FAST & A AFFO AFF AFFORDABLE OR Taking a look at new cars that leave marks on the road and not on your wallet. page 8
Monday, September 28, 2009
Volume 36, Issue 4
Library cancels 24-hour service SAALIHA MALIK NEWS EDITOR
On September 1, the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre stopped operating 24 hours a day, five days a week, thus turning UTM into the U of T campus with the shortest library hours. Students have expressed their concerns with hours of operation since the learning centre opened in November 2006. UTMSU and student unions lobbied for 24-hour study space on campus for years, which led to library administrators launching the 24/5 Study Space Pilot Project in the 2006-2007 academic year. The Pilot Project received its funding from the Provost’s Student Experience Fund. The SEF, however, has now decided to forego the project, offering alternative hours. On the UTM library website, an update on the 24/5 Study Space Pilot Project reads, “Over the subsequent three-year period, we have been collecting data to assess student use of the space and our results do not support continuing this 24/5 service.” The Pilot Project originally offered 24hour study space for three weeks during the December exam period and for four weeks during the April final exam period. Over the last two years, the library hours have changed considerably to create a 24/5 study space on campus. The library has been open twenty-four hours
Matthew Filipowich/The Medium
Information and loans technician Lotta Nordfeldt locks up the library last Saturday at 9 p.m. a day from Sunday through Thursday. During the months of November and December it would close as late as 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On behalf of students concerned about study space on campus, the UTMSU has campaigned for years for increased study locations. Alternative spaces with 24-hour access include the Meeting Place in the South Building, the open access lab in the CCT Building (CCT 1060) and CCT computing labs with T-Card access. Each, however, suffer from issues that make it less than ideal for studying. The CCT building broadcasts media from Blackwood Gallery on campus and the South
Building draws bigger groups without noise control. The computing labs, on the other hand, may be quieter, but are also considerably smaller. “The Library remains committed to supporting student success,” said chief librarian Mary Ann Mavrinac. “It will continue to provide U of T Mississauga students with a safe, secure and quiet space for study and learning.” Associate librarian and deputy chief librarian Ian Whyte added that the library will remain open late for students during the 2009-2010 academic year. “We can sustain support for extended hours of service, remaining open until 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday during
the December and April study and examination periods, for the foreseeable future,” said Whyte, adding that the plans to end the 24/5 service were shared with the student union. “We shared our data on the 24/5 service in public meetings starting in the winter of 2009 of which UTMSU had representation. We met with the UTMSU President during the spring and summer sessions. On both occasions, the President communicated his understanding of the library's decision.” UTMSU President Joey Santiago disagrees. In a statement issued to The Medium, Santiago expressed his disapproval with the library’s decision to can-
cel the 24-hour service: “When meeting with the library administration I stated that UTMSU does not support this decision. Along with many students who use the service, I am quite disappointed that the University of Toronto has revoked such a necessary service that now leaves UTM as the only U of T campus without 24-hour library study space.” Santiago also raised concerns for safety of students who stay on campus late and must walk home or take the public transit. He also revealed that the data presented to the UTMSU indicated that the reason behind the decision to end the 24-hour service was a lack of funds. “With the amount of tuition and ancillary fees that students pay, I find it hard to believe that the University cannot allocate funding for a program that costs less than $100,000 a year,” said Santiago. UTMSU board member Sunil Shah, who pays over $11,000 in tuition fees a year, echoed similar sentiments. “As a university, it should be mandatory to have a place where students are able to study quietly,” said Shah. “If many other universities are able to provide this to their students, why has our campus stopped?” Shah referred to universities such as York University, which offers 24hour study space five days a week on the first floor of the Scott Library for much of the fall and winter terms. Further details about the library’s hours, including regular hours of service for the 2009-2010 academic year, can be found online at the library’s website.
Students Get School’d at second pub SAALIHA MALIK WITH NOTES FROM STEFANIE MAROTTA
The Blind Duck was packed last Thursday night when hordes of students lined up for the second pub night of the year In bold departure from previous years, UTMSU VP Campus Life Andrew Lalla decided to hold the Get School’d Pub Night a week after the first. Traditionally the second pub night is held months after the first pub due to poor ticket sales. This anomaly occurred due to the buzz surrounding the main attraction of the pub night: an appearance and performance by home grown Canadian pop sensation Danny Fernandes. All 500 tickets were sold out and students scrambled to get their hands on spare tickets. By midnight, with Fernandes’s performance imminent, fifteen dollar tickets were being sold for up to twenty-five dollars each. Inside, pub goers danced the night away with drinks in hand. The security
Edward Cai/The Medium
Danny Fernandes performs at the Blind Duck. staff took extra precaution, presumably due in large part to the presence of a celebrity at UTM. Camera flashes lit up the Presentation Room as students lined up to have their pictures taken against a red carpet style backdrop from UTMSU. Shortly after midnight, the MC for the evening, E.N.G, took over the stage to
hype up the audience. The students, mostly the ladies, rushed to the stage in anticipation of the main event. The dance floor became crowded as E.N.G. took the chance to mock Kanye West’s stunt at the MTV Video Music Awards and shouted out at the crowd, “Hey, Ima let you finish, but UTM has Danny Fernandes!”
Fernandes made a grand entrance by pulling up in a black Cadillac Escalade outside the Blind Duck. Escorted by his security through the sea of fans, Fernandes hit the stage hard, stating he was happy to be home. Screams made him almost inaudible. Blind Duck security surrounded the stage to ensure none of the star struck students got out of hand. Fernandes came onto the stage with backup dancers following his cues. Fernandes started his set with the song “Private Dancer” and then followed it up with his first hit single, “Curious.” Fernandes then stopped the music and serenaded the audience by singing the first few lines of “Fantasy.” Then the backing track went on and Fernandes went into a full rendition of the song. Fernandes and his dancers got the audience involved by encouraging them to sing and dance along during his entire performance. After the show, fans had the opportunity to meet Fernandes and have pictures taken. The night ended in high spirits as students left the Blind Duck. Second-year
student Marina Stojanovic expressed her excitement for upcoming events. “I was really surprised to see how well the pub night was organized. It was my first pub night and my friends and I had an amazing time.”
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INSIDE Safe sex with Sue PAGE 3
TIFF in closing PAGE 6 A student’s guide to cars PAGE 8 Formula One crashes PAGE 12
2 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009
NEWS MARKING THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR Campus Newswire UTM to break ground on new Instructional Centre The University of Toronto Mississauga will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the cam pus’ new Instructional Centre on Friday, Oct. 2, 2009 at 3 p.m. in the atrium of the Communication, Culture and Technology building. The $70 million facility, scheduled to open in March 2011, will include a new 500 seat and a 350 seat auditori um, three new lecture the atres and 19 other class rooms. The state of the art building will also include an advanced computer lab, wire less access and study spaces for individuals or groups. U of T Mississauga Vice President and Principal Ian Orchard will offer opening remarks and welcome guests. Other speakers will include U of T president David Naylor, the Honourable Tony Clement, federal Minister of Industry, and the Honourable Harinder Takhar, provincial Minister of Government Services. Free parking will be avail able in Lot 9 for the duration of the event. (Media Advisory, University of Toronto Mississauga) Pay and Display parking restricted Effective Monday September 28, 2009, Parking Services will be restricting the pur chase of Pay and Display park ing in the CCT Garage. This restriction will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 1p.m. Monday to Thursday. All Pay and Display machines in the CCT Garage will be hooded during this time restriction. (Media release, Parking Services, University of Toronto Mississauga) Get Experience fair draws a crowd Last Wednesday the UTM Career Centre hosted the Get Experience in the RAWC. Hundreds of students visited the event to learn about vol unteer programs, internships, and on campus and work study jobs that would help them acquire professional experience.
