The McGill Tribune Vol. 25 Issue 1 by The Tribune

OP/ED: Skinny girls are bitches. Fat babies are not.

Curiosity delivers. Vol. 25 Issue I

A&E: Jazz Fest; people who blow are cool.

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SPORTS: Go cup crazy? CIS says not in Quebec.

Thursday, September 1, 2005

UNIVERSITY

SACOMSS setback Move may compromise Sexual Assault Centre confidentiality two, because it could compromise the confidentiality of someone wishing to The Sexual Assault Centre of use our services and to use them McGill Students' Society moved into anonymously." SACOMSS is familiar with reloca the Shatner University Centre over the summer, but not without effects on tions, having changed offices several services or threats of future relocation. times since being founded in 1991 as On short notice from the Faculty the first student-run sexual assault of Arts, SACOMSS was told to vacate centre in North America. Another its office in the basement of Peterson move is still possible, as both SSMU Hall at the end of May to make way and the university are facing space for a new archaeology lab. The constraints. McGill Vice-Principal Students' Society provided the Sexual Assault Centre with Shatner room B- Administration and Finance Morty 27 by moving the previous tenant, a Yalovsky defended the use of Peterson Hall's basement for academ photography club, to the fourth floor. "This is an interim solution, and ic purposes. "For the past several years we we are looking for a long-lasting solu tion because it really jeopardizes our have told [the Ministère de l'Éduca services in a lot of ways to have to be tion] that there is a shortage of quality moving all the time," said SACOMSS academic space on campus," he said. "One of the ways to address this prob summer staffer Rachel Sandwell. She said the temporary space is lem is through major reinvestment in too small for SACOMSS volunteer existing space so that it can be training sessions, meetings and sup upgraded to up-to-date, modern aca port groups, and that SACOMSS will demic space." A Muslim prayer room next door have to book other rooms on campus. to the previous SACOMSS office was The Peterson Hall office had was able also displaced by the Peterson Hall to accommodate large groups. Room B-27 will serve as the basement renovations. Leon Mwotia, SSMU vice-presi SACOMSS office and drop-in centre. It is linked to a second, smaller room, dent clubs and services, emphasized which will be used for confidential that room B-27 is a temporary space purposes. SACOMSS also operates a for SACOMSS. "It's not permanent in any sense helpline in a separate, undisclosed of the word, and it's conditional on location owned by McGill. The organization is concerned them taking part in a workgroup to about the privacy of their new office, find a permanent solution, with McGill, said Chelsea Downing, another SACOMSS and SSMU around the table," he said. SACOMSS summer staffer. The workgroup will be chaired by "This building tends to be a pret ty high-traffic area, and that's not nec Max Reed, SSMU vice-president uni essarily the best place for a sexual versity affairs, and will begin meeting assault centre to be," she said. "One, in mid- to- late September. ■ because it could potentially compro To reach the anonymous mise volunteer confidentiality, and SACOMSS helpline, call 398-8500. LISA V A R A N O

Toronto hip-hop artist k-os takes the stage at Le Dome during SSM U Frosh. For more on Frosh, see News, page 3.

i n s i d e A

m a t u r e s

fresh start for a new year, or something along those lines. Every fall, hoards of undergrads infil trate the city in all of their fresh, intellectual glory,

unaware of the pitfalls and possibilities of their pend ing academic pursuits. Don't enter this year with naïvité: Allow features to guide you through your prospects in this upcoming anneé and beyond.

This Week in McGill Athletics - Frosh Week Thurs., Sept. 1 Football vs Concordia - The 37th Shaughnessy Cup (7pm) Saturday, Sept. 3 Basketball (M) vs Western Illinois (1 pm) The Old Four Soccer Tournament (M&W) Sat., Sept. 3 (M) 2pm vs U of Toronto - (W) 6pm vs U of Toronto Sun., Sept. 3 - Game times 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm A d vance Tickets for ail events on sa le at S a d ie ’s in the Student Union Building Information www.athletics.mcgill.ca or (514) 398-7000

news CAMPUS

NEWS

Governing the green New policy streamlines approval for outdoor events K A Y V O N AFSHARI

A controversial interim policy governing political protests and other on-campus student gatherings has been replaced by one student leaders say is a step forward. At its last meeting before the summer recess, the universi ty Senate approved a new policy regulating the use of outdoor space on campus. It was approved by the Board of Governors in early June and replaces a previous policy that restricted the abil ity of student groups to use campus space. "The old rules eliminated any chance of using Lower Field and were a far more cumbersome regulatory process," said Max Reed, Students' Society vice-president university affairs. ‘These [new] ones represent a big improvement." The new policy reinforces certain articles in the Charter of Student Rights guaranteeing free speech, the right to organize, the right to promote group interests and the obligation of the university to provide for security on campus property. Protocols for different-sized events are also included. Groups of fewer than 25 may gather at the Arts Building steps, the Otto Maass Terrace or Tomlinson Square. Groups of up to 500 may assemble at Otto Maas Terrace, Tomlinson Square or Three Bares Park. Any gathering of more than 500 people requires special consideration and approval by the vice-principal administration and finance and must be held on Lower Field or off-campus, on rue McTavish. The Office of Planning and Institutional Analysis processes all event requests. "We screen the applications," said Director Chuck Adler. "If they follow university policy, we simply apply the policy. If we think they are events that require a higher level of approval, we submit it to the vice-principal of administration and finance." According to the new regulations, security is provided for small groups at no cost, but the additional security for mediumand large-sized events will be the responsibility of event organiz-

VLADiMIR EREMIN Five hundred people on the Otto Maass terrace? Be sure to keep off the grass.

ers. Event safety is evaluated by Security Services, located in the Ferrier Building. "Every event [is evaluated] ba’sed on different criteria," said Louise Savard, manager of Security Services. "How many people are going to be there, what kind of event it's going to be, will there be alcohol and where the event will be held." Savard suggested that event organizers meet with Security Services prior to selecting their venues, to consider which areas

of campus will be least costly to secure. The new policy targets student-organized events rather than university-organized events, which it will not affect. "The policy does not purport to apply to university-spon sored and approved events such as Convocation, alumni events,. Frosh Week, OAP, Homecoming and receptions in support o f academic activities," said Morty Yalovsky, vice-principal adminis tration and finance. "The new procedures allow for a much wider list of venue options for student gatherings and events." ■

Shapiro shellacked Former McGill principal accused of incompetence as ethics commissioner A N D R E W BAU ER

CBC.CA Shapiro: The not-so-sweet life outside the McGill bubble.

Bernard Shapiro, former McGill principal and current feder al ethics commissioner, has had a rocky start at his new job. He has been accused by a parliamentary commission of favouring the Liberal Party and letting corrupt politicians off the hook. New Democratic MP Ed Broadbent led an attack on Shapiro in June following several parliamentary hearings on Liberal cor ruption allegations in which Shapiro was accused of pro-govern ment bias. Speaking on behalf of an NDP-Conservative coalition with in the committee reviewing Shapiro's performance, Broadbent demanded that Shapiro resign and asked for a motion of non confidence against him. The move could have led to Shapiro's dismissal, but the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois blocked the motion, saying that they wanted to give him more time to work. Opposition MPs have criticized Shapiro for hiring the Liberal-affiliated law firm Borden, Ladner, Gervais to investigate former cabinet minister Judy Sgro. Shapiro is also accused of fail ing to adequately investigate Prime Minister Paul Martin after his chief of staff was allegedly caught on tape attempting to bribe a Conservative MP. Several MPs have questioned Shapiro for officially exonerat ing Sgro despite finding her guilty of a conflict of interest in his official report to parliament. Sgro's staff was found to have disbursed temporary resi dence permits to campaign volunteers while she was the minis ter in charge of immigration. She resigned her cabinet position prior to the report's release. Democracy Watch, an Ottawa-based non-profit mandated

to ensure government decision-tnaking is "fair, honest, open and ethical" has compiled its own list of 14 incidents that it says demonstrate Shapiro's incompetence. The list, which includes NDP allegations, also cites Shapiro for refusing to audit MPs and for hiring staff linked to the Liberal Party. "The Supreme Court of Canada stated in a 1996 ruling that strict enforcement of ethics rules is needed to have a democrat ic government," said Duff Conacher, coordinator of Democracy Watch, "and he is not enforcing the rules strongly in any way. In fact, usually when he has a choice, he'll let somebody off."

"He is not enforcing the rules strongly fn any way. In fact, usually when he has a choice, he'll let somebody off." —Duff Conacher, coordinator of Democracy Watch Shapiro's office would not comment on the allegations. Conacher suggested that Shapiro's apparent bias might be the result of political pressure. "Paul Martin handed Bernard Shapiro this job, and uncon sciously that would have an effect on Shapiro's actions," he said. Broadbent said, however, that he still holds Mr. Shapiro's record in high regard. "I believe Mr. Shapiro, who has a distinguished previous career, is an honourable man," he said. Democracy Watch has filed a court case against Shapiro, although it won't be heard before next year. ■

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | new s

NEWS SPECIAL

Frosh-tacular! It’s not as easy as it looks— meet the people who make Frosh the biggest party of the year

JEN N IFER JET T A N D N IA LL M A C K A Y RO BERTS

0-Staff

LU KAS BE R C M A R K

SSMU Frosh Leaders

If you didn't see them around Lower Field last week, you probably weren't on campus. Dozens of returning students volunteered to guide new arrivals through their first days at McGill and their first nights in Montreal. For Brian Kirk Vidal, U2 Kinesiology, the expe rience was worth the responsibility. "Fun, boozing, meeting people. You even get to beat up other Frosh leaders," he said, pointing to the inflatable jousting ring at the centre of Lower Field. The work has its hazards, however. SSMU Frosh leaders are still responsible for their firstyear groups. "There were a few people passed out, a few people lying on the field eating bugs," said Nafeesa Esmail, U1 Science. "This was before two o'clock."

LUKAS BERGMARK McGill First Aid Service

Nasty bee ruined your day? McGill First Aid is on the scene. The student-run service was present at most faculty and SSMU Frosh events and played a larger role in training Frosh leaders this year. During Frosh MFAS treated mostly bee stings, small cuts and sprained ankles along with the usual alcohol-related ail ments. Vice-President Finance Megan Hill noted, however, that this year there were fewer of the latter. “I don't know if kids have higher tol erance or they're just pacing themselves better, but it's been a lot less ridiculous just in terms of people drinking them selves unconscious," she said. The party doesn't end with Frosh, so here's a free tip from MFAS: Don't mix alcohol with prescription drugs. For more information or to join, e-mail mcgill_first_aid@hotmail.com.

Radical Frosh

Being an 0-Staff is like re-living Frosh, minus the awkwardness of finding friends. 'To be quite honest, I just wanted free beer," said Maeve Jones, U1 History, "but it's turned out to be a great experi ence." Why choose 0-Staff over being a Frosh leader? For Sydney Squires, 0-Staff was the best of both worlds. "I don't have to worry about taking care of kids, but I still get free beer and I get to chill with my friends," said Squires, U1 English. O-Staffers still put up with a fair amount of bitch work-assembling Frosh kits, serving beer and burgers and hauling t-shirts across Lower Reid. "I definitely smell like barbecue," Jones said after four hours behind the grill, "but I got some free food out of it. I'm sort of living through the froshies vic ariously a little bit"

The unofficial alternative for those first-year students looking for a different entry into universi ty life, Radical Frosh blends social activities with progressive politics and community activism. "I didn't want the main focus of my meeting new people to be around drinking," said Caitlin Hersey, UO Arts. "But if you like drinking and throwing up on your new friends, then more power to you." Radical Frosh, which is organized by the McGill branch of the Quebec Public Interest Research Group, provided workshops on Canadian colonialism and radical queer politics, as well as politically themed walking tours of Montreal. In the "Blocking the Empire" walking tour, students explored Montreal businesses par ticipating in large-scale military production. Planners also put together a film screening and a party at a nearby co-op, which also had some twists. "It was awesome," said Hersey. "And they were selling this hemp beer, which I thought was really cool."

First-Year Office

Located in the Brown Student Services building, the First-Year Office is the place to ask those burning questions. Information on athletics, academics and student clubs and services is also avail able in the Orientation Centre through Sept. 9. "It's been crazy, in a good way though,” said Publications Coordinator Ashley Fallow. Among the more unusual questions First-Year Office staff have fielded from anxious parents and their offspring: —Can I sleep in the parents' tent? —Can my daughter bring her horse? —I live in Royal Victoria College. Where is the closest Tim Hortons? (Here's a hint: Look out your window.) "[There was] also the mom who wanted to know what colour the carpets are in New Rez so she could colour coor dinate the bedding and curtains," said Naomi Neuburger, first-year administrator. Parents are looking out for their kids in every way possible. From one pragmat ic father: "So if my daughter comes up to school there, can she just go to the doc tor's office and get a prescription for the Pill? Thaf s great news!"

SSMU Frosh Coordinators

There were only four of them, but they— along with SSMU Vice-President Communications and Events Roz Freeman— were at the heart of this year's SSMU Frosh events. From set-up to cleanup and from dawn 'til long past dusk, they were the ones buzzing from tent to tent, answering ques tions, resolving conflicts and even opening the occasional beer. "I can't overemphasize just how pleased I am," said Alex Kitz, U3 English and Religious Studies, who was, between other tasks, man aging the Lower Field sound system and organizing transportation to a rafting event on the last day of Frosh. "We spend the summer wondering how we're going to get shit togeth er with thousands of people [at Frosh], but then it all comes together." For the most part, though, coordinators seemed to accept the workload in stride. "We've fucked up a couple times, but as long as the environments positive... It's just a fucking party."

The Froshie

At the centre of it all, the driving force-or maybe the excuse-behind the five-day party, is the first-year student. In addition to making that first and only foray into Le Dome, Frosh is a chance to display some fac ulty pride. Management students like Martino De Ciccio, 19, roamed around campus and Frosh events chanting, "That's all right, that's OK, you're going to work for us someday!" Nobody parties quite like Management, De Ciccio said. "We joined the Science Frosh for pub crawl, and you could see the difference right away," he said. "By the end of three bars, we were leading it." Fellow U 1 Management student Mike Izzo views the start of classes with "anticipation, but at the same time we don't want this to end. I think the atmos phere of Frosh is going to continue all year."

LU KAS BER G M AR K

news | 1.9.05 | the mcgill tribune

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SSMU

CAMPUS NEWS

SSMU execs unmasked Student leaders on clubs, Muslim prayer space and bringing G ert’s back to life EM ILY H A RRIS

Adam Conter, SSMU president Duties: Acts as the spokesperson for the SSMU and keeps the executive focused and working

together. What's new: Conter has assisted the vice-presidents throughout the summer with their vari

ous portfolios, particularly with regard to Frosh, beer negotiations and SACOMSS. What's next: Conter's most public duty for the upcoming year is the continuation of the letter

of agreement negotiations started by former acting president Andrew Bryan. The letter of agreement defines the relationship between SSMU and the administration and includes discussion about the leases on buildings for student use, such as the Shatner building. "Discussions of the new letter of agreement began midway through May," Conter said. "The lease [on the Shatner building], the LOA and the lease on the space for our SSMU daycare are all up for renegotiation." Conter and van Eyken have already negotiated an agreement in principle with Dean of Students Bruce M. Shore about the daycare lease.

Roz Freeman, vice-president communications and events Duties: Responsible for all aspects of communication for SSMU, including

the web site, advertising, press releases and mass e-mails to students. She is also in charge of SSMU events, including Frosh and Open Air Pub. What's new: Freeman has co-authored the first SSMU Communication Strategy, organized Frosh and assisted with the beer contract negotiations. "[The communications strategy] is a great step towards achieving consistent, effective and efficient communications between the SSMU and its mem bers," said Freeman. "We need to regain respect among our members and we need to let them know that we are here to help and to work for them." What's next: Freeman hopes to make traditional events like 4Floors more attractive to students by changing their names and formats. "We have changed fhe name of 4Floors to Ménage a Trois in order to give it a new image and to wipe the stigma of it being like a grade-eight dance," she said. Freeman is also collaborating with the Concordia Student Union and CBC for the yearly program Montreal Matters. The segment will focus on teaching students how to market themselves in the work force.

M a x R e e d , v ic e - p r e s id e n t u n iv e r s it y a ffa ir s

Duties: Represents undergraduate students to the McGill administration and external student organizations. Responsible for students' academic issues and interests. What's new: Reed has received administrative approval for a sexual diversity studies minor, secured a more friendly policy for political events on campus and convinced la Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec, a provincial student lobby group, to push the provincial government for a quicker rem edy to McGill's chronic underfunding. "SSMU has traditionally punched below its weight at la FEUQ," Reed said. "I want to convince them to take a posi tion against the systematic discrimination [against] McGill in the Quebec university funding formula." What's next: Finding a home for the recently displaced Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students' Society and a permanent Muslim prayer space. "I will be chairing a workgroup that is charged with finding our sexual assault centre a new home after its eviction from Peterson Hall," Reed said. "I [am also] a member of the uni versity -sponsored workgroup to finalize a prayer space offcampus."

Wait, aren't there six executives? We thought so, too. Vice-President External Affairs Aaron Donny-Clark, who' represents students to external organizations (like... newspapers?), did not reply to requests for comment. Eric van Eyken, vice-president operations Duties: Making sure the business and financial side of SSMU runs smoothly. He oversees the management of SSMU

operations inside and outside of the Shatner Building. What's new: A make-over for Geifs Pub, the neglected campus bar with annual financial losses running into the tens

of thousands. "I've brought in food, we're throwing events," van Eyken said. “Basically what's left is to get the word out to people." The make-over includes changes in beer selection, décor and atmosphere. Boréale Doré, Boréale Rousse, Moosehead and Carlsberg beer are now available in bottles with Heineken and Murphy's Stout on tap. What's next: TV McGill and Sadie's Tabagie are scheduled to switch places, and the Legal Advocacy Clinic is moving in with Travel Cuts. Van Eyken expects the current phase of renovations to be complete -, by mid-September.

1 1

N e w m a n C e n tr e H o ly M ass: S a tu rd a y s 5 p m & S u n d a ys 11am C o u rse s, B ib le s tu d ie s , D is cu ss io n s M e a ls a n d s o c ia l a c tiv itie s V o lu n te e rin g , S o c ia l J u s tic e D a ily M a s s, C o n fe s sio n

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Leon Mwotia, vice-president clubs and services Duties: Responsible for the running of all SSMU clubs, services and publications. Mwotia is also the building manager

for Shatner. What's new: A new contract between SSMU and the Law Students' Association.

