The McGill Tribune Vol. 21 Issue 21

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19, 2002

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M ich al Z ilb e rm an Searing, sexy and hallucinato­ ry. Don DeLillo’s comedic, elo­ quent play about the modern quest for identity has hit the McGill stage. You want to see Valparaiso, which is playing at Moyse Hall through February 23.

Valparaiso centers on an aver­ age white American man (Michael), “businessman who blunders into an epic adventure,” who finds himself hounded by reporters and talk-show hosts after mistakenly boarding a plane to an unexplained destination.

As audience members in the first act, we are distant, objective viewers, watching a smug Michael interact with interviewers and his outrageous wife Livia. We listen to him reveal his ridiculous story over and over again. In the second act, our role is changed. Suddenly we are drawn into the action, partici­ pating as a studio audience of Delfina’s talk show, where we wit­ ness Michael’s final breakdown in his identity crisis.

DeLillo is a master o f lan­ guage. His perfectly crafted sen­ tences conjure incredible images.

Every word and every phrase o f his poetic lines need to be savored. The text in this play, as in his novels, seems like stream-of-consciousness.

One sentence runs into another, and one scene melts into another. It is important that the actors enforce the unique atmosphere DeLillo creates in his fluid writing. To do so, they must maintain a steady, rapid speaking pace throughout the production. I commend the McGill ensemble cast for pulling this of, despite the difficult, tongue-twisting lines.

Another observation of DeLillo’s writing, particularly in P leas e s e e VALPARAISO p ag e 1 5

McGill student services fee set to rise S tu d e n ts

a n d

a d m in is tr a tio n

John Sciascia All McGill students can expect a substantial increase in the Student Services fee for next year. The fee, which currently rests at $145.50 per full-time student per semester, may climb by anywhere from eight dollars to $13.75 per term for the 2002-2003 academic year.

The Committee for the Coordination o f Student Services (CCSS) recently received the rec­ ommendations o f its Finance Subcommittee regarding the future status o f the Student Services fee.

The Subcommittee, which is com­ posed o f five McGill staff members and five student members, made a final recommendation that the fee rise to an amount of $153.50, but

c lo s e

the increase was deemed to be too low according to McGill’s Dean of Students Bruce Shore.

“There are a number of issues that need to be weighted in terms of what they cost,” said Shore, who cited a projected plateau in University enrolment as a potential financial problem.

“The Faculty o f Arts is expect­ ed to lower its enrolment by 15 per­ cent next year,” explained Shore, who noted that this policy could lead to a striking decline in student revenue. Although he allowed for the possibility that other faculties might make up for the windfall, Shore remained indecisive about this possibility.

“The Faculty o f Science, for example, might increase its enrol­ ment numbers, but right now we’re

to

c o n s e n s u s

o n

still not sure.”

Shore spoke o f the need to ensure the quality o f services offered to students, who he recog­ nized as making up the majority of the clientele for the University’s services.

“The University is starving, and being as good as it wants to be just gets harder and harder,” com­ plained Shore, though he regretted that the fee increase would place a further burden on students.

“Idealistically, I wish it weren’t so, but on the realistic side we need to make sure that the University is worthy o f [the students’] presence.

This means that we can’t keep the fee artificially low.”

While no specific number has been determined, Shore hinted that the fee increase should be roughly

fin a l

fig u r e

$15 per student per semester, a noticeably lower figure than his originally suggested counter-pro­ posal o f $34.60 submitted to the CCSS two weeks ago. The amount was justified as a worst-case sce­ nario figure, though he stated at the time that the minimum fee increase should be $22.72.

“The fees are not going to leap up so much as they are going to creep up,” Shore assured. “For most students, the increase will probably amount to the cost o f a beer and a pizza.”

PGSS President and Finance Subcommittee student member Joe Marin expressed firm opposition to Shore’s recommendations.

Please see RESERVE, page 2

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2 News

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

Reserve fund dwindling continued from PAGE 1 “I wouldn’t call that [the fee increase] ‘creeping’,” commented Marin. “In fact, this looks to be the biggest increase in a long time.”

Marin expressed particular concern for international students, whose rates are slated to climb by 26% over the next three years as announced by McGill's VicePrinipal o f Finance Morty Yalovsky at a Senate meeting last Wednesday.

Despite the setback to intyernational students, Shore felt that the current financial situation warrants a need to invest in the Student Services rreserve fund, effectively raising it from five to ten percent o f the overall budget.

“We’re in better [financial] times than we think, although they may not be comfortable,” maintained Shore. He empha­ sized' the need to build up the Student Services Reserve fund in the event of a possible cutback in government subsidies.

Shore expressed sympathy for students who may suffer more considerably from the increase, but stressed the availability of financial assistance.

“I understand that for some this increase may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, but that’s what financial aid is there for,” said Shore.

“The financial aid budget is too small to adequately deal with such a large group of students,” contested Marin, adding that the argument to build up the Student Services reserve fund is not valid.

“If we were in good [financial] times it would be appropriate to invest in the reserve, but not right now,” said Marin. In fact, part of the Subcommittee’s recommenda­

tions included drawing upon the reserve fund in order to finance operational costs, though Shore objected to this proposal since the fund been mandated to double in size from its current level at $133,000.

Director o f Mental Health Services and Finance Committee staff member Dr. Norman Hoffman supported the idea of conservative financial planning.

"I think the idea for long-term

what the final increase to the stu­ dent services should be.

"The CCSS has committed itself to coubling the fund as of two years ago.

However, Shore has already conceded that this may not happen.

"The sub-committee and the Dean don't agree right now. Shore has come down from his original figure to $13.75, and the commit­ tee has compromised a bit by rising to $8."

planning makes a lot o f sense. We want spending to be well-con­ trolled, because it is hard to evalu­ ate the [financial] impact o f any one project we may undertake.," Hoffman stated. He also agreed with Shore’s precautionary attitude towards government funding.

"This is beyond our control. If we got hit with a big cut, we would need a fund ready to cushion the impact for students."

According to Associate Dean o f Graduate Studies, Philip Oxhorn, thereis much debate over

It looks as though the mini­ mum amount the reserve fund will go up by will be to maintain its five percent portion o f the entire budg­ et. Because the budget increases every year, we will most likely have to adjust for that increase."

A final decision on the exact amount o f the Student Services fee increase is expected to be reached sometime in March.

AUS ELECTIONS

Q B f IN V O L V E D A

C A L L

F O R

N O M IN A T IO N S

S ta rtin g on February 2 2 nd, n o m in a tio n s kits will be a v a ila b le a t th e AUS o ffice fo r th e follow ing Arts U n d erg rad u ate S o ciety positions: - P re sid e n t - V P A ca d e m ic - V P A d m in istratio n - V P E x te rn a l

- V P F in a n ce - V P In te rn al - A rts R e p re s e n ta tiv e s to SSM U (2)

AUS office is located in Rm. B 22 (basem ent o f the Arts Building across from VeggiRam a). If you have any questions, please contact Arts Undergraduate Society a t 3 9 8 -1 9 9 3 .

Jacques Parizeau Sp eaks on

s o v e r e ig n t y , s u r v iv a l, a n d

th e

e t h n i c v o t e ' in C a n a d a

Eric Luckacs In a world of global markets, what is the role of the nation state? Dr. Jacques Parizeau,the former premier of Quebec, addressed this question as it relates to the issue of Quebec separa­ tion during his visit to McGill’s Faculty of Religious Studies on February 12.

“This question is close to my heart,” he said with a chuckle. Close indeed, as he spent over thirty minutes answering it.

Parizeau asserted that Quebec could survive very well in the 21 st cen­ tury, intimating that the terms of fight­ ing the next sovereignty referendum should be about Quebec’s participa­ tion in global markets. He was quite precise in his use of the term ‘inde­ pendent.’

“The Quebec government retains the right to declare independence. I’m not yery favorable to gimmicks,” he said referring to various forms of sover­

eignty-association .

He is not surprised that the non­ francophone and cultural communi­ ties voted ‘No’ in the last sovereignty referendum.

“We are offering them to be a large minority. It’s not surprising that they vote ‘No’. Frankly, I would do the same,” he said.

Nonetheless, he believes that Canada would likely negotiate with Quebec following a successful referen­ dum on separation. “It’s the Canadian way,” he added.

According to Parizeau, the role of the nation state is to protect and expand the economic and cultural interests of its people.

“In spite of the great strides of globalization and contrary to what all the pundits have been repeating for forty years, there are not less and less nation states in the world, but more and more,” he said.

In support of this claim, Parizeau cites the some 192 members of the United Nations at the turn of the cen­ tury.

“When Mr. Boutros BoutrosGhali said in Montreal a few years ago that by the turn of the century there would be 200 members of the UN, a comment of the Gazette was, ‘Well, he’s crazy’. And his statement was understood by the Gazette as a sort of support for separatists. There are more and more countries. Why? That’s a damn good question and it deserves an answer,” he said.

One might assume that a small nation state would have trouble surviv­ ing in today’s global market, but according to Parizeau, this is not the

case.

“We made an extraordinary dis­ covery in the second half of the 20th century No matter how small a coun­ try, it can prosper, develop and increase enormously its standard of living on one fundamental condition: that it belong to a large market.”

“Most people used to think that political boundaries defined a market.

In Canada, during the time of Macdonald, the policy of tariffs and the railway created the Canadian mar­ ket. Before this, trade was north-south, not east-west. The British set up an empire as an expression of a desire to widen their market. And it’s only after a long while, when convinced of their industrial superiority, did it consider free trade,” he said.

“The Austro-Hungarian empire collapsed after the WWI and its bits and pieces all became independent countries starting to fight among themselves and economically came close to destroying each other.

At that time, the borders of a market were seen as identical with political borders.”

This, according to Parizeau, is no longer the case.

In fact the nation-state should, in Parizeau’s eyes, assert its political power in the market.

“The nation state must not become too closely linked to the interests of transnation­ al corporations. As long as they are able to do this, nation states will still be responsible for pro­ viding their social programs.”

Parizeau asserted that within Canada, Quebec is ill equipped to protect its interests in this area.

Citing the Multi-Lateral Agreement on Investment of 1998, he claimed that if it had been ratified, half the Quebec model would have been ille­ gal.

“Canada had negotiated in secret.

They tell us only what they want to,” he said. “It was the French who pre­ vented its ratification,” he said.

Parizeau indicated that the next referendum would be fought on the issue of economic and cultural global­ ization.

“Quebec, within Canada is a bit of a construct. All [the globalization debate] is sinking in. The next referen­ dum will not be fought on the same issues of 1995. It cannot be about Canada,” he concluded.

Can a nation state protect and promote its culture given global com­ munication technology?

“The guy alone in front of the computer and talking to six billion people: it’s charming but it’s not true.

Indeed he can talk to six billion people, but he still belongs somewhere.

Between the individual and the wide world there will always be something.

Call it society, a people, a nation, a country. Use any name you want. But it’s where you have a sense that you belong,” he said.

“It’s not particularly surprising that during this exciting period we call globalization, countries define them­ selves by their language or their culture or both. And the remarkable thing is that all federations that are bi-cultural or multi-cultural are in trouble: Spain, Please see PARIZEAU, page 3

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

N ew s briefs

CKUT to return to SSMU? Carly Anne Johnson A proposal by the University Administration to have CKUT Radio McGill join the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is spark­ ing concern about the autonomy of independent student groups at McGill.

In a letter to C KU T dated November 6, 2001, McGills VicePresident Administration and Finance Dr. Morty Yalovsky suggested that the station, an independent student organization that holds a private letter of agreement with the University, return under the auspices o f the SSMU. “The Executive Committee felt it was appropriate to ask Radio McGill to return as a student group within the SSMU structure,” read the letter.

“Student fees would then be col­ lected under the University’s Memorandum of Agreement with the SSMU rather than under a separate agreement between the University and Radio McGill.”

The existing letter of agreement entitles CKUT to a range of McGill services, including Internet and phone access. It also places responsibility for the collection of CKUT fees in the hands of the University administra­ tion, who then issue checks to the organization.

CKUT is one of a handful o f stu­ dent groups of campus, along with QPIRG, the McGill Legal Info Clinic and the McGill Daily, that does not rely on the SSMU student fees to fund its operations.

Instead, each undergraduate stu­ dent pays a CKUT fee of $4 per term, and CKUT makes up the rest of its budget in advertising and funding drives. The independent financing guarantees an independent voice, which CKUT fears could be endan­ gered by the recent propositions.

According to the letter, McGill is concerned that Radio McGill “has assumed over the years a different structure and role from other student groups and organizations,” and criti­ cizes their large membership of nonMcGill students. But CKUT repre­ sentatives say that non-student mem­

P a r iz e a u

a n d

continued from PAGE 2 Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, and the former USSR. The Slovaks and the Czechs couldn’t live together. Some sit­ uations are more violent. Yugoslavia just imploded.”

Given the resistance of the cultur­ al communities, can Quebec go about building the necessary political infra­ structure to promote its interests?

Parizeau was straightforward and brief if not surprising with his answer.

“How do you change [the resist­ ance of the cultural communities?]

Achieve Quebec independence. When Quebec becomes independent, all sorts of things will happen. There will be no Parti Québécois or Parti Liberal.

There will be an extreme right, an extreme left and an extreme center and everybody will participate in the debate,” was as far as he went.

And what about the famous

bership is simply part of their man­ date.

Fortner Anderson sits o f the CKUT Board of Directors.

“The [CRTC] license as a cam­ pus-community radio station requires that we have community participa­ tion, and that’s in conflict with the rules and regulations of SSMU club structure, which only includes stu­ dents,” he said. “It could put in jeop­ ardy C KU T’s license.”

Suhrid Manchanda a McGill student also on the CKUT Board of Directors, said that C KU T’s mandate is to provide an oudet for under-rep­ resented, under-serviced groups who would not otherwise have a voice.

“What we do is all about com­ munity involvement; it’s about pro­ viding alternative perspectives on dif­ ferent issues; it’s about letting the information get out there that corpo­ rate media doesn’t let get out there,” he said, adding that the station’s decidedly non-mainstream broadcast­ ing could be hurt with a return to the SSMU. “There are issues of independ­ ence. Because C KU T is such an activist media center, there are issues of censorship that come into play,” he said.

Some parties feel the proposal is more unfeasible than anything else.

Martin Doe, SSMU VP of Clubs and Services, and undergraduate stu­ dent representative on the CKUT Board of Directors commented on his involvement.

“We’re been basically liaising between SSMU and CKUT in a letter that was sent to Dr. Yalovsky, because there is feeling that some o f the tech­ nicalities involved with this request are just not fully understood,” he said.

“I certainly see closer relations between SSMU and CKUT as an advantage to both, however, I believe that the place where this request orig­ inated is exactly the wrong place.

There is a real lack of information.”

C K U T and McGill: A History o f disagreement Manchanda said there is a histo­ ry of uneasy dealings between the two parties, which started last summer with the renewal signing of the

n a tio n -s ta te “money and ethnics” comment follow­ ing the loss of the 1995 referendum?

Parizeau cited the voting patterns of the referendum and the money spent on the huge unity rally held in Place du Canada.

“A love-in” he called the rally. “If the circumstances were the same, I would say the same thing,” he sur­ mised about the future.

No fan of political correctness, Parizeau summed up opinions about his statement with a certain humor.

“Political correctness is the great enemy of democracy. In Britain, you can spoil a political campaign because of sex, in France, because of money, and in Canada because of opinions.”

Parizeau's talk was co-sponsored by the Faculty o f Religious Studies and The McGill Institute fo r the Study o f Canada.

News 5

G rade reporting

CKUT letter o f agreement with the University.

“Last June, [McGill Administration] held off on giving us our student fees until we signed the agreement — they sent the check here, then called up and asked for it back.

We had to sign the agreement, because we were living off debt. So we needed our directors to sign it, and we needed their directors to sign it.

We got our stuff signed in time for their last meeting of the summer, in early July, but they didn’t get around to signing it until [Dr. Yalovsky’s let­ ter] came by. The check did get cashed, but then they sent this [let­ ter].”

Mancahnda also cited the unre­ sponsiveness of the administration as a barrier to better relations.

“We had requested several meet­ ings with Dr. Yalovsky. He set us up with three of them, and all three of them were cancelled. Not once did he give us the courtesy o f letting us know it was cancelled. [CKUT Board of Directors member] Fortner [Anderson] and myself would show up each time, and be passed on to someone else. I understand he’s a busy man, but I don’t think he gives the executive of Coca-Cola the same treatment.”

