The McGill Tribune Vol. 29 Issue 2

MCGILL LAW PROF. ON IRAN, SEE PAGE 3

IM C G IL L

R IB U N E www.mceiHtribune.com

Published by the Students' Society of M cG ill Universitj

Volume No. 29 Issue No. 2 • Wednesday September 9. 20091

McGill starts preparations for an H1N1 w orst-case scenario STEVEN HOFFER News Editor

ALICE WALKER

With the fall flu season just around the comer, McGill administrators and staff are preparing for the possibility of a widespread outbreak of the H1N1 virus, formerly known as swine flu.

“Essentially, a problem such as this af­ fects any kind of an institution because peo­ ple are ill and therefore not at work,” said Dr. Pierre-Paul Tellier, director of medical educa­ tion and student affairs. “We have to look at what this means in terms of education o f stu­ dents, research, [and] administration, as well as the fact that there are students who live on campus that cannot go home and would need to be taken care of if they get sick.”

Wayne Wood, associate director of university safety (environmental health and safety) and chair of the recently formed Pan­ demic Contingency Planning Group, stressed the complexity o f equipping the university to respond to H IN I. “This is a different type of emergency or crisis,” said Wood. “It is more of a com­ munity crisis than a university issue and it’s something that develops slowly and insidi­ ously unlike a dramatic event like a tornado or hurricane.”

Although the university had contingency plans leftover from the avian flu scare from two years ago, the onset o f H1N1 last April prompted the June formation o f the new

H1N1 preparation materials displayed across campus as university administration and health services prepare for a possible outbreak.

See FLU on PAGE 3

Boudreau begins term as McGill’s new ombudsperson for students Replaces associate dean Linda Jacobs Starkey TRIP YANG News Editor

Former Faculty of Education Associate Dean Spencer Boudreau has been appointed as ombudsperson for students, effective Sep­ tember 1.

As the ombudsperson for students, Bou­ dreau acts as an impartial, confidential me­ diator who helps students resolve universityrelated conflicts and navigate administrative red tape. In addition, the ombudsperson may recommend policy changes in the Ombuds Annual Report, which is presented to the Uni­ versity Senate.

The ombudsperson addresses all griev­ ances in a confidential manner. In the 2007-08

H

O

SO C C E R

-

M

E

O

T h u r s d a y , S e p te m b e r 1 0 th

school year, 238 students sought the services of the ombudsperson. Coinciding with Bou­ dreau’s appointment, the Office of the Om­ budsperson has relocated to 3610 McTavish Street, Suite 14.

“I am extremely pleased with Spencer Boudreau as the new ombudsperson,” said Provost Anthony Masi. “He is calm, easy­ going. listens very well—just an ideal ombud­ sperson and a university citizen.”

P

E

N

FO O T B A L L

E -

M cG ill ATHLETICS & RECREATION

- REDM EN

S

F r i d a y , S e p te m b e r 1 1 th

vs.

8h 30

See FORMER on PAGE 2

redbîrd

Sherbrooke

U n iv e rs ité d e M o n tré a l M ARTLETS l

R

Boudreau’s experience in university gov­ ernance and approachable manner made him a favourite o f both faculty and administration.

“I am delighted and thrilled with the ap­ pointment of Professor Spencer Boudreau as the new ombudsperson,” said Linda Jacobs Starkey, former interim ombudsperson for stu­ dents who has sat with Boudreau on several

20 I130

Red & White Gam e Free entry with red & white t-sh irt & $ 2 on all concessions.

First 2 0 0 to arrive will receive Thunder sticks.

Prizes to be won!

vs.

SPORTS SHOP

REDMEN lg h o o

Best Prices on Campus!

McGill student tickets (with i.d.) $ 1 - gets you into the game & the Molson pre-gam e party (Forbes Field tyhoo)

A ll G a m e s P la y e d a t H is to ric M o ls o n S ta d iu m

ww w .m cgill.ca/athletlcs

(

McGill Sports Complex \ 475 Pins Ave. *

2 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

N ew s

CAMPUS

Former education associate dean commended for mediation skills Masi praises Boudreau’s easy going nature Continued from COVER past committees. “Professor Boudreau is an extremely qualified candidate who will per­ form well in his new role.”

Presiding as the director of the Office of Student Teaching for nine years and as the associate dean of teaching, learning, and stu­ dents for the last six, Boudreau has a wealth of administrative experience. A past chair of the University Grievance Committee, Boudreau is no stranger to mediating conflicts.

“As an ombudsperson, it is very impor­ tant to be able to listen to the student. Being listened to is therapeutic,” said Boudreau.

“Many times students appreciate the fact that someone sincerely tried, even if things didn’t go exactly [as the student] planned.”

In addition to serving in the administra­ tion, Boudreau taught classes and conducted research in the department o f integrated stud­ ies, where he examined religious education and mentored aspiring teachers.

In an interview with the Tribune, Bou­ dreau reflected on how his McGill career has changed perspectives since beginning as a fac­ ulty o f education professor 20 years ago.

“I identified myself more as a teaching professor at one point, but as I ’ve gotten more involved with administration, I ’ve had less contact in a sense [with teaching students].”

Boudreau also noted that the position of ombudsperson has changed from what he has seen in the past.

“I like M cG ill’s [current set up] because now, the ombudsperson addresses the issue at the beginning, rather than at the end,” said Boudreau. “In the past, I ’ve seen filed griev­

ances that didn’t need to go that far—if only there was a mediator who got involved in the beginning.”

McGill hasn’t had an official ombudsper­ son since Norman Miller left the position in August 2008. Last year, Starkey maintained her role as associate dean of students while acting as interim ombudsperson, a contro­ versial decision that prompted debate across campus.

Starkey, a backup to the ombudsperson in the past, believes that she handled the situation well, given the unique circumstances.

“We in the administration often wear more than one hat,” said Starkey. “ [Given] the interim situation, I brought experience to the role. I was an associate dean, but I did not believe there was a conflict o f interest. I wouldn’t have assumed the role [of interim ombudsperson for students] if I thought there was a conflict.”

Provost Masi asserted Starkey did a qual­ ity job. and commended her on performing ably as both an associate dean and the interim ombudsperson. “ [Starkey] was very effective in both roles,” said Masi. “It was not a permanent so­ lution, and you always have to make compro­ mises. It was the best thing we could in that situation.”

When Starkey filled the vacated role, some students were concerned about a pos­ sible conflict of interest. Last year’s SSM U executive questioned the academic integrity of a career administrator assuming the role of a neutral conciliator.

“It is a defining characteristic for the Om­ budsperson to be a disinterested third party,” said SSM U President Ivan Neilson. “If the po­ sition were held by an [active] administrator, [it] would not be fulfilling student needs.”

ADAM s c o r n

“Listening is therapeutic,” said new Ombudsperson for Students Spencer Boudreau. The ombudsperson annually sees over 200 students in a confidential manner.

CAMPUS

Carrefour, McGill’s newest rez, receives mainly positive feedback Construction continues as students get settled in SARAH CRAMER Contributor

The words ‘first year’ and ‘luxury’ are not' often used in the same sentence. But at Carre­ four Sherbrooke, the newest McGill residence, some students are no longer living the stereo­ typical poor student lifestyle.

The former Four Points Sheraton Hotel is located only two blocks east of campus and houses 360 McGill undergraduates. It’s the second hotel that McGill University Residenc­ es has converted into a dorm—the first being New Residence Hall in 2003.

“My room is amazing,” said first-year resident Sarah Dovston. Her room includes a private bathroom, her own queen-sized bed, and ample storage space.

Carrefour was Dovston’s first choice for many reasons. “I like the fact that we have pri­ vate bathrooms and I wanted a hotel feel. It is also so close to campus. I chose it because it was newer,” she said. When asked whether the community experience of upper rez is part o f the package down at Carrefour, she claimed that it is.

“It’s not secluded or segregated at all,” she said. “We all try to do things together. Our

floor fellows are amazing and are always orga­ nizing events for us all to do together. 1 think we get as much o f a community feel even for not being that many people.”

McGill purchased the former hotel in April after promising to house all incoming first-year undergraduate students.

“We have a residence guarantee for firstyear students who get accepted and apply by the deadline,” said Mike Porrit, executive di­ rector o f residences and student housing. “To be able to meet the residence guarantee, we needed more space.”

But four months since changing owner­ ship, construction on the new residence hasn’t been completed.

“It would have been nice to have more time. Another month would have been very helpful,” said Porrit. Installations for wireless internet was a major project, as was general maintenance and upgrading to meet new com­ pliance codes. However, the biggest jobs, such as the dining hall, laundry facilities, and com­ mon rooms, are still incomplete.

Aditya Kumar, a first-year arts and science student, does not share Dovston’s appreciation for the building. He describes the unfinished projects as being a major inconvenience.

“We have to haul our laundry to RVC and we have to go eat at New Rez,” said Kumar. “It costs an arm and a leg to live here and it’s not

ADAM SCOTTI

McGill’s newest rez, Carrefour Sherbrooke, formally the Four Points Sheration Hotel. even done yet.”

According to Porrit, McGill Residences is working tirelessly to complete the remain­ ing tasks by the end of September, and the positives of this new residence outweigh the negatives.

“The big difference from New Rez is that this building is physically more conducive to a residential community for students,” he said.

“It has smaller hallways, which don’t stretch around the comer. It’s also a great location.

They are right at the edge o f downtown. If they

want to enjoy Montreal, it’s right there.”

Aside from the occasional complaints about loud hammers and drills, the majority of student feedback has been positive.

“The people are nice, the floor fellows are great, and we have a great residence di­ rector who is really enthusiastic about having a supportive environment,” said Kumar. “I think we’ve made the best o f what we have, and sooner or later what was promised will be ours.”

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 • 3

Curiosity Delivers

As flu season ap p roach es, m edical staff read y for possible ou tb reak Continued from COVER PCPG. Members o f the PCPG include Wood, Tellier, Students’ Society Vice-President Uni­ versity Affairs Rebecca Dooley, Associate Director of University Safety Claude Lahaie, and Director of Global Health Programs Dr. Timothy Brewer, among others. After meet­ ing sporadically over the summer, the PCPG now corresponds with a provincial group of universities regularly, convenes weekly, and maintains communication on a daily basis.

The university medical staff is already stockpiling supplies including respirator masks, gowns, and hand sanitizer. The health services website has been updated with vari­ ous links and advice on avoiding the flu. If necessary, the first floor o f the Brown Student Services Building would become a flu treat­ ment centre, while the second floor would treat

patients with other conditions.

Other precautions being discussed are the role of M cGill’s campus security in transport­ ing ill students and the possibility o f institut­ ing a flu buddy-system for students to help check up on each other. Wood also added that in the event of extraordiary circumstances, 90 per cent of the McGill IT staff are equipped to work from home in order to facilitate shifting courses online.

“At the IT level there has been a lot of work done to ramp up our ability to deliver courses online, the capacity to record lectures, increase server space ... and make full use of the tools that allow us to do education at a dis­ tance,” said Wood. “One o f the many things that will make this pandemic different from those in the past is that we have a lot more technology available to continue doing things

and do our work remotely.”

The IT department would also play a critical role for students confined to McGill residences, a major priority due to the closeproximity living conditions and the number of international and out-of-province students who would be unable to return home if they became ill.

“We have 3,000 students living in resi­ dences and if this becomes a major issue on campus, some o f those students will not be able to go home,” said Michael Porritt, execu­ tive director o f residences and student hous­ ing. “We are trying to make sure that students know what they can do to take care of them­ selves.”

Plans already in place for residences in­ clude a system to deliver meals to students restricted to their dorms, a unique menu for

those with small appetites, and an insurance policy to replace staff in case residence work­ ers get the virus. In addition, Dr. Tellier recent­ ly conducted an H1N1 seminar with M cG ill’s floor fellows.

Although the PCPG is currently focus­ sing its energy on equipping the university for H1N1, Tellier stressed that flexibility is also a priority. In the event o f future pandemics the system could be tweaked rather than re­ vamped.

“The issue is that there are a lot of other bugs coming out and whether they are other viruses in the form o f flu, SARS, or a brand new bug that comes along, we know that at some point it will happen,” he said. “We need to prepare, we need to have things in place in case this should happen.”

E X C L U S I V E IN T E R V IE W

L aw professor discusses events in Iran and the international response Akhavan: Regime “chose survival” over legitimacy

in the game?

Iran has not seen protests like those that fille d the streets follow in g the Ju n e 12 election o f M ahm oud A hm adinejad since the f a l l o f the Shah in 1979. The Islam ic R epu blic has since com e under intense scrutiny an d criticism f o r their response to this opposition. M cG ill in­ ternational law p ro fessor P ayam Akhavan has been a t the forefron t o f a w orldw ide attempt to h old these lead ers accou n table f o r what he sees a s human rights violations. A fo r m er United Nations w ar crim es prosecu tor an d c o ­ fo u n d er o f the Iran Human Rights D ocum enta­ tion Centre, Akhavan sat down with the M cGill Tribune to discuss the crisis, an d what h e sees f o r the future o f Iran.

There have been many protests in the past in Iran, as well as numerous move­ ments for change. What makes these dem­ onstrations different? Was this movement just waiting to show its strength?

After 1999, there was an uprising o f stu­ dents across Iran, which was the first manifes­ tation o f a genuine social movement calling for democracy. O f course, it was brutally crushed.

From then on, a group o f us outside of Iran saw this as a promise, as a nucleus o f a much broader social movement. During this period, we helped train a number o f student leaders in non-violent resistance, how to document human rights, and how to publicize human rights violations. We received a lot of ridicule from academics and policymakers telling us it was wishful thinking. They said that the Islam­ ic Republic was here to stay, that Iranians were not capable o f democracy, and that they didn’t want the same things because they’re Islamic.

But this is not Islamic culture—this is fascism!

When I saw the images o f this summer, it was really a moment of feeling tremendously vin­ dicated.

It’s not about contested elections. That was a pretext for people coming to the street.

What we have now is a social movement of students, women’s movements, human rights movements, and labour unions. It’s a broad cross section of Iranian society.

What role can the international com­ munity play?

There has been a role reversal. The Unit­

PICAS AWEB. GOOGLE.COM

ed States is now interested in dialogue and Europe is threatening to sanction. We need to move away from collective sanctions, which hurt the ordinary people, and on to individual sanctions, which hurt solely the individuals re­ sponsible. In Canada, I believe that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act the Canadian government should ban Iranian lead­ ers from entering Canada. These people have homes here, investments here, and they send their children to university here. They benefit greatly from the West. That is why we are so interested in pushing the idea o f the Interna­ tional Criminal Court, so that you isolate the ones responsible and, at the same time, em­ power the democratic movement.

There has been much debate over the Obama administration’s cautious response to the protests. What do you think about the West’s responsibility in this matter? Are they taking the appropriate actions?

I think it is important for the United States not to give the Iranian leadership the pretext for portraying Iran’s indigenous democratic movement as a foreign conspiracy. But I think at some point that the silence begins to look like appeasement. There was a reaction against the Bush administration and their crusade mentality, which helped Mahmoud Ahmadine­ jad because it allowed him to portray himself

as the champion o f Iranian sovereignty and the voice o f Islam against American hegemony.

Now we have swung to the other extreme.

