McGill Tribune Vol. 32 Issue 3

TRIBUNE

THE Mcgill

Published by the Tribune Publication Society

pop mtl preview P 10 phoenix cluster P8

redmen win!

P 18

noodles recipe P 13

curiosity delivers

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Volume No. 32 Issue No. 3

@mcgill_tribune ­ • www. mcgilltribune.com ­

Fall semester at McGill kicks into gear

McGill cheerleaders hype the crowd at Fill the Stadium (left); SSMU council reconvenes (above); students and staff enjoy lunch in James Square (below).

(Michael Paolucci, Anna Katycheva, Alexandra Allaire / McGill Tribune)

Student-run café plans halted due to financial concerns

SSMU contract with La Prep limits chance for product differentiation, plans for alternative student space in progress Erica Friesen News Editor The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) has halted plans for the creation of a studentrun café due to concerns about the financial feasibility of the project.

SSMU executives say they are currently looking into alternate plans for a unique student space in the SSMU building.

The student-run café project was first proposed in 2011, and was set to open in the fall of 2013. The original leader of the project, former SSMU Vice-President Finance and Operations Shyam Patel, said that SSMU conceived the café concept with the intention of creating more student space and jobs on campus.

“I personally liked the idea of a café space because it bridges the gap between the classroom experience and practical experience for many students,” said Patel, who has not been involved in recent decisions.

“A student-run café would encourage the participation of students at a managerial level, and would provide much needed practical experience regardless of a student’s program.”

According to current SSMU Vice-President Finance and Operations Jean Paul Briggs, however, the plans to create a student-run café are complicated by an existing eightyear contract with La Prep, which states that no other food service in the building is permitted to sell specialty coffees and teas. “[This] is problematic because

it limits the offerings of the [studentrun] café,” Briggs said. “In addition, there are already seven food services in the SSMU building … it would be very hard for the [student-run] café to compete and differentiate itself [with respect to] price, quality, or variety.”

In addition, the building is already at full occupancy, meaning that SSMU would have to evict a current tenant to create space for the new café. According to Briggs, this means the new café would have to make up for the lost revenue from that tenant—as well as the financial demands of renovating the space and buying the necessary equipment—in order to remain financially sustainable as an operation.

While SSMU could potentially

locate the café outside of the SSMU building, Briggs was not optimistic about the practicability of such a project, based on previous student ventures like Haven Books.

“They don’t work because they are [constantly] changing management [and] employees year-to-year,” he said. “There’s very little continuity and institutional memory, and that leaves it as a very risky and troublesome opportunity for us to pursue.”

Despite these challenges, Briggs said he will pursue the project’s original goal to create a unique student space in the SSMU building, with the assistance of the students involved in last March’s sustainability case competition—an event in which teams presented their design

for the café to a panel of judges.

“We want to use the creative and dedicated people who put so much time and effort into the case competition to develop an idea for a new, unique student space that meets the ideals that were set forth,” Briggs said. “I think there are many ways within that framework that we could satisfy those needs, and do something really useful without jeopardizing our operational feasibility.”

Patel expressed some concern over the stalled plans. He said that the Operations Management Committee explored these financial concerns last year, and that the limitations cited by Briggs would extend to any attempt to create student See “Café” on p. 3

NEWS

Student government

SSMU General Assemblies to undergo substantial reform

Interactive streaming software aims to increase student participation, other changes to clarify assembly procedures Erica Friesen News Editor The Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU) is preparing to implement an online ratification system for all resolutions passed at the upcoming General Assembly (GA), as per a referendum question passed last semester. Scheduled for Oct. 1, the GA will also undergo several adaptations aimed to facilitate students’ participation in future debates, including interactive streaming software, workshops explaining procedural rules, and an increased volunteer presence.

Last semester, the referendum question calling for online ratification of GA resolutions cited the low quorum and attendance of GAs as grounds for making the resolutions accessible to those who could not attend the assembly. Previously, as few as 100 students could vote on a GA resolution that would affect more than 25,000 undergraduates.

“An online voting system would allow students to participate in the democratic process, which would produce a decision more representative of the Society,” the motion read.

However, an increased capacity for participants also means that the

GA will have to meet a higher quorum—10 per cent of the society’s members—when ratifying decisions online. SSMU Vice-President External Robin Reid-Fraser emphasized the need to accommodate those who are unable to attend the GA, despite the challenge in reaching quorum.

“Just to have another way that people can be participating in the GA is going to add to it, since some people—just because of where they live, or because they have kids, or for whatever reason—can’t be there,” she said. “But if they can just access a laptop and watch, then that could be a great way to make those accommodations.”

The opportunity to view GAs online may limit the number of people willing to physically participate.

To address this, SSMU President Josh Redel is looking to use interactive streaming software that will enable viewers to ask questions, submit amendments, and participate in straw polls.

Redel is also looking to encourage higher attendance at GAs by minimizing the time absorbed by procedural delays. For example, in the upcoming GA, voting will be conducted using clickers—the same device used by many students to respond to questions in class.

“These are all technical things, [but] I think people will be so much happier being able to debate than having to spend 20 minutes debating and then spending 40 minutes voting, re-voting, counting, and getting a final decision,” Redel said. “If it can be 60 minutes of debate and then three minutes of getting the final count, then that, to me, is worth it.”

SSMU executives also spent the summer researching how other universities conduct their GAs. This helped them identify other ways to streamline the process, and make it more accessible to students who are not familiar with the rules by which the SSMU GA is run.

“Before the GA actually starts, we want to have a preliminary conversation, debate a bit, and have a workshop with the speakers about the very basics of how things operate during the GA,” Redel said.

“There’s also going to be a lot more information as you come in to the GA. It will explain all the changes we’re making [and] how to take advantage of them.”

In addition, there will be volunteers in the aisles to answer questions outside of debate, as well as a “mood watcher”—a volunteer with whom GA participants can silently communicate their concerns, possi-

Redel described GA reforms at Council. (Michael Paolucci / McGill Tribune) bly through email or text messaging.

“Basically, people who don’t feel like the GA is being productive, either technically or personally—if they feel like it’s not safe space or something—will be able to communicate with the mood watcher privately,” Redel said. “Then the mood watcher can make announcements to the crowd.”

Allison Cooper, SSMU vicepresident clubs and services, said she is hopeful that these changes will improve the general student

perception of GAs. “I think it’s sad that the pessimism around SSMU GAs reached such a [low] point before we were able to make all these improvements,” Cooper said. “As long as students still see the value of debate and having us all come together— which is such a good thing and … rare thing at McGill—then all the streamlining and support will be worth it.”

CAMPUS

Severed Canada-Iran relations affect Iranians at McGill Passport renewals and money transfers proving difficult, MISA to ask McGill Admissions Office to relax policies Jimmy Lou and Kyle Ng Contributors On Sept. 7, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a sudden end to the diplomatic relationship between Canada and Iran. The Canadian embassy in Iran was shut down, and Canadian diplomats were recalled. Because of this situation, there is uncertainty about the status of over 121,000 Iranians residing in Canada, 262 of whom are currently students enrolled at McGill (26 undergraduates, 232 graduates, two post-doctorates, and two continuing studies students).

According to Majid Sheikholeslami and Ali Salimi, president and vice-president external (respectively) of the McGill Iranian Students Association (MISA), many Iranian students have been experiencing difficulty having their legal documents—such as passports and military service exemptions—processed.

“Every single [Iranian] student has been shocked [by] such a sudden decision,” Sheikholeslami and Salimi said in an email to the Tribune. “[Iranian] students with expiring study permits needed to renew their passports first, in order to be able to renew their study permit in Canada. … This has made the situation so complicated right now, since this can stop them from being able to continue their education in Canada.”

According to Pauline L’Écuver, International Student Services director, the largest concern for Iranian students is the issuance and renewal of passports, which are necessary to obtain a student visa.

“Some accommodations are being made on a case-by-case basis for financial situations, such as the deferral of fees or emergency loans,” she said. “However, we have students still waiting for student visas in Ankara, some who have waited over 100 days. The Canadian government has said they will try to

address this backlog, but it may be too late.”

To assist affected Iranian students, MISA has offered to be a point of contact between students and the resources at McGill they may require for help. MISA will also offer services that will help resolve problems with students’ immigration statuses, especially those who face expiration within the next 30-60 days. Furthermore, the association is also preparing a proposal for McGill’s Admissions Office, asking them to relax some of their admissions policies for Iranian students.

“We are trying to ask them to ease [the admissions] process for our students, specifically regarding their requirement of ‘getting their transcripts and diplomas certified by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Department of Justice,’” Sheikholeslami said. “We hope that we [can] overcome this difficult situation as soon as possible with McGill’s support.”

On Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., MISA will also host a General Assembly in room 202 of the SSMU Building, in order to provide everyone with an environment for further discussion on this issue.

Tensions between Canada and Iran have been on the rise now for several months. Beginning this past April, Canada closed its visa office in Iran, and soon proceeded to close all sections of the Canadian embassy in the country, leaving only essential services for Canadians travelling to Iran.

In July, funds from Iran were slowly cut off and bank accounts of many Iranians residing in Canada were frozen. The lack of single wiretransfer system created complications for Iranian students, effectively forcing their parents to send money through third parties, such as exchange bureaus.

“I think [these recent events] reflect both a concern over the vulnerability of the Canadian Embassy

in Tehran, and perhaps even more so, this government’s particular views on Iran,” Rex Brynen, professor in McGill’s Department of Political Science and specialist in the Middle East region, said.

Brynen said he finds it difficult to imagine an improvement in Canadian-Iranian relations in the near future, unless there were to be a consensus on Iran’s controversially firm stance on sustaining its nuclear program. However, Brynen doubts that other countries will follow Canada’s move in severing diplomatic ties unless their own relations with Iran deteriorate significantly.

Despite the continuing uncertainty, L’Écuyer offered a final, positive remark on the situation of students.

“There do not seem to be many students with immediate concerns in the coming weeks or month,” L’Écuyer said. “So hopefully when these passport issues do come up, we will have found a solution.”

Curiosity delivers. |

NEWS

| Tuesday, September 18, 2012

CAMPUS

McGill admin hosts BBQ for students and staff Students express mixed reactions to free lunch in James Square Andra Cernavskis Contributor Students, professors, staff, and other members of the McGill community gathered in James Square for a barbecue hosted by senior members of McGill’s administration on Sept. 13. Serving free burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs to approximately 3,500 people, the barbecue is the latest effort on the part of the administration to connect with students and the McGill community at large.

Susan Aberman, chief of staff for the Office of the Principal, was part of the team that helped plan the barbecue. She said her team chose to host a barbecue because of past successful lunch events. “[A barbecue is] a nice social event for people to get together,” she said. “We did it at the end of last year … here in James Square. All the faculty came out. It was so successful [that] we thought, ‘let’s do it again.’”

This time, Julie Timmins, manager of events and stewardship for the Office of the Principal, ordered over 3,500 burgers. There were four grilling stations, each with a separate grill for veggie burgers.

Principal Heather MunroeBlum informed students of the event by email on Sept. 6, formally inviting all members of the McGill com-

munity to join. On the day of the event, Munroe-Blum mingled with students and staff alike.

“It’s the beginning of the year [and] it’s my last year [as McGill’s principal],” Munroe-Blum told the Tribune. “[This barbecue is] a good way to start the year … just to have a community-building experience.

And that’s something people have asked for—to have opportunities to just come together.”

Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) Morton Mendelson, who also greeted students at Activities Night the previous evening, explained at the barbecue that part of his job is to reach out to students and attend community events. He also touched upon the challenges that affected student-administration relationships last year, and how he hopes this year will be different.

“I’m very optimistic about this year,” he said. “It’s gotten off to a great start. I think what you see here is a reflection of people’s [attitudes] about the year.”

While many students were appreciative of the administration’s gesture, some still had reservations about the future. “[Overcoming past challenges] is not going to be an issue of giving out free food,” Jaime Sanderson, U4 civil engineering, said. “[It will have to involve] communicating about the issues and actually making changes

NEWS

Principal Heather Munroe-Blum greets students outside of James Admin.

(Alexandra Allaire / McGill Tribune)

that are important. However, I can appreciate [the gesture].”

Jessica Si, U3 arts and science, echoed Sanderson’s sentiments.

“As students, I think we always want … to see more of our administration,” she said. “If you think of this as a stepping-stone, it’s a great way forward. If you were to ask if this is enough, then no, of course not. I think there needs to be better relations with the students.”

Other students were just happy for a free meal. Alex Sawaya, U2 engineering, spent the hour hang-

ing out with friends and enjoying his burger.

“It’s very nice of [the administration] to do [this],” he said. “I think they really do care about us.”

According to Doug Sweet, director of media relations for McGill, the administration has planned other student-centred events for this year, including a pancake breakfast in a first-year residence hall, the annual skating party at McConnell Arena, and a continuation of last year’s community webcasts.

Continued from cover

space in the building. However, he explained that there is still value in pursuing the development of a space for students.

“Any form of student space is beneficial ... however, there needs to be an emphasis on student-run space rather than space for students,” Patel said. “There are many spaces that can be used and accessed by students on campus, however, students do not necessarily have the opportunity to be a part of the decisionmaking process in regards to how the space should be managed, used, and developed.”

These changes in plans will have the most immediate impact on the members of Fireside Café—the team that won the SSMU sustainability case competition, and whose design was supposed to be adopted for the student-run café. Rebecca Rosenthal said she and her team are looking forward to discussing the feasibility of the project with those involved in the decision.

“Throughout our experiences during the competition, we witnessed students, faculty, [and] administration [as they] worked harmoniously towards a common goal, and how this collaboration can lead to mutually beneficial gains,” Rosenthal said. “We hope to continue working with SSMU and many others to ensure that decisions with far-reaching impacts on student lives are made in the best and most inclusive way possible.”

in brief

McGill places 18th in QS World University Rankings McGill ranked 18th overall in the world in the 2012 QS World University Rankings, released Sept.

10. Although McGill moved down one spot from its 17th place finish in 2011, this latest annual ranking marks the sixth consecutive year that the university has placed in the QS top 20.

Launched in 2004, QS World Rankings is considered one of the world’s most widely known university ranking systems. It ranks universities annually based on six factors: academic reputation (40 per cent), employer reputation (10 per cent), student/faculty ratio (20 per cent), citations per faculty (20 per cent), international faculty ratio (five per cent), and international student ratio (five per cent).

Café

3

In a news release, Principal Heather Munroe-Blum expressed satisfaction with the results.