C K U T representatives remain hopeful their continuing attempts to establish a dialogue with McGill will meet with success, but they maintain that the proposal to join the SSMU is illogical and unfeasible.

“We sent them a letter in December and we’re still hoping for a reply soon,” said Anderson.

“But we’ve been independent for a long time. To radically change that structure now for no good reason seems poindess,” said Anderson.

Dr. Yalovsky was not available for comment..

R e d

There is growing concern among McGill students that first-semester final grades are only being posted well into the second semester. At last Wednesday’s Voicing our Vision open meeting, Senator Anne-Marie Naccarato from the Faculty of Arts cited an example of a student who had not received a final grade until January 22, then asked what grade submission policy McGill has, and by what means it was enforced.

Senator and Vice-Principal Academic, Dr. Luc Vinet, responded to the question by providing to the Senate the grade submission deadlines and explaining the procedures of enforcement.

Vice-Principal V net explained that should a professor fail to submit their grades by the given date, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs within each faculty will contact the professor to determine why they have missed the deadline. Should the pro­ fessor fail to submit the grades quick­ ly the matter is brought before the Dean o f the professors’ faculty who then takes the necessary action to resolve the situation.

In the future, Dr. V net will address the issue in meeting with the Deans, to insure that the Deans have the proper authority to enforce these deadlines within their faculties.

Senator and Vice-President University Affaires Jen Bilec com­ mented on the question.

“Students understand that their grades generally arrive after the com­ mencement of classes in the second semester. However the extremity of receiving grades as late as January 22 was a concern o f Student Senators, and therefore addressed appropriately in Senate.”

&

The Deadlines, according to the VicePrincipal Academic, were as follows: Agricultural and Environmental Sciences: Wednesday, January 2.

Arts: January 7, 2002, for most exams Monday, January 14, 2002 for exams written on December 20 or 21.

Education: January 4, for all exams.

Engineering: January 8, for all exams.

Graduate Studies and Research: Monday, January 7, for all exams.

Management: January 7, all exams.

Medicine: N/A Science: January 7, for most exams Monday, January 14, 2002 for exams written on December 20 or 21.

- N ic k K n o w l a n d a n d R ebecca R oy

F E U Q R eferendum Q u estion Passes C ou n cil A referendum question to deter­ mine whether or not SSMU rejoins la Fédération des Etudiantes Universitaires du Québec (FEUQ) passed Council Thursday night with minor changes, and will be posed to students in the spring election. VP Community and Government Danielle Lanteigne, who spearheaded the effort to rejoin the provincial lob­ bying organization, defended the la FEU Q against Councilors who opposed the groups now-repealed separatist platform. Councilors also considered how hard students from francophone schools, who currendy make up all of la FEUQ, would push for relief from differential tuition fees for non-Québec students. If the refer­ endum passes, students will pay $5 more in fees each year.

— Jam es G ro s g h a l

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4 News

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

Green Ghetto heats up the Policy debate

C laire S tockw ell Socks gained a whole other realm of importance last week in the Green Ghetto; especially thick dry ones.

Organized by Students for an Environmental Policy (SEP), a large blue tent was erected on lower cam­ pus in the freezing rain late Sunday afternoon. With a lone cordless power drill students assembled a 40m long tent consisting o f four Aframes held together by a central beam and baseboards and covered it with blue tarpaulin. This would be their home for the next four days.

The students were camping out to raise awareness about the state o f M cG ill’s environmental policy. At issue are the six princi­ ples that were to accompany the policy statement the Senate passed last April. Students feel that these principles complete the policy, and without them the policy statement is merely lip-service to the environ­ ment. PGSS representative to the Senate Committee on Physical

to get speakers rights at the Development and Senate meeting, they see it as the Subcommittee a success. on the Environ­ “It was disappointing ment, Brian that we didn’t get a voice S a rw e r-F o n e r, inside o f Senate to back up believes that pass­ the rally and communicate ing the statement is why we were all out there a positive step, but however the feel in the room only as a preamble seemed to be that we were to the rest. really well Undeterred by received. the cold the Hopefully campers kept com­ when we bring ing back, growing it up next in number each It ain't easy being green... sleeping out in the winter weather Senate meeting night.

Monday they will be night public out­ cowbell, a didgeridoo, lots o f drums more sensitive to the reach to raise awareness about the (often made from over turned recy­ issue and ready to deal policy reached all the way to Gerts. cling boxes).

The pinnacle o f the campout was a As the Senate members entered with it in a serious rally at the Senate meeting last the meeting inside, they were given way. Overall it went well,” said Wednesday. In response, Tuesday a handout (printed on the back o f really night was the biggest in the tent. paper collected from the McLennan Spencer Mann o f SEP. Wednesday night There was not an inch o f tarp left to photocopy room) detailing the his­ tory o f the working documents of was just warm enough spread a sleeping bag.

The rally, the following day, the policy and why the students feel to break out the gui­ tar.

Campers, 30 attracted 45 people. Enviro Policy the principles need to be passed.

Man, the local environmental “Without a strong University strong, were enter­ superhero, unveiled a banner from framework, environmental initia­ tained by amazing sto­ the Leacock roof that read tives die out with the turnover of ries from the Saskatch.

Thursday morn­ “Students Demand, 6 Policy students and staff. A comprehen­ Principles: Finish W hat You sive Environmental Policy consist­ ing the campers start­ Started,” anchored down from the ing o f a Policy Statement and six ed the daylong task of wind with cartons o f frozen accompanying principles would dismantling the tent. soymilk. provide support for environmental As this was a zero The Lorax (an environmental initiatives in the present and would waste event everything ensure that environmental progress either got recycled, character from a Dr. Seuss’s book), along with many SEPers addressed is sustained for future generations composted or stored away for the next time the crowd on policy issues, with o f the McGill Community.” musical accompaniment from a Though the SEP were unable a tent on campus is

required.

Tim Murphy from Greening McGill summed up the weeks events: “I hope the principles will be passed but the campout did more than just pressure the administra­ tion. It created a great sense of community, so it was really sad to take it down.”

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Last Thursday, celebrated Affican-Acadian poet George Elliott Clarke participated in a dialogical ses­ sion with the Religious Studies course Canadian Church History. Born in Three Miles Plains, Nova Scotia, Mr. Clarke’s work is infused with the rich experience o f what he labels the “Africadian” that is, the AfricanAcadian, cultural experience. His own ancestors were part o f the black Loyalist contingent who were settled in the Maritimes following the War of 1812.

His critically acclaimed work has earned him a number of prestigious literary awards including the 2001 Governor’s General Award for poetry for his collection Execution Poems.

Clarke’s presence at the Birks Building was made possible with the support of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada.

He served as the Institutes Seagram Fellow during the 1998-99 academic year. Currendy, he is a pro­ fessor o f World Literature at the University ofToronto. As he carves the literary territory of his community, they, in turn, acknowledge his achieve­ ments; in 1998 he was honoured by being named the first recipient of the Portia White Prize, an annual award from the Nova Scotia Arts Council.

His poetry often addresses the ambivalent historical relationship that the black community has had with Christianity. In his poem “Bio: Black Baptist/Bastard” he writes:

Slavery was dead wasn't it? But blood Crusted on our rusty-smelling sermons, A taint o f bloodfor saint-plush lips.

How could We look at the Atlantic and not cry, “.Eli Eli, lama sabachthani?” We knew The terror o f evacuatedfaith.

Religion is also present in a num­ ber of his other poems. Clarke strives to translate Christian archetypes such as Christ into Acadian terms.

The poem “Talkin’ Jesus Blues” was an attempt to “translate Christ into Nova Scotian, even Three Mile Plains terms to try to give myself a par­ ticular, very local, very provincial van­ tage point on this figure.”

One student gave her comments.

“I’ll bet there are some Southern Baptists who’d like to boycott George Elliott Clarke. Blasphemous— bril­ liant!”

Some students, surprised by Clarke’s warm nature and generous laugh, questioned him about the anger that often reads through his poetry.

“I do feel a lot of anger and a lot of rage, but I’m not a very good fight­ er, so there’s no point trying to get in anybody’s face. I was always a better runner than I was a fighter. It’s better to smile than it is to swing, especially when you can’t swing,” said Clarke.

“I guess I do channel some of the anger and the rage over being the tar­ get of oppression into poetry. Some of my writing is an angry and furious response to comments, arguments that I’ve encountered in papers or con­ versation; comments that I found repugnant. I suppose a lot of my work comes from a need to answer back in

a dialogical response.”

One such argument was that of Francis Henry an anthropologist who in 1974 published “Black Music in the Maritimes” a paper arguing that Black music did not exist in the Maritimes.

The paper was predicated on the assumption that the 1812 refugees “were so destitute, so oppressed, so poor, and so mentally broken and beaten down by their experience as slaves that they had no tradition of song, no tradition of story, no culture, no heritage whatsoever.”

Clarke recalled reading Henry’s article in 1991 and feeling “shocked and surprised that anyone could make such an argument. I come up from a community where I saw lots of people spontaneously making music and song and remembering spirituals.”

Clarke also feels the need to chal­ lenge some current conceptions of Black culture which seem to fuel a monolithic interpretation of the African-Canadian experience. In par­ ticular, he sees the need to make room for black experiences that are outside urban culture.

“I think partly some of the rage I’ve felt in an academic sense has been about trying to dislodge metropolitan models of what black culture should be and to save space for a rural experi­ ence that is just as essential to the black experience as the one they have in Little Burgundy in Montreal or anywhere else in North America.”

Clarke spent time as an assistant professor of English and Canadian Studies at Duke University in North Carolina. He found that his experiPlease see CLARKE, page 5

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

T h e

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agreed with Dr. Amor, “I found his argument simplistic, but he was not a racist anti-Semite.”

Dr. Mair Amor, an ArabThough Amor was wellJewish peace activist and current received, past lectures this year have Concordia sociology professor been labeled as racist and antibrought fresh oxygen into the fiery Semitic by members o f the McGill Middle East debate at McGill with­ community. Notably, lectures by out fanning the flames last week Israel Shamir and Itmar Marcus (Feb. 7). have both been submitted to a spe­ Dr. Amor was adamant about cial panel to determine if they were, his views on the McGill debate. in fact, racist. The findings will be “Israelis and Palestinians in announced within a few weeks.

Israel and Palestine are the only However, in the interim ones who can solve the problem,” Students’ Society o f M cGill he said.

University VP Clubs and Services " [The Middle-East conflict] Martin Doe initiated a set of volun­ will not be solved by changing the tary guidelines, which included constitution or a few words,” said sourcing quotes and avoiding gen­ Dr. Amor, saying that change eralizations. As for the Thursday would have to come at a more fun­ lecture, Doe said, “I do not believe damental level. [the Mair Amor] title was discrimi­ Israeli society’s failure to accept natory.” the prospect o f these changes is the Surprisingly, the stongest criti­ heart of Dr. Amor’s argument. “It is cism directed at Dr. Amor’s ideas not a leadership problem, we are came from Palestinian students and talking about 12 million people, not Israelis. One Palestinian woman condemned Dr. Amor’s idea that the Palestinians should willingly give up violence, because o f the humiliation that she had suf­ fered at the hands o f Israeli soldiers.

Dr. Amor retorted, “People in Israel are prepared to die too. Fine you can both die. This logic has to end.”

Dr. Amor spoke frequently of the need for co-operation and both sides renouncing violence. “I don’t talk about peace. I talk about your life. I’m talking about my life.”

There were many such heated exchanges throughout the course of the lecture.

Raoul Gebert, SSM U VicePresident o f Operations was in attendance at the lecture and was positive about the outcome. He said that he saw 'a fairly reasonable and intelligent level o f discourse that I hope we will maintain' at Amor on the continuing conflict McGill At the end o f the lecture, not Yasser Arafat not Ariel Sharon.” Ahmed Abu-Safia, the President o f Over the course of the lecture SPHR, and SSM U councilor, was there was much controversy sur­ upbeat. “Dr. Amor made a point of rounding Dr. Amor’s sociological view that interests a lot o f people, argument. Alex Kemeny, o f the and that’s what I care about.”

Israeli Awareness club, found that However, Abu-Safia was dis­ the lecture fostered respectful dia­ mayed at McGill administration, logue, but he believed that Dr. which forced SPHR to hire security Amor was misguided in his thesis. for the lecture as a precautionary “I believe that there have been measure. attempts at peace by the Israelis.

“There were 4 lectures on cam­ You need peace but you also need pus and only SPHR had security. the ability to defend yourselves.”

Financially, we can’t afford it.”

As well, Yoni Petel, the presi­ dent o f Hillel, was welcoming o f the initiative to bring rational dis­ course to the debate even if he dis­

Jeremy Morris

Montreal’s new municipal gov­ ernment could pave the way for plans to turn McTavish Street into a pedes­ trian mall.

The proposal first received seri­ ous consideration by the city in the 1990s, according to McGill’s VicePrincipal Adminstration and Finance Dr. Morty Yalovsky.

“Discussions between McGill and the City for making McTavish a pedestrian street have been going on since the ’60's,” Yalovsky stated. “The latest discussions began in 1993, when the street was in deplorable condition, and the University was lobbying the City to fix it. The University, at its own expense, undertook a pedestrian mall' study and presented it to the City.

“They did not agree to turn it into a mall since their traffic depart­ ment believed it was still needed for traffic circulation, and they didn't believe that their public funds should be spent on what they considered a 'private' project,” Yalovsky explained.

Now, the administration has

News 5

C la r k e o n r a c e

m a ll? placed the project high on its list of priorities, and hopes that the City’s new government will be receptive to an upcoming proposal by the University.

“The University, within its cur­ rent Master Plan, has given high pri­ ority to the McTavish Street project,” Yalovsky stated. “[We have] had some preliminary discussions with the City politicians and its planning depart­ ment and advised them that the McTavish Street mall proposal will be submitted again by McGill in the near future,” he said.

Jennifer Bilec, Students’ Society of McGill University’s Vice-President University Affairs, was enthusiastic about the benefits of converting the street.

“I think that having the hub of the university on this side, with the administration and the Student’s Society together, would be a really good idea,” she said. “It would provide an improved sense of community, with the bookstore, the Shatner Centre, — and even the information commons all opening out onto that street I think it’s a great vision for the university.”

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continued from PAGE 4 ence in the United States contributed positively to his creative process.

“My poetry changed when I was in the US especially the poems in “Blue.” I see them as more abrupt, more blunt, more open, more free, more intense, more angry, more everything that’s not Canadian. And I hope I never lose that spirit; it’s one of the major things the US gave me.”

He also cited the openness of race relations in America that made it difficult to readjust upon his return to Canada.

“At least in the United States there’s a conversation about race.

Black Americans, no matter how much some white Americans may disparage them and despise them, basically run the Republic in terms of popular culture, strategies about the legal system, and even to a certain extent, in terms of foreign policy.”

In his poem “Marinalia,” Clarke stipulates that “poems must not be statues, but lightning.” More than this, his work is equally as exquisite as it is powerful.

R e fe re n d a

THE FOLLOWING REFERENDUM QUESTION SHALL BE PLACED ON THE BALLOT FOR THE WINTER ELECTION PERIOD ON ________________ MARCH 8 (ADVANCED POLLS,) 11 ,1 2 ,1 3 ,2 0 0 2 ________________ Whereas the Students’ Society of McGill University was a founding member of la FEUQ in 1989; Whereas the pro-sovereignty mandate, which caused SSMU to withdraw from la FEUQ in 1994, has been renounced by that organization; Whereas SSMU has no formal representation to the Quebec government, and is concerned about that government's commitment to quality post-secondary education; Whereas la FEUQ represents 15 student associations and over 120 000 students, making it the largest and most recognized student representative organization in the province; Do you agree that the SSMU base fee be increased by $2.50 per student per semester for a peri­ od of five (5) years to allow SSMU to be come a member of la Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ) for a period of five (5) years?

Y es □

...

No □

Considérant que l'Association étudiante de l'université McGill fut un des membres fondateurs de la FEUQ en 1989; Considérant que le mandat pro-souverainiste, qui occasionna le retrait de l'AÉUM de la FEUQ en 1994, fut rejeté par l'organisation; Considérant que l'AÉUM n'a pas de représentation officielle auprès du gouvernement du Québec, et que l'AÉUM est préoccupée par l'engagement du gouvernment pour une éducation post-secondaire de qual­ ité; Considérant que la FEUQ représente 15 associations étudiantes et plus de 120 000 étudiants, faisant de celle-ci la plus grande organisation de représentants étudiants dans la province et la mieux reconnue; Acceptez-vous que la cotisation de base de l'AÉUM soit augmentée de $2.50 par étudiant par session pour une période de cinq (5) années pour devenir membre de la Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ) pour une période de cinq (5) années?

