Vol 35 issue 20

page7 Monday, February 23, 2009

page12

page15

Volume 35, Issue 20

www.mediumonline.ca

Residence costs increase FIONA BUCHANAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The cost of living at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus is going up again for the 20092010 school year, the result of recently approved budgets by the Erindale College Council. Held on January 29, the Resource Planning & Priorities Committee meeting presented budgets for Food Services Management and Residence Management, as well as for Conference Services Management and Parking Services.

The committee announced that rental charges for undergraduate residences will be increased by an average of 5.5 per cent in 2009-2010 while rates for family and graduate rentals will go up by 3.25 per cent.

Last year student housing rates increased by eight per cent for undergraduate students and four per cent for families and graduate students.

“The fact that residence is increasing its prices is a real concern for residence students and future residence students,” explained AlyKhan Madhavji, a first year representative with UTM Student’s Union. “We can see some of the residences have gone up nearly 12 per cent, which is a substantial financial burden on residence students.”

Photo/Matthew Filipowich

Erindale College Council recently approved increases to residence fees, which will mean that student costs have increased up to 12 per cent in the last two years. The OPH cafeteria is also increasing prices, between 3.5 and 4 per cent, which Chartwells insists is smaller than increases in the general marketplace.

Also announced was that due to the economic slowdown, UTM plans to negotiate with Chartwells, the food service provider for UTM, to

minimize food price increases to 3.5 – 4 per cent. According to the Food Services Management report, this would be lower than the reported 7.6

the No Frills grocery at South Common. For example, one litre of Sealtest 2 per cent milk is $2.98 at OPH, and only $2.17 for the Neilson brand at the grocery store. The cost of Ruffles Regular Chips is $3.98 if bought on campus, compared to $2.99 at No Frills. If Chartwells only increases the price of food by 3.5 per cent and the price at No Frills goes up by 7.6 per cent, a student would still pay $4.12 for the same bag of chips they could get for $3.22 at No Frills.

Residence students must purchase a meal plan in order to live on campus. Students could shop at other grocery locations instead, but that would be an extra cost above the meal plans they must pre-purchase at the beginning of every academic year. The price for student meal plans will also increase by 2.3 per cent on average the next school year, but the actual monetary value of the required first-year plans will not go up. Although the reason for the increase in prices of meal plans was not directly addressed, the committee noted that upper-year meal plans will have the benefit of being fully exempt from taxes commencing in September 2009.

per cent increase of food in the general marketplace.

But the price of food at OPH cafeteria is already high in relation to

See Many Students page 3

Mardi Gras Pub kicks off break CHRIS SA’D SPORTS EDITOR

UTM experienced a night full of metallic beads and outrageously flamboyant costumes in a crowd more than eager to celebrate Mardi Gras in the most festive way possible.

On February 12, the Blind Duck Pub was transformed to host the UTM Mardi Gras Pub night, which saw a better turn-out than expected.

UTMSU and the UTM Residence Council collaborated to organize the party just before reading week, all in the purpose of getting students into the spirit of traditional spring break

parties.

It was two years ago when a similar theme was produced by UTMSU in the hopes of uplifting the spirits of UTM bookworms and influencing them to party laced with a little Louisiana spice. Approximately 250 students attended the bash this year, a turnout considerably bigger than two years ago This year, UTMSU VP Campus Life Johnny Ho and Kristian Jurlewicz, President of UTM Residence Council, combined their time and effort in producing one of the better pub engagements of the school year.

“We feel the regular pub nights do not contribute much to student life on campus, and Mardi Gras is right before reading week,” Jurlewicz explained. “We want to enrich the student experience.”

The affair began with some pyroentertainment, which included a bout

of fiery sword spinning right outside the pub next to the line-up of attendees. Inside, go-go dancers were propped on two corners near the stage, dancing in glittering skirts and sliding up and down an invisible pole. This went well alongside two masked peacocks busting a move on stage.

“We know what Mardi Gras is about and we wanted to try to bring it to our fellow students,” Ho said during the party. “This is a party to relieve stress and to forget about studying for a night.”

The pub was under parental guidance, however, with no explicit language or Mardi Gras traditional extremes. It was ultimately a night with mostly awkward dancing and light drinking, all within a comforting atmosphere. The trend of Mardi Gras Pub Nights is set to continue at UTM. Let’s see if next year’s bash will top last week’s proceedings.

Photo/Lara Matiisen

Pyro performers outside the Blind Duck Pub.

2 THE MEDIUM

NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH, FOR BETTER OR WORSE

YOUNG ADULTS OFFERED VACCINATIONS FOR CONTAGIOUS MUMPS Young adults, who may be at risk of developing mumps, are being offered a chance to be protected in a catch up program organized by the Health & Counselling Centre and Peel Public Health. College and university students are particularly at risk because they may not have received a second dose of mumps vaccine required for full protection.

The Ontario government and the province’s public health units are encouraging young adults to receive their measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The move comes in response to mumps outbreaks in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia.

Most people born between 1970 and 1991 received only a single dose of the combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and are at risk for mumps. People born in 1992 or after should have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. People born before 1970 are assumed to be immune to mumps through natural infection. To be fully protected from contracting mumps, two doses of the MMR vaccine are required.

The Health & Counselling Centre will be offering the MMR vaccine to all current post sec ondary students at campus clinics. The vaccination is also available through family doctors for anyone who needs a second dose of MMR. All young adults are encouraged to review their personal immunization record to determine if they need a second dose of the vaccine. If individuals cannot locate their immunization record, it is recommended that they take advantage of the catch up program and receive one dose.

The health unit will be offering mumps clinics at UTM on February 24, 2009 11:00am – 6:00 pm in the Student Centre Room 250 and on February 25, 2009 11:00 am – 6:00 pm in Colman Commons, Oscar Peterson Hall.

UTM campus crime report February 5, 2009 2:20 p.m.

Criminal harassment Campus Police investigated a harassment complaint by a stu dent. Investigation is continuing.

February 6, 2009 12:35 a.m.

Liquor Licence Act Campus Police investigated three students under the age of nine teen for drinking alcohol at the pub. They were cautioned.

February 6, 2009 4:50 p.m.

Theft under $5000 Campus Police investigated a theft that occurred in the library.

An iPod was taken.

February 6, 2009 11:12 p.m.

Noise complaint Campus Police investigated a noise complaint at MaGrathValley. Music was turned off.

February 7, 2009 12:17a.m.

Noise complaint Campus Police investigated a noise complaint at MaGrath Valley. Music was turned off.

February 7, 2009 2:21a.m.

Liquor Licence Act An intoxicated female injured her self as she walked on Outer Circle Road. She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

February 7, 2009 11:00 a.m.

Theft under $5,000 Campus Police investigated the theft of money from a locker in the men’s change room at the Athletics Center. The locker was left unlocked.

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February 8, 2009 10:45 a.m.

Fire call Mississauga Fire responded to a residence at MaGrath Valley after a report of smoke. A kettle was left unattended. The residence was vacant at the time.

February 9, 2009 1:40 a.m.

Trespassing Campus Police cautioned UTM students skateboarding in the CCT garage.

February 9, 2009 9:00 a.m.

Theft under $5000 Campus Police investigated a theft at a food outlet in the South Building. A debit machine was stolen.

February 9, 2009 12:10 p.m.

By Law offences: Sm oking in an enclosed area Campus Police investigated a stu dent smoking inside the CCT Garage.

February 9, 2009 12:51 p.m.

