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NEWS
College Royal Annual open house prevails over cold weather MICHAEL LONG Every year College Royal puts on more events than is possible to recount. Not for nothing is it called the largest student-run open house in North America. And despite the unseasonably cold weather, this year’s College Royal – the th annual celebration – continued that long tradition without a hitch. Ninety years of experience and a dedicated team of over College Royal Society organizers ensured that little could upset this weekend-long exhibition, which took place on March and . The rural and agricultural events continued to be the big draw for many visiting students and families. “I especially like how they promote a lot of the rural life stuff – like the beef show and the dairy show – to people that wouldn’t have any exposure to it,” said Nicholas Banexan, a fourth year zoology and history student who was participating the beef show for a second time. As it is for so many others, College Royal is a part of
PHOTOS BY BETHANY ATKINSON
his family’s history. “I’ve had family that’s always done it growing up, so I wanted to be included in that since they always talk about it,” said Banexan. Michelle Linington, this year’s College Royal Celebrant, says this year was a great success. “It’s amazing that even with - degrees Celsius on Sunday we still managed to get multiple thousands of people out,” said Linington. For students involved in organizing College Royal, it can be a pretty hectic few days getting everything ready for the big weekend. “It’s always a high-stress time going in,” said Linington, “and a couple days before, you start to wonder how things are going to go, but we’re all really happy with the way the weekend went and the turnout and the attendance at all the events.” While the unseasonably frigid weather kept the numbers slightly lower than usual – Linington estimates that between , and , people attended over the weekend, compared to the , to , that have attended in years past – the quality of the events more than made up for those smaller numbers. The cold weather will undoubtedly leave its mark on the
legacy of this year’s College Royal. “It was definitely one of the coldest College Royals we’ve had in a long time; the fact there is still a good foot of snow on the ground will be something to remember,” said Linington. However, the success of the new “bigger and better” events will also be something to remember. The Great Town and Gown Chilli Chow Down, sponsored by the University of Guelph in celebration of its th anniversary, invited restaurants from across Guelph to showcase their best chilli recipe. The -H Rabbit Hopping Show was another new event that was a big hit. Trained rabbits demonstrated their skills by navigating a series of tunnels, jumps and other obstacles. Linington expects that both of these events will become staples of future College Royals. Over the years, College Royal has evolved into an event not just for OAC students but one that involves every college at the University of Guelph. There were , student volunteers from clubs involved this year. The College Royal Society has the difficult task of coordinating it all, but, as Linington says, “At the end of the day, it is the entire university that puts it on and hosts it.”
Michelle Linington, the 2014 College Royal Dog and handler perform during the Intermediate Celebrant, presents a prize to Morgan Baker, the round of Sunday’s Dog Show, which took place A holstein stands for a photo inside Old MacDonald’s Grand Champion of the Dairy Show. in the Athletic Centre. New Farm.
(Left to right) Lise Burcher (City of Guelph Councillor, Ward 5), Christina Crowley (President of the College Royal Past President’s Association), Josephine Verhallen (2014 College Royal President) and Rob Gordon (Dean of Students perform at Square Dancing Competition, which took place on the OAC) cut the cake at opening ceremonies. Saturday morning in the Athletic Centre.
NEWS
173.10 • Thursday, MarCh 20, 2014
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Kemptville residents dismayed over campus closure
Efforts to save the agricultural college so far unsuccessful Michael long
Since the University of Guelph announced it would be closing its Kemptville regional campus, the agricultural community in Eastern Ontario has been looking for a way to save the historic college. While campus d’Alfred, which was also subject to closure, appears to have been rescued by two neighbouring French-language schools, Kemptville’s fate is far less assured. If the 97-year-old campus is to remain open, some extraordinary challenges must be overcome. The University of Guelph has argued that “stagnant” enrolment, $15 million in renovation costs, declining research output, and costs per full-time student that are “substantially higher” than those at other campuses combined, make Kemptville’s continued operation unsustainable and a poor use of taxpayer money. In an interview on CBC Radio One, University of Guelph President Alastair Summerlee implied that a successful intervention to save the campus was rather unlikely.
“There may be things that people could do,” said Summerlee, after being pressed on the question, “but it would be a great expenditure of money when we have been spending time since 1997 trying to make these programs sustainable.” The University of Guelph took over the operation of the Kemptville and d’Alfred campuses in 1997 – the only two agricultural schools in Eastern Ontario – in an agreement with the provincial government. The U of G says that it has tried to introduce several new revenuegenerating programs and attract more students, but to little avail. Local farmers and alumni, for their part, say they felt the U of G never really wanted the small campus, and have expressed shock and disappointment over the suddenness of the closure. “I consider this a slap in the face not only for the agricultural community but also rural and small-town Eastern Ontario,” said David Gordon, mayor of North Grenville, the municipality that includes Kemptville. Residents have formed a committee to explore options to keep the campus open, but one of their more promising strategies has already been thwarted. Steve Clark, Conservative MPP
for Leeds-Grenville, Kemptville’s riding, attempted to petition Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to impose a two-year moratorium on closing the campus. They hoped this would give the community time enough to find a way to keep the campus open. Though the petition collected more than 6,000 signatures, Wynne has reportedly denied the request. The premier, who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Food, stressed that the Kemptville courses are not being cancelled, but rather relocated, and added that the University of Guelph is free to prioritize its offerings as an autonomous institution. Farmers, for their part, are rejecting the notion that agricultural students in Eastern Ontario can simply continue their education at the University of Guelph, and are calling on the minister to “stand up for farmers.” Locals also argue the campus was a “cornerstone” of their community, and that the future of agriculture in the region is dependant on the skills being taught at that campus. Nonetheless, the future of the campus now appears dependant on the intervention of a third party. The government has issued a statement saying it is “reaching out to community leaders, businesses
PhoTo BY leSlie SchachTeR (oTTaWa ciTiZen)
The University of Guelph announced on March 12 that it will shutter Kemptville Campus at the end of 2015. This move has prompted many in the Eastern Ontario community to seek out another way of keeping the historic college open. and institutions” about maintaining agricultural programs on the Kemptville campus, but that “no immediate partners have emerged.” Incidentally, the Program
Prioritization Process suggested that Kemptville and Alfred might have to merge but did not suggest a complete closure of both campuses.