"I negotiated a contract between the SSMU and the LSA which has greatly improved the relationship between the two societies and staved off a potential conflict," Mwotia said. What’s next: Finance Committee reform. "I'm working on a system to regulate the way funds are given out by Finance and make it less arbitrary," Mwotia said. w w w.

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the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | new s

CAMPUS NEWS

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Athletics building update finally nears finish line Year-long delay due to budget problems GENEVIEVE JENKINS

McGill students on campus during the summer were witness to dramatic changes at the Sports Centre, as the renovations students began paying for in September 2004 finally got underway. By the time most students sign up for gym member ships in September, the renovations should be complete. Major updates include expansion of the fitness centre, locker room renovations and new locker rooms for the basketball teams, a new combatives room, two multi-pur pose rooms and a golf room. This is phase three of a four-phase project to com pletely renovate the Sports Centre, at a cost of about $5.2-million, according to Robert Dubeau, former director of Athletics. Close to $60-million has been spent on the Sports Centre since the mid-1980s, and the fourth and final phase will cost approximately $6-million. Dubeau, who was director of Athletics for nearly 29 years before retiring at the end of August, said the reno vations were supposed to be finished a year ago. "We experienced delays in completing financing, architectural problems and problems with budgets," he said. The renovations are financed in large part by stu dents, who voted by a slim majority in a January 2004 ref erendum to pay an extra $10 per semester for five years in order to see the Sports Centre revamped. Many stu dents were disappointed by the referendum and resulting fee increase, but those in favour of the fee argued that the changes would improve the experience of all stu dents, not just student-athletes. Angelo Battista, assistant manager of facilities for the Athletics Department, has been "extensively" involved in the renovations. He said the project is intended to bene fit "a, the students; b, the students; c, the students. This is really geared toward the McGill community." Aside- from the men's and women's basketball teams, which will be outfitted with new locker rooms paid for mostly by basketball alumni, McGill's athletics teams are really not benefiting directly from the renovations,

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Up to Speed

A British study claims Canadians are the fourth-biggest complainers in the ,. iifir thm tig V Ù f iw l «if world, after polling 30,000 people in more . > . ,.*.v ..,««« <w than 30 nations to see if they'd lodged a com„ r> j ( h r ( f s i l w y plaint against a company or organization in the Mtbtwçh past year. • Sami Habbas, a California man, commaaB*ji;|«ï«Vk plained to JPMorgan Chase Bank after they sent him • ! unccah * a credit card offer in the mail addressed to v >*,, W(ll pffpr "Palestinian Bomber." • An Ottawa city councillor is try» ing to rally support behind an initiative to ban scents in Ai 0$wn city buildings. Alex Cullen says banning perfumes could •>V. <S eve n be “the new frontier after pesticides." • live London Zoo recently had an unusual species on exhibit—people. favtxjfr, pm Eight British men and women lived behind bars and a “He'* ax reading "Warning: Humans in Their Natural bsrstkr'i me sign Environment." The temporary exhibit ended Monday. • A v library in Holland has unveiled plans to lend out living (3<«IC » CM people, including gays and lesbians, drug addicts, gyp «Jy î o T is a r a sies and the physically handicapped. In a scheme T fie designed to combat prejudice, library users will be able Back,** whk to take the volunteers to a cafeteria and ask them -W w t d W w |< questions on any subject for up to an hour. • H im |v jc vb a « President Saparmurat Niyazov of Turkmenistan has T in t pan ordered a ban on lip-synching performances at H»i> M»> CUR* it cultural events across the country, citing "a nega tive effect on the development of singing and musical art." In other news, Ashlee Simpson has cancelled her concert in the Central Asian country. ■ Sources: www.pulse24.com; Canadian Press; ctv.ca; telegraph.co.uks \adlit Murphy t>4> « c e k b r The im m Jutltnn o f iltr

NEWS BRIEF Molson's out, Boréale's in LU K A S B E R C M A R K

Nice new facilities, same old fence.

Dubeau said. "I believe that the general student population will benefit most," said Chuck McMann, head coach of the football team. 'The renovations will be a great legacy for the students that are contributing, and hopefully, they will return to use them." Former Students' Society Athletics Representative Carla Rosenfeld said the long-awaited renovations will be well worth the $5.2-million price tag. "Although I haven't seen [the Sports Centre]," she said, “I think [students] really needed [the renovations] and anything done to improve it is a good investment." ■

The Students' Society signed a new beer contract over the summer, unceremoniously dumping Molson in favour of a partnership with Quebec-based brewers Boréale and McAuslan. "Our contract [with Molson] was up, and my predecessor Mark Sward decided that instead of just renewing we would take a look at what else was out there," said Roz Freeman, SSMU vice-president com munications and events. Molson was informed of the renegotiation, but "they didn't offer us anything better than they had in the past," Freeman said. "And then

we had all these new companies... that were just grabbing at it" The new contract features increased selection common to all faculty associations on campus. Freeman said that during the bidding process SSMU looked at Sleeman's and Labatfs as well as some Quebec microbreweries, Dut that Boréale and McAuslan offered the best deal. Good news for Molson loyalists, however: The Geifs Pub contract with Molson has not yet expired. Molson products will still be avail able, along with some new additions like Heineken and Murphy's. —James Gotowiec

CAMPUS NEWS

Expanding equity New minor diversifies McGill curriculum MIRIAM ARO N OW ICZ

This fall, Sexual Diversity Studies has finally earned a place in the McGill curriculum. Initiated in 2003 by the McGill Equity Subcommittee on Queer People, the under graduate minor draws on several faculties and depart ments to offer an interdisciplinary program on gender and sexuality. "Obviously, one of the best ways to service queer students on campus is to have a program for them, so we thought that a minor would be a way to broach things," said Gregg Blachford, co-chair of the McGill Equity Subcommittee on Queer People. The program is chaired by history professor Brian Lewis and hosted by the Department of Social Work with in the Faculty of Arts. The minor consists of one theoreti cal course specific to the program and five electives selected from an array of complementary programs. "All of the courses on the minor look at aspects of sexuality in its full glorious diversity, heterosexual and homosexual," Lewis said. 'They do not regard sexual diversity as something that is 'deviant' and that needs to be 'corrected' to make people 'normal.'" However, getting approval for the minor has been a long-standing struggle. "There is a history of McGill professors being conser

vative," said Floh Herra Vega, Queer McGill administrator. Blachford added that the university offers a limited number of courses related to sexuality and queer studies, which made it difficult to move forward with the minor. He said, however, that McGill is working to add addition al courses for credit to the program. Lewis even hopes to see major and Honours options in the future. The program's designers also hope to create oppor tunities for dialogue between McGill's disciplines, as well as with other scholars working in the field. They intend to contribute to the substantial amount of scholarship already generated by many Canadian and international institutions. While most students and faculty are embracing the new minor, some say the university administration acted too slowly in adopting it. Others question the ability of an interdisciplinary program to survive with scarce resources. Due to limited funding, International Development Studies, another interdisciplinary program, still has no full time professors despite being the third-largest program by enrolment in the Faculty of Arts. "McGill has a wide variety of interdisciplinary pro grams, but they are not well supported enough," said Max Reed, Students' Society vice-president university affairs. Nevertheless, school and student officials remain optimistic about the future of the program. "I think the program is very promising," said Reed. ■

Got a knack for newswriting? Join the Tribune news team. Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Shatner 110 news@mcgilltribune.com

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is recruiting new volunteers! Nightline is a listening, information and referral service run for students by students. W e're confidential, anonymous and open-minded. Stop by for more information. F r id a y S e p t e m b e r 9 th : Shatner Lobby M o n d a y S e p t e m b e r 12th: Shatner 2nd Floor T u e sd a y S e p t e m b e r 13th: Shatner 2nd Floor W e d n e s d a y S e p t e m b e r 14th: Shatner 2nd Floor T h u rs d a y S e p t e m b e r 15 th : Activities Night G E T IN V O L V E D A N D M A K E A D IF F E R E N C E ! Ac» n o w , a s S e p t e m b e r is y o u r o n l y c h a n c e t o jo in M c G ill N ig h t lin e .

CAMPUS RECREATION

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O U TD O O R SOCCER

M e n A, B, C W om en A & B

$130.00 per te a m

S eptem ber 1 ,9 :0 0 to Septem ber 8 ,1 7 :0 0

M o n . to Fri. W eekends

M olson Stadium Forbes Field

TENNIS TO U R N A M E N T

M en A & B W om en A & B

$15.00 per player

S eptem ber 1, 9:00 to S e p te m b e rs , 17:00

Fri. Sat. & Sun Sept. 16-18

Fieldhouse Courts

ULTIMATE DISC

Co-rec A & B

$100.00 per te a m

S eptem ber 1, 9:00 to S eptem ber 8, 17:00

4 M en & 4 W o m en

M o n ., W ed . Fri. W eekends

Forbes Field

VOLLEYBALL

M en A & B W om en A & B Co-rec A & B

$100.00 per te a m

S eptem ber 1, 9:00 to S eptem ber 1 5 ,1 7 :0 0

8 4 M en & 4 W o m en

M on. W ed . & Thurs.

Gyms 1 & 2 Fieldhouse A & B

Co-Rec

$30.00 per te a m

TBA

2 M en & 2 W o m en

TBA

Gyms 1 & 2

VOLLEYBALL 4 ON 4 Tou rnam en t

PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED SPACE IN MOST SPORTS IS LIMITED - REGISTER EARLY

IN T R A M U R A L S p o rts O ffic ia tin g Students interested in sports officiating should complete an application form at the Campus Recreation office (G 3 5 ).

IN T R A M U R A L SPORTS BALL H OCKEY BASKETBALL

ICE H OCKEY TOUCH FOOTBALL ULTIMATE

SOCCER VOLLEYBALL

Experience isijinasset, but not ajecessity!

Are you looking for AGENTS a team to join? f r e e

Attend the Free Agents' Meeting and come prepared to pay your portion o f the team entry fee. Touch Football, Outdoor Soccer, Ultimate, & Ice Hockey: Tuesday September 6, 2005

Ball Hockey, Basketball, and Volleyball: Tuesday September 13, 2005

The Free Agents' Meetings begin @ 17:30 in the Tomlinson Hall Atrium (2nd Floor Fieldhouse)

SAVE 20% R e c A c t iv it ie s For your convenience and to maximize savings, purchase a REC ACTIVITIES CARD. Rather than carrying pockets full of change to your favorite pass-time, simply present the card to the attendant upon entering the activity. The card provides users with $25 worth of recreational services and activities for $20 and may be purchased in the Client Services Office (G-20C). Although exact change will continue to be accepted, taking advantage of the card can save you up to 20 %.

SCHEDULE Schedules for intramural sports can be found on the INFORMATION Department of Athletics Website www.athletics.mcgill.ca McGill ATHLETICS

I N F O R M A T I O N : 3 9 8 -7 0 1 I

FALL 2005

FITNESS A N D R ECR EATIO N C O U R S E S DAY & TIME

COURSE K ID S 1 A Q U A T IC S O ly m p ic W a y - W h it e ( 3 - 1 4 yrs) W h it e A d v ( 3 - 1 4 yrs) G re e n (3 - 1 4 yrs) B lu e (3 - 14 yrs) B ro n ze (3 - 1 4 yrs) S ilv e r (3 - 1 4 yrs) G o ld (3 - 1 4 yrs) A Q U A T IC S

S a tu rd a y

1 0 :3 0 -1 1 :1 5

S a tu rd a y

1 1 :1 5 -1 2 :0 0

A d u lts L ea rn To S w im (L evel 1 B e q in n e r) A d u lts L ea rn To S w im (L evel 2 & 3 In te rm e d ia te ) S w im (P riv a te ) S w im (S e m i-P riv a te ) S w im Fit (C a rd io -R e s p ira to ry E n d u ra n c e ) S tro k e Im p ro v e m e n t SCU B A DANCE

M onday S a tu rd a y W ednesday S a tu rd a y bv a p p o in tm e n t bv a p p o in tm e n t Tues & T h u rs

1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :2 5 1 1 :1 5 -1 2 :1 0 1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :2 5 1 1 :1 5 -1 2 :1 0

B a lle t B elly D a n c in g C o n te m p o ra ry D an c e

Irish D a n c e Ja zz In tr o 1 f t II J a z z In te r II & III L a tin D an c e Social D an c e ~ S w in g D a n c e - L in d y H o p 1 S w in g D a n c e - L in d y H o p II [F IT N E S S a W E L L N E S S A e ro b ic s - Classic C a rd io B o d y w o rk s B o d y D es ig n O u td o o r B o o t C a m p C a rd io Jam M id C u t z S te p & P u m p S te p & S w e a t S pin

C a p o e ira Judo K a ra te d o K endo K ic k b o x in g K ic k b o x in g - S a v a te 1

M A R T IA L A R T S K ic k b o x in g - S a v a te II

W ednesday Sunday

1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :2 5 1 2 :3 0 -1 6 :0 0

2 3 .4 7 /4 0 .8 6 2 6 0 .8 0 /2 8 6 .8 6

Friday Tuesday W ednesday F rid a y

1 6 :3 0 -1 8 :3 0 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 9 :4 0 -2 2 :0 0

7 3 .0 2 /9 4 .7 6 3 6 .5 1 /5 8 .2 5 3 6 ,5 1 /5 8 .2 5 3 1 .3 0

1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :2 5 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 2 0 :0 0 -2 1 :3 0 1 7 :0 0 -1 8 :2 5 1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :2 5 1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :2 5 ^ 2 0 -3 0 -2 1 :5 5

4 8 .6 8 /7 0 .4 2 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0 4 7 .8 1 /6 9 .5 5 7 8 .2 4 /1 2 1 .7 5

W ednesday T u e sd ay (b e g ) Tuesday (b e g ) T h u rs d a y (b e g ) F rid a y (a d v ) T h u rs d a y Tues & T h u rs Tues & T h u rs M onday Tuesday T u e sd ay T h u rs d a y T h u rs d a y

1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5

1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 . M o n d a y & T h u rs d a y 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :5 5 M onday & W ed. S a tu rd a y _____________ 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 T u e sd ay & T h u rs d a y 1 6 h 0 0 -1 6 h 5 5 T u e sd ay & T h u rs d a y 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 M onday 8 W ed. 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 M onday & W ed. 1 3 :3 0 -1 4 :2 5 Tue sd ay & T h u rs d a y 0 8 :0 0 -0 8 :5 5 Tuesday & T h u rsd a y 0 8 :0 0 -0 8 :4 5 T u e sd ay 4 T h u rs d a y 1 8 :1 0 -1 8 :5 5 T u e sd ay 4 T h u rs d a y 1 8 :0 0 -1 9 :2 5 M onday 4 W ed. 1 9 :1 0 -1 9 :5 5 Tuesday 4 T h u rs d a y M onday 4 W ed. . 1 6 :3 0 -1 7 ;2 S __ 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 M on. 4 W ed. 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 1 1 :0 0 -1 1 :5 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :5 5 1 7 :3 0 -1 8 :2 5 1 7 h 0 0 -1 7 h 5 5 1 7 h 0 0 -1 7 h 5 5 1 7 h 3 0 -1 8 h 2 5

3 8 .2 5 /5 5 .6 4

3 8 .2 5 /5 5 .6 4 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0 3 2 .1 7 /5 3 .9 0

3 4 ,7 7 /7 8 ^ 4 ___ 3 4 .7 7 /7 8 .2 4 1 7 .3 9 /3 9 .1 2 3 9 .9 9 /8 3 .4 5 3 9 .9 9 /8 3 .4 5 3 4 .7 7 /7 8 .2 4 3 4 .7 7 /7 8 .2 4 3 9 .9 9 /8 3 .4 5 3 9 .9 9 /8 3 .4 5 5 7 .3 8 /1 0 0 .8 4

F en cin g 1 F en cin g Ü H o c k e y 1 (Beaira W k of Sent.l9> H o c k e y II (Begins W k of Sept. 19) s k a tin g (B e g in s W k o f S e p t.1 9 )

S k a tin q (P riv a te ) S k a tin g (S e m i-P riv a te ) S q u ash in tr o

10 10 10 S q u a sh in te r

S q u ash (P riv a te ) S q u a sh (S e m i-P riv a te ) T en n is In tr o

8 6 .0 6 /1 2 5 .1 8 5 7 .3 8 /1 0 0 .8 4 3 4 .7 7 /7 8 .2 4 T en n is In te r

$ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 S 2 .1 7 /Î1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4 $ 2 .1 7 /5 1 .7 4

T en n is A d v a n c e d

1 9 :0 0 -2 2 :0 0 1 9 :0 0 -2 2 :0 0 0 9 :0 0 -1 9 :0 0

1 14

0 9 :0 0 -1 7 :0 0 0 8 :0 0 -0 8 :5 5 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :5 5 1 8 :1 5 -1 9 :2 5

5 8 ,2 5 /6 6 .9 4 3 0 .4 3 /6 5 .2 0 3 0 .4 3 /6 5 .2 0 4 7 .8 1 /9 1 .2 8 ___

1 8

Tues & T h u rs

0 8 :0 0 -0 8 :5 5

M on & W ed Tues & T h u rs Tuesday T h u rs d a y F rid a y M on S W ed Tues 8 T h u rs T h u rs d a y

1 7 :1 5 -1 8 :2 5 1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :4 0 1 7 :0 0 -1 8 :1 0 1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :4 0 1 3 :0 0 -1 4 :1 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 4 :1 5 1 4 :3 0 -1 5 :4 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :5 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 2 0 :0 0 -2 1 :2 5

3 0 .4 3 /6 5 .2 0 3 8 .2 5 /7 3 .0 2 3 8 .2 5 /7 3 .0 2 3 8 .2 5 /7 3 .0 2 3 8 .2 5 /7 3 .0 2 3 8 .2 5 /7 3 .0 2 4 7 .8 1 /7 3 .8 9 4 7 .8 1 /7 3 .8 9 4 7 ,8 1 /7 3 .8 9 3 8 ,2 5 /8 1 .7 2 3 8 .2 5 /8 1 .7 2 3 9 .9 9 /7 4 .7 6

Tuesday & Friday M o n 8 W e d & Fri M onday & W ed. M onday & W ed. T u e sd ay & Sat. S a tu rd a y T u e ., T h u r., Fri. Tuesday, T h u rs d a y & Frid a y

M o o K w a n q Tae K w o n D o S h a o lin SP O R TS

3 9 .9 9 /4 4 .3 4 2 0 4 .2 9 /2 3 4 .7 2 2 0 4 .2 9 /2 3 4 .7 2 9 9 .9 7 /1 0 8 .6 6

bv a p p o in tm e n t M onday W ednesday TB A TB A TBA M on 8 W ed

1 8 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 6 :3 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 7 :3 0 -1 9 :2 5 1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :5 5 2 0 :0 0 -2 1 :5 5 0 9 :0 0 -1 0 :5 5 1 5 :3 0 -1 6 :2 5 2 0 h 3 0 -2 1 h 2 5

DAY & TIME

COURSE

T e n n is (P riv a te ) T en n is (S e m i-P riv a te ) I O U T D O O R P U R S U IT S E q u e s tria n

7 8 .2 4 /1 2 1 .7 0 6 9 .5 5 /1 3 4 .7 5 6 2 .5 9 /1 0 6 .0 5 6 2 .5 9 /1 0 6 .0 5 6 2 .5 9 /1 0 6 .0 5 4 7 .8 1 /1 1 3 .0 0 4 7 .8 1 /1 1 3 .0 0

Tai Chi M A R T IA L A R TS A ik id o

P ilâtes P ilâ tes P ilâ te s 1 & Il P ow er Yoga

3 6 .5 1 /5 3 :9 0

R e g is te r in th e C lie n t Services O ffic e in th e S po rts C e n tre M o n d a y th r o u g h F rid a y 0 8 h 3 0 -1 9 h 4 5 . R e g is tra tio n has b e g u n a n d c o n tin u e s th r o u g h F rid a y , S e p te m b e r 2 3 , 2 0 0 5 . N o n -m e m b e rs re g is te re d in courses m a y use th e fa c ility o n ly d u r in g t h e ir d e s ig n a te d class tim e s . M o s t classes b e g in th e w e e k o f S e p te m b e r 12, 2 0 0 5 . Classes w ill n o t b e h e ld O c to b e r 8 -1 0 , 2 0 0 5 , d u e t o T h a n k s g iv in g . F u ll-tim e M c G ill s tu d e n ts m a y re g is te r a t th e m e m b e r's ra te . Prices d o n o t in c lu d e ta x e s.

