The Voice of the University of Toronto at Mississauga
MEDIUM THE
MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2008
VOLUME 34, ISSUE 14
A night for the crickets
A short story
GSP wins rubber match against Hughes
Page 7
Page 10
This Land
Golden Globes silenced? Page 6
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Child care delayed With another delay in place over a permanent child care facility on campus, student governments have come together to raise funds to keep the existing services running. BY SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR
The University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) has refused to commit to an on-campus child care facility yet again after promising to have a permanent service in place by February, 2008. Dean of student affairs Mark Overton informed student representatives during a Quality Services to Students meeting on December 3 that there will be an indefinite delay in the opening of UTM's proposed child care facility in the Schreiberwood residence complex.
"Students at UTM are fed up with the university breaking its promises on child care. Now the university is giving parents the run-around by refusing to commit to any estimated opening date."
- Anita Chauhan, UTMSU VP Academics and Equity This marks the third time that the university has not followed through on a guarantee to provide child care, on the only University of Toronto campus that lacks one. After announcing in July 2007 that the university is looking into contracting an external partnership with Family Day Care Services, a non-profit organization that offers licensed home and centre-based child care across the Greater Toronto Area, officials stated that the promised facility that was supposed to open by fall 2007 would be delayed until early 2008. The University of Toronto's Students' Union (UTSU) and the association of Erindale Part-time Undergraduate Students (EPUS) worked together to
open a temporary "UTM Child Learning Centre" in the Student Centre to help affected parents cope while waiting for a permanent facility. Since it was initiated as a temporary buffer, the student government was only able to commit limited funds to keep the centre running until the permanent facility became operational. When the dean announced a complete withdrawal by the university to commit to such a facility in operation at the start of 2008, student representatives had to quickly figure out how to keep the temporary service running at the Student Centre when it was supposed to close, at the latest, by the end of January this year. Considering the demand for child care on campus, the University of Toronto at Mississauga Students' Union (UTMSU), under the leadership of vice president campaigns and advocacy Wasah Malik negotiated with UTSU to secure funds to keep the temporary child care centre running until April 2008. The current centre is legally limited to care for only five children at a time, but there is immediate demand for such services by at least twenty-two families. The university's refusal to commit has left student representatives and parents concerned after more than three years of campaigning and an official policy passed by the University of Toronto's Governing Council in 2003 that saw a provision codify a guarantee to make child care part of the university's academic mission. In a press release from UTSU following the dean's announcement of an indefinite postponement, UTSU vice-president Ahmad Khan shared his discontent. "With constant delays and broken promises, the University is violating their own policy and disrespecting parents at the Mississauga campus," he said. UTMSU vice president academics and equity, Anita Chauhan, supported Khan's critical view on the university’s treatment of the issue. "Students at UTM are fed up with the university breaking its promises on child care. Now the university is giving parents the run-around by refusing to
photo/Melissa Di Pasquale
The small child minding centre located on the upper floor of the Student Centre does not meet the current demand for child care on campus. Only five children at a time are admitted, while the waiting list has stretched to seventeen families. A permanent facility was set to open in February, but has been delayed indefinitely by university administration.
commit to any estimated opening date," she said. UTMSU president Walied Khogali voiced his concern regarding the multiple times child care at UTM has been side-lined by university officials: "The university is counting on the change in student government to lead to the abolition of the campaign for child care," he said. "My term of office ends April 31, when the centre will have exhausted university and student union subsidies. It shall be left to the incoming UTMSU executive and board of directors to execute the campaign or there shall be no permanent child care facility at UTM. . . It's unfortunate that the principal, former vice provost Dave Darrar and provost Vivek Goel have used the UTM child care as a successful university undertaking, while
it has not materialized." Shaila Kibria, who helped found the child care at UTM through her involvement in UTSU (formerly SAC) and EPUS, believes the administration continues to neglect an issue pertinent to many students. "[The university] has obviously not made women and children a priority and until they do we cannot think of the university as being progressive," she stated. "The UTM campus is sixty per cent women and not all women will be like me and take their children to class or rely on friends and family. These are women of empowerment seeking post-secondary education and they can become contributing alumni and they will remember that the university did not help them." She also commented on the efforts of the student govern-
ment in keeping child care a priority. "I am very proud that they have kept up their work and that UTSU and UTMSU have worked together to keep this topic relevant in front of the administration. This campaign has been going on for seven years, and this year I hope students will step up and remember that people are counting on them," said Kibria. As of now, both UTSU and UTMSU have further committed to keeping the campaign for child care at UTM at the forefront of their campaigns. The student union representatives have organized a waiting list for the on-campus facility and are working with the university to offer guidance and alternative resources to parents suddenly left without crucial services for their children.
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Monday, January 7, 2008
NEWS
Oscar Peterson gone
UTM speaks:
BY DANIEL FILIPE MARTINS
Oscar Peterson, the jazz great who wowed millions worldwide over an accomplished, 65-year career, passed away at his Mississauga home on December 23, 2007. He was 82 years old. Peterson was the namesake of UTM's newest residence building, Oscar Peterson Hall. Born in Montreal, Peterson was Canada's answer to the jazz giants of the United States, drawing inspiration from the 1920s jazz culture that had come to pervade his mostly Black neighbourhood, but developing a style that marked him out as uniquely Canadian. After training from an early age in piano, even after an early bout with tuberculosis, Peterson gained attention after winning the CBC's 1940 national music competition. He spent years afterward touring hotels and other venues to pay his dues. It took a long time for Peterson to be recognized in the mainstream scene, and not without a few brushes with a society less tolerant toward race than it is now. Biographers tell tales of his manager's arguments with southern US policemen over Peterson's right to ride in a whitesonly taxi. But his race-consciousness had a flip side. When white guitarist Herb Ellis joined his group in 1953, he received numerous letters from black musicians criticizing the newcomer. Peterson replied, simply, that he had no time for "stupid racism." He went on to make a name for himself that rang worldwide, so renowned that even Canadian politicians commented on his passing with sorrow. Liberal leader Stefane Dion expressed his sympathies to Peterson's
What’s your New Year’s resolution? “Keep a regular gym schedule.” - Andrew Bemaul, 3rd year Biology specialist
photo/Google
Legendary jazz musician Oscar Peterson died in late December at the age of 87. family, professing in a statement to "share in the grief of the millions of fans with whom Oscar Peterson shared the tremendous gift of his remarkable music." Former Ontario premier Bob Rae joined the chorus, praising Peterson's impact on Canadian culture. "No Canadian has done more in the cultural musical field than Oscar, and really as a humanitarian and a fighter for civil rights," he said in a CTV interview. Speaking on behalf of the Harper government, Heritage minister Josée
Vernier called Peterson "a great Canadian," and a "beloved and respected citizen of the world who remained proud of his heritage." Even former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who met Peterson in 2001, said he had offered to make him a Lieutenant Governor, a proposal Peterson politely turned down, citing his poor health. With even politicians bowing to him, Peterson cast a shadow over Canada's jazz scene that will be hard to replace.
Bhutto assassinated BY SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR
Pakistan's political order came dangerously close to total collapse on December 27, 2007 when Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister and head of Pakistan's biggest political party, was assassinated by a suicide bomber in Rawalpindi. Having returned from an eightyear exile to contest elections scheduled for January, Bhutto was killed when her motorcade slowed to keep pace with a large group of supporters. The event triggered massive unrest that lead to days of rioting and looting that considerably damaged the country's infrastructure, especially in Karachi. Bhutto's political career in
Pakistan, including her two terms as prime minister in the '90s, was plagued by mounting corruption charges that eventually forced her to seek exile. Upon her return, her attempt to negotiate a power-sharing deal with president Musharraf relied on an impossible political bid to introduce democratic reforms in a country that has been under authoritarian rule by the military for nearly a decade. Musharraf, who has regularly dealt with resistance by suspending and replacing the judiciary, arresting dissidents, declaring a state of emergency, and changing the constitution to consolidate his chief of army post with his civilian office, was quick to be blamed for Bhutto's assassination. The president, however, has repeatedly stated that Bhutto was warned that her life was in danger and
that she continued to campaign well aware of the risks. Just days after her return to Pakistan, three bombs exploded around Bhutto’s motorcade in Karachi, killing 150 people while she escaped unharmed. Bhutto later released a statement saying she suspected that the country's military intelligence was behind the attack. Musharraf's government has pegged the assassination on members of Al Qaeda. It has postponed the January elections for at least another six weeks. The situation has prompted great concern internationally with the possibility of total political collapse providing ideal cover for extremist elements using Pakistan to launch attacks in nearby Afghanistan.
