Vol 34 issue 22

The Voice of the University of Toronto at Mississauga

MEDIUM THE

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008

VOLUME 34, ISSUE 22

www.mediumonline.ca

“Jason Collett is so in right now”

Student spotlight: Trevor Abes

Winter rowing season ends in triumph

Page 8

Page 11

Page 12

Yellow wins with 75% of the vote SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR

Photo/Vlad Glebov

Members of Team Progress, the winners of the 2008 UTMSU executive elections.

A week of intense campaigning for the student union elections came to end with the yellow UTM Progress team finishing on top in all six executive positions.

Nearly twenty-two per cent of the student body lined up to cast votes on March 4, 5, and 6, setting a new record for voter turnout.

Candidates from both the UTM Progress and Your UTM tickets were busy campaigning until the last minute with balloons, flyers and buttons.

The elections committee spent the better part of last Friday counting approximately 2,200 votes.

While the results still need to be ratified by the elections and referenda committee and the board, the winning candidates are pleased with the outcome and have begun working towards planning their campaign promises.

Wasah Malik, who ran for president, said he was impressed by the student interest.

“Last year we had a huge turnout of 15 per cent [of the student body voting] with Unite UTM [winning], but this year has been even better. We want to make sure this level of student support continues throughout the year,” said Malik.

Malik and his team plan to get a head start this summer in getting the U-Pass approved for part-time students. A referendum is also in the works to allow parttimers to opt-out of the service.

As part of their campaign “contract” the team will also be working with the administration to approve late withdrawals of up to three full-year credits, which was approved by the Erindale College Council last week.

Mubashir Ali, who was the sole candidate for VP part-time affairs, said that despite the lack of competition he was happy that the whole team secured 75 per cent of the votes.

“I want to start working with DJ Kohli (candidate for VP External) to increase dialogue with MPs on what kind of OSAP reform we can bring for part time students,” said Ali. Kohli believes the record turnout made the hectic campaigning well worth the effort. He plans to spend the summer arranging for UTM’s very own Canadian Federation of Students representative.

“Since we don’t have UTSU on campus, this way we don’t always have to come to a compromise with CFS locals at St. George,” said Kohli.

Candidate for VP university affairs and academics Marijana Josifovska plans to implement a sustainability policy that would involve the union pushing for the use of recycled paper and other green conscious efforts.

The team will also work towards opening a two-cent photocopying and printing centre in the office space across from the Student Centre and a permanent child care facility in Schreiberwood residence complex.

McMaster bans use of “Israeli apartheid” MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR SAIRA

Last Friday saw a small group of students get together at McMaster University to protest against the university’s decision to ban the phrase ‘Israeli apartheid’ from being used by student clubs.

The rally was organized by the university’s Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) with the sole aim of using the phrase on campus.

The group originally found out about the ban in early February when a poster advertising an event with the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA) was rejected by the campus’s copy centre.

The club was informed by the McMaster Students’ Union that the university’s provost and vice-president academics had officially banned the use the of the phrase.

According to a press release, the CAIA called the decision an

“unprecedented attack on the right to academic freedom and the right to organize.”

“They made this decision without talking to us so it was pretty arbitrary.

Even if they judge it be offensive it doesn’t trump our right to say it,” said SPHR’s McMaster representative, Jamila Ghadar.

The group along with other concerned students and faculty formed an ad-hoc committee called United for Student Rights (U4SR).

The committee organized a public forum on February 7 to clarify the university’s stance on the issue.

Around 300 students attended to hear a dozen speakers debate the issue from both sides for nearly three hours, according to The Hamilton Spectator.

“A lot of students were confused because the university’s administration and the students’ union were denying and confirming the ban,” said Ghadar.

She added that the forum was successful in circulating the information about the issue in public.

“Who gets to decide? I think that’s the main issue here. The phrase is used by the United Nations, scholars and in books held at our library. It’s a matter of our right to freedom of speech,” said Ghadar.

The associate director of Hillel of Greater Toronto Area, Tilley Shames was quoted in The Varsity saying that “at McMaster, they have a very strong code of conduct to protect their students, many who complained and said they felt intimidated and harassed by terms.”

“While I recognize the right to freedom of speech on campus, it can’t be abused to intimidate and harass others,” said Shames.

The university’s Human Rights and Equity Services Office released a statement saying that “literature which refers to ‘Israeli apartheid’ and activities promoted under the banner

‘Israeli Apartheid Week’ are unacceptable. The university takes the position that this phrase is in violation of the university’s efforts to ensure that all people will be treated with dignity and tolerance.”

U4SR released a statement in response saying that it considers the ban unacceptable “in keeping with consistent efforts by the McMaster administration, MSU and even Hamilton Police to repress Palestinian solidarity work over the last six years.”

While the ban does not forfeit antiIsraeli apartheid events from taking place nor funding issued to the university’s SPHR chapter, representatives are concerned that the decision may hamper their efforts on campus.

“We have a very important event coming up commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of al-Nakba. We are worried about how they will react to it and will they stop the poster for that as well,” said Ghaddar.

Al-Nakba, meaning ‘the catastrophe’ in Arabic, marks the creation of the state of Israel and the forced dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948.

Ghadar has also spoken with faculty and students who remember the university’s administration and the students’ union resisting efforts against the apartheid in South Africa.

“There’s a history that shows that these two offices are not interested in letting people fight for justice,” said Ghadar.

The University of Toronto chapter of Students Against Israeli Apartheid, along with students from Ryerson and York Univeristy organized a weeklong series of seminars and lectures ealier this year to encourage constructive dialogue on the contentious topic.

Israel has continued blocking the border around Gaza restricting aid, fuel, and water to Palestinians trapped inside while sending in armed expeditions to target suspected militants.

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Monday, March 10, 2008

NEWS

OPH grand opening MEGHA KUMAR ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

On Wednesday, March 5, The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) inaugurated this year's $26million dollar residence Oscar Peterson Hall with formal remarks and bistro-themed live entertainment.

Named in honor of the late Canadian icon and jazz musician, Oscar Peterson Hall is UTM's eighth student housing, home to over 400 first-year students, and is the central hub for residential and community services on campus.

During the opening, Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion called Oscar Peterson Hall “the best thing since sliced bread,” while vice-president and principal of UTM Ian Orchard and University of Toronto president David Naylor reminisced about the hall’s namesake.

Oscar Peterson, who is an internationally recognized jazz musician and Canadian icon, received an honorary doctor of laws from the University of Toronto in 1985, as well as numerous other honours and awards during his 65-year long career. He released over 200 recordings, won seven Grammy Awards, recognized as a Companion of the Order of Canada, and was a

long-time Mississauga resident.

Principal Orchard praised the structure of Oscar Peterson Hall, fondly known by students as OPH. OPH's development began two years ago, when a decision was made to renovate Colman House, a common building for all residence students to gather. It was eventually demolished, and OPH built in its place. OPH now offers a residence dining hall named

During the opening, the mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion called Oscar Peterson Hall 'the best thing since sliced bread'

Colman Commons in memory of what served as UTM's first student center, with a wide variety of food options available. It has quiet study spaces and is also the most accessible building on campus for students with disabilities.

“It provides a 'home away from home' for our students on the Mississauga campus,” said David Naylor. Naylor was joined by Kelly Peterson, who said she was touched

and honored that UTM was naming its residence on behalf of her husband.

Live entertainment included the Faculty of Music Jazz Quartet to set the mood, and UTM drama student Brady Paron and residence don Bridget Mantha's piano recitals. To end the evening, first-year UTM psychology student Milena Goncalvez performed Peterson’s piano composition 'The Gentle Waltz.' Naylor, who is also an accomplished jazz pianist and fan of Peterson, performed an impromptu song from Peterson’s album.

Janice Ting, a 2007 Honours Bachelor of Science graduate from UTM who has been recognized as an outstanding visual artist in the Annual UTM Arts festival, had painted three acrylic portraits of Oscar Peterson portraying different stages of his life.

Ting, McCallion, Orchard, Naylor, and Kelly Peterson were joined by assistant dean of student affairs ChrisMcGrath, residence council president Curtis Irwin, and university chancellor David Peterson for the unveiling of the portraits.

“It was a great sense of honor to play on behalf of him. I'm glad I got to give his work value and keep his spirit alive!” Goncalvez said.

Photo/UTM Office of Advancement

Oscar Peterson Hall, named after the late Canadian jazz great, officially opened March 5.

UTM woods to burn MEGHA KUMAR ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Green Team, one of the central hubs that monitors environmental activity in the University of Toronto Mississauga, organized Environment Week from March 1 through 7 to increase awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to participate in ecosystem conserving activities.

