Aumeer, the SA’s director of Education and Equity said, “One of the really important things I would like to see in the future is clearer and more frequent communication. I know there was some communication, but it was not enough.” Although there have been no cases brought up yet by the students where they have been penalized for not attending classes that day, Aumeer said, “(The) SA would provide support if such cases are brought forward. The avenue will depend on individual cases whether it will through the
Karen Nickel
Dialog Contributors: Alena Khabibullina, Begum Oral, Alisha Riley, Courtney Niven & Mary-Grace Falvo, Dylan Liu, Jason Miller Cover: Vonelle playing GBC Live and Local on Feb. 13. Photo: Dylan Liu
The Dialog newspaper is published by the Dialog Collective under the auspices of the Student Association of George Brown College. The collective is responsible for the overall vision and direction of the Dialog newspaper, as it coincides with the larger vision of mission of the Student Association. The cost of producing a monthly newspaper is in part defrayed by advertising revenue and largely subsidized by the Student Association. Occasionally, some advertisers, products and services do not reflect the policies of the Student Association. Opinions expressed in the Dialog are not necessarily those of the Dialog Collective, the Student Association of George Brown College, or its editorial staff. The Dialog will not publish any material that attempts
to incite violence or hatred against individuals or groups, particularly based on race, national origin, ethnicity, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Contributions to the Dialog are always welcome. We request that articles be submitted as digital copies in plain-text (TXT) or rich-text (RTF) format. Letters to the editor can be sent in an email message to dialog@georgebrown.ca. Images should be in EPS format as vector images or TIF format (Mac or PC). We request that you submit a hard copy of your work. Originals only please.
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
Letters & News 3
Letters: students snap at being left in the cold Saftey not a concern at GBC I woke up at 4:30 a.m. on the day of the major Toronto snowstorm to check the GBC website (as instructed by my program faculty) which stated, “The college is open”. I only had clinics that day, which were cancelled, but how did I get this message? Through Facebook; not the website where it was supposed to be listed! I think the college did a very poor job handling the snowstorm situation. It is clear that safety is not a concern at GBC; most if not all the students that attend college here are commuters coming from long distances. It took until 3 p.m. that day for the college to realize it should close its doors… at 6p.m.! Good call GBC, by that time day classes are finished anyway!
Re: Poll: How do you think GBC handled the winter storm? Absolutely disappointed with how things were handled by the college. Students travel from all over and yet no one cared that we have a far commute in this weather. George Brown should be ashamed for continuing to remain open when all other colleges and universities were closed. It wasn’t just a little bit of snow it was a snowstorm. People died yesterday because of weather conditions and yet you were still asking us to commute. I’m completely disgusted with how this school is run. The website wasn’t updated for anyone to know what was going on, clearly money takes precedence over safety. - Julianna, posted to The Dialog’s website on Feb. 9.
Sincerely, Natasha Mehan Student Association Waterfront campus director & concerned student
Re: Poll: How do you think GBC handled the winter storm? I agree 100% with Julianna, and am ashamed to be attending GBC. It took me two hours to get to George Brown on the day of the
storm, and three hours to get home, for a three hour class. Sure we have the option of just not showing up, but no when a mid-term is to be held on the day of the storm, by an ignorant prof who had not bothered to postpone the exam. All of the news agencies reported that the street clean up service would start/resume after the snow fall had ended, which would and happend to be after 6 pm, but George Brown College kicked out the students by 3 p.m.. After my class I went to the lab to work on my assignment, just to be kicked out my some prof. I despise GBC, but having invested over $24,000 I cant just get up and leave before finishing my program. - Concerned student, posted on The Dialog’s website on Feb.16 Re: International students pay ‘absurd’ tuition Oct. 19, 2012 The services of GBC are mediocre, they do not respect us and charge us over the roof prices. Most of the
