LET’S TALK SCIENCE Teaching hands-on environmental lessons to elementary school students page 7
Monday, September 21, 2009
Volume 36, Issue 3
Clubs crowd campus
Clubs on campus come together to showcase UTM’s diverse social life KATHERINE LUCZYNSKI During the week of September 14 to 18, UTM’s Student Centre buzzed with music and excitement as club booths filled the area. The annual Clubs Week, where social and academic organizations have the opportunity to show students what they are all about, was once again a success. Over 60 booths lined the passage way of the Student Centre, the main entrance and the Presentation Room. Talk and laughter filled the walls of the building as students learned about organizations of their interest. The booths set up for Clubs Week showcased UTM’s diverse student social life. Clubs partaking in the week’s events included those dealing with religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, sports and personal interests such as music. Other booths set up for the event focused on informing students about such issues such as how to stay protected during flu season. Volunteers not only informed students what they should do to stop the spread of viruses, but also offered a free dollop of hand sanitizer to passers-by. Although Clubs Week gives fresh-
Edward Cai/The Medium
Punjabi Club members pose during Clubs Week outside the Student Centre. men the perfect opportunity to learn more about the campus, it is geared towards the entire student body. New clubs recruit members and older clubs can gain new members. Students gain the chance to see what different clubs
have to offer and join the ones that appeal to their interests. “Exciting and interesting!” said Patrick Redegeld, a third year biology and psychology student. “It shows just how diverse our student body is. There’s something for
everyone of different cultures and interests.” Along with setting up informative Bristol boards, many booths also provided free pamphlets and buttons, allowing students to show their sup-
port for a particular club. OUT@UTM, a club geared toward the campus’ LGBTQ population, sold $2 fruit smoothies on Monday as part of the club’s Queer Orientation. Clubs such as the UTM Badminton Club, a new organization hoping to take off, “allows students to socialize and have fun without much stress on students,” according to its literature. Other clubs hold social gatherings where students can meet, mingle and eat. And Caribbean Connections, which gives its members “a taste of the Caribbean with events for cultural expression” will host an Afro Fusion event jointly with other clubs next month. Many other clubs at UTM work for a cause. Orphan Run works to sponsor underprivileged orphans. This year, their goal is to raise $10,000 while already having already reached 25,000 orphans in need. While many clubs strive to benefit students’ personal interests, the Biology Club at UTM has received much attention. “Students worry about their grades and we’re here to help,” says one of the club’s representatives. The club sells test packages aimed to help biology students do well in their courses.
Queer Orientation issue resolved
WalkSafe running again
STEFANIE MAROTTA
The WalkSafe program is open once again. If you are on campus at night and need someone to walk you to your car or residence you can call 905-607-SAFE (7233). WalkSafe's hours of operation are Monday through Wednesdays as well as Fridays from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. New leaflets are available in the campus police office in the South Building.
Out@UTM held their annual Queer Orientation from September 13 through to September 18. By inviting the LGBTQ community and allies to come out and participate, Out@UTM’s aimed to provide the queer community with the opportunity to interact in a positive environment. With the help of UTMSU, the Sexual Education Center, LGBTQ resources at St. George and Urban Source Creative Catering, Queer Orientation included various events such as the Meet, Greet and Eat at the Blind Duck Pub, Sexy Bingo and transportation downtown to the Homohop, Toronto’s all ages queer dance party. Out@UTM provides a safe atmosphere for students to socialize and enjoy the events. “It is important to meet other people with similar lifestyle choices and to have a friendly environment in which you can discover who you really are,” said student Lauren Hawn. Plans for the orientation week ran smoothly until Out@UTM realized at the last minute that they would not
receive the funding initially promised to them by VP Equity Vickita Bhatt, who said she would allocate $1,000 from the equity budget toward Queer Orientation. Out@UTM claimed it would need a larger budget due increased attendance. However, a budget cut of $500 for the event was approved during a UTMSU meeting. When Out@UTM representatives expressed that in their view UTMSU had not given their requests enough consideration, Bhatt revealed that she had been unable to attend the meeting, which resulted in a miscommunication regarding the importance of the funds. This would force Out@UTM members to come up with the resources themselves, to be reimbursed for the costs at a later date. On September 16, Bhatt held a Ministry of Equity meeting that included a proposal to allocate $500 to Out@UTM from equity funding. She claimed responsibility for under-budgeting and explained that both allies and members of the LGBTQ community considered Queer Orientation a positive and friendly environment. With the
increase in attendance, Out@UTM was in need of funding for necessities such as food and extra transportation to events. The proposal passed unanimously. Out@UTM representatives say they are grateful to UTMSU for the achievements it has helped make possible and are pleased with the efficient and considerate manner in which the conflict was resolved. The two organizations will
continue to work together to achieve mutual goals: equality and positive space for students. Bhatt stated, “Queer Orientation is a perfect place to meet new students with shared experience and a safe environment for allies to attend as well. It is also a perfect place for discussion and support.” This year, UTMSU will focus on human rights initiatives and educational campaigns, emphasizing students as the priority.
INSIDE Highlights of First Pub P AG E 2 Blackwood Defies Gravity P AG E 5 Share a bike P AG E 7 Out@UTM
Students gather at the Meet, Greet and Eat as part of Queer Orientation.
Aikido at UTM P AG E 1 0
2 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009
NEWS STARTING OFF THE NEW YEAR
First pub kicks off new school year SAALIHA MALIK NEWS EDITOR
Five hundred students swarmed the Blind Duck last Thursday evening for the annual First Pub, which was hosted by UTMSU VP Campus Life Andrew Lalla. With doors scheduled to open at 10 p.m., a crowd of stu-
dents hoping to get last minute tickets to the first pub night of the school year gathered out front. The pub night had sold out all 500 tickets on the third day of ticket sales, leaving many students disappointed that they wouldn’t be able to attend. The First Pub was full of surprises. It featured guest DJ Peter Cash from Toronto radio station Z103.5 and gave attendants an opportunity to have their photo taken by a professional photographer featuring a
Jason Hu/The Medium
Confetti falls from the Blind Duck during First Pub.
