Vol 35 issue 15

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Volume 35, Issue 15

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UTM students protest Gaza humanitarian crisis ANDREW HAMILTON SMITH NEWS EDITOR WITH NOTES FROM MATTHEW FILIPOWICH In fre e z i ng t e m p er a t u r e s l a s t Saturday afternoon, nearly 15,000 protesters turned out to protest the on-going humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. The mob of protestors also included a large contingent of U n i v er s i t y of Toronto Missis s a u g a (U T M ) s t u d en t s . Organized by the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union (UTMSU), three buses brought supporters to the downtown protest at Avenue Road and Bloor Street, which coincided with hundreds of other Gaza protests worldwide. The p ro t e st s ha v e g r o w n i n strength since Israel stepped up its military campaign in Gaza over this past week, resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties including many women and children. Chanting “Fight the power, turn the Tide!/End Israeli Apartheid!” and “Throw a shoe at Israel too!” the protesters vocalized their opposition to what some protesters called Israeli crimes against humanity. The organizers passed donation buckets amongst the crowd urging those who gathered to “not only put in your spare change, but to empty your pockets” as well as any jewellery. The protesters also welcomed Jewish Rabbis from New York who gave their support for Palestine and their disapproval of Israel’s actions. UTM’s Ministry of Social Justice (MSJ) leader Steven Zhou says that all of his regular members turned out for the protest, and that he was amazed by the amount of support for the crisis in Gaza. “I'm extremely delighted about this since people are paying attention to the [humanitarian] issue and the crisis in Gaza,” he remarked, adding that “unfortunately, it took hundreds of dead Palestinians” to capture mainstream media attention.

Photo/Matthew Filipowich

A young boy holds a sign at the protest downtown Toronto this weekend, highlighting the emphasis on the humani tarian aspect of the War in Gaza. Over eight hundred Palestinians many of them civilians, women and children have been killed thus far, and Israel continues to push further into the Gaza Strip at this very moment. “Israel is trying to get the Gaza Strip to meet what they call the ‘Deterence Capacity’, which basic a l l y m e a n s fo r Ha mas to lose authority and to increase Israeli control within the Strip,” Zhou explained. “The Israeli army broke

the ceasefire in early November by killing seven militants in Gaza. On top of that, numerous human rights organizations have agreed on Israel's appalling human rights record, especially in Gaza where food, water, and electricity cannot

get in and the borders are totally controlled by Israel.” The resulting humanitarian disaster, as families run out of food and are constantly under threat of aerial bombardment, is one that the world must act to condemn, added Zhou.

The MSJ plans to address these issues, along with a number of other controversial topics, during the upcoming Xp ression Against Opp ression week, starting on Tuesday January 12 and ending on Thursday with a lecture by Dr. Norman Finkelstein in CCT 1080 at 6 p.m. Focusing on the humanitarian aspects of the conflict allows a broad consensu s to be built, as UTMSU has done through the Gaza Coalition. “The purpose of this Coalition was not to divide students on campus as this Coalition does not serve to take any sides but rather to unite students on the issue,” explained UTMSU President Wasah Malik. “Its first main purposes were to ask for a ceasefire by all parties. The second purpose was to demand the Israeli government to allow basic necessities such as food, fuel, and medical supplies to be entered into Gaza.” Rather than taking sides with the government of Israel or the Hamas government in Gaza, the main purpose of the protests are to bring attention to the lives being lost, the lives being destroyed. “I know that students at UTM want a ceasefire in Gaza from both parties and want all civilians to be able to live a peaceful life,” remarked Malik. Approximately seventy UTM students have turned out for Gaza Coalition meetings, and have started reaching out to other organizations such as the Red Cross and Islamic Relief in order to continue building su pport. U TMSU also plans to spearhead a fundraising drive in order to raise money in support of P alestinian families. “UTM Students at the coalition also decided to fundraise money to send relief to Gaza through various events such as Xpression Against Oppression, a Fundraising Dinner and Fundraising Movie Night,” said Malik. The weekend protests, which began three weeks ago when Israel launched its assault on Gaza, are slated to continue every weekend until the war ends. There was also an evening candle-light vigil at Mississau ga’s Civic Centre on Thursday, drawing over one hundred protesters including former Liberal MP and current Ward 6 City Councillor Carolyn Parrish.

2 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009

NEWS CONTRACT TALKS CONTINUE

Harp er's s ilence on Midd le East politically calculated, experts say (Embassy) OTTAWA – The Canadian government's hesitant and cautious response to the crisis between Israel and Gaza will likely remain unchanged with no com mitment of aid or any forceful statement from the prime minis ter, experts and insiders say. Canada blames Hamas for civilian casualties in Gaza (AFP) OTTAWA – The Canadian government on Wednesday blamed Hamas for civilian casual ties in Gaza, including 40 at a school bombarded by the Israeli military the previous day, saying Hamas provoked the attack. SNC Lavalin hired to repair 'signature' dam in Kandahar province (CP) KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Canada's biggest engineering firm, which for decades has operated in some of the world's hot spots, has been selected to refurbish a derelict Afghan dam that has been billed as one of Canada's "signa ture projects" in Afghanistan. Co ntr ove rsia l ne w se nat or q uits aboriginal leadership job (CP) OTTAWA – New Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau, who is facing a sexual harassment com plaint before a human rights tri bunal, has stepped down as head of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. Brazeau was willing to serve both the Senate and as national chief of the group repre senting native people who live off reserve. Joe the Plumber turns reporter to te ll Is ra el 's si d e o f i ts w ar wi th Gaza (AP) SDEROT, Israel – Joe the Plumber has set aside his wrench es to become a rookie war corre spondent, covering Israel's side of its two week old military offensive in Gaza. The Ohio man, who rock eted to fame during the U.S. presi dential campaign for asking Barack Obama about his tax plan, was in the southern Israeli town of Sderot on Sunday to tell readers of the conservative pjtv.com website about the rockets that rain down from the neighbouring Gaza Strip.

Possibility of TA strike at UTM remains ANDREW HAMILTON SMITH NEWS EDITOR With the appointment of a conciliator from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, the University of Toronto (U of T) and CUPE 3902 will resume negotiations on January 20, in the hope of reaching a new contract agreement. Both parties agree that there has been good progress made on a number of issues, and that there are only a few “small sticking points� that are preventing a final settlement. Laurie Stephens, director of Media Relations and Stakeholder Communications at U of T, explains that such a move is not unusual at all, and that this is “a standard negotiation [which] has been proceeding normally.� Stephens points out that the appointment of a Provincial mediator does not represent a breakdown or interruption of discussions, and the only reason negotiations did not proceed last month was because of the winter break. “We're in contract negotiations with a valued group of employees and we're hoping we can reach a fair and equitable settlement,� Stephens adds, declining a request to offer details relating to the concessions being asked or offered by the university, citing the binding confidentiality rules of the negotiation process. So what does CUPE consider to be a “fair and equitable settlement�? According to CUPE 3902 media representative Rebecca Sanders, “if the employer continues to refuse our proposals for eliminating the burden of private healthcare, for better childcare benefits, and for protecting and improving tuition assistance, that would indicate that they are not interested in bargaining fairly.� Both Stephens and Sanders have indicated that a strike would be a very “unfortunate outcome,� and both insist that every possible way to avoid this will be pursued. However, the members of CUPE 3902, which represents contract employees such as Teaching Assistants across the University of Toronto’s three campuses, have instructed their bargaining team not to accept any concessions from the previous contract agreement. Thus, taking into account cost-of-living and tuition increases, CUPE must find a