“We are pleased by McGill’s continued strong performance in these rankings,” Munroe-Blum said.

“It is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and hard work of faculty, staff, and students throughout our university. We are also delighted that three great Canadian schools are now listed in the top 50 of this world ranking, with two in the top 20.”

The other Canadian university to place in the top 20 was the University of Toronto, ranked in 19th place. The University of British Columbia was the third-ranked university in Canada, placing 45th.

For the first time, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

placed first in the overall rankings, followed by the University of Cambridge in second, and Harvard University in third.

According to QS Head of Public Relations Simona Bizzozero, 2,586 universities were surveyed this year. Of those, 729 universities from 72 countries were ranked.

“In [2004] we considered the top 500 universities for research citations based on a bibliometric database,” Bizzozero said. “[In subsequent years], we added to the initial group—other universities which received votes from the academics and employers we survey every year.”

According to Bizzozero, other universities were included based on specific considerations, including national rankings, survey perfor-

mance, geographical balancing (recognizing the different priorities and characteristics of universities in different parts of the world), and direct case submission.

In individual department rankings, McGill placed 36th in social sciences and management, 32nd in arts and humanities, 29th in life sciences and medicine, 38th in natural sciences, and 46th in engineering and technology.

The full rankings, as well as more details about the methodology of the QS ranking system, can be found at www.topuniversities.com.

— Karen Huang

scandals, and SPeakers, and SSMU, oh my!

Come to news meetings.

Mondays at 5:30 PM SHATNER 110 NEWS@MCGILLTRIBUNE.COM

4

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 |

NEWS Senate

| Curiosity delivers.

CAMPUS

Royal Society of Canada honours 12 McGill scholars Professor François Crépeau, Dr. Siegfried Hekimi, and Dr. Chao-Jun Li among those recognized Nicole Sawin Contributor Two weeks ago, 12 McGill University scholars and researchers were honoured by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). Eight will be inducted into the RSC as new Fellows, while the remaining four have received awards and medals.

Established in 1882, the RSC is the senior Canadian collegium of distinguished scholars, artists, and scientists. Dedicated to promoting learning and research in the arts, humanities, social, and natural sciences, the RSC also prepares expert assessments on critical issues of public policy.

“It is truly extraordinary for so many McGill researchers to receive medals and fellowships in a single year,” Vice-Principal (Research

and International Relations) Rosie Goldstein said in an interview with the McGill Reporter. “We are extremely proud of all the honourees and the immeasurable contributions they make to research, teaching, and learning at McGill. Collectively, they embody the University’s history of excellence, while reaffirming that McGill remains at the forefront of research in Canada.”

Hans and Tamar Oppenheimer Professor in Public International Law François Crépeau is one of the newly-appointed RSC Fellows.

Among his many other achievements, Crépeau was appointed the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants in 2011.

“It is humbling to think that people I have been working with think me worthy of such recogni-

tion,” Crépeau said, speaking of the colleagues who nominated him.

Dr. Siegfried Hekimi is the recipient of the Flavelle Medal, an honour awarded for “an outstanding contribution to biological science during the preceding ten years or for significant additions to a previous outstanding contribution to biological science,” as described by the RSC website.

Hekimi’s research involves investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging. His findings challenge the widely accepted free radical theory—a theory that states that organisms age because their cells accumulate free radical damage over time. When asked how he felt about receiving the Flavelle Medal, Hekimi, like Crépeau, replied modestly.

“What is humbling is when you see who else got [the award],”

Dr. Hekimi said. “The list includes Best and Banting, who discovered insulin, Dr. Penfield . . . and also the last Canadian Nobel Prize winner, Michael Smith.”

Dr. Chao-Jun Li, a professor in the McGill department of chemistry and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Green Chemistry, was also named Fellow of the RSC. Li’s research stems from the search for chemicals and chemical products—like clothing, cosmetics, and paint— that do not lead to harmful health or environmental concerns. Li also explores new chemical reactions in order to discover scientific tools to increase the efficiency of chemical production, thereby decreasing its negative consequences.

“When exploring new scientific frontiers, very often you will encounter many obstacles, frustra-

tions, and uncertainty,” Li said. “We certainly have. Being inducted to RSC gives me an assurance of the importance of our research efforts and encourages us to continue.”

The induction and awards ceremony will be held Saturday Nov. 17, during which the new Fellows will be officially inducted into the RSC, and the awards and medals will be presented.

“I’m greatly indebted to all the students and collaborators who have worked with me over the years,” Crépeau said. “Without [their] unfailing support, keen insight, and challenging questions, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

speaker on CAMPUS

Panel debates Senate reform’s effects on linguistic minorites

Event provides opportunity for students to learn about Harper’s proposal for the election of Canadian senators Christy Frost Contributor Last Wednesday, in Chancellor Day Hall, Linguistic Rights McGill held their inaugural panel discussion on Canadian senate reform and its impact on linguistic minorities. The panel consisted of Stéphane Dion, former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada; Céline Hervieux-Payette, former Leader of the Opposition in the Canadian Senate; and Louis Massicotte, professor of political science at Université Laval.

“With this event, we sought to create a forum where academics, legislators and students could … share knowledge, experience, and possible solutions and outcomes in regards to the issue of reforming our chamber of sober second thought,” Andrea Suurland, president of Linguistic Rights McGill, said.

Currently, the Governor General of Canada appoints members of the Senate on the advice of the Prime Minister. Senators can keep their positions until they reach the age of 75, and each province and territory is entitled to a specific number of seats, as determined in the Canadian Constitution.

Proposed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2011, Bill C-7 would amend the constitution to make the senate a democratically elected body. The Bill proposes that senators should be elected by each province, and be limited to a nineyear term.

According to Dion, one of the major problems with Bill C-7 is it would make both the Senate and the House of Commons essentially equal powers.

“What Steven Harper is trying to do does not exist in any place in the world,” Dion said. “I think it is very dangerous to have two elected chambers able to stop each other.”

Dion also suggested that having a powerful, elected Senate would be a disadvantage to provinces such as British Columbia, which, for historical reasons, have fewer representatives in the Senate.

In his opening address, Massicotte addressed the importance of the Senate to linguistic minorities, as a larger percentage of people from minorities are found in the Senate than in the House of Commons.

“From 1963 to 2006, 17 per cent of the 253 senators came from a minority language community,” Massicotte said in French. “Language minorities are almost two times better represented in the Senate than in the House of Commons.”

Massicotte explained that using province-wide elections to select senators would likely lead to fewer minority language senators, since language minority populations are often concentrated in small areas.

“We shouldn’t exaggerate, however, in presenting the Senate as the defender of linguistic minorities,” Massicotte continued. “The first line of defense for official language minorities is very clearly the

Panelists discussed proposed changes to the Senate. (Simon Poitrimolt / McGill Tribune) Charter of Rights and [Freedoms].”

Hervieux-Payette, a sitting senator for the senatorial division of Bedford, Québec, said that the senators selected under the existing system are dedicated and experienced.

“The [high] level of education amongst Senate members is for the good of the community,” HervieuxPayette said in French.

The panelists also gave their opinions on whether or not the Senate would ever be abolished.

“I don’t think [abolishing the

Senate is] a Canadian priority,” Dion said in French. “[The Senate] isn’t a problem, even though it isn’t optimal. It’s useful.”

Massicotte agreed that abolishing the Senate is not feasible.

“You would have to go around the Constitution to abolish the Senate,” Massicotte said.

He also pointed out that the Senate could not be abolished without a referendum question, and that both the House of Commons and the Senate must approve all referendum

questions.

Overall, this panel was an opportunity for students in the McGill community to learn about their country’s politics from a Quebec perspective.

“I thought [the panel] was informative,” law student Annie O’Dell said. “I don’t have an opinion on Senate reform yet, so it was nice to hear [experts] talk about it.”

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opinion

THE Mcgill

TRIBUNE www.mcgilltribune.com

Editor-in-Chief Elisa Muyl editor@mcgilltribune.com Managing Editors Carolina Millán Ronchetti cmillanronchetti@mcgilltribune.com Adam Sadinsky asadinsky@mcgilltribune.com

editorial

Search for next principal is a chance to start anew An advisory committee was formed in April to find a successor to Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum, whose second term ends on June 30, 2013.

The committee will nominate a candidate it feels is best suited for the role, from an administrative and governance standpoint; the following are some key qualities we hope to see in candidates for the principalship, from a student perspective.

This search presents an opportune moment for students to reflect on the values they hope McGill’s next principal will embody, and to indirectly influence the direction the university will take in the coming five years.

Munroe-Blum’s 10 year tenure, by no means without its share of controversies, can nevertheless claim a number of successes. Under Munroe-Blum’s governance, McGill has maintained its standing among the world’s top universities despite continual funding shortages. Mun-

roe-Blum has also been a staunch advocate for recruiting new talent— more than 1,000 of McGill’s 1,600 tenure-track, full-time faculty were appointed in the last 12 years.

In the next five years, McGill’s focus needs to be on innovation and interdisciplinarity, and the next principal must take this to heart. McGill faces competition from all angles— larger, better-funded universities like the University of Toronto are outcompeting McGill for national grants, while smaller universities are outpacing McGill when it comes to implementing new and innovative programs. McGill’s traditionalism is often a barrier to both student and researcher achievement. Students are frequently unable to take courses in other faculties; for example, an undergraduate civil engineer wishing to broaden their horizons and take courses in architecture should be supported and encouraged by their faculty to do so. To uphold the

mission of the university, productive cross-faculty collaborations must not only be sought out, but encouraged. Candidates for the position, therefore, must demonstrate a commitment to fostering such an exchange of ideas.

The next principal must also strive to achieve a fair balance between research and teaching. Working closely with deans and department heads, the principal needs to value—both in rhetoric and funding—training professors to be good teachers. Munroe-Blum’s successor must prioritize investment in teaching support. This is closely related to the renewed focus the new principal must place on developing student life at school. In 2006, MunroeBlum established the Student Life and Learning Portfolio in an attempt to enhance the student experience at McGill. This was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.

An applicant well-suited for the

principalship must set clear priorities for the improvement of teaching and learning.

After the tumult of last year, a new principal, in many ways, brings a fresh start to dialogue on campus.

The Tribune encourages the McGill community to approach this situation with an open mind. When choosing a successor, we call upon the advisory committee to choose a candidate who demonstates a strong ability to actively foster discourse among diverse groups on campus— even when the opinions of said groups may be at odds with those of the administration. Relationships are not a one way street, though, and students also need to ask themselves how they can contribute most productively to the discussion at hand.

A less polarized campus, one where collegial debate is encouraged and different views coexist, is undoubtedly a more welcoming and productive one.

Steven Lampert Sports Editor

There are few things that I completely treasure. For some inexplicable reason, everything for me comes with a caveat, something that prohibits me from fully embracing its excellence. The Miami Heat was the best team in basketball last season, but don’t speak to me about it until LeBron wins his sixth title.

Arrested Development may be the funniest television show to hit the air, but the movie will likely be a letdown. This past year, however, I finally found something I adore wholeheartedly. And, unlike with any previous muse, I’m not afraid to admit it. I unconditionally love Twitter.

Before I come off as a pretentious social media advocate, I should confess that at first, I was reluctant to join Twitter and engage in such a public space; I thought Facebook was enough. I had the impression that Twitter was used by people

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off the board who shared their unwanted thoughts and exact whereabouts, things that weren’t on the top of my priority list. My family was definitely a proponent of this opinion. When Twitter took off, there were countless dinner conversations about its stupidity. “Why do I care when Jennifer Lopez uses the washroom?” my sister asked repeatedly.

But at some point, I began ignoring my family’s disdain and entered the Twitterverse without their blessing. I made an account and began following my favourite athletes, musicians, writers, and comedians, and was exposed to a wealth of instant information. Ryan and Kelly from The Office are best friends in real life? Twitter confirms.

Kevin Durant took a picture of Russell Westbrook sleeping on the team bus? He did! Thanks, Twitter.

But Twitter is not used exclusively as a platform to discuss our guilty pleasures and superficial opinions. It is also useful during landmark events. Along with millions of others, I found out about Osama Bin Laden’s capture and death long before it was reported on television. It

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was as if Bin Laden himself tweeted that he was done for. Though this need for immediate information can seem unnecessary—so what if I found out about Bin Laden’s death an hour late?—there’s something valuable about Twitter’s ability to spread news quickly.

For example, Toronto Blue Jays’ star Brett Lawrie was present at the Eaton Centre shooting in Toronto this past June. Lawrie has over 100,000 followers on Twitter, and as one the Jays’ most popular players, thousands of those followers are Torontonians. His warnings were retweeted hundreds of times, providing public awareness to people who may not have been following him. The instant spread of news kept mall-goers aware in a time of chaos, and perhaps even prevented people from going to the mall. For that, we should be grateful to have access to such a platform.

According to an article in Forbes Magazine this past May, 31 per cent of adults aged 18-24 use Twitter, up 13 per cent from the previous year. I read that statistic as: 69 per cent of you don’t know what

you’re missing. That, and my family must have brainwashed all of you.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic about Twitter’s growing importance. In the same article, a Twitter spokesman reported that “it took us three years, two months and one day to reach one billion tweets. Now, we see more than one billion tweets every three days.”

If I haven’t been convincing enough, then ask yourself why you wouldn’t want to be involved with a website that offers instant news, hilarious content, and engaging commentary. It’s a space in which you can share your thoughts to just friends (in the case of a private profile), or to the whole world, if you’re feeling confident. Any which way, I encourage McGill students to join Twitter. And while 140 characters didn’t give me enough leeway to pour my heart out, know this: 140 characters are enough to have an impact.

Though those 140 characters might be used to discuss JLo’s washroom trip, I think we can get past that.

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7

columnists A real Romney gaffe

Joshua Freedman Guest commentary It’s easy to understand why Mitt Romney must be feeling frustrated right now. The four-day Republican National Convention was first hijacked by a hurricane, and then by an old man talking to a chair. Meanwhile, the majority of the media met the Democratic National Convention with plaudits, and Obama has seen a slight bounce in the polls. The media continues to characterize Romney as a man without any ideas, and at the same time, extreme ideas—a radical Republican, yet also a flip-flopper.

Frustration aside, the Romney campaign’s response to the recent tragedy at the American Embassy in Libya—on September 11th of all days—was out of line, and unbefitting of a candidate for the Presiden-

cy. In response to the horrific attack that claimed the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other embassy workers, Romney released a statement saying: “It’s disgraceful that the Obama administration’s first response was not to condemn attacks on our diplomatic missions, but to sympathize with those who waged the attacks.”