“Put a smile on at least one person’s face each day.” - Kiran Arora, 2nd year CCIT major
“Try to finish a task before anyone asks me to do it a second time.” - Mayukh Mitra, 3rd year CCIT/Philosophy major
“Eat properly and grow a couple of inches!” - Isha Sharma, 3rd year Psych and Biology
“Indulge in more socio-political activities, especially concerning local agendas.” - Soham Bhatia, 1st year Chemical and Physical Sci
“To quit smoking.” - Robert Silva 5th year CCIT/PWC major
Monday, January 7, 2008
NEWS
A daughter’s plea UTM student Maitreyi “Tree” Viswanathan creates fund to help pay for experimental treatment of father’s rare medical condition. BY SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR
A student at the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM) is reaching out to fellow students and anyone else who might be interested in helping her. Maitreyi "Tree" Viswanathan needs to raise funds to pay for an experimental treatment for her father, who suffers from Ataxia, a neurological disorder that affectsmuscle coordination by way of the nervous system. Viswanathan started a group on Facebook called "A daughter's plea: The R. Viswanathan Ataxia Treatment Fund" in which she explains that her sole focus is to secure at least $30,000 so that her father can be admitted for treatment in China. "Moving to Canada and not being able to get well-paying jobs ate away at a large chunk of my family's savings," she said. "I've taken up a second job to help ease the financial burden on my family but it doesn't pay as well as one would hope. So really, my campaign is to help raise as much money as I can to help my dad. For all that he and my family have done for me and given me, I feel it's the least I can do," she said. Viswanathan's father was diagnosed with a genetic strain of Ataxia in 1998, but her parents decided not to
tell her for a few years, until she turned 18. Viswanathan remembers her father having trouble with daily routines. "Writing, typing, frequent cramps, getting out of cushioned chairs and couches. Anything that requires any kind of muscle coordination. Things as simple as carrying a mug of liquid from one room to another became hard to do without spilling the contents accidentally," said Viswanathan. She has noticed her father's condition getting increasingly worse. "The thing is, the deterioration is happening at a noticeable rate because I know that things weren't even this difficult for him two years ago. But that's what this treatment is meant to do - reverse about six to seven years deterioration, and keep it that way," she noted. The treatment involves the use of stem cells to replace dead and dying brain cells in the patient. Since stem cell research has been heavily debated in the United States, the treatment has yet to receive approval from the FDA despite showing promising results in its experimental stage. Viswanathan and her family plan to have their father admitted to a treatment program in a commercial hospital in China called Beike Biotechnology Ltd., which is managed by the Hong Kong University and the local business community. Along with the group on Facebook, Viswanathan is also in the process of coordinating fundraising events with Communication, Culture, and Information and Technology club at UTM. She is also planning to speak with Walied Khogali, president of University of Toronto at Mississauga's Students' Union. Viswanathan hopes to share before and after footage by posting it on her Facebook group and also a website that she is still working on. Her father has also started a Blog
to keep people informed about his progress. "He's a very cheerful person, and doesn't let it affect his life at all. He might have trouble with some things but he'll find a way to do it," she said. "I'm amazed that so many of my friends did want to help though - I mean, we're all the same broke-student boat. I feel genuinely lucky to have such wonderful people in my life," said Viswanathan. Students interested in finding out more about Tree Viswanathan's campaign can contact her on Facebook or via email at maitreyi.vis@gmail.com. Donations can be made in person or through PayPal and money transfers.
photo/M. Viswananthan
Maitreyi “Tree” Viswanathan pictured here with her father.
Principal forms diversity committee BY TEJAS AIVALLI
UTM principal Ian Orchard has formed an eleven-member committee to advise him on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion at the university. This was done in response to a proposal by Jane Ngobia, UTM's resource officer on diversity, equity and leadership. The committee is composed of administration officials, faculty and students, and will have its first meeting this month. Madiha Khan, project manager of the International Student Resource Centre, is one of the three students on the committee, and is grateful for student representation on the committee. "I would like to voice concerns from the student body at large in a way that avoids conflict, builds solidarity between students and the administrative staff, and best meets the need of all. If that means I need to walk around the Meeting Place all day to get student opinions so that I may voice them on their behalf, then I will do so," Khan said via e-mail. When asked what issues she
wanted to see addressed by the committee, Khan said "It would be wonderful to provide a greater range of involvement opportunities for students registered with Community on Campus. And I
"I do hope to think that I will bring perspective to the council, a feminist perspective which pays particular attention to [the] diverse nature of our campus and student body."
- Lauren Cullen, committee member hope there will be more opportunities for students with disabilities, such as visual impairment, to participate in a range of career experiences. Improved support systems that allow greater academic competence and convenience for students with disabilities are also needed". Lauren Cullen, a fifth-year student and events coordinator at the
UTM Women's Centre, is another member of the committee. "I do hope to think that I will bring perspective to the council, a feminist perspective which pays particular attention to [the] diverse nature of our campus and student body" she said. When asked what he would like the committee to achieve, UTM Students' Union President Walied Khogali said, "We would like the committee to be as engaging as possible with the student body, faculty, staff and members of the administration. We also would like the committee to be a forum for university-wide equity campaigns and services to be discussed and implemented." He added that he would like to see the committee work "on a campaign against Islamophobia, racism and anti-Semitism." This committee is yet another chaired by the Principal that deals with the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In January 2006, UTM Principal Ian Orchard chaired a positive space committee made up of students, faculty, and staff to promote a campuswide attitude of tolerance, acceptance, and discussion toward LGBTQ students.
