Monday, February 2, 2009
Volume 35, Issue 18
www.mediumonline.ca
Liberals save Harper government ANDREW HAMILTON SMITH NEWS EDITOR In a contortion of fact that would make Stephen Harper proud, newly installed Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff insisted that despite supporting the budget released on Tuesday January 27, he was placing the minority Conservative government “on probation,” apparently forgetting for a moment that minority governments are – by definition – on probation. As a result, the possibility of a Liberal-NDP Coalition government, which was on the verge of toppling the Harper government less than two months ago, disintegrated into fancy words and good intentions. The price for Ignatieff’s budget support was a minor amendment that requires the Conservative government to provide three economic updates, on March 26, June 23 and
Photos/Google Images & Radey Barrack
The economically questionable January 27 budget of the Conservative government of Canada is being pushed through Parliament chiefly thanks to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Prime Minister Stepher Harper and Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff. The move also spells the end of the Liberal NDP Coalition government in waiting. September 10, which the Tories were only too happy to agree to. Allowing the Conservatives to remain in power deeply infuriated New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton, who declared that there is a new coalition on Parliament Hill – between Mr. Harper and Mr. Ignatieff. Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe bluntly announced that the Coalition is dead, and blasted Ignatieff for continuing in the practice of former Liberal leader Stephane Dion, who led his party in
voting with the Conservatives. Concerns about the Tory budget have been voiced by economists, social workers, municipal leaders, and even Ignatieff himself, with the most prominent criticism stemming from the requirement that provinces and municipalities put up half the funding for any infrastructure project. As Toronto Mayor David Miller noted, most cities in Ontario are broke, and thus cannot afford to pay anything at all. As a result, although a massive $12 billion was
ear-marked for such projects in the budget, it is possible that only a fraction of that money will actually be spent. Infrastructure spending accounts for one-third of the entire stimulus package and could create up to 190,000 new jobs if the money actually flows. The concern that the money will not be forthcoming is well-founded, and is ostensibly the reason why Ignatieff demanded the three budget status reports from the government. For three years the Conservatives
have been promising spending on various projects, a move organized under the omnibus $33 billion Build Canada Fund, which has done next to nothing since its creation in 2007. There are numerous other concerns with the budget. For example, less than one per cent of spending and tax cuts contained in the budget address environmental projects. Critics argue that the home-retrofit tax rebate could have been targeted towards eco-friendly or energy-efficiency measures. Instead, even a millionaire building a new sunroom could qualify for taxpayer dollars. Another concern is the cost and ineffectiveness of the tax cuts in the budget, which will result in billions of dollars of lost government revenues. In the weeks before the January 27 budget was released, Ignatieff joined with Layton, Duceppe, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May, along with countless economists and experts around the country, in warning Harper not to pursue tax cuts as a means of stimulating the economy.
See Ignatieff page 2
City clears way for Child Care Centre
Photo/Matthew Filipowich
The City of Mississauga issued a building permit for the planned Child Care Centre on Friday January 23. The UTM administration had blamed the city council for the delays in construction. No new time line has been set for opening the centre.
Photos/NYDAILYNEWS.com
Steelers win record sixth Super Bowl title. See page 12 for story.
2 THE MEDIUM
NEWS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
2, 2009
HARPER KEEPS HIS JOB, SMOKERS QUIT
Butting out at UTM Israel strikes Gaza after militant rocket fire JERUSALEM, Israel (AP) Israel threatened "harsh and dispropor tionate" retaliation after Gaza mili tants fired at least 10 rockets and mortar shells across the border Sunday.Warplanes later bombed the area where Hamas smuggles in weapons from Egypt through tunnels. Conservative supporters upset with Tory budget OTTAWA (CTV) – Core supporters of Canada's Conservative party are riled up about the budget handed down by Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government. Some believe he has strayed from his principles, says former party strategist Tom Flanagan. Supporters are angry that the prime minister authorized a budget that will see his country plunge into an $85 billion deficit over the next five years. Former Hells Angels top lieutenant found guilty of 11 year old murder MONTREAL (CP) Hells Angels biker gang member Paul (Fon Fon) Fontaine was found guilty Sunday for the brazen killing of a prison guard and the attempted murder of another more than 11 years after the crimes were committed. The jury announced its verdicts after hearing months of evidence and testimonies about the slaying of Pierre Rondeau, for which Fontaine was found guilty of first degree murder and the attempted murder of Robert Corriveau in September 1997.
MADIHA KHAN
Staff and faculty from the UTM Health and Safety Committee partnered with students from the Green Team, the Leave the Pack Behind program, and Peer Health Volunteers (PHV) from the UTM Health & Counselling Centre last Wednesday in order to promote the “Move Your Butt� campaign. As part of a series for National Non-Smoking Week events took place across campus last week. The goal of the Move Your Butt campaign was encouraging people who choose to smoke to respect the choice of non-smokers by ‘moving their butt’ at least nine meters away from designated, smoke-free entrances on campus. These nonsmoking entrances are particularly important for students with allergies and breathing difficulties, but also permit all UTM community members to travel between buildings without inhaling unwanted smoke and lung pollution. In order to drive the point home, “nine meter mark� lines were chalked outside of the designated non-smoking entrances around campus such as the main entrance to the Library, CCT, South Building and residences, and volunteers were present to ask smokers to please move away from the doors. Most smokers willingly moved away when asked by volunteers, and many moved outside of the marked off area without having to be approached at all. “With the smoke free areas clearly marked, I spent more time thankwww.ontariondp.com
ing smokers for respecting the other community members by moving away from the doors than I actually spent asking them to step away,� says Chad Jankowski, student development coordinator within Student Affairs and the Health & Counselling Centre. “It was great to hear that many of the volunteers were thanked by both smokers and non-smokers who appreciated seeing the nine-meter rule being promoted.� Non-Smoking Week also aimed to raise awareness of the resources and support services that are available to help students reduce or quit smoking. Both Peel Health and the Canadian Cancer Society held displays in CCIT during the week, where they were able to talk with students between classes. The students from UTM’s Leave the Pack Behind programme were also around campus to offer studentfriendly resources and support for those interested in quitting or helping a friend quit smoking, as well as providing carbon monoxide breathalyzer tests to anyone interested in seeing how much carbon monoxide - a toxic byproduct of tobacco smoke - was currently in their lungs.
F or m o r e i nf or m a t i o n ab o u t the UTM L eave the P ack Behind pr ogram visit thei r we b s i te a t w ww . l e a v e t h e p ac kb e hi n d. co m or v i si t th e U TM H e al th & C o un se l l i ng C e n t re d u r i n g re g u l a r s c h o o l hours.