The message that the Obama administration is sending is that they are willing to do business, irrespective o f [Iran’s] human rights record, as long as they get the concessions that they want on the nuclear issue. I think that this is unfortunate because now is the time, even out of prudencè, to stand in solidarity with the fu­ ture o f Iran, who are the young people and the new generation of leaders. Even if you don’t believe in human rights as a moral imperative and you believe a regime that commits mass atrocities should be allowed to do so with im­ punity, do you really believe that you can ne­ gotiate in good faith with such a regime? They have had to stay their hand due to concerns of legitimacy, but if that is resolved, I think we will see a bloodbath in Iran as they decide to completely wipe out opposition.

Legitimacy seems to be a new object sought by the highest echelons of power in Iran. Supreme Leader Ali Ayatollah Khamene’i has recently changed his efforts to restore the regime’s political credibility by condemning the alleged torture and rape of prisoners. Is it necessary for an authori­ tarian regime with such power to have le­ gitimacy? How important is it at this stage

The regime had to choose between surviv­ al and legitimacy. It chose survival at the cost of brutal and violent repression o f the protests.

Now it realizes that it badly needs legitimacy ... to survive. Iran is a very complex society with a vigorous democratic movement and in­ ternal divisions. For 30 years, those that used systemic rape and torture were elevated and promoted. With that in mind, it is disingenu­ ous now for the Supreme Leader to say that, ‘Oh my goodness, there are reports of abuses.’

What’s different is now, for the first time, peo­ ple have seen these abuses on the streets. They have seen Neda shot and bleeding to death. To survive, the regime has to create the pretense that these are aberrations and that it is being looked into. We may see investigative reports, and one or two scapegoats prosecuted. I think that this is a weakness we need to exploit. It is fine if they are under pressure and need to even just symbolically prosecute people. Let them do it. But let them know that we are not going to relent unless all of those responsible are brought to justice.

What are your thoughts on regime change? Would the downfall of this regime improve the situation in Iran?

People talk about regime change without understanding what it means. I think there is a clear need for change in Iran. Iran has to move towards a prosperous democracy where there is rule o f law, basic human rights are safe­ guarded, and the national wealth is used for the benefit o f the people. In order to achieve this, we need to understand that the means and ends are connected. Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘You have to be the change you want to see in the world.’ If the opposition begins to use violence, then once they come in power, we will have a repeat of what happened 30 years ago, when one authoritarian regime was replaced with a worse tyrannical regime that began mass execution of all its enemies. Yes, the days o f the Islamic Republic as it is cur­ rently constituted are numbered. But we have to think what we want to replace it with, rather than just wanting to get rid of these people.

We also have to ask ourselves whether this transition will be at a very high cost o f further violence against those who are standing for democracy.

—C om piled by Sarah C ram er

mcgilltribune.com

4 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I CAM PUS

C IT Y

Grand Prix return not yet finalized

Decision on re-zoning postponed

FI race could be back in Montreal for next summer

Friends o f the Mountain displeased with plans

LAUREN HUDAK

TORI CRAWFORD

Contributor

News Editor

Despite rumors that Formula One will return to Montreal in 2010, a deal that would bring the City’s Grand Prix back has not been finalized, according to parties involved in the negotiations.

“It’s premature to say it’s a done deal ...

Currently, there are discussions with two other levels o f government, provincial and federal, and the promoters,” said Garren Becker, a spokesperson for Mayor Gerard Tremblay’s office. “We are still waiting to finalize the agreements since the City of Montreal is not the only one calling the shots.”

In order for the Canadian Grand Prix to take place in Montreal next summer, both the provincial and the federal government, along with the Formula One CEO Bernie Eccle­ stone, must agree on the financial parameters.

Although no agreement has been reached, E c­ clestone is confident that the three parties will reach a mutually satisfactory contract.

In an August 4 interview with C B C ’s Monique Lacombe, Ecclestone stated that the event would be back in Montreal by next year.

“We have an ‘in-principle’ agreement of how we’re going to make the race happen,” Ecclestone said. “It states that we are going to have a Canadian Grand Prix hopefully for the next seven years ... in Montreal, o f course.”

Partially due to financial disagreements between municipal government officials and Ecclestone, this past summer marked the first time in 22 years that the Grand Prix was not held in Montreal.

“Ecclestone wanted a five-year contract worth 175 million dollars, whereas we offered a deal of 110 million dollars,” said Becker.

“The Formula One race did not occur because they could not agree on financial parameters.”

chann el

4. c o m

While the Grand Prix may have been a summer highlight for some Canadians in the past, Becker emphasized the many other events Montreal offers to both residents and tourists, including the International Jazz Festival, the International Fireworks Competition, and the World Film Festival. In addition, a three-year lease signed earlier this year will keep the NA-

“It’s premature to say it’s a done deal.” —Garren Becker SCAR Nationwide Series in Montreal at JeanDrapeau Park.

“Montreal is a city o f events,” said Beck­ er. “Formula One creates 75 million dollars in economic spin-offs. With that said, yes, the Grand Prix is important. But just because it wasn’t here does not mean that we have to find something to replace it. There are enough events to draw tourists in terms of entertain­ ment.”

Some local businesses lost money as a re­ sult of the Grand Prix’s absence this past sum­ mer. The Grand Prix Boutique, a store located in Old Port dedicated to selling Formula One merchandise, suffered a reduction in profits this past summer.

“Sales have dropped because the Grand Prix left,” said Ali Zerka, an employee at the Grand Prix Boutique.

With a municipal election looming, VilleMarie residents and the Montreal General Flospital may have to wait until after the vote to find out the verdict on a controversial re­ zoning request.

The land in question, which partially oc­ cupies the flank of Mount Royal near Cotedes-Neiges, is currently designated as residen­ tial. However, the developer has requested a commercial designation for the space in order to construct a medical clinic for the Montreal General Hospital, part of the McGill Univer­ sity Health Centre.

At the borough council meeting last Thursday, all councillors but one voted to post­ pone any decision until a later date. Ville-Ma­ rie spokesperson Jacques Lavallée explained that many of the councillors were not satisfied with many of the proposal’s elements.

“It’s a sensitive issue and I think that the elected representatives wanted to pursue their investigations to find out a little bit more and also ask the civil servants from the urban plan­ ning department for further explanations,” said Lavallée.

The issue has provoked concern from The Friends o f the Mountain, a community group that works to protect the area around Mount Royal. At a public forum held last Wednesday, the group explained that by considering con­ struction at this site the Montreal General was going back on previous statements that all fur­ ther expansion would occur at the Glen Yards.

“This is just further proof that the hospi­ tal hasn’t finished their encroachment on the mountain,” said Francois-Xavier Caron, direc­ tor of public forums for the Friends. “They still have needs. This is going to be a neverending story.”

The forum was also attended by many

residents o f the Cedar Avenue area, which is located near the proposed site. Resident Judith Cavanagh explained that this type of construc­ tion would dramatically change the nature of the residential neighbourhood.

"There's one study I saw that said it would be six times greater traffic with the clinic than there is now. There is already no parking ... and this will only exacerbate the problem.” said Cavanagh. “The Montreal General right now doesn’t spend a lot of money on landscap­ ing, beautifying, or even keeping it clean. It will devalue the properties that are all along here.”

The land in question has been the focus of controversy between the developer and area residents as far back as 1999. However, this is the first time a request has been put forward to change the designation of the land to anything other than residential.

“The developer asked to negotiate with the residents,” said Cavanagh. “I don’t know what that means, but we are going to meet with him on Wednesday. But what kind of negotiation, what can he tell us? As far we‘re concerned, it’s non-negotiable. It stays residential.”

Lavallee said that if the re-zoning request is passed, local residents will have a chance to voice their concerns.

"There will be a public consultation, which is standard procedure for this kind of project, “ Lavallée said. “There is a pub­ lic consultation after the first reading, so the public consultation will be pushed to October provided there is a first reading at the next bor­ ough meeting.”

Cavanagh, however, is concerned that if the project is approved, the reality of the con­ struction may in fact look different than the plans.

“We’ve been lied to from day one. We agreed to the first proposal because it looked nice on paper, and then they kept changing and exaggerating.”

The MUHC did not return the Tribune’s phone calls for an interview.

C IT Y

Blue collar city workers stage strike two years after contract ends Workers also protest the city's use o f contractors JU L IE BEAUCHAMP Contributor

On August 31, City o f Montreal blue col­ lar workers went on a one-day strike to mark the second anniversary their contract’s expira­ tion.

The strike also intended to call attention to the increased use o f private contractors by the city. Union members gathered in front of City Hall in Old Montreal throughout the day to protest lagging contract talks. Other than some traffic issues, no major problems were reported. The strike affected the boroughs of Ahuntsic-Cartierville, the Plateau Mont-Roy­ al, the Sud-Ouest and Villeray-Saint-MichelParc-Extension.

“What people don’t know is that the last contract was imposed by an arbitrator,” said Marc Ranger, chief negotiator for the Que­ bec affiliation of the Canadian Union of Pub­ lic Employees, which represents about 5,000

workers. “In 2004, we had a setback of 15 per cent regarding our work conditions. Our work­ ers lost many advantages, whether it be vaca­ tions or other social benefits. With our current demands we hope to return to that level.”

Régis Boudreau, Montreal’s chief of la­ bour relations with the city’s blue collar work­ ers, sees the demands as unreasonable, consid­ ering the current economic climate.

The union is asking for a three per cent salary increase while the city, which froze mu­ nicipal wages in 2007, is offering a two per cent increase over the next three years.

“We have made a comparison o f wages with other municipalities and our blue-collar workers are in the top of the list,” Boudreau said.

Ranger, however, argued that Montreal ranks near the bottom o f hourly pay rates when compared to other major Canadian cities such as Ottawa and Toronto.

The strike did not jeopardize the day-today functions of the city. In fact, some Mon­ trealers were not even aware that a strike had taken place.

“It was probably because my recycling was picked up on Tuesday morning, as usual,”

said Damian Ferrese, a resident of the Plateau Mont-Royal.

The city’s use of private contractors is partly why some services were maintained.

This use of sub-contracting is one o f the union’s main concerns, since they believe it takes jobs away from the city’s blue collar workers.

“We don’t think we will be able to re­ trieve all these [private] contracts but we want to reverse the trend,” said Ranger. For his part, Boudreau said that the city doesn’t plan to in­ crease the number of contracts given to private contractors.

“There is a ‘floor limit’ we have to re­ spect regarding contracts handed to blue col­ lar workers,” said Boudreau. “Certain types of work are better given to private contractors.”

The one-day strike had some Montrealers thinking of the potential serious consequences that could arise if this situation were to devel­ op into a general strike.

“I believe a general strike would be ter­ rible for the city. Toronto’s image suffered a great deal this summer, especially with tour­ ism,” said Pascale Boudreau, U3 political sci­ ence. Nevertheless, Boudreau believes there is little for the city’s residents to worry about.

“We are hoping [a general strike] will not happen. If it does, which is unlikely, essential services would be maintained, such as garbage pickup, at least once a week,” he said. The union has also stated that it doesn’t plan to go on a general strike, but it still wants to spread its message.

“We know we won’t have [Montrealers’] support overnight, but we are hoping that with an honest approach, they will come to realize that what’s going on is not right. But we don’t want to use pressure means that would penal­ ize them,” said Ranger.

Ranger also confirmed that other actions will be taken by the union, but did not offer any specifics. The one-day strike did not result in a settlement between the two parties.

“We will reach an agreement eventually.

We have already had talks with representatives of the City but we do not want to talk on how to share out zero per cent,” said Ranger.

Boudreau added that the city’s channels o f communication are not shut down.

“We are always open to return to the ne­ gotiating table,” he said.

^Curiosit^Delivers

iWednesda^Sc£tembei_9i ^ 0 0 9 _ 0

SCIEN CE

Biologists find that humans vary less in height than most other animals Scientists unsure o f reasons for discrepancy THEO M EYER Contributor

The usual process o f scientific discovery goes something like this: endless crunching of data leads a researcher to a hypothesis, which is then tested in numerous lab experiments in the hope of making a breakthrough.

Then there are discoveries like Andrew Hendry’s.

Hendry, an assistant professor of biology at McGill, was watching cyclists ride along the bike path behind his home in Lachine when it struck him how different the people passing him seemed—some short and some tall, some thin and some muscular.

“You see this parade of people go by and they seem quite variable,” Hendry said. “And so I thought, ‘Are humans really that vari­ able?’ Nobody knew if they were more or less variable than any other sort o f organism.”

From his observations of the cyclists, Hendry suspected humans were more variable.

He recruited Ann McKellar, one o f his Mas­ ter’s students, to test his hypothesis.

“We searched the literature for published studies that were reporting any kind of data on body sizes o f both human populations and animals,” said McKellar, who is now a Ph.D. student at Queen's University.

Hendry and McKellar decided to focus their research on height and mass, the two

methods o f measuring humans and animals biologists had gathered the most data on.

McKellar then compiled data on size varia­ tions in a wide selection of animals—from monkeys to cheetahs to fish—as well as ab­ original and more modem human populations around the world.

The results, published last week in Public Library of Science ONE, were not what either

“You see this parade of people go by and they seem quite variable, and so I thought, ‘Are humans really that variable?’ Nobody knew.”

—Andrew Hendry o f them had expected.

Rather than varying more than other ani­ mals, as Hendry had expected, he and M cKel­ lar found that humans actually vary much less in height than other organisms. Though differ­ ent human populations—Australian and Cana­ dian aboriginals, for example—vary in height just as much as different animal populations, the people within a given population are more likely to be o f a similar height.

Hendry and McKellar aren’t exactly sure why this is, but they have some guesses.

“The idea we bring forward in the paper is that humans historically could have been under really strong selection for particular body height within populations, but the opti­ mal body height sort of varies between popula­

tions,” McKellar said.

Under this argument, human populations in different places on earth have each evolved toward an ideal average height. The question, however, is why this does not hold true for other animal species.

Since publishing the paper, Hendry said, he has been pondering which differences be­ tween humans and animals may be responsible for the height discrepancy. Part o f the answer may involve variances in the ways humans and animals mate. “ [Animal mating tactics] usually involve large and small individuals,” Hendry said. “So large males are good fighters and small males are good sneakers. And if you have a lot of large males, small males are favoured. If you have a lot o f small males, large males are fa­ voured.”

According to Hendry, this maintains a bal­ ance o f large and small males in most animal populations. If too many of one type o f male exist in a given population, the other type will be favoured in mating and naturally increase in number. Unlike animals, however, humans do not mate based solely on size.

“It’s not like Mini M e’s hiding under the bed," said Hendry with a laugh. “The alterna­ tive mating tactics in humans don’t relate to body size.”

Another idea, which Ben Haller, a McGill Ph.D. student in biology, proposed to Hendry, involves the nutritional differences between human and animal populations. Compared to other organisms, Haller argued, humans are far

r

i

Tomorrow's Professionals Apply Today!

L______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A

Apply Online!

O M SAS

more likely to reach their individual potential heights because of greater co-operation be­ tween members o f human societies.

“The way that humans care for sick and disabled individuals seems pretty universal, and I ’m not aware o f many non-anecdotal cases of animals doing the same,” wrote Haller in an email to the Tribune.

With the publication of their paper, Hen­ dry and McKellar are now identifying the next step in their research. One possibility that interests Hendry is comparing variations between humans and animals that are “more relevant to actual ways in which people recog­ nize individuals,” such as facial features. Such a project would be more difficult because not all organisms have recognizable faces, though it would be possible to compare human popu­ lations to those of other primates.