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NEWS
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CECS to honour students at Co-op Awards
SAMEER CHHABRA
Paris curbs drivers to limit smog Paris has taken drastic action to contend with the blanket of smog that has settled over the city in recent days. On March , the government enforced rules that would ban half of the cars on the road, using a scheme of alternating driving days based on odd or and even number plates. Drivers who ignore the ban will be issued a ticket on the spot. France’s substantial diesel subsidies, high number of private cars, and unseasonably warm temperatures have been blamed for the heavy smog that has reduced air quality to levels worse than Beijing, one of the most heavily polluted cities in the world. On March , the level of PM particles reached micrograms, more than twice the safe level of micrograms, prompting concerns about national health. Public transport has also been made free for the time being, and electric cars, hybrids, and vehicles with more than three occupants have been exempt from the new restrictions. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault asked drivers to embrace a “civic sense” and co-operate with the new rules – an ambitious request, considering Parisians’ famously touchy relationship with authority. North Korea effectively evading sanctions, UN says According to a United Nations report, North Korea has developed sophisticated techniques to circumvent its many economic sanctions. The -page report noted that North Korea was using its embassies to facilitate an illegal weapons trade and had gone to great lengths to develop complex corporate networks that mask the origin of many transactions. The report highlights an instance where a container ship originating in Cuba, destined for North Korea, was seized in Panama containing two Sovietera fighter jets and thousands of tons of sugar. The report alleges that North Korea’s Singapore embassy also had a hand in facilitating the trade. North Korea has also developed an increasingly complex network of shell companies that are masking the import of both legal and ill-gotten goods. The report highlighted a instance where Air Koryo, North Korea’s national airway, purchased new aircraft via payments structured through eight Hong Kong-registered companies. Compiled by Michael Long
On Mar. at a reception at Cutten Fields, University of Guelph students Adelaide Manley, Lauren Patrick, and Yosra Mohammed will be awarded by Co-operative Education and Career Services (CECS) for their outstanding participation in the U of G’s co-op program. Adelaide Manley, a third-year Psychology student with a minor in Family and Child Studies, received the award for Student of the Year in Commerce & Social and Applied Human Sciences. Involved with the co-op program since her first semester at the university, Manley was awarded for her eight-month tenure as a research associate at Ontario Food Exports with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. “Co-op offers an experience for students to accept challenges and take initiative,” explained Manley. “Besides enhancing my career development, my academic experience at the University of Guelph improved and I became more involved in the university community after my placement.” She encourages every student currently seeking a job placement to stick it out. “I think every co-op student is nervous about not finding placement,” said Manley. “As long as you keep trying and applying, you’ll find a job.” Manley is still unsure about her future career aspirations, but her time with the co-op program has helped her narrow her focus. “Working with clients,
organizing events, and conducting market research has encouraged me to consider the world of business,” she said. Lauren Patrick, a fifth-year Mechanical Engineering student, received the award for Student of the Year in Science & Engineering. Patrick’s area of focus is mechatronics – a combination of mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electronics and robotics. Patrick spent eight months with the Vancouver Airport Authority working for the Baggage Engineering Group. “A co-op program was something I was looking for when I was choosing universities,” explained Patrick. “I actually entered the University of Guelph in the Bachelor of Engineering, undeclared program, so I did have to apply for the co-op program once I chose my major. [It was] very nerve-wracking!” Patrick was acknowledged for her enthusiasm during her co-op classes and for offering to review her friends’ resumes and cover letters before they all applied to jobs. Helping her friends led Patrick to joining the Peer Helper Program with the CECS unit, where she is currently spending her third semester as a senior Peer Helper. On the subject of not giving up during the job search, Patrick stressed the importance of applying everywhere and reaching out to organizations for positions that might not be available at the time. “I think a common challenge that many students find is the competitiveness of the job search,” explained
PHOTO BY WENDY SHEPHERD
Lauren Patrick (left), Adelaide Manley (centre) and Yosra Mohammed are three recipients of a 2013 Co-op Award. They will attend an awards ceremony at Cutten Fields on March 20. Patrick. “[For my] last work term, I applied to over fifty jobs and did not hear much from any of them. In the case of the position I ended up in, it was actually because I reached out to the organization and indicated my interest in a job, even though one did not exist yet.” Patrick hopes to return to the Vancouver Airport Authority upon graduation. Yosra Mohammed, a fifth-year student in the Management Economics and Finance program, received the Collin Cureatz Memorial Award for Co-op Student Involvement. As a Bachelor of Commerce student, Mohammed spent five work terms at three different companies. For her eight-month tenure, Mohammed worked as a budget analyst at the
Toronto Transit Commission. Mohammed is happy to have had the opportunity to work for more than one firm. “Each placement offered a completely different experience, different learning opportunities and the chance to enhance my skills,” she said. On completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, Mohammed has decided to pursue graduate studies in economics. The reception at Cutten Fields will also recognize outstanding co-op employers. This year, the Co-op Employer of the Year award is being given to Mikutech Industries, a firm that has been supporting the Computer Science program at the U of G since .
Profs create domestic homicide research repository
DANIELLE MIHOK
The University of Guelph’s Dr. Myrna Dawson has recently launched a new website for the prevention of domestic homicides in conjunction with Dr. Peter Jaffe, a professor at Western University. The Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative (CDHPI) aims to create a centralized location for domestic homicide review and prevention. It will have a specific Canadian focus and will be of interest to academics and community professionals, as well as the general public. Both Dawson and Jaffe are a part of the first Canadian Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. The committee, which was established in , serves to investigate the causes and circumstances under which acts of domestic violence have taken place. Based on their findings, these reviews serve as critical information for the creation of policy and service delivery for the prevention of domestic violence. The CDHPI will compile these reviews – as well as research, educational material and learning opportunities – in one location, but with a focus on domestic homicide specifically, as this comprises per cent of family related homicides. The CDHPI is an example of the
potential connections that academic research can have within the community. There are certain risk factors that are identifiable after reviewing cases, which suggest that domestic homicides are preventable and predictable, according a University of Guelph press release. This particular crime is generally premeditated and often results out of a history of violence. “These crimes can no longer be explained away as spontaneous crimes of passion but are now more accurately recognized as acts that can often be prevented,” said Dawson. Both Jaffe and Dawson feel that the website is critical for creating a unified national dialogue on the topic of domestic homicide and can help to provide a more collaborative environment for discussion and information sharing. Community service organizations and policy analysts might then use this information to influence or guide their services. Furthermore, individual women might refer to these risk factors for their own personal safety. A new mobile phone app, for example, is being developed for just that purpose. According to CBC’s The Current, the “One Love Danger Assessment App” will
allow women to run through a checklist to identify whether their relationship might pose a threat. The app was developed through the One Love Foundation out of John Hopkins University School of Nursing. The app allows users to determine the difference between
the highs and lows of a typical relationship and what may actually be a dangerous situation. Users can also receive -hour support through a live chat function. The app is both anonymous and free for smart phones and other devices.