By Law offences: Smoking in an enclosed area Campus Police investigated two students smoking inside the CCT Garage February 9, 2009 11:30 p.m.

Trespassing Two non community members were issued Provincial Offences Tickets for skateboarding inside the CCT Garage.

February 9, 2009 1:00 p.m.

Careless driving Campus Police investigated a report of a vehicle being driven in a reckless manner inside the CCT Garage.

February 9, 2009 2:00 p.m.

Fail to remain: Vehicular accident Campus Police investigated a fail to remain accident at the CCT Garage. Damage was estimated at $1,500.

February 10, 2009 12:08 a.m.

By Law offences: Smoking in an enclosed area Campus Police investigated two students smoking inside the CCT Garage.

February 10, 2009 12:35 a.m.

Controlled Drug and Substan ces Act Campus Police investigated a complaint about a student smok ing marijuana inside a room at Oscar Peterson Hall.

February 10, 2009 12:40 a.m.

Controlled Drug and Substan ces Act Campus Police investigated a complaint about a student smok ing marijuana inside a room at Leacock Lane.

February 10, 2009 6:30 p.m.

Criminal Harassment Campus Police received a com plaint by a student about being harassed by an ex boyfriend.

Campus Police and Peel Police are investigating.

February 10, 2009 7:30 p.m.

Library Code of Conduct A disruptive student at the library was reported to Campus Police.

She left before the arrival of Campus Police.

February 11, 2009 10:54 p.m.

Library Code of Conduct Campus Police investigated a complaint from Library security about a student who failed to pro duce student identification as requested.

ATTN: BIO STUDENTS & * . / (% /

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UTM CAREER CENTRE

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 3

LOVE, SEX AND BITTERNESS

Making oral sex even better SULMAZ GHORAISHI

The workshop also included an anatomy lesson that highlighted things that your high school sexual education teachers probably left out. “I had always thought that the g-spot was a myth. I can’t believe that all [women] have one.” said workshop attendee, UTM student Sarah Elman.

Jansen also spoke briefly about the deep-throat technique. “The trick is overcoming your gag reflex,” she explained. The gag reflex is what keeps you from choking when you eat or drink something. Her advice was to practice on your partner or a dildo regularly.

“It will improve your technique

when it comes to [oral sex], but it also makes you more likely to choke on food,” she said half-jokingly.

In addition to the valuable knowledge gained from the workshop, each attendee walked away with hand-outs which included flavor-enhancing home remedies.

“There was a great turn-out and the workshop was very interactive.

Overall I think it was a big success,” declared Dawnalda Brennan, SEC coordinator.

For more information or to get copies of the hand-outs, visit the SEC office in the Student Centre, Room 150.

The UTM Sexual Education & Peer Counseling Centre hosted an Oral Sex Workshop on February 10 which was open to both men and women. Facilitated by Carlyle Jansen, the owner and founder of the Toronto sex toy store, Good for Her, the event saw an attendance of more than forty students crowded into a small room in the Student Centre.

Opening with a discussion on communication and how important it can be when it comes to intimacy, Jansen pointed out that the key to good oral sex is communicating desire.

“Oral sex doesn’t have to be foreplay. When partners have that mentality, they go into it thinking that it will eventually lead to interco u r s e an d that can be a big turn off,” Jansen said.

The main focus of the discussion was various techniques, positions, and debunking myths such as the sensationalized “sixtynine” position. This can be, Jansen insisted, “just like communism; it’s fair, it’s equal, and it usually doesn’t work.”

Some of the techniques that Jansen revealed included Photo source/Sulmaz Ghoraishi “The Dolphin,” “The F i g u r e E i g h t , ” a n d The SEC sponsored Oral Sex Workshop was fun for all who attended, as demonstrat “ T h e T o o t h b r u s h . ” ed by UTM student Ana Romero (left) and group facilitator Carlyle Jansen (right).

NEWS

Many students unhappy with fee hikes Continued from front page

“These increases in the price of residence and meal plans will deter students from returning to residence next year,” said Madhavji. He noted that international students in particular are more dependent on living in residence, and thus will be forced to accept the higher cost of living. “This will simply increase the student debt and will add to the already exceptionally high international tuition fees,” he added.

“At OPH [Oscar Peterson Hall] students are paying more than $600 per month. I think that is definitely overpriced,” said Gabriella Guo, a second year don at OPH. The rental charge to live in OPH is in fact $675 per month for eight months, and on top of the rental charge, residence students pay $340 for a UTM residence admin fee and $20 toward residence council.

Guo added that she was also disappointed with the way residence students have no choice but to accept the cost of living set by the University. “If you are allocated in OPH there is absolutely no way to cook. You are not even allowed to have a personal stove, so you have to completely rely on the cafeteria.”

Furthermore, during open house tours, UTM gives prospective students the impression that food quality and variety is better than it really is. “The way that it works is very tricky. When they are having a residence tour they put the emphasis on the cafeteria, showing that they

have a variety of food. Of course when you [first] go there and see the different sections you would think that, but later on, you tend to realize that, yes we have different [food] sections, but the food in those sections never really change.”

Sunita Haridas, a first year CCIT student living in OPH said she will have higher expectations of the food quality and variety if the University plans to charge more for food services. “If they are going to increase the prices, then they should show us some change. If they are going to charge us more, then they should provide us with more,” said Haridas adding that she wouldn’t mind paying more if there was more variety and extended service hours.

Madhavji also noted that students need to get involved in order to initiate change in residence and food services. “Students need to start campaigns and send letters of disappointment,” urged Madhaji. “We need to push for the change we want to see around our campus.

We can do this by keeping the pressure on the University to provide better services for students,” he concluded.

To post a comment on thi s s to ry , v is it o u r website and blog at www.mediumonline.ca

York Federation of Students wins tuition refund campaign YFS however, is still looking to do more for 50,000 undergraduates Since the labour dispute at York University ended nearly a week ago, the York Federation of Students (YFS) has collected over 20,000 petitions calling upon the York University Administration to provide a 12% minimum tuition fee refund for all undergraduate stu dents. The YFS asked that this refund be provided to students in the form of a cheque or financial credit that could be applied in future semesters. Today, York University announced that all students would be able to drop a fall course or a full year course and transfer their tuition fees into the upcoming their tuition fees into the upcoming winter semester, sum mer semester, or Fall/Winter 2009/2010.

"We are extremely pleased with the University's decisions to allow students to transfer their tuition fees in the form of financial credit for the upcoming semesters," states Krisna Saravanamuttu, YFS Vice President Equity. "Due to a labour dispute that was the longest on record for any Canadian university, York students did not receive the education that they paid for. The University's decision to heed the YFS call for a refund will be well received by the undergraduate students at York University."

The YFS welcomes the Administration's decision but plans on immediately scheduling a meeting with the York administration to discuss implementing a tuition fee refund for graduating students.

"We are pleased by the University's decision to provide a financial credit, but there is more work to be done for those students graduating this year," says Saravanamuttu. "We look forward to working with the administration to attain a tuition refund for those stu dents who have endured the strike for the last three months and are ready to graduate this year."

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4 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 5

OPINION

ALI KASIM EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@mediumonline.ca

EDITORIAL I am left wondering what the point of the past seven days was, the so-called “reading” week. Some students take this opportunity to leave town, others stay at home watch TV and play video games; how many students actually take this time to read or study? It may be true that everyone needs a break, but coming only one month after the Christmas holidays, one has to ask if it really is necessary. After all, couldn’t that time be better invested in the classroom, talking to the professor or teaching assistant? Does the University actually expect that students will – on their own time and of their own initiative – spend six or seven days reading their books?