Another direction would be comparing populations that have experienced a great deal o f recent migration to those that have not.

Though their findings indicate that humans within populations vary less in height than ani­ mals, Hendry and McKellar aren’t convinced this pattern will necessarily continue in an in­ creasingly global society.

“We have so much mixing now of popu­ lations from completely different areas that all these genes for different heights are going to come and mix in populations,” Hendry said.

“It would probably still hold in places where you don’t get a lot of immigration.”

U p T o Sp e e d Chess while drunk is a bad move Playing chess drunk may not seem out o f place in univer­ sity, but it’s not something you expect at a chess tournament.

Grandmaster Vladislav Tkachiev, a leading French chess player, showed up so intoxicated to a tournament in Kolkata that he could barely sit in his chair. Tkachiev then fell asleep just 11 moves into the match and thus lost on technical grounds. Definitely not his best move.

www.ouac.on.ca/omsas/

Ontario Medical School Application Service September 15, 2009: Last day to register for online applications October 1, 2009: Application deadline

Rabid bats threaten Montreal

www.ouac.on.ca/olsas/

0 L SA S

Ontario Law School Application Service

Let this be a lesson: don’t pet the animals. Public health of­ ficials have issued an advisory against touching wild animals after a Montreal man was bitten by a rabid bat that he picked up to in­ spect while walking his dog. This incident comes just a week after a rabid skunk indulged himself in the flesh of a Montreal truck driver. Authorities believe that a rabid bat infected the skunk, but no direct correlation between the two cases has been officially established.

November 2, 2009: Application deadline for first-year English programs May 3, 2010: Application deadline for upper-year programs

TEAS

www.ouac.on.ca/teas/

Teacher Education Application Service December 1, 2009: Application deadline for English programs

Naked Cowboy leaves politics

March 1, 2010: Application deadline for French programs

www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/

Robert Burck, better known at Times Square’s Naked Cow­ boy, announced last week that he is withdrawing his candidacy for New York City mayor. After declaring his candidacy in July, Burck presented a platform that included a stimulus plan for small businesses, and adopted the slogan “Nobody has done more with less.” However, the amount o f red tape involved in the candidacy process turned him off. On his website, Burck assured his sup­ porters that he will continue to be “the people’s representative.”

0RPA S

Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (Audiology, O ccupational Therapy, Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology

January 8, 2010: Application deadline

ONTARIO UNIVERSITIES' APPLICATION CENTRE

' }I CENTRE ------------------------------------DE DEMANDE D'ADMISSION V __ y

AUX UNIVERSITÉS DE L'ONTARIO

170 Research Lane Guelph ON N1G 5E2 www.ouac.on.ca

6 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

THE BENEFITS OF A B SEN TMINDEDNESS Since I was little, I ’ve been chuckled at, and occasionally reprimanded, for being a bit of a space cadet. Though it’s gotten better over the years—largely due to my habit o f obses­ sively compiling lists o f everything I need to remember—my mind is often elsewhere. I still walk into rooms only to forget why I was going there in the first place. I send emails supposedly containing an article, essay, or photo that arrive in the recipient’s inbox sans attachment. (My former co-editor Laura can attest to the frequency with which this phe­ nomenon occurs.) In a more embarrassing act of zoning out, I booked my return flight from a vacation in Hawaii on the wrong day due to sheer lack o f attention while planning the lo­ gistics of the trip and buying the ticket online.

I was unaware of this error until I arrived at the Honolulu airport, luggage in hand, exactly one day early to check in for my flight.

Though absent-mindedness—the state of being lost in thought and inattentive to one’s immediate surroundings—tends to get a bad rap. I ’ve long believed that the benefits o f day­ dreaming—sudden moments o f insight, unex­ pected epiphanies, flashes of genius, and gen­ eral reprieve from boredom—may outweigh the negatives. And it seems that I ’m finally in good company: in their mappings o f the mind, cognitive neuroscientists have recently discovered that wandering thoughts are often wandering somewhere worth going.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal cited research which found that daydreaming isn’t as idle a state o f mind as it’s generally thought to be. The research suggests that day­

Ca n a d a ’ s

w recked refugee

SYSTEM If it wasn’t already abundantly clear that Canada’s refugee system is a complete and utter mess, another high-profile—and embar­ rassin g -case has brought its dysfunctional nature into the international headlines.

Brandon Huntley, a white South African, was awarded refugee status in Canada last week on the grounds that his government had failed to protect him from persecution due to his skin colour. He claimed that he was at­ tacked (read: mugged) seven times, and on three of those occasions stabbed. Oh, and he apparently couldn’t get a job because o f affir­ mative action policies.

Unsurprisingly, many in South Africa were unimpressed. Newspapers, public fig­ ures and the ruling party, the African National

O p in io n dreaming can lead to profound scientific and creative insights, much like the eureka-type discoveries o f Archimedes, Newton, and Des­ cartes. University o f British Columbia cogni­ tive neuroscientist Kalina Christoff found that the brain during “mind wandering is [in] a much more active state ... than during reason­ ing with a complex problem.” Apparently, as the mind wanders, certain regions of the brain actually become highly active just before an important insight is achieved.

As I suspected, there is a method to the madness o f the absent-minded. While “zoning out,” we give our minds the freedom to create a network o f associations that the rational, me­ thodical mind may never arrive at, but which is often more insightful. This has certainly been true in my own experience. It’s often while off on a mental flight o f fancy that I finally get a joke told to me days earlier or suddenly understand the reason behind a friend’s puz-

THINGS YO U SHOULD KNOW AB O U T M E

zling behaviour. While my mind seems to be carelessly drifting, I ’ll unexpectedly come up with a clever pun to use for a headline, or sud­ denly realize a better thesis for a misguided term paper. In fact, my most profound and cre­ ative ideas tend to arise when, instead o f forc­ ing myself to pay attention to things that don't interest me, I let my thoughts roam free.

I don't deny that being absent-minded has serious pitfalls—yes, I left my sunglasses in a fitting room at H&M and then had to run back to retrieve them, and yes, I forgot my half-finished copy o f The Sun A lso R ises in the seatback pocket o f a plane to Montreal—but I consider these to be minor setbacks when a lapse o f attention leads to a big discovery or even a little “A-ha!” moment. In my opinion, stumbling upon an epiphany while waiting for a light to change is worth the occasional mis­ placed set o f keys or embarrassingly prema­ ture senior moment.

By way of introduction, I ’ll let you, my new audience, in on a little secret about me: I am, and always will be, resolutely opposed to any system o f applying condiments to pizza other than layering them in order of decreas­ ing size (as measured by diameter o f the flake at room temperature). So, red pepper comes before oregano, oregano before Parmesan cheese, Parmesan cheese before garlic powder, et cetera. I don’t personally enjoy all of those condiments on my pizza (only the second and the fourth)—I ’m merely explaining the gen­ eral principle, which you can easily adapt to any condiment selections you like.

So there’s that. You should probably know a little more about me, though, just so we’re both on the same page as we press for­ ward into this new school year, “boats against the current” and whatnot.

I was bom on May 6, 1990, in Queens, NY. See that “N Y” over there? That means New York, biyotch. And that shit never chang­ es. So even though the Kreitner clan relocated to the suburbs of North Jersey when I was three. I can still say I'm from New York, and I can still end my sentences by calling my read­ er or listener a biyotch. That’s very important to me.

Er, what else?

Well, I could discuss how proudly frugal I am, but you have to promise not to insult me for it. Just as I risk attracting a certain ethnic slur by picking up any denomination of cur­ rency smaller than a loonie that I find on the sidewalk, I risk the same in writing about that warm blanket feeling that surrounds me dur­

Congress, condemned the decision to award Huntley refugee status as “racist.” And so, only two months after the controversy over the government’s decision to slap visa require­ ments on citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic, our refugee system has once again been dragged into the international spotlight, for all the wrong reasons.

It’s easy to claim that Huntley is abusing the system, and his case, as a Globe and Mail editorial aptly put it, “mocks the need for gen­ uine refugee protection.” Indeed, the Conser­ vative government, which, as it should be, is independent o f the refugee process, is seeking a review of the decision in the Federal Court, a step likely taken in response to the interna­ tional reaction to the case.

Huntley’s case is a symptom o f our bro­ ken refugee system—not just a single bad de­ cision—and it should be used to highlight the desperate need for widespread reform. An im­ proved refugee system would stop cases like Huntley’s from becoming issues, and prevent details of individual claims from being pored over and debated in the public sphere.

Huntley’s case demonstrates a couple of the aspects o f our refugee system that badly need fixing: the fact that our system can so easily be abused by questionable claimants, and that claimants can—and so often do—live

in the country while their case is sorted out, a process that takes far too long.

In addition, two other recent stories con­ cerning our system provide a glimpse at some other elements that are in need of reform.

The first is the decision to require visas for Mexican and Czech citizens visiting Cana­ da. The government was correct in diagnosing the problems in our system that caused this ep­ isode. Far too many bogus claims w ere being made by Mexican and Czech citizens. Only 11 per cent of claims made by Mexican applicants were accepted, and considering that we accept over half of all applications, it is safe to say that too many Mexican economic migrants were trying to take advantage o f our system.

The second is the continual criticism from the United States that Canada is too easy to get into—a safe haven for terrorists and other criminals. Indeed, this is backed up by numer­ ous investigations commissioned by the gov­ ernment. Canada’s border control and refugee system are too lax. As mentioned above, more than 50 per cent o f refugee applications are ac­ cepted in Canada, well above the average for other developed countries.

The problems with our system are wide­ spread and complex, but there are a few main issues that need to be fixed. First of all, too many “fake” refugees—economic migrants,

“There is a method to the madness o f the absent-minded.”

mcgilltribune.com

ing every moment of my existence in which I am not asked to pay anybody money. Nothing ruffles my feathers more than someone trying to convince me to part with my parents’ hardearned dollars in exchange for something I ei­ ther don’t need or don’t think I should have to pay for. I should explain, in case any of my ac­ quaintances were worried, that this is why my brow begins to perspire profusely in the pres­ ence of bottled water or an Amazon Kindle.

I stand decisively opposed to the com­ modification o f fun. In my book, something provided gratis—rewarding merely my feat of having achieved existence—has an automatic advantage over something for which I have to pay even a nominal sum. In the name o f this doctrine, I am a stalwart friend o f park bench­ es, hotel pens, and subsistence poachers, and a constant foe of poll taxes, prostitutes, and inexplicably expensive used-clothing stores. I know of no greater joy, this side of Bristol Pa­ lin’s denim jeans, than a free cup of coffee.

Perhaps, in light o f these recently di­ vulged secrets, the reader understands me slightly better than he or she otherwise might have. Those acquainted with my writings last year in the McGill Daily might be surprised to find me occupied with topics that aren’t purely political. Perhaps they will miss the old style, though I very much doubt it. This year, in my new venue here at the Tribune, I feel inclined to write about more accessible and relevant is­ sues, and less about topics that anyone with a search engine could comment on.

With enthusiasm I ’m sure I ’ll someday regret, I sincerely urge you to contact me with your thoughts regarding anything I write in these pages, or anything you think I should read or consider. With luck you might even anger me enough to warrant the public des­ ecration of your reputation in a future column.

(Don’t worry, that was a joke. All non-threat­ ening correspondence is absolutely confiden­ tial.) Or you can always stop me on campus to chat. I ’m the chap in the v-neck and flannel, whistling Joe Dassin, and generally revelling in my own glory. Feel free to buy me a cup of coffee or something.

criminals and even terrorists— are getting into Canada and are using the refugee system to by­ pass the proper immigration channels. Second o f all, the system is too slow and bogged down.

Applicants can spend years in Canada while they wait for their case, and their subsequent appeals, to be sorted out. Even when a claim is turned down and the applicant is ordered out of Canada, there is no guarantee o f a quick de­ portation: there’s a backlog that stretches into the tens o f thousands. Finally, and most impor­ tantly, actual refugees in need o f asylum don’t have the means to get to Canada that many fake claimants have, and are being pushed to the back of the line. Our system is helping far too few of those in dire need of help.

Obviously there are no quick fixes for these problems, but the reform proposals that the government is set to make, including fasttracking applicants from countries deemed safe, are a good start.

In the end, the goal o f reform should be to ensure that each and every application for refugee status is dealt with in a timely manner, judged on its merits, and not given countless opportunities for appeal if turned down. That way real refugees will be allowed in, and ap­ plicants like Huntley kept out.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 • 7

Curiosity Delivers m

IM C G lLLjftTR IB U N E www.nicgilltribune.com

--------------------- E d i t o r i a l s ----- --------------Tribunals aren’t the way to deal with hate speech

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Thom as Quail editor@ m cgilltribune.com

MANAGING EDITORS Jam es Gilman jgilm an@ m cgilltribun e.com Carolyn Yates cy ates@ m cgilltribune.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Adam Scotti ascotti@ m cgilltribune.com

NEWS EDITORS Tori Crawford Steven H offer Trip Yang new s@ m cgilltribune.com

OPINION EDITOR Matt Chesser opinion@ m cgilltribune.com

FEATURES EDITORS Shannon Kim ball Brahna Siegelberg features@ m cgilltribune.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS

If something can’t be done consistently and fairly, then it shouldn’t be done at all.

That’s the message the Canadian govern­ ment needs to hear about prosecuting hate speech through flawed human rights tri­ bunals, and, thankfully, it’s a message that might be starting to get through.

Last week the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruled that Section 13 o f the Canadi­ an Human Rights A ct—which gives human rights tribunals the power to issue penal­ ties of up to 20,000 dollars against people who publish hate speech on the Internet— violates Section 2 of the Charter of Human Rights (namely, the right to freedom of speech) and is therefore unconstitutional. In effect, the Tribunal stripped itself of its own punitive powers, and we applaud them for that decision.

Dealing with hate speech through human rights tribunals is a terrible idea.

Section 13 gives plaintiffs with no injury or relationship to the alleged hate speech the

right to sue publishers or authors in front of appointed tribunals that can then issue pu­ nitive punishments (including fines of up to 10,000 dollars payable to the government or 20,000 dollars to an identified victim).

The system allows only well-connected and wealthy complainants to see their case through to a verdict, which has resulted in one lawyer, Richard Warman, being respon­ sible for the lion’s share o f Section 13 cases.

Even if a complaint is judged to be invalid, the complaint process often takes years, and is both financially and emotionally exhaust­ ing for the defendant.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Associa­ tion and newspaper editorial boards across the country have often criticized these tribu­ nals in the past. We’ll reiterate some of their arguments here: defendants lack the ability to defend their writing as truthful, scholarly, or as a work of journalistic intent; identical complaints are often heard simultaneously by provincial human rights tribunals in dif-

ferent jurisdictions; and some investigative practices— such as posting messages on discussion groups in order to investigate targets—are questionable at best.

But worst of all, the process is inconsis­ tent and is essentially censorship. Very few hate speech cases are pursued in real court­ rooms under the criminal code of Canada, and that’s because there’s a very fine line between preventing hate speech and censor­ ship. We should allow the courts, not tribu­ nals, to decide where that line lies.