way to maintain the current pay and benefit levels that their members currently enjoy. Rather than accepting these proposals, the U of T bargaining team has apparently been insisting that the union make concessions, such as the elimination of a Tuition Assistance Fund (TAF) established in the last agreement. “When we talk about concessions in labour negotiations, we are referring to rollbacks and takeaways that leave our members worse off than before,� explains Sanders. CUPE is not asking U of T to make any concessions, since “our proposals do not rollback some benefit they previously had.� “When [U of T] agree to more paid training, they are getting better prepared teachers; when they agree to release time, they are ensuring their own grad students can succeed, [which is] something they want,� Sanders declares. “When they agree to smaller tutorial sizes, they are agreeing to improve the quality of education at the university, which is entirely in their interest [and] if they were to agree to improve equity through better childcare and UHIP assistance, they would simply be implementing their own rhetorical commitments.� Therefore, Sanders notes, it is U of T that has the power to move these discussions forward and not the union, which is only trying to hold on to their current level of compensation. “They have the power to say yes and no to our proposals [whereas] we only have the power to ask,� Sanders concludes. “I don't want people to get the wrong impression that the union is somehow responsible for any potential deadlock� in negotiations, which may still result in a strike in February if an agreement cannot be reached. Although both U of T and CUPE state that they would not like to see a strike happen, it is hard to say whether or not an agreement will ultimately be reached. The union is, as Sanders notes, not able to accept any concessions, and has made a number of proposals that it considers mutually beneficial to both sides. The university refused to reveal anything currently under discussion with CUPE, so it is impossible to know what outcome they would be willing to accept. It is interesting to note that U of T wants an agreement that is “equitable� whereas CUPE wants an agreement that

promotes “equity�. This slight distinction in language is subtle, yet potentially significant. The university would seem to want an outcome that is equal between the two bargaining sides – suggesting that the union must be prepared to make concessions if it wishes to receive anything in return – while the union is seeking greater equality and fairness for their own members in relation to other employees at the university. As Sanders noted in last week’s article, “Strike at UTM in February?� the

members of CUPE 3902 “are already the poorest employees of the university, living well below the poverty line [so] if cuts need to be made, they should not target people who can barely get by as is.� CUPE’s efforts to find equity within U of T may be contradictory to the university’s idea of what an equitable agreement will look like. Despite words from both sides suggesting otherwise, the possibility of a February strike still looms over UTM.

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Wednesday, January 14 10:30 am - 1:30 pm RAWC Gym * Valid TCard required

Take this opportunity to network with representatives from a wide range of areas & industries about summer and whether or not they’re collecting resumes at the fair. Participants include: < Camp Trillium, Childhood Cancer Support Centre Check out our fair guide and more @ < Certified Management Accountants of Ontario (CMA) www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers < IBM Canada < International House Toronto < LAUNCH! < YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange...and many more!

IBM Info Session Thursday, January 15 (the day after the fair!) 6 pm - 7:30 pm Lombard Canada Ltd. Info Session Tuesday, January 20 10 am - 11 am Room locations and sign up @ www.utm.utoronto.ca/ careers

UTM CAREER CENTRE

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009 THE MEDIUM 3

CAMPUS PERSPECTIVE NEWS

“Indirectly, by pressuring governments to change their policies, perhaps. Directly, no, it just causes more con flict.�

New 12-week study term for 2009-2010

Joe Caron, fourth year English and History student

FIONA BUCHANAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Do you think the Gaza protests will be successful in affecting the conflict?

“Given the recent develop ments, I doubt the protests will push Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire.� Moath Hamed, fourth year Biology student “The protests are not as effective as they are intend ed to be, but it highlights the struggle of pain of those being oppressed, and need to be done regardless� Sameer Masood, fifth year Environmental Management “The media manipulates the actual numbers of protest ers from both parties: more for Israel, less for Palestine.� Baldeep Sehmbi, second year Political Science and Shalene Rahaman, second year English student

UTM campus crime report January 3, 2009 1:40 p.m. Trespass to Property Campus Police investigated a male attempting to use a RAWC mem bership belonging to someone else. The male was warned and escorted off the property. January 5, 2009 12:40 p.m. Criminal Harassment Campus Police are investigating a complaint of criminal harassment. The investigation is ongoing. January 5, 2009 1:35 p.m. Trespass To Property – Soliciting Campus Police investigated a female who was soliciting spa ser vices for an outside agency. The female and her employer were spo ken to and advised not to solicit on campus. January 5, 2009 2:40 p.m. Suspicious Person Campus Police received a report of a male acting suspiciously in the South Building. The male had left premises upon campus police arrival. January 5, 2009 5:15 p.m. Trespass to Property Campus Police received a complaint regarding skateboarders in the CCT Garage. Campus Police arrived on scene and issued a ticket for Trespassing. The skateboarders were escorted off the property.

Erindale College Council approved a proposal for a twelve-week fall term at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) on December 11, 2008, which will take effect as of next September for the 2009-2010 academic year. The shorter fall term will allow students an additional one week study break between the end of classes and the start of examinations for the fall session. This new schedule reflects similar changes that have been made at the University of Toronto St. George campus. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences at St. George is introducing a five-day November break, effective next fall term from November 11 to 15. In addition to this break, St. George has scheduled a pre-exam study period from December 5 to 8, with exams starting on December 9, 2009. This year, students at St. George and UTM only had a regular two-day weekend between the end of classes and the beginning of the exam period. Details of the new schedule at UTM have not yet been posted, but the registrar and director of Enrolment Management, Dianne Crocker, has indicated that there will be a break before exams in December. Crocker also mentioned that the Scarborough campus has had a twelve-week fall semester for several years now. “We thought that this would help students be more successful,� said Crocker. “We checked with QSS [Quality Service to Students] and found that students were very supportive of the twelve-week term, before bringing it to Academic Affairs Committee.� According to

the Office of the Registrar website, QSS is a council at UTM composed of students and staff who meet monthly to discuss issues concerning student life. “It was important for students to be on board,� Crocker added. “Students have always found it a bit challenging to end classes on a Friday and start exams on a Monday.� “The [proposition for the] twelveweek term was introduced to the Academic Affairs Committee by Dean Gage Averill, and the registrar and director of Enrolment Management,� explained Crocker. “After it went through Academic Affairs, it was passed to the ECC [Erindale College Council] where it was approved.� In response to concerns about the shorter term affecting course curriculum and quality, Crocker assured that instructors would have to adapt course content to an extent. However, due to the changes introduced, classroom instruction will not have to adapt overly to the new twelve-week term. Previously, more time was dedicated to covering the syllabus during the first class of the term, and with Blackboard as a means of communication with students, Crocker described how the first classes are now dedicated to instruction. “Now the course syllabus is distributed online, so the first classes can be content drivers.� Several students seemed to agree that a break between the end of classes and the beginning of exams would be helpful. “That would be really good. Right before exams, you want to be able to have time to go to your instructors and ask questions,� commented Bianca Jivan, a first-year life science

student. “Last term we just had the weekend to study and then, boom, exams. I really had to cram for my first test.� Second-year commerce student Kathleen Egan was enthused by the idea of a week off before exams. “If you have a class that ends on Friday and starts on Monday, the material you just learned would be on the exam. I think students need a week to study.� There were some students who thought that a shorter term may not be in their best interest. “If there is a gap between classes and final exams, I will probably forget the material,� said Solomon Nie, a first-year commerce student. “I feel like it’s a waste of time to have a week gap.� The initiative of a break before the winter exam period is not unique to the University of Toronto. Ryerson University allowed a four-day weekend for students before their December examination period commenced. Queen’s University scheduled a similar study break of five days last semester from November 28 to December 2, while the University of Waterloo staged a three-day break from December 2 to 4, 2008. “The University of Toronto was one of the only universities in Canada who did not have a break between classes and exams,� said Crocker. “We are now basically in line with all the other universities.� UTMSU President Wasah Malik would seem to agree with that sentiment, noting that “If this 12-week semester change were not to happen at UTM, UTM students would be at a disadvantage in comparison with other universities since our students would have less time to prepare for the examination period; UTM would be the only university with the 13 week semester in Ontario.�

January 6, 2009 10:08 a.m. Small Fire Campus Police extinguished a small fire in a garbage bin. The cause of the fire may have been a lit cigarette tossed into the garbage bin. January 6, 2009 2:45 p.m. Property Damage Campus Police received a report of property damage near the Kaneff Building. The damage was assessed and the cause was determined to be a result of high winds several weeks ago. January 7, 2009 9:00 a.m. Motor Ve hicle Accident – Male struck by car Campus Police received a report of a male who was struck by a car on The Collegeway. The male was assessed for further medical treat ment but did not require any as his injury was very minor. No charges were laid. January 7, 2009 10:14 a.m. Information – Assist female Campus Police noticed a vehicle stuck in the ditch of parking lot 4. Campus Police offered assistance. However, the female opted to con tact a tow truck to help her. January 7, 2009 10:15 a.m. Motor Vehicle Accident Campus Police investigated a motor vehicle accident along Outer Circle Road. There were no injuries.