NEWS
173.10 • THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014
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Guelph’s underground fraternities STACEY ASPINALL “TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!” chants John Belushi’s belligerent party animal character in the film “Animal House.” The film is perhaps the most iconic representation of life at a fraternity, portraying American college life as a never-ending party, with academics as an afterthought. When fraternities make the news, it is usually with a shocking headline. Horror stories abound, ranging from abusive hazing rituals, to binge drinking and subsequent drunken injuries, to instances of alcohol poisoning and universities being faced with lawsuits. Fraternities have also been criticized for being elitist, promoting sexism, misogyny, and homophobia, and for incidents of sexual assault. (Sororities don’t tend to draw the same level of criticism, although they are subject to stereotypes and misconceptions as well). In the United States, fraternities and sororities play a much larger role in the social scene of college life than they do in Canada. They are woven into the fabric of the identity of many institutions, and tend to dominate student culture. In Canada, fraternities and sororities do exist, but they are typically independent from the university campus from which they recruit. Students may be surprised to learn that Guelph is home to a few Greek organizations, with chapters including Delta Upsilon (the oldest non-secret fraternity in North America, founded in ), Alpha Epsilon Pi (the Jewish Fraternity founded in Guelph in ), and one sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Perhaps because of their distanced, and at times conflicted relationship with the university administration, Guelph fraternities and sororities often fly under the radar, though not by choice. In fact, members of the Guelph chapter of Delta Upsilon assert that their group faces undue discrimination. Nick Longo, former Rush Chair of
Delta Upsilon wrote to the Guelph Mercury in to address discrimination the fraternity reportedly faced when, “During the homecoming game at the University of Guelph … members of the Guelph chapter of Delta Upsilon were forced to leave by campus police for having displayed a banner which read ‘Building Better Men,’ which was intended to aid in their recruitment process.” Brenda Whiteside, Associate VicePresident of Student Affairs at the University of Guelph, noted the university’s policy on fraternities and sororities: “When the university formed in , the Board of Governors passed a motion denying fraternities and sororities. The reasoning was that the restrictive nature of these organizations are not in keeping with our values of inclusion… There has been no formal challenge to the Board of Governors to this motion and thus the university position remains.” I met with Ryan Collette, Delta Upsilon’s VP of Recruitment, and marketing major, to discuss what fraternity life entails. The Delta Upsilon frat house is located on a quiet residential street near downtown Guelph. Five fraternity brothers live in the house, with other members scattered around the city, for a total of members. Next year, they are aiming to move into a larger house to accommodate people. I get a quick tour of the house, with no empty beer bottles in sight. Its level of cleanliness is on par with (if not tidier than) most student houses. There’s a back patio adjoined to the living room, jokingly referred to as a “frattio” (the guys acknowledge that the potential for “frat” puns are endless). The sense of camaraderie between the brothers is undeniable. They are aware of the stereotypes that abound in the media and are seeking to dispel common misconceptions, and establish their reputation as a group devoted to
enacting the fraternity’s core values. According to the Delta-Upsilon website, “Delta Upsilon is the premier men’s fraternity committed to “Building Better Men” for a global society through service, leadership development, and lifelong personal growth of our diverse membership.” Their core values are: the promotion of friendship, the diffusion of liberal culture, the development of character, and the advancement of justice. Collette is quick to object to the idea that frat life is all about partying: “That is one of the biggest misconceptions, I’d say, about us,” said Collette. “The idea is we kind of help guide [members] in a direction that is going to benefit themselves and the community around them,” Collette explained. Since the group is unable to officially recruit on campus, they have turned to social media to advertise and recruit new members. They rely on spreading awareness through word of mouth. They hold two recruiting sessions, one each in the fall and winter semesters. Though they do offer a variety of different rush events pool nights, golfing, philanthropy events - one of the largest and most popular events is the rush party. “You’re trying to find out if these guys are just here to party, or if they actually want to be a part of this,” said Mac Aird, VP of External Relations. “And then from there, after rushing, we extend bids to guys that are willing to pledge, and then from pledging it’s sort of an week process where they kind of prove to us why they should be in the chapter, and then from there they’re initiated and an active member,” Delta Upsilon claims to be a “nonhazing fraternity,” and pledge tasks are based on showing why those who pledge would be a solid fit for the group. “I think the other problem is people don’t really want to hear so much about just the standard
fraternity things, like all the good we’re doing. They want to hear about these huge college parties, these huge ragers, and they want to hear that extreme, [it’s] just what seems to appeal to people more,” said Aird. Collette also pointed out that the group has grown and improved in the past five years. When he initially joined, membership was low and the group was in debt. “They thought that we were going to fold, but we made a huge comeback. We overhauled ourselves. We definitely dedicated ourselves to building a good, positive public
image, especially doing things with the city, [and] doing things on campus,” said Collette. “I think our plans next year will be to get more involved with whatever student group’s doing philanthropy.” Aird added that Delta Upsilon will “just try to build more positive relationships with the groups that have this dislike of us ... [through] improving our public image, [and] improving inter-Greek relations, and I think if we do that it’s going to, in the future, again, work towards us growing and having a stronger presence on campus.”
COURTESY PHOTO
The Guelph chapter of Delta Upsilon, which is not formally recognized by the U of G, is trying to make sure that Animal House isn’t the first thing that comes when the public hears the word “fraternity.”
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ARTS & CULTURE
Simply authentic: diary of a local foodie
Easy and delicious macaroons EMILY JONES
Over the months I have shared some of my favourite appetizers and entrees, but I have left out one of the most satisfying and simple recipes in my repertoire. Now is as good of a time as ever to share the recipe for one of my favourite deserts: chocolate macaroons. With final papers and exams flying in full force, why not give yourself a short break and indulge in some delicious
treats? Come on, you know you deserve a break! Step one: Get out a glass mixing bowl and pour in Belgian chocolate or chocolate chips. Next, fill a pot with a few inches of water. Place the glass bowl on top of the pot and bring the water to a boil on the stovetop. As the chocolate begins to melt, give it a stir and continue until it is velvety soft and smooth. Remove the pot and bowl from stove and let sit on a hot pad to make sure the counter surface or table does not ruin from the heat. Step two: Get out a large mixing bowl and pour in one
cup of rolled oats and two cups of shredded coconut. Add in the melted chocolate and mix together with a spoon. If it appears you need more coconut or rolled oats, add in as necessary, making sure that the chocolate is coating the mixture entirely. Step three: Get out a baking tray and lay out a piece of wax paper over its surface. Next, spoon out the mixture until it is gone. Step four: Place the baking tray in the fridge for minutes or until the mixture has had time to set. Step five: Remove from the
fridge, put in a container, and store at room temperature. Believe it or not, you are finished, and these delicious bite-sized macaroons are ready to eat! Enjoy!
Grocery list: - Unsweetened shredded coconut - Belgian chocolate or chocolate chips (use any kind of chocolate you like, all are delicious) - Rolled oats
MUSIC SYMPOSIUM
BOARDING HOUSE
PHOTO BY ANN WESTBERE
PHOTO BY STACEY ASPINALL
“Quotation Collective” is currently on display at the Boarding House Gallery in downtown Guelph. The exhibition features a varied and eclectic selection of imaginative contemporary paintings by students in the Painting IV class at the University of Guelph. The opening reception was held on March 11, and the exhibit will run for 2 weeks.
(From left to right) Canadian baritone James Westman, accompanist Anna Ronai, artistic director Gregory Oh and music professor Dr. James Harley. The key to communication lies in the perfect combination of just the right words. Unless, of course, you own an instrument, in which case, words are optional. As the 8th Annual Creative Music Symposium unfolded, talented musicians collected on campus to celebrate the imagination and creativity that inspires their craft. The four-day event, hosted by the Music Students Association and the School of Fine Art and Music, featured a collection of seminars, workshops, and performances. “The event is held each year and features a series of music events, lectures, and talks,” explained Robert Lee, President of the MSA and forth year applied music major. “It involves a broad spectrum of students, ranging from first year to fourth year musicians.” To kick off the four-day symposium, student musicians took to the stage to showcase their talent. The performances featured two bands, soloists, and groups of musicians, and spanned a variety of musical styles. While some performances recreated renditions of popular songs, others shared original work the students themselves had composed. In both instances, it was quickly appreciated that the music was more than just a collection of notes on a page.