This response referred to a tweet from the Egyptian Embassy stating: “We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.”

Romney’s response was wrong on many levels. First, he launched his broadside against Obama on September 11th, a day on which

Defining Montreal—One foot in front of the other

Swathi Sadagopan Guest commentary I didn’t quite fathom the impact coming back to Montreal would have for my of-late inactive and frail body. Mentally, I was expecting my intellect to sharpen, the range of my thinking capacities to widen, and my perspectives to broaden. This is thanks in part to the research that I am here for, as well as my epicurean love for English, that has me signing up for challenges like “52 classics in 52 weeks.” What I didn’t expect was the speed, and unchecked chutzpah, with which ‘Run the Montreal Marathon’ joined the list—all it took was one trip up Mount Royal to seal the deal.

Five runs and 40 kilometres

later, I got to thinking about what made the whole idea of putting one foot in front of the other so enticing.

Hailing from a seaside city halfway across the world, what was the glam factor that made running, here, in this city of sights, so much more addictive? Quite simply, this city is a beautiful place to run. It boasts the beauty of manicured lawns and opulent homes (if you’re in Westmount), Lachine Canal, the picturesque St. Laurent Trail, and the Atwater market. The right and adequate infrastructure in place ensures that people can be on the road any time of the day. With dedicated running tracks and biking trails, and several

Nexen’s tough reality: an opportunity for Canada

Tiffany Lam Guest commentary Last Thursday in Beijing, Alberta Premier Alison Redford and other Canadian leaders met with senior Chinese government and business officials to discuss China’s largest foreign investment to date. The state-owned China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC Ltd.) made an offer of $15.1 billion to buy over 60 per cent of Nexen Inc.’s public shares at $27.50 a share.

Lysle Brinker of the HIS Herald valued each share at $21.50, stating that China’s offer is, “[a] very high price.”

The choice, or lack thereof,

should seem quite obvious. The reality is that Nexen, a Calgary-based oil and gas company, does not have the means to fund its growth plans.

Currently shouldering a debt of $4.3 billion, Nexen’s revenues dropped 14 per cent over the past four years, with profits falling 37 per cent over the last year. In light of Nexen’s recent losses, refusing this deal is impractical to say the least. Critics of China’s North American investments are certainly justified in believing that if foreign companies are not allowed to buy and take over Chinese firms, the Chinese should

“Romney’s rush

to judgment was an attempt to score political points, instead of waiting to hear about the facts— an undesirable attribute in a president.

”

campaigning was tacitly paused, instead of waiting until the following day.

Secondly, Romney was referring to a tweet that was not endorsed by the Obama administration, but was tweeted under duress by the American Embassy in Egypt, and later disavowed by the White House.

Earlier in the day, a mob stormed the U.S. Embassy in response to an awful movie titled Innocence of Muslims, only to be followed soon after by a similar mob in Libya. It is

perfectly understandable that those in danger inside the embassy would seek to defuse tensions by stating they were categorically opposed to the aforementioned movie. Did Romney not think that the public would be able to assess the situation in which this tweet was sent?

Romney’s rush to judgment was an attempt to score political points, instead of waiting to hear about the facts—an undesirable attribute in a President. Indeed, there have been unconfirmed reports that the Obama administration may have bungled intelligence tips before the attack, and that proper due diligence may have averted the events that followed. It would have been far more prudent for Romney to actually see if there were legitimate grounds on which to criticize Obama. Alternatively, Romney could have criticized the Obama administration’s simplistic thinking about the situation in Libya, best exemplified by Hillary

Clinton’s statement that, “we came, we saw, he [Gadhafi] died.”

Finally, as pointed out by The Atlantic, Romney handled himself in a far less dignified manner than previous Republican presidential contenders. When running for president, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush both rightly stated that the nation had to stand in support of the Carter Administration’s botched hostage rescue in Iran. After the attack in Libya, Romney should have realized the solemnity of the moment, and called on the American people to respect the memory of those who died in the attack. The political games should have been delayed to a later time. The fact that Romney was unable to perform this simple political calculus really raises questions about his future temperedness in office. This is another boon for the re-election campaign of Barack Obama.

“Hailing from a

on its toes.

Renewed emphasis on building sustainable communities and greening existing ones is a growing trend, and Montreal already has quite a head start, despite the vicissitudes of weather. Governmental policies which, through infrastructure, empower the city’s citizens to lead active lifestyles is sure to inspire generations of Montrealers to run. The prospect of a sustainable, healthy community lies within the vicinity of such a development. In the words of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Woodrow W. Clark II, who spoke at McGill last week, “Block by clock, city by city, region by region, communities can change how they live.”

Montreal is showing just how: by putting one foot in front of the other.

comrade-in-arms for inspiration, it would be hard to stay off the road.

Of course, it’s easy for many Montrealers to take this infastructure for granted, but the emphasis on urban health is a direct indicator of the physical well-being of the residents of a city. Not only is it vital for physical fitness, but a sense of community stems from how thoughtfully our urban spaces are planned.

In addition to the running trails, the bike paths of Montreal were among the first in any North American city and span over 400 kilometers today.

Montreal also has the largest bike sharing program (BIXI) in North America. A bicycle policy adopted way back in 1995 by the Quebec government has ensured that cycling remains a top option for one’s daily commute, weather permitting.

With the requisite support systems in place, what could have been

a choking metropolis on a ventilator is instead breathing lungfuls of unadulterated oxygen. The ‘Canada Running’ series seen in Montreal showcases the entire spectrum of competitive runs. On Sunday, the annual Terry Fox run kicked off from Mount Royal, while April will hold the Montreal Marathon. These regular running events keep the city

not get this privilege in return. However, to refuse this deal would be a dire miscalculation of what Alberta—and the rest of Canada—could stand to gain.

First, Canada could gain bargaining power. Harper’s warnings to Washington can finally gain some credibility—if the U.S. does not agree to construct the TransCanada Corp’s Keystone XL pipeline, Canada will take its business to Asia.

Second, foreign investment funds provide capital for the development of projects that otherwise would not have been funded, thereby creating jobs for many Canadians.

Multiple gestures have also been made to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship, and allay concerns the public might have with a statecontrolled Chinese enterprise buy-

ing an Albertan company. China has agreed to keep Nexen’s current management and employees, to establish CNOOC’s North and Central American Headquarters in Calgary, to implement and enhance an expenditure program in Canada, and to list CNOOC’s shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. According to the CEO of CNOOC, Li Fanrong, “[CNOOC intends] to be a local company as much as a global one.”

This is not a question of China’s right to our country’s resources, but whether Canada can make the right decisions for the future of the Canadian oil patch. It puts Christian Paradis, the industry minister, in the spotlight, and tests his ability to accurately gauge, prove, and help our population to tangibly see the net benefit of this deal for the nation. It

seaside city halfway across the world, what was the glam factor that made running, here, in this city of sights, so much more addictive?

”

begs the question of whether or not our established institutions can find an appropriate middle ground between economic prudence and ceding sovereign control of our natural resources.

Maude Barlow, the head of Council of Canadians, worriedly said, “Canada is the most open country in the world in terms of ‘come on in and buy anything,’ and we won’t set any rules.” Here lies the chance to encourage foreign investment the right way. This is an opportunity for Canada to enforce its existing environmental, labour, regulatory , and commercial rules for foreign investors. This is also an opportunity to make smart economic decisions, perpetuate a strong self-image, and gain leverage as a force in the industry.

Science & technology research

Researchers discover new star cluster

Massive Phoenix Cluster forms stars at over 300 times the rate of the Milky Way Jennifer Laura Lee Contributor While thousands of freshmen participated in “Discover McGill” as part of orientation last month, the McGill Physics Department took part in some exciting new discoveries of their own.

5.7 billion light years from our humble speck in the cosmos is a galaxy cluster 2.5 million billion times more massive than the sun; a band of galaxies held together by gravity, comprised collectively of over three trillion stars.

Dr. Gil Holder is an assistant professor in the McGill Physics department, worked on brainstorming the algorithms that professors and post-doctorates at McGill use for finding these colossal bodies.

“What I find most amazing is that this enormous object—1,000 times heavier than the entire Milky Way, emitting more X-rays than any other galaxy cluster in the universe, with a black hole at its center that is ten billion times the mass of our sun—has been only discovered now,” he said.

Compared to our Milky Way’s modest star birth-rate of one or two per year, the central galaxy of the appropriately-named Phoenix Cluster forms about 750 new stars per annum—a massive rate, never before seen in our observable slice of

the universe. Researchers believe this unprecedented prolificacy can be attributed to unique properties of the supermassive black hole that lies at the centre of it all.

Under typical cosmological conditions, a black hole sucks in surrounding bodies, emitting powerful X-rays and hot energy as a result.

This pumps large amounts of energy into the galaxy system, preventing surrounding gas from cooling down to form stars.

“As things fall into black holes, they are accelerated to high speeds and as they run into other things falling, they heat up and irradiate the region around the black hole,” Holder said. The Perseus Cluster is an example of this, as it has been known to periodically produce very low, powerful sound waves that disrupt the process of star formation.

“But we now have a case of a galaxy cluster that has a supermassive black hole, that somehow has managed to not act as a little furnace at the center. This is like the old classic case of ‘the curious incident of the dog in the night-time:’ we have a black hole that is not doing what is expected, and [is] believed to be natural, which must be an important clue for how these things work.”

The Phoenix Cluster may be a unique glimpse into the early stages of a galaxy cluster in which the central black hole has yet to begin its

An artist’s rendition of the Phoenix Cluster­—a recent black hole revelation. (www.space.com) energy feedback, accounting for the brief spurt of star growth observable today.

The cluster was first discovered

by NASA’s Chandra Observatory, whose satellite X-ray images have been able to depict numerous supermassive black holes as they pull in and heat material to high temperatures. As photons pass through the galaxy cluster, they are heated or cooled to temperatures that differ from the cosmic microwave background of 2.73 Kelvins—the uniform temperature of most parts

of the universe, established in the remnants of the Big Bang. Large deviations from the background temperature are picked up by facilities like the Chandra, providing clues as to the location of these gas clusters.

The South Pole Telescope, to which McGill University has contributory ties, further measures microwaves of light at the millimeterwavelength level to detect these same kinds of gas. The location of the South Pole Telescope provides a dry environment that is conducive to microwave detection. In wetter

climates, atmospheric moisture absorbs certain wavelengths, like water being heated up in a microwave.

With the astronomy community still abuzz over its discovery, the Phoenix Cluster appears to be just the tip of the astronomical iceberg.

Holder said, “It wasn’t in hiding or anything, we just hadn’t noticed it.

For me, this really drives home that we have really just started exploring our universe, and you can never tell what you will find out there if you look carefully.”

Technology

McGill unveils new and streamlined myCourses Features include new user interface, email notifications, online calendar Krishanth Manokaran Contributor McGill students are getting a new taste of a refined myCourses recipe this fall. The new myCourses is the product of a two-year process that included focus groups to assess the needs of the course site users, interviews with faculty and students, and finally, finding the right vendor to deliver the website.

“It’s a long process,” Sharon Roy, McGill Director of Content and Collaboration Solutions, said of the project to renovate the site.

“Each faculty was interviewed, along with students, who expressed the need to have more opportunities to collaborate, and have a consistent view across courses,” Roy said.

“So we found out what all of those [needs] were and wrote a very long document, sending it out to all the

major vendors.”

In February of last year, each vendor was called to do a demonstration, and the McGill community was invited to give their feedback.

After a little more refinement, the vendor most popular among reviewers was the Desire2Learn hosted version, according to Roy. Desire2Learn, or D2L, is a vendor based in Windsor, Ontario, and is used at more than 450 institutions around the world. “What we’re finding [to be] the big difference about D2L is that the interface is much more modern—much more what you’re used to seeing—so it’s much easier to find things.”

Students seem to agree. “It looks less cluttered and more spaced out now,” Steven Li, a third-year chemistry student, said.

The site has a lot of new offerings. Maggie Lattuca, Manager of

Educational Technologies—part of McGill Content and Collaboration Solutions­—sat down with the Tribune to discuss these new features.

One feature is a personal locker for students and instructors. The locker can be used to store files from any course.

“So far it’s not that big—only 1,000 KB—but we are working to make it bigger,” Lattuca said.

“What’s more interesting is the group locker, which is assigned by professors to students in a group to make it easier to share files with each other.”

In addition, there’s a new profile section in myCourses. Students can post a profile photo of themselves under ‘My Settings.’

“It’s a part of the whole trend online, to have a presence online,” Lattuca said.

Two of the most helpful fea-

tures in the new software are notifications and the myCourses calendar.

In the previous version, professors could post notifications that popped up when students logged into WebCT. However, these notifications disappeared after the first viewing.

Now, students can choose to receive their notifications by email or text message, by changing their settings in ‘Notifications,’ also under ‘My Settings.’ This makes it easier to receive important notifications like room changes.

The myCourses calendar has also been revamped to synchronize with students’ other personal online calendars. For example, students with Google Calendars can use the ‘subscribe’ feature to sync information from myCourses with their calendar.

In what Lattuca calls “a really

cool feature for students,” users can click on the link on a Google Calendar and be taken right to MyCourses for more information about an assignment.

Scheduled downtime for the new myCourses will now follow a much more regular routine. Monthly downtimes are posted on the McGill IT website; the first one will be on Oct. 14th from 1:00a.m.-7:00a.m.

For those struggling with the changes, there are numerous online video tutorials, as well as a large number of knowledge-based articles on the McGill website to help students adjust to the new myCourses.

MyCourses plans to use an online survey to get feedback on the software from students around midOctober. Lattuca hopes a number of students will participate.

Curiosity delivers. |

SCIENCE & TECH

| Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Technology

research

A guide to add/drop

ENCODE Project picks up where the Human Genome Project left off

9

Don’t panic Translating the human instruction manual Krishanth Manokaran Contributor

Bharat Srinivasa Contributor

As the add/drop period comes to an end, students seem frantic to get those last spots in their desired classes. These 13 days of testing the waters provide a good sense of what the classes are like, but the pool can only hold so much. Instead of refreshing Minerva every second to see if there’s an available spot, use this simple checklist to help increase your odds of registration success.

Humans are a complicated bunch. We all have different hopes and aspirations, likes and dislikes, dreams and realities. We like to think of ourselves as the most complicated and advanced species on this earth.