THE MEDIUM
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4 THE MEDIUM
Monday, January 7, 2007
EDITORIAL
Opinion JULIE TYIOS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | editor@mediumonline.ca www.mediumonline.ca
EDITORIAL Before UTM was dismissed for the holidays, I received word that the child care run by the student unions would be shut down in the New Year, and that the university failed to come through on a promise to deliver child care for campus families. A few years ago, Shaila Kibria, a student mother who has since graduated, fought for parents and paved the way to open a temporary facility, now known as the UTM Child Learning Centre. Five children use the facilities during the week, staffed by two caretakers. I often trip over buggies and pass hurried mothers in the hallways, toting their children behind them, mid-day. I have no doubt that the child care centre is an invaluable resource to this university. I have listened to complaints from people who need this resource and have no access to it, and praises from others who use it on a regular basis. In the past few years, the campus's space crisis has reached incredible levels. But I recall the fight from the student unions for more student study space, and adequate prayer space for community members of different faiths - and their successes. I've seen services shuffled around (The Medium was almost booted from its office a few years ago) within the Student Centre and other places on campus. But yet, the child care centre has remained in a tiny room on the top floor of the Student Centre, with only five children in attendance per day. It's obvious that actions can be set into motion for services that are deemed essential. So why, even as a promise from the university, is child care not provided adequately on campus for the people who need it most? St. George and UTSC have facilities for child care run by the university, but UTM does not. Enrolment has increased drastically in the past few years, bringing many more students in need of various services to campus. With a waiting list of seventeen families twenty-two interested overall - why is child care neglected as an essential service? It's time for child care to find a permanent home on campus, with facilities adequate enough for the children who use the service. I worry about the location of the centre - on the second floor of the Student Centre - when I see children under the age of five tripping on the large staircase in the main hallway as the ascend and descend the stairs. I've seen it, and have had to prevent some children from falling down the stairs several times. What if, by some awful chance, a child was to escape from the centre for a few seconds and fall down one of the staircases to the cement floor below? Child care needs to be in a better-equipped facility on this campus, easily accessible to parents and their children, and with minimal safety risks for the children in it. I hope that between the administration and the student unions, a compromise can be reached that provides our student body with the services it needs. Child care is not just for the students, it is for the children who depend on them. A proper learning environment with skilled caretakers sets the precedent for future learning patterns and social skills; essentially the beginnings of UTM's well-known mandate: "Great minds for a great future." Yours,
Julie Tyios The Medium is pleased to announce the election of Saira Muzaffar to the position of News Editor for the remainder of the 2007/08 publishing year. Please contact her with stories at news@mediumonline.ca The Medium is back in action. Ali is back from Singapore, and deathly ill. What’s that about Japanese porno? Cute. We had elections today, narrow victories, bot hworthy candidates. It was an exciting afternoon. I’m writing the blurb late, obviously. Just Saira, Earl, and I here now. John is waiting for our pages. We snuck out a bit earlier to grab a well-earned bite from Tremendous, removing the taste of eggplant parmesian from my mouth. Earl seems sick too, but i can’t figure out why. His liver is probably about to burst from overeating. Auntie Nikita took good care of him tonight. Sorry about the computers, guys, we’ll haev them for you tomorrow. Christmas is over and the trees are coming down. Rob quit smoking, good for you. Ali didn’t. god is punishing you. The paper was done sort of early tonight, but not early enough. NJeed a copy editor! Melissa was on the job til almost midnight - thanks for everything! We need to clean the boxes out of her and rearrange because we have a whole new team working in here now. Saira watched some of my footage from Vegas and had a good laugh. Earl’s curled up in my lap, asleep. He seems to like opera. Child care delayed again? What? Saira’s reading a manual for a printer from 1989. Informative? Oh, it’s old Medium meeting minutes! Cute. i just got back from Vegas. Not used to being sober. My liver is about to burst, too. I’m all done cept for the blurb. Saira just suggested that Earl may be catching Ali’s flu. Curses! Arts Boy, why did you come in her eall sick and stuff??? Jerk!!! I want Andrea back as Arts. :P Selling of old typesetting machine? Yowza. Unanimous vote. Poor typesetting machine. “Medium Sundays” - it drives me to drink. I can a can of butane on my desk. Picked up a few torches in Vegas that needed filling. Now the bottle looks scary intimidating. We’ve all put our new desk calendars to use thanks, Ali. My car’s parked under the window for security reasons. I hope I don’t have a ticket. Uh oh, printer’s calling. Yup, almost done, had to change a little story. I hear a phone ringing... Isa has sent an editorial cartoon, wicked. Trying to fill space... hmm. Rob’s McDonald’s bat sticks out like a big red phallic object from the wall. Oy vey. Thanks Nikit afor the lightly salted Lay’s - came in handy. Saira wants to go to sleep. She’s packing up. Two seconds. Lots of last minute stories tonight, and she managed them all. Bit hectic today. Propel! Water of winners. Master Splinter stares from Rob’s desk. Printer wants the paper. Stupid blurb. Leena’s a girl? Crazy 8s what? Poker! I lost two hundred bucks in Vegas playing poker, but my ass was saved by a straight flush at the tables at MGM. Piddles. Next time I’ll drink less and win more. Stupid Vegas. Stupid Circus Circus. It was a scene from Fear and Lothing in Las Vegas. I partied with Paris Hilton, and the boys called her a skanky ho. How mature. Nicholas, i miss you and our antics. We have to go again in a couple of months. Now this is getting personal. Hey, I miss all you editors too. Rob had a hoickey game tonight, and his team was banned because one of the players pooped in the sink in the dressing room. Oh, boys. Click, snap. click, snap. Majid, I hope you feel better, and Ali too. Miso soup is the answer. And Miss Nikita, you ate two orders of California rolls?? I’m impressed. Where do you put it? Ali is having territorial issues with the News desk. I woudlnt’ be surprised if he’s marked his territory with urine. Speaking of marking territory with urine... disgusting. Twelve to go....
Letters to the Editor WOULD Y OU H IRE Y OURSELF? If you read my resume, I have a PhD from McGill, I teach communications at UTM, and I own a black Arabian horse named Darious that sleeps at a ranch just north of our campus in Georgetown. My resume is six pages long - not your typical CV but it does the job. It conveys what I have accomplished and what I enjoy accomplishing. Every three months I update my resume. Three months ago, I didn't have Darious, nor did I climb Mount Kilimanjaro. January 7 marks week two of 2008. I write this week to share a strategy I started to practice for goal planning and goal scoring some may find useful for their new years resolutions. You see, planning is easy part. The challenge is to score. For those who know me, or thought
they knew me, I don't have a PhD, nor do I teach at UTM. In fact, UTM teaches me. But I do have a resume that says I do. I spend hours each year writing fake resumes. Studies show that most new year's resolutions fail because people either set the wrong goals, or set the right goals but for the wrong reasons. Other people simply fail to see big picture. Writing a resume forces detailed thoughts. Details such as dates, titles, and most importantly, career objectives. I cannot emphasize the power of details enough. So here's how it works: you write three resumes - one that's dated five years from now, another dated ten years from now, and the third one twenty years from now. This process allows you to observe yourself in the future and
Read online at www.mediumonline.ca EDITORIAL Please write to:editor@mediumonline.ca Letters to the editor will be edited for spelling, grammar, style, and coherence. Letters will not exceed 500 words in print. Letters that incite hatred, violence or l e t t e r s t h a t a r e r a c i s t , h o m o p h o b ic , s e x i s t , o r l i b e l o u s w i l l n o t b e p u b l i s h e d . Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters and and other editorial materials reflect opinions of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, staff, volunteers, or Board of Directors of The Medium. In other words, just because we print it doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with it. Submission does not guarantee publication. Submission of materials to The Medium presumes the writer has read, and agrees with, this policy.
MEDIUM
Editor-in-Chief Julie Tyios
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plan accordingly. Most overweight people I know don't plan to lose weight for the sake of losing weight, they plan to lose weight for other reasons. Most goals are a means to an end goal. So if you pinpoint the underlining reasons, your chances at scoring are much higher. That's why I think the typical rituals of writing goals on a post-it note aren't as effective as integrating them into your professional and personal profile (your resume). Would you hire youself? If you answer no, figure it out. Maybe you'er not fit enough to be a firefighter, or too inexperienced to work in the PMO's office. Either way, fake it until you make it. Sincerely, Majid Hashemi
Photography Editor Melissa Di Pasquale
Thanks to everyone who applied to be an assistant. Editors will be announced in next week’s issue. We are still looking for applicants for the position of copy editor. Please send a resume and a cover letter stating your experience to Julie at j.tyios@gmail.com by January 13, 2008.