H a th a Y o g a II

1 8 :3 0 -1 9 :2 5

F IT N E S S & W E L L N E S S

CPR R e -C e rt H a th a Y o g a 1

3 6 .5 1 /5 3 .9 0

1/2 h r 1/2 h r 8

S pin & Trim S pin - Race & Pace S te p E x tre m e Tae B ox F IT N E S S a W E L L N E S S (P a y -A s -Y o u -G o ) M onday STEP S a tu rd a y Tues TAE B O X Sunday AEROBICS W ednesday BOOT CAMP T h u rs d a y B o d y D es ig n F rid a y S p in F rid a y P ow er Yoga Fitness A p p ra is a l Fitness in s tru c to r T ra in in g P erso n a l T ra in e r D e v e lo p m e n t CPRXFirst A id

WKS

1 5 .6 5 /2 0 .0 0 1 1 .3 0 /1 5 .6 5 3 2 .1 7 /6 6 .9 3

(S tu d e n ts O N L Y - A u d it io n R e q u ir e d )

F la m e n c o H ip H o p

COST

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

K a y a k in g H ik in g

10______ 8

8 10

WKS _______________1 10

Tuesday, T h u rs d a y 8 F rid a y M o n d ay 8 W ed. M onday 8 W ed.

1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :2 5

6 9 .5 5 /1 3 4 .7 5

1 9 :3 0 -2 1 :2 5 1 9 :0 0 -2 0 :3 0

6 2 .5 9 /1 0 6 .0 5 4 7 .8 1 /9 1 .2 8

1 10

Tue sd ay 8 T h u rs d a y M onday 8 W ed. M onday 8 W ed. F rid a y F rid a y W ednesday S a tu rd a y S a tu rd a y by a p p o in tm e n t b y a p p o in tm e n t M onday M onday Tuesday Tuesday W ednesday W ednesday T h u rs d a y T h u rs d a y F rid a y F rid a y F rid a y F rid a y F rid a y S a tu rd a y Sunday M onday T h u rs d a y S a tu rd a y Sunday b v a p p o in tm e n t b y a p p o in tm e n t M onday Tuesday Tuesday W ednesday T h u rs d a y S a tu rd a y (3 w e e k s ) S u n d a y (3 w e e k s ) M onday Tuesday W ednesday T h u rs d a y S a tu rd a y (3 w e e k s ) M onday W ednesday T h u rs d a y S u n d a y (3 w e e k s ) by a p p o in tm e n t b y a p p o in tm e n t

0 8 :0 0 -0 8 :5 5 1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 2 0 :0 0 -2 0 :5 5 1 3 :3 0 -1 4 :4 5 1 4 :4 5 -1 6 :1 5 1 5 :0 0 -1 6 :1 5 1 0 :3 0 -1 1 :2 0 1 1 :3 0 -1 2 :2 0

4 0 .8 5 /7 5 .6 3

4 0 .8 5 /7 5 .6 3 4 5 .2 0 /6 2 .5 9 5 3 ,9 0 /7 1 .2 9 4 7 .8 1 /6 5 .2 0 3 3 .0 3 /5 0 .4 2 3 3 .0 3 /5 0 .4 2 1 5 .6 5 /2 0 .0 0 1 1 .3 0 /1 5 .6 5 2 2 .6 0 /3 5 .6 4

1/2 h r 1/2 h r 6

2 2 .6 0 /3 5 .6 4

1 6 .5 2 /2 0 .8 7 1 2 .6 0 /1 6 .9 5 2 9 .5 6 /4 2 .6 0

4 5 m in 4 5 m in 6

S a tu rd a y Sunday S atu rd ay, S e p t. 2 5 W ednesday S atu rd ay, S e p t. 17 S unday. S e p t. 2 5

1 3 :3 0 -1 5 :2 5 1 3 :3 0 -1 5 :2 5 A ll D a y 2 1 :0 0 -2 2 :3 0 A ll D a y

1 2 6 .0 5 /1 3 4 ,7 4 1 2 6 .0 5 /1 3 4 .7 4 6 5 .2 0 /6 9 .5 4 8 6 .9 5 /1 0 4 .3 2 3 9 .1 1 /4 3 .4 7

1 2 :1 5 -1 3 :0 0 1 2 :3 0 -1 3 :1 5 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :4 5 1 2 :3 0 -1 3 :1 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5 1 2 :3 0 -1 3 :1 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :4 5 1 3 0 0 -1 3 h 4 5 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :4 5 1 2 :1 5 -1 3 :0 0 1 2 :0 0 -1 2 :4 5 1 2 :3 0 -1 3 :1 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5

$ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4 $ 1 3 .0 4

1 6 :0 0 -1 6 :4 5 1 7 :3 0 -1 8 )1 5 1 6 :4 5 -1 7 :3 0 1 7 :3 0 -1 8 :1 5 1 2 :1 5 -1 3 :0 0 1 3 :0 0 -1 3 :4 5 1 6 :0 0 -1 6 :4 5 1 6 :4 5 -1 7 :3 0 0 8 :3 0 -0 9 :1 5 0 9 :1 5 -1 0 :0 0 1 4 :3 0 -1 5 :1 5 1 5 :1 5 -1 6 :0 0 1 6 :0 0 -1 6 :5 5 1 0 :4 5 -1 1 :3 0 1 1 :3 0 -1 2 :1 5 1 6 :4 5 -1 7 :3 0 1 7 :3 0 -1 8 :1 5 1 1 :3 0 -1 2 :1 5 1 2 :1 5 -1 3 :0 0

1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 1 6 :0 0 -1 6 :5 5 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 1 5 :0 0 -1 5 :5 5 1 9 :0 0 -1 9 :5 5 0 9 :3 0 -1 0 :5 5 0 9 :3 0 -1 0 :5 5 2 0 :0 0 -2 0 :S 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 4 :0 0 -1 4 :5 5 1 8 :0 0 -1 8 :5 5 1 1 :0 0 -1 2 :2 5 2 1 :0 0 -2 1 :5 5 1 6 :0 0 -1 6 :5 5 1 7 :0 0 -1 7 :5 5 1 1 :0 0 -1 2 :2 5

2 2 .6 1 /2 9 .1 3 2 9 .5 6 /4 2 .6 0

2 2 .6 1 /2 9 .1 3 1 9 .9 9 /2 4 .3 4 1 3 .9 0 /1 8 .2 6

1 6 6

1 8

Saturday. Qct l— S atu rd ay. O c t. 15 S unday. O ct. 3 0 S atu rd ay, N ov. 5 S unday. N ov. 2 7

S TA FF F IT N E S S A q u a Fitness B a d m in to n B e iiy D a n c in g B o d y D e s ig n Easy R id e r L a tin A ero b ic s R id ers o n t h e S to rm H a th a Y o q a 1 H a th a Y o g a II In T h e R ing In tr o t o P ilâ tes P ilâ tes P o w e r Y o g a Lite Recess T en nis Tai Chi

COST

M o nday 8 W ednesday M o n d ay 8 W ednesday Tuesday 8 F rid a y Tuesday 8 Th u rs d a y Tuesday 8 T h u rs d a y Tuesday 8 T h u rs d a y M o n d a y * W ednesday Tuesday & T h u rs d a y Tuesday 8 T h u rs d a y M o n d ay 8 W ednesday M o nday 8 W ednesday Tuesday 8 T h u rs d a y M o nday 8 W ednesday M o n d a y , W e d n e s d a y , F rid a y M o nday 8 W ednesday M o nday 8 W ednesday

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

;

or www.athletics.mcgill.ca

. lu *

McGill ATHlETfCS

opinion

W h ip It

Looks do matter

Alien Nation

Confessions of a (formerly) guilty American AMANDA GREENMAN

teachers assistant for one of my Canadian politics courses once said that I had a classic case of "American Guilt Syndrome," because I inexplicably felt like I had to apologize whenever I said any thing in conference that went against what others were saying. In any other political science course, expressing a dissenting opinion would be normal and acceptable. But this was a Canadian politics class and I was, after all, an American in a class full of Canadians. I couldn't help but won der if it was somehow offensive to the other students in the confer ence to have to listen to me con stantly question the effectiveness, sense and integrity behind Canadian political policies and insti tutions. The Canadian politics confer ence was only one instance of when I have been all too aware, and occasionally ashamed, of my American-ness throughout my experience at McGill. During my first year, I faced constant questions sur rounding the conflict in Iraq ("Why are you going to war?" was the most irritating). And in my sophomoresorry, Canucks, second—year, I was most often confronted with snide remarks about how backward my country was for flipping out about the Janet Jackson Super Bowl inci dent. My response during these episodes was to carefully navigate

the waters and try not to offend effect change on the opinions of anyone. I hoped that by biting my others. It was then that I realized tongue when person after person that I could not transform people's accused my country and its people stereotypic notions about of being "world-destroying imperial Americans, and I didn't care to. ists" my generally agreeable and Thus, my American Guilt open-minded personality somehow Syndrome has disappeared. I no could alter the view of those that I longer feel as though I am obligated encountered. to act in a certain way in order for This all changed last year on people to change their opinion of the day after the US presidential me. I now feel free to express my election. I was sitting in the Place largely-conservative views, even at Montreal Trust food court at lunch this bastion of liberal activism. when I heard a group of three Montrealers dis Anyone who asks me a question about the cussing the elec Canadian health care system or US foreign tion. I eaves policy, free trade or the UN, and isn't ready dropped as they condemned and to listen to my honest opinion in the same defamed the objective manner in which I am willing to American popu hear them out, isn't worth my time. lation, saying that Americans were senseless and heartless people who Anyone who asks me a question weren't intelligent enough to see about the Canadian health care sys what a moron the man that they tem or US foreign policy, free trade had elected to lead them was. or the UN, and isn't ready to listen As a proud American, I felt like to my honest opinion in the same a load of bricks had been dropped objective manner in which I am will on my head. ing to hear them out, isn't worth my Travel books like to say that time. when you're in a foreign nation, you Sorry Canadian McGillians—I are "representing" your own coun know this may be a jolt to your sys try, and I had taken that idea to tem after years of cavorting with heart when I arrived at McGill. But it self-loathing American turncoats, took one final blow to my American but I no longer feel bad for having ego for me to conclude that it is been born a citizen of a so-called simply impossible and unfair to "imperialist" country. And I refuse to think that one person can really apologize for the red states. ■

BRANDON CHUDLEIGH

f you're ugly, I won't date you; that's the harsh reality. I'm sure you have a wonderful personality; you have to when you look like that. Maybe your forte is a biting sense of humour and a caring heart. You might even be great in bed—explo sions, fireworks and the like—I'm sure I'm missing out in some capacity. The truth is though, none of that actually matters to me. Make your assumptions if you will: I consider this stance normal, though perhaps it's unconventional and against the grain. If following the rules of the game is a necessity to preserve your innocence and high moral fiber, then I'm not for you. Otherwise, come along for the ride. So allow me to restate my opin ion, now that you have an open mind and are refraining from defecat ing on the page: If you're ugly, I won't date you. It has long been preached that there is often a sensitive and warm interior beneath the beastly exterior of those unfortunate souls known as "charity cases." This is untrue. Rule one: Looking like a troll does not automatically equate to kindness. These people are often bitter and resentful. They will accuse you of cheating on them because they know you could, nay, should be with someone of your calibre. When I glance at Cosmo, that Holy Grail of female advice, the bold cover pronouncements always get me. I see articles advising women on how to "Get a killer rack in 10 days" and "Learn to accept your body in its fierce entirety." Well, which one is it? I say guys should only go for women interested in the former. Rule two: The only reason attractive people

should be with someone sub-par is if they are afraid of dying alone, a deciding factor that should be far from the minds of undergrads in their prime. Consider this: in your idealized sexual visions, the women that you imagine yourself sleeping with are those with raw sexual magnetism, charisma and a form that inspires wailing crooners to pen tunes à la John Mayer1s (no doubt) panty-dropping hit "Your Body is a Wonderland." Rare is the occasion when you find yourself fantasy-fucking the plain Jane with a vast knowledge of impressionist art, the writings of Robespierre and a penchant for knock-knock jokes. Your subcon scious has the right idea. With sexual chemistry figuring quite importantly in a meaningful relationship—remember that this is the stuff that affairs are had over and that spurs the dissolution of mar riages—why should us guys force logic into submission and settle for someone who isn't on our level? Because we feel bad for unattractive women? Because we're afraid of what it says about us if we reject them on such a thinly veiled superfi cial basis? It hardly seems fair that I should be scorned for my choices. Some require professional success in their potential partners, others seek status. These people are labeled ambitious. Those traits are of less importance to me. All I want is to find my mate attractive. Women have been thinking this way for years—why shouldn't we? ■

Funambulism

You can’t fire me, I... oh CRISTINA MARKHAM

earching for a summer job always reminds me of a bad— notorious “death grip" handshake. After distributing more than and painfully true—joke: The scientist asks, "Why does it 40 résumés, I was offered four jobs, with one offer coming from work?"; the engineer asks, "How can we make it work bet a snooty, overpriced boutique on St-Laurent. While I've never ter?"; and the Arts student asks, "Would you like fries with that?." been among the legions of McGill girls who are seduced by this While I will viciously defend the importance and validity of designer*s unimaginatively-designed wares, I was drawn to the an English degree, I find myself with very few marketable skills job because of its location, its pay and its 50 per cent employee discount. By the end of my first day, I began to question whether this I heard a girl proclaim that an adorable baby that store (sorry, boutique) was truly my ideal work environment. The had just left our store was "cute, but a little fat for smiles and handshakes I had offered to my new co-workers my liking." ... It was moments like these that prompt were met with little more than raised eyebrows and frigid smirks, and this doubt was only confirmed as the week wore on. My first ed me to answer questions regarding how I liked my job with, "It is gradually but surely crushing my soul." question to my manager was in regards to the teeny-tiny jeans we carried, and why the largest waist size available was 30 inch es. She replied with a casual, “Oh, that's because the designer when I go job-hunting. My list of talents includes proficiency in doesn't want fat people wearing his clothes." all major computer programs, mad Trivial Pursuit skills and a If this wasn't enough to send me running for the hills, I remarkable deftness for writing in iambic pentameter. This appar learned that the store's security cameras were not used to mon ently makes me uniquely qualified for the exciting world of retail. itor customers, but the staff, as one of the owners was an evil, As my employment history includes a camp, a bakery and untrusting voyeur. To remind us that he was watching our every a brief under-the-table stint at Holt Renfrew, I knew I couldn't move, he'd occasionally call the store immediately after some expect employers to leap at the opportunity to hire me. So I one sneezed and say, "Bless you!" On top of all that freakiness, pounded the pavement, armed with a stack of résumés and my he occasionally enlisted friends to spy on us from the café across

the street. Now, I could tolerate this 7984-esque invasion of my priva cy, and I could ignore the insultingly tiny clothes, but my co-workers were another story. Some of the conversations I overheard were enough to make me run into the back of the store and cower amid the tank tops. One day, I heard a girl proclaim that an adorable baby that had just left our store was "cute, but a lit tle fat for my liking." Just hours later, two other girls discussed their first-year abortions with an air of frustrated nonchalance that I generally use to recall bad haircuts. It was moments like these that prompted me to answer questions regarding how I liked my job with, "It is gradually but surely crushing my soul." While I realized that I couldn't handle the excruciating anguish of this job, I was terrified to quit for fear of not finding other employment. But after a month of this torture, just as I gradually began to work up the nerve to quit, I was shockingly fired. Just as being dumped by a boyfriend you never really liked is nonetheless a blow to your ego, I was a little hurt. But even tually, I got over the disappointment and took it as a blessing in disguise. I finished up the summer working at a toy store, sur rounded by helium balloons, shiny toys and fat babies as far as the eye could see. ■

The

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | opinion

M cGill Tribune

EDITORIAL

The undergraduate burden

Curiosity delivers. E ditor- in-C hief

Liz Allemang editor@mcgilltribune.com

'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times' —Charles Dickens

M anaging E duors

Jennifer Jett A ndrew Segal seniored@mcgilltribune.com Production M anager

Lara Bekhazi production@mcgilltribune.com N ews E ditors

Robert Church James Gotowiec Niall Mackay Roberts news@mcgilltribune.com Features EDtroRS

Genevieve Jenkins Lise Treutler features@mcgilltribune.com A&E E ditors Ben Lemieux Melissa Price arts@mcgilltribune.com S ports E ditors