Given this presumed complexity, the results of the Human Genome Project—a massive effort to record every sequence of human DNA, and a precursor of the ENCODE project—showed a pitiful number of protein coding genes, which came as a surprise.

The Human Genome Project was expected to demonstrate that humans have a huge number of genes in our DNA, but as it turns out, we have only about 21,000 protein coding genes. Drosophila, the annoying little flies that hover over our overripe fruit, have 15,000. Daphnia, a water flea barely visible to our eye has 31,000. So what makes a human so complex?

The Human Genome Project was intended to uncover the blueprint of our species—the instructional manual that would tell us who we are and how we work. Disappointingly, the information discovered was incomplete; the project gave us only the index page of the human instruction manual. These 21,000 genes that set us apart account for little more than one per cent of our entire genome. The remaining 99 per cent is often referred to as ‘junk.’ Identifying a role for this ‘junk DNA’ was the task undertaken by the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) consortium.

The ENCODE consortium, formed soon after the publication of the Human Genome Project, includes 32 research groups and 440 scientists. ENCODE published their work in 30 journals earlier this month.

One of the key findings of the ENCODE project was that a large portion of our genome has a func-

First and foremost, get yourself on the waiting list (if the class has one). You may be depressed to find yourself 24th on the list, but sit tight and keep going to the class. Students have gotten into classes from much further back on the list.

Waiting list

Advising If the former isn’t

available, go straight to the top and talk to an academic advisor. They aren’t the gatekeepers to a course, but advsors have dealt with a lot of questions about getting into a specific class or lab. They’ll let you know what your options are.

Professors Moving down the

list, talk to the professor or coordinator. If the class is full, ask them about alternatives. Sometimes, classes are offered again in the winter, or have two sections; while the professor might not be the same, the content will be.

schmoozing A class is only full because of the other students, so why not talk to them? Social media has made it much easier to be a cohesive student population. Chances are that Facebook and many other social media sites have a group for the McGill students in your year or faculty. A simple post in search of someone considering dropping a course can go a long way towards getting you a spot—especially if it’s seen by about a thousand people. patience As we enter the last few days of the storm, patience is key.

As the freestyle musician Nayobe said, “All good things come to those who wait”—McGill add/drop is no different.

Miss your high school science classes?

Chromosomes: The ENCODE Project seeks to unravel mysteries of the human genome. (www.mun.ca ) tional role—as high as 80 per cent, though some believe this number is exaggerated. According to critics, the real proportion of our genome that is functionally active is around 20 to 30 per cent.

Nevertheless, this functionallyactive portion of our genomic expanse is encoded for multiple regulatory sites, thereby controlling the production of the previously identified 21,000 genes.

“Think of these regulatory sites as switches,” Daniel Tessier, vicepresident of the Technology Centres at McGill University and Genome Quebec, said. “The Human Genome Project gave us a two-dimensional version of the human genome, while ENCODE gives us a three-dimensional version of our genome. We now know the regulatory hotspots that control our protein coding genes.”

The preliminary data from the ENCODE project was first published in 2007. Since then, advances in techniques and tools have enabled researchers to further delve into the vast expanses of our genome. The work involved investigating how the four nucleotides: A, C, T and G—the

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—write for Science and Technology email scitech@mcgilltribune.com Un projet de: Montréal, ville apprenante, de savoir et d’innovation

backbone of our DNA—form regulatory sequences that interact with other sites of our genome.

The work published this month arises from studies on multiple laboratory cell lines, “the appropriate model system,” according to Tessier, “since we can’t really go around sampling humans.” The work of the ENCODE project is far from complete, and the next steps will involve human samples.

“For instance,” Tessier said, this would involve “taking two different biopsies from a person suffering from cancer, so that we can compare and contrast changes in the regulatory regions, and how these relate to the development of disease.”

Tessier said that work such as this could lead to personalized medicine.

“In 10 years, we might all have a little chip in our health care cards that holds our personal human genome sequence,” he said. “Personalised medicine is a buzzword right now, but it is what the future holds. This work sets the foundation for the future, similar to how we are now enjoying the fruits of technology that were created a couple of

decades ago.”

There is some criticism leveled at the ENCODE consortium, notably on their broad definition of ‘functional’ that resulted in the large figure of 80 per cent. Additionally, according to CNN, the ENCODE project has already recieved over $288 million in funding. Given the amount of work left to fully map out the three-dimensional structure of our genome, completing ENCODE could be costly. Despite these drawbacks, researchers argue that the data coming out of this project are fundamental to understanding the true nature of our genomes.

“The Human Genome Project was an endeavour similar to putting man on the moon,” Tessier said. “It is just as elaborate, extravagant and forward thinking.”

This month’s deluge of data on the ENCODE project is only the beginning; there are still an infinite number of questions to be asked about the vast universe that lies in each and every one of our cells. The ENCODE Project puts us on the cusp of an incredibly exciting phase in our understanding of the human species.

In 2009, a few citizens of Minneapolis were treated to a peculiar sight: a DIY houseboat, a straggle of wood and sweat, decked out in hand-drawn murals and awkwardly-fitting windows, drifting down the Mississippi. Its inhabitants were the young couple Claire Boucher and William Gratz—along with 20 pounds of potatoes and several chickens. The homestead was rounded out with a copy of Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But the romantic sojourn ended all too quickly, repeatedly stalled by engine troubles and the police. A few miles downstream is all that the pair accomplished, far short of their goal of New Orleans.

One may wonder whether the

music preview

F

or the musically shy, POP Montreal’s surplus of talent can be daunting, if not overwhelming - the annual festival, a landmark on the local calendar for the past decade, boasts over 350 acts wedged into a whirlwind five-day extravaganza. Luckily, the Tribune’s intrepid team has scoured the lineup for you—from household names to up and comers, we’ve got the most anticipated gigs covered.

When “Sleeping Ute,” the first single off Grizzly Bear’s latest offering Shields was released, I fell into a momentary state of shock. The group’s last album—2009’s Veckatimest —had put the Brooklyn-based quartet at the top of year-end lists, casting an indelible mark on listeners with its tight-knit instrumentation, impeccably clean riffs, and dream-like vocal harmonies. In contrast, “Sleeping Ute” opens with explosions of sound; jangling guitar chords are sent spinning wildly, contraposed to crashing cymbals and booming drums. The differ-

ence between what I expected to hear and what I actually heard was night and day.

Shields is now streaming in its entirety at NPR’s website, and it’s quite clear that Grizzly Bear has grown much in their three year hibernation. But the traits that made the group stand out from the indie-rock multitude—the rustic-made-cool demeanour; the punchy drums that swim in perfect complement to the bass; Ed Droste’s voice, which carries too much emotional oomph for just one man—are very much still there.

While much of Veckatimest seems cool and refined, Shields brims with energy, with tracks that jump between the frenetic and the anxious, irrespective of tempo.

From its inception as Droste’s solo project, Grizzly Bear has steadily ascended to its current status as a veritable household name. In one sense, Shields represents a zenith of this progression; whereas previous work was predominantly created by Droste, songwriting for this album was

fully collaborative. Living up to their ursine moniker, the four retreated to the wild beauty that is the Catskills in New York to work on the new tracks. The result is a sonically rich compilation that plunges emotional depths—as well as a musical act that, after four albums

spanning nearly a decade, continues to surprise.

Performing Sunday, Sept. 23th at 8:00p.m., L’Olympia (1004 Ste-Catherine Est.) — Chris Liu

grimes The music of TOPS inhabits a land of timelessness. The Montreal-based quartet is somehow able to condense vast periods of pop music history into tracks that serve catchy riffs and nostalgia in equal, hearty measures.

Lead singer Jane Penny’s woozy

vocals are simultaneously airy and down-to-earth. This translucent quality juxtaposes the colour and vivacity brimming in the band’s tracks. The real talent of the group, however, is in delivering complex musical arrangements in a frank and simple manner, as if to shrug off the difficult task of songcraft with a ‘so what?’

“Rings of Saturn” is one song which perfectly exemplifies this sound. The track opens with a dense synth fog,

tops

grizzly bear beta frontiers

gotye

Photos from npr.org, betafrontiers.com, gotye.com, chartattack.com, arbutusrecords.com, beatwolf.com, dentoneer.com, youarestars.com

Here’s the problem with writing on new artists: sometimes, the material just isn’t there. In the case of the Torontobased electronic-act Beta Frontiers, this conundrum is compounded by the fact that the artist seems to be playing hard to get. The photos scattered throughout their Bandcamp profile feature a male figure whose face is perpetually covered.

The other elements of these shots reveal an intriguing mix of influences, ranging from urban decay, to retro Tokyo, and fi-

nally to arcade games of decades past.

The only clear picture one can draw is from the music itself—and what a picture it is.

Running throughout the tracks is a violence: barely contained, yet nevertheless, channelled into a frenzied mix of primal-techno majesty. Songs are made with swift, steady strokes. Relentless bass lines and hard, driving beats underscore synths that explode like laser lightshows. Notes often sound on the verge

of being ripped apart at the seams. Irresistible hooks are looped in cascading cycles of ecstasy.

To date, Beta Frontiers have just one EP to their name; although the repertoire is accented by remixes of Fear of Men’s “Green Sea” and Major Lazer’s “Get Free”—both upgrades, in this writer’s view. Signed to Toronto indie label Daps Records alongside acts such as Phèdre, the attention received by Beta Frontiers has thus far been largely local.

Singer-songwriter Wouter De Backer, commonly known by his stage name Gotye, is a POP act not to be missed. The Belgian-born Australian first gained international popularity with his 2011 single, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”

Almost a year after its Australian release, which featured a collaboration with New Zealand’s Kimbra, the track reached the number one spot on Bilboard’s Hot 100.

It’s no wonder his songs appeal to a large audience—Gotye tackles everyday themes with an ear for catchy, honest lyrics. Tracks like “I Feel Better” brim with upbeat rhythms that capture the

listener’s worries, while “State of the Art” is slightly darker, and demonstrates Gotye’s versatility. His ability to cover well-worn ground in pop compositions, while exploring both pleasure and pain, give his catchy sound surprising depth.

Gotye’s videos possess a certain creative and artistic quality that makes watching his music just as much of a pleasure as listening. With over 319 million hits on YouTube for “Somebody That I Used to Know” alone, he demonstrates that the human body and a little bit of paint go a long way towards capturing an audience. Animated videos such as

“Hearts a Mess” from his second album mirror the macabre glint of his verses.

Vocals in the piece cut through the instrumentals, with lyrics such as “Pick apart the pieces of your heart/Let me peer inside/Let me in where only your thoughts have been/Let me occupy your mind as you do mine,” transfixing listeners with an eerie melancholia.

Performing Friday, Sept. 21st at 6:00 p.m., Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine Est.) — Kate Winbaum

But with sizzling, neon-tinged tracks that practically scream to be heard, it’s unlikely that Beta Frontiers will be going away anytime soon.

Performing Thursday, Sept. 20th as part of a Daps Records showcase, beginning at 9:00p.m., CFC (6388 SaintHubert.)

— Chris Liu

I first got word of St. Vincent, née Annie Clark, when she toured with Sufjan Stevens in 2006. “Cool name, lady,” was my first thought, followed by “Man, Sufjan is so dope.” Several years later, and my vocabulary somewhat improved, I find myself excited at the prospect of seeing her solo show.

The Manhattan-based artist and Berklee College of Music dropout first strikes one as an English rose—short curls, large hazel eyes, and a delicate

stars

chin make for a disarming first impression. Upon hearing St. Vincent sing, however, one quickly realizes that there’s something lurking beneath the charmingly sweet surface. On the one hand, St. Vincent can channel sultry Diana Krall-like vocals; on the other, she is a capable instrumentalist, with a penchant for launching into solid progrock riffs. Clark’s tendency to accompany this sudden oscillation with changes in theme, from upbeat to macabre, was

mental asylum ought to be their next destination. On the contrary, Boucher— who records under the name Grimes— has quickly ridden a wave of internet buzz in the past two years. Visions, released earlier this year, received the “Best New Music” commendation from the almighty gatekeeper to indie popularity, Pitchfork. Tracks feature Boucher’s signature falsetto, gliding on an ecclectic mix of deterministic synth staccatos.

The result is a feathery, saccharine confectionery that is eminently infectious.

Though Boucher’s pop sensibilities take prominence, influences are as varied as contemporary R&B, medieval music, and Korean pop.

Boucher is a former McGill student,

but her restlessness, apparent in her tracks, didn’t allow her to stay long. Her brief forays into Russian Literature, then neuroscience, ended with her expulsion—a consequence of missing a year’s worth of courses in order to record. Perhaps no hard feelings remain; the music video for “Oblivion” features Molson Stadium and McGill’s football team. At three million views, giving Boucher the boot might have been the best outcome for both parties.

Performing Thursday, Sept. 20th at 8:00p.m., Club Soda (1225 St. Laurent.)

— Chris Liu

after which tangy guitars and an enticing melody follows, the latter hauntingly carried by Penny. Most of the time the lyrics lie tantalizingly just out of reach of comprehension; the themes one does pick up are an intriguing mix of astronomy and romance. This nebulous quality does not detract, for one is already moonstruck.

The group’s debut album Tender Opposites was recorded at La Brique, a loft venue at Durocher and Beaubien, and released by local label Arbutus ear-

lier in the year. Already, the four have benefited from online buzz, including praise from the influential tastemakers Gorilla vs. Bear. The attention is unlikely to detract from the intimacy and unpretentiousness that is at the heart of their sound—one that is sweet, piercing, but simply so.

Performing Friday, Sept. 21st at 9:30p.m., Cabaret du Mile-End (5240 avenue du Parc.)

— Chris Liu

POP Montreal’s got a heaping of well-known acts, but the one I’m anticipating most is Ben Howard. Launching his debut album Every Kingdom less than a year ago, Howard’s cache of talent was quickly apparent.

As one of UK’s Mercury Prize winners for Album of the Year, Howard has already sold out shows across Europe and the UK, landing Howard a spot in the renowned music festival SXSW—all within his first year of touring. If his ticket sales haven’t convinced you, his music will certainly do the trick. Using poetic lines resembling that of Bob Dylan ac-

companied by the angelic flavour of Joni Mitchell, Ben Howard has rekindled the world’s love affair with folk music. With singles such as “Keep Your Head Up,” he uses mountain-moving lyrics and instrumental build-up that will uplift any cynic. His raw vocals, orchestrated with the cello, percussion, accordion, ukulele, guitar, and bass are truly refreshing.