college professors know less then we do. Some don’t know how to operate computers, and many even use a calculator to calculate simple calculations, yet I am an Indian from Africa and there the profs use their minds to calculate simple mathematical calculations. How is the world’s worst continent able to do better than GBC? All these semesters I’ve been paying GBC Student Association and they have not even approached me or invited me for any events, they charged my up to $561 and have done nothing for me. I want my money back. I accidentally went to their event hosted in the Kings Lounge and found that not even 1% of GBC students show up….. can you guys stop embarrassing me and refund me. Small lounge for the college don’t you think so? The food in restaurants at GBC taste really bad and there are not too many options outside either, GBC you are great!!! (sarcasm) -Kunal Shah, on The Dialog’s website
Lights. In camera. Election? By Karen Nickel Dialog Reporter
Politics is a stage. Politicians are actors and we, the voters, are not the audience; instead they are performing for each other—this includes student politicians. The Student Association’s (SA) board of directors meeting on Feb. 13 began with an acknowledgement of Mississauga of New Credit First Nation’s territory. Two things on the agenda got my attention; First, the donor contract with the George Brown College Foundation (from the recent $25 student levy); and secondly, exemptions for disqualifed candidates in the upcoming elections. On the donor contract issue, members were given a financial sheet (with an impossibly small font size) showing how the multi-million dollar, ten-year contract is going to be distributed: 75 per cent goes to bur-
saries, awards and scholarships; and 25 per cent towards capital projects proposed by the SA. Mohammed Ali Aumeer, the director of Education and Equity, mentioned a single-parent bursary among other awards. The board also clarified that board members were students and are eligible for bursaries or awards. A vote was called to accept the donor contract as presented. A tired, slightly cranky, Jeremy Salter, who was chairing the meeting, took issue with the fact that not everyone had seen the contract, let alone read it. Chiding the board, Salter said, “this means up to six million dollars over 10 years. I think you are responsible for reading this agreement.” The motion was then tabled to an “emergency board meeting” on Feb. 20; giving board members time to read the document before formally accepting it.
The other purpose of the emergency meeting was to hear appeals from candidates who were disqualified for not having a C+ GPA or completing a semester as a full time student in the past eight months. According to Evan Murray, the chief returning officer, exemptions were granted by the board to: Mohammad Ali Aumeer, running for director of Education and Equity; Aaron (Erin) Holder, running for St. James campus director; Jordan Sarracini, running for St. James campus director; Vinh An Tran, running for Business Educational Centre Rep.; Harmandeep Singh Sardar, running for director of Internal Affairs; and Avanish Agarwal, running for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Educational Centre Rep. Alistair Courtney, the incumbent director of Public Relations was the sole candidate whose appeal was rejected by the board.
“My opinion as a current full-time student is I find it hard that everybody was exempted except me. Being a student I feel there’s something wrong with that” said Courtney to The Dialog. When asked whether the emergency meeting would be public or not. Salter said it would probably be “in camera”. He was right. This board is often “in camera” they went “in camera” at the Feb. 13 meeting too. In camera means only board members and those people they allow can stay during the meeting. It’s also called a “behind closed doors” meeting, but that doesn’t sound as good. The public is not welcome; which brings me back to the beginning. Politicians, even student ones, are actors performing, not for us but for each other. Lights. In camera. Election? With files from Mick Sweetman
4 News
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
‘Free to Pee at GBC’ washroom safety campaign By Karen Nickel Dialog Reporter
Discrimination of all kinds has occurred in the restroom. It has seen racial segregation, homophobic policing, non-accessibility, pay toilets against the poor and time limits for substance users. It’s a place of ongoing bullying, harassment and assault due to rigid enforcement of gendered washrooms. Accessible and safe public bathrooms are essential for full participation in society. Most people never think about this unless they really need one and there’s none around, but people who are gender nonconforming, transgender, or genderqueer, think about washrooms a lot, they have to - it’s a matter of personal safety. When I have short hair, I am often mistaken for male. Men have followed me into the washroom, grabbed me, assuming I am some ‘perverted guy,’ and threatened to pummel me. I have been ‘policed’ by women, who are ‘making sure’ I am peeing in the ‘right place’, when I am sure I am. These reactions make public washrooms an anxiety producing and unsafe space for someone who doesn’t follow gender ‘rules’.
