Sept. 3 – 16, 2013
SAMMY YATIM’S GBC CAREER CUT SHORT BEFORE IT BEGAN ACE HOOD TO PERFORM AT GBC FEST PLUS: YOUR GUIDE TO SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
GBC STUDENT NEWPAPER FOUNDED 1982
EDITORIAL Better food, bitter service
PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor
I was in a Tim Hortons line the other day to buy a donut for my partner (Yes, she likes donuts), at George Brown College’s (GBC) St. James campus cafeteria. An extremely grumpy middle-aged man was taking orders. He resembled an army man who was court martialed and awaiting trial. Literally screaming on the customers if they were little late on deciding what to eat. His body language showed a lot of frustration. A student standing behind me commented, “Maybe he has come to work after having a fight with his wife!” Another student said, “All he needs is some good sex.” This was one of many such incidents of poor hospitality being witnessed by students on campus. The question is: Does campus food adhere to the norms of food security? What about the service? According to United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, food security is “a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their
dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” The Food Bank at GBC provides free food to low-income students. The Good Food Market is an initiative where students can buy fresh produce. All other food such as Tim Hortons, Subway, Whole+sum, Origin Café, 2.mato, and Pizza Pizza are managed by Chartwells under Compass Group Canada who claim to provide healthy, low calorie, gluten-free food at college campuses. GBC seems to be doing its part in terms of availability, adequacy and accessibility of food, but service might be a problem. Patty Gowing, food service director at Chartwells’ GBC location, mentioned that apart from food quality, they also take care that the service received is up to standards. “If a student is facing any service issue, they can complain to us,” said Gowing. The argument on the importance of good quality food and good service is perpetual. People can choose not to go back to a restaurant where they received lousy service but students when in school, do not have that choice. 8 a.m. classes leave students rushing to make lectures. They need that breakfast or snacks between classes as they can’t really go out to eat due to time constraints. Food security indeed has an undeniable link to the hospitality of staff and vendors at campus. Healthy food with good service is vital towards achieving a positive learning environment.
Correction: An Aug. 20 article on campus safety incorrectly stated that Paladin Security managed campus safety. Campus safety is managed by the college’s Public Safety and Security department with Paladin Security personnel subcontracted by the college. The Dialog regrets the error.
THE DIALOG IS... Managing Editor Mick Sweetman News Editor Preeteesh Peetabh Singh Art Director/Illustrator Samantha Bullis Multimedia Reporter Danilo Barba Staff Reporters Alena Khabibullina Karen Nickel Tina Todaro Follow us on Social Media! Facebook.com/thedialogonline Twitter: @thedialogonline
The Dialog is Published by Student Association of George Brown College
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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
the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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). Drop by or contact The Dialog at: 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
- FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES students beginning in september opt out & opt in deadline: thursday, october 3, 2013 students beginning in january opt out & opt in deadline: thursday, february 6, 2014 (students beginning in september are not eligible) students beginning in september family enrollment deadline: thursday, october 10, 2013 students beginning in january family enrollment deadline: thursday, february 13, 2014 (students beginning in september are not eligible) hotline: 416.415.5000 ext. 2443/2455/4730 sashbasst@georgebrown.ca visit a student association office for more information: st. james campus room 147 ’ casa loma campus room e100 waterfront campus room 033 ryerson campus room 614 (she building) hours of operation: monday to thursday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. friday 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (please contact the ryerson student association office at 416.415.5000 ext. 4049 for hours of operation). studentassociation.ca facebook.com/runyourfuture twitter.com/sagbc
DAILY CHECK UP SEPTEMBER 3– SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 MONDAY 2
TUESDAY 3
WEDNESDAY 4
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SA week of Welcome 10 a.m.–3 p.m Waterfront campus: Activities outside and in Main Lobby Casa Loma campus: Activities at Student Centre/outside at the corner of Kendal Ave. & Brigdman Ave.
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Husky Challenge 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Foosball tournament 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Compete with other students in a series of challenges.St. James, Alex Barbier Gym (6th floor)
Casa Loma Student Centre
16 Last day to apply for a course exception, drop a course, or withdraw from your program. Apply on STU-View or contact your academic division for more information.