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To FORM A "No" COMMITTEE, PLEASE PICK UP A "STUDENT-INITIATED REFERENDUM Committee Kit "

from the

SSMU M ain O ffice

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O p i n i o n

E d i t o r i a l

EDI TORI AL

“I f you don ’t kn ow w hat to do, call the m edia an d at least give the appearance o f doing something.

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B r o t h e r

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-D avid Peterson

w a t c h in g

Neil S chnurbach Back when I was in third grade, I used to pick fights with the other third graders because I knew my brother in sixth grade would back me up.

Canada has always been like that pesky third grader with its American brother lurking in the background.

T h in k about it. W hy aren’t Canadians scared o f nuclear war? Because the States will be there to protect us. W hat about Canadian foreign poli­ cy? In a nutshell, our foreign policy consists o f blindly following the United States into whatever they are doing (with a few notable exceptions like Vietnam). O ur economy is based on a free trade system with our big brothers. We even rely on the good o f US o f A for our television program­ ming. Could you imagine if we had to watch Canadian shows all the time?

Now, our big brother has helped us get a gold medal at the Olympic winter games.

Imagine these Olympics were being held in Nagano, Japan like the 1998 games. Now imagine that a Bulgarian figure skating pair is in a heat­ ed battle with a Russian pair for supremacy and the Russian pair has a minor mishap but still manages to win the gold medal. Would there have been the same outcry from the American media? I think not.

And even i f the media had made such a stink, would the International Olympic Com m ittee and the International Skating Union be forced to give the pair a gold medal? O nce again, the answer is a resounding no way.

But this year, the Olympics are in Salt Lake City, where the almighty American greenback and the almighty American media reign supreme.

And lo and behold, a Canadian pair with movie star good looks and moxie to boot are beaten out o f a gold medal in a close and controversial decision. N B C , USA Today and C N N sense a story and come running to the rescue.

Instead o f focusing on athletic achievement, these media pundits focus on the injustice o f the games. T h e story becomes so big that there is no choice but to give David Pelletier and Jam ie Salé o f Canada a gold medal.

Did Salé and Pelletier deserve the gold medal? Maybe, but that’s not even the point. T h e folks at N B C are not figure skating experts, and even those who are experts have an obvious Cold War bias. Those Russians couldn’t possibly have won, they’re the hated Russians. But who knows?

Maybe the Russians skated a more difficult program. Maybe that slip on Anton Sikhurlidze’s double axel was minor enough that they still could have and should have won the gold medal. I don’t know. But neither do Paula Zahn or Tom Brokaw.

T h e point is that for years figure skating has been a sport full o f injus­ tices. T hat is what happens when judges decide the winners and the losers.

Back at the 1998 Olympics, IO C Vice President (and M cG ill Chancellor) D ick Pound found out that the ice dancing results were decid­ ed before the competition. Canada’s Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz were jobbed out o f a bronze medal in a much more controversial story than this year’s. But they were not awarded their much deserved hardware.

In the 1984 W inter Olympics, Scott Hamilton o f the United States won a suspect gold medal over Brian Orser o f Canada. Did our American brothers make a big deal over that call? T h e answer to that one is obvious.

As long as there are figure skating competitions, there will be contro­ versial decisions. Maybe the IO C and the IS U got this one right, but if the situation were reversed, no one would have cared. So we as Canadians have to sit back and thank our American media friends for this gold medal.

Perhaps, the IO C shouldn’t have only awarded gold medals to Sale and Pelletier. I think D ick Ebersol from N B C should have gotten one too. And while we’re at it, let’s give one to Bernard Shaw o f C N N .

TH E M c G I L L

T R IB U N E

E d i t o r - I n - C h ie f

Rhea W ong A s s is t a n t E d i t o r - I n - C h ie f

N e w s E dito rs C a r ly Jo h n so n Jo h n S c ia s c ia Jean M a th e w s

M ik e B a rg a v

Features E dito rs

A s s is t a n t E d i t o r - i n - C h ie f

R a q u e l K ir s c h Ju stin R e n a rd

N e il S c h n u r b a c h

E n te rta in m e n t E dito rs P r o d u c t io n M a n a g e r

Ia n S p e ig e l

Peter K o ve n D an Zacks

L e tte rs

Students handle QPIRG In the last few weeks there has been news that S S M U council were discussing the idea o f putting forth a m otion to have Q P IR G s funding put to a referendum .

T h ey would be asking students if they would still want to pay a $ 3 / semester opt-outable fee (that stu­ dents have been paying for 14 years).

In my eyes, the m otion on putting the funding to referendum is about students having the dem­ ocratic right to say i f they want to pay a certain fee for a service and not whether Q P IR G is a good or bad organization. However, it is not a S S M U council initiated ref­ erendum that can do so. All M cG ill students (not only stu­ dents under S S M U ) pay this $ 3 / semester fee (unless they opt out) that the adm inistration collects and not S S M U . Q P IR G is an independent organization and is not a S S M U service. S S M U coun­ cil can put forth referendum ques­

This week on TVMcGill S e x Sells fo r C h arity John Philp and David Sax The HEAT Bachelor Auction last Wednesday at the Medley was a sight for lonely eyes.

Watch and drool as McGill's sexiest sell their assets to the highest bidder. All for the sake of disadvantaged children in Montreal.

Hope you brought cash!

M cG ill D a n ce P ack D elivers Jessica Wolf and Fraser Tomss The newly formed McGill Dance Pack has been delight­ ing Redmen basketball fans all semester, with their finely tuned routines.

I am writing to voice my dis­ pleasure at something I read in the recent edition o f the Tribune. In Brody Brown's article "Too hot for the sauna", he encourages his read­ er^ ), after exclaiming the won­ drous sexual escapades available on Valentine's day, to "not honor St. Valentine, who was so lame he ended up getting beaten to death with clubs and was beheaded." I find this extremely offensive. I do not believe the Tribune would ever publish anything racist, homopho­ bic, or sexist — indeed, these very sentim ents are published every week in the editorial information section o f your paper. Personally, I find much o f the writing to be often morally degrading, as it seems

Treehouse

S po rts E d ito r Jam e s E m p rin g h a m

A d v e rtis in g a n d M a rk e tin g M a n a g e r P a ul S la c n ta

A s sis ta n t S po rts E dito rs A d T ype setters N a e e m D a to o S iu -M in Jim

P h o to E dito rs P a tric k Fo k Je n n y G e o r g e

Alex O uim et-Storrs U 2 Chem ical Engineering and Engineering Representative to S S M U

Christian take on Valentines Day

is a n e d ito r ia lly a u to n o m o u s n e w sp a p e r p u b lis h e d by th e S tu d e n ts' S o c ie ty o f M c G ill U n iv e r s ity

M a rk K e rr S a ra h W rig h t

tions on fees and services that they offer, but not on fees or services that are not under their juridicition. T his makes a S S M U council initiated referendum on Q P IR G 's fee not binding.

Q P IR G has internal mechanims that can put their funding or other Q P IR G issues to referen­ dum. A petition with the signa­ tures o f 5 percent o f students (approxim ately 1 2 0 0 students) that are members o f Q P IR G can be presented to their Board o f D irectors. O nce this is done, the desired question can go to referen­ dum. T his m ethod makes the ref­ erendum binding in the eyes o f the administration and also shows that the issue is im portant to many stu­ dents.

L a y o u t E d ito r M ik e L ie w

W e b E d ito rs V in c e L u n Jo h n G o s s e t

Staff: David Barclay, Dave Cheng, Anna Czdpinski, Christine Dolby, Jono Friedrichs, Kate Glover, Mary Haberle, George Hadjis, Karen Hawa, Mada Hoteit, Lea Jacobson, Ric Lambo, Panthea Lea, Chris Little, Kitty Mak, Dave McCormick, Clare McIntyre, Scott Medvin, Jeremy Morris, Leah K. Nchama, Thea Rutherford, Milo Santiago, Beza, Seife, Claire Stockwell, Michal Zilberman

Come and

check out this exciting troupe

much o f campus cares not for news or student issues but rather how best to get sex. Nevertheless, the Tribune obviously has no problem publishing material disrepectful o f religions. As a Christian, I find the sacrifice and death o f St. Valentine a great example o f faithfulness to and love for someone — in this case, God. Apparently, respect o f religion and the encouragement o f these values are things that rank low on the Tribune's list o f societal pri­ orities.

as they prepare for the next game.

V alp araiso Jessica Wolf and Sara Chazin Now playing at Moyse Hall, check out this contemporary tale of travel woe. Performed

by McGill students, this play is directed by Brian MacDonald, the notable Canadian theatre personality.

Christoph Sprecher U 3, German Literature/History

See scenes and

interviews to preview what you should catch on-stage this week.

b y J o n o F rie d ric h s

Letters must include author's name, signature, identification (e.g. U2 Biology, SSMU President) and telephone number and be typed double-spaced, submitted on disk in Mac intosh or IBM word prcx:essor format, or sent by e-mail. Letters more than 200 words, pieces tor Stop the Press more than 500 words, or submissions judged by the Editor-in-Chief to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic, or soley promotional in nature, will not be published. The Tribune will make all reason able efforts to print subinissions provided that space is available, and reserves the right to edit letters for length. Bring submissions to the Tribune office, FAX to 398 1750 or send to tribune@ssmu.mcgill.ca.

Columns appearing under ’Editorial' heading are decided upon by the editorial board and written by a member of the editorial board. All other opinions are strict ly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The McGill tribune, its editors or its staff. Please recycle this newspaper.

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The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002 .

wrnsmmsimm

O p i n i o n

Op/Ed 7

E d i t o r i a l

Olympic primetime and me

"The bottom line is clear. There have been enough suicide attempts, enough eating disorders, enough bro­ ken bodies, (and) enough regretful parents... to warrant a serious evalu­ ation o f what were doing in this country to produce Olympic champi­ ons. ” -Joan Ryan "We will not waver; we w ill not tire; we will not falter; an d we w ill not fail".

-George W. Bush The Olympics will never be the same after September 11. No wait, cliché attack. What I meant to say is that the Olympics will

never be the same, since they became the ‘God-Bless-AmericaBecause- America-Rules’ Games.

Really, ever since the chilling con­ formity at the Opening Ceremonies, N B C ’s selective broadcast o f American athletes, and a security bonanza involving more US soldiers than are currently sta­ tioned in Afghanistan, the games have lost their spark.

Not surprisingly, America’s new "dissent is for terrorists" policy has carried over into the sporting arena. Those most inconve­ nienced,include animal rights activists protesting Olympic rodeo, progressives launching a march against poverty, and those opposed to ethically questionable sponsors.

It is equally disturbing that the United States seems to believe that it’s the only country in the world suffering tragedy. The IO C had to decline the nation’s request that the team carry tattered flags during the opening ceremonies, on the grounds that all other states experi­ encing hardships may then wish to

parade their grief as well. And, well, that could get messy .

They say that the Olympics are a commercial. I’ll be more clear: the games so far, have been a propa­ gandiste, cliché-ridden, and possi­ bly fixed media spectacle. Now that I think about it, the Olympic Games are quite comparable to The War on Terrorism. Honestly, nowhere else have I seen so deep a fusion between consumerism, patriotism, and global dominance.

Allow me to demonstrate.

Exhibit A : Both the American Olympics and The War are media spectacles that rely on mythic dichotomies such as triumph vs. failure, victory vs. defeat, glory vs. shame, and justice vs. inequality to naturalize, among other things, racial supremacy.

Exhibit B : The Olympics sell patriotism along with peanuts. The War on Terrorism sells patriotism through limited edition trading cards.

Exhibit C : For America, the Olympics are an opportunity to

metaphorically resurrect its status as a global superpower, by defeating those ‘less fit’. The War On Terrorism, rejuvenates a nation’s tattered spirit by dropping bombs onto starving Afghans.

Exhibit D : Both demonstrate the problems encountered when a desire for victory and dominance gets out o f hand. While obsession with Olympic gold has become more and more corrupted by steroid use and eating disorders, US foreign policy similarly gives humanitarian concerns a back seat to victory.

Exhibit E : An Olympic medal’s true value is cashed in with endorsements. These athletes then become the lucky spokespeople for Brand America®. As we speak, The War on Terrorism is making the world safe for global capitalism.

Exhibit F : George W. Bush has yet to master English grammar.

In live interviews, many o f the vic­ torious young American athletes have shown us the adverse effects of dropping the second grade in order

to begin training year-round.

Case closed. You may want to know why I can’t just chill out, and enjoy the Games for the procrasti­ nation fodder that they are.

Perhaps, as my roommate sug­ gested the other day while we watched figure skating, Cultural Studies has ruined me. Or I could be just a bitter person, who can’t even take pleasure in celebrating global unity by sporting uniforms made in Burma. So maybe I am bitter. At least, however, I can’t be persuaded during commercial breaks that Coca-Cola and Big Macs will turn me into a gold medalist. But I digress.

Years ago, Marshall McLuhan predicted that the next war would be fought not with bullets but with ‘images’. Though it seemed ludi­ crous at the time, few would argue with him now. In viewing the Olympic Games in light o f war, we learn just how pervasive these wartime images can become.

P articipation in university classes? No w ay W e G irl N & M t cm & r Participation grades are the bane o f my existence. I am a per­ petual listener rather than an ora­ tor. I prefer to observe, digest, reflect and record rather than spon­ taneously verbalize.

I am shy around strangers. I seek safe spaces to share my feel­ ings. I seek spaces where others have open ears, listening eyes and give nods o f encouragement. I know that these spaces exist but, unfortunately, are glaringly absent from classrooms. The politics and hierarchy embedded in academia do not promote safe spheres for open expression.

These facts culminate in an intense aversion to participation grades. In fact, I am personally and philosophically opposed to them.

Why should I offer part o f myself to a group that is unresponsive and indifferent? Why should I orally bare my soul when apathy is immi­ nent?

My choice to resist participa­ tion pressure is not a self-esteem issue. I do not fear that my opin­ ions are less intelligent or less coherent than those o f my peers. I am not afraid to speak my mind. I prefer to save myself, my words, my verbal contribution for those who care.

Coerced comments are often meaningless. They serve solely to fulfdl a talking requirement.

Usually, these comments do not

convey what the speaker intends.

Instead they form an amalgama­ tion o f mismatched ideas grabbed on a whim. W ith more time, these snippets could likely form a coher­ ent package, yet, unfortunately, time is money and there are no sec­ onds to spare.

Intelligent conversation is pos­ sible and desirable. Thoughtful questions and rational observations do exist and can arise in the class­ room context. Evolution has not rendered us vacuous beings with nothing to say. The problem is that while there are countless ground­ breaking views out there, mode o f expression matters.

Why should I be forced to speak my ideas? Is it useful to make some comment, any comment, merely to satisfy a prerequisite?

Participation grades praise heedlessness and thoughdessness. I refuse to say something merely for the sake o f say­ ing it. I refuse to say something simply to fill the silence. Isn’t integrity compromised somewhere along the line when audi­ ble words are objectified as a means to a better grade?

Words are not intrin­ sically valuable. Words without substance are meaningless. Words with­ out meaning are gibber­ ish. Words are not equiva­ lent to thoughts.

Intelligence is not synony­ mous with oral participa­ tion. When did we come to believe that the ability to speak aloud, regardless o f the content o f the words spoken, is inherent­ ly worthwhile?

I do not endorse cen­ sorship. Long live free­

dom o f speech. Those who wish to speak, please do so. But those who choose not to and those who choose to express themselves through alternative media should not feel obligated to adjust their chosen voice. I should not be penalized for being the strong, yet verbally silent type.

Failure to participate does not necessarily verify slackers or daydreamers. Participatory abstinence can simply demonstrate thought­ ful, attentive listening. And what good is talking without listeners?

I’ve been told that forced par­ ticipation is in my best interests.

This frustrates me to the end o f the eartâh. As a child, I repeatedly told my mother that she was not the boss o f me. At the time, the state­ ment was false. Clearly, she was the boss o f me. Now that I am an adult, I am my own boss and my

best interests are my decision.

Those who disagree are mistaken.