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4 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009

ALI KASIM EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@mediumonline.ca

EDITORIAL Wherever you go there seems to always be a protest of some sort. Most of you are aware, I’m sure, of the fierce protests conducted outside the Israeli consulate on Bloor and Avenue. Bearing the same purpose as the vigil for the Mumbai victims in the CCIT building last month, the student union, along with various leaders of student-run organizations, wasted no time or hesitation to group and organize a form of response to the crisis. As a means of raising awareness, the union decided to organize and coordinate transportation for students to attend the Gaza rally downtown. It came as no surprise or disagreement to me that our student union got heavily involved with those proceedings. To some others, like our regular editorial cartoonist Erick Fournier however, UTMSU’s initiative was met with a less-than-understanding stance. Fournier made some interesting points, such as how it seemed a tad bit inappropriate that the union use funds allocated for students on campus for a purpose outside of it. “It’s still for students,” I argued. But Fournier replied that the union’s time, funds, and effort could be put to better use by lowering parking fees, for instance. “Better use?” I thought to myself. Who’s to decide that? Everyone has their own opinion. Like I usually respond when students raise a concern or express a differing view with the Union or Administration, I encouraged Fournier to write in, or in his case, draw an editorial cartoon. He obliged (re: above-right). To anyone who wishes to ask, it is, like many other instances before, not representative of how I or any individual on the editorial team feel about the issue. It is simply a representation of various student opinion. If you recall my editorial from the previous issue, how I feel about the issue has already been made clear – the crisis in Gaza stemming from the never-ending war with Israel and Palestinians is probably the most important issue of our times. Hence, the student union is rightfully doing its part by raising awareness and providing for the handful of students who care enough to want some form of action. Following from last week’s editorial, I encouraged my news editor to investigate what students thought about the protests. The question we decided on was if they thought the Gaza protests would be successful in affecting the conflict. The responses we received were none too surprising, with many citing that it probably wouldn’t. One student however, replied with an interesting argument, that the protests, however ineffective are more importantly intended to “highlight the struggle and pain of those oppressed, and [thus] need to be done regardless.” And maybe that truly answers the question posed, without a simple yes or no. Protesting probably won’t end anything, but perhaps that’s not what it’s for to begin with. And so for their efforts, I say kudos to the student union and all the students involved with the Coalition. This is probably the highest form of solidarity ever demonstrated. Yours,

Ali Kasim

News Team Meeting

Letter to the Editor Dear fellow students,

It is really unfortunate to see where this world is headed. It is sad to see how there are people in this world who have no respect for human lives. Recently, the world witnessed terrorist attacks that took place in Mumbai, India killing innocent civilians who were outside their homes trying to make their ends meet. Soon after that, this world is thrown yet another fistful of injustice and inhumane violence, this time, in the Gaza strip. The death toll right now has reached over 800, and there seems to be no end to this violence in near sight. To make the situation worse, the authorization for allowing basic necessities such as medical supplies, food, and fuel have also been denied to the casualties in Gaza. UN Aid workers are being targeted and educational institutions are being bombed. Innocent civilians are dying; their fathers are no longer in this world to help their families financially, their mothers are no longer in this world to teach their children right from wrong, their brothers are no longer in this world to help their families guide to a better future, their sisters are no longer in this world to help put smiles on their faces. This insane genocide of innocent civilians is not even helping solve the political issue at hand. This is where our world is heading. The beauty of UTM is that we have a very diverse and a caring community. Our students always respond quickly to all injustices in the world. When the University opened last week, many students came to me and voiced their concerns about the issue in Gaza. They wanted to create awareness. As a result, UTMSU organized a Gaza Coalition inviting all students of UTM. Over sev-

• To raise awareness about what is happening in Gaza • To fundraise money to send relief to innocent civilians in Gaza

The Gaza Coalition meeting was attended by students from all communities and the focus was not to isolate any student as this Coalition does not serve the purpose of any political party's motives in Gaza. Members of this Coalition, as a matter of fact, decided to attend the Demonstration on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 11 a.m. at 180 Bloor Street West. Over 120 UTM students attended this protest to demand a ceasefire from both parties. This Coalition has also decided to organize fundraising events through Xpression Against Oppression, a fundraising dinner and a fundraising movie night, which will be taking place in the next few weeks. The members of the committee have also decided to invite organizations such as the Red Cross, the Islamic Relief or any other organization, as per the decision of the committee members, to fundraise at these events. The next Gaza Coalition Meeting will be taking place on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 5 p.m. at the UTMSU Office. I would like to invite all of you to attend the meeting to share your concerns and to bring new ideas for this campaign. I sincerely hope that a ceasefire in Gaza is reached soon. Sincerely, Wasah Malik President UTMSU

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SUDOKU

When: Tuesday January 13 at high noon. Location: The Medium office, Student Centre, room 200. News Editor Andrew Hamilton Smith is holding this meet ing for all students interested in news reporting, specifically those who are looking toward investigative journalism. For more information contact Andrew at news@mediumonline.ca

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MONDAY, JANUARY

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Revolutionary Road drives close to home Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite in this emotional masterpiece about suburban life and its pitfalls AYMAN SAAB Love and marriage. According to the Frank Sinatra tune, they go together like a “horse and carriage.” After watching Revolutionary Road, I would strongly rethink such a lyric. Adapted from a Richard Yates novel of the same title, Revolutionary Road is the newest release from American Beauty director Sam Mendes who continues with his trend of emotional and honest films. Revolutionary Road is only Mendes’ third film, but it seems as though he gets better after each outing. Making the process slightly more

difficult, or perhaps “different,” is that his wife, the stellar Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) is playing the film’s female lead opposite Leonardo DiCaprio (The Departed). Most of you will remember the last film these two were in together. Yes, the same Titanic that became the largest grossing film of all time and won a whopping 14 Academy Awards. Needless to say there was a lot of hype surrounding this film. Hype and all Titanic references aside, Revolutionary Road is an emotional masterpiece that could well be Winslet, DiCaprio, and Mendes’ finest work.

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Frank and April dance at a neighborhood box social.

The film begins in a smoked-filled Manhattan loft in the 1950s where Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) first meet during a busy party and immediately connect. At this point the couple is young and full of eagerness to “live”. Eventually, as their relationship develops the young couple leaves the city, moves to the suburbs, and buys a house. On Revolutionary Road of course. Frank works 9 to 5 in the city and April abandons her dream of becoming an actress to become a house wife who takes care of their two children. To everyone on the outside they seem like a typical suburban family, but of course no couple is ever perfect. Deep down, they both resent the other for what they have become and the life they lead. The relationship is cold and severe and the fights (there are several) they have are perhaps some of the greatest domestic verbal battles ever captured on film. To quell the impending demise of the marriage, April suggests they pack up and move to Paris – the city Frank had always said was the only place he visited and wanted to go back to. Frank, initially bemused by April’s plan, warms to the idea seeing it as a chance to rebuild his life with April and accomplish the goals of his youth. This reinvigoration of their relationship provides the few moments of laughter and intimacy that we see between the couple, but it doesn’t last long. Frank gets offered a

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huge promotion at work, the sort of offer that doesn’t come along every day, and after April tells him that she is pregnant again the offer becomes even harder to turn down. And here is where it gets interesting. Frank wants to stay and April still wants to go. From here we see even more verbal sparring, infidelity, and an abundance of chain smoking and dry martinis. And it is interesting to note that April doesn’t stop smoking or drinking even while she’s pregnant, but hey, this was the 1950s. Mendes directs this with no intent at making Frank and April look special. They are your friends, your parents and your neighbours; normal people faced with the problems of a normal marriage. Mendes provides a look inside of a marriage where compromise is seemingly non-existent. They are both so inwardly focused and unable to communicate that it makes you cringe. DiCaprio is incredible as Frank. He makes you feel the banality of the 9 to 5 rat race, and when he loses his cool, he is simply at his best. Winslet, who continues to amaze year after year, is at times as hard as a rock and at other times a mentally fragile dreamer. Oddly enough, the most eerily powerful scenes take place when John Givings, played by Michael Shannon who gives a shockingly disturbing portrayal of a mentally-disturbed son of a neighbour (Kathy Bates), is the only one to see

2008 was an especially harsh year. Regretfully, not only will our epoch be remembered for the failing economy, skyrocketing gas prices, and the progression of “Joe the Plumber” from local handyman to war-zone reporter, but for its terrible entertainment as well. There were flashes of brilliance, but it has been without question a rather unmemorable twelve months. Regardless, we at The Medium feel that we shouldn’t have to wait for the nostalgic moments. Instead we have decided to compile what we think was the worst of 2008. 10) Fox ews pushes the envelope in the media world. During the political race, a teaser for The O’Reilly Factor said “Obama bombarded by personal attacks. Are they legit? Ann Coulter comments.” 9) Mike Myers is funny to only Mike Myers, which in itself is rather pitiful. Unfortunately the few who didn’t get the memo spent some of their hard earned dollars on what was possibly the worst film of the year, The Love Guru. 8) Carrot Top is more frightening than ever with a botched plastic surgery and a “diesed” body. The jokes are the same.