Photo source/Chad Jankowski
UTM students (from left to right): Anthony Sestito (Phys. Ed), Anum Bajwa (PHV), Subin Yoo (PHV), and Dennis Guo (PHV) chalk off the des ignated non smoking area outside of the CCIT building during Anti Smoking Week.
Ignatieff supports budget
UTM NEW DEMOCRATS
LEADERSHIP DEBATES
Continued from front page
PETER ANDREA GILLES MICHAEL TABURNS HORWATH BISSON PRUE In the race for the leadership of the Ontario NDP, all four candidates will address students’ concerns. Join the facebook group “UTM-NDP Ontario Leadership Debate�
In the words of Liberal finance critic John McCallum, who was formerly chief economist of Royal Bank, “Tax reductions will be an ineffectual stimulus because people are more likely to save extra money during recessionary periods.� Ignoring the vast majority of experts, the Conservative budget offers $20 billion in politically-expedient tax cuts of all kinds, for individuals and for businesses across the board. On top of all this, over $4 billion is to be handed over to the auto industry in Canada – mostly to General Motors (GM) and Chrysler – and $200 billion to banks through the Extraordinary Financing Framework, which aims to stimulate credit for small businesses, homeowners and individuals. Canadian banks, which are heavily regulated by the government and
the Bank of Canada, are in a much stronger position than their American and European rivals, and have not suffered financially to nearly the same degree. As the global economy weakened and every central bank lowered interest rates, Canadian banks alone did not pass those rate cuts on to their customers, preferring instead to increase their profit margins. As such, it is not clear how this $200 billion in financing is either necessary or useful. Equally worrying is the fact that the numbers used by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty to reach his projection of $85 billion in additional debt for Canada – ending a decade of paying off debt and running surpluses – are open to interpretation. Flaherty is counting on national GDP contracting by 0.8 per cent in 2009 and growing by 2.4 per cent in 2010, as the Bank of Canada predicts, but the International Monetary
Fund's (IMF) figures show Canada's national income contracting in 2009 fifty per cent faster than the government's numbers, and expanding 33 per cent slower in the next year. As a result, when all is said and done, the ultimate increase to the national debt may exceed $100 billion. For all these reasons, Michael Ignatieff could have been expected to take down the Harper regime on January 27. This budget has been widely panned by critics from all organizations and walks of life, and is only one or two points more popular than the Liberal-NDP Coalition ever was. Its ability to deliver, to improve the economy, save jobs, or help people who are vulnerable, is questionable at best. Yet it will pass, thanks to Michael Ignatieff, and we will collectively have lost the best (maybe only) opportunity to save Canada from Stephen Harper’s divisive, ideological, partisan and generally destructive style of government.
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UTM CAREER CENTRE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
2, 2009 THE MEDIUM 3
SRI LANKA CONFLICT, CAMPUS CRIME
NEWS
UTM Tamil Student Association protests conflict in Sri Lanka ANDREW HAMILTON SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Last Tuesday, in response to a worsening conflict in Sri Lanka where government forces captured the de facto capital of the breakaway Tamil government, the Tamil Students’ Association (TSA) at UTM held a twenty-four hour fast at the Student Centre. The focus was on the humanitarian disaster in the town of Kilinochchi, where thousands have been killed in fights between Tamil fighters and Sri Lankan government soldiers. “This is not about taking sides, it’s about the civilians and the shelling,” explained Srivany Kanagalingam from the TSA, who was among those sitting on a rug in the middle of the Student Centre. “We are doing this to try to raise awareness of the humanitarian disaster.” Literature provided by the TSA pointed out how the only highway
into the Tamil-dominated peninsula of Jaffna was permanently closed recently, thereby trapping nearly half a million Tamil civilians in a virtually open prison camp. Although no reliable death toll numbers are available for the recent round of fighting in Sri Lanka, approximately 70,000 people have been killed since the Tamil Tigers launched an attack in the northern part of the island nation in July of 1983. In response, minority ethnic Tamils living in Colombo were massacred in the following years, killing between 400 and 3,000 people. Fighting between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan military has raged for years, with both sides inflicting heavy civilian casualties. When asked what they will do in order to pass the time sitting in the foyer of the Student Centre, Partheepan Raveendran mused that they might “talk it up, sleep, spend time on their laptops, or play cards
UTM campus crime report January 23, 1:19 a.m. Noi se Co mplai nt Campus Police attended a town house complex in regards to a noise complaint. The area was checked and all was found in order. January 23, 2:10 a.m. Sus picio us Pe rson Campus Police were contacted regarding a suspicious male that was observed near Inner Circle Road & McLuhan Court. The male was reportedly sitting on a snow bank yelling at people walking by. The suspicious male was gone prior to the arrival of Campus Police. January 25, 8:30 p.m. Car eless Driv ing Campus Police were informed of a speeding vehicle on cam pus on Outer Circle Road, near Leacock Lane. The incident was reported five days after it occurred. A description of the vehicle and driver was fur nished. January 26, 1:10 p.m. Tre spass ing Campus Police investigated a female student that was found sleeping in the main lobby of an apartment complex on campus. The female student is a non res
ident and had been warned in the past. She was advised that she will be charged with tres passing in the future.
throughout the night.” There was no food in sight of course. The TSA explained that “our aim is to educate the non-Tamil community and ask them for their support in
putting an end to the civil war and the humanitarian crisis...the Sri Lankan government has silenced the voices of its own citizens.” Vice President of the TSA Neluja
Kulanthavadivel asked, “If the government ignores the pleas of its own people, who then can speak for them?” The fasting protest was part of a coordinated global movement.
money back
fast
January 27, 9:45 p.m. Th eft u nder $ 5,0 00 A female student reported the theft of winter boots from her unsecured locker in the gymna sium. January 27, 11:55 p.m. Me di ca l E me rge nc y A staff member in the South Building reported chest pains. Campus Police immediately contacted Emergency Medical Services. Both the Mississauga Fire Department and EMS attended. The staff member later refused transportation to hospital and was picked up by a family member. January 28, 5:15 p.m. T hef t und er $ 5, 000 A student studying inside the library left his textbooks unat tended and upon his return dis covered they had been stolen. January 29, 4:59 a.m. Mo to r V eh icl e Ac cid en t A vehicle was damaged in a parking lot during snow removal operations on campus.
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4 THE MEDIUM
OPINION
MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Letter to the Editor Hamas Charter: An obstacle to peace? Really?