Hindu Student Council hosts annual Havan Puja EMIL JABBARLI
Last Thursday, the UTM Hindu Student Council held Havan Puja – a blessing ceremony – to mark the beginning of the school year. The spiritual ceremony was led by Pandit Roopnauth Sharma from the local temple Shri Ram Mandir. The ceremony consists of three parts: Puja, which is held indoors, and Havan, as well as the ending ceremony called Aarti. The event is held before starting important undertakings and is meant as a blessing for the well-being of the entire UTM community. Puja, the first part of the ceremony, was held inside the Student Centre. Almost 50 participants attended. Sharma blessed each attending student. The ceremony was followed by a symbolic offering of flowers around a shrine that was set up in the Meeting Room. Attendees then said several prayers and gave praise to the Hindu gods Shiva and Ganesha. “These rituals served to fulfill the spiritual needs of the participants,” explained a member of the council. Sharma then proceeded to speak with students to address any questions or concerns regarding spiritual matters. He spoke about the Hindu concept of God and different manifestations of God. Among topics of discussion were virtues such as wisdom and how it differs from the learned knowledge. According to Sharma, having knowledge is not enough; applying this knowledge is what makes one a wise person. After the Puja, students were led outside to the patio for the Havan cere-
Matthew Filipowich/The Medium
Students gather for the Havan ceremony in the student centre last Thursday. mony. Havan involves several rituals related to the sacred fire. Sharma again explained the meaning of each ritual, guiding attendees to throw sacrificial objects in the fire. It is thought that the sacred fire has the power to purify us and evil spirits are believed to burn in the sacred fire. It is also thought that the sacrifice brings happiness and good luck.
The event was concluded by performing the Aarti. It is a ritual usually performed at the end of such ceremonies. Sharma led the prayers and all students were involved, passing the Aarti plate to each other in order to take part in the blessing. After finishing prayers, students took photos. Sharma announced that on October 11, there will be Diwali cel-
ebrations, held in the Living Arts Centre and attended by the local community. Mayor Hazel McCallion will also be in attendence attendance. The Hindu Student Council holds several events throughout the academic year. Both Hindu and non-Hindu students of the UTM community are welcome to participate and engage in such occasions.
Campus police weekly summaries September 18, 2009 to September 23, 2009 September 18, 2009 Controlled Drugs & Substances Act A found wallet was turned into the Campus Police Office. A small amount of marijuana was confiscated from the wallet and was sent for destruction. The owner of the wallet was interviewed and cautioned. September 18, 2009 Medical Call - Personal Injury A female student attended the Campus Police Office after suffering a minor injury. Campus Police provided the female student with first aid. September 19, 2009 Causing A Disturbance Campus Police were called to investigate a possible fight in Oscar Peterson Hall Residence. The persons
involved in the altercation were gone from the area when Campus Police arrived.
gated a noise complaint from a townhouse complex. The resident was requested to quiet down his guests.
September 19, 2009 Theft Under $5000 Campus police investihated the theft of a laptop from an Oscar Peterson Hall Common room. Estimated value of the laptop is $700.00.
September 21, 2009 Mischief Under $5000 A pane of reinforced glass of a door in the South Building was broken. Campus Police investigated the incident.
September 20, 2009 Trespass to Property Campus Police investigated a male attempting to use a RAWC membership belonging to someone else. The male was spoken with and escorted from the property.
September 22, 2009 Noise Complaint Campus Police attended and investigated a noise complaint from a residence apartment. The noise had stopped upon the arrival of Campus Police.
September 20, 2009 Noise Complaint Campus Police attended and investi-
September 22, 2009 Vehicle Towed A vehicle with excessive parking tick-
Why not Think Ahead? The Road to Grad School Learn about the process of applying for graduate school, the steps that you need to take and the criteria used for choosing applicants. Wednesday, Sept. 30th, 3-4 pm
ets was towed from campus. September 22, 2009 Noise Complaint Campus Police attended and investigated a noise complaint coming from a townhouse complex. The noise had stopped upon the arrival of Campus Police. September 22, 2009 Vehicle Towed A vehicle was towed from campus for displaying a fraudulent parking permit. September 22, 2009 Theft Under $5000 A female student reported the theft of her personal belongings from the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre. Investigation continues.
Sign up ASAP on the Career Centre Events Calendar www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/calendar.html
Is Teaching In Your Future? Consider what teaching is all about, and get useful information about the application process to Bachelor of Education programs. Friday, Oct. 2nd, 11-12:30 pm
Further Education for Bio Students Discover your educational options after your undergraduate degree, and get an overview of the application process to Masters, Ph. D, and post-diploma programs. Friday, Oct. 2nd, 2-3:30 pm
TO REGISTER FOR EMPLOYER EVENTS, WORKSHOPS AND MORE, visit www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers
UTM CAREER CENTRE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009 THE MEDIUM 3
SHE TALKS SEXY TALK NEWS
Safer sex with Sue Johanson
What are your thoughts on the new 12 week semester? “I think it’s a good idea because now we have more time to study�
Sex therapist Sue Johanson paid a visit to UTM for an open dialouge on practicing safer sex
Brandon Khan 2nd year Economics
KATHERINE LUCZYNSKI On September 22, UTM and the Sexual Education Centre welcomed renowned sex expert and sex therapist Sue Johanson to lead a discussion about sex. Johanson has previously hosted the Sunday Night Sex Show on the Women's Television Network (WTN) and writes a weekly column for Health section of the Toronto Star newspaper. Johanson, who has launched her own line of sex toys, combines her knowledge of the subject with a sense of humour in her discussion that has proven to be popular with all age groups. Johanson has also written several books on matters of sexual problems and concerns. Penguin Books has published three of her b o ok s t i t le d , T a l k S e x, S e x i s Perfectly Natural, But Not Naturally Perfect and Sex, Sex, and More Sex. Approximately 100 students gathered in the CCT 1080 lecture hall to hear what Johanson had to say on the topic of sex. “I’m here to fill in the gaps,� said Johanson, “To tell you what your parents and teachers never told you about sex.� She asked the audience to think back to grade nine sex education class. Most students remembered learning only about anatomy. “ A p i c t u r e o f a m o o s e c o m in g through the bush won’t tell you m u c h a b o ut y o ur s e l f , � s a i d Johanson on the topic of diagrams of female anatomy. Johanson told the audience that “learning about sex is the hardest thing you’ll ever do because it’s e m b a rr a s s i n g t o t a l k a b o u t . � Beginning with female genitalia, Johanson worked her way through the female body, the male body and the importance of practicing safer sex. “There is no such thing as safe sex!� Johanson said. She offered tips such as always using condoms and birth control. “Guys should be just as responsible as girls are for birth c o n t r o l ,� J o h a n s o n w a r n e d t h e crowd. “No condom equals no sex!� Other topics of discussion were communication and trust between partners. “Wham, bam, thank you ma’am� just won’t cut it. According
“It means less time in class and tutorials. It’s not the best idea� Ayman Shams 2nd year CCIT
“It’s a good idea because it will give us more time to study for exams in December� Samantha Bradshaw 4th year Commerce
ue Johanson speaks to students in CCT 1080 . Su to Johanson, the five things a girl needs to hear before having sex are: “I love you,� “I need you,� “I want you,� “Baby, you’re the greatest� and “I’ll never leave you.� Johanson stressed the importance o f k n o w in g o n e ’ s b o d y b e f o r e becoming sexually active. Many girls are taught that they shouldn’t look “down there,�but Johanson believes they should because it’s a n e c es s i t y i n o r d er t o r e m a i n healthy, especially for the sake of knowing when something is wrong. The sex talk included discussions on issues such as homosexuality, anal sex and oral sex. Along with the educational talk, students were given Dear Sue cards where they could write a question anonymously and have it answered by Johanson herself. For more information, students
Edward Cai /The Medium
can access Sue Johanson’s website a t w w w . t a lk s e xw i t h s u e . c o m o r UTM’s Sexual Education Centre Website, www.utmsec.ca, or visit them in person in room 150 at the Student Centre.