DiCaprio and Winslet share a moment on their front lawn.

April and Frank for what they really are – two people who have thoroughly compromised themselves in building their lives on Revolutionary Road. The Oscar buzz that this film is garnering is well-deserved. The acting is superb and Mendes’ storytelling has not lost a step. Those interested in a realistic and gripping tale will surely be impressed, and maybe just a little terrified seeing as one day, Frank and April could just as well be them.

7) The Hottie and the ottie marked Paris Hilton’s return to cinema. In it she plays the elementary school sweetheart of a lovable loser, yet it quickly becomes apparent how she is hardly believable as a human being. 6) Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson Wentz have a child. They name him Bronx Mowgli Wentz, after the New York City Borough and a character from The Jungle Book. 5) Sarah Palin. 4) Who thought a low-budget remake of Knight Rider would be a good idea? The mentally-endowed people at BC apparently. 3) Vanilla Ice returns with a compilation album. Vanilla Ice is Back: Hip-Hop Classics, not only features Van Winkle covering Bob Marley, but wins the award for Worst Album Concept ever. 2) Brokencyde releases “Freaxxx.” In other words, screamo meets crunk, and not in a way that tickles Rick Rubin’s fancy. 1) And of course Heidi Montag’s newest single, “Overdosin.” Any comments, concerns, or general opinions? Feel free to express them on the blog which can be found at www.mediumonline.ca.

6 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST IN MUSIC 2008 tv on the radio mgmt beck no age cool kids ratitat oasis portishead fleet foxes lil’ mama verve my bloody valentine broken social scene wolf parade cut copy deerhunter vampire weekend m83 hercules and love affair lil’ wayne air france crystal castles vivan girls fucked up the walkmen fuck buttons naggerz the hold steady flying lotus saosin atlas sound gang gang dance santogold kanye west arctic monkeys girl talk girlicious nick cave pussy cat dolls lady gaga christina aguelira britney spears brian eno shear water beach house the tallest man on earth high places crystal stilts pony tail the arkells the arcade fire modest mouse morcheeba cold war kids the raconteurs deerhoof dj shadow dizzee rascal fugazi the black keys the mars volta duffy coldplay

CFRE Radio and The Medium join forces to pick the best albums of the year. Synth pop and Bar Rock place. Who will take top honours? TENNI GHARAKANIAN AND MICHAEL DILEO

Another year has passed us by. A cold spring led to a cold summer, which led to a cold er winter. Presidential nomi nations were won and RRSPs were lost. But more impor tantly, twelve months worth of music was released, meaning that it is up to us to sort through the trash and decide on what were ulti mately the best albums of the year. This year, The Medium in conjunction with CFRE Radio, decided to provide you with our list of what we thought defined the year in music.

Frenetic and constant, No Age borrows elements of Shoegaze and punk, incorporating catchy melodies underneath layers of distortion and fuzz. Changes are quick, yet the songs retain their misty flow playing off the synthetic bleed of the noise tracks. The album is vast and thoughtful and is an impressive release, especially considering they are a two-piece. (Taken from a review in Issue 1)

The third studio album released by P ortihead (their first in eleven years), Third, shows a different side of the group – less focused on triphop and with a darker, more industrial edge. Their new-found psychedelic edge is accompanied by shrieks and squeals on the synth and a plethora of other instrumentals. Widespread and encompassing, it’s a return to music worthy of the Portishead name.

Montreal post-punks Duchess Says released their long-awaited debut full-length this year, Anthologie des 3 Perchoirs. Fierce industrial rhythms paired with broken synths and arpeggiating guitars turn this a lbum fro m a s imple har d-r ock number to a musical complexity. Minimalism is key here ladies.

One of the more popular trends of th e y ea r w a s t h e s u r g e in f o l kinspired rock, and no band did it better than Fleet Foxes. Their selftitled LP along with their Sun Giant EP had a wide set of influences ranging from Jerry Garcia jams to modern indie rock, all tied up in a neat little bow. Plus the harmonies were the best heard in years.

Possibly the best pop record of the year, Oracular Spectacular is an assault on the senses. Streams of psychedelica float past while tight, synth-oriented hooks roll on through. The content is fun and whimsical, but still sexy and catchy. The members are odd in their neo-hippie kind of way, but can they ever make you dance.

Good ol’ rock meets good ol’ indie. Strong music with strong lyrics with a strong performance equals a strong record, to the power of four. Zoomer takes you on a musical journey through mystical landscapes filled with makebelieve and times past. The tension is undeniable and is what makes music so good.

Beck is incapable of releasing a bad record. Most people are aware of this, but those who aren’t should take a listen to Modern Guilt. Sounding nothing like classic Beck yet somehow retaining that Beck feel, Modern Guilt is a modern spin on rock. Strongly influenced by surf music (the next big thing – and you heard it here first) Beck infuses traditional rock with a foreboding evil lurking edge, which makes for an interesting and appealing effort.

Soft Airplane is an insight into the life of VanGaalen. The sometimes brooding singer/songwriter’s mellow concoction of acoustic guitar and synth experiments is only accentuated by his lyrics and, of course, good looks. References to rural life and the woods are frequently used and the delicacy of the songs is matched by the deep intent found throughout the record.

When you are not hearing them on television commercials Ratatat are busy rocking the hell out of packed concert halls. This feeling extends to their newest record, LP3, which was made for you to dance/rave to. Apart from being some of the catchiest music ever created (much of which was inspired by the video game Zelda), LP3 is pure fun, on a compact disc.

The Cool Kids are just that – cool...uhm, kids. While most current hip-hoppers are turning to the realism of the streets and complexity of their beats to invoke trueness, the Cool Kids take a different approach, one more easily understood by much of the youth that consumes hip-hop today. Focusing on having fun, getting the prom queen, and wearing fly kicks. Isn’t that how hip-hop started anyways?

Fashionable electro-house NewWavers Cut Copy released their second full-length album this year, the anticipated In Ghost Colours. While not being ironically 80s or “blog house,” Cut Copy enjoy the use of synthesizers, hook-infested choruses, summer pop, and long walks on the beach. But seriously, think of this album as a rave by the seaside. Breezy, rhythmic, and fun. This is why Cut Copy is so successful.

Best Cover Art of the Year Micah P. Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra

Thanks to the other contributors: Sam Montgomery, Ashley Warnock, Lisa Murray, and Daniel Wilson.