ARTS & CULTURE
173.10 • Thursday, MarCh 20, 2014
The Weekly Review: Blackfish
3 Complexly-BiasedArguments out of 4
depression, and mind-numbing anomie. In the case of Tilikum, and in many other similar cases seen around the world, this anomie leads to violent tendencies that endanger the lives of the humans who work with the creatures – as well as the animals themselves. Depressed orcas require a very soft touch and the right application of force to be handled. Interesting to note is the film’s clear statements regarding emotions and language within animals. Enough time is spent on the topic of orca intelligence to warrant further investigation into whether or not animals in general experience emotion. Moreso than captivity, I believe that animal intelligence is an issue that is often neglected within the scientific community. In recent memory, there has been a significant amount of controversy regarding the film’s topic. Critics of Blackfish argue that it misconstrues the truth and wrongfully condemns SeaWorld for past actions that have led to more stringent policy that
serves to protect the trainers who love working with animals like Tilikum. Despres’ editing, which argues that mistakes from the past have yet to be rectified, calls the legitimacy of Cowperthwaite’s information into question. Due to the nature of Blackfish, condemnation and judgment have been irrationally levied against SeaWorld and its employees. The misdirection portrayed in the film is the fault of Cowperthwaite and her team, whose argument strongly favours a single viewpoint. Animals should not be held in captivity. Killer whales should be allowed to roam free, without the burdening fear of capture or death. There are few people who believe that animals should be held in captivity. These same people would also agree that animals should not be hunted, ecosystems should not be destroyed, and the planet should not suffer due to the greed and selfishness of a single species. Cowperthwaite and her
The sign of a strong documentary is more than the mark it leaves on its audience. The ability to convey a meaningful argument in a way that compels, intrigues, and convinces a group of people is paramount to putting on a good show. However, by virtue of being entertainment, documentaries are expected to be entertaining. For would-be filmmakers hoping to broach important events and cover life-changing circumstances, documentaries can walk a fine line between unbiased journalism and pure sensationalism. Blackfish, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and edited by Eli Despres, is a compelling and moving film featuring the captive orca Tilikum and the controversy surrounding captive killer whales. As a work of pure entertainment Cowperthwaite and Despres,
with a script jointly written by Tim Zimmerman, put on a great show. Utilizing a cast of former and current SeaWorld employees and experts from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), combined with newsreels, old SeaWorld commercials, and a score that tells its audience exactly what to feel, Cowperthwaite’s film is supremely entertaining. Tilikum, an orca originally part of the Vancouver-based sealand of the Pacific aquarium, is notorious for his killing of three separate humans over the course of his captivity. Keltie Byrne, Daniel P. Dukes, and Dawn Brancheau (whose death is the film’s catalyzing motivator) were killed in 1991, 1999, and 2010 respectively. The film uses the deaths of these three individuals, in addition to damning facts implicating SeaWorld aquariums of misconduct and animal abuse, to sway the audience’s opinion in favour of ending killer whale captivity. Captivity, the film’s makers argue, causes killer whales to suffer from
aDRiEN POTviN
Freddie Gibbs and Madlib – Piñata
SamEER CHHaBRa
Working together for the first time in long-play album format, rapper Freddie Gibbs and DJ/ producer Madlib’s Piñata is the final product of four years’ work between the two. The result is a concise album that attests to the talents of both artists, accompanied by an unforgiving dark vision of the street life stemming from their personal experiences. Thematically, the album is a bare-all account of Gibbs’ life in the streets of Gary, Indiana. Nothing is sacred - murder, slingling
drugs, robbery – and he holds nothing back in telling his story. Gibbs’ deep, urgent voice and impeccable flow work perfectly in tandem with Madlib’s evocative, carefully composed production style. These two talents, in turn, maintain a cinematic style that feels like a particularly powerful gangster movie at its best moments. That quality is one that separates a hardcore album like this to other works in the same vein - it neither condemns nor condones the hustler lifestyle, but shows it how it is in a purer sense. The album’s first half has some
of Madlib’s best work in years, and Gibbs’ flow and wordplay has consistently improved since 2010’s fantastic Str8 Killa EP. Gibbs’ grim and powerful stories are told against a backdrop of funky 70s tunes and concise drum work. Songs like “Deeper” and “Bomb,” the latter featuring Wu-Tang’s Raekwon, are absolutely huge sounding in voice and beat. A vicious diss track towards Jeezy, “Real,” marks the middle of the album. While the production and theme is consistent throughout, it begins to falter a tiny bit in the second half. The atmosphere becomes
monotone in its reliance on the aforementioned 70s sounds and moods, but it picks itself up for the album’s closer, “Piñata,” a posse cut featuring Domo Genesis, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko, and Mac Miller. The song features a strange minorkey instrumental that sounds much like a Wu production, and is certainly odd in comparison to the rest of the album. If the album sounds like a movie, as mentioned before, then this is the “what just happened?” kind of ending. Its
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team merely argue that every killer whale in captivity should be released, without framing the implications of such an argument. An important point on freeing currently captive animals: there is no circumstance in which a creature that lives a sheltered life protected from disease, contagion, starvation, or harm would ever survive as an apex predator after any time spent in captivity. It isn’t enough for a good documentary to convey a strong argument. A documentary should convince its audience to search for more information on a subject matter while making the case that there is more to a subject than a single set of circumstances. As a documentary filmmaker, Cowperthwaite ignores the most important rule of journalism: always frame both sides of the argument. However, it cannot be argued that Cowperthwaite’s film is lacking in substance or intrigue. Blackfish is an amazing movie, but a remarkably weak documentary.
ambivalence doesn’t quite wrap the album up well, and it seems like their intent for such an ambivalent tune is unclear, but it is an interesting choice nonetheless. On the whole, the record is a rewarding listen and Gibbs’ honesty is refreshing and consistently fascinating. With no shortage of good features (Danny Brown and Earl Sweatshirt, among others) and pleasing production by Madlib, this is an excellent starting point for what will hopefully be a longstanding collaborative effort.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK: LOST IN THE DREAM
STYLE PICK OF THE WEEK: JAY KEATING
PHOTO BY WENDY SHEPHERD
Jay Keating was spotted this week in the UC. Keating is wearing a bold patterned button up, black skinny jeans and brown leather wingtip (or brogue) shoes. Keating is a prime example that taking risks and having fun with fashion pays off.
COURTESY PHOTO This is the latest record from The War on Drugs. It’s driving music reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen and eighties Americana, but it’s been given a psychedelic, pulsating intensity that makes it much more than just a tribute. Stuart Berman in Pitchfork put it well when he said, “if Lost in the Dream is unapologetic in its dad-rock reverence, it’s dad-rock for people who are too fucked up and broken to even think of having kids.”
JURIED A
PHOTOS BY JE
Untitled - Sculpture
The University of Guelph held March 14 to 16 in Zavitz Hall, d the city and beyond. This ann oldest student-run juried art s displaying the hard work and t Each year, three guest jurors a award prizes. Below is a small
Enfold - Manual Relief and Silkscreen
You Have No Image of Self - Digital Inkjet P the things you say - Silkscreen
ART SHOW
ESSICA AVOLIO
its 2014 Juried Art Show from drawing in crowds from across nual 3-day show is one of the shows in Canada, with the goal of talent of the artists on campus. are invited to judge the event and l sample of the work displayed.