“Everyone should be able to use a safe public bathroom so that they can pee in peace!”
solidarity at GBC for the rights of trans & genderqueer people and people who don’t fit gender stereotypes, particularly in regard to accessing washrooms with safety and dignity”. In March, they plan on doing a community audit of GBC’s bathroom using the PISSAR (People In Search of Safe and Accessible Restrooms), developed at the University of California, to assess and document problems with the washrooms. Through the audit they hope to compile information to present to the college to
and genderqueer people are not using public washrooms due to fear of harassment, or assault, so much so, that they are developing kidney and bladder problems from not going pee? Who exactly is being kept ‘safe’? A coalition of students, staff and constituency representatives, including the TRANSitioning Back to School program and Accessibility for Ontarians, has begun an ‘awareness and action campaign’ called Free 2 Pee @ GBC. Comprised of posters, post cards, teach-ins at all the campuses, information tables and a website with resources (including films) that educate about washroom harassment, assault and safety issues that trans, It is easy to use Humber’s pathways genderqueer, and gender non-conforming to turn your diploma into a degree. individuals experience Apply for advanced standing by when trying to go pee. transferring your college credits into any “Everyone should be one of our 12 business degree programs. able to use a safe pubYour diploma does not have to be lic bathroom so that degree-related to VIP your way into they can pee in peace!” our degree programs. says Free to Pee @ GBC, * Those who qualify will receive a one-time scholarship of $2,500; the only one of its kind in Canada. ‘Safety’ is often cited as a reason The website lists some for keeping washrooms separated by of the goals of the ‘gender’ or perceived gender, espe- campaign: “to develop cially women’s washrooms; but is college-wide policy it really about safety? Rigid gender ensuring the right of conformity says that it is ‘safer’ for all staff and students children (who are the opposite sex to access gendered from their parent) to use the bath- washrooms based on room alone rather than going with their self-stated genthem. Conformity says it is ‘safer’ der identity; to estabfor people with disabilities to use the lish universal access washroom without their attendant if washrooms across the business.humber.ca/scholarship they are the opposite sex. Are bath- campus; and to create rooms ‘safer’ because transgender a culture of respect and
ensure safer bathrooms and access for everyone. If you are interested in participating in the audit, you can email Robin at the LGBTQ Constituency: salgbtq@ georgebrown.ca For more information and upcoming events check out the website: www.freetopeegbc.com There is an online survey that enters you in a draw for $100.00 at GBC Bookstores: www.freetopeegbc. com/2013/01/21/onlinesurvey
TURN YOUR DIPLOMA INTO A BUSINESS DEGREE WITH A $2,500* SCHOLARSHIP!
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
Arts 5
Mourn for human wrongs towards human rights By Alena Khabibullina Special to The Dialog
I’m from Russia. My grandmother was fired from a factory for religious reasons in the Soviet era when people were persecuted, exiled, or executed for their faith. My friend is Italian. His great-grandfather was detained for living with a North African woman – his great grandmother. My neighbour from Bangladesh told me the story that his elderly cousin had acid poured on her over a land dispute. This February we are all celebrating Black History Month as a milestone on the way to understanding human rights. This commemoration carries the bitterness of loss since any radical change occurs through sacrifice. There is no nation on earth that has suffered so much, fighting for their rights, as black people have. This February we are mourning, honouring, and remembering! More than 300 original photographs from the Black Star Collection, presented at the Ryerson Image Centre, create this spirit. The exhibition’s title Human Rights Human Wrongs says it all. This is a true archive of human lives chiseled in pictures.
All the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights silently hang above the panel of images of known and unknown people, as well as above neatly stacked cardboard boxes containing the human lives photo archives. This metaphor remains with the viewer. Mark Sealy, the director of The Association of Black Photographers, is the guest curator of the exhibition. Using the end of the Second World War in 1945 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 as departure points, the photos show the struggle against colonialism and racism. “Photographs of bodies twisted, hacked, or blown apart; of people demonstrating or taking action; of displaced people whose lives lie shattered, clinging to existence in some hellish refugee camp; as well as images that throw into focus the relationship between race and conflict, make up a large proportion of the photographs pulled from the archive.” wrote Sealyin the magazine about the exhibit. In contrast to passing laws and United Nations conventions, are the images of brutal violence hap-
Reproduction from the Black Star Collection, Ryerson University. Courtesy of the Ryerson Image Centre.