MONDAY, JANUARY

THI N

T BLACKBER ES N

BERRY ACK L B

T POPULA S R O M

FIRST BLA C

Y FLIP ERR KB

AJAX Westney Heights Plaza 1 Rossland Rd. W 957 Westney Rd. S AURORA 91 First Commerce Dr., Unit 5 Hunters Gate Plaza BRAMPTON 16 Lisa St. 9980 Airport Rd., Unit 11 10025 Hurontario St., Unit 118 131 Kennedy Rd. N 10088 McLaughlin Rd., Unit 2 CONCORD Vaughan Mills COURTICE 1420 King St. E, Unit 7 ETOBICOKE 3015 Bloor St. W 4242 Dundas St. W Cloverdale Mall Woodbine Centre Westway Plaza GEORGETOWN 5 Mountainview Rd. MAPLE Maple Plaza MARKHAM Markham Plaza Armadale Square Markville Mall MISSISSAUGA Roseborough Centre 4141 Dixie Rd. 920 Southdown Rd. Bldg. H, Unit 7 2116 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W Sandalwood Square King Square Shopping Centre 6085 Creditview Rd. 5636 Glen Erin Dr., Unit 10 NEWMARKET Upper Canada Mall 1065 Davis Dr. 18075 Yonge St. OAKVILLE Oakville Place 1011 Upper Middle Rd. Unit C17 1500 Upper Middle Rd., Unit 2 1461 Rebecca St. 511 Maple Grove Dr. OSHAWA Oshawa Centre 285 Taunton Rd. PICKERING 1550 Kingston Rd. 1822 Whites Rd. SCARBOROUGH 2900 Warden Ave., Unit 220 Scarborough Towne Centre 2490 Gerrard St. E 38 Ellesmere Rd. THORNHILL Rutherford Village TORONTO 2248 Bloor St. W 333 Bloor St. E Exchange Tower 6758 Kingston Rd., Unit 12 1530 Albion Rd. Toronto Eaton Centre 10 Dundas St. E, Unit 112 Rogers Centre 808 York Mills Rd., Unit 15-17 3151 Yonge St. 330 Bay St. 618 Sheppard Ave. W 730 Danforth Ave. 1080 Yonge St. 2120 Queen St. E 8 Wellesley St. E 1965-1971 Yonge St., Unit A 120 Front St. E Sunnybrook Plaza 2400 Eglinton Ave. W Yorkdale Shopping Centre VAUGHAN 1054 Centre St. WHITBY 1549 Dundas St. E 3940 N Brock St. Whitby Town Square WOODBRIDGE 9200 Weston Rd.

HOT SMARTPHONES FOR HOT, SMART PEOPLE. VE CUR RY

AJAX 85 Kingston Rd., Unit 7 105 Bayley Dr., Unit 19B AURORA 15483 Yonge St., Unit 2B BOLTON 12612 Hwy. 50, Unit 15 BRAMPTON 253 Queen St. E, Unit 3 4520 Ebenezer Rd., Unit 6 Bramalea City Centre Shopper’s World BROOKLIN 5969 Baldwin St. S, Unit 7 COBOURG 975 Elgin St. W, Unit B DOWNSVIEW 1118 Finch Ave. W, Unit 1 ETOBICOKE 850 The Queensway 1234 The Queensway 22 Dixon Rd. 6620 Finch Ave. W, Unit 4 Sherway Gardens GEORGETOWN 265 Guelph St., Unit 3 MAPLE 2943 Major Mackenzie Dr., Unit 4 MARKHAM 300 Steelcase Rd. W, Unit 20 Metro Square Mall Pacific Mall First Markham Place 7780 Woodbine Ave., Unit 3 9570 McCowan Rd., Unit 4 Pacific Mall 505 Hood Rd., Unit 12 MISSISSAUGA 7955 Financial Dr., Unit B 6465 Airport Rd., Unit 102 1100 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W, Unit 13 Dixie Value Mall 888 Dundas St. E, Unit K8 3105 Dundas St. W, Unit 102 Erin Mills Town Centre 153 Lakeshore Rd. E 808 Britannia Rd. W, Unit 2 Meadowvale Town Centre 6295 Mississauga Rd., Unit 102 Square One (2 locations) 100 City Centre Dr. 25 Watline Ave., Unit 10 102-3021 Argentia Rd. NEWMARKET 17415 Yonge St., Unit 2 NORTH YORK 3111 Dufferin St. 3040 Don Mills Rd., Unit 17B 4905 Yonge St. 1905 Avenue Rd. Sheridan Mall Fairview Mall 149C Ravel Rd. 4367 Steeles Ave. W 5815 Yonge St. OAKVILLE 1027 Speers Rd., Unit 22 478 Dundas St. W, Unit 7 OSHAWA Taunton Harmony Plaza 1053 Simcoe St. N, Unit 4B PICKERING Pickering Town Centre 611 Kingston Rd. 1899 Brock Rd. RICHMOND HILL Hillcrest Mall 10 West Pearce St., Bldg. B Times Square Mall 9196 Yonge St. 9737 Yonge St., Unit 211 10720 Yonge St., Unit 102 10755 Leslie St., Unit 5 SCARBOROUGH 1448 Lawrence Ave. E 2555 Victoria Park Ave. 2650 Lawrence Ave. E, Unit 2B 411 Kennedy Rd. Oriental Palace 1291 Kennedy Rd. 3300 Midland Ave., Unit 40 19 Milliken Blvd., Unit U 5095 Sheppard Ave. E Woodside Square 5661 Steeles Ave. E, Unit 5 1900 Eglinton Ave. E, Unit E5A 665 Markham Rd., Unit 5 THORNHILL Shops on Steeles Promenade Mall 31 Disera Dr., Unit 140 TORONTO 1854 Danforth Ave. 471 Eglinton Ave. W 2400 Bloor St. W 921 Bay St. 2266 Eglinton Ave. W 2397 Yonge St. 604 Bloor St. W 548 Church St. Dufferin Mall 421 Dundas St. W, Unit G8 1451 Dundas St. W Dragon City Mall 939 Eglinton Ave. E, Unit 106 Gerrard Square 662 King St. W, Unit 2 228 Queens Quay W, Unit 3 1821 Queen St. E 2 St. Clair Ave. E 1268 St. Clair Ave. W 1350 St. Clair Ave. W 2200 Yonge St., Unit 104 154 University Ave., Suite 101 9A Yorkville Ave. 386 Sheppard Ave. E 525 University Ave. 55 Chauncey Ave. 272 Danforth Ave. W UXBRIDGE 11 Brock St. W VAUGHAN 1600 Steeles Ave. W, Unit 30 WHITBY 25 Thickson Rd. N WILLOWDALE Centerpoint Mall WOODBRIDGE 5317 Hwy. 7 200 Whitmore Rd., Unit 9

12, 2009 THE MEDIUM 7

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8 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY,JANUARY

12, 2009

Students can make a difference JEFFREY MINUCCI Many people wish the world was a better place, one where fellow human beings didn’t have to face genocide or severe socioeconomic disparities. Other people do something about it. McMaster University student Navita Dyal is one such person. On a visit to Guyana in the summer of 2007, when Navita was only 17 years old, she was appalled by the enormous deficiencies of that nation’s health system. She resolved to tackle the issue head-on, and created Giving Life in the Rural (GLITR). GLITR, a student-founded, one hundred per cent student-run charity committed to raising funds to finance desperately needed medical clinics in impoverished rural areas. GLITR has since grown immensely, encompassing chapters at McMaster University and York University, and is fully registered as an official Ontario charity. GLITR’s goal is to optimize public health. It is involved in planning, funding, and establishing health clinics in the rural regions of Guyana, dealing with such issues as blood pressure monitoring and HIV/AIDS awareness. It also participates in educational campaigns to promote basic understanding of health prevention and curative measures, reducing the incidence of easily avoidable illness-

es. These measures are intended to facilitate the provision of quality health care options for the Guyanese population, and also provide compassionate and dignified care to individ-