David Blye Adam Myers sports@mcgilltribune.com Photo E ditors

Lukas Bergmark Vladimir Eremin photo@mcgilltribune.com C opy E ditor

Traci Johnson copy@mcgilltribune.com

LIZ ALLEMANG

t's Sept. 1, one day out of "summer"—whoever said it ended Sept 21 was clearly never an undergrad—and we are thrown back into the process. Four months after finals, we are expected to dust ourselves off, bid adieu to simplicity and return with some semblance of normalcy. We hop back onto the shiny, red metaphorical Schwinn, having never forgotten the process that turns the wheels and accelerates the rider full steam ahead. Sure its always a little rusty at first, though perhaps that's the Boréale beer buzz talking, but year after year I am amazed at the ease with which students make that tran sition. It's not as if we have much of a say in the matter: classes will start regardless of our level of preparedness or desire to reacquaint ourselves with the rigorous academic routine. We will grumble, protest, enter various stages of denial—pretending that it is still possible to maintain our social graces de l'été (that we can still go out partying each night and emerge fresh as a daisy the next afternoon sons consequence). We will maintain relationships with those with whom we shared painfully idiotic employers, heat waves and general merriment—and eventually we cave to the inevitability before us. The entire process is so fractured, comparatively unnatural to our past and future experiences and there is little sense behind it, no reasoning which explains what makes it tick. It shatters the soul in a manner eerily reminiscent of the passing of the kindergarten hamster, stirring that nervous, churning, depres sive pain in the pit of your stomach. Equally, it provides a source of relief and excitement, stability and adventure, joy and agony. I am hard pressed to think of anything quite like it. My dance teacher-a crass, hard-working woman whom I have come to know and respect in my university career, if for nothing else, her ability to do things with her belly button that can only be described as physiologically impossible—provided a keen observation last fall. 'You will never work as hard in life as you do in university," she preached. She explained that post graduation, all-nighters would become a rarity—at least until the REM-interrupting phase that is parenthood-that the emotional turmoil of the twen tysomething mind is an unparalleled drama and that, in spite of all this tor ment, comparable amounts of fun would be few and far between. Dickens' opening line in A Tale of Two Cities made reference to life dur ing the French Revolution, when the monarchy was overthrown and the Republic created—proudly a forum for the free flow of enlightened ideas as well as cultivated chaos. Though beheadings of kings and their wives are rel-

atively uncommon on campus, we can find some basis in this notion. Students will do whatever it takes to make opportunities available to them selves, constantly seeking out knowledge and pushing themselves to think and act outside of the box, even if whaîs outside is unfamiliar. While our parents are at home, waxing nostalgic over commercials of the "back to school" set, most university students who have flown the coop are quite simply too busy to even acknowledge feelings of homesickness. One Canadian university has started handing out marigold plants to weepy eyed mothers and fathers of first-years so that they will have something to coddle once they return home and begin feeling twinges of separation anx iety. Undergraduates, regardless of year, have a full plate: That is perhaps why, unlike Mama, most are unable to sustain a life, even that of a cactus, beyond their own. The empty nesters are at a loss, initially paralyzed and in need of distractions. Their spawn now have full, independent lives of their own. We are reminded of this after a summer spent at home, unaccustomed One Canadian university has started handing out marigold plants to weepy-eyed mothers and fathers of first-years so that they will have something to coddle once they return home and begin feeling twinges of separation anxiety.

to thinking about others because the academic environment breeds a self ish nature required to survive. It is at this stage, through discovery and prac tice, that we become our own people. We push ourselves harder than ever before, partly out of necessity, but mostly because we are intrigued by how far we can go. The life of a student newspaper editor, par exemple, is hard ly an enviable one. They work their asses off, only to lose sleep, see relation ships deteriorate, have CGPAs plummet and often get reamed out in the process. Yet they don't complain (much), remain committed and improve upon their skill base so they can do it better the next time. It is beyond a full time job and takes precedence over most every aspect of their lives. It has crossed my mind that they must be superhuman cyborgs to accomplish such feats, but in all honesty, they typify your average hardworking student. I'm told they do it for the experience, for some sort of self-inflicted masochis tic enjoyment. That is what university is all about. ■

D esign E ditors

Tiffany Choy Spenser Sproul design@mcgilltribune.com

OFF THE

BOARD

Learn to walk, again

A dvertising Manager

Paul Slachta advmgr@ssmu.mcgill.ca PUBUSHER

GENEVIEVE JENKINS

Chad Ronalds

C ontributors

Kayvon Afshari Miriam Aronowicz M o Arora A ndrew Bauer Katherine Fugler Emily Harris Vicki Lean Lisa Varano

T ribune O ffices Editorial. Shatner University Centre, Suite 110, 3 4 8 0 McTavish, M ontreal Q C Tel: 51 4.398.67 89 Fax. 514.398.1750 Advertising. Brown Building, Suite 1200 3 6 0 0 McTavish, M ontreal Q C H 3 A 1Y2 Tel. 51 4.3 9 8 .6 8 0 6 Fax. 5 1 4.398.74 90

hile out on what should otherwise be a joyful morning walk, I see hordes of first-year students lumbering down the sidewalk; two, three, sometimes four of them marching side by side, practically clutching each other, refusing to yield even as I approach in the other direc tion.

I thrust my way through their chummily-pressed shoulders, but as I charge through more and more threesomes stupidly hogging the whole sidewalk, I feel the anger rising. Finally, filled with more rage than a homeward-bound driver in rush hour traffic, overflowing with more angst than a teenager battling mom for the car keys, I end my walk almost sprinting, hop ing to just get it over with as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, my mind races through a list of methods intended to deter ignorant walkers from crossing my path. I could wear a sign reading, "Get out of my way, jackass!” or I could come to campus in the middle of the night and craftily evade security guards as I paint lines and directional arrows for those who stupidly refuse to understand the right side rule. Better yet, I could set up metal spikes, like those in paid parking lots, intended to stab painful ly through the shoes of any misguided walkers. They might get the bloody message that way! After spending too many years in Orange County, I have come to love the ability to walk somewhere—yes, anywhere—because in the infamous OC, you just can't make it to a recognizable social hub without a car. The simple joys of stretching lithe muscles on a morning hike up to the gym have, how ever, been tragically robbed from me by the boorish manners of Montrealers. The frequent pedestrian clogging of McGill-area sidewalks—as unsightly as the hair that constantly clogs up your shower drain-needs to

come to an end. It just takes a little common sense, people. First of all, if you are walking in North America, stay on the right side. If even one person stays to the wrong side, the whole system is disturbed and the balance has been broken. Maintain the balance. I'm not even asking for direction to be divided by the road. Two directions can coexist on a single sidewalk if we all work together. Secondly, do not walk more than two abreast on a sidewalk if there are other pedestrians in the vicinity (yes, this means both behind you and in front of you). If you happen to be a member of those slow-moving packs of stalwart walkers regularly blocking my path, occupy a minimal amount of space on the sidewalk so others don't have to risk the hazards of Montreal traffic to pass you by. Think about the mayhem that would result if three cars suddenly decided they wanted to drive next to each other on a one lane road. Thirdly, even if you decide to ignore all of my other rules of the side walk, do not forgo this one. If a person is going substantially faster than you on the sidewalk (i.e. she is running and you are walking), it is mandatory that you move to the side and let her pass. Think of this as a survival rule, if you must; the runner or speed walker shouldn't have to slow down just because you are ambling along. Simply step aside for a moment and you can save the other person quite a bit of hassle in trying to maneuver around you. To that end, I advise any runners or speed-walkers slowed by unmov able walkers to "gently" brush shoulders with them while speedily passing. Think of it as a little jolt to the system, like caffeine, only potentially painful— a simple way to remind those that have still not realized that walking eti quette must exist in order for the world to remain sane. ■

The McGill Tribune is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Students' Society of McGill University, in collaboration with the Tribune Pubhcation Society All submissions, including letters, must include contributor's name, program and year, and contact information. Submissions may be sent by e-mail to letters@mcgilltnbune.coml Any material judged by the Tribune Publication Society to be libeNous sexist racist, homophobic or solely promotional in nature will not be published. The Tribune reserves the right to edit all contributions. Editorials are decided upon and written by the editorial board. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the McGill Tribune, its editors or its staff. Please recycle this newspaper.

The McGill Tribune is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

opinion | 1.9.05 | the mcgill tribune

Letters: Crap we got this summer Just because the Trib hasn't been printing for the past four months doesn't mean that our inbox hasn't filled up with loads of insightful and well-crafted letters. Okay, that's a lie. It filled up with crap. Here's the collected wisdom we've received these past four months, printed verbatim; if you want to see something better here (and, quite frankly, anything is preferable to this) then make sure to send us your own pearls of wisdom, about the content in this week's issue, if possible, although that's by no means necessary. Keep them under 300 words and free of all sorts of bad stuff, send them to letters@mcgilltribune.com, and we will publish them next week in this very space! Then, you can tell your family, that guy with a venereal disease who was hitting on you on the corner of Parc and PrinceArthur on Saturday night and the med schools you're applying to that you've been published. We'll even write you a reference letter to confirm. We call it the "you write a letter, we write a letter" plan. Everyone wins. Hooray! Well, here goes nothing:

Random guy weighs in on Social Security

(May 23) SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND NOTH ING BUT IOU"S All the money paid into social security to build up the much hyped trust fund has been borrowed by the treas ury and spent. Government bonds have been issued in place of this borrowed money. The fund is nothing but a room full of lOU’s. Government promises to pay itself. Medicare's trust fund is in this same room of lOU's. Interest on this money is paid in these same bonds. Social security will start cashing these in 13 years. Medicare is already in the red. The country is over 7 tril lion in debt & increasing at 1 ? billion a day. No politician has the guts to confront this & many deny a problem even exists!!! It's not going to go away and, if nothing is done, it is estimated social security and Medicare/ Medicaid will sink the country another 20 trillion in debt in the next 40 years. All debt is financed through foreign borrowing. Who thinks this can continue.

Yes, yes we do; in fact, we just did

(Mar. 27) Hi, former McGill student just wondering if you accept letters from alumni for publication....thanks....dave. Thanks, we appreciate it

(Apr. 4) Tip of the day: Call your oldest, loneliest, most cenile family-member tonight and your youngest, most idealistic, creative cousin tomorrow. (Priotization of each is self-determined). Consider taking both of them out to a bar. Decide against taking the younger one. —Andy Steves, U1 Biology

—James L Busby,Bemidji, Minn Anyone out there giving dance lessons?

(Juhe 11) Hi Im Jeannette my dadcould never have the money to support my talent and he knows II have a lot o it I never ever shared my talent so Im asking you what should I do go to a park start dancing what what what should I do Im only 11 years Im a girl Im a 6th grader and shurly want to be a hip pop dancer I want to share my talent like Lil Romeo bow wow nelly all those singers made it because they belived in them selves they had talent they had tips they had class but I dont and I want people to know what my talent really is.

Where's Xzibit when you need him?

(May 18)You guys must not know the definition of "pimpin'' because you guys have some ugly cars up in this joint.l am angry.l am 10 years old and I'm looking for my " 15th" birthday car. You guys are pitiful.

—Love, Jeannette Selvas

Design/Layout Editor (1), Online Editor (1) Editorial Board applications should include a letter of intent, a CV and a portfolio containing three (3) relevant samples of work. The Tribune is also hiring several columnists for the 2005-2006 oped section. Columnist applications should include a letter of intent (specifically detailing the angle of your proposed column), a CV and a portfolio containing one (1) sample column, 600 words in length, and ideas for five (5) future columns. Editorial cartoonists and crossword puzzle makers are also needed, please indicate interest and experience by e-mail. All applications should be addressed to Liz Allemang, Editor-in-Chief, and received by 4:30 pm, Friday, September 9, 2005 at the Tribune Office (Shatner 110) or sent electronically to editor@mcgilltribune.com.

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The Dean of Students laughs, loves

SILHOUETTE

McGill and oh-so-subtly plugs the Trib

D ia lin g t h e S h o r e - l i n e

P u t t in g a n e n d t o s t r a n g e r d a n g e r Walksafe provides safety and company for all who make the call G EN EV IEV E JEN KIN S

t's 1 a.m. the Friday before school begins. Most McGillians already in town are spending their time barhopping or getting their groove on in a club on StLaurent. Mike Shortt, operation coordinator of Walksafe, isn't doing either of those things. He's sitting in Shatner, fielding phone calls from students and community members who feel a little anxious about their nighttime walk or ride. It's the first night the club's volunteers and executive board are back on patrol, and the phone has hardly been ringing off the hook. Shortt fears a lot of students don't know what the club is or how to get an escort. While it's possible to find the volunteers strolling the streets near McGill wearing bright red jackets emblazoned with the word "Walksafe," and their phone number (398-2498), there's no guarantee that your club will be one they pass by. You've got to make a call to the club's Shatner beadquarters. When students staying on campus late or visiting a friend in the ghetto want to go home for the night, many of them feel unsafe. Montreal's big-city streets can be nerve-wracking for many, especially undergrads in their first year, and every stranger can seem a potential threat. Although Montreal is known for being one of the safest large North American cities, it would be naïve to say that danger doesn't exist. "It's not always safe here," asserts Shortt. 'We had the muggings on campus last year. Sometimes it's better to take the precaution.” Founded in 1991, Walksafe has long been a source of help for students and community members in need of a safer walk or some company. The club offers, Shortt says, "an empowering alternative to walking home or taking public transit." If you place a call to Walksafe, the club sends out a few of its many volunteers—last year there were over 100—who will walk you wherever you need to go. Every group of volunteers that escorts a stu dent includes at least one female. Escorts try to prevent any possible threats for those who use the service. Solin Hall, notorious for the intimidating dark path from the metro to the residence, is home to many stu dents who make use of Walksafe. Other people just like to have companionship as they stagger home. The dub does face a few problems because stu dents feel they'll be bothering the volunteers by calling. "It's actually better for the organization and the volun teers have a fun time when people call," Shortt confess es. When no one dials their digits, the volunteers just get bored. The club operates from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. the rest of the week. For Frosh week, Walksafe had extra-late hours and stayed open until 3 a.m. For information on getting involved in Walksafe, you can sign up at activities night or call the club's number and leave a message at any time. ■

~o a; ro u

to Q -

E ro u

LUKAS BERGMARK Bruce Shore's smiling—is he pondering his many happy years here? My favourite thing about each new academic year... are the eager stu dents with big smiles and the apprehensive parents who are untying the apron strings. If I weren't the Dean of Students, I'd be... a professor in the Department of Education and Counseling Psychology. But if I wasn't at McGill, I would be immersed in my model railroad, traveling, playing my piano and taking Dancing 101 again with my wife! Students should come to see me if... they want to explore a scholar ship. Students might see me if they have a problem and want to speak in total confidence to someone who has access to the university. Sometimes, stu dents come just to tell me about some good news in their lives and I'm always delighted to hear that! I like the Tribune because... it has a sense of spirit about this universi ty. The Tribune has always stayed close to being a fun read of good journal ism. The last book I read w as... when I was on holiday. When we drive, my wife likes to read aloud. Together, we read A Man Called Intrepid by William Stevenson, a true story about the Canadian head of British Secret Intelligence through the Second World War. The best summer festival in Montreal is.. . the Jazz Festival. I like music, and there's something about the spirit of the Jazz Festival that makes it, for me, number one. The easiest way for a student to ensure a successful and enjoyable semester is... by scheduling time for fun and making it sacrosanct. My advice

would be to include at least one activity at McGill—it forces you to get to know other students! You can write for the Tribune, too. I'm most proud of... my family. At work, I'm very proud of my grad stu dents and my colleagues. I think this is a lovely place to work! My favourite place on campus is... Redpath Hall; it's very beautiful, and I'm fascinated by the faces on the wall-especially James McGill—who don't let you out of their sight. There's also something special about standing just inside the Roddick Gates and looking at the campus as an outside, physical space. If my words were immortalized on a plaque, they would be... "Have

VLADIMIR EREMIN

confidence in yourself and seek help when you need it."

Walksafe: phones at HQ... to the streets with you.

—compiled by Use Treutler

W H A T...

W H O ...

W H EN ...

W HERE...

C O N T A C T ...

Sorority Recruitment Info Booth

McGill Panhellenic

September 2, 6, 7

Outside McGill Bookstore

mcgill_panhellenic@hotmail.com

September 15, 7 p.m.

Lev Bukhman Room (Shatner)

mcgill_panhellenic@hotmail.com

Sorority Recruitment Info Session McGill Panhellenic *Photo Shoot for Tribune calendar

Attractive editors from The Tribune

September 21

Cancun, Mexico

calendars@swimsuitcompany.com

*UFO Welcome Party

McGill MUFON Chapter

September 22, midnight

Crop Circles near Gatineau

mcgill_mufon@hotmail.com

***See how these listings are just TOO good to be true? To avoid showing up for an event that doesn’t (sigh) exist.. Submit your listings! Advertise to the masses! Cive us your money! Advertise your event! For only a toonie you can get a listing in the print and on-line editions of the Trib. Drop by the SSMU Office (Shatner building. Suite 1200) to pick up a form. Deadlines are Fridays at 3:30 p.m. For more information call 398.6789 or e-mail calendar@mcgilltribune.com

student living AROUND

THE

HOUSE

A table with no legs Keeping it together while your furniture is in shambles LIZ A LLEM A N G

t's inherent in Murphy's Law that not only is everything going to go wrong that possibly could, but it will also be painstakingly and overly complicated. Finding the ideal apart ment is an art to be fine-tuned and perfected during the undergraduate career. Once you think you have it all figured out, and that you'll perchance have a moment to breathe, you glance over at the hefty boxes of unassembled desk chairs and die a little inside. While some choose avoidance—stacking their cardboard in a fort arrangement to substitute living quar ters—we recommend soldiering through it. Gather some friends, crank up the music and get cracking. And if you aren't willing to invite The Tribune along to help, which quite frankly makes us bitter, take note of our hints for the easiest transition from no futon to futon. If you bought out Ikea to furnish your pad, pick up extra Allen Keys (the L-shaped wrench with the hexagonal head that come with most items). You will be rendered useless without one, and making another two-hour trek par métro to Ville St-Laurent is hardly appealing. A screwdriver with multiple heads is also crucial.

AROUND

When working on top of hardwood or tile flooring, put down a protective barrier (towels, drop cloths, your roommate's overstuffed parka...) to avoid chips and scratches. Actually take the time to ensure that all necessary parts are included. Measure before you buy. If the instructions do not make sense, be sure that you are not, in fact, reading them upside-down. Use wall plugs when hanging anything heavy on the wall to avoid being crushed by drywall in the night. Drinking while assembling will allow you to forget the frustration, not feel pain when the hammer hits your thumb and wake up to a fur nished apartment. On the other hand, nothing will be assembled correctly and your hangover will be peppered with the loose screws of shoddy workmanship. Weigh the pros and cons. A tub of Poly Filler, toothpaste and a sup ply of permanent markers will cover many mis takes. Do not use smelly markers, however tempting, if you would like to keep your touchups a secret Nothing gives you away like a wall that smells like artificial cherry. ■

TOWN

Shopping: Through the G hetto... and beyond! If you’re desperate and you know it... buy a chair K A T H ER IN E FU G LER

ou thought you packed your toothbrush... whoops. In sudden need of a filing cabinet to satisfy a desperate urge to organize? Or are you only now realizing just how much food you consume? Its possible that none of the above scenar ios apply to you. There may be a day in the future, however, when disaster strikes and you need stuff—fast. Montreal has much to offer the shop per, whether in search of a new bottle of sham poo... or a dildo.