Though I have yet to see his act live, his recorded performances—including a chilling rendition of Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” on Radio 1 Live Lounge—have left me feeling giddy at the opportunity. If you know what is

especially evident in her debut release Marry Me (which featured her former band mates from The Polyphonic Spree).

St. Vincent is now onto her third album, entitled Strange Mercy, and readily admits that her record owes a debt to Janet Jackson’s iconic Rhythm Nation. Although there’s less obvious thematic turnarounds than earlier albums, Strange Mercy keeps to the lyrically strong tradition of St. Vincent’s past work. Keep an ear out for more recent

tracks, like the dream-pop drenched “Cruel,” as well as older, more musically dialectical pieces, like “Paris is Burning.”

If you’re lucky, she might even drop an exquisitely clean Tom Waits cover.

Performing with David Byrne, Friday, Sept. 21st at 8p.m., Église St. Jean Baptiste (370 Rue Saint Jean.)

— Ilia Blinderman

Last we heard from Stars, they launched their fifth album and confirmed that they would be taking a hiatus. This news was quickly followed by rumours that the homegrown Montreal group was breaking up.

The five-piece indie pop stalwarts were my introduction to everything I have come to love musically, so I was devastated. At the time, their work mirrored these concerns; filled with sorrow and mourning, as though they themselves did not know the fate of the band. Once they finished touring, they surprised everyone by taking part

in a free secret show last fall. Admitting no more than 100 people, guests were taken by bus to a secluded part of the countryside to experience the band’s intimate performance. Having been one of the lucky few to witness this spectacle, Stars shattered any doubts I had about their rumoured separation. Instead, the experience left me anticipating their upcoming projects.

Finally, 15 months after they announced their hiatus, Stars are back with a new album and a vengeance.

Their new release The North is a symbol of their newfound optimism. Temporarily

grimes ben howard good for you, I will see you in the front row.

Performing Sunday, Sept. 23rd at 8:00 p.m., Metropolis (59 Ste-Catherine Est.) — Meaghan Tardif-Bennett

st. vincent recording in B.C., \ took this opportunity to experiment with their sound, incorporating rippling melodies that add an ephemeral air to their usual style. Tracks like “Hold On When You Get Love and Then Let Go When You Give It,” showcase their exceptional songwriting, piercing the heart and reminding us why they are a musical force to be reckoned with. All that to say: the Stars are out­— and they have never been so bright.

Performing Wednesday, Sept. 19th at 8:00p.m., La Tulipe (4530 Papineau Ave.) — Meaghan Tardif-Bennett

Student living

odds and ends

How long can I stay?

Figuring out when it’s time to say goodbye to undergrad Colleen McNamara Contributor

There is more to planning your education than choosing your school, faculty, major, and minor.

University attracts learners from a range of diverse experiences: mature students, little ducklings fresh out of high school, and those who opted to take a year (or two) in between high school and university for travelling, work, or a combination. The flexibility that university provides ensures that students have the freedom—to a certain extent—to map out their own unique timeline.

At McGill, we have an eclectic mix of students coming from CÉGEP, Advanced Placement (AP) programs, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, all of which have the potential to shorten your time as an undergrad. Indeed, there are significant advantages to advanced programs: students can come into the classroom with a better idea of university workloads and with experience in how students are tested at post-secondary levels.

We all dream about the day we’re going to walk across the stage, snatch that diploma from HMB or some other relevant McGillian, and take some really pretty pictures on campus with our parents and pals.

But how fast do we want that day to come? Should we be rushing to complete our undergrad degree, when the post-graduate employment rate

is grim anyway? As far as I know, you won’t be forcefully dragged off of campus, kicking and screaming, if you decide to elongate your college era just a little bit longer than originally prescribed. (Just a little, though).

After consulting my peers, polarizing evidence suggests there are both significant pros and cons to ‘taking your time’ with your degree.

Allow me to outline the most palpable advantages and disadvantages to the victory lap, and perhaps I can push you closer to making that tough decision between a four-course semester or not.

First and foremost, adding an extra semester to your degree allows you to take four courses instead of five for a total of five semesters, (and more than five semesters if you choose to take a course in May — which you should, because May in Montreal is beautiful.) A lighter course load has several advantages, the most obvious being a bigger window of time. What you choose to do with a four-course semester can directly impact your success; whether you choose to have a part-time job to relieve stress-inducing financial burdens of school, to engage in an extracurricular opportunities to enrich the community and bulk-up graduate school applications, or more simply, to enjoy the peace of mind that you’ll have one less midterm, one less exam, and one more open timeslot during the week to finish read-

student

of the week with Jacqui Galbraith

Q: why are you an asset to mcgill?

A: If you come at me with your hand raised, I will confidently high five it.* Q: if you could high five anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

A: Andre the Giant, because he has big hands.

Q: what is your secret talent?

A: Yeah, I don’t have one of those…

Q: mac or pc?

A: I have a PC, but I dream of having a Mac.

sean reginio

u2 arts joint honours econ/finance (Simon Poitrimolt / McGill Tribune)

Q: If you were a city in Canada, which one would you be and why?

A: Missisauga, Ontario, because it has the most character and it is also the best one.

Q: Are you from there?

A: No. Maybe.

ings, lab work, or assignments.

A four-course semester decreases the probability of experiencing debilitating stress levels that can really get you and your morale down in the dumps as soon as the inevitable storm of work piling up commences. Most importantly, a lighter course load carves out time to enjoy other, equally important aspects of your educational experience. This increases the potential to enrich your undergraduate degree beyond your courses.

The extended undergraduate degree is sometimes brushed off as a sneaky way to exploit the sense of security that comes with school.

While society—or your parents— aren’t pressuring us to have a big, important job, there is a sense of comfort that comes from knowing your main task is to attend lectures, complete the tasks outlined on the course syllabus, and attain the course credit. But beware: the looming anxiety of the alternate universe known as “adulthood” smashes into your consciousness violently the moment you wake up and realize “oh, I’m graduating this year.” Adding an extra semester can lighten the impact of this “uh oh” moment—but should we sacrifice the joys of comfort, if comfort invites the risk of jeopardizing the natural progression into adulthood?

The most notable disadvantage of extending your undergrad is the financial burden. It will inevitably

Graduating into the real world. (www.iastate.edu) cost more money—although there bank account.

Still can’t decide what path is won’t be a big difference in tuition price (as we pay per course), all right for you? Make your own list other expenses incurred with attain- of pros and cons, see where your ing an education will be extended for strengths and weaknesses lay, conanother semester. If you are lucky sider how necessary it is to graduenough to live at home you may not ate quickly, calculate the extra costs, have to worry about rent and grocer- and ultimately decide how long you ies—but the price of STM passes, want to extend one of the greatest gas, or that hard-to-kick Sinfully periods of your young adulthood.

Asian sushi habit are some of the inevitable expenses that assault the

Q: Football or hockey?

A: Football. Go Falcons!

Q: Name one actor from Friends.

A: Jennifer Aniston?

Q: What’s your go-to hangover cure?

A: Oh man. Eggs. Just eggs. Scrambled with rice.

Q: Name one song that reminds you of your high school graduation.

A: The song. You know the song.

Q: How many times have you been to Gerts?

A: Oh man. Like 10. I’m pretty cool.

Q: What’s your favourite Disney movie?

A: That’s tough. I’m going to say D2: The Mighty Ducks. I used to watch it every day when I was in grade five. Like I’d do my homework, watch MD2, and then go to bed. I didn’t have [part] 1 or 3, [but] they were good movies too.

Q: What’s the first word you think of when I say Redpath?

A: Library. That’s boring. Redpath... Sugar.

Q: Describe McGill in three words.

A: Party, fun, YOLO.

Q: Owen Wilson or Luke Wilson?

A: Owen Wilson is funnier, but Luke Wilson is better looking. I’m more into personality so, Owen.

Q: Which section of the McGill Tribune is your favourite?

A: Sports. And student living.

Q: Name one fashion trend you’ll never try again.

A: None.

Q: Who would star in the story of your life?

A: Justin Bieber.

Q: What’s your favourite artist or band from the ‘90s?

A: Does Nelly count?

Q: If you could go back in time to any historical event, which one would you go to and why?

A: I would go back to… I’m not a history person... The one time I hit two home runs in my little league baseball tournament. That was the best day of my life.

Q: What reality TV show are you perfect for?

A: I would do well on The Apprentice because those guys are idiots. Can I say that? Yeah.

Q: What’s your signature drink?

A: Oh... Diet Pepsi.

*Editor’s note: In addition to being a high five professional, Sean works for Vision 2020 and the Office of Sustainability, is a Don at Royal Victoria College, and is a vice-president with SIFE McGill.

13

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 |

STUDENT LIVING

| Curiosity delivers.

odds and ends

Sweet sixteen and off to frosh

One first-year’s unique experience as a sixteen-year-old in university Priyanka Bijlani Contributor “Age is just a number” is a motto I have learned to embrace, since I started school at the age of three. My education continued to accelerate after receiving a promotion from the Ministry of Education in Dubai, when in kindergarten.

This promotion involved a process that evaluated me in terms of social skills, maturity, as well as academics. I then attended Harvard Summer School at 14, and interned at the University of Chicago Medical Center at 15. Starting college at the age of 16, although unusual to many, was not a question for me.

During my first three weeks at McGill, my “underage” flag was already marked by my white frosh bracelet and my lack of valid ID to enter the local SAQ. People are likely questioning my decision to enter college as a minor, and whether I would be able to handle the educational and social pressures in a new environment, thousands of miles away from my home in Dubai. In fact, I recollect one of my concerned high school counselors suggesting that I take a gap year or participate

in a volunteer program before starting university. Working part-time or job shadowing in Dubai is not a common practice, however. Nor is it an option for me, as the legal working age is 18.

There weren’t many options open for me but direct entry into college. Moreover, determined as I am, I felt that I was mentally and emotionally prepared to advance into the next phase of my life. I have always been self-driven to discover and explore new and challenging paths in my education and extra-curricular activities. Most of all, with the support and encouragement from my parents, I’ve been able to make it to where I want to be in life.

Mark Twain said: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” Likewise, I believe that if I can handle what every other 18-year-old firstyear can handle, then my age should be a non-issue.

I’m often asked if I ever feel out of place in any situation due to my age, and one incident did make me feel slightly ill at ease. In a neuroscience lab, I was paired with a 30-year-old MBA student. Eventually the ice was broken, and the age difference didn’t matter after

all. Another uncomfortable situation, was not being able to legally access events at clubs or the Open Air Pub, even though many international students come to Montreal for just that! Attending an international school and being academically and socially oriented in turn has helped me in terms of adjusting to different groups, cultures and countries, thereby making my transition into university an easier process. Additionally, having lived on my own during summer work and study programs since the age of 13 has helped to build up my level of confidence, maturity and independence.

Some might think being 16 at university would make for a completely different experience—especially half-way round the globe— but I don’t really see it that way.

Although I will be under the guardianship of Mr. Michael Porritt, executive director of McGill Residences and Student Housing, until I am a U3 student, I am really looking forward to making the most of my new experience here. I have met some of the greatest friends, colleagues, and professors along the 16 years of my journey so far. The people I have met, my family, and the opportunities and exposure I have gained from

the diverse experiences I’ve been through have all contributed to the making of the person I am today. I would rather be at McGill right now, at the age of 16, than anywhere else.

Priyanka is majoring in economics. She hopes to pursue a career in patent law.

Love long-form journalism?

The Tribune is looking for a features editor. To apply, email editor@mcgilltribune.com

Noodles with tangy peanut sauce Susan Westfall Contributor

Ingredients

½ box of linguine pasta (or any spaghetti-like pasta) ½ cup shredded cabbage 2 carrots, thinly sliced 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed 1 cup bean sprouts

Sauce

½ cup smooth peanut butter (all- natural, peanuts only) ½ cup soy sauce, low sodium if you prefer 2 tbsp. rice vinegar 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice (approx. one lime) 2 tbsp. sesame oil 1 inch ginger, shredded 2 tbsp. garlic, diced ½ tsp. chili powder (or to taste) 2 tbsp. brown sugar

Suggested toppings fresh coriander, chopped green onions roasted peanuts toasted sesame seeds Makes 2 servings, and should take 30-40 minutes

Method 1. the Sauce Combine the peanut butter with brown sugar and cook on low heat until just bubbling. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add more salt, pepper, chili or sugar to taste. Keep warm, but not boiling, to let the tastes come together.

for three minutes in a steamer, or in a pot of boiling water with a steamer inside. After three minutes, add the cabbage, snow peas, and carrots, and steam for three minutes more.

Alternatively, you can lightly stir-fry the veggies in a tablespoon of oil (sunflower works well) until done to your taste.

3. assemble Either lump everything together in one bowl, or be slightly more artistic, and mix the noodles with a little sauce to coat. Assemble on a platter or individual plates.

Mix the veggies together and assemble on top. Drape the mountain of goodness with more sauce, sprinkle with the suggested toppings, and enjoy!

2. the noodles and veggies Cook pasta according to package instructions. Steam the broccoli simplylifeblog.com

Curiosity delivers. |

STUDENT LIVING

Top 10

| Tuesday, September 18, 2012

14

Pro Tips

How to banish your hangover Ways to keep you from falling ill this fall Some sweet and salty solutions for when your morning starts sour These handy hints will keep you healthy Susan Westfall Contributor It’s the start of a new term, which means that you will face many new people, new activities, and new sickness-causing bugs.

Chances are, most of us are going to fall ill this semester; but this doesn’t mean that we can’t try our best to prime our immune systems to fight the nasty germs. Here are some allnatural, tasty, and consumable ways to give your immune system an edge against germs this Fall.

1. Eat Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkins, like carrots and other orange vegetables, are loaded with beta-carotene and other carotenoids. These powerful anti-oxidants fire up the immune system by activating pretty much every immune cell in your body.

Enjoy pumpkin out of a can, as a pie, a soup base, in an easy-to-make pudding, or in bread. Note that taking a beta-carotene supplement is not as effective as eating sources rich in all the carotenoids, as they work best together to ramp up immunity.

2. Be ‘C’ Crazy. As Mom always told us, eating oranges during cold season is essential. This is because citrus fruits—and actually better yet, kiwis, sweet potato, red bell peppers, kale, and broccoli—are rich in potent anti-oxidants, namely vitamin C, which act as an overall sickness tonic. If you take supplements, 200 milligrams a day is optimal to provide immune-boosting effects. Anything more will be flushed down the toilet.