One might argue that this time off gives students a chance to “catch up” if they have fallen behind since the beginning of the year, but does this not encourage irresponsibility? Students may deliberately neglect their studies for the first few classes, anticipating that reading week will give them a chance to cram before midterms. In a job, one cannot simply take a week off whenever things get stressful.

Out of town students might take the opportunity to visit family during reading week, and others may use the time to earn extra money at the workplace. These are admirable goals, but students are generally expected to learn how to balance these responsibilities in addition to their studies. Is giving them a week off accomplishing this goal?

In short, what is the point of reading week? This question is especially relevant considering that the UTM Student Union and Erindale College Council recently added a new “study week” in the fall semester. Presumably, this time off will also be used for students to read their books – indeed this was the very rationale offered by UTMSU when proposing the new break – but will it really be used for that?

Maybe I shouldn’t complain. I went away last week to New York, to spend my birthday in the greatest city in the world – clearly I am guilty of “misusing” my reading week. But maybe that isn’t the point. Deep down inside, everyone probably appreciates a few days off during the cold, windy, snow-filled and fluinfectious month of February – students, professors and administrators alike.

Sure, I also enjoy the guilty pleasure of slacking off when I should be doing work, but the idealist in me wishes that I was never given the chance to do so in the first place. Why must UTM throw this temptation in my face? I can’t help but feel that my conscience would rest a little easier by just continuing to go to class uninterrupted. After all, we students pay lots of money to get our education – closing the doors to the school for a week is basically depriving us of value.

It may be enough to simply say that reading week – and now study week too – are here to stay. We likely won’t be seeing any “Repeal Reading Week” campaigns starting up anytime soon, because everyone loves it too much. Ideals be damned, somebody pour me another margarita.

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.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I have a little bit of a problem with reading week. To be honest, the idea of giving the entire student body a week off to "read" is excellent. Whoever came up with it should get a medal.

No, seriously. Especially considering that it falls nicely in the middle of "hell week". Midterms, assignments, presentations, etc. What better way to alleviate the stress than to take a week off and… read?

Therein lies the problem. Seriously, who actually does anything remotely related to reading during this most wonderful of weeks? Having just finished a boatload of assignments and presentations, I'm given five days (seven if you count the weekends) off, and I'm expected to do even more work. It's a bit of a tease, if you ask me. I feel kind of like an oversized rabbit with a carrot dangling two feet in front of my face – and I've been placed on a treadmill. So basically, I'm getting nowhere with this "reading" that they speak of.

It’s all about prioritization, I suppose. But even then, I must be terrible at that too. My reading week usually starts with a couple of big decisions.

You know, things like which parties to attend, which clubs to visit downtown, and of course, domestic beers or imports? It doesn't help, either, that as a full time student, and part time employee, the current economic crisis affords me precisely one shift a week.

And I don't get paid until next week.

It’s amazing how hard it is to stretch a dollar over an entire week.

But I digress, it’s not all about the partying. There is also the perfect chance to get a little bit of exercise in as well. And what better way to do that then barrelling down a snow covered hill with my feet strapped to a snowboard. Honestly, how could I be expected to do any reading with such perfect boarding weather? Instead of

sharpening my pencil, I only want to sharpen my edges, and carve into some powder.

Reading week is a cruel joke. I, and probably each and every student, told myself on the first day of the break that I would get through so many chapters, and finish this many assignments. The reality of it is that without the kick in the pants of having to wake up early for class, or the constant reminder of what's due, and how many pages to write, nothing actually gets done.

Reading week is like a fantasy that doesn't quite make it to reality. We all know that we should be doing schoolwork, but we can't neglect our social lives either. And as the days pass by, one drunken pub crawl at a time, the fantasy comes crashing down with the realization that I have a midterm on Monday that I've yet to prepare for.

School resumes like nothing ever happened. Those pages that we were supposed to read for class on Tuesday remain unread. That assignment that's due on Wednesday gets nudged back up to the top of the to-do list. The group meeting for the presentation on Thursday never happened. And Friday might just as well be a write-off.

So here I sit, sore from multiple wipe-outs on my snowboard (hey, I only picked up the sport this year), working through a hangover from an amazing party last night, and squinting at the computer screen and trying to stay awake as I study for an examination that will surely leave me in the dust.

So why do they even call it reading week when they know that we're probably going to do everything but reading? I reiterate my previous statement.

Reading week is a cruel joke.

Sincerely, Mark Shannon VCC Specialist

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 opini ons 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.

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 PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Matthew Filipowich photos@mediumonline.ca COMPOSITE EDITOR Matthew Filipowich WEBMASTER Verisha Khanam DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ali Kasim BUSINESS MANAGER Romano Bergic ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Fiona Buchanan ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR Ayman Saab ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR Karen Akhtar ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Lara Matiisen BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine Capewell, Isa Cunanan, Raji Aujla, Laura Gaspini, Umeimah Bastaki, Bhagyashri Bhandakkar, Julie Tyios MEDIUM II PUBLICATIONS 3359 Mississauga Road, Room 200, Student Centre, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6 Phone: 905.828.5260 Fax: 905.828.5402 Advertising: 905.828.5379 www.mediumonline.ca

6 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009

Shopaholic maxes out NIVES HAJDIN

What do you do when the Visa bills just keep piling? You hide them under your bed and treat yourself to a Gucci handbag. It’s a traumatic experience that deserves a bit of a pick-me-up, doesn’t it?

Rebecca Bloomwood would have you believe it does. As the proud owner of 12 credit cards, she compulsively swipes them at every opportunity she gets, while crossing her fingers that they won’t get declined in the process. This habit gives Rebecca (Isla Fisher) a feeling of such unparalleled exhilaration that she feels compelled to do it all over again. All of her worldly troubles melt away as she splurges on designer threads, but the shopping high wears off soon after, and so continues the vicious cycle.

Despite her retail therapy, Rebecca’s addiction results in a hefty debt of over $16,000, one that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. From fighting off a woman for a pair of boots, to attending Shopaholics Anonymous, to

pawning off a bridesmaid dress for her best friend’s wedding, Rebecca is in a complete crisis. However, when she applies for a position at a financial magazine in hopes of working her way up at a prestigious fashion publication, editor Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), unaware of her lack of financial expertise, sees potential in the spunky fashionista.

Okay, so copying her first article from a book might not have been the greatest way to start her new career, but she soon becomes known as “the girl in the green scarf,” ironically giving passable financial guidance to the magazine’s readers, by comparing investments to buying shoes.

The movie is based on Sophie Kinsella’s best-selling novel Shopaholic that depicts a woman’s comical attempts at balancing work, love, and her “magic cards,” while having to make several difficult decisions in order to control her spending tendencies.

Playing off of her wild character in Wedding Crashers, the Australian-born Fisher further displays her comedic prowess in Confessions of a Shopaholic,

casting no doubt that this role was perfect for her. However, her co-stars are not nearly as inspiring, and she easily outshines them with her own performance. Fortunately, the script rarely calls for a scene without Fisher, and this prevents the plot from going bankrupt.

Without a doubt, Hugh Dancy looks the part and has an understated charisma as the boss trying to make his own way up in the industry. However, his character is far too tolerant of Rebecca’s dainty screw-ups, and Dancy’s performance falls a bit flat, unable to create a lasting impact. John Lithgow’s minor role as a corporate director is quite disappointing, failing to showcase any of his expected wit. Joan Cusack and John Goodman do a fair job as Rebecca’s overly-frugal parents, but somehow look awkward embracing Fisher, and not really finding a necessary role in the plot until nearly the end of the film.