UTMSU backdrop. (All photos from the evening will be available at www.utmsu.ca.) Another surprising event took place at 12:30 a.m. when a group of 40 people spread out around the Blind Duck and simultaneously popped confetti to celebrate the first party of the year. Associate to VP Campus Life Ali Karim was delighted with the turnout of the event. “Andrew Lalla is someone who really knows what he is doing. The First Pub is only a taste of what is to come. Campus life will undoubtedly be amazing this year.” The next event at the Blind Duck is Get School’d on September 24 and will feature a live performance by special musical guest Danny Fernandes. A package deal promoting 150 tickets to First Pub and Get School’d together were sold last week for $15.00. Get School’d is sure to sell out to 500 guests and anyone who wants to attend this event is encouraged to buy tickets early in the week. Tickets for Get School’d can be purchased at the Info Booth in the Student Centre for $15.00 this week.
A new beginning UTM MSA hosts Eid dinner
Top: UTM MSA members and non members gather in the Student Centre to pray during the Eid dinner. Bottom: students enjoy a meal.
Campus police weekly summaries September 10, 2009 to September 17, 2009 UTM Campus Police have updated their safety handbook and Campus Police information pamphlet. Copies are available at the Campus Police Office. September 10, 2009 8:40 a.m. Mental Health Act Campus Police responded to a male that was disturbing females on campus. The male was trespassed from UTM Campus and escorted off the property. September 11, 2009 10:22 a.m. Soliciting on Campus Campus Police were contacted in regards to unauthorized soliciting on campus. Two females were investigated and later trespassed from the property for attempting to sell spa
packages to students. September 11, 2009 10:45 p.m. Controlled Drugs & Substances Act Campus Police were contacted in regards to a group of males possibly smoking marijuana in a parking lot. The group was investigated by Campus Police. No drugs were found. The group was trespassed from campus. September 12, 2009 01:36 a.m. Liquor Licence Infraction A student was issued with a provincial offences ticket by Campus Police for having open liquor outside a townhouse complex. September 13, 2009 01:22 a.m. Intoxicated student
Campus Police attended an apartment complex and assisted with a student that was intoxicated. The student was left in the care of his roommate. September 14, 2009 06:15 p.m. Personal Injury A student had inadvertently fallen inside her townhouse unit. The student was transported by Campus Police to local hospital to treat her injured ankle. September 14, 2009 06:35 p.m. Fraud under $ 5000.00 A student had displayed a fraudulent permit in his vehicle in a parking lot. Subsequently, the vehicle was towed off campus and the student was cautioned that he may be charged with a
criminal offence. September 15, 2009 06:30 p.m. Verbal Dispute Campus Police were contacted in regards to a male and female arguing outside a campus building. The pair were identified boyfriend and girlfriend and the incident was deemed a domestic situation resulting in Peel Regional Police also attending and investigating. September 16, 2009 11:47 a.m. Vehicle towed Mississauga Parking Enforcement requested a vehicle be towed off campus. The vehicle had several unpaid fines. Campus Police attended and the vehicle was towed from property.
September 16, 2009 11:53 a.m. Driving Offences A student was cautioned on his erratic driving on Outer Circle Road and was cautioned that he could have his campus parking privileges revoked. September 16, 2009 08:31 p.m. Harassment A student reported being harassed by another student. Campus Police interviewed both parties and the investigation is continuing. September 17, 2009 12:10 a.m. Liquor Licence Infraction A student attending an event at the Blind Duck Pub was charged by Campus Police for being intoxicated in a public place.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009 THE MEDIUM 3
SWITCHING GEARS NEWS
Biz Frosh sells out again After last year’s Biz Frosh scandal UCS take a step in the right direction SAALIHA MALIK NEWS EDITOR
UTM's Undergraduate Commerce Society held their annual BizFrosh orientation from September 11 to September 13. The three-day event, which is geared towards students entering the Commerce, Management, and Business programs at UTM, was held both on and off campus and saw 131 first-year students in attendance along with 27 leaders, 15 UCS execu-
tive members and five volunteers to help coordinate the event. Biz Frosh, sponsored by the Department of Management, introduced the Undergraduate Commerce Society executive members and also featured a Yuk Yuk’s comedy show on campus. Many team building games and activities such as human knot, balloon relay, sponge bucket and balloon tag were part of the itinerary . According to UCS President Maksym Tochinskiy, Biz Frosh offers students a fun and comfortable setting
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BizFroshies were divided into groups and competed against each other during team building activities.