(Above and below) Attendees of this year’s Juried Art Show peruse the work of U of G printmakers at the Student Print Show & Sale. (PHOTOS BY MATTHEW AZEVEDO)
Untitled - Paper and Cardboard
For Mom and Dad (A dedication) – Sculpture Sni p Sni p - Acrylic on Canvas
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The Guelph Storm is coming
Guelph finishes tops in OHL and open up playoffs March 21 vs. Plymouth MORGAN FAULDS
After a standout season that saw them finish atop the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) standings, the Guelph Storm are now gearing up to take on the Plymouth Whalers in the first round of the playoffs, and are poised to make a long playoff run that could culminate in a berth at the Mastercard Memorial Cup tournament this May in London, Ontario. The Storm finished a dominant regular season with points and wins, and are ranked second on the BMO Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Top Ten List, behind only the powerhouse Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Guelph has been named on the ‘Top ’ list times this season, which is the most of any CHL team and demonstrates the high level of consistency of the Storm squad. They were the first team in the OHL to hit points, and the Storm scored goals this year – more than any other CHL team and more than the next-closest team in the OHL. They also had the second lowest number of goals against in the OHL, with only . Although the Storm are heavy favourites against the Whalers (placed eighth in the Western Conference) they cannot coast through this round and must survive Game without -point scorer Scott Kosmachuk, who was suspended after a hit in the last game of the regular season. With their rd straight playoff appearance, the Whalers hold the OHL record for most consecutive postseason berths and are a strong, big, hard-hitting team that will give the Storm a fight on every play. The styles of the two teams are similar, but if Guelph can remain focused and avoid looking ahead, they should be able to escape the first round without an upset. Unfortunately, after the first round, Guelph no longer holds any advantage over the competition. Barring any upsets, the Erie Otters and London Knights will also move on, but only one of these three highly dominant teams will make it out of the Western Conference. Will it be the Otters, with the wonder-kid Connor McDavid, OHL leading scorers Connor Brown and Dane Fox, and OHL top goalie Oscar Dansk? Will it be the Knights, with Max Domi, Chris Tierney, and the
Rupert twins running for their third straight J. Ross Roberston Cup as OHL Champions? Or will it be the Storm, with Scott Kosmachuk sitting third in OHL scoring, Kerby Rychel not far behind with points, and Tyler Bertuzzi, who not only puts up points but specializes in getting under the skin of the opposing teams? It is often said that the Memorial
Cup is the hardest trophy to win in hockey. Facing off against the host London Knights, plus the WHL and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League representatives, Guelph will be forced to adapt to the styles of play of the two other leagues. It will be a long, gruelling two months for the Storm squad, but they have to make it through one round at a time.
SPORTS & HEALTH
COURTESY PHOTO
SPORTS & HEALTH
173.10 • THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014
Arena caught charging extra for same-sized beer
ERIC GREEN
Anybody that has ever attended a professional sporting event knows that just about every purchase made after the ticket can be described anywhere from “slightly marked up” to “highway robbery.” For every sports fan that has ever felt ripped off, justice is being served to an arena that not only charges a lot for a beverage, but also allegedly misleads customers as to how much beer they are really getting. A group of Idaho Steelheads hockey fans are suing the teams’ home arena, CenturyLink, for misleading them to believe that there was a difference in volume in the arena’s ‘small’ and ‘large’ beer sizes, and doing so knowingly in order to defraud fans. The lawsuit has sprung up in the wake of a video posted to Youtube by another Steelheads fan, Gwen Gibbs, in which her boyfriend demonstrates by pouring the contents from the “large” beer glass into an empty “small” container, which both prove to hold the same amount comfortably. Defendants Brady Peck, Michele Bonds, and William and Brittany Graham are seeking , in damages to compensate for what they claim to be many years of loyal attendance at the CenturyLink Arena, which hosts concerts and basketball games as well as Steelheads hockey games. In the lawsuit, Peck claims that he has attended at least events over the last three years at CenturyLink Arena, while the other defendants all claim that they have been attending sporting events at CenturyLink for five years and have purchased beer each time they attended. Further, in the lawsuit, the defendant’s lawyer Wyatt Johnson claims that while the cups are different in shape, they are essentially
identical in volume, and alleges that the arena knew this yet chose to continue duping their fans into emptying their wallets for nothing. Following the YouTube video and the subsequent legal action brought against CenturyLink, Eric Trapp, president of both the arena and the Steelheads hockey team, issued a statement on the team’s Facebook page, denying any knowledge of the scam. Trapp’s Facebook post reads: “It was recently brought to our attention that the amount of beer that fits in our large (-oz) cups also fits in our regular (-oz) cups. The differentiation in the size of the two cups is too small. To correct that problem, we’re purchasing new cups for the large beers that will hold ounces, instead of , for the remainder of this season to provide better value to our fans.” This post, which has garnered ninety-six different comments since its posting on March , shows Trapp using a rather ambiguous air to try and deny culpability for the deception. Many of those that have commented on the post have expressed their interest in either seeing the money refunded to customers, or an equivalent dollar amount being donated to a charity, citing an act like this as the only way in which the arena might regain the trust it has lost. As any of us who attend sporting events can probably agree – we know full well going into it that the concessions, especially the beer, are going to be overpriced. However, for the love we have for the game, we generally agree to silently seethe while being separated from our hard earned money, justifying it as an enjoyable break from every day life. I have a feeling that things would change a great deal were we to discover that not only are we being over-charged, but that we’re also being underserved.
Caffeinated athletes?
STACEY ASPINALL
Researchers are always brewing fresh information on caffeine, perhaps because coffee forms such an integral part of many morning routines. It seems the general consensus is that caffeine can be healthy in moderate amounts. However, caffeine works as a central nervous system stimulant that has a variety of physiological effects, which can be seen as either desirable or detrimental. According to a recently published article in The Atlantic, titled “How Athletes Strategically Use Caffeine,” caffeine has become the performance-enhancing drug of choice in competitive sports, with the author suggesting that “using it in precise ways, and not excessively, seems most effective.” The article explains that at the Ironman World Championship – a “brutal triathlon” – “most were jacked up on caffeine, the world’s most popular performanceenhancing drug.” Though it was noted that caffeine has varying effects upon individuals, on average, it seems to boost performance. Typically, we don’t tend to associate the use of caffeine with athletic performance. It makes sense that caffeine could be used to (temporarily) increase endurance in competitive athletic events, such
as a triathlon. Health Canada notes that caffeine can be used to promote alertness and wakefulness, enhance cognitive performance, relieve fatigue, and promote endurance. However, caffeine has diuretic effects, which means that it can also contribute to dehydration. In addition, it’s been argued that people tend to underestimate the negative effects of caffeine. Men’s Journal recently published an article, titled “ Worrisome Facts About Caffeine,” that positions caffeine as the “largest, least regulated, and most misunderstood drug trade in America.” Some worrisome claims include the idea that drinking one cup of strong coffee a day is enough to get you hooked; that overdoing caffeine can cause problems, from disrupted sleep to increased anxiety symptoms; that it’s easy to build tolerance for caffeine (and become dependent); and that natural caffeine is no better than synthetic sources, since they have the same effects. With conflicting viewpoints on caffeine being presented, and its reputation as a performance-boosting substance (or conversely as an anxiety aggravator, and overused stimulant) constantly being debated, it is really up to the individual to choose how they wish to “use” caffeine (or rather, if they wish to consume caffeine at all). We shouldn’t forget, however, that caffeine is a drug.
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7 ways to stay mentally fit
ANDREW DONOVAN
What do Alzheimer’s dementia, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia have in common? They’re all brain diseases and it is very likely someone in our lives is suffering, or has suffered from it. An estimated , Canadians suffer from degenerative neurological conditions. A report published by NeuroScience Canada found that the over , diseases, disorders, and injuries to the brain cost our healthcare system . billion annually. While the price to treat brain diseases is exorbitant, the price to prevent brain diseases is, well, free. Doctor Raymond Lam, Health Adviser for The Globe and Mail, recently wrote an article outlining seven steps that you can take to staying mentally fit, all of which will not incur extra costs to your budget. . Body exercise – There is a reason why you feel energized and alive after you hit the gym or go on a run – your body’s neurogenesis improves and so does your memory, and brain scans post-exercise have proven it. Exercise is also recommended by doctors to help relieve symptoms of stress. . Brain exercise – Watch television or browse the Internet enough and I am sure you’ll see an advertisement for brain stimulating exercises or games like the ones Lumosity promotes. While I can’t attest for the worth of Lumosity, Lam notes that the old “use it or lose it” adage proves true for brain health.