“It’s good that UTM is now more consistent with other universities� Professor Max Evans CCIT Department
Edward Cai/The Medium
Johanson incorporates healthy humour into her sex talk.
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4 THE MEDIUM
OPINION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009
to the Editor Dear Editor,
ALAIN LATOUR EDITOR IN CHIEF
EDITORIAL Coco Chanel once said, “Friends, there are no friends.” She was probably referring to the fashion world, or perhaps about life in general. But from what I’ve seen at The Medium in the last year and half, she might have also been talking about journalism. Journalists have no friends. Neither do newspapers. We make friends, often, but the relationships tend to be short-lived. We also have quite a few enemies, as well as lots of people who are mildly displeased with us and a bit wary too. Yet they all read our pages. This, ultimately, is what matters. From the beginning of the academic year, the UTM administration has actively advertised its efforts to prepare against the swine flu. It posted ads throughout the campus and mentioned these guidelines on its website. We talked about it in this paper and put it on the cover page, which I can only assume made everyone happy. Students were better informed, UTM appeared ready and caring, and we looked, well, informed and caring. Contrast this with what is happening now. UTM has modified the library hours – killing them, if you will, thus turning us into the only U of T campus without a 24/5 library. Yet none of the students I spoke with had a clue about this. Could it be because no ads were placed on campus? Could it be because the changes were only mentioned, ever so discreetly, on the library website? I can only presume, now that we are bringing this out into the open, onto our cover page, our website and our Twitter stream, that not every UTM official will be happy with us. Something similar happened last week with members of a certain UTM academic society, one that we have had certain scuffles with in the past. As I stood at the Get Experience Fair, flanked by some of my editors, two guys with ties and a girl in a dress snatched the latest issue of The Medium from our table and proceeded to read the article on page three, jabbing their finger at it and muttering things like, “That’s not true.” They never looked at my editors or me in the eye. They didn’t engage in a respectful debate. They just blabbered for a good two or three minutes before shaking their head in disgust and pacing away. I thought the article was pretty fair. Something tells me they didn’t agree. To the UTM officials who might not be ecstatic with us, to those two guys with ties and to everyone whom we will upset this year, I say this: it’s our job. It’s our job to talk about the things that happen on campus. Some things will make people look good. Others will make people look bad. More to the point, it will make the same people look good today and bad tomorrow. Or the other way around. Our critics will say that we have an agenda, that we are biased. If what they mean is that we have an opinion, they are right. The issue of objectivity in journalism is a tricky one. I have always maintained that journalists should be aware of their biases so that they can keep an eye on it. Pretending not have a bias will only result in it sticking its head out somewhere between the lines. I prefer the concept of fairness. We strive to be fair, and that means being balanced. We strive to present both sides of an argument, to obtain quotes from all, to hear everyone involved before we write the story. That’s what we tried to do in the last issue, the one with the story that two guys with their ties didn’t like, and in this one when we covered the new library hours. Sure, we interviewed students who were upset and we interviewed UTMSU President Joey Santiago. But we also interviewed library representatives. To be sure, I appreciate why some people wouldn’t want some things to be advertised or exposed. We don’t walk around talking about our typos, of which there have been more than an acceptable amount in the last two issues. In the end it comes down to this: we have to write the story. Someone alerts us about underage drinking? We have to cover it. The library closes down earlier than most students find convenient? We have to cover it. The university prepares itself for swine flu? Guess what we have to do. We won’t always please everyone, but then neither should we. For if we did, if we worried about the feelings of everyone, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs.
Alain Latour
Yours,
This morning, I entered the CCT Parking Garage to park as usual. I did not expect any problems as I had bought a reserved parking permit for the CCT Garage at the beginning of this year. However, I was outraged when I was not able to find one empty parking spot. While searching for a spot, I noticed several other cars coming into the parking garage with the proper parking permit and encountering the same problem. The most worrying part of this is that I noticed several cars that were taking up the park ing spots had o nly pai d for day parking, through using the Pay and Display parking machines. I find it difficult to comprehend why these Pay and Display parking machines are located in a parking garage that is reserved for students like me who have paid $800+ to be guaranteed a parking spot. After not being able to locate a parking spot, I had no choice but to go to the parking office. The attendant relocated me to Lot 5. While pulling out of the parking office lot, I noticed
Dear Editor, This relates to your editorial on September 21, the contents of which parallel my life. It takes serious guts and determination to follow through with things one believes in and goals one wants to achieve. It takes a lot of work to get where one wants to be and is not forced to be there either. Your editorial made me reflect back on my life, where I didn’t enjoy doing things I had to do, yet there was a sense of accomplishment after I’ve reached my destination. Now I’m free of that burden of having someone peering over my shoulder, watching my every step and directing me like a
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several cars pulling up who displayed CCT Garage parking permits as well. I imagine they were experiencing the same problem. It seems contradictory and fraudulent to me that the CCT Garage is supposed to be reserved for those of us who have paid the extra funds for reserved spots, but continues to stay available for anyone who wants to park there and pay with the Pay and Display machines. This defeats the point of purchasing a reserved parking permit, when effectively, the spots are not being reserved at all. As a student who owns a reserved CCT Garage parking permit, I would like to see this issue resolved as soon as possible. I imagine I am not the only one experiencing this problem. There should not be Pay and Display machines in reserved parking lots. Not only does it defeat the purpose of purchasing a reserved parking permit, it also demonstrates poor business ethics towards UTM parking students.
Anthony Barbieri UTM Student
puppet. Yet, I find it extremely hard to summon my energy and finally do wh at I enjoy: create art, promote myself, get my name out there and make it happen. Maybe the paradox lies in the fact that I am finally doing something for myself, instead of for that Mr. Big Company. It might be easier to digest failures when you’re not the captain of the ship. Maybe it’s that crippling fear of always being dissatisfied of never reaching that goal— “striving and never arriving”? Perhaps, it’s easier to live with sabotaging one’s own success than to disappoint others.
Elena Cherepnina
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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EDITOR IN CHIEF Alain Latour editor@mediumonline.ca
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Letters to the editor will be edit ed for spelling, grammar, style and coherence. Letters will not exceed 500 words in print. Letters that incite hatred, violece or letters that are racist, homo phobic, sexist or libelous will not be published. Anonymous let ters will not be published. THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Marotta, Edward Cai, Emil Jabbarli, Katherine Luczynski, Patricia Figueiredo, Daniel Damarco,Kjartan Hewitt, Zack Geraldo, April McDougal, Bayardo Nezhualoyotl, Suvrat Barar, Anila Qasim, Dave Esposto
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009 THE MEDIUM 5
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Jerry Springer is in the House Jerry Springer: The Opera returns to Hart House by popular demand PATRICIA FIGUEIREDO
Jerry Springer: The Opera delivers exactly what it promises: a mix of foul language, crotch grabbing, hair pulling and pole dancing sung operatically. Sure to both offend and amuse, this show returns to the Canadian stage for the second time after soldout performances in January 2009. The provocative Jerry Springer: The Opera gives start to the 2009-2010 season of Hart House Theatre, which proudly celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. First performed in 2003 at the National Theatre in London, England, Jerry Springer: The Opera is one of Britain’s most controversial musicals of the decade. Written by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas, Jerry Springer: The Opera is based on The Jerry Springer Show, the American daytime television talk show we all hate but love to watch. The musical is divided into two parts – the first, a Jerry Springer episode, complete with a “trailer trash� bisexual adulterous man, a crack addict, a sexual deviant with a diaper fetish, a member of the Ku
Klux Klan and a married woman whose life ambition is to be a stripper. With hilarious numbers to go with every dysfunctional guest’s disturbing confession, part one certainly does not fail to arouse the audience. In part two, things turn dark and even more twisted as the beloved host, Jerry Springer, descends to hell after being shot. He is then forced to host a show like his own, with Lucifer, Jesus, Adam and Eve, Mary and God as guests. Perhaps it was the flamboyant Jesus, or the overly well-endowed Adam, or the pimped-out God or Jerry Springer on the cross that triggered all the protests and controversy in Britain. Although rude, crude and certainly offensive, this show makes for an outrageously funny spectacle. A satire by definition, Jerry Springer: The Opera calls attention to and pokes fun at Western society’s obsession with fame and its worship of overnight celebrities. Throughout the musical, there is evidence to support this theory. One example is Louisa O’Keane’s hysterical delivery of “This is my Jerry Springer Moment,� which she performs as Baby Jane, a grown woman in diapers. As the title sug-
gests, this song is about the much desired 15 minutes of fame. Among the musical’s most noteworthy performances is Ian Bender’s, who plays Tremont, a transsexual in love with an adulterous man. Bender has great stage presence and an enviable ability to dance in seven-inch heels while looking ghetto-fab in zebra tights. Bender’s most hilarious moment is his passionate performance of “Chick with a Dick.� Equally talented and ridiculously funny is Scott Gorman, who plays Montel, the man with a diaper fetish and later on, Adam. Gorman’s greatest moment is his delivery of “Mama Gimmee Smack on the A**hole,� an inappropriate but uproarious song which he performs in nothing but a diaper and dress shoes. Funny man Gregory Finney, who plays the adulterer Dwight and God, delivers perhaps the most stand-out performance. Finney’s interpretation of “It Ain’t Easy Being Me� as God makes the audience howl while desperately gasping for air. Kudos to the costume designer for dressing God in sparkling gold shorts, a long white vest with gold trimmings and gold bling around his neck.
