The Ontarion - Issue #176.5

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Issue No. 176.5

BLACK

HISTORY

MONTH SEE CENTRE

GENERATION KILL OFF THE FLOOR PAGE 8

GRYPHONS BASKETBALL

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NEWS 3 • ARTS & CULTURE 8 • SPORTS & HEALTH 13 • LIFE 18 • FEATURE 21 • OPINION 22 • EDITORIAL 25 • FUN PAGE 26

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Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

NEWS

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DNA barcoding to be explored at U of G Biodiversity Institute of Ontario wins national award funding SAMEER CHHABRA The University of Guelph’s Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO) was awarded a significant grant from Innovation Canada on Jan. 23, 2015. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) awarded BIO with a $2.15 million grant for their research on DNA Barcoding.

Minister of State (Science and

Technology), Ed Holder, was present during the awards announcement in Quebec City.

“We are providing support to some of Canada’s most promising national research facilities,” explained Holder during the announcement.

CFI’s Major Science Initiative (MSI) funds large-scale scientific and technological initiatives that would otherwise be too big to acquire funding from traditional sources. BIO is one such large-scale scientific initiative.

“Often referred to as ‘Big Science,’ [an MSI] addresses a set of leadingedge scientific problems or questions of such significance, scope, and complexity that it requires unusually large-scale facilities and equipment, substantial human resources, and complex operating and maintenance (O and M) activities,” explained the CFI website.

Common cents

The biggest business stories of the week ALEXANDRA GRANT

With the highly anticipated release of Fifty Shades of Grey slotted for Valentine’s Day weekend, sex toy manufactures are looking to turn high profits off the blockbuster.

The film, which centres on the BDSM world, features multiple extras in the bedroom, which retailers – including Target – have been stocking up on over the past few weeks. Since the release of the first book in 2011, retailers have seen a 7.5 per cent increase in sales, the movie’s release is predicted to bring the margins for profit increase even higher. In

an industry that already reports close to a $1 billion in turnover, many are looking to the market for major returns post-Valentine’s Day.

The continuing slump in oil prices is presenting the historical patterns of pressure and investment opportunities once again.

Many companies, which only a few months ago were the toast of high-yield debt and initial public offering markets, cannot raise additional equity or sell bonds.

Others, however, see this need for investment as an opportunity.

“The single best opportunity to invest is distressed debt in energy,” David M. Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, declared, adding that one promising strategy might be to “buy the debt at a discount and take

The MSI, through the CFI, contributes to projects’ operating and maintenance funds.

“The total CFI funding (including [the infrastructure operating fund] or the O and M portion of the International Joint Ventures award), will not exceed 40 per cent of the total eligible O and M costs,” said the CFI website.

As such, projects are still eligible for other sources of funding, as the CFI does not provide all of a project’s funding.

Including DNA Barcoding, BIO is home to four research divisions.

The BIO website explains that “this facility is home to various functional working groups and specialized infrastructure units that contribute to BIO’s mission.”

DNA Barcoding was initially introduced to the scientific community by

Dr. Paul Hebert, a researcher at the University of Guelph. His paper, “Biological identifications through DNA barcodes,” presented the idea that species identification could be accomplished using DNA. “My colleagues and I are very grateful for this support from CFI’s Major Science Initiatives program,” said Hebert in a University of Guelph news release. “This award is a strong endorsement of BIO’s efforts to better understand and protect the millions of species that share our planet.”

A DNA Barcode functions much like a product’s UPC code, allowing researchers to accurately identify and catalogue species. Specimen DNA is extracted and studied in a lab setting, before researchers record a species������ ’ spe���� cific genetic sequence. The barcode is then placed into the Barcode of

control of these companies.” Still, the struggle continues as oil companies continue to be reluctant to give up control and investors keep their purse strings drawn tight.

GDP. As such a powerhouse in the global economy, this economic growth could benefit those outside of U.S. borders and potentially combat the issue of the shrinking middle class.

A new study by the Washington Center for Equitable Growth has determined that raising educational standards throughout the U.S. could lead to economic growth the world over. The United States, who lags behind most advanced countries in math and sciences, could add 1.7 per cent to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next 35 years, if they were to raise themselves from 24th to 19th in educational ranking. This could mean $900 million in government revenue. If America matched Canada’s educational ranking, it could add upwards of 6.7 per cent, or $10 billion, to its

An up-and-coming trend may be a new way of teaching your children about money. Parents have recently taken to telling their children exactly what they make and explaining where it all goes through dollar bills. The hope is that children will slowly build knowledge of financing and budgeting that could be the most important lesson of their lives. By educating youngsters on the “mysteries of money,” the constant want for more may be minimized or altogether stopped.

By explaining to children just how much they make, parents may be able to actually communicate the

JESSICA AVOLIO

U of G looks to move forward with research on DNA Barcoding.

Life Data Systems (BOLD) database, where it can be searched for by other scientists and researchers.

BIO’s barcode library now stores more than 3.5 million records.

importance of reducing consumerist behaviors.

The continuously low price of oil has struck Canada at its heart – in the Oil Sands. With thousands of employees feeling the pressure of job cuts, and investments dropping by upwards of 27 per cent, like Cenovus Energy, one would think that oil production projects would be slowed or put to a halt. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case, as these projects are too hard to stop once they have started. A frequently cited study by the U.S. State Department estimated that projects become unprofitable when barrel prices are between $65 and $75. The current price of $50 per barrel has severely impacted the oil market and production within Canada, and has many wondering what the future will hold.

THE ONTARION IS NOW HIRING CONTRACT POSITIONS FOR MAY 2015-APRIL 2016 Applications are due Thursday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. to: The Ontarion Hiring Committee UC 264, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Email: ontarion@uoguelph.ca

SPORTS & HEALTH editor Coordinates with volunteer writers to create a balanced presentation of sports, fitness, and health related news.

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Coordinates with volunteer writers to obtain entertainment related stories for the paper. This can entail music, video, theatre, literature, live bands and more.

NEWS EDITOR Coordinates with volunteer writers to obtain news stories for the paper. These stories can include campus, local, national, and global news.

All section editors are responsible for providing volunteers with skills in journalism, in the form of individual consultation and workshops in regards to content, format, style and editing. Editors will participate in The Ontarion’s move towards an increased online presence. Proven written and editing skills are required, along with experience in volunteer management. Hours 20 – 24 hours per publishing week. There are 27 publishing weeks from Sept. 3, 2015 to April 7, 2016. Applicants are required to provide a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of at least six samples of their writing.

Only those applicants granted an interview will be contacted. The Ontarion offers a learning environment in student media and considers this in their hiring process.

To obtain a copy of The Ontarion’s Employment Equity Policy, and/or the Job Description for this position, please email us at: ontarion@uoguelph.ca The Ontarion reserves the right to prioritize candidates who currently live in, or who commit to moving into Guelph, or the immediate surrounding area, during the duration of their employment.

The Ontarion’s Employment Equity Policy is a proactive measure to recruit qualified people from a variety of ethnic, religious, and class backgrounds, lesbians, bisexuals, gays, and transgendered people, people of colour, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and women. Members of previously identified groups are encouraged to self-identify.

THE ONTARION IS NOW HIRING CONTRACT POSITIONS FOR MAY 2015-APRIL 2016 Applications are due Thursday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. to: The Ontarion Hiring Committee UC 264, University of Guelph, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Email: ontarion@uoguelph.ca

Director of Layout and Design

The Director of Layout and Design is responsible for implementing the Editor-in-Chief’s vision for the overall look of the paper The Photo & Graphics Editor coordinates with, and by creating weekly page layouts using Adobe InDesign, as well manages volunteer photographers and illustrators to obtain as creating ads and formatting ads. The Director of Layout and images for the paper. The Photo & Graphics Editor provides Design is expected to work full days on Mondays, Tuesdays and guidance to volunteers regarding image composition and Wednesdays, as well as a short shift on Thursdays to perform content, distributes supplies, generates and scans photos and backups and attend production meetings. This position requires images for use in the paper and website. The Photo & excellent attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to manage Graphics Editor is also responsible for being present for all time wisely. The use of good design principles and the creation editorial and production meetings. of a cohesive, consistent, inviting, and accessible layout for the paper are central to this position.

Photo & Graphics Editor

A successful candidate will have proven skills using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Hours are 30 – 34 per publishing week. There are 33 publishing weeks between May 1, 2015 and April 7, 2016.

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter, resume, and a portfolio of at least 6 relevant printed samples of their graphic work (which will be returned to them when the hiring process is complete).

Only those applicants granted an interview will be contacted. The Ontarion offers a learning environment in student media and considers this in their hiring process.

To obtain a copy of The Ontarion’s Employment Equity Policy, and/or the Job Description for this position, please email us at: ontarion@uoguelph.ca The Ontarion reserves the right to prioritize candidates who currently live in, or who commit to moving into Guelph, or the immediate surrounding area, during the duration of their employment.

The Ontarion’s Employment Equity Policy is a proactive measure to recruit qualified people from a variety of ethnic, religious, and class backgrounds, lesbians, bisexuals, gays, and transgendered people, people of colour, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and women. Members of previously identified groups are encouraged to self-identify.

Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

US forecasters admit “Snowmeggedan” error Better to overreact or under prepare?

JOANNE PEARCE The US National Weather Service (NWS) admitted last week that its forecast was wrong on the “potentially historic blizzard” which was supposed to hit New York City.

Downgraded to a simple “winter storm,” New Yorkers looked outside expecting a crippling three feet of snow, but were greeted with one.

The blizzard, which was supposed to strike much of the Northeastern U.S., did pile deep in certain areas – such as Conneticut and Massachusetts. Others, such as New York City and Philadelphia, however, were not as badly affected.

Meteorologists were deeply apologetic in their miscalculation, using social media to announce their apology to those officials who had based their snow preparation plans on their information.

“My deepest apologies to many key decision makers and so many members of the general public,” Gary Szatkowski, a member of the National Weather Service’s department in Mount Holly, N.J., posted on Twitter.

Everyone makes mistakes, though, right? Nevertheless, complaints have been made about the actions taken by officials to get ready for the snow. In preparation for the storm, over 7,700 flights in and out of the Northeastern US were cancelled, as many expected the brunt of the storm to hit in the morning. Schools were closed and cities were effectively shut down. Some

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argue that the shutdowns, especially those restrictions put in place in New York were, in retrospect, overkill.

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio denied, however, that he overacted.

“Would you rather be prepared or unprepared? Would you rather be safe or unsafe?” de Blasio remarked.

The question is an interesting one to consider. While some amused individuals did wander outside to play in the snow, others were not so easily appeased. In New York in particular, one of the large points of controversy was officials’ decision to issue a total shutdown for their 110-year-old subway system. Though no immediate or accurate estimates are available, questions are being raised on how much money the New York government did spent in preparation for the blizzard. Other cities faced their own issues due to the forecast.

In Massachusetts, the forecasted snow led to the postponement of proceedings in the scheduled Monday morning trial of ex-New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez. In

NEWS

Chicago, the streets were hit with heavy snow this past Sunday as the storm continued to trek across the U.S. Midwest, dumping more than 30 centimeters of snow before heading on to New England. The snowfall led to the closure of schools throughout the Midwestern and Mideastern U.S. In Champaign, Illinois, 68 homes were evacuated when a tanker truck overturned, and the storm knocked out power to nearly 20,000 customers.

Canada did not escape effects of the severe winter storm, as last Monday more than 30 flights were cancelled on the departure board at Pearson.

The bitter cold is believed to continue across the US—and it chose an especially bad time to come, as Super Bowl Sunday saw reduced visibility and treacherous driving conditions. With Canada facing its own snowfalls, this would be a good time to remember to have an emergency kit handy in the car, just in case, with a blanket, flashlight, warm clothing, and other provisions.

Upcoming events Feb. 6: CSA Election Voting ends Feb. 9: - Random Acts of Kindness Week begins - CSA Job postings go up; accepting applications

until Feb. 20 Feb. 11: CSA Board of Director’s Meeting, UC 441, 6 p.m.

Feb. 11: Better Beginnings, Better Futures fundraising lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 20 Shelldale Crescent. $12 advance, $15 door. Hot meals provided by local restaurants, raffles and silent auction.

movies and more

JON & ROY

NOON

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Hezbollah kills two amidst rising tensions Israeli soldiers killed and wounded along side Spanish peace-keeper MATTEO CIMELLARO Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and several were wounded in a Hezbollah missile-attack on Thursday, Jan. 28. The strike hit an Israeli militaryvehicle near the Lebanese and Syrian border, in an area known as the Golan Heights. A Spanish soldier serving on a UN peacekeeping mission was also reportedly killed by Israeli counter-fire.

Hezbollah released a statement after the attack, claiming responsibility. ”11.25 a.m. this morning, alQuneitra Martyr’s group targeted an Israeli convoy with specialized heavy duty rockets in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms area. The convoy included Israeli artillery, an officer and several soldiers, many of whom were injured,” the statement read.

The attacks came in retaliation after an Israeli drone-strike that killed an Iranian general and several other senior Hezbollah personnel on Jan. 18.

“It’s a very delicate game, because both sides want to respond hard enough that they’re not perceived as weak, but not too hard to start a war,” said Benedetta Berti of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, in an article published by The New York Times. “It’s a very, very thin line.

There’s plenty of room for miscalculations. If this is where it ends, we’re

moving on to the next chapter, with the awareness that every single time this starts again, we get closer to a proper war.”

Hezbollah – the Lebanese Shia Movement funded by Iran – quickly became one of the world’s most powerful non-state military organizations several years ago, and is currently one of the organizations that compose the coalition force in Syria fighting ISIS. Avoiding war is the best option for them at the moment in order to avoid fighting on two fronts.

In response to the retaliation attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the governments of Israel and Syria shared responsibility for the aggression coming from their region. Netanyahu also promised “those who are behind the attack today, will pay full price.”

“For a while, Iran has been trying, through the Hezbollah, to form an additional terror front against us from the Golan Heights,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “We are acting with resolve and responsibility against this effort.”

The attacks come at a precarious time for Israel, seven weeks before an election and during Americanled negotiations with Iran over their nuclear program. Israeli military officials are reportedly preparing for the long awaited, inevitable next round with Hezbollah.

Israel and Hezbollah last officially fought in a 34-day war in 2006, where an Israeli ground-invasion failed to deter and disband the Lebanese militia. Analysts on both sides agree that neither force wishes to start a bull-blown war, but the clashes in the past few weeks reveal how quickly tensions can escalate.

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

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A HILLSIDE INSIDE PREVIEW

DOCURAMA Thurs Feb 5

NOON HOUR Fri Feb 6

SUNDAY CINEMA Sun Feb 8

SUNDAY CINEMA Sun Feb 8

DOCURAMA Thurs Feb 12

ROZANSKI 105 | FREE The story of information activist Aaron Swartz.

Co-sponsored by the McLaughlin Library.

UC COURTYARD | FREE Chorus-driven anti-folk.

Co-sponsored by CFRU 93.3FM.

THORNBROUGH 1200 | $3 UoG stu • $8 gen A sweet, witty celebration of nerd culture.

Co-sponsored by Interhall.

THORNBROUGH 1200 | $3 UoG stu • $8 gen Sly, provocative satire of race relations.

Co-sponsored by Interhall.

THORNBROUGH 1200 | FREE An absorbing character study of a whistleblower.

Co-sponsored by the McLaughlin Library.

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NEWS

Under the Bringing online privacy to the forefront Radar

John Baird resigns as foreign affairs minister Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird resigned from the Harper cabinet in the House of Commons (HOC) on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015.

Sources from within the government say that Baird revealed to his staff that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming vote.

Baird, 45, is a veteran of Queen’s Park politics. In his stepping down as foreign affairs minister, however, Baird will leave the public life and politics behind him, headed for the private sector.

This unexpected resignation is seen as a blow to the Conservative party, seeking another term in the pending fall election. With Baird gone, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his party will face the re-building of their foreign policy operation. This blow comes less than a year after the resignation of Jim Flaherty in March of 2014, shortly before his death.

“The world continues to see the best that Canada has to offer,” Baird said in his address to the HOC. He praised the Harper government for their diplomatic and economic accomplishment, and he received a standing ovation from his fellow MPs. Less than an hour after his resignation address, Baird tweeted that he was “humbled by the opportunity to serve with [Prime Minister Harper],” thanking him for his “trust and friendship.”

“It is with great regret and affection that I today accepted the resignation of one of the finest ministers that I have had the privilege of working with,” read the released statement from Prime Minister Harper. “John’s intelligence, charm, affability, and directness are well appreciated by Members of Parliament of all parties […] On behalf of all Canadians, I thank John Baird for his years of tireless devotion to Canadians in the House of Commons, in Cabinet, and in the Legislature of Ontario.”

Though Baird’s resignation remains a shock to many, he leaves on good terms with the Harper government and the entire HOC. “Parliament was better for his presence, the country better for his service […] I wish John the best of luck in all his future endeavours,” concluded Prime Minister Harper.

-Compiled by Alyssa Ottema

Protecting data from external threats KELSEY COUGHLIN

Aug. 31, 2014 marked the beginning of one of the biggest internet hacking scandals in recent memory.

Almost 500 private and compromising photographs of female celebrities were posted on 4chan, spreading like wildfire through Tumblr, Reddit, and Twitter. The photos were reportedly obtained through a breach of Apple iCloud.

Since this story broke out, the issue of privacy has become a major public concern. People are becoming

more nervous about the security of their private online information.

This makes the relevance of the 9th annual Data Privacy Day even more pronounced. Data Privacy Day is celebrated every Jan. 28, with the purpose of raising awareness and promoting data protection best practices.

The issue of online security is of particular interest to University of Guelph professor Rozita Dara, who has been studying internet privacy and “bridging the gap” between policy and technology since 2010.

Dr. Dara, previously an employee at the Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, explains that data breaches are an everyday occurrence that most people are not aware of. She states that, “recent studies report that

one million Canadians have been affected by the data breaches of federal institutions [but] there is no well-established data breach notification system to inform citizens of such incidents.”

A recent cybersecurity study also reported that more than 36 per cent of IT professionals say that their companies and customers have been the recipients of a significant data breach in the last 12 months. This number may even be higher as some breaches fall through the cracks and are not officially reported.

Dara said that because of this, “individuals should pay attention to the digital footprints they share online and how this information may be misused.”

“Sharing too much could harm digital reputation, job opportunities,

and finances. As soon as the personal data becomes available in the borderless world, it is hard to control it” she explained.

Because of the recent high-profile hackings, people are becoming more aware of the importance of online privacy and the reality that what they think is private may not turn out to be so. Dara has shared a number of recommendations in order to help ensure that your personal information is protected. These include sharing your personal information with care, learning how to manage your digital identity online, thoroughly reading service providers’ privacy policies, checking privacy settings, and reviewing your browsers’ cookies.

By following these simple steps, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of putting our privacy at risk.

The ghosts of aviation: Malaysia Airlines Looking at the history of plane disappearances ASHLEY GIBSON On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Malaysian government announced the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 327, which went missing in March, to be an accident. Australia, China, and Malaysia are continuing the search for evidence, but all passengers of the flight are presumed dead.

Officials are now proceeding with compensation for families, as well as issuing death certificates for the 239 victims of the crash.

This announcement leaves several questions: where did the plane go, and how can an airplane completely vanish? Furthermore, how has this happened so many times throughout history?

Although lost aircrafts are quite rare, there have been approximately 80 recorded disappearances since 1948.

The last recorded disappearance, prior to the recent Malaysia Airlines mysteries, was in 2009, when Air France flight 447 – an airbus that supposedly crashed into the Atlantic Ocean with 228 passengers aboard – went missing. Some of the debris and bodies were found, though many passengers remain unaccounted for, leaving the world to wonder. Approximately two years later, it was revealed that ice crystals caused the autopilot to malfunction, crashing the aircraft.

In 2003, the “stolen” American Airlines Boeing 727 left the runway in Quatro de Fevereiro on an un-cleared flight with an unknown number of

SIMON BODDY VIA CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Following the recent Malaysia Airlines scandal, The Ontarion’s Ashley Gibson takes a look at the history of aircraft disappearances. passengers aboard. The plane seemed to be heading toward the Atlantic Ocean with no lights or transmission turned on. After takeoff, the passengers and aircraft were never seen again. This disappearance generated a worldwide investigation and terrorist suspicions, though no evidence ever turned up.

The FlyingTiger Line Flight disappearance of 1962 is one that still holds an air of uncertainty. The plane, carrying U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers, disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean on its way to Saigon.

The plane was fully refueled upon takeoff, and there was no distress call made from the aircraft. To this day, the cause of the crash remains a mystery, as no parts were ever found despite an

intensive air and sea recovery mission.

Every passenger was declared dead within two months of the crash; unlike the 327 days it has taken to declare the fate of passengers on the recent Malaysian flight.

Possibly the most iconic and famous aircraft disappearance is that of Amelia Earhart. July 2 will mark the 78 anniversary of Earhart’s disappearance on her second attempt to fly around the world. She was last heard from somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, giving reports of overcast weather, when the transmission system failed. Despite the largest search in the American Navy’s history, no plane or body was ever found, and two years later, Earhart was declared dead.

There are many conspiracies surrounding the topic of missing airplanes, such as hijack schemes, the infamous engulfment of the Bermuda triangle, or possible military attacks. For the most part, nothing has ever or will ever be proven. It is a difficult situation for officials to determine when to conclude recovery attempts and start handing out death certificates.

Realistically, the planes must be resting peacefully in the crevices of the ocean or in the cliffs of the mountains – places that we will likely never reach. Yet, without physical evidence, we are still left with the unanswered conclusion: what if?

Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

Davos World Economic Forum 2015 HeForShe launches pilot initiative on economic inequality ANJELICA ABARRA Four months since her UN address, actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson gave another impassioned speech on gender equality, this time in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Watson told the audience of the overwhelming response and support received for the HeForShe campaign since her speech in New York. Watson went on to announce the launch of a new HeForShe initiative called IMPACT 10x10x10.

“Impact 10x10x10 is about concrete commitments to change. The

visibility of these commitments and the measurability of them too,” Watson said after raising questions that aim to challenge how corporate leaders view gender equality in their companies. This one year pilot effort by HeForShe aims to engage corporations, governments, and universities.

“The HeForShe IMPACT Initiative puts responsibility for change right where it matters and spotlights leaders who make it happen. The founding Champions from industry and government will pave the way for others to join in, using the pilot initiatives to streamline decision-making on relevant and successful activities,” announced UN Women Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

A few of the founding Champions include Paul Polman, CEO and Chairman of Unilever, and President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone.

Amidst all the excitement surrounding the IMPACT Initiative amongst the world’s elite, much discussion on the low number of women attendees in Davos have garnered attention.

Of the 2,500 participants, only 17 per cent were women. With social equality as one of this year’s main focus, this annual meeting has often failed to amplify women’s voices in discussing opportunities for inclusion.

Associate professor of Strategic Management at the University of St. Gallen, Omid Aschari asked, “Where are the women at Davos?”

In his Guardian article of the same name, Aschari emphasized how the annual World Economic Forum reflects the reality of women in the workforce. In addressing how gender gap is systematically linked to the health of whole economies, Aschari wrote, “There is still a considerable gender gap in corporate boardrooms around the globe. Research by Catalyst shows that in 2013, women held not even 17 per cent of corporate board seats. Just 14.6 per cent of executive officers were women, and 4 per cent of these were CEOs. A similar gap can be seen in comparable public positions. Failing to include more women affects business results, employee engagement and innovation.”

HeForShe’s pilot initiative is not

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MIRROR / COURTESY

The HeForShe Campaign launched a new initiative, IMPACT 10x10x10, at the recent Davos World Economic Forum. only timely, but also appropriate in its aim to engage top global leaders to serve

as exemplar instruments for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Vagina Monologues send a powerful message V-Day Guelph presents their annual feminist performance in War Memorial Hall MEG WILSON Written by Eve Ensler in 1996, The Vagina Monologues is a powerful script created from interviews Ensler conducted with 200 women from all walks of life. These interviews, which asked questions about sex, relationships, and violence against women, were adapted into dramatic monologues that are still being performed on campuses all over North America today. The Vagina Monologues is meant to both celebrate vaginas and femininity, and call for action addressing gender-based violence – Guelph’s performance did not disappoint.

Friday night’s performance featured a pre-show gala, complete with gender and sex based resources, a silent auction, and plenty of good food and music. The cast and crew were in attendance, giving them a moment to relax and greet their friends before their opening night.

Soon enough, it was show time, and the cast disappeared, leaving the crowd to fill the theatre.

The first act of the night was a reading done by Zoey Ross, a fellow writer for The Ontarion. He opened the show with a reading of his piece “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” an article he wrote on love and consent in our Jan. 15 issue. After this and some general introductions, V-day debuted a mostly-Guelph studentwritten play, which put the entire cast onstage for a funeral. One by one, they stood and read a monologue, many of which had been written by the actors themselves.

Entitled “Burying Shame,” the show was very eloquently written.

We heard stories from both men and women of how gender-based violence has affected them and their loved ones. It was incredibly

moving, and as the last actor exited the stage, I found myself wanting more. Luckily, after an intermission, the cast was back with even more empowering monologues.

The Vagina Monologues had the audience laughing, crying, and wanting to crush the patriarchy. We heard monologues from a 72-yearold woman (Rachel Estok), “Down there? I haven’t been down there since 1953,” all the way down to a six-year-old girl (Emily Vance) who was sure her vagina smelled like snowflakes.

Hearing these pieces from the perspectives of women from all over the world was a learning experience for many of us in the audience. It should be noted that Ariel Slack’s performance of “The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy” was on-point, from her lingerie to her demonstration of multiple orgasms.

The Vagina Monologues closed with a call to action, to the audience and to the world, crying out for revolution. Informative, entertaining, and empowering, the show not only brought attention to sexual violence, but donated 100 per cent of

MEG WILSON

Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” was performed at War Memorial Hall on Jan. 30, along with other monologues written

by U of G students. the proceeds raised over the three weekend shows to three beneficiaries: Guelph-Wellington Women

in Crisis, The Wellness Education Centre, and the Aboriginal Resource Centre.

Festival brings three floors of punk and indie Off The Floor Festival rocks DSTRCT ADRIEN POTVIN With all the festivals going on in Guelph – seemingly constantly – it always reminds one of the huge breadth of talent in the city, area, and country. Off The Floor Fest, hosted between downtown’s DSTRCT and Jimmy Jazz on Jan. 30 and 31, brought some of the region’s hardest bands together for two nights of musical mayhem, with a welcomed focus on no frills, straight-ahead punk rock.

Pet Sun and The Flu (aptly named for whatever bloody illness is going around the city right now) kicked off the festival at the Jimmy Jazz on Jan. 30 with walls of noise and devil-may-care performance weirdness. Pet Sun’s subtly surf-informed punk, and The Flu’s absolutely vicious guitar/drum noise brought the room’s energy level through the roof, offering a strong glimpse of what was to come the following night on the second and third floors of DSTRCT.

Though Toronto math-rock duo Junior Bob was slated to play, Guelph local Tyson Brinacombe (Tyson and his Gameboy, Esther Grey) filled in and kicked off the night with a solo guitar, vocal, and drum machine set.

Brinacombe’s material, informed by alternately noisy and gentle guitar sounds and an 80s drum machine aesthetic, is whimsy and personal, even featuring a lovely tune about his cat.

Toronto’s Christian Punk Band performed on the third floor, with a high energy, distinctively pop-oriented punk set and an enthusiastic response in the room – the two floors were just really starting to fill up by this point. More straight-ahead punk rock followed with Guelph’s Start Something, performing on the second floor. Waterloo-based Life in Vacuum, a techy (but not too techy) post-hardcore outfit also performed on the third floor shortly after to another raucous response.

As fun as the whole evening was, the real highlights came with the last three bands of the night - Dirty Frigs, Brutal Youth, and Monomyth closed out the evening’s events with varied, high energy sets. The Frigs’ compellingly dark psych-rock returned to rock Guelph after a memorable appearance at the eBar in November of last year. Singer Bri Salmena

engaged the crowd with a clear love for her craft, as she drifted through the crowd, mike in hand, and with a echo-drenched voice of undeniable power.

Brutal Youth, bar none, put on the most energetic show of the night, though. The Toronto-based hardcore outfit did a punk set the way it should be – really short, really fast, and crushingly heavy songs characterized their sound, and at one point the power went out on the third floor (but was thankfully brought back after some brief tinkering). If that’s not tough as nails, I don’t know what is anymore.

Halifax-based Monomyth ended the night with engaging, dream-pop informed indie rock. Performing material off their excellent LP Saturnalia Regalia!, the band closed the evening’s events on a strong note, blending spaced-out, reverb heavy sounds with strong musical chemistry and a heartfelt stage presence.

Though most of the bands were distinctively punk-oriented, it was surely a welcomed lineup and an antidote to the perceived over-saturation of folk-inspired music in the Guelph independent circuit. As the seventh installation of the OTF Fest, here’s to looking forward to the next one.

MOHAMMAD MELEBARI

The 7th edition of Off the Floor Fest, held on the second and third floors of District, brought some of the hardest punk/indie acts around, such as Dirty Frigs, Monomyth, Brutal Youth, and The Flu.

Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

ARTS & CULTURE

The Weekly Scene: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) 3.5 Moving-characterdriven-dramaticcomedies out of 4 SAMEER CHHABRA A rare sequel is a necessary film. It is a film that strives for the heights of its predecessor, while earning its title as a successor. A rare sequel is a film that refuses to squander the good will generated by its original, and not only creates a strong story, but adds to the franchise’s universe.

In short, a rare sequel is a movie that is better than the one that came before it. How to Train Your Dragon 2 is precisely the kind of movie I’d call a rare sequel.

Refusing to do away with any of the success created by the first film in its sure to be growing franchise, Dreamworks’ latest feature is a thorough reminder of the kind of work talented writers, animators, and actors can create if simply given the chance to focus on their work. Make no mistake,

in an age when sequels are green-lit before most audiences have a chance to see the original film, it’s a treat to get to experience a follow-up that not only stands strong as a portrait of itself, but would also succeed as a standalone feature.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 begins five years after the conclusion of its predecessor. Life in the Viking village of Berk has flourished thanks to the introduction of dragons into the village’s social framework, and the once violent warriors who have resided there are now heavily intertwined with the dragons they once called enemies. As an animated film heavily targeted at children, How to Train Your Dragon 2 tells a surprisingly deep and compelling character-driven narrative. Its themes of love, understanding, and compassion will resonate with younger audiences, but this is predominately a story of self-identity, duty, and sacrifice.

Jay Baruchel returns to the role of Hiccup, and the actor’s naturally whiny voice is well-suited to the character’s neuroticism and anxiety. Since aiding Berk’s dragonic integration, Hiccup has spent his time travelling and exploring in search of more of the creatures. Joining him is his trusty

COURTESY PHOTO

steed and friend Toothless, a powerful, sleek, jet-black dragon who’s really more of a cross between an SR-71 Blackbird and a pussycat. More than being a metaphor or a symbol or even a marketing tool for the toymakers, Toothless is a full-fledged character whose personality and character provides a much-welcome foil to Hiccup’s anxiety-prone tendencies.

The film’s animation is masterful, and director Dean DeBlois deserves praise for his efforts in bringing this animated world to life. As dragons

Cover to cover Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist ALYSSA OTTEMA Like the Bon Jovi of critical feminist theory, Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist delves deep into the debates about those who give feminism a bad name.

Labelling herself a “bad feminist,” prone to breaking into dance at the first sounds of what she recognizes as misogynistic rap music, Ms. Gay calls for her fellow feminists to hop off of their pedestals and embrace the flaw and plurality of their movement.

Ms. Gay is an expert in opinions; she makes a habit of flying in the face of the status quo. She writes, “The notion that I should be fine with the status quo even if I am not wholly affected by the status quo is repulsive,” and she lives by this statement. Ms. Gay addresses the ways in which she unwillingly beats against the current — as a woman, as a black woman, as an overweight black woman — and she lauds the ways in which she does so willingly, undauntedly. Ms. Gay takes on entertainment and politics in a single breath; she bounces between race and rape and sexuality and reality, spinning a web of connection as quickly as the spider luring in their prey.

It’s often difficult to agree with Ms.

Gay. Her opinions are frank, brash, and, at times, hard to swallow. She criticizes only to turn around and, in effect, become what she criticizes. She is oxymoronic in the presentation of herself and her values. She is self-indulgent in the representation she wants to see of women and feminism in popular culture. She doesn’t identify with white 20-something women in New York, and so the merit of their evolving representations is lost on her. She says, “I’m more interested in a show called Grown Women, about a group of friends who finally have great jobs and pay all their bills in a timely manner, but don’t have any savings and still deal with sloppy love lives and hangovers on Monday morning.” It’s as if she has never seen Sex and the City.

What makes Ms. Gay’s work so enthralling is that she readily accepts these flaws. She lauds her oxymoronic status and she is open to her self-indulgence. More than anything, Ms. Gay invites her reader’s disagreement; she welcomes a debate, a discussion, an argument spawned from her words. She invites us to debate with her the merits of diverse female representation, she asks for us to bring examples and opinion in protest.

Ms. Gay doesn’t pretend to be the feminist on the pedestal, the leader or hero of any movement. She is, in her own words, “unlikable,” like her

soar across the screen, flying through clouds, streets, water, and caverns, the camera follows every twist-and-turn, taking the viewer on a visual adventure. It would have been easy for DeBlois and the film’s animators to simply point the camera at the action, but the decision to fly into the sky gives the film a distinct look and feel.

However, it is John Powell’s riveting score, and Roger Deakins’ enthralling cinematography, that truly make the movie such a treat for the senses.

Powell’s music is triumphant and blood-pumping during especially tense or action-filled sequences, but soft and harmonious – restrained – during the film’s more quiet moments. Deakins colour palette and his use of light stage scenes in cool greens, warm blue and reds, and striking greys. Out of cinematic context, each key-frame is an able picture, filled with visual and sensory detail.

I fill my review with praise, though the film’s one-note villain was disappointing. With a film

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favourite characters in fiction who “won’t or can’t pretend to be someone they are not.” In existing beyond the realm of likability, Ms. Gay has figured out her own version of “bad feminism”: feminism that doesn’t pretend to be universal, to be able to speak for each woman; feminism that wants, as so many other feminisms want, the equality of the sexes.

In her straightforward, opinionated way, Ms. Gay opens the door to discussion and asks her readers to figure out their own “bad feminism.”

She invites us to step into a world of flaw, imperfection, and unlikability to experience the merit and value of disagreement within unity.

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filled with so many distinct, unique characters, I was disappointed that the single character defined as the villain was so lacking. As a result, I suggest a different reading of the story. Instead of a story of good against evil, much of the film’s conflict is internal. An adult, mature Hiccup must come to terms with his identity as future chief, and must deal with the knowledge that the mother he’s thought dead for 20 years is very much alive.

The villain, then, is not meant to serve as a singular obstacle to overcome, but to empower the hero into becoming the person he is meant to be. There’s no central antagonist – there’s a central, internal, deeply personal conflict. There is simply the truth that all children must grow up, all parents must let go, and all life must move forward.

In short, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a stunning feature whose status as children’s animation must not be used to criticize the film as childish or juvenile.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Album Review Cairo: A History of Reasons

Toronto dreampop quartet offers up a solid pop record ADRIEN POTVIN Doing one thing really well is hard enough; some bands seem to do a bunch of different things fairly well without coming off as overly forced or, at worst, redundant. The latest LP from Toronto’s Cairo, A History of Reasons, acts as a tasteful blend of styles, ranging from epic, vocal harmony-heavy pop songs to more straight-ahead rock and folk fare, but it sort of falls short in the strong song category.

The record is low-key and subtly restrained in its production while sprawling in its stylistic reach. It sounds as though the record’s producer, Nygel Asselin (of Half-Moon Run and Air Marshal Landing), put the whole thing through a piano’s dampening pedal. This is where the record really works – its restraint is welcomed in music like this. Where it could easily come off like the dreck of a band like Fun’s pseudoepic, incantation-core sound, the band and the LP’s production don’t add too much, allowing for the headspace and musical subtleties to shine through effectively.

The band’s careful attention to the characteristics of each instrument and voice as distinctive is certainly the mark of informed ears and narrative-oriented musicianship. Here are four musicians whose personalities pierce the overall product while not detracting from the band unit as a whole. But the songs themselves?

Varied and heartfelt, but not overly exciting.

It sounds all too familiar sometimes, with the “Hey-ayy-ohh” chorus tendencies all so present in contemporary indie rock, but overall, the LP is solid. It makes up for sometimes-lackluster songs with its compelling production style and obviously tight musicianship, as noted before.

Standout tracks include the violin-punctuated “Kingdoms,” “One at a Time,” and the lulling “Extinguishing Fires.”

Fire, ice, and IMAX George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones came to life on the big screen ZOEY ROSS It was loud, it was bloody, and it was awesome. For the first time ever, a television show was shown on an IMAX screen. It makes sense that it was this show. At Comic Con in San Diego, showrunner David Bennioff discussed how every season is filmed like a 10-hour-movie.

Game of Thrones (GoT) has consistently deserved the hype it receives by the main stream media. With multiple Emmy’s, SAG awards, and other accomplishments, like fastest pirated show under its belt it’s no surprise something big was on the way. With a Metacritic score over 80 per cent since launch, GoT has continued to climb in popularity and critical success.

Although the nearest IMAX movie theatre in Kitchener had less than a dozen people turn up to see the film at the late night showing, this must not

have been the case all over the world.

On opening weekend, the two Game of Thrones episodes from the end of Season Four, “The Watchers on the Wall” and “The Children” grossed $1.5 million. With that dollar count, GoT in IMAX managed to claim the 15th spot at the box office.

IMAX is a Canadian brain child that started as early as 1967 in Montreal at the World Expo. Founders Graeme Ferguson and Roman Kroitor first failed at multi-projection systems, but then moved towards a singular epic projection with much success. The first permanent IMAX theatre was installed at Ontario Place and you can still see it today, minus the current renovation.

If not for these men and their other found associates, the world would not have Game of Thrones in IMAX. As for the feel and effect of the show in IMAX – it was impressive. The feeling of the epic theme song will rally your attention from the start.

SPOILER ALERT The first episode featured is a huge battle along the frozen wall at Castle Black. Game of Thrones has consistently used high film-grade animation to create a real world, and this was no exception. The battle scene that takes place is vicious and filled with action, but also dramatically compelling. These are characters fans have

Viet Cong – Viet Cong Calgary postpunk quartet goes all out in self-titled LP ADRIEN POTVIN After 2014’s “Cassette EP,” punk fans are treated to a band coming into its own in a big way with Viet Cong, released on Jan. 20. Featuring former members of the beloved Calgary band Women, post-punk group Viet Cong’s self-titled LP was long awaited, and was it ever worth the wait.

Opening with thunderous, crushing drums and monotone, dissonant vocals, the first track, “Newspaper Spoons,” immediately draws us into the album’s meticulous blending of synths, guitars, reverb-heavy drums, and monotone vocals – something akin to Wire’s 1978 record Chairs Missing, but a wholly unique product.

Things pick up and get frantic with “March of Progress”; a hypnotic, repetitive, and syncopated drum groove breaks into strange, shimmering acoustic chords (though I can’t tell you what instrument it is) panning from speaker

to speaker, then drifts into cascading, chorus-and-octave-pedal-soaked electric guitar passages. The band’s keen sense of texture really gets through in this track; retaining its essentially punk energy, the songs wear their inventiveness on their sleeves without getting alienatingly cerebral.

More oddly syncopated bass and guitar interplay permeates “Bunker Buster,” and this track breaks into the album’s standout, “Continental Shelf.”

I really can’t say enough about this one – it’s incredible. Everything, from the powerful melodic hook, to the stirring chorus and intensely emotional vocals, makes this a standout single, and probably one of the best Canadian rock songs of the year thus far. It is rightfully the cornerstone of the LP, and the first song you’d want to show someone who asks “What do they sound like?”

The album closes with the 11-minute “Death,” and in its length it ranges from a consistent drum pattern to a droning, shoegaze-informed midsection, and back again to more frantic timbres and energy. How they make 11 minutes consistently interesting and life affirming is beyond me, but it closes an incredible album with a strong sense of narrative arc and a stirring reflection on the past half-hour of music.

COURTESY

Game of Thrones provides audiences with tons of excitement, drama, and violence – a perfect recipe for the big screen. spent over 30 hours with, entrenched in a battle for their lives. This episode is focused only on the plot line of the wall which makes it a very unique standalone treat.

In the second episode showcased, “The Children,” Brandon Stark and company make their way to a mystical den and encounter a group of skeleton warriors. This wasn’t the only action in the episode, but in good taste, it may

be best to leave rest in the books and on-screen.

What is worth mentioning is that you have not heard one of Kahleesi’s dragon scream until you’re in an IMAX theatre and have heard it coming at you from every direction.

If you love the Game of Thrones and can muster the $17, it’s certainly worth the investment for a full sensory trip to Westeros.

Album of the Week: Pork Soda

COURTESY PHOTO

Les Claypool (Bass/Vocals), along with Tim “Herb” Alexander (Drums) and Larry Lalonde (Guitar) form the rock trio group Primus. Pork Soda, released in 1993 with songs like “My name is Mud” showcases a very unique style of lyrical and technical prowess.

The distinctive sound of Primus is heard through the popping bass guitar of frontman Claypool, along with his quirky yet perfectly matched voice given the texture of the overall sound.

IN THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE COURTYARD AT NOON

Mon Feb 9

JOE DRISCOLL & SEKOU KOUYATE Together, Driscoll and Kouyate blend hip-hop, spoken word, funk, and soulful, accessible rock with Afrobeat, reggae and irrepressible African grooves.

CO-SPONSORED BY CFRU 93.3FM

Fri Feb 27

COLLECTIVE OF BLACK ARTISTS A performance collective that both educates and entertains with Africanist and contemporary dance works that reflect African social realities in a global context.

Visit www.sundaycinema.ca for more information.

The Ontarion is recruiting A great haircut will never go out of style.

STUDENT SPECIAL

Any Haircut Regularly $16.00

$12.00

University of Guelph students Present your student ID. Good all year long Not valid with any other offer Good only at Glendale Place and Smart Centre 4th Avenue

328 Speedvale Avenue East, Guelph, ON N1E 1N6 (519) 265-­‐3456

Salon Hours M-­‐F 9-­‐9 Sat 9-­‐6 Sun 10-­‐4

volunteers for the Board of Directors

Are you interested in learning more about how your student newspaper is run behind-the-scenes?

Joining the Board of Directors is a way to gain valuable experience while still an undergraduate student.

Get involved, and start working on committees such as: human resources, finance, public relations, and more!

Please contact onpresid@uoguelph.ca, or ontarion@uoguelph.ca for more information.

12

ARTS & CULTURE

Tune in Guelph: Tear Away Tusa at Silence Guelph band covers Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon DANIELLE SUBJECT On Jan. 31, Guelph’s Tear Away Tusa covered Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon at Silence. The band played two sets, one at 8:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m. I had the opportunity to attend the second set, which was a blast and made for a great ending to a solid night of music.

The band brought with them some special guests, including Andrew Liorti, Áine Ganly, “Boom King” Boonstra, Kieran Kane, Julie Maxwell, and Rob Kirsch-Spring.

Tear Away Tusa’s lead vocalist, Erin Tusa, completely stole the show. Her performance of “The Great Gig in the Sky” was absolutely phenomenal. She used her talent to put her own spin on the vocals of that song, and by the end of the performance, I had decided that I would probably pay money to buy her version of Pink Floyd’s masterpiece.

Shane Rodak and Erin Tusa made for a noteworthy duo during the band’s cover of “Brain Damage.” Their vocals fused together flawlessly in a haunting melody, adding to the already familiar and eerie effects of the original song.

As the band transitioned into “Eclipse,” the crowd responded to the song’s famous build-up that climaxes the album with an in-unison clap. At this point, the walls of Silence seemed to capture a moment between a great band, a soulful crowd, and Pink Floyd – a moment that couldn’t be put into words. I left the venue thinking to myself that this is what Guelph’s music scene is all about.

When asked about their initial decision to cover The Dark Side of the Moon, Tear Away Tusa’s Sam Schwartzbein reflected on a drive the band took in the middle of a summer night: “I remember driving back from a show east of Guelph late at night, [sometime] in August or September. A side of the album was playing on one of those late night satellite radio channels. As the album was playing, we were realizing that the album

had striking similarities to our musical strong points as a band.

The foundation of the music is a rhythmic pocket, there are great saxophone and guitar solos, and ‘The Great Gig In The Sky’ is the kind of space where Tusa thrives as a vocalist. So, as we were driving at two in the morning or so, we had this realization that we wanted to do our take on the album.”

Schwartzbein also spoke of Tear Away Tusa’s strong fan base, and the group’s desire to do something special for them.

“We also wanted to do something different than our usual set for Guelph. We are lucky enough to have a core group of fans here who come out to all of our shows, some since our very first shows in 2012, and we picked up many new ones over our monthly DSTRCT residency last fall. Because of the short time frame of those shows, we weren’t able to change up the repertoire as much as we would have liked, so we played similar songs, save for a few new ones, at each show. As a band, we take a long time to write new songs.

We have a very long formative process because each of us have a lot of input in the songwriting process; rather than one or two strong voices, we have six. And we don’t like to rush the songs until we think they are ready. We have some good material that just sits for months before we finish it. We didn’t have time to write a much new material for those shows, so we wanted to come

STACEY ASPINALL

A live cover of the entirety of Pink Floyd’s seminal The Dark Side of the Moon album, by local band Tear Away Tusa, mesmerized audiences with an earnest love for the music and strong stage presence. back in 2015 with something totally new for everyone here in Guelph. That really motivated us to put the wheels in motion to perform Dark Side [of the Moon].”

At the end of the set, the crowd shouted for an encore and pressed on until the band decided to come back on stage, and closed the night with a few more songs from their EP Into the Digital Age. As a band who loves to please their fans and are genuinely passionate about their music, here’s to a great start to 2015 and hoping for more Tear Away Tusa in the coming year.

Upcoming events Feb. 5: Thursday At Noon Concert Series presents the Joni NehRita Quintet at 12 p.m. in MacKinnon 107 Feb. 6: - Fallen Records Split EP release. Silence (46 Essex) at 8 p.m. $10 or PWYC - Metal Concert at DSTRCT, 9 p.m. Seducing Medusa/ Becomes Astral/Guiltfeeder/Aepoch. $7 at door.

- Run With the Kittens perform Jimmy Jazz, 10 p.m. Free Feb. 6 to 15: Elora Community Theatre presents The Dixie Swim Club. 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. at the Fergus Grand Theatre. Reduced group and student tickets at fergusgrandtheatre.ca or 519-787-1981.

Feb. 7: See Through Trio/Paul Newman at Silence. Free and experimental jazz trio. $10 or PWYC. Feb. 8: Homer Watson House & Gallery exhibiting the works of artists Ye Han, Todd Manuel, and Richard McDonald. Opening reception 2 to 4 p.m. (Free to members). More info at homerwatson.on.ca or 519-748-4377.

Feb. 13: Application deadline Project Serve Spring/ Summer in Guelph or Peguis First Nations! ! Interested in learning outside the classroom and inside community? Apply now at gryphlife.ca.

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Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

SPORTS & HEALTH

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MATTHEW AZEVEDO/THE ONTARION

The Guelph Gryphons women’s basketball team downed the Brock Badgers in a close 59-57 contest on Jan. 31, a game that also featured the “Shoot for the Cure” cause in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Kate MacTavish (No. 23 pictured above) led the Gryphons with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Women’s basketball beats Brock Gryphons victorious in “Shoot for the Cure” game ALEXANDRA GRANT On Jan. 31, the Guelph Gryphons women’s basketball team hosted the Brock Badgers in their “Shoot for the Cure” game. The game, which is used to promote, educate, and fundraise for breast cancer awareness, is a CIS-wide initiative, spanning the entire country. Guelph’s game, which would feature “Think Pink” t-shirts dedicating play to family members and friends, would end successfully for the Gryphons, as they came out on top with a score of 59-57. Kate MacTavish, the sixfoot forward from Waterloo, led the Gryphons with 23 points and 12 rebounds. With the win, the Gryphons improve to 7-6 while the Brock Badgers fall to 5-9.

The Gryphons started the first quarter strong, with Vanessa Rampado and MacTavish playing strong in the key. With Rampado drawing

an impressive “and-one” opportunity, the conversion would put the Gryphons up 14-6. With continued efforts at rebounding, especially on the offensive boards, the ladies opened up opportunities to score with every trip down the floor. By the end of the first quarter, the Gryphons led 20-15.

Early in the second quarter, an unfortunate jump ball play would see Brock Badger Katie Harpur incur a head injury, which would halt play for several minutes. Thankfully after medical attention, an out-of-it Harpur was eventually able to walk off the court to an acknowledging applause of support. When play did resume, the Gryphons went back to action, grabbing both defensive and offensive boards, dominating the glass once again. With MacTavish’s 12 points and the efforts of her teammates, Guelph hit the locker room at the half still up 33-23.

In the third, we would see MacTavish hit her double mark for the second game in a row, with 21 points and 10 rebounds to her name through three quarters played. With the Gryphons outscoring the Badgers 21-15 in the quarter, they would lead into the final quarter with a score of 54-38.

Men’s Basketball

However, the final quarter would not bode as well for the Gryphons, as it would take the first six minutes to get their opening basket of the frame. They would also allow the Badgers to run the score and re-enter the game. Some credit is due to the Badgers, as their defensive play and rebounding improved drastically, only allowing Guelph five well-fought-for points in the whole quarter.

In the end, the Gryphons dominance on the boards, both defensively and offensively, would prove to make all the difference.

With under 10 seconds remaining in a two-point game, the Gryphons missed a pair of free throws but grabbed a huge offensive rebound thanks to the hard play of Rampado, who had played strong all day.

Brock had one last chance to win it, but the three-point from half court as the final buzzer sounded was no good, and the Gryphons would hold on to win it 59-57.

The Gryphons also boasted great statistics for the match-up, outrebounding the Badgers 47-29.

With a good crowd on hand, many of whom were clad in pink in support of “Shoot the Cure” went home happy.

Go Gryphons!

RYAN PRIDDLE

Following an 82-68 victory over the Brock Badgers on Jan. 31, the Guelph Gryphons men’s basketball team is (as of Feb. 4) tied for second in the OUA Central Division as both Guelph and Lakehead hold 7-6 records.

Black History Month: a celebration of heritage and accomplishment EMILIO GHLOUM, ALYSSA OTTEMA, AND ADRIEN POTVIN

Black History Month is a crucial time to remember and commemorate the legacy of important black figures in all facets of life. In celebrating and honouring the achievements of influential people, Canadians can take pride in those who have greatly contributed to community and cultural richness nationwide.

It is important to take this time to recognize the immense influence that black figures have had on expressions of art, political and social movements, and revolutionary innovation. Some maintain that all forms of expression are inherently political, or at least have crucial social dimensions. It is difficult to condense the entirety of black cultural history into one article, but here, we encounter a variety of influential political figures, artists, athletes, inventors, and thinkers who, at the forefront of black people’s representation during social and political shifts, are integral figureheads one should familiarize themselves with during this month of memorial.

Duke Ellington

Gwendolyn Brooks

A restless composer of hundreds of compoThe first Black author to win a Pulitsitions across a 60 year career, Duke Ellington zer Prize, Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry is truly in his own category. One of the definitive continues to inspire, provoke, and act as figures of American music, his compositions worked a sort of time capsule of the intellectual enviA composer, multi-instruto blend traditional African forms with American jazz ronments of the civil rights movement. Her mentalist, and fervent political music in a crucially important manner, and countpoems and books We Real Cool, “Still activist based mostly in Nigeria, Fela less compositions of his have become instantly Do I Keep My Look, My Identity,” Ransome Kuti caught the eye of the world recognizable as jazz standards. In a style of An important figure in mainstream and In the Mecca are all beautiful by popularizing the “Afrobeat” genre of music music that is so emphatic of discourses Caribbean music, Belafonte popularized and important works of black across the world. Consistently a political prisoner of liberation and freedom, Ellingthe calypso genre of music from the Caribbean American literature. between the numerous military dictatorships of ton is one of its most important to unprecedented levels in the United States, right Nigeria during the 70s and 80s, his politics figureheads, then and now. in the midst of the civil rights movement. As a celebrity informed his music in terms of its lifeperformer consistently in the public eye of white affirming vitality, spontaneity (both America, Belafonte’s contributions to the civil in music and in production), and rights movement were subdued but imporurgent social message. tant, working closely with Dr. Martin Portia White is an operatic contralto who became Luther King’s efforts as a sort of liaithe first black Canadian concert singer to win interson to the mainstream. national renown, despite difficulties in booking due to her race.

Born to a mother descended from Black Loyalists and a father from a history of slavery, White attended Dalhousie University before moving on to teach music in Africville, a predominantly black Canadian seaside town in Nova Scotia.

White made her national debut as a singer in 1941; in 1944, she made her international debut in New York City. White was known for singing both classical European music and “Negro spirituals.” Critics revered her voice, noting that her voice was “a gift from heaven.”

After retiring due to vocal problems in 1952, White settled in Toronto and went on to teach some of Canada’s foremost singers. White briefly came out of retirement in 1964 to sing for Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

White is considered a “person of national historical significance” by the Government of Canada. Both the Nova Scotia Talent Trust and the Portia White Prize were Miles’ trumpet is as iconic as the created in her honour. She is lauded as “the singer man himself - enigmatic, alternately who broke the colour barrier in Canadian clasgentle and furious, and omnipresent in sical music.” countless facets of jazz music. His albums Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, and Bitches’ Brew, among numerous others, were at the front of jazz’s development throughout much of the 20th century. These developments also brought musicians like John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and other important musicians into the spotlight, forever changing the stream Nobel Prize-winning poet Maya Angeof jazz music as an art form in and lou, who passed away last year, has been of itself. a hugely important voice in Black poetry for almost half of a century. Her books I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, And Still I Rise, and Phenomenal Woman are incredible celebrations of femininity, freedom, and blackness that were engaged with across the world by all kinds of people.

Fela Kuti

Harry Belafonte

Portia White

Miles Davis

Maya Angelou

Willie O’Ree

Born in 1935 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Willie O’Ree was the first black hockey player in the National Hockey League. O’Ree gained national attention when he played for the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens in 1958.

Often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of hockey, O’Ree effectively broke the colour barrier in NHL and Harriet Tubman was a prominent figure in the The career of scholar, theorist, and paved the way for a more culturally diverse hockey abolitionist movement. Born into slavery, Tubman critic bell hooks has been at the foreassociation. In 2010, O’Ree received the Order grew up in Dorchester County, Maryland. Tubman front of intersectional feminist theory, of Canada, the most prestigious award for a escaped from slavery in 1849 after dealing with constant illfilling in the racial blanks left out by much Canadian citizen. Willie O’Ree has been ness and the death of her owner. She travelled nearly 90 miles of the “second wave” of feminist thought. Her recognized as a hockey legend, and his through the Underground Railroad to seek refuge in Philadelphia. approach situates feminism within Black identity contribution to the diversity of the Although Tubman escaped, she returned many times to the South to and white patriarchy and normativity in a crucial NHL will continue to be comrescue both family members and other non-relatives. and important way, most notably in her books memorated for many years.

Tubman was able to assist many others to freedom as well. During 13 Ain’t I A Woman: Black Women and Femseparate missions, Tubman was able to guide approximately 70 people to inism, All About Love: New Visions, safety in parts of Southern Ontario and Northern U.S. Tubman is one of the most and Feminism is for Everybody: well known “conductors” of the Underground Railroad. When slavery laws were Passionate Politics. changed in 1850, Tubman re-routed the Underground Railroad to Canada to Born in Colchestor, Ontario, Elijah McCoy was avoid being re-captured. a prominent inventor, and is best known for his Tubman also played a crucial role in the outcome of the American Civil invention of a lubricating device to make travelling War by becoming the first woman to lead an armed assault. Through with trains more efficient. The McCoy family had escaped leading the Combahee River Raid, Tubman was able to liberate from the U.S. before Elijah was born. more than 700 slaves in South Carolina. She continued her At a young age, McCoy started showing interest in mechaninvolvement in the civil war, working as a nurse and as a spy ics and construction. As a teenager, he was sent to Scotland for an for the Union forces. apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. After returning as a certified Tubman remains an icon of bravery, determination, and perseverance. Her contributions to Black hisengineer, McCoy still had a difficulties finding engineering work. McCoy tory are constantly relevant, and continue to was eventually hired by Michigan Central Railroad as an oiler and fireman. inspire future generations.

Working tediously, McCoy noticed the inability to properly lubricate specific engine parts. He invented a lubricant distribution system that allowed trains to travel for longer periods of time without constant maintenance.

McCoy became a prominent inventor, who received nearly 60 patents over the duration of his life. Some of his well-known patents include the Born in Toronto, Ontario, Lincoln Alexander was ironing board and the lawn sprinkler. a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Toward the end of his life, McCoy founded the Elijah McCoy Parliament, the federal Minister of Labour, and the 24th Manufacturing Company which produced top of the line Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. lubricators under his name. His legacy as a master of innoAlexander attended McMaster University and Osgoode Hall vation remains consistent in his remembrance to Law School. At Osgoode, Alexander encountered racism from his this day. classmates, his professors, and his administrators; he took it in stride.

He eventually settled in Hamilton to practice law, making name partner at two firms.

In 1968, Alexander ran for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada for the Hamilton West riding, winning his seat and becoming the first black Canadian Member of Parliament. He held his seat for four elections before stepping down in 1980.

In 1985, Alexander was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ontario by Governor General Jeanne Suave; Alexander was the first black Canadian to serve Brash, egotistical, and fiercely perceptive, in any viceregal position. 1992 saw Alexander appointed to the Order Ali is undisputedly one of the most influential of Ontario; he later became a Companion of the Order of Canada. athletes of the 20th century and almost an archeFrom 1991 to 2007, Alexander served as the Chancellor of the type for black greatness. Consistently in the public University of Guelph - the first and only black Canadian to eye, he reached a status more mythic than most hold this role for the school. With his term exceeding athletes - Ali’s historical refusal of the Vietnam that of any of his predecessors, he assumed the role of Chancellor Emeritus after his unprecedented War draft in 1966 was a cornerstone moment fifth term.

Scholar, feminist, activist, in his career, and emblematic of further and leader of the Communist shifts in resistance towards hegeParty USA during the 1960s, Davis’ mony and the military-industrial career and revolutionary legacy has complex. been at once influential and controversial.

An activist who tirelessly worked against the prison-industrial complex subjugating black America, her thoughts have inspired numerous revolutionary discourses.

Still an active scholar and educator, Davis’ legacy continues on to this day.

Harriet Tubman

bell hooks

Elijah McCoy

Lincoln Alexander

Muhammad Ali

Angela Davis

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY

16

SPORTS & HEALTH

Seattle Seahawks deflated What to retain from Super Bowl XLIX MARC BERNARDO The stage for the 49th Super Bowl on Feb. 1 would be Glendale, Arizona.

The sold-out home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals was surely treated to one of the most exciting Super Bowl championships in recent memory.

The AFC’s New England Patriots secured their fourth title in the Super Bowl-era with a 28-24 victory over the title-defending Seattle Seahawks.

Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw four passing touchdowns, including a clutch – and eventual game winning – touchdown pass to receiver Julian Edelman. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Edelman catch capped off a 64-yard drive in which Brady looked invincible. Three other New England receivers caught touchdown passes from Brady, including superstar Rob Gronkowski, all en route to Brady’s third Super Bowl MVP award.

Seattle QB Russell Wilson nearly completed a thrilling last second miracle, but was intercepted at the opposing one-yard line by Patriots’

rookie defensive back Malcolm Butler to all but end the game.

The Seahawks could not capitalize on two Brady interceptions, and the four-time champion Brady rallied his offence to salvage the win. A thrilling fourth quarter display by New England, to comeback from a 10-point deficit, propelled them to their first Super Bowl title since 2004.

Controversial media-shy running back Marshawn Lynch did his talking on the field for the Seahawks, but his brilliant 102-yard rushing performance was not enough to provide a winning play, as Seattle head coach Pete Carroll would call for a passing play with 20 seconds remaining in the game. The Seahawks were unable to defend their Super Bowl title, a feat that has not been accomplished since New England repeated during the 2003 and 2004 NFL seasons.

What you need to know about Super Bowl XLIX: Seattle wide receiver Chris Matthews made the first four catches of his career, leading Seattle with 109yards and a touchdown. Matthews was signed to the Seahawks practice squad this season. He last appeared in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he won the CFL Rookie of the Year in 2012.

With Brady’s four touchdown passes, the Patriots’ QB broke hall of

famer Joe Montana’s record of 12 for most all time in Super Bowl touchdown passes with 13. Brady also set a Super Bowl record with 37 pass completions against the Seahawks.

There were two Canadian players in the game, both of which were on the losing end of the field. Seattle’s punter Jon Ryan, along with tight end Luke Willson represented the Great White North as runner-ups.

Both players were a part of Seattle’s championship last season.

Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch was fined on multiple occasions in recent weeks for consistently responding to media questions with the now infamous, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” line. The financial penalties were a result of NFL contracts requiring media responsiveness leading up to and following games.

After the Super Bowl loss, Lynch more than rebounded when asked if he was mad that he didn’t get the ball in the dying seconds, replying with, “No. We play football. Football is a team sport.”

Unexpected hero Malcolm Butler made the first interception of his career on Feb. 1. The rookie saved the game for New England, who looked to be defeated as Wilson’s attempted throw found his hands instead of the intended Ricardo Lockette, which would have been a gamewinning score.

Goaltending great retires Martin Brodeur takes off the pads after 22 NHL seasons CONNOR HEWSON The National Hockey League’s alltime goaltending leader in wins and shutouts officially takes his leave after 22 years in the league.

On Jan. 27, goaltending great, and all-around fan-favourite, Martin Brodeur, announced his retirement at a news conference in St. Louis – the city in which he ended his sterling career after spending over two decades with the New Jersey Devils. Following seven rather unspectacular games with the St. Louis Blues, including a 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 18, and after seeing his playing time dwindle in recent weeks with the return of regular Blues goaltenders Brian Elliott and Jake Allen, Brodeur, 42, informed the Blues organization that his playing career was over.

“I’m leaving the game with a big smile on my face,” said Brodeur, who, after retiring announced, that he would be accepting a job as an advisor to St. Louis General Manager Doug Armstrong for the remainder of the 2014-2015 season.

And smile he should. Arguably the greatest goaltender of all-time, Brodeur retires with a plethora of NHL and New Jersey Devils franchise records to his name, including all-time regular season wins (691), shutouts (125), playoff shutouts (24), and games played for a goaltender (1,266). He is a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, a five-time Jennings Trophy winner, a 10-time NHL All-Star, a Calder Memorial Trophy winner, and one of only two NHL goaltenders to score a goal in both the regular season and the playoffs – something many NHL forwards have been unable to accomplish.

The only goalie in NHL history to post eight 40-win seasons, Brodeur was a model of consistency and longevity throughout his playing career, starting 70-plus games in 12 different seasons, including an NHL-record 77 starts twice, including the year he

turned 37 years old in 2009-2010.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Brodeur was a remarkable netminder for his country as well, representing Canada internationally at four different Winter Olympic games, winning gold twice, with the most famous being his awe-inspiring performance at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Between the pipes, Brodeur stopped 31 of 33 shots against the United States to lead Canada to their first Olympic Ice Hockey Gold Medal in 50 years.

After playing for the Devils for over 21 years, a team with which he won three Stanley Cup championships, five Eastern Conference titles, and led to the playoffs an astounding 17 times, Brodeur became almost as synonymous with the Garden State as Bruce Springsteen or Snooki, endearing himself to the New Jersey fans with his agile prowess on the ice and numerous charitable endeavors off it.

Sometimes seen as a human highlight reel, Brodeur made numerous breathtaking saves over his illustrious career, including his now trademark “scorpion” save on Marian Gaborik, in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.

JOE PARKS VIA CC BY 2.0

Football fans cashed in on Feb. 1 as they were treated to one of the most dramatic Super Bowl finishes in recent history as the New England Patriots downed the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 for their fourth championship in the last 14 years.

In what has been termed “Deflate Gate”, the Patriots are currently under private investigation for intentionally deflating footballs in the AFC Championship game held two weeks prior to the Super Bowl.

New England is said to have gained an unfair advantage through football deflation, making the ball easier to

catch and secure. The accusations were made following their 45-7 win against the Indianapolis Colts, which earned them their Super Bowl appearance. Results of “Deflate Gate” are due in the coming weeks.

NBC reports that the one-minute rate of advertisement for the Super Bowl was $9 million US.

Seen as one of the best puck handling goaltenders of all-time, Brodeur even had an official rule created after him in 2005, which prevented goaltenders from playing the puck behind the goal line except within a trapezoidal area located behind the net.

While many may be disappointed

in the manner in which Brodeur’s career ended, they should be happy knowing he went out on his own terms and with his trademark cheeky grin on his face. And don’t fret for too long Devils fans, as many believe a return to New Jersey, the city in which Brodeur starred in for some many seasons, is imminent.

Upcoming events Relay for Life cancer fundraising event is coming up!

Register a team of 10 people online and start fundraising. Relay is Sat. March 21. All are welcome. Let’s fight to find a cure!

Feb. 5: Men’s Hockey: Western @ Guelph (7:30 p.m. @ Gryphon Centre) Feb. 6: - Women’s Volleyball: RMC @ Guelph (6 p.m. @ W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre) - Men’s Volleyball: RMC @ Guelph (8 p.m. @ W.F. Mitchell Athletic Centre) Feb. 7: - Women’s Hockey: Western @ Guelph (2 p.m. @ Gryphon Centre) - Men’s Hockey: Waterloo @ Guelph (7:30 p.m. @ Gryphon Centre)

Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

SPORTS & HEALTH

A brief history of the Haka From traditional Maori tribes to large stadium venues EMILIO GHLOUM “I may die! I may die! I may live!

I may live!

I may die! I may die! I may live! I may live!

This is the hairy man Who brought the sun and caused it to shine A step upward, another step upward!

A step upward, another... the Sun shines!”

- Ka Mate, Te Rauparaha

Those are the powerful words of the Ka Mate, an example of a Maori haka – a traditional ancestral dance, or war cry, of the Maori people. A common sight for any rugby fan, the haka has made its way into the public eye – passing through generations of rich cultural history. Popularized by the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, the haka is used as a pre-game ritual to instill fear and intimidation in their opponents.

Adapted from traditional Maori techniques, which utilize strong and jolting body movements, the haka has become commonplace in the rugby

world. However, there are many misconceptions regarding the haka and its cultural history. While the haka has been mainly conceived as a war cry, it has traditionally been used by the Maori people in a variety of ways. The All Blacks have made one specific type of haka quite popular, but there are many examples of the haka being used as a cultural and artistic artifact.

The haka can also be seen as a Maori dance, signalling great artistic expression and intricate body movements.

While most types of hakas are primarily performed by men with females having secondary roles, there are still hakas in which the performers are predominantly female.

In the sports world, the haka performed by the New Zealand All Blacks

is truly an amazing sight to behold. The synchronized movements, the ferocious chanting, and the un-breaking eye contact undoubtedly stirs tremendous amounts of fear and amazement among the opposing team. While some have seen the performance of the haka before a rugby match as disrespectful, many opponents have come to respect the ritual as a crucial part of New Zealand history. First performed by the 1888-1889 New Zealand Natives football team, it has been a staple of the New Zealand national team since 1905.

Typically, the opposing team stands about 10-meters away from the All Blacks and watches them perform the routine in its entirety. In a 2007 matchup against the Portuguese national team, it was business as usual

17

for the All Blacks, who began to perform their haka. Portuguese Captain Vasco Uva spoke highly of the haka and its importance to the rugby tradition. “[We] faced it, gave it the respect it deserved,” Uva said. “…it gave us motivation, and we knew if it gave them strength, it was also a point of strength for us.”

Anyone who has had the pleasure of witnessing a haka can attest to the resonating effect it can have among individuals. While the haka can be viewed as an entertaining spectacle among audiences, it is important to remember and cultivate awareness of the historical richness of the haka as a crucial piece of the Maori culture.

Mental health & wellness: stigma attached to depression Become aware of the stereotypes attached to men and depression DANIELLE SUBJECT Depression is a mental illness that all humans are capable of being a victim to. However, according to statistics on a variety of mental health websites, it is common knowledge that women are more likely to be diagnosed with

depression than men. Depression aside, women are more likely to be diagnosed with any sort of mental illness than men, while men are more likely to develop substance abuse problems.

However, an issue with these findings, which has been addressed by organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, is that men are less likely than women to report minor health symptoms, and are also less likely to seek medical help in the first place.

This is where the statistics are flawed – in numbers, more women suffer from depression than men, however, women are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than men because men are less likely to seek help and to admit to symptoms

such as poor sleep, lack of appetite, or just feelings of sadness.

According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, one of the main problems surrounding men and depression is that men who feel threatened by gender-role conflicts view mental health as something that is feminine. These men are less likely to seek medical help because they feel emasculated doing so.

This is a real issue, and one that dates back centuries. Throughout history, and the origins of patriarchy, women have been depicted as emotional beings, while men as rational beings. As a result, women were encouraged to express their emotions and men were discouraged. It is stereotypically viewed as “weak”

for men to cry, although expressing anger is viewed as a masculine trait – interestingly enough, anger is considered a common male symptom of depression.

These stereotypes have played a strong role in European history, and are still alive and prominent today.

Due to centuries of being discouraged from expressing emotions – particularly sadness – men still have a difficult time today admitting to symptoms of depression and accepting that they may be suffering from a mental illness. Depression is associated with being a feminine illness, and, as a result, increasing numbers of men are suffering from depression and are completely oblivious to it.

It is extremely saddening to think that a large part of our population

An easy resolution to maintain your health Taking vitamin D aids in health and fitness goals SINA WOERTHLE Grab your running shoes, guzzle some water, and fight your way through the crowds, it’s that time of the year again – the health and fitness resolutions, now a month into 2015, are in full swing.

Each year, it seems that more and more people are keen on making this year “their best yet.” Weight loss and fit bodies replace the sugar plum and gingerbread dreams of the holiday season. It’s all about healthy living

and reaching new goals. But how many people actually stick to their resolutions? Unfortunately, a lot of us throw in the towel before we even give our new goals the chance to become habits.

So let’s make this easy: what sort of “quick fix” goal can we set in order to improve our overall health in 2015?

The answer may be hiding in your medicine cabinet: supplementing with vitamin D. The importance of consuming adequate amounts of this fat-soluble vitamin has been repeatedly advertised and drilled into our heads; but how many have taken our doctor’s advice to heart?

Dr. Kelly Meckling, a leading vitamin D researcher and professor in the department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, explains that almost half of Canadians don’t consume enough

vitamin D during the year, let alone during the wintertime.

“Between the months of October through April, the UV index is insufficient for our bodies to obtain enough vitamin D from the sun anywhere north of the 49th parallel. You can lie naked on top of an apartment building, and you will make zero vitamin D – there is no ability to make it, even when trying to maximize exposure,” Meckling said.

So what’s the deal with vitamin D? What good does it really do, and why should you add supplementing to your list of resolutions?

This “sunshine” vitamin is crucial for proper bone formation and remodeling, assists calcium absorption in the gut, and ensures optimal cell functioning and health through its role in intercellular calcium regulation. While we’ve all heard about the importance

of adequate vitamin D and calcium intakes in growing children, did you know that even adults should be supplementing? Meckling suggests that the foods we eat, despite fortification, aren’t consumed in sufficient quantities to meet the daily-recommended intakes. Depending on health status, certain individuals may require even higher doses than the current dietary intake standards set by Health Canada, which sit at 600 IU for the 19-50 year old population. New research suggests that diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis patients may benefit from quantities as high as 10 000 IU per day, and neurologists suggest nearly 4000 IU for some individuals suffering from certain neurological conditions.

When asked about the daily dose of vitamin D supplements that Meckling finds optimal, 2000 IU seemed to reap many benefits.

grows up repressing emotions because they feel as if it’s socially unacceptable to cry or express discontent. In North America in particular, it is an issue that needs to be addressed as more and more male soldiers return from the Middle East and suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression. The stigma attached to mental illness makes it harder for these soldiers to be accepted within society and to seek help.

Most of us can relate to not wanting to get out of bed in the morning.

However, not all of us are likely to discuss those feelings. It is our job as a growing generation to end the stigma attached to mental health, and to encourage humans of all genders to express themselves.

“It’s certainly safe; it’s under the upper limit, above the recommended dietary allowance, and thus far, there is no evidence that these levels have any negative consequences,” said Meckling. “There may be some additional benefits to consuming the vitamin at this level, such as decreased cancer risks, improved glucose tolerance, improved bone health, and reduced obesity.”

Although supplementation in healthy adults consuming wellbalanced and nutritious diets may not always be necessary, this is one vitamin that is strongly encouraged.

Just be sure to look for the D3 form – the more biologically active form (when compared to the D2 form) in order to ensure the best bang for your buck, and to really give your body the boost it needs this winter.

18

LIFE

Philanthropy in the Digital Age The positive impact of social media on fundraising campaigns.

TIANN NANTAIS Whether we like it or not, we live in a digital age where it seems like everything happens on a computer and every day of the week has an associated hashtag. For people of all ages, social media is an ever-present phenomenon with nearly unlimited uses. We can keep track of our favourite celebrities on Twitter, or keep in touch with friends through Facebook, but what is even more impressive is how easy it is to share our thoughts with the entire world with a simple tap of our smartphone.

So simple, right? And yet, if we want it to, that simple tap of a smartphone can be so much more than just another Instagram selfie. That tap could be the beginning of the next big online fundraising campaign.

With over 284 million active users on Twitter and over 300 million on Instagram, it’s no surprise that social

media is now taking over the world of charity. With the world at our fingertips, so to speak, it has never been easier to get involved and spread the word about a good cause.

Bell’s Let’s Talk campaign is a superior example of the power of social media. One day every year, Bell Canada donates ¢5 from every call and text made by Bell customers, and every tweet and share online, to mental initiatives in Canada. According to the Let’s Talk website, Bell has donated over $67.5 million to mental health programs since 2010. Of course, they could have simply donated the money, which would have been very generous as well, but what really ends up touching people about the campaign is the outreach. By taking part, not only are we helping to raise the money for mental health programs but we are helping to end the stigma of mental illness, by talking openly about it with friends and family. With over 122,150,772 interactions this year alone, Bell has found a very successful way to break down barriers associated with mental health.

Some may argue that one day a year is simply not enough to make a real difference for those dealing with mental illness. Others would say that Bell is simply doing it for the publicity. Whether or not either of these would turn out to be true, in my

opinion, feigns in comparison to the impact the campaign has had over the last five years.

“...no surprise that social media is now taking over the world of charity.”

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which made some serious waves this past summer, is another great example of social media at work. Started by Pete Frates, suffering from ALS himself, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm as it caught the attention of celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift. The premise was that, if nominated, you would donate to the ALS Association or dump a bucket of ice water on your head. Critics feared the campaign gave people a reason not to donate directly to the cause, others that it was becoming more about the videos than the message, but the ALS Association had no complaints. Since July 29, 2014, the ALSA has received over $115 million in

Difficulties of finding a house A harder task than originally thought ARLENE CAMPBELL When the topic of living arrangements for university was brought up in high school, the majority of us had the same naive answer. We were going to live in residence first year, make the best friends ever, then find a beautiful house close to the school, near grocery stores and downtown where we’d live happily ever after.

Looking back at how I and many others viewed finding a house, I want to go back, pat little grade 12 me on the head and say “oh sweetie no,” because what I assumed would happen was farther from the truth than I’d like.

“...even my ‘smooth’ process was still daunting and scary at every step.”

What no one ever tells you about finding a house are the specifics involved in it. Everyone just assumes you know about utilities, post-dated cheques, and the like.

Before I got to university, I never thought that there could be separate payments you had to make for gas, hydro, and rent. I knew my parents paid everything separately,

but they owned the house, so I thought a landlord would take care of all of that. After I started looking, I found out some landlords don’t, which really scared me, because I sometimes find paying a phone bill complicated, so paying individual bills split amongst four people? That would be a nightmare.

On top of just paying for the house itself, most places aren’t furnished. I understand why this is the case, but naïve me at the beginning of the search thought every place would be furnished, including the bedrooms, so we wouldn’t have to buy anything more for it. I was wrong there too.

Almost no houses come with furnished bedrooms. I get why – that could be a little gross if you don’t know the people who lived there before you, but in the beginning, it sounded like it would save a lot

ROEL WIJNANTS VIA CC BY-NC 2.0

As a society, we are almost constantly attached to technology – this article proves there are better ways to spend your time using social media than uploading selfies. donations and it all began with one young man. Talk about social media impact.

Evidently, not every fundraising campaign can be as successful as those mentioned above. Not every selfie is going to start a worldwide campaign.

But, with so much negativity associated with technology these days – how it’s ruining our communication skills and killing our privacy – it is comforting to know that somewhere out there, someone is putting that tap of their smartphone to good use.

of time and money already having a bedroom ready for me to live in. Most houses don’t come with any furniture at all. Then you have to sort out if anyone can bring couches, tables, etc., so you don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount on furniture when you’re paying rent and groceries on a student budget.

The final part, actually signing a lease, was probably the most stressful time for anyone when getting a house. First, you have to get everyone’s parents on board because if one person can’t sign that lease, the deal is going to fall through. Then, you have to make an offer first and hope and pray that no one made one before you or made a better offer after you. Finally, you have to look over the lease and make sure that everything is legal and nothing harms you. I was lucky,

because I volunteer with the Student Health and Advocacy Center (SHAC) on-campus, so I knew most of what I needed to know about what can and can’t be in a lease. This made my friends and I a little better off than most, but it’s still scary signing a legally binding contract centered on where you’re living for the next 12 months.

I had a smoother time finding living arrangements than most, but even my “smooth” process was still daunting and scary at every step. It all ended well – my friends and I found a house we absolutely love with no problems (thus far), but it caused us all a lot of anxiety and stress getting to that point.

Really, I’m just glad it’s over and I’ve got a house I’d be happy living in for the next three years, so I have a long, long time before I have to repeat this process.

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20

LIFE

On this day...

Date: February 5th, 1997 ALEXANDRA GRANT On this day with SHAC, multiple Swiss banks were presented with a lawsuit stemming from the withholding of funds deposited by victims of Nazi persecution before and during the Second World War. In 1995, the World Jewish Congress (WJC) began negotiations on behalf of various Jewish organizations with Swiss banks and the Swiss government over dormant Jewish World War II bank accounts. The effort, led

by Edgar Bronfman, the heir to the Seagram’s fortune, entered a class-action lawsuit in Brooklyn, NY combining several already established suits in New York, California, and the District of Columbia. The original suits arose from grievances of Holocaust survivors and their heirs against Swiss banks. They alleged improper difficulties in accessing these accounts because of requirements such as death certificates (typically nonexistent for Holocaust victims), along with deliberate efforts on the part of some Swiss banks to indefinitely retain the balances.

This denial of funds questioned the ethical processes of multiple institutions as it was confined to a certain ethnic group and was of an oppressive nature.

On Nov. 22, 2000, Judge Edward R. Korman announced settlement of this case with his approval of a plan featuring the payment of $1.25 billion into funds controlled by the Israeli Banking Trust. Judah Gribetz was appointed Special Master to administer the plan, which is sometimes called the Gribetz Plan after its chief author.

By Oct. 2009, some $490 million had been paid out to individual claimants, and acceptance of new claims had been discontinued for some time. This amount not only includes funds deposited into Swiss banks by purported victims, but also includes compensation for labor purportedly performed in displaced-persons camps, the value of purported looted assets, compensation for persons purported to have sought admission to Switzerland as refugees and to have been denied admission – both Jewish and nonJewish – plus interest calculated on the claimed losses from the time of loss to the time of payment.

Animal Ethics: a dialogue of adaption and awareness Exploring different facets of animal ethics EMILIO GHLOUM

For centuries, the relationship between humans and animals has shifted and changed to fit the social and political landscape. While domestication has brought certain household animals closer to humans over recent years, various questions have been brought forward discussing animal consciousness and cognitive ability. An entire branch of philosophy has blossomed from concerns regarding animal ethics – and rightfully so.

While the treatment of animals is a highly contentious and crucial component of animal ethics, a fascinating turn occurs during the study of an animal’s mental capabilities. Rather than focusing on human power relations and the blatant mistreatment of

animals in the food industry, animal ethics opens up an entirely different dialogue that adds tremendous depth to study of animals in a philosophical setting.

Many readily available books and documentaries depict the cruelty and mistreatment of animals worldwide.

While a discussion of the appropriate treatment of animals remains relevant, it is important to keep in mind other components of ethical thinking that can help create a clearer picture of contentious issues.

In discussing animal ethics, the focus inherently shifts to emphasizing relationship dynamics. How humans think of animals, and how they exercise power over animals, surrounds and guides the study of this particular kind of ethics. However, there are many crucial pieces of information that come from the positive relationships humans have with animals.

The positivity arising from a formative relationship with animals can be seen in the works of Barbara Smuts, a noted American

anthropologist and psychologist who works closely with baboons, chimpanzees, and dolphins. In a collection of essays entitled The Lives of Animals, Smuts reflects upon her time spent living amongst baboons as equals. She recalls an interaction with a young baboon and emphasizes a unique level of intimacy shared in her experience: “…One day, as I rested my hand on a large rock, I suddenly felt the gentlest of touches on my fingertips. Turning around slowly, I came face-to-face with one of my favorite juveniles, a slight fellow named Damien. He looked intently into my eyes, as if to make sure that I was not disturbed by his touch, and then he proceeded to use his index finger to examine, in great detail, each one of my fingernails in turn. This exploration was made especially poignant by the fact that Damien was examining my fingers with one that looked very

much the same, except that his was smaller and black. After touching each nail, and without removing his finger, Damien glanced up at me for a few seconds. Each time our gaze met, I wondered if he, like I, was contemplating the implications of the realization that our fingers and fingernails were so alike.”

Damien, the young, curious baboon, demonstrated a child-like wonder when looking at Smuts’ fingers. This stunning passage sheds light onto the kinds of experiences we, as humans, can have alongside animals. It is important to recognize that human relationships with animals can shape and formulate a critical dialogue in animal ethics. In looking at the positive interactions stemming from humans and animals, a variety of new conversations can be explored in animal ethics that account for profound and intimate experiences.

The art of power napping Looking at the benefits of different kinds of naps CARMEN TAN

Preparing for exams, but you just pulled an all-nighter the day before?