Carlo Bavagnoli, Biafra, Republic of Biafra (now the Federal Republic of Nigeria), ca. 1968
Reproduction from the Black Star Collection, Ryerson University. Courtesy of the Ryerson Image Centre.
Charles Moore, Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America, May 3, 1963.
pening in the world: independence movements in African countries; political protests in the United States and South America; wars in Vietnam and genocide in Rwanda. People were dreaming about equal rights and unfortunately we are still dreaming sometimes. Human Rights Human Wrongs is a collection of moments in history when a prompt camera click carries social significance and meaning. A warning sign at the entrance says that the “exhibition contains photographs that may be disturbing to viewers due to the graphic or violent nature of the subject matter.” Here the sound of the camera shutter often coincides with the sound of the trigger. The exhibition Human Rights and Human Wrongs takes place in Ryerson Image Centre (33 Gould StreetOne block northeast of Yonge & Dundas) until April 14. Admission is free.
6 Life
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
What are students doing for intersession?
By Begum Oral
Special to The Dialog
It’s time to stop studying, staying up late working on assignments or meeting up for the project after class at the library! We’re approaching seventh week, you know what I’m talking about, let’s start enjoying the intersession week! We all need a break from the midterms, books, computers, and college life—even the snowstorms are
giving us a hard time on our way to the college. I already have a plan for this precious week. I’m going to spend my intersession week in Vancouver, which is a lovely and peaceful city. Snowboarding, Korean barbeque, partying, and ocean walks are some of my plans. I interviewed some students at the college. I asked about their intersession plans and I got some interesting answers.
“I’m going to Blue Mountain for snowboarding and I will stay there for one night. Swedish House Mafia concert is my second plan. I think I will be busy with studying the rest of the time.” Yaroslav Mudryi – Financial Planning. Photo: Begum Oral / The Dialog
“I’m going to Boston to visit my girlfriend for a few days. I will hang out with her. I’ll also meet her family and go for dinner. I’m a freelance graphic designer so I’ll be working on some days.” Yassamin Yassini – Graphic Design Photo: Begum Oral / The Dialog
“My priority is to find an apartment and look for co-op jobs during intersession. Since I’m new in Toronto, I’d like to discover the city; going to High Park, the CN Tower and some museums.” Sedef Akinci – Strategic Relationship Marketing. Photo courtesy of Sedef Akinci
“ I’m going to New York City to visit a friend. I like NYC for shopping, clubbing and art galleries. After I come back from NYC, I will watch movies, and work.” Ankit Sharma – Marketing Management-Financial Services. Photo: Begum Oral / The Dialog
Design Exchange is pleased to announce the second annual
Connect: EnAbling Change Competition,
a provincial, post-secondary design competition.
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, this multi-disciplinary competition seeks to explore design that is accessible to the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of age or ability.
“ I’m a professional athlete so I’d like to train as much as I can during the intersession. I’m dreaming of sleeping till late because I won’t have morning classes. I’m also planning to do some renovations in my room, painting my closet and some creative changes.” Sabir Bagautdinov – Business Administration. Photo: Begum Oral / The Dialog
“I don’t have any specific plans but I’d like to explore new places in Toronto. I might visit Niagara Falls. I will go out with my friends at the weekend, maybe ice-skating. I’ll try to apply for co-op jobs and study.” Abhishek Rajpurohit – Marketing Management-Financial Services Photo: Begum Oral / The Dialog
For more info, go to dx.org/connect Submit by May 1, 2013
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
Arts / Sports 7
Vonelle steal the show at GBC Live and Local By Lama Kanj
Special to The Dialog
On Tuesday, Feb. 12 Live and Local, a fundraising concert organized by Special Event Planning students, premiered at the MOD Club. The night featured local bands, a DJ set by Soul Proprietor (Eon Sinclair from Bedouin Soundclash), independent vendors of artisan jewelry, a photo booth, a silent auction, and incredibly tasty hors d’oeuvres that just kept coming! All proceeds went to the George Brown College Foundation and Villa Charities. The first band that took to the stage was Fire X Fire, a synth-heavy, alternative rock band with a crowd-pleasing cowbell and megaphone. They had catchy hooks and lively lyrics, however it was early in the night and the crowd was too meager to truly appreciate their songs. Union Duke, in matching plaid shirts, played bluegrass meets alternative-country and gave show goers
a reason to dance. “Are you stoked to be here? Because I’m stoked to be here!” said percussionist Matt Warry-Smith. Even if you aren’t a fan of this type of music, Union Duke is so entertaining and engaging to everyone in the audience that you can’t help but bounce a foot to their beat. When Vonelle appeared and performed their first song, the audience was at its peak. This indie rock band with melodic new wave vocals performed by singer Julia Crawford, stole the show. With her silver danceresque dress, and flowing long blond hair, Crawford’s style truly matched her ethereal, smooth voice. I sat down with the enigmatic singer to ask her what she thought of the event. “I thought it was awesome! Hey when people are walking around with pizza on trays I’m happy! Crowd was sweet!” said Crawford. Although the majority of the crowd had left by this point in the night, those that stayed were giving their
full attention to Air Marshal Landing, a self-described “thoughtful indie pop rock” band. Lead vocalist Cory Adrian said, “So glad to be here tonight, doing this fundraising. Let’s give a hand to the bands that were here tonight!”