At first glance, its mis sion may seem all too familiar, but it is also gen uinely unique in many ways and a deserving recipient of infinite fundraising support. uals already afflicted with a disease. Trained GLITR personnel are now involved in educating the public on basic health procedures, such as the proper use of glucometers. Practical advice, through physical demonstrations and easy to understand medical literature, is given to patients, geared toward specific ailments on a caseby-case basis. Initiatives like healthy eating and regular cardio-vascular exercise are promoted to strengthen wellness and immunity, especially among at-risk individuals. Furthermore, GLITR administers simple diagnostic tests, related to chronic illnesses like HIV and diabetes. It also manages programs distinctly aimed at youth, such as the “Healthy Start Program,� which provides multi-vitamins and other nutri-

tional supplements to the neediest elementary school children. Currently, GLITR is sponsoring twenty children under this program, improving their physical health and their ability to excel in school. This nourishes their potential to achieve a brighter future, bringing hope to destitute families. Another one of GLITR’s successes was dispelling the assumption that young people are too self-absorbed to care about humanity. After the group was first launched, three hundred Facebook members signed up within the same week, each one a university student willing to dedicate his or her time and effort to humanitarian endeavours. The startling success of this start-up charity is only the beginning; the exemplary work ethic and genuine passion of GLITR’s student volunteers bodes well for continual operational expansion, reaching more individuals and serving as a pillar of communitybuilding in areas changed by GLITR. Some may wonder what exactly separates GLITR from the multitude of similar organizations out there. At first glance, its mission may seem all too familiar, but it is also genuinely unique in many ways and a deserving recipient of infinite fundraising support. First, it is administered solely by volunteers; no administrative fee is required to pay any employee salaries, so all donations are allocat-

photo credit/Notions and Potions

They could use our hellp. And help we can. ed strictly to projects on the ground. Second, not only does it seek to enlist youth involvement, but its entire structure is dedicated to instilling a life-long pursuit of philanthropy among the university students of today. Third, rather than pitching “band-aid� solutions to complex issues, it seeks to empower individuals with the tools to take control of their own health. By properly educating communities regarding basic preventative measures, for example, GLITR helps save lives while minimizing the burden on hospitals, stretched thin with limited resources and lacking the capacity to absorb new patients. And lastly, GLITR has

ambitions to expand globally and greatly broaden its reach, constantly searching for new resources to implement its mission. As a result of its educational activities, as well as its contribution to boosting clinical access, GLITR truly has a positive impact on enhancing the quality of life in poverty-stricken areas. Through continued fundraising success, this inspirational student-led organization can further improve the state of public health. Always seeking to add to its army of student volunteers, GLITR hopes more students will get involved in this worthy cause and help make a real difference in transforming people’s lives.

GRADUATE STUDIES AT TRENT UNIVERSITY

A few months ago my boyfriend and I were studying late on campus. Midway through the night, we decid ed to seek out a secluded area of the school to have sex. Since then, he’s been wanting to do it on cam pus all the time. It’s not a big deal for him because he goes to a different school. I, on the other hand, would be so embarrassed if we got caught. What should I do?

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Okay, the first thing you should do is email me some of these locations. Seriously, public sex can be very exciting. It’s convenient for those who don’t have a proper location at their disposal. Of course, a lot of problems can arise from these adventures, the biggest being getting caught. While I can’t speak from personal experience, I’m sure that the school doesn’t take too kindly to students who get caught having sex on school grounds. So it might be wise to re-evaluate any future endeavors. My suggestions are: 1) It is possible that your boyfriend enjoys the idea of getting caught, or at least the danger of it. Unfortunately, you’re the one taking the bigger risk. Talk to your boyfriend about your concern over getting into trouble in school

and the embarrassment that would come with it. Perhaps you could suggest an alternative to public sex, like role-playing. In addition to the lesser risk it carries, role-playing could help spice up your sex life. 2) You could have sex in some of the common rooms in your homes. Your housemates may not appreciate it, but it is one way to experience the rush that comes from potentially getting caught – sans the fear of academic penalty. 3) It’s also possible that the idea of public sex appeals to your boyfriend so much because you aren’t having sex frequently. Student life can be hectic and filled with all-night study sessions, which sometimes leaves very little room for sex. If that’s the case, try studying or doing work in places where you can have sex when the mood strikes. Hopefully these places will be conducive to getting work done as well. But it’s all about priorities, right? This situation, like all other relationship issues, comes down to finding a middle ground. It’s important for your comfort level to be taken into consideration, but so is having a mutually fulfilling sex life. Above all else, don’t ignore this problem thinking that it will simply go away.

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009 THE MEDIUM 9

FIGHTING FOR PEACE FEATURES

War for peace Dedicated to all those around the world who strive and “fight” for peace CAROLINE BELGADO Every day that I am here I wonder what I am fighting for. I used to believe that we are here so that the people of this country can live the kind of life that those of us in the West take for granted. They called it a battle for peace. After three years, I don’t know if that’s what it is. I have done my part. But somehow it feels like it’s not enough. It never will be. Men are still dying without reason. Women are still subjected to inhumane and sexist practices. Children still grow up fearful of each new day. How is it that even after thousands and thousands of lives are sacrificed, no real progress can be seen? I hesitate to point out the futility of war because I am a soldier. I voluntarily signed up to serve my country in the hope and belief of making even just a tiny difference in one person’s life, in one part of the world. But to this day, I cannot validate that the purpose of this war is truly for what they say it is. I’ve seen friends die in combat and revered as heroes, rightly so. They sacrificed their lives so that others may live. But when can it be said that

the cost of war is too much? Thousands upon thousands of lives have been lost, which leads to thousands of families who must grieve for loved ones who did not have to die. It’s ironic to proclaim that we’re fighting for peace when part of seeking peace is violence and warfare. What solution can we really derive from killing innocent lives, from torturing soldiers, and from spending billions of dollars on guns and other instruments of murder? It is not right to say we are fighting for peace when we use arms to defend it. Peace. In these last couple of years the true meaning of the word has eluded me. I lay awake at night wondering how we can achieve peace when we spend so much time averting its arrival. How can peace become a reality when we do not give it a chance to manifest itself? The constant fighting is unnecessary. In fact, initiating war to achieve peace is nonsensical. In the Bible, humans are advised to turn the other cheek, “to love thy neighbours as thyself,” and to treat others the way we want to be treated. Granted, not everyone in this world is religious, but nonetheless the principle behind such teachings is applicable to everyone who seeks peace. The only way it can

be attained is if we don’t reciprocate wrongdoing. It breaks my heart that something so simple is so difficult to achieve. Peace is not an illusion. It is not an elusive ideal when we realize that it is only a matter of being content with what we have and treating everyone with respect and fairness. The root of warfare is not the search for peace. It is driven by a desire for revenge, a power struggle to dominate others and to conquer new lands. If only we can be satisfied with our share of this world, then maybe, just maybe, peace wouldn’t be such a challenging goal to achieve. I don’t think it is a lot to ask that our world be safe for children to grow up. It is not much to ask that personal vendettas be set aside for the common good. And it is certainly not asking for much to preserve lives that don’t need to be lost. At the base of any relationship is compromise. To make something work, to make global relationships work, we all have to sacrifice a little something. In this world, peace can be only achieved if everyone is just a little more selfless. That is not a lot to ask for. But peace is worth all the effort we can muster. I am a soldier but I don’t kill. I am

photo credit/David Bradley

Did he die in vain?

10 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009

FEATURES

PROSE AND POETRY

Creative Corner

The Downside of Love

Wonderwall Boulevard ROMESA KHALID Our mind is a labyrinth of emotions, decisions and memories. The palms of our hands are an intricate network of roads on an interstate map. Our destinies and fates intersect like loops in a mesh of tangled wool. It takes hundreds of bricks to make a single wall. It takes a million incidents, trials and experiences to build that single wall somewhere in the middle of our head. It’s the fort that protects you from scars inflicted on you by your loved and hated ones. It’s the mountain you scale when you want to prove your mettle and don’t know how to do it. It’s the pride you swallow when you find it so damn hard to say sorry or accept the fact that you went wrong somewhere and deal with it. It’s the wall you kick ruthlessly when you are alone, forgotten, weak and vulnerable. It’s the wall you vandalize when you seethe with rage at entities that don’t exist. It’s the wall you decorate when you’re feeling euphoric and want to celebrate with yourself. It’s the wall you deck when you’re just primitively happy. It’s the spirit you build when you need a moral boost. It’s the knowledge you strengthen when you’ve just climbed over that big, mean old boulder that blocked your path. It’s the wall that’s yours and yours alone. It’s your identity, your name, your pain and your comfort. Maybe it’s a soul. You need to hold on to it even when times get rough, because somewhere up ahead the construction work finishes and you find yourself sailing on smooth tarmac again. The streets and roads that mark your palm may just hold meaning after all. But it doesn’t have anything to do with astrology or the stars or the alignment of planets. The lines on our hands are etched with time and have their own stories to tell. To each his own. Take care of your hands. They’re your biggest storybook. You walk a road but you make sure its straight. Sometimes there are manholes, sometimes there aren’t. Sometimes you cruise, sometimes you stagger. Sometimes you’re the epitome of grace, sometimes you’re the biggest klutz in town. Sometimes you fall in front of the whole neighbourhood but hey, you dust yourself off. As usual, thank you very much. Always that grand, old wall to support you and help you get back up. Whichever way you go, whichever direction you turn, you’ll always be going somewhere. To the supermarket, the mall, the local garbage dump, to the best friends house, to a ditch maybe. And one particular road always leads back home but who wants to turn around when you’ve got this far. Is it too much of a clichÊ to believe? We break a lot but ironically, we’re also very flexible. We bend around a lot of hazards without knowing it; it’s like bravely volunteering to wrestle a snake at a local carnival and defeating it, only to be told later that it was a rare, tropical species, the most poisonous and lethal o f i ts k i n d . T he s e t h i n g s strike you, no doubt, when you