Unfortunately, in the words of H.L. Mencken, “The trouble with fighting for human freedom is that one spends most o f one’s time defending scoundrels.” And while stripping human rights tribunals of their power to prosecute hate speech may allow some willfully ignorant and unpleas­ ant writing to go unpunished, that’s the price we must pay for freedom of speech.

K yle Carpenter Laura Tindal arts@ m cgilltribune.com

SPORTS EDITORS Kailan Leung Jon Rubenstein sports@ m cgilltribune.com

PHOTO EDITORS A lice W alker Ju lia W ebster photo@ m cgilltribune.com

DESIGN EDITORS Alison Bailey Zoe Brew ster design@ m cgilltribune.com

COPY EDITOR Carolyn G régoire

ADVERTISING MANAGER D allas Bentley cpm @ ssm u.m cgill.ca

PUBLISHER Chad Ronalds

CONTRIBUTORS Julie Beaucham p. Danielle Cherkas, Sarah Cramer, Josh

In certain cases, ignorance isn’t (religious) bliss In another step towards the seculariza­ tion of the Quebec school system, the Min­ istry of Education instituted a controversial ethics and religion course last September.

The new course—mandatory for all elemen­ tary and high school students—focusses on a wealth o f religions, with a particular empha­ sis on Quebec’s religious history. (The influ­ ence o f Catholicism, Protestantism, Juda­ ism, and aboriginal spirituality on Quebec’s history is highlighted by the course.)

Not long ago, things were different. Par­ ents chose between three religious streams: Catholicism, Protestantism, and moral in­ struction. After this system was dissolved last September, some religious parents expressed outrage at the curriculum shift, claiming that the new course undermines their children’s religious freedoms. Since last year, about 1,700 parents have requested that their chil­ dren be exempt from the course. So far, all requests have been denied.

Nevertheless, a group o f Catholic par-

ents from Drummondville, Quebec, tried something else. Instead of approaching the ministry, they requested their exemptions through the Quebec Superior Court. And last week, Justice Jean-Guy Dubois unequivo­ cally rejected their requests. The judge’s de­ cision was a sensible one.

In a statement, Dubois wrote that “in light of all the evidence presented, the court does not see how the ... course limits the plaintiff’s freedom o f conscience and of religion for the children when it provides an overall presentation of various religions without obliging the children to adhere to them.”

The ethics class promotes pluralism and tolerance—critical characteristics of an open and free democracy. We support its place in the Quebec school system curriculum. Nev­ ertheless, there is a caveat that has yet to be discussed: Quebec’s semi-private education system.

According to a 2003-04 study by Pierre

Lefebvre and Philip Merrigan of UQAM, 10.4 per cent of Quebec’s primary and sec­ ondary students attended private schools.

Most o f these private schools receive sub­ stantial government subsidies. In that same year, the study reported, the Quebec gov­ ernment gave 397 million dollars to these schools.

If a school is publicly funded or receives government subsidies, then we believe the government has the right to dictate the cur­ riculum. If a private school doesn’t receive any government funds, however, then the school should be able to teach whatever it chooses to.

This is a rare case of religion—religious ethics, that is—having a place in the class­ room, and the parents opposing this course are highlighting exactly why such a course is necessary. Every Quebecer has the right to freedom o f religion, and they can rest as­ sured that this course doesn’t violate that right.

G reenblatt. Lauren Hudak, Sam Jessu la, John Kelsey, Alex K noll, Ricky Kreitner, Jessica Lew is. T heo Meyer, Ryan Taylor. Bianca Van Bavel

TRIBUNE OFFICES EDITORIAL

Shatner University Centre Suite 110, 3 4 8 0 M cTavish M ontreal, QC H 3A 1X9 T: 5,14.398.6789 ADVERTISING

Brown Student Building Suite 1200. 3 6 0 0 M cTavish M ontreal, QC H 3A 1Y 2 T: 5 1 4 .3 9 8 .6 8 3 5 F: 5 1 4 .3 9 8 .7 4 9 0

The McGill Tribune is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Students' Society o f McGill University in collaboration with the Tribune Publication Society. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those o f the Students' Society or McGill University. Letters to the editor may be sent to letters@mcgilltribune.com and must include the con­ tributor's name, program and year and contact information.

Letters should be kept under 300 words and submitted only to the Tribune. Submissions judged by the Tribune Publication Society to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic or solely promotional in nature will not be published. The Tribune re­ serves 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 o f the McGill Tribune, its editors or its staff. Please recycle this newspaper.

TH E NORMAN CORNETT FAN CLUB STRIKES AGAIN

If one can trust the statistics from the Ministry o f Education, between 2000 and 2007 the dropout rate in Quebec’s high schools has increased from 26 to 29 per cent. To combat the situation, various partnerships between business leaders and school boards as well as a task force have been established and every reason—parental education levels, poverty, large class size, learning difficulties—has been analyzed.

Although the high school dropout rates have caught everyone’s attention, learning difficulties at the university level are usually

ignored. Yet. they remain as much of an issue in university as they are in high school. While educators discuss the matter behind closed doors, the N FB ’s recent documentary looks for alternatives. One such alternative, beauti­ fully documented in Alanis Obomsawin’s film “Professor Norman Cornett: ‘Since when do we divorce the right answer from an honest an­ swer’?” focusses on Dr. Cornett’s “dialogic” philosophy of education.

I met Dr. Cornett on the occasion during his “dialogic” sessions on two novels: Neil Bissoondath’s The Soul o f All G reat D esigns, and Priscilla Uppal’s To Whom It May C on­ cern. The advertisements described Dr. Cornett as a moderator or a facilitator for these events.

After attending the sessions and participating in the discussions, I realized that the terms “fa­ cilitator” or “moderator” did not come close to describing the important educational role played by Dr. Cornett on these occasions.

Using seemingly unorthodox but highly imaginative means, he succeeded in creating an atmosphere o f mutual trust where learning became a delightful experience. At the end o f the sessions every one of the participants discovered a certain bent, ability, gift, or tal-

ent that was not known before the start of the course. The “One-on-One” meetings with such artists as Branford Marsalis, Christine Jensen, Ingrid Jensen, Andrew Paul MacDonald, Frederic Back, Sue Adams, and Susie Arioli confirmed the value of Cornett’s philosophy of education: true creativity flourishes in an atmosphere of unrestricted freedom. The un­ believable success of Dr. Cornett’s inspired, imaginative method encourages the idea that the “dialogic” philosophy of education should be taken more seriously.

—Anait Keuchguerian

C L A R IF IC A T IO N

In the story “PGSS to join FEUQ after sum­ mer referendum passes easily” (02.09.09) the Tribune stated that six per cent of voters in the P G SS’s referendum on joining the FEUQ spoiled their ballots. In fact, six per cent voted to abstain. Abstentions are counted towards quorum, while spoiled ballots are not.

£PECIALJ3UESfi WITH SPECIAL GEUST

WEDNESDAY C e n tr e

SEPTEMBER

16

IN STORES

Bell WNGSOfltON.COM

WORLD TOUR

PLAIN WHITE TS

Ticks'*

, FRIDAYSEPTEMBER18

with guest F o x y S h a z a m

METROPOLIS

Saturday September 12 Metropolis www.myspace.com/thescHjnds

©

KEAN

- h lc e lt i & c a r r

with special guests

withguestBURNS C C p T C U D C D

OCr I C/VlDCrs M E T R O P O L IS

on /u

U.

A ie + r o p o / i S se^ + eM B er

2 6

t 4M A S IH

r

IT IC K E T S A V A ILA B LE A T V E N U E BO X O FFIC E S B ELL CENTRE -1 2 6 0 de la G auchetière W. FOUFOUNES - 87 S ainte-C atherine E. M ETRO PO LIS - 59 S ainte-C atherine E. LE STU D IO - 2109 S aint-Laurent L’O LYM PIA -1 004 S ainte-C atherine E. „ ADMISSION NETWORK A ) w w w .adm ission.com ^ 514-790-1245 /1 800-361-4595 BELL CENTRE B ) w w w .geg.ca 514-790-2525 /1 877-668-8269 TICKETPRO NETWORK T ) w w w .ticketpro.ca 514-790-1111 /1 886-906-9090 C e r ta in t ic k e t s a r e a ls o a v a ila b le a t:

ATOM HEART - CHEAP TH R ILLS - L’O BLIQ U E SO UNDCENTRAL

For the complete concert calendar, check out: w ww.geg.ca or www.greenland.ca

EKTERTAINMEXT

GROUP

St u d e n t Liv in g

Curiosity Delivers

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 » 9

DATING FOR DOUCHEBAGS

Come on and take me out: dating suggestions for naysayers BRAHNA SIEGELBERG Features Editor

How many of us out there have faced those frightful words from a significant other (or potential significant other) upon looking for a date-night activity: “there’s nothing to do.” Well, to those gloomy Gusses out there, I say, those words are inexcusable. The win­ ter season is long and brutal, and although the temptation o f staying in and watching a movie (et cetera), can be powerful, it is ultimately worthwhile to get out of bed and explore all that the city has to offer.

While much of Montreal’s appeal relates to its vibrant nightlife—its countless bars and clubs—the city is actually teeming with posssibilities of convenient, fun, and most impor­ tantly, affordable means of fostering a bit of much-needed romance.

I. Day time wandering: A day of sumptuous delights For an afternoon that will satisfy the senses of both you and your partner, visit Jean-Talon market near Little Italy or Atwater market in St. Henri. Even if you aren’t there to do your weekly grocery shopping, visiting an outdoor market with a date can be more of

M ix in ’ v ix e n

III. The Night-Activity: A night of laughter

an aphrodisiac than you might expect. With a vast selection o f freshly-picked fruits, exotic spices, a spread of wines and cheeses aged to perfection, gourmet chocolates, a colourful array of flowers, a section devoted to mouth­ watering pastries, and a delectable coffee bean comer that would put Second Cup to shame, these super super-marchés are an aes­ thetic explosion of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Our tip: Make sure you get there early, before the free samples run out.

Nothing gets you more points on a date than being able to make your partner laugh.

Except this time, you don’t even have to be the funny one. Take your date out for a night at the comedy club, and enjoy an evening of stitch-inducing stand-up, with the help o f in­

ternationally renowned comics. In fact, as Montreal is one o f the cities at the forefront of comedy in North America, it is an ideal place to embark on a date of this nature.

Our picks: Just For Laughs Cabaret on Saint-Laurent, Comedy works on 1238 Bishop Street, or The Comedy Nest on Atwater and St. Catherine Street.

II. The Dinner: An unexpected dining experience For a delicious, exotic, and budget-friend­ ly dinner-date, perhaps get out o f your comfort zone and try Ethiopian cuisine. Consisting of mostly spicy vegetable and meat dishes, Ethi­ opian food is served on platters atop a large flatbread, and is ideal for those looking to share an entree. Since Ethiopian food is eaten sans utensils (i.e. with the hands), perhaps you and your partner will enjoy indulging in a more sensual dining experience. But don’t worry: they give you warm napkins to clean up your mess after the meal.

Our picks: Try Abiata or Le Nil Bleu, both on Saint-Denis.

HOUSENUMBERS.COM /FARM 3.FLICKR

Markets such as Atwater and Jean-Talon provide delightful outing locations.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Work, study, money A summer goodbye with sangria CAROLYN GREGOIRE Copy Editor

As summer comes to a bittersweet con­ clusion, there’s no better way to enjoy the last remaining warm nights than drinking and dining al fresco with friends. The per­ fect companion to a lazy, temperate evening is sangria—a light, delicious blend of wine, chopped fruit, juices, and sugar. This popu­ lar Spanish drink is a simple and fun way to make nine-dollar dépanneur red wine a whole lot more enjoyable.

It’s worth the effort o f making your own real sangria with fresh seasonal fruit and your favourite wine, rather than settling for the

Build your resumé without skipping class

subpar—and predictably overpriced—ver­ SHANNON KIMBALL sion available at most bars. I ’ve often been*• Features Editor disappointed to order sangria and receive a The job title could be a little more cre­ lacklustre mixture of one quarter cheap red ative, but accepting a work-study job at McGill wine and three-quarters orange juice, topped is actually a very good deal for the average with a flaccid lemon slice and sad-looking student. The system benefits McGill and its lone maraschino cherry. This basic sangria students equally: the constant pool of job ap­ recipe is a favourite o f mine—sweeter than plicants guarantees McGill employment yearother varieties, it’s heavy on the fruit, yields round, and students benefit from hundreds of many servings, and takes a grand total of less job openings, all o f which can be managed to than five minutes to prepare. It can be served fit their schedules. in a pitcher or punch bowl, using a large Work study is a service offered by McGill spoon to scoop out the fruit from the bottom. for students, particularly those in need of fi­ nancial aid. Positions vary across campus, and Ingredients include library, clerical, phone-a-thon, and research. Cleaning test tubes and soliciting • 1 bottle o f chilled red wine (1 litre) money from alumni can be tedious, but at no • 2 1/2 cups orange juice (without other time in a student’s life is finding a job pulp) so easy. There’s no commute, the applicant • 2 oranges cut into wedges pool is restricted to McGill students only, and • 1 green apple cut into wedges the hours are manageable around a student • 1 lemon cut into wedges schedule. Trying to convince an employer that • 3 Tbs. sugar your physiology exam is more important than shaking margaritas is a tough battle, but most Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

Place the chopped fruit into the bottom of a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Pour the orange juice and wine on top.

Stir in the sugar.

Enjoy over ice.

WRITE FOR FEATURES. MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS ® 5:30 RM. IN THE SSM U LOUNGE

WEHEARTFOOD.COM

L

professors and school employers will under­ stand.

Being a student in a bilingual city causes a host of problems in looking for a job. Most sales positions and food service jobs require applicants to be bilingual. This may be au­ tomatic for Quebec natives, but is not easily fixed for those who only stammer in conver­ sational French. Unless you plan on living in Quebec after graduation, it probably isn’t worth the time and effort to learn French (particularly Québécois slang) fluently. Many work study positions, however, require only fluency in English, or even just oral proficien­ cy in French.

10 dollars per hour may not seem lucra­ tive, but the hours add up. Most work study positions offer 10 to 20 hours of work per week for pay from 9 to 15 dollars per hour.

Even one semester o f work study can generate a couple thousand dollars.

For more information, visit the Work Study site at https://hom e.m cgill.ca/studentaid/workstudy.

J

FEATURES@MCGILLTRI6UNE.C0M

mcgilltribune.com

10 » Tuesday, September 7, 2009

MATT CHESSER Opinion Editor When I was 12 years old, my dad took me for a walk through the Downtown Eastside o f Vancouver. I think he was trying to scare me away from ever taking hard drugs—as if the Tamagotchi-toting preteen me needed any such urging—by showing me the worst exam­ ples o f addiction. It worked—I was horrified.

The Downtown Eastside is brutal. Take a five-minute walk east from the steam clock (a popular tourist trap in the chic Gastown dis­ trict) and the patio dining and designer bou­ tiques of the city The Econom ist called “the most livable in the world” give way to an open drug market where alleys double as public re­ strooms and thousands of the city’s homeless wander the streets.

More than 5,000 drug users (about onethird of the 10-block area’s population) reside in the Downtown Eastside—Canada’s poor­ est postal code. The prevalence of HIV in the neighborhood is the highest in the industrial­ ized world, and an estimated seven out o f 10 Downtown Eastside residents have Hepatitis C. In 2007 the United Nations Population Fund called the area a “crisis zone” with UN spokesperson Patricia Leidl saying “It’s one of the worst areas of urban blight that I ’ve ever seen.”