3. Beef up with Protein.

Protein is a necessary part of overall system maintenance and bolstering your immune defences. Lean proteins such as poultry and legumes are best. Try to incorporate at least one portion of dense protein per day into your diet: five to seven ounces of lean meats or one to two cups of beans. In addition to protein, beans give you a boost of immune-supporting iron.

4. Sunbathe. Some say summer tanning carries some health risks, but it also boosts your immune system and cancer-fighting abilities!

Vitamin D is critical to wake-up the less active, disease-fighting T-cells in order to evade invading germs.

Indulge in fortified milk and cereals during the dark Canadian winters to

keep your stocks of vitamin D high.

5. Indulge in ‘E’. As the un-

told hero of immune health, vitamin E activates a different kind of immune cell, the natural killer (NK) cell, which acts as the search party of the immune system. NK cells seek out cancer cells and germs, and actively destroy them. Found mostly in fatty fishes, vitamin E can also be taken as a supplement at 100-400mg a day.

6. Bio-‘whata’-noids?

Bioflavonoids create a super-barrier to your cells. This prevents nasty germs and pollutants from latching onto your cells and slowly eating away at the normal protective barrier in order to launch an attack from the inside. How can you get these?

By eating your fruits and vegetables, and drinking hot black or green teas.

A double whammy: garlic both scares away your diseased friends from getting too close, and simultaneously enhances the proliferative capacity of immune cells and their activity. The smellier the garlic the better! The sulfur-containing compounds of garlic and onions are the main source of its action.

7. Eat Smelly Garlic.

8. Mushrooms? Yes, mushrooms enhance the production of cytokines—little molecules that coordinate and activate the action of those immune cells.

9. Go Spicy. Now is the best time to enjoy that runny-nose-provoking Indian food! Chilis, hot mustard, pepper, radishes, and garlicky substances are also known as mucolytics as they mobilize mucous. This not only makes for an embarrassing eating experience full of sniffles, but also prevents the build-up of germs in the mucous layers of your nose and throat.

10. Ginger. Ginger potently and specifically targets viruses that instigate the common cold, and suppresses coughing. It is also anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and basically antianything-that-makes-you-sick. Boil some of this tangy root in water to enjoy a home-brewed cup of health!

Amy Fogarty Contributor Despite being the joyous, wonderful start to the weekend, Saturday mornings can be the most excruciating part of your week. You may remember what you did the night before, and why you feel so utterly awful; or worse, you may have no recollection. Never fear, my friends.

Next time this pickle comes your way, grab ten bucks, do up your shoe laces (if you managed not to lose them last night), and head on a culinary mission to brighten your morning.

First stop, Middle Eastern food.

It’s called a Shawarma. Pita, hummus, garlic sauce, chicken, pickles, some sort of salad, all combined into a divinely toasted wrap. This meal cures a hangover like nothing else in the world. Forget any pointless shakes or juices your healthy subconscious would persuade you to try; these babies are moist, juicy, greasy, and so satisfying, that your hangover will simply melt away.

What if hummus is not your thing? What if the presence of let-

tuce and tomato is just ‘too healthy’ to assist your stubborn, growling stomach? Maybe you would be better off embracing any fragment of French within you by seeking out a crêpe. Like the Shawarma, these are little lifesavers wrapped in paper and easily eaten on the run. However, one difficulty involved needs to be mentioned: should you go as large as the Eiffel Tower itself and order one stocked with eggs, cheese, ham or a combination of those? On the other end of the spectrum, your stomach might be more inclined to head down the strawberries and Nutella track. I shall leave that one up to you. Either way, they both rank equally in the feel-good stakes.

Now for my third recommendation. What is that I hear you chanting? ‘Poutine, poutine, POUTINE!’ While poutine is a popular hangover cure, I cannot condone it or recommend it. I simply like my fries crispy, not drowning in gravy, and I stand by my beliefs.

So let us return to the calorieladen delights that we can all enjoy.

When you are slapped with a hangover—the slap being self-served— let’s be honest, there are two little

guys who will always be there for you: one is named Ben, and the other Jerry. This chilled dessert is probably not the first thing that comes to mind with the post-beer cravings hit—it’s more traditionally associated with the post-break-up funk—but it does not disappoint.

With an already scrumptious base of creamy ice cream, and additions such as cookie dough, chocolate chips, nuts and bits of cake batter, one is guaranteed to feel on top of the world after this indulgence.

Use this short list the next time your morning begins with no dignity, no memory, and no food in the house. Good luck on your next culinary quest to combat the boozeinduced blues.

This guy needs Ben & Jerry’s. (www.anthony.com)

arts & entertainment LITERATURE

Christopher Hitchens’ last words Controversial author addresses impending death in Mortality Ilia Blinderman A&E Editor When Christopher Hitchens learned that he was the subject of a prematurely written obituary at the outset of 2007, he decided to set down an autobiography before the corrected proof came in. The book came fast on the heels of his bestselling anti-theist tirade, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Brimming with Hitchens’ customary eloquence, immutable moral certitude, and jaunty wit, the autobiography was an instant success.

On June 8, 2010, when he was due to double-bill both The Daily Show and the 92nd Street Y, Hitchens awoke to find he was barely breathing. Weeks later, the diagnosis was in: Hitchens had Stage Four esophageal cancer. As the author was fond of saying, there was no Stage Five.

For the next 19 months, Hitchens attacked life with furious, defiant abandon. Despite undergoing extensive debilitating treatments, his incendiary polemics in Slate continued, as did his prolific speaking engagements. In his last weeks,

drifting between frail consciousness and morphine induced stupor, he composed an incisive essay on G.K. Chesterton, whose biographer he scolded for misinterpreting aspects of the man’s character. It was during this period that he wrote his final book.

Mortality is unlike any of Hitchens’ previous writings. In past works, Hitchens delivered beautiful analyses with an overwhelming confidence, ranging from invectives against Mother Teresa to detailed examinations of George Orwell and Thomas Jefferson. In Mortality, a distillation of Hitchens’ dying thoughts and observations loosely grouped into chapters, the writing feels less grounded. There’s no sense of this missing spirit in chapters centered on religion or torture; contemplations of that old lie, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” as well as cancer etiquette, however, evince a rare helplessness in the face of his characteristic self-assuredness. This chink in the stoic armour is precisely what makes the personal chapters, like that in which the author laments the loss of his voice, so affecting. Especially distressing is the final chapter,

which consists of his fragmentary personal jottings—one cannot help but picture the waning author amidst a web of IVs, scrambling to write his final thoughts.

Nonetheless, Mortality is replete with the perspicacity which Hitchens’ readers have come to expect. The most perceptive writers tend to expand from the specific to the general, and Hitchens fills his pages with observations that use the immediately personal to glean something broader. His protracted discussion of his own medical treatment never borders on the solipsistic, and seems largely formulated to emphasize the maddening senselessness of those standing in the way of certain medical research. While fraternal accounts of similar cancers, such as that written by the British columnist John Diamond (the laudably honest C: Because Cowards Get Cancer Too) opt for a narrative, Hitchens refuses to tell a story—he has too many ideas to limit himself with a story arc.

Although his obituary ran on December 15, 2011, Hitchens always endeavored to write as if he were to be read posthumously.

With Mortality, the first book pub-

Christopher Hitchens, 2011. (www.northcountrypublicradio.org) lished after his death, Hitchens is still flashing what his close friend Ian McEwan calls his “Rolls-Royce

mind”—it’s just that he’s suddenly become more human.

Visual Arts

La Rentrée: sex, identity, and nothingness

Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts gallery presents paintings, photography, and film in latest exhibit Joanna Schacter Contributor

Painting, sketchwork, photography, and performance art are on display at La Rentrée, highlighting pieces by Eliza Griffiths, Pierre Dalpé, and Mariane Bourcheix-Laporte that explore themes present in contemporary art.

Love, Alienation, and Free Association Eliza Griffith’s suite of paintings and drawings explores issues of need, estrangement, intimacy, gender identity, and sexuality, is the most striking of the three installations.

Colour—warm pinks, deep reds, and bright blues and greens— immediately draws the viewer closer to Griffiths’s large tableaux.

Griffiths plays with colour and form in a seemingly impressionistic, yet ultimately, contemporary layering method that defines the interaction between subjects. Focus is a visually important aspect of her work, and realism blends in to the unfinished and unreal. The eye is pulled involuntarily towards the center of each

tableau where the focus is sharpest, and line and colour are most polished. Towards the edges, form becomes a vague suggestion, with one figure in People Searching for Peace of Mind Through Psychoanalysis— Grief noticeably lacking a foot.

The content of Griffiths’s paintings is absorbing. Each piece feels like a film still, leaving the viewer incomplete, and compelled to learn more. Viewers may find themselves wishing the characters would move, so that a deeper understanding of what is happening might be reached.

Of the twelve paintings, four are particularly impactful. In Convalescence, a figure relaxes in a classic pose; makeup is smeared clumsily across its face, like a child trying on her mother’s lipstick for the first time. Upon a second look, this figure reveals itself to be a man. In Head of Steam, an exhaling male face takes up the entirety of a large canvas; his huge brown eyes are transfixed on the viewer, and framed by a shock of blue eyeshadow. In Situation/Hassle, an androgynous figure holds the shoulders of a young man and woman arguing. Finally, Inter-

val (Green Interior) depicts a man and woman in the foreground; the woman is nude and clean-faced, hair pulled back, whilst the man wears an open green shirt and matching eyeshadow, and appears as if he is about to speak. This last painting is particularly effective at evoking the viewer’s curiosity.

The artist’s charcoal sketches are darker, both visually and thematically. Ripped pages and inksplots feature in this corner of the exhibition, applied in loose strokes and shadowy outlines. The interaction between forms and people is present here once more, where shape emerges stealthily from line and squiggle; each seemingly isolated, but somehow woven together. A male nude reclines on an ottoman with the words “I love you” scrawled behind him; a woman sprawled on the ground is complemented by the deeply affecting phrase “Love is a funny thing, you don’t know it’s real until it’s caused you pain.”

Though often perplexing, this part of La Rentrée is particularly thought-provoking and not to be missed.

Personae This portion of the exhibit consists of Pierre Dalpé’s work in photography, and is easily summed up

by Oscar Wilde’s quote, printed on the wall between two pictures: “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth.”

Here, men and women in groups of one, two, and finally three are photographed in costume, often in drag. The viewer is presented with a glimpse of people’s private lives, and although each subject directly regards the viewer, the feeling is distinctly voyeuristic. Bondage, bedroom life, ballerinas, clowns, and a Toreador all figure here. Most notably, two actresses (who are indeed men in drag), sit at their makeup table backstage and apply makeup to melancholy faces while a man and a mannequin observe.

Dalpé shoots in colour as well as in black and white, with interesting uses of mirrors and symmetry that toys with the idea of reflections.

These are the most enjoyable aesthetic elements of Dalpé’s pieces, and are responsible for his visual

success.

Interstitial Stillness Mariane Bourcheix-Laporte’s piece, on display as a video playing in the Ste-Catherine Street vitrine, is by far the most perplexing of all the works on display. The artist defines interstices as negative, “non spaces” within construction in public areas.

In this piece, she attempts to physically explore these “non spaces” through “non actions,” and the video documents the involuntary twitches of her body as she tries to remain still while draped over a staircase support. It’s an intriguing and imaginative concept, but perhaps not one that is well expressed, although I visitors are encouraged to stop by the vitrine on their way out and see what they think.

La Rentrée is bursting with provocative, evocative, and controversial themes which are, more often than not, successfully conveyed to the audience.

This exhibit runs until October 12th at Concordia University’s FOFA Gallery. Admission is free.

Curiosity delivers. |

Arts & Entertainment

| Tuesday, September 18, 2012

16

theatre

A literary classic in a modern light Upcoming Metachroma Theatre aims to bring colour to the stage Leyang Yu Contributor A fusion of new and old takes the stage this week with Metachroma Theatre’s inaugural production, Richard III, brought alive through a contemporary spin on a Shakespearean classic. As Montreal’s newest theatre company, Metachroma aims not only to pay homage to he Bard, but also to make a cultural statement that resonates with the modern audience. The concept of “beyond colour”—the literal translation of the Latin words “meta” and “chroma”— has unified actors and actresses of visible minorities from around the city to take up roles traditionally denied to them.

For actress Julie Tamiko Manning, this unity is part of the fun of getting involved. Manning, who plays Clarence, in addition to the Duchess of York, a bishop, and a soldier (she plays both the characters of mother and son), is a founding member of the company and has witnessed the production’s evolution. “I’ve lived in Montreal for 20

years and there aren’t a lot of opportunities for actors of colour,” she says, making light of an ironic dilemma. Indeed, it is surprising that in a space as diverse as Montreal, visible minorities still remain underrepresented on the main stage.

Azeem Nathoo, another cast member, had no problem finding representation as an actor of colour when he lived in Britain. “Here, when I came back, I realized we were behind,” he says, referring to the traditional North American preconceptions of how actors should ‘look the part.’

In choosing Richard III for their first production, Metachroma Theatre invites the audience to forget colour, and simply, enjoy the show.

“The story can be told by whomever,” says Manning. “It’s unnecessary for there to be a label.”

Instead, the company asks audience members to join them in untangling the complex web of deception and horror that is Richard III. An enduring tale that is as relevant today as it was during Shakespeare’s time, Richard III recounts the story of a

man whose lust for power knows no bounds, and whose selfishness will cost him even more. He mercilessly cuts down anyone standing in his way, alienating an entire nation.

“The power struggle, the arrogance, it really resonates with today’s audience,” Manning says. Indeed, the dictatorship of Richard III continues to hold political salience, nearly 600 years after it took place.

Notably, McGill graduates are among the cast members. Nathoo, who studied economics and political science, has since found his true calling in the theatre world. Although he looks back fondly on his time at McGill, he adds a word of advice for McGill students who are thinking of dipping their feet in the acting industry: get proper training.

“I ended up going back into training. You need something like that,” says Nathoo, who became involved in his first production as a non-actor while studying at McGill.

While such devotion to the stage may not be for all of us, Metachroma’s Richard III is perfect for those who are simply content with

Clockwise from top: Jamie Robinson, Lucinda Davis, Julie Tamiko Manning, and Tamara Brown. (Andrea Hausman / Courtesy of Metachroma Theatre) sitting back and admiring the art of theatre.