Thus, I am angered and unsatisfied by the 10 per cent o f my final grade reserved for coerced com­ mentary grounded in my "best interests”.

The omission o f a participa­ tion grade will not prevent those who wish to contribute from doing so. People who enjoy vocalizing their views in class will not be impeded by a lack o f reward. An omission would permit listeners to listen without penalty.

W hile participation grades discriminate against introverts, large grade allocations for research

papers are unfair to extroverts. A grading system that incorporates various components is an attempt to accommodate all types o f peo­ ple. However, it is possible to design courses that allow students to choose their preferred instru­ ment o f expression. This would create an opportunity for individu­ als to develop their own talents.

Those who wish to write may do so; those who choose to speak may do so as well. The potential exists to satisfy everyone. This need not exist in my dream world alone.

The mantra for the week is: the medium makes the message.

A T T E N T IO N : F O R E IG N S T U D E N T S A PPLY TO B E C O M E A P E R M A N E N T C A N A D IA N R E S ID E N T T O D A Y !

A re y o u h e re o n a s tu d e n t v is a ?

D o y o u w ish to tra n s fo rm y o u r s ta tu s to P e rm a n e n t C a n a d ia n R e s id e n t ?

W h a te v e r y o u r s it u a t io n , o u r im m ig r a tio n p ro fe s s io n a ls ca n h e lp .

C a ll to d a y fo r a F R E E a n d C O N F I D E N T I A L c o n s u lta tio n .

5 1 4 7 3 3 -2 5 5 2 Permanent Residency - Family Sponsorship - Investors - Citizenship Visitor's Visa - Student Visa - Work Permit - Care-giver Program - Refugees T h e C a n a d ia n Im m ig ra tio n C o u n cil 4 0 0 S t. J a c q u e s S tre e t W e s t, S u ite 3 0 0 M o n tr e a l, Q u e b e c , H 2 Y 1 S 1 w w w .im m ig r a tio n c o u n c il.c o m

Features

T h e M c G ill T r ib u n e , T u e s d a y , F e b ru a ry 19 , 2 0 0 2

More than just Band-Aid solutions H e a lth ca re c o n fe re n c e a im s to re -e x a m in e th e M e d ic a re "b a s k e t'■rr Panthea Lee The McGill Institute for the Study o f Canadas annual confer­ ence this year, entitled “Diagnostics and Solutions: Building Consensus for a Health Care Reform in Canada,” gathered over 90 politi­ cians, academics, policy analysts and activists this past weekend at the Renaissance Hotel.

The conference aimed to edu­ cate the public on the issue o f health care reform by facilitating discussion and debate regarding the funding, governance and delivery o f the Canadian health care system from a broad array o f authorities. It proved to be a hot topic in light o f the imminent transformation that is expected to follow the Romanow report.

Roy Romanow, former pre­ mier o f Saskatchewan and chair­ man o f the Royal Commission on the Future o f Health Care in Canada, is heading an investigation into the troubled Canadian health care system, one deemed long over­ due by many in the field, including the Canadian Medical Association. “[Canadians] face a faltering health care system, characterized by no long-term vision or systematic plan,” it said in October o f last year. “There is a lack o f common purpose among the stakeholders, waning public confidence and extremely low provider morale. If we do not act immediately to address these key areas, we will very soon lose the underpinnings o f social support for the publicly funded health care system [...] A re­ examination o f the Medicare ‘bas­ ket’ is overdue.”

The report is anticipated for a November release.

Romanow gave a special address at the conference, empha­ sizing his desire for national input as he placed the onus on citizens to define the direction o f reform. He described the redefinition o f national standards and objectives as imperative at this stage in the evo­ lution o f the country’s health care reforms.

Romanow’s platform was sup­ ported by many, including Dr. Paul Leduc Browne o f the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

“I would say reforming the health care system doesn’t necessar­ ily come from above, but in build­ ing democratic processes from below,” he said.

Nationwide hearings begin­ ning next month will be the pub­ lic’s opportunity to be heard.

Romanow also stressed his desire to repress disunity, a fear that emanated as the possibility o f each province taking a separate route

and the notion o f a “ten-tiered health care system” presented itself.

The ten-tiered system would shatter the pride Canadians share in their health system, and would lead to the eventual geographic

I love health care. Really.

division o f citizens based on ability to pay, he claimed. Provincial gov­ ernments have been scrambling for individual solutions amidst strikes by nurses and other health providers and growing voter dis­ content.

Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan, also commented on change implementation.

“I would prefer if the

solutions.

Despite the speakers’ disagree­ ments, the common goal o f build­ ing consensus amongst the public was evident. There was great stress on the importance o f the making an informed collective decision on the direction health care is to pro­ ceed in. Similar factors o f determi­ nation were repeatedly mentioned, each speaker weighted them differ­ ently.

There was emphasis on the quality o f transparency being vital to a successful system, as public scrutiny would be the most effec­ tive regulation. Accountability was another vital component suggested and the question o f who would be held responsible. Accessibility for all, a boast o f the present system, was deemed indispensable by many; but questions were raised as to the standard o f care that would be given to those o f lower incomes should privatisation become increasingly integrated.

There was unanimous support for the new system to be evidencebased and for a system that provid­ ed sustainability. The two criteria topped lists o f concerns for most organisations, including the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Healthcare Association, and Merck-Frosst Canada.

Other problem areas addressed

health spending as frivolous and excessive.

“Years o f budget cuts have jeopardised public funding; maybe it’s tax cuts that should be reviewed.”

M inister Hansen, speaking after Sholzbegr-Gray, expressed a contrary opinion.

“Increases in the health budget are not sustainable, and have result­ ed in timely access not to all, but to

none,” referring to the increases in funding seen in the 1980’s.

Between 1980 and 1990, national spending on health nearly tripled— causing a backlash in the 9 0 ’s, forcing governments to cut newly approved increases as they realised their budgets could not accommodate them.

Still impending privatization was recognized as inevitability by most speakers, and debate shifted to how private-public partnerships

There was em phasis on the quality of tra n s­ parency being vital to a successful system ... provinces waited until Mr. Romanow delivers his report,” she said in hopes o f discouraging hasty decisions that may be made under pressure.

In the past, the Canadian health care model had been praised as a fine mix o f universal coverage and affordability, but it has come under recent attack mainly for dis­ tortion in the quality o f care due to a lack o f resources. British Columbia Minister o f Health Colin Hansen noted the impedi­ ment to public health was no longer science, as it has been histor­ ically, but rather society’s ability to pay. ^ “The status quo is not a choice,” he gravely stated.

The wide-variety o f issues up for consideration were well repre­ sented, giving attendants a compre­ hensive overview o f factors compet­ ing for the nation’s attention. The questions being asked repeatedly however, were how the system is to be sustained, to what standard, and who will be paying for it. The logis­ tics were discussed tirelessly, each speaker with their own proposal for

were the issues o f the lack o f cul­ turally appropriate health care and social systems for the aboriginal community and the retention and recruitment o f health care profes­ sionals in Canada.

Dr. Je ff Poston, Executive Director of the Canadian Pharmacists Association, sympa­ thised with citizens’ apprehension that nothing constructive would result from the Romanow report.

“Government officials must consult with providers, must con­ sult with Canadians, but above all, they must act.”

Dr. Henry Haddad, President of the Canadian Medical Association, called upon the federal government to establish a task force that would develop tax-based mechanisms to better harmonize tax policy and health policy.

Sharon Sholzberg-Gray, famed as SSM U ’s first female president in 1965, was also in attendance repre­ senting her organization, the Canadian Healthcare Association.

She blamed an inadequate health budget for the problems faced today and condemned notions o f

were to operate.

Panelists continually charac­ terised privatization as inescapable, if the health care system is to be preserved. They reasoned the gov­ ernment is simply unable to sustain the system single-handedly.

Advocates urged the audience to bear in mind that the private sector is comprised o f non-profit organi­ zations such as charities, founda­ tions and research agencies in addi-

tion to for-profit corporations and insurance companies.

The pros and cons o f both sides were raised, and the govern­ ment was praised for their subsidy programs from province to province and from higher income brackets to lower ones, a backbone o f the universal aspect o f present Canadian health care. Many experts argued for privatisation in areas such as research and routine procedures.

“Private delivery may be use­ ful for high volume, highly repeti­ tive procedures when labour costs can shed in favour o f reliable tech­ nology,” argued Dr. Terrence Sullivan o f Cancer Care Ontario.

He went on to describe the juxtaposition o f provision as “pri­ vate innovations for public general­ isations.”

Public resistance to privatisa­ tion was represented at the confer­ ence, with attendees berating pan­ ellists during question periods. One woman accused the private corpo­ rations o f using “Machiavellian techniques” to rally public support, calling the system a farce. Business’ ultimate goal o f profit-maximisa­ tion was seen as a threat to health care by many.

Kieke Okma, a professor at Queen’s School o f Policy Studies, urged the public to view the issue objectively and select the optimal solution, based on collective goals, and discard our preconceptions about either method.

“We need to avoid romanti­ cism o f privatisation or non-pri­ vatisation. There’s reason not to look at systems as how they’ve always been.”

Private-public partnerships, labelled the “idea o f the decade” by Ontario Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, were discussed extensively.

Concerns raised centred on the question o f whether competition rather than partnership would become the reality.

“It allows cash strapped govPlease see CONFERENCE, page 10

I am so poor now Lack o f im agination Feel the fire in me

W h y did she sw allow th at fly, she knew she m ight die Still I d o n 't know w hy

The M o n d a y d u

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

G id d y -u p ...

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The Year of the Horse, 2002, is symbolized by two elements: water and fire.- In the Hsia calender, this year is characterized by water sitting on top o f fire.

According to the cycle of birth and destruction, which governs the inter-rela­ tionship between elements, water destroys fire. Therefore, fire sitting under­ neath its destroyer, water, is a symbol of disharmony and conflict. This may be serious and will lead to war.

—Feng Shui News And for those o f you who were born in the year o f the horse, this will be a bad year, accord­ ing to astrologychinese.cjb.net/. Money will be attained and lost easily, and much conflict may ensue— be alert!

S c e n e s f r o m C h i n e s e N e w Y e a r c e l e b r a t i o n in C h i n a T o w n .

Photos by A nna Czolpinski

Features 9

10 Features

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

Kick up your h eels and dance, free W hat started o ff as an idea back in September, has today become a reality far surpassing any­ one’s expectations.

It is called lnrer-D eep-inDanee, and according to the group’s C oordinator Elianna Moquette, the group is "for every­ one who likes to move.”

T h e collective, as it is fondly referred to, integrates such arts as photography and painting by using dancers as a sort o f inspiration. An accom plishm ent realized mostly through the intense use o f film.

There arc three main perspec­ tives to the group.

The first is Free Dance. These are,weekly events, held either at a studio or outdoors, where people can make use of each other’s ideas and energy to help achieve either

personal or collective goals. Here, it is all about exploring dance in a free environment.

Next is the use o f workshops.

In this setting, participants are encouraged to work collectively to attain goals. They are prepared by those with common ideas o f what types o f interests, goals and dreams can be fulfilled by the use of dance.

Special Projects is the last aspect of the group. If there is an event you would like to plan or fundraise for or even a piece o f cho­ reography you have always wanted to see come to life, here's your chance. Ail members have an equal chance to initiate a project o f their own.

In its short life, Inter-Deep has seen many dance jams, fire spin­ ning and has organized a day

L iv e a n d L e a r n Ja p a n e s e !

around Christmas for kids to make toys for other children.

To com e is a fundraiser/ dance-o-thon for Santropoie Roulant, a work for the international Festival for Humanity and lots more.

To fin d out more or to a d d your name to the list-serve, e-m ail Moquette a t inter_deep_in_dance @hotmail. cum.

-Elissa Marcus

C o n fe re n c e a im e d to e d u c a te continued from PAGE 8 ernments to get private capital to develop projects,” said Leduc on privatisation.

Following a pause he added, “but [privatisation] also allows private capital to get public money” to a round o f applause.

Leduc also raised the question o f whether the 3 P’s o f private-pub­ lic partnership would manifest into a dispute o f power, profit, and priv­ ilege.

A diverse range o f opinions were expressed regarding the root o f the problem and the optimal solution for Canada’s ailing health

care system. There was a pervasive feeling o f the need for the consen-

I 0 \À

mind o f ome cofusion.

“T h e conference helped me

The Waseda Oregon Programs take North American and international students to the prestigious Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan for academic programs of Japanese language1and comparative US-Japan Societies study: • Waseda Oregon Summer Japanese Program July 10 - August 20, 2002 • Waseda Oregon Transnational Program January 15 - June 27, 2003 Scholarships of up to $1000 are available for the Transnational Program.

For more informatipn, contact: W a s e d a O r e g o n O ffic e

Portland State University (800) 823-7938 www.wasedaoregon.org email:info@wasedaoregon.org

Photo: At Thursday’s council meet­ ing, SSMU President Jeremy Farrell presents the SSMU general manager, Guy Brisebois with a gift for10 years of loyal service to this institution.

mented that it helped clear her

Judith F itzg erald gets th e m essage in M cL u h an bio Christine Dobby Turns out that the man behind the message was at least as interest­ ing and complicated as what he had to say.

Judith Fitzgerald’s M arshall McLuhan: Wise Guy (2001) helps bring the impressive figure to life.

Her book is number 14 in a series o f Canadian Biographies published

by T h e Q uest Library and is plugged as “a lively way to read Canadian history.” Perhaps this book was targeted specifically at M cGill history students because the image o f McLuhan on the cover bears an amazing similarity to our own media man, Professor Desmond Morton.

His resemblance to other Canadian academics aside, McLuhan was a pioneer in the field o f communications and media the­ ory. Among many other books, M cLuhan wrote The Gutenberg

Galaxy; Understanding M edia: The Extensions ofMan\ and The Medium is the Message. He spent most o f his life teaching in Canada— Fitzgerald writes that he had a love-hate rela­ tionship with the country— but ‘M cLuhan’ became a household name by the 1960s. Undoubtedly, he was an internationally recog­ nized, if not an always respected, intellectual.

Wise Guy provides a sketch o f and “culture is our business”, essen­ tially writing the rules o f the new McLuhan’s life from his birth in discipline. He wrote articles or pro­ Edm onton in 1911 to his death in vided interviews for glossy Toronto in 1980. McLuhan attend­ ed the University o f M anitoba and Am erican magazines including received his P h .D from Cambridge University. Not bad for an Oxford reject due to his insistence to the admis­ sions agent that com ic strips really are worthy o f academic study.

McLuhan taught at col­ leges in St. Louis, Missouri and Windsor, Ontario before accepting a jo b at the University o f Toronto’s St. M ike’s College. He spent most o f his life teaching in Toronto, where he founded the Centre for Culture and Technology.

Along the way, the deeply religious and clean­ living McLuhan converted to Catholicism. His mother was horrified, and insisted that he would never climb the aca­ demic ladder i f it got out that he was Catholic.

But McLuhan was not ju st an intellectual; he became a veritable pop icon, a product o f the very massproduced culture he spent his life critiquing and analyzing.

He coined phrases such as “the medium is the message” The finest com bover in history

Vogue, The Saturday Evening Post and Playboy. He even had a small role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, playing none other than: Marshall McLuhan.

Throughout the biography, Fitzgerald has interwoven fictionalized conversations using lan­ guage intended to evoke the personality o f the man himself. In several imagined exchanges, McLuhan’s witty, punfilled and funny style o f speaking is reproduced.

Fitzgerald succeeds in painting McLuhan as a proud, ambitious, loving and humourous person.

T h e detailed depic­ tion o f McLuhan’s med­ ical problems, including undergoing brain sur­ gery and suffering two strokes, is moving. In his last year o f life, a second stroke took away his ability to speak— a bitter irony for McLuhan, who spent most o f his life conversing non-stop.

Fitzgerald delicately describes the way this undermined the very essence o f a man com ­ mitted to com munica­ tion.

I f what you’re looking for is a C liff’s Notes summary of McLuhan’s many publications, then this book is not for you. Fitzgerald provides only brief descriptions o f his work and thinking. She often starts to look at his ideas but stops short o f fully exploring any. This is probably because the book aims to provide a “narrative history in the form o f a biographical story,” according to the book’s publisher.

Also frustrating can be Fitzgerald’s already mentioned ten­ dency to intersperse actual quota­ tions with made up McLuhanicalstyle conversations. At times her writing is so fluid it is like a streamof-consciousness journal entry and tends to confuse the reader. It is hard to know what McLuhan him­ self said and what Fitzgerald imag­ ined him saying. O f course, this may be an attempt to imitate and honour the thought process o f the media pundit himself.