Insite, a clean modern facility, looks somewhat out o f place amongst this despair.

While the Downtown Eastside looks better than it has in past years—efforts to “clean up” the area have intensified as the 2010 Winter Olympics draw closer—the neighbourhood is

still mostly made up o f rundown businesses, boarded storefronts covered in posters and bills, and narrow alleyways in which dealers surreptitiously sling product to anyone in need of a fix. With its heavy glass door and mod­ ern minimalist design, Insite stands out from its surroundings, and with good reason—the facility is perhaps the most important and con­ troversial project in the country.

Launched in 2003 by the B.C. Ministry of Health and the Vancouver Coastal Health Au­ thority under an exemption from federal drug laws, Insite is a supervised injection site. It’s a place for drug users to obtain sterile needles and to inject their drugs under the watchful eye o f a team of nurses—free from worry that they’ll be arrested.

It’s an odd situation: heroin and cocaine (the two most common drugs injected at In­ site) remain illegal in Canada, yet users are urged to bring them to Insite and given clem­ ency within the walls o f the facility.

“There is no silver bullet to deal with the scourge o f addiction,” says Mark Townsend, executive director o f the Portland Hotel So­ ciety, which operates Insite. “I f drug enforce­ ment really worked then we wouldn’t have situations like we do in the Downtown Eastside ... Insite is about working in the reality o f the situation, and most importantly about preventing overdose deaths.”

According to Townsend, the 12-seat su­ pervised injection room is just one part o f the facility. After injecting, the 600 drug users who visit Insite on an average day are asked to move to a post-injection room where they can rest and rehydrate before going back onto the

street. Townsend says that this time is used to make contact with the users, to educate them about safe injection practices, and to refer them to medical care for treatment of wounds or to detox facilities if the addict expresses in­ terest in getting clean. In fact, staff can refer addicts directly to Onsite—a 30-bed detox fa­ cility located above Insite.

“We have a detox right above our heads, so people know that they can always ask to be admitted there—it’s really about making things as easy as possible,” says Townsend.

“But the first step is just making contact with people who have traditionally been alone in the alleys or in hotel rooms injecting drugs on their own. These people don’t usually have any contact with health services, so that’s why we’ve seen that going to Insite makes users 30 per cent more likely to seek treatment for drug addiction.”

As the first project o f its kind in North America, Insite is also a subject of constant re­ search. The B.C. Centre of Excellence in HIV/ AIDS has conducted over a dozen studies on Insite and has yet to uncover any detrimental effects caused by the facility. Furthermore, some o f the positive effects revealed by their peer-reviewed research are extremely encour­ aging: Insite has reduced the overall rate of needle sharing in the area, led to increased en­ rolment in detox programs, and has not led to an increase in intravenous drug usage.

“The scientific evidence in favour of In­ site is overwhelming,” says Dr. Mark Wainberg, director o f the McGill University AIDS Centre at the Montreal Jewish General Hos­ pital. “All indications are that this approach

towards harm reduction works.”

The critical view Some critics, however, remain uncon­ vinced. Most prominent among them is fed­ eral Health Minister Tony Clement, who at the 2008 International Conference on AIDS called Insite an “abomination.”

“Allowing and/or encouraging people to inject heroin into their veins is not harm reduction ... we believe it is a form o f harm addition,” said Clement, according to the Van­ couver Sun. Clement had granted Insite two exten­ sions—in 2006 and late 2007—on its original three-year exemption from Section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, but now is in the unusual position o f having no power over Insite. In May 2008, the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users and the Portland Hotel Society won a constitutional challenge o f the federal government’s power to close the facil­ ity by arguing that the site addresses a public health crisis. Justice Ian Pitfield of the B.C. Supreme Court found that sections of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are inconsistent with Section 7 of the Charter o f Rights and Freedoms, and granted Insite a constitutional exemption until the government remedies the Act. “While there is nothing to be said in fa­ vour of the injection of controlled substances that leads to addiction, there is much to be said against denying addicts health care services

Left: The intake room at Insite. Right: The chill room, in which users are educated about safe injection practices and can be referred to detox facilities.

INSITE.COM

W e d n e sd a^S^

C u rio sityD e live rs

Top left: the inside of the insite injection room. Top right: Heroin injection under less than ideal circumstances can be risky.

that will ameliorate the effects o f their condi­ tion,” Pitfield wrote in his decision. “I cannot agree with the submission that an addict must feed his addiction in an unsafe environment when a safe environment that may lead to re­ habilitation is the alternative.”

In effect, Pitfield found that addiction is an illness, and that if they were to close In­ site, the federal government would be denying users the right to treatment and to the right of “life, liberty and security o f the person” guar­ anteed by Section 7. Clement and the federal government are currently appealing Pitfield’s decision.

Among Clement’s supporters in his ap­ peal is the Canadian Police Association—a union representing over 54,000 Canadian po­ lice officers—which has called for Insite to be closed, citing the facility as a “well-intended but failed experiment.”

“Supervised injection sites were sup­ posed to be a starting point for users to get rid o f their drug addiction,” says CPA President Tony Cannavino. “The fact that [there] has not [been] an improvement in the rate o f ad­ dictions [in the Downtown Eastside] shows that the $3 million operating cost for Insite would be better spent on treatment that will have more meaningful results and save more lives.”

The Drug Prevention Network o f Cana­ da— a right-wing organization opposed to drug legalization and harm reduction—has also been a vocal opponent o f Insite, with formerpresident Randy White claiming in The Globe and Mail that "the objective [of programs that deal with drug addiction] must be prevention and treatment. An injection site does neither, as treatment must have the objective o f ab­ stinence.” The DPNC has also claimed that research into the benefits of Insite has been biased and has uncovered insufficient proof to justify the facility.

“When you have about $3.5 million of research on your side saying that Insite is gen­ erally a good thing, you think everyone would listen,” says Townsend. “Unfortunately, you can always find people that will tell you that the world is flat. But science tells us the world is not flat and that Insite is a success.”

The “Four Pillars” Approach In the media much has been made of the so-called “Four Pillars” approach to drug addiction—prevention, treatment, harm re­ duction, and enforcement—but in actual­ ity the current approach is very much one­

dimensional. Seventy per cent o f the federal government’s spending on drug addiction is earmarked for enforcement, with 17 per cent going to treatment, four per cent for preven­ tion, and two per cent for harm reduction. The remaining seven per cent o f national anti-drug money is spent on coordination and research.

“All evidence is that harm reduction is a successful strategy for dealing with drug ad­ diction, but the government is more interested in focussing on enforcing drug laws,” says Wainberg. “Instead of feeling pressured by the United States or other people that have back­ wards approaches on these issues, we should embrace harm reduction. When you use it in concert with the other [Four Pillars] it can be extremely helpful for dealing with drug addic­ tion.”

One of the biggest initial concerns ex­ pressed over Insite was that it would adversely impact the “enforcement” pillar by acting as a magnet for drug users and crime—attracting even more unsavory characters to the neigh­ borhood. However, a 2008 study commis­ sioned by the federal government and con­ ducted by Neil Boyd, a professor of criminol­ ogy at Simon Fraser University, found no such negative effects.

“Insite has had no impact on crime rates,” says Boyd. “Furthermore, we found that we are only just scratching the surface of the ben­ efits that Insite can provide.”

Cost-effectiveness was among the ben­ efits that Boyd’s study uncovered. Using con­ servative estimates o f Insite’s benefits, Boyd found that Insite produces an annual return on investment between one and four times its cost.

“The most significant savings for the public come through preventing the spread of HIV infection ... but it’s important to note as well that our evaluation of cost-effectiveness clearly underestimates the benefits o f Insite,” says Boyd. “We were limited to just data on HIV infection and the prevention of overdose deaths, and yet we still found Insite was ex­ tremely cost-effective for taxpayers.”

Boyd’s study also gauged community support for Insite and found that 80 per cent o f respondents from the Downtown Eastside thought Insite should be “expanded, retained, or modified.” A similar study by Angus Reid Strategies in May 2008 found that 65 per cent o f Vancouver residents support Insite.

“I haven’t noticed a big difference [since Insite opened],” says ‘Mark,’ a storeowner in the Downtown Eastside who requested his real name not be used. “But if it stops people from [overdosing] in my alley then that’s great ... It’s not like [allowing drug-users to inject themselves at Insite] is a big deal anyways.

INSITE.COM / THE BLACKBIRD FLICKER.COM

You can’t stop them from taking drugs— they’re either going to do it there or they’re going to do it somewhere else—you can’t po­ lice that.”

The future of Insite The future o f Insite is still very much up in the air. Although Insite has support from the vast majority o f the medical community, the mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, among others, the federal government seems intent on shutting Insite down, or at the very least, ensuring that similar projects will not be launched in other Canadian cities.

“It’s consistent with their ideology which is to punish people who do things that they don’t agree with—that do things that don’t fit with their view o f how the world should oper­ ate,” says Boyd. “But the line between legal and illegal drugs has no logic to it ... If we were going to criminalize the drugs that were most likely to kill you we should probably start with tobacco, seeing as that causes over 35,000 deaths per year.”

Clement and Prime Minister Stephen Harper appear to view Insite as an ideologi­ cal issue—in their opinion, drugs are immoral and by giving addicts a safe space to inject intravenous drugs, Insite is condoning immo­ rality. It’s likely that no amount o f scientific evidence in favour o f Insite could change their minds. “[The government is] not prepared to allow people to die ... I believe I ’m on the side o f compassion and on the side o f the angels,” says Clement.

But for Townsend—questions of moral­ ity aside—the most compelling argument in favor of Insite is simple.

“The most important aspect [of Insite] for me is that people aren’t just going to overdose and die for no reason—all the other things are a bonus,” he said. “It just seems really unnec­ essary and brutal that, with all the resources we have available to us in this day and age, people should die because they have an addic­ tion.”

INSITE: th e

H

p i ll a r s

12 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

mcgilltribune.com

X V S.Y

East of campus vs. West of campus West

East

Living: Streets west o f campus like Peel, Drummond, and Doctor Penfield offer luxurious high-rises, many o f which contain doormen, pools, and Couche-Tards in the basement.

Living: Whether you live in the Ghetto or the Plateau, the east side of campus contains more quaint greystones and lofts that are a bit more rustic, but have a greater potential for making a place your own.

Nearby hotspots: Watching the game at Peel Pub, partying on Crescent, or having a naughty night at Super Sexe can only take place if you head west of campus.

Nearby hotspots: For a beer on Saint-Laurent, a dance at Tokyo, or a gathering on Saint-Denis, head east.

Local activities: The east side has a more scenic landscape as it is closer to Mount Royal, and a small-town vibe with more pri­ vately owned boutiques, butchers, and fruit markets. You can also take a walk to Montreal’s China­ town.

Local activities: Contains cultural hotspots such as the Museum of Fine Arts and up­ scale shopping at Holt Renfrew.

Also, if you are on the prowl for some Concordia students, then you are closer to the Guy-Concordia area.

Proximity

to

campus: THE WINNER: The East Side

Stewart Bio, Leacock, the Education Building, and the McLennan Li­ brary are all within easy reach.

Language: If you are less than comfortable trying to fake your way through a French conversation, then you are better off on the west side, as you move closer to Westmount.

Food: West is ideal if you feel like simultaneously guzzling a giant margarita and a $2 taco at Carlos and Pepes, or engaging in sophisti­ cated dining at Cavalli.

While all o f Montreal is worth ven­ turing to and discovering, the East side is ultimately a bit more budget-friendly for students, and offers a more small-town feel in the midst o f the downtown area o f an oth­ erwise sizable metropolis.

Proximity to campus: If most o f your classes are in the Adams, McConnell Engineering, or Wong buildings, then you are bet­ ter off on the East end, closer to the Milton Gates.

Language: The closer you get to Mile End, the more exclusively French the city becomes—ideal for those looking to practice thoeir French skills.

Food: For a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s, Greek on the cobblestones, a pita at Pita Pit, or a rôtisserie chicken at Coco Rico, east of campus is the way to go.

Exercise: There are many smaller gyms and yoga studios on SaintLaurent, and you can always join La Cité in the ghetto, not to mention the McGill gym.

Exercise: For swimming in an Olympic-size pool or enjoying a wider selection of dance and fitness classes, the west houses the wellknown YMCA.

— B rahn a Siegelberg

(F o o d F jiim i

Basic bruschetta and palatable pesto

Directions

Directions

1.

1.

2.

3.

SHANNON KIMBALL Features Editor*•

Bruschetta is a rustic Italian dish that can be eaten as a snack or appetizer, or even for dinner. Most restaurants soak mediocre to­ matoes with olive oil and salt and serve it on day old bread for $10 per platter. This tomato bruschetta is simple, but has more depth o f fla­ vour than the Boccaccino’s version. The secret is in the selection of seasonal ingredients, so feel free to experiment with additions such as arugula, flat-leaf parsley, capers, or peppers.

4.

Drizzle sliced bread with olive oil and toast in an oven or on a grill pan.

Chop tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over tomatoes and garlic mixture, add basil, and toss.

Serve over toasted bread.

2.

3.

Toast pine nuts in a sauce pan until golden brown.

Lightly chop the basil and garlic.

Add basil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, and pepper to the blender. With the blender on high, slowly add the

olive oil until the pesto is easy to spread, but not soupy.

Leftover tip: Both the tomato mixture and pesto can be added to pasta or on top of sautéed chicken, so save the extras—if you have any.

To add a bit more flavor to lacklustre tomatoes, add a dollop of basil pesto to the bread before topping with the tomato mix­ ture. Good basil is easy to find—just pick a bunch that smells good—but tomatoes can be testy, particularly in the winter. Luckily, to­ matoes are still in season, but this recipe will work year round.

Pesto

Ingredients Ingredients •

• • • • • •

Half a loaf of French bread or ciabatta, sliced into half-inch thick pieces 4-6 ripe plum tomatoes One clove of garlic, finely chopped 1/2 cup chopped basil 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for toasting bread 1 Tbsp'balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste

• • • • •

2 cups basil, thoroughly rinsed and dried 1/3-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts 2 cloves garlic Salt and pepper to taste

ANNAKLEPPE.WORDPRESS.COM

L

J

W e d n e sd a ^ Se £te m b e r9 i 2 0 0 9 j ^ 3

Q jrio sit^ ^ e H v e rs

BÎLŸ KUN B A

R

Live Jazz Tue, Wed, Thu , Fri 6pm-8pm

Live classical music every Sunday 6pm - 8pm

Soup and Science When: Sept. 14-18, 11:30 Where: Redpath Museum Join McGill science professors in a friendly environment to talk about re­ search opportunities at McGill. Under­ graduate science students are invited to listen to short research presentations and mingle with professors over lunch. Soup and Science runs all week in the Redpath Museum.

Activities Night When: Sept. 14-15,4-7 p.m.

Where: Shatner Pick and choose among SSM U ’s over 200 clubs and organizations. SSM U sponsored organizations will set up booths and answer questions about all of the exciting opportunities at McGill.

AHQ speaker on the roots of secularism When: Sept. 10, 7 p.m.

Where: Lev Bukhman Rm,

DJ’s Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 10pm

Shatner

Complete listings

www.bilykun.com

The Freethought Association, and Centre for Inquiry present Michel Vivard, president o f the Humanist Association o f Quebec (AHQ), who will speak on the multiple roots of secularism.