Simple activities such as playing Sudoku are all you need to power up your brain. . Sleep well – Sleep and college sound oxymoronic, granted, but getting to hours of sleep and hitting the hay at a consistent time every night is integral to maintaining brain health. . Talking to close friends or family members – As someone who went through depression a few years ago, my experience with talk therapy may be anecdotal, but Lam and many other doctors and psychologists promote confiding in a close friend or family member about your problems and thoughts as a great way to avoid depression and dementia. . Greek food! – In all honesty, any Mediterranean-styled diet will suffice, but Greek food is just too good! A diet rich legumes, vegetables, fruits, and unrefined cereals, moderate in fish and dairy products, and low in meat has been found to be good for your heart and brain – and those foods are chalked full of antioxidants. . Breaking out of comfort zones – Rehabilitation specialists suggest that mental and physical stimulations to the brain that go beyond your current level of capability have very therapeutic effects on your brain and body. . Appreciate beauty – Lam ends his article on a light note with this one: “After all, why live longer with a healthy brain if all you do is think?” Take some time every day to practice the art of Zen.
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LIFE
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Environmental cost of healthy eating
Thinking more carefully about what we eat ABRAHAM MUNENE
Diet and exercise: these two complimentary strategies are often promoted as the way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. But for many people juggling between work and everyday responsibilities, committing time, energy, and resources to dietary and exercise regimens can be a daunting endeavour. Ironically, as our ability to work and perform well in our lives hinges a lot on our health, having a balanced diet and good exercise habits should be as important as meeting life’s other obligations. Statistics Canada reports that about per cent of adult Canadians are meeting the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, while only about per cent of Canadian adults get the recommended minimum of . hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. Considering that much of our day (approximately waking hours) may be spent in a sedentary state – likely seated at a desk slaving away at work or relaxing in front of a television - monitoring diet becomes essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But what are the environmental impacts associated with eating healthy? Challenging the omnivorous lifestyle. Human beings are naturally omnivorous. Most of us live off a diet of plant and animal products in various proportions. Interestingly, a greater proportion of the human population is estimated to live off plant-based diets than off meat-based diets. The proportion of people living off plant-based diets has been attributed to the lack of land, water, and resources required to sustain more meat-encompassing diets. However, recent trends in the food industry show that the production and consumption of meat in both developing and developed countries has increased substantially over the last two decades. The consumption of meat is dependent on nutritional requirements, wealth, and personal preferences, as well as cultural and ethical factors. In general, more land is required to produce food for a meat-based diet than a plant-based diet. This puts pressure on natural ecosystems to be converted into agricultural land. For example, the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has resulted from the need to create pastures for beef farmers. Different meats also have different land use requirements, and producing a kilogram of beef requires more land than producing a kilogram of chicken or pork. However, overall, producing a kilogram of animal
protein requires more water and fossil energy input than producing a kilogram of grain. Livestock production also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient flux within terrestrial and aquatic systems. Gas emissions from the production of meat and dairy contribute to per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, methane production from digestive processes in livestock ruminants (such as cows) is estimated to account for between to per cent of anthropogenic methane production. Methane,
nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide are also released into the atmosphere in the decomposition of manure. Manure also contributes to nutrient inputs of ammonium, nitrates, and phosphorous in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Although animal manure increases soil fertility and can be substituted for synthetic fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorous inputs can seep into groundwater and water bodies, affecting both water quality and the stability of aquatic ecosystems. Nutrient loading can also disturb freshwater and marine systems, leading
to algal blooms that negatively impact aquatic organisms and alter the stability of aquatic ecosystems. Changes in attitudes towards diet. Food production is greatly influenced by consumption. As an environmental science student concerned with both my health and the health of the environment, switching to a vegan diet would offer a logical solution. But as someone who was brought up on an omnivorous diet and who has become accustomed to meat, the decision to switch to veganism becomes less clear.
Proactively thinking about what kinds of foods (and how much of them) we are eating is important not only to our health but also to the environment. Consider reducing meat consumption by substituting meat for plant-based products equivalent in nutritional value. Consider consuming animal products that have less environmental impact and confer health benefits, such as milk, eggs, and chicken. Consider tailoring your diet towards your activity levels and metabolism. Most importantly, think about what you eat.
LIFE
173.10 • Thursday, MarCh 20, 2014
13
Hormones are everywhere, including in you
The beef with growth implants in cattle production
Chloe gresel, CanaCt ViCe President There is much buzz in today’s media about wanting hormone free meat. Can I let you in on a secret? There is no such thing. You see, just like humans, all animals have naturally occurring hormones in their bodies. What the consumer is actually trying to get when they ask for “hormone-free beef” is animals that are raised with no hormones outside of their own. Companies such as A&W are trying to scare consumers into thinking that their products are better because they are using beef that is raised without growth hormone implants. Can I let you in on another secret? Implants are not the enemy. Growth implants are used to help beef animals convert feed more efficiently. This means the animals develop more lean meat and grow more on less feed. Beef animals that are implanted have increased weight gain from 5 to 23 per cent and convert feed to meat 3 to 11 per cent more efficiently than nonimplanted cattle. By using less feed, costs are reduced for the farmer and beef is kept at a reasonable price for the consumer. There is also a smaller environmental impact when cattle are implanted, as farmers are using fewer resources to get them finished
and ready for harvesting. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Animal Science stated that if we were to remove growth implants from our cattle production system, we would need 10 per cent more cattle, 10 per cent more land and feed, and 7 per cent more fuel and fertilizers to raise the same amount of beef. You might be thinking that it’s great that implanted beef has a smaller environmental impact, but you still don’t want all those extra hormones in your own body. Well then, let me share this tidbit of information: 15 ml of soybean oil has over 28,700 nanograms of plant estrogen, while a 100 gram serving of beef raised with growth hormones has only 2.2 nanograms. Surprising, isn’t it? Studies have shown that there are greater differences in hormone levels between the different sexes of cattle then there are between cattle raised with growth hormones versus cattle raised without growth hormones. So, what exactly are these implants? Implants are a tiny pellet that is inserted in the back of an animal’s ear which stays and releases a small amount of hormones each day into the animal’s bloodstream. Implants contain estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, or a combination of these hormones. In Canada, we are prohibited from using implants that are strictly testosterone based. The hormones that are released work in conjunction with the animal’s own natural hormones to convert feed
Photo BY rUdolF sPrUit
Many Canadians actively search for hormone-free beef for their next meal, but hormonal implants may not be the enemy. In reality, growth implants help beef animals convert feed more efficiently, which results in leaner meat and keeps the price of beef more reasonable for the consumer. In addition, the levels of hormones in these animals may not be as worrisome as some think. more efficiently, produce a leaner carcass, and promote larger growth. Depending on the implant brand and type, it will last anywhere from 60 to 168 days. At this point, the implant is no longer effective, and depending on the animal’s age and stage of growth, it will either be implanted again or will be ready for processing. There are many considerations the farmer must think about before choosing a type of implant. Implants are designed specifically for certain age groups, sexes, and breed types. Cost is another factor that producers
take into consideration, as the return of increased gains must be higher than the price paid for the implant and the labour needed to insert the implant into each animal. Implants have been tested and found to be safe for humans by several food and drug agencies, including Health Canada, The World Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. To ensure farmers are following proper protocols, beef is inspected and tested by the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency. In Canada, the level of synthetic hormones that can be left in beef is zero. Eating beef that has been raised with growth hormones is not something that should be feared. As consumers, we need to take away the power of companies trying to scare us into thinking that their product is better because it was raised a certain way. At the end of the day, it really is up to you to decide what you are putting into your body, and I don’t know about you, but some steak sounds pretty good right about now.