There is something to be said, however, about the challenge of understanding the actors as they attempt to sing obscenities operatically. At times, one might find himself wishing for subtitles. As the show progresses, some scenes seem to prolong unnecessarily, taking away the humour and giving way to impatience in the audience. One particularly long scene is the purgatory scene in part two, when Jerry Springer
finds himself surrounded by nurses and the ghosts of some past guests. It takes Springer an unnecessarily long time to discover that he is dead and some audience members might find themselves wishing he would just go to hell. But if you can sit through all that and look past the foul language and the controversial and borderline insane behaviour of the characters, you will enjoy yourself.
Daniel Dimarco/Hart House Theatre
A catfight breaks out on The Jerry Springer Show. Jerry Springer: The Opera kicks off Hart House Theatre’s 90th anniversary season.
Danny Fernandes: Who’s his private dancer? Danny Fernandes opens up to The Medium about relationships, winning his first MMVA and what his friends hate about him. SAALIHA MALIK NEWS EDITOR
With hit singles “Private Dancer,â€? “Fantasyâ€? and “Never Againâ€? to his name, R&B artist Danny Fernandes doesn’t have much to complain about. Fernandes, 24, recently picked up a Much Music Video Award for best Canadian Pop Video of the year and has toured along-side big name acts such as Flo Rida, Akon and The Pussy Cat Dolls protĂŠgĂŠs, Girlicious. The limelight did not come to Fernandes overnight. The youngest member of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, he spent years dancing on stage for artists such as Aaron Carter, Blackstreet and Deborah Cox. After his song “Curiousâ€? was released in Europe, Fernandes gained international recognition and soon joined forces with Canada’s CP Records, home to artists such as Massari and Belly. Fernandes stopped by last Thursday and sat down with The Medium for an exclusive interview. The Medium: Congratulations on
winning the MMVA for Best Canadian Pop Video of the Year for “Private Dancer!� How did it feel to lead with the most nominations in five categories and to win your first MMVA? Danny Fernandes: Thank you, it was so flattering to be nominated, and to win my first MMVA for Private Dancer was amazing. I couldn’t believe I had the most nominations [tied with Nickelback]. When I heard, my reaction was to ask, “Are you sure?� I was calling everyone to double check! TM: Your music is always evolving. Your songs “Curious,� “Private Dancer,� and “Fantasy� are very catchy. “Never Again� is filled with emotions. Is it about someone that you’ve dated? DF: I actually wrote “Never Again� myself. The song is about an ex-girlfriend I was with for three years. I wanted to say what I felt and put it on paper for my fans because I think everyone can relate to heartbreak. TM: Well, you now have a lot of female fans. What advice can I give to girls who want to approach you? DF: I like the chase factor. I’d much rather a girl come up to me and introduce herself rather than act like a fan. TM: I read that you were a romantic. What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for a girl? DF: (laughs) Well, you know the girl I wrote “Never Again� about? I surprised her by flying her out to Europe when I was on tour. She loved it and I think that was pretty romantic. TM: Does she know the song was written about her?
DF: Yeah, I told her. She knows. TM: Given your success, is there anyone from your past who didn’t believe in you that you would like to “coincidentally� run into so you could fill them in on your life now? DF: Yeah! Everyone from my elementary school and high school. No one
believed in me at school. TM: Is there anything that your friends hate about you? DF: They hate that I get a lot of girls (laughs) and that I get to travel while they have to work 9 to 5 jobs. TM: That’s something to be envious about! Okay, Danny, I’m going to ask
you some questions that you can answer by filling in the blank. Feel free to say no comment to anything you wish.
Danny continued on page 6
University of Ottawa
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6 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY SEPTEMBER,
28, 2009
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CURIOUS?
Fill in the blanks with Danny Fernandes Danny continued from page 5
DF: Okay, let’s go! TM: Rumours about you and Nicole Cordova from Girlicious? DF: True. TM: Which artist would you love to collaborate with? DF: The Dream, he’s amazing! TM: Who is the most famous person on your cell phone? DF: (pulls out phone to check) I’d have to say Drake. He is everywhere right now! TM: If you weren’t a singer you’d be a... DF: A dancer. I would probably teach, maybe even open up my own dance studio. TM: If you had a reality show, it
would be called... DF: (laughs) Good question. I’d probably call it Life with Danny. S M : Your favourite thing to do besides make music is... DF: At the moment I’d say playing Rock Band (laughs) which still has to do with music. SM: Your idea of a good time is... DF: Hanging out with my friends and family cause I don’t get to see them often. SM: Your least favourite food is... DF: FISH! I HATE FISH! (laughs) It smells and I think they’re ugly. SM: The word that describes you best is... DF: Artistic. I’m so full of ideas, my brain works on over time. It’s hard to keep up with me, I’ve been told.
SM: You never leave home without... DF: My BlackBerry! It’s like a drug, I swear! Anyone who doesn’t have one should get one. SM: The best show on T.V. is... DF: Family Guy. SM: Your favourite place to travel is... DF: Vancouver. The west coast is absolutely beautiful. SM: One thing people don’t know about you is... DF: I’m a mamma’s boy (laughs). She is my life. SM: Ten years from now you’ll be... DF: A legend (laughs). That’s my goal. SM: The most important thing you’ve learned about the industry is...
DF: Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. A lot of people are out to get you. The only people you need are the ones who will do anything and everything for you. SM: What’s next for Danny Fernandes? DF: I just moved to Mississuaga. I have been travelling, performing shows and now I have a new album coming out and I’m preparing to go on tour with Akon and Pitbull. SM: I look forward to seeing great achievements from you. Thank you for your time – it’s been great chatting with you. Do you have any last words? DF: I just want to thank all of my fans for the support. It means the world to me.