Pharmacies Behold the options: supplies for sick days, sexy candles to burn, Crayolas to channel your inner child, cleaning products for after your wel come back fête, much needed ADHD prescrip tions from Health Services, photo printing, latenight munching. Whatever your pleasure—most even have self-warming lube—Montreal drug stores tend to be well stocked and feature regu lar sales on the essentials, like toilet paper and Imodium, needed to survive student life. Hint: Jean Coutu stocks much more in the "fun" category, from toys and puzzles to summer clothing! Pharmaprix

1500 rue Ste-Catherine O., 933-4744 Various other locations.

Jean Coutu

4823 rue Sherbrooke O., 931-9128.

974 rue Ste-Catherine O., 866-779

The Mecca for apartments that strive to look like they were decorated whilst on safari—an expensive one, that is.

Various other locations. Groceries

For the love of your budget, don't buy gro ceries at your nearest dépanneur. They over charge for all the food and drink you can get else where. However, exceptions can be made—the best Chinese cooking ingredients are found in the hole-in-the-wall deps of Chinatown. As a general rule, save for cigarettes and 40s, head to Provigo, Inter-Marché or any other major grocery store. That is, unless you're looking for an adven ture romp involving fresh mango and flying fish: Jean-Talon Market

Structube

1450 rue Ste-Catherine 0., 393-8782. Expensive, but decent, furniture. Caban

IT T rue Ste-Catherine O., 844-9300. It's not just a store. It's a lifestyle. Bureau en Gros

895 rue de la Gauchtière O., 879-1515. Treat yourself to a whiteboard for hours of marker sniffing entertainment!

7075 avenue Casgrain, 277-1379 Métro Jean-Talon. Atwater Market

138 Atwater, 935-5716 Métro Lionel-Croulx. Furniture, décor, etc

Ah, the joy of decorating on a student budg e t Whether your taste is Ikea bookshelves accent ed by grubby Che Guevara posters "hung" with pounds of sticky tack or classic leather chairs with Monet paintings that have actually been framed, Montreal is home to the mass produced and unique, for thrifty and moneyed shoppers alike. Pier 1 Imports

Clothing

To give "generic" advice on clothing is about as useless as attending class solely to nap. Preferred stores all depend on your fashion sense, taste and cash flow. While the Eaton Centre can dress you for your entire university career, wouldn't it be nice to find items that not everyone has (while exploring the city to boot)? Wander around and don't be afraid to ask people where they bought eye-catching pieces. Other shopping needs can be explored by browsing 41 Lea or sifting through the favourites of Montreal Mirror readers as dubbed by the annual "Best of Montreal" survey ( montrealmirror.com). ■

VLADIMIR EREMIN Pondering the benefits of supplements in a local pharmacy... Oh, the choices!

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | stu d en t living 13

SEXOLOGY

Satisfying your libido on a dime Because being broke doesn’t justify catching herpes LIZ ALLEMANG

o you're a budget-conscious student who has depleted the trust fund in your first week of whooping it up undergrad style. Keep your chin up! There is no need to quash the debaucherous romps of boozing and sexing—notice how the two fit so comfortably hand in hand; one should not be had without the other—in our beloved metropolis. If you're pinching pennies, there are a couple of local options to maintain a safe and enjoyable sex life. Any who have experienced the brain fart that is Frosh will recall a couple of questionable rub bers in their "orientation kit." This fact will be ingrained in the memory of certain klutzy writers indef initely as they projected said kit into the air in front of the local L'age Doré after tripping upon the curb, sending latex everywhere. Another rite of passage, Activities Night, which takes place on September 15 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Shatner Ballroom, offers a plethora of free condoms if you know where to look (cough. Queer McGill, cough).

Cost effective cock rings can be found in the ground floor bathrooms of Shatner. They aren't brilliant but will indeed do in a pinch. Note: This is not something to include in your bi-monthly let ter to Grandma. There is naughty activity in abundance at the University Centre. The Union for Gender Empowerment (ssmu.mcgill.ca/wunion) serves up condoms, female condoms, dental dams and lube at cost. In the Brown Building, the brand new-and we must admit, fantastic-Shagalicious Shop (,mcgill.ca/studenthealth/boutique) offers products at the thrifty prices you would find at your local smut boutique. Aside from 20 varieties of condoms at 25 cents a piece, they stock lotions, potions and something called "stress relief goggles" which sound vaguely sado-masochistic, if you're into that. If you're planning on knocking boots this upcoming year, and many do as it is a legitimate way to stay warm in the arctic chill of winter, there is no need to break the bank. McGill is uncharacter istically thoughtful in this area, and as such, you have no reason not to sex it up safely this year. ■

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features back to the start 30 days hath September... along with striking similarities for all LISE T R E U T L E R

"The larger the Island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder."

—Ralph W. Sockman niversity is indeed a strange sub-universe. Visualize, for a moment, thousands of young men and women milling about a secluded campus adorned with both ancient and state-of-the-art buildings unlike any outside the front gates. Voices float through the air, considering everything from sub-atomic particles and Noam Chomsky to preferred martinis and the Main. Among the seasoned veterans of Leacock 132 and Shatner cafeteria lineups are freshmen and exchange students from across the globe, easily distinguished by their cau tious meandering—Where is that classroom again?—and their facial expressions, mixtures of excitement, apprehension and culture shock. Though the McGill neophytes are recognizable every day as they hug their textbooks and papers protectively on the dash from rez to class, these new arrivals have a surprising affinity with all upperclassmen. When the fall semester begins each September, every stu dent, regardless of year or program, faces the same family of options and dilemmas. "You start college with a clean academic slate," writes Dr. Randall S. Hansen, a market ing professor at Stetson University in Florida, "along with a lot of independence and a myri ad of critical decisions." Dr. Hansen, also the webmaster behind Quintessential Careers (quintcareers.com), wrote the above statement in an article geared towards university freshmen. His words apply equally to all—to every student beginning a new academic year.

Resolutions and highlighters

While personal vows of improved organization, scheduled study time and partying only on certain nights are easy enough to imagine, the implementation of such resolutions is, for many, a much more difficult task. "Old habits die hard"—is there any wonder this cliché has become ubiquitous in our vocabulary? New Year's resolutions are notorious for failure. But what about the self-affirmations students make at the beginning of every semester? "I'm eager to find my rhythm more than any sort of concrete regimen," says Paolo.

Running Scared As the end nears, graduating students are plagued with fears of the future s the wide-eyed first-years wander around campus, graduating students return to their third, fourth or fifth year at university knowing what to expect. It's what's beyond this year that caus es anxiety. While those with thoughts of convocation haven't finished with their late-night outings or cramming for exams, greater things loom on the horizon. Diploma in hand and graduation cap on head, some graduates still won't know what the future holds. The lack of a formative plan for the next several years can throw some into a frenzied panic. Many McGill students choose to go to grad school after completing their university education here. Whether they do so for legitimate educational purposes or for a continued vestige of securi ty in the university environment, these degree-hungry students are never at rest in their last year. MCATs, LSATs and GREs are pounded out on early fall mornings, along with strong doses of caf feine, just in time to make deadlines. Grad school applications fly through McGill hallways all year, clutched in sweaty hands, as students race from one professor to another with the hopeful ques tion: can I get a recommendation? 'The biggest issue is planning the next year, especially with med schools," explains Kristina Dee, U3 Anatomy and Cell Biology. "The timing is screwy; you have to be really prepared." Many graduating students are still struggling with too many post-university options. Victoria Shin, U3 Political Science and International Development major with a minor in East Asian Studies, is one of these students. "Right now," Shin asserts, "it's tentative to go to law school, get a job or a fellowship. Law s.chool is the first option, but I'll see after I get my LSAT score." Some are ready for the challenge and feel well prepared by their McGill education. Stephen

Gowing, U3 Microbiology and Immunology, says McGill has given him "a knowledge base for pro fessional school and also life experience learned from interacting with people." Other graduating seniors plan to use their education and scant work experience to get a "real” job. These brave souls are throwing off the safety blanket of school and heading for the great wide open, the largely unknown "real" world, where "adults" hold jobs, get married and have kids. David Hitchner, U3 English Literature, plans to work next year but says he really has "no fuck ing clue." This last year, rather than being a stressful academic period, is one he plans to use for all those important lasts. "I want to live up the last chances and my last parties and enjoy my last time of not having responsibility," Hitchner said. Many students feel they've been too overworked and haven't experienced enough of life to get a job quite yet. As a result, the year off seems a popular choice. Others want to travel, to explore the many places they've never seen and fear they may never see. Some use the free year to study for placement exams and send in the graduate school applications they never got around to filling out. As Career and Placement Services director Gregg Blachford says, 'The image of the lost, direc tionless student is more to be found in the Faculty of Arts. Arts degrees do not point the direction to a particular job, so arts students have to work harder for what their next steps should be." The most important advice he offers: "Don't panic. Things will work themselves out." The freshmen may be running scared right now, but those of us who plan to graduate this year will be running scared for a long while yet. —Genevieve Jenkins

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | features 15

G lory days Livin’ it up in first year: W h y it’s actually a good thing to throw yourself into the campus fray "Wandering around at midnight, Ickle Firsties? Tut tut tut Naughty, naughty, you'll get caughty."

—Peeves, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Cosulich-Schwartz, U0 Arts. He denies having more specific resolutions; instead, he remains faithful to exploring opportunities and keeping an open mind: "I hope to find something that really interests and motivates me academ ically, as well as have fun while learning about myself and seeing how I live." For a first-year student plunged into independence not only by the choice to leave San Francisco for universi ty in a different country, but also by moving into the Greenbriar apartment-style residence, Cosulich-Schwartz's reserved enthusiasm for discovery and lack of fear is an inspiration. Returning students, alas, do not have the luxury of the unknown. Having already experienced classes, finals and McGill student life, they know what went wrong in the past-and what steps are needed to improve those sit uations for the coming year. Program-and even faculty-changes are common in the undergraduate years. This freedom to explore is, how ever, both a blessing and a curse. Through the open nature of departments that allow students to take electives in unfamiliar areas, ever-present options can keep students at the very beginning, year after year. Surprise, you're legal!

"Being an adult means taking responsibility for everything that happens to you," affirms Dr. Hansen. Our own institution of academia is famous for—among much else—treating students like the adults they are. See an advisor if you wish, but no one will tap you on the back if you're late handing in a paper or take, in their opinion, too many bird courses. As Cosulich-Schwartz says of his decision to attend McGill, "I don't want to be pushed along. If I don't Having already experienced classes, finals and McGill stu motivate myself, I don't want anyone dent life, returning students know what went wrong in the else to try. If I'm not doing well in my past—and what steps are needed to improve those situa classes, I want to know that it's because of me." tions in the future. Megan Simpson, U2 Social Work, echoes that sentiment when she explains why she transferred to McGill after spending her first year at an Ontario university. She describes—laughingly now, but alluding to her past misery—residences with curfews, limited visiting hours and huge fines for breaking even the smallest of rules. "I ended up getting my mother on the phone to the residence director after I got sick of it all. They wouldn't listen to me, so I had her remind them that 1was an adult, paying for my living space and should be treated as one." University students have passed most, if not all, the age-specific milestones; yet at some schools, students who own cars, exercise their right to vote and are legally entitled to travel and cross borders without the needed parental permission for under-18s, still have to sign out of residence and obey curfew rules. Thankfully, none of this applies at McGill. Resources and ruminations

Whatever year we students are in, information intended to help us through our undergrad programs-whether serious or not-is available everywhere. From the beloved Worst-Case Scenario series comes the college edition, written by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht and Jennifer Worick. Often humourous, the advice ranges from identify ing "party schools" to surviving boring classes. Other resources offer more critical tips. Google "college freshmen" and you'll find 198,000 hits, many of them advice columns or pages, some even dedicated to teaching freshmen. McGill, of course, is never short of resources. Alas, "teaching" is not often a word associated with the gargan tuan lower-level classes, but McGill has taken measures to help freshmen adjust with a number of "first-year sem inars," limited to first-year students, each capped at 25. Yes, students may have to wait for appointments, but the extensive services located in the Brown Building cover every dilemma possible. Are you having trouble sticking to— or even making—your budget? See an advisor at Student Aid. Have you found your "problem class" of the semes ter? Check out the Tutorial Service or organize sessions yourself on the McGill Classifieds. We are not alone at McGill. September can seem like a chaotic month, especially for our new students, but remembering that all students, even those graduating, are in the midst of a beginning, is a great comfort. There are fourth-years who don't know where certain buildings are, just like there are well-informed first-years who can map out the campus from memory. Whether you make resolutions to be more organized, attend more classes, boost your CGPA or simply resolve to never again speak the word "resolution," begin again. Take this first day of class as a fresh start; get excited about what has become routine. Runners find the finish line time and time again, yet they're always at the start. Take a breather and find something new for yourself, and trade your experiences with classmates from different years. ■ ‘

"If I speak really, really earnestly and look impossibly lost, someone will help me find my dorm! Someone will tell me what this frosh business is! Someone will lead me to my first class! Some kind soul will direct me to Peel Pub—and refrain from snick ering—tonight! Right?" This first month of being an "Ickle Firsty" is bound to have a few rough spots. You're lost, quite possi bly drunk (or hungover) and wander ing around the downtown core of la belle ville that invitingly borders our campus. Besides the need to spend your time finding your classes, stand ing in line at the bookstore and buy ing groceries for your mini fridge, there's an as-yet nonexistent niche within these walls and on these fields waiting for you to pick up the carving knife. For every first-year student, there's a personal "Aha!" moment when you discover exactly what post secondary education is like—and that it is not actually anything like Felicity (dorm rooms are never that big) or Undeclared (there is only debauchery if you create your own). Just like your preemie self finally admitted high school was nothing like Archie comics, you will come to understand the mysteries of uni life. To help ease you into campus life—completely altruistically, rest assured—the sage wisdom of an elder undergrad who has both been there and done that. You will meet more people this month than over the

Lesson one:

course of the rest of your life. Most of them, however, will be long forgotten in two weeks time. Keep smiling at everyone in class, as you don't know who you might have met—or what you might have done—during Frosh. Lesson two: The Architecture Café has the cheapest, and best, food on campus. Impress your friends with your "discovery." Lesson three: McGill has its own radio station, CKUT 90.3FM, and there are many programs just waiting to be discovered. Want your voice heard? Get your butt to CKUTs head quarters at 3647 rue University! Lesson four: Don't date your teaching assistants. Even with the good grades, that's a world of trouble just waiting to happen, unless you're sub jected to irresistible wooing involving mixed CDs of all your favourite music. Lesson five: Activities' Night (taking place September 15) is a zoo, but between the hours of 4p.m. and 9p.m. it is the only time you will find every club on campus alive, excited and just waiting to sell themselves to you. Go early and get free cookies. Bring costumes so that you can do this repeatedly (the Groucho Marx look is an excellent, albeit common, guise). Lesson six: Go to GerTs between classes. It's quiet, the beer is cheap and you don't have to worry that you'll be found out as a fake gradu ate student like you would at Thomson House. Lesson seven: Buy heavy-duty winter boots that are waterproof. Don't kid yourself into thinking that wearing last year's Uggs is "retro." Lesson eight: If you're stressing, a lit tle fun can go a long way to boost the spirit. Don't make excuses because of academic obligations. ■ —Katherine Fugler

SLA N G O LO G Y

The words you’ll need to know to get around campus SHATNER: The unofficial name for the University Centre as decided by several hundred votes in a refer endum. Apparently the spoken word poet/former Trekkie is too high and mighty to acknowledge this flattery— he has yet to donate money to McGill. Cheap bastard! OAP: Once Frosh is over, Boréale stays on campus in OAP, or Open-Air Pub, through the first few weeks of school. Students use the convenient lower field location to reunite with friends from earlier years and enjoy the fading days of sum mer, drinking from fast-depleting kegs in between classes during the day and before the clubs and bars at night. SNOW AP: A clever incarnation of OAP. It is the winter spin-off, con fined to heated tents on Lower Field. Bands play in the cozy setting and masses of students gather for a little warmth on the chilly January days and nights. Nothing compares to puking under the big top. THE HILL: Year after year, stu dents climb the steep hill of rue

University. Many students in upper rez feel the air lose substance as they reach their final destination; thus, "the hill" was born. THE PLATEAU: More a Montreal term than a McGill-specific one, this is still a word you'll want to know when you're getting around Montreal. It's the section of town northeast of Mont Royal with swank BYOW eateries and vintage clothing shops. THE UNDERGROUND: This might sound like the hottest new club, but McGill students typically use the term to refer to the series of tunnels connecting the many build ings on lower campus. Check out a map in any building basement and you'll find the direction of these sea sonally opened passageways. ■ —Genevieve Jenkins

Still confused by the oddly fasci nating and nonsensical terminology of upper years? Check out mcgilltribune.com for a more extensive McGill dictionary.

a&e MUSIC

Year of the ‘newbies’ Summer thrills at Montreal’s favourite festival BEN LEMIEUX