OPINION
Closing Kemptville: saving money and breaking hearts
Closing Alfred and Kemptville campuses a bad idea Carleigh CathCart
As many of you may know, the University of Guelph has announced that it is closing its beloved Kemptville and Alfred campuses, apparently due to “financial reasons.” Though no one can dispute that money is relatively tight these days, the surprise closure of these schools has brought shock, sadness, and even outrage to many people, and not just those directly tied to the Kemptville and Alfred campuses. There are a lot of issues to be had with this announcement, and they all speak for public dissatisfaction with problem solving, management, and most importantly, priorities. Below, I would like to outline some major concerns with the closing of these wonderful schools, as well as the way in which the closings were handled. Guelph is an agricultural school by nature. While we pride ourselves on our academic diversity
(of course, this is a major argument against the PPP, though that’s a different issue altogether), it is impossible to deny Guelph’s rich background in agriculture and its related sciences. The joining of the three original colleges - Macdonald Institute, Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) speaks to our powerful agricultural roots. While the Kemptville and Alfred campuses may not be one of those original institutes, they are an extension of the founding principles and priorities of this university, and to lose them is to lose a piece of the heart of U of G. The programs offered at these campuses are also not available elsewhere. A major pride of Kemptville and Alfred is the uniqueness of their programs, which involve education and hands-on experience of a high caliber. Ontario does not have a plentiful offering of agricultural educational institutions, and it would be wise to think twice before allowing the termination of such a scarce resource. There are also many students
for whom there are no alternatives. The reasons that Kemptville or Alfred may be the only feasible options for many of their students are plentiful - the most obvious being that as agricultural students, many of them are needed at home on the farm during weekends and cannot afford the time or money for travelling to Guelph. Some of these students are deliberately seeking a diploma, and may not have the marks or desire necessary to get into a full-fledged university program. For others, Alfred is the only French-speaking school with an agricultural program. The job loss is also substantial for the faculty and staff involved. The degrees and expertise acquired by the faculty of these institutions are reflective of years of hard work, comparable to none. Their knowledge is invaluable, and like the school itself, cannot be sought elsewhere. Most of these people have spent a large chunk of their lives devoted to their field, where they spend their days contributing not only to their research, but also to their students, the school, and to society as a whole. To rip away
from these folks their livelihood is to deprive Ontario of important research and future students of a high-quality career - and will likely break a lot of hearts. The effects on the economies of the small host towns will be detrimental. This point doesn’t need a whole lot of explaining. As anyone here in Guelph can see, “student towns” thrive on the presence of young academia who pump millions of dollars into the coffers of local businesses and government. Though the Alfred and Kemptville campuses may have lower numbers than here, those students are no less important to the citizens of their respective towns who rely on them for dollars to keep their own families sustained. The secrecy and surprise factors were callous, cowardly, and extremely inconsiderate. Difficult decisions are necessary - that we know. But I feel as though it is these components of undercover decision making that have appalled people the most, myself included. Many feel rightly blindsided and hurt by the secret manner in which this was done. There is no justification for
the invisibility of the conversation in regards to the closure, including how 100th anniversary preparations were made, even as the elites were fully intending to bring a sudden halt to the schools. If financial reasons are the true source of this “solution,” perhaps we should better reflect on how the university manages its money. I have a feeling that, much like the government, a proper allocation of funds isn’t always made. I may not know all the goings-on of U of G’s treasury, but one need only take a look around to see that sometimes, money is spent where it doesn’t belong. Ultimately, it breaks my heart to be criticizing a part of U of G while mourning another. If these closures are allowed to occur, I truly believe it will be a decision they will come to regret.
The views represented in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ontarion nor its staff.
14 The Ontarion Inc. University Centre Room 264 University of Guelph N1G 2W1 ontarion@uoguelph.ca Phone: 519-824-4120 General: x58265 Editorial: x58250 Advertising: x58267 Accounts: x53534 Editorial Staff : Editor-in-Chief Jessica Avolio News Editor Michael Long Arts & Culture Editor Emily Jones Sports & Health Editor Andrew Donovan Associate Editor Stacey Aspinall Copy Editor Alyssa Ottema Production Staff : Photo & Graphics Editor Wendy Shepherd Ad Designer Justin Thomson Layout Director Stephanie Lefebvre Office Staff : Business manager Lorrie Taylor Ad manager Al Ladha Office Coordinator Vanessa Tignanelli Circulation Director Sal Moran Web Editor Alexander Roibas Board of Directors President Heather Luz Treasurer Alex Lefebvre Chairperson Patrick Sutherland Secretary Anthony Jehn Directors Bronek Szulc Harrison Jordan Sohrab Rahmaty Melissa Yan Contributors Bethany Atkinson Matthew Azevedo Carleigh Cathcart Sameer Chhabra Eric Green Chloe Gresel
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EDITORIAL
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Matt Lawson Danielle Mihok Abraham Munene Adrien Potvin Rudolf Spruit Danielle Subject
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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 or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2011 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify the Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement. The Ontarion is printed by the Guelph Mercury.
Coping with anxiety and stressors During any given year, there are many moments and life events that seem to build to a point where one feels they are spiraling out of control. This is likely the busiest time of year for university students with a seemingly never-ending list of essay due dates, late midterms, presentations, and final exams. Hopefully this article will be beneficial to everyone who reads it, because it will guide those in learning how to stay productive while dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with being busy. Everyone deals with their “to-do” lists differently, and everyone’s lists encompass different things. Stressors come in a variety of different spheres and take different forms. Some of us are dealing with stressors from school, some from relationships, work, and some from a combination of different sources. The first step in trying to deal with these stressors and the anxiety that often follows is to figure out the culprit – the root of the stress. Once it is determined, it is time to find solutions to be productive in these often-burdensome and possibly unhealthy situations. In an article by Heidi Grant Halvorson titled “How to Make Yourself Work When You Just
Don’t Want To,” three different types of procrastination are identified: fear associated with “screwing something up,” feeling unmotivated due to laziness, and lacking the desire to do something due to it being “unpleasant.” Throughout the article, Halvorson suggests ways to work with and against these forms of unproductiveness to make you into your most productive self. Halvorson begins by talking about people who hold themselves back because they fear doing something wrong, which is a harmful way to live because of the cycle of negativity. For instance, if I stop myself from working on an assignment because I fear doing it wrong, I would not only “psych” myself out and cause more stress to my life, but I also lose the precious time I had already set aside to write the assignment. By not acting on one’s own ability to get things done as a result of fear, individuals can actually lose what they already do have. Halvorson recommends taking a “preventative focus” (focusing safety and responsibility) rather can a “promotion focus” (focusing on hopes and accomplishments). Psychologists often use a promotion focus, but according to Halvorson, it
is only effective when people are feeling optimistic and eager. A “preventative focus,” writes Halvorson, “is actually enhanced by anxiety about what might go wrong” and causes people to “take immediate action.” This tactic is encouraging for those who are suffering from stress and anxiety because it gives them a reason to act instead of using their fear of messing up, which could result in them accomplishing nothing at all. The second type of procrastination that Halvorson speaks of is the kind where people don’t act because they don’t feel like acting. This often comes from thinking things like, “I can’t do that, because I can’t do this.” An example Halvorson gives is, “I just can’t get out of bed early in the morning,” and she negates this by saying that in reality there is nothing stopping you. Halvorson’s stance is clear - if you want to do something then do it, because nothing is holding you back but yourself. Some days, an extra hour of lazing around the house would feel nice, but it only feels nice in that hour, and then the rest of the day you may feel that you’re pulled too thin. The third type of procrastination is “putting something off because it’s hard, boring, or
otherwise unpleasant.” Halvorson recommends something she describes as “if-then planning,” which is to be used as a tactic to achieve something you want. Halvorson says, “Willpower is limited.” By utilizing “if-then planning,” people are able to achieve things because they know that if they do what they need to do, they will be able to do things they actually want to do afterwards. This type of planning can keep you motivated throughout the week. For instance, if you have plans for the entire weekend, you can get up early and do your readings each day this week, and only then will you be able to enjoy your time while away, because you won’t be tied down by a heavy work load. Halvorson states that by using this solution, people “increase rates of goal attainment and productivity by per cent to per cent on average.” Hopefully this article will make you feel it is possible to stay productive and relieve the feeling of being overwhelmed when dealing with this busy time of the year. Remember, the result of not acting on results in more stress, so it is best to make a plan and stick to it to guarantee a satisfying and productive year-end.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Last week, students voted in with . per cent the “Student Space Initiative,” approving the collection every semester of per full-time student and cents per part-time student, with the goal of amassing , over five years to partially fund improvements for study space on campus. This measure is a major step backwards for students and opens the door for the downloading of more
fees from the administration to students. Let us be clear: Improving the availability of space is an important issue for students on this campus and more should be done about this. However, students already pay upwards of , per year to study at this university, on top of textbooks, food, and rent among other rising costs. They shouldn’t foot the bill
for such a basic upgrade - a clear responsibility of the university administration. Our university administration can afford to pay its president nearly , and also give six figure salaries to dozens of other administrators, vice-administrators, and other bureaucrats. There is simply no fair or logical basis to make students participate in this scheme, especially since at the same time, the university is paying a similar amount to build a bronze statue. There is more than meets the eye to this question than simply adding to your semester fees. At stake here is the issue of the public funding of our university. This question was like an experiment conducted by the administration in downloading costs to students, cleverly working in conjunction with students close to the administration to draft and promote this proposal. With the success of the campaign, the administration will now feel more confident downloading more costs to students in the future, initiating a dangerous trend for students. It is clear that this isn’t only about per semester if we take into account the other costs we have been made to pay in the past - take the athletic building fee (.) or the energy retrofit fee (.), for example. These dollars add up, and if this trend continues
unchecked, it will make poor students even poorer while the administration washes its hands of its basic responsibilities. We have seen the administration of this university double-cross students before on a similar question, when it took over the University Center, which had originally been paid for by students through their own initiative. We know they won’t pass on an opportunity to save a few bucks on our backs. While we would like to point out the Ontarion’s article from last week was factually incorrect in saying the GSMC had taken a stand and founded the No campaign – the issue wasn’t even discussed among us until our first meeting after the vote results were announced – we would now like to send out a strong warning against any future attempts by the administration to download its costs on to us, and encourage students to be more vigilant towards ploys of the administration and its allies in college governments. Guelph Student Mobilization Committee Have a question, comment or complaint? Send us a letter to the editor at ontarion@uoguelph.ca. Deadline is Monday at p.m., word max.
FUN PAGE
173.10 • THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 Across 1- Rural 7- Director Vittorio De ___ 11- Derelict 14- Resist 15- Booty 16- Santa ___ 17- Tara family 18- Absolute ruler 20- In a specific order 22- Reason for a raise 23- Sailor 24- ___ in Charlie 25- Pleasure ride 27- Bacchanalian cry 29- On ___ with 31- Doozy 32- Revise 35- Actor McGregor 37- Mdse. 38- Receipt 41- Spots on TV 44- Conduit 45- Firefly, e.g. 49- Defeat 51- Horse’s gait 53- Shrinking sea 54- Tibetan breed of
small dog 56- Pound sound 59- May ___ excused? 60- Fungal infection 61- Republic in E Africa 63- Planetoid 66- Borrowed 67- Hard water 68- Take down ___ 69- Must 70- Actor Beatty 71- Shrivelled, without moisture 72- Rubber Down 1- Cock 2- Lift up 3- Songbird 4- Actress Spelling 5- Designer Mizrahi 6- Jai alai basket 7- Close with force 8- Debtor’s letters 9- Portable bed 10- Mote 11- Excepting 12- Singlehanded
CLASSIFIEDS
Better Bagel Nutrition Study at the University of Guelph is looking for participants >yrs old. Financial compensation. bagel@uoguelph.ca or --x
COMMUNITY LISTINGS
University of Guelph’s School of English and Theatre Studies is proud to present The Man of Mode, a comedy set in the s. March -, George Luscombe Theatre. Tickets available at box office. Acqua Hair Salon Cut-a-thon, pm-pm Saturday March nd at Wyndham St. N. for haircut, for blowout, for makeup, DJ, drinks & prizes! Apply for the Shire ADHD Scholarship Program by April . The bursary includes , and one full year of ADHD Coaching (, value). See here for more details about the scholarship and eligibility: http://www.shireadhdscholarship.com/CA-EN/default.aspx eMERGE Guelph’s ECOmarket & Community Connections Fair. Saturday, March , am – pm at Old Quebec Street Mall. Learn ways to reduce your environmental impact with green ideas, services and products. Writing the World: The Connie Rooke Conversations. An evening with Michael Ondaatje and guest speakers. Friday March , -:pm at The Atrium. Free admission. ATTENTION LADIES! FASTBALL PLAYERS WANTED! KW based recreational women’s league is looking for players for the season. Part-time players welcome! Visit www.kwladiesfastball.com for league and contact info. April - Stress Less for Tests program begins at : pm. Learn how to enhance exam performance by decreasing anxiety, improving focus and curbing worry. Part One on April and Part on April . Fee: . Details at www.uoguelph.ca/~ksomers.
15 13- Affairs 19- King mackerel 21- This ___ stickup! 25- Mouth bones 26- Toothbrush brand 28- Dawn deity 30- Basil-based sauce 33- Far out! 34- Awkward person 36- Never, in Nuremberg 39- Beige cousin 40- Pod occupant 41- Refrain voluntarily 42- Burst open 43- Hallowed 46- Camera stands 47- Lip shaped 48- Bess’s predecessor 50- Biblical pronoun 52- Make lace 55- Gogol’s “___ Bulba” 57- Geneva’s river 58- More delicate 61- Advantage 62- Olive genus 64- Poetically ajar 65- Comparative suffix
Last Week's Solution
SUBMIT your completed crossword by no later than Monday, March 24th at 4 for a chance to win TWO FREE BOB’S DOGS!
Congratulations to this week's crossword winner: Alison Berezuk and Ruth Brown. Stop by the Ontarion office to pick up your prize!