NOW A1RC0NDITIQNED!

354 Mont Royal Est 514 845-5392 pm

T h e Pa y n e

by

M C A U S l_ A N *? f{

A l ic e W a l k e r TECHNICAL & COMMERCIAL STUDENTS

McGill Tribune Photo Editor, Alice Walker, spent 6 weeks planting trees in Homepayne, Ontario. This was her Payne.

The most successful problem solvers look -at things differently and see solutions that no one else can. W ho would have thought of using fish protein to stop gas freezing in subsea pipes? One of our people did. And right now we're looking for students and graduates who can bring a fresh perspective to the energy challenge. W e ll provide training, support and career choices to develop your potential. We'll get you working with some of our most accomplished problem solvers. And together we can help build a responsible energy future.

Think further Visit w w w .s h e ll.c a /c a re e rs and quote reference GGY130S when you apply

Shell is an equal opportunity employer.

A&E

14 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

mcgilltribunexom

FILM FESTIVAL

Montreal 60 Second Film Festival: short but sweet The TIFF for those with ADHD RYAN TAYLOR Contributor

It’s likely that by now you’re quite scep­ tical o f the inherent ambiguity in the question “Do you have a minute?” With the cry o f tele­ marketers, street vendors, and people whose problems you could care less about, a min­ ute rarely means 60 seconds these days. But chances are, everyone has at least 60 seconds to spare. Why not spend it at an event that knows how important your time is and treats it as such?

Enter the Montreal 60 Second Film festi­ val, where every film is a minute long. Now in its second year, the event is a unique addition to Montreal’s film festival family.

“The overall idea of the festival was the opportunity for anybody to make a film and have it shown,” says co-founder and co-organizer Toby Harper. “It’s not competitive, there are no prizes, no pressure, and you don’t have to pay for anything, so it’s free all-around for the filmmakers.”

The festival aims to give anyone with a camera a chance to show their work.

“We want everyone to feel welcome,” says fellow co-founder Lily Lanken. “The only prize you get is the audience clapping.”

An average short film runs from four to

10 minutes, but such a length would have lim­ ited the number of filmmakers accepted into the festival, so for the sake of inclusion, the film length was cut down to exactly 60 sec­ onds.

“One minute is enough time to have a sto­ ryline and all the regular things you would for a feature length film, but in a micro-amount,” Harper says.

Films in the festival were registered on a first-come, first-served basis during sign-up on July 10. The inclusive and welcoming na­ ture of the festival meant whatever films sub­ mitted, amateur or professional, were included —no pre-screening required. “As long as it’s not illegal, there’s nothing wrong with it,” says Harper.

And while professional films are submit­ ted and screened, it’s the amateur and do-ityourself aesthetic that the festival thrives on.

In this cellphone camera and YouTube age, it seems that anyone can be a filmmaker. “You don’t need to be a professional to make some­ thing,” says Lanken. “We don't want it to be pretentious.”

“You get a huge range in quality,” says Harper. “Part o f that idea is that it’s a messy process. There’s no jury and no judge for ideological reasons, but we also don’t have to organize a jury or judges. It’s just five people doing this for fun.”

This year’s batch of films follow the theme “Deception." Predictably, the admis­ sions are much darker than last year’s bunch.

P

SEPARATION ANXIETY Thanksgiving will be grim at the Gal­ lagher household this year. Five minutes before they were supposed to come onstage at the Rock-en-Seine festival, Oasis decided to surprise the screaming fans by cancelling their performance. According to festival staff, after a huge fight involving raised fists and thrown guitars, Noel Gallagher—lead guitar­ ist, songwriter, and older brother—quit the band entirely. Even though Oasis members have walked out and returned many times before, everyone seems to think this time’s for real. Noel released a statement online an­

o

p

R

nouncing that “the level of verbal and violent intimidation towards me, my family, friends, and comrades has become intolerable,” and that he “could not go on working with Liam a day longer.”

The break-up did bring some people together: the attendees o f the concert chant­ ed in unity for a refund. Bloc Party’s lead singer Kele Oreke, onstage at the time of the announcement, sarcastically commented, “That’s a shame, isn’t it guys?” and dedicated his following song to anyone who “really wanted to see those inbred twins.” As harsh a comment as it is, Oreke—like everyone else—has reason to be bitter. Oasis is like that crazy-hot girlfriend who keeps coming back

~s ScÎQ5, 4848 hot!. SRjd

«àDE60 SECONDES DE MONTRA? ; p l 68 SECOND : i t M FESTIVAL

JULIA WEBSTER

By the time you read this caption, you could be halfway through a movie.

“The theme wasn’t supposed to be con­ straining,” says Harper. “I was thinking of [deception] in more a disappointment sense, which some of the Francophone filmmakers got... Then there’s all these detective-style things and film noir. It’s been widely inter­ preted.”

This year’s 74 films, all of which will be screened each night of the festival, are sequenced for pacing and rhythm, but don’t expect any overarching plot or narrative. “It’s curated, but not micromanaged,” says Hen­ derson. “One of the surprising trends both last year and this year is that there a re trends.

There’s no reason there should be a trend—the theme is pretty broad—but last year we had all these cat and stop motion animated films.”

Those worried about possible language barriers—the festival is bilingual—shouldn’t fear, since the majority of films are in Eng­ lish. “It's definitely an Anglophone festival as much as we’ve tried hard to make it open

h

e

t

o

r

i c

to you. Sure the sex is mind-blowing, but at some point you simply can’t keep up with the drama.

And drama is really the issue here. The tabloids may love it—and clearly the dramaqueens get off on it—but true music fans don’t need this: we just want music. When Jay-Z says he’s going to retire, and then re­ leases more albums, and then does it again, eventually there’s no more excitement left when he returns. The Verve are on their third break up, but after the second time you won­ der if they’re just crying wolf.

Fans still don’t know whether the show will go on without Noel. Even though they go through band members like loose change, it’s

and accessible. The reality is we’re five An­ glophones organizing it in an Anglophone neighbourhood,” says Harper. “We’ve tried to make it Montreal-wide and bilingual and we're sticking to that, but we get mostly Eng­ lish films.”

Last year’s festival received rave reviews for its light mood and accessibility. Anyone interested in seeing some o f last year’s contri­ butions can find them through a quick “M60 Film Festival” YouTube search or on the Facebook group found through the festival website (www.m60.ca). Those interested in attending one of the three screenings are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as both screen­ ings sold out last year. And why shouldn’t you go—you’ve got a minute, right?

The M60 Film Festival runs Sept. 9-11 at L a S ala R ossa, 4848 St. Laurent. Tickets are $7.

SAM JESSULA

hard to imagine Oasis surviving without its songwriter. More promising is the potential Noel has to go solo, and perhaps apply his genius in a less stressful environment. Their mother assures the press they still love each other and claims a reunion is inevitable, but no matter what their song says, Oasis can’t live forever.

Musicians: quit playing games with my heart. Don’t be like one of those couples that change their relationship status on Facebook every time they fight. Make up your mind be­ fore announcing the end of your career and stop using drama to get our attention. That’s what your music is supposed to be for.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 • 15

Curiosity Delivers

ART

Museum lecture series reveals a relationship with the land MMFA launches free landscape symposium LAURA TINDAL Arts & Entertainment Editor

The Montreal Museum o f Fine Arts is launching a series o f free lectures along with a symposium open to the general public throughout September. Relevant films will also be screened, and art historians, curators, and artists will be presenting the lectures, culmi­ nating in an all-day symposium on September 18, exploring the similarities and differences in American and Canadian landscape art.

“The subject is o f high interest for schol­ ars and everyone with interest in history and art history,” says Dr. Hilliard T. Goldfarb, or­ ganizing curator of the exhibition, in an email to the Tribune.

Starting today, the lectures will be run­ ning at the museum and will cover many topics related to natural landscape imagery, in both French and English. The first lecture, taking place at 1:30 p.m. on September 9, discusses impressionism and prints, and is presented

by assistant curator John Collins. Thursday, September 17 is dedicated to environmental­ ist filmmaker Frederic Back, and will feature a film and a lecture in French.

The museum will be holding a major sym­ posium on September 18 in connection with the exhibition “Expanding Horizons: Painting and Photography o f the American and Cana­ dian Landscape 1860-1918,” which runs until September 27. Exploring the theme “National Schools: Reality or Myth?” the museum will host distinguished curators and researchers in the Canadian and American art fields. “[We hope] to stimulate further discus­ sion and consideration o f the inter-relation­ ships and differences between Canada and the United States in terms o f national self-defini­ tion and national visions and mythologies,” Goldfarb explains. “Especially as articulated in the visual arts.”

Speakers will include Brian Foss, art history professor from Concordia University, Erica Hirshler, senior curator o f paintings at the Museum o f Fine Arts in Boston, and Philip Prodger, curator and head of department of

photography at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, among others. “ [The lecturers] are outstanding experts in their fields in both nations,” says Goldfarb.

The lectures will look at such topics as the use of the picturesque by Europeans to control the intimidating geography o f North America, the religious attachment to the land that leads to transcendence through nature, and what photographers and painters from south of the border impose on their images o f the Ca­ nadian landscape and why. Summaries of each presentation can be found at m m fa.qc.cal sym ­ posium .

These lectures will be followed by Robert Flaherty’s 1922 film N an ook o f the N orth: A Story o f L ife an d L ove in the Actual Arctic. A silent documentary, N an ook was the first fea­ ture-length documentary ever released. It fol­ lows an Inuit family in the Canadian arctic on Hudson’s Bay. Preserved in the United States National Film Registry in the Library o f Con­ gress because of its significance as an original large-scale ethnographic film, the theme of people’s relation to their environment is strong

JOHN SINGER SARGENT

Yoho Falls, 1916 throughout as it explores the daily existence o f the Inuit people within their harsh environ­ ment.

Through these lectures, films, exhibits, and the symposium, the museum hopes to help scholars and Montreal art lovers alike under­ stand the dialogue between art, the landscape, and nationality—both to better appreciate the works presented in the exhibition, and to ap­ preciate how our images o f Canada reflect our relationship with Americans, and with the landscape itself.

C D REVIEWS

T*»« D u in m & n a » m > W»s««r IN DEFERENCE !9 * BROKEN BACK

The Daredevil Christopher Wright: In Deference to a Broken Back Few bands are as versatile as The Dare­ devil Christopher Wright. From the string quartet in the opening track “The Hospital,” to the 60s surf-rock tinge o f “A Near Death Experience at Sea” and the spastic, scream­ ing breakdown o f “A Conversation About Cancer,” In D eferen ce to a Broken B a ck is an album that doesn’t limit its sound. The songs span decades’ worth o f influences, but still subtly complement each other, fitting seam­ lessly into one. The unifying element is Jon Sunde’s wonderful falsetto, which moves from sweet croon to impassioned shriek—in the best sense o f the word—and often during the same song.

The band has also crafted some creative arrangements, making use o f a variety of in­ struments, vocal harmonies and rhythmic ex­ perimentation. Lyrically, references to Jesus are more than sprinkled throughout the album (seven o f the 11 songs allude to Christian fig­ ures), but they seem more sweet than preachy, and shouldn’t turn off the average faith-indif­ ferent listener.

Mixed mostly by fellow Wisconsinite Justin Vernon of Bon Iver fame, it’s enough to make you wonder if cities like Milwaukee are the next big thing. But, regardless, IDTABB is a very strong debut album from a band that should soon get the attention they deserve.

- Ryan Taylor

La Roux: La Roux My first introduction to La Roux came at their Toronto show in the basement o f The Drake Hotel back in May. The room filled, the lights dimmed, and a petite girl with short red hair and a vintage men’s blazer walked on to the stage and opened with her most popular single, “In For the Kill.” La Roux, the duo made up o f Elly Jackson and producer Ben Langmaid, presented a set that took the au­ dience back to the 80s with their synth-pop melodies and neon green eye shadow.

Despite similarities to legend Annie Len­ nox, Elly Jackson keeps her music current by presenting a sound that is all her own: pure retro synth-pop with a raw intensity and bru­ tally honest lyrics. Listening to the self-titled album, it becomes apparent that the first four tracks are La Roux’s edgiest songs and are all on their way to becoming hit singles. Despite this, some of the slower ballads show that L a Roux is not only an album for the dance floor, but would also fit in on a lazy Sunday afternoon. “As if by Magic” and “Fascina­ tion” retain the same brash, British sound as previously released singles “Bulletproof’ and "Quicksand,” but allow the audience a look into something deeper, proving that this band is not a one-time success, but a talent that can bring back the best of 80s music.

- Je s s ic a Lew is

David Guetta: One Love With his fourth studio release One Love, French DJ David Guetta continues to reinvent house music. With more innovative tracks than ever before, Guetta collaborates with popu­ lar R & B artists, giving each song a unique flare—no two sound the same. The first single, “When Love Takes Over,” features the soul­ ful voice o f Kelly Rowland complemented by buoyant piano, while Guetta’s familiar beats blast in the background. On the second single, “Sexy Bitch,” Akon sings overtop a pulsating baseline, building to an infectious chorus that compels you to sing along. Wynter Gordon, who was first heard on Flo Rida’s “Sugar,” is featured on “Toyfriend,” a sexy track with a hint o f Indian flavour. Powerhouse diva song­ stresses abound on One Love, each with a vocal prowess that is truly astounding. Their singing combined with Guetta’s dance tracks creates a musical amalgamation o f soul and dance, reminiscent o f Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

As on the stardom-inducing single “Love is Gone,” Guetta collaborates with former gospel singer Chris Willis on “Gettin’ Over,” combining Willis’ booming vocals with a choppy beat. Though the reputation has he gained from his live performances may have preceeded him, One L ov e proves that Guetta has got the chops to put out a decent record, too.

- Jo s h G reenblatt

Dinosaur Jr.: Farm Dinosaur Jr. has played it all. Punk rock in the 1980s. Grunge rock in the 1990s. And, lately, indie rock. But, it seems, throughout that time, one thing has stuck with them: ac­ cording to Dinosaur Jr., the devil is in the de­ tails. And, boy, they stand by that maxim.

Their latest album Farm , released this summer, marks the fifth full-length album from the original members of Dinosaur Jr. It’s a cleanly distorted, detail-oriented album that, upon first listen, sounds oddly homogenous.

Yet, like any great string quartet, Dinosaur’s ingenuity lies not in ostentatious post-rock sounds, or superfluous individualized guitar riffs, but in their fascination with group sound, group levels, and, dare I say, rehearsal. Dotted through the album are subtle examples where melodies or riffs are passed seamlessly along: rhythm to singer to bass to drum-fill to rhythm.

No egos. No frills. Simply honest rock. And fucking great music.

In “Over It,” for example, near the end o f the track, Dinosaur’s guitarist, J Mascis is playing syncopated 32nds, right on cue, coor­ dinating masterfully with Dinosaur’s drum­ mer, rhythm guitarist, and bassist. That takes superior instrumental acumen, and a ton of rehearsal. Kudos.

The rock anthems are unsentimental and catchy. Though far from anachronistic, Farm is a glimpse into time past: a time where re­ hearsal and selfless playing was revered.

Thank you, Dinosaur.