Besides hosting a green conference, anti-litter campaign with video games and other related activities, the Green Team, with the help of the Environmental Affairs Office and the Naturalization Steering Committee, organized a symposium on Tuesday in the Fireplace lounge of the South Building to raise knowledge about an upcoming 'controlled burn' on campus.

The Green team is run by the UTM sustainability coordinator Aubrey Iwaniw who employs a group of environmentally minded students and volunteers to organize projects and events and work with other organizations such as the Erindale Environmental Association.

Hosted by Iwaniw and sustainable campus research assistant Tooba Shakeel, the symposium featured professor of the department of biology and co-chair of the UTM/Evergreen Naturalization

Steering committee Nick Collins, and assistant professor in the Biology Department Helene Wagner.

The special guest speaker was Mr. Graham Buck from Tallgrass Ontario, an association that promotes and implements the conservation and management of savanna, tallgrass prairie and other ecological communities in Ontario.

“The response to the burn and the burn preparation has been great, there's been a lot of interest and I'm excited to see all the years of research take place in the burn site.”

- Aubrey Iwaniw, UTM Sustainability Coordinator The purpose of the seminar was to inform students about the burn and how it will affect the campus.

A controlled burn, also known as a controlled forest fire, is an environmental management tool that is used to enhance and preserve the habitat.

It is a low set fire that does not harm large trees but eradicates dried

leaves and invasive shrubland and restores the soil's nutrients.

A small portion of the grassland in the north-east portion of UTM property will be undergoing a burn this spring to allow insect research and other environmentally advancing activities to take place.

The date of the burn is dependent upon weather conditions and combustibility of the fuel, but it has officially been approved by the Mississauga Fire Department officials. The burn should not affect the school in any direct way.

A burn site preparation was supposed to take place on Thursday, but could not due to the extreme amount of snow in the prescribed area.

The volunteers were not all appropriately dressed and there were too many shrubs to dig from underneath the snow, so a tentative date for the removal of the shrubs will take place once the snow has melted.

The aim of this preparation is to drag the invasive honeysuckle shrub around the burn site and place them in a pile to create fuel.

“The response to the burn and the burn preparation has been great, there's been a lot of interest and I'm excited to see all the years of research take place in the burn site. I just want to raise awareness on the benefits of it and get more people involved,” said Iwaniw.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Show me the green

NEWS

All in a day’s work

SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR

To kick off Environment Week, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Undergraduate Commerce Society (UCS) organized a day-long ‘Show me the Green’ conference last Saturday, March 1. The conference brought together students and corporate sponsors to discuss environmentally friendly business strategies. Along with an opportunity to network, the day involved competitions, case studies, and giveaways.

While participation was limited to 100 first- and second-year students, an additional 125 upper-year commerce students joined in as spectators to cheer students on and enjoy lunch with the corporate delegates.

The event began with a keynote presentation on Earth Hour by Hadley Archer, a representative of the World Wildlife Fund.

The highlight of the day included a case study that had students competing in teams of five as project managers to present the most enticing strategy on spreading awareness about the importance of being green at the university.

The first prize was $1,000 from Price Waterhouse Coopers. The UTM Alumni Association sponsored the second-place prize of $500 and the UCS presented iPods and medals to the remaining finalists. Other sponsors included the Certified General Accountants, Lush, Yves Rocher, and the university’s Green Team.

UCS marketing director Jessica Hoach was busy making sure all the activities went according to plan.

“Sponsors and staff were blown away with the with the turnout and students were inspired by themehaving a pulse on the Green movement and excited to find out who would bring home the money,” he said.

The first event of its kind, the conference had delegates and students running all over the campus to promote business sustainability and a greener lifestyle.

“The success of the conference also caught the attention of VP and principal Ian Orchard and of the dean Gage Averill, who were thrilled with leadership demonstrated and who were impressed by the topic of environmental sustainability,” said Hoach.

The organizers were pleased by the turnout and the ideas presented during the conference and have committed to implementing some of them on campus.

The Undergraduate Commerce Society is a non-profit organization that works on initiatives designed to help commerce students transition from academic to working life.

Save my sanity!

Write for news.

Email Saira at news@mediumonline.ca

Photo/Melissa Di Pasquale

Team Progress candidate Saaliha Malik whacks Your UTM campaigner Ryan Singh with some rolled-up campaign materials in good-natured fun during last week’s voting period for the UTMSU elections.Team Progress won with 75 per cent of the vote.

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Monday, March 10, 2008

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EDITORIAL

Opinion JULIE TYIOS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | editor@mediumonline.ca www.mediumonline.ca

EDITORIAL I have a number of concerns to address about the nature of editorial content and opinion letters, which seems to be causing much confusion around campus, especially in the wake of last week’s elections and the materials printed in The Medium.

An editorial is the opinion of the paper and its editorial board as a whole. Although I write the editorials you see in this space each week, they are matters generally agreed upon by the editorial board. But they are above all my opinion, and any concerns about the content in this space should be addressed to me.

That being said, anything appearing on the editorial or opinions pages sent in by members of the UTM community is personal opinion, and not reflective of The Medium’s views. As paying shareholders in our paper, students are allowed to state their opinions on matters in these pages. It is our duty to print these opinion letters and, as stated in our editorial policy: “Letters that incite hatred, violence or letters that are racist, homophobic, sexist, or libelous will not be published.” We refrain from printing letters that fall under these categories.

However, there is no way for us to verify what is stated by our opinion letter writers, especially those that involve behind-the-scenes matters. It is up to you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions from the arguments stated. Some of the letters that have been printed here against certain individuals have been cited as slanderous, but they are, above all, student opinion. Our paper is just one outlet for students to express what they feel. I urge students to use their right to speak openly on issues that affect them, and to continue to send in editorial letters.

As the campus student voice, we strive to remain as neutral as possible in political situations in our news reporting. It is our job to represent the common student voice, a voice which is divided at times. The political atmosphere at UTM in the past year has been very hostile with a lot of bad blood involved, and we have strived to refrain from bias when reporting on any matters involved. Unfortunately, our editors cannot always attend events, and so we know what we are told by our writers. When things come into question, it is often hard to make judgments as to the accuracy of things that are stated by persons quoted in news pieces, which causes concern over the paper’s political intentions. As I stated, we try to remain as neutral as possible, and it is not our position to take sides or make judgements on political matters at the university in what is reported. Although it is hard to verify, I would like to make apologies to anyone who believes last week’s article on the all candidates’ debate that took place at the Blind Duck contained errors or bad judgments on the proceedings. I have had trouble verifying the allegations made against The Medium and its reporting, and have taken steps to resolve the problem as best I can.

I would also like to address the allegations that our paper has been used as political propaganda by certain members of the UTMSU elections. Although I have not been able to verify whether or not this is true, I will again express that The Medium is the campus’s student news outlet, and does not support either side. I have heard that our paper was used as an endorsement for one of the parties running, which should not have happened. The Medium does not take sides in elections, and will not endorse one candidate over another. Our paper will never officially endorse any party running in any political election on campus, as it is in the best interests of our constituents to remain neutral in such situations. If anyone believes otherwise, I would encourage you to come speak with me about the situation.

In the future, I can only hope that whatever secret political battles are taking place downstairs in private are resolved in such a manner that they do not affect the general student population. People have worked hard in the past few years to bring together the various student councils at UTM and represent a student voice at UTM’s governing levels. From my understanding, there are still people who do not agree to the voice that has thus far been represented, and I encourage them to speak with their elected representatives on these manners.

Although the voting turnout this year was still only 22 per cent and therefore not an opinion represented by the majority of the student population of UTM, it was the voice that stepped up and did something about their beliefs and convictions. Voting for candidates to represent your interests is the first step toward making the changes you want to see at UTM, and it’s sad that the other 78 per cent didn’t utilize their rights as paying members of the student union.

There are many ways for your voice to be heard, including speaking to your representatives about your needs and concerns and writing opinion letters to The Medium. If there is something you don’t believe in, you should not be afraid to step up and say it. I can only hope that those who are involved listen.