to connect with fellow students. “The best part about Biz Frosh is the more intimate setting you get with your Frosh group and the group as a whole,� said Tochinskiy. “Spending three days together, doing team games, competing against other teams and even spending a night in the same cabin all allow for a very comfortable environment that fosters the building of strong relationships.� The rest of Biz Frosh was spent at Camp Wahanowin in Orillia for an overnight stay which featured more team building games and a cheer-off. Like in previous years, members of the Management Department Professor Jalland, Professor Gunz, and Heather Hines joined the UCS team. Asked about last year’s cheers mishap that left UCS under investigation for promoting chants of discriminatory and lewd nature during Biz Frosh, Tochinskiy said that UCS members worked diligently to change the climate of the cheers. One of the most notable cheer changes was the “Y-OU-N-G� cheer , which previously mocked underage sex. The cheer now goes: “Y is for your money, O is for oh so rich, U is for upscale life, N is for nine figures, G is for good life!� Nic Westrate, who is heavily
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Camp Wahanowin in Orillia was home to this year Biz Frosh. Here stu dents relaxed around a campfire. involved with training for the residence dons, provided equity training for all leaders who attended Biz Frosh. “For the first time this year, we held interviews and took an active role in picking our Biz Frosh leaders,� said Tochinskyi. “We have been vigilant in choosing the correct people to represent the Undergraduate Commerce Society as leaders at Biz Frosh serve as role models for the younger students,�. An anonymous tip to The Medium suggested that on the final night of Biz Frosh, an open bar was served to all
students in attendance including underage students. According to Tochinskiy, UCS was very vigilant in how they served alcohol for on Saturday night. Senior executives sold students of age wristbands similar to the ones used during pub nights “Official government ID [was required] for a person to be eligible,� said Tochinskyi. “I have full trust in both of my VPs that they only sold to persons of age. I am in full confidence of my senior execs and that they would never have intentionally served a minor.�
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4 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009
OPINION CAMPUS COMPLAINTS
Letters to the Editor Wireless woes Dear Editor, ALAIN LATOUR EDITOR IN CHIEF
EDITORIAL
It’s close to midnight as I type these lines. I should’ve finished my editorial a while ago, days ago actually. That’s what happened the previous two issues. But for my third issue a realization dawned on me, one whose roots stretch all the way to back a military unit outside Havana twelve years ago. I found myself in that unit one sweltering summer afternoon, surrounded by quivering recruits on the first day of our compulsory military service. I stayed in that military unit for two years, waking up at five in the morning and running more miles and doing more pushups than I cared to count, and I came out fitter and stronger and more disciplined, not because I chose to, but because I was forced to. I still workout, but never with as much intensity as when I had a screaming sergeant hovering by. I struggle to get up before seven and I eat more than I should. I do these things because I have a choice. I do them because no one forces me to do otherwise. If I come across as someone who supports a compulsory draft, then rest assured that I do not. I know of at least one soldier who committed suicide in that unit, and a friend of mine was sent to a military prison because a warehouse he was guarding got broken into. Both of them would probably be better off today had they not been forced into the army. I do believe, however, that very valuable experiences can be learned form doing things you never wanted to do. Many journalists wish they could write about whatever they wanted to write about. I know I did. I’d propose ideas to my editor-in-chief, and whenever he said no, I’d sigh and promise myself that one day I’d write whatever the hell I wanted to write about. Now that I have that freedom, I realize that doing what you want can be more difficult than being told what to do. Writing whatever you want takes practice and strength and determination as a well as a certain je ne sais quoi , a screw-you attitude: I don’t care if you’ll like what I write about. The problem is, I don’t have the practice and I care what people think about what I write. I want to wow people, entertain them with my wittiness and make them reflect about things and ponder life, and so I set a high standard for myself before I even begin writing, one that I’m almost guaranteed not to reach. That doesn’t just apply to me. I’ve asked around. Many agree, even here at UTM: it’s easier when you’re assigned a very specific topic or task or assignment. I’m not proposing that it’s better to be forced to do things. I’m proposing that sometimes things work out easier when you are, and that you can get more out of it when forced to do things you don’t like. I’m also proposing that to do whatever you want, you must have serious work ethic, solid experience and a bottle of aspirin. What do you think?
I am writing to you because I would like to complain about the lack of wireless internet connection on campus. What kind of university manages to go over two weeks without a functional wireless connection? It makes very little sense to me. We all know how much our tuition is – I won't get into that because that is a whole other issue – but where are our university service fees going to, if not to maintain vital university services? We haven't even received an e-mail or notification from the administration stating or acknowledging that there is a problem. I have spoken to many of my friends who have not been able to connect either, so I know I am not an isolated issue. I've tried connecting in the Student Centre with no luck. I have also tried in North Building, and it sort of works. In South Building, it only seems to work right outside the computing services office, but anywhere else, it’s a no-go. CCIT seems to work alright. Nevertheless, its extremely unreliable across campus. I told one of the computing services technicians that it had
been down for a week, and she replied with, “Yeah, I know.” Unacceptable in my book. As the school year begins to pick up pace, our wireless services on campus needs to be up to par. What happens if you want to study in the South Building, or get some work done in the Student Centre – are you out of luck? What about if your racing to hand in a paper to turnitin.com, and happen to be in the South Building – do you miss the deadline because of the feeble or nonexistent connection? Maybe it is a comment on our inability to go without being connected, but I find it extremely frustrating. I really hope they fix the wireless connection on campus soon so I can get some work done.
I am a fourth year student at UTM and have been using the shuttle bus service for just as long. Now I appreciate that UTM offers a service for commuters from Toronto (we can’t say the same about UofT Scarborough), but I think it can be improved upon in many ways. One of these ways is the frequency of shuttle bus pickups. Since last year the transportation department has increased the number of buses running from two to three buses per hour throughout the day and from one to two in the evenings. But as I (and others) have noticed, the frequency of missed pickups and late buses has increased dramatically as well. There is nothing worse than waiting outside for forty minutes trying to catch a glimpse of a school bus turning around the corner by the South
Alain Latour
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Building. With all of these new pickup times, the shuttle bus department needed new buses. Unfortunately, the ones which were purchased were even smaller and (believe it or not) more uncomfortable than the old ones. Comfort aside, there is no way a vehicle designed to transport six year olds is safe while carrying a bus load of full-grown adults. Will we have to wait for the first major accident for there to be an investigation into this matter? This seems to be the case. But we should all be more concerned with our safety than getting home early.
Concernedly, John Lu
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009 THE MEDIUM 5
Michael Di Leo, Editor | arts@mediumonline.ca check the arts section this week for our coverage of the worlds greatest film festival. articles by kjartan hewitt
A SERIOUS MAN Directed by Ethan Coen & Joel Coen Starring Michael Stuhlbarg & Richard Kind
RATING: MMMM Robert Duvall and Bill Murray are awesome. Set in the 1930s, Robert Duvall plays Felix, a Tennessee hermit who turns up in town after forty years of exile. Felix wants a funeral for himself. More specifically, a wake, and he wants it before he dies. The floundering local funeral home rises to the occasion, planning a spectacle the town has never seen for a man they haven’t seen in a while. Felix’s intentions are unclear, however, and the tribulations of his dark past threaten to party poop. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Lucas Black, who you might recognize from Jarhead or Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, (and who I always recall as the kid from Sling Blade) holds his own with Duvall and Murray. Black plays a young, straight-laced family man who works for Murray at the funeral home. His innocuous southern manner juxtaposes Murray, who plays the most charming of dirt bags. Before starting the funeral home he was a car salesman, and he treats the passing of lives as just another business opportunity. This movie is perfect. I don’t mean that in a transcendent Casablanca a la Raging Bull way. I mean that it’s a solid idea, delivered perfectly. It covers all its bases without getting sloppy about it. Also, Bill Murray. Who doesn’t love Bill Murray?