For those of you who were away for the summer or are not yet acquainted with Le Festival de Jazz de Montréal, here is a quick wrap-up of the summer festival, ranging from local favourites to musical tedium. One of the most heavily attend ed events of the festival (and deservedly so), the test's first tele vised outdoor show of the year earned Maxime "Champion" Morin the status of local deejay/conductor extraordinaire. Affectionately known as Mad Max, Morin carves out a unique, groovy, experimental brand of house music, focusing on adapta tion, layering and looping of the gui tar sound. Backed by meaty (yet appropriately jazzy) house beats and conducting a group of nearly a half dozen "axemen" onstage, Morin cre ates an earthy, funky, vibrant atmos phere in the spirit of European house legend Ludovic Navarre (aka St. Germain). And, as the title of his recent debut album, Chill 'em All, would indicate, Champion's live act is infused with a warm, playful over tone. A solid show following a lovely debut album, DJ Champion has quickly risen to Montreal celebrity sta tus, which, with any luck, will hold for quite some time. Another one of the more engag ing shows at this year's festival was that of another local deejay, Ramachandra Borcar—known to most as Ramasutra. Though previ ously billed as a techno act, Borcar was recently commissioned to write a jazzy, up-tempo soundtrack to the documentary film Regular or Super,

which resulted in last February's superb Steel and Class, Ramasutra's graceful leap into the world of jazz. Working with combinations of more than a dozen of the finest local musi cians, Borcar uses minimalist electro vibes in conjunction with the coolest, smoothest brand of jazz, evocative of 1950s film noir textures. The result is breathtaking, as much in concert as on the album. For over a decade, blues harpist Jim Zeller has been a full-fledged fes tival favourite. His dynamic, energetic set lists and stage presence have earned this Ste. Agathe native a place on the festival's blues stage through the 1990s with many an enthusiastic audience. This year, Zeller proved that while he may be aging, he is still on top of his game. In the midst of a year wrought with a dreadfully boring blues stage line-up, Zeller gave what may have been his best Jazz Fest performance in years, not only singing and playing with the same passion as always, but adding a more experimental and audacious edge to his music, incorporating a wild and exciting variety of sound alterations and augmentations with his mouth harp. Rarely in the history of blues music has the harmonica sounded as grandiose. Using mesmerizing com binations of echo, reverb and distor tion, Zeller propelled his instrument into sonic territory more varied and compelling than most players in the entire festival. Coupled with the release of his recent album, Cut to the Chase, Zeller proves that despite his aged, rugged looks, he still has quite a bit of kick left in him. Ray Lamontagne, making his

first Jazz Fest appearance this year, is a true case of zero to hero in no time flat. Hailing from New Hampshire, Lamontagne grew up in a single mother household of six children that moved from state to state and home to home during his young life. Though Lamontagne never came close to finishing high school, never aimed to be steadily employed, never "dun' gud'" in the prototypical sense of the word, there was a fire inside him. After years of busking and small clubs, Chrysalis Records took note of him, sent him to work with producer extraordinaire Ethan Jones and his breathtaking 2004 release "Trouble" was the result. Though one of the most awkward personalities imaginable onstage, with a resound ing lack of grooming skills for a stage performer and never interacting with the audience short of rubbing his eyes and grunting into the micro phone, his musical performance is nothing short of stellar. Singing with limitless energy and passion that would seem to indicate he was born to do nothing else, Lamontagne's live set is filled with a powerful raw emo tionality that dazzles far beyond any thing he (or most other people) could ever accomplish in a studio. A must-see in future visits. In terms of the best and bright est shows, this year's Jazz Festival certainly proved to be the year of the "newbies," with the youngest, liveliest and most energetic performers draw ing most of the attention and praise from critics and audiences both. On the flipside of that coin, as expected, See LEGENDS, page 17

Borcar, Lamontagne, and Staples: the Jazz Fesfs spectrum of success

HANDS OFF TH E CANVAS

The hidden epidemic of Web-assisted media addiction MEUSSA PRICE

he day my family got a modem was the beginning of the end.

We got an Internet connection fairly late, after most of the kids in my sixth-grade class already had one. I harassed my parents unmercifully for ages, but nothing prepared me for the can of worms that was about to fly open. See, I've always been somewhat obsessive about my interests. I'd worn my video of The Little Mermaid into a staticky mess by the age of eight I am the proud owner of about 200 Nancy Drew books, most of which I've read dozens of times. By the time that fateful modem flickered to life, I was already developing a slightly unhealthy inter est in The X-Files. When I discovered fanfiction and Usenet, "slightly" turned to "alarmingly" in record time. The problem with Internet-based fandom is that it brings together a collection of the world's most creepily obsessive fans and lets them loose in message boards and chatrooms to encourage each other's addictions. In a normal social environment, most people will start back

ing away slowly if you begin discoursing at length about your theories on Mulder's unrequited love for Scully or the scientific likelihood of prehistoric black oil aliens exist ing. On the Internet, however, you can go on about such things for six pages and have people not only read, but expound upon and nitpick your insights. This produces a rich breeding ground for a colony of the nerdiest nerds to ever exist. You get sucked in, and then one day you real ize you know the birthdays of the Scully family better than those of your friends. Of course, not all of this information is completely useless. I've gleaned quite a bit of medical knowledge from my compulsion to know what's going on in the trau ma room on ER. Certain shows tend to attract fixations from people who actually have knowledge outside the world of television, and you can learn quite a few useful tidbits. My hours spent combing through band Web sites and looking up the difference between doom metal and death metal on Wikipedia.org have, at the very least, earned me the ability to be a music snob. All the same, the Internet has enabled an unprece

dented number of people to become fanatically obsessed with, well, pretty much anything. Sure, Star Trek conventions and the like existed before the widespread use of the Internet, but online fan groups allow media dissection on a daily basis. Plus, you can hide behind a username so no one has to know that you like to read NC-17 fanfiction about the members of The Strokes hav ing orgies. Its like locking a hundred pyromaniacs in a room with a flamethrower. Less likely to cause third-degree bums, but extremely likely to produce heated and fasci nating arguments about things that don't matter at all, and even more likely to produce a profound inability to get anything useful done ever again. One day, you're distractedly noticing that Lost has a pretty cool premise. Then suddenly, you'll look up to find that it's 3 a.m. and you're staring glassy-eyed at an argu ment about whether a radar system could be rigged from parts of a crashed airplane, or the nutrition information for an average diet of coconuts and boar. It could happen to you. ■

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | a&e 17

Legends lose their lustre at Jazz fest Continued from page 16

are all the times we regretted the lack of forced retirement in the music world as it exists in the rest of society. The prime example of the unfortunate toll of aging was the highly anticipated gospel double-bill of Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama, which turned out to be one of the more dreary and, frankly, irritating shows of the festi val. Pushing eighty, Staples has clearly polluted her anatomy with enough rye and Marlboros to make it sound as if she came down with a case of Ted Nugent's cat scratch fever. Though credited as having one of the most soulful and expres sive voices in gospel for over half a century, Staples' vocal range and abilities are now limited to those of a lung cancer patient. Regardless of her iconic status, let's face it, no one

wants to drop $53 to hear someone shrieking into a microphone like a banshee on crystal meth. The best 10 minutes of the show involved Staples leaving the stage and letting her band play an instrumental blues piece by themselves. For their part, the Blind Boys talked more than they sang, and what they sang was a tedious, boring set. Though it's a sad thing to admit, the legendary grandfather of British blues, John Mayall, is hitting an all-time career low. In the mid- to late 1960s, Mayall's band, the Bluesbreakers, was not only one of the more prolific and inspired blues acts of its time (perhaps even of all time), but was also a breeding ground for some of this century's greatest musicians (Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor and Fleetwood Mac's John McVie). But the sixties are over, as are the experimental, dar

ing, impromptu stylings that made Mayall famous. In 1968, he pro duced two of the most innovative and spellbinding works in the genre: "Blues From Laurel Canyon," which he recorded with a 20-year-old Mick Taylor in a mere three days, and "The Turning Point," recorded live at the Filmore East, a performance that was both largely improvised and one of the tightest live acts ever recorded. His latest performance was a cookie-cutter show, as he was joined onstage by technically profi cient musicians, but without the zesty, inventive vigour of exBluesbreakers Johnny Almond and Steve Thompson. Sadly, Mayall no longer has the pipes he used to (his singing radically sub-par) nor the natural, innovative ease on which he built his name. Not a horrible show, just a horrible disappoint ment. ■

MUSIC

Dustfest 2005 The Warped Tour rocked, in an extremely dirty way MELISSA PRICE

It's really hard to review the Warped Tour. Half the point of a fes tival concert is wandering around to scope things out, which severely compromises your ability to see entire sets, let alone to work out which bands you actually saw. Especially when, as happened in Toronto, the summer1s dry spell has created layers of dust that are con tinuously being kicked up into gigantic clouds by anyone who moves. The tour came to Toronto on July 30, the day before it journeyed to Montreal. The band lineup was essentially the same in both cities; however, the order of the bands gqts shuffled for each date to avoid ranking or headliner status, which can create wildly different dynamics at different shows. The marauding dirt clouds cast a haze over Park Place, the Venue Formerly Known as Molson Park, in Barrie, Ontario. By mid-afternoon, getting close to the stage was a bat tle that subsequently required sev eral minutes of removing mud from one's teeth, tongue and trachea— not to mention the unusual number of asthma attack victims congregat ing around the medical tent. People wearing their shirts or bandannas around their lower faces, Wild West bank robber style, were a common sight. It made for an unusual atmos phere: green mohawks are quite incongruous in terrain that looks like it's expecting a tumbleweed to roll through any minute. Luckily, the bands sounded pretty damn good, whether they were visible or not. The Transplants, featuring Tim Armstrong of Rancid fame, as well as Travis Barker, blink 182's drummer, played to a packed audience early in the afternoon. Their set, solid if not particularly mind-blowing, climaxed with The Clash's "White Riot," to the delight

PREVIEWS Literature. Killing Yourself to Live-Chuck Klosterman

Klosterman, a senior writer for Spin magazine, is a complete and total pop culture geek. That is exactly what makes him one of the best sources for obscurely brilliant postmodern analyses of the likes of Saved By the Bell and the extreme unluckiness of Scott Weiland. His newest book, purported to be "85 per cent of a true story," zooms in on modern mar tyrdom: rockstar deaths. Somehow, it is also about Los Angeles waiters, Dazed and Confused, and Radiohead's Kid A-sort of. These come up somewhere in the course of a quest to find out why checking out early can be a musician's best career move. Whether or not you're in touch with your morbid side, Klosterman's witty and wry scrutiny of media and the people it affects is worth a look. Art. Super City—Douglas Coupland—Canadian Centre for Architecture—1920 rue Baile—through Nov. 20

Coupland, the author of Generation X, is known for his skill ful dissection of the alienation of culture and the culture of alienation. Super City, his new installation, promises to be no exception. Inspired by the building toys of his youth— Tinker Toys, Lego and the ultramodern sixties set for which the exhibit is named—he's created an exploration of the relationship between the toys that kids play with and the architecture of their generation. His scale models of construction feats such as the former World Trade Centre, highway doverleafs and the CN Tower are juxtaposed with larger-than-life Lego bricks to create a work that is as intriguing as it is alienating. Music. The Kills and guests—Club Soda—1225 blvd. StLaurent-Sept. 7

No, not the Killers. The Kills are a garage rock duo who mix White Stripes-style bluesy riffs with notes of post-punk. Unlike the Stripes, the girl sings, the guy provides the guitar and the drum beats are programmed. Plus, they're neither related nor divorced. Despite the rampant comparisons, however, they really don't sound all that much like Jack and Meg. The unas suming pair turn out slow sweet melodies and grungy punk anthems as ably as they can chainsmoke, which, by all accounts, is pretty damn well. Film. Le Festival des Filmes du Monde—Place-des-Arts— through Sept. 5

As September's sweetest deal, nothing comes close to "Cinema Under the Stars." Every night films representing a wide range of countries are presented on a screen erected at the foot of the Place-des-Arts stairs, providing ample seat ing for anyone who comes along. From critically acclaimed art films to gems of independent theatre, the festival provides plenty of fod der for black-turtlenecked conversations over chai lattes. Free culture, and entertaining to boot. Check their Web site (www.ffm-montreal.org) for more info, or better yet, just show up—screenings start at 8:30 p.m. AMAZON.CA, COUPlAND.COM, WHUTSUPNYC.COM, FFM-MONTREAL.COM

C A L L F O R S T U D E N T W R IT E R S ! The WARM-SPARK Writing Initiative

WARM (Writing About Research at McGill) - SPARK (Students Promoting Awareness o f Research Knowledge)

Join a select team o f students interested in writing about researchers at McGill. My Chemical Romance pose in their best V-formation

of the dust-coated bandits in the pit. Unsurprisingly, the dirt did nothing to thin out the moshpits. The enthusiasm at the stages where lesser-known bands were playing rivaled that of the crowds for the big names. Bands like Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack and Halifax whipped up a tornado of energy that left people tending to crowdsurfer-induced head wounds and gasping on the grass in the aftermath. The sidelines are actually a nice place to spend part of the show. For one thing, the beer tent is about a mile from the stages; for another, the further edges of the park provide tree shade, decent ability to hear the music, less dirt in the lungs, fewer sweaty backs in your line of vision and all the passed

out guys you can poke. Despite the apocalyptic sand storms hovering, a massive crowd assembled for My Chemical Romance's evening performance, which appropriately coincided with twilight His makeup smearing in the still-lethal heat, frontman Gerald Way wailed through the set as if his heart was being torn out, as hun dreds of extremely dirty, angry-looking kids screamed along like they'd written the songs themselves. The number of times people were asked to raise their middle fin gers for an assortment of causes is hilarious, but everyone complied every time. Getting out aggression is good fun, and the Warped Tour is a great place to do it—provided you make it through without respiratory failure. ■

WARM-SPARK writers function as a writing community and work collaboratively. Students interview researchers and write articles for a broad audience. The group jointly edits and revises each other’s texts. One important objec tive is to publish these articles in McGill-related, local, and national newspapers. The program can accommodate 8-10 participants and is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all faculties. Participants must be able to attend weekly meet ings throughout the year. Interested students should send a résumé and one-page writing sample, by September 16, 2005, to; Linda C ooper linda.cooper@mcgill.ca Faculty o f Science • McGill University Check out our website: www.spark.m cgill.ca Supported by the VP Research Office, Associate Vice-Principal (Communications), the Faculties o f Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Medicine, and Science.

a & e | 1.9.05 | the mcgill tribune

MUSIC

Instant karma’s gonna get you Lennon bio-play makes a valiant effort MELISSA PRICE

■ ...............................

This summer, Don Scardino's new musical based on the life and music of the most intriguing of the Fab Four opened on Broadway. I liked Lennon. That's the short answer. Lennon chronicles John's life from his early childhood right up to his untimely murder in 1980, backed up by songs culled mainly from his solo material. As an interesting touch, the role of John Lennon is played by a rotating cast of characters of differ ent ages, races, and even genders, apparently as a reflection of Lennon's belief in the oneness of all people. The storyline is anchored by a "default' John (Will Chase), who both looks and sounds like the real guy and holds down most of the spoken nar ration. The actor-switching works very well to showcase Lennon's lyrics. The range of people singing his songs demonstrates the points of view he was able to inhabit, as well as the power and daring of several of the songs. It also adds a nice twist to scenes about his separation from both the Beatles and his first wife, Cynthia, by showing one John with the band while another is off with Yoko Ono in a literal interpretation of the dissociation of his personality. Ono is played by Julie Danao-Salkin, who does a great job of portraying her as an artistic peacenik who is deliriously in love with Lennon, rather than the talentless band-wrecker as whom she has (perhaps unfairly) been characterized. It’s a good bet that this has more than a little to do with the real Ono's direct input into the production. To her credit, however, Lennon far from deifies its subject, instead presenting history complete with blemishes such as Lennon cheating on Ono and the couple's brief separation. Lennon's personality permeates the show, through touches such as the use of his art as backdrop and the capture of his wry

humour through one-liners and hilarious caricatures of the likes of Ed Sullivan and Elton John. The tragic ending, told through the eyes of the police officer who escorted Lennon to the hospital after his shooting, is appropriately touching and evokes the sense of epic loss that many felt that day. That said, I wish Lennon had never been made, or at least that I'd never seen it. The Beatles have long since ceased to be sacred—the auctioning of the legacy to the highest bidder began decades ago. They have become a kind of universal favourite band, and that bothers me. It's too easy, and it's far too obvious that a play about them is going to draw crowds. Hell, Beatles trib ute bands can sell out stadiums. That's not really the problem, though. It's that the discon nection of songs like “Instant Karma" from the distinctive voice that created them is unsettling. Worse, the translation of the songs into Broadway musical style makes me squirm. "Give Peace a Chance" is an awesome, rocking protest song; its rein vention as a closing singalong with carefully arranged harmonies just seems strange. The attempt to capture Lennon's spirit is a valiant one, but the fact is that Lennon is a musical, and it's very easy to lose sight of the musician, activist and man buried under the production. The rotating cast is partly to blame for this: Chase, while excel lent in his role, speaks too sporadically to hold together the splin tered identity formed by the rest of the cast. The ironic part is that this method was implemented partially because Ono was worried that one actor could not embody Lennon's full person ality, completely missing the fact that writing a scripted play about him necessarily turns him into a character. The effort to ensure the character's three-dimensionality only obscures this issue. The production ends simply, with the original video for "Imagine" playing on a large screen. The juxtaposition of this with the preceding songs is jarring; the real guy simply eclipses any-

Lennon, probably even more stoned than he looks

thing else. The problem with Lennon isn't the marketing of the man or the fictionalization of a life, it's simply that John Lennon doesn't translate into Broadway without losing something essen tial. It's a decent tribute, but it fails at embodying the man him self. ■

LUTTE CONTRE L E CAN CER DE L’OVAII Jeudi, le 15 S E P T EM B R E 2005 • INITIATIVE MONTREALAISE CONTRE LE CANCER DE L'OVAIRE Mission: MOI, l'initiative montréalaise contre le cancer de l'ovaire représente une initiative con jointe de l'Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM) et de l’Hôpital Général Juif (HGJ), dédiée à la lutte contre !e cancer de l'ovaire. Une collecte de fonds permettra de subventionner la recherche et d’appuyer la prévention et l'établissement de traite ments innovateurs. De plus, ce fonds vise à sensi biliser la population et de conscientiser les femmes, en les éduquant sur le cancer de l'ovaire, le cancer gynécologique le plus meurtrier de nos jours. Les fonds seront utilisés par une équipe de chercheurs cliniciens affiliés à l’ICM et le H G J *

Thursday S E P T E M B E R 15, 2005

Iî*ST*T«T OfcZAfHt.X m:

Join us

Venez vous joindre à nous dans la lutte contre le cancer de l’ovaire

in the fight against ovarian cancer

Dégustez un repas chez Schwartz’s et tous les profits des ventes de la journée seront versés à l’initiative MOI

Come in and enjoy a meal at Schwartz’s and we will donate the proceeds of the day’s sales to MOI

LISEWATIER

•L objectif du projet MO Ia tl <fe créer uno forte collaborator, et (te »otedr« lot. uuorvw» ou recnercne sur tu cancer ae i ©vair®, l ©cjurps amst cr&tto est codWgés par te O r O te r» Provonchw (Institut du cancw rte Montré* / CHUM /U n )v«a M 4 * M o n l< 4 e l)* tle O rW N M rG o tM to (H S p lM < M n M ,M tftM vensite M cGn r Institut Lady O tv ii).