ALI KASIM EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@mediumonline.ca
EDITORIAL This comes as absolutely no surprise. Before I heard about the initiative on the part of UTM’s Health and Safety Committee and students from the Green Team and “Leave the Pack Behind,” (re:”Butting out at UTM,” page 2) I had already noticed the chalk outlines outside the entrances of the main buildings on campus. That’s right; it’s about time, I thought to myself. You see, I’m a smoker, but even I have had enough of the hordes of smokers on campus that stand and puff right outside the entrances of the South and CCIT Buildings. But don’t think me hypocritical just yet – I don’t have a problem with the second-hand smoke. It’s the mini puddles of spit on the floor that irk me to no end. Yes, in a way, it’s not really the average smoker’s fault. It’s the group of people that are compelled to spit after each and every drag of the cigarette. To all you “spitters” out there, here is my rationale pure and simple: If you don’t like the taste of cigarettes, don’t smoke. If you have a sensitive throat, don’t smoke. And if you absolutely have to smoke and spit, bring a paper cup or spit bowl with you wherever you go; because I – like many other smokers and non-smokers alike – am sick and tired of having to tiptoe past all the puddles of slime and saliva as I enter a building. Don’t believe how bad it is? Pay a visit to floor zero of the underground parking garage. Several of you out there will probably disagree with me, citing that the real reason this “Move your Butt” campaign is in place is because of the hazardous effects of second-hand smoke on nonsmokers. I don’t deny or dispute with this – I’ve had many a friend get sick as a direct consequence of a ride home in my smoke-ridden car. But with regards to this new “rule,” I must question how much of a difference it’s going to make. How far away do people think us smokers are actually going to retreat from the entrances? Probably just outside the lines, where the rest of the crowd will still walk by, and still inhale. Nonetheless, it’s pretty clear what’s happening here. They (the health junkies who openly condescend to us “ashtray breaths”) are taking it one step at a time. Today, it’s these chalk-drawn borders; tomorrow, it may well be tiny designated boxes fifty meters away from anywhere for us to stand in. It’s not as if nobody has implemented that policy already. A little known fact many of you probably don’t know about: Way back in 2000, it was Canada who began health warning (pictorial) messages that appear on the packaging of cigarettes. Since then, no less than thirty-eight countries have followed suit. Some of those countries have already taken it numerous steps further. Not only are the images on the cigarette packs graphical depictions of damaged lungs and gums (some of them quite gruesome, really), the prices of the pack itself rises systematically year after year. In Singapore for example, a pack of Marlboro’s costs $12.50 (a 100 per cent mark-up from nine years ago). As well, outdoor smoking is already banned. For the rare smoker, he or she is relegated to an isolated yellow box (approx. 6 meter square foot) a good fifty meters away from any building. Imagine twelve people or so contained within lines determined by yellow and black tape, in the middle of the outdoors, puffing away. A reality for Canada in the future? Don’t bet against it. And we smokers have those darned “spitters” to blame. Yours,
Ali Kasim
The Medium is always looking for volunteers and assistant editors. There’s no easier way to get published than through us. Email the section editors or Ali at editor@mediumonline.ca to find out how you can get started. Or simply drop by our office Student Centre, Room 200.
In Professor Frank’s response to me in the Medium, he made the argument that I was simplifying the Palestine-Israel conflict citing only what I said about Hamas’s recognition of U.N. Resolution 242. Ironically, he simplifies by completely passing over 242 as if somehow Hamas is the only one pushing for the pre-1967 borders which calls for: complete withdrawal from Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem. This includes settling the “Right of Return” of Palestinians to their homes or in the environs of their homes (if they choose not to, receive compensation) and the illegal settlements issue. This has been the consensus of the entire world with only the U.S. and Israel voting against it for over 30 years, in virtual isolation. This is all on the U.N. website. There is no Israeli party that agrees politically and geographically with the international consensus. There is plenty of talk regarding a ‘Palestinian state’ by Israel but it is their own version which is not even close to 242. There is no map that exists of their concept for a reason: it comprises of cantons of Palestinian lands where Israeli borders, roads and checkpoints cut across them. That means Israel retains control of everything. Hamas’s refusal to ideologically recognize Israel is rooted in the fact that they believe its creation is illegitimate in the first place. This fact is not alien to the founders of Israel. “There is no example in history,” BenGuiron stated framing the root problem, “that a nation opens the gates of its country, not because of necessity … but because the nation which wants to come in has explained its desire to it.” Former Israeli Foreign Minister and historian Schlomo Ben Ami argues that ethnic cleansing was
part of the Zionist program. The dilemma that is facing apologists for Israeli atrocities is clear: Here is an “extremist” group recognizing the international consensus in substance (politically and geographically) while Israel pays lip service to a “two state” that is not even remotely close to the international consensus. Professor Frank can question Hamas’s sincerity all he wants but if Israel really wants to test if they are serious or not, there is a very easy way of doing so: take them to the negotiating table. They will not even do that. He may think the Hamas Charter is a hindrance but Israel is cognizant that it is not: "[T]he Hamas leadership has recognized that its ideological goal is not attainable and will not be in the foreseeable future," a former Mossad head recently observed. "[T]hey are ready and willing to see the establishment of a Palestinian state in the temporary borders of 1967....They know that the moment a Palestinian state is established with their cooperation, they will be obligated to change the rules of the game: They will have to adopt a path that could lead them far from their original ideological goals." (“What Hamas Wants,” Mideast Mirror – 12/22/08) Amos Elon, an Israeli commentator, wrote ten years after Sadat’s acceptance of the pre-1967 borders that Sadat caused “panic” amongst the Israeli leadership when he announced that he wanted a peace agreement by respecting secure and recognized borders. Since January 1976, all resolutions have been supported by nearly every single major Arab state, the PLO, Europe, the rest of the world and now Hamas. In 1987, the U.S. and Israel even barred a resolution condemning “terrorism wherever and
SUDOKU
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Gabriel Galang For citations: www.criticalmood.com
EDITORIAL EDITOR IN CHIEF Ali Kasim editor@mediumonline.ca NEWS EDITOR Andrew Hamilton Smith news@mediumonline.ca A&E EDITOR Michael Di Leo arts@mediumonline.ca FEATURES EDITOR Alain Latour features@mediumonline.ca SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Sa’d sports@mediumonline.ca COPY EDITOR Shelley Bahorie
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by whomever committed,” taking hypocrisy to extraordinary levels, for obvious reasons. The people of Gaza are being punished for democratically voting Hamas in. During the apartheid days in South Africa, the ANC and Mandela were declared as terrorists by the U.S. They did commit terror but they were eventually taken to the negotiating table. PLO was considered terrorist too but Israel negotiated with them. Everyone wants peace; Hitler wanted peace, but on what terms? Clearly, the relevant framework is not what Israel wants – in complete defiance of international law and the world consensus – but what Palestinians are legally entitled to.