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SOLITARY MAN Directed by Brian Koppelman & David Levien Starring Michael Douglas & Jesse Eisenberg
THE ROAD Directed by John Hillcoat Starring Viggo Mortensen & Kodi Smit McPhee
RATING: MM
RATING: MMMM
Michael Douglas as an aging womanizer. Just as uncomfortable to watch as it sounds. After a doctor discovers an “abnormality” during a routine checkup, instead of following up, Ben (Douglas) begins a frivolous, destructive midlife crisis. Six years later we find him, clad in black, continually on the prowl. After divorcing his wife and losing his car dealerships to shady bookkeeping, Ben finds himself at a precipice. He has the opportunity to turn it all around and all he has to do is keep it in his pants. Which he probably calls “slacks” because he’s so fucking old. The entire premise of this movie hinged on the notion that women actually do want to have sex with
Michael Douglas. No one wants to have sex with Michael Douglas. Except for Catherine Zeta-Jones for some reason. I was just annoyed by how much of a creepy old man Douglas was playing. It was embarrassing. But the film deserves a star apiece for Danny Devito and Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland), who should have been in way more of the movie. Eisenberg plays a college sophomore who Douglas takes under his wing and offers sexual guidance. This subplot isn’t fully realized, but it reminded me of a movie Eisenberg made in 2002 called Roger Dodger with Campbell Scott and Isabella Rossellini. That’s a way better movie. You should go see that.
If you’re not a post-apocalyptic science fiction geek, you might recognize Cormac McCarthy as the guy who wrote the novel “No Country for Old Men”. After the Coen’s success with their adaptation and with much geeky anticipation, director John Hillcoat has brought McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel “The Road” to film. Plants and animals are dead and it seems only a matter of time before humanity follows. This is the story of two meandering survivors – a man, Viggo Mortensen, and his son, Kodi Smit-McPhee – and their journey across the wasteland that was once America. Throughout the movie we explore the human condition, examining
fear and subjective morality in extreme conditions. The worst times can bring out the best in people. The opposite can also be true. Cannibal true. My only real qualm with the film was that it seemed to end a little too neatly. This is in accordance with the book and the neat wrapup does include a sweet performance by Guy Pearce. Something about it felt slightly tacked on, like a bit of a deus ex machina situation. If you have read the book, you probably already plan to see this movie, if not, you should see this movie. For one it’s an important, well-executed film. Also, reading is hard.
What goes up, must come down NIVES HAJDIN ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR The ways in which we are bound to the Earth are constantly pushed to their limits. The aerodynamics of flight, the weightlessness of space exploration, or even a simple jump from the ground allow us to experience a feeling of falling out – of detaching ourselves from what keeps us in place. Last week, the Blackwood Gallery unveiled its 2009 exhibition entitled Fall Out, a collection of works by nine artists that reflect the phenomenon of gravity and “defy and confirm its inevitable pull,” as Gallery Curator Christof Migone explains. The exhibition stretches into the E-Gallery to showcase the realm of the individual, featuring works which highlight the processes and effects of breathing.
Paul Literland’s video installations, entitled Forces of Attraction and Freefall Fighters, document his countless falls to the Earth as a skydiver, incorporating humorous elements such as the flapping of his cheeks and traditional boxing while falling through the air. Freefall Fighters marks the 30th anniversary of Litherland’s first jump at the age of 17. Robbin Cumming’s dual exhibit features a large, canvassed photograph entitled Many Shades of Pink, White Light, Undone, My Heart is Breaking from her Little Legs series, as well as an untitled portrait from a second series called Oh, Mother. Little Legs explores the artist’s interest in the relationship between humans and objects, as well as finding the intrigue and significance in ordinary situations. Oh, Mother encapsulates maternal existence in an
idealized rendering so that her mistakes make her eventual fall from grace all the more profound and dejected. Cumming’s display will feature a new portrait from each series every week, simply laid atop the previous work to show a transition over the weeks. A very delicate exhibit entitled Delete by Kristiina Lahde features a train of paper that has been repeatedly hole-punched to resemble the shape of the word “delete,” creating the effect of handcrafted lace in the process. The paper cascades over a stand and into a heap on the floor, comparable to the outflow of data from a computer. The most eye-catching piece currently on display (as students waiting for class outside the gallery will attest) is O Between Fans, an installation of two electric fans facing each other and creating an air flow, resulting in
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O Between Fans, as seen in the Blackwood Gallery as part of the Fall Out exhibition. the mid-air suspension of a loop of video tape. The artist has meticulously placed the fans at a specific distance and angle from each other, in order to generate the precise condi-
tion in which the tape can flitter in the air for hours.
Fall Out continued on page 6
6 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY SEPTEMBER,
21, 2009
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT MADERA NEGRA
Blackwood opens for the season Fall Out continued from page 5 Tom Sherman’s Hyperventilation piece is interesting as it introduces the viewer to the work’s premise through a statement on the gallery wall, but the actual video it describes will be on display at Hart House for Nuit Blanche 2009, as part of the Drop Out exhibition. Sherman’s textual work explains his desire to work with video equipment, while his video depicts him hyperventilating to the point of passing out and falling out of the video frame in which he was being recorded. The video will feature a re-performance of Sherman’s experiment, Sherman having lost the original upon moving to Toronto. Don Simmons’ Bachelor Forever
is an interactive piece that uses a magnetic strip to move iron fillings up and down the wall, leaving a line of residue behind. The magnetic apparatus draws inspiration from Marcel Duchamp’s glass panel creation, The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even and invites the viewer to observe its workings behind the wall through a space that has been left open. The final piece on display in the Blackwood is Valerian Maly’s Apple (Windfall/Fallobst), an audio installation located by the gallery entrance, which audibly recreates the falling of an apple from Isaac Newton's Apple Tree in Lincolnshire, England. Maly recorded the sound of apples falling until he achieved the perfect synergy between the static tree and the dynamic falling fruit. The 12-sec-
ond clip has different lengths of silence imbedded betwee n each repetition, to more closely mimic the occurrence of falling fruit. The first of the two works in the E-Gallery is Breathe by Erika Kierulf, a silent video triptych of people walking, breathing, and then slowly falling down and out of the camera’s view. The work becomes repetitive, but still remains interesting as each person has a different portrayal of “letting go” before the fall. The final work in Fall Out is a two-part exhibit called Perfect Vehicle by Simone Jones. The video shows a vehicle being propelled through the Salt Flats of Utah by the driver’s breathing and the movement of his ribcage, while the actual machi ne is on display in front of the gallery as a means of e ntic ing onlooke rs to enter the
space and experience the story that is attached to it. The nine works in Fall Out will each be countered by a piece in Fall In, a second exhibition by nine new artists. In October, the new works will be displayed alongside the works they are responding to, allowing the viewer to compare each visual relationship that unfolds. The Blackwood Gallery is located in the Kaneff Building and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. as well as on Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m.; the E-Gallery is located in the CCIT building across from the MiST Theatre.