THE MEDIUM 5
Monday, January 7, 2008
Arts & Entertainment ALI KASIM, EDITOR | arts@mediumonline.ca
The edible sounds of 2007 BY ASHISH SETH AND MICHAEL DI LEO
Good things come in combos It's true. The year 2007 showed us that the CD has gone to shit. Not even a thermo-chrome heat-sensitive Nine Inch Nails CD that turns white when heated and black when cooled could lure the consuming cows and their money to record stores. The music industry doesn't have many tricks left up its sleeve (thermo-chrome don't work, son!). Sales have dropped and the music industry is at the dawn of a revolution. No, not the kind of revolution professed in that Beatles song. The home music once found on a CD is being shaken by an earthquake of poor music sales. The LP has moved from the CD to the PC (or Mac or iPod). It is now stored, more commonly, as bits and bytes and a couple of megabytes on a hard drive. But a phased-out CD does not necessarily mean the same for the 'record.' What is a 'record' anyway? Some people say a record is just one song, one recording. We prefer to define a 'record' as a cohesive collection of songs that interact with each other for a listening experience (in other words, they are packaged to be sold together so you don't have to search for them individually). Does a 'record' have to be contained on a CD in order to
be a 'record'? That's like asking what came first: the chicken or the egg. We're not going to give a straight answer to that - we don't want to upset the record collecting purists - but we believe bands will always release songs in collections, in records, rather than just individually. EP or LP, it is always more productive to release things in combos (just go to your nearest Wendy's and read their menu if you don't believe us). So, we have compiled what we believe are the top five 'records' of 2007 - because good eats come in combinations, or umm, compilations. These records sounded like nothing we'd ever heard before, pushed the bracket in terms of what could be done on a record, took us on journeys with every song, and tasted great! Really great. These are the top five edible sounds of 2007. The edible five: top five of 2007
Days Of Carpedia [EP] It's punk rock with a gun to R&B's head on the dance floor. Death From Above who? 2) Radiohead - In Rainbows Overshadowed by the way it was distributed, In Rainbows was an emotional, scary, orchestral, and atmospheric journey through the staleness of modern routine life… It's Radiohead. Enough said. 1) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible Amidst the sea of fake hipsterati and indie cliques, Neon Bible stands out as a particularly emotional and un-ironic record, reminding us that there is still passion in music. Honourable Mention: Lupe Fiasco Lupe Fiasco's The Cool Lupe is Lupe times a hundred, whatever that means. This one was late but great. Assorted flavours: the list 2007
5) The Soulsavers - It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land [IMPORT] A salvation record is market suicide but Mark Lanegan's husky vocals and the band's electronica-hip hop craft fuse into a genius pot-of-God.
This is our list of the most memorable (good and bad) records of 2007. Records come in different flavours. People have different tastes. Everyone's a winner… sort of.
4) Peter Bjorn And John - Writer's Block "I laugh more often now, I cry more often now, I am more me."
The most honest and emotional release: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible The most surprising record: Radiohead In Rainbows
3) The Carps - The Young & Passionate
The best foreign language record: Sigur
Ros - Hvarf-Heim The best sophomore record: (a tie) Arcade Fire - Neon Bible and Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
That record that just went by our heads: Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace The most over produced record: Smashing Pumpkins - Zeitgeist
Worst name for a record: Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
The most disappointing record: Linkin Park - Minutes to Midnight
The record that made you sleepy: The Shins - Wincing the Night Away
The most overrated record: Klaxons Myths Of The Near Future
The most WTF record: (a tie) LCD Soundsystem - Sound Of Silver and Puscifer - V is for Vagina
The most underrated record: Joel Plaskett - Emergency Ashtray Rock
The guilty pleasure: Nine Inch Nails Year Zero The best hard rock record: Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris Most matured record compared to predecessor: Kanye West - Graduation (much "stronger" than its predecessor) Best live record: Neil Young - Live at Massey Hall 1971 Best remix record: Nine Inch Nails Year Zero Remixed Fuck you, I'm going solo - Best Solo record): The Nightwatchman - One Man Revolution [Tom Morello]
The spot-of-genius no one noticed: The Soulsavers - It's Not How Far You Fall, It's How You Land The 'played it safe to make it' record: Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank Best soundtrack for a movie: Across The Universe Hey, I thought you were dead! - Best Comeback record : Steve Earle Washington Square Serenade Hey, you don't belong in this decade! Most dated record: Dave Gahan Hourglass Most Overrated Comeback in a Season of Overrated Comebacks: Van Halen (Forget Diamond Dave)
Bill Hicks: Remembering the remedying comedian BY ASHISH SETH
"It's just a ride…" [Bill Hicks on life] In a world of mediocrity and excess, and where comedians like Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey capitalize on their fame by putting shit movies out one after another, comedy needs enlightenment. Enough of movies like Norbit and The Number 23 grossing millions and keeping us consuming horse manure. We need to salvage comedy from the dump it's been thrown into and actually think about what we laugh at. Comedy is an art form for social awareness as much as it is a vehicle for dick jokes. Bill Hicks embodied comedic enlightenment… and dick jokes. "We are the facilitators of our own creative evolution." Hicks was a social and political comedian whose comedy opened people's minds as it made them laugh. He was a remedying comedian; remedying ignorance and docility by making people laugh without closing their minds. His jokes had depth. Hicks described his act as "Noam Chomsky with dick jokes." From dick jokes to political humour, to why McDonald's is the Antichrist, Hicks's style of comedy went on to influence the likes of Dennis Leary and Dane Cook. It even reached music, his opinions influencing bands like Tool, Radiohead, and Super Furry Animals. What was his style of comedy like? It was dangerous, relentless, energetic,
unapologetic, wild, impassioned, enlightened. He made fun of everything, openly shrouding himself in a cloud of controversy as he picked at the latest conspiracy the world had to offer him. Self-proclaimed as the Prince of Darkness, Satan's goat boy, he made people laugh. Yes, but he also pissed a lot of people off in the process - republicans, fundamentalist Christians, pro-lifers. Nothing and no one escaped his comedic crosshair. Topics included religion, drugs, smoking, movies, pornography, the first Bush administration, the media, and the docile masses; all complemented by crude dick jokes and selfproduced signature sound effects he made with the mic and his mouth. "I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out." Hicks started comedy at a very young age, much to the disapproval of his parents. During his high school years, he'd sneak out at nights to the comedy club and hone his routine. It was also in school where Hicks developed his disdain for religion, a topic that would frequent his act in the coming years. "A lot of Christians wear crosses around their necks. You think when Jesus comes back he ever wants to see a fucking cross? It's like going up to Jackie Onassis wearing a rifle pendant." It was in Los Angeles in the 1980s when he first started getting noticed, sharing gigs with then-unknowns Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. But his comedy was very unlike theirs. It was crude,
pessimistic, and very risqué. Rolling Stone described Hicks' act as "taking a stand - and occasionally dodging a chair." He would do gigs where he would be booed offstage and sometimes beaten up by offended audiences afterwards. Hecklers were common in his gigs even in his later years. But this was exactly the response he expected his comedy to get. Hicks' radical opinions on current issues were bound to upset the unenlightened and uneducated who wished to keep their minds closed, their assumptions unchecked, and their beliefs uninformed. Hicks parodied people's core presumptions and beliefs in order to get people to start thinking for themselves, to open their third eyes. He may have gotten hurt in the process. "It's always funny until someone gets hurt. Then it's just hilarious." A long time addiction to cigarettes eventually claimed his life in 1994, but not before his career took off in the early ‘90s, appearing no less than eleven times on the Late Show with David Letterman. From 1989 to 1994, Hicks performed at least 300 times a year. Never opting to stray into movies and television like his contemporaries, Hicks stuck to his craft as a stand-up and made a huge impression on other comedians, many of whom still continue to cite Hicks as their idol. "L.A. is a nightmare city and the sooner it falls into the ocean after a major earthquake, and is flushed away, the world will be a better place." Hicks released seven comedy albums, the best and most innovative of
which was the album Arizona Bay. Hicks considered it his magnum opus, calling it his Dark Side of the Moon. It was groundbreaking - Hicks mixed his own music with his comedy routines to create a comedy concept album. Hicks hated Los Angeles, and on this album, dreamed of the whole state of California being swept away by the Pacific Ocean, leaving only a Utopian place called Arizona Bay. Arizona Bay was a cohesive comedic record that had a unifying concept running through all its jokes, as music supplemented the mood in every track. "You ever noticed how people who believe in Creationism look really unevolved? You ever noticed that? Eyes real close together, eyebrow ridges, big furry hands and feet. 'I believe God created me in one day' Yeah, looks like He rushed it." Listening to some of his material today almost seems like he's talking about the present state of affairs. His material dates from before 1994, yet it feels like it is being done with the present world in mind. Hicks's comedy enlightens people through laughter, with a universal appeal that has aged well, almost too well. And that's what
photo/google.images
makes it so sad and scary. Has the world changed at all? "It's just a ride and we can change it any time we want. It's only a choice. No effort, no work, no job, no savings and money, a choice, right now, between fear and love. The eyes of fear want you to put bigger locks on your door, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love instead see all of us as one…[and through the eyes of love] we can explore space together, both inner and outer, forever in peace. Thank you very much. You've been great, I hope you enjoyed it."