MONTREAL OVARIAN CANCER INITIATIVE Mission: MOI, The Montreal Ovarian Cancer Initia tive, is an initiative of the Institut du cancer de Mon tréal (ICM) and the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) dedicated to defeating ovarian cancer by raising fends to support research, prevention and innova tive treatment, in addition, MOI will increase awareness of the deadly disease and empower women though education about ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecological cancer at present. The fends will be used by a collaborative group of clini cal researchers affiliated with the ICM and the JGH.* ovarian canow • M ût creates a v rê c f» coW bo rM »» botwoun two raseanch group* in M o M . Th** initiative & headed by Dr. Diane Provencher (Institut du cancer de Montréal i CHUM S Université de Mon tréal) and Dr. Walter (Jewish General Hospttsl / McGSJ University t Lady Oavis tnattuta).

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BATTLE AQAINS? OVARIAN CAN CER www.infoMOI.com POUR FAIRE UN DON / SEND YOUR DONATION TO: INSTITUT OU CANCER DE MONTRÉAL/CHUM

1560, rue Sherbrooke E., Y - 4616, Montréal (Québec) H2L 4M1 T (514) 890-6213 » F (514) 412-7591 • info@tcm.qc.ca * www.lcm.qc.ca

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | a& e 19

MUSI C

Mmm... a night of MM and M Modest Mouse and Montreal’s Metric make much music

REVIEW S

A summer in review:

L IS E T R E U T L E R

Oh, how we love our homegrown musicians! Montrealers are famous for remaining constantly in the musical loop, packing smoke-filled halls to elevate their favourite emerging artists' status and having a packed-house orgy of merriment. So when_ Metric took the stage on June 25 at Le Spectrum before headliners Modest Mouse, the capacity crowd erupted with cheers, hoots and hollers to prove their worth. Despite the slow growth of the conservative anti smoking movement that lifted Le Spectrum, 318 rue Ste.-Catherine O., above the haze-filled bars—much to the chagrin of many concertgoers, yet to the relief of others—the attendees for the triple-M bill were anything but conventional. Cozy couples melded into each other on the balcony, eager diehards pushed and shoved to get as close to the stage as possible and one girl, likely an unfortunate latecomer, danced through both sets in an empty corner at the very back. As Metric frontwoman Emily Haines took the stage—dancing all the way through—fans awaiting the band's upcoming album, Live it Out (in stores September 27) got their fill, erupting to the utmost at the first notes of "Hustle Rose," the most well-known of Metric's repertoire. Even a technological glitch didn't stop the band, or the crowd, from having a good time as Haines made lemonade with a solemn keyboard riff. After the crowd's between-band rush outside for fresh air and nicotine, Modest Mouse, hailing from Washington, strapped on their guitars and continued Metric's tradition of powerful lighting accompanying their sonic boom. No strangers to the stage—Modest Mouse's tradition of "alt-country rock" began in the first half of the nineties and has seen more than 10 releas es—the band knew what to play and when to play it ■Though often called "indie" in the past, the band saw their fan base grow exponentially with the 2004 single "Float On." Performance anxiety? Not when song writer and frontman Isaac Brock is involved! Many bands with huge hit singles reserve those songs for the encore

Best and worst C D s of 2005

Best... Camille—Le Fil

Singer-songwriter Camille's May follow-up to her 2004 debut has people referring to her as the French Feist and a 21st-century female Serge Cainsbourg. Camille, however, is clearly in a musical universe of her own. With a voice more singular, quirky, interesting and versatile than music listeners have heard in many years, Camille constructs songs out of layered, harmonizing vocal lines, crafting some of the most gorgeous and intricate vocal melodies since Bjork's a capella chef d'oeuvre Medulla. Minimalist, intimate, groovy and sometimes subtly haunt ing, Camille has proven herself to be one of the more ingenious and’ profi cient vocalists of her generation. Robert Plant—The Mighty Rearranger

Emily Haines meters out the rhythm

in an aim to leave the crowd with their favourites-if not the only songs they know. Like Bruce Springsteen will break into "Born to Run" at any time during the set, Modest Mouse pulled out "Float On" somewhere in the middle, debunking any notion that they're a band in a precarious position. Brock and his bandmates know their devout following, and if the continued exuberance dis played throughout the venue—including a crazed fan repeatedly jumping onstage until security intervened— proves anything, it's that the fans know and appreciate every single composition, radio-accepted or not. ■

<$ G R O G G Ü

The man who changed male vocal work forev er has made a decisive comeback this year, with his strongest solo release in 25 years. While the renowned Led Zep frontman certainly doesn't have the lungs he did in 1969, he nevertheless demon strates that he does better at age 60 than most men in their prime and that he hasn't lost his touch with music.writing. From the epic, anthemic rocker "Shine It All Around" to the pared-down, serene and gor geous "All the King's Horses,” The Mighty Rearranger is wall-to-wall genius that reaffirms Plant's domi nance over the rock genre. The Leaves—The Angela Test

Though largely unknown in North America, over the past three years The Leaves have consistently produced some of the most gripping, intricate and sophisticated music in the pop/rock milieu. "The Angela Test," their second release (though first to significantly penetrate the Canadian market), echoes all the best parts of Pink Floyd, The Doves, Coldplay and Mogwai, including strong vocal parts, lovely instrumental passages, seamless production and var-

...Worst The Black Eyed Peas-Monkey Business

In every way possible, this is ostensibly one of the dumbest records ever produced. Lyrically vapid and musically uninteresting, it's safe to say that Monkey Business has absolutely no redeem ing qualities save that it matches the SATs in its ability to clearly and concisely bifurcate society into two groups: those who like The Black Eyed Peas and those who have an IQ above room temperature. Verses from the fifth track, "My Humps," which go (verbatim) "My humps (9x)/My lovely little lumps" are already quite enough to make George W. Bush seem like he could be the president of MENSA. In fact, it would be altogether unsurprising if the next major school shooting were blamed on radio stations worldwide for playing any of the tracks from this album. Even the CD booklet is resoundingly stupid. At least Marilyn Manson writes his songs alone. It takes The Black Eyed Peas four people to suck the big fat one harder than this world has ever seen.

S e e to

Ê J

James Blunt—Sock to Bedlam

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Newcomer James Blunt embodies everything people have come to hate about "the sensitive singer-songwriter.” His voice unbearably nasal and irritat ing, his songwriting bland, run-of-the-mill and sentimentally contrived, his arrangements trite and uninteresting, this kid brings new meaning to the word "drab." Daniel Powter—Daniel Powter

See above re: James Blunt, except add as a footnote that the mood of his songs diametrically opposes the dynamics of the corresponding lyrics and that he's vocally and stylistically indistinguishable from The Backstreet Boys. At least it's nice to be able to hate an artist for two reasons at the price of one. ■ ALLMUSIC.COM , LIBRIEDISCHI.SPLINDER.COM

FOOTBALL

SEASON

PREVIEW

All revved up and Red-y to go Strong group of returnees leads squad into tonight’s season-opening tilt DAVID BLYE

It appears that the Quebec University Football League will be among the nation's strongest groupings in 2005. And it also appears that, for the first time since 2002, the McGill Redmen will be able to keep up with the province's best. After finishing fourth in the QUFL for the past two sea sons, the Red 'n' White return 19 starters and 48 veterans from the 2004 campaign. Add to that a solid class of recruits, and McGill has the makings of a team that just might contend. "I'm very optimistic," said Flead Coach Chuck McMann. "We only lost two starters on offence and the entire offensive line is returning from last year. The defence is still young, but should show promise." The offence should be solid, benefitting from newfound stability at pivot. After being a question mark for almost a year and a half following the graduation of Josh Sommerfeldt in 2003, the quarterback position was filled reliably last year by St. Bruno native Matt Connell. In his first full season in the starter's role, Connell became the first Redmen quarterback named to the all-conference team in 27 years, leading the conference in passing yards, with 1,792, and touchdowns, tossing 13. And if you take his word for it, Connell can only improve. "I'm excited for the upcoming season," he said. "I'm much more comfortable in the starter's role this season with one year already under my belt, especially with that offensive line for protection." The aforementioned line will be providing some serious blocking this year. Led by first-team all-Canadian guard Ben Walsh, the O-line boasts five returning starters. "The (offensive) line has been great so far," he said. "Having all five of us return has really given us a chance to gel." Running behind that line will be returning third-year starter Mike Samman. Samman posted some impressive stats last season, rushing for 823 yards. However, he only hit pay dirt twice, and that number must go up, as the Redmen suf fered significant losses at the receiver position. Gone from last year's team are two all-conference play ers, slotback Rob Leblanc (now a member of the Edmonton Eskimos) and wide receiver Alex Martin. However, the receiv ing corps remains deep, with 13 players returning from last

THE

year, including fourth-year slotback Greg Hetherington and speedy wideout Chris McGuire. "It's no question that Rob and Alex are a couple big loss es," Hetherington said. "But we've got some serious depth at receiver, with guys like (Matt) Adonna and (Erik) Galas ready to pick up the slack." The defence will be a young but experienced unit, with nine starters returning. On the line, all-Quebec tackle Kerwin Clarke returns for his final year in a McGill uniform. The fifthyear law student amassed 24 tackles and a team-leading 5.5 sacks last season, and he will be joined by Rob Salvatore and James Poston in terrorizing opposing QBs. Meanwhile, third-year linebacker Dave Riendeau leads an improving group, which includes second-year standouts Styven Guenette and Jean-Nicolas Carrière on the outside. The secondary lost former all-Canadian safety Guillaume Roy, but returns the other four starters, led by Frederik Martin and Bryan McCrary. "This defence is very young, but will be very fast," Clarke said. 'The linebackers will be very quick to the bal,l and the defensive backs will be very competitive. Overall, we're going to surprise some people." When discussing recruits, McMann was excited about the men he brought in on both sides of the ball, singling out quar terback Michael Ghorayeb as well as linemen D'Arcy McKeown and Mike Shaw on offence. On defence, he was quite pleased with the training camp performance of lineback ers Maxime Gagnon and Matt Sroka, as well as defensive line man Rob Legate. Overall McMann feels that the two things the Redmen have to improve on from last year are consistency and staying positive.-If his team can accomplish this, the Redmen will show an increase in the win column. The season begins tonight at 7 p.m., with McGill hosting cross-town rival Concordia. The Stingers finished third in the conference last year with a 5-3 record, losing to Laval in the first round of the playoffs. The only difference between them and the Redmen was a 29-26 victory last October 2, and Clarke has a warning for .the Stingers—and the rest of the con ference, it would seem—lest they overlook the Redmen based on last season's results. "If you take us lightly," he said, "we will run right over you." ■

The Redmen will try to get off to a running start against Concordia.

RED Z O N E

C o n f e s s io n s o f a m a d h o c k e y fa n DAVID BLYE

'll be the first to admit it: I didn't think I was going to miss professional hockey last year. When Cary Bettman formally announced the NHL lockout last September, I was worried, but not crushed. I thought I could fill the void by watching other sports like basketball and even poker. I thought I could get my hockey fix from the World Cup in September, the World Junior Championships in December, and all sorts of Major Junior and university hockey. I thought I might even be amused by the movies the CBC carried on Saturday nights. No, I told myself, I wasn't going to miss hockey. It turned out I was wrong. Somewhere between Mario hoisting the World Cup and the London Knights winning the Memorial Cup, I real ized that this was not what I loved. It wasn't that I was being subjected to poor hockey during this period; rather, the game was great. It was played with all the intensity and passion of the NHL. Yet it just wasn't satisfying to watch. I kept asking myself, "What's missing from the equation? Why am I not entertained?'

The feeling lingered for a month or two, culminating one Saturday evening when I was at friend's apartment and we were watching one of the Indiana Jones movies on the CBC. It all just didn't seem right. There was no opening fanfare, no Don Cherry shooting from the hip. Ron McLean looked totally out of place presenting a movie. Something was clearly missing. As the winter continued, the void got bigger and big ger, until April rolled around. Now, in the past, April had meant two things above all else: exams, and playoff hock ey to distract uS from exams. But with no Stanley Cup chase, there would be no marathon overtime games, no embracing of complete strangers when your team advanced to the next round and no nights with a bunch of friends sitting on edge for hours. All that was left were text books and notes to review, over and over again. It was then that I realized that I didn't love the NHL for just the game. I loved the NHL and everything'else that came with it. On Saturday nights, I never just watched a hockey game; I watched Hockey Night in Canada. And I

didn't watch it for just the action; I watched it for the social experience of getting together with a group of friends, hav ing a few beers and engaging in some harmless banter about whose team or favourite player was better. The game was basically an after-thought (except when my team put one in the net or the player who scored was on my fantasy hockey team; then I'd go crazy). It is for these reasons that I love the NHL, and that's why I'll be back when the puck drops again on Oct. 5. Yes, there is the game, but if s so much more than that. It's the atmosphere on game night, the experience of having a bunch of friends over, the ritual of checking The Score 20 times a night to see the results of the out-of-town games. And ifs for these reasons that there are plenty of other McGill students out there who missed hockey just as much as I did last year. Though many of them complained about the lockout and the lack of hockey, in the end, they love it just as much as I do. Though there are some fans that hockey has lost, there are still countless idiots like me, and we'll be back in droves, loving every moment of it. ■

PROFILE — REDMEN

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | sports 2 1

FOOTBALL

The artistry of Ben Walsh

Gimme some Mo

All-Canadian guard leads hopeful Redmen into

Any given Sunday,

2005 season

Monday, Tuesday... M O H IT AR O R A

ADAM MYERS

It's not everyday that a Canadian Interuniversity Sport all-Canadian lineman, standing 6'1" and weighing 285 pounds, spends an entire summer making hand crafted greeting cards. But Redmen offensive linemen Ben Walsh did just that while working for his mom's greeting card company in Vancouver. The arts and crafts are put on hold come September, however, as Walsh focuses his time on flattening opposing linebackers while anchoring the football team's front five. "The irony is I went from arts and crafts eight hours a day to hitting people on the field," he jokes. Specifically, Walsh—an all-Canadian in 2004 during his second year with the Redmen—aims to go out and hit the opposition's best linebacker, something quarterback Matt Connell and running back Michael Samman surely appreciate. Connell threw for 13 touchdowns and was named all-conference, while Samman rushed for 823 yards behind the burly guard. Given that won't-back-down attitude, it's no surprise Walsh can't wait for the season to begin and for an offensive line that returns all five starters to gel and become even more fearsome. "The O-line is definitely close," he says, a fact that comes in handy when the Redmen’s opponent is trying to cross them up. "If the defence changes, everyone knows that the right call will be made." This bond between linemen was first shown to Walsh by another all-Canadian, former Redmen guard Jim Merrick, who was later drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Walsh gives credit to Merrick for mentoring him and helping to make him the player he is today through their offseason workouts. "He was a big influence, someone to look up to and aspire to," Walsh says. If Walsh is a product of a strong Redmen tradition in the trenches, he's also one of a number of players who played their high-school football at Vancouver College. Among them is another McGill lineman, VJ. LeBlanc, and his brother Rob—selected by Edmonton in the 2005 CFL draft—who played high school football alongside Walsh before joining the Redmen. So although the International Relations major chose McGill primarily for academic rea sons, his decision to attend was impacted by the pres ence of the LeBlanc brothers. "I had grown up in Vancouver my whole life and it was nice to come to a different city," he says, "[and hav ing them in Montreal] made the transition that much eas ier." The Vancouver College experience also equipped Walsh to deal with the balance between academics and athletics that McGill demands, to the point where he actu ally has a higher GPA during the season because he does n't have free time to waste. "First semester when you're in season, your life has more structure," he says. "You know there are four hours each night that you can't use toward studying, school or anything else." Walsh puts those practice hours to good use, watch ing a lot of game tape, which is where the brilliance of a cohesive offensive line really shows through. During a

FAST

VLADIMIR EREMIN

Walsh and the offensive line look to power McGill.

game, the quarterback and running back that Walsh blocks for get the majority of the glory, but that doesn't faze the wise-beyond-his-years 19-year-old. "As long as someone recognizes our performance with a pat on the back at the end of the game, I'm satis fied," he noted. That said, Walsh does want to get in some action at one of the more glamorous playmaking positions before his time at McGill is over. "I really want to catch the ball," he said, possibly hint ing at a couple of trick plays that are in the works for this year's Redmen squad. With 48 returning players, Walsh's Redmen show much promise. They're now a year older and more expe rienced than the team that went 4-4 last year, and after three weeks of training camp and preparation, they are raring to start the season. Although this season offers potential for both Walsh and the Redmen to succeed, Walsh is looking ahead. If he uses all of his eligibility, he can play for the Redmen for three more seasons, at which point he would like to play professionally. To that end, Walsh says that getting paid to play the sport he loves would be ideal. And while he's a star on the football field, that's clear ly not all Walsh is. After all, he did spend the summer crafting greeting cards. So it's not unexpected that he dis plays a significant amount of perspective. "Football's definitely an important part of my life," he said, "but it's not everything." For now, though, McGill fans should just enjoy the opportunity to see this all-Canadian's artistry on the field at Molson Stadium. ■