The film’s comedic elements set the pace while the more serious situations are a nice segue back into the otherwise predictable plot. While Shopaholic won’t be up for any nominations in the

future, Fisher’s bubbly personality and slapstick humour make the film a quirky tale of addiction at its most comical. Her portrayal is no more ridiculous than real-world situations in which people suffer from excessive shopping, but can’t help but wanting to look and feel good at the expense of their potential

retirement savings.

Shopaholic delves into a world of quaint fantasy, where mannequins in Yves St. Laurent garments call to you from store windows, hoping that you’ll at least try on that elusive dress you’ve been lusting after for weeks. After all, girls just wanna have fun.

photo/outnow.ch

What do you choose when you’re a girl who has it all?

Dominican Republican Orange Transport. Photo by Margarita_Volkova

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

WAKING EYES ARE WIDE EYED

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Rock awakening AYMAN SAAB ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR

The province of Manitoba is perhaps most commonly associated with The Red River Rebellion, The Guess Who, and Teemu Selanne’s rookie season with the Jets, but The Waking Eyes are trying to change that.

The Waking Eyes are some of Winnipeg’s hardest rocking sons.

Formed in 2001, the band began writing and recording original material and eventually released their first album, Combing the Clouds, in the same year. In 2004, they released Video Sound and followed it with a rigorous tour schedule.

And now, after a four-year wait, they have finally released a new album of original material.

A lot has changed since 2001, and their new album Holding on to Whatever it is is testament to that fact. The album fuses garage rock, synthesizer melodies, and tightly packed vocal harmonies which creates an atmospheric rock n’ roll album that becomes instantly memorable. “We made a lot of mature decisions,” explains Matt Peters, the band’s vocalist and guitar-player. “It feels like we took the next step in our musical career.”

The maturity is audible on Holding on to Whatever it is, and the album is most certainly a new benchmark of the band’s skills as musicians and artists.

“We knew that we really wanted to do something different from the last record, and we came into the record wanting to take the best songs we could and forget discretion. If we had a bizarre idea, we went with it.” It is this process of free-spirited creativity that can be heard on tracks like “All Empires Fall,” the album’s most up-tempo song, and “Boyz and Girlz,” an orgy of synth-sounds that makes that Casio keyboard your parents got you for your eighth birthday sound like a toy. The diversity of sounds is nice, but a bit scattered in terms of some kind of singular definable “sound” – but hey, who wants predictability? Tracks like “Digital Glue” and the album’s namesake are powerful examples of the band’s maturity and their ability to meld thoughtful lyrics and complex arrangements.

This free-spirit extends to the band’s live performances as well.

Their show at the Horseshoe Tavern on February 6 was a raucous occasion that had the crowd moving, singing, and inevitably spilling their drinks on themselves in the process.

On tour with The Arkells, The Waking Eyes played material from their new album which featured a bevy of instruments that were visible on stage. The band’s musicianship was impressive, and showcased a rotation of instruments, including a trumpet and squealing harmonica that almost deafened the crowd.

Despite some minor P.A. system glitches in the first couple of songs of their set, the show went on to prove that they are indeed just as good live as they are on their most recent album.

The album and tour are not the band’s only ventures – it’s a busy time for The Waking Eyes these days. Not only are they constantly writing, recording, and touring, but they all have various side projects that keep them busy in their spare

time. The alternative ventures range from Peters’ side project Royal Canoe to a night of covering Weezer’s Blue Album in its entirety. “This is our life. If you’re not continually working on music and writing then you can loose your sanity at times. The side projects are just another outlet to stay creative and active,” says Peters.

Despite hailing from Winnipeg, a Canadian city not exactly known for its rock n’ roll lifestyle, the band doesn’t feel the pressure of moving to a bustling city centre like Toronto or Montreal like so many other musical acts. They are quite content to still be living and working out west. However, the band is not unaware of the benefits major cities present for up-and-coming bands. “We tried to keep everything on our record done ‘in house’ but you’ve got to go where the people are.”

The Waking Eyes are not simply interested in having the next number

one album in the country, but in continuing to make music and playing it for as many people as possible in Canada and abroad.

“This band has been around for a long time, and there have been a lot of different transformations, and we try to move forward without losing sight of who we are,” explains Peters. It’s this authenticity that blends with their music making them both refreshing and entertaining to listen to.

The Waking Eyes are continuing their tour with The Arkells until March 1, and then will head back to Toronto for Canadian Music Week. Do yourself a favour: buy a ticket to their show and dispel the photo/cbcradio3.ca notion that everything T h e W a k i n g E y e s a r e c u r r e n t l y o n a c r o s s

c o u n t r y t o u r w i t h T h e A r k e lls. from Winnipeg is frigid.

8 THE MEDIUM

MONDAY,FEBRUARY

23, 2009

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Global Drama Cloudscape LUCAS DI MASCIO

If you think the name Cloudscape sounds dreamy, wait until you hear their music. Global Drama is the latest release by the quintet, and oddly enough has very little to do with drama of any kind.

The songs range from heavy head-banging tunes to more progressive, melodic tracks. The vocals are both rugged and harmonic with several tracks switching between a gruff growl and clean diction, which in turn make the songs less repetitive and more diverse as they progress. The guitars chug along in an almost crushing matter, which also adds to the dramatic atmosphere of each song.

While most bands tend to overuse the keyboards or synth effects when recording – and also mix the keyboard tracks louder than the guitar – Cloudscape avoids this, using the keyboard sparingly and mixing it well when they do.

Like the other albums the band has released, the guitar riffs are both heavy and groovy. The solos

OSCAR WINNERS

are not as over the top as Dragonforce or as technical as Dream Theater, instead they are both simple and old school sounding power metal solos. Cloudscape doesn’t try to impress you with guitar mastery or over the top vocal performances; they impress you with their ability to create songs that are easy to get into and fun to listen to.

There are 12 tracks on the album, the longest of them just over nine minutes.

The album opens up with “Mind Diary,” which greets you with a soothing piano piece which quickly turns into a tune created for mosh pits. The two singles follow after: “Darkest Legacy,” a dark atmospheric song with a catchy chorus and “Cloak & Daggers,” which bares a rather Mediterranean sound to it. “Ritual of the Blade” is another great song that defines the album with its catchy chorus and great riffs.

The album is by far the band’s best release and continues their trademark style of dreamy and hazy keyboard passages with heavy, lowtuned guitars. While there are a few tracks that aren’t very memorable, and at points the album tends to feel as if it is dragging on, overall Global Drama is a great power metal album that should appeal to fans of Pagan’s Mind and other mainstream power metal bands.

by Ali Kasim

Th e 81 st Ann u al Aca demy A war ds hav e c o me a n d g o n e, s o l e t ’ s take a look at who went ho m e with th e g o ld e n statues and see how our resident “Oscar buff” did in his predictions.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director: Danny Boyle Slumdog Millionaire

Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black Milk

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire And Ali goes 4 for 8.

(His all time worst)

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger The Dark Knight Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz Vicky Cristina Barcelona Best Actor: Sean Penn Milk Best Actress: Kate Winslet The Reader

photo/sfgate.com

Vacuuming the carpet in preparation for the feet of the stars.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

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10 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2009

Students raise awareness on Aboriginal issues KAREN AKHTAR Imagine your forefathers displaced from their land. Imagine you’re told that your culture is worthless, and that many consider you and your kind a “drunk” and a “welfare cheat.” This is the reality for many Aboriginals across Canada, as UTM students Joanna Wardawa, Britanni Balanowski, and Laura Sheridan have discovered through their research.