Delete features a train of paper that has been repeatedly hole punched to resem ble the shape of the word “delete”.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009 THE MEDIUM 7
Amir Ahmed, Editor | features@mediumonline.ca
Share a bike at UTM Bikeshare promotes sustainability by loaning bicycles to students
AMIR AHMED FEATURES EDITOR
Maybe you want a green commute. Maybe you want to eat lunch at the Mandarin before your next lecture. Maybe you want to get a friend a pair of two-by-fours and re-enact the medieval tradition of jousting
major damages are the responsibility of the student riding the bike. Along with repairing their own bikes, BikeShare also offers repairs and tutorials by a BikeShar e mechanic for students who own their bicycles. Students can walk in with broken bicycles and be equipped with the kno wledge on how to repair and maintain them. In the past year, BikeShare has increased its fleet of bikes by 18 and have made repairs to the older, more damaged ones. They have also
Matthew Fillipowich/The Medium
BikeShare has Increased its hours and number of bikes in the past year. for a lady’s favour. In any case, you need a bike and UTM’s BikeShare aims to make student’s dreams of mobility a reality. BikeShare is a student-run organization that loans bikes for personal use. It has been profiled in The Mississauga News and The Toronto Star and the City of Mississauga awarded its founders with the Phil Green Recognition Award. UTM students have pro bably seen BikeShare’s trademark yellow bikes rolling through the campus or parked outside the Student Centre, where the BikeShare office is located. BikeShare loans bikes for three hours, which requires a T-card as collateral, or for twenty-four hours, which requires registration at their office. They also loan safety equipment and locks to students who request them. BikeShare was founded in 2004 by Aubrey Iwaniw a nd Jason Nichols. A team of volunteers maintain it; Jefery Fernando and Mark Vas coordinate it. Fernando handles administration while Vas focuses on bike repairs. The organization itself is funded by the Sustainability Office, which in turn is supported by student fees. About a quarter of a dollar per student, according to Fernando, goes to BikeShare. The funds are used to maintain the bicycles, which require constant care. “Some people just don’t seem to know how to ride a bike,” Fernando jokes. While minor repairs are billed to the office,
increased their office hours, allowing students to rent bikes more often. In recent months, Fernando notes, demand has risen to the point where volunteers have to occasionally turn students away due to a lack of bikes. BikeShare has also been noted by the public in the past . Smart Commute Mississauga recently sponsored prizes for the BikeShare event The Amazing Green Race, a scavenger hunt bike race around the campus. There are obvious problems with running suc h an organization. Fernando notes that occasionally students do not return their bikes on time and attempts have been made to steal bikes. During such scenarios, police intervention may be requested. In the future, Fernando hopes to further increase their stock of bicycles to keep up with the demand, a good sign that our community at UTM, based on sustainability and environmental responsibility, is taking positive steps to embrace sustainable transportation. And if community responsibility and intelligent transportation isn’t enough to win a lady’s favour, then nothing is. With that in mind, ride safe and don’t bludgeon other students.
Want to write for features? Have an idea for a story? Contact Amir at features@mediumonline.ca
Let’s talk science Teaching children about the environment
ANAM ALI
“The Magic School Bus” – a television program aired years ago to teach children about the world – has today gone the way of the Power Rangers and Pokemon. To the best knowledge of anyone in The Medium, children’s television now revolves around four ungendered plushies with antennas sticking out of their head. This is all well and good – the plushies are hilarious – but it doesn’t teach us, or our younger brothers and sisters much about the world. Let’s Talk Science, though it doesn’t appear on television, or involve enchanted automotives, takes on that role. Let’s Talk Science is non-profit charitable organization, funded mainly by the principal’s office at UTM and the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council for the Erindale campus. It's a nationwide program, but is run independently by participating universities and institutes, 22 of which are 2 in Canada,
Matthew Filipowich/The Medium
Let’s Talk Science coordinator Shidan Murphey examines specimens. UTM among them. At UTM, Let’s Talk Science runs two unique project: the Atlantic Salmon Restoration
Program and the Green Roofs Project.