Yours,

Julie Tyios

Read online and see the latest Medium 2.0 episodes at

www.mediumonline.ca Oy! We’re all late today on account of that spring forward thing. Stupid lost hour. Auntie Nikita brought Earl back, vanilla-scented, toting a new sleeping bag, and full of KFC and cheesecake. He eats better than most of the editors here. I have photographic evidence. Romano finally got us speakers for the computers, so everyone’s pretty happy about that. I can hear some people practicing some dance moves downstairs. Someone keeps blasting some Paris Hilton. Oy. I apologize for any typos in last week’s blurb - it’s hard to see three point font. Everyone’s here ‘cept Rob. Rob, you fat lard, come eat your dinner! Arts Boy brought me some glass noodles today. I assume this is to make up for the football in the eye/coffee on the coat incident, as well as ditching me for my homework the other night. I’m almost sorry abou tthe Mongolian death threat I inadvertently made. Arts Boy is quiet today. “He wants to turn over a new leaf. He figures if he’s quieter, he might get laid more... often. (Arts Boy)” “In this office? Good luck, buddy! (Dan)” /end conversation. He’s hovering over my shoulder, telling me what to write, and gripping his coffee cup in what I can only surmise is sexual frustration. You ain’t the only one, buddy. Don’t you copy edit my blurb! Go do your work. “Well, you’re the one with the lousy grammar (me to Arts Boy).” Today I’m scrubbing the office. There’s a strange purple stain in the fridge, I think it’s grape juice. It’s sticky. I used Scrub Free Xtreme in the darkroom sink and it ate away all the festering chemical stains from developed photos of the past. I had a Red Bull and my fingers are flying. Godawful stuff. It’s 6:30 and Nikita’s done, Arts Boy is almost there, and Rob is at hockey. Well, at least he only has one page. Our door was finally repaired. Saira just slammed it. But hey, it still opens. No more slamming the door! Earl has gone home with Auntie Nikita for more pampering. So, about that snowstorm, how ‘bout it? My Internet was down at home so I couldn’t do any copy editing, but that’s okay, ‘cause no one sent me any edits anyway. Blah! I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts, deedly deedly. I took Rob’s advice and grabbed some Pita Nutsy the other day. The falafel was pretty good, but the tabouleh had a bit too much lemon it it. Hummus was okay, but sweet. I’d still go back. Someone’s pounding out beat downstairs. 6:30 and the sun is going down, it’s a nice change, but it’s really only 5:30. Arg I hate this time change thing! Knock knock. I believe it’s Saira returning. Nope, it’s Sunny. “Cocksucker! Who needs chuckles?” Nice to see you, too. Not a very exciting day. Who said cheers? Fashion show downstairs is the word on the street. Knock knock. Ring ring. Phone’s going off the hook today. Nikita’s mom was listening to “We Are Family” when I picked up. Cute. Dan’s off to New Brunswick, it looks like. We’ll have to host a goodbye party for you. The gods are smiling upon you now. Hunger strikes, and Arts Boy opens his mouth wide for the first time today. Then, of course, he mentions my allergies and is again regaled to my black list. I smell an ass-kicking. Or perhaps another nasty surprise that a miniscule order of pasta with tofu will not make up for. I gotta wrap up the blurb and get started on my editorial, so I have to make these last few thoughts count. Arts Boy, you stink. Dan is one of the hardest workers we’ve ever had and we will miss you. Arts Boy, you stink. Dried mango is divine. Arts Boy, you stink. 4 left. Arts Boy, you stink. If I say it enough times, it’s true. You stink

Letters to the Editor PRESIDENT ADDRESSES CONCERNS OVER PRINT Dear fellow students, faculty and members of the UTM Community, On behalf of the U.T.M. Students’ Union, I would like to thank each one of you for your continued participation in campaigns that affect us all. This was a great week, we just concluded Environment Week and our Unions elections and the participation was extraordinary. I know most of you were bombarded with fliers, posters, buttons, leaflets and candidates vying for your vote in this year’s annual spring election.

So let’s put it in perspective. There were 49 candidates seeking 18 positions on the Unions Board of Directors and Executive. This year’s participation broke every record. In fact approximately 22% of students voted in this election, up from last year’s 15% and the regular 5% turnout. That is simply outstanding.

We should all be proud of the fact that this year, we have had an increase in student participation overall in events, campaigns and most importantly our unions election process.

That seems like a clear indication that every student has demanded progress.

I would also like to thank all the candidates that ran for office. They executed a good spirited and positive campaign that was a forum for healthy debate and dialogue on many issues ranging from academic advocacy to the

importance of student life. My congratulations go out to team UTM Progress that garnered over 75% of the popular vote. I would also like to thank all 38 candidates that sought the 12 board seats. You are all winners in my book; stay involved and be part of the greater movement.

Fortunately UTMSU has plenty of campaigns/events/socials in store, so get involved and make use of your student union and the opportunities that exist. I would also like to remind every student that the Union is looking for applicants for the positions of orientation coordinator(s) and VP Campus Life, so please visit the union’s website for details. If you loved orientation week and would like to be a leader, there are applications forms available in the office.

I would also like to address comments made in last weeks editorial and article by two students that had political motivations in my opinion. Mr. Aivalli’s article was not only biased but inaccurate. I have corrected him numerous times in the past, but unfortunately he persists to misinform students especially during an important election week.

Fortunately, university students don’t take everything for its face value. Mr. Pathak also went to criticize myself for my participation in the election process and go into discuss my private life by highlighting my social network

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 letters that are racist, homophobic, sexist, or libellous will not be published.

Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters and and other editorial materials reflect opinions of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opin ions 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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Board of Directors Christine Capewell, Jane Ngobia, Allison King, Josie Rigato, Gian Magalong, Bushra Al Sarraj, Meena Mathialagan

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lifestyle. Let me correct Mr. Pathak, students don’t care about my facebook account.

Secondly the current council has accomplished all our contractual goals, with the exception of one project pending information from the university. Thirdly it is sad that you have to resort to prophesying your neutrality and disseminating false statements. I don’t think its worth the paper I am writing on to prove to you that your are simply wrong. I am confident that most students are aware of accomplishments Mr. Pathak, however you should pick up a copy of our newsletter and educate yourself, maybe you will find a need to move on and progress from your divisive ways.

I would also like to end this week’s editorial by reflecting on a quote from Mr. George Bernard Shaw who said “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

So let’s start changing our state of mind, let’s think big, dream big and most importantly progress.

Stay tuned for more progressive changes at UTM. In student Solidarity, Walied Khogali President, U.T.M Students Union.

Please

Special thanks to our assistant editors: Arts and Entertainment: Andrea Grassi News: Tejas Aivalli Megha Kumar Features: P. Andrew Hamilton-Smith Lujayn Ali Photography: Matthew Filipowich Sports: Christopher Sa’d Sunny Pathak

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Monday, March 10, 2008

OPINION

LETTERS STUDENT WANTS REAL PROGRESS

FREE SPEECH NOT A DEFENSE FOR HATE SPEECH

I am an unheard student. I don’t volunteer much, nor do I offer my opinion. I am not a leader. I like to sit in the pub and listen to others thoughts and opinions. I would rather sit with a pint or a coke and study in the pub than try to organize an event. I’m not saying I haven’t helped organize events; I do help if I feel like my help would help achieve a goal I believed in. However, this year I have sat back and watched.

I am not here to discredit anyone. I am here to begin hopefully some public discussion about some events and ideologies that need to be discussed. These are nearly my observations as an unheard student.

I watched the candidate’s debate, and was shocked. Not by the promises of grandeur or the great responses by candidates, but by two simple things: The “teams” and the crowd. I am all for friends banding together to change the University; however, I am against the idea of referring to a great bipartisan system. Some first and second years didn’t even realize that they could vote for candidates from both teams.

Unity makes us strong, but individualism makes us, US. Now the more frightening part of the debate: the crowd. I understand that it was a rally, but still. Throughout most of the debate, hooting and cat-calling and cheering usually drowned out the message. All that the cheering accomplished was intimidation. Certain members of the crowd would go to the stage and whisper into the ears of the candidates. These members should know better, because they are heavily involved with politics. To anyone with any political prowess, those members and those candidates lost respect and votes.

A couple of issues were completely ignored. These are issues I will lobby for next year. The Blind Duck has been “renovated.” I love the Blind Duck. But I have heard complaint after complaint about the service, the lack of menu choices and lack of breakfast, most importantly. The staff is amazing, as is the management. The complaints I have heard about the service is mostly a lack of hours. People WANT to

Macleans writer Mark Steyn argues against multiculturalism. He calls it an "illusive enemy" and a "denial of reality." It's really just his incredibly twisted world view.

In his article "The future belongs to Islam" in Macleans, Steyn attempts to argue that Muslims are trying to take over world, leaving the "solution" open ended as if we don't already know based on history what this type of argument and hate leads to.

Steyn argues against tolerance, telling his readers that their "Islamic compatriots" are "experts" at "exploiting the ‘tolerance’ of pluralist societies." He clearly can't stand multiculturalism, an idea based on tolerance, because he thinks its being exploited by minorities.