Live and Local was an impressive event. By the end of the night, show goers had a well-delivered taste of the sound of independent artists in Toronto. For Fire X Fire, Union Duke, Vonelle and Air Marshal Landing, it can only go up from here!
PHOTO: DYLAN LIU
Alison Parks serves up food with a smile at GBC Live and Local
Huskies kill the season: blocked in playoffs
the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) east division standThe George Brown College (GBC) ings. men’s volleyball team finished their With 16 wins under their belt out of 2012-2013 season in third spot of 20 games played, the Huskies quali-
fied to host a playoff game against Mohawk College on Feb. 16. The game started with intensity as both teams competed for a win, which could take them into the OCAA Provincials at Sheridan College in Brampton on Feb. 21. Husky Nation came out in full support of the team and cheered with full steam and vigor. The event also raised money for the Sick Kids Foundation, which works to improve the health and well-being of children. Both teams started off in great fashion, with the scores neck in neck until just before the end of the first set. Mohawk took away the set by two points at 25-23. The next two sets came PHOTO: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH / THE DIALOG in Mohawk’s kitty easThe Huskies men’s volleyball team made the playoffs for the first time in 20 years ier than expected. The By Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Dialog Reporter
Huskies seemed to be trailing off in their energy level and a drop in their shoulders could be seen. Mohawk won the second and third sets with the scores of 25-13 and 25-19 to win the match 3-0. “It was a great match. It’s always a great experience to play with George Brown” said Phil Youngblut from Mohawk. Mo Sulaiman led the visiting team with 15 kills and one stuff block while Bart Jedrzejewski followed with 15 digs. “I thought we were there for the first two sets, but unfortunately we couldn’t make it home”, said Stephen Duong who led the Huskies with seven kills. He was followed by Theodore Gordon who added six kills and two stuff blocks in his tally. Edwin Sheon, a Left Side Setter for GBC, couldn’t hide his disappointment after the match, “It sucks! We have played them (Mohawk) before, but it all comes down to the execution on game day.”