17 Women’s Volleyball tryouts 5:30 p.m. St. James, Alex Barbier Gym (6th floor)
THURSDAY
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SA week of Welcome 11 a.m.–3 p.m St. James Patio Activities
First Annual GBC Fest BBQ & Concert 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Kings Lounge: Casino Night & Foosball Tournament 3 p.m.–7p.m. Kings Lounge, St. James Campus
Sherbourne Common (next to the Waterfront campus, 7 min walk from St. James campus)
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Huskies Open House/ SA Big Challenge contest 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Street Ball Kingz vs. GBC Select Team 1:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
St. James Patio
St. James, Alex Barbier Gym (6th floor)
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English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Information Session 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. St. James Campus, 341 King Street East, Room 313
FRIDAY
Toronto Indie Film Festival Sept. 5–14 Independent, micro-budget and nobudget films from North America. $8. Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton, film-fest.ca.
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How Passion Ignites Success In The Kitchen 7 p.m. Seminar with chef/cookbook author John Plako and food consultant Rose Reisman. Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 300 Adelaide E. $15.
13th Annual Back to School Boat Cruise Aboard the Enterprise 2000 $25 for GBC students $30 for guests. Get your tickets at Student Association offices.
The Dialog wants you! We are looking for contributors to fill the roles of: News reporters • Photographers • Sex columnists • Humourists • Or...have another idea? Pitch it to us! •
Love Sports? We are also hiring for a new paid position of Sports Reporter as part of our core staff. Contact us at dialog@georgebrown.ca to find out how to apply! the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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NEWS Childhood friend recalls Sammy Yatim’s life ‘filled with laughter’ TINA TODARO Staff Reporter
On July 27, the police gunned down Sammy Yatim, 18, in an empty streetcar at Dundas St. and Bellwoods Ave. James Forcillo, 30, a police constable was charged with second-degree murder by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Forcillo is now awaiting trial. Eight of the nine shots fired at Yatim hit him, and bystanders captured the shooting with their cell phones and posted the video on Youtube. Nour Issa had known Yatim since they were children. She remembers growing up with him, and all the memories he has now left behind. “Sammy was always a lively and energetic kid, at every playground and every birthday party,” said Issa. “We grew up together in Aleppo, Syria. At family visits, Sammy used to always make everyone laugh with constant jokes. His humour and
wit always left a smile on peoples’ faces.” The death of Yatim, Toronto’s latest victim of a police shooting, has left many in devastation and shock. “He was a handsome young man who wanted nothing out of life but independence, safety and happiness,” said Issa. “Sammy was happy, shy to strangers, independent, lovable, and very caring with a big heart.” On Aug.13, two weeks following Yatim’s death, Sammy’s Fight for Justice held a rally in support of the teen and marched from
Dundas Square to the Police Headquarters at 40 College Street. The screams and cries flew through Dundas Square as people gathered to remember the teen whose life was cut short. “When my brother and I got into arguments about silly sibling stuff he would always be the mediator and tell us that it’s not worth the fight even though his favorite hobby was picking on his own sister, and she loved it”, remembers Issa. “He lived a normal life filled with laughter no matter what his mood was.”
At family visits, Sammy used to always make everyone laugh with constant jokes, and his humour and wit always left a smile on peoples’ faces.
This week, Yatim would have entered his first semester of Health Information Management Program; a two-year diploma at Waterfront campus of George Brown College. The program consists of anatomy, physiology and other medical-related courses. “His mother was a paediatrician with her own practice in Syria. He grew up around the health industry all his life and loved visiting her at her clinic,” said Issa. Ahmad Kalaji, 18, an acquaintance of Yatim said, “He was really nice the first time I met him in 2007, I believe he was just visiting Canada.” Kalaji had met Yatim at a family friend’s house where he remembered how well they got along. “We were the same age and were from the same city, Allepo.” The day Forcillo was charged Yatim’s sister Sarah Ann Yatim wrote on twitter, “The SIU charged the cop with 2nd degree murder!!! Good morning JUSTICE.”
PHOTO: MICK SWEETMAN/THE DIALOG
Above Protesters rally against the shooting of Yatim. Below Left to right, Ahmad Kalaji, Nour Issa and Sammy Yatim enjoy a visit to Canada’s Wonderland in 2011.