One of the more troubling statements is where he states that its only matter of "how bloody the transfer of real estate will be."

Steyn falls short of calling for violence in return against this so-called takeover, but of course we know exactly where this type of thinking leads to.

To finish making his argument, Mark Steyn uses the same old tactic used by anyone who wants to smear minorities: he finds one bad Muslim, Mullah Krekar, and quotes him to make Islam look bad.

Lets gets some facts out there. So-called "Imam Mullah Krekar," who is quoted as if

go to the pub to see a hockey game, or chill out on the weekend.

Which brings me to my second issue: campus life. Every candidate talks about it, but little to none have anything to say. I am sad to say that a large percentage of residence students would rather go home on the weekend then stay on campus. Why is this? What is available to do on the weekends for rez kids? The library and the RAWC. I would like to see MY student union address this. No more festivals focused on improving excitement on a daily basis.

This is also a time for great change on our campus. A time for the unheard students to make their voices heard. But we must not be intimidated. We must have our opinions heard, even if they lead to hard-to-answer questions, or questions those in power don’t want to answer. I have heard murmurs of censorship and intimidatation all year long.

I was involved heavily in “Your Blind Duck” group on Facebook, where members of the administration dodged questions and deleted posts if things started to get too ‘spicy.’ I also have been in groups this year where negative comments are drowned out or deleted by those with the greatest amount of trust instilled in them. I have heard rumours of those with different political ideals or beliefs being intimidated by union officials. And that disgusts me. I was raised in a democracy, where freedom to speech is worshipped. I am offended that union officials feel that everyone should vote the same way, blindly follow the shepherd off the cliff, and ask no questions.

Those involved with these blatant acts know who they are and cannot retaliate with charges of slander and libel, for I am voicing an opinion. I hope next year’s officials heed this, because if students continue on this path, then there is going to be a movement on MY UTM and we are going to PROGRESS. I don’t think some will like the way it will go though.

Peter Buczkowski

he represents Islam and Muslims and backs up Mark Steyn's argument, is not only condemned by Muslims but is also being deported.

The fact is that Mullah Krekar is facing deportation from Norway and is suspected of being a founder of a group in Iraq that is accused of using tactics such as suicide bombers. This guy is clearly a bad apple and other Muslims in Norway agree.

In fact, fellow Muslim Tasawer Sharif called Mullah Krekar "a pest for all Muslims in Norway."

Clearly, Mullah Krakar does not speak for all Muslims, but by reading Mark Steyn's article and his tiny cult-like following, you would never know that. They are happy to take one person's comments and try to smear all Muslims with it.

After reading Mark Steyn's comments I can't help but think that his view of the world is the opposite of Canada. Canada is a multicultural society that preaches tolerance and respect towards other cultures and religions protected by our rights and freedoms. That's what makes our country one of the best places in the world to live in and majority of Canadians agree. That is the reason why I am proud to be Canadian and that's exactly why I speak up against this type of attack because its fundamental-

ly against Canadian values.

Mark Steyn is certainly free to express his views within his constitutional rights, just as I am free to speak up against his views. It's hard to say Steyn has crossed the legal line like Ernst Zundel (holocaust denier) of Sections 318 and 319 of the Criminal Code. However, I think the danger in Mark Steyn's ideology is that it begs the question: what if the majority of the population actually agreed with what Mark Steyn preaches? What is the "solution" to the demographics that Mark Steyn describes as the biggest problem? In an interview Steyn has suggested that there may be "darker forces" that would react in the form of deportation and banning religious symbols, leaving the entire question open ended. Unfortunately profiling, deportation, banning certain religions, hate, violence, etc. is exactly where this type of philosophy leads to; a world of intolerance and discrimination. This is why it is important that people speak out against Mark Steyn and the ideology he preaches.

Read the full story in my blog at www.vladglebov.com.

Sincerely, Vlad Glebov

T-CARD POLICY SHOULD BE ENFORCED WITH COMMON SENSE Like several other students last week, I forgot my T-Card at home and was asked to leave the library because of our somewhat draconian new ID policy. I understand that a 24-hour library will naturally invite some dodgy characters at night, but how far is too far in enforcing this policy? In contrast to the new stringent anti-noise policies, the T-Card policy seems to actually enjoy vigorous enforcement. I attempted to prove my status as a fulltime student to the security officer by showing him my Blackboard account, however this is apparently insufficient

and I was still ordered out of the building. Why can Recreation and Wellness Centre staff afford the 30 seconds it takes to look up a student number, and the library staff not? The library has a dozen laptops it loans to students. Why is one not set up at the front entrance so the staff member there can help students enjoy a secure learning environment at night rather than force them to go study in secluded, potentially dangerous areas of campus? Because of my "incident" with security I was invited to a discussion with the head of the library, Mr.

Paul Handley. This discussion seemed suspiciously like a verbal warning and I got the distinct impression that it would be my last. If I'm involved in any more "incidents" I don't doubt that Hazel's new library will ban my ass so fast that America's three-strikes law will look like a joke. I fully support maintaining a safe environment in our library, but let's do it with a little bit of common sense.

Sincerely, Mike Ronchka

SLOW SNOW CLEARANCE CAUSES TROUBLE FOR UTMERS Last night, as I was walked to my residence, I slipped on a patch of ice on the unsalted sidewalk and fell with a lot of force and quite awkwardly on my wrist and knee. I dropped everything I was carrying, including a cellphone with a loved one's voice on the other end that grew deeply troubled when they heard the thud, the muttered curses, and the tears. It was one of those falls that you remember first thing in the morning when you wake up

with pain running through your limbs.

One day earlier, on Wednesday, as I walked towards the opening of the new residence building, Oscar Peterson Hall, I was forced to share the roads with buses, cars and other traffic on very icy roads when I realized that the sidewalks were anything but plowed. What if one of those cars or buses hit an icy patch, just as I had on Thursday night? The situation was exceptionally dangerous.

Only days before, on Tuesday, I saw two sets of cones positioned on the sidewalk--again, unsalted--in front of South Building, by the parking meter, warning pedestrians of a long patch of ice. An ambulance was standing by, and campus police officers were close by.

The cones had come much too late, however, as I soon discovered it was coincidentally my next-door neighbour who had experienced a bad fall when he

slipped on ice and badly sprained his ankle. He's now on crutches, and I recently accompanied him on a walk to South Building; he was on his way to Health Services to deal with the aftermath of his fall (ironically, this neighbor of mine is arguably the most diligent snow shoveler in residence, consistently shovelling our walkway as well as his own to ensure we can leave and enter our houses safely).

It is no secret that this week has been a

snowy and icy one. The warnings were clearly reiterated time and time again on weather channels, the news, and even our own UTM homepage.

My request is simply this: if students and faculty can't be offered safety in bad weather, declare it a snow day and spare us the sprained limbs.

Sincerely, Pacinthe Mattar

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THE MEDIUM 7

Arts & Entertainment ALI KASIM, EDITOR | arts@mediumonline.ca

Canadian Music Week 2008 The diary of an experienced listener The Medium’s Andrea Grassi ventures into the Gladstone on the second evening of the four-day festival, a day before the treacherous snowstorm.

Thursday night at the Gladstone is always enjoyable, but if the general consensus is disaster in the ballroom, then live karaoke is just a hallway away in the adjacent bar. Luckily, I didn’t have to leave in emergency until The Junction played.

The evening’s bill, showcasing outfits from Montreal-based record label Indica Records, started off mellow with the acoustic heavy sounds of Flicker, who delighted with their new song “Lazy.” The six piece band, complete with bongo drums and a hot female drummer, was a nice way to begin the night.

For the next 30-minute set, French songstress Krista L.L. Muir took the audience into the woods with her feisty garb, fancy microphone decorated in butterfly shaped twinkle lights,

owl-sounding impressions, and a Hawaiian wood ukulele. Her voice had a soft reverb that was airy and light, although at times she would crack like Dolores O’Riordan in the realm of yodels.

Popular songs from Muir were “Drug in the Drain,” “Summarizer” and “Concrete Places” (in which she had the knack of pairing her serene vocals with an occasional “hell yeah!”). Cradling the audience in her little hands, she ended the set with a French lullaby.

The only band to remain true to their mother tongue was Bonjour Mumaire. The quintet had a set that was somewhat linear in sound, but catchy nonetheless. I was moving along with the songs, even though I didn’t understand them. The band was a good looking bunch as well, and ever-so-modest. I told the lead singer I loved his shoes and his exchange was short: “They’re French,” and then he bolted for the other side of the ballroom. Was it my annoying Burlington accent?

Final Flash was my pick for the night. I would have actually bought

their CD if they sold any at the venue.