- Thom as Quail

mcgilltribune.com

16 •Wednesday, September 9, 2009

MUSIC

Special Ops m ake h ard rock out of hardship Montrealers avoid the Nickelback crowd DANIELLE CHERKAS Contributor

S ep tem be r 9 -1 4 In a musical landscape where Nickleback has soiled the once-credible name o f the Ca­ nadian hard rock community, Montreal-based Special Ops are refreshingly distinguished from a typical marketing scheme.

Drawing on the diverse backgrounds of its members (including what may or may not be a list of pseudonyms), the band spins an eclectic and engaging musical web. Drummer Clarence McGillacutty is the only member o f the band bom in Canada; Bassist Waldo Thornhill—a McGill grad—more intimately referred to as “Wally,” was born in the Philip­ pines, while vocalists Akbar Johnson and Abe Froman (not to be confused with the sausage king of Chicago) hail from Dubai and the B a­ hamas respectively. The result is a range of musical tastes as varied as their native lands.

“Wally’s really into jazz for some reason, and Akbar listens to a lot of Indian music,” says McGillacutty. The various ingredients culmi­ nate to create the looping and powerfully ex­ plosive sound that is Special Ops. The band has evolved together through a series o f experienced hardships vital to their meaningful and innovative musical produc­ tion. Three days prior to leaving on tour for their second album, P h ase Two, the band learned that Wally had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Affected by the news, the Akbar, Abe, and Clarence decided to cancel the tour and support Thornhill through his recovery.

“As a band, we decided that we could spend the four weeks of radio and chemo­ therapy sitting around doing nothing, or we could produce some music, and that’s how Through the H eart o f the Infidel was made,” says McGillacutty.

Special Ops’s third album was produced by award-winning producer Glen Robinson, who has worked with the likes of AC/DC and The Ramones. “He’s up there with the big shots, so we were super-psyched to be able to work with him,” says McGillacutty.

With a critically acclaimed producer

Wednesday: Theatre. 4.48 P sy ch o ­ sis. The abstract, fragmented final play from writer Sarah Kane (who committed suicide in 1999) about nighttime strug­ gles with chronic depression and medi­ cated delusions. Directed by Liz Truchanowicz, the production runs until Sep­ tember 26. @ Segal Centre Lab Space.

Thursday: Music. Telefon Tel Aviv.

The death o f Charles Cooper in January o f this year turned this ambient electron­ ic duo into a one-man-show. Josh Eustis carries on, having helped openers The Race record their new album E xiles. @ Just for Laughs Theatre.

Friday: Theatre. Strip Spelling Bee. Strip poker meets 5th grade. You can sign up at the door and be one o f 15 competitors to compete in a spelling bee in the hope of being the last person with clothes on. Imagining the crowd naked might only barely stop stage fright to­ night. @ Mainline Theatre.

SONICBIDS.COM

Looks like one of them had a little too much sugar today. behind them and their increasing maturity— musically or otherwise— as a band, Through the H eart o f the Infidel promises to be Special Ops’s most important album to date. “W e’re better songwriters, musicians, and are better as a band from being together for so long,” adds McGillacutty. “That’s what distinguishes this album from the others.”

The band is currently touring within Canada in support of the album and will re­ turn home for a Montreal concert at the Just For Laughs Theatre on September 12. They

will also be releasing their first music video for Pressure, which will soon air on Musique Plus and can be seen on YouTube.

Hard rock foundations laid by bands like Pearl Jam and Metallica may have been pulverized into gravel by the jack hammer of major label mentality, but thankfully, bands like Special Ops are straying from the status quo and picking up the pieces.

Sunday: Film. T he W orld’s B est S o c c e r A ds. A collage o f the best “adver­ tising films” as they’re referred to here, involving soccer. An excuse to watch Z i­ dane, Ronaldo, and Messi shell running shoes. Soccer fans will have a field day. @ Cinema du Parc.

Monday: Music. Snoop Dogg. The spindly rapper plays Concordia Frosh tonight. I ’m not sure which is more ag­ gravating: that Concordia gets to start school at a reasonable date, or that they have a Frosh band that people outside o f small town Ontario have heard of. @ L’Olympia (with a CSU bracelet).

S p ecial Ops p lay the Ju st f o r Laughs the­ atre on Septem ber 12.

COMEDY

Iranian-A m erican com edian out to prove he’s not a terro rist Maz Jobrani shows that brown can be funny ALEX KNOLL Contributor

If you don’t know comedian Maz Jobra­ ni, you’re not alone. But with performances on Ja y L en o and The C olbert R eport, and his latest tour and Comedy Central special, that might change. Jobrani’s stand-up often focusses on national and ethnic stereotypes, particularly Middle East-American relations, which, being an Iranian-born American, he knows something about.

Jobrani got into comedy at a young age.

In 2001, he joined forces with comedians Aron Kader and Ahmed Ahmed for Comedy Central’s Axis o f Evil tour. On tour, Jobrani says he has tried to show people that Middle Easterners are not all crazy violent terrorists.

“Just once, I ’d like to see the media portray an Iranian baking cookies,” he says.

Jobrani has moved up to a solo tour, called Brown an d Friendly. The tour has a similar goal o f breaking Middle Eastern stereotypes through comedy. But there’s more everyday comedy and self-deprecation this time around.

“This tour is a little more autobiographical,” Jobrani says.

It’s always a risk to try and poke fun at serious issues, but stand-up is always a risk.

“I ’ve been lucky, because when I ’m on tour, the people that come to see me are usually fans, or people that are open minded,” he says.

SCOTTCOUNCIL.COM

Jobrani’s fighting stance seems to contradict his friendly act.

“Once in a while though, I ’ll end up on stage in L.A., let’s say, on like a Wednesday night, in front o f like 20 people from different parts o f the world, who have no idea who I am, and they just end up staring at me. But generally speaking, the audiences are pretty hot. It’s nice. I always say it’s the closest I ’ll be to a rock star when I ’m on stage... I can’t really worry too much about what people are gonna think.”

Jobrani’s next goal is becoming a movie star. He is currently working on making Jim m y Vestvood: A m erikan H ero, about his Boratstyle alter-ego. Until then, the tour will contin­ ue, with Jobrani getting laughs at Le National on September 10. “I love it in Montreal,” Jo ­ brani says. “Especially the ‘Old Town.’ Is that what you call it? Yeah, it’s really nice. I think it’s great.” Let’s hope he’s not joking.

| ^ ^dnesday; September<9i 2 0 0 9 jJ ^

Curiosity Delivers

MUSIC

B ad News Brow n brings good news for harm onica lovers Ex-Montreal busker releases debut album BIANCA VAN BAVEL Contributor

Setting himself apart from mainstream hip-hop, Bad News Brown is best known for his intense harmonica playing. He credits much o f his breakout success to his years spent as a busker performing on Montreal’s streets, and he now hopes to give back to his community and influence other local musicians through a string of Montreal shows this fall.

“I can’t sing very well, and to be honest I don’t even rap that well, but one thing I do know, I sure can play the mother fucking har­ monica!” said Bad News Brown (a.k.a. Paul Frappier), at his free show at Club Soda on September 2. It was the official album release for his debut Born 2 Sin, which hit stores Au­ gust 18.

Bad News rocked Club Soda with his smooth rhythms and deep bluesy beats. Though the evening started off a little choppy due to miscommunication backstage, things got un­ derway with the harmonic grooves of his hit single “Reign.” He followed with title track “Bom 2 Sin,” which he claims is written about his one true love: his harmonica. And just like a rock star changing guitars during a show, Bad News rotated harmonicas throughout the night. With self-aware hilarity, each song began with an attractive woman presenting the next harmonica on a handheld cushion.

Having already opened for some big names such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and

ALICE WALKER

Bad news and friends bring their eclectic brand of R&B to their first of many Montreal gigs.

50 Cent. Bad News Brown is making his name known. It’s safe to say he’s given people a new

way to think about the harmonica’s place in the music world.

B ad News Brown plays Time SupperClub Septem ber 10, an d R eleve en F o lies Sept. 29.

THE MCGILL TRIBUNE IS LOOKING

DES AUTELS

Faculty of Management Faculté de gestion

FORAN ONLINE EDITOR INTERESTED?

CAREER

F A IR 2 0 0 9

**m o re than 40 companies a tte n d in g **

;

SEND A CV AND COVER LETTER TO EDITOR@MCGILLTRIBUNE.COM

Centre Mont-Royal 2200 Mansfield

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 4 , 2 0 0 9 lOhOO — 16h00 : Managem ent Students 13h00 - 16h00 : All McGill Students w w w .m cgill.ca/desautels/career/ V a lid M cG ill ID required

Dress Code: B u sin e ss A ttire Bring y o u r resum es

?

M c G ill

NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU THINK. (UNLESS Y O U ’RE A TRIBUNE COLUMNIST.) SEND A SAMPLE COLUMN AND FIVE COLUMN IDEAS, AS WELL AS A CV AND COVER LETTER TO OPINION@ MCGILLTRIBUNE.COM.

Sp o r t s

18 • Wednesday, September 9, 2009

mcgilltribune.com

REDMEN BASKETBALL

Storm

Redmen blown Norman sees promise despite lopsided loss KAILAN LEUNG Sports Editor

Youth, inexperience, and potential were the keywords used by Head Coach Craig Nor­ man when he discussed the upcoming season for the Redmen basketball team, and each of these traits was evident in M cG ill’s preseason opener, a 90-55 defeat at the hands o f NCAA Division-1 squad St. John’s University. Al­ though the Redmen put up a valiant fight in the first quarter, they simply could not match the size, athleticism, and firepower of the visiting Red Storm. McGill forward Michael White, who led all scorers in the contest with 12 points, acknowledged the difficulty in pre­ paring for the team from Queens, New York.

“Teams from the States are definitely big­ ger [and] more athletic, but it’s a good way to gauge where [our] team’s at,” he said. “ [We] know what we have to work on and we know that basically, that [was] the best calibre bas­ ketball team we’re going to play all year.”

While McGill certainly did not lack heart, the disparity in size and toughness was obvi­ ous down the stretch. McGill struggled to deal with the Red Storm’s full court press, and was overwhelmed on the glass, losing the rebound­ ing battle 39-21. Solid execution and defen­ sive tenacity allowed the Redmen to grab a surprising 20-12 lead after the first quarter, but St. John’s turned up the heat in the second pe­ riod, embarking on an impressive 40-6 run en route to a 52-26 lead at the half.

“Our inexperience showed and we suc­ cumbed to their constant pressure,” said Nor­ man. “We got away from our system, and against a team like that, if you do not execute, you pay dearly.”

McGill appeared to regroup somewhat after halftime, but could not manage to miti­ gate the second quarter damage. A vicious breakaway slam by 6-foot-8 forward Sean Evans, followed by a fast break alley-oop by

J ohn K

the Red Storm backcourt, seemed to take the fight out of the home squad.

Despite the disappointing result, Norman was reluctant to read too much into the game, preferring to focus on what his team needs to do to improve.

“We had five days o f practice to get ready for this [game], and that’s a big-time team we played. We graduated two guys who combined for 40 points per game, so we knew we were going to have some trouble scoring the basket­ ball,” he said. “We’ll work on the little things, getting open on the wing, offensive options, [and] shooting. It’s very early in the year and I think there are a lot of positives that we can take from this game.”

One of the biggest positives that Norman can draw from the loss is the play o f his new recruits, particularly freshman point guard Olivier Bouchard, who logged a team-high

29 minutes. Finishing with six points, four re­ bounds, and seven assists, Bouchard dazzled at times with excellent court vision, a tight handle, and impressive speed.

“I think Bouchard is going to be tre­ mendous at this level. He’s the first real point guard we’ve had in a number o f years,” said Norman. “[Freshman guard] Winn Clark gave us good minutes on the wing, and [freshman forward] Nic Langley contributed as well. We played a bunch of freshman big minutes [in their] first university game, and it was against St. John's.”

Norman will rely heavily on the energy from his young players to complement the court savvy of the Redmen vets, but realizes that many of the team’s rookies will face a steep learning curve. Bouchard, while show­ ing immense promise, also finished with a team-high six turnovers, something the fresh­

T h ir d M an I n A RODDICK RANT There are many sports figures who get labeled “frustrating” and “hard-headed.”

These athletes—despite their obvious physi­ cal gifts—never seem to capitalize on their talents, consistently falling short o f their goals. After watching bits and pieces of the U.S. Open, my vote for “Most Pathetic/ Exasperating Professional Athlete” goes to America’s pride and joy, Andy Roddick.

Now, I admit that during Roddick’s heyday of one whole year, I wasn’t exactly an avid Wimbledon watcher, so older ten­ nis heads might dismiss me for reading too much into Roddick’s recent struggles. But when “recent struggle” spans from 20042009, 1 feel at liberty to comment on what it means to be an underachiever. With a whopping total of one Grand Slam title in a decade, Roddick will undoubtedly end up

elsey

St. John’s stifling defence gave the Redmen fits, as the bigger and more athletic Red Storm cruised to victory on Saturday.

being the guy everyone recognizes, but no one cares about.

If the lesser-known A-Rod simply went out and lost on a regular basis, I might feel a little sympathy for him. Unfortunately, though, he can’t seem to grasp the concept of keeping his mouth shut before, during, and after a match. Taunting, whining, and constant excuses have come to character­ ize Roddick as much as his booming serves.

While some o f his jabs are undeniably com ic—to an official at the 2008 Australian Open: “You’re an idiot! Stay in school kids, or you’ll end up being an umpire” —most are completely out o f line. YouTube “Roddick vs. Umpire” and treat yourself to a plethora of verbal tirades that combine to spell out “A-s-s-h-o-l-e.”

Roddick’s poor on-court attitude only serves to compound his technical flaws. For all his service and forehand power, Rod­ dick’s accuracy has always been dubious,

and his backhand has never been a weapon.

All of the most successful athletes in the sports world work tirelessly to address their weaknesses. Roddick, however, seems to lose for the same reasons year in and year out. He gets destroyed at the net, blows too many important serves, and lets the crowd and the umpire get in his head. Why is this?

Roddick isn’t a bad tennis player, so why doesn’t he fix what’s broken? And why can’t he win? I don’t have the answers to any of these questions, but I do have a potential so­ lution.

Roddick’s best Grand Slam showing— with the exception of his lone win at the U.S. Open six years ago—has to be this past summer’s at Wimbledon, which culminated in a 16-14 fifth set defeat at the hands o f his nemesis and antithesis, Roger Federer. Rod­ dick came into the tournament as the sixth seed, with no pressure to win. He cut back on the chatter, and looked focussed on the

man will look to improve upon as the regular season draws closer.

“Playing for the first time against uni­ versity [competition], I had to really control the ball every [possession],” said Bouchard.

“Against [a team like] St. John’s, they profit from every single turnover, so I think through­ out my first year, my biggest goal will be to limit turnovers and control the game.”

Controlling every game is what the Red­ men will need to do if they wish to succeed in a tough Quebec conference this year. After being unceremoniously dumped out of the first round of the Q SSF playoffs by Concorida last season, the Redmen hope that the size, creativ­ ity, and hustle of their younger players can help them stay competitive. McGill now turns its attention to the practice courts, and will not play again until they host Laurentian Univer­ sity on October 8, at 8:00 pm.