Edward Cai/The Medium
Danny Fernandes performs at the Blind Duck Pub this past week.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
TIFF OFF
28, 2009 THE MEDIUM 7
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
That’s the last of TIFF The 34th Toronto International Film Festival has come and gone. Kjartan Hewitt gives us his take on what to look forward to next year, along with some highlights from this year’s festival. about.com
Another TIFF has come to a close, with the awards ceremony ending as I write this. This past week marks the end of festival parties, where quasi-celebrities mingled with industry folk and had awkward conversations with threedrink-deep volunteers. The good celebrities (you know the ones I’m talking about) went to better parties, the likes of which a volunteer pass or a lowly press pass would never suffice to gain entry. I never got to meet Natalie Portman. In addition to scads of outstanding (and not so outstanding) films from across the world, this year’s festival saw the announcement of Bell Lightbox. At the northeast corner of King and John, the Lightbox stands five stories tall and spans an entire city block. It will be the new home of TIFF. Scheduled to be completed in a year, the Lightbox will have five cinemas, three all-purpose studios, three galleries and a restaurant, café and lounge. The complex will also serve as a student and scholar centre, where there will be a research room named after Canadian TV veteran Brian Linehan. Finally we won’t have to walk all the way from the Cumberland Theatre to the Varsity to catch two shows in an evening. Tedious. In all seriousness, the Lightbox will become a Toronto staple and change the face of TIFF indefinitely. The property at King and John was a gift from the King and John Festival Corporation (KJFC). You might know it better as the Reitman family’s company, headed by Canadian director Ivan Reitman. With the Reitmans and with the province of Ontario behind it, Bell Lightbox’s completion and the creation of a world-class festival home base is all but a certainty. As the excitement dwindles, I lay my head down to dream of next year’s festival. A central area for which the festival to exist in will surely increase my chances of meeting Natalie Portman, right? There will still be all the gala screenings at the Visa Screening Room and Massey Hall… I bet she’s nice in person, and smart. Did you know she went to Harvard? As I nod off, I lament the films I never saw, whose regular release I’ll have to wait for. I console myself with the age-old TIFF ending adage: “This festival’s passing be not one to grieve, only 350 more days until next TIFFmas eve.” CORRECTION NOTICE: Reviews for A Serious Man and Get Low are being republished due to a misprint in the previous issue.
A Serious Man Directed by Ethan Coen & Joel Coen Starring Michael Stuhlbarg & Richard Kind RATING: MMMM As I was leaving the theatre, I heard a man pontificate about the brilliance of Joel and Ethan Coen. He said, “They captured a time and place so specifically… brilliant!” I was never part of a Midwestern Jewish community during the midsixties so I cannot attest to that, but I’m fairly certain that guy couldn’t either. Tony Award nominee Michael Stuhlbarg plays our protagonist, Larry Gopnik. It’s fine if you don’t know who Stuhlbarg is; the cast of the film is largely unknown. The kids that they got to play Gopnik’s children were actually found through an open casting call at a Jewish community centre. And they’re perfect. Larry Gopnik’s life is falling apart. His son is stealing from his daughter to pay off the school bully and his daughter is stealing from Larry to save up for a nose job.
tiff.net
Leslie: My name is Evil Directed by Reginald Harkema Starring Kristin Adams & Tom Barnett RATING: MMM
These are the cutesy problems. Larry’s wife is leaving him for an asshole, while a Korean exchange student is blackmailing him for better grades and putting his tenure in jeopardy. These are the less-thancutesy but more hilarious problems. On Larry’s couch is his fat, unemployable, cyst-draining brother who is ultimately forced out of the house with Larry in tow. Instead of questioning why he should put up with all of this, Larry questions what it all means. In his search, he consults three rabbis, none of whom are particularly helpful. It’s abrupt and real and horrible. But you know, funny. We don’t finish on a Sam Eliott smoke-and-whiskey voice ove r, wrapping everything up. Rather, the film ends in a No Country for Old Men fashion, practically midsentence. It’s like the time–
The only thing I was told about this movie before seeing it was “it’s crazy.” This is pretty accurate. The film follows Leslie (Kristen Hagar), a disciple of Charles Manson, and Perry (Gregory Smith), a juror in his trial. We watch Leslie’s descent from homecoming princess to her trial and conviction. Meanwhile, across the courtroom, Perry, the all American Christian in a cardigan (think Dick Grayson), quietly falls in love with her. A film surrounding a murderous cult lead by one of the most infamous criminals of our time is bound to be a bit crazy. What made this film especially odd was its style and approach. It makes some bold statements while maintaining a campy fun atmosphere. The film parallels the senseless Manson family murders to the
outnow.ch
tiff.net
Get Low Directed by Aaron Schneider Starring Bill Murray & Robert Duvall RATING: MMMM Robert Duvall and Bill Murray are awesome. 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 it’s bases without getting sloppy about it.
slaughters in Vietnam. It also infers that war-supporting, Christian Americans’ beliefs are just as arbitrary as an antiestablishment cult follower’s. But you know, fun. Seriously. It’s sort of like how hard drugs are glamorized in film but are ultimately shown to be wrong. In Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream, Blow or what have you, we see the consequences of these illegal substances, but not before they are shown to be very desirable. In Leslie: My Name is Evil, the ultra sexualized life of a Manson cult member is shown the same way. And we’re talking about murder. However, without the commitment of a realist film, w e’re bet ter a bl e to t a ke in th e subject matter lightheartedly, despite its actual weight.
The Informant! Directed by Steven Soderbergh Starring Matt Damon & Lucas McHugh Carroll RATING: MMM This is the quasi-true story of Mark Whitacre, Matt Damon, a VP at one of the largest agri-businesses in the US. After becoming aware of a pricefixing scam within the company, Whitacre opts to become an FBI informant. To which he is not well suited, as he cannot keep his mouth shut or his story straight. Frankly, I was a bit bored. Soderbergh has a knack for making his characters, even the super human Ocean’s Eleven ones, fallible and, as such, endearing. Matt Damon is fantastic to this capacity and very funny. The best parts of the film are his non sequitur
voiceovers outlining random facts and arbitrary “Jack Handy” style insights. The first half of the film is enjoyable. But because it’s a film about a pathological liar, the plot moved around too much before spiraling out of control. This did illustrate the life of a liar quite well, but I found myself losing interest in the characters because of it. I no longer knew who to empathize with.
For other reviews and more TIFF content visit mediumonline.ca/tiff
8 THE MEDIUM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009
Amir Ahmed, Editor | features@mediumonline.ca
A student’s guide to new cars ZACK ZERALDO UTM likes to think of itself as a g r e e n c a mp u s . I t s G r o w S m a rt , Grown Green initiative has surely helped advance this belief, but the fact remains that UTM is not that well situated for walking or biking. Public transit options don't fare much better: despite the U-Pass, which grants full-time students unrestricted access to Mississauga's transit system, taking the bus on campus can be the stuff of nightmares, as the lines up stretching along the bus stop attest. Add the construction sites bursting over the city to classes and appointments
that require auto-nomous transportation (pun intended), and students will frequently find that a car can be their best friend. But which one is optimal for students? The answer depends on the student. Those looking to upgrade their vehicle or to keep a budgetf r i en d l y m o de l i n m i n d f o r t h e future need not look any further than the three listed below. While this list is by no means exhaustive, hopefully this article has provided students with some i d e a s f o r t h e i r future tr a nspo r t decisions – or at least equip them with the right questions to ask.
Comparing...