On February 13, Joanna, Brittani, and Laura started walking around the UTM campus, distributing brochures about the “Mississaugas of the New Credit,” a group of Aboriginals who have an unresolved land claim on what has been UTM since 1805.

They also set up a Bristol board presentation, which featured illustrations from R. Gary Miller, an Aboriginal artist who expressed the plight of Aboriginals through his work.

The Mississaugas of the New Credit, who were originally known as the River Credit Mississaugas,

were forced from the area surrounding the Credit River by the Canadian government in 1847 and into the First Nations of the New Credit Mississaugas Reserve in Hagersville, Ontario. It was after this relocation that the Mississaugas renamed themselves.

The Mississaugas dispute the Toronto Purchases Land Claim, which includes 250,880 acres of land currently known as the City of Toronto and Mississauga, and launched a claim against the government due to their displacement in 1787 and 1805. It was not until July 2002 that the federal government finally acknowledged its legal obligation to the Mississaugas.

Negotiations over the land claim began in 2003.

The Mississaugas are frustrated with what they perceive is Canada’s unwillingness to compromise. They claim Canada has also been unresponsive to the Mississaugas’ perspective regarding the proper market value of the land claim, and that it removed its chief federal negotiator.

One of the many issues affecting

the Mississaugas of the New Credit is the poor condition of their reserve.

When Joanna, Laura, and Britanni visited the First Nations of the New Credit Mississaugas Reserve in Hagersville, they noticed it resembled a trailer park. Other problems, according to a band member and research officer, are the reserve’s isolation, lack of proper infrastructure and community programs, and the inability of reserve leaders to provide basic necessities to their own community members, which all relates to a lack of proper government funding.

The list doesn’t stop there. A lack of proper housing, high unemployment rates, low education rates, and suicide epidemics are all issues plaguing the community Joanna notes that reserves comprise of some of Canada’s poorest areas and that this extreme poverty also leads to problems such as violence and substance abuse. To prove just how dire living conditions on reserves are for Aboriginals, Joanna quotes a 2003 statistic from Statistics Canada: “the life expectancy for males is 8.1 years

shorter and 5.5 years shorter for females in comparison to the rest of Canada.”

Many people may wonder why Aboriginals choose to stay on the reserves. Joanna responds to this question by pointing to the fact that reserves were put in place to allow Aboriginals to practice their traditions and culture. The Canadian government however, has not responded effectively to these needs. For example, Aboriginal culture emphasizes hunting and fishing, but many reserves do not have lakes to fish in, or even enough land to sustain agriculture. Nor do they own the land, which leaves them unable to sell it.

This means that many Aboriginals have no choice but to stay on the reserves. (On top of this, reserves are set aside for Status Indians only, or Aboriginals who are registered under the Indian Act.) Motivation for Joanna, Brittani, and Laura came after they watched a documentary titled “Stolen Sisters”

by Amnesty International which deals with the story of 500 Aboriginal women across Canada

who have gone missing. Many claim local police forces, as well as various levels of government, neglect these incidents, with the media also failing to report substantially on the issue.

In addition, the students discuss the purpose of the women and gender studies program and its importance in motivating them to set up the event. They emphasize that the program can help teach valuable skills such as making the connection between theory and practice, critical thinking, exploring different perspectives and ideas, and analyzing marginalized but current political issues that may not be covered by mainstream political science.

Want to write for Features? We want to hear from you. Contact Alain at features@ mediumonline.ca

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 11

SEX TOYS AND STORY TIME

FEATURES

Creative Corner

In Between WILLI CHOU

Beth is the tiniest girl among her group of friends. Her usual attire consists of her pink-framed glasses, an earth-tone hoodie, a snug pair of blue bell-bottom jeans, and white New Balance sneakers that sport the logo in baby blue.

Beth’s hair is about an inch or so above her shoulders, but she never lets it down. You can usually see her around campus with her hair tied up and pulled back in a tiny ponytail.

Then on some odd day in October, you’ll probably see her wearing her ponytail fittingly with a lab coat and you’ll speculate correctly that she loves being a scientist.

Beth plays an on-line RPG game and likes to dress up as Japanese anime characters for Halloween. She is not a Christian, but periodically goes to a local Catholic church every Sunday just so she can hear “the other side of the story.” Beth is fervent about CSI and is an avid reader of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs novels.

Beth is also going to McGill for medical school in September.

When she called me that chilly February morning to reveal the news, we were both ecstatic.

Background noise on the phone hinted to me that she was probably lounging on the top floor of the library, a spacious group-study area with big windows that embrace the sun. You could hear chitchatting from the usual congregations of bored students who habitually find safe harbour on the top floor; middle-aged library staff didn’t like walking up three floors to yell at some students who wouldn’t listen to anybody unless the conversation concerned their grades. Beth’s joy overpowered the noise effortlessly.

“OH MY GOD Emily! I’m going to medical school!” She exclaimed.

I was happy for her. I really was.

And I tried to show that through my words. I came up with “Holy mother of…Beth, congratulations!”

You had to give it to Beth. Some say the chances of getting into medical school this day and age are comparable to that of winning the Super 7. But for Beth, luck had nothing to do with it. She managed, through four years of undergraduate studies in life sciences, to maintain a 3.90 CGPA with full course-loads every single semester. On top of that, in her third and fourth years, she juggled a research project, a part-time job, two health-care related volunteer positions and a boyfriend, and still found time to play computer games and prepare for the MCAT. If that’s not amazing and worthy of one of the most sought-after professions in North America, I don’t know what is. You had to be happy for someone like Beth, you just had to.

I know what you’re thinking: I sound a little bitter. But wait a minute; I didn’t say genuine happiness was all that I felt.

The truth is, if you are in any way like me, you would have experienced this mixture of emotions that also encompassed a sliver of bitterness, a pinch of jealousy, a few micrograms of self-doubt, and maybe just a few annoying molecules of regret.

Why? Because you, too, consider yourself a competitive science student. You too, are pushed towards medical school. You too, dream of achieving that goal to satisfy cultural or parental expectations. And you too, desperately want to be respected as the smart kid.

So you see, when you hear that a friend of yours got into medical school, it kind of makes you a little depressed.

Don’t tell me that’s not how you feel; I know it is. *** So I made a lunch date with Beth in the school cafeteria the next day.

At three-minutes-to-twelve, my molecular biology professor was still ranting about how mad he was about our mid-term grades, and like the diligent student that I was, I stealthily slipped out the back exit of the stuffy lecture hall.

I had just begun to peel the saran wrap off my homemade sandwich when I saw Beth making her way towards our usual table. She practically pranced.

“So, Doctor Elizabeth Pan, what’s next?” I said, adding just the right amount of enthusiasm.

“What do you mean what’s next?

We celebrate this weekend at my house!”

I paused for a moment and tried to imagine how much fun I didn’t have the last time we played Cranium at Beth’s residence dorm.

“I got so excited this morning in my tutorial and told all my students.

I am so happy right now Em, you have no idea.”

She was probably right about that, having managed to not get into medical school, I couldn’t really relate 100%. Oh and did I mention Beth’s also one of the few undergrads who was chosen to be a TA for the firstyear physics course?

It was rare for anybody to see Beth so happy, and I wanted to join the celebration. But as it turned out, I was still having a hard time dealing with how mediocre I seemed in comparison. So I pretended to listen to Beth and zoned out. Call me a selfish phony and I’ll agree with you; sometimes you have to be honest with your true emotions, and sometimes you have to do that without spoiling the party.