Science continued on page 9
8 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009
Two (2) positions available for the UTMSU first-year representative on the Board of Directors (Division I) Two (2) positions available for the UTMSU Part-time representative on the Board of Directors (Division IV)
Nomination Period* : Sept 28 - Oct 2
Campaign Period : Oct 5 - Oct 8
Voting Oct 7 - Oct 8
at CCIT and South Building * Nomination packages can be picked up on September 28, 2009 at the Student Center Rm. 115. Any questions, email cro@utmsu.ca
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009 THE MEDIUM 9
CREATIVE SCIENCE FEATURES
Let’s talk about science, baby Science continued from page 7
Both of these projects address current environmental issues facing Canada and the world. The Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program strives to sustain the salmon population in Lake Ontario, which was fished to extinction during the late 1800s. Let’s Talk Science visits participating elementary schools and provides fish tanks and fish eggs to each classroom, where the salmon are hatched, raised and then released to the Credit River. “The students find the program exciting and learn many skills from these hands-on activities,” says Shidan Murphy, the current LTS coordinator. Recently a sixth grade class designed and sewed a quilt emblazoned with their science projects and presented it as a gift to Murphy. The Green Roof Project strives to improve the water quality in
Canada and reduce carbon emissions. In this project, schools are provided with garden sheds to be run and monitored by students. They incorporate the project into their math classes by measuring temperatures and performing calculations based on garden shed data. According to Murphy, the volunteers do an amazing job by not only teaching science to the students, but by also instilling environmentally conscious attitudes in them. When Shidan Murphy and Sara Chavelazaro, the coordinators of LTS, were asked what keeps LTS running, both of them unhesitatingly gave all the credit to their volunteers without claiming any for themselves. Murphy and Chavelazaro will not be with LTS next year, but are confident that the volunteers, along with the new coordinator, will continue reaching out to youths with LTS. When asked about their volunteers, Murphy and Chavelazaro stated that most of the volunteers
are graduate students who come from various scientific fields, ranging from physics to psychology. Murphy mentioned that he would love to see more involvement from the undergraduate students of all academic backgrounds. Volunteers for LTS are trained u s i n g a p r og r a m c a l l e d S c i e n c e with Impact. The program teaches these volunteers to deal with children at different age levels and to communicate scientific information in simple terms, allowing the children to learn through application and analysis of ideas rather than through rote memorization. The experience may prove to be an adventurous one, as Shidan says, “You never know where LTS will end up next, the next thing you know we’re taking the kids ocean hunting and diamond picking or up north into Nunavut.” Murphy and Chavelazaro will be attending the Get Experience Fair on Wednesday, September 24 to recruit volunteers. They can be reached a ltsutm@letstalkscience.ca.
Sarah Chavelazaro/Photo
PHD candidate Shidan Murphy has fun teaching kids science.
Creative Corner Hey Baby... ANAM ALI It's been a while, You've been outta town baby I can't take it, I think I'm breakin down baby I feel so hopeless, A queen without a crown baby No one cares, No one gives for my frown baby I've been lonely, No one's been around baby, And I miss you, You've been on my mind baby, Know that I love you, Of you I'm only fond baby, And I've been thinking, Ever since you've been gone baby, Let's work it out, It's as easy as it sounds baby, We can't lose, The love that's been found baby, Watchu waitin for, Its already dawn baby, As the day breaks, Wanna know that we won baby, My love's a sea, Don't just think it’s a pond baby, And I can't break, Such a special bond baby, We ain't together, The word's been around baby, But I'm stuck, And you've got me bound baby, I can't take it, I think I'm breakin down baby I can't move, I think I'm gonna drawn baby, Then you'll miss me, But I will be gone baby And you'll be lonely, I won't be around baby, But it's decided, This is how we goin down baby Two separate ways, And two different towns baby, Don't say sorry, It's as fake as it sounds baby, On every shot, You've been hitting out of bounds baby, Now it’s too late, The truth has been found baby, Now let me go, I'm as harsh as I sound baby, Don't mess, Or you're going down baby, No more games, Or I'll put you to the ground baby…
A little insight, a lot of love CHRISTINE LAW
I closed the bathroom stall. As I expected, the walls were covered in meaningful destruction carved or written by previous visitors. Words of inspiration, scrawled in pen, were passed from one girl to another, phrases that you only consider after reading them twice. We’ve all been there – a little boozed up and happy to stumble across anything half interesting, let alone inspiring. On the way to the counter, I noticed a young woman sitting by the sinks with paper towels in hand, looking excruciatingly bored and exhausted. My first thought was the same one that runs through everyone’s mind. Not even a thought actually, more like a grunt. One of these people again? Offering me a paper towel when I can reach for one myself? A tray of lollipops as if that’s what I really need right now? Perfume, hand sanitizer, condoms, really? They’d do anything for a dollar. I choose to wash my hands in the furthest sink from her. In the midst of reaching for the faucet, we happen to lock eyes. My immediate instinct was to smile politely, which I did. She smiled back, a warm gentle smile that mothers give to their toddlers. I focused on the sink. Then a sensation overwhelmed me. I felt like talking to this lady, asking her anything to start a bit of conversation. I finished washing my hands and walked over to her. “So what time did you start working?” As if surprised by my inquiry, she paused, then said, “Right now actually.” Her accent put a smile on my face and immediately I felt like talking for hours. “And what time are you working until?” I asked, curious about her hours. “Three o’clock.” “Wow, that’s so late!” “Sometimes they make me work later…” she replied, her eyes dropping to the floor. Curious about her accent, I
asked her where she was originally from to which she replied, “Nigeria.” “You have a beautiful accent! What brought you here? Do you have family living in Canada?” “No, all my family is living in Nigeria.” “Oh, so what made you decide to move here?” I asked. After a brief pause, she looked up at me. “I want to go to school.” That’s when it hit home. My heart dropped just as my smile faded. I suddenly realized that this was a woman not much older than me, who had lived in conditions that denied her of the proper education she wanted. “Were you not able to go to school in Nigeria?” She shook her head. “It’s very hard for women to go into school in Nigeria. There is very little opportunity for them to make enough money, let alone get the requirements needed.” Suddenly I felt as if I’ve known this woman all my life. I felt like I had connected with her from this little five minute conversation. “Ah I see. So what are you in school for?” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “Cooking. I’d love to cook for other people, sort of like the catering industry,” she said, a spring in her voice. It made me stop and pause, a lump growing in my throat. The muffled music disappeared. I was looking at another person, another woman not so different from myself who had goals and aspirations like everyone else. I was looking at another woman, and not someone who worked in the basement washroom of a club. ”Do it,” I said. “You know what? Here you are, working to get yourself somewhere that you want to be, and who’s going to stop you?” She looked back at me with appreciating eyes. “No one.” “Exactly. No one. No one can stop you from doing what you love. Nobody.” For a moment we stood there and I felt her passion. Like some kind of connection, we were thinking
on the same level and I felt every emotion running through her. Then in an instant, her arms were wrapped around me as she whispered “Bless you!” in my ear. “Bless you!” she repeated and the more she said it, the harder I held on. Two strangers who had never met clung to each other for dear life, close to tears and well aware of it. I didn’t want to let go because I didn’t want her to feel as if she was alone in her struggle. I didn’t want her to feel as if she
was alone in this country, without family, or as if her job was any lower than mine. I didn’t want her to feel hopeless or insecure. When we let go, we had nothing but smiles on our faces, “You are beautiful,” she said to me. “No,” I replied. “You are.” I’ve never believed someone as much as I did in that moment. Being able to connect with a complete stranger on a level that I’ve never experienced was a moment I’ll never forget.