Mazda 3
$Toyota Matrix
Ford Focus
Fuel consumption
(with the 2.0 litre engine) City: 8.1 L/100 km Hwy: 5.9 L/100 km (with the 2.5 litre engine) City: 10.1 L/100 km Hwy: 6.9 L/100 km
(with the1.8 litre engine) City: 7.8 L/100 km Hwy: 6.2 L/100 km (with the 2.4 litre engine) City: 9.6 L/100 km Hwy: 7.1 L/100 km
(with the 2.0 litre engine) City: 8.5 L/100 km Hwy: 5.7 L/100 km
Price
Starts at $15, 995 for the sedan model
Starts at $16,330, the all wheel drive option raises this
Starts at $14,799
Add ons
Heated leather and DVD navigation as options
All wheel drive option
“Sync” system option
The Mazda 3: style and safety
The Toyota Matrix: rugged and reliable
Although the Mazda 3 has been redesigned for 2010, it still retains all the features, including that certain “cool factor,” that made the first generation such a success. Available as either a four-door sedan or fourdoor hatchback known as the
The Toyota Matrix shares a lot of mechanical components with the Corolla, a car known for its reliability and longevity. The Matrix offers everything one would expect from Toyota – a well-backed warrantee and standard safety features like side and curtain air bags – combined in an exciting package. The new Matrix has a sporty European hatchback look and a simple, eye-pleasing interior with easyto-use controls. Weather-wary Canadian drivers will note the Matrix's all-wheel drive feature, which separates it from many of its competitors. The base Matrix comes with the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine used in the Corolla for over a decade. A 2.4litre engine is another option; while this engine uses a little more fuel, it does feel satisfyingly powerful.
autonorth.squarespace.com
The Mazda 3: zoom zoom indeed.
“sport,” the new Mazda's styling might take a little getting used to. The interior, however, feels like it belongs in a much larger, more expensive vehicle. Including all the modern amenities one can expect to find in a modern vehicle, such as MP3 capability and a split folding rear seat, the Mazda 3 also offers high-end options such as heated leather and DVD navigation. As for passenger safety, the Mazda 3 comes standard with side and curtain air bags. On the road, its performance is a notch above the competition, with notably peppy acceleration and tight, responsive handling. Prices start at $15,995 for the sedan model a great value for students. Both available engines produce economical fuel mileage. These figures, however, are not quite as efficient as some of the competitors.
The Ford Focus: fun and frugal Students may be surprised to find this car in this article. But Ford has in recent years placed great effort into redesigning their car interiors. The new Focus is no exception. It is also the cheapest car mentioned here by far – even the fully loaded model sells for thousands less than it competitors’ high end trim models. The interior is comfortable, well designed and uses nicely finished materials. The placement of the controls can take a little getting used to, but this doesn’t distract from the overall quality of the inter i o r. I t a l s o p o s s e s s es a “ s yn c ”
option – a voice-activated system with connections for cell phones and MP3 players – not yet available in the Mazda or Matrix. The Focus also distances itself in the competition with its sporty twodoor version, a great option for students who prefer style over space. T h e t wo - d o o r v e r s i o n o f f e rs a sports car look at an economy car price. Unfortunately, at such a low price some sacrifices have to be made. The Focus has less standard equipment than the Mazda or the Matrix. This equipment, however, can be added onto the Focus relatively inexpensively.
fordimage.com
netcarshow.com
Toyota combines longevity and reliability in its mechanical components.
Check out the library Atrium Project nears completion AMIR AHMED FEATURES EDITOR
Approached from Outer Circle Road at night, it looks like a glowing crystal formation. Approached from the Student Centre during the day, it looks like a palace of glass, bracketed with wood and metal. Having opened in 2006, the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre (library for the rest of us) is one of UTM’s most recent buildings. It’s a far cry architecturally from the South Building, which could use the name “the Fortress of Doom” as much as it could “the William Davis Building.” And although the construction from the Atrium Project, initiated to reduce noise from the ground floor interfering with the third floor’s study rooms, greeted students at the beginning of the school year with noise, reduced traffic, and steel trusses, the construction is nearly complete. The Atrium Project is the library’s
Antonio Montana/The Medium
The main hallway to the HMALC is now clear of construction. most recent design change. “When the library was first built we performed acoustic tests to determine noise levels. We probably should have tested it with actual students,” joked deputy chief librarian Ian Whyte. The project has not been completed – students on the
third floor will note the gaps in the windows overlooking the link – but the major part of the renovations are over with.
Library continued on page 9
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009 THE MEDIUM 9
FORMING COMMUNITIES FEATURES
UTM library designed for success Library continued from page 8 The construction of a new library was first brought up in the UTM Master Plan nearly a decade ago. This plan for development, arranged under Principal McNutt, stressed improvements for campus infrastructure. A new library was key to this, and in 2004, the groundbreaking took place. Chief librarian Mary Ann Mavrinac described the move from the old library to the new one as “a logistical thing of beauty.� The library housed just under 400,000 volumes, which needed to be moved with minimal disruption to users. The planning stages for the move took months and the actual execution involved over a month of movement, during which the library also tried to make their normal services available. When the library first opened in 2006, only the main and third floors were completed, but students still flocked to it. Designed by architect Andrew Frontini, winner of the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2000, the library is definitely sound. “You wouldn’t believe the steel running through this building,� said Mavrinac. In 2008, the library, along with the RAWC and CCT Building, won an award of excellence in Mississauga’s Urban Design Awards, and since opening in 2006 the building has achieved a Leader in Energy and Environment silver certification. The LEEDS rating system assesses buildings based on five criteria of sustainable design practises, including water efficiency and efficient energy usage.
Community on campus AMIR AHMED FEATURES EDITOR
Antonio Montana/The Medium
The Community on Campus program is designed to provide adults with mental disabilities an experience of life in a post-secondary environment. Accompanied by volunteers, these adults sit in on classes, work out at the gym and perform community service. When the program began thirteen years ago, it supported only three adults. Today, thanks to increased volunteers (of which Community on Campus now has 65) that number has risen to twelve. Support worker April McDougall says that this number is likely to remain constant over the next few years. Community on Campus is part of
Community Living Mississauga, a charitable group established in 1955 to assist the mentally disabled. Both are funded primarily by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. Although there are other support programs within Mississauga for people with disabilities, Community on Campus is different for the experience that it offers and for the friendships these people are able to form between volunteers their own age. These experiences benefit both the adults and the volunteers. “I worked in the corporate world,� says Brett Paveling, Community Living Mississauga’s communication manager “and this is the most rewarding thing I’ve done by far. In business it’s all about the bottom line. Here it’s about seeing someone smile.�
The HMALC has won an award of excellence from Mississauga’s Urban Design Awards. UTM’s library was the first building in the U of T campus system to receive the certification. The library constantly undergoes architectural upgrades and improvements in student accessibility. Along with the Atrium Project, the library has also opened the Li Koon Chun Finance Learning facility in 2008. As a building, the library is meant to be open and accessible. The staff’s goal is emulate this attitude in their work with students. In the past year, the library staff formed an advisory group of students in an effort to
increase the effectiveness of services. One concern of libraries has always been the preservation of information. “The content is the same, but the conversation is different,� Mavrinac said. “But now instead of worrying about acid content on paper, we have to worry about electronic files and how we’re going to keep them.� For students who use electronic archives more than print sources, this is an important conversation indeed, and one that, thanks to the Atrium Project, can now be carried on a little more quietly.