A couple feet away, a cafeteria lady was busy wiping off a huge mess left on one of the tables. A group of spoiled college parasites had apparently decided that it was too un-cool for them to pick up after themselves and walk ten feet to a garbage can on their way out. They sicken me.

I looked for company in bitterness, and hoped to find it quickly in the cafeteria lady. Time had definitely left his footsteps on her face; she was at least 50 years old. To my surprise, she appeared completely complacent; not a trace of discontent on her face. Secretly I wished she would finally get ticked off by her task and explode on the spot just so I could transfer away my sulking mood. She didn’t, and my mind began to contemplate in a disdainful voice.

You must have had greater aspirations when you were young, right?

Who in their right mind would

devote her life to picking up after disrespectful, spoiled brats? Don’t you feel compelled to make comparisons in this situation? You have to deal with us, the supposed medschool-hopefuls. We complain about school work and tuition fees and how much we can make per year as a doctor. You, on the other hand, have to listen to us and deal with the fact that you are constantly bending your back, making just slightly above minimum wage for 12 hours a day servicing ingrates like us. Did you try your best when you were young? Were there any opportunities for you? Was it genetics or the environment? Was it nature or nurture?

I paused for a moment and tried to imagine how much fun I didn’t have the last time we played Cranium at Beth’s residence dorm.

Now’s the time when I tell you: feel free to chuckle and call me a SOB for being so arrogant. I know, who gave me the right to consider other people inferior? However, I also want to tell you: I’m fully aware of the fact that deep down, you know there’s some truth in my tirade.

Then Beth’s voice slapped me out of my horrendous condescension.

“You can make my party on Saturday right? Em?” She said.

I murmured in positive acknowledgment.

Sitting between Beth and the cafeteria lady, I realized suddenly that, I, like the piece of salami in my sandwich, was a ‘tweener. I probably wasn’t mediocre, but was nowhere near exceptional either. I had no identity. The world doesn’t even have a name for people like me. I am in that above-average-but-notquite-good-enough stratum of the population, stuck in a perpetual predicament where I am forced to be content. Success for us is hard to come by, yet the path to uselessness is so real. Our efforts always seem futile, yet we know if we stop trying, we will definitely become, like my parents would say, just one of the parasites.

Envy haunts us like Mozart’s music haunts Salieri; bitterness burdens us like the Earth burdens Atlas.

We define the word discontent.

I gobbled away at the last few bites of my bland sandwich, slurped down the remnants of the foodcolouring/sugar water mixture left in my juice carton, and stood up.

The cafeteria lady finished scrubbing a few more tables and went away pulling a cracked garbage bin.

Beth made me promise to come to her party, and left for her second physics tutorial.

Where was I going?

Well, I needed to go and do some last-minute cramming for a microbiology quiz, which I procrastinated for some ridiculous reason that I couldn’t even recall, as usual.

How goes that old adage again?

A place for everything and everything in its place.

On that cloudy February afternoon, I found my place, in-between.

I’ve been toying around with the idea of using sex toys during sex, but my boyfriend thinks they’re gross and he shoots down my suggestions when I bring them up. We’ve been together for three years and we’ve never been experimental with sex. We’re simple people but we’ve both agreed that we want to spice up our sex life. The problem is that the only thing he seems to want to do is have sex at our friend’s house and other public places. I’m really not interested in public sex but should I be compromising so that we can try what I want?

While I would tend to agree with you about the compromise thing, I don’t think it applies in this situation. This isn’t about compromise, it’s about comfort levels.

You can’t do something just because you think you should. It’s great that both of you agree that you want to spice up your sex life and it looks like you’ve both brought some suggestions to the table. Of course, it doesn’t help that they are drastically different suggestions, but there’s hope if both of you are willing to be open-minded. Making any kind of change when it comes to sex is complicated because you need to do it for the right reasons. You need to figure out what you’re both comfortable with and respect each other’s boundaries. In the interest of giving you some answers I’m going to assume that you’re both willing to explore each other’s interests. That being said, it’s up to you two to negotiate each other’s boundaries.

1) Let’s deal with your boyfriend first.

Public sex is actually a common fantasy.

It could be because the idea of getting caught is exhilarating but my hunch is that the real reason is that when sex is no longer exclusively a bedroom activity the opportunities to have sex increase (and who doesn’t want that to happen?).

Either way, there are obvious consequences to this particular spice, like getting caught. The exhilaration that comes with the idea of getting caught usually goes away when you actually get caught.

These are things you need to consider before you make your decision. Pick low-profile places because consequences

tend to increase the more public the location. And if the getting caught factor is a deal-breaker, you could always try playing an “outdoor noises” soundtrack in the bedroom.

2) If you’re thinking about introducing sex toys into your sex life you probably want to try easing your boyfriend into the idea (i.e. The Ultimate Orgasmator 2009 is probably not the sex toy for you). Start small. Try something that is relatively small and non-threatening. A lot of people feel intimidated when their partners want to use sex toys during sex because they interpret it as criticism of their performance. Also, there’s a lot of stigma attached to sex toys which is probably one of the reasons why your boyfriend thinks they’re gross.

What’s great about sex toys is that they let you do things that you normally wouldn’t be able to and they let you experience sensations that you normally wouldn’t be able to experience. That’s an important point to reinforce when you talk to your boyfriend about the sex toy thing again. Also, make sure that you let him know that the sex toys aren’t a replacement. What you could also try is using a sex toy that both of you can enjoy, like a vibrating penis ring. And as a side note, when you go shopping make sure you go a store that will be able to answer your questions. There are a lot of sex toys out there and you want to make sure that you’re getting one that’s right for you.

3) Lastly (and this is just because I’m in the Valentine’s Day spirit), while your suggestions are definitely popular ones you might want to try approaching this whole thing from a different angle. Start with something a little bit more traditional like erotic massages or specialty lubes.

These things tend to be non-threatening and a great first step to exploring what else is out there. And if you haven’t been to a sex toy store yet, it’s often less intimidating going if you’re there to look at lube or massage oils. Ultimately, this shouldn’t be such a frustrating process.

This is after all, the fun stuff. Have a conversation about what your limits are and then you can get started. I’m sure you’ll be experts in no time.

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Education That Makes a Difference

Niagara University, NY 14109-2011

12 THE MEDIUM MONDAY,FEBRUARY 23, 2009

FEATURES

UTM’S EXPANDING GAY CLUB

Taking you inside the OUT MARY DYTYNIAK

Ask UTM students if there’s a gay club on campus and they’re likely to say no, but they would be wrong.

It’s called OUT@UTM and has

roughly twenty-five active members who regularly attend meetings, events, and weekly pub lunches.

The increase in membership and participation at OUT has shot up drastically in the last year or so.

“We’ve been dead for the past cou-

ple of years [so] this year is a big year. When I started in first year, they threw me in an exec position just because we needed names and positions for the group to exist,” explains external liaison Annie Pham.

If you joined last year, chances are you now hold an executive position. G. Kumari enlisted in February of last year and now holds the position of social coordinator.

She joined so that she could be a part of the planning process for Queer Frosh – an orientation week designed to provide a safe welcome to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer) first-year students.

Aside from Queer Frosh, OUT organizes a number of activities that

Duck Pub. The Facebook event dares students to, “come as you are, come as you aren’t” and promises a “seductively delicious” grand prize to be awarded to the two-dollar raffle winner of the Make Your Own Buttons Day, also hosted by OUT, on Tuesday, February 24 at the Student Centre.