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PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Matthew Filipowich photos@mediumonline.ca COMPOSITE EDITOR Matthew Filipowich
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EDITORIAL Please write to:editor@mediumonline.ca Letters to the editor will be edited for spelling, grammar, style, and coherence. Letters will not exceed 650 words in print. Letters that incite hatred, violence or letters that are racist, homophobic, sexist, or libelous 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 opinions of the editors, staff, volunteers, or Board of Directors of The Medium. In other words, just because we print it doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with it. Submission does not guarantee publication. Submission of materials to The Medium presumes the writer has read, and agrees with, this policy.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY
2, 2009 THE MEDIUM 5
Bonjour Tremblay Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay returns to Theatre Erindale with Bonjour, lĂ , bonjour AYMAN SAAB
The works of Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay have always taken on a progressive and barrier-pushing nature. Upon hearing that Theatre Erindale was to tackle one of Tremblay’s most intense and suggestive plays, I was immediately intrigued. Bonjour, là , bonjour (1974) is a compelling story to watch. The complexities of each character’s emotions are so dysfunctional that I found myself squirming in my seat. The play showcases Tremblay’s ability to meld both sensitivity and perversion to create a deeply moving piece of dramatic work. Theatre Erindale’s take on Bonjour, là , Bonjour, directed by Terry Tweed, successfully manages to present the same struggle and confusion that is central to the play’s essence. Set in 1970s MontrÊal, the play begins with a young man, Serge (Bryn Dewar), returning home to his family after setting out on a headclearing trip through Europe. When
CD REVIEW
Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavillion 4.5/5 KENNY CHATOOR
It’s been a very long time since any record has received the kind of attention that Merriweather Post Pavillion has, so naturally I was a bit sceptical upon first listen. This especially after my experiences with AC’s previous records, which despite their immense creativity and song construction, never fully registered with me. Needless to say, it was to my surprise how enjoyable I found the record. First up is the sublime and noisy “In the Flowers,� which kicks off the record on an ominous and mellow note, setting the mood for the rest of the album, but not quite preparing you for the sonic madness which ensues. This leads into the stunning second track, “My Girls� – dancy and alien yet completely enjoyable. Things only get better as the album progresses with the warm and absorbing “Summertime Clothes,� one of the defining tracks on the album. On “Bluish,� Panda
Serge returns he is once again confronted with the same problems and confusion that forced him to leave in the first place. His ailing father Armand (Andy Ingram) lives with his two decrepit aunts, Gilberte (Bridget Mantha) and Charlotte (Jenn Sartor), who, instead of possessing the intrinsic wisdom that comes with age, are drowning in selfpity and desperateness. Aside from his familial elders, Serge has four older sisters who all carry their own cumbersome baggage. Not long after his return, Serge is confronted by each of his sisters who, although all different from one another, share in their “love� for him. Lucienne (Danielle Ayow), Serge’s oldest sister, turns to Serge for consolation and assistance in her extra-marital affair. Denise (Jess Phelan) and Monique (Laura Macdonald) are both emotional wrecks who also use Serge as a sounding-board for their insecurities and suspicions. And then there’s Nicole (Kate Conway) who lives with Serge and is his biggest comfort and “closest� relation. At times implied, and at others
explicit, we see that Serge’s sisters have an unhealthy, quasi-incestuous (and sometimes all out incestuous) attraction to their little brother. Serge, amidst his four sister’s desperation and desires and his father’s continuously diminishing health, tries to cope with the pressures and stresses that he has returned to. The production consists of tight, intertwining dialogue and action that seems to connect each relationship clearly and with just the right amount of emphasis placed on each exchange. As much as the content is heavy and intense, there are several moments of comedy that are executed immaculately and provide a much needed momentary escape from the characters’ many despairs. Tweed’s ability to direct such a coherent production in light of such rapid exchanges and movement is impressive. She manages to invoke a sense of urgency which parallels the desire and haste of the production’s characters. This is complemented by Patrick Young’s set design, which is considerably minimalist, but allows for the narratives distinct fluidity.
Bear’s voice is at its most haunting pher the rhythms and melodies out of and the music is at its most psychedel- seemingly random noises. This aspect ically enveloping. This then leads into of the record has led to comparisons to “Guy’s Eyes,� the closest resemblance Pet Sounds. While Animal Collective or Panda you may find to a standard pop song before dissolving into an eclectic and Bear’s projects aren’t always easy to swallow, this record showcases everyrhythmic freak-out. “Taste� is one of the lower tempo thing the band is. The strangeness, tracks on the record and serves as a endless layering of sounds, explosivesort of breather. While it’s one of the ness, and bizarre catchy hooks all record’s weaker tracks, it works per- sound like what Animal Collective fectly in context – fitting the theme of fans and non-fans have heard before, Merriweather Post Pavillion. “Lion in not to mention their newly found popa Coma� begins with what sounds like sensibilities. Merriweather Post Pavillion feels the soundtrack for a trip to the Serengeti or in some distant desert in like something indie pop has been Australia and the band’s vocal har- leading up to for some time now, monies are at their peak at this point. stripped of all pretentiousness and The penultimate song, “No More banality, and delivered with the kind Runnin,� comes as something as a sur- of effortlessness and realization that prise given the wild and eclectic elec- Daydream ation and Loveless did tronic synthesizers prevailing through- with Alt-Rock some twenty years ago. out the record. The soft repeating This may be Animal Collective’s piano and soaring vocal harmonies are defining record, however if I have soothing and serve as a perfect lead learned anything from the band’s hisinto the epic closer, “Brothersport,� tory, you never know what to expect quite possibly the best album closer next. since Street Spirit. The song is explosive – it’s as if the band took everything that was great about this record and combined into one euphoric song. The depth of Merriweather Post Pavillion is breathtaking – vast and completely unpredictable, yet everything seems to make photo/facebook.com sense. It’s fascinating to deciAnimal Collective kinda looks like their music.
The ensemble was superb with stellar performances from the actors, all fourth-year students. Bryn Dewar and Andy Ingram deliver first-rate performances, providing incredibly moving father and son moments that helped give the production both coherence and closure. But the night belonged to the ladies who all gave incredible performances. Particular mention goes to Danielle
Ayow and Laura MacDonald. Both managed to flawlessly bring their character’s erratic behaviour to the forefront of the play, and were thrilling to watch at their emotional peak. Theatre Erindale’s presentation of Bonjour, là , Bonjour was a pleasure to watch. While some may find the content startling, it delivers much more than a simple shock. Much more.
photo/Jim Smagata
Serge returns from Europe to face his family (Bryn Dewar and company).