Apart from this minor confu­ sion, Wise Guy is a readable intro­ duction to the life o f Marshall McLuhan. T h e reader gets to know his ambitions, desires, influences, and personality. O ne is even forgiv­ ing o f his troubling opposition to birth control, feminism, homosexu­ ality, sex education, and non-white immigration. Yikes! Marshall sure was a product o f his time; at least he was an interesting one.

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

Features 11

False Faces, True Hearts Daniel Isaak E p iso d e 6 “ B e n ja m in : In D e p th ” [Last week, M ichael tossed out the love-hook to Michelle— an d she nearly took the bait. However; her obsession with Professor Roberts proved too great an obstacle to over­ come: an obsession that Benjamin has gotten wind of. What will Benjamin do with this new information?]

Next Monday after the party: Benjamin drives his beat-up mid-80's blue pick-up truck to the fron t o f his parent's house in the industrial and poor north part o f the city— a good forty minute drive from Gordon University He parks on the street in front o f the close-knit an d claustro­ phobic houses. Slamming shut the door, he slings his backpack over his shoulder an d makes his way to the entrance. He hesitates in front o f the door, as i f reluctant to enter his house; then, with a curt sigh, he takes out his keys an d unlocks it. Entering, he stomps the snow o f f his boots an d sur­ veys the room.

BENJAM IN (calling out)-.

Dad? Hey, old man!— You here or what?

H e listens to the silence o f the small house. Suddenly, he hears a small groan coming from the bath­ room. He quickly walks over to the bathroom an d eases open the door.

BENJAM IN: Dad? Oh— for chrissakes! Drunk again! I thought you promised you’d stop!

Benjamins father, BILL, lies with his back propped against the white bathtub in the small bathroom, wearing worn dirty jeans, a work shirt, an d a three-day stubble. B ill’s head is slumped against his chest with a bottle o f alcohol still clasped tightly in his work-roughed hand. At the sound o f his son’s loud voice, his head twitches upwards.

BILL (almost incoherent): W ha...? Watch— ycr goddamn... language! I didn’t...raise my boy to fuckin cuss! And...ain’tcha sup­ posed to be...in school?

BENJAM IN (kneeling down next to him): No, Dad— I m done for the day.. .as if you care. What’re you doing here? Why aren’t you at work?

BILL (mumbling): Bastards... put all us day-workers on half-time shift...Way they’re scalin back an’ cuttin jobs...be lucky to have a job in three months, I tell ya...Bastards!

You a smart boy, Benjy...

Bill, with a pregnant flash o f envy an d hatred in his eyes, gazes glassily at Benjamin.

BILL:...Yeah...you a smart boy, Benjy...got yer mother’s brains...smart like Einstein...an I know... no place for regular Einsteins in no hog plant... yeah...you gonna set the goddamn world on fire, boy...better than yer old man...

B ill trails off, an d his head slow­ ly descends back onto his chest.

Benjamin looks at his fa th er’s rolling head with a tormented mixture o f sympathy an d disgust. He gently withdraws the bottle from his fa th er’s clutch, stands up, an d with another

measuring look, exits the bathroom.

H e goes to the sink an d without hesi­ tation empties the bottle’s contents.

BENJAM IN (murmuring to himself): 1 thought you promised me that you’d quit drinking, Dad— but you promise all the time, don’t you...? You promised Mom, until she couldn’t take it anymore...the yelling, the fights, the crying, the lies...and she left, taking Brian and Caitlin with her, cause they were the youngest...and left me! “Take care o f him, Benjamin, I’m begging you,” she said...and— this is the funny part— I promised her...and kept it! Now L..Lm still keeping it, Dad— but I fucking hate the way it’s keeping me— keeping me in this prison o f promise!

Benjamin leans on the sink fo r a long time, thinking.

Then, an ephemeral image o f Michelle crosses

th e d a y , a fte r th e d a y , a f t e r

ment...

Benjamin goes to the mirror over his dresser an d looks at his reflection, his dark eyes peering intently through his long brown shaggy hair. He smiles a slow smile.

BENJAMIN (aloud): So, first thing: Sara must know something

about Michelle and her little object o f affection— I’ll cozy up to Sara and...pump her for information.

And as for the ‘research assign­ ment,’ I can think o f the title for it right now: “Professor Timothy Roberts: The In-Depth, Very Invasive, Leave-No-Stones-

“ *■elec mc|///

Uncovered Tell-All Biography...’

[How w ill Benjamins Machiavellian plans proceed? Vote at www.mcgilltribune.com . Next week: fin ally the penultim ate moment— Michelle alone with the Professor! ]

R e fe re n d a

T h e f o l l o w in g r e f e r e n d u m q u e s t i o n s h a l l b e p l a c e d ON THE BALLOT FOR THE W IN T E R ELECTION PERIOD ON

MARCH 8 (ADVANCED POLLS,) 11,12, 13, 2002 W h ereas plans exist for the improvement of the (William Shatner) University Centre and the fee herein proposed will allow for the completion of these plans; W h ereas the Students’ Society has supported the development of Athletics facilities for the past ten years and the fee herein proposed will allow of the completion of the final phase of this project; W h ereas the University and its Alumni donors have committed to match the portion of the fee herein proposed dedicated to Athletics facilities; W h ereas the Students’ Society currently collects $30 in fees per semester per student for the purpose of making capital improvements to Athletics facilities and the construction of the William Mary Brown Student Services Building;

his mind, an d the barest etches o f a smile, like a small candle in a grand black hall, alights his face. He goes to his room, slams shut the door, falls back on his bed with his arms behind his head, an d closes his eyes...

BENJAM IN (day-dreaming): Yeah...nothin goes wrong with you, Michelle...nothin at all...

Benjamin drifts away into his thoughts. Images an d memories flash randomly in his mind: Michelle in class, her glowing blonde head tied back in a pony-tail, revealing the del­ icate nape o f her neck; Michelle, her head thrown back in easy an d carefree laughter as she pushes up her glasses; Michelle, walking down the hallway, wearing a small smile with her head slightly bowed, thinking mysterious an d unknown thoughts, her books held in her perfect hands before her chest. A nd then...M ichelle at the party, about to kiss M ichael on the lips; M ichael’s words, his lips form ing the nam e o f Professor Roberts; Michelle, jumping away upon hear­ ing his name, shaking her head; Michelle, running past Benjamin, an d both o f them exchanging a glance; Benjamin, a t that instant, knowing... knowing...

BENJAMIN (opening his eyes): Michelle is in love with Professor Roberts... (A little harder) Michelle is in love with Professor Roberts!

But...at least...not with Michael...

Benjamin sits up in bed and pulls up his knees to his chest, deep in thought.

BENJAM IN (thinking vigor­ ously): I gotta do two things: first, find out to what extent is her little school-girl crush' on our good Professor... Second: who is Professor Roberts anyway? How come no one seems to know any­ thing about him— as if he just appeared out o f thin air? I think it’s time I did...a little research assign-

W h ereas these fees will no longer be collected and as such the net result of the proposed resolution would be to lower student fees by $5; Do you ag ree th at th e S tu d e n ts ’ S o ciety of M cG ill U n iversity collect a capital Im p ro vem ent Fee of $25 per sem ester per stu d en t fo r a span of 5 years, $10 of w hich w ill be used fo r A th letics and $15 of w hich w ill be used fo r th e (W illiam S h atn er) U n iversity Centre?

Yes [

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C o n sid éran t que des plans existent pour l’amélioration du Centre Universitaire (William Shatner) et que les frais ci-après proposés permettront l’achèvement de ces plans; C o n sid éran t que l’Association étudiante a soutenu le développement de installations sportives au cours des dix dernières années et que les frais ci-après proposés permettront de compléter la dernière phase de ce projet; C o nsidérant que l’Université et les anciens étudiants, aujourd’hui doneurs, se sont engagés à égaler la portion consacrée aux installations sportives des frais ci-après proposés; C o n sid éran t q ue l’Association étudiante perçoit présentement 30$ en frais par semestre par étudiant dans le but d’améliorer les immobilisations sportives et de construire le pavillion William and Mary Brown; C o n sid éran t que ces frais ne seront plus perçus en tant que tel, la résolution proposée entraînerait une réduction de 5$ des frais des étudiants.

A c cep tez-vo u s que l’A sso ciatio n étu d ian te de l’u n iversité M cG ill p erço ive des frais d ’am élio ratio n des im m ob ilisations, de 25$ par sem estre par étu d ian t sur une durée de 5 ans, dont 10$ iront au d év elo p p em en t des installatio ns spo rtives et 15$ iront au C entre U n iversitaire (W illiam S h atn er)?

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February

19, 2 0 0 2

M e e t R o b in B la c k (a n d h is in te rg a la c tic p o s s e ) Leah K. Nchama Considering the insincerity fer­ ried into the music industry by cramp-inducing pop groups and 35 year old nu-metalheads bemoaning teen angst, it is ironic that a quintet o f extra-terrestrial fashionistas in pearl make-up and juggernaut plat­ forms is the most genuine and frank band to grace our airwaves.

R obin Black and the Intergalactic Rockstars launch their debut P lan et F am e LP (Sextant Records) this week, shedding glit­ ter-refracted light onto the dim Canadian music scene. T he Tribune spoke with the undisputed King o f Queen Street West to deliberate worldwide domination.

other show and to make it undeni­ able that this is a heavyweight rock n’ roll band. T h at’s what we do every night. Part o f the reason peo­ ple know rrje is because I say things that people think and are afraid to say. T h at’s a really rare thing these days. I f I think music in Canada is bad or that fans aren’t getting the music they want to hear, I ’ll say those things and most people would be afraid to. But I like to think that the main reason our band is known is because

they’ve seen our live show and know how good it is. T h e record is a strong rock n’ roll record full o f songs that we worked to build and that are going to matter to people. I think we’re going to double and triple the amount o f fans we have.

T R IB : People who have heard the music become fans because you are very solid music writers. But does the emphasis on image bother you? It might take some focus away from the music if you’re just look­ ing at the band on a

T R IB : S tar-S h ap ed S in gle (2 0 0 0 , Teenage USA) was released a while ago. W hat was happening between the first single and the LP? Robin F. Black: A band can make a record in a month if that’s all they focus on. We spent a couple o f years being a real band, touring and entertaining new fans. We fit in time between to make a record.

Also, we wanted to make a debut record that would stand up years from now as a record we’re really proud o f and that would stand out as our live shows do. We took the time to make sure it was going to be special.

T R IB : In that amount o f time, you’ve become a national icon.

How did you build such notoriety without having an album out?

R FB : T h e real focus is the live show; to constantly be playing shows that stand out from every

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superficial level. in stadiums. Big success with real R FB : It does, but there’s noth­ people is important. I wouldn’t ing we can do because o f the type o f mind travelling in jets, drinking shows we put on with pyro and five expensive champagne, and having guys going crazy and challenging even more beautiful women after the audience. People are going to us, things everyone in a band secret­ look for a flaw and the automatic ly wants, but nobody has the balls thing to think o f is, how could any to say it anymore since Kurt band be this good at performing C obain. Every kid in every and be actually good songwriters as mediocre rock band in Montreal well? T hat’s another reason we took used to bounce on his bed playing a our tim e to build this record tennis racket and pretending he was because we know people will want in a stadium full o f people. Now to find a hole in the armour o f what when you interview them, so many makes this band great. O n this o f them say, “It’s about the music. record, there’s not one weak point We’re just regular guys.” They’re and there’s no filler. A lot o f bands just saying that because they’ve can make a record that has one been taught to. We say we’d make good song. We have 13 songs that perfect superstars and good rolethe fans we have love and that new models for people to have a good fans are going to love. It is a diffi­ time. T h at’s not a popular way to cult thing to stand out in a concert talk, but that’s the truth. setting or because o f our image. It’s T R IB : To step back for a a difficult thing to make a record minute, in 1997-98, there was a that, when you take away the sweet­ renewed interest in glam. looking cats with make-up on, still R FB : “Velvet Goldmine”... stands out on its own. But I know T R IB : . . . “Hedwig,” New York we’ve done that.

Dolls shirts on the runway, which T R IB : You put a lot o f thought pissed me o ff to no en d ... into this record because you want it R FB: (Laughs.) I know. to completely bash what else is T R IB : Did you say, “I ’ve been going on, but look at the market doing that for years, you poseurs,” you’re putting it into. In ‘70s and or, “It’s great to have people walking ‘80s culture, especially music, there down the street wearing platforms.” was excess and hedonism. It was R FB : Both. I ’m sceptical when lively and more exciting. Now, it is a person sees a guy dressed the way ‘anti-excess’ and there’s little-to-no I dress, wearing make-up, studded creativity in what’s popular. I f you things, and feathers, and makes fun add the term ‘Canadian’ to that o f him. Then a year later, he’s wear­ mix, it looks pretty bleak. ing a New York Dolls shirt, tight R FB : But when you’ve been jeans, and eyeliner. I’m sceptical force-feeding people som ething and offended, but people can be that isn’t what they want and some­ sheep and fashion is fleeting. thing comes along that is, that gives Having a glam mentality and being you the opportunity to explode. obsessed with rock and roll is a way T h e fact that there’s nobody out o f life for the band. I think that’s there remotely like us is a bad thing why people have been receptive: it’s and a good thing. Take Nickleback, obvious that we’re real. T h e way we Sum 41, and Nelly Furtado: the dress, act, and perform is who we three Canadian monsters. We don’t are. We’re fortunate to be able to be have anything in com m on with ourselves and not only is it okay, them, except that we stand out in but it seems to be good for what what we do. Hedonistic, excessive we’ve decided to do with our lives, rock music is always needed. A con­ which is make music. People might cert like the one we put on allows not get to be themselves every day you to step outside everyday life. because people discourage them, W hen you’re at our show until 2:30 but we get to be ourselves and I in the morning, you can drink too think that’s why people like us. much, flirt with people you’ve never W ith the songs on the record, we had the confidence to, dance when worked on them and by the time we you’d normally not, and lose your finished, they weren’t over-thought. mind. That type o f thing is always There’s a real-ness to them that only needed and we’re the ones who do it comes from a real rock band. best.

T R IB : Since you’re renowned T R IB : You were speaking o f in North America, would you con­ your Canadian counterparts. sider trying to break the UK? Would you like to be on the same R FB : Ambition is a big part o f level as Nelly Furtado? Is that the the band. The desire to conquer kind o f recognition you want? with our music and to keep getting R F B : T h e Canadian music more people into our army is industry is such shit, I couldn’t care important. We have every intention less what they think. I ’m looking o f making a huge im pact on for recognition from real people Canada, then from there, we’re who are turned on by our music either going to go to Europe and and our show. We’ve never kept it a Japan or to America. We’ll continue secret that we’d like to have millions to spread our word and maybe a bit o f fans, do thousands o f shows, and o f our seed. put on the kind o f monster rock show this band is capable o f doing

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

A&E 13

Project Projo—life and voyeurism digitized Ric Lam bo Displayed on the ground floor o f apartment block 3680 JeanMance, Projet (Project) Projo is the type of artwork that is impossible to understand. O f course, we all go to such exhibitions thinking that if we do our best we will understand something, but inevitably we fail.

Take, for instance, the opening installations in the gallery: A man with a half-painted red face sits under a flower behind another man wearing an airtight suit and a surgi­ cal mask. At the next installation a projector shines into a sandbox and shows flitting and shadowy images of a man and a woman having sex.

Meanwhile the frustrated voyeur is meant to tune into available head-

sets and listen to a D.H. Lawrencelike spiel about the role of man in lovemaking and the demon in women. There is also a lady stuck up a tree and a man swimming inside a crystal ball.

But this doesn’t mean that the art is a failure. The theme— the body as perceived through the eye of the camera— is mercilessly explored in its performances. In the first, the red-faced man and two women (one of them blindfolded) struggle and writhe amongst each other before a huge white screen. And, throughout this and all the other improvisations, the man in the airtight suit holds a portable camera filming and display­ ing the action on the screen that is already over crowded with a medley of background images.

Perceptions about being live

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T h r o u g h t h e C e s s p o o l o f M e d io c r it y t h a t is J o h n Q .

Chris Little Put simply, John Q. is a fea­ ture better suited to television than the big screen.