PHOTO: MICK SWEETMAN/THE DIALOG
Protesters march in opposition to the shooting death of Sammy Yatim by the Toronto Police on July 29, 2013. PHOTO: NOUR ISSA
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the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
NEWS ‘Tons’ of award and bursary money awaits recipients ALENA KHABIBULLINA Staff Reporter
George Brown College (GBC) offers 354 different scholarships and awards students can apply for, not including governmentfunded bursaries. According to the college’s audited financial statement dated March 31, $7.3 million was spent on scholarships, bursaries and grants last year. The college regularly faces the same problem: not enough students apply for them. “75 per cent of students give us crap; it is not worth giving them money. You are not explaining yourself, you are not helping yourself, you are involved in nothing,” said Peter Wilson, manager of awards and scholarships at GBC. According to Wilson, about $1.2 million was given out to scholarships and awards, to approximately 1,200 recipients. Another $4.2 million was given out in bursaries based on financial needs of students and was provided from the Tuition Set Aside Fund, which varies each year based on enrollment. Last year the Student Association (SA) and GBC Foundation came to an agreement guaranteeing an annual flow of donations into the awards pot through an optional $25 student levy collected from each full-time student. This year there are 300 new awards in 42 categories being funded by students through the SA. “We want to encourage community as much as possible. Encourage engagement, doing something outside rather than just in a class,” said Julia Mackenzie, the SA’s director of Internal Affairs. International student awards and bursaries are more limited than for domestic students, but they can apply for the SA International Student Bursary as well as the program-based ones. “There are 10 awards in each program. We want to make them easy to access and want to make sure that first-year students are getting the help that they need right away,” said Mackenzie. An emergency bursary fund assists students in extreme situations. “We had a woman come in who had been in a car accident. She lost out on doing her placement. So she had to do another placement that cut some of her working hours for six months, because they were unpaid placements. We gave her $400 to help her get by in that time,” said Mackenzie. Sometimes students can get more than one award.“I received three awards at the athletic banquet. I got an MVP (Most
Valuable Player) award for female crosscountry, female rookie of the year award, and female athlete of the year award,” said GBC student Lisbette Seguin. “I didn’t even know there were awards where you won money, so it wasn’t something I intentionally worked towards. I just worked my hardest in my sport for my own self and the awards were definitely an added unexpected bonus, which has really helped in paying for the euro-trip I’m currently on!” GBC is trying to make it easier for students to apply for the scholarships by eliminating the essay requirement for some of the awards. Starting this year, a new application process at GBC Awards website www.gbcawards.georgebrown.ca will allow students to apply for a range of awards and bursaries with one submission only. “There is tons of money. Sometimes we have a hard time finding students to give money to. Anything that requires an essay, they walk away from, which is silly,” said Wilson. “There are external sites like www.scholarshipscanada.com and www. studentawards.com. Those websites have tons of scholarships. Spend an hour, write a good essay that you can use for all the scholarships.” Wilson provided some useful tips to help increase your chances: • Be specific. “I need money because I’m poor” or “I spent all my money, so I need my money” will not be considered. • Mention all the activities you’ve done through volunteerism, employment or extra-curricular activities. It doesn’t have to be on campus or even Canadian experience. • Most students have a problem with the question about personal entrepreneurial experience. It doesn’t have to be a success ful business project. It could be your personal YouTube channel, or family business involvement. • Use the budget form provided by the Awards Office on the same website. Students who use their own form are automatically not considered. If you are applying for a bursary that is based on financial need, the total amount of your expenses is recommended to be negative. • Top candidates’ applications are sent to a committee for final selection where pro fessors and program co-ordinators could be involved. Being active and having strong communication skills in class helps you make it past the committee. • While applying for the disability awards, make sure that you are registered in a dis ability office to be eligible. • Once you are on an actual application page, don’t forget to apply by clicking “Apply Now”!