least expect them to. When you’re snoozing or when you’re twiddling your thumbs on the back porch. You suddenly realise how many quandaries you’ve been through and how many troubled waters you’ve crossed to come this far. That you’ve come so far. And how many marks and scratches have you left on faithful old wall? You lost count. Someday, eighty years from now, or twenty or one or a half, you’ll have to demolish it and watch “Old Faithful� crumble. But by then you’re a real person with real problems and real wisdom to dispense. Those are the kind of people who can safely say they’ve triumphed. They can set down their flag and pose for the camera. They can look back and analyse every piece of living existence that will now roll

before them like a movie. The setbacks, the victories, the friendships and the hostilities. They fought the battle. They shed the necessary tears. They tended to wounds and inflicted some of their own. They communicated. They got right down to the nitty-gritty practicalities and dirtied their clothes. They plucked the petals off of flowers in hopes of answering the unanswerable. They made absolutely no sense at times. They were young people. They wrote in journals. They ripped up those journals and watched the pages curl up in smoke. They decided what kind of friendships to break. They did the work they loved. They loved the work they did. They kept gardens or pets. They watched cartoons. And they laughed. They laughed a lot.

Murrium Zaheer

Love is like a fallacy, It has no logic We cannot leave its ecstasy Until our lives are tragic For one more day in this wonderland And I will surely go insane My senses are slipping like sand Who could sanely endure this pain What has happened to my life To have delivered this strife The road that was not meant for me I took it though willingly The consequences are mine alone to bear For it is certain he doesn’t care And I if I fail I will go down On the ship on which I will drown

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS GOVERNING COUNCIL Nominations Open: Friday January 9, 2009 at 12:00 noon Nominations Close: Friday January 23, 2009 at 12:00 noon Positions Available:

8 Students 1-year term from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010: s FULL TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS s PART TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS s GRADUATE STUDENTS 1 Administrative Staff 3-year term from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012

5 Teaching Staff 3-year term from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012: s &ACULTY OF !RTS AND 3CIENCE $EPARTMENTS OF !RT #LASSICS %AST !SIAN 3TUDIES %NGLISH &RENCH 'ERMANIC ,ANGUAGES AND ,ITERATURES )TALIAN 3TUDIES ,INGUISTICS .EAR AND -IDDLE %ASTERN #IVILIZATIONS 3LAVIC ,ANGUAGES AND ,ITERATURES AND 3PANISH AND 0ORTUGUESE s &ACULTY OF !RTS AND 3CIENCE $EPARTMENTS OF !NTHROPOLOGY %CONOMICS 'EOGRAPHY (ISTORY 0HILOSOPHY 0OLITICAL 3CIENCE 0SYCHOLOGY 3OCIOLOGY AND #ENTRE FOR THE 3TUDY OF 2ELIGION s ,AWRENCE 3 "LOOMBERG &ACULTY OF .URSING ,ESLIE $AN &ACULTY OF 0HARMACY &ACULTY OF $ENTISTRY AND THE &ACULTY OF 0HYSICAL %DUCATION AND (EALTH s &ACULTY OF -EDICINE s 5NIVERSITY OF 4ORONTO AT 3CARBOROUGH Nomination Forms WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING NOON Friday January 09, 2009 at: WWW GOVERNINGCOUNCIL UTORONTO CA ELECTIONS HTM /FFICE OF THE 'OVERNING #OUNCIL 3IMCOE (ALL +ING S #OLLEGE #IRCLE 2OOM

Work of the Governing Council: 4HE 'OVERNING #OUNCIL IS COMPOSED OF MEMBERS MEMBERS FROM WITHIN THE INTERNAL 5NIVERSITY COMMUNITY INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TEACHING STAFF AND STUDENTS AND MEMBERS EXTERNAL TO THE 5NIVERSITY INCLUDING ALUMNI AND ,IEUTENANT 'OVERNOR IN #OUNCIL APPOINTEES !S THE 5NIVERSITY OF 4ORONTO S SENIOR GOVERNING BODY IT OVERSEES THE 5NIVERSITY S ACADEMIC BUSINESS AND STUDENT AFFAIRS $ECISIONS APPROVED BY THE 'OVERNING #OUNCIL AFFECT ALL MEMBERS OF THE 5NIVERSITY COMMUNITY Council and its Boards approve: s #AMPUS AND STUDENT SERVICES s -AJOR CHANGES IN ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND UNITS s 0OLICIES ON ADMISSIONS AND AWARDS TUITION AND ANCILLARY FEES RESEARCH GRADING PRACTICES s -ULTI YEAR BUDGET GUIDELINES AND CAPITAL PLANS s 2ESOURCE ALLOCATION IN SUPPORT OF THE 5NIVERSITY S PRIORITIES s !PPOINTMENT OF SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS s !CQUISITION AND OR DISPOSAL OF ASSETS 4HE MEMBERSHIP OF THE 'OVERNING #OUNCIL SHOULD REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE 5NIVERSITY .OMINATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF INDIVIDUALS Questions? Please contact: .ANCY 3MART #HIEF 2ETURNING /FFICER AT NANCY SMART UTORONTO CA OR or -AE 9U 4AN $EPUTY 2ETURNING /FFICER AT MAEYU TAN UTORONTO CA OR or !LISON 7EBB $EPUTY 2ETURNING /FFICER AT ALISON WEBB UTORONTO CA OR &URTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING THE %LECTIONS 'UIDELINES CAN BE FOUND AT www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/elections.htm

MONDAY, JANUARY

12, 2009 THE MEDIUM 11

DUI: a new trend in the NBA CHRISTOPHER SA’D SPORTS EDITOR Steroids, human growth hormones and cannabis. What’s next you ask? Well, if you’re a professional athlete, then it’s have drink and travel. The NBA’s 2008-09 campaign has since dished up several acts of driving under the influence; apparently the newest form of off-court insubordination. Three basketball stars, from the past and present, have fallen prey to the DUI bug, not surprisingly, all three occurrences falling during the Christmas and New Year’s break. How do you like them role models now? This all actually began months before the holiday season in April 2008, when Denver Nuggets’ star

Carmelo Anthony was dealt a DUI charge in Denver, Colorado. The infraction occurred right after the Nuggets fell to the Utah Jazz, the same game Anthony was called for a flagrant foul against Jazz point guard Deron Williams. Melo’s faux pas during the tail end of last season was only the beginning of things to come. This season, on Dec. 21 2008, Phoenix Suns’ guard Jason Richardson swerved right into an American tribal community in Phoenix, Arizona. One breathalyzer test later, he was charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. This, just after he was traded from the Golden State Warriors. Richardson was a little more remorseful than Melo of course. “The only thing I really have to say is, I just want to apologize for the distraction to my teammates, to the Suns organization, especially the fans,” said Richardson after a team practice. “It’s a distraction going on, but I’m just going to let the judicial system take its course.”

Now Richardson is a man of morals and values, one of the standouts in the game of basketball. But you can be sure he didn’t mind it so much when the Suns’ management voided the incident and allowed him to keep his starting position. Former Suns’ star-turned-sportscaster Charles Barkley was the next to fall in 2009’s DUI trend. On Dec 31, the 45-year old was pulled over in Scottsdale, Arizona for speeding. Reeking of booze, Barkley later tested for 0.149 alcohol content in his system, double the Arizona limit. Barkley has since been on a “leave of absence” from his cable network, Turner Sports. “This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him,” said David Levy, president of Turner Sports. “Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization, and we are concerned for his well-being.” Next up was former Miami Heat star Antoine Walker who was pulled over at 5:39 a.m. in Miami for

photo/Miami Herald

Antoine Walker takes to the bottle after months out of the game. swerving into open lanes with no headlights on. Walker was reported to have been drinking heavily throughout the night, and also refused a breathalyzer test. Last season, Walker played 46 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves before getting transferred to the Memphis Grizzles, where he was bought out and placed on free agency. This was the only

incident to receive official and open reprimanding from the NBA, and it is unlikely we’ll see Walker back on the court anytime soon. Favoritism still lingers through the NBA, with the elite able to pass over any obstacles that would affect their reigning careers. Barkley and Richardson are valued members to each of their organizations, and this has paddled them to continue on their jobs as athletes, analysts and icons. The only reason Walker was punished for his incident is because of his separation from the league. He brings no merit or problem to the NBA since he is not directly involved with the current campaign. No NBA official has publicly stated any consequence or good judgment about the current trend. It seems as if nothing will be done. Can we expect more of this trend as the season progresses? Definitely. Rules and professionalism is not set until consequences are aligned with each misdemeanor. Good luck to the young fans growing up to become basketball stars.

comments: photos@mediumonline.ca submissions: www.mediumonline.ca/photopop

photopop is a new weekly section curated byThe Medium’s Photography Editor Matthew Filipowich. An assemblage of weekly photographs, photo + collaborate is your take on weekly life, seen through your eyes.

photo by snowpeaks

12 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009

SPORTS AROUND THE WORLD

Congrats and concerns: Sports around the world CHRISTOPHER SA’D SPORTS EDITOR It was an exciting and exhilarating week filled with big games, trades and plain raw sport entertainment. Here’s what’s new and what we have to look forward to for the future in professional sports. Congratulations to Tim Tebow and his CAA career:

The BCS national title game this past week was one to remember. The second seeded Florida Gators had the chance to prove they were the best in the country when they faced Oklahoma. Everyone doubted Florida after their less-than-convincing lead up to the final, but Gators coach Urban Meyer reminded the media that Florida also played against the majority of the top 25 best defensive teams in the country. The Gators played a horrible first half until Tebow promised that the second half would be a different game. No doubt it was. He finished the night with two touchdowns and 231 passing yards to lead the Gators to their second title in

three years. Tebow had always been criticized for not executing plays properly during the game. However, if you watched the game you would have seen Tebow’s dedication to his team. An oversized quarterback with a suspect arm when it comes to closing out games, Tebow however possesses an attribute of legends – leadership. “I love to lead a team. I love to be in charge. I feel that is my personality,” Tebow said after the game. Playing with his heart and for the love of the game and his teammates, Tebow led his team and coaching staff to another title that will go down in NCAA history. No one knows however if he will stay for yet another season with Florida, who expects to keep their defense and offense (one of the best offenses in history) intact. Concerns for on-ice scuffles:

It’s a part of Canadian culture to scuffle on the ice when it’s needed; either for momentum or for respect. But it has also grown into a controversial concern for the NHL, especially now after the death of Whitby Dunlops’ defenseman Don Sanderson.

Quote

Sanderson was involved in a tussle with Brantford’s Cory Fulton during a game in Brantford. Losing his helmet during the fight, Sanderson’s unprotected head struck the ice surface, leaving him unconscious. Weeks after he died. With so many issues similar to the Sanderson case, some are demanding fighting be taken out of the sport. It’s a touchy situation. The NHL and NHLPA have to take a deeper look into fighting and the damages it has caused the sport and the players. Fighting and checking has been around since the dawn of the puck. It’s the Canadian way of playing hockey, and hockey is quintessentially a Canadian sport. It’s hard to simply eliminate such a traditional attribute of the game. Not an easy call to make. Congratulations to Brendan Shanahan – welcome back!

Finally, the prolific goal scorer signs on for the rest of the season. And for the perfect team no less – the New Jersey Devils. Next to Zach Praise and Patrick Elias, the Devils needed another star member, someone who can finish off the late goals to either tie a game or win it. Shanahan found a home away from

2008

of the

day

Concerns for the Kontinental Hockey League:

With the major recession in the global market, no one knows if the KHL will last after this season. Gazprom, a major monetary contributor to the league has had trouble with dropping oil prices and helping the league stay atop the European leagues. According to an article from The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell, the KHL has cut all player salaries by forty per cent. According to Jaromir Jagr, who is currently on the Avangard Omsk payroll, this is however, untrue. The KHL is falling and it’s a concern for most ex-NHLers currently playing in Russia and so on. Jagr is one who is already considering finding a way back into the NHL via the Pittsburgh Penguins for a minimum salary. “I would play for $350,000 just for him [Mario Lemieux] because I owe him my hockey life. I want to pay him back because he has made me what I

“ I’m tirestduopfidbeing

”

am…besides my parents,” said Jagr in a telephone interview with Campbell.

Congratulations and Concerns to David Beckham and AC Milan:

Kaka is one AC Milan player who has appreciated the contributions of David Beckham. Beckham is currently on loan to the Italian side while the MLS is on its winter break. Kaka has claimed that he is happy with Beckham playing on the team and would ask him to make his stay a permanent one. Sounds like another step closer toward Beckham’s goal of leaving the MLS and to finally receive recognition to join England’s world cup squad. The question is, does Milan need Beckham? Beckham still has that kick that many only dream of. It’s a trait that will likely stay with him until he grows old and wrinkled. Milan also has to shake up the team a bit after a poor performance in last season’s Serie A campaign, which consequently meant they missed out on a place in the Champion’s League. Sounds like a right move for both parties, especially when you consider Milan’s penchant for acquiring talent rather than developing it.

Mike Tyson, Former Heavyweight Boxer CNN.com

Indoor Soccer (Men’s) Tuesday, January 20th @ 12:00pm Room 1118B

Women’s Winter Sports Jan . 12 Jan . 14

Basketball ( Tri Campus, Div 1 and Div 2)

Indoor Soccer

home, without moving too far from New York City. It’s a perfect fit and a new age for the future hall-of-famer, who returns to the city he played for a decade ago.

6:00 -7: 30pm 6:00 -7: 30pm

Gym A/B Gym C

Ice Hockey (Div 1)

Jan . 18

10:30 -11:30pm Erin Mills

Basketball (Men’s) Monday, January 26th @ 12:00pm Room 1118B

(Tri Campus, Div 2)

Jan . 13 Jan . 15

6:00 -7: 30pm Gym A/B 6:00 -7: 30pm Gym A/B

Indoor Soccer (Coed) Tuesday, January 27th @ 12:00pm Room 1118B

Jan . 13

6:00 -7:00pm

Gym C

Jan . 14 Jan . 15

6:00 -7: 30pm 6:00 -7: 30pm

Gym A/B Gym C

Volleyball (Coed) Thursday, January 29th @ 12:00pm Room 1118B

Lacrosse (Div 1) Volleyball (Div 1 and Div 2)

Basketball (Coed) Thursday, January 29th @ 1:00pm Room 1118B

Coed Winter Sports Ultimate Frisbee

Jan . 12 Jan . 14

5:00 -6:00pm 5:00 -6:00pm

Gym C Gym C

Men’s Winter Sports Basketball (Div 2)

Jan . 12 Jan . 14

7:30-9:00pm Gym A/B 7:30-9:00pm Gym C

Ice Hockey (Div 1)

Jan . 18

9:45 -11:45pm

Jan . 13 Jan . 15

7:30-9:30pm Gym A/B 7:30-9:30pm Gym A/b

Indoor Soccer (Tri Campus, Div 1 and Div 2) Lacrosse (Div 1) Volleyball (Div 1 and Div 2) Water Polo (Div 1)

Cricket (Men’s) Monday, February 2nd @ 12:00pm Room 1118B

Iceland

Jan . 13

6:00 -7:00pm

Jan . 14 Jan . 15

7:30-9:00pm Gym A/B 7:30-9:00pm Gym C

Gym C

Jan . 14

7:00-8:30pm

Pool

Let’s keep up the winning tradition!! If you played in high school, you can play for UTM! Get out to a try-out! If you are unable to make any of these tryouts, but would like to participate, please contact Jack Krist (905) 569-4607 j.krist@.utoronto.ca or Louise Vanderwees (905) 828-3712 louise.vanderwees@utoronto.ca

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