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6 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
2, 2009
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CONCERT IN REVIEW
The Framework: a night in transit An evening spent contemplating aesthetics, musicianship, and mod brit pop KJARTAN HEWITT
“Toronto is a big wuss.” This is what I’m thinking as I pull up to the supermarket Wednesday night in my mother’s white Volkswagon Jetta – one of the more effeminate looking compact cars Germany has to offer. I had been hearing tell of a terrible s n o w s t o r m al l d a y an d assumed the worst when I called work to f in d my b o ss h a d g o n e home ea r l y, “ o n a cc o u n t o f t h e weather.” I prepared for as much, but found little trouble driving to the ven u e . T h e s h o w ’ s t u r n o u t would be hindered by “the weather,” which I suspect is Torontonian folklor e f o r w h a t t h e f o l ks i n Manitoba generally refer to as “a bit of snow.” The nice part was, without the standing crowd, I was able to take notes from a booth in the back and steal a generous portion of my girlfriend’s stir-fry. Ryan Isojima, the band’s lead singer and foremost songwriter, doesn’t have the sort of stage presence that is conducive to a sitting audience. David Bowie and Mick Jagger refined this sort of performance in the 70s. I believe the main idea was that if you parade around stage behaving as dramatically and effeminately as possible, heterosexual women will sleep with you. Or
at least Bowie will sleep with Mick Jagger. Isojima crouch-leans desperately into his monitor, pressing his eyes to the heel of his palm after delivering the final heart wrenching of their song “Turn off the world.” The microphone sits precariously on Isojima’s outstretched fingertips while its wire coils around his wrist. I’ve never seen Bowie do that, but I’m pretty sure Brendon Flowers of The Killers has. Isojima sounds a great deal like Flowers, complete with faux British pronunciations of
certain words. Most of the band’s songs have that same Killers mod brit-pop feel about them, which sounds like Blur which sounds like The Cure which sounds like, a lot of other stuff. Two songs into The Framework’s set and I am busily contemplating whether or not their female keyboard player and occasional backup singer, Rayanne Lepieszo, is superfluous to the rest of the group. I come to the conclusion that no, she is not superfluous per se, so much as she is unnecessary. She does
photos/myspace.com
The Framework. From left to right: Chris, Rayanne, Scott, Tobias, and Ryan.
produced by the Professional Writing and Communication (PWC) program
A literary journal showcasing original and exemplary non-fiction prose from students across UTM
Mindwaves is currently accepting entries from all UTM students. If you would like to get published, submit your stories to pwcjournal@gmail.com by February 28. For more information or to become a participant in the distribution of Mindwaves please contact the editor Ali Kasim at 905 828 5402 or pwcjournal@gmail.com
serve a function, but it is purely aesthetic. Much akin to that of lead singer Ryan Isojima’s leather jacket, which he wears for the duration of their half hour set under sweltering stage lights. Lepieszo is notice-
I’ve never seen Bowie do that, but I’m pretty sure Brendon Flowers of The Killers has. Isojima sounds a great deal like Flowers, complete with faux British pronuncia tions of certain words.
believing that I had them figured out, taking my little notes – Chris Graham’s voice sounds exactly like Robert Schwartzman of Rooney. You have to be a good drummer to play synth laden driven Brit pop, cause you have to be as quick as the drum machine stuff it’s supposed to sound like. The chorus to the song, “Wasted” was the only thing that struck me as exemplary until they played a song called “She thinks I’m famous,” a brilliant sentiment for an unsigned rock group from Mississauga. This had me call into question any pigeonholing I had been doing to the group all night long. The lyrics kick ass. Lyrics are always the first thing to go when a band is trying too hard to sound like something else, because they become hackneyed and bland. Had I underestimated them? Was I just being an asshole? I calmed down after recognizing that the song sounded a lot like “Last Nite” by the Strokes. Then the chorus kicked in. The keyboard melody line, though simple, was absolutely paramount to the song as a whole. It stuck in my ear to be whistled on the drive home. Rayanne Lepieszo, besides looking infinitely better in a black sequined gogo dancer outfit than any other member of the band, turned out to be integral to their sound as a whole. Had I judged her too quickly? Am I an asshole? I listened to the words in the chorus: “It’s all been done before.” These struck me as especially witty since the Barenaked Ladies did a song about it all being done before in 1998 and it so unded like the Strokes circa 2001. There’s no such thing as contrived in pop music, only good or bad, and this was definitely good. I am an asshole. I wouldn’t buy their CD. A lot of people will and I don’t think they’ll miss my patronage. I would, however, pay to see them play in a club, drink, dance and more than likely find Isojima’s melodramatic stage antics to be nothing more than good showmanship.
ably not as talented as the rest of the band. Her intermittent backup vocals are off pitch, her synth lines off tempo and she is occasionally replaced by pre-recorded MP3’s piped into the PA system by her laptop. My theory is she’s not a musician. Assuming this much, her efforts are passable. Her M-Audio midi controller is the least expensive piece of equipment on stage by at le ast $800, and that’s if she bought it overpriced at the Mac store. Now, the purpose of this article is not to slam Lepieszo, but rather discuss the relation between image and artistic ability. Before their set, I make contact with Isojima in the men’s bathroom. I tactfully restrain myself from speaking to him before both our penises have been put away. He invites me to sit with him and the rest of the group to “hang out a bit.” Isojima does most of the talking, in an aloof virtuoso sort of way. I know right away that this guy is the front man of a real band. I learn that he and guitarist Chris Graham, who is just a fucking peach in his newsie hat and claddagh ring, cowrite most of the songs. The two switch the lead vocals, but it’s evident that Graham’s place is in the wing, while Isojima will always be center stage. O ne of the more interesting moments of the short interview occu rs when Isojima admits that the group takes an image savvy approach to music. Before the group had ever even played together, they had a photo shoot and a MySpace page. I concede their point, explaining that all I will remember of their open ing band was a keyboard player who looked like Gary Oldman’s character in “True Romance.” Meaning that image must be important. How ever, this does make me wary of their ability as artists. If a musician just wants to cultivate a certain image or look cool – and The Framework definitely do look cool – sometimes things like the actual music take a back seat. That’s how artists like Lady Gaga and songs like “Poker Face” come to exist. I sat back in my booth, presumptuously Isojima crooning live at The Drake.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
THI N
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BERRY ACK L B
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FIRST BLA C
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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
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8 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY,FEBRUARY
2, 2009
Summer abroad program MATT SABUCCO
The hustle and bustle of deadlines and assignments often gets students down. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s called summer break. As the school year wanes, students consider what they will do for the summer. Some look for summer jobs and internships, while others aim to spend time with friends and family. Then there’s the prospect of taking a summer course, which can be done either locally or abroad. The University of Toronto’s summer abroad program offers students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree credit overseas. Most courses span four to six weeks with plenty of time to travel and experience the atmosphere of the host country. And with 12 courses to choose from, students shouldn’t have any problem finding
a program. Whether it’s fine art history in Italy or environmental studies in Ecuador that strikes your fancy, the program offers it.