Environmental Justice Collective members fight apathy with action ALENA KHABIBULLINA Staff Reporter
Climate change, energy conservation, air quality, land pollution, nuclear safety, water crisis, oil spills, resource depletion, logging, the impact of mining and many more are the environmental issues that are growing daily. Unfortunately, the number of environmental activists is much smaller than the scope of ecological problems. However, there is a small group of George Brown College students and graduates who moved from apathy to action and created the Environmental Justice Collective (EJC) within the Student Association. According to the constitution of the EJC its mission is “to raise awareness about environmental destruction: what is causing it and how it can be stopped” Michael Waglay, an administrative co-ordinator and last year’s president of the collective, helped organize the group of students that founded the EJC: Chris Bourque, D’Arcy Farrell, Hanna Le, Crystal Robitaille, Melisande Pittl-Meier, Emily Green and Brendan Soares. All are students of the Community Worker Program that educates students in social justice and human rights. A big issue for the EJC is Enbridge’s Line 9 pipeline that startled environmental organizations and activists across the province. “Line 9 is so important to us because Enbridge is planning to pump hot, abrasive and corrosive tar sands through an aging pipeline that runs through our city. If a rupture were to occur, which is likely given the heat and abrasion, then our water supply could be contaminated and our air would be poisoned with benzene and other known carcinogens,” said Waglay. “A similar disaster, involving a similar pipeline and tar sands crude, occurred in Kalamazoo Michigan in 2010 and the area has still not recovered from the spill.” The small group of student activists, along with other Canadian environmental organizations, went into battle against the tar sands.
According to leading climate scientist James Hansen the tar sands will be “game over for the climate”. In February, the collective took the initiative and collected about 60 students’ signatures against the Line 9 project on a petition. The EJC is not only active on environmental problems but also on social justice, anti-oppression and anti-poverty issues since the club started its work. “We are also interested in building strong partnerships with the Aboriginal constituency at the college as we recognize that the issues we are working on disproportionately affect these communities. Many Aboriginal communities are calling for sovereignty and are among the most vocal and active supporters of sustainability, and I feel that these communities need to be given more opportunities to lead in the environmental movement,” said Waglay. Volunteering their time by organizing public events, holding meetings and doing outreach, the EJC members are trying to spread the word about environmental movements that directly impact the college community and build students’ activism towards environmental issues happening off-campus. “We hosted a few public meetings last year and one film screening on global mining abuses and a Peruvian community that continues to resist the destruction,” said Waglay. “This year we plan to host one public meeting on the third Wednesday of every month, and offer free food at the meeting.” The EJC’s next meeting will be on Sept. 18, at 4 p.m., in room B155 Career Services, at St. James campus, 200 King Street East. The EJC is planning an event called “Canada’s Carbon Bomb” in December which will be dedicated to the tar sands and will bring a prominent speaker to the college. Waglay believes that a campus group has enormous potential and they are eager to meet new members from all programs, “this will be an important year to inform the uninformed, and inspire the informed to act.”
Below Protest sign against Line 9, the cause that inspired the EJC’s formation.
PHOTO: CRYSTAL ROBITAILLE
Above Hanna Le, Brendan Soarea and Brandice Moniz collecting the student’s petition signatures agains Line 9 project. February 13th, 2013, Kings Lounge PHOTO: ALENA KHABIBULLINA
the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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PHOTO: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH/THE DIALOG
1. Rainbow Cinemas Rainbow cinemas located at Market Square, (2-3 min. walk from GBC St. James campus) offers an inexpensive alternative to the likes of Cineplex or Scotiabank theatre. With tickets priced at $5 on every Tuesday and $7 (with student ID) on other days. 24 hour movie info line: 416.494.9371
PHOTO: DANILO BARBA/THE DIALOG
2. St. James Park Just a few minutes west of 200 King Street East is St. James Park, located in the shadow of St. James Cathedral. Visitors are sure to see Torontonians walking dogs, meeting with friends, or just relaxing. Live music is common at the gazebo in the centre of the park, and the colourful flower gardens are a particular highlight.
PHOTO: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH/THE DIALOG
3. Betty’s A couple blocks east of St. James campus on King Sreet, Betty’s large back patio and beer selection makes her a winner with many GBC students during always-elongated Toronto “patio season”. A friendly watering hole for both students and locals, Betty’s is where to go at beer o’clock when you want a pint and a good burger while you watch the game.
PHOTO: DANILO BARBA/THE DIALOG
4. The Chef’s House The Chef ’s House located at 215 King Street East brings mentoring chefs who traveled the world to ply their craft and hone their skills. They work with GBC chef school and school of Hospitality and Travel Management students. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner. Enjoy your four course meal for less than $50.
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the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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PHOTOS: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH, DANILO BARBA/THE DIALOG
5. Gabby’s The combination of restaurant, bar, and pub, allows city goers to relax with a good meal after a long day. A local hangout for students from the George Brown College St. James campus, Gabby’s since 1989 has brought quality to their signature dishes and drinks. Enjoy your next meal at Gabby’s!