The lead singer, gangly and rocking a pre-teen mustache, and the drummer, goggled in glaucoma aviators, were a vest away from retirement chic. Drum heavy, like Radio 4, Arcade Fire, and Cold War Kids, their sound was the most appealing, and their melodies the most diverse – from carousel pop, to church organ, to country rock. Their lead guitarist was also the most impressive of the night, picking and strumming like he was knitting a very easy pattern on a sweater.

Then The Junction played, and I had to flee across the road to The Drake to seek a better alternative. What I found was Sunrise, two geeky twenty-somethings with guitars and laptops to create mediocre beats. It felt very basement party.

Meanwhile, Colin Moore closed the Gladstone set. I listened to his MySpace and, in retrospect, am very upset that I missed him. He sounds like a nice mix of Ben Harper and Ryan Adams. Soothing folk to warm midnight hearts was the plan. Too bad mine was muddled by The Junctions’ lackluster set. Damn.

photo/Melissa Di Pasquale

Final Flash from Montreal. From left: Alex Grand, Joey Chaperon, and Mathieu Bourett.

CMW: Straight-talking the Cartel The Medium chats with singer Greg Taylor of the Saint Alvia Cartel about Canadian Music Week and the future ANDREA GRASSI ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR

The Medium: What has being from Burlington done for your music, if anything?

Greg Taylor: Well I guess it’s hard to say, really. It’s where I’ve met everyone that I’ve ever played with.

And for me personally as a musician, I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t started in Burlington.

M: Why do so many bands come from here, do you think?

GT: Um, because there is nothing else to do?

M: How has CMW been so far?

Your publicist tells me that you have had a lot of running around to do.

GT: Stupid and short. We’re not even thinking about it, seems insane that we were even nominated really. I know Ben [the band’s guitarist] said if we did win the Juno he’d try and make a bong out of it.

a certain style. We’re Motown to almost like Russian waltz – all kinds of sounds.

M: I don’t even know how you would do that.

GT: Yeah, we’re playing a brand new song during our Saturday set. It should be cool.

GT: Yeah, I don’t know if it’s possible, though.

M: You say the band’s style is a smorgasbord, a “try anything, do anything” sort of thing. Will we expect a huge difference on your next album?

GT: We are pushing forward, still in the same philosophy. There’s a whole bunch of different kinds of songs that we’re trying. It’s hard to say you know, because we don’t have

M: Got any bones of songs for the upcoming venture?

M: If your music was a painting, what would it look like? I’m trying to get around the whole label and classification of your music.

GT: Salvador Dali: demented and all over the place, but somehow, it would all make sense.

M: You get your band name from a Canadian soldier, Saint “Smoky” Alvia. If you could talk to the real Smokey, what would you want to

GT: CMW? I couldn’t tell you.

We’re in Toronto, but we’re only playing the one show. Yesterday we did an interview with eTalk and MTV. M: Saturday night is your Horseshoe showcase with other Burlington-area bands like Creepshow and Black Lungs. How are you feeling about that?

GT: Great. We’re just going to hang out at the Horseshoe, get trashed and go home.

M: Congrats on the CMW “Indie” and Juno nominations. If you guys win either, what will your acceptance speech be like? photo/www.canadianmusiccafe.com

discuss?

GT: Dead or alive?

GT: Everything. Everything that he did and how he conducted himself.

We’d ask lots of questions about the war, what he thinks about Rambo. It would just be cool to sit there and have a beer with him.

M: Yes.

M: If you could play with any band, which would it be?

GT: The Clash or Rancid. That answer would vary between every person in our band.

M: That’s why you have such a diverse sound, correct?

GT: Exactly!

8 THE MEDIUM

Monday, March 10, 2008

ARTS

CMW: “Jason Collett is so in right now�

MICHAEL DI LEO I have never seen so many hipsters in my life.

Waiting for the Jason Collett concert outside Lee’s Palace in the bitter cold I struck up a conversation with a few of the accused. “Yeah, I’m here because I love Broken Social Scene,� one of them explained, referring to the collective that Collett is part of. “Of course you are,� I replied. With a confused look on his face, he decided to leave it at that. When it came time to get inside the club, I was denied entry due to the room “being at capacity� (bouncer talk for “bullshit�). So, naturally, I caused a fuss, and ended up taking the bus home.

A few years back, Collett wouldn’t have had this problem at his solo shows. In fact, he was panned by critics for the most part. Recently he got his act together, acquiring a stable touring band and releasing his best solo album to date, Here’s to Being Here, in February. Heavily publicised by his label Arts & Crafts, he has become the new poster boy of indie rootsrock, and everyone wants a piece of the action – on stage that is. Even though I missed out on the show, I had the opportunity to interview him (via telephone) the next day.

JC: Yeah, you know, festivals these days are just getting really big, they just oversell the tickets.

M: I actually tried to pretend I was part of your crew, it didn’t really work though.

JC: [Laughs] They’re pretty tight at the door.

TM: How were the 6ixty8ights?

into it. There’s no point for me, I feel, trying to make a record unless you’re going for that.

M: Do you feel that the reception has been good in Toronto especially?

JC: Toronto is, characteristically, Toronto – it’s pretty hypocritical here. But it’s been largely good. It’s different everywhere, but Toronto’s always had a very, I don’t know, crusty kind of edge to it.

JC: They were great man, they’re a really great band.

M: On the album, is there anything that particularly stands out for you?

M: I heard they collaborated with you on some songs?

M: The club looked pretty packed.

JC: It’s been really great. It’s been a good little whirlwind internationally so far.

M: No, I tried to get in, but apparently the media passes don’t work so well for the big shows.

M: Did you expect it to be so wellreceived?

JC: There are a few happy little accidents, like on “Charlyn, Angel of Kensington.� I wrote a lot of the songs with the band in mind this time; I’ve never really done that before. I’ve always had various players just drop by the studio and contribute. But on “Charlyn,� I couldn’t really see it as something I heard the band doing. I’d been listening a lot to the Apostle of Hustle record, the latest one, and was imagining maybe recording it with them. But Howie Beck [the producer], Marty Kinnich [the engineer] and I went up to the studio an evening before all the recording was to start, and we were just getting sounds, I didn’t want the band to arrive until we had sounds so that they weren’t wasting time.

We got through pretty quickly, and later in the evening we got into the wine and we started jamming and that groove came out of it, and we laid it down right then and there. A few guys from the band added a couple of things after that but, for the most part, it wasn’t intentional. But those are the best parts, they’re the good little surprises along the way, and you kind of need to be present for that shit to happen, and you have to be able to work fast to capture it when it does happen.

JC: You hope for it, you know. You keep your fingers crossed. You put a lot of work

M: Is there a favourite song of yours from the record, maybe one you like playing

The Medium: So how was your show last night?

Jason Collett: It was a good time, I had some friends come out; we hadn’t done a proper Toronto show in a while.

JC: Yeah, were you there?

JC: Yeah, a few of the fellas did some backup singing and a little bit of bass-playing on the new record. They all grew up with the boys in my band; they’re all from Barrie.

M: Have you enjoyed Canadian Music Week so far?

JC: That’s the only part of Canadian Music Week I’ve indulged in, my own thing [laughs]. I’m getting ready to head out on tour, and I really don’t need to spend any more time in clubs than I already do.

M: So let’s start talking about your new record, Here’s to Being Here. It came out about a month ago, how do you feel about its reception?

live?

JC: As it turns out, the band has begun to do a really good job of interpreting that song [“Charlyn, Angel of Kensington�]. I’m actually enjoying all of them. It’s a little more of a rockin’ record for me; I’ve wanted to do that for a little while. I wanted this record to focus more on the band, and capturing that chemistry of what we do live.

M: How do you think the other artists who were part of the record (Tony Sherr, Liam O’ eill, and Andrew Whiteman) contributed to the Jason Collett sound?

JC: Well, all three of those guys are very special musicians.

Liam is an incredible horn player all around – he’s got a great jazz background.

So is Tony Sherr, he’s one of the most expressive players I’ve ever come across.

He’s a dear friend, and it’s a real honour to have him play on my record. We sometimes hook up out there on the road, and he jumps up on stage with me too.

Andrew Whiteman, I just think, nobody plays like Andrew. He doesn’t play a lot on the record, just nylon string guitar on one song, but he plays with me often live, so I consider a lot of those guys to be part of my band. Any of those guys can step in anytime, anywhere were playing.

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photo/www.arts-crafts.ca

M: Similarly, with Idols of Exile (the previous Jason Collett album), was it the same experience with the Broken Social Scene members who contributed?