“Instead of studying off of slides you can go to the museum, see the art, and experience what you are learning first hand.” Katie Sehl, an english and classical history major, spent last summer in France taking a french language course. “As cliché as it sounds, it was the experience of a lifetime,” says Katie. “It was both rewarding and fulfilling. Hemingway said that there is never any end to Paris, and I feel the same.” Some refer to the summer abroad program as a “living textbook,” where students are able to experience many of the things they are
learning through a combination of local culture, art, history, language, and other aspects of the host country. “Instead of studying off of slides you can go to the museum, see the art, and experience what you are learning first hand,” says Ken Derry, program manager of Professional and International Programs at Woodsworth College. “It is a different type of academic experience; more intense and focused. The thing that surprised most students is how much they enjoyed the course. We repeatedly hear that students liked the course and it was the most rewarding that they had taken.” Classes typically run from Monday to Thursday, from about 8:30 a.m. until noon, though the times differ for each individual course. Mandatory field trips, which may take place outside of class hours, are included in some courses. Moreover, students get plenty of spare time in which they
can absorb the local atmosphere. The cost of each program is estimated between $5,000 and $6,500. This may seem steep, but the price includes course fees (for one fullyear credit), airfare, meals, residence, and textbooks. Student can arrange their own accommodation and flight if they choose, which would affect the estimated price. Bursaries, awards, and other forms of financial aid are available for students who may have trouble trying to pony up the dough. Students can also apply for OSAP just as they would for a summer course in Toronto or UTM. Some international students take advantage of this study abroad program to earn a credit in their home country. One unique factor that contributes to the success of the Hong Kong study abroad program is that one third of its participants have family that live in the area. This gives these students the opportunity to earn a University of Toronto credit while living at home
with family for the summer. For the students that have experienced the study abroad program, one element in particular seems unsurpassed: enduring friendships. “A common theme in the program,” says Derry. Student Katie Sehl echoed the sentiment. “The best part,” remarks Katie, “was that I was able to experience it all with the most amazing people who I will love forever, and all of them are from U of T.” It’s only logical: with small classroom sizes and an exciting atmosphere, close friendships that extend beyond the summer program are likely to flourish. Information on all 2009 Summer Abroad programs, which includes all dates, course listings, costs, etc. is now available at http:// sum merabroad. utoronto.ca/ Should you wish to apply, the deadline is March 1, 2009.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
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10 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2009
FEATURES
WOMEN AND WATER BOTTLES
Violence against women KAREN SUE Strolling along UTM’s Five Minute Walk, snow-frosted trees to either side, students smiling ahead and behind, it is easy to forget that the world, including our community, can be a dreadful place, one where violence can strike anyone anytime. A scary thought, indeed, but one we should all keep in mind. On Friday, February 6, the UTM Student Centre will be hosting an all-night event titled “Challenging the Suburban Myth – Violence in Our Communities.” “We think that violence is something that only happens in major metropolitan areas like Toronto,” says Maysoon Sheikh, one of the event organizers. “And when I say violence, I’m not just referring to the tangible things that happen like gun shootings, robbery, and homicide. I’m talking about the things that affect everyone, like racism and sexism.” Violence, and women's fear of it, limits women's choices in virtually all spheres of their lives. It has short- and long-term, consequences on women's physical and emotional well-b ein g. By a d d r e s s i n g t h i s topic, th e o r g a n i z e rs w a n t t o address the heart of how members of communities relate to one another and how they are able to shape
● Domestic violence accounts for 14 per cent of all police reported violent incidents in Ontario. ● Women continue to be the most likely victims of police reported domestic violence, accounting for 83 per cent of victims compared to 17 per cent for men. ● 7 per cent of Ontario women living in a common law or marital rela tionship experienced physical or sexual assault by a spousal partner at least once during the period of 1999 2004. ● 51 per cent of women in Canada have experienced at least one inci dent of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16. photo/Carrie Soderberg
It doesn’t just happen in movies.
their own lives. “We want to engage people in the discussion of the many different d ef i n i ti o n s o f violence against women, and offer theories about w hy i t h a p p e ns in all societies ac r oss t h e w o rld,” elaborates Maysoon. “Changing community and family values are difficult, but it is the only way that we will be able to step out of the shadows of this horrible epidemic of gender violence and inequalities.” Students are invited to join the event organizers for an overnight s t a y a t t h e S t u dent Centre this Friday from 10 p.m. to Saturday 7:30 a.m. They can email challengeviolence@gmail.com for more information or join ther Facebook
group Challenging the Suburban Myth. A variety of activities will take place during the event, including movie screenings and guest speakers who aim to address the issues of violence in the suburbs. Attendees, however, are not limited to listening and watching; they are also encouraged to voice their opinions and advice. “We have a whol e bunch of things planned for the night, so come on down to the Student Centre, even if it is f or a fe w hours,” says Maysoon. “There'll be free food and beverages, comfortable places to relax, and an inviting atmosphere f or you a nd your friends.”
● Almost 40 per cent of women assaulted by spouses said their chil dren witnessed the violence against them, and in many cases the violence was severe. ● Aboriginal women are three times more likely to experience spousal violence than others. ● 11 per cent of Ontario women reported being stalked during the period of 1999 2004. ● 71 per cent of women residing in Ontario shelters on April 19, 2006 were victims of abuse. ● 52 per cent of women escaping abusive situations were admitted to Ontario shelters with their children, and 69 per cent of these chil dren were under the age of 10. ● Less than 10 per cent of sexual assaults are reported to the police.
● 71 per cent of women residing in Ontario shelters on April 19, 2006 were victims of abuse.
Are water bottles a better choice? I’ve been with my boyfriend for two years. We both want to wait until we’re married to have sex. It’s everything in between that we seem to disagree about. He doesn’t think that oral sex is sex, but I do. This is actually becoming a huge conflict, so I thought I would get someone else’s opinion. What do you think?