6 THE MEDIUM
Monday, January 7, 2008
ARTS
A night for the crickets Actors refuse to cross WGA picket lines at next Sunday's Golden Globes BY ANDREA GRASSI ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR
The 65th annual Golden Globe award show is still scheduled to air on NBC next Sunday, January 13, despite a 'unanimous' statement from the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) that none of their representative nominees or presenters will show. Celeb mugs refuse to strut and pose across Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) picket lines. The WGA has been on strike for nine weeks, costing the entertainment industry millions of dollars. Last time a strike like this occurred was 1988, and it lasted for almost twenty-two weeks. This ended up burning a 500-million dollar hole in industry pockets. What exactly is being asked by the WGA of Hollywood? The writers from the union representative of all those involved in entertainment and news want a slice of DVD sales, new jurisdiction of reality and animated features as writers, and most importantly, higher pay. The central issue however, is the issue of online content. Currently, the WGA has no arrangement regarding the use of their content online. This is called "new media," and includes internet downloads and video feeds. Writers want distribution compensation for the features they create now, because it is projected the internet will overpower current distribution procedures and regular scheduled television programs as a major entertainment and news
source. The slow death of print has emerged in news media, and it is only a matter of time before the entertainment market follows suit. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), host of the Golden Globes, is a non-profit organization. Last year, the award ceremony allowed the HFPA to make a 1.7-million dollar donation to creative projects such as The Film Foundation, Sundance Institute, Film Independent, American Cinematheque and schools including USC, UCLA, and Cal Arts. Because the creative communities lack support, all of these projects will be, according to the official Golden Globe website, "severely impacted." PR for the HFPA is stressing the lack of money in the creative community that will come from snubbing the Gold. HFPA president Jorge Camara posted the following statement on the Golden Globe website last Friday: "The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has been placed in an extremely difficult position with the ongoing Writers Guild strike. We are making every effort to work out a solution that will permit the Golden Globes to take place with the creative community present to participate. We hope to announce a resolution to this unfortunate predicament on Monday [Jan 7]." According to MSNBC.com, the fate of the Golden Globes this year is up to celebrities. Denzel Washington, nominated for best actor in a leading role for American Gangster, expresses
WGA support on the web article, but hoped the strike could have been settled before awards season. "The writers deserve to get their slice," he said. "If the studios [are] making money on something that the writer wrote and the actor acted in and the director directed, then those people deserve to make money too." All members of SAG, the nation's largest labor union for working actors, are firm in their refusal to cross a picket line. There are 72 SAG members who are nominees. Major attendees belonging to the union include George Clooney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ryan Gosling, Kiera Knightly, and upcoming Canadian stars like Juno's Ellen Page. For mercy, the WGA has made it clear that they will not picket the awards if they are not televised. According to Fox Television, industry insiders say the best thing for the HFPA and the Golden Globes is to not televise it. The following statement was posted on the United Press International website on January 1: "The WGA has great respect and admiration for the Hollywood Foreign Press
Association, but we are engaged in a crucial struggle that will protect our income and intellectual property rights for generations to come. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring industry negotiations to a fair conclusion. In the meantime, we are grateful for the ongoing support of the Hollywood talent community." The WGA has nothing against the HFPA; the bottom-line is that unlike the SAG awards and the Independent Spirit Awards, they have not come to a negotiation and bottom-line - the televised event will make money. NBC has refused to comment on the matter. If no resolutions are reached on behalf of HFPA and NBC by today, and you had Sunday night plans to watch the Globes, don't fret. New shows will be streaming on FOX.
photos/google.images
Notable absentees - George Clooney (left), Keira Knightly (below), and Ryan Gosling (above with Rachel McAdams) are some of the few celebrities shunning the upcoming Golden Globes Award Ceremony.
THE MEDIUM 7
Monday, January 7, 2008
Features NIKITA KING, EDITOR | features@mediumonline.ca
A short story: This Land BY ANDRÉ DUMON
Great clouds haunt these massive mountain tops. They abide here with high-handed pride as though they are vengeful pagan gods eager to descend upon the land below. The mountain's sylvan base of abundance becomes ever more hostile, ever drearier, as one ascends to the ashen cliffs around which these clouds hang. Here, the clouds shroud the mountains in mist and secrecy. This eerie landscape supports naught but ominous portents of what will happen when the rain clouds break and of what hides in the fog. Doomed are those who think that they will bring only rain. Towering atop nature's bastions these grey giants wait, holding back a daemonic fury for all that lies below. Yet, glory that exists beneath the shadows of these behemoths is a sweet thought to ponder upon. Under the gaze of the dark, jagged-toothed mountain, a land stretches far into an unknown horizon, further than any eagle can fly. Lush in life and abundant in beauty, its praises are sung by a choir of beasts both large and petite. This land's wealth is made known to all by the roar of a lion and the sweet song of a bird. The same bird builds eagerly, weaving away with a zealous glee. Vibrantly coloured flowers blossom, appearing to smile at the sun and the world into which they have been born. Diligent bees buzz as they undertake their labours of love. Whisking here and darting there - blissfully lost in their duties. An atmosphere filled with the inspiration of life to recreate itself. The thunderous clapping of a waterfall applauds an unseen creator as the rushing water explodes into liquid crystals against smooth stones below. The warmth of the sun blesses this land with a divine radiance. Ripe fruits hang temptingly from fortress-like trees; the branches bending under a rich harvest of plenty. This land is a veritable cornucopia of miracles that seems to take such sublime joy in providing. Succulent sustenance nourishes both man and beast, as both are part of a cycle that intertwines destinies. Sweeping through the mountains, amidst the glory of the present, a gentle breeze whispers hints of change. The
clouds loom over the mountain. They seem to ponder the gravity of something greater than themselves.
It is in this moment that he feels most alive. It is in taking lives that he feels most aware of his own existence; his own mortality.
The piercing war-cry of a foreign beast breaks this serenity, as a whip's crack would slash through silence. It is a beast of both wood and steel that explodes with the rage of volcanic violence. It spits fire and lead. Falling from its sturdy back end, the copper pellets emit a terribly sweet scent of metallic friction. The copper pellets fall and collide with a disturbingly light and merry tune like that of wind chimes on a spring day. This relentless beast destroys. Worse still, it is wielded by a beast much more dangerous than anything that roams here. It is a tool of man's intent. His dark skin glistens with the intensity of his efforts while his shoulders rack under the kicks of his rifle, his pet. His high black boots are planted firmly on the ground to steady his aim. In the midst of the ensuing anarchy, sporadic guttural bursts of heinous mirth sound from the freedom fighter's throat. Thick veins throb at his neck like a ravenous snake awaiting its kill. He treads on the soft grass, over life, and does not flinch. He pushes on through the slaughter with his comrades beside him. They are masters of life in the moment, ready to steal life in an instant. Once his pet starts barking his cause is forgotten, his dreams of the future become inconsequential and his life takes on a new paradigm in the present carnage. It is in this moment that he feels most alive. It is in taking lives that he feels most aware of his own existence; his own mortality. In the acute contrast of this realisation he finds an elixir that suspends the present and carries him on an adrenalin filled journey. It is a wild massacre of all that breathes and of all that dares to oppose an action that is so
contrary to life. The truth is that it is an act common to nature's own cycle. So often the beat of one instrument leads to a song, and so does this instrument of war. A new tune is carried with the wind. A woman's wailing, laced with terror and loss, echoes through this land's splendour. It is a yowl that builds up into scream that wrenches at one's soul and hides into an anguished silence. Silence never rests well in this land. It is always too soon before a disturbance torments the peace. It is because of this that silence can never be serene on its own but is simply a precursor. When silence cannot be tranquil it serves only as dusk serves the day in announcing the departure of light. The clouds over the mountain tops rumble in anticipation. As actors in an everchanging play they must soon break their poetic composure, taking to the stage a dramatic burst of energy. Their growls reverberate through this land and into the bones of those below. These bumptious warlords are planning. Atop the world they ride, upon the four winds that announce their prophetic raid.