The premise o f the film— an examination of one particular evil o f the two-tiered American medical system, namely the uphill battle required to obtain treatment in the absence o f financial stability— is without a doubt promising, yet the way in which it is manhandled by almost all involved leaves a great deal to be desired.

In more capable hands, the story might have lent itself well to insightful socio-political commen­ tary and harrowing plot develop­ ment; however, as is the case with many a picture these days, maudlin

No O scar this tim e...only bodies

scriptwriting and uninspired directing ultimately bring this movie down to the level o f lowest common-denominator status.

Past Academy Award-winner and current Best Actor-nominee Denzel Washington stars in this Nick Cassavetes film as John Q. Archibald (the Q. stands for Quincy— how patriotic!), a bluecollar factory worker who also hap­ pens to be the quintessential family man. One day his young son Michael (played by newcomer Daniel E. Smith) passes out during a baseball game, and as it turns out, an emergency heart transplant is required in order to save his life.

What are the odds? From there

the story takes off in leaps and bounds.

With John’s insurance policy unable to cover the enor­ mous cost o f the surgery, and time and money running out, he is forced to rely on a drastic measure as the only possible method o f solv­ ing the crisis. Thus, John Q. gam­ bles desperately by barricading himself (as well as an unwitting group o f hostages) inside the emer­ gency room until his son’s name can be placed on the list o f poten­ tial donor recipients.

Cliches are to be found at every turn in this piece o f cinemat­ ic dreck. Heartstrings are tugged at as the hard-line hospital adminis­ trator (Anne Heche) reconsiders her policy stance, and further still as the show o f public support for John Q. converts the hostages into fierce defenders o f his actions and character. Also present are the req­ uisite smarmy reporter, insensitive police chief (Ray Liotta), over-thehill hostage negotiator (Robert Duvall), and unsympathetic head of the cardiac unit (James Woods).

Jointly, this combination o f actors and plot, while initially appealing on paper, is rendered ineffective on celluloid by virtue o f the lacklustre screenplay. Really, the predictable script is pasted together like it was destined to be a made-for-television movie.

Regardless o f the presence of such a colossal amount o f contrived emotion, there is one important nugget o f truth that should manage to make a minor impact on the viewer, if not during the course of the film then at least at its conclu­ sion. It is then, before the credits roll, that some alarming statistics are presented, including the procla­ mation that there are currently 48 million U.S. citizens without health insurance. Furthermore, the plot, although somewhat far­ fetched, foreshadows the type of action likely to occur in the not-sodistant future, should the medicare system continue to deteriorate at its present rate. This also has signifi­ cant ramifications for Canada, in light o f the attempt to implement an American-style system o f private medical insurance in the true north strong and free. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

flesh and blood in increasing digi­ tized times is what it says it’s all about on the invite. It certainly sounds bizarre enough. Can we do no more than just fall back on a nothing like: ‘Well, by shattering form and representation, it repre­ sents the turmoil of the outside world?”

Yes. Sitting in Centre du Parc and whiling away the minutes before the show, I was inspired as only a tabloid like the Mirror can inspire.

My eyes had (accidentally) alighted on a new type o f sex add: “FEMALES N EED ED .

Make $700US/Month with a spy cam in your bedroom. Voyeur website is currently looking for young attrac­ tive females 18+. Computer not required.” As you can see, the exhi­ bition, with its subliminal eroticism and invasive camera work, hits the live-flesh-and-digitized-times nail on the head.

Still, you may say, the type of voyeurism in the sex ad is solicited.

What does the exhibition say about the person without a spy cam and naughty neighbours? Well, in addi­ tion to the gallery there are two the­ atre pieces. In one o f them i I nisi nessman walks on set and sits at his desk. On his table there is a camera

that he didn’t even know what genre it goes under and just to sit back and enjoy its ‘aesthetic effect.’

Which brings me to my second point about Projo. Between the the­ atre and gallery there’s a lounge with a DJ and a bar. Far removed from the stiff and un-breathable air of gal­ leries, and under the dim lights and smoke from revolutionary-looking artists in black turtlenecks, it sud­ denly becomes cool to be at an art exhibition. Its informal atmosphere makes it easy to talk to the artists involved, like Paul Caskey, the man who organized the event along with Miriam Ginestier. in case you’re wondering, I learned from him that ‘Projo’ is French slang for projectors and pro­ jection. It also turns out that this is Projo %second year and it has in fact evolved from a number of smaller projects. Also that this is Projo’s sec­ ond year and how it’s really just evolved from many smaller projects.

Since it gets much of its support from the Canada Council and the community around which donated stuff (like the D J’s Vinyl), the exhi­ bition is free.

As all good voyeurism should be.

pointing up at him through which we see a grotesque image o f his dou­ ble-chinned face on a screen. For twenty minutes we watch him apply make-up; first the foundation, then powder and paint, then he pencils in his eyes and applies eye-liner, and then painstakingly snips his nose and ear hairs. It’s obviously a joke on the minuteness with which our lives are recorded and it made me think o f an article by a London journalist.

By collecting the film off supermar­ ket cameras, street cameras, security cameras, ATM cameras, and traffic cameras, he showed that he had spent less than an hour during one day without being under surveil­ lance. How much time you spend under the lens might be a question worth asking yourself.

But that’s not Projos job, and the exhibition doesn’t say whether it’s a good or bad thing (however ugly it may be); it simply turns life into art. And despite it’s unintelligi­ bility, judging by the applause and curtain calls, the audience responds to its idea. In the theatre, I sat next to someone who would be putting on an art exhibition soon and was looking at Projos ideas for inspira­ tion. As he was an artist I tried to pump him for ‘meaning;’ he said

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O N TH E BALLOT FOR TH E W IN T E R ELECTION P E R IO D O N

MARCH 8 (ADVANCED POLLS,) 11,12, 13,14, 2002 Whereas it is necessary to have a student governm ent on the McGill cam pus; Whereas the S S M U has been serving as such for over 9 0 years; Whereas there exists a Q u eb ec Act respecting the accreditation and financing of students’ associations;

Whereas the vast m ajority of cam pus-w ide undergraduate students’ societies in the Province of Q u e b e c are accredited;

Do you agree that the SSMU should become accredited as your legally recognized undergraduate student representative body, under the Quebec Act respecting the accreditation and financing of students’ asso ciatio ns?

Ves □

m

No □

Attendu qu’ il est nécessaire d ’avoir un gouvernem ent étudiant sur le cam pus de McGill;

Attendu que l’A É U M a servi com m e tel pour plus de 90 ans; Attendu qu’ il y ’a une loi au Q u éb ec sur l’accréditation et le financem ent des associations étudiantes;

Attendu que la grande m ajorité des associations étudiantes de cam pus de prem ier cycle au Q u é b e c sont accrédité;

Est-ce que vous acceptez que l’AÉUM demande son accréditation comme votre gouvernement étudiant de premier cycle, selon la loi au Québec sur l’accréditation et financement des associations étudiantes?

Oui Q Students ' Society

Non Q ]

M cG ill U niversity ("SSMU") Council has formed a "Yes" committee .

To FORM A "No" COMMITTEE, PLEASE PICK UP A "STUDENT-INITIATED REFERENDUM Committee Kit" from the SSMU M ain O ffice or the Elections W ebsite.

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14 A&E

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

The Capones s/t World Records/SOCAN The Capones are a local hardpop band made up of guitarist/vocalist Scott Mitchell, drummer Brian Smith, and bassist/vocalist Steve Creep. Their record is full o f catchy nonsensical catch-phrases, memorable and functional guitar riffs, thrumming chords and an upbeat tone that can’t be beat down. This triad fol­ lows the pop formula and grinds it into the ground. Which is not a bad thing; most bands could not construct a formulaic song if the equation was tattooed on their dirty wannabe-star-punk-shaved craniums. And that’s what I respect about the Capones: they under­ stand the value o f a well-structured song— and the happy gifts com­ mercialism can thence bring— And damn the free-music pundits and their rants about “self-expression” and “creativity.”

Although the vocals are mixed

too low so that one can only really hear the repeated refrains o f the songs (which is all that people remember anyway), this album is full o f applause-worthy songs, such as the mixture o f thrash and con­ templation in “Ester June” and the quasi-bossa nova punk-pop rhythms o f “If You Don’t Know Who You Are__ ” And well worth mentioning is the radio-friendly album opener “Inside Out,” chock full o f nonsensical-catch-phrase goodness; and the album ender “(Do You) Think You’re Alive,” where although the aforementioned too-low vocals dominate except for its oft-repeated eponymous motif, “Do you really think you’re alive?,” the song has caused me to question whether, indeed, I’m really alive— or at least to slap myself a little too hard just to make sure. Overall, a fairly strong and consistent album that could find a worthy place in your music collection.

-Eric Warwaruk

Various The Forcelab Edition - Composure M ixed by Algorythm Forcela/Fusion 3 Let’s play geography.

Algorythm (a.k.a. D J Jeff Milligan) is from small-town Ontario. He

grew up listening to techno in Detroit and throwing European minimal techno parties in Toronto.

Milligan, gaining prominence as one o f the best producers and DJs in the genre, moved to Montreal to become part o f the burgeoning minimal techno scene. Forcelab is a division o f Force Inc., a German minimal techno label that has just opened up an office here in Montreal. And those are the con­ nections.

Composure is compilation of 12”s that have been released on the Forcelab imprint, as well as a few unreleased tracks. Algorythm has mixed the tracks seamlessly into both a textured collage o f techno and perfect example o f complicat­ ed, technology-driven dance music.

Composed like a jigsaw puz­ zle— piece-by-piece, 300 sound loops from the label catalog were taken and remixed and decon­ structed. These new sound samples were arranged and layered into completely different tracks: at one point seven tracks are flawlessly integrated into one. The liner notes have a long list o f the expensive high-tech equipment used to make this album, so if you like organic sounds look somewhere else. But if you consider the turntable and computer instruments, the result is pleasing. It sounds like music your computer would make after it had a mind o f its own and took some psy­ chedelic drugs. Beeps, bleeps and heavy beats abound— some of it is catchy, some is obtuse— but all innovative.

Fans o f Richie Hawtin’s latest, D E 9 - Closer to the Edit will also like this album. The artists have similar techniques and visions, and their results are similar. And if min­ imal techno is your thing, make sure you check out the latest release from Force Inc., a compilation entitled Montreal Smoked Meat, a collection o f tracks from Montreal artists such as Algorythm, Mike Shannon, and Mateo Murphy.

-Scott Medvin

new record is called Mémoires o f Blake Savage. Am I the only one who finds that offensively ridicu­ lous? I guess it could be worse, he could have called it Mr. Lover Lover.

N O T W IST Neon Golden CD (City Slang, Germany) After a long delay (while pre­ sumably focusing on side-projects like Console), Munich, Germany’s Notwist return witha sad and beautiful 6th new album.

Somehow, this record threatens to be the one that makes them big earning them such comments as “Radiohead+Lali Puna+Notwist = the true axis o f evil.’”

The Production on Neon Golden sounds as new as the year, wrapping sad, tender melodies in churning guitars. Underneath subtle, dubby drum programming mixed with bass, strings and bleeps back the sparseness with a soft fall. Woodwinds and even banjo are thrown in for the occa­ sional up in texture. Marcus Acher’s lonely poems of train-rails and missed connections blend seamlessly with the empty tracks conjuring nostalgia o f travel and the dynamic emotional equilibri­ um with which it can be associated.

Neon Golden is a record with appeal for fans o f melodic pop as well as those seeking concentrated produc­ tion.

LOS CHECKMATES With Los Checkmates CD (Gear Fab) Gear Fab’s first venture into the vastly untapped bands o f South

America. Recorded in Mexico City in 1967, the band was actually comprised musicians from the US, Canada, Mexico and Holland. «„ These cover tunes (Beatles, Rolling Stones. Spencer Davis, ^ Turtles, Monkeys, etc) are done better than even some o f the orig­ inals. Each contains some greater touch o f orchestration and arrangement. Despite the foreign influences, the recording is perme­ ated with the Latin American ease o f infectious grooves. The result is a record that guarantees goosebumps: proven amazing songs done in a natural ‘good’ sounding way.

With a distinctive ‘garage edge,’ this largely unknown and UltraRare LP is not even listed in any record collector encyclopedias.

Fortunately this record also con­ tains somewhat decent English liner notes unlike most o f its coun­ terparts such as the Spanish Electro-Harmonix Los Shains, Los Saicos and Los Locos del Ritmo (which contained such awful/hilarious phrases as “The youngsters combo with a tremendous beat!”)

T H E DISH ES Girls Cant Play 7 ” (Glazed) Chicago girl punk rock earn­ ing comparisons to garage punk that sounds like the Slits and Stooges albeit slightly more updat­ ed. Being an all girl group has also encouraged the natural riot girl tendencies while other more angu­ lar and clean elements have been picked up along the way.

Emerging from an art ensemble overridden scene helped them gather substantial critical praise after the group put out their own LP on guitarist Kiki Yablon’s No. 89 label (which, by the way, has a killer cover o f the Urinal’s I’m a bug). Good solid rock and roll is always needed sometimes.

Wainwright is alright K it t y M a k

It’s obvious that Rufus Wainwright is good looking. A poster o f the man from his debut album days hangs in my dorm room and is often subject to ogling and exclamations o f “who is that sexy mofo?” by passerbys. O f course, the one-time Anna Sui run­ way model doesn’t rely on his attractiveness alone. Wainwright possesses an innate sense o f grandeur in the composition of his music, dramatic vocal phrasing, and very elaborate cabaret-style piano accompaniments. Enough to make anyone swoon.

While hoping in vain for that day when Rufus has a sudden real­ ization that he is straight, what bet­ ter reason than to check out his sold out homecoming show at the Spectrum, his first one since mov­ ing back to Montreal from New York City? Teddy Thompson, gui­ tarist and backing vocalist, opened the show. A Brit with a quick wit

and wry sense o f humour, Thompson’s music was a hybrid of Elliot Smith and Unbelievable Truth. He played a set with only his guitar, songs about wanting to be a star, regrets, leaving LA (reminis­ cent of the Rufus song “California”), and ‘Future Unknowns,’ a song dedicated to the Strokes. During his 45-minute set he joked with the audience about poutine and graciously declined an overzealous fans invitation to spend the night with him in St. Leonard.

Star material, alright.

Wainwright walked on to stage at a quarter after nine. He looked more like an emaciated Iggy Pop than the pre-New York poster boy he used to be. (Side note: The long hair has got to go!) Opening with “Grey Gardens,” he played a varied set with mostly songs from Poses, a riveting rendition o f ‘Across the Universe’ (including Rufus’ ‘mod­ est’ declaration o f “Well, you know, I think this song is going to be a hit, but you know, I hope it won’t”), as well as other movie soundtrack

songs (from Shrek and M oulin Rouge), and o f course, debut album favourites like ‘Beauty Mark,’ ‘April Fools’ and ‘Foolish Love.’ He was also joined on-stage by his sister Martha, who sang a solo on Rufus’ cover o f his father’s ‘One Man Guy.’ Rufus finished up the show with two encores, and should have ended with the perennial encore song ‘Little Sister.’ Instead, Rufus and Martha ended with a baffling duet. At first, it seemed as if Rufus was just joking around, trying to embarrass his sister by cutting her off and not playing the chords cor­ rectly. Several restarts later, it was becoming apparent that Rufus was inebriated, and had consumed too much beer. After messily finishing the song, the Wainwrights walked off the stage, leaving the audience somewhat distressed.

Still a great concert, but would have been a more successful home­ coming had it ended on a better note.

Valparaiso continued from PAGE 1

thought. Though multimedia may be fitting for a DeLillo play, and though the intense imagery project­ ed on stage was somewhat poignant, it still appeared forced and unneces­ sary. In a play as expressive as V alparaiso, the words speak for themselves.

Though it has its dark moments, Valparaiso is comedic. It is saturated with witty sarcasm and ridiculous ironies. A personal favourite line is Michael’s idea o f interviewing the uterus, to find ‘one o f [the] 10,000 uterine secrets.’

T h e play asks many unan­ swered questions. Most blatant is: do we know who we are? W hat hap­ pens to personal identity in the face o f a media-saturated culture?

DeLillo pushes us to look beyond the emotional outlets offered to us

Valparaiso, is that each character does not have a distinct voice. It is as if we are watching a conversation going on in DeLillo’s head, a com­ pulsive conversation in which scenes and images are repeated obsessively.