AREEJ ZAFAR AND
MARIA MUKHTAR It is widely opinionated that bottled water represents a real threat to the environment. It has also been widely known that the bottled water industry’s health regulations are not on par with those of the government. This of course, raises the question: If all this is true, why do people continue to drink bottled water? The hype around bottled water is that it is healthier and better-tasting than tap water. But taste is often subjective, and as for the health claim there is very little evidence to back it up. ABC’s 20/20 newscast conducted a recent study on this very issue. Five popular brands of bottled water and a sample of tap water were sent to microbiologists for testing. The result? No difference between the samples, other than the big price gap. Tap water safety in Ontario is regulated by the municipalities. There are also Federal guidelines for Canadian drinking water. According to the Polaris Institute, the City of Toronto checks tap water for bacteria almost every four to six hours while the City of Ottawa does about 125,000 tests per year on their tap water supply. In contrast, bottled water industries do not have to follow these guidelines. Indeed, these facilities are examined by the government approximately every three to six years. So far, there have been twenty-nine out of forty-nine recalls made by the Canadian Food
photo/U.S. Department of Defense
Dangerous stuff.
Inspection Agency on bottled water. Only five of these recalls have been publicized for bacteria and other contaminants. Bottled water also poses a threat to the environment. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, monoethylene glycol (MEG) and terephthalic acid (PTA), the primary raw materials needed to make the plastic for these bottles, are toxic chemicals. And in order to extract these chemicals, scarce natural resources are used, which can contribute to environmental degradation. Secondly, the fossil fuels and energy consumed in the transportation of bottled water increases carbon dioxide levels. The Polaris Institute indicates that out of billions of plastic bottles sold in Canada, only thirty-six per cent
were recovered. These bottles do indicate that they are recyclable, yet they rarely are. Thrown in a landfill, plastic bottles can take up to 1,000 years to properly disintegrate, contaminating any groundwater nearby by releasing toxic chemicals. And if burned, they release toxic pollutants which in turn add to global warming and climate change. UTM students can be part of the solution. Free tap water is available from sinks and water fountains all over your campus, and on Wednesday, February 4 the UTM Green Team will hold a water taste challenge in which participants will be asked to tell tap and bottled water apart. They will also be able to purchase your re-usable aluminum Green Team water bottle for $5.00.
That’s a complicated question. I think the majority of people would tend to side with your boyfriend (except maybe Bill Clinton). But when it really comes down to it, the answer’s not an easy ‘yes’ or ‘no’. For the most part when people refer to sex they mean “sexual intercourse.” And if we’re going to get technical, sexual intercourse requires penetration and involves sexual organs (i.e. vaginal intercourse), although the definition has recently expanded to include the penetration of non-sexual organs like the mouth and the anus. Ultimately, the definition of sex isn’t as cut and dry as popular culture would make it seem. Why? Because sex can mean different things to different people.
Your situation, however, is not so much about the definition of sex than it is about boundaries. Let’s face it, if I was to tell you that oral sex isn’t actually sex, chances are that you still wouldn’t want to do it. It’s all about you and your boyfriend’s beliefs. It seems like you want to hold off on sexual activity until you’re married and he just wants to hold off on vaginal intercourse. That could be a problem. I think it’s really important that you guys stop debating over the definition of sex and start talking about the real issue: comfort levels. You both need to decide what you’re comfortable doing and communicate that with one another. And I would recommend staying away from definitions all together.
Please note this column is intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions that you want answered in our sex column, please send them to sex.column@utmsec.ca
Volunteer for The Medium and write for the Features section. To find out how, email Alain at features@mediumonline.ca. Or drop by The Medium office to speak to any one of the editors Room 200, Student Centre
MONDAY, FEBRUARY
2, 2009 THE MEDIUM 11
UFC 94: What a “Rush” George “Rush” St. Pierre lent more than a hand to BJ Penn on one of Saturday night’s most anticipated fights ever at the MGM Grand SUZANNE CARTE BLANCHENOT
It’s finally over, the hype, the rave, and the talks, with Montreal’s welterweight champion leaving a mark not only in the UFC but an everlasting impression on his opponent. The biggest fight in UFC history took place in Las Vegas on this past Saturday night in the celebrated MGM Grand. Voted as one of Canada’s top athletes, George “Rush” St. Pierre scuffled with lightweight champion and Hawaiian native “The Prodigy” BJ Penn in UFC 94’s main event. The first televised fight on the card saw Nate Diaz and Clay Guido in an all-out wrestling match. In the first five-minute-round, Guido placed Diaz in a full-nelson and converted it into a body slam that shook the sticky ground through the auditorium. A shaken Diaz gave the “thumbs-up” to his corner with 20 seconds left in the first round indicating to his fans and management that it was all under control. As Guido’s hair flung around three rounds of precisioned exchanges and great takedowns, the verdict was a split decision awarded to Clay Guido. Karo Parisyan and Dong Hyun Kim were up next, with Kim exploding out of the gate with quick submission attempts and a flurry of punches, overwhelming a defensive Parisyan. Yet
the flair of Karo’s skilled Judo throws dominated the second round and won the audience over. The men spent the final against the fence making it a tough call for the judges, but another split decision was extracted to award Parisyan victory. Next on the card were “American P s y c h o ” Stephan Bonnar and young, newcomer Jon Jones. Jones was the first to launch a strict offensive when he landed a beautiful spinning back fist that in the replays looked more like an elbow to the back of Bonnar’s cranium. The 21-year old followed that with a knee to Bonnar’s chin which brought the crowd out of their seats. Shaken, Bonnar was not
Late goals help Liverpool beat Chelsea 2 0 ENGLAND (BBC SPORT) – Fernando Torres struck two late goals at Anfield on Sunday to sink Chelsea and ensure Liverpool kept up the pressure on English Premier League leaders Manchester United. The game looked destined for a draw, which would have suited Manchester United, until Torres made his dramatic intervention to close the gap on United to two points, although Liverpool have played a game more. Chelsea saw Frank Lampard sent off on the hour for a foul on Xabi Alonso, a decision they contested bitterly as they claimed he took the ball first before making contact with the Liverpool midfield man.