Richard III will run from September 19th to the 30th at the Segal

Centre of Performing Arts, 5170 Côte-Ste-Catherine

Theatre

Giving voice to the ghosts of our past Teesri Duniya’s production explores the legacy of Canada’s residential schools Timothy Leonine Tsang Contributor Kevin Loring’s Where the Blood Mixes, winner of the 2009 Governor General’s Literary Award, has an intriguing simplicity in its outlook. Although the Teesri Duniya Theatre production foregrounds a realism with its sharp humour, Lib Spry’s direction helps the performance segue into the poetic.

The sombre play about the haunting legacy of Canadian First Nations residential schools is gradually infused with poignancy, as it depicts the reality of what the first peoples have gone through—and continue to experience—as a community.

The story is set in a First Nations community “where the two rivers meet, where the wind sings songs of the dead,” and where in the local bar, Floyd (Jeremy Proulx) and Mooch (Charles Bender) also meet as old drinking partners. From what seems like an elegantly simple scene, the play proceeds to unveil a layered depth. We soon discover that both characters are residential school survivors—an experience which neither has outlived as they continue to lead troubled lives.

From left to right: Charles Bender, Eric Hausknost, and Jeremy Proulx. (Mateo Hernandez / Courtesy of Teesri Duniya) Mooch regularly steals money from his girlfriend, June (Emilee Veluz), to fund his drinking habits, while Floyd’s bitter disposition manifests itself in his refusal to reminisce with Mooch, even about the few good memories that they once shared.

Although the play frequently moves backwards in time, the characters’ wounded past is never di-

rectly addressed. Paradoxically, a play driven by series of anecdotes is characterized by a reluctance to speak­—or perhaps even a deliberate evasion of speaking—at least initially. This apparent stasis is finally broken when Floyd’s daughter Christine (Alarey Alsip), whom the state placed in the care of foster parents when she was still an infant, manag-

es to get in touch with her father and decides to visit him. What follows is an outpouring of soul-wrenching confessions, a detailing of losses and reconciliations that are set off—with great surprise­—by a deluge of tears from Floyd, who, prior to his daughter’s arrival, remained callously stoic.

This act of storytelling provides

the platform for healing and connecting. If Floyd and Mooch were to stay silent, their stories would die with them, and so would history.

Throughout the play, numerous instances of comic dialogue ease the audience into emotionally-wraught situations, while several heartfelt scenes provide the piece with a beauty that saves it from being all too distressing. Though the content of the play may seem like a melancholic endeavour to watch, it ultimately ends in hope as the community discovers the voice of common humanity.

Artistic Director Rahul Varma described it as a “message that needs to be heard over and over again.”

The message is one that is both touching and valuable, highlighting Canada’s First Nations cultural heritage, one which should never be forgetten.

Teesri Duniya’s production of Where the Blood Mixes runs WedSat at 8pm, with weekend matinees at 2pm, until Sept. 30th, Centre Culturel Calixa-Lavaleé (3819 CalixaLavaleé). Student tickets are $12.

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012 |

Arts & Entertainment

| Curiosity delivers.

Opera

‘Popular trilogy’ concludes with La Traviata

Opéra de Montréal opens its season with a Verdi classic Julia Donahue Contributor This past Saturday, Opéra de Montréal opened its 2012-2013 season with Verdi’s La Traviata. The opera tells the story of two lovers, Violetta and Alfredo, whose public love affair brings great shame to Alfredo’s family. After an unexpected visit from Alfredo’s father, Violetta realizes the detrimental consequences of her love affair on his family’s honour, and she leaves Alfredo. Alfredo mistakes her sudden departure for infidelity, and humiliates her in front of many close friends and family, including Alfredo’s own father.

Some time later, Alfredo finally learns the truth about Violetta’s sacrifice, and rushes back to her side to apologize. Violetta, however, is dying from a serious illness, and Alfredo finds himself in a race against time.

“It’s really the story of a great love affair,” says Opéra de Montréal’s artistic director Michel Beaulac, “[It’s about] people who weren’t really meant to socially blend … to

live together, to fall in love with one another, but they do, and … before she dies, all of the characters—the father, the son who is in love with Violetta—they all realize that finally, all of those social differences have no importance, and that this separation should have never taken place.”

La Traviata was written in 1853, during a phase in which Verdi wrote an opera approximately every nine months. This creative spree resulted in what is now known as his ‘popular trilogy’ of opera works— Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, and La Traviata. In the past two years, Opéra de Montréal has performed both Rigoletto (2010), and Il Trouvadore (2011), and concludes its presentation of Verdi’s trilogy with this week’s performances.

Few may grasp the amount of work required for such an elaborate production. “Before we go on stage, we start building the set; we mount the lighting equipment … and we start planning the sequence of when the set changes are going to take place, how they are going to take

place, and how many members of the stage crew are going to be necessary to make this operation possible,” Beaulac said. “The most important roles are sung by artists who have done the roles several times, so they all know their parts.”

From the onset of the opera, the soloists were captivating in their roles. Grecian soprano Myrto Papatanasiu, playing Violetta, possesses vocal talent that not only allowed her to communicate the musical elements of the opera, but also to clearly express the complexities of her character, leaving audience members with a slight heartache after leaving the theatre.

In describing Opéra de Montréal’s process for choosing a soloist to play Violetta, Mr. Beaulac explains that “when you have something very specific in mind in terms of the characterization, the interpretation, the colour of voice, the stage presence … one must have the soloist in mind … and Myrto Papatanasiu is splendid in the role.”

Many of the choir members onstage are members of Opéra de Mon-

Myrto Papatanasiu dazzles audiences as Violetta.

(Yves Renaud / Courtesy of Opéra de Montréal)

tréal’s apprenticeship program— a training program designed for graduate students wishing to pursue professional careers in opera. Beaulac describes the program as a “stepping stone and the final preparation for an operatic career,” in which the students “have coaching, language courses, movement courses, [and] acting classes.”

Italian tenor Roberto de Biasio flourished as Alfredo, and his humble stage presence allowed for a tasteful yet emotionally compelling performance. Luca Grassi’s performance as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, was the highlight

of the evening. In comparison to Violetta’s often dramatic persona, Grassi’s simple acting style quickly grasped the audience’s attention. His sonorous, colourful voice, paired with this tasteful acting technique, briefly drew the spotlight away from Violetta and forced the audience to listen—truly listen—to what he had to say.

La Traviata will be showing at Place des Arts, Wilfred-Pelletier hall, Sept. 18, 20, and 22. Opéra de Montréal offers heavily discounted ticket prices for students that range from $20-$25

Visual Arts

Stories worth showing

The 55th World Press Photo 2012 exhibition hits Montreal Cecilie Jensen Contributor World Press Photo, journalism’s most prestigious annual photography contest, is currently exhibiting 161 award-winning photos in nine categories at Marché Bonsecours in Old Montreal. The show is part of a travelling exhibition set to tour 100 cities around the globe, and can be visited in Montreal until Sept. 30.

“We exist to inspire understanding of the world through quality photojournalism,” reads a sign at the exhibit. This epigraph perfectly represents the overarching mission of World Press Photo—an ambitious undertaking that brings together an international set of contributing photographers, each with unique perspectives and stories to share.

A large part of the exhibition is devoted to photography depicting current affairs. The year 2011 was marked by political turbulence, humanitarian crises, and natural disasters, including the Arab Spring, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, as well as the massacre at Utøya, Norway. Such emergencies reach us through daily news reports in

the comfort of our homes, far from the chaos and devastation in which they originate. The award-winning pictures of World Press Photo are key to breaking down the barriers of distance and time that inevitably limit the urgency of these events, and bringing them to our immediate attention. Even more than the written word, the universal language of imagery gives direct voice to people who lack the means to tell their stories themselves.

Central to World Press Photo is recognizing the importance of photojournalism in documenting major events in conflict hotspots around the world, and the courageous efforts of photographers who work to do so. Nonetheless, it is not only politics, suffering, and devastation that the photos seek to bring to our attention.

In other award-winning categories, photographers are praised for their ability to open viewers’ minds by documenting the daily life of societies discrepant to those of the Western audience. Stories like those told by Pietro Paolini’s stunning photographs documenting everyday life in Bolivia may not make international headlines, but are never-

theless hidden and pristine gems of culture, tradition, and natural beauty of which we are otherwise unaware.

Finally, World Press Photo emphasizes that photojournalism, in addition to enhancing an understanding of the world by presenting us with its actualities, also achieves this through an artistic form. The award-winning photographers were not merely in the right place at the right time, but have a genuine artistic talent and feel for aesthetics, enabling them to find beauty in the mundane and trivial instances of life we tend to take for granted.

Common to all photographs is their capacity to touch us by capturing something beyond the mere visual: an emotion or a story that strikes a chord, inspiring us to see things differently or notice things to which we have been previously blind.

Montrealers rarely get opportunities to experience such evocative arrays of photography—make sure you don’t miss your shot.

World Press Photo is on display through Sept. 30, at Marché Bonsecours (350 St-Paul Street East). General admission is $12. $8 for individuals 25 and under.

Rebels in Ras Lanuf, Libya, March 11th.

(Yuri Kozyrev, Russia, Noor Images for Time)

SPORTS

FOOTBALL — Redmen 36, Mount Allison 9

Lightning strikes: Redmen end 23-game drought Quarterback Ryne Bondy leads McGill offence to a 30 point first half Trevor Drummond Contributor It’s been 1,077 days since the McGill Redmen’s last football win.

That is two years, 11 months, and 11 days. Since then, the program has struggled to get back on its feet.

New Head Coach Clint Uttley has tried to make the team tougher and practice harder. This extra work had not garnered any results on the field—until Friday night, when the Redmen (1-2) snapped their painful 23-game losing streak with a convincing 36-9 victory over the Mount Allison Mounties (0-2) at Molson Stadium in front of the “Fill the Stadium” crowd.

Post-game remarks indicated that Coach Uttley was pleased with the result, attributing much of the Redmen’s success to their execution on offence. “We had two really good weeks of practice, and we saw a good return on that investment,” Uttley said. “We really executed the offence for the first time [this] season.”

Much of the offensive struggles so far in the season have been a result of an unsettled quarterback position. Previously, both sophomore Dallon Kuprowski and junior Jonathan Collin have tried their hands at leading the Redmen’s offence but neither was able to generate much success. Fifth-year quarterback Ryne Bondy got the chance on Friday and took full advantage of it, leading the offence both in the air and on the ground. He completed

Redmen ground attack paves the way to first win in over two seasons.

(Michael Paolucci, Simon Poitrimolt / McGill Tribune) 13 of 22 passes for 189 passing yards and three touchdowns, adding a game-high 69 rushing yards.

Tailbacks Luis Guimont-Mota and Taylor Kuprowski also contributed to the dominant ground game, combining for 120 rushing yards.

2,187 raucous fans came out to support the home team in the fifth annual “Fill The Stadium” game, and the Redmen repaid them early

THIRD MAN IN For the past 10 summers, I’ve had an odd July morning ritual. I wake up early and watch the Tour de France. What compels me to watch this low-tech version of NASCAR? One reason: Lance Armstrong and his inspiring story.

I was extremely saddened a few weeks ago when the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) stripped Lance of his seven Tour de France titles, citing alleged instances of doping. Although most headlines posted that Lance had indeed lost all of his titles, it is still unclear whether the International Cycling Union (UCI) will actually go through with this drastic ruling.

The USADA was able to claim victory because Armstrong refused to challenge his case in court, saying that the USADA courts are a

by scoring 35 points in the first half.

Bondy and receiver Gabriel Aubry opened the scoring with a bang, connecting on a 59-yard touchdown pass. Bondy would then take the rock himself on the next drive—faking a handoff and then bouncing off a tackle on his way to an 8-yard scamper for the major bringing it to 14-0 McGill.

Amazingly, Bondy was not yet

finished. He closed out the first quarter with a well-placed lob to Sean Murphy at the back of the end zone, giving the Redmen a 25-0 lead. That drive, like many others that night, was set up by a beautiful 48-yard punt return by Yannick LangelierVanasse. Coach Uttley praised his return man after the game.

“Yan has found his niche in the return game and he’s getting more

comfortable each week,” Uttley said. “He has really exceeded expectations.”

In fact, the coach was pleased with his entire special teams unit, crediting the group’s success to a revamped coverage team comprised mostly of freshmen. He highlighted the athleticism of the unit as being instrumental in numerous one-onone matchups in the return game.

As halftime approached, the weather broke and rain began to pour, causing a 12 minute stoppage in play. With the score heavily in McGill’s favour, many fans headed for the exits, while others took cover under the overhang of the upper deck. This weather contributed to a very sloppy second half. Jonathan Collin took over for Bondy, as the team planned to compare the two performances. Unfortunately, Collin had to battle with the unfavourable conditions and he struggled, throwing an interception early. In all, the Redmen turned the ball over three times in the second half and were penalized far too often, knocked for 140 yards on 12 infractions—more than Coach Uttley was hoping for.

Uttley emphasized that cutting down on these mistakes will definitely be a focus moving forward.

McGill will have a much tougher opponent the next time out, when it hosts the No.3-ranked Laval Rouge-et-Or on Sept. 21. However, this victory will undoubtedly give the Redmen a confidence boost and something to build on going forward into the season.

Still in Armstrong’s Peloton

farce. While there is some legitimacy to this notion—for instance, the USADA uses standards of proof far below those of a regular American court—it is more likely that Armstrong knew that he would probably lose.

The USADA allegedly had testimonies from 10 former teammates and associates of Armstrong, all of whom claimed to have seen Armstrong participate in widespread doping. Most importantly, one of these 10 people was Armstrong’s right-hand man, George Hincapie.

Unlike former accusers, such as Tyler Hamilton and Floyd Landis, Hincapie’s honesty is beyond repute.

Typically, I have little sympathy for dopers. However, there are several mitigating factors that I believe leave Lance’s accomplish-

ments intact.

First of all, cycling is well known for its notorious drug culture.

Miguel Indurian, winner of five Tour de France titles in the 1990’s, admitted to cheating after his retirement.

Winners before Armstrong, such as Jan Ullrich, Bjarne Riis, and Marco Pantani, have also been caught for drug use. If Armstrong is included, that would make 15 straight winners of the Tour de France, from 19912005, drug cheats. Cycling’s current star and two-time winner, Alberto Contador, has also been caught for doping. The UCI cannot even give most second place finishers the title of winner, because they too have taken performance enhancers. Given these facts, it seems hard to indict Armstrong for doping in a race where everyone else was doping too.