The greatest horror lies in not knowing. In this way the clouds wait in their aerial haven while the shamans praise, curse and beg the gods that do not exist.
The crops that once stood proud are humbled by being reduced to shameful ashes. Those that survived the fire are trodden down by marching feet of men who never look down at that which they pass over. The land is still fertile. One wonders whether fertility carries hope when its potential is always smothered. This soil has tasted so much blood and the gorges and canyons have heard the sound of so many bellicose shouts. For on this ground, both hallowed and cursed, nations have both been made and undone. Yet, there has never been only one. As steel needs to be hammered to be effectively forged, so to has
Photo/AndrĂŠ Dumon
this land been hammered. Tears have quenched this land's thirst when blood was no longer enough. And when the blood and tears were done, bodies were given unto this place's cruel sun. Under vicious rays they rotted, bringing comfort to carrion eating beasts and life to those who feed off death. Staring up at the mountain, a dragon's broken back covered in a cloak of uncertainty, people mourn the past, hide from the present, and fear the future. Those great clouds drone; the sound of thunder reasserting their presence. Smoke tells tales of cruel beauty like that of a rose with thorns that cut. Such shades of sorrow cast sombre shadows as they are so difficult to look upon. Wisps of smoke recount burnt dreams and past joys. Charred wood speaks a language of silence to ears that do not want to listen, showing reality to eyes that cannot be kept shut. The colours of destruction are sombre and dingy as that of storm clouds. These are the same type of clouds that so often frequent this hate-filled land and that now bellow above. Will the dark clouds that threaten in apparent apathy over the mountains bring rain to douse these flames of hate or storms to flood all? The
greatest horror lies in not knowing. In this way the clouds wait in their aerial haven while the shamans praise, curse and beg to gods that do not exist. Yet, they never stop. The futilities of their actions, the meditative repetition of prayers, are irrelevant as long as they bring some semblance of clam to the chaos that engulfs them. A small comfort is all the people want. Now there is only rubble. The destruction of the ages has left a legacy of dread. The jewel that once shone is now only a tarnished stone. So the beauty is for naught, as no one appreciates it any more. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then what beauty is there when there is no one to behold it? The smartest of life's creations has done the most damage to that which it owes the most. Where else can it be seen as clearly as in this accursed land? Within the clouds there are flashes of aggressive light. Soaring into one another, amongst one another, they send down crooked and twisted spears with bright golden points. Shafts of chaos shatter previously silent skies. The sound of thunder becomes more intense and frighteningly immediate. Soon they will break.
8 THE MEDIUM
Monday, January 7, 2008
FEATURES
Student spotlight: Abdinoor Jelle BY MEGHA SAWHNEY
Imagine 900 students split evenly between three student refugee camps in Kenya, attending high school in forty-degree weather. Out of these 900, imagine 20 per camp - a total of 60 - having the opportunity to complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) after graduating high school, where they struggled to maintain a B average. Out of these 60, imagine 30 selected for an oral interview after achieving a TOEFL score of 550 or above, which determened their future career. Out of those 30, imagine 11 pursuing their dreams to continue education through the Student Refugee Program (SRP), a partnership between World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Canadian universities. Out of these 11, imagine 6 getting placed at the University of Toronto (U of T) campuses. Now imagine 1 of those 6 attending the University of Toronto at Mississauga (UTM). Abdinoor Jelle flew seventeen hours from his camp in Kenya to Toronto as the first to receive this opportunity. He is now enrolled in a biology major at UTM, with the intent to pursue a career in medicine. But, after experiencing the university's science program, he realised that it was harder than he expected. With lab practicals only taking place occasionally at his camp in Kenya and having never seen a well-equipped science lab before, Jelle found himself lost. He struggled to keep up with a new curriculum and style of educa-
tion, adjusting from a classroom of 40 to a lecture hall of 300 students. "Things were totally different for me school- and society-wise. Back home it's not like here where everything is so technology-based," explains Jelle. "For example, when I first came here I had several lab assignments, and I wasn't too sure what the teacher required of me. But when I got my first lab back, I put the comments I received into practice and now I'm much better." Jelle had two weeks before the school year began in September 2007 to adapt to his new environment. By attending Frosh Week and proactively participating in activities at the Student Centre, Jelle attracted several friends with his easygoing and friendly personality. The SRP made Jelle's new social and academic opportunities possible. WUSC, an Ottawa-based organization promoting resettlement of refugees from developing countries as Permanent Residents in Canada, operates in collaboration with the University of Toronto's Student Union (UTSU). Preeti Purba, a UTSU service coordinator, played an important role in welcoming Jelle to the school. After clearance from U of T admissions, she was one of the few to review the ten information packages of potential student candidates containing their history and academic grades. Six of these students would be placed at other UofT campuses and colleges, with four rejected. "Everyone has gone through a lot in their life, and so reading each story is very
hard," said Purba. According to Purba, they aimed to select someone who would fit in seamlessly with university students. Jelle's age and intelligence matched the criteria they looked for. He was also a biology and
“He's had a tough life, but on top of that his TOEFL scores were really amazing, so the chances of him doing well academically are very high.�
- Preeti Purba UTSU service coordinator
chemistry teacher - two of his strongest subjects-at his camp in Kenya. "He's had a tough life, but on top of that his TOEFL scores were really amazing, so the chances of him doing well academically are very high," Purba stated. A UTM referendum held in March 2007 gained fifty per cent of student body's vote for the SRP on campus. This A levy of $1.20 per student allowed the program to launch on campus. With a budget of $25,000 for the next four years, Jelle is able to attend the school with many of his expenses paid. Promoting debt-free education, Purba acknowledged the kind donations received
from the dean of student affairs, Mark Overton, and acting vice-president and principal Cheryl Misak. "The U of T admin has been really great in helping him out this year. They weren't able to get cash value, or cover his residence costs, but they were able to waive his tuition fee and a $3,000 meal plan this year,"says Purba In preparation for Jelle's arrival, WUSC advised UTSU to reserve adequate orientation time. Purba showed Jelle around, explaining appliances and electronics that may be unfamiliar to him. But Jelle, fully knowledgeable of all these devices, surprised Purba when he pulled up a chair to a computer and connected to MSN. "He was one of the smartest people in their refugee camp. Because he was a teacher, he was exposed to computers. He can use Excel and Word, and is very computer literate," says Purba. Jelle receives an allowance of $250 a month to cover his clothing costs, books, telephone bills, groceries and other everyday expenses. Equipped with a SIN card and eligible to work to earn his own money, Jelle plans to work through the summer months. With his seemingly settled lifestyle and grateful attitude, a driven Jelle still misses his life in Kenya. "I have my uncle, aunt and their seven kids who are my family and I would like to bring them here one day," Jelle says. Jelle misses playing soccer and spending time outdoors in Kenya's intense heat, but acknowledges this rare chance to excel in academia and other aspects of his life - a
chance his friends back home are waiting for. So he places all thoughts of playing soccer aside and concentrates on his studies. "Most of the time I was free, I would play soccer with my friends. Here I have no time, because I'm under so much pressure with assignments," Jelle says. "Even though things are definitely getting easier now, I have to work hard to make them easier." Jelle still keeps in touch with the other eleven students in the WUSC Program, his fellow classmates in Kenya. "Some of them are in Hamilton, Regina, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Guelph," he adds. "We finished high school at the same time and all share similar experiences so it's great to be able to communicate over the phone and MSN." Initially, UTM planned to sponsor a student every year, but has now altered this to every two years. "This year was a success," Purba notes. "But because this is our first time, there was a lot of more emotional support than expected. We want to make sure we are there for the student, and that more money can be saved for that student as well." Students not selected by WUSC's annual visits to these camps accumulate, with no further education and little hope. Although Jelle is extremely proud to be the first WUSC student at UTM, he would like to see more students brought here in the future. "I wish they would increase the number," he says. "Many students qualify, but their chances are limited."