KAILAN LEUNG

court. Granted, he probably would never have smelled the finals if Rafael Nadal had opted to participate. But that isn’t Roddick’s fault. He came in as an underdog and didn’t disappoint. To take the pressure off himself completely, I think Roddick should petition the ATP and ITF to relieve him o f his rank­ ing entirely. Having already made enough money for 10 lifetimes, he could focus on dominating lesser competition for most of the year, and play the role o f spoiler instead o f spoiled in the big tournaments. As an un­ ranked player, no one would be surprised if he lost, which is bound to happen anyway.

I ’ll concede that this idea may not be the most practical or enticing for Rod­ dick, who may feel—for whatever bizarre reason—that he actually deserves a top-10 ranking. For tennis fans and connoisseurs all over the world, though, it’s obvious that if nothing changes for Andy, he’ll just keep on losing. Either that, or become an umpire.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 » 19

Qiriosit^Eieliven^

R ED M EN SO CCER

Defence, Capolungo help Redm en take down C S L squad McGill fends off Attak in regular season tune-up JON RUBENSTEIN Sports Editor

The McGill Redmen look ready to start the 2009 season on the right foot after an impressive 1-0 preseason victory over Attak de Trois-Rivières FC on Wednesday at Molson Stadium. Sophomore midfielder Yohann Capolungo scored the game’s only goal on a beautiful chip over Attak keeper David LewisLamoureux’s head in the 20th minute. A solid defensive effort by the Redmen allowed them to hang on for the win against the Canadian Soccer League team.

“It was a solid performance all around— the players had a lot of intensity and focus,” said Redmen Head Coach David Simon. “I am pleased, but it means nothing if we do poorly in the next game or the game after that. It’s only the preseason.”

Nevertheless, Simon was excited by the play o f Capolungo, who exhibited excellent awareness and footwork on the pitch. “Yohann is an outstanding player and he will be a great asset to our team this year,” he said.

Capolungo’s goal came after Lewis-Lamoureux attempted to clear a bouncing ball by heading it out of the out o f the 18-yard box. To

the dismay o f the Attak, the ball landed directly at the feet of Capolungo, who steadied himself before effortlessly chipping in the winner.

The 5-foot-9 Frenchman, who played for French Ligue 1 squad A J Auxerre’s youth team before coming to McGill, had another chance to score in the 31st minute with a daz­ zling strike from 20 yards out, but was denied by the post.

“I made the decision to come here be­ cause I didn’t think I could continue my career

professionally in France,” said Capolungo, who cited his desires to learn English and re­ ceive a degree as factors that convinced him to come to McGill.

Trois-Rivières dominated the first 15 minutes, keeping the ball in M cG ill’s end, and playing more physical soccer than the Redmen. The Attak moved the ball well too, keeping the ball on the wings and using their size to their advantage. The Redmen appeared tentative at the start of the match, and with

C o u r tesy

of

M

c G il l

A t h l e t ic s

Junior midfielder Thomas Lucas will wear the captain’s armband this season for McGill.

good reason: the Attak are in first place in the C SL National Division and are recognized as the Montreal Impact’s farm team. Simon was quick to credit the outstanding play of the Red­ men defence for allowing the team to shut out Trois-Rivières.

“We had solid defence,” he said. “They kept it clean and it wasn’t always pretty, but they showed à lot o f solidarity.”

Bolstering the play of the back line was the outstanding showing by Redmen keeper Jean-Lou Gosselin—a first year transfer from UQAM —who came up with four saves for his first clean sheet of the season. The Attak had their chances, but McGill refused to be intimi­ dated later in the game. An athletic stop by Gosselin at the 27-minute mark off of a TroisRivières corner kick, and a last-second clear

by Redmen defender, Sami Obaid, in the 57th minute showed the type of defence Simon’s squad is capable of.

While the Redmen can be satisfied with the victory for now, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Simon appears set on making the phrase “we haven’t done anything yet” the team’s mantra, and will continue to stress to his players that the regular season has yet to begin. The Redmen will practice this week before opening their regular season at home on September 10, when they face a perennial nemesis in the Montreal Carabins.

R ED M EN FO O TBALL

Slow sta rt dooms football Redm en in season opener McGill losing streak now at 17 games JON RUBENSTEIN ______________________ Sports Editor_____________________

The McGill Redmen suffered a 66-14 defeat against the ninth-ranked University of Montreal at CEPSUM Stadium last week, ex­ tending their two-year losing streak. Montreal racked up the highest point total in school his­ tory, scoring eight touchdowns and accumulat­ ing 404 net yards to massacre the Redmen in front of 4,649 fans. McGill has now lost 17 consecutive games, one short of the shame­ ful conference record set by Carleton between 1988 and 1990.

COMING SOON —

=j|

McGill will celebrate its second annual “Fill the Stadium” fundraiser event next Friday, September 18, when the Redmen football team takes on the Bishop’s Gaiters. Last year’s game, de­ spite the Redmen defeat, was a roaring success, attracting over 6,000 fans and raising $25,000 for M cG ill’s varsity athletics program. This year, varsity athletes will again be selling tickets ranging in price from $1 to $5.

Football fans are invited to the Molson Pre-Game Party, which will take place at Forbes Field from 5-7 p.m.

With two dollar drinks, cheap food, a live DJ, and seven all-star cheerleading squads from across Montreal providing halftime entertainment, “Fill the Stadi­ um” is an event no McGill student will want to miss.

Montreal came roaring out of the gates, amassing a 25-0 lead after the first quarter, and a 48-0 lead by halftime. The Redmen were shell-shocked—they didn’t collect a first down until halfway through the second quarter.

“We started off so poorly,” said Head Coach Sonny Wolfe. “We made a number of mistakes and we weren’t able to handle the game speed.”

Sophomore Ryne Bondy started at quar­ terback for McGill, but went down with a shoulder injury with 10 minutes left in the sec­ ond quarter. Bondy did not register a comple­ tion and finished the game zero-for-six with an interception.

“I know Ryne is a competitive guy and feels like he could have played better than he did,” said Wolfe.

The Redmen did not do much to help their quarterback, who was given little pass protec­ tion and forced to deal with his wide receivers dropping key passes.

The Carabins were led by Olivier Reniere and Alex Deluca, who each had a pair of rush­ ing touchdowns and combined for 94 yards on the ground. Quarterback Marc-Olivier Brouillette looked impressive, both throwing and running for touchdowns in a game where Montreal had 34 first downs to M cG ill’s 16.

Jonathan Collin, a 6-foot-5 freshman quarterback from Greenfield Park, Quebec, came into the game for the injured Bondy. He sparked McGill with a 26-yard rush on the first play of his career. Wolfe was impressed with the poise shown by the young quarterback.

“We didn’t have a first down until he came into the game,” he said. “He made some plays on his own and he threw the ball quite well. I thought he was very impressive for the first game against a real good defensive group.

He couldn’t have done any better than what he did.”

JOHN KELSEY

University of Montreal fans cheer on the home squad, as “Le Bleu” dominated McGill from start to finish on Thursday.

Down 48-0 at halftime, Wolfe tried to keep his players in the game by explaining to them that they needed to win the third quarter.

McGill did just that, outscoring the Carabins 14-0 on a pair o f touchdown passes to CharlesAntoine Sinotte, an all-Canadian receiver from Trois-Rivières. Collin finished the day com­ pleting 11 of 25 attempts for 124 yards.

However, Collin suffered the same fate as Bondy when he was knocked out o f the game by a late hit with five minutes left in the con­ test. The Redmen, who only dressed two quar­ terbacks, had to turn to defensive back Greg Landry to take the snaps in their final series before time expired.

If McGill wishes to avoid the worst los­

ing streak in conference history, the team will have to improve in all categories.

“We were too sporadic offensively,” said Wolfe. “We can’t start a game and not have a first down for the first 20 minutes.”

Wolfe stressed that better preparation and a fast start will be essential for the Redmen.

“We have to make things happen early and not put our defence on the field for the first 10 or 11 minutes in the opening quarter. There is no defence in our conference that is able to withstand that.”

McGill looks to score its first win in two years next week, when the Redmen take on the Sherbrooke Vert et Or on September 11, at Molson Stadium.

Dell recom m ends W in do w s Vista® H om e Premium.

Get these o ffe rs when-you buy d ire c tly fro m Dell.

Prom otional offers valid Septem ber 8-10,

D 6LL

YOURS IS HERE

OUT W ITH COOKIE-CUTTER. IN W ITH DELL. C om p u te rs d o n ’t all have to look the same. W ith Dell, you can get an eye-catching system w ith te ch n o lo g y th a t’ll last sem ester after semester, at a stu d e n t-frie n d ly price.

REGU LA RLY $SO S

*699

o r as low as

8 1 4 3 1 C H 1 5 U N 6 *

$ 2 0 / m o .û 8 1 4 3 1 C H 5 4 U N 6 *

E-Value Code:

D E L LIN S P IR O N M IN IlO v

D E L L ™ IN S P IR O N ™ 1 5L A P T O P

D E L LIN S P IR O N 5 4 5D E S K T O P

• Intel® Pentium® Processor T 4 3 0 0 • Genuine W indow s Vista® Hom e Basic, SP1 • 2GB M em o ry*; 25 0G B * Hard Drive • Dell W ireless-G M ini-C ard • J e t B lack C om es S tan dard — Y our C hoice o f 7 O th e r C olours fo r $30*

• Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q 8 3 0 0 • Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium, SP1 (64-Bit) • 4G B M em o ry*; 5 0 0 G B * Hard. Drive • 2 0 " HD W id e scre e n Flat Panel • Piano Black Com es S ta n d a rd — Your C hoice o f 7 O th e r C olours fo r $ 3 0 *

• Intel® Atom™ Processor N 2 8 0 • Genuine Windows® XP Hom e Edition, SP3 • 1GB M em o ry*; 160GB* Hard Drive • Dell W ireless-G M in i-C a rd • Black C om es S ta n d a rd — Y our C hoice o f 6 O th e r C olours fo r $ 3 0 *

E-Value™ C ode

( ptoduct) "

Microsoft*

V.Office Home and Student 2007

Just $99* with the purchase of any Dell PC. Regularly $149.

Get set for school with Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2 0 0 7 — at our lowest price ever!

Blast through homework, creative projects, presentations and more with this software package.

It features several key applications for school; Microsoft® W ord, Microsoft® Excel®, Microsoft® OneNote® and Microsoft® PowerPoint®.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR FUN WITH THESE HOT PICKS.

L in k s y s *W ire le s s -N H o m eR o u te r $ 5 9 9 9 * SAVE $10*

regularly $69.99

■F eatures fa s t w ireless c o n n e c tiv ity to share a b ro a d b a n d In te rn e t c o n n e c tio n fro m a n yw h e re in y o u r house

D e ll2 0 ”H D W id e s c re e nF la tP a n e l (S 2 0 0 9 W ) $14Q 'S A V E$ 3 0 * I— regularly$179

S o n y ® M o b ileH D S n a p C a m e raB u n d le $01Q *S A V E$ 4 0 * 46»I5J regularly $259 • Com es w ith 4G B * M e m o ry Stick® Pro Duo*

• 1000:1 c o n tra s t ratio

1_________________________________________________________________________________ ____ 1 click DELL.CA/TW ITTEROFFERS

cal!

1 -8 00 -7 6 7 -27 9 8

û ;8-N 0N !H MSTAUMENT PUN ( “ R IA IT ): 48-Month Installment Plan ("Plan") offered through Dell Financial Services Canada Limited C'DFS"), a separate entity, to qualified customers approved by DFS in its sole discretion. Minimum transaction amount o t $499 is required. No down payment required. Monthly payment set out in the ad is based on a Plan interest rate of 13.99% per year and an advance equal to the advertised price for a specific product configuration. Interest rates and monthly payments under the Plan w ill vary, depending on amount advanced and customer's creditworthiness. Representative example of a Plan: $999 advanced § 13.99% per year: $2729 monthly payment, total payable is $1309.92, total cost of borrowing is $310.92. Terms subject to error and change without notice. Please contact Dell for more details. * P 8 S S : Prices and offers are available only to customers in Canada for eligible purchases during the specified time period. To receive the advertised price you MUST mention or input the E-Value Code listed beside the price. Savings are calculated on the regular price offered by Dell. Prices do not include applicable taxes, shipping, handling, and environmental, restocking and other surcharges. BSORS: Prices, offers, configurations and any other information in this material is subject to error, cancellation, change and substitution at Dell’s discretion at any time without notice. Dell is not responsible for typography, photography, pricing, posting or other errors. ® H $ : Advertised offers are not combinable w ith any other offers (i.e. lim it t offer per eligible system). Dell reserves the right to cancel orders arising from any errors and to lim it quantities to 5 systems per customer. « I S U 8 ® : Certain products, configurations, colours and/or patterns may be lim ited in availability.

78 S 6 4 ® iOfif.’t X : All purchases are subject to Dell’s Customer Agreement or Dell’s standard terms ot sale, Dell’s limited hardware warranty terms and the applicable Dell or third-party service agreement. Copies available on request or at www.dell.ca. © 8 © M S f i S K S : Discs burned w ith this drive may not be compatible with some existing drives and players: using DVD+R media provides maximum compatibility. GRAPHICS AM) SYSTEM MEMORY (SDRAM); Significant system memory may be allocated to support graphic; depending on system memory size and other (actors. M M N B t f B means I billion bytes « 1 IB equals 1trillion bytes; actual capacity varies w ith preloaded material and operating environment and w ill be less. lAPJORS AND DESKTOPS CÛNFI6URED WITH 4G8 O f (SMOKY OR H O K : Up to 1GB may not be available w ith 32-bit operating systems due to system resource requirements. MEMORY B US , O W C f iJ H T 440 S 83 S E a 0 M . I W * S Y E A ffiS For writable storage devices, MB means I million bytes and GB means 1 billion bytes; total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment. SOFTWARE/ DATA: Software, documentation or packaging may differ from retail versions. Preloaded software may not include documentation. Remember to back up your data - Dell is not responsible for lost or corrupt data or software. 3 & T S 8 E 3 S S > > JC I tf you are the original purchaser who bought new products directly from Dell, you may return the products in as-new condition to Dell up to 30 days after you receive them for a refund of the product purchase price if already paid. The refund o t credit does not include any shipping and handling charges shown on your packing slip o t invoice; you ate responsible for those. Some exceptions apply. For complete details, visit www.dell.ca/servicecontracts. U W ® HARDWARE WARRANTY: For a copy o f Dell’s limited hardware warranty or information and terms and conditions regarding all warranty, service and support options, call 1-800-847-4096 or visit www.dell.ca/servicecontracts. Services may not be available in all areas and may be provided by a third-party. Note that warranties on non-Dell branded products are provided by the respective manufacturers, not Dell. W T fi; Celeron, Celeron Inside, Centrino, Centrino Inside, Core Inside, Intel, Intel logo, Intel Atom, Intel Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, Intel Inside Logo, Pentium and Pentium Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the US. and other countries. MKROSOFT: Microsoft, Excel, Internet Explorer, MS, the Office logo, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Windows, the Windows logo, Windows Vista and the Windows Vista start button are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies in the United States and/or other countries, ©2009 Microsoft Corporation O FFS m is product is not licensed for use in any commercial, nonprofit or revenue-generating business activities, or by any government organization. Ali features and functionality should perform properly. ©2009 Microsoft Corporation. O H ® All other trademarks are the property ot their respective o w ir n ©2009 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

MKSiSOB RONEA®STUDENTB07: