The Ontarion - Issue #175.12

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Issue No. 175.12

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CLIMATE CHANGE PAGE 4

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NEWS 3 • ARTS & CULTURE 7 • SPORTS & HEALTH 10 • FEATURE 16 • LIFE 17 • OPINION 20 • EDITORIAL 22 • FUN PAGE 23

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Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

NEWS

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University of Regina Professor accused of plagiarism Article removed from academic journal in response.

KATIE SULLIVAN Shahid Azam, professor at the University of Regina, has been accused of plagiarizing a former student.

Arjun Paul, the student in question, has suggested that Azam plagiarized his master’s thesis in his recently published article in the academic journal Environmental

Geotechnics. The journal investigated the allegation and withdrew the paper, concluding that Azam “had not fully credited Arjun Paul’s thesis.”

Azam refutes these claims, but does acknowledge a mistake in the referencing of Paul’s work. Azam defends his error by suggesting his close training of Paul and their past work together is what led to the similarity in the articles. This suggestion implies that Paul’s thesis is really a reflection of their joint ideas.

Paul is taken aback by the dismissal of the claim and Azam’s questions of his academic ability. He continues to assert that the work was not done with Azam, but independently. “He

said I am not technically sound. I am saying, if I am not technically sound, how can I do all of the course work, the project work, the presentation, and pass the final exam?”

This is not the first plagiarism incident to suggest problems in the academic world. In 2012 University of Waterloo professor, Dongqing Li, along with PhD student Yasaman Daghighi, retracted a report from the journal Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, after discovering that “unaltered text was taken from a pre-published version of … Induced-charge elecktrokinetic phenomena.”

The author of the original unaltered text, Martin Bazent, professor at MIT, noted the incident as blatant

plagiarism and “a cut-and-paste job.”

The University of Waterloo remained silent throughout the incident.

Allegations of professors participating in academic dishonesty continue to be of widespread concern for university communities, and students have noticed.

Undergrads are lectured on the perils of the greatest of academic sins as professors persistently go unpunished.

Philip Baker, the former dean of the University of Alberta’s medical school, became one of those professors after he infamously plagiarized from The New Yorker magazine.

Though Baker lost his administrative

U of G student elected to Barrie City Council Advice for youth entering politics JACK HINDS Politics is a game best left to the aggressive, enthusiastic, personable, and experienced. It is not for the faint of heart. But it seems that, so often, we associate those traits with age. And though it may not necessarily be true, that belief is what builds such a strong barrier against youth entering into politics.

As a gross generalization, “things” are changing very quickly in our world these days. Our population has exploded, our resources are ever-shrinking, and it seems as though our world gets smaller and smaller by the minute. The effects of a single event, or even the actions of a single person, now have the ability

to reach so much farther, and affect so many more than ever before.

To cope with that change, we need to begin selecting our politicians not just for their experience, but also for their ability to adapt to change, comprehend vast and complicated systems, and absorb and distill large quantities of information down to only what is important to those they represent.

It’s that requirement that separates the wheat from the chaff in politics. To hold such a responsibility in your hands, you need a level of maturity exhibited by a rare few.

If you talk to 21-year-old University of Guelph student Sergio Morales, maturity is the key to succeeding as a young person in politics.

Morales was recently elected councillor for Ward 9 in Barrie, a community not unaccustomed to young politicians. Morales acknowledges that his position has been held by many young people before, and that one of his mentors was in

his twenties when he first entered Barrie politics.

That’s not to say that being young hasn’t been a challenge for Morales.

He freely admits that it took some very serious effort to ensure he was seen as a political hopeful first, and a young person a distant second. It was a concept that originally made him nervous, and gave him reason to pause at the thought of walking onto the political stage.

At the end of the day, though, it was Morales’s maturity and respect for the system, his fellow councillors, and his community that saw him through to victory. Age and maturity are two very different things, and though the former typically begets the latter, one can subvert that. Morales is an extremely competent, mature individual, who organized his campaign like the most seasoned of politicians. His opponents gave him great praise, saying he “ran a big city campaign,” which means a lot coming from a

community that still views themselves as a small town.

Morales spent many tireless hours researching, building his platform, meeting his constituents, and putting to rest any unease they may have had because of his age. He went to great lengths to ensure the media didn’t latch onto the fact he was a student, instead letting his personality and his campaign speak for themselves – which is precisely how politics was meant to work. He hired a campaign manager, graphic designer, and had people consulting on marketing and managing his volunteers. When pressed for any advice for young people looking to enter politics, Morales implores that they not view age as a barrier, suggesting that they don’t run as a student, but a politician instead. If you’re not going to play the game like everyone else, don’t bother showing up. It’s tough love, but its advice that rings true across almost every aspect of our lives. Always try your best, give yourself completely

position, he was able to keep his job as a professor at the university with minor repercussions.

Unfortunately, a common response from universities, in regards to professors’ academic crimes, is silence. There is a strong desire to maintain good reputations, and, therefore, university administration pushes allegations under the rug.

With students facing incredibly harsh consequences for academic fraud, the lack of equal punishment for professors is unacceptable and unfair. The lack of equality in reprimanding guilty professors is, and will continue to be, detrimental to the learning community.

over to whatever it is you’re trying to do, and tackle it with maturity well beyond your years.

Morales’s story is a heart-warming one, but it isn’t as common as it should be. We still need more young people like him to take up that advice, and give themselves fully over to the game of politics.

Young people will not get taken seriously if we ourselves do not take the system seriously, and do our part to make it work properly.

So, if you think you know someone who would be good in politics – someone you would trust to represent you and the issues you care about in our political system – encourage them to explore it as an option. Warn them, however, that if they don’t take it seriously and approach it with as much resolve as they would any professional position, they won’t get your vote. That’s the strong and mature attitude that Morales went in with, and it’s what got him his victory.

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NEWS

Under the Ground-breaking deal reached between China Radar and the United States

Palestinians kill Israeli worshippers Four rabbis and one police officer are reported dead and others eight injured in Israel after two armed Palestinian men attacked worshippers at a synagogue in West Jerusalem.

The attackers were shot dead on the scene.

Israeli Prime Minister blames the attack on “incitement” by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Hamas militant group.

“The presidency condemns the attack on the Jewish worshippers in their place of prayer,” reads a statement issued by the office of President Abbas, “and condemns the killing of civilians no matter who is doing it.”

Three of the victims – Rabbis Moshe Twersky, 59, Arieh Kupinsky, 43, and Kalman Levine, 55 - had dual Israeli/US citizenship, and a fourth, Rabbi Avraham Goldberg, 68, had dual Israeli/UK citizenship.

“There is and can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians,” said US President Barack Obama, condemning the attack.

At the time of press, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades - the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - has claimed responsibility for the act.

Criminal complaint over World Cup hosting The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has recently lodged a criminal complaint against individuals connected to bids to host the next World Cups.

“There seem to be grounds for suspicion that, in isolated cases, international transfers of assets with connections to Switzerland took place, which merit examination by the criminal prosecution authorities,” reads a statement released by the Association.

President of the Association, Sepp Blatter, confirms to have acted on the advice of judge Hans-Joachim Eckert, who wrote a report that cleared Russia and Qatar to host the cup in 2018 and 2022, noting that “there is insufficient incriminating evidence to call into question the whole bidding process.”

The report has been widely criticized, but Blatter has resisted several calls for it to be made public.

“If Fifa were to publish the report, we would be violating our own association law, as well as state law,” said Blatter. “ [But] if we had anything to hide, we would hardly be taking this matter to the Office of the Attorney General.”

- Compiled by Alyssa Ottema

Top greenhouse gas emitters committed to serious reductions CONNOR ARSENAULT

On Tuesday, November 11, a deal regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was announced between the United States and China. This deal, which was negotiated in secret and involved months of dialogue between the two countries, is a game-changer when it comes to global climate change policy initiatives.

U.S. president Barack Obama spoke alongside Chinese president Xi Jinping at a joint press conference in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the day the deal was announced. In his statement, President Obama recognized the special responsibility that the U.S. and China have- as the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases- in leading the global effort on GHG emissions.

Previous to this agreement, China has only ever stated their intention to reduce the rate of increase of their greenhouse gas emissions. In the newly announced agreement, they go further than this, pledging to cap their GHG emissions by 2030. One of the ways they will reach this goal is by increasing the use of non-fossil fuel energy sources

to comprise 20 per cent of their energy production by the year 2030.

Greenhouse gas emissions are currently on the decline in the U.S., and in this agreement, the president has committed to the lofty goal of doubling the present rate of decline, resulting in GHG emissions of 26 to 28 per cent less than 2005 levels by the year 2025.

Here at home, this deal will have an effect on the way the government is addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

Until now, the prime minister has maintained that our nation will keep our targets in line with our neighbours to the south. This has essentially provided an excuse for inaction when it comes to reducing GHG emissions.

Now that the U.S. has set highly proactive goals regarding emissions, it is time for Canada to step up to the plate.

Right now, China is the world’s leading investor in nuclear and renewable energy sources, so it appears that with hard work, they will be able to meet the goals that they have set in this agreement.

In the case of the United States, it is predicted that there will be a lot of opposition to the goals set by the president. The U.S. Senate’s Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, was quick to call the GHG emissions targets negotiated by the president “unrealistic.” The targets are liable to come under opposition from the Republican Party, who are opposed to the kind of policies that would need to be introduced in order to reach the goals set in the agreement.

On the whole, this agreement will

MATT ZIMMERMAN VIA CC BY 2.0

The landmark agreement reached by the U.S. and China this past week takes a progressive step in the right direction looking forward to the 2015 Climate Change Conference in Paris. provide encouragement to countries worldwide when it comes to setting goals for reducing GHG emissions.

The United Nations climate chief, Christiana Figueres, is calling for all countries to submit post-2020 emissions targets by the end of March, 2015. This is in the hope that a global treaty can be concluded at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Paris in December, 2015.

This secretly negotiated deal between the United States and China was a long time coming, but

it is welcomed with open arms by environmentalists worldwide. These two nations, who account for almost half of the greenhouse gas emissions produced globally, are taking a progressive stance on climate change, setting the world stage for like-minded commitments by other countries. This deal between the U.S. and China is a perfect example of the type of international cooperation and forward thinking that is needed to stop the unsettling trend of higher and higher greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Guelph Catholic School student protests pro-life assembly Pro-life speaker at Catholic school challenged by student with pamphlets and coat hangers MIKE OTT St. James Catholic School in Guelph was the location of an important protest this past week. When the school hired Rebecca Kiessling to speak to the students about pro-life stances on abortion, Tyler Dillman,

a grade 12 student, protested the event. He handed out pro-choice pamphlets, and hung coat hangers from students’ lockers to symbolize the dangers of restricting access to abortion.

Dillman notes the importance of seeing both sides of the issue, stating that the school’s 100 per cent pro-life stance does not open discussion and education on the salient issue of abortions. His hopes are to demonstrate to his peers that restricting abortion access does not prevent abortions, but, rather, makes them unsafe and dangerous, as women must resort to methods other than governmentfunded operations.

“I want every single girl in that audience to know that they have a choice. The pro-life speaker was taking that choice away from them. It was the school’s obligation to inform these

students completely, and they didn’t,” explained Dillman.

Many of the school officials tried to prevent Dillman’s message, removing the coat hangers and confiscating his pamphlets. The school takes a completely pro-life stance on abortion and many of Dillman’s fellow students oppose the school’s stance, especially given that the Catholic school system is province-funded, and should, therefore, be neutral on abortion.

Dillman raised the point of free speech, explaining how only putting one side of the issue into the students’ minds is unfair and disrespectful: “The students have the right to be informed about these topics, and, if you didn’t want to start this discussion, you shouldn’t have had an assembly promoting pro-life.”

While the school stated that they are not against their students being

pro-choice, their actions speak louder than their words, through their removal of the coat hangers and pamphlets, as well as the fact that they hired a pro-life speaker.

Kiessling herself takes an extremely conservative stance on abortion, being against the practice even in cases of rape or a miscarried fetus. Such a stance can be harmful to young students who will be lead to believe false claims about abortion. Dillman hopes to demonstrate to his peers that making abortions illegal would prove much more dangerous as women would be forced to use more harmful practices such as a coat hanger, the symbol of his protest.

Kiessling is set to speak at several other high schools, as well as the University of Guelph, in the following days.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

Rosetta comet mission successfully lands Philae Lander One giant leap for mankind SAMEER CHHABRA Science has, for the first time in human history, successfully made contact with a comet in orbit. Serving as the culmination of a project almost ten years in the making, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosetta mission landed its Philae probe on comet 67P/Churyumov Gerasimenko on Nov. 12.

“Our ambitious Rosetta mission has secured a place in the history books,” said Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA’s Director General.

“Not only is it the first o rendezvous with and orbit a comet, but it is now also the first to deliver a lander to a comet’s surface.”

“With Rosetta, we are opening a door to the origin of planet Earth, and fostering a better understanding of our future. ESA and its Rosetta mission partners have achieved something extraordinary today.”

Philae’s landing was not without incident, however, as researchers studying Philae’s first sets of data

discovered that the lander had made not one, but three landings on Comet 67P’s surface. The lander initially touched down at the intended landing site, before lifting from the comet’s surface two more times. Philae’s three landings were a result of its automated harpoon system not activating.

Due to the lander’s new location, its batteries are no longer capable of receiving enough sunlight for a significant charge.

While the original landing site offered seven hours of illumination per 12.4 hour comet day, the new landing site only allows 1.5 hours of sunlight.

To accommodate for the lack of sunlight, the lander’s body was lifted by about 4 cm, and rotated about 35 degrees in order to receive more sunlight. However, Philae’s power has depleted.

In spite of these setbacks, Philae was able to send back all of its housekeeping data, as well as its science data from its instruments.

“It has been a huge success, the whole team is delighted,” said Stephan Ulamec, lander manager at the DLR German Aerospace Agency. “Despite the unplanned

series of three touchdowns, all of our instruments could be operated, and now it’s time to see what we’ve got.”

Scientists and researchers at the Rosetta mission are now looking to the future in hopes of re-establishing contact with the lander.

“We still hope that, at a later stage of mission, perhaps when we are nearer to the sun, that we might have enough solar illumination to wake up the lander and re-establish communication,” said Ulamec.

Though the Philae probe is a lander specifically designed to make direct contact with a comet, the Rosetta spacecraft consists of two elements. The first is the Rosetta comet orbiter and the second is the Philae lander, whose main mission was to make contact with Comet 67P. The Rosetta comet orbiter will spend the next 17 months around Comet 67P, gathering data for the Rosetta team to analyze. The elemental composition of comet’s are largely unknown, and the Rosetta mission’s success represents humanity’s first collective steps in understanding the small, icy Solar System bodies.

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The Philae Lander (shown above) sets a precedent in human history.

Upcoming events Nov. 20: - Fair November, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in UC Level 1 and Peter Clark Hall, on until Sunday.

- SOLAL Public Lecture Series, “Shifting Landscapes: Humanitarian Action in the 21st Century” with Jessie Thomson, 4 p.m. in THRN 1200.

Nov. 21: - SOFAM Student Print Show and Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Zavitz 207, on until Sunday.

- Explore the Psychological Benefits of Interacting with Nature with Professor Marc Berman, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Arboretum Centre.

-Louis Riel Métis Flag Raising. 12 p.m. at Guelph City Hall.

Nov. 22: Fundraiser to help stop Ebola, with former president of the Médecins Sans Frontières, James Orbinski, and music from Joni Nehrita and Adam Bowman. 7 p.m. at The Bookshelf.

Nov. 23: United against Raids and Detentions: Rally in Solidarity with Migrant Detainees. 3:30 p.m. at Toronto Immigration Holding Centre, 385 Rexdale Blvd.

Visit www.sundaycinema.ca for info on these Central Student Association events.

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7:00 PM YOUR CSA & UC PROGRAMMING PRESENT

TOKYO POLICE CLUB SAID THE WHALE

Frog in Hand

& THE PACK A.D. $25 UOG STUDENT $28 GENERAL (PLUS S.C.)

DOCURAMA Thurs Nov 20

SUNDAY CINEMA Sun Nov 23

NOON HOUR Thurs Nov 27

DOCURAMA Thurs Nov 27

LIVE MUSIC Tues Dec 2

ROZANSKI 105 | FREE Inside the topless feminist activist group FEMEN. Co-sponsored by the McLaughlin Library.

THORNBROUGH 1200 | $3 UoG stu • $8 gen Zany, funny, thrilling, and full of visual splendour.

Co-sponsored by Interhall.

UC COURTYARD | FREE Dance, theatre, period costumes, and sword play.

Co-presented with Guelph Dance.

ROZANSKI 105 | FREE A crowdpleaser about the world’s worst soccer team.

Co-sponsored by the McLaughlin Library.

PETER CLARK HALL | All ages/Licensed Tickets at the CSA Main Office (Room 274 UC), The Brass Taps, and from www.ticketbreak.com.

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NEWS

Trade deal revived by US – India agreement World Trade Organization aims to increase global trade ALEXANDRA GRANT

F. FIONDELLA (IRI/CCAFS) VIA CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The recent agreement between the US and India hopes to mark the beginning of a new era of ease in global trade.

An agreement has been reached between India and the United States in the matter of food stockpiling in India, just days before the G-20 meeting hosted in Australia. The World Trade Organization (WTO) had previously met in Bali, Indonesia to reach the first real deal since their inception 17 years ago.

The deal aims to get goods moving across international borders by easing customs procedures, reducing red tape, and upgrading border infrastructure.

The installation of this deal would add an estimated $1 trillion to the global

economy and create upwards of 21 million jobs. Currently, however, the biggest criticism on the deal is the need for large investments in infrastructure that many developing countries may not be able to contribute without incurring a large debt burden.

In July of 2014, the WTO deal came to an impasse when India vetoed moving forward unless the dispute over food security was resolved. The Indian government buys food from its farmers and stockpiles it for a public distribution system, where it is sold at government-run stores at subsidized prices. The food subsidy program is available to 75 per cent of India’s rural population, and 50 per cent of the urban population.

The WTO, however, has a rule that limits countries to stockpiles of less than 10 per cent of a country’s . This is because stockpiles distort the market and allow the country in possession of the stockpile the ability to flood the market with product and drop prices around the world. An agreement was

recently reached, allowing countries in violation of this rule until 2017 to solve such problems; however, India feared legal issues if they could not resolve their stockpiling issues.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, President Obama and Modi discussed the issue in light of the mounting crisis of confidence facing the WTO. A new deal has now been reached, known as the “peace clause”, which promises that no legal action will be taken against India nor any other country that exceeds the 10 per cent stockpiles approved by the WTO until an official solution for the issue can be found.

With the deals like this and the USChina tech deal that is set to create $4 trillion in annual trade through the elimination of duties on products, the WTO’s deals are beginning to gain traction, leading to much speculation about what is to come to the stage of international trade and the world economy.

BC Court of Appeals denies lawsuit in overturned conviction case POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

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ALEXANDRA GRANT Ivan Henry, a wrongfully convicted 67-year-old man from British Columbia, has been released from prison after serving a sentence of 27 years. Henry was arrested at the age of 35 on May 12, 1989 in Vancouver for sexual assault, though the arresting officers lacked a warrant for his arrest. Upon arrival at the police station, struggling for air due to the chokehold enforced by the officers, Henry was forced to speak and was “identified” by three of the 11 victims of his alleged assaults.

This alone was not enough to convict Henry, and he was released on surveillance. During this time under surveillance, Henry – according to the Vancouver police department – assaulted two more women. The first assault was alleged to have occurred the

day after being released, and the second three weeks later. Upon identification of the past victims, Henry was rearrested and charged with 17 counts of sexual assault as a result of violating 15 women.

Though there was large doubt in the trial’s facts and evidence, Judge John Bouck reached a verdict in Henry’s case just hours after his trial began. Henry was found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, and five counts of indecent assault.

27 years later, the British Columbia Court of Appeals exonerated Henry after the discovery that no properly instructed jury could reasonably have named Henry guilty, given that the defence had been denied access to important documents and the jury members were handled poorly.

In his newfound freedom, however, Henry is left to live on an old age pension that takes no account of the 27 years spent working in prison kitchens, laundries, sewing shops, and warehouses. Additionally, every cent that Henry earned while in prison – $5.25 per eight-hour shift –went to appealing his case, along with financial help from other inmates.

Penniless, Henry awaited a civil suit against the police, the

crown, and government for damages and compensation. The drafted lawsuit included malicious prosecution, abuse of process, misfeasance in public office, and an award for charter damages for what Henry states in court documents were “egregious breaches” in the Crown’s disclosure obligations.”

However, the B.C Court of Appeals and Judge John Hall denied the lawsuit.

“As an intermediate appellate court, this court is clearly bound by pronouncements of the Supreme Court of Canada, and I consider those pronouncements currently foreclose negligence as a foundation for prosecutorial liability,” said Judge Hall. Had Henry been released on parole rather than acquitted, he would have been living in a halfway house, with both community and financial support, which directs much attention to the decision of the Court of Appeals.

Henry’s case is especially interesting in light of a recent University of Ottawa study, which determined that one per cent of convicted felons are innocent, meaning that in 2010 alone, 872 people were sentenced to prison for crimes they did not commit.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

ARTS & CULTURE

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In Conversation with Seth and Luc Chamberland Director of Seth’s Dominion and local artist discuss documentary and art ADRIEN POTVIN For the Guelph Film Festival, I spoke over the phone with Guelphbased cartoonist Seth, known for his comic series Palookaville, and graphic novels such as Wimbledon Green and George Sprott, as well as Montrealbased director Luc Chamberland, whose documentary Seth’s Dominion closed the Guelph Film Festival.

Luc Chamberland: I would say a large portion of the work I do is commercial – lots of explosions and stuff. So, I wanted to do something that was the complete opposite of commercial. I am a big fan of comic books – I grew up reading the French/Belgian comic book Spirou, and it’s very European. When I was in London I couldn’t find European comics, there were only American or British comics, and I stumbled upon a guy named Seth, and I was absolutely amazed. It was, graphically, very appealing to me, with a very European sensibility, and then I realized “He’s not British, he’s not American, he’s Canadian!” I was so surprised. So when I came back to Montreal about eight years ago, I went to a conference Seth did, and during the conference he was talking about other comic artists and illustrators […] Harvey Kutzmann,

Wallace Ward, all these great, great artists. He talked about their lives, and how much they give themselves to the art of comic books. He was very tender about their lives and their commitment and so on, and while he was talking, I thought “My God, if he was talking about himself that would be interesting.” This is how I got the idea, and I approached him after the conference and I told him I wanted to do a film with him.

We had a conversation that went on for about six months – email, phone calls – we finally did a meeting and he agreed to do a film with me. I think it’s because I was proposing to mix live action and animation. […] I think by the end, we’re not talking only about Seth, we’re talking about everybody’s memory. It’s a film about memory. […] I think the film is about, well, what I was trying to do, is [the idea that] this memory

could serve us to live a better present.

To be a little more aware of our present in a more fulfilling and satisfying way, thanks to all of that memory of the past that we collect in our lives.

I think it speaks for everybody; not just about Seth, but for everybody who takes the time to look at the film.

Seth: Most of my work is built around memory. I’m a person who is constantly dwelling in the past at some level or another – either my own past or the cultural past. I guess I’m probably more interested in memory than I am in day-to-day life on some strange level. It might have something to do with the fact that, as a cartoonist, you spend a tremendous amount of your time alone. A lot of that time spent sitting at the drawing board, your mind is kind of wandering, and of course most of what you’re dwelling on a

Big Bank Hank, of “Rapper’s Delight” fame Member of influential rap trio Sugarhill Gang, dead at 58 CADEN MCCANN A member of the old-school rap trio, The Sugarhill Gang, Big

Bank Hank passed away Nov. 11 from kidney complications due to cancer. The Sugarhill Gang is most fondly remembered for their 1979 song “Rapper’s Delight,” which is frequently cited as the first commercial hip hop single. Featuring Hank alongside fellow group members Wonder Mike and Master Gee freestyling over an interpolation of Chic’s “Good Times,” the song topped the charts internationally upon its release, and usher in a musical form that remains the dominant pop idiom some 35 years later.

Upcoming events

The story of “Rapper’s Delight” begins in the summer of 1979, when disco was having its last hurrah, and Chic’s “Good Times” was the song of the summer. At a triple-bill New York City concert on Sept. 20, 1979, alongside Blondie and Talking Heads, Chic would perform the song and be accompanied on stage

by Fab Five Freddy and members of The Sugarhill Gang, who would rhyme over the break section of the song. One of the audience members during this historic event was music executive Sylvia Robinson,

who saw the commercial potential in capitalizing on the “Good Times” phenomenon, and in producing a record in this new style of music.

Rounding up Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike, and Master Gee into the studio, The Sugarhill Gang would freestyle for 15 minutes over a live band that imitated the Chic members’ guitar and bass parts.

Cut to acetate, the record would be released a couple months later and achieve huge success.

Hip hop music has made great strides in terms of developing as

lot of the time is your own life. But I think that, for myself, I’m particularly fascinated by how we construct a life for ourselves – a narrative of out of events that occur and how we change them in our memory. Like, what little we actually retain and how we build that into a bigger narrative, even though when you look at the details of your memory it’s actually pretty skimpy. It’s a big topic. But the film does a good job, I think, of capturing that sensibility. When I saw the film, what I was happiest about it was that it wasn’t so much a documentary about my life, but more of an attempt to get the feeling of what my work is about, and the sort of inner life that is transmitted through the film.

Read more about Seth’s Dominion in this week’s centre coverage of the Guelph Film Festival.

an art form, but it was early artists like The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five who would create the foundation. Performing rhythmic spoken word on topics, ranging from life in the ghetto to living the dream over chopped-up snippets of Afrooriginated music, these early artists opened a dialogue that continues some 35 years later. Though only contributing a few verses on a single iconic song, Big Bank Hank will go down as a small, but important, part of this legacy.

Album of the Week : Father John Misty’s Fear Fun

Nov. 20: - University of Guelph Jazz Ensemble with conductor Ted Warren. 8 p.m. at Manhattans, $2 cover.

- Thursday At Noon Concert Series presents Student Soloist Day. 12 p.m. in MacKinnon 107.

Nov. 20 to 22: SIRENS: Elektra in Bosnia, a new play

by Judith Thompson, performed and produced by the Theatre Studies program. 8 p.m. at George Luscombe Theatre, $10 admission.

Nov. 21: Caddywhompus, Badminton Racquet, Baby Labour and Junior Bob. 10 p.m. at DSTRCT, $7.

Nov. 23: Contemporary Music Ensemble Live at Silence, 46 Essex St. 1 p.m., $5/pay what you can.

Nov. 26: University of Guelph Winds Ensemble with conductor John Goddard. 7 p.m. in UC Courtyard, Free.

Nov. 29: 2nd annual Brenda Lewis & Gayle Ackroyd Christmas Harmonies Concert, 8 to 10 p.m. at Magnolia Café. $15 advance, $20 door admission.

Nov. 30: Guelph Chamber Choir presents “Carols For Christmas: Carols & Seasonal Readings for Christmas and Winter.” 3 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 99 Woolwich St. Tickets call 519-763-3000. guelphchamberchoir.ca.

COURTESY PHOTO

Fear Fun (2012) Fleet Foxes’ Josh Tillman strayed from the usual earnest of his first seven solo albums, and discovered his inner sense of hilarity in Fear Fun, his first album under the name Father John Misty. Searching for a muse, Tillman loaded his van with shrooms and drove to Greater Los Angeles, where pop culture and Hollywood absurdity directly influenced his songwriting.

You can hear his euphoria and mischief recounted throughout the album, each song theatrical yet distinctive in its drug-fueled anarchy. Stay tuned for his next album I Love You, Honeybear, due for release February 10, 2015.

8

ARTS & CULTURE

Talking Zavitz WILL WELLINGTON This week, Zavitz Gallery features All Are To Blame For Everything, an exhibition of works by students in Sculpture III and IV. It opened on Nov. 17 and runs until Nov. 21. I wandered through the gallery with Odesia Howlett, a fourth-year English major, talking about the work. Since the show was still being installed during our early morning visit and will continue to change over the course of the week, we also spoke to one of the artists involved, Megan Keogh. This is a selection from our conversation: Odesia: There are two fans facing a chime. One fan is very close to an extension cord, but it’s not plugged in. The other one isn’t close to an extension cord, and it’s

Odesia: Powerful feeling not so much. Yeah, if they’re chimes, you want to hear them. And if you’re not hearing them, they’re just pieces of metal floating from the ceiling.

Will: So we’ve been standing here, Megan, talking about these fans and these chimes. What does it mean that the show’s a work in progress?

Megan: The show is like a sculpture studio for us. We’re inviting people to come into our studio and observe us. Sometimes, you’ll see us working, and some people are working overnight. You’ll come in, and the next day it will be completely different. It’s an experience that you have to keep coming back for.

Will: What do you think of that?

Odesia: I think it’s pretty cool. It’s good getting people to come back.

Will: Are you going to come back?

Odesia: Probably, because I’m confused as hell right now. Might as well.

WILL WELLINGTON

This week’s Talking Zavitz is a look at a work-in-progress exhibit titled All are to Blame for Everything, presented by students of the Sculpture III and IV classes.

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All are to blame for everything

also not plugged in. Is that just because they have yet to plug them in, or is it part of the artwork? No one knows. Except the artist. Who isn’t here.

Will: Does this provoke any strong emotional reaction in you?

Odesia: No, it doesn’t. But I’m sure, when the fans turn on and the chimes actually start chiming, it’ll sound nice.

Will: Can you plug it in?

Odesia: There we go. It spins.

That’s something of significance.

I’m sure if the other fan kicked in, it would spin faster, and the chimes would hit each other. “What does it all mean?”

Will: How is this a sculpture?

Do you think this is a sculpture?

Odesia: Anything is a sculpture if you make it.

Will: Do you think there’s something about inaction in this work?

It’s not making a sound. The fans aren’t running. That leaves you wanting or creates that powerful feeling of “almostness.”

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

ARTS & CULTURE

9

July Talk at Peter Clark Hall: all kinds of awesome Del Bel & July Talk play Peter Clark Hall MEG WILSON July Talk had a triumphant homecoming on Nov. 16 in Guelph after wrapping up the European and American legs of their self-titled tour.

“I can’t believe we woke up in Boston, and now we’re here! We’re home!” exclaimed Peter Dreimanis, the band’s front man, to the crowd.

The Toronto-based band (made up of lead singers Dreimanis and Leah Fay, guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton, and drummer Danny Miles) seemed happy to be home- so happy, in fact, that they put on one of the most incredible shows that Peter Clark Hall has ever seen.

The vocal duo of Fay and Dreimanis is what really makes July Talk.

Dreimanis’ voice is gravelly and sharp, whereas Fay’s is sweet and soft.

Combine the two, and you’ve got a

silk-on-sandpaper interplay. This interplay works so well precisely because the two voices are so incredibly different.

July Talk is all about contrast – Fay’s voice with the harder rock background, and Dreimanis’ voice in combination with Fay’s. Their songs are even written in a back-and-forth conversational style, once again to show the very obvious contrast between these two equally brilliant voices.

There was never a dull moment Sunday night. At one point, Fay requested that a fan lend her his Toronto Blue Jays hat – to which he obliged. After a few songs, she joined him in the crowd to serenade him and Popular Toronto band July Talk served up their unique rock stylings return it to his head. She also disman- with a blistering, high energy live show at Peter Clark Hall. tled her microphone stand on-stage, and invited a fan on-stage to “be the to create a truly unique experience For Your Bloodshot Eyes. As the night stand.” The real magic, however, was every time. I had the chance to talk to drew to a close, Fay took the opporbetween Dreimanis and Fay – the Arne Berg, a self-proclaimed super fan tunity to thank everyone involved chemistry between these two is abso- that has attended a total of 16 July Talk with setting up the show, including lutely crazy to watch. Hair pulling, shows. This just goes to show that the their soundwoman, Karen, who Fay microphone fellatio, and the two liter- dynamics between Dreimanis and Fay thanked by wearing a plain white ally hanging off of each other were all a are so honest and real that some people tee with a big red heart that read part of the show, but in this case, it’s less cannot get enough.

‘KAREN.’ She sent a lot of love to about sexuality and more about vulThe band played through most Guelph native openers Del Bel– nerability. July Talk is not a calculated of their self-titled debut album, as whose slower, more swayable songs act – but they work with the audience well as two new songs off of their EP, set the perfect stage for the night as

MEG WILSON

well. After the show, the duo took to the merch table to sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Dreimanis personally apologized for almost crushing me while crowd surfing, and Fay commented that we have the same haircut after running her hands through my hair. That’s when I realized this is July Talk – they’re real people, and they’re never faking it, not even for a moment.

Baby Labour, The Lonely Parade, and Skeletones Four Kazoo! #195 showcases musical acts at eBar MEG WILSON A cozy crowd of twenty-somethings and dadcore hipsters gathered Friday, Nov. 14, to kick off Kazoo! #195 at eBar in downtown Guelph. A non-profit, artist-run organization, Kazoo! was founded in 2006 by a team of Guelph musicians, artists, and community organizers, with a goal to create a community for new music, and to make connections between audiences and artists via year-round shows. Friday night at eBar, Kazoo hosted three talented bands, and accomplished just that.

Starting the show off with a bang at around 10:15 was Guelph’s own Baby Labor. The duo (made up of Dan Loughrin on guitar and Jake Cadieux on drums) has a way of weaving in and out of genres, all with a loose,

spontaneous feel. At the same time, however, Baby Labor’s music is calculated to give the listener a feeling of chaos, which was definitely present Friday night. Their 45 minute set included few vocals other than the occasional “HIT IT” from Loughrin, and their high-volume, jazz-inspired math-rock quickly launched the eBar from 0-100. Living up to their name, Baby Labor was both loud and a little bit touching - I mean, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Next up was Peterborough’s The Lonely Parade. After a quick break between sets, the crowd settled back in to hear this three-piece alternative girl band play what can only be described as punk-esque ballads.

The three share the vocal talent, with Charlotte Dempsey balancing bass and lead vocals, Augusta Veno on guitar, and Anwyn Climenhage playing drums. The lyrical content of The Lonely Parade’s set was what really set them apart. It is not an easy feat to make your music relatable, but this band did it, and did it well. Their ‘Depressing Song’ was vaguely political, hinting at society’s flaws with lyrics such as: “White people f**k things

MEG WILSON

Psychedelic outfit Skeletones Four (formerly known as The Skeleton Forest) performed at eBar with Guelph-based math rock duo Baby Labour and Peterborough art-punk group The Lonely Parade. up / throwing away and using up / if moving to mars is the new subdivision / but then where will we go?” Between their songs, which are compellingly real and raw, and their exquisite musicianship, The Lonely Parade shone Friday night.

Headliners The Skeletones Four (formerly Skeleton Forest) took the stage at midnight to play for the city where they grew up. The Torontonian

post-punk/psychedelic/garage-rock group played in a super-charged style all their own. Their harmonies were ghostly and gloomy, and their tone leaned dangerously close to pop, but add in a synth, a couple of guitars, and a handful of soul, and you get a chemical reaction of something both weird and fascinating. That something is The Skeletones Four, made up of front man (vocals, guitar, keyboard)

Andrew Collins, bassist Evan Gordon, guitarist Jordan Howard, and drummer John Merritt. The crowd, quite thick by the time the Skeletones hit the stage, swayed along through the set of spooky-yetsoothing tunes. The Skeletones Four created the perfect end to a night full of talent, and left the audience warm, even on a night where the temperature was far below zero.

10

SPORTS & HEALTH

Is Toronto an all-around sports city?

Despite boasting Canada’s sports teams, Ontario’s capital doesn’t live up to hype STEPHANIE CORATTI With the Maple Leafs, the Raptors, and the Blue Jays, the home of the CN Tower is also home to the self-proclaimed centre of the hockey universe, and two professional teams that bare the responsibility of representing an entire nation in their respective leagues – a formula that should seemingly add up to a city that worships it’s sports.

But does Toronto, after

it talks-the-talk, actually walk-the-walk?

Sure, the Blue Jays own the longest playoff drought in the MLB having not appeared in the postseason since 1993, and maybe getting into the disappointment that is the Maple Leafs needs an article (most likely a novel) within itself. But, cue the Toronto Raptors.

After stealing the hearts of the 416-area code and the country through the brilliant marketing campaign of #WeTheNorth for the short-lived – but loved – playoff run, the Toronto Raptors are off to the best start in franchise history. Compiling an 8-2 record as of Nov. 14, Kyle Lowry and company sit confidently in first of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

The last time the Raptors were found atop the standings at the beginning of a season was six games in on Nov. 12 of 2004 – ten years ago. Fun fact, basketball

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE

fans, this Jurassic Park inspired team has never been ranked first seven games in prior to this season in its entire existence.

With the amount of complaining we (disclaimer: ‘we’ encompasses everyone who demands sympathy as a sad-and-bitter ‘Toronto sports fan’) do as a fan base, you would think we’d have the parade route planned already.

That’s what we’re known for after all, give us a single win and we’ll show you the blueprints.

Yet, with all of our practice in parade planning, these surging Raps are struggling to make the front cover of a newspaper, or be the top story on any sports network. Instead the city of Toronto would seemingly rather read about the Leafs’ tough loss to the Buffalo Sabres (seriously, it’s like we want to torture ourselves.)

The argument, then, would be that Toronto – none other than the centre of the hockey universe – is actually just a hockey city, right?

Wrong.

We’d rather blanket our obsessive love for the boys in blue with our said-to-be eternal admiration for the beautiful game in general as an excuse. It makes us feel better about ourselves to think that we actually just love the sport of

hockey more than anything else.

But the sad truth is, Toronto is not a sports city, and it’s not the centre of the hockey universe.

Toronto is a Toronto Maple Leafs city.

We whine and grumble about the challenges we’re forced with being a Toronto sports fan, yet we ignorantly refuse to acknowledge the success around us.

One step below our beloved Maple Leafs sits the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Toronto Marlies, a team that in 2014 was one game-seven-win away from reaching the Calder Cup Finals for the second time in three years.

Yet, despite icing a championship contending club several seasons in a row, the Marlies still have an average attendance of 6,000 per game. That’s only about 500 over the AHL average. Looking at teams such as the Hershey Bears located in Hershey, PA and the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland, OH who draw 8,000 per game on average, it’s not exactly bragging rights for the self-proclaimed hockey universe.

Then there are the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). As OHL teams saw an increased yearly-attendance average of 4,041 in 2013-14, the

Steelheads sat at just above half with 2,585, and are currently at a decreased 2,294 average for the 2014-15 season.

Maybe a not-so-successful major junior hockey club doesn’t draw the most attention for a few reasons, and it’s quite possible we’re just tired of the always-overestimated Blue Jays falling short. However, none of it makes any more sense when you remember the Maple Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup in 47 years (that’s more than double my age, people) and have only made the playoffs once in the last 10 years.

Toronto sports fans love to complain about the disappointing hand we’re dealt in the world of sports, and it’s genuinely heartbreaking more often than not. Yet, with our own world of sports so readily accessible to us, we don’t have a clue on how to represent it, even when the win-column is higher than we’re used to.

The Maple Leafs will always be the frontrunners, and there’s no challenging that. Perhaps Toronto is stuck as the central hub for Leafs fans. But maybe – just maybe – an NBA Championship title could give Toronto sports fans a welldeserved break. Here we go again, planning the parade route.

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CODY GRESSWELL

The Gryphons held their ‘1-in-5 Mental Health Awareness Game’ on Nov. 14 as pictured above, a contest that saw the Nipissing Lakers defeat the home squad 2-1. Guelph outshot the Lakers 47-29 in the contest, holding control for the majority of the game, but couldn’t solve Nipissing’s netminder Kirk Rafuse. Andres Kopstals scored the lone goal for the Gryphons. The following day on Nov. 15, the Gryphons suffered their second loss in a row at home to the Laurentian Voyageurs, dropping the match-up 3-2. Scott Simmons and Daniel Broussard both scored for Guelph.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

SPORTS & HEALTH

11

RYAN PRIDDLE

Both the men’s and women’s Gryphons’ basketball teams earned their first victories of the young season during their home openers on Nov. 15. The women defeated the Algoma Thunderbirds 89-44 with Katelyn Yallin coming off the bench for a 22-point performance. The men also found the win-column against the Thunderbirds, handing Algoma a dominating 89-61 defeat. Daniel Dooley and Trevor Thompson led the way, combining for 20 of 28 Gryphons’ points in the first quarter.

Gryphons basketball get two big wins over Algoma in home openers Women topple Thunderbirds 89-44, men win 89-61 CONNOR HEWSON After starting off the 2014-15 seasons winless on the road with a combined 0-3 record, both the Gryphons men’s and women’s basketball teams returned home to the W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre on Nov. 15 for their respective home openers. Both teams handily defeated the Algoma Thunderbirds in front of a raucous home crowd for their first wins of the season.

The women were first to take the court, and utterly dominated their opponents, steamrolling the Thunderbirds by a score of 89-44 in a game that the Gryphons seemed to control from the very first tip-off.

Leading 19-11 after the first quarter, the Gryphons would blow things wide open in the second, propelled by the team’s trademark stingy defence and some scorching-hot three-point shooting. Back-to-back threepointers by power forward Katelyn Yallin, who scored nine points in the quarter, extended the Gryphons’ lead to 20 points over Algoma at the 10-minute mark. The Thunderbirds only managed to score four points in the quarter, compared to 24 for the Gryphons.

Yallin was a force to be reckoned with throughout the game, scoring a game-high 22 points on an efficient 8-12 shooting, and gobbling up 12 rebounds, all while coming off the bench. The Gryphons were dominating from beyond the arc on the game, finishing 13-of-22 for a paltry 59 per cent.

Rookie guard Jessica Morris was a big part of the Gryphons threepoint success, and was making it rain like it was the Amazon out

there, with all 12 of her points coming from behind the threepoint line.

The Gryphons continued their hot play in the second half of the game, outscoring the Thunderbirds 46-26, and holding them to just 24 per cent shooting on-route to the landslide victory. The win improved the Gryphons’ record on the season to 1-1.

The men took to the hardwood next, and their results were just as convincing, crushing Algoma by a score of 89-61 to push their record to 1-2 on the young season.

The Gryphons would come out of the gate flying early, utilizing their crisp passing and some good ball movement to push the tempo of the game, jumping to a 28-9 lead in the first quarter, capped off by an impressive drive to the hoop with two minutes left to play by third-year power forward Trevor Thompson. Thompson, who finished the game with 17 points and nine rebounds, was a solid one-two punch for the Gryphons early along

with second-year guard Daniel Dooley, who scored a game high 20 points to go along with three assists and four steals. Together, the pair kept the Thunderbird defenders on their toes, combining to score 20 of the Gryphons’ 28 points in the opening quarter, including an incredible step-back three-pointer by Dooley at the six-minute mark.

The Gryphons led 48-25 at the half, capped off by an exciting buzzer-beating three-pointer by guard Michael Clark, who dished out a game high six assists in the monster victory.

While the second quarter was much tighter, seeing the two teams

separated by just four points, the damage was already done, and the Gryphons were on cruise control for the rest of the game, never letting the lead shrink to more than 17 points. Much to the delight of the home crowd fans, the Gryphons’ lead would grow to over 30 points at times, including at 6:15 of the third quarter, where a corner three-pointer by guard Jack Beatty gave the Gryphons a 70-40 lead.

Algoma would actually go on to outscore the Gryphons 21-18 in the fourth quarter, though the game was already long over by then.

With the final buzzer, the Gryphons would take their first victory of the season 89-61.

Upcoming events Nov. 21: - Women’s Basketball vs. Queen’s: 6 p.m., W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre - Men’s Basketball vs. Queen’s: 8 p.m., W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre

follow us @theontarion for more news all semester long!

Guelph Film Fes FOUR DAYS OF SOCIALLY-MINDED CINEMA SAMEER CHHABRA & ADRIEN POTVIN

Over the weekend of Nov. 13-16, in various venues around the city, the Guelph Film Festival celebrated local and international filmmakers whose works are, by turns, socially-minded, beautiful, and thought-provoking. Formerly known as the Festival of Moving Media, but rebranded as the Guelph Film Festival to return more to its 30-year roots, the weekend was packed with screenings, workshops, and social discourse – all in the snowy backdrop of a newly wintry weekend.

The Ontarion got a chance to see some of films screened. Here are a few thoughts on each.

Divide in Concord DIR. KRIS KACZOR, DAVE REGOS – USA, 2014

Seth’s Dominion

COURTESY

DIR. LUC CHAMBERLAND – CANADA 2014 A documentary about one of Canada’s most treasured and compelling cartoonists, Luc Chamberland’s Seth’s Dominion – part animation and part live-action – is a fascinating portrait into the personal and artistic lives of an enigmatic artist.

Seth, a Guelph-based cartoonist, sets his work in an often fictionalized and cultural memorypreoccupied Canadiana. With an art style reminiscent of the 30s and 40s, Seth’s work is gentle, provoking, and often quite melancholic.

This is not to say it’s depressing – it’s often a much-needed slice of life to reflect on and implicate oneself in.

Director Luc Chamberland probes into Seth’s life as a silent, but not voiceless, observer. With old film used at times to give parts of the film an 8mm home-movie look, Chamberland understands and respects the sanctity of his subject’s attachment to memory both personal and cultural, and works in tandem with Seth’s drawings to really highlight this preoccupation with a time bygone. Like Seth’s comics and graphic novels, the film moves at a lovely pace, and seems to occupy a distinctive sense of time and memory that is difficult to portray with only words.

See the Arts & Culture section for an interview with Seth and director Luc Chamberland.

There’s always something to be said about persistence. There’s even more to be said when the frame of reference is a place like Concord, Massachusetts – site of the first shots of the American Revolution and of Walden’s Pond, made famous by American author Henry David Thoreau’s seminal environmental text Walden.

In its picturesque, truly American normalcy, an 84-year-old woman named Jean Hill sets out to make history by issuing a townwide ban on bottled water. With the help of some younger likeminded people, and at the behest of the town’s staunch opposition, the fiery Jean sets out to make waves and spark a real change in her small town and others.

As a film, Divide in Concord is a feel-good story that is cautiously optimistic about the future of bottled water. There is a distinctive attention to the stubbornness of the contemporary American right that resonates well with the festival’s underlying theme of social change – where does one’s individual rights end and where does social consciousness begin?

In the case of Concord, Massachusetts, it’s almost split down the middle, with strong cases to be made on both sides.

COURTESY

stival COURTESY

COURTESY

69: Love Sex Senior

The Secret Trial 5

DIR. MENNA LAURA MEIJER – NETHERLANDS, 2013

DIR. AMAR WALA – CANADA, 2014

Slow, methodical, and almost painfully monotonous, the Dutch 69: Love Sex Senior sheds light on the love lives of a group of Dutch seniors. Detailing their exploits, and exploring their interconnected relationships, audiences get a first-hand look at life after love and love at the end of life.

Though the film raises strong points about the nature of sexuality, and argues that love is not just for the young, the film’s slow pace makes for a painfully boring viewing. Excluding its close-up interviews, the film is shot in a fly-on-the-wall style. Its subjects are candid and more than willing to discuss their opinions on love, sex, and death.

Additionally, its subjects more than welcome a physical examination of their bodies. A particularly moving scene occurs between an elderly gay man and his lover.

As their bodies intertwine in a romantic display of passion, the elderly man breaks down into tears as his lover strokes his hair.

Though the film’s subject matter is compelling, its slow pace and fly-on-the-wall cinematography make for a strangely depressing film. 69: Love Sex Senior is advertised as a celebration of life and a candid look at love at old age; instead, the film’s bleak cinematography and morose colour pallet make it a sombre affair closer in atmosphere to a wake.

For a film originating from a country whose capital city has the most popular and well-known Red Light District in the world, it is surprising that 69: Love Sex Senior is so colourless.

Franz Kafka’s 1925 novel The Trial is about a man who is placed, with no warning, under arrest, and faces trial for a crime of which the details are not made known to him. Kafka’s cautionary tale of bureaucratic malice reaches some seriously chilling, real-world dimensions in Amar Wala’s documentary The Secret Trial 5, a story of five Canadian Muslim men who were detained for a combined total of 50 years. Between 1999 and now, not one of them had been charged with a crime during their detainment, or were made clear of any details of their detainment.

For this poignant, subdued documentary, The Trial seems to have become more of an instruction manual for Canadian Immigration Services than a cautionary tale. With vague, post-9/11 rhetorics of national security and anti-terrorism, the Canadian government has used the “security certificate” bill, which grants the federal government the right to detain people assumed to be linked to terrorist activity, without themselves or their lawyers knowing the nature of their crime.

Definitely unconstitutional and almost certainly illegal, the bill saw five men; Mohammad Mahjoub, Mohamed Harkat, Hassan Almrei, Adil Charkaoui, and Mahmoud Jaballah, in a position where they were not charged, not put on trial, and were detained with no explanation.

The film does a deft job of portraying the “business as usual” approach taken by the federal government in cases like this.

By taking away the humanity of presumed “terrorists”, usually on a racist/classist subtext, it is easy to paint these people as enemies right off the bat. Fortunately for us, director Amar Wala brings the humanity back to these people in a provoking and sometimes chilling way.

COURTESY

Triage: Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma DIR. PATRICK REED – CANADA, 2008 Humanitarianism is about helping people without regard for your own safety. With former Medicins Sans Frontieres President of the International Council James Orbinski as its subject, Patrick Reed’s Triage touches upon themes of mortality and morality, health and humanitarianism. The film asks its audience, “If you had a chance to make a difference in someone’s life, how far would you go?”

If you ask Dr. Orbinski, you can’t go far enough.

The film focusses on Dr. Orbinski’s return to Somalia and Rwanda after 15 years; as an MSF doctor, Orbinski was treating casualties of the Rwanda genocide at the frontlines. He had firsthand experience with the horrors of the war, and his involvement in the conflict profoundly changed his life and the lives of the doctors and patients around him.

Interspersed throughout the film are interviews with political analyst Gerald Caplan, who offers informational sound-bites on the nature of conflict and humanitarianism, as well as the events surrounding the Somalian and Rwandan conflicts.

Though an ultimately powerful and compelling film, Triage suffers due to the same problems that plague its many predecessors. This is, quite obviously, an important film that captures the brutalities of war firsthand. That it also offers profound statements on humanitarianism is further proof of its success. However, it is a film caught between its subject – Dr. Orbinski – and its subject matter – humanitarianism and conflict.

In an early scene, Caplan explains that Dr. Orbinski is a rare example of a humanitarian. Caplan argues that humanitarians are a strange species, forever caught between cynicism and optimism. Caplan’s remarks echo my opinions on Triage; this is a moving film that has a profound effect on its audience, but it is ultimately caught between delivering a powerful message and telling a powerful story.

14

SPORTS & HEALTH

Gryphons lose nail-biter in Yates Cup final McMaster Marauders defeat Gryphons 20-15 STEPHANIE CORATTI With the Guelph Gryphons looking to capture their first Yates Cup title since 1996 in Hamilton on Nov. 15, an injury to the starting quarterback and a relentless McMaster Marauders defence proved to be two hurdles this team couldn’t jump over.

Quarterback Jazz Lindsey, who didn’t practice all week leading up to the game, and was a game-time decision with a separated shoulder, got the start. To open the match-up offensively, Lindsey would throw three interceptions, and after a stellar season of limiting possession turnovers, it was a clear sign that No. 2 was not himself.

The fourth-year veteran would be sidelined in favour of rookie quarterback James Roberts, who, despite putting on a remarkable performance against the Western Mustangs in the semifinal, was surely playing in the biggest game of his career to date.

The Gryphons turned to their ground-game to score their only touchdown of the game as Rob Farquharson would run in a 41-yard score to give the visiting Gryphons a 9-2 lead in the first quarter. That would be the fifth-year veteran and All-Star’s final touchdown of his stellar career.

MATTHEW AZEVEDO/THE ONTARION

Rob Farquharson had the only touchdown for the Gryphons in their 20-15 Yates Cup loss to the McMaster Marauders on Nov. 15. The fifth-year ran 41-yards for the score, giving Guelph a 9-2 lead in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Marauders take a 12-9 lead and never look back with Mike Kashak intercepting a Roberts pass for a 30-yard touchdown.

The Gryphons defence, as it has done all season, would put forth a great effort in giving the red, gold, and black a chance at the win. With the Marauders going for it on a third-and-short with just under a minute remaining in the first half, free safety Tristan Douglin forced a turnover delivering a huge hit on Declan Cross of McMaster. The

Marauders would remain ahead 12-9 going into the third quarter.

Despite Gryphon defensive back Nicholas Parisotto intercepting Marauders quarterback Marshall Ferguson to breathe some life back into the Guelph squad in the third quarter, the Gryphons would be unable to capitalize on the field position, with Roberts intercepted

by McMaster’s Allan Dicks. The Marauders would jump ahead 17-11 heading into what proved to be

the Gryphons final quarter of the season.

There was no quit in the visiting team yet, however, as Daniel Ferraro would connect on a 43-yard field goal to pull the Gryphons within three points. The Gryphon defence would follow suit in the comeback attempt next, with Colin Mandich providing Guelph with the third interception of the game. The Gryphons were once again unable to convert on the field position, leaving Ferraro to take to

Storm grab one win on Eastern road trip During a 3-in-3 weekend, the Storm compiled 1-2-0-0 record STEPHANIE CORATTI To begin the Eastern swing on Nov. 14, the Guelph Storm dropped a 5-0 decision to the Kingston Frontenacs.

A tough start to a three-in-three stretch, however, the defending champions would rebound the following night on Nov. 15 in Belleville with a 2-1 victory.

Despite solid play from Storm goaltender Justin Nichols in the first period of play, the Belleville Bulls would jump ahead early. At the halfway mark, Belleville’s Adam Laishram capitalized off the rush to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.

Nichols would go on to make several remarkable saves on the period, including a quick flash of the glove with just under five minutes left to ensure his team remained only down by one heading into the second.

To open the middle frame, the Storm came out on the offensive immediately. Robby Fabbri and Tyler Bertuzzi would create a dangerous rush minutes in, followed by captain Jason Dickinson who was also turned away by Bulls’ netminder Charlie Graham.

The Storm wouldn’t solve Graham until just over three minutes remaining in the game. Sophomore defenseman Garrett McFadden pocketed his second of the season, finally capitalizing on the immense amount of pressure the visiting team was displaying.

The game winner came with just 1:10, remaining as Belleville’s Jack Hanley would be awarded two minutes in the penalty box for holding.

Bertuzzi, later given first star honours, would notch the goal to solidify the 2-1 third period win for the Storm.

Bulls’ goaltender Graham turned away 50 of 52 shots, while Nichols stopped 32 of 33 earning the game’s third star.

The final match-up of the Eastern road trip in Ottawa didn’t go quite as well the following afternoon on Nov. 16. With three-games in less than three-days, and both Fabbri and Bertuzzi playing their fourth in just as many days after representing Team OHL on Nov. 13, the Storm evidently ran out of gas in a game where they began playing catch-up.

The Storm took a little time to find their legs to start, allowing the Ottawa 67’s to jump ahead 2-0 just 6:38 into the first period. Sam Studnicka, who notched a hat-trick on the game, found the back of the net first while Phil Baltisberger and Chadd Bauman of the Storm were

unable to clear the scramble in front.

Nathan Todd would be next, recording his first career-goal in the OHL. The Storm immediately regrouped, following a time out call, turning the period around. Fabbri capitalized shorthanded minutes later, after an incredible burst of speed to breakaway from the play.

At the 18:22 mark, Bertuzzi tied the game up at two on the power play with a shot redirect past Ottawa’s goaltender Liam Herbst.

That would be as close as the Storm would get to the lead, however, as the 67’s came out in the second to take control of the scoreboard.

Just over five minutes in, Studnicka pocketed his second of the game to give the 67’s a 3-2 lead.

Ottawa-native and Storm veteran Zac Leslie would respond a minute later, tying the game up once again with his first of the season. Leslie would earn third star recognition in his hometown, registering two goals

the field once again to face a long field goal attempt. The All-Star kicker was unsuccessful.

McMaster, though, would add a field goal of their own later in the quarter to solidify the 20-15 Yates Cup win.

The Gryphons would have one final push, with the defence regaining possession for one last drive. At thirdand-two, Roberts would find Jacob Scarfone, barely making it through to a first down. Immediately following the play, Roberts would be sacked at the Marauders 40-yard-line, causing a slight momentum shift in any ground the Gryphons had gained.

With just 30 seconds left, Roberts would rip the ball downfield on a third-and-13 situation, looking for receiver Alex Charette. The pass would fall incomplete.

The McMaster Marauders earned their third Yates Cup championship in four years, while for the second time in three seasons the Guelph Gryphons conclude the season just short of advancing to the Mitchell Bowl.

The Gryphons received 13 All-Star recognitions on the 2014 season, giving them the tie with the Western Mustangs for most players being selected.

First-team offence selections include: Matthew Nesbitt, Matthew Toppan, and Ryan Nieuwesteeg, while firstteam defence saw Cameron Walker, Curtis Newton, Tristan Douglin, and Fraser Speakman named. Cam Wilhelm, Alex Charette, A’Dre Fraser, Rob Farquharson, and Daniel Ferraro were all second-team inclusions, with Colin Mandich recognized as a second-team defence selection.

and an assist on the game.

The 67’s retook the lead on the power play next, with Jacob Middleton putting one past Nichols eight seconds into the man-advantage.

Heading into the final period it would be 4-3 for Ottawa, a deficit the Storm would never be able to overtake.

Studnicka opened the final 20 minutes with capping off the hat trick, making it 5-3 for the 67’s. The Storm were noticeably tired, as they allowed Jeremiah Addison to strike next at the 5:58 mark to make it 6-3.

Leslie would score his second of the game to cut the lead to two, but the climb back would fall just short.

The final score would be 8-5 for the 67’s, with Dante Salituro pocketing one and Todd grabbing the empty-netter. Fabbri would be the fourth goal scorer for the Storm.

The Guelph Storm return home on Nov. 21 with the Plymouth Whalers in town.

“ The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

Getting ready for finals? Not enough time to study as much as you need to? This workshop will give you tips for last minute study strategies that can help you control procrastination and study effectively when cramming is your only option.

Monday, November 24, 2014 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm Library Room 384 (Florence Partridge Room)

Depositing your thesis (ETD): A hands-on submission workshop About to defend? In completing your graduate degree you are required to electronically submit your theses/dissertations to the University of Guelph’s open access repository, the Atrium.

Thursday, November 27, 2014 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Library Room 034

Quick Citation Help Confused about how to cite a government document or a website? Have questions about how to manage your sources? Get your citation-related questions answered!

Thursday, November 27, 2014 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm Learning Commons Area To register for any of these workshops visit www.lib.uoguelph.ca

L E A R N I N G C O M M O N S

L E A R N I N G C O M M O N S

A C A D E M I C TOWN SQUARE

A C A D E M I C TOWN SQUARE

A R C H I V E S

A R C H I V E S

TURN TO RADIO, WEB IN BAD WEATHER

When a winter storm hits and you need to know if the University is open before setting off for school or work, the best information sources are the local media and U of G’s website. If the president decides to close the University because of bad weather or an emergency before normal working hours, every effort will be made to communicate that decision by 7 a.m. The campus switchboard will also have a recorded message.

› Thomas Edison: Relentless Inventiveness Failure is no biggie. Just ask Edison. If he stopped at failure, he would never have moved on to invent a little thing called the light bulb. So if you’ve failed a class somewhere else, or have a scheduling conflict, come on over. You can catch up with our worldrecognized online courses, then move on to bigger successes. Talk about a light bulb moment.

WORKSHOPS

Cramming and Controlling Procrastination

open. online. everywhere.

Learn more @ athabascau.ca/edison/ontario

For more information, see Guelph’s hazardous weather policy at www.uoguelph.ca/hr/hrmanual/512.htm

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FEATURE

Playoffs got you nervous? Give Esports a try!

A brief history of Esports JACK HINDS I have been a gamer for a long time. I remember very distinctly the day my father installed Myst on our first computer, and I was hooked. Many years after that, I bought Battlefield 1942, not fully realizing that there was no way my parents computer could run it. So I waited, patiently, for technology to catch up, so that I might experience the much-hyped world of online multiplayer for the first time.

“Modern esports viewership is up in the hundreds of thousands...”

And let me tell you, it was glorious.

For us back then, the closest thing we got to “video game playoffs” were late night Halo tournaments in someone’s basement, fueled by miles of Ethernet

cable, an old router, takeout pizza, and all-dressed chips.

As the industry grew in both audience size and in yearly revenue generation, large corporations began to realize that there was an emerging market of consumers with specific, pointed interest in playing video games, and in that interest there lay the untapped potential for all kinds of advertising.

And so began the saga of professional esports as we know them today.

For clarity: esports refers to “sporting” events featuring the playing of competitive, mostly online multiplayer video games.

Competing in video games is nothing new. One could even say it’s at the heart of every video game; you’re always striving to overcome or beat something, be it an enemy, an environment, a puzzle, etc. But in recent years, the field of professional esports has exploded with sponsorship money, leading to humungous tournaments with prize purses large enough to make competing in them a viable profession. This year, in Dota 2 alone, there was over $30 million in prize money distributed amongst the various competitions held internationally.

Modern esports viewership is up in the hundreds of thousands,

reaching the millions for some of the larger tournaments- a far cry from the amateur tournaments and small venues of the not-sodistant past. Add into that the wealth of online streaming services working to make esports one of the most readily available pieces of programming on the market, as well as the international appeal of the events- and you have a recipe for a new and powerful force in the world of professional entertainment.

This year, ESPN broadcast the final rounds of the Dota 2 International Championship, earning themselves a mixed bag of praise and ridicule. Therein we see what is probably the greatest obstacle that the world of professional esports will face in the coming decade: nomenclature. They did themselves a huge disservice by not discouraging the use of the term “esports,” in favour of something slightly less provocative. I do not disagree with the critics claiming that it isn’t a real sport. I agree, it isn’t. Esports are as much a “sport” as chess or darts or pool. It’s a game of skill, a game of strategy. A competition amongst bitter rivals, with professional sponsorships, large prize purses, and exciting, fast-paced action. Leave the moniker of “sport” behind and you’re left with exactly what came in: an accessible, cheap, easily understood, and humongously

The technological super nature Are humans unknowingly losing a battle to the dominant energy of technology?

ROBERT SPARROW-DOWNES Since the turn into the 20 th century, technology has been progressing at an exponential rate and shows no signs of ever slowing down. This is a difficult notion to understand, especially for the most recent generations who were born with the entire world at their fingertips. To help put this rapid technological growth into perspective, did you know that the electrification of households is less than 100-yearsold? A fact such as this seems rather unbelievable considering

our current dependence on technology for survival, both literally and symbolically. Technology very much defines us, but are we aware of the control that its radiant energy has?

By no means is this a new concept, I’m sure most people have learned about Ray Kurzweil and his notion of the “Singularity.” However, long before him, many of the High Modernists took notice of the rapid progression of technology, and almost automatically related it to, or used it in an attempt to define, the emerging consciousness of their time. Whether it is Filippo Marinetti’s Futurism, Wyndham Lewis’ Vorticism, or James Joyce’s perception of the awakening consciousness in Finnegans Wake, they all recognized a dramatic shift in regards to the place of humanity in the new technological world.

They were all hyper-conscious of the contemporary culture, attempting to identify the “now,” and the relevance of everything

that whirled around them. The problem with the “now,” however, is that it is ever-fleeting, a concept that is only dramatized when discussing the exponential growth of technology.

The issue is this: we are constantly exposed to an innumerable amount of different, fluctuating technological stimuli without having awareness that this vortex of technological energy and information is continually encircling us. In other words, humankind is not aware of where we stand in respect to this self-created “Super Nature.”

In fact, we are rather oblivious to it. “Super Nature” refers to the new, dominant energy created by technology that has become so ingrained in our lives that it exists unnoticeably. As it continues to expand, its radiant power also continues to grow, resulting in the increase of control it has over us, which in turn has initiated a change in human consciousness.

At this moment in time though, humans have a unique

COURTESY

The esports scene is rapidly expanding and quickly becoming a stable contributor to the entertainment industry. entertaining way to bring together people from around the globe to compete in a test of three-dimensional awareness, problem solving, lightning fast reactions, and quick decision making.

Next time you’re sitting on your couch, tired of the emotional rollercoaster that comes with watching the

Leafs during playoffs, head over to Twitch or MLG.tv and see if someone’s playing a good match. Even if you’ve never played the game before, give it a try. Watch it, learn it, try and anticipate the moves. Get inside the players heads and see their strategy. You may just become a fan.

perspective; we have been completely immersed in this technological life, which has ironically given us the scientific evidence to prove its impact.

Humans do not simply use technology passively, our brains must also adapt to it, and seeing as adaptation is a precursor to evolution, it can be argued that the species of modern humans (Homo sapien sapiens) are, in fact, in the process of making a significant leap on the evolutionary scale.

Both psychologically and physiologically, the effects of technology are becoming ever more clear.

For example, our brains release dopamine when we hear the beeping from our phones indicating a new message. The regulation of dopamine, a hormone and neurotransmitter that functions as a reward system, is known to play a crucial role in our mental health, and highly addictive drugs such as nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines etc. manipulate dopamine levels

and their receptors. Although the impact of technology on dopamine production is not (yet) as severe as that of highly addictive substances, the knowledge that ties the two together can be quite daunting and can lead to immense speculation. Is the continuous energy of the “Super Nature’s” vortex addictive to humans? Perhaps so, and that could explain why we are completely unaware of its existence.

Positively, within every vortex there is the calming at its centre.

I feel as if the same applies to technology and the swirling dominant energy of the technological “Super Nature.” As humans, we must be the eye of consciousness at the centre of the storm- the still point of awareness where we can simultaneously observe the many dimensions and effects of the “Super Nature,” and from there be able to decide whether or not this exponentially increasing rate of technology is more important than the loss of our selves.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

LIFE

Thinking about backpacking?

Sometimes the best decision is to pack up and go ASHLEY STREET The adventurous university student backpacking through Europe, going out into the world to discover the self – it’s cliché and a bit colonial, but it’s something that most students consider at one time or another.

Most of us think about taking a trip in this low-cost, independent-style, but only a small percentage actually take the leap.

For many, the decision to stay close to home is a result of very real and insurmountable financial restraints, but many others choose not to travel in this loosely planned fashion because they are worried that they can’t, that something will go wrong, or that they are inadequately prepared. It’s easy to rationalize your way out of an experience like backpacking, but if it’s something that you feel compelled to do, I have reason to believe you will not regret the decision to embark on such an adventure. When it comes to travelling, remember: you can.

Something (lots of things) will probably go wrong, but you will figure out solutions. Finally, you will never be fully prepared, but one of the biggest things you will learn is that you need different and far fewer things than what you think you need.

In last week’s article, I talked about volunteer opportunities abroad – backpacking (or suitcasing, depending on how you decide to pack) can be a great way to get the most out of your trip and flight dollars either before or after such an experience. My personal trips were in Europe, but with the increasing number of exciting and affordable opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in Asia, South America, and the remaining habitable continents, Europe no longer seems to be as popular a destination; maybe Eurotrips lost some of their appeal after 2004.

I don’t intend to try and provide too much applied knowledge, because there are plenty of comprehensive books, websites, and products designed to help you prepare for the practical aspects of your trip based on where you’re going. However, I would like to share some of the lessons I learned during my two,

very different transcontinental journeys.

Firstly, know yourself. Everyone grows when they experience new things, but very few people actually change. If you need a lot of alone time, travel alone, or travel with someone who is similarly minded. If you’re constantly on your phone for no particular reason, leave it at home so that you’re not tempted. Think about what you want out of the trip – museums, partying, wilderness adventures etc. – and have that in mind when you sketch out your route, pick your travelling companions, and make bookings.

“...you will never be fully prepared, but one of the biggest things you will learn is that you need different and far fewer things than what you think you need.”

I suppose ‘know yourself ’ is intricately connected with ‘know your friends,’ because who you travel with will impact your trip dramatically. As much as you may get along with certain people at home, backpacking is much different – it’s not so much a vacation as a journey with different stresses, decisions, and demands.

Make sure that your wants and needs are closely aligned with those of your friends, and that you have a mutual understanding of the situation before you decide to travel together. Travelling has an equal capacity to make relationships stronger or foster resentment. As much as you may love the people you choose to be around, you might only go on a trip like this once, so make yourself a priority.

Secondly, know where you’re going, or, more accurately, know about where you are going. If you’re the type of person who needs a daily itinerary to be comfortable, you are not the ideal backpacker (although it might help you learn to go with the flow a bit more). It’s helpful to have an idea of what you want to see when you’re in a particular city or

region so that you don’t get to the next place and realize that you missed out on something spectacular, but don’t try to force a schedule on yourself for the sake of having a schedule. It’s also good to know a bit about the culture of a place, the potential area-specific dangers, and a few key phrases to make your quest a bit smoother.

A great way to orient yourself to a new place is by taking a free walking tour, which are offered in most major cities.

Keeping in line with the previous point is something which I cannot emphasize enough: be flexible. It’s good to have an idea of what kind of trip you want, but try not to let your vision be too specific. Opportunities will present themselves as you go along, and if you are too fixated on how you think things are supposed to happen, you may find yourself caught up in unnecessary disappointment, and you may miss out on enjoying experiences for what they are. Embrace the times when you get lost, or when a ‘short walk’ described on a hostel website turns out to be a 30-minute hike up a mountain.

You’re never going to see everything in a given place, so enjoy what you do experience to the fullest and don’t worry – you can always come back. Worry is the enemy of enjoyment – there are plenty of practical things that you need to concern yourself with, so don’t create issues for yourself where you don’t have to.

Being as prepared as possible will help you to be flexible; try and have a bit of money in reserve, keep your credit card and bank card in different places so that if you lose one you will still have another, and invest in one of those ridiculous looking moneybelts so that, if you fall asleep on a bus, at least your passport is safe. I have had my passport and money stolen on a bus – it is an expensive and stressful lesson.

A fool learns from her own mistakes, a wise man learns from others’. Don’t be a fool, learn from me.

Backpacking can be incredible, and it’s definitely a travel-style only appreciated by the young.

Don’t let yourself be discouraged by fear, and don’t lose out because you’ve convinced yourself you can only be satisfied if things play out one way. Backpacking can be a condensed lesson on life – things won’t always happen the way that you want or expect them to, but, with the right attitude, you will fall in love with the journey.

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ASHLEY STREET

Backpacking, or suitcasing, is discussed in this article. Author Ashley Street discusses the importance of finding like-minded people to travel with when travelling with friends. This is part two of a three-part series.

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business.humber.ca/postgrad

18

LIFE

On this day...

Date: November 20th 1986 ALEXANDRA GRANT On this day with SHAC, the World Health Organization announced its first global effort to combat AIDS. This resulted in the creation of the Global Program on AIDS to raise awareness, formulate evidence-based policies, provide technical and financial support to countries, initiate relevant social, behavioral, and biomedical research, promote participation by nongovernmental organizations, and champion the rights of those living with HIV. As well, at this time, the International Steering Committee for people with HIV/ AIDS was created which, six years later in 1992, became the Global Network of People Living with HIV. This increased and focused on empowerment, human rights, positive health, dignity, prevention, and sexual and reproductive health education and rights for people living with HIV/AIDS. The founding of these groups came on the heels of the discovery made by three award-winning researchers of a third disease that causes AIDS. This discovery raised new doubts about safeguarding the blood supply against the lethal disease. The United States began work on prevention of the disease spreading or infecting the blood supply, and eventually the Surgeon General’s Report on AIDS was published.

The “unusually explicit” report urged parents and schools to start “frank, open discussions” about AIDS. The urge to get people talking was beneficial and opened eyes to the reality of the situation.

By the end of the year, 85 countries had reported 38,401 cases of AIDS to the World Health Organization. By region these were: Africa 2,323, Americas 31,741, Asia 84, Europe 3,858, and Oceania 395. This need for awareness caught on, and has been one of the main reasons that so much time, money and effort has gone into fighting this horrible disease.

TheON

Science Avenue: Dark Matter

Why this matter really matters SAMEER CHHABRA What is Dark Matter?

The universe is a large, expansive place filled with a few things that we know about, and everything else that we can’t even possibly begin to explain. The best part about studying science is learning about theories and ideas that tell us what something is, without being able to accurately describe how something is relevant.

Dark matter is one such phenomenon. We have a rough understanding of what dark matter is because we’ve observed its effects on regular matter.

However, we don’t have a complete understanding of how it works, nor why it’s even a part of our universe.

All of this wouldn’t be incredibly bothersome, except that dark matter constitutes an enormous 84.5 per cent of our known universe. In comparison, ordinary matter – the stuff that comprises stars, planets, trees, humans, and plants – only comprises 4.9 per cent of our universe.

In the simplest possible sense, dark matter is a theoretical construct that exists beyond the standard model of physics. It is a kind of matter that neither absorbs nor emits light, and for all intents and purposes, is invisible to us.

How does Dark Matter Work?

Despite its ghostly origins, dark matter was first hypothesized in 1932 and 1933. In 1932, we used dark

matter to explain the orbital velocities of stars, and in 1933, we used dark matter to account for “missing mass” in the orbital velocities of galaxies in clusters. In short, we used dark matter as shorthand for the entire array of strange cosmic phenomenon that could not be accounted for using the standard model of physics.

Dark matter, however theoretical, is absolutely a real thing. Its effects on gravity and radiation are entirely observable, and the manner in which it accounts for discrepancies in mass is a result of its influence on large gravitational objects.

As always, particle physicists theorize that dark matter’s existence is defined by a subatomic particle that we just haven’t found yet.

Why is Dark Matter Important?

According to the second law of thermodynamics, all systems move from a state of high to low energy; this is a result of entropy, and it’s a scientific concept that is applicable to a multitude of phenomena. In the simplest terms possible, the second law states that everything moves from a state of order to chaos.

Based on the Second Law, we’ve always assumed that the universe’s expansion has been slowing down over time. After all, the second law of thermodynamics reminds us that everything that starts moving eventually slows down to a halt. However, in recent years, we discovered that the universe’s expansion is actually accelerating – a concept that makes absolutely no sense given our understanding of astrophysics.

ILLUSTRATION BY JESSICA AVOLIO

Reflecting and absorbing no light, dark matter is a subject that is lacking in scientific illumination.

Dark matter – and dark energy – is important because it helps account for universal expansion, and it helps account for the “missing mass” of physical objects involved in cosmic phenomena.

What is the Future of Dark Matter?

The future of dark matter is an expanded understanding of our universe. As mentioned earlier, dark matter is probably the result of a hitherto undiscovered subatomic particle; the search for this particle continues on.

As always, I’m excited for the truly absurd possibilities. Science has a tendency to produce eccentric ideas when events are difficult to explain. Using string theory as a basis, some scientists believe that the dark matter phenomenon is indicative of a separate universe composed entirely of dark matter.

Allow me a moment to express my incredulity: physicists genuinely believe that dark matter indicates the existence of a multiverse of almost identical – but significantly different – universes, each with their own strange laws of nature.

And people say science isn’t cool.

blouse or top, and are a great way to mix-and-match.

Tights If you’re looking for something a bit more dressed-up, thick stockings or patterned tights are the perfect match to a skirt – and they keep you warm at the same time. Colours such as black, maroon, and white are especially trendy for this season, and can go with almost any skirt in your wardrobe.

Plaid skirts Plaid isn’t just for the fall season, and it’s a great way to add a bit of colour and print to your outfit. Plaid skirts with a little bit of extra length look lovely with a simple blouse or plain top. They’re easy to mix-and-match, and can be pulled off with any pair of boots.

Tall boots When the snow starts to fall – and we know it will, it’s never a bad idea to break out the tall boots to keep the

snow out and look great while doing it. My best investment last winter would have to be my Sorel boots.

When the temperatures hit below freezing, these boots were a lifesaver, especially when the snowfall seemed never-ending. They’re warm, practical, and come in different colours and styles to choose from.

Revamp your summer wardrobe Just because it’s winter, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate a few summer pieces into your wardrobe.

Tank tops or dresses look great over turtleneck sweaters (which are also trendy this season), and give you a way to wear those summer pieces you love so much, but aren’t quite ready to put away. The arrival of winter doesn’t have to signify the end of your stylish days, and with a bit of creativity and mix-and-matching, you can create the perfect winter outfit that will keep you warm and cozy this season.

The Fashion Weekly Braving the winter in style DIANA KURZEJA It’s that time of year, and, once again, we’re faced with the dilemma of how to stay fashionable but warm at the same time.

It’s never easy to stay bundled up in layers while making a fashion statement, and some may wonder if it’s even possible – this is where I come in. Winter accessories like scarves, hats, and mittens can at times seem too overwhelming, and they are definitely not the only ways to feel stylish this season.

Here are a few pieces you can wear this season to help you stay warm and fashion-forward:

A statement jacket This is one of the main investments you can make that will keep you fashionable, yet prepared, for the inevitable cold. An eye-catching coat is a simple way to stay trendy in a practical way. Bold prints, such as plaid, can top off your outfit almost effortlessly, and are an easy fix to an outfit you might find needing that extra something.

Simple vest A faux fur vest, or jean jacket, for those rare warmer days can do wonders when wearing a simple thin top. Throw it over any top that’s not too detailed, and it keeps you warm without the unnecessary bulk.

Layers, layers, layers Light cardigans matched with leggings or jeans can be the perfect touch to your daily outfit. They’re a simple solution when you’re in need of something to cover up a

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

How to balance a social life and studies

LIFE

Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom CARLEIGH CATHCART “Never let school get in the way of your education.” That expression, in one form or another, is unfortunate because the truth behind it is undeniable. We grow up being taught that an education is important – that we must work hard to obtain good grades to get into a good school, get a useful degree, and then establish ourselves in a good career. The problem with this ideal, true as some may wish it to be, is that there are too many “goods,” and not enough of the many other adjectives that can be used to describe the quality of one’s life.

I can’t stress enough that I am not against university or higher education. If I was, I wouldn’t be writing this in my beloved university’s student newspaper. But the sad reality is that I was pressed even to write this article, as I am currently juggling two major papers, a final project, discussion posts, exam reviews, and an end-of-term assignment. And that, folks, is just my post-midterm homework agenda. It excludes any part-time work, family phone calls, gym excursions, preparing healthy foods/grocery shopping, keeping in touch with friends, boyfriend time, staying organized, personal hygiene, volunteering (such as for this

KEVIN SCHRAER VIA CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

As a student, we learn many things – both inside and outside the classroom. It’s crucial to try to find a way to partake in different forms of learning. paper), and the occasional hour of sleep.

What really strikes me as ironic are the mixed messages society loves to send. “Take care of your body,” “those 8 hours are worth it,” and “make sure you leave time for yourself.” I see these headlines all the time – especially in ironic places, such as Student Health Services or the cyber magazine Student Health 101. That’s all well and dandy, and I appreciate the concern, but to be honest, I was ecstatic that I had time

to pee before class this morning, let alone get a solid eight hours of sleep.

And if someone could please inform my professors that I’m avoiding their optional readings not because I’m lazy or hate their class, but because I’m already behind by three chapters in my other two courses, I would really appreciate it.

All sarcasm aside, I do think the strenuous expectations placed upon university students are intruding on the actual benefits that can be reaped

from attending a post-secondary institution. When I reflect on all I have experienced in my four years at Guelph thus far, the most valuable and progressive lessons have rarely involved the library or lecture hall. For example, living in residence not only allowed me to make new friends from a wider array of personalities than was ever available in high school, but it also presented the opportunity to experience novel social activities that led to a happier, more confident me. Raising a service puppy

19

required serious patience and learning when to ask for help. Volunteering at the Donkey Sanctuary was an enjoyable opportunity to make connections and help others, while learning at the same time. It’s pretty hard to find that in just a bricks-and-mortar classroom.

Insert cliché here: the world is our classroom. Yes, there are appropriate lessons to be learned academically, for understanding and use in your future career. But, assessing how much I’ve learned by looking at two digits on a transcript is not only foolish, it’s inaccurate. Living away from home while studying in a field I absolutely love has taught me so much more than a university course ever could. I’ve made connections through campus clubs, gained skills through hands-on events, and reiterated the importance of family in my frequent Skype calls home. I’ve learned how to conduct an ANOVA test, and also how to budget for utilities and love the gym (and I feel better for it!). I even fell in love because one night I decided I was deserving of going out.

They always tell us, “school is important, make sure you get an education.”

They’re absolutely right – just not in the way they intended. You will leave university with a wealth of knowledge and experience far surpassing that of your entrance. Yet statistics or English or mechanics won’t be the reason – they are but a mere slice of the educational pizza. The real learning comes from the hours spent outside the classroom.

Or within it – depending on how you define your learning environment. All I can say is, the bigger, the better.

The most wonderful time of the year…or is it?

Taking a look at holiday pressure EMILY DERRY When you’re a kid, the holidays are the most exciting and magical time of the year. Thinking about Santa coming, all the presents to rip open, and the delicious food with family would make you lose sleep! Not to mention you aren’t old enough to be responsible for anything, you just get to have fun. As an adult, however, the holidays seem to lose their charm a little bit. When you have last minute shopping to do, your bank account is almost totally drained, and there are a million events on your calendar that you need to attend, you might start to have a love-hate relationship with the holidays.

Let’s start with the malls. Now that you’re old enough to be buying gifts for people, you realize the malls become

somewhat of a holiday nightmare.

Crowded parking lots can bring out parking lot rage, long lines take forever, and you end up racing people to get to the last toy or sale item. In reality, it all becomes a little bit much, and that’s not to mention the financial pressure.

The holidays are expensive for most people, and especially for moneystrapped students. Trying to budget for the gifts you need to buy, or want to buy, for your family and friends can mean seriously cutting down for a while, or, even worse, paying off Visa bills for months after.

Then come all of the holiday gatherings. Sure, a ton of these are fun. I mean, who doesn’t love an ugly sweater party, or going home to your mom’s for some amazing home-cooked food?

Usually though, it doesn’t end there.

There are work parties, parties with your friends, gift exchanges, secret Santa gatherings, your dysfunctional Aunt’s house, and your boyfriend or girlfriend’s stepmother’s brother’s gathering. Considering you get time off, holidays can seem a bit like work when

all is said and done. The holiday season takes up a lot of time, and your schedule is packed. Coordinating studying for exams, shopping, and fitting in time for events is a serious organizational challenge.

There is good news though, and that is the fact that the holidays can still be totally magical, minus Santa. Shop early, or skip the malls. Make online shopping your friend over the holiday season and avoid the chaos of the shops and parking lots. Also, try not to wait until Dec. 24 to start shopping. Make sure you budget early, so you don’t have last minute panic attacks when you can’t afford to finish buying your gifts. Know when to say no to a gathering so you don’t pack your schedule to the point that you can no longer enjoy yourself. Remember what the holidays are actually supposed to be about; most importantly, making time for great friends, loved ones, great memories, and heart-warming movies. Christmas Vacation anyone?

Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy all the delicious treats!

GARY H. SPIELVOGEL VIA CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The holidays are an enjoyable, but often-stressful time. It is important to find a balance and have a plan to make it through the season healthily.

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OPINION

Perfectionism: a character flaw?

What happened to perfectionism, and how to adapt to the fastpaced world KATE SINIPOSTOLOVA Have you ever worked with someone who spends lots of time on little, unimportant things rather than the main idea? Someone who obsesses over every detail, has unrealistic expectations, and makes you work 120 per cent? You know who I’m talking about – someone society would classify as a perfectionist. The truth is, they’re not all bad. The characteristics we all associate with perfectionists are really only applicable to one side to them, which is simply a reaction to the surrounding stress of the workplace. Perfectionists have a good side to them too, which is expressed in qualities such as integrity (they keep their word at all costs), honesty, fairness, and good quality work.

So why is it that perfectionists aren’t as wanted in the workplace now as they were before, if they’re such great workers? The answer is: limited time. Before the Industrial Revolution, perfectionism was prized in workers, because the goal of any craftsman, artist, writer, or anyone who worked was quality. If your shoes were damaged or broken 200 years ago, you would go to a shoe-maker to get them repaired, and you wouldn’t care if it took a day or a week to finish the job, as

long as it was done well and you could wear those shoes for another 10 years. In other words, workers before the Industrial Revolution could set their own time-limits and due dates, and could give themselves enough time to make their product as perfect as they wanted.

This was possible because both the manufacturer (the shoe-maker in this case) and the client (you) wanted quality. This also allowed perfectionists to show their good qualities as hard-workers, and allowed them to be satisfied with the quality of their work.

“production changed, but perfectionist personalities didn’t...”

Likewise, artists like Michelangelo and Donatello from the Renaissance had the opportunity to spend several years working on a painting, because their clients wanted the superb quality of these great artists. This enormous amount of time allowed the artists to make the paintings as perfect as they wanted, giving them satisfaction in their work.

Then came the Industrial Revolution, completely changing the world of manufacturing. The target moved from quality to quantity and productivity. Now, manufacturers could produce 1000 shoes rather than 10. This increased the margin of error, but this didn’t matter to manufacturers because of their mass production. For example, if you

made 100 shoes, and one of them ripped in-store, that’s only 10 malfunctions out of 1000, and there’s still a huge profit.

So what’s the problem? Well, production changed, but perfectionist personalities didn’t. Now, because the goal became quantity, a time-limit appeared. Often, the time-limit would not be enough for the perfectionist to work on a product and be satisfied with the result. With the loss of time and satisfaction, perfectionists started to become depressed because they were not achieving their perceived standard of work. Over time, and with increasing stress, perfectionists started to display their negative characteristics, such as being overly controlling, being overly defensive when criticized, being unable to delegate assignments, having unrealistically high expectations, and procrastination. Now that sounds more familiar, right?

The reason we mostly know this negative side of perfectionists is that the limited time and increasing stress didn’t end with the Industrial Revolution; rather, it got bigger with the rise of consumerism and globalization. With more and more of the masses buying at a larger rate, the need for quantity increased even more. And because of globalization, manufacturing large quantities of virtually anything became very cheap. Now, not only are perfectionists hard to work with in groups, they also slow down any project process in trying to make it better than it has to be. In a world where time is money, perfectionists are no longer wanted.

That sounds bleak, but there is good news for perfectionists.

Because of their positive qualities,

WH VIA CC BY-ND 2.0

Perfectionism has long been a desirable personality trait, but in today’s society, people need to be able to adapt with change. perfectionists are the driving force of many projects, striving for the best, and pushing their colleagues and group members to do a good job.

In other words, perfectionists keep the quality up even though time is limited, which is something that is still very much needed. In order to be more suited to the modern world though, perfectionists need to learn to do several things.

First, don’t worry about potential mistakes. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, and they are practically inevitable. If you embrace this fact, it will be easier to start a project, and procrastination will decrease.

Second, know when good enough is good enough. For example, when managing finances, being perfect is great; however, your closet doesn’t have to be organized by colour and warmth. Basically, know when you

Bigoted pick-up artist gets comeuppance Pick-up artist Julien Blanc has visa cancelled in Australia CADEN MCCANN Last week, a campaign by newspaper columnist Jennifer Li saw American “pick-up artist” Julien Blanc have his visa cancelled during a tour-stop in Melbourne, Australia. With his videos on the Internet, the controversial dating coach promotes an aggressive style of courtship involving physical

coercion of random female strangers. A blatantly misogynistic and racist video where Blanc talked about coercing Asian women into mock fellatio while yelling offensive things like “Tamagotchi” and “Pikachu!” at them would be the figurative straw that broke the camel’s back, inspiring Li’s smear campaign.

Like many dating coaches who’ve emerged in the past decade, Blanc was initially inspired by Neil Strauss’ autobiographical 2005 book The Game, which detailed the author’s transformation from nerd to Casanova through his involvement in an underground society of self-proclaimed “pick-up artists.”

After re-inventing himself as a

ladies’ man, Blanc became involved with the US company RSD (Real Social Dynamics), turning his penchant for hitting on women into a livelihood. Since then, he has traveled the world, hosting expensive seminars for lonely, desperate men on how to improve their dating lives.

The tactics peddled by Blanc are the most extreme example of the unrestrained male patriotism that’s unfortunately become widespread in dating coach services for men. Another UK-based pick up artist named Steve Jabba boasts on his website that he will teach men to sleep with girls within an hour of meeting them or get them to cheat on their boyfriends. In a

“...most extreme example of the unrestrained male patriotism...” podcast, Jabba further encourages men to hit on women in a sexually aggressive way. The rise of this community though, with seminar tickets going for as much as $3,000 per person, suggests that these services are being sought out by young men.

don’t have to be perfect, and learn to let those things go. Third, focus on the most important stuff. If you get the most important idea right, and some details wrong, that’s better than getting all the little details right and getting the main idea wrong. Lastly: when you do make a mistake (once again, inevitable), don’t put yourself down.

Instead, forgive yourself and see what you can do better for next time. The most important thing is to not lose your hardworking attitude.

Overall: if you are a perfectionist, don’t be daunted by the idea that employers don’t value perfectionism as much a they used to!

Perfectionism is an awesome quality to have, and if you stick to your good side, any employer will be knocked off their feet.

Of course, not all dating coaches and dating coach services are like this. Working for the London-based company Daygame, pick-up artist Yad guides men through facing their fears of approaching attractive women and becoming comfortable in unfamiliar social scenarios. Serving a similar function to something like acting lessons, sessions with a dating coach can be a profoundly positive thing – encouraging a guy to venture outside of his comfort zone and internalize the way social dynamics work through hands-on experience to increase his chance of realizing his dating goals. Nonetheless, the hyper-sexual and aggressive actions of people like Blanc represent a worrisome trend.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

In defence of millennials An open-letter to Generation X MIKE OTT This past Thursday, CBC News posted a question to their Facebook page, asking: “Are young people too open with their lives online? Do you think young people understand the effects of inviting strangers to stare at their selfies?” The question received hundreds of answers from their (mainly adult) fans, who stated that millennials are “too narcissistic” and “entitled” to understand anything about the etiquette of social networking and online interaction.

These types of ideas and opinions are not unique – they follow in a pattern of an entire societal ideology dedicated to the belief that all members of our generation share these characteristics.

Whether it is TIME’s front page about “The ME ME ME generation” or The Globe and Mail’s “Millennials: Generation

Disengaged,” the people of our generation are consistently pushed into a stereotype of laziness, narcissism, and apathy.

What older generations fail to include in this conversation is the reason we are this way. Not only were we born and raised in a world of endless, unnecessary war, rife capitalism, economic instability, and an entire system without hope, but we have also been taught from very early on that nothing will ever change.