Monday, January 7, 2008
THE MEDIUM
FEATURES
9
Solutions to New Year resolutions
BY NIKITA KING FEATURES EDITOR
Explosions of fireworks light the sky with a spectrum of colours. A nearby party breaks out in vibrant energy of dance and cheers to welcome the New Year. As the sounds of jolly laughter and clinks of beer glasses die down, the early morning awakens. Weak sun rays stretch across the town, revealing the glisten of broken glass, trampled New
Year posters and rotting food remains. The hangover of the New Year party breathes stale air of something neglected. It's the very same empty feeling that remains after another crazy year of facing competition, meeting deadlines and beating expectations. Finally, at the end of year, most of our New Year resolutions become New Year delusions. Whether we set personal goals or prioritize external standards set by our parents, boss or degree requirements, we are constantly driven to improve. The world stops for no one and as time eludes us, many of us struggle to keep up with the pace. Eventually, our New Year resolutions are left incomplete and soon enough this trend creates an archive storage for old New Year resolutions. Here are some words of wisdom from the professionals to help inspire us to finish any New Year resolutions we wish to start this year:
Professor Gary Latham: Professor Latham, involved with the Centre for Industrial Relations at U of T's Faculty of Arts and Science, has spent almost twenty years teaching and researching motivational techniques. He encourages a set of SMART goals. SMART is his acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant goals with a timeframe.
“ When you adopt an attitude of 'I'm really going to do my best to meet my goal,' your results will be about as disappointing as not saying anything at all.�
- Professor Gary Latham
"When you adopt an attitude of 'I'm really going to do my best to meet my goal,' your results will be about as disappointing as not saying anything at all," he says. "You're unlikely to lose much weight or reduce your cigarette consumption for a long period of time." He isn't too fond of long-term
goals because it entices procrastination. "Set daily, weekly and monthly sub-goals," he suggests. "You've got to allow yourself to see progress. It provides both a sense of challenge and a sense of accomplishment." His resolution: An outburst of temporary energy motivating you to take on a one-time mountain climbing challenge is going to get you stuck half way. Therefore, pace yourself and train a little each day to strengthen your self-disciplinary skills. Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900): The German philosopher, in support of the individuality of desires and free will, adopted an attitude that promotes life as exciting, interesting and challenging. With no sympathy for weakness, he believed that it is always better to struggle and to suffer than to go mindlessly with the crowd: "The secret of reaping the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment from life is to live dangerously!" His resolution: Nietzsche may be the only great philosopher who wouldn't discourage you from smoking in the New Year. Smoking could ruin your health, but Nietzsche would argue that such fears are for pipsqueaks. So, throw a wild party while you're at it rather than allowing your fears to bully you into playing it safe by staying in your mom's basement all day.
Abraham Maslow (1908- 1970): an American psychologist saw human beings' goals arranged like a ladder. The most basic needs and goals, at the bottom, were physical desires such as the need for air, water, food and sex. Once these basic needs are met, the second need becomes our goal. According to Maslow, this second need is a safety-related with concerns in security or stability followed by psychological or social needs such as belonging, love, and acceptance. At the top of all needs is the goal of fulfilling self-actualizing needs. This is the need to fulfill one's capabilities. Maslow felt that unfulfilled needs lower on the ladder would inhibit the person from climbing to the next step. "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, and a poet must write if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What one can be, one must be." His resolution: Know your capabilites and reach your full potential. Life is only as monotonous as you allow it to be. Sometimes it's okay to rebel against the system and just do what you always wanted to do. Instead of just sleeping and lazing around like a big tub of lard during your days off, go out and take those tap-dancing or singing lessons you've always had a passion for. Dance, sing or write however you feel, even if you're not following the rules. Discover all you can be.
10 THE MEDIUM
Monday, January 7, 2008
Sports ROBERT SILVA, EDITOR | sports@mediumonline.ca
Rutgers dominates Ball State 52-30 to win International Bowl BY SUNNY PATHAK
photo/www.ufc.com
Impressive performance by Canadian Georges “Rush” St. Pierre BY SUZANNE CARTE-BLANCHENOT
"I am not impressed by your performance." - George St. Pierre, UFC Interim Welterweight Champion That one simple statement got our one simple Canadian fighters in a lot of hot water with rival Matt Hughes and American UFC fans. It was a night of redemption, rivals and retribution. Carefully crafted grudge matches came to fruition at UFC 79: Nemesis on December 29 with St.Pierre and Hughes going head-to-head as well as Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva, a fight that has been in the making for over six years. In the beginning of the night, I could not call a fight to save my life. If I had money on the line I would be broke by morning. I was starting to get nervous about my inability to read the outcome and predict the better combatant. Melvin Guillard lost to Rich Clementi with a devastating rear naked choke in the first round and the "African Assassin" Rameau Sokoudjou lost to Lyoto Machida by a triangle submission. Things started to look up as
Manny Gamburyan came back after an upsetting shoulder injury to win by submission at 1:31 in the first round by ankle lock over newcomer Nate Mohr. But it was about to get even better with the stand-up war that ensued with Liddell and Silva. Coming off of two potentially career-ending losses, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell needed to come out victorious to still be considered a title contender. Former PRIDE Champion Wanderlei Silva and Liddell exchanged powerful blows, leaving both men bleeding and exhausted in the final minutes. Silva pushed the fight, throwing overhands and landing punches that knocked his challenger to the mat twice. Liddell is dangerous on the defensive though - most of his fiercest blows are deployed with deadly accuracy while retreating from his opponent. The match ended with a beautiful spinning back fist by Liddell and Silva's relentless jabs, even with his back to the fence. The fight went the full three rounds, declaring Liddell triumphant in a unanimous decision victory, earning it a place as one of the top three UFC fights of the year. There is nothing that UFC owner Dana White loves more than a good ol' rubber match. We saw the collision of two mega forces Georges St.-Pierre (GSP) and Matt Hughes for the third and hopefully final - time. GSP suffered an unforgettable shocking defeat in April to Matt
Serra for the UFC Welterweight title. Yet due to persistent damage to his back, Serra had to endure surgery that held him from defending his title against Hughes. With only 30 days to train for the bout, GSP took the challenge to replace the injured fighter to battle for the interim belt. The crowd's chants of "USA" slowly bled into GSP as the fighter continued to push forward dominating the wrestler (Hughes) on the canvas, stunning him on his feet, and almost finishing the fight in the first round. When the men clashed again in the second round, it was more of the same with relentless strikes that lead to StPierre sinking in an armbar that produced a verbal tap with seconds left in the second round. "It's a good honor, but Matt Serra is the target," said GSPof his interim title win. "Until I get my belt back, I'm not going to consider myself a real champion." When Hughes took the microphone it was a different song than he he normally sings. After admitting that he was at his best physical shape and mental conditioning, he announced that GSP was the better fighter, a statement that read more of a retirement than of a modest show of good sportsmanship. GSP is set to face off with Serra on April 19 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. This will be the first time that the UFC will be showcased in Canada, and what better way to bring the UFC North of the border than to have Canadian icon Georges St. Pierre fight for the Welterweight title?