Nadal beats Federer to win Aussie Open AUSTRALIA (AP – Rafael Nadal kept Roger Federer from a record tying 14th major title with an epic, momentum swinging five set win (7 5, 3 6, 7 6 (3), 3 6, 6 2) in Melbourne Sunday night. The match, which lasted 4 hours and 22 minutes, was almost as riveting as Nadal’s win over Federer at Wimbledon last year, ending the Swiss star’s five year reign on grass. Meanwhile, Serena Williams had one of the shortest finals on the wom en’s side. She lifted her level in the final, routing Dinara Safina 6 0, 6 3 to win her fourth Australian title, 10th major and regain the No. 1 ranking.
able to recover and Jones capitalized with aggressive wrestling throws and calculated takedowns. This time the judges unanimously voted Jones as the defeater. The night simply got better and bet-
ter, and the next bout featured two perfect 13-0 records colliding in the octagon – Lyoto Machida versus Thiago Silva. At the end of the five-minute mark, Brazilian powerhouse Machida floored his opponent with an amazing strike from fist to chin, knocking him out cold, thereby ending and deciding the fight. Despite a number of great fights already in the bag, the crowd was hungry for the main event. Like a drum roll, you could hear the excitement in Bruce Buffer’s photo/ufc.com announcement. (Is it just me, or are his jerky movements and broadcasts getting more and more eccentric?) The UFC had built this fight to extreme volume through three half hour shows on Spike TV that followed the men through their hometown
regimes and routines preparing for the rematch. GSP was highlighted as the hard working specialist who fought for everything that he has with the champion belt and Penn as the silverspoon brat and a machine build for MMA. The two locked up at the bell and pushed the clinch for the entire fight. GSP was able to bully his smaller foe into the fence while throwing the occasional short-range strike. As we have heard in past fights, chants of “U.S.A.” bled into “G.S.P.” as the crowd witnessed the fierceness and accuracy of the Montrealer’s fury. Within no time, Penn completely gassed, and with no steam left he allowed GSP to beat him about the head exposing multiple cuts and an angry mouse under one eye. Right before the bell for the fifth and last round, the Octagon-side physician William Berliner, as well as Penn’s cornermen threw in the towel declaring St. Pierre the remaining champion. ote: In closing I would like to acknowledge the passing of an icon. The Gracie family monarch Helio Gracie recently died at the age of 95 leaving behind an infallible legacy that has changed the face of mixed martial art. His teachings and dedication to the discipline will not be forgotten and will surely live on in the sport.
12 THE MEDIUM MONDAY,FEBRUARY 2, 2009
SPORTS
SUPERBOWL XLIII
A new NFL dynasty? CHRISTOPHER SA`D SPORTS EDITOR Two things could have happened this Sunday during Super Bowl 43: the beginning of a Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty or the Arizona Cardinals’ first championship win. Unfortunately for the romantic sports fan, the expected happened. The Steelers earned victory in a nose-to-nose battle that proved to be a nail-biter right up to the last seconds of play. The Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay erupted as the Steelers finished the night with a 27-23 win against the red and white Cardinals to claim their second title in four years. The night however told the tale of two quarterbacks chasing their own “pinnacle moment” of their NFL careers. The Cards were considered as a
Cinderella story entering the 2008 playoffs, but this time the slipper just didn’t fit for quarterback Kurt Warner with his last win in Super Bowl 34, eager to win one more before the end draws near. Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger faced his second Super Bowl challenge in his four-year career, making him one of the youngest quarterbacks to win it twice in his early career. This created a movement for the Steelers in possibly starting a new dynasty with the number one defence in the NFL. Both quarterbacks threw for over 250 yards and more than 20 completions, making it one of the wildest Super Bowl match-ups in NFL history. Warner, who swung back from his ailing slump, held his end of the bargain and proved he still was a competitive asset to any team with more passing yards and touchdowns than Roth. “I said it’s now or never. I told the guys all the film study you put in doesn’t matter unless you do it now,” Roethlisberger said after the game. The story exhibited the leadership and heart of two offensive captains chasing
photos/nydailynews.com
Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals.
their childhood dreams as repeated champions. The anxiety and pressure each player felt only motivated them to perform like no game they’ve played before. It was the old versus the new, the aged versus the young, and the chance for the new breed to break into the new age of football by emulating the feats of past icons. However, more fell into this game than a match between two quarterbacks. The Super Bowl became a forecast for what to expect from the runner-ups the season after. In 2008 the nearly-undefeated New England Patriots lost to the New York Giants, leading the Pats to a 11-5 win loss record the following season, thereby missing the playoffs despite their strong record. The Chicago Bears failed to even hold a winning record in 2007 after their loss at Super Bowl 41, the same season which earned them the tag of “best defence in the NFL.” In 2006 running back Shaun Alexander and the Seattle Seahawks followed the same road for not contending for the championship the preceding year. The Philadelphia Eagles in 2005, Carolina Panthers in 2004 and Oakland Raiders in 2003 all lost hope in their next season at a chance for glory. Will the Arizona Cardinals face the same fate as past runner-ups? But this should be a story focused on the Steelers and their supposed upcoming attempt to create a dynasty within the next five years. Especially with Super Bowl 43 MVP wide-receiver Santonio Holmes entering the next season as an aspiring contributor and Roethlisberger keeping their defence and
Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. secondary intact. But, it’s a concern for the Cardinals as they undoubtedly look to continue their offensive game with wide-receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin; not to mention the work needed for young quarterback Matt Leinart. It was the speed of Boldin and leap of Fitzgerald that sprung the Cards up the rankings. Warner’s experience certainly helped, but without his receivers, he and the Cards would not have achieved as much as this. The Cards finished with a 9-7 record in the NFC West after playing in one of the worst divisions in the NFL. With the opportunity of keeping their offensive weapons in-hand – especially if they can re-sign Boldin – there is little doubt whether the Cards should finish first in the division again. Of course, the same should have happened with the Bears and Pats (the Pats however, have the excuse of Tom Brady’s absence to fall back on). What are the odds that we’ll see a rematch next season? For history to repeat itself, both teams have to hold first in each of their conferences. The Steelers and their surge hold the best
chances to a second-consecutive appearance, leaving the Cards an expected failure next season or a lost in the wildcard. Fitzgerald and Boldin are prime receivers who will always fight to the last seconds for a win, especially with Fitz’s phenomenal hand-eye coordination and ability to catch any ball in a four-metre radius from him. The question here really rests with the quarterback. Warner holds a bad streak of inconsistency when it comes to backto-back star-studded performances, and Leinart is nowhere near ready to take on a leadership role on such a young talented team. With Leinhart’s shaky arm, no promises are made for what is to happen behind the Cards line of scrimmage, and this insecurity can affect the team’s confidence going into next year’s campaign. Are we ready to see the Steelers chase another title next season, or will the Cards worries fade in a distance? This Super Bowl has brought on more about the organizations’ future than their present status and it’s a time-will-tell scenario to see if the trend continues. Except this time, we almost saw the first overtime Super Bowl in history – it was so close.
Roger Federer at the US Open. Photo by Wong_Queenie_2009cct357