Secondly, Armstrong won his titles as much through guile as he did with physicality. Armstrong was an incredibly skilled tactician, scoping out the course months in advance, putting in tons of repetitions on all of the key stages. His teams were always solely focused on Lance winning, whereas other teams were not. It is incredibly reductive to say Lance just won because he doped and not because of other physical and mental factors.

Thirdly, while many imagine doping as having to do with steroids, the term has a much different meaning in cycling; although arguably, doping tactics in cycling are much more disturbing. Given the physical toll of a monthlong 3500-4000 race, cyclists take drugs to keep their blood oxygen levels at a high

percentage to maintain their endurance. Thus, Lance would allegedly give himself blood transfusions of his own blood in an attempt to maintain his edge—seemingly a lesser form of doping.

Fourth, the USADA clearly has a vendetta against Armstrong, vigorously pursuing him before all others. When an agency does this, they bring themselves into disrepute.

Finally, it is hard to ignore that Lance Armstrong has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for cancer research and inspired thousands of people with his story.

For all these reasons, I will continue to support Lance, and confirm that those early mid-summer days were not a waste.

— Joshua Freedman

19

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 |

SPORTS

| Curiosity delivers.

T

he Nationals have the best record in baseball and much of that success can be contributed to their ace, Stephen Strasburg. Shockingly, Washington stood true to the inning cap allotted to Strasburg at the beginning of the year, and shut him down for the rest of the 2012 season. Two contributors weigh in on this controversial decision:

Shut him down A 21-year title drought across major professional sports in Washington D.C. has caused perennial heartbreak and disappointment to its fans.

Yet, seemingly out of nowhere, the Washington Nationals (the franchise formerly known as the Montreal Expos) have taken Major League Baseball by storm, boasting the best record in the league. At the heart of this resuscitation is 24-year-old pitcher, Cy Young candidate, and face of the franchise—Stephen Strasburg. Despite this success, the Nationals recently decided to shut him down for the rest of the season, taking precautionary steps to prevent re-injury and eliciting a firestorm of backlash.

Though controversial, the Nationals’ decision was the right one because it protected Strasburg.

In a league where the most valuable commodity is young starting pitching, Strasburg is the cream of the crop. Despite his otherworldly talent, Strasburg fell to injury and underwent Tommy John surgery during his 2010 rookie campaign, forcing him to sit out the entirety of last season. There is undeniable evidence that increasing a pitcher’s workload after coming back from Tommy John’s surgery is careerthreatening and, sometimes, careerending. One only needs to look as far back as Kerry Wood and Mark Prior to see the worst-case scenario for pitchers with Strasburg’s potential coming back from Tommy John. In the years following their arm surgeries, Wood and Prior were

Around the

rushed back into heightened action, and the effects were clearly negative. Wood has only been able to pitch in excess of 180 innings twice since 2000. The last time he broke 100 innings was in 2004, as a 27-year-old. Prior has not pitched in the Majors since 2006 and has seen his body progressively break down after being overused in 2003, when he was just 23.

Strasburg wants to pitch, and Washington wants to win, but risking the health and career of the organization’s most prized player is potentially crippling for the franchise—as it was for Wood, Prior, and the Chicago Cubs.

The Nats have done their homework, looking at case after case of pitchers recovering from Tommy John, and have made an educated and cautionary decision. They may be sacrificing a chance to win the World Series this year, but Strasburg’s injury-prone history does not project well for early overexertion. Not only do the Nats need to protect their investment for the long-term, they also need to do the only humane thing possible—allowing Strasburg the chance at a future career. Washington is the best team in baseball because it is the best young team in baseball; and mortgaging the next ten years for one playoff push would be an egregious error. Washington was fully justified in shutting down Strasburg, and building a brighter future for the Nationals.

W

VS Winner:

Shut him

down

While the Nationals’ postseason hopes figured heavily on Strasburg’s arm, the thought of putting future seasons in risk is too much to ignore, especially since the team has a bright future. Therefore, Washington made the right, but tough decision.

—Mayaz Alam

ater cooler

In case you were too busy dipping apples in honey or waiting in line to pre-order the iPhone 5, here’s what you missed this past weekend in the world of sports ...

HOCKEY—This past Saturday, the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and its players expired. Without a new deal in place, the league is now officially locked out. Reports indicate that the two sides are still far apart in negotiations, so no one is forecasting a quick end to this work stoppage. As the lockout rolls on, expect some NHL players to seek out other opportunities to play this year, especially in Europe. Evgeni Malkin was the first major pawn to drop, signing with Metallurg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on Sunday. Pavel Datsyuk also reached an agreement on the weekend to play in the KHL with Ak Bars. The reported deals are signed through the 2012-13 season, meaning that even if a new CBA were reached, the two would remain in Russia. Well folks, the dog days have arrived.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL—The NCAA football season entered its third week this past weekend, filled with a number of standout games.

Top-ranked Alabama opened their

POINT

COUNTERPOINT Let him play Life hasn’t exactly been easy for Stephen Strasburg. Off the field, he has dealt with enormous expectations fueled by constant media pressure. On the field last year, he injured his throwing arm and underwent Tommy John surgery to repair it.

Yet, somehow, despite the media scrutiny and major surgery—which forced him into taking almost a year off—Strasburg seems to be just fine. He opened this season with an impressively low 1.13 ERA and 34 strikeouts over just 32 innings. Considering Strasburg is only 24 years of age, he seems like a perfect candidate to be the staff ace for his playoff-bound and league-leading Washington Nationals.

Not so fast. On Sept. 7, the Nationals decided that it would be in their best interest to shut down the right-hander as a precaution against any setbacks to his previous injury. Really? Insisting on shutting down a healthy athlete is one thing, but to do it in the middle of a playoff hunt is a definite miscalculation not to mention, Strasburg is one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Strasburg told the media numerous times that he was feeling great, and more importantly, that he was not showing any signs of fatigue. Furthermore, he backed up these comments with an impressive 15 wins by the end of August on a reduced workload, placing himself amongst the best arms in the

league. Even more puzzling, however, is that the doctor who performed Strasburg’s surgery, indicated that there is no conclusive evidence to support ending Strasburg’s season prematurely is in the best interest of the all-star pitcher. Nationals fans are undoubtedly upset, and justifiably so, especially since Strasburg’s surgeon does not support the decision.

Put simply, Strasburg should be pitching. He is a professional athlete who is being paid to pitch; but more importantly, there are fans paying money to come watch him do so. This wouldn’t be so controversial if the Nationals were out of the playoff race. However, this is a franchise dying for postseason baseball, having been deprived of it since 1981— as the Montreal Expos no less. Why not go for it? The team has the best record in baseball, but without Strasburg, their chance of prevailing in the National League takes a massive hit. This simply sends the wrong message to the fans.

Moreover, for the Nationals’ sake, they should hope that in coming years, this does not cause a rift between management and Strasburg—for it would be a real shame if one of the best pitchers in baseball was lost to free agency, all because they wouldn’t let him pitch when he was healthy enough to do so.

Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule against Arkansas and couldn’t have made it look easier.

They defeated the Razorbacks 52-0, removing any doubt that they’re currently the top team in the nation.

Things didn’t go as well for Matt Barkley and No.2 ranked USC, who were upset by No.21 Stanford. Barkley, the expected first overall NFL draft pick in this year’s upcoming draft, played particularly poorly, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns. No.5 ranked crushed Wake Forest 52-0. If that result isn’t impressive enough, the Seminoles have outscored opponents 176-3 through their first three games.

ningest head coach. Former Husky Kevin Ollie takes over for Calhoun, but will be in a tough spot entering his first season as coach. UConn is banned from postseason play for the 2012-13 season because they failed to meet the required score on the Academic Progress Report. Here’s to Ollie pulling a Coach Carter.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL— Legendary Head Coach Jim Calhoun announced his retirement this past week from his position as the University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball coach. Calhoun spent 26 years as the Huskies’ coach, building the program from virtually nothing to a perennial national powerhouse. He won three NCAA titles with the program, and exits men’s college basketball as its sixth-win-

­— Michael Ghofrani

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SPORTS

| Tuesday, September 18, 2012

20

LACROSSE — Redmen 23, Concordia 4

Redmen roll in home opener, and win third straight

With two goals, Ryan Besse becomes the most prolific scorer in McGill history Remi Lu Contributor On Thursday night, a confident McGill Redmen lacrosse team took to the field at Percival Molson Stadium for the first time this year, entering with momentum from a decisive 2-0 start to the regular season.

The contest was played out in front of a vocal and raucous crowd as the Redmen (3-0) battled against the Concordia Stingers (0-3). McGill led throughout the contest, seemingly scoring at will and dominating all aspects of the game, resulting in a commanding 23-4 win.

Ryan Besse headed the attack with a quick goal just 61 seconds into the match. This goal was special however, as it lifted him into a tie for McGill’s all-time scoring total with 109 tallies. However, Besse did not stop there, scoring another brilliant to lead off the second quarter, making him the most prolific scorer in Redmen history.

Although Besse’s accomplishment may have overshadowed the result, what really fueled the Redmen to victory was a balanced

Alex Rohrback scored one goal and added three assists in the win.

(Luke Orlando / McGill Tribune)

and constant attack. In the end, an impressive 16 players filled the scoresheet, and freshman Benjamin Follows recorded a hat trick.

Head Coach Tim Murdoch was pleased with his team’s performance and thought the result allowed more of the roster to receive playing time.

“We executed our game plan

to set up a slow-paced game that allowed us to run through our offensive sets. Our nine-goal output in the first quarter resulted from patience and good shot selection,” Murdoch said. “We had the game under control with a 12-0 halftime lead, so this was an opportunity to play our entire roster.”

In addition to Follows’s hat

trick, Besse, Rhys Burnell, Richard Klares, Antoine Champagne, and captain Jishan Sharples each scored two goals.

Right from the onset, McGill seemed to control the pace of the game, using patience and precision in their passing. In effect, Concordia’s offence was non-existent throughout the first two quarters, and its defence appeared disjointed and clumsy. This defence, or lack thereof, allowed McGill to take advantage of costly turnovers and finish the half on top, 12-0.

Concordia seemed to come out of halftime having made some adjustments, but their improved play may also have been aided by McGill’s decision to rest its starters.

Whatever the reason, the Stingers retaliated with two consecutive goals, midway through the third quarter.

This run, however, did not last long.

McGill’s Brandon McLean struck just over a minute later, and by the end of the frame any Concordia momentum was lost. The fourth quarter began just as the others did, with McGill forcing its attack amidst a spirited background of home-field

chants.

Ultimately, the game ended the way it began, with the Redmen continuing to run clean and patient plays, and the Stingers’ valiantly trying to keep the onslaught at bay. On the other side of the ball, McGill excelled as well, working together and rotating to cut off Concordia’s plays.

“We did well [on defence], although we allowed Concordia to score a few goals on man-down scenarios in the second half,” Murdoch noted. “Concordia is a new team that has recently entered our league, so we were able to minimize their possessions and rack up a steady stream of goals.”

With the win, the Redmen improve to 3-0 on the season and sit atop the Eastern CUFLA standings.

Based on their early play, a return to the postseason seems quite likely, especially after this statement win.

The Redmen are back in action at Molson Stadium on Sept. 22, when they play host to the visiting Queen’s Gaels.

RUGBY — Marlets 102, Sherbrooke 12

McGill rugby make it look easy, crush Vert et Or by 90 Eleven different Martlets register a try in the victory Rebecca Babcock Contributor The McGill Martlets’ (2-1) rugby team handed it to the Sherbrooke Vert et Or (1-2) on Sunday afternoon, dominating both offensively and defensively on its way to an astounding 102-12 victory.

McGill entered the game needing a boost of confidence, following last week’s letdown defeat to Concordia. “The girls had a tough time recovering from their loss against Concordia and [this] was a good way to wash that taste out,” Head Coach John Lavery said. Playing on their home field with their family and friends watching, the Martlets took the opportunity to get back in stride.

Martlet captain Brianna Miller was critical of her team’s start, but thought they executed better as a unit as the game progressed. “I think, as a team, we started a bit slow, but after we took it up and stuck to our game plan we really showed Sherbrooke that this is our home field,” Miller said. Her impact in the game was noticeable, as she scored two tries and made twelve conversions

in the game.

Second-year prop Rachele Rose praised Miller’s role both on and off the field.

“Miller, our captain; and Victoria Horne, our co-captain; keep pushing us on and giving us speeches ... everyone is building each other up.” Rose, a former Junior Varsity member who moved up to the Varsity team this year, scored her first try on Sunday. She emphasized the support each of the players receives.

“I was really uncertain about myself and my confidence was low but …

I just went out there knowing my teammates would have my back. So really, it’s not my try, it’s our try.”

Rose’s statement could not be more true. Eleven different players on the Martlets converted a try against Sherbrooke. Of those eleven, Miller, Marie-Helene Laforest, and Milda Sabiston each scored twice, while Casey Thorburn added a game-high three of her own.

The Marlets operated efficiently on the offensive end, running through their phases extremely well. If they were ever stopped by Sherbrooke, they did a fantastic job of rucking over, keeping the ball in

their possession, and setting it back up. Sherbrooke had a tough time slowing down the McGill attack, as it seemingly took four of their players to bring down a sole Martlet. Capitalizing on this physical strength, McGill used quick, smart passing to find the open players and lanes on the field. Time and time again, McGill players sprinted uncontested to the middle of the goal posts, after strategically breaking through Sherbrooke’s defensive wall.

Coach Lavery stressed the change in his team’s offensive strategy. “We [are] changing the point of attack in our offence. For the first half of the season, we were running off our scrum half, and today we were running off of Miller,” he said.

“It was a bit challenging to place this offence and run it in a game context and it got a bit scrappy at times, but they kept their structure and they had a lot of fun.”

While many tries were uncontested, there were points at which McGill’s play became a bit disjointed. At these times, the team’s leaders, like Miller, stepped up to work out the kinks in the Martlets’ game.

Nevertheless, evident from the

Sherbrooke failed to stop McGill all game. (Sarah Papadopoli / McGill Tribune) result, McGill has begun to eliminate small, yet costly, mistakes.

Looking ahead, the Martlets should figure to be a serious threat to any opponent they play during the remainder of the season. With the vic-

tory, the Martlets move to 2-1 on the season, and will head on the road to take on Bishop’s on Sept. 21. They will be back in action on friendly soil Sept. 30, when they play the Ottawa Gee Gees.