Aside from all the fun and games, issues such as homophobia on campus are prevalent, whether students are aware of it or not. Some OUT@UTM members have actually

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Let’s hope for such “Positive Spaces” on campus. take place during the fall and winter terms. Big Ol’ Gay Lunches (BOGL’s) are one such event. They take place at the Blind Duck Pub every Thursday and Friday from 121 p.m. and are designed as a casual drop-in for students to eat, chat and take a break from classes. Members even get a ten per cent discount on pub grub. The group can be easily spotted by a large rainbow flag that is draped over their table.

According to Kumari, the rainbow flag often acts as a deterrent for students not wishing to advertise their sexual orientation. Ali Hussain, one of OUT’s rare straight members admits as much.

“I wasn’t homophobic, but at the lunches last year we used to have the flag on the wall so it was a lot more visible. Now it’s just on the table. I used to feel awkward sitting there, and it took awhile to get used to that. Now I don’t care that much anymore.”

Annie Pham explains that as a gay group it is important for OUT to be a recognizable presence on campus that isn’t afraid to show its true colours.

As for students who aren’t ready to be out and proud, OUT holds an office space at the Student Centre in Room 241. Students can drop in for information, advice or to just chat with someone about coming out, relationships, or school.

Robert feels that he solidified his friendships within OUT by frequenting the office on his breaks in between classes. Now he feels a part of the community. “It’s not like these are just the people from OUT, these are my friends and I think a lot of people in the group have found that. Because there’s a smaller group, it has more of a sense of community. It’s not just that we hang out, we want to hang out.”

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting than hanging out at the office, OUT will be hosting its annual Drag Pub on Thursday, February 26 at the Blind

experienced active homophobia on campus. From dirty glances at OUT members during the BOGLs to “dyke” or “fag” muttered to gay students in hallways, UTM is guilty of passive homophobia. The Scarborough campus however, has experienced more drastic acts against their LGBTQ@UTSC club when one of their advertisement posters was burned last year.

None of the OUT members have reported any severe acts caused by homophobia. But when students like Kumari are spotted holding hands with others of the same gender, they often find that their subtle displays of affection aren’t welcome. “People don’t actively express their homophobic ideals, but it’s there because I’ll be holding my girlfriend’s hand and they would be like ‘Oh, what’s going on?’ So I definitely think it does exist,” says Kumari.

OUT holds Active Dialogues every few months that address homophobia, as well as other issues the group faces. Fred Basik, a firstyear student who joined at the beginning of the year, had a positive impression of the Active Dialogue on homophobia he attended back in October. “I would definitely recommend it. At the homophobic seminar, I brought one of my friends who is straight and [at first] she said it was awkward. But, she really enjoyed hearing the different perspectives. We’re very open to straight people.”

OUT@UTM’s mission statement stresses that the group is open to all students regardless of their sexual orientation, identification or issues.

Students who are straight, confused or “in the closet” are welcome to join and attend events and meetings at their own pace.

If that wasn’t enough information for you, look up OUT@UTM at the Student Centre in Room 241, check them out online via their Facebook group OUT@UTM, or drop by one of their BOGLs at the pub.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 13

Training in progress SAM LANE

“Big players make big time plays in big time games.” It’s a line that sports fan have come to appreciate on Sundays.

That last play of the game is etched in our memories, re-lived on highlight reels and debated over pints of beers by sports fans, but it comes to life only because of the training put in during the offseason. It’s all about the Last Play, the one that matters.

Chuck Winters and Jerome Davis, co-founders of Last Play Training, know exactly what the Last Play is all about. The not so little boys, who hail from Detroit, Michigan have come together to form Last Play Training, a training program that helps young athletes improve on their strength, endurance, and abilities.

“Last Play Training is the brain child of two athletes who want to pass along their knowledge to the next generation of athletes,” says Winters.

Winters, retired from the Toronto Argonauts in 2009 and Davis bring together over 25 years of football experience. Both Winters and Davis played football in high school and were reunited when both signed as free agents with the Argos. In between, Davis attended the University of Minnesota and went on to play in the NFL, the NFL Europe and Arena Football League. Winters went on to play for the Michigan Wolverines where he lettered for four years in both baseball and football.

“The game is an opportunity to better oneself, learn different life skills, and develop mental awareness,” says Winters. “We asked one of the kids, maybe 14 or 15 (at a camp), what do you want to do when you're done here? Where to do you want to go? None of those kids said they wanted to play pro-sports. They said mechanics, doctor, teacher – I'm thinking you're training here for football; let’s make that a goal, becoming a professional football player. Let’s open your options and use your natural talents to get to the next level,

athletes to become physically stronger in our intense workouts.

We want our athletes to compete well physically and mentally, making sure they don’t give up and fuelling them with the mental toughness to succeed. It’s a combination of the physical and mental – the dialogue we have with our athletes empowers them to be better.”

The central theme at LPT, is photo/lastplaytraining.com “No Days Off,” Trainer Jeremy Frattini (right), Chuck Winters (mid and after sizing dle), and Jerome Davis. up Davis and get a better lifestyle,” adds Winters.

Winters you wonder if they ever According to Winters, it’s the leave the gym. intense workouts that set LPT apart “Working hard in the offseason is from the rest. “LPT can empower important,” says Winters, “but the

package is discipline, self control and a resilient mindset. It’s the ability to adapt under challenging situations and having the mental toughness to outwork the competition in every way every day until the last play.”

LPT has plans to expand in Michigan and inform young athletes of the options that exist, like playing in the CFL. More importantly, LPT wants to make sure that the youth have strong life skills and a chance to give back to their community as young athletes and roles models.

“What Jerome and I went through is what I hope the youth can avoid, and instead focus their abilities on the right things,” explains Winters.

“The type of training you’re going to get at Last Play is going to shock you; going to shock your body and brain. It’s intense, you'll develop mental toughness and awareness it’s an introduction to working out for the last play,” says Winters.

To learn more about Last Play Training, check out lastplaytrainging.ca or join the Facebook group, Last Play Training.

Are you interested in Responsible Investing?

Would you like to provide Responsible Investing advice to the University?

Committee members will be appointed in April 2009 and they will serve until June 30th, 2010 with the option to be reappointed for one additional one-year term.

The areas of focus for the Responsible Investing committee will be proxy voting recommendations or policy, the use of environmental, social and governance factors in investment decision making, and reviewing the potential for the University to affiliate with or become a member of shareholder groups or coalitions.

Application forms will be available on February 23rd, 2009 on the Vice President, Business Affairs website: http://www.businessaffairs.utoronto.ca

Applications will be accepted starting on Monday, February 23rd, 2009 for two students, two alumni, two teaching staff and two non-teaching staff representatives to participate on the Responsible Investing committee. The Committee will report to the Vice-President, Business Affairs.

Qualifications: Student, Alumnus(a), Teaching Staff or NonTeaching Staff of the University of Toronto; Willing to make a significant time commitment to the work of the Committee; Available to attend meetings throughout the year; An interest in investing or an interest in the principles behind responsible investing.

or from: Vice President, Business Affairs Somcoe Hall, Room 112 University of Toronto M5S 1A1 416-978-0231 Nominations close at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 6th, 2009 Committee members serve as volunteers and receive no remuneration.

The membership of the Committee should reflect the diversity of the University.

Nominations are, therefore, encouraged from a wide variety of individuals.