10 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
Andrew Tysiak , Editor | sports@mediumonline.ca
Soccer club kicks off on campus Club encourages all students to join regardless of previous knowledge or experience
ANDREW TYSIAK SPORTS EDITOR
As the wide array of UTM clubs promote their worth outside the Student Centre, it can be difficult for many of them to stand out and appear attractive to the average student. Failure to do so would result in a lack of participation within the club. To give clubs a chance to demonstrate their potential and to offer students an in-depth look at the various athletic clubs offered on campus the spotlight should be placed on none other than the UTM Soccer Club. Students without prior knowledge may initially view this club as very one-dimensional or that it only offers fun and enjoyment to the biggest of soccer enthusiasts. According to UTM Soccer Club president Ali Karim, this accusation is far from the truth. “The club does not have a specific target audience. We encourage everyone to join, males or females, whether they are top class players or beginners, fanatics or just mild followers,” said Karim. The club’s membership has
become quite diverse over the last couple of years. As a result, the executive team is highly dedicated and excited for the upcoming year. Vice-president Nicole Di Nardo is a striker on the women’s tri-campus team which demonstrates that t he club is n ot just aimed at males, but females as well. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. UTM’s club is simply a celebration of that. It unites everyone with an interest in the sport, whether they play a lot, a little or simply follow a specific team. The club is a great outlet to for members to meet fellow soccer enthusiasts, make friends and generally have a great time. In addition, it may be particularly advantageous to beginners, who may become avid fans of the sport and its entirety by the end of the school year. With a wide selection of athletic clubs available, why should they join the UTM Soccer Club? Karim believes the club has variety to offer its members. There is far more to it than just playing a game of soccer in a field or gymnasium. “Playing soccer is only a small aspect of what this club is about. With the World Cup approaching, interest is bound to be higher this
year,” said Karim. “We plan to show live screenings of the UEFA Champions’ league games as well as World Cup games. We will also be showing some soccer related movies. Members can get into all of these for free.” One event that the club’s executives are particularly excited about this year is the pub night which will be held on January 28. The pub night will build hype for the upcoming World Cup, which takes place less than a year away. Karim promises that there will be many surprises that night – you will just have to attend to find out. Despite this year’s aspirations, Karim remains humble and respectful to UTM’s various athletic-based clubs. He insists that students should enjoy their university experience to the fullest and also encourages members of his own club to join other rival athletic clubs. “We are not trying to compete with any of the other clubs and we definitely encourage UTM students to join the other athletic and recreation based clubs,” he said. For those who express interest in the club and want a say in the club’s overall direction, the Soccer Club is currently looking for three executives: events coordinator, advertising coordinator and first year representative. If you have
Tomorrow’s Professionals Apply Today!
Apply Online!
File Photo/Matthew Filipowich
Join the Soccer Club and you could be part of the UTM Eagles.
any questions about the club or are interested in filling one of the three vacated sports, email Ali
Aikido comes to UTM ALAIN LATOUR EDITOR IN CHIEF
OMSAS
www.ouac.on.ca/omsas/ Ontario Medical School Application Service
September 15, 2009: Last day to register for online applications October 1, 2009: Application deadline
www.ouac.on.ca/olsas/ OLSAS Ontario Law School Application Service November 2, 2009: Application deadline for first-year English programs May 3, 2010: Application deadline for upper-year programs
TEAS
www.ouac.on.ca/teas/ Teacher Education Application Service December 1, 2009: Application deadline for English programs March 1, 2010: Application deadline for French programs
www.ouac.on.ca/orpas/ ORPAS Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs Application Service (Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology)
January 8, 2010: Application deadline
170 Research Lane Guelph ON N1G 5E2 www.ouac.on.ca
Karim at ali.karim@utoronto.ca for more information.
A casual visitor to UTM’s Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, where at any given time a dozen students jump back and forth from the treadmill to the dumbbell rack, would probably conclude that traditional athletics rule at UTM. A peek down into the always-busy basketball court would only further this belief. Yet only a flight of stairs down from the gym, in rooms where the same visitor is unlikely to stray, more unconventional physical disciplines are practised. One such activity is the Japanese martial art Aikido, taught at UTM on Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at a cost of $65 for RAWC members. Often translated as “the way of unifying life energy” or “the way of harmonious spirit”, Aikido differs from most martial arts in its concern for the well-being of the practitioner’s opponent. Instead of maiming, breaking bones or gouging eyes out, Aikido practitioners redirect an attacker’s energy to immobilize or throw him to
the ground. Indeed, practitioners would
Aikido continued on page 11
martialartslibrary.net
Gentle persuasion.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
21, 2009 THE MEDIUM 11
MARTIAL ARTS AND MLB SPORTS
MLB 2009 season wraps up A gentle martial art As the 2009 regular season concludes, we take a look at the surprises and disappointments HAI BAO
With the 2009 edition of the Major League Baseball regular season coming to a close and the playoffs just around the corner, we are now able to reflect on the five previous months of play. This year has consisted of memorable plays, including Eric Bruntlett’s unassisted triple play and Mark Buehrle’s perfect game. But along with the surprises, there have also been a lot of disappointments.