F A C T S — BEN W A LSH

Jersey #: 50 Position: OG Height:: 6 T Year Of Eligibility: 3 Course: U2 Political Science Hometown: Vancouver, BC Last Team: Vancouver College Years with Redmen: 2003-2005

utumn has always been my favourite season— there’s just something about it that I find incredibly romantic. Maybe it's the drop in temperature and the sudden need to be a little closer to someone. Perhaps it's the urge to dive into a pile of leaves and roll around together. But mostly, it's the fact that this is the time of year when statsobsessed sports nuts come together to form their fantasy foot ball leagues, an endeavour that seems to bring out the worst in guys. In the next four months, we will have nothing interesting to say to anyone other than that which concerns our team sin other words, we will have nothing interesting to say to any one. We will be sleep-deprived from staying up late every night surfing the waiver wire or proposing trades. We may even put on significant and frightening amounts of weight from 12-hour sessions on the couch every Sunday afternoon. What's truly romantic is the fact that those meatheads who start their fantasy football seasons with girlfriends some how still have said girlfriends by the end of the season. The very same hobby that reduces men to insufferable idiots somehow manages to make women shine and causes them to emerge as beacons of patience and understanding. So I'm here to thank the ladies out there who put up with us and show the world just what kind of crap they suffer through on a daily basis. I remember a time, a few years back, when my then-girl friend and I were peacefully enjoying a quiet autumn evening of doing absolutely nothing, and she gazed into my eyes and asked with all the sincerity in the world, "Mo, what are you thinking about right now?" I hesitated for a second, wondering if I should sidestep the conversation so as not to burden her with that which had been weighing on my mind so heavily. But instead I decided that the truth would set me free. I turned to her and answered, "Right now, I can't stop thinking about Fred Taylor's groin. He's my top fantasy guy." You can imagine the mix of confusion and revolt that she would have felt upon hearing such a response. But somehow, she shrugged it off. The good ones always do. She forgives you when you attend a function as her date, but spend the whole night in the corner talking trade on your cell phone while she watches other couples dance together. When you call the guys over to watch the game on Sunday instead of taking her to that play she wanted to see, she does n't make a fuss—better yet, she makes nachos. And even though you seem to care less about her than whether Randy Moss can withstand being double-teamed by the opposing defence, she still thinks the world of you. The only question is... why? How can any self-respecting woman allow herself to be put through that? I think the answer is that deep down, she knows you care about her. She's a smart person who can see through all your nonsense. Though you might take her for granted from time to time, she really knows you're whipped and just rebelling against domestica tion. And you know she's smart enough to pick up on this. Hell, that's why you like her so much. That, and the fact that after a full day of hearing you talk about "tight ends" and "fumbling balls," she still has enough interest to allow you to touch her at night. But the truth is the only reason you care so much about the pool is because if you win, you can use the prize money to buy her those earrings she loves so much. Yes, I am aware that I have just forced every fantasy freak whose girlfriend reads this into buying her something pretty if he happens to win his pool. But to me, it's the best way to keep the peace among the holy trinity of a man, a woman and a team with a sophomoric name like "The 69ers." So enjoy the season, guys. You have your girl's full sup port. After all, she's the real star of your fantasy team. ■

Awards earned:

- CIS East-West Football All-Star Game (2005) - CIS all-Canadian (2004-05) - Team Most Outstanding Lineman (2004-05) - Touchdown Club Trophy - Conference All-star (2004-05) - Conference All-star (2003-04)

VLADIMIR EREMIN

Do I get a refund if his leg falls off?

sports | 1.9.05 | the mcgill tribune

FITNESS

PERSPECTIVE

B a c k t o s c h o o l— a n d

McGill comes up empty in chase for the Cup

b a ck to th e g ym

T h e behind-the-scenes story of a Vanier C u p bid gone awry D A V ID BLYE

If s the biggest prize in Canadian university football. For the past 40 years, every team in the CIS has started the season with one goal: winning the Vanier Cup. It's not an easy task. Just to earn the right to play for the coveted trophy, each team must first win its conference championship, and follow that up with a win in a bowl game against a fellow conference champion. Only then could a squad make the triumphant trip to Toronto to play for all the marbles. Last year, however, for the first time in the Vanier Cup's history, the championship game was not played in its tradtional Toronto home. Due to an error in scheduling, the championship contest was moved down the QEW and played at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, Ont. The game was considered a success by CIS brass, and in January the body announced that the event would be staying in Hamilton for 2005, and then be contested in Saskatoon the following season. Later in the year, it was announced that both the Ontario and Quebec football conferences would be submitting bids to host the 2007 and 2008 Vanier Cups. Ivor Wynne Stadium was the Unless McGill wins it, this trophy isn't coming to venue of choice for Ontario University Athletics, whereas Molson Stadium anytime soon. the Quebec University Football League chose Molson Stadium for the 2007 game and PEPS Stadium (home of Vanier Cup tickets. Though the QUFL bid involved the the Laval Rouge et Or) in Ste-Foy for the 2008 game. Alouettes, it was not nearly as in depth as the OUA's. The QUFL had many reasons for making this bid and The second was the QUFL's rather insistent attitude believing that it would be successful. For starters, interest that it hold both games, and its lack of compromise on in university football was at an all-time high across the that point. According to an e-mail from McGregor posted province. Laval had won two straight national champi at Cisfootball.org, "the [QUFL] indicated it would only onships, and played its regular-season games in front of accept the Vanier Cup being awarded to them for a twothe largest home crowds in the country. In addition to this, year period. The [QUFL] bid was valid for one year at the new football programs at Université de Montréal and McGill (2007) and one year at Laval (2008), and they Université Sherbrooke have flourished with huge atten would not accept the CIS selecting either McGill or Laval. dances and both schools have fielded extremely compet The OUA indicated they would accept the football cham itive teams just years after returning to play. As a result, pionship for one year only." bid organizers predicted back-to-back sellouts. Finally, the third and most damning reason for the Secondly, 2008 coincides with the 400th anniver QUFL'S failure was, well, McGill students. CIS felt that sary of the founding of Quebec City, and the Vanier Cup McGill's student fan base has been almost nonexistent in was going to be one of the biggest events in what will be recent years, as evidenced by the fact McGill drew only a year-long celebration of Québécois culture. 6.000 fans to the Mitchell Bowl national semi-final game Third was the belief that if McGill was given the in 2002. That may sound impressive, but the stadium chance to host the Vanier Cup, it would allow McGill stu itself seats more than 20,000, and there are close to dents to see how passionate fans from other schools are, 30.000 students in total. The fact that such a small por which could serve to revive the Redmen's lagging fan tion of the student body attended the second-biggest base. game of the year speaks volumes, and this was not lost Everything seemed poised for Quebec to win the on McGregor. right to host the games. But, alas, it was not to be: on "The Selection Committee had concerns with June 28, the CIS executive committee awarded the 2007 respect to McGill's historical ability to draw fans," she said. and 2008 Vanier Cups to the OUA and Hamilton. After looking at all the facts, there are two conclu Within minutes of this somewhat shocking sions to be drawn from this unfortunate turn of events. announcement, there was an immediate outcry among The first, and most obvious, is that the OUA bid was clear Laval supporters. The overwhelming belief was that there ly the better choice. It guaranteed more money in a time had to be an anti-French conspiracy. The Anglos in when CIS is need of it. And it was much more flexible in Ontario had gotten the better of the French-Canadians its approach to the bid, leaving the door open for receiv again, since the OUA couldn't have possibly presented a ing the Vanier Cup in only one of the two years. superior bid. One report (collegecoulours.com) even indi The second inference is that McGill students have to cated that CIS was not pleased with the fact that the Laval look themselves in the mirror. Montreal is a festival-driven bid was submitted in French only. city, and its residents tend not to concern themselves with At McGill, reaction was a little bit more subdued. "I'm everyday happenings; instead, they show up only for the very disappointed," said outgoing Athletic Director Bob big draws and think that this guarantees that the city will Debeau. "Both McGill and Laval put forth detailed and continue to be selected to host major events. Attendance comprehensive bids. We were confident that both games at Redmen games has reflected this. Now, though, the would be sellouts." apathy displayed over the years has come back to bite Shortly after the announcement was made, CIS McGill students in the behind, by playing a huge part in revealed that there were three major reasons that the costing McGill the Vanier Cup. OUA's bid was preferred. The first was money. According It may be too late to change the results of the 2007to an interview with CIS CEO Marg McGregor at 2008 bidding process, but students can still convince Collegecolours.com, there was a, "'six-figure gap' between those at CIS that McGill can and does support university the financial guarantee offered by the Ontario group as football, and that this university would make an excellent compared to the Quebec group." Included in this guaran host for future Vanier Cups. And with the Redmen host tee was a provision that season tickets for the Hamilton ing Concordia tonight at 7 p.m. at Molson Stadium, Tiger-Cats could only be purchased in a package with there's no time like the present. ■

ADAM MYERS

After a long summer of BBQ and beer it's back to school, which brings a perfect chance to get in shape—even with fatty cafeteria food factored in. The Currie Gym, also known as the McGill Sports Centre, is located at 475 Pins Ouest and is open seven days a week, offering a wide range of organized exercise programs, recreational classes and swimming, as well as a fitness cen tre in which to work out. That sec tion of the gym is closed until Sept. 6, as it is undergoing finishing touches on long-overdue renova tions. The cost of the remodel, which was ratified by students in a referendum nearly two years ago and is being funded by both stu dents and the university, is approx imately $5-million. Checking out the Sports Centre this semester may provide some surprises for even veteran gym-goers, as the renovations will provide a major upgrade in several facilities. The fitness centre will be doubled in size, with additional car diovascular and strength training machines, along with a high-per formance training area. There will be more fitness rooms, which will accommodate the large number of students and faculty interested in exercise and recreational classes. Specifically, a mind/body room will be used for yoga and pilâtes class es, and a multi-purpose room has also been created. A new golf room has been constructed, although it is farther behind in the renovation process and won't be ready as early as other overhauls. The men's locker room has been redone as well, equipped with new lockers and a fresh coat of paint. This year, the gym has implemented a new system regarding locker rental, in order to

accommodate more students who want to keep their belongings safe Finally, more rooms will be avail able for teams and coaches, includ ing a conference room. Registration for classes and the fitness centre can be done at the Client Services office, located down the main hallway directly to the right after entering the gym However, the gym and especially the fitness centre tend to be very busy in the first week of school, with the heaviest activity usually between 5 and 7 p.m. If you are an early riser, it can be rewarding to go first thing in the morning and beat the rush. Generally, hours of availability for gym facilities and activities will be posted on the McGill Athletics website, at www.athletics.mcgill.ca There are specific times that the gym will be open for recreational basketball and that the Tomlinson Fieldhouse and Memorial Pool will be available. However, many of the drop-in activities do require advanced sign up, and it is often necessary and beneficial to reserve a basketball net, squash or tennis court to ensure that you will not be disappointed. McGill also offers several intra mural sports, which provide a great way to socialize while benefiting from exercise. Team sign up can be arranged in the Client Services office, and while most sports, like flag football, are seasonal, excep tions do exist; hockey and soccer are available throughout the year Just behind the gym is McConnell Arena, home of the Redmen and Martlet hockey teams, which is open to shinny Monday through Friday, although that program does not begin until October. So whether you've pledged to get in shape this year or just want to get in some recreational activity, make sure to hit the gym after hit ting the buffet. ■

1W0NA LINK The gym from the outside; they wouldn't let us in because of the reno.

FANTASY

the mcgill tribune | 1.9.05 | sports 2 3

SPORTS

A RO U N D THE HORN

W h o ’s hot, who’s not in

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New AD has big shoes to fill

Over the summer, one of the biggest questions facing the McGill Athletics Department was who would be replacing Robert Dubeau as the university's athletics director. Dubeau, who announced in January that he would be stepping down as of Sept 1, held the post for 29 years, making him the longest serving AD in the CIS. On Aug. 17, the question was answered in the form of Professor Derek Drummond, who has been associated with McGill for nearly 50 years, since he first enrolled in the Faculty of Architecture in 1958. "I'm extremely excited to take on this role," Drummond said. "I am a strong believer in the role that both varsity and recreational sports play at this university. McGill Athletics is in the final stages of a major addition to the facilities and our stu dents will be truly impressed with the new fitness centre." A sportsman himself, Drummond was a member of the McGill varsity squash team from 1958 to 1961, and in 1967 he was victorious (alongside Dubeau, coincidentally) at both the Canadian Centennial team championship in Toronto and the USA national team championship in Chicago. Additionally, in 1993, he co-authored a book, The Atwater: An Informal

fantasy football D A V ID B LYE and A D A M MYERS

With the football season around the corner, fantasy players who haven't done so already are gearing up for their leagues' drafts (and the Trib will run its own NFL season preview in next week's issue). Here are a few players to keep an eye on in case you haven't picked yet. j

Quarterback Carson Palmer, Cincinnati: He really began to settle into a

comfort zone in the second half of the 2004 season. With wide receiver star Chad Johnson catching his passes and Rudi Johnson in the backfield, he should be able to stretch the field and put up good numbers. A possible steal with a mid-round pick. Joey Harrington, Detroit: He has struggled throughout his career, but this third-overall choice finally has a ton of weapons to work with. With three emerging receivers and a stud tailback, Harrington will be out of excuses if he cannot deliver. Think of him later in the middle rounds. Running Backs Julius Jones, Dallas: This budding star who turned it on in

the second half of last season shows a ton of promise heading into 2005. Head Coach Bill Parcells loves running the football, and Jones should see at least 350 touches. With three of the best offensive lineman in the league, he should have plenty of room to run. Miami Dolphins Backfield: With two very talented backs and a coach who will hand it off to them, Miami's backfield shows potential. However, Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown may strug gle behind a shaky offensive line that won't create room to run. The fact that they will consistently go up against eight- and nineman fronts and split carries after Williams' return from suspension means that these players are very high risk. However, because of each one’s individual talent, they are high reward.

SPORTS

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Will Ricky's season go up in smoke?

History of the Montreal Badminton and Squash Club, 19261994.

Receivers Randy Moss, Raiders, and Terrell Owens, Eagles: In the

Drummond comes into the job having previously served as vice-principal of development and alumni relations. He believes that he will be able to use his previous relationship with the university to be an effective representative for the athletic department. "It can only be a benefit and it will raise the profile of the department, especially because I report directly to the provost," he said. While it might seem odd that Drummond was appointed on an interim basis, meaning that the university needs to go through the search process again next year, Drummond was nonplussed. "I'm a little old," he said. "At 67, I'm almost doing the uni versity a favour."

past both these players were definite first round fantasy picks, however much has changed over the offseason. Terrell Owens' feud with everyone in the Eagles organization will not bode well for his fantasy numbers and Moss, now in Oakland, has a shaky quarterback in Kerry Collins. In addition, Raiders' Head Coach Norv Turner's questionable play calling will hurt the offense. However, that said, these guys are still elite, but because of the circumstances, these two should slip to the end of the second round. Tight Ends Antonio Gates, Chargers:

Coming off a break-out year, Gates will be hard-pressed to repeat the task. He missed the majority of training camp due to contract dispute, and it remains to be seen if quarterback Drew Brees can reprise his incredible performance last season. Moreover, Gates is no longer a surprise, and teams will gear up to stop him with their top cover packages. Proven tight ends like Tony Gonzalez and Alge Crumpler should be taken before him. ■

—David Blye McGill student golden in Stockholm

Sarah Ali-Khan of Baie d'Urfé won gold in the 800 metres in the Fredrikshofsspelen track & field meet at Stockholm Olympic Stadium on August 20. Ali-Khan, a 31year-old doctoral student, completed the race in two minutes, 8.31 seconds, well ahead of Sweden's Caroline Ronnlund and Mimmi Enstrom, who placed second and third, respectively, posting times of 2:33.79 and 2:40.86.

MEDIA

Yet another lockout perturbs

New man in charge of Redmen volleyball squad

Simon Berlenr, a 34-year-old native of Terrebonne, has been named as the new head coach of the Redmen volley ball team. Berleur, a former professional volleyball player in the Netherlands and Belgium, has been spending the past two years leading the Montreal Celtique, a men's senior team, which won the Quebec-Ontario senior league championship in 2003-04. Berleur is a graduate of the Université de Montréal, where he was voted all-conference three times and earned all-Canadian honours twice. Berleur replaces José Rebelo, who stepped down after eight years as head coach following a 3-17 season.

sports fans The upshot of the C B C labour dispute Toronto and Edmonton on Aug. 19, the CBC went silent. Only the in-stadium PA announcer told viewers what was going on. CBC spokesman Jason MacDonald was optimistic about the When the CBC locked out members of the Canadian Media situation, telling the Canadian Press, "We think the audience is Guild, all aspects of Canada's national broadcaster were affected. The National was replaced by the BBC World News Report. going to enjoy it. It's a different way of watching football. You're Production for long running shows such as Royal Canadian Air enjoying the stadium experience from home." However, the broadcasts themselves have proven to be Farce was cancelled indefinitely. And of course, the sports depart quite amateur, filled with many glitches and errors in production. ment largely shut down. And since the CBC has largely refused to hand its rights over to However, while the CBC could simply replace its news broadcast with the Beeb's, sports' was a different issue. CBC Sportsnet or TSN-either of which could broadcast the games Sports had, and continues to have, contracts with the CFL, the with full production values-those around the CFL are worried that NHL and Tennis Canada, with the terms dictating that these this will hurt efforts to gain headway in the Maritimes. They also events have to be shown live. However, with the directors, crew worry that it will make the already difficult task of upping interest and commentators locked out, the CBC announced that it would in the large eastern markets of Toronto and Ottawa more chal use a unique method to present the games: the events would be lenging. Finally, there's the NHL, and with it, the CBC's bread and but broadcast (managers with sports background would serve as the ter: Hockey Night in Canada. Though the season does not begin crew), but there would be no commentary. When Tennis Canada and Rogers Cup title sponsor Rogers until October, there is already an uneasy atmosphere in the NHL Communications learned of this, they informed the CBC that this offices in New York and Toronto. Fresh off the season-canceling would not be acceptable. Their attitude was "No commentators, lockout, the NHL-and the CBC for that matter-cannot afford to no event," and within days of the lockout being declared, Tennis have their brand-new product debut without all the trimmings, Canada announced that the semi-final and final would be broad even in hockey-crazy Canada. Meanwhile, a product that nobody cast on Rogers Sportsnet and CTV rather than the CBC. With rat but the most hardcore fans will watch could be deadly for the ings down for tennis, the Rogers Cup could not afford to air these CBC, as the network already devotes close to nine hours to HNIC every Saturday. matches without commentators. So while the lockout rages on, sports fans are caught in a The CFL, however, was not in the same position of strength. lurch. Regardless of the dispute's final outcome, TV viewers can Since the CBC has a five-year contract with the league, the CFL was forced to stand idly by and allow the CBC to broadcast the only hope it gets settled before it's time to cue up the beautiful games without commentary. Beginning with the game between fanfare that lets everyone know that it's Saturday night. ■ D A V ID BLYE

Former Redmen standout makes it to the CFL

Rob LeBlanc, a 21-year-old Vancouver native, began his CFL career with the Edmonton Eskimos in their August 5 clash with the BC Lions, becoming the 50th McGill player to dress for a CFL game. LeBlanc, the youngest player selected in the 2005 CFL draft, was chosen by Edmonton in the 5th round. The two-time all-Quebec receiver finished second among the league's reception leaders last season, despite playing with a broken thumb. In eight regular-season contests last year, he managed 30 catches for 486 yards, and four touchdowns. . The Redmen get a lot bigger on the hard court

Olivier Lamoureux, a 6'9", 200-pound post player, joins McGill from the University of Massachusetts, and can suit up for the McGill Redmen almost immediately. A complete pack age, Lamoureux can shoot from the outside, run the floor, and adds a major presence to the Redmen's frontcourt. Though wooed by division-1 programs in the U.S., Olivier decided that McGill was the place that could best enhance his career both on and off the court. Like what you've seen in the section? Hate it and think you can do a better job? Either way, write for the sports section. E-mail sports@mcgilltribune.com to get started.

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