14 THE MEDIUM MONDAY,FEBRUARY 23, 2009

SPORTS

MAJORS WIN ON PINK ICE

Majors win, for a good cause too The Mississauga St. Michael Majors emerge victorious against the Barrie Colts in the Majors’ annual Paint the Rink Pink

maintain position in the Ontario Hockey Leagues (OHL) Eastern conference.

“We had to really prove our selves and today’s game was a good starting point, and we treated this game like a playoff,” said Gaunce.

The game was a complete success on and off the ice for the Majors as part of the proceeds from the game would be going to breast cancer awareness. Attendance for the game saw an impressive 3,721 fans.

KYLE WHITNEY

You would think Valentine’s Day had come a day early when the Majors and the Colts hit the ice at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga.

For the second consecutive year, the Majors raised awareness for breast cancer painting the ice pink, sporting pink jerseys and having the referees trade their white stripes in for a set of bright pink blouses.

To kick off the game, hockey legend and host of Coaches Corner, Don Cherry joined Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion at centre ice for the ceremonial face-off.

The game started off at a slow pace but after both teams pushed the physicality back and forth – led

by Barrie Colts captain Stefan Della Rovere – the fierce rivalry between the sides began to tell.

The tempo really picked up when Ottawa Senators draft pick Kaspars Daugavins scored the game’s first goal on the power play with a slap shot from the outside of the face-

“It was pretty cool and it was for a great cause. The boys were pretty excited and the fans were really into it,” said Jared Gomes about the pink atmosphere.

With the event a success for the second straight year, this probably won’t be the last time we see the ice at the Hershey Centre painted a bright pink.

“It’s a great idea by the organization. Last year we earned about $50,000 for breast cancer and this year I think we will be able to get more,” said Gaunce.

photos/Matthew Filipowich

Majors’ goaltender Chris Carrozzi saving a shot from Colts’ Rovere. off circle to give the Majors the early one to nothing lead. But the celebration was short-lived when less than a minute after Colts forward Darren Archibald scored to tie the game.

With the game tied at one, both teams continued the physical play to maintain position in the conference against one another and closed the first period at 1-1. Five minutes into the second, Alex Hutchings sped by a trailing defender and scored a snap shot to give the Colts a two to one lead.

The Majors then continued the crossfire when Jared Gomes scored off a deflection to tie the game at

two apiece. And this was all the momentum the Majors needed as Gomes grabbed a rebound and scored the team’s third goal to take the lead shortly after.

After the Majors scored their fourth goal to put the team ahead by two, Majors’ assistant captain Cameron Gaunce dropped the gloves with a frustrated Daniel Michalsky – Gaunce winning the bout.

“We are playing them again before the season is done so I wanted to send a message,” said Cameron Gaunce about fight at the end of the game.

The two teams are fighting to

Charismatic Don Cherry waving to the crowd during the opening ceremonies.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS photo: Melissa Heide

2008 Recipients

Nominations are now open for the 2009 U of T Mississauga Excellence Awards. Student-led nominations are encouraged.

Nomination deadline: May 22.

Research Excellence Award (faculty) Staff Service Award (staff) Teaching Excellence Award (course instructors & TAs) Nomination details are available online:

www.utm.utoronto.ca/excellence.0.html

MONDAY, FEBRUARY

23, 2009 THE MEDIUM 15

UTM SOCCER HOPE TO CONTINUE SUCCESS

SPORTS

Another goal for UTM intramural soccer teams UTM Tri Campus soccer teams are striving to keep the magic alive on their run for another championship ANDREW TYSIAK

Although UTM is not usually known for their athletic success, over the last couple years the men’s and women’s intramural soccer teams seem to prove otherwise. Both of these teams are off to great starts in the Tri-Campus leagues this term. The women meanwhile are looking to defend their championship title.

Recently, both our men’s and women’s teams did quite well against OCAA Varsity opponents in the 16th annual George Brown Varsity Soccer Tournament on Saturday February 7.

The Men’s team delivered one of the most lopsided victories in the tournament – a 9-1 win against St. Lawrence Cornwall. Despite their 3-1 record heading into the tournament semi-finals, they were not able to capitalize on the opportunity and would end up losing 4-1 to Redeemer, a result that would eliminate them from the tournament.

On the other hand, the women’s team success comes as an even bigger surprise because of the challenges confronting them. The Women’s coach Damian Yearwood was fully aware of the obstacles and disadvantages his team had to overcome this year if they held any ambitions of defending their title.

“It’s a much different team from the team I coached last year. Most of our experienced players have graduated and about half the team is made up of first

years. A variety of girls will take on the responsibility as needed, so things are a bit more organic this year,” said Yearwood. “As Tri-Campus indoor champions from last year and Division One outdoor champions last semester, all the other teams will be gunning for us; something I am constantly reminding the team,” added the coach.

Much of the women’s team is inexperienced, and they also lack a captain.

There is also added pressure on them to defend their title; the coach expects nothing less from this year’s team. He understands that this team cannot simply defend their title through raw talent alone. They will need to earn each victory with scrappy play, hard work and a constant effort both defensively and offensively.

Yearwood has done an impressive job with this crop of players, using hard work, extra preparation and persistent motivation to maximize his team’s potential. “We’ve been practicing about twice a week (most teams practice once) in order to prepare ourselves for the challenges we’ll be facing this year. I tend to work my players hard in practice; at times our sessions resemble a boot camp more than a soccer practice.”

But in order to be a player on his team, he cites “dedication” as the one of the main qualities he expects from each and every one of his players. He needs his players to collaboratively dedicate themselves to the goal of winning and maintaining this mindset throughout the

MAN UTD GO SEVEN POINTS CLEAR England (BBC) – Manchester United moved well clear at the top of the English Premier League after a hard fought 2 1 win over Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, Liverpool's title hopes were dealt a severe blow as they were held to a 1 1 draw by Manchester City at Anfield.

WARRIORS' COACH DON NELSON GETS 1300TH WIN OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Don Nelson herded his assistant coaches out of their offices and onto the court, posing everybody for a postgame photograph to commemorate his 1,300th career victory.

The Golden State Warriors got their coach to that mile stone Saturday night in memorable fashion as well. Their 133 120 win over Oklahoma City was pure, vintage Nellieball.

SUNDIN CELEBRATES IN TORONTO DEFEAT TORONTO (TSN.ca) Mats Sundin scored the shootout winner as the Vancouver Canucks beat Toronto 3 2 on Saturday night, handing the Maple Leafs their second con secutive home shootout loss.

And finally, the Toronto Raptors gets rid of Jamario Moon and Will Solomon before the NBA trade deadline. The team however, is still not working out.

entire season.

“I base my teams around players who want to play, want to get better, and can work with the rest of the team. The number one attribute I look for in players is their work ethic. Are they going to give up on a ball because they’re tired?

Will they come back and defend even after they just sprinted 60 yards up field?” said Yearwood.

At the George Brown Varsity Soccer Tournament, the women’s team managed to make it to the finals only to lose a 2-1 heartbreaker against Seneca.

Although he would have liked his team to win the tournament, Yearwood remains confident in his team and considers the tournament to be a success, rating the teams play an eight out of ten.

With more than half of the tri-campus season left to play, he sees plenty of room for his team to improve before the end of the season and fully expects them to bring the trophy back to UTM for another year.

Research Opportunity Program

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Monday, March 2nd, 2009 12:00pm - 2:00pm Student Centre

Discover the possibilities

www.utm.utoronto.ca/rop

Research Opportunity Program

THE MEDIUM HAS A NEW WEBSITE

16 THE MEDIUM MONDAY,FEBRUARY 23, 2009