While the campuses at Waterfront and Casa Loma aren’t surrounded by as many restaurants and entertainment spots as St. James, there’s still plenty nearby worth checking out!
WATERFRONT CAMPUS Against the Grain With their excellent lakeside view as well as great service, Against the Grain allows you to enjoy your meal the way it should be enjoyed. This restaurant brings urban chic to the hustle and bustle of the city with delicious food and a peaceful environment. Sugar Beach Sugar Beach is a bizarre piece of the Toronto landscape located between the Waterfront campus and the Redpath Sugar Factory. Visitors can relax on an artificial beach, complete with sand, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Placing a beach in an industrial area was a strange choice, but dipping your toes in the sand while watching ships come in and sugar being processed is a unique experience not to be missed. PHOTOS: DANILO BARBA/THE DIALOG
6. Beer Bistro Sacrifice your liver for the sake of tasting beer! An awesome place to hang out after studies, with over 130 thirst inspiring choices of beer from Ireland, England, Belgium, Czech Republic and North America. The tall ceilings and open space layout makes this place pretty classy but noisy during busy times. Located at 18 King Street East, Tel: 416.861.9872. Average price $20.
CASA LOMA CAMPUS Tarragon Located near Casa Loma, 30 Bridgman Avenue the Tarragon is one of the main theatres and established dramatic centers in the country. Smartly constructed layout keeps the stage visible from different angles. The chairs are comfy and elevated. The stage design and sound acoustics are all tip-top for a medium size venue as Tarragon. For more info contact 416.531.1827 or www.tickets.tarragontheatre.com. Ticket range $21-$26 for students. Ezra’s Pound Walk down Dupont Street east of Spadina and you’ll a recruiting sign with a hip Uncle Sam pointing his finger in your face exclaiming “I want YOU to drink better coffee”. With the best coffee on the Dupont Strip Erza’s Pound is worth the short march when you’re sick of what passes for coffee at Casa Loma campus.
PHOTOS: PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH, DANILO BARBA/THE DIALOG
7. The George Street Diner This diner is a staple for students looking for a quick sit-down breakfast or lunch at a reasonable price.Conveniently located right next to the School of Design at 129 George Street, it offers tasty traditional fare such as coffee, soup, sandwiches, and salads. Visitors should also be sure to try one of the many dessert options!
the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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SPORTS Separate gym time for women and trans people at George Brown PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor
Starting Sept.10, women and trans people will get their own gym time at St. James and Casa Loma campuses of George Brown College (GBC). Chirysh Dupie, the Centre for Women and Trans People Rep. at the Student Association (SA), put the idea forward. With help of the GBC Athletics department and Halley Requena-Silva, the SA’s director of Student Life and Campus Relations, they brought the plan into action. “I had the idea. I just put it up there just to see what other people thought about it. When I got their support it made me feel that I was doing the right thing, more than just something that had no purpose or no need for,” said Dupie. The times currently set for women and transgender people at the gym are 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and noon to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. “I originally wanted more hours, even like an afternoon or evening time slot to make it even more accessible,” said Dupie. “In the mornings, women already have a lot of hustle and bustle like taking care of
children or getting to day care. For them even getting to school early in the morning is hard. They might like to work out at the gym after school or even during lunch hours.” Wendy Roberts, GBC’s athletics member service specialist, said that it will be a trial phase in the beginning. “We are devoted to the time allotted currently. Based on feedback, if we have students requesting for some more time, that could happen in the future.” Roberts also said that the staff and trainers present at the gym during the allotted times will be women. “If students have any questions, they might feel comfortable and safe approaching someone who identifies themselves as a woman,” said Dupie. “Even while using the machines they may feel more comfortable having a woman show them the different ways to use it more than looking up to a man and asking them.” “I am excited. People who I have mentioned it to seem enthused and they want to take advantage of it. We have nice facilities but people don’t use them because they don’t feel comfortable,” said Dupie. “My aim is to create a safe place to walk around in school. We pay to be here, everyone should be able to use the services available.”