Feeling seriously sleep deprived and desperately in need of a coffee with three espresso shots to stay alive? It’s time to try power naps.

Naps are proven to help enhance learning abilities, boost performances, reduce stress, and are even more effective than caffeine!

Here are three essential tips to mastering the art of power napping: 1) Cut out the guilt. Recognize that you are not being lazy and that napping helps with memorization and increase alertness.

2) Set your time. Naps provide different benefits depending on how long they are.

3) Avoid all distractions. Find a dark place where you can lie down comfortably, and never consume caffeinated drinks or high sugary foods before sleeping.

Here’s a brief look at the different kinds of naps you can take, as well as how they can diminish your fatigue.

The Mini Nap (5-20 minutes): enhance alertness and concentration. Perfect for between-study marathons.

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The Original Nap: (20-40 minutes): increases cognitive memory processing such as long-term memory.

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The Lazy Man’s Nap (50-90 minutes): Aids in creativity, relieves stress, and improves perceptual processing.

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Need some additional tips to optimize your naps? Look no further!

Listen to white noise: white noise refers to ambient sounds that can make you relax; for example, sounds in nature.

Try napping just after lunch: the human circadian rhythms cause us to feel sleepier in the afternoon, especially between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Read anything boring (your textbooks, perhaps?) to help fall asleep faster.

Good luck with exams, and may the power of naps be with you!

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Issue 176.5 • ThursdayFebruary 5, 2015

FEATURE

21

Generation Kill: a new perspective on power, authority, and death An in-depth examination of HBO’s powerful 2008 mini-series BROCK OGILVIE In the distance, there is a small hamlet – one small portion of civilization in the middle of a vast desert.

You lay on your stomach peering through a spotting scope, observing these mud structures for any movement. The hardened berm you watch from is littered with broken rock that jabs into your body; still, it is a welcome change from the cramped hummer you’ve been riding in for hours on end. The slight breeze, albeit warm, helps to break up the waves of heat radiating off of the sun-baked sands. You squint as a grain of sand is blown into your eye and re-adjust the ever-heavier Kevlar helmet that has slowly slid forward over your brow.

In the distance, birds are singing and the laughter of children comes from the structures you have been watching.

The serenity is broken, “We’ve had eyes on the village for over one hour now, there are seven women and children, no adult males, no sign of the men who fired those mortars. How copy?”

Sergeant Brad Colbert demonstrates just one of the reasons why he has been nicknamed “Iceman” by his fellow marines, as he calmly radios in the status of the village.

Colbert’s reputation was earned in Afghanistan and he stands to be one of the most respected men in the company of reconnaissance Marines.

The radio crackles, “This is Hitman-2, Solid copy.”

The smell of some sort of baked concoction gets caught in a gust of wind. Colbert turns around and expresses his concern, when he finds Corporal Josh Ray Person attempting to make cookies out of left-over creamer and peanut butter packets; fearing the RTO may burn his face as he had done weeks ago at Camp Matilda just before the Marines broke through the Iraqi border.

As Person offers some sort of clever retort, most likely fueled by his overconsumption of “uppers” known as “Ripped Fuel,” your attention is directed back to the songs of birds and laughter of children. A reporter, embedded as part of an assignment for Rolling Stone Magazine inquires

about the possibility of Republican Guard insurgents in a small cluster of trees in the background. Colbert calmly assures him, “I’m confident in the birds.” The reporter stares on confused, a private kneeling at your side pipes up after a pause, “Anything moves in those trees…Birds don’t sing.”

Once again, attention shifts back to your spotting scope and onto the hamlet. Three children dance around as a couple of older women dust what look like rugs outside of their huts. A large screech screams towards the Earth, piercing your ears. It’s only a fraction as deafening when compared to the explosion that follows. The small grouping of buildings has completely disappeared in a cloud of dust, no evidence left standing of what was.

“Did we call it!?”

A sense of confusion and panic fills the air.

“Godfather called it in, it was a thousand pounder,” Doc Bryan, a navy corpsman accompanying the marines during the invasion, mutters having heard the call over the radio. “We had enemy mortars fire at us from somewhere near that hamlet, maybe inside.”

Colbert sounds like he is out breath as he tries to keep his calm in front of the men.

“The bad guys shoot and scoot, by the time we hit back they’re gone,” a disgruntled private exclaims.

Standing up, bearing the trademark two-thousand-yard stare, Colbert sounds exasperated, “I’m not the one who asked the enemy to mix in with the civilian populous and use ‘em as cover to attack us.” This is not the first time, or the last that Colbert will have to try to understand, and positively convey the poor decisions of his superiors n 2008, HBO released the miniseries Generation Kill, based on Rolling Stone reporter Evan Wright’s book of the same title. Directed by the creators of the hit show The Wire, the series follows the United States Marine Corps First Reconnaissance Battalion, Bravo Company during the Invasion of Iraq. The sevenpart series is a must-watch, even if you aren’t a military, history, or war-drama fanatic. Generation Kill provides an in-depth look at several controversial aspects of modernday warfare, several of which can be found in scenes such as the one previously described.

The scene shows the miscommunications which would result in the death of thousands of civilians during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The destruction of the hamlet, a scene that is no longer than twoand-a-half minutes, shows the stress

and guilt that plagued the Marines – soldiers who were trained to kill from the day they joined the corps.

However, the death of innocent civilians takes its toll as it becomes a reoccurring event during the invasion. Yet, it is arguably that the stupidity and ignorance of those in command of the Marines has the biggest impact. A range of “higher ups” continually send the members of Bravo Company on dangerous and, at times, completely unessential missions – most of which get cancelled or altered in their early stages. While the death of the innocent and the stupidity of command will leave the viewer upset, disappointed and frustrated, it is the portrayal of the soldiers themselves and the tale of these men that sets Generation Kill apart from the rest.

The Marines of First Recon are highly trained to observe and come the time kill without hesitation; the viewer comes to know what the men who see themselves as, a part of the “warrior society,” deal with the day to day struggles of combat. One of the most memorable characteristics of these men is their sense of humour and opinions. They vary from soldier to soldier; some are relatable, some hilarious, and some are crude enough to make those with the darkest sense of humor cringe. Yet as the series progresses it becomes apparent that dark humour and unpopular opinions are often the way that the soldiers deal with the stresses of war. These stresses are not only contributed to by civilian casualties and the stupidity of superiors but also the unpredictability of insurgent warfare.

The events depicted in Generation Kill will leave the viewer laughing at witty banter and farfetched concepts of the marines, enraged by ignorance, and, at times, in complete disbelief, as you have to remind yourself that these events actually happened (and are documented by numerous sources). Yet, what may stand out the most, especially for our generation of teens, 20-year-olds, and 30-somethings is the fact that Bravo company arrived in and left Iraq with 65 men, experiencing only a hand full of injuries and no deaths. We have grown to expect cinematic portrayals of war ending with the death of one too many of the characters that the story revolves around. Generation Kill shows that, in modern combat, the losses are not always felt in the death of fellow soldiers, but in the loss of innocence in their surrounding environments.

COURTESY

HBO’s 2008 mini-series presents the essentials of military life in a unique and profound framework.

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business.humber.ca/postgrad

22

OPINION

Letter to Viral music videos that make us happy the Editor Too hot, hot

Dear Editor, I wish to provide some perspective on the article written, entitled “Reasons to think a human fetus is a person” by Tom Oberle. Mr. Oberle has expressed many valid points within this piece that I would like to address.

Now, I am not one to protest the rights or wrongs against abortion, or to discriminate against those who have chosen to have taken part in one. I am just trying to set some facts straight based on my understanding of this situation. You mentioned that as a fact you can legally abort a child while it is three months old, but it is shamed upon to abort a newborn child. Which is where the question is raised, what really is the difference between the two?

Based on the knowledge that I have received while attending Catholic schools throughout my life, I have learned that at the moment of conception is where a fetus becomes a person. From that moment on, that child is looked at no longer as an egg and sperm cell, but as a human being. You say that the fetus is constantly changing throughout the womb, where as a newborn has all of the necessary components to be considered a human and no longer has to go through these physical changes. That is where you have over looked some minor details.

As a newborn you are physically put together, but without the help from our mothers and family members we would never be able to become the human beings we are. We are constantly going through changes, from the moment we become fetus to the moment we pass away. Try looking at the bigger picture in the future, in this situation, from the start until the end of life. Life is constantly changing and so are human beings, and so will future fetuses of this generation.

Sincerely, Stephanie Zordan Student University of Guelph

TheON

damn

ZOEY ROSS I tried to write this article while watching an entire high school dance to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. I can’t write, though, because I started dancing in my seat far too much. What is it about catchy, viral videos that is just so wonderfully infectious?

First, let’s go back to that crazy time when hipsters were hailed as the scourge of the galaxy and, out of nowhere, one unrecognizable voice started singing in Korean and made the whole world dance. When “Gagnam Style” was released, the world welcomed it with open arms.

With over two billion views on YouTube, it has become the world’s most watched video of all time. This song had me and many, many of my friends dance-trotting across the living room with an imaginary lasso. What PSY managed to create affected pop culture in a lasting and hilarious way.

Although my friends had no idea what he was saying, we just didn’t care.

I started wondering about the next video like “Gagnam Style,” but that was the wrong question. What came next were thousands of YouTube videos linked to a sample of one

track – “Harlem Shake” by Baauer.

My friends were in a video, I was in a video, my workplace did a video, even my mom was in a “Harlem Shake” video. This was a contagious video meme that the world could not resist.

It grew to over a billion views and got people shaking “Harlem” style all over the world.

Next came “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This song was featured in the movie Despicable Me 2, which in its own right made people quite happy (those minions, right?). You can head to 24hoursofhappy.com to watch the first 24-hour music video, which is “Happy” on a full footage loop for 24 hours. Happy has over a half billion views on YouTube and has made it to the top tens of music charts around the world. Williams lost the Oscar race to the song “Let it go” from Frozen although he is poised to win his ninth Grammy with this uber-dancey piece in his repertoire.

Fast forward to 2015: it’s a cold, annoying Canadian winter, but there is one very funky reprieve for humans everywhere. Mark Ronson has whipped up the next catchy, awesome sounding, better-feeling, and super-dancey musical wonder – “Uptown Funk” ft. Bruno Mars. Over the past week, I have heard this song everywhere I go – theater practice, the library, my editor’s office, and on the radio. Also, this has been covered and danced to on the internet, by NBA

TRIPPYJV / YOUTUBE

“Uptown Funk” has developed quite the following in a short amount of time. A teacher and his students created their own version recently. mascots, entire choreographed high schools, and many others. That hot mix of 70’s funk and 80’s wave, in combination with the soulful sound of Bruno Mars will get you going; in other words, uptown will funk you up.

So what is it that gets our feet moving and the YouTube counts rising? I think it’s fun. All of these songs are super fun and don������������� ’������������ t take themselves too seriously. They encourage

dancing – not good dancing or bad dancing, but simply dancing. These good gyrations bring people joy and when we know we are not alone dancing, virtually or otherwise, it just feels that much better. Think back to your public school days when you first heard a viral dance song by Mr. C, “The Casper Slide Part 2” – now slide to the right, slide to left, everybody clap your hands.

Why it is nonsensical to use social media to hate on other majors Anonymous app makes being rude all too easy RACHEL VAN ZEUMEREN Yik Yak is an anonymous sharing app that has taken our school by storm, and I enjoy it as much as the next person. It often makes me laugh, and is very relatable for university students.

Comments are even usually respectful, considering the fact that they are anonymous. However, a reoccurring theme seems to be bashing on any major that isn’t yours, mocking its “easier, lighter work load,” and complaining that these students can’t imagine the rigor of your program.

The targets of these posts are usually Arts majors, and I happen to be an Arts student. I must admit I am not totally innocent in regards to this issue; I have felt resentment to other programs in the past, but I can also

say I have realized it was wrong and unfair. I could write an article about why the humanities are important and defend the plan I have for my future, but I don’t think that is the real issue.

I am genuinely happy every day I go to class. I love what I study and I work hard. I feel as though I am learning so much, and, in the end, that is all that matters, because that is what I’m here for. Instead, I wonder why people are so unhappy or insecure that they feel the need to put down their peers.

First of all, I don’t understand why it is necessary to hate on other students when what they are studying literally doesn’t affect you at all. Quite frankly, the negative comments don’t make any sense to me. Perhaps others are having a hard time in their program and they need validation that their work is in fact the hardest. Perhaps it seems as though the people in other programs don’t do as much work because those people time-manage more effectively, subsequently allowing them more time for leisure. Maybe the people bemoaning the amount of work they have to do allocate time poorly during the week, and are then mad when

they can’t go out on the weekend. An integral part of growing up is owning up to the choices you have made, instead of externalizing your frustrations. If people channeled the energy they spend hating on “inferior majors” into their extremely hard and copious amounts of schoolwork, maybe they would have an easier time.

Secondly, I think it is obvious that we need people to be in different programs. No matter what the program is, variety is the spice of life. When an engineer needs a patent for their amazing invention, they are going to need a lawyer. When a writer has carpel tunnel and bad eyesight from all their time spent on their work, they will need a doctor. It legitimately doesn’t make sense to demand everyone take the same program just because some people think certain fields are superior or that all of the jobs are in particular fields. It makes sense to let people take what they want, because we can’t all do the same thing. However, if everyone applied to the same program, it would have been much more competitive for the complainers to get in, and maybe I wouldn’t even have a problem.

We need to start supporting each other, instead of tearing each other apart. We need to try encouraging people to do what they’re passionate about – trust me, it really isn’t that hard. One of my favourite things is seeing someone get excited over something. If you are an engineer and you want to figure out how to make more fuel-efficient cars, I am seriously impressed – what an amazing goal! If you are in commerce and you just got a co-op placement, please tell me about it and tell me why you are excited about the company. If you are an Aggie and are doing research that will help feed me – everyone needs food, so thank you!