Close to 8,000 Rutgers fans were left asking for "one more year" as Ray Rice picked apart the Ball State defence in the second International Bowl. Rice, who stands 5'9" and tips the scales at 205lbs., has yet to announce whether he will return for his senior year or skip it to enter the NFL draft. Rice had 35 rushes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns at the International Bowl, the leading rusher in this year's BCS. Rice brought the crowd to its feet with the longest run of his career, a 90yard touchdown. As Rice was presented the MVP trophy, his mother by his side, Rutgers fans clad in Rutgers red, along with the marching band, broke into thundering chants of "one more year!" "He's a tremendous football player," Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said of Rice. "He's everything you could ask for in a running back." 31,455 gathered at the Rogers Centre to watch the Bowl Game, part of the Bowl Championship
Series. The International Bowl is the only major college football bowl game played outside of the United States. "What a great game, Toronto is a great city - it's better than Phoenix. If the Big East can keep this up, its going to be great for us," stated Ted McBride, a native of New Jersey, as he cheered on his Rutgers Scarlet Knights. "Acceptance of this game is getting stronger," said International Bowl executive director Ken Hoffman. "Rutgers did a great job selling tickets and mobilizing their people." Players from both teams received a Fossil watch, Mercury Luggage club bag, a backpack, and a souvenir football that has the international logo and colours, a pin, and a program. Game Notes: In attendance were Lennox Lewis and Argonauts DB Chuck Winters…as were Nick Volpe, director of scouting for the Argonauts and Bob O Billovich, GM of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats …next week read along as this writer attempts to stick to his New Year’s resolution of a new active lifestyle.
photos/Sunny Pathak
Ray Rice, right, above, ran over Ball State scoring four touchdowns en route to a second straight bowl victory for Rutgers. Rutgers defeated Ball State 52-30 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Monday, January 7, 2008
THE MEDIUM 11
SPORTS
Mississauga native proves himself as NCAA football success BY KYLE WHITNEY
The Central Michigan University (CMU) football team looks to repeat the season as champs, but a young Canadian offensive lineman looks for bigger and better things for the upcoming season. Greg Wojt has come a long way since he played for Father Michael Goetz football team. He had the size as a 6'4" 240-lb. tight end, and the knowledge of the game. After his senior year in high school, he knew that he wanted to play football in university, and in Canada he would have surely been a starter for whatever team he chose to play for, but Wojt had a goal to play in the NCAA, and to play against the very best. Wojt sent tapes of himself to recruits to show that there are real football players up north, and not just a bunch of hockey players. After being accepted to a number of colleges, Wojt felt right at home
when he accepted a full scholarship to Central Michigan University. "I didn't know I had a shot, but I believed that if I can get my name out there that I could play in the NCAA," said Greg Wojt, starting offensive lineman for Central Michigan.
“...I look to get bigger, stronger, and faster for my final year.”
- Greg Wojt, NCAA offensive lineman
Leaving the comforts of his home in Mississauga for the small town of Mount Pleasant was a huge culture shock for Wojt, but he was more than ready for the challenges that lay ahead. In his first year in CMU he was a
red-shirted freshman, and only played on the practice roster with the starters. "When you come in as a freshmen you are at the bottom of the totem pole, and it's a great opportunity to help starters get good looks at practice and help the scout team look at what our team has… it's like paying your dues," said Wojt. Last season the CMU Chippewas won the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship and won the Motor City Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit. Wojt started behind San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Joe Staley, so playing time was hard to come by for the 290-lb. offensive lineman. "Going against a first round draft pick is a great learning experience, lining up with him day in and day out helped me out huge. If I screwed up, I would turn to him for advice." Wojt goes on to say "I learned a lot from [Staley], he was like a second coach for me on the field." With Staley attending 49ers training camp, Wojt became the starting right tackle for the Chippewas and now can finally prove that all the hard work will finally pay off on the field. With a young offensive line that consists of Andrew Hartline, Jeff Maddux, Colin Miller, and Eric Tunney, Wojt is part of an offensive line that had very high expectations, even though they lost the likes of Joe
photos/Robert Silva
Greg Wojt, left, poses with Coach Butch Jones, right, as he accepts his award for Most Improved Offensive Player for the Central Michigan Chipewas. Staley. Offensive linemen don't really get the recognition that most position players get, but this past season for the Chippewas showed how dominant the CMU offensive line really is. Quarterback Dan LeFevour ran for 1,008 yards and threw for 3,360 yards - only matched by Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young while at the University of Texas. This is an impressive accomplishment for LeFevour, but he wouldn't have accomplished it without the great pass protection that his offensive line gave him, allowing him enough time to pass or scramble for yards. "With most offensive linemen you don't get a lot of stats, with Dan passing and running for the yardage that he did this season makes our whole o-line look like one of the top in the country," said Wojt. The Chippewas repeated as MAC champions and fell three points short from repeating their status as Motor City Bowl champions. But this will feed the hunger for the Chippewas' upcoming season to
repeat as MAC champs and get another invite to another Bowl game. Wojt is now a senior going into his final year of eligibility, and is part of an experienced offensive line that is one of the best in the NCAA. His CFL draft eligible year is coming up, with one year remaining until his NFL draft eligible year. Wojt's lifelong dream has been to play professional football and he is well on his way to achieving that. All that is certain is that Wojt has put himself into the position that he is in today by hard work and dedication to his craft. He has established himself on his team and only wants to work harder as the upcoming football season is just around the corner. "My dr eam woul d be pl ayi ng football in the future, but you don't want to look too far ahead, for now I look to get bigger, stronger, and faster for my final year at CMU." Wojt goes on to say "Knowing that you play football and people back home are watching you is a great feeling. It's nice to represent Mississauga."
Good ol’ pond hockey at its best BY CHRISTOPHER SA’D
An ice cold game for a blazing hot crowd. What other way to start a new year with a good old game of pond hockey? I stood with 73,000 fans watching the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins battle on the pond in Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year's day for the first annual NHL Winter Classic. It was minus twenty degrees with intermissions of snow flurries and zambonis flooding the ice, and a game that ended with a stunning shootout that left the Buffalo fans with frost bite. After a rough New Year's eve, it was time to wake up at 8:00 a.m. and head to the first ever NHL tailgate party. Cars lined up en route to Ralph Wilson stadium, cheering out windows, booing at Penguin fans and parking on the front lawns of every house nearby. A sea of fans clad in blue Buffalo jerseys marched to the parking lot with beer cans lying on the
ground, sausages burning on the grill, and pucks flying across the lot, hitting Pittsburgh jerseys that were tied up between the posts of nets. As the clock reached 1:00 p.m., the gates flooded with people rushing to their seats and Sabre players like Derek Roy and Brian Campbell spoke on the intercom wishing the crowd a happy New Year. After passing security, fans with blue painted faces, Buffalo flags, blankets, Santa hats with flashing blue lights, and the odd Penguin jersey all lined up for beer, and headed to their seat for the opening ceremony. The zambonis flooded the ice, without a drizzle of snow hitting the sky. It seemed an almost a perfect day for an outdoor hockey game - better conditions than the 2007 Heritage Classic in Edmonton that took place in minus thirty weather. The teams walked out in their retro jerseys as fireworks and torches exploded on the sides of the entrance as if the Super Bowl came into town. The game started as Sabres and Penguins fans bantered each other as Penguins forward Colby
Armstrong opened up the scoring twenty-one seconds into the first period. The stadium stood quiet until Sabres defensemen Brian Campbell scored the game-tying goal in the second period, with the stadium roaring louder than a rock concert. During the first period, snow flurries hit Buffalo and the cold wind sliced through the crowd, which gave a better atmosphere for the pond hockey game. Intermissions after ten minutes of play in each period allowed the zambonis to clear the snow-covered ice while players had to sweep the snow away in order to take the face-offs. After three hours of a drunk and rowdy crowd, the game hit the best possible outcome: a shootout. Buffalo's Alex Kotalik scored, but it would be the last for the Sabres. Penguins Kris Letang scored on the second shot and the sensational Sidney Crosby scored to clinch the victory in the first annual Winter Classic. The Penguins fans screamed, echoing through the stadium as 70,000 Sabres fans left with nothing to say, but relishing the incredible play between both goaltenders
with the Sabres' Ryan Miller and the Penguins' Ty Conklin saving over thirty shots each. The First Annual Winter Classic was a hit, but aggression between
fans left little fights outside the stadium. Everyone was wet and cold, but held the memory of the first American NHL pond hockey game.
photo/www.kuklaskorner.com
A transformed Ralph Wilson Stadium one day before the NHL Winter Classic.
Page 12 was originally a fullpage ad for York University. Unfortunately, the original digital copy of this page has been lost. Please refer to the scanned print archives linked to on The Medium's website.