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I KNOW MY STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND I FOLLOW THE ACADEMIC POLICIES IN PLACE
I KNOW POSITIVE COMMUNICATION WITH MY TEACHERS IS IMPORTANT TO MAXIMIZE MY ACADEMIC SUCCESS
STUDENT ASSOCIATION ACADEMIC ADVOCACY PROGRAM HELPING YOU HELP YOURSELF Room E130 @ Casa Loma Room 147 @ St. James Room 033 @ Waterfront Hotline 416-415-5000 x 6320
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the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
ARTS & LIFE Ace Hood to perform at this year’s SA Week of Welcome TINA TODARO STAFF Reporter
Ace Hood will perform at GBC Fest, the finale of the Student Association’s (SA) Week of Welcome. On Sept. 6 students will make their way down to the Waterfront campus to join in the frosh celebrations organized by the SA. At the beginning of every school year, the SA hosts an major event as part the Week of Welcome. Sherbourne Commons next to the
newly built Waterfront campus on Queens Quay East at will be home to this year’s GBC Fest. Neil (Burga) Cumberbatch., the SA’s senior co-ordinator for Events and Marketing said, “Historically we would partly close down George St. near the St. James campus and Kendal Ave. by the Casa Loma campus, but this year it will be held at Sherbourne Common on the Waterfront campus side.” This year’s line up consists of several performers that includes rapper Ace Hood who
is known for his hits such as Bugatti and Trials and Tribulations. The rapper along with a cover band called The Recipe, as well as a South Asian band known as Zoo Babies are set to liven up the crowd with their performances. “The Recipe will perform anything from pop to reggae,” said Cumberbatch. “Even some old school Janet!” Events will begin at 11 a.m. with campus activities and a barbeque, provided to students by SA sponsors. It will be followed by
a concert from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “There will be a surprise performer as well,” said Cumberbatch. Mosaic, a student group at GBC will also aim to promote student diversity with their fourth annual fashion show. Kyra, this year’s SA “So You Think You Got Talent” contest winner will also be one of the performers. Make your way to the Waterfront campus this week to witness a grand event and to have a good time!
This year’s line up consists of several performers that includes rapper Ace Hood who is known for his hits such as Bugatti and Trials and Tribulations.
PHOTO: COURTESY ACE HOOD
Rapper Ace Hood, coming to GBC on September 6th to perform at the Week of Welcome.
the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
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ASK US ANYTHING This week: sports, transit, and making out on campus PREETEESH PEETABH SINGH News Editor
Does George Brown College (GBC) have a sports team? What are they called? Yes, we do have intramural, extramural and varsity sports facilities at GBC. Basketball, outdoor soccer, indoor soccer, volleyball, baseball, badminton and cross-country running are a few of them. GBC also has a dance team. Varsity sports teams are called the Huskies. I need help with my course material. Is there a tutoring service available at the college? GBC does have Peer Tutoring Program to assist students with their course material. The tutors are usually second or third year students who have completed training workshops. Tutoring is absolutely free and you can sign up at the counseling office at St. James campus, room 582C and Casa Loma campus, room C317. I am new to Toronto. Can you explain to me how to travel around in the city? Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) includes subways, streetcars and buses which connects you to different parts of the city. You can refer to the TTC maps available at any subway station. Contact (416) 393-4636 or visit www.ttc. ca online for more information.
ciation’s International Constituency Centre located at St. James campus in room 165B, they will be happy to see you. And make sure you Skype and call your friends back home regularly! Enjoy the new experience. I want to opt-out from the $25 student levy I paid this year. Can you explain to me how? For sure. The last date to opt out from the $25 student levy for the fall term is Oct. 3. Fill out and submit the opt-out form available at www.studentassociation. ca/LevyOpt-Out before the last date to get your refund. What kind of disability service is available at GBC? You can get assistance with classroom accommodation and equipment depending on the type of disability. To receive these services an intake form has to be filled out. Intake forms are available in the Disability Service Office located at room 582C at St. James campus. They can be reached at (416) 415-5000, ext. 2622 What is SA WOW? It is the Student Association’s Week Of Welcome for new students coming in this fall. We have a whole article on page 9. You will get all the information there.
I think I made a wrong decision on selecting my courses this year. What is the procedure to transfer courses or program?
Me and my partner live far away from each other and we usually get to meet in the college only. I don’t know if this is an apt thing to ask. Where can we make out in the college?