April McDougall/The Medium
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10 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
FEATURES POETRY AND PROSE
Creative Corner
In Store BAYARDO NEZHUALOYOTL CANIZALEZ
look into your eyes and i get a beautiful gaze back it comes as no surprise that like a locomotive, i stay right on track we're locked with our sight and my mind cant help but wander will i be with you tonight? is the question i've left myself to ponder making you feel right so that your feelings for me grow fonder and deeper just like my hips into you as you sway on the bed you dont believe that its true so i take it from slow, to slower instead which brought you to the realization that this was the best decision you'd made since you said hello back, to continue our conversation initially afraid you took a risk that resulted in your resuscitation my hearing gone, all i could do was feel we lost track of time but your hourglass body could only reveal in mime that the feeling of us was surreal at first you tried but you couldnt conceal eyes closed shut and your mouth wide open as if you couldnt take anymore but were secretely hopin' that i could provide an abundance from what i still had in store
The Burial SUVRAT BARAR
W e’ r e b us y a l l oc a t ing t h e t oy s . There is no referee but between ourselves, Rahul and I have always tried to make the division of the action figures and the vehicles as equitable as possible. Trouble is, the offence and defence is never chosen beforehand, so we can’t choose with a specific objective in mind. I’ve already got me Airtight, Deep Sea Diver and the Sniper. Rahul’s got Snake Eyes and the Cobra Commander. I am trying to make him get his hands off Viper. If he gets Viper, he gets the Jet by default as per the rules. Considering how he’s already got Snake Eyes, which gives him the Tank by default, I’ll end up with a field cannon and an armoured jeep. This, needless to say, leaves me at a tactical disadvantage too serious to fathom. “You’ve got the Sniper!” Rahul pleads, “so give me Viper!” Viper’s cool, I have to admit. Him and the Sniper are the two most hotly contested figures in our collection. Not counting Airtight of course. I love Airtight. He’s the commander of my armies. Always has been. He’s cool that way. Despite his yellow pyjamas and green helmet, he projects a neat image, far more menacing than the Cobra Commander could ever hope of becoming. I run my theory past Rahul. Rahul spends two minutes extolling the virtues of the field cannon. I point out that he only needs an aerial bombardment to take out my cannon. He considers it for a moment, then offers me Snake Eyes in exchange for the Deep Sea Diver and Viper. Seems reasonable enough. I get the Officer, the Terminator, and
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Cobra’s trooper. Rahul gets the Swat team leader, Duke and Destro. Now for the weapons. I get the sniper rifle, naturally. Rahul picks an automatic. I pick the bazooka, to which Rahul protests. “Too much firepower,” he grumbles. I let him have the missile launcher. Once we’ve successfully armed our troops, we proceed to toss a coin. I win and pick the defence. Since Rahul has the jet, I figure defence is the best way to tackle him. I proceed to construct a fortress with the pillows and cushions I stole from the living room and Mom’s bedroom. Rahul arranges his forces in what he evidently considers an “attack formation.”
Air Tight lost his leg and his right arm. He’s broken beyond repair. I burst into tears. I place the Sniper at one corner of the fort and the field cannon at the other end. The tank has more than adequate protection, housed as it is inside an “air-raid proof” bunker (Rahul protests that such a thing doesn’t exist, but I assure him I saw it in a movie). All my soldiers are housed in little protective dents in the cushions, strategically placed to cover anywhere the enemy attacks from. The field cannon however has absolutely no protection.It requires too much room to manoeuvre. To negate the effect, I make Air Tight in charge of its operations. Snake Eyes will take over command from the tank in case anything unfortunate happens to Air Tight. Rahul begins with a small detachment of commandoes heading stealthily across the clearing. Sniper takes out their leader easily. I dispatch the rest with Air Tight and his ever accurate field gun. “He doesn’t even need to use the cannon ’s compu ters,” I tell Rahul proudly as he retreats to ponder his next strategy. I wait behind my walled fortress patiently, occasionally repositioning a soldier, conducting imaginary conversations between Air Tight and Snake Eyes and making as many metallic noises as possible with my tongue. Rahul decides that the smartest thing to do would be to conduct an air raid. I swivel my field cannon up as he approaches, and let loose a lethal round in his direction as he flies almost directly overhead, just before he has a chance to attack. “MAYDAY! MAYDAY!” Rahul screams before tottering back to base for repairs. I congratulate Air Tight on a job well done. Rahul makes a fresh land-based attempt on my fortress. I use the tank’s cannon to blow them all up this time. Air Tight needs to rest, I reason. Rahul decides it’s time for extreme measures. Once his jet is ready, he arms it with the tennis ball, which doubles as a nuclear weapon. I watch wearily as he flies lazily towards my fortress. I call on Air Tight and his field cannon to defend the base, but Rahul uses some expert flying to dodge the
shells. Once he’s at a sufficient distance, he takes careful aim and fires. His aim couldn’t be more accurate. It flies gracefully, hitting the cannon and knocking it off the walls. But it isn’t the cannon which is the major setback, as the ball ricochets off the wall behind me. Before either of us knows what’s happening, the ball hits Air Tight square in the face. I let out a yelp as Rahul screams in delight. Air Tight lost his leg and his right arm. He’s broken beyond repair. I burst into tears. Rahul stops his victory dance and stares at me with alarm. “He wounded?” Rahul asks slowly. “Dead!” I sob. “I’m sorry!” Rahul murmurs. I don’t look at him, I’m too busy mourning over Air Tight’s mangled body. “We need to give him a funeral you know,” Rahul finally says as I pause between sobs. “A what?” I ask. “A funeral,” he says. “You k now, with th e proper military honours… I saw it in this movie once.” I wipe my nose on the back of my sleeves. “Ok.” “We’ll need a coffin first.” “I don’t have one.” I say forlornly. “No problem” Rahul says before rushing off into the kitchen. I wait for him patiently, but recoil in horror as he triumphantly waves a plastic bag in front of me. “I will not bury him in that!” “It’ll have to do,” Rahul tries to reason with me. I shake my head violently. “Fine,” he says in exasperation. He goes off and returns with a shoe box. “A grand coffin. Happy?” I place the fallen soldier in the box. Yes, it is satisfactory. Rahul says we ought to bury soldiers only at sundown. I don’t quite agree but Rahul’s seen more war movies than I have. So I agree and wait until sundown. In the meantime, we go down to the garden and begin digging the hole we will use to bury the coffin in, using tools we’ve borrowed from the gardener. As the sun sets, Rahul positions the little plastic soldiers around the gaping hole reverentially as I slowly and steadily move towards it with Air Tight’s coffin. Gently, I lower it down. We take a step back as our little toy soldiers pay their last respects to their great leader. Viper and the Sniper have been positioned closest to Air Tight’s coffin and now proceed, helped by us of course, to raise their rifles into the air. We make gunfire noises with our tongues three times. It’s gotten pretty dark and the mosquitoes are biting. We pile on as much dirt as we can manage and rush indoors. Dexter’s Lab will be on any minute now.
Want to write for Features? Have an idea for a story? Contact Amir at features@mediumonline.ca
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
28, 2009 THE MEDIUM 11
Andrew Tysiak , Editor | sports@mediumonline.ca
Sports writing course offered at downtown campus Instructor Perry Lefko shares over 25 years of experience with students ANDREW TYSIAK SPORTS EDITOR
There is no denying that sports fans are passionate and sometimes even opinionated. Many call sports radio shows and discuss with friends. And in today's connected world, others turn to blogging as a means to communicate their perspectives and viewpoints with fellow sports nuts. Those who go to university, however, find that their heavy school workload distracts them from their passion. Wouldn't it be great, these students may wonder, if a sports course was offered in school? At University of Toronto, their wish has been granted. From Oct ob e r 5 t o N o v em b e r 3 0 , t h e newly developed Freelance Sports Writing course will be available. The instructor of the course is none other than veteran Perry Lefko. Lefko has more than 25 years experience as a professional writer, including 21 years as a sports reporter with the Toronto Sun. He currently covers the Canadian Football League for sportsnet.ca and contributes to both the Toronto Star and Metro News. Lefko is also an editorial
consultant for Down The Stretch, a horse racing newspaper, and has written six books to date, including two bestsellers. With such an impressive resume, students should expect to soak up Lefko’s considerable knowledge and expertise through the entirety of the course. Lefko believes this course helps students realize their dreams of becoming a sports writer and teaches how accessible and opportunistic this career path can be for participating students. “Some people have a dream of writing professionally about sports. This [course] will explain the paths needed to pursue that goal, from the earliest age to any point afterward, knowing that it’s available for the taking,” said Lefko. “We talk about ways to pursue this path, whether it’s writing for a junior high or secondary school newspaper or enrolling in post-secondary schools that teach journalism and in some cases, sports journalism.” Throughout the nine week course, students will be taught the basics of writing about sports, the fundamentals of becoming a reporter, website writing and blogging, marketing their work for various uses, learning how professionals create their work for public consumption and how to write a sports book and the publication process. The course will include guest speakers who will share their
Nazem Kadri: hockey star, Muslim icon ANILA QASIM For Toronto Maple Leafs fans everywhere, the eve of June 26 was not just a night to bask in the glow of newly drafted faces. It was a night that promised change. Nazem Kadri, a London Ontario native, was drafted 7th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft Entries. Though the Leafs’ roster is abundant with players from many walks of life, Kadri is the first Muslim player to skate in blue and white. He achieved the highest rank a Muslim has ever been drafted in NHL history. Being of Lebanese descent and a practising Muslim, Kadri is the symbol of diversity that was long overdue for the Leafs organization. The six-foot rookie embodies the multiculturalism that Toronto boasts of and stands to be an inspiration to the younger generation. “Being a role model is an important thing for me,” said Kadri. “Hopefully I can open up some eyes.”