The talk show host is as droll as ear­ lier interviewers. The same combi­ nations o f words are spoken by a myriad o f characters. Since it does not exist in the actual text, it is the actor’s responsibility to create nuanced, distinguishable characters.

For Rachel Charlop Powers and James McMahon, this task is even harder because they play more than one character.

Powers and M cM ahon do this skillfully.

Unforgettable is McM ahon’s por­ trayal o f a documentary film­ maker, whose tight jeans were also unforgettable.

James W ilson plays Michael so freshly, so authenti­ cally, all the action seems to be taking place live. T h e zesty Amy Pagnotta plays Michael’s corky, ‘demonic’, wife Li via, and the stunning Greta Papageorgiu acts as the cheesy talk show host Delfina. Their performances were as entertain­ ing as Black, Wexler, Leventhal This is not as painful as it looks and Hegenbarth, the chorus members whose caricature perform­ by the media and seek, on our own ances (and diction) were impecca­ terms, the definition o f identity. In ble. the writer’s words, in Valparaiso “the T h e set, designed by Spike man is making the most modern Lyne, was very cool. Risers (levels o f journey possible, witnessed by mil­ all kinds) separated the space allow­ lions, into the secret places o f iden­ ing for dynamic blocking and tity and transcendence.” abstract imagery. My one criticism is For those o f you carrying out a with the multimedia, tacked on in similar search, which should be all the beginning and end o f the per­ o f you, this zany play will speak vol­ formance, seemingly as an after­ umes.

Holidays next week (woo-hoo!) so this covers the next couple o f weeks. Let’s see what we have...

February 27th Shaolin Monks @ M olson Centre: T he one-of-a-kind martial arts display returns to Montreal for the first time in ages. There are still some tickets left, so get them!

This has the potential to be amaz­ ing.

March 1-2 System o f a Down @ C E P SU M : Let us bow down and thank the concert gods for bringing System back upon us. I don’t think any­

Build on your degree with one of these dynamic, practical, post-graduate environmental programs to enhance your qualifications in today’s job market.

one could have predicted that this would be the most relevant band to break out in post-September 11th America, but that’s how it goes. Toxicity (their second record) IS as incredible as everyone says,

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and these shows should be too.

Ongoing L a Traviata @ Place des Arts: Still the most loved Opera o f all time, and for good reason. There are two more performances (Wednesday and Saturday) and you owe it to yourself to check it out if you have even a passing interest in Opera (see review, this page).

These two-semèster (eight-month) programs start in September

Valparaiso @ Moyse Hall: Four more chances (WednesdaySaturday, 8PM ) to see the DeLillo classic, so do it (review on Page

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La Traviata exam ines the love of a courtesan Jean M ath e w s France, circa 1840— Violetta Valery, famed Parisian courtesan, held a party last night to which were invited only the cream o f French society. Present were such famous faces as Baron D ouphol and Marquis d’Obigny, and also the notso-familiar-but-rather-shady face o f Alfredo G erm ont. D uring the course o f the night, the latter was seen many a time chasing after the much too highly prized Violetta, and the evening culm inated in Alfredo professing his undying love for her. Violetta for her part spoke o f the importance o f pleasure and freedom over love, in true courtesan colours. Then, what is to become o f this, our love story?

I f any o f this sounds familiar, it’s probably because you have watched the classic Pretty W oman, where the virtuous will-do-anything-but-kissing prostitute, played

by Julia Roberts, weeps during a production o f L a Traviata, perhaps empathizing with the Parisian cour­ tesan’s peripheral status in polite society.

Arguably Giuseppe Verdi’s most loved, frequently recorded and oft-performed opera, L a Traviata (derived from the Italian infinitive traviare— to lead astray) is Violetta, the wayward woman. The opera is based on the novel L a D am e au x

C am élias (Camille in English) by Alexandre Dumas, the illegitimate son o f the same-named author o f The C ount o f M onte Cristo and The Three M usketeers. Dumas, who was the object o f much harassment due to his socially unacceptable birth, is purported to have had an affair with a courtesan who died in her early 20s o f tuberculosis. His book, then, was an attack on the hypocrisy o f the bourgeois, who had once chosen to see him only as a bastard, and now (after fame and finances had come his way) criticized him for his anti-social cohorts with courtesans.

Dumas turned this novel (with heavy autobiographical shading) into a play, and a year after the play’s staging, Verdi adapted it for the opera, with its premier in Venice in 1853. Verdi’s attraction to the story stemmed from his love for soprano Giuseppina Strepponi, whom he kept as a mistress for more than a decade before marrying in 1859.

However, Verdi’s heroine Violetta was m uch more angelic than Dumas’ Cam ille, revealing his intentions for victimizing women who were known for their easy virtues.

Set in m id-19th century Paris, the story is that o f an affair between Violetta, a dying courtesan, and her devoted admirer Alfredo. In the first act, Violetta returns Alfredo’s songs o f love with an ode to the hedonis­ tic life o f the courtesan and the free­

dom and respect she is granted.

T his argument soon fades away, as the first scene in the second act sees Alfredo and Violetta mar­ ried and living in a country house near Paris. They have a brief period o f happiness, clouded by financial difficulties, which Violetta attempt to surmount by selling o ff their more luxurious possessions. Upon hearing this, Alfredo immediately takes offense, and leaves for Paris to set things straight.

Alfredo’s father Giorgio appears at the household just as his son had left, and pleads with Violetta to leave Alfredo for the sake o f the Germont family honor and specifi­ cally for the sake o f Alfredo’s sister whose wedding would be marred by the scandalous marriage to a courte­ san. Although Violetta tries to con­ vince Giorgio about the purity and intensity o f her love, Giorgio’s glori­ fication o f the sacrifice convinces V ioletta to renounce her lover.

Leaving Giorgio to comfort his son, Violetta writes a letter o f farewell to Alfredo.

Upon receiving this letter, Alfredo is enraged and follows Violetta to a party, where we find present Violetta and her current lover, the Baron. Poisoned by jeal­ ousy, Alfredo throws money at Violetta and announces that it is payment for her temporary marital services.

Act Three opens at Violetta’s

deathbed. W ith a few hours left to live, she reads a letter from Giorgio, who had finally told his son about Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo bursts into the room, but only in time for him to hold her dead body.

W ith many a page borrowed from Romeo and Juliet, it is surpris­ ing that Alfredo does not kill him­ self in the end, and the audience is left wondering about the dark ink in which love was depicted. This is perhaps a testimony to the tragedy that is inherent in the social status o f the courtesan, and the message seems to be that even true love can­ not break through the categoriza­ tions o f society.

A curious fact about L’Opera de M ontreal’s production o f L a Traviata is the absence o f a depend­ able time coordinate, that makes the viewer wonder about how long it took for Violetta to fall for Alfredo’s charms, and more importantly, how long it was before the two lovers were rejoined at the deathbed. This most conspicuous omission o f detail adds to the inevitability o f the tragedy and o f the message that fol­ lows— the wayward woman can never come back to acceptable soci­ ety and expect to lead a happy life.

In this heart-wrenching story, it must be remembered, lies some­ where hidden the very real cries o f Dumas and Verdi whose own lives reflect the tragedy that becomes o f those who stray.

After the success o f his first opera N abucco, Verdi released the LI Trovatore and L a Traviata within weeks o f each other. The centerpiece in the latter is Violetta. L’Opera de Montreal’s production had this role played by M cGill University gradu­ ate Gianna Corbisiero. Her finest singing and best musical moments came in the final act, in which “Addio del passato” and the death scene were paced intelligently and her tone was full.

Marc Harvieux played the per­ fect Alfredo, immature, naïve and shockingly vengeful when hurt.

Giorgio was played by John Avey, who was able to capture the essence o f the hardheaded father, deter­ mined to have his way, yet remorse­ ful at the end when he catches a glimpse o f the true love that he had destroyed. Jacques Lacombe con­ ducted the orchestra masterfully and under his guidance Verdi’s great score unfolded in its entire sweep and subtlety.

W hile the logic behind present­ ing an opera with such a painfully sad portrayal o f the ways o f the heart is rather questionable so close to Valentine’s Day, the opera does instill in the viewer great admiration and trust, if not for love, then for the magic o f music.

La Traviata w ill be playin g in P lacedes-Arts on the 2 0 th an d 2 3 rd o f February.

The Hanson Brothers would be proud David M cC orm ick The spirit o f the Redmen hockey team could be captured in one succinct moment following Saturday nights third period brawl against the Université du Quebec à Trois Rivieres Patriotes. In a scene reminiscent o f the movie S lap Shot, the gloveless, helmedess and hulk­ ing McGill defender Daniel Jacob skated past the Patriotes bench, challenging with both hands for any o f their players to come and get it.

There is no doubt the Redmen sent a strong message this weekend that they are not afraid o f anybody and refuse to be pushed around come playoff time.

M cGill faced o ff against U Q T R and the University o f Ottawa in back to back games this weekend. Although the Redmen had already clinched a playoff berth due to the Concordia Stingers' 5-3 loss to U Q TR last Friday night, they needed wins against both teams to gain the home ice advan­ tage in the playoffs.

While the Redmen suffered a hard fought 4-3 loss to the U Q T R Patriotes on Saturday, they bounced back on Sunday with a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees to break a four game losing streak and head into the playoffs on a high note.

"We had the scoring opportu­ nities and I think we deserved a win today," said head coach Martin Raymond after Saturday nights loss to UQTR. The tempo o f the game was slow for the majority o f the first period. Both teams adopted the dump and chase method, which

trouble we had but I think were a proved unsuccessful until U Q T R ’s up 3-0 on the Redmen.

M cGill encountered penalty better team [than UQ TR] and we’ll Phillipe Deblois was able to capital­ ize on havoc in the crease to flip the trouble again in the third period show that in the playoffs." puck into the net at 14:42. The goal but effective penalty killing, espe­ Redmen bounce back next day acted as a wake up call to the cially from winger Chad Blundy, Redmen, who lifted their intensity prevented the Patriotes from widen­ If the Redmen were downtrod­ and prevented any further goals in ing their lead. McGill finally got on the board when forward Doug Orr den after the loss against U Q TR, the period.

The fast paced play continued beat the Patriotes defence and they did not let it affect their per­ in an action packed second period buried the puck. David Lizotte nar­ formance against the Ottawa GeeGees Sunday afternoon. that gave both sides chances to rowed the gap less than a minute "We really needed a win today score. While the McGill offence later by beating the Patriotes goalie to get our confi­ concentrated on dence up going tying up the into the play­ Patriotes in front offs," said team of the crease, captain David U Q T R focused on Burgess after moving the puck Sunday’s game. and trying to get The tempo off as many out­ o f play in the first side shots as possi­ period was slow, ble. Several missed and despite sever­ chances on both al chances, nei­ sides had a frus­ ther squad was trating effect on able to find the the players as play back o f the net. became more and O t t a w a more physical. dominated early Anger boiled in the second over at the halfway period, thanks to point in the period rn rp p c o n f i v f * when both teams Redm en Luc Vaillancourt lets in a goal by UQTR’s Alexandre Trem blay , . .

---------------------power plays with­ dropped their gloves in the first ten minutes. Gee-Gees for a five on five battle royal that with a slap shot.

McGill’s rally was halted soon winger Hugo Giguère capitalized lasted several minutes. A total o f six, ten minute misconducts were hand­ thereafter when U Q T R scored their with the man advantage with a blaz­ ing slap shot from the slot that beat ed out to three players on each side fourth goal on the power play. and major penalties for the remain­ Although Joel Bergeron managed to McGill goalie Murray Cobb and bring the Redmen back to within gave Ottawa a 1-0 lead. McGill had ing four participants.

U Q T R defender Jean-Phillipe one goal, McGill got no closer and several chances late in the period Leclerc eventually capitalized on the skated off the ice with a one goal but were stymied despite outshooting the Gee-Gees 16-9. power play at 16:20 o f the second loss.

The Redmen came out strong with a slap shot that found the back "We played solid hockey in the third period, but were struck o f the net. In openning seconds of tonight, but we just seem to be on the third period, U Q T R ’s the wrong side o f one goal games with a bout o f bad luck. They hit Alexandre Tremblay scored off his lately," commented Raymond. "We the post twice and forward Mark own rebound, putting the Patriotes were frustrated with the penalty Debusschere was robbed by a spec­

tacular glove save from the Ottawa goalie. But with six minutes remaining, captain Burgess scored a power play goal that tied up the game. Burgess followed the tying goal with the go ahead marker two minutes later by roofing a loose puck in front o f the net.

Despite a frantic last minute effort, Ottawa was unable to come back and the Redmen had their vic­ tory.

"I think today’s win is a huge confidence booster for us going into the playoffs and you’re going to see a lot more emotion in the games than there is already," said Raymond after the win.

Burgess, named McGill athlete o f the week for his strong weekend performance, shared a similar enthusiasm.

"We’re going to keep going after our opponents physically and not let up. I think you’re going to see this team playing an even more aggressive, fast paced and hard hit­ ting style o f game in the playoffs."

It would seem that the Redmen realize that if they are going to have a shot in the playoffs, they will have to come out as intensely as they finish.

"We have to start strong and finish strong in every game. If we can do that, we deserve to win," claims Raymond.

Judging from the heavy metal music and hollering emanating from the locker room following the game, there is no doubt that the Redmen are pumped up and ready to face U Q T R again this Wednesday in their first playoff game.

Martlets hit road block on road to Regina M c G ill

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Mark Kerr Getting to the Quebec Student Sport Federation (QSSF) champi­ onship was half the challenge for the McGill Martlet hockey team.

Now the real fun begins.

The Martlets, the sixth ranked team in the country going into the playoffs, knocked off the seventh place Ottawa Gee-Gees 5-1 last Friday night at McConnell Arena.

The victory advanced McGill to the QSSF best-of-three champi­ onship versus the fourth ranked Concordia Stingers. In the first game o f the series last Sunday at Ed Meagher Arena, McGill dropped a 2-0 decision.

For head coach Peter Smith, there is little to be disappointed about in the past weekend o f hock­ ey.

tig h t

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p la y o ff

"We played well this week­ end," said Smith. "They were two very good hockey games. It is a boost to women's hockey to have such high quality competition in the QSSF." In the victory over Ottawa, Véronique Lapierre lead the team back with four straight goals. The hot hand was a McGill record for the most goals in a playoff game.

"She was smiling from ear to ear," said Smith o f Lapierre's reaction to scoring four goals.

"We were all very happy for her. She is a great kid and a hard worker."

Not to be forgotton in show­ case o f goal scoring was the strong effort from Amey Doyle. Doyle made 43 saves for her 19 victory season.

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"She has lots o f confidence, which spills over to the other girls,” said Smith o f the Smith Falls, Ontario native.

Despite the strong goaltending from Doyle, it was Ottawa that got on the board first. Gee-Gee Karine Bombardier scored early in the game, but Lapierre got her first of

s e r ie s

the game with less than five min­ utes remaining in the first frame.

Lapierre came out and put on what will go down as one o f the best periods o f hockey in Martlet history. She scored the natural hat trick in six minutes to extend the Martlet's season.

Rookie Katherine Safka added an insur­ ance marker in the third period.

The geyser o f goal scoring dried up in the first playoff game ver­ sus the Stingers on Sunday. Stingers goalie Jessica Anderson shut out the Martlets making 29 saves.

The difference in the game that Dominique Rancour score the

winner at 7:11 o f the third period on the power play. Concordia's other goal, an empty-netter in the final minute, also came with the advantage. M cGill, meanwhile, went 0 for 5 with a Stinger in the penalty box.

"Overall this weekend, our power play struggled," said coach Smith. "Concordia did a good job o f killing their penalties."

With their backs to the wall this Friday, the Martlets will be looking to their special teams for improved results.

"We will continue to work on areas that lacked against Concordia," remarked Smith.

"We're looking forward to game two, hopefully it will go our way. " The puck drops 7:15PM at McConnell Arena.

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2 0 0 2

Sports 1 7

tyan Smyth for PM We love Mats It's taken an entire two games for nadian hockey fans to give up on a team tich only one week ago was being heraldas the best in the world. With apologies Sam Spade, is there geniune reason for ncern?

First, it is true that the team looked >w versus Sweden and Germany, not to ntion tense and hesitant. Remarkably offensive chances were generated by tat was supposed to be the most skilled rsion of the Canadian team ever.