If you are in philosophy and you had a reading or a lecture that changed the way you look at the world, that is honestly fascinating. I could give so many other examples, because our university offers so many wonderful programs. Take a genuine interest in all the truly amazing things the students at Guelph do, and I guarantee you will find some people who would love talk. You might just learn something new.

Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

OPINION

23

Why I love football but despise the NFL Investigating what fuels my dislike for the league GILAD KENIGSBERG-BENTOV First and foremost I’d like to assert that I love the sport of football. It is a thrilling three hours of breathtaking athletics and astounding human achievement. That being said, I wholeheartedly despise the NFL and its reprehensible conduct towards its players, coaching staff, and fans.

This year has seen a number of embarrassing scandals that were dealt with even more embarrassingly – the Ray Rice case immediately coming to mind. Roger Goodell has left the NFL community humiliated by his negligence and lack of control over the affairs of these players. More importantly, he proved to the public that the NFL is an entertainment business – nothing more and nothing less.

Last Thursday, Commissioner Goodell – whose popularity has decreased exponentially since his succession of Paul Tagliabue in 2006 – addressed the public about the ongoing investigations regarding the recent “Deflategate” scandal, as well as Marshawn Lynch’s relations with

the media. Upon breaking his silence, Goodell once again publically selfdestructed, as his press conference sounded more like a prolonged apology than an answer to the past few week’s mysteries.

“He has an obligation to the fans,” said Goodell regarding Lynch Although it is a part of players’ contracts, when the media is portraying an NFL player negatively – through no fault of their own – the league should protect its players, not throw them to the wolves. Marshawn Lynch’s relation with the media is a case of a man stuck between two bullies: advertising and the NFL. Lynch might not be the brightest player on the gridiron – and a rather obnoxious one – but why are we forcing him to speak? What use will he be? Perhaps, if we push him enough, he’ll improve his relations with the media? Probably not. So why on earth is the media and the NFL shoving this player into a corner and forcing him to speak? It’s a power trip by the NFL and harassment by the media.

The recent Deflategate is one of the many long debates of sports ethics.

It asks the long overdue question of where sports organizations’ interests truly lie: profit or fandom. Football has turned into a vicious gladiator sport where players are risking their lives for a greater paycheque, while the “suits” sitting atop their thrones are collecting stupendous amounts of money, all while we cheer on the destruction.

You may recall the Saints bounty

scandal that took place from 2009 to 2012. The League punished the team by temporarily suspending several players and suspending the head coach for a season. Meanwhile, James Harrison single-handedly amassed an astounding $125,000 in fines for his dirty hits in 2010. The League’s reasoning was that it risked the health and safety of other players, especially now that the severe concussion issue has peaked.

However, the contentious concussion epidemic that surfaced in 2011 proved where the real interests of the NFL lie. It is a corporation, meaning that human emotion must be put aside so that the company will maximize its gains. It sends these players on the field to smash heads together for three hours, 16 games a season, for an average of seven years. After they retire, the players are left struggling to live with their scattered brains and worn-out joints.

Most important is the fact that sports – without advertising and the media – is a getaway for its fans. Sports are a getaway from the corrupt and capricious nature that lurks outside the stadium doors – a place where hard work, perseverance, and brotherhood are the pillars of accomplishment.

Whenever business is introduced, corruption often follows. Business has successfully destroyed the last display of justice, honesty, and integrity.

Business has removed the place where great players work hard with a culture where the wealthiest board of directors

THE U.S. ARMY VIA CC BY 2.0

The NFL has spent the past year immersed in controversy as a result of its treatment of its players and its odd rule decisions. members win. Sports attracts viewers, meaning more people will watch ads, meaning greater revenue – that is the sad truth.

All in all, congratulations to the New England Patriots for winning the Super Bowl, a few under-deflated footballs don’t win a championship – neither does filming the opposing sidelines.

However, if you’re going to suspend

a player for smoking marijuana, taking performance-enhancing drugs, amassing DUI’s, or, god-forbid, knocking out their wife in an elevator, maybe reconsider letting a team virtually walk away with a title after clearly violating a number of league rules.

“Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It’s self-defense. It’s patriotism.” – Joe Biden.

The American Sniper controversy New Clint Eastwood movie has people talking CADEN MCCANN On Jan. 16, Clint Eastwood’s much-hyped war movie American Sniper would be released in movie theatres worldwide. As the real-life story of gunman Chris Kyle and his postwar experiences with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the film’s ambiguous message has made it a centerpiece for controversy in the past two weeks. With liberal and conservative commentators openly debating the picture›s merits, the hoopla surrounding American Sniper is sure to only accelerate the film’s box office sales in the lead-up to this year’s Academy Awards.

Those on the left who have criticized American Sniper include comic actor Seth Rogen and Bowling for Columbine-filmmaker Michael Moore, who both took to Twitter to decry the film.

On Jan. 18th, the former wrote, “American Sniper kind of reminds me of the movie that’s showing in the third act of Inglorious Bastards,” likening the film to Nazi propaganda. The latter made a post denouncing snipers as cowards. Conversely, those who have sung the film’s praises include right-wing talk radio host Rush Limbaugh, who praised what he saw as the film’s pro-US military message while denouncing Moore as a “freak” and “oddball” in relation to American values.

Though it’s easy to praise or denounce the film as being prowar, considering director Clint Eastwood’s reputation as a Hollywood conservative, I think both sides are wrong in making such an estimation. Having seen the film, the character of Chris

Kyle is portrayed less as war hero and more as a man whose experiences in war have shaken his mental foundaiton. Having to murder Middle-Eastern women and children as a part of his job as sniper, Kyle’s return to domestic life post-war is the occasion for serious moral atonement and reckoning. Regardless of what you think of Kyle’s character, the plot arc where Kyle suffers postwar inner turmoil makes the film –if anything – arguably anti-war.

In defence of Rogen and Moore, however, their comments were somewhat taken out of context.

In the subsequent Twitter wars initiated by their first comments, both Rogen and Moore would acknowledge that they thought Sniper was a well-made film and would also say that they merely meant to point out, respectively, the picture’s likeness to the earlier Tarantino scene and that snipers, outside of the context of American Sniper, weren’t worthy of hero worship. At the end of the day,

COURTESY PHOTO

Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial feature, American Sniper has amassed criticism for its perceived pro war stance. the events of the past two weeks in relation to the film are simply yet another example of a polar right-wing American media misinterpreting issues and pointing fingers in every direction.

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

TheON Surviving School

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Issue 176.5 • Thursday, February 5, 2015

EDITORIAL

Privilege, memory, and marginalized histories One month is hardly enough, but it’s a start ADRIEN POTVIN “And I ride ride I ride on to the end Where glowers my continuing Cavalry.

I, My fellows, and those canny consorts of Our spread hands in this contretemps-for-love Ride into wrath, wraith, and menagerie To fail, to flourish, to wither or to win.

We lurch, distribute, we extend, begin.”

From Gwendolyn Brooks’ “Riders to the Blood-Red Wrath,” 1963 In the spirit of the “decolonizing” I am writing about in this editorial, I would thus like to acknowledge that The Ontarion is published on, and the University of Guelph stands upon, the ancestral land of the Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinaabe peoples.

I’m decidedly uncomfortable writing about Black History Month. Maybe I shouldn’t be, maybe I should absolutely be. I’m going to stress the latter because, bottom line, these are not my stories to tell. They resoundingly cannot be. It almost seems obvious, but it’s important for me to remind myself that no story of oppression or marginalization can be mine to tell, though I’m in a position as a journalist that almost presupposes such.

My line of work doesn’t really allow me to be totally silent on these sorts of things. I have a duty to inform, to entertain, and at times, to provoke. How do I acknowledge my own privilege while writing on narratives of violence and subjugation that are more broad-reaching, more prescient than I can comprehend on a first-hand basis?

My ongoing coverage of Musagetes’ and Postcommodity’s People of Good Will project here in Guelph, among other learning experiences, has afforded me some new venues of looking at how oppressive behaviour and frameworks operate in society, the arts, culture, and our own discursivity. Racism, as a framework, isn’t just being or acting

racist, it is a framework that has been instilled in us from the start, one that is present in most aspects of our lives - a framework that we need to actively resist and unlearn in every way. Being inclusive and antioppressive, on a personal and public level, cannot just be lip service.

We must be active participants in the un-learning process within the intersections of sexism, racism, and ableism. We must educate ourselves about oppression and privilege while being proactive in abolishing them from our daily lives and thinking.

But there’s a problem there – oppression and privilege cannot be wholly abolished because they fester in the basic predicate of our society.

So, where do we go from there?

Let’s clear the air here for a moment. I am a white, straight, university-educated, able-bodied, male-identified person of (mostly) European descent, aside from some Métis heritage on my father’s side of the family. By default, I should probably be burying my head in the sand instead of writing an editorial focused on privilege in the context of Black History Month. I am the embodiment of a privileged person.

I can’t even begin to experience the prescient topics, aggressions, and histories we’ll be discussing as part of this memorial period.

As a poet, journalist, and student of literature, I find myself at odds with this framework just about every day of my life. What does my voice matter when there are so many whose voices are, by default, not as audible as mine? It’s frustrating. It makes me uncomfortable.

That’s the only way things will get better for all of us. That’s the only way our culture, bred of a settlercolonist history, can challenge the patriarchal, homogenized discourse of “being” in this society. Through acknowledging that we do not live in some sort of pipe dream of equality, we can take the first steps to decolonizing our perspectives on race, history, and the operation of these oppressive frameworks, though we may not experience them directly. The audience I’m writing to right now – mostly people around my age, more or less – can’t revert the histories of violence we seek to remember and memorialize, but can stop them from repeating themselves. It’ll probably take a few lifetimes, but it can be done.

People are so quick to jump to the defense of, “Well, I didn’t have anything to do with that. I wasn’t even born!” But white people, realistically, reap the benefits of colonial conquest in countless ways. Just

COURTESY

It is important to confront history in society and culture, and the way these histories continue to impact all marginalized people. because you didn’t directly partake in those injustices, doesn’t mean you aren’t still living in a society founded on these values of supremacy and exceptionalism and, often times, aren’t reinforcing it with an attitude like this. This colonial culture takes on many forms, in the psycho-affective sphere, economic stature, representation, and how the state views race, heritage, and history. But I don’t feel these forms are entirely monolithic, either – by striving to be more inclusive, empathetic, and aware of marginalized struggles, positive change is possible.

Simply acknowledging these oppressive frameworks isn’t enough; actively remembering is significantly more important.

Through remembering, we can become more aware of how these violent histories still impact the world, and we can work towards more proactive change even on the micro level.

Take my penchant for traditionally Black music and art, in particular. I’ve been a huge jazz, hiphop, blues, and soul fan for most of my life. The music I listen to and enjoy, as a person of white-Euro heritage, has been appropriated by my people, demonized by the normativities of mass media, and largely commoditized as “cool” by the same socio-cultural narrative that normalizes and legislates racism on nearly every level of its ideological apparatus. We need to acknowledge this and engage, empathetically and proactively, with these problems.

All this isn’t to say that I’ll stop

enjoying it, but through my vested interest in Black culture, I feel I am able to understand better, if not wholly (the latter of which is indeed impossible), the struggle from which this incredible, vital culture is born and subverts. So, when I listen to Sam Cooke’s riveting “A Change is Gonna Come,” or Billie Holliday’s chilling “Strange Fruit,” or Charles Mingus’ ferocious composition The Black Saint and Sinner Lady, I need to acknowledge the sociohistorical spaces in which this music operates, now and historically.

But when that happens, it seems as though struggle is being fetishized and commoditized. There seems to be a fine line, when dealing with cultures of historically (and currently) marginalized identities, between standing in solidarity and fetishizing the core of the history of oppression, violence, and hatred it is bred from.

At any rate, as this article comes to a close, it’s not about what I feel.

It’s about restlessly consolidating the past with the present and doing something with our memorializing.

On top of dedicating a month to Black history, we must remember all histories of oppression in order to transgress these oppressive frameworks, both in a personal and public sense. This means inclusivity, empathy, and understanding in all facets of social life.

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

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

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Stephanie Zordan 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 2015 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.

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FUN PAGE

ACROSS 1- Empty 5- Rest on the surface of a liquid 10- Sportage maker 13- Cube maker Rubik 14- Body of work 16- Mantric syllables 17- The act of restoring 19- AWOL chasers 20- Bed down 21- Black magic 23- Conductor ___-Pekka Salonen 24- Canadian gas brand 28- Flora 30- Raging 32- Get down 33- Linux variety 35- Lennon’s lady 36- Peace Nobelist Sakharov 38- Loud noise 42- Pother 43- English photographer 45- Congenitally attached 49- Gestures 53- Dared 54- Coup d’___ 55- Not for a Scot 56- Tantalizes 58- Poker declara-

tion 60- Fall from grace 61- Suitable for marketing 65- Boob tubes 66- Joined by treaty 67- Appearance 68- Shoebox letters 69- Merits 70- French 101 verb

Down 1- Skilled 2- End of a threat 3- Pants measurement 4- Lavish affection (on) 5- Pro 6- Meadow 7- Not in 8- Tel ___ 9- Soldiers 10- Hungarian sheep dog 11- Lacking power 12- Beast of burden 15- Name on a bomber 18- Kitchen utensil 22- June honoree 25- Pro or con 26- Indian term of respect

27- South American tuber 29- ___-Cat 31- Old California fort 34- Characteristic 36- Preservative, coloring, or flavor, e.g.

37- Malarkey 39- 2002 erupter 40- Kind of license or justice 41- Switch settings 42- Swiss river 44- Supplement, with “out” 46- Alias 47- Seed covering 48- English Channel swimmer Gertrude 50- Shortly 51- One giving a ring 52- Greek goddess of the moon 57- Room in a casa 59- Arrived 60- Canonized Mlle.

62- Christmas tree 63- Wetland 64- Fingers

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CLASSIFIEDS - NATURE GUELPH Meeting Thursday, Feb. 12th at 7:30 p.m. at the Arboretum Centre. All welcome. Andy Turko will speak on the biology of mangrove forests.

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