8 Sports
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WOLFPACKTICKER By Jason Miller GBC Athletics
Men’s Basketball East Wins Losses Points Seneca 17 2 34 George Brown 15 4 30 Algonquin 15 4 30 Centennial 14 5 28 Loyalist 13 7 26 La Cite 10 9 20 St. Lawrence 10 9 20 Durham 5 14 10 Georgian 4 16 8 Fleming 3 16 6 Cambrian 0 20 0 Huskies 95 – Seneca 83 (Dejazmatch James 22, Dwayne Harrison 15) Huskies 76 – Georgian 67 (Salissou Abdoulkader 18, Akai Netty 14) Huskies 84 – Durham 41 (Ted Johnson 15, Ricardo Brown 13) OCAA Stats Bruno Silvestrin 32nd with 12.7 points per game Sal Abdoulkader 34th with 12.4 points per game Women’s Basketball East Wins Losses Points Algonquin 18 0 36 St. Lawrence 14 3 28 Seneca 11 6 22 Loyalist 10 8 20 George Brown 9 8 18 Centennial 8 9 16 Fleming 6 11 12 Cambrian 6 12 12 Durham 3 14 6 Georgian 2 16 4
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
Huskies 54 – Seneca 62 (Shan Wilson 14, Quichelle Barriffe 11)
Richard Serote 5th with 2.8 digs per set
Huskies 64 – Georgian 48 (Quichelle Barriffe 11, Aria Charles 10)
Women’s Volleyball
Huskies 65 – Durham 48 (Aria Charles 17, Melissa Vilar 15) OCAA Stats Shan Wilson 27th with 10.3 points per game Aria Charles 29th with 10.2 points per game Men’s Volleyball East Wins Losses Points Algonquin 17 3 34 Durham 17 3 34 George Brown 16 4 32 Seneca 16 4 32 Georgian 10 10 20 Fleming 10 10 20 Loyalist 9 11 18 La Cite 8 12 16 Trent 5 15 10 Cambrian 2 18 4 Boreal 0 20 0 Huskies 3 – Trent 0 (Edwin Sheon 15 kills, Theo Gordon 7 kills) Huskies 3 – Fleming 1 (Stephen Duong 17 kills, Edwin Sheon 13 kills) OCAA First round playoffs Huskies 0 – Mohawk 3 (Stephen Duong 7 kills, Theo Gordon 6 kills – 2 blocks) OCAA Stats Sheon 9th with 3.8 points per set Duong 27th with 3.1 points per set Gordon 33rd with 2.8 points per set
East Wins Losses Points Durham 16 1 32 Cambrian 14 3 28 Georgian 13 4 26 Trent 13 4 26 Algonquin 10 7 20 Seneca 9 8 18 La Cite 7 10 14 Loyalist 7 10 14 Fleming 3 14 6 George Brown 2 16 4 Boreal 0 17 0 Huskies 0 – Trent 3 (Pricilla Adu 4 kills, Iris Su Wong 6 digs) Huskies 3 – Fleming 2 (Pricilla Adu 13 kills, Iris Su Wong 14 kills) OCAA Stats Avril Luck 33rd with 2.5 points per set Graduating Athletes Congratulations to these graduating athletes: Bruno Silvestrin, Salissou Abdoulkader, Vanetta Martens, Leanne Prade, Samantha Gray, Regine Maguinda, Melissa Vilar, Kara Da Silva and Cassandra Powell. Twitter Tweeting about GBC Athletics? Use the hastag #huskynation and follow us @ GBC_Huskies for all the latest news and scores.
BADMINTON . BASEBALL . BASKETBALL . CROSS COUNTRY OUTDOOR SOCCER . INDOOR SOCCER .VOLLEYBALL
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The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
www.dialog.studentassociation.ca
Technology 9
RIM shows desperation to survive in market By Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Dialog Reporter
The future of Research In Motion (RIM) is doubtful. The recent global launch of BlackBerry 10 (BB10) in the market got mixed reviews from users. Consumers seem undecided on buying the phone, as the future of the company remains unclear. A Cnet review of the BB10 said, “BlackBerry lovers who can get past the rookie mistakes will find a polished looking OS that’s packed with interesting and useful features, but happy Android and iOS users won’t find a reason to switch.” In an attempt to survive in the market
and rise again from the dump, RIM officially changed its name to BlackBerry on Jan. 30. It was termed as an act of desperation by some while others called it an excellent move by the company in order to revamp itself to its former path of glory. The company now trades under the ticker symbol of BB instead of RIM in the Toronto Stock Exchange, and BBRY instead of RIMM in NASDAQ. With the current trading price hovering around the $14 mark, the stock price has failed to exhibit any significant movement up or down. Overall, BB10 has generated mild reactions in the financial market. Other major changes within the com-
pany came through the appointment of two new members in the board of directors – Richard “Dick” Lynch, retired Executive Vice President of Verizon Communications Inc., and Bert Nordberg, former Chief Executive Officer of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. The company also roped in 14-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, Alicia Keys, as the company’s new Global Creative Director. The company seems to be going all out to save itself from going down. Keys will lead the marketing segment and help in creating a positive perception of the brand.