Secondly, the rest o f the competition t looked so good. Sweden, led by Mats ndin and Tommy Salo, have gelled quickand Salo looks like he may become this urnaments' version o f Czech goaltender mink Hasek in Nagano. The high-powd attacks o f die Americans and Russians :re clicking and as long as Hasek is still und, the Czechs are a serious threat to nadian gold.

Thirdly, Canadian coaching has been estionable to say the least. Toronto pie Leaf and Team Canada head ach Pat Quinn appears primed to ume the role o f scapegoat should the mi falter and with the Leafs Curds seph's performance versus the Swedes nsidered, there may soon be another son for the rest o f Canada to resent e city o f Toronto.

Fourthly, the larger international surface immediately benefits the tropcan teams whose players grew up aying with the expanded dimensions, e only time that a member o f Team anada would have seen international is perhaps if they had played in an ternational competition before, eaning most players would have only ayed on the larger ice ten times at ost.

The fifth reason why there may be use for panic is that Team Canada's squad far from full strength. Captain Mario mieux is definitely bothered by a sore hip, id i he team will need his leadership and :oring touch if they hope to achieve gold. well, some o f the best Canadian hockey ayers are not with the team period, such as trick Roy, who rejected team manager /aync Gretzky's invitation to play, and forards Joe Thornton and Eric Daze who ere not invited to play in the first place.

M en s A sixth and final rea Olympic hock­ son? Canada for some rea­ ey competition son has not won a gold got underway medal in the Olympics over the week­ since 1952 and the pres­ end, and the sure for them to win one Canadian team this time around is has provided a extremely high. Canada has been successful in F T FIELD bigger scare to the citizens of international competition such as in the Summit Series or in rhe country than a French figure Rendezvous, but nothing short o f a golden skating judge, result will appease Canadian hockey fans The scare has come, in no this time around. small part, due to the extremely With ail o f those reasons on one side o f high expectations that many the equation, what's there to give a fans held before the games got Canadian hockey fan hope for hockey gold? underway. The tournament in Simply because the hockey gold means Salt Lake City is seen by more to Canadian hockey fans that it does Canadians as a chance for to any other people in the world. Perhaps redemption after the poor such logic seems arbitrary' but it counts for showing in Nagano four years something. ago.

There's certainly no use, anyway, in Many of the fans woke up pretending that the results o f the tourna- Monday morning with the

ment are meaningless. Figure skating, skiing, and speed skating disappointment can be rationalized away, not hockey.

So as the final round o f the tournament progesses, let the violent mood swings begin, and get on the bandwagon while there's still lots of room on the journey to Canadian gold.

Heaven forbid we make any excuses çhe way.

hangover o f disappointment, To some extent, I include myself in the group of Canadians that think that the National team has not lived up to expectations in the early going. I want to be positve though. I want to look on the bright side, and see that the team has a 1-1 record as of press time in games that have absolutely no meaning for the

quick exit from the biggest hockey tournament in the world if the team does not regain the heart that was sup­ posed to set the team apart from the rest o f the competition.

There was a common agree­ ment that the top six teams in the world were even in terms of talent and the heart and deter­ mination o f the Canadian team would make the difference.

So far that has not been present. Most players have been tentative and sluggish and team captain Mario Lemieux sat out the second game of the champi­ onship due to injury. He was pegged to be the talent and spir­ itual leader, replacing Wayne Gretzky and lifting the team to the gold medal.

I am loathe to criticize Lemieux, especially if he sat out the game due to extreme pain which is highly likely. But the improvement must start with Lemieux if Canada is to redeem the hopes o f thousands o f Canadians.

I could be wrong, though.

The team could bounce back and go on to win the gold medal. The value o f these two early games is to check the smugness of Canadian hockey fans that thought the "greatest team ever" would waltz through the competition.

On the bright side, surely we won’t be seeing those annoy­ ing "We Love Mats" commer­ cials that run every year when the Leafs make a run at the Stanley Cup.

medal round.

But as most hockey fans know deep down, the Canadian players, if current trends contin­ ue, will be coming home with nothing around their necks. A 5-2 loss to Sweden on Friday night shook the nation. "You mean we're not invincible," cried many fans. Dreams of going undefeated in the round robin portion o f the tourna­ ment as happened in Japan four years ago were dashed in large

by Mats Sundin, a hero in much o f Canada when he plays in the NHL. And yet, the partisan crowd in Peel Pub last Friday night still sang the national anthem despite the Canadians being down four goals late in the game. "We will come back,” I am sure many o f them were say­ ing.

"We'll regroup and slaughter the Germans S u n d a y night."

And it appeared that way for the first two peri­ ods o f the two game nights ago.

But the Germans played a hard fought game and the boys from Canada had to eke out a one goal victory, on the strength o f two power play goals.

Immediately the big " i f question entered the picture. If we can only beat a second-rate team by one goal, how are we going to match up against a powerhouse like the Czech Republic or Russian?

The question will soon be answered. The answer will be a

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1 8 Sports

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

The thorn in th eir s id e M c G ill b a ile r s s w e e p C o n c o r d ia s e a s o n s e r ie s f o r f ir s t t i m e e v e r ; s till b o t h e r e d

Jam es Empringham It seems like no matter what the M cGill Redmen basketball team accomplishes this year, the seasons success will be solely determined by how they perform against their rivals, the Laval Rouge et Or. Ranked fifth in the country the basketball program has not been in better shape for many years but still Laval one upped the Redmen once again last Thursday at Love Competition Hall by a score o f 7261.

"Rather disappointing, really," Redmen head coach Nevio Marzinotto commented after the game. "We shot sixteen for thirty four from the line and you can’t do that and expect to make it to the

next level."

Sophomore Laval guard Charles Fortier, a player who perhaps best exemplifies Laval’s success over the Redmen, scored 16 points in the winning cause for the Rouge et Or. The Redmen, who trailed 3227 at halftime, got 16 points in a losing cause from all-star point guard Denburk Reid. Guard Kirk Reid, added 15 points, while junior Domenico Marcario had 11 and Joel Sherbino had 10. Junior guard Frederic Bernard netted five points and led the Redmen in rebounds with six.

The Laval victory tied the sea­ son series between the teams at 2-2.

They will meet once more in regular season play — at Ste-Foy, Que., on

b y Laval

Feb. 22 — in a contest, that if every­ thing progresses as expected, will decide home-court advantage in post-season play.

R edm en receive good fo rtu n e While Thursday’s loss to Laval let the Rouge et Or achieve a first place tie with the Redmen, the dead­ lock was only temporary.

The Redmen resumed sole control o f first place in the Quebec Conference with an 85-67 victory at Concordia last Saturday, a victory which also secured for McGill a 4-0 season sweep o f the Concordia Stingers, the first time in history that has hap­ pened.

The Redmen victory, coupled with Bishop’s upset victory versus Laval also on Saturday, less­ ened the harmful effects o f Thursday’s loss to Laval.

In victory the Redmen dominated the Stingers on the glass, outrebounding them 38-21. The McGill scoring effort was led by Domenico Marcario with 21 points, Fred Bernard with 14 points to go along with his 13 rebounds, and Denburk Reid also with 14 points.

"I thought that we were a bit selfish against Laval, so it was nice to see everyone involved against Concordia," said Marzinotto.

When asked about the inevitable showdown with Laval, Marzinotto spoke candidly, replying that, "Finishing first would be a great way to send a message that we can beat them in their place and that last time wasn’t a fluke."

Finishing first also pro­ vides the first place team with a bye in the first round, which would allow the Redmen to bypass a first round match-up with Bishop’s.

"Bishop’s is not a gimme at all," said Marzinotto. "They’re always a tough team to play against.

Finishing first would give us a few extra days rest, and winning the league championship would be nice, regardless."

The Redmen control their own destiny from here on in. Next up is Laval on Friday February 22, and they close their regular season at home on Sunday February 24 against Bishop’s. If the Redmen win both games, they clinch first place.

B A S K E T B A L L BASKETBALL (M) SCORIN G Minimum: Played in 75% o f conference games Player Team GP Domenico Marcario McGill 13 Charles Fortier Laval 13 Gavin Musgrave Concordia 13 Denburk Reid McGill 13 Kirk Reid McGill 13 David Brownrigg Laval 13 Marc-Antoine Horth Laval 13 Phil Miguel Bishop's 13 Joel Sherbino McGill 13

FG 98 80 75 71 64 66 72 57 50

S T A T S

3FG 17 26 20 18 16 33 0 0 18

FT 40 40 46 49 42 16 26 48 21

PTS 253 226 216 209 186 181 170 162 139

DEF 41 33 35 20 26

REB 67 63 58 72 48

RPG 108 96 93 92 74

8.3 7.4 7.2 7.1 5.7

FG 73 81 75 66 59 60 60

3FG 18 1 0 16 23 1 9

FT 47 38 51 40 9 28 19

PTS 211 201 201 188 150 149 148

O FF 37 32 38 26 32 26

DEF 108 78 69 48 49 44

REB 145 110 107 74 81 70

RPG 11.2 9.2 8.2 7.4 6.2 5.4

PPG 19.5 17.4 16.6 16.1 14.3 13.9 13.1 12.5 10.7

BASKETBALL (M) REBO UN D S Minimum: Played in 75% o f conference games Player Frederic Bernard Marc-Antoine Horth Charles Fortier Phil Miguel Jeffery Szita

Team McGill Laval Laval Bishop's Bishop's

GP O FF 13 13 13 13 13

BASKETBALL (F) SCORIN G Minimum: Played in 75% o f conference games Player Maude Vallieres Melissa Lemay Kristina Steinfort Marie-Pier Veilleux Isabelle Grenier Josee Lalonde Cheeka Mitchell

Team McGill Bishop's Concordia Concordia Laval Laval McGill

GP 13 13 13 13 11 12 13

PPG 16.2 15.5 15.5 14.5 13.6 12.4 11.4

BASKETBALL (F) REBO UN D S Minimum: Played in 75% o f conference games Player Melissa Lemay Josee Lalonde Kristina Steinfort Catherine Charbonneau Sarah Gagne Cheeka Mitchell

Team Bishop's Laval Concordia Bishop's McGill McGill

GP 13 12 13 10 13 13

STANDINGS QSSF BASKETBALL TEAM STANDINGS (MALE) Team McGill Laval Bishop's Concordia

Won 11 10 3 2

Lost Streak

Pet

2 Won 1 .846 3 Lost 1 .769 10 Won 1 .231 11 Lost 1 .154

GB

1.0 8.0 9.0

QSSF BASKETBALL TEAM STANDINGS (FEMALE) Team Laval Concordia Bishop's McGill

Won

Lost

Streak

Pet

GB

12 8 3 3

1 5 10 10

Won 6 Won 5 Lost 3 Lost 8

.923 .615 .231 .231

4.0 9.0 9.0

Maude Vaillieres (8) is denied a lay-up

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Tribune!

C a ll P a u l a t

398-6806

The McGill Tribune, Tuesday, February 19, 2002

m 9m i ü 1111111111 I McGill Athletes o f the Week Dave Burgess, captain o f the Redmcn hockey ream, and LiseMarie Acton o f the ski team, are McGills athletes o f the week for the period ending February 17.

Burgess, from City, Manitoba, notched four points in two weekend games versus the U Q T R Patriotes and the Ottawa Gee-Gees. His two goal effort in Sundays come from behind win over the 8th-ranked Gee-Gees gave him 4 0 points in the regular season, good for fourth in the OUA scoring race.

Acton, won two gold medals in the Giant Slalom event this weekend at Mount Sutton after four races that placed her ahead of over 45 other skiers. Acton had the fastest times across the hoard with a combined time of 1,54.66 on Saturday and 1,56.95 on Sunday, a full second and half ahead o f the second place finisher.

McGill badminton fourth in week­ end tournament At the McGill Invitational Tournament held last Sunday at Love Competition Hall, the men

and women o f McGill’s badminton team combined to finish fourth out o f six teams. The placing assured the team a spot at the conference cham­ pionships, something McGill has not seen since the 1998-99 season.

Sabrina Lee had a strong show­ ing for McGill, coming fifth out of eight competitors in the Division 1 singles. Lee, a physiology sopho­ more, along with Anne Bailey placed second in the Division I doubles.

In mixed doubles action, Bailey and partner David Lee captured first place in the Division II mixed dou­ bles division.

Judy Morris and Sean O ’Conner finished first in Division III mixed doubles action with a 2-0 record.

In Division III singles play Sally Carter finished first out o f eight competitors with a 3-0 record.

Carter then teamed with Christina Simpson to finish second in Division II doubles play, with a 2-1 record.

The conference finals will take place March 16th and 17th at TroisRivières.

weekend in Fredericton, the McGill Redmen and Martlets qualified five people for the upcoming CIS national championships in Thunder Bay from February 28th to March 2nd.

On the women’s side, two com­ petitors won gold medals and moved on to Thunder Bay. Hana Askren won the 48 kg weight class on the strength o f winning two bouts by pins. In her only hour in the 65 kg weight class, Jeanette FJmore won first in a win by pin. Despite not qualifying for the nationals, Cassie Ix c came third in the 57 kg weight class.

In men’s action, three people qualified for the national champi­ onship, all winning the silver medal in their respective weight classes.

Caleb Netting placed second in the 76 kg weight class. Avi Yan won sil­ ver in the 68 kg class while Jed Zarerzki had similar results in the 61 kg class.

Ari Daigen, competing in the 65 kg weight category, placed third hut failed to qualify for the national championship.

McGill Invitational Tournament Final Standings 1. Sherbrooke, 446.63 2. Montreal, 445.28 3. l-dval, 394.74 4. McGill, 328.68 5. UQAM, 262.96 6. U Q TR, 227.94

Martlet volleyball playoffs get under way this weekend The playoffs start for the Martlet volleyball team this weekend as the team takes on Sherbrooke Vert-et-Or. Sherbrooke defeated Unversite' de Montreal for the right to meer McGill.

The fifth ranked Martlets start on the road Friday night at 7PM. The team returns to Donald Love Competition Hall Saturday for a 4PM start. The third game in the

McGill wrestling teams strong at championship At the Atlantic University Sport wrestling championship over the

Sports 19

Lise-Marie Action won the giant slalom on both Saturday and Sunday. Brianne Law won the bronze on Saturday and followed that up with a fifth place on Sunday.

Jessie Behan won the bronze medal in Sunday’s competition.

On the men’s side, Joachin Hrasky placed fourth on Saturday.

Eric Shelley had his best showing on Sunday with a fifth place finish.

Robin Hutchison was 10th or Saturday.

The team’s next event, and first ever outside Quebec, will be near Ottawa at Camp Fortune March 910. Camp Fortune is the last meet before the provincial championships which will be held the ensuing week.

best-of-threc series is scheduled for 2PM on Sunday if necessary.

The winner advances to the CIS national championship being hosted by Laval Rouge-et-Or February 28th to March 3rd.

Track and field conquer all at AllComers Meet McGill captured seven gold medals this weekend lead by Ryan Beaton who was first in the 1500m and in the 4x800m relay team with Dan Kovacek, Yohsuke Hayashi and Daniel Lennox. Golds were won by Ashleigh Shumate in the 60m hur­ dles with a time o f 9.14, Sarah AliKhan in the 1500m, Hayashi in the 600m, Véronique Foley in the high jump with a height o f 1.55m and Christina Lagarde in the pole vault with a height o f 3.00m.

In the 600m men’s event, McGill took all top three standings with Hayashi leading the wav in front o f Sasha Geukjian and Geoffrey Wagner as well as the 1500m sprint lead by Beaton, with Brant Carson taking home the silver and Greg Campbell winning the bronze.

This weekend, McGill will host the Quebec University Track Championship this weekend at Tomlinson Field House. After such a medal-clad performance this week­ end, both men and women are look­ ing to stand on top.

Martlet Basketball stung The Martlets were bested by Laval Rouge-et-Or and the Concordia Stingers this weekend in 62-48 and 68-37 decisions, respec­ tively. McGill has been hurt by injuries ail season. Both Aiisen Salisbury and Shannon Howard are out and not expected back before the playoffs.

In spite o f an eight game losing streak, the Martlets are tied for the third and final playoff spot in the Quebec Conference.

Against Laval, Sarah Gagne lead her team with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and against Concordia, Maude Vallieres led with 17 points.

Whether there’ll be playoffs for the Marlets will likely be determined by their success versus Bishop’s in their match scheduled for Feb. 24th.

McGill skiers conquer Mount Sutton The McGill ski team hosted a competition over the past weekend at Mount Sutton.

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