We have faced global terrorism and conflict, genocides, political corruption, and discrimination of every form, but we are not valued on our aspirations to change the world, only how we perform in school, which is increasingly resulting in life-long crippling debt with no employment. Our apathy comes as a direct result of the hopelessness we experience.

What is the point in working hard if it brings us nowhere?

We are taught now, more than any time in history, that our appearance is the most important aspect of who we are. Not just girls, but people of every sex are

OPINION

now trained to only care about waist-size, attractiveness, and how much we appeal to others.

How can our parents expect us to not be obsessed with how we look when every one of us is told we have to be a certain size or look a certain way? Quite frankly, the narcissistic “selfie revolution” is a positive societal movement – it’s the ability for us to be comfortable with how we look, we and want to share that with our peers.

Yet we are criticized for being happy with our appearance.

Our apathetic nature comes as a direct result of what we’ve seen our parents and grandparents do. With the generation before us having most marriages end in divorce, how are we expected to aspire to marriage and strong relationships? We are criticized time and time again for being the “hookup culture” generation. It’s no wonder, when the adults before us couldn’t come close to teaching us how to keep it together. Furthermore, we’re told that all kinds of social movements like feminism and the civil rights movement were successful – that our predecessors

changed the wrongdoings in the world – but every one of us has experienced or witnessed extreme sexism and racism in every aspect of society, and we’ve all watched war and genocide in the news. Our politicians ignore us, and the systems of society disregard us. How are we supposed to think that anything we do will cause change?

What the older generations need to realize is that we are not apathetic and entitled because of something inherently wrong with us, and that we are using what we have to do what we can. Rather than reprimand us for spending too much time on Facebook, pay attention to the fact that young people around the world are using social media to create massive upheavals to social systems in order to promote a fair and equitable world. We now live in such a global world that thought-provoking conversation and discussion

can take place from one side of the planet to the other in a matter of seconds. We are sharing ideas in a way that works – teaching each other different ways of thinking in order to look at the world in a new lens. Even the most average kid on Facebook is taking part in a global revolution – the revolution of youth.

Our generation has learned to depend on one another to fix the wrongs in the world, to create sustainable development, and to shed light on inefficiency and inequality, without depending on our broken political systems. We have created global kinship, found humour in one another, and challenged every norm instilled by our parents and grandparents. Instead of talking to CBC about our obsession with selfies, narcissism, and laziness, start realizing that we are doing things our own way – a way that works.

A letter to Brad of the Western Gazette Dear Brad, I am writing in response to your latest “Logopalooza” article in the esteemed Western Gazette. I must say I’m so happy to finally be responding to a paper where editors can use “s**t.” I also enjoy the irony of naming your section after a once-great festival now done significantly better somewhere south of the border – much like your brand of shock “humour” journalism better done at FoxNews.

Though, at least they censor “s**t.”

I must say, I empathize with your plight. I understand the bitter taste left in your mouth after the Gryphons made your Mustangs into geldings. And what better appointee to discuss sports than a former Arts & Lifestyle Editor!

Much like your football strategy when playing Guelph appears to be currently run by a former pro golfer – desperately trying to achieve the lowest points possible compared to your opposition.

You Westerners are so versatile; though it seems odd to spit such vitriol – sorry, “humour” – towards an “irrelevant” school.

Losing to “literally one of the worst universities” must really sting. Especially when that school is based in a city less than a third of the size of London but consistently ranked only a few spots below Western, or sorry, the “University of Western Ontario,” or is it “Western University” now? I can never keep track. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll figure out that identity crisis the same way most of your students do: branding yourself with someone else’s work.

As to your critique of logo design, if there’s one man who knows clean lines, it’s the guy who compared Queen’s “Q” logo to the recent Jian Ghomeshi sexual assault scandal. If you weren’t too busy analyzing fonts in your spare time, you might have noticed that’s a bit off-colour. Guelph’s Gryphon may not be “simple enough that an average person could draw it” – certainly not as simple as a running horse with trailing mane and tail--but fortunately for Guelph, we don’t admit average people.

Also, I think you’re a bit confused, since you called our logo “simplistic,” but apparently not simple. And “clunky?” Not “sleek”

enough? Real mascots have curves.

Doesn’t stop our Gryphon from running all over your little foal.

Given that your article is chock full of contradictions and pointless references (plus the online title spells “Gryphons” wrong), it’s fitting that Western’s motto is “Truth and Usefulness.” Irony is priceless. But for everything else, there’s (daddy’s) MasterCard. Oh, and if you’re ever looking for tips on how to include actual humour in your work, try checking us out at Overheard at Guelph. Your Western group has been stealing our jokes for years. PS: Sorry, almost forgot the cowpies. Well, you know what they say: I’d rather step in it at Guelph...

Terrible at drawing, Cory Indiana Justice Houghton Gryphon Alumni, Overheard At Guelph

The views represented in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of The Ontarion nor its staff.

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EDITORIAL

The Ontarion Inc. University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca Phone 519-824-4120 General: x 58265 Editorial: x 58250 Advertising: x 53534 Accounts: x 53534 Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief

Emily Jones Associate Editor

Emilio Ghloum News Editor

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Adrien Potvin Sports & Health Editor

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Danielle Subject Production Staff Photo & Graphics Editor

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Lorrie Taylor Ad Manager

Al Ladha Office Manager

Vanessa Tignanelli Circulation Director

Salvador Moran Board Of Directors President

Alex Lefebvre Chairperson

Patrick Sutherland Treasurer

Anthony Jehn Secretary

Sasha Odesse Directors

Melissa Chong Ah Yan

Bronislaw Szulc

Zina Bibanovic Contributors

Connor Arsenault

Jessica Avolio

Carleigh Cathcart

Emily Derry

Alexandra Grant

Cody Gresswell

Connor Hewson

Jack Hinds

Cory Houghton

Gilad Kenigsberg-Bentov

Diana Kurzeja

Matt Lawson

Caden McCann

Mike Ott

Ryan Priddle

Kate Sinipostolova

Robert Sparrow-Downes

Ashley Street

Kaitlin Sullivan

Will Wellington

Meg Wilson The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since the Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Ontarion Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit of refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editorin-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2014 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify the Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement.

The Ontarion is printed by Thuroweb.

The art of saying no to certain obligations When saying “no” actually means saying “yes” to yourself EMILY JONES We’ve all been there - that moment you realize you have booked yourself way too thin, and are wondering how you will find the time to attend all of the meetings, parties, and dinners. You have somehow managed to book yourself so full that you wonder where you will find time in a day to take care of yourself, or worse yet, that you have forgotten to for weeks. The stress has built up, and you finally have to say to yourself: “that is enough, I need me time.”

“...that is enough, I need me time.”

It’s different for everyone, but the idea is the same – we all need to make time for ourselves to be our most productive selves. Sure, we may physically be well enough to complete multiple tasks, but does that mean that we have to?

Certainly not. We may be feeling well enough to pack our schedules full, but the truth of the matter is this: keeping too busy can wear us down. Everyone needs to take time sometimes to cool down, and recover from the busy lives we hold. Recharging is something every individual needs, and there is no better time than now to begin recognizing this before it’s too late.

It’s mid-November – I mean, it’s actually mid-November.

How many times a year do you say something along the lines of “Wow! I can’t believe it’s already ________?” If you are anything like me, you find yourself doing this almost once a month. Time is flying by; there are so many things to do, and so little time to do them. There may be a lot of things to do, and a lot of people to see, but what I don’t think we often realize, as a society, is that we have the ability to control our schedules to a certain extent.

JUSTIN SHEARER VIA CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The art of saying no is something that is difficult to master, but is so important to personal health and wellbeing. Be sure to regularly make time for yourself and do things that you love to do.

In life, there are things that we have to do, things we want to do, and things we need to do; but then, on top of this all, there are also things we think we should do. Because we are surrounded by a fast-paced culture that is constantly striving to move faster, progress further, and do more, people can sometimes feel an overwhelming pressure to fit it

“...it’s okay, and completely healthy to say no...” all in. It doesn’t have to be that way, but we choose to allow it to happen. We all have autonomy, and we can make decisions that will positively influence our lives, but, with that autonomy, we also have the ability to make decisions that can negatively influence our lives and, furthermore, can be detrimental to our overall wellbeing.

Saying no is a really difficult thing to get used to. It is as if we have been taught without that saying yes is the nicer, more polite thing to do. Who is this benefiting? And, who are we being nice to? This is something that I think is really important in the long run. We need to recognize and accept the fact that it is a good thing to be kind to

ourselves. Saying no sometimes doesn’t mean that you don’t care, or that you don’t want to see your friends, or take on that extra project, it just means that you need a bit of time to take care of yourself and get things in order for you not for school, or for work, but for you personally.

We are all individuals; we are not defined by what we study, or what kind of job we hold down, or how many friends we have.

Sometimes, it feels as though that is the case, but it is not. We all need to appreciate the fact that it’s okay, and completely healthy to say no sometimes to recover and rejuvenate from the things that we feel define us in order to remember who we actually are.

We need to remember what it is that makes us uniquely beautiful.

The holidays are a busy time, and with them approaching, many people feel the pressure to not disappoint people. I love the holiday season and visiting with people – don’t get me wrong, I think it is important for everyone to do that if it is something that they enjoy doing – but I think it is necessary to remember to take some personal time within the madness. It is when we pack ourselves too tight and forget about taking care of ourselves that we lose our ability to function properly, which results in feeling burnt-out, and can even lead to depression.

Saying no sometimes is a really healthy thing to do for ourselves; it is a necessary thing that we need to adjust to. It may feel

uncomfortable at first, but all things do. It’s something that is out of our comfort zone, a part of the unknown. Saying no is not selfish, although people who don’t care, or have not recognized the importance of self-care may not understand this. Those that love you and want what is best for you will understand that you may have to miss that party, or you may not be able to take on that extra work assignment, or volunteer opportunity, and it’s okay. People who understand will get that it is better for you to take some time and relax, and focus on yourself, as you wouldn’t be your true self if you pushed yourself to go there, or do that anyway.

Ultimately, I think that the majority of people have some work to do with this. It doesn’t mean that you are weak, or selfish in the negative sense of the term; it just means that you are aware, and you can recognize when you need to take a break and reflect on yourself. The greatest thing about pushing through comfort zones is the ability to continue personal growth, and by allowing yourself to say no sometimes, you are clearing your schedule to work on the one thing that is most important in the world - you.

Have a question, comment or complaint?

Send us a letter to the editor at ontarion@uoguelph.ca.

Deadline is Monday at 4 p.m., 300 word max.

Issue 175.12 • Thursday, November 20, 2014

Across 1- Fall flower 6- Give up 10- Clasp for a door 14- Michelangelo masterpiece 15- Pulitzer-winning biographer Leon 16- This, in Tijuana 17- Affectation of sophisticates 18- Look at amorously 19- Retail store 20- Recoil 22- And so forth 24- Bankroll 26- In danger 27- Catch 31- Narrow inlet 32- Bunk 33- Summer camp transport 36- Bodybuilder’s pride 39- Human bone, located in the arm 40- Kyoto’s country 41- Nastase of tennis 42- Female deer 43- Stratum 44- Peter of Herman’s Hermits 45- Personal quirk 46- Put up 48- Adhesive 51- Plant juice

52- Grateful 54- One engraving 59- Take it easy 60- Rapper born Tracy Marrow 62- Component of organic fertilizer 63- Must’ve been something ___ 64- Operation memento 65- Atari founder Bushnell 66- Raised 67- Fabled loser 68- French school

Down 1- Copycat 2- Cosecant’s reciprocal 3- Sawbucks 4- Sewing case 5- Railroad 6- Corp. honcho 7- Advantage 8- 4th letter of the Greek alphabet 9- Elementary particle 10- Greek goddess of the hearth 11- Remains of a fire 12- Baby bird?

13- Hemingway sobriquet 21- Musical gift

ANSWERS FROM 175.11

23- Buffalo’s county 25- Rot 27- Israel’s Barak 28- ___ contendere 29- Unit of loudness 30- PBS benefactor 34- Mimic 35- Nostrils 36- Immensely 37- Twining stem 38- Bird feed 40- Sauger 41- Summer Games org.

43- Prepare a stamp 44- Eighth planet 45- Colored 47- ___ Dawn Chong 48- Clip wool 49- Sensation provided by buds on the tongue 50- New Mexico’s state flower 52- Chicago paper, for short 53- Goneril’s father 55- Gator’s cousin 56- Circle of light often seen around the head of saints 57- Catchall abbr.

58- Actress Russo 61- Quattro minus uno

SUBMIT COMPLETED CROSSWORD TO THE ONTARION OFFICE, UC 264, NO LATER THAN MONDAY NOV. 24TH AT 4PM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TWO FREE BOB’S DOGS! Crossword Winners from 175.11 are…Lisa Harris and Mark Philpott!

FUN PAGE

The Annual Volunteer Appreciation holiday party is almost here!

As a thank you to all of our valued volunteers we are hosting a celebratory party to conclude the fall semester.

The party will be held downtown at The Albion Hotel. Cheers to you all for making this semester such a memorable one!

Join us Dec. 4, at 8:30 p.m.

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The Ontarion’s Board of Directors is looking to add new members to their team.

Students and community members welcomed.

Contact ontarion@uoguelph.ca for more information

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