The surprises: Adam Lind. Everyone knew that Adam Lind could hit. The question was whether he could be consistent enough to sustain through an entire baseball season. He defined himself as one of the league’s best designated hitters before the departure of Alex Rios. A .300 hitter, 30 HRs, 100 RBIs. Those are the numbers of the game’s elite hitters and Lind has been able to put those numbers up with little batting order protection behind him. Texas Rangers. Year after year, Texas would be among the top scoring teams in the league but end up with a losing record and out of playoff contention in July due to their inability to stop the other team from scoring. But ever since Nolan Ryan took over as the president of the ball club and initiated some of his core values (developing his pitchers to pitch deeper into games, ignoring the 100 pitch count rule most teams live by), the Texas pitching staff has improved drastically, leading to a much more competitive team.
into the lineup due to his struggles. Magglio could not bat for extra base hits and he also saw his average drop far below his career average this season. That has opened up a spot for Ryan Raburn and Clete Thomas to get more at bats. Chicago Cubs. What a disaster the season has been. Aramis Ramirez was out for a good part of the first half, and the Chicago offense, which saw them rank #1 in runs scored in the MLB last year, drop to one of the worst offensive teams (currently 22nd and behind the Washington Nationals). A year which consisted of Milton Bradley underperforming (not warranting that three year/$30 million contract he signed in the off season) to the disappearance of Geovany Soto’s bat, the Cubs were never able to score
enough runs to back their starting pitchers up (Cubs are ranked 5th overall in ERA), leading to a season in which they are not even going to make the playoffs.
Notable mentions: Andrew Bailey. Excellent rookie season as closer for the Oakland A’s. Has converted 24 out of 28 saves up to this point of the season, in which six of them required more than the usual three outs. Pablo Sandoval. Also nicknamed “Kung-Fu Panda” by Giants’ teammate Barry Zito. A “see ball, hit ball” type hitter that is able to hit for average and power in a park that is not known to be very hitter friendly (AT&T Park). A .322 average with 21 HRs is very respectable if you are suiting up for the Giants.
The disappointments: Magglio Ordonez. A perennial batting champ type hitter that gives you a lot of extra base hits turned into a bench warmer over the course of one season. Once regarded as Detroit’s everyday 3rd hole hitter, Jim Leyland and Co. were unable to pencil Magglio
townnews.com
Adam Lind has had a break out year for the Blue Jays this season, hitting 30 HRs and over 100 RBIs.
Maple Leafs land Kessel The Boston Bruins have traded Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for first and second round picks in the 2010 draft, as well as a first round pick in 2011. The Maple Leafs wasted no time getting the 21 year old under contract, quickly signing Kessel to a five year deal worth a reported $27 million. (Sportsnet) Cavs guard West arrested Cleveland, OH Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested Thursday night near his home in Maryland for carry ing weapons. Police found a 9mm Beretta, a Ruger .357 and a shotgun inside a guitar case that West was carrying on his back. (TSN) Lions defeat Argos to give Wally Buono most wins by a CFL coach VANCOUVER, B.C. The B.C. Lions unleashed an aggressive defence and quarterback Buck Pierce looked poised in his first game in a month during a 23 17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts Saturday night that made Wally Buono the CFL's all time winning coach. (The Canadian Press)
Aikido continued from page 10 likely say that they are “helping” the attacker fall rather than throwing him. Throwing implies an active effort; in Aikido, the attacker’s force is gently turned against him. Practitioners merely redistribute that energy by stepping aside, into or around the attacker and use circular movements to push, pull and lock, with the attacker often ending on the ground a metre or two from the martial artist. Aikido’s gentle approach does not mean that its practitioners are unfit. A typical class can be fairly intense, with first timers gasping for air after landing on the tatami mats time after time. Low positions strengthen the legs and the repeated practice of attacks and counterattacks results in faster reflexes. Coordination also improves greatly since a successful Aikido technique often involves the whole body. Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba during the 1920s and 1930s. A long-time martial artist and a deeply religious man, Ueshiba believed in extending love and compassion to those who sought to harm others. He combined Daito-Ryu, an art descended from the Samurai, with judo and Kenjutsu, the art of the swords-
manship, to create Aikido. The results quickly seduced Japan’s martial arts community. Thirty years later, Aikido began establishing itself in France. The United States followed when Kenji Tomiki toured through 15 states in 1953 and Canada today hosts dozens of Aikido dojos. Many critics mock Aikido’s gentle approach, forgetting that while Aikido practitioners avoid intentional harm, they are prepared to inflict damage if faced with a serious threat. Others point a finger to what they call Aikido’s lack of realism in training, as well as the length of time it takes to master, e s p e c i al l y w h e n c om p ar e d w it h military hand-to hand combat systems such as Krav Maga. (This is less of a concern at UTM, where the style taught, Yoshinkan Aikido, emphasizes self-defence.) Aikido, nevertheless, is not a quick-and-dirty solution. It is a path to self-knowledge. It teaches relaxation under stress, even under danger. And as its creator once remarked, one must “be willing to receive 99% of an opponent's attack and stare death in the face” in order to execute techniques without hesitation. That is doubtlessly a trait worth cultivating, especially when faced with that PHY245 exam.
12 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION FALL EMPLOYMENT OSAP eligible UTM students are welcome to apply for one or more of our Work Study positions:
Tournament Coordinator League Commissioners Web/Marketing Assistant Program Assistants Facility Admin. Assistant Complete job descriptions and more details will be posted on-line with the Career Centre. Resumes and cover letters can be dropped off at the Program Office.
Officials/Timers/Scorers Needed: All UTM students are eligible to apply for officiating/timing/scoring positions in our Campus Rec Intramural Program. Contact Jack Krist at j.krist@utoronto.ca
REGISTRATION FOR FALL BEGINS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10th at 8am. Functional Intensity Training (F.I.T)
Squash Lessons for Beginners
This high intensity training is designed to enhance an individual competency at all physical tasks. Improves overall cardio, stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination. Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 5pm - 6pm or 6pm - 7pm. 5, 10 and full term packages available.
Tuesdays beginning Sept 22 1 hour sessions (4 total) 5:30-6:30pm or 6:30pm-7:30pm $40 for students and $50 for nonmembers
UTM Olympic Weight Lifting Club (New Members Welcome!) Stop by the High Performance Centre weeknights between 7pm and 10pm for more information about this style of training.
Do you enjoy Dancing? We offer Ballroom, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop and Latin Dance classes here at UTM. Pick up a copy of our Activity Guide for more details.
Martial Arts/Yoga Stay in shape by enrolling in one of our Martial Arts Instructional Courses. Choose from Aikido, Judo and Karate. Sign-up for one term or two! For a change of pace we also offer a Yoga class. Perfect for winding down!