Brand loyalists seem to be happy with the launch of BB10. “I will definitely go buy the device, I have been a BlackBerry user for many years and I can’t part ways with it so easily. There are certain features in this device that no other phone offers, one of them being BBM which I am very comfortable with”, said Milan Pipaliya, a BlackBerry user for five years. On letting go BlackBerry’s trademark keypad which no longer exists in BB10, Pipaliya says, “I don’t mind that, this change is for the better and I will get used to the touch keypads very soon.”
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10 Arts & Sex
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The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
Xpressions Against Oppression week at GBC Dialog Reporter
George Brown College organized its first ever Xpression Against Oppression week from Feb. 4 to Feb. 8 at St. James’ Kings Lounge. According to the facilitator, organizer and hip-hop socialist Mohammad Ali Aumeer, “Xpressions Against Oppression is an arts festival with a focus on social justice, community engagement and critical political analysis. It’s a festival that has been organized over many years across various campuses in Ontario which provides an opportunity to use arts and culture to promote a dialogue amongst people.” During the festival, Will Stirckland, president of Urban Music Association of Canada, mentioned the four basic principles of hip-hop culture, Emceeing, performing the role of a master in ceremonies; DJing, being a disc jockey; B-boying, street
dance often called breakThe conference indancing; and Graffiti art, troduced world café scribbled, scratched or workshops which insprayed writing or drawcluded participation ings on a wall or any othfrom the audience er public space. on the topic “a betThe week also included ter world through hip second annual Hip Hop hop.” The workshop Empowerment Confercovered the influence, held on Wednesday, ence of hip hop on Feb. 6, with a panel dismedia, linking Tocussion featuring Korry ronto with various Deez (I.R.S.), Black Cat international com(I.R.S.), Arcane (King of munities, considerthe Dot), MC Jazz and ing LGBTQ people Mohammad Ali Aumeer. as equals in the comSam Seidel, keynote munity, connecting speaker and author of the with the Idle No book Hip Hop Genius – More movement, Remixing High School First Nations, disEducation spoke on how MC Jazz talks gender ability and gender. hip hop can change edu- and hip hop at GBC A few suggested quescation in the city for the tions at the discussion better. He focused on the importance were, if we want to engage with of youth engagement in hip-hop cul- immigrant communities, have we ture. thought about our own use of confusPHOTO: Liam Barrington-Bush / @hackofalltrades
By Preeteesh Peetabh Singh
Ménage à Trois: Anal Linguists story wound up a part of my life. Turns out my partner is as curious about anal as I am and we’ve both Dialog Sex Columnists agreed to let each other know if our The elusive brown belt realized. You curiosities change or deepen; checkguessed it; we’re talking about anal. ing-in before putting-in as I’ve never said before—but will totally start Mary-Grace: Your anus; one of saying now. many orifices through which pleasure can be received. Courtney: My curiosity about anal And like those other orifices nothing play is only something that has should ever be inserted without hav- sparked recently. I think that my sexing had a conversation about it first. ual partners have greatly influenced Having open and honest dialogue my level of comfort with certain sexwith your partner is a great way to ual acts—after spending time with explore curiosities and helps to alle- someone who felt discomfort when viate anxiety. I grabbed her ass; I have spent a long Me? I’m curious about anal play time digging myself out of anal-play in the sense of wanting know what shame. it feels like without actually hav- My curiosity is the spawn of one ing to experience it, so not really drunken night of oral sex. She was that curious. Then why did I bring going down on me and fingering me up the topic with my partner? Well, at the same time. Suddenly I felt her because I was under the impression pinky and ring finger slide down and that all heterosexual males want to caress my butthole. Initially, I tensed stick their penis in an anus (thanks up… until I realized “holy fuck that Cosmo!) and I wanted to know if my feels good”. I then came… like, seripartner was one of ‘them’ before a ously… I came. Best orgasm ever. I horrible and bullshit, “it just slipped” spent some time talking to my best By Alisha Riley, Courtney Niven & Mary-Grace Falvo
friend about this and compared my interest and experience with his—he finally disclosed he has entered the butt, but exclaimed, “it hurt her, it hurt me… it hurt everybody!” I suppose my curiosity is fresh and confusing, but I am interested in exploring—with a lady. Alisha: Since becoming sexually active, the exploration of the anus has always been a fascination of my partners and mine. Being young and curious about all aspects of sexual pleasure, I was open to trying anal sex. That said, I also felt like women weren’t supposed to be curious about, or want to experiment with anal play, which lead to hesitation with my partners. My past experiences with anal penetration have not been positive - I felt vulnerable and scared, and frankly, like I was going to poop. Despite this, I think anal play can be a pleasurable activity, as I have found it gratifying to have my anus stimulated digitally and orally.