To transfer to a different course or section you must complete a Student Action Form. These forms are available through your academic department or in our web site. Forms must be submitted to your department before the first five days of the start of the semester. There is an administrative fee of $20 for all transfer requests. All transfer requests are subject to availability.
Well, when we say ask us anything, you don’t have to worry about the question being apt or not. You need to meet more often. I am sure you can travel long distances for your partner during holidays. You can make out in the college for sure but make sure you don’t offend anyone. Maybe under the table?
I am an international student. It’s been two weeks that I have been here; I am feeling lost and lonely. Can someone help me? You will be fine. I was in the same boat when I landed here two years back. GBC has a multicultural environment and people will be more than willing to talk to you. We have various counseling services available at the college. You can visit the Student Asso10 the dialog • september 3– september 16, 2013
Send us an email at dialog@georgebrown.ca and ask us anything!
PUZZLES & FUN Canada to export humour to the United States NICHOLAS BURTON-VULOVIC THE MARTLET
VICTORIA (CUP HUMOUR) — Following a brief meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday afternoon, President Barack Obama announced that America will proceed with a controversial plan to import Canadian humour to the American market at production-level prices. The deal, struck in the late hours of the campaign leading up to the American federal election, in which the incumbent Obama emerged victorious against his Republican adversary, has proved controversial on both sides of the aisle. Adolf Zainmer, a Republican Senator from New Hampshire, a critic of the bill, argued before the U.S. Senate that the nature of the deal threatened to undercut domestic production in his home state, long known for the quality of its humorists. “If this deal goes ahead,” Zainmer said in a statement to the press early Thursday morning, “it could cause serious and irreparable damage to a job sector that employs tens of Americans and brings nearly a thousand dollars in taxes every year.” The bill, which was brought to the floor following a motion sponsored by a coalition of special interest groups across the nation, would require Canadian humorists and comedians to provide laughs to the United States at deeply
discounted prices. Jennifer Winkler, CEO of the Washington-based lobbying group Cheap Canadians, Cheap Laughs (CCCL) stated, “Canadians have long provided an easy reserve of humour for Americans. Their historically weak dollar and reputation for polite deference makes them the perfect place to outsource content production.” Winkler responded to suggestions that the move could cost Americans jobs. “These aren’t jobs real Americans are going to want to be doing anyways. It’s dirty, unpleasant labour, and we don’t plan to pay them very much. Canadians are better suited for this. “The buzzword in the industry now is that Canada is the new China, and besides: it’s not like the money we pay them is going to be leaving America. They’re going to be spending their meagre wages on iPhones and Taco Bell, which means those higher-quality jobs stay here in America.” Canada has historically been an exporter of humour to the world market, but the sudden theft of the National Maple Syrup Reserves earlier this year caused a sudden decline in Canadian morale that brought humour production to an all-time low. This plan will mark the first steps to a slow recovery, though analysts predict it could be years before the Canadian psyche can support a return to previous humour levels.
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LISA THERIAULT The Argosy
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SACKVILLE (CUP HUMOUR)
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STUDENT ASSOCIATION PRESENTS:
SE P TE M B E R 9 - 1 2
MONDAY SA/GBC SWAG DAY
Wear SA or GBC clothing on this day for a chance to win great prizes.
HUSKY CHALLENGE
Compete with & against other students in a series of challenges. St. James, Alex Barbier Gym (6th floor). Time: 11 a.m - 3 p.m.
TUESDAY FOOSBALL TOURNAMENT
You think you have what it takes to win? Come out and show your skills! Casa Loma, Student Centre. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
ACTIVATE YOUR PASSION - WITH CAREER SERVICES!
Start your semester with this energizing event filled with music, games, food, & prizes! St. James Career Centre, Lower Level (B155). 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY HUSKIES OPEN HOUSE / SA BIG CHALLENGE CONTEST Learn more about the gym’s facilities and the Huskies’ varsity teams. St. James Patio(2nd floor) 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
THURSDAY Street Ball Kingz vs. GBC Select Team
Come see an exhibition game vs. street ball legends from the US. St. James, Alex Barbier Gym (6th floor) 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
SA/GBC SWAG DAY
Wear SA or GBC clothing on this day for a chance to win great prizes.
FOOSBALL TOURNAMENT
Sign up at the SA promo tables during Week of Welcome or email Neil @ ncumberb@georgebrown.ca Casa Loma, Student Centre. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.