JC: At the time it seemed like the right thing to do. I didn’t have a band when I made Idols of Exile, and those were the people I loved playing with, and I loved all of their playing for various different reasons. I figured it would be interesting to have so many of them contribute, and it worked out. But you tend to want to do something different for every record, there’s no point in making the same record.

Continued on next page

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Monday, March 10, 2008

ARTS

Chatting with Jason Collett Continued from previous page

M: Going in the same direction, was it a no-brainer when you asked Howie Beck to produce this record?

JC: Absolutely. We’ve got a good working relationship; he challenges me in all the right ways. We both work fairly quickly and commit to directions or choices. With recording, as you know, you have unlimited tracks and tangents you can go down and you can get really lost that way. So we took time to use a fairly old-school approach. But Howie’s got great ears, and he’s also a really good editor; he challenges me to be more concise with my writing, which means I often have to drop a verse.

But I’m up for that challenge, it makes me better. I’ve always been a fan of working with somebody who’s objective, who can be outside of the song a little bit and can see it in ways that you can’t.

M: Howie’s releasing an album soon. Can we expect you to make an appearance on it?

JC: [Chuckles] I don’t know. Howie’s pretty solitary, other than getting some folks in on some horns. He’s making a great record, I can say that much.

M: You mentioned recording techniques before. Did you do anything special for the recordings?

JC: We were using ProTools. Tape is very expensive. But we ran stuff through a lot of analog gear – Howie’s got an old analog board and great compressors. It really comes down to you splitting hairs. But most importantly for me is the vibe. You can have pretty trashy gear, but if you catch a good vibe, you’ve got a great record.

M: Going off on a tangent here, what do you like most about being on the Arts & Crafts label, or an indie label in general?

JC: Well, it feels like a family business, you know. I care about the people in the office and I know they care and respect what we do. They’re also my management, and our publicity people are there; it works really well. All too often in this business the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. We’re tight with our agents, and it’s a good sprawling family of folks, and I think it may be the model of the future.

M: Do you think it’s like that because Broken Social Scene, as an artist collective, started the label?

JC: It started as a group of friends. Jeffrey, the guy that runs the label, and Kevin were roommates. It kind of started at the same time.

M: You’re going on your North American tour now, “South by Southwest” is coming up, are you excited for that?

JC: Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it.

Austin is such a great city, and the fact that there’s looming storm [in Toronto] this weekend, I am just so ready for this trip.

This will be the end of winter for me, I’m out of here. After Texas we’re off to L.A. and working up the west coast. So by the time we get home, winter will be done.

M: Anything in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing on your tour?

JC: At South, there’s always something happening. Tony Sherr is playing, so he’s going to play with us as well. My Morning Jacket is doing a secret show Thursday night, so I’ll check that out. I’ve never seen them before and all of my friends tell me that they’re the best band live. I’ve just been out of town every time they’ve come through. And I want to see Dolly Parton.

I’d love to see Dolly Parton, I think she’s amazing.

M: What are you looking forward to for yourself?

JC: I’m looking forward to hitting the road with the band. I’ve done a bunch of solo touring over the past year, but we haven’t really toured as a band. We’re just ironing out the kinks right now and we’re all really itching to play. We have a really good time together and we’re all looking forward to this.

THE MEDIUM 9

Theatre Erindale Theatre Erindale’s mainstage season will finish with a remarkable double bill – a tragedy and comedy that have been stirring us for 2500 years: Euripides' The Trojan Women, and Aristophanes' Lysistrata.

The shows run until March 15th.

M: Is touring different at all when you have a family back home?

JC: It’s all I’ve known, I’ve got nothing to compare it to. It’s difficult, but I don’t know if it’s that much more difficult than raising a family these days anyway. There are all sorts of stresses involved. I feel fortunate that I’m off for huge chunks of time where I’m just kicking it around the house.

I love the nature of the work that I do. It’s not a part of the nine-to-five culture, but that’s what I love about it. It’s not easy, but not many things really are. We make it work. The family comes to see me sometimes too. My older son has actually come on tour with me a bit before to play. He’s actually a better musician than I am.

photos/Jim Smagata

Trojan Women: Queen Hecuba (Marisa Ship) says a final farewell to their city.

M: How does your family like the album?

JC: [Laughs] You know, we don’t talk about it much at home. They like it, but we don’t really talk much about it.

M: Can we expect any Broken Social Scene collaborations in the future?

JC: Scheduling is difficult, and it’s not going to get better over the next little while, but there are plans to make a Broken Social Scene record. I certainly plan on making every effort to be available when I can.

M: Good luck on your tour.

JC: Cheers.

Lysistrata: All young men being at war, Geezers face off against Old Ladies over access to the Athenian Treasury.

10 THE MEDIUM

Monday, March 10, 2008

Features NIKITA KING, EDITOR | features@mediumonline.ca

Corporations: kings of the world?

P. ANDREW HAMILTON-SMITH ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

They are the most omnipresent force in the lives of Canadians. We wear their logos, hum their jingles. We give them our money, and depend on them for our very survival. Like a class of citizens with rights like you or me, they are born and they can die. Corporations are able to sue people, be sued, marry (merge with other corporations) and have children (create new businesses). They try to make money like people do, with the exception of the fact that they are wholly designed to do nothing else. Their only purpose is to make money while managing risk, and yet they are everywhere in our lives, driving our culture and affecting our society in the most fundamental ways. Welcome to the world of modern corporations.

The 2003 documentary The Corporation provides various insights into the development of the corporation as a legal entity and examines the role that corporations play in our world today. It is built on the premise that since a corporation is legally a person, what kind of person would it be? Systematically, the directors of this movie present various case studies of corporate behavior; they interview

dozens of industry insiders, authors, intellectuals and politicians. A pattern becomes clear before long, as we see public water being privatized in Bolivia, news stories that are embarrassing to corporations being suppressed, and warnings from former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower about the dominance of the military-industrial complex. We are shown the testimony of Marine general Smedley Butler, who told congress that a group of major corporate interests approached him in 1933, and asked him to help them overthrow Franklin Roosevelt, the president of the United States at the time. Those companies included U.S. Steel, General Motors, Standard Oil, Chase National Bank, and Goodyear. There were also allegations that Prescott Bush, father and grandfather of the two president Bushes, was involved in the plot.

At times it becomes difficult to accept the allegations being made by The Corporation, simply because they are so severe. It is tempting to start listing all the positive benefits of having corporations in defense – job creation, investment opportunities, research and development – but it is also important to remember that only in recent years have corporations taken on such massive legal powers. Originally created as an institution of government in

order to carry out certain limited functions, corporations have since acquired the right to own property, the right to own other companies, the right to lobby government, and the right to sue people, to name but a few of their powers.

“In the last thirty years alone we have seen major changes to the structure and role of the corporation,” explained professor Robert Barber, who lectures on economic analysis of law at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

“Prior to the 1980s, you couldn't be a director if you weren't a shareholder. The typical shareholder was like Conrad Black.

They were small groups of people who ran these corporations and their scandals were hardly ever public,” he added.

Professor Barber further explained a new and popular corporation trend of appointing “independent directors” during the 1980s and 1990s. The downfall was that these new directors often did not understanding their industry properly, nor did they even understand basic accounting principles. At the same time, the middle class became shareholders at an increasing rate through stocks and mutual funds, and that increased the demand to show immediate returns on investments. Gradually, corporations have become almost completely focused on pursuing short-term

profit over any other goal, even if the longterm viability of the company is put at risk.

Consider examples like Enron, Bre-X, Nortel, or Worldcom: all once viewed as profitable wonder-companies, they have now been exposed as massive failures.

Corporations may have grown more powerful over the years, but the tremendous pressure to make money remains.

Often, there is not sufficient control over corporations to prevent them from getting too creative with financial numbers or pursuing activities that are contrary to the public interest.

“It seems like corporations have a bright future ahead, and the question will be whether we can continue to co-exist with them.”

- Professor Robert Barber “Regulation is always increasing, but whether it is matching the problem at the end of the day is the issue,” stated professor Barber. “The US is usually ahead of the rest of the world in regulating new industries, but this is not always a good thing.

The haste to quickly adopt legislation can lead to flawed regulations, which legally are almost worse than no regulations at all, because it sets a bad precedent.”

Furthermore, multinational corporations (MNCs) are not subject to Canadian laws at all, as long as they are based elsewhere. Their activities are only subject to international trade agreements, such as NAFTA and the WTO, and these are used far more by companies to sue governments, rather than by governments to penalize companies.

From being a creature of government, corporations today have become totally self-sufficient and in many ways now dominate the governments that gave them life.