ing jargon and acronyms? If we want to connect with the LGBTQ communities, what do we do if someone uses a word like ‘fag’ or ‘batty man’? If we want to engage with Muslim students, have we thought about alcohol at events? The Hip Hop Empowerment Conference saw a participation of over 170 people throughout the day. In a series of five events conducted throughout the week, it included an arts and politics panel discussion; a conversation on arts and social change performance; the second annual Hip Hop Empowerment Conference; and a keynote address featuring activist, comedian, artist, playwright and actor Trey Anthony. Friday’s spoken word competition was postponed due to weather. “The broader goal of Hip Hop Empowerment campaign was to have an annual equity focused event in George Brown College.” said Aumeer.
Looking back I realize that I had yet to develop the skills or the confidence to facilitate a conversation with my partners around my fears and my wants / needs. My butthole was not romanced before anal sex, nor was there enough (if any) lube used during the encounters which resulted in pain , discomfort and some bleeding. But with experience comes knowledge, and when I try anal penetration again I will definitely be doing some things differently! We encourage every one of y’all to help remove the taboo, and explore anal play in a way that feels safe for you (for example, digital stimulation, analingus, plugs, penetration, beads, etc,). We strongly recommend keeping the lines of communication open with your partner(s) before, during and after sex, and to always practice safe sex. And lube. Definitely lube! Remember; email us all of your questions and/or comments at: dialogsex@gmail.com
The Dialog Feb. 22 - March 7, 2013
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Fun 11
Global supersitions By Alena Khabibullina Special to The Dialog
It’s funny how superstitious people can be! A poor black cat crossing one’s path seems to be a common superstition for everyone no matter their religion or nationality. We dream up lucky numbers, colours, and days of the week. We wear amulets. People want to be fluky and successful but the feel of fear never leaves them. Through these self-restraints and limits they believe they can control the reality of the little world they live in. He could be a great award-winning hockey player, huge, handsome, and extremely popular but never shave his beard before the game. She could be a beautiful and successful woman but the ring left on the night table is a sign of bad luck for the upcoming day. Why do we believe in superstitions? Is it a cultural or personal prejudice? We decided to find out asking students of George Brown College about their superstitions before exams. Elliot Tubis, 24, is from Canada and never consumes milk two days before an exam as he strongly believes that cows have low IQ that can negatively influence on his work. “Actually I don’t have many superstitions except, let’s say, one being very popular in Canada – never walk under the ladder! I think it is more cultural thing, as my father from Russia doesn’t believe in it. He has another superstition – never come back home if you forgot something. It was a funny story when he forgot his work papers on the table
at home. My mother had to drive to meet him on his way to the office to pass the documents”. Andrey Gomes, 25, is of Indian origin and believes that to have your shoes lay upside down causes bad luck. “I don’t want to talk about it, but what I can say is that if you see the shoe flipped upside down it’s a must to turn it over. This is something that I have had the habit of doing since I was small.” It was a superstition that he grew up with because it was known to bring bad luck if an upside down shoe was ignored. Xianyi, 23, is from China and doesn’t have any prejudices but she told us a story of her friend bringing her favorite plush toy rabbit to every single exam. “It could be okay, if that rabbit wouldn’t be so big. Sometimes it seemed that it is almost her height”. Gemma Cruz, 28, is from the Philippines and eats peanuts before the exams while her friend Amy Tchang, 21, who is British, consumes bananas as the girls believe in mystery effect of these products on their brain’s working capacity. But nothing could compare with superstitions of Somchanok Aimwijan, 29, from Thailand who told us that it was common in her high school to see students running circles around the stadium if they got a good grade. There could be only one conclusion: so many people, so many superstitions! Students! Don’t be superstitious! The successful exam formula is simple: hard work, good sleep and listen to Stevie Wonder’s song Superstition. Turn it on right now!
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