Kadri continued on page 12
rootzoo.com
Nazem Kadri, pictured above with the London Knights, hopes to make the Leafs opening day roster.
advice and personal experiences. Lefko also aims to abolish any stereotypes about sports writing, making it clear to potential students that sports writing is not only for men. He encourages women to participate in this course and believes they can be as knowledgeable and successful in the field as men. “Some of the best sportswriters have been, or continue to be, women,” said Lefko. “Because sports are considered a man’s game for the most part, it can limit the opportunities available to women.” The November 16 lecture will be dedicated to the topic of gender in sports writing. Students will examine the challenges women face in the industry and take a look particularly at one-time sports columnist Christie Blatchford of the Globe and Mail, Mary Ormsby, formerly the only woman covering the Canadian Football League, writer Donna Spencer at the Canadian Press and Kathryn Humphries from Citytv. They will learn how these women overcame obstacles and gained respect in their fields. Interested? Join now. The deadline is September 28; the cost, $585. Students can register online at www.learn.utoronto.ca or by calling 416.978.0765. It will be a fun, educational and interactive experience for writers and sports writers of all genders.
quickblogcast.com
Sports fans at U of T get their wish as a newly developed freelance sports writing course will be available starting October 5.
12 THE MEDIUM MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
SPORTS
SCANDALS AND TRAINING
Kadri impresses during training camp Kadri Continued from page 11 Having Muslim representation in t h e N HL m a y n o t o n l y d r i ve younger Muslim children to take up the sport and aspire to fill Kadri’s skates. It also makes the idea of breaking racial and religious barriers in the sports realm likelier, as his presence in the big leagues will help persuade children from immigrant families to take up the traditionally expensive and time-consuming sport. “A lot of Muslim kids are going to start playing hockey because they see someone like them who can be successful in that area,” said Kadri. Albeit young, he is a player worth looking out for. As a strong center for the London Knights, Kadri dazzled onlookers with his ability to p e r f o r m u n de r p re s s u r e w h i l e under the scrutinising gaze of hockey fanatics everywhere. Kadri was the undoubtedly the best player on the Knights last season, playing 56 games and rallying up a total of 25 goals and 53 assists within that timeframe. “He's got great skill and he plays with [heart],” says Dale Hunter, the coach of the Knights. “He hits hard. And he's a playmaker. He puts up points and he's a winner.” Though a jaw injury prevented h i m f ro m m ak i n g t h e n a t i o n a l junior team, Kadri is able to flaunt
his talents. Al Murray, head scout o f T e a m C a n a da , b e li e v e s t h a t Kadri is a better skater then the top p i c k i n t h e 2 0 0 9 dr a f t , J o h n Tavares, given the former’s versatility when it comes down to playing multiple positions. “He can play all three forward positions and all roles, from first line to fourth line,” said Murray. Despite Kadri’s pivotal role in recent Leafs games, as in the victory secured by Kadri through scoring both the tying and shootout winning goals against the Pittsburgh P e n g ui n s on S e p t e m b e r 2 3 , t h e h e a d c o a c h of t h e L e a f s , Ro n Wilson, doesn’t see him immediately breaking into the Leafs’ roster. “I'll say this for the last time, unless [Kadri] can make the top two lines, he'll be in junior, and I don't see much of a chance of that [making Leafs lineup] the way the other guys have played,” Wilson said. Already armed with three goals and two points accumulated in a mere four pre-season games, only time will tell whether or not Wilson will pencil Nazem Kadri into the Leafs’ opening day roster. Yesterday, Kadri was cut from the Leafs training camp and officially returned to his junior affiliate. Expect to see him in the NHL in the near future as he develops into an integral part of the leafs organization.
Crashgate scandal hits Formula One racing DAVE ESPOSTO
The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was to be admired for its spectacle. For the first time ever, Formula One broke new ground as the sport ventured into the night, holding its first ever race under floodlights amidst an array of fanfare and excitement. Instead, a scandal reared its ugly head and brought with it a lack of credibility as well as calling to attention the actions of Renault and allegations that Nelson Piquet Jr. deliberately orchestrated a crash in order to help teammate Fernando Alonso win the 2008 showcase. Known as Crashgate, the conspiracy centered on the lap 14 crash caused by Piquet Jr. “From the start of the race, things were complicated and I had a lot of graining and the situation got worse and worse,” said Piquet Jr. after the race. “The team asked me to push, which I tried to do and finally I lost the rear of my car. I hit the wall heavily but I'm okay. I am disappointed with my race but obviously very happy for the team this evening,” While both Renault and Piquet Jr. were adamant that the crash was just an unfortunate turn of events, a closer look would reveal a malicious attempt on behalf of both parties to sabotage the race, ensur-
ing Alonso a podium finish and Renault the accolades of yet another victory over rival Ferrari. With the credibility of Formula One already at its weakest and most vulnerable point, the FIA, the sport’s governing body, began their investigation a year later in August of 2009. With initial reports and an investigation already heavily underway, it wasn’t long – September 4 – before the true events of that day became public knowledge. The investigation concluded what many in the sport had already feared. The World Motor Sport Council ruled that Renault were guilty of breaches relating back to the events in Singapore in 2008, citing them to be of unparalleled severity. “They not only compromised the integrity of the sport but also endangered the lives of spectators, officials, other competito rs and Nelson Piquet Jr. himself,” said the WMSC in a statement. “The WMSC considers that offences of this severity merit permanent disqualification from the FIA Formula One World Championship.” The penalty imposed on Flavio Briatore, Renault’s team principal, is a lifetime ban while ex-Renault engineer Pat Symonds has been handed a five-year period of exclusion. Renault Racing was also given a two-year suspension.
This scandal has left a fresh mark on a sport desperate to erase their troubles from previous scandals still fresh in the minds of F1 enthusiasts. From the Nazi-themed sex scandal that engulfed FIA president Max Mosley to the current shortcomings, the sport of Formula One must continue to push forward and prove that it can survive yet another dent on their credibility and character. But for former F1 World Champion Damon Hill, the escapades embroiling the sport must be worked out so order can once again be restored. “There are clearly a lot of issues and have been in the past. Formula One has a lot of soul searching to do. It’s a huge sport, there's a huge amount of interest and sometimes controversies actually add to the interest. But you want it to be for the right reasons,” said Hill. In a sport notorious for its competitiveness and worldwide allure, Formula One must dig deep to rewrite their wrongs and regain a position of prominence to bring the sport back to its glory days, where the attention was focused on the track and not off it. But in a sport where results matter most, it is the prime-time players who must realize that when cheating and indignity are present, nobody wins, no matter how fast they’re going.
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
OTHER ACTIVITIES ALSO AVAILABLE Functional Intensity Training (F.I.T) This high intensity training is designed to enhance an individual competency at all physical tasks. Improves overall coordination. Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 5pm - 6pm or 6pm - 7pm. 5, 10 and full term packages available.
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? Hop and Latin Dance classes here at UTM. Pick up a copy of our Activity Guide for more details.
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