Both The Corporation and professor Barber agree that corporations, in practice, can be a breeding ground for psychopaths.

A psychopath, for those who may not know, is someone with no emotion, empathy or attachment to human life. Some of these people become serial killers, others become managers and CEOs. In the corporate environment, those that are most willing and able to ruthlessly crush their competitors advance the fastest and reap massive rewards.

Perhaps there is something about the concept of “limited liability” that appeals to psychopaths and shrewd investors alike, offering opportunities to exploit others and obtain wealth, without undue risk or responsibility beyond the corporations.

According to professor Barber, limited liability relates more to the shareholder's point of view. The shareholders are immune to lawsuit and so (financial) catastrophe stays with the corporation itself.

This insulates shareholders from the risks of the firm's activities, and makes it impossible for them to be sued by the victims of the corporation. The result is that shareholders rarely lose, because the game is always in their favour.

However, The Corporation warns of the very real possibility that corporations will continue to grow in power and influence.

Professor Barber mentioned examples of major legal battles being fought right now between corporate interests and the general public. Current issues deal with music downloading, bottled water and even DNA patenting. It is possible that we will soon

see the day when the only water on earth that is safe to drink is sold by companies for profit, when sharing an electronic file with a friend for private and personal use will get you sued, and when we can even buy genetically engineered life-forms from companies.

“It seems like corporations have a bright future ahead, and the question will be whether we can continue to co-exist with them,” predicted professor Barber.

As corporations have expanded in power and independence, another disturbing trend has occurred at the same time: the rich have grown fantastically wealthier, and the rest of humanity has either struggled to hold on their wealth or seen it decline. For example, in 1960 the top 20 per cent of the world’s population controlled 33 per cent of global wealth, and by 2000 that same 20 per cent owned 73 per cent of the wealth. In just a generation, the highest income earners have seen their share of the pie expand tremendously, leaving less and less for those who are not so fortunate.

Even though corporations already dominate all aspects of our lives, corporate influence will increase further in the future, as demonstrated by the creation of the North American Competitiveness Council at the Cancun NAFTA Summit in March 2006.

This council is composed of the top ten corporate leaders from the US, Canada and Mexico, and they report directly to the leaders of these three countries. There is no lobbying involved since they have unlimited access to the federal cabinet, and their recommendations are adopted without any democratic discussion or debate. In essence, corporate interests have now secured a powerful position within the state, whispering into the ear of our leaders, completely bypassing the people of these countries and their elected representatives.

Corporations can now make policy and hand it to the government, with the expectation that it will be adopted, whereas citizen and public interest groups must lobby and petition and beg government to hear them out. The imbalance between the rights of the corporations and the rights of citizens will continue to grow, ironically by emphasizing the importance of individuals over community Unfortunately, where we should perhaps hold these corporations with suspicion and a critical eye, we all too often accept and admire them without question. It is almost impossible to escape from their messages, their products and their influence in today’s world, but in the end we have no one to blame but ourselves. We are so eager to think that we can have it all, that we do deserve that fourth pair of Adidas shoes, that maybe someday we will be that powerful CEO, so that we are blind to reality.

Corporations create a very attractive fantasy for the masses, and deluge us with products and services designed to ensure that we willingly depend on them, but we have not resisted any of this. In the old Greek story of Pandora’s box, the final evil to escape was hope, and this is what has led us to eagerly accept the carefully prepared messages of the private, minority interest.

Don’t think that we should hold corporations responsible for this blight upon humanity, because it is not their fault: they are only doing what they were designed to do. By believing in their flattering suggestions, we do not apply adequate scrutiny to their activities - or demand that our governments do so - and we have placed the value of convenience ahead of any other. We created these corporations but if we buy into their tactics, sooner than we think, these corporations may control us.

Monday, March 10, 2008

THE MEDIUM 11

FEATURES

Student spotlight: Trevor Abes you ever see it as a reflection of how much you have grown, changed and learned over the time you wrote these poems? What kind of personal effect does Levitations leave you with?

A: This book is definitely proof of my personal growth. My earlier writing makes me scratch my head in comparison to these poems. They leave me with a sense

photo/Nikita King

Trevor Abes with his first published book of poetry called Levitations.

NIKITA KING AND TREVOR ABES

By reading certain poetry aloud, powerful rhythms and rich harmonies are at your command. As you utter them, you may begin to understand that sound plays an important role in expressing a poem’s story just as its words are carefully positioned for a reason.

“As of today, I write thinking a little more about how words sound rather than what they mean,” explained Trevor Abes, a second-year student at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Studying literature and philosophy, Trevor has had his poems published in magazines such as Re: Verse, On Edge and Sage of Consciousness. Recently, he has had his first book of poetry published with Trainwreck Press. His book, called Levitations, features 19 poems that were written over several years. Trevor shares more on his accomplishment: Q: How did you land up getting published? Take us through the process.

A: Well, ever since I began writing seriously back in ninth grade, getting published had always been a goal of mine.

This particular book of poetry was made thanks to an online call for manuscripts that the editor of Trainwreck Press, posted a few months ago. He enjoyed my poems, and we worked on them for about two weeks, then we were ready to go to print.

It all happened very quickly, and I am pleased with how the book came out.

Q: How did you get into poetry? Was it a form of escapism from life in general?

A: I wouldn’t say escapism specifically.

Poetry for me is more of an easy way to look inward, and deal creatively with whatever may be on my mind. I caught the literary bug in ninth grade after reading Pedro Páramo, a novel by Mexican author called Juan Rulfo. I am still amazed by how one cannot tell whether the characters in the book are dead or alive, and this amazement is probably at the base of my love for literature.

Q: The name Levitations gives the book a rather supernatural and surreal touch. Why did you decide to call the book “Levitations?”

A: The book is called “Levitations”

because it is a recurring theme in the book, and because of its surrealist influence. The presence of seemingly unrelated objects or sensations in any given poem is proof of that, for example, in “Late Night Levitation,” the reader will encounter blind bluebirds and a talking Bible, among other things.

Q: From your book, “Around the Corner” is the poem that stuck out for me. As much as its imagery defies the ordinary, the words just flow in perfect harmony, such as the line “There, where are equals after and before at the same time” depicts. What was the inspiration behind this particular poem?

A: For this poem, I attempted to compose a possible version of a perfect world, where every one of its components was intrinsically artistic. The fluidity from verse to verse is meant to leave the reader breathless, and offer him or her one hyperextended metaphor to ponder. The idea of living in a painting was also present during the composing of this poem.

Q: I enjoyed your poetry style; each poem is just so unpredictable. Are you going through an experimental phase?

And, how would you describe your poetry style?

A: I would say I experiment a lot, just as every person inclined to pen and pad does. The problem of acquiring originality in one’s writing is solved only after many years of practice. My main concern is to offer with each poem a delectable, bodily experience, coupled with a nuanced perspective of whatever issue it may be dealing with.

Q: Which is your favourite poem and what is it about?

A: My favourite poem is called “To see a World in a Grain of Sand,” by William Blake. I love it because it is the only poem I have ever encountered that contains everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in four lines.

Q: Who are some of your all time favourite poets?

A: In no specific order: Emily Dickinson, E. E. Cummings, Allen Ginsberg, and León de Greiff.

Q: Poetry can be very personal at times. When you look at Levitations, do

of accomplishment and motivation to continue writing for the rest of my life.

Q: As a poet, why do you think poetry is so undervalued these days?

A: Poetry isn’t big these days because it doesn’t offer many concessions to the reader. The choice between a Grisham novel or a little Rimbaud is an obvious

one. For that to change it would require some serious advertising, and maybe a few hundred million-dollar blockbusters on the life of Yeats or something of the like.

For more information on Levitations, contact Trevor at: trevorpantera311@yahoo.ca

12 THE MEDIUM

Monday, March 10, 2008

Sports ROBERT SILVA, EDITOR | sports@mediumonline.ca

Eagles fly out with loss to New College SUNNY PATHAK

photo/Jennifer Broadbridge

Winter rowing season ends in triumph JAMES JOSEPH WALKER

On Sunday, March 2, the UTM Varsity rowing team travelled to Ridley College in St. Catharine's to compete at the annual Ontario Ergometer Championships. In an unprecedented display of power, every single team member achieved their personal best time on the 2,000-meter erg test. With team morale at its highest point this year, the UTM athletes topped off the week with several nominations and one award at the Varsity rowing banquet on Friday, March 7, which encompassed all U of T intercollegiate rowers.

After finishing second place in Toronto, and third in Canada at the Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships last month, Michelle Bradbury was determined to beat her opponents' time at the Ontarios. With an

Olympic coach sitting behind her and watching with interest, Michelle finished with a time of 7:33.8, improving her time by 10 seconds to win the gold medal in the lightweight category. Michelle was also nominated for the Rookie of the Year award. Also of note at the Ontarios was novice rower Tessa Mandrapilas, who improved her time from the previous month by a whopping 26 seconds and finished fourth in the lightweight category. Tessa was nominated for the Novice Woman of the Year award, while Yuri Dashko was nominated for the Novice Male of the Year award.

James Walker finished third in the heavyweight men's category, followed closely by Denis Moiseenko in fourth.

Then on May 9 and 10, the two will race the pair at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, the largest intercollegiate regatta in North America. James was also nominated for the Oarsman of the Year award and the Kiran van Rijn

award. Kiran van Rijn was a varsity rower in the final year of his PhD when he died unexpectedly in September 2005. A former national rowing team member, Kiran was the essence of humility, dedication, and leadership. The award is given to a rower who exemplifies Kiran’s qualities.

Caitlin Pakosh, a graduating forensic anthropology and biology student, received the Oarswoman of the Year award at the Varsity rowing banquet on Friday. Caitlin has been with the team for three years, and can count the number of practices she has missed on one hand (there are six practices every week). Caitlin will row the pair with Michelle to represent U of T at Dad Vail.

The team will be back on the water as soon as the ice thaws, and coach MingChang Tsai is looking for new recruits for the spring and summer season. If you think you have what it takes, go online and check out www.utmrowing.com.

Jays need a strong start STEVE KHAN Despite the extreme winter weather, spring training for major league baseball is under way to prepare for the regular season, which begins in three weeks. The Toronto Blue Jays will open 2008 in New York, playing the Yankees on March 31.

The home opener is set to take place against the World Champion Boston Red Sox on Friday, April 4, where the Jays will wear their throwback powder-blue jerseys for the first time this year. They’ll continue to wear the old jerseys at every “Flashback Friday” home game.

This may sound crazy, but the first six games are very important for the Jays.

Games in April are as important as games in September. A win is a win, and they all mean the same at the end of the season.

Some argue differently, but for the past decade September games have been meaningless for Toronto, partly due to slow starts.

Toronto has played .500 baseball in April over the past few seasons, which is easily written off by management because it’s “only” the first month of the season where the team is figuring itself out. But the Jays need to enter 2008 with more urgency than the past.

Beyond the first six games there is a relatively easy first month. In fact, April appears to be the easiest month on the schedule, increasing the importance of a good early start. Toronto has 16 games against Oakland, Texas, Baltimore, Tampa Bay, and Kansas City – teams the Jays should easily beat. They also have a

series against Detroit and one more against Boston.

The Jays have the opportunity to take advantage of Boston in the opening series at the Rogers Centre. The Sox are flying to Tokyo, Japan on March 20 to play exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers (Mar. 21) and Yomiuri Giants (Mar. 23).

The Sox will then open their regular season schedule, still in Japan, with two games against the Oakland Athletics (Mar. 25 and 26). Then they fly to California for three remaining spring training games against the Dodgers (Mar. 2830), two more regular season games against Oakland (Apr. 1 and 2), and then on to Toronto for three more.

Last year, even with all the injuries, the Jays were the seventh-best team in the American League (AL). However, they were a distant seventh with just 83 wins.

The four playoff teams had between 94 and 96 wins, and the Tigers and Mariners had 88.

On paper, the Jays can be a top-seven team again, maybe even top-five.

However, the imbalanced MLB schedule provides the Jays with the toughest schedule, having to play both the Yanks and Sox 19 times each this season.

Its unlikely Toronto will win the division, so in order to make the playoffs they’ll have to win the Wild Card, meaning they’ll have to be better than at least New York or Boston, and Cleveland or Detroit (and Seattle, since the LA Angels have the easiest ride into the playoffs in the AL). This is assuming that none of the other AL teams improve drastically like the ’08 Mariners did. Surprise teams do

pop up, but simply put, the Jays need to be one of those teams.

Fully healthy, the Jays can put up a good fight. Led by Roy Halladay, they had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball last year and their everyday line up includes Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Aaron Hill, Lyle Overbay and the newly acquired Scott Rolen and David Eckstein. They also have a better bench than last year, with Matt Stairs, Shannon Stewart (either of these two could supplant Reed Johnson in LF), Marco Scutaro, John McDonald and Rod Barajas.

The two most important factors for the offense will be Wells returning to form and Thomas having a better start to the season.

Toronto had an excellent bullpen too, and that was without All-Star closer B.J. Ryan, who is returning this season from Tommy John surgery. Ryan’s progress appears to be bringing him back early, which may be cause for concern. This presents as one of the many question marks for the Jays. Many of their key players have a history of injury problems or are rebounding from injuries last year.

They are also heavily relying on Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum. Both men will have to prove they are for real and will need to adjust to a league full of teams that now have books on how to hit each guy. Additionally, A.J. Burnett is always an injury risk.

Still, Toronto enters 2008 with more optimism than usual. There will be no excuses this year as the jobs of manager John Gibbons and general manager J.P. Riccardi may finally be on the line.

New College dropped the Eagles in semi-final play at the downtown Athletics Centre, 64-51.

It was a night where the only thing the Eagles were hitting were the trash cans and recycling bins with frustration after the loss.

The Eagles have consistently been able to outscore and outrun teams in the regular season, but against New College, they couldn't hit a branch if they fell out of a tree.

"We lost this game here," coach Ammer Askray said pointing to the score. "Our guys didn't focus, we didn't play our game. I don't know what to say, we just didn't focus."

Lack of focus, and mental breakdown on court combined with Drew Meervlad and rookie Andre Wooderuff fouling out early in the second half, unmasked the lack of depth on the bench.

Askray was yelling at his ball handlers to slow down and to keep it simple, but it was all in vain.

Up by four at half time, the Eagles confused New College, at times switching from a press to a zone, and even switching to a man defence.

The second half was horrid as Neil Sehra failed to make a single field goal. Arash Moghani and Alan Cartey were the only players to make a shot from beyond the arc but it was all for naught.

With the Eagles losing the lead for the first time in the second half, the Eagles' offense went ice cold for the rest of the game.

An ill-advised fifth and final foul from Wooderuff ended his night.

“Over the course of the year, (he) has probably become one of the better players from start to finish,” said a visibly upset Askray.

Down by seven, with five minutes remaining, Moghani picked up a loose ball darted down court. An errant lay-up attempt allowed New College to go back down the court and hit the first of back-to-back treys, and the first nail to the Eagles' coffin.

Visibly frustrated in the last few minutes, UTM refused to box out cheated on offensive and, at one point, were yelling at each other over missed defensive assignments and shot selection.

New College scored 41 points in the second half to win and secure a s pot to play next week for the championship title. It will be the first time in six years that UTM has not played in the final game and an early indication of an end of a dynasty.

Back Iron otes It was a quiet and sober bus ride back to UTM in a snowstorm until Elias Sibet challenged Drew Meervald to a fight. The prize: $100. I'm backing Meervald, who goes by the alias Protein Man in the ring...Never one to second-guess a coach, but why not go back to the press that confused the New College team?...Story of the Year: Jamario Moon shot 1-7 from 3-pt land... one free coffee to the person that finds me with this article. Finally, the NBA - Where T-Mac Happens, the kid plays with his eyes open and I give you an 18-game win streak and averaging close to 20 points per game... Next week more Hatorade.

Eagles down the stretch It’s March, and this means it’s crunch time for all UTM sports.

Women’s UTM/UTSC Div 1 ice hockey team is on the brink of being eliminated. With one win in their last four games, there is one more week to regain the fourth position and qualify for the post-season.

Men’s Div 1 ice hockey soared through Skule A with an impressive 6-0 shutout victory a couple weeks ago. They started March off with a forfeit win, and have a bi-week as they rest before they head into the playoffs.

The men’s rugby team is moving on to the semi-finals against Skule on Wednesday, March 12. The Eagles lost by one point to Trinity College in a 9-8 affair on February 27. Skule is coming off of a massive win against Victoria College. The Eagles are going to have to come out strong against the ever-confident Skule team if they hope to make it to the finals.

The men’s div 1 indoor soccer team defeated Victoria College 4-0 on March 1 and are headed to a game against Medicine on Saturday. If The Eagles can beat Medicine, and the UTSC Maroons lose to the last place Skule B, the Eagles are on their way to the playoffs with a fourth-place position.

However, there is another option: if second place UTSC United defeat PHE, and the Eagles take a win, then UTM will be heading into the playoffs.

Bottom line, we need a “W.”

CHRISTOPHER SA’D ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR