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Introducing the new
the journal Professor’s academic freedom violated, report finds
Vol. 143, Issue 1
T u e s day , J u n e 2 , 2 0 1 5
since
1873
Morteza Shirkhanzadeh brings 2005 Professor allegations of research misconduct to Queen’s
2011
Shirkhanzadeh banned from three campus buildings and email communications with Queen’s employees
creates a website to publish allegations 2012 ofShirkhanzadeh misconduct after University investigation ends
Queen’s accuses Shirkhanzadeh of harassment and 2014 threatens discipline if website not taken down
2015
CAUT report concludes that Queen’s violated Shirkhanzadeh’s academic freedom
CAUT report finds “pattern of retaliation” against professor alleging research misconduct J acob R osen News Editor According to a report published last month by a national union association, Queen’s has taken steps over the past 10 years to silence an engineering professor who attempted to expose evidence of research misconduct. Morteza Shirkhanzadeh, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, has provided Queen’s with alleged instances of plagiarism and fabricated or falsified data in scientific papers written by another Queen’s professor in 2005, who will remain unnamed due to legal concerns. The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), a nationwide union association, represents 68,000 university teachers. According to the report, “The behaviour of Queen’s Administration in this matter is a typical reaction of an organization that has to deal with issues brought to it by a whistleblower. Rather than deal with the allegations in a fair and impartial manner, it seeks
Letter from Provost and Vice-Principal Robert A. Silverman to Dr. Morteza Shirkhanzadeh, with Principal Daniel Woolf and Bill Young, chair of the Board of Trustees, copied.
to silence the whistleblower to preserve its own reputation. “We conclude that there is a pattern of retaliation against
Professor Shirkhanzadeh in response to his allegations of fraud and misconduct.” However, Queen’s Provost
SUPPLIED BY LITTLE OFFICE OF RESEARCH INTEGRITY (LORI)
Alan Harrison told The Journal that CAUT has no jurisdiction over matters of academic freedom due to the collective union agreement
between the Queen’s University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA). Because of the agreement, Queen’s didn’t participate in the investigation. Instead, CAUT used materials provided by Shirkhanzadeh and QUFA for their report. Shirkhanzadeh said research misconduct had been occurring for years before a colleague brought it to his attention in 2005. Shirkhanzadeh brought his allegations to the University shortly after. “I thought that what I’m doing is good for the University, it’s good for the funding agencies, good for the students and public,” Shirkhanzadeh said. “My general feeling over the last 10 years is they don’t like that. They don’t want to investigate.” Shirkhanzadeh found multiple journal articles credited to the accused professor with research from a Queen’s physics experiment that he alleges contain plagiarism and falsified or fabricated data. “It was a clear case of research misconduct,” he said. His allegations of academic misconduct received media See CAUT, page 7
INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS
EDITORIALS
OP-ED
ARTS
SPORTS
Obituary: Queen’s mourns Madison Crich
RMC’s sexual violence culture runs deep
Canadian schools underprepare students
Students present stirring pieces in juried exhibition
Defensive back Brendan Morgan taken in CFL draft
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2 •queensjournal.ca
News
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
OBITUARY
Queen’s remembers Madison Crich Professors say Crich was a sharp student with a quick wit T arini P ahwa Assistant News Editor
many students he taught. “It is a great loss that she is no longer with us. And it is a greater loss to the Queen’s students and faculty are mourning world at large that we will not see how she the loss of Madison Crich, who had recently might have realized her immense potential,” completed her first year at the Faculty of Law. Balasubramaniam said via email. Family and friends of Madison told The Another professor, Dr. Amy Bartholomew, Journal that she was a hardworking and said she invited Crich to several PhD seminars loving student with an infectiously positive due to her intellectual talents. personality. Madison was born in Ottawa. “Madison was truly a scholar. She enjoyed Crich passed away due to natural causes the pursuit of learning. She would dig into on April 24. At 25 years of age, she had the most difficult theoretical texts and plumb recently completed her first year in the their depths for insight,” Dr. Bartholomew Faculty of Law at Queen’s University. Flags said via email. on campus were lowered in Crich’s memory. Dr. Jane Dickson, professor and associate Rachel Morison, a second-year law chair at Carleton University, said she student, and a close friend of Crich, said the considered Madison as a friend. The two halls of the Law building will feel the loss of would often find themselves engaged in a an exceptional student. range of theoretical debates, she added. “She was one of my closest friends and it’s Dickson said that Crich, who had been a hard to accept the fact that I won’t be hearing teaching assistant in one of Dickson’s classes, her laugh in the hallways and classrooms this had a rare ability to motivate her students coming fall,” Morison, JD ’17, said. and others around her. “She was a bright presence in my life and “Madison was remarkable. She lived her that of many others, and she will always be life with incredible passion, energy and grace, missed and loved.” and although she is no longer with us, she Morison remembers meeting Crich will continue to be a part of each life she in their first year. She said they quickly touched,” Dickson said. became close friends and attended many Although Crich spent only one year at lectures together. Queen’s, professors at the Queen’s Faculty of “She was funny and extremely bright Law also said they were heartbroken to hear with a big heart and an infectious laugh,” of her passing. Morison said. “She was a lovely, gentle, and charming In a statement released earlier last month, young woman with a sharp mind and a quick Principal Woolf said, “on behalf of the wit, and one of the finest students in the Queen’s community, I want to extend deep class,” Professor Bruce Pardy said via email. Crich was an experienced dressage rider and loved her horses. and sincere condolences to Madison’s family Pardy led Crich’s group in her Torts and friends. Our thoughts are with them at class — a legal studies class required by all this time.” students of the law — at the Queen’s School HARASSMENT Crich was also an experienced dressage of Law. rider, which is a type of competitive horse Bill Flanagan, Dean of the Faculty of training. Morison said Crich loved her horses Law sent his condolences to the Crich family on behalf of the faculty and the and treated them with adoration. Before she arrived at Queen’s, Crich Queen’s community. pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in the A celebration of life was held on Faculty of Law at Carleton University. She Friday, May 1. Details can be found at received the Senate Medal for Outstanding tubmanfuneralhomes.com. Academic Achievement upon graduation in June 2013. Anyone in need of support is encouraged to Professors at Carleton University said contact Health, Counselling and Disability they also fondly remember her. Dr. Ruben Services at 613-533-6000 ext.78264 and/or Balasubramaniam, a professor at Carleton, University Chaplain Kate Johnson at said Madison Crich stood out amongst the 613-533-2186 orkate.johnson@queensu.ca
SUPPLIED BY RACHEL MORISON
Student reports harassment by man in vehicle Perpatrator in truck allegedly took photo of female student while walking A nisa R awhani Editor in Chief
up a camera phone, taking photos of her before driving away. She said she believes he had been photographing her body. Originally published online May 26. “It’s disgusting that men see me as a sexual object like that and think it’s okay to take Kingston police are on the lookout for a man pictures of me and to know have it’s [my who took a photo of a young woman from photo] on his phone,” the student said. “I his vehicle at Elm and Division Streets. don’t know what he’s doing with it.” A second-year Queen’s student, who As he turned onto Division St. the student requested to remain anonymous for safety took a photo of his vehicle — a large, reasons, said she was walking down Elm St. dark car with a trailer attached to the back. towards Division St. at 8 a.m. this morning According to the student, the man was 30 to when she heard someone driving slowly 40 years old, European, balding and had a behind her. ginger-blondish beard. According to the student, the man in She said she immediately reported the the vehicle began whistling and making incident to the police. All police, including indiscernible noises. When the student patrolling officers, have been made aware See Police on page 7 turned to wave him off, he smiled and held
CORRECTION No students interviewed characterized the Wolfpack as a white supremacist group. Incorrect information appeared in the April 2nd edition of The Journal. The Journal regrets the error. A photo of the truck from the student’s cell phone. She says a man driving the truck photographed her as she was walking. (Anonymous)
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
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FEATURE SEX WORK
Sex in the city Violence and vulnerability main issues in profession S ean S utherland Features Editor Whether on the street, within massage parlours or at a strip club, sex is a commodity to be sold in Kingston. Touch of Class, an erotic massage parlour, is located on Princess St., not far from the Plaza Gentleman’s Club on Montreal St. — Kingston’s only strip club. The two locations offer strikingly different services, but they both fall under the broad spectrum of sex work. Sex work describes the payment of any person for the performance of a sexual service. Acts ranging from lap dances to intercourse and professions from pornography to prostitution fall under this umbrella. While most students don’t encounter this side of Kingston, some students do engage in sex work. One male Queen’s student told The Journal that he’s had sex for money in the past to help him pay for tuition. The undergraduate student requested to remain anonymous due to concerns about future employment. “It’s not like I do it every day all the time,” the student said. “It’s every once in a while, when I feel like I need more money. It’s more of a secondary thing than my primary source of income.” He first received an offer on Grindr, a gay dating app, to get paid for sex in July 2014. Because he was already interested in having sex with the other man, the student decided to take him up on his offer. “I thought ‘why not have sex with him and get paid for it?’” he said. After the initial encounter, the student said he included a note on his Grindr profile that he was interested in receiving payment for sex, though the profile included a fake name. He said he has now stopped receiving money for sex after entering into a relationship with
another man. He has told his partner about his past, and said his partner understands why he did what he did. The student said his style of sex work was different from sex workers on the street, because he had control over who he met. Through Grindr, he could base his choices on men he found attractive instead of accepting any offer. This also allowed him to practice in a safer environment, he said. “I haven’t felt uncomfortable in any situation yet,” he said, but added that he does worry about the potential of something going wrong. Sex workers in Canada have been victims of violent crimes, including victims of serial killer Robert Pickton. The student said the possibility weighed on his mind. “There’s a little caution or fear when meeting up with someone,” he said. “I feel that it’s heightened when we’re talking about sex work.” To ensure his safety, the student said he tells a close friend to check out the situation if he doesn’t contact them by a certain time afterwards. He also tries to get to know potential clients better by messaging them beforehand. He added that 60 per cent of the conversations where offers were made didn’t end in sex, either because he felt unnerved by the potential client or they backed out of their original offer. The Plaza did not respond to repeated requests for comment While the student felt comfortable in most situations while working, a group in Kingston exists that offers support and advocacy for sex workers. The Sex Worker Action Group (SWAG) was founded four years ago by allies of sex workers, including members of Kingston HIV/AIDS Regional Services (HARS), and since then the organization has focused on providing aid for sex workers in Kingston for a variety of issues.
SWAG is run by Sarah Johnston, Women and HIV/AIDS coordinator at HARS. She said sex workers have recently contacted her to seek help with problems such as landlord-tenant agreements and cases of harassment. SWAG also seeks to decriminalize sex work. According to Johnston, “sex work is real work and should be treated as such.” She added that the group advocates for sex workers who may not feel comfortable seeking help on their own. “It’s not safe to be vocal about it,” she said. “So we just kind of stepped in as a voice. We don’t have to worry about the pushback in our lives, because we’re in a position of privilege where we’re working in a different type of job.” Johnston said the founding of SWAG has provided sex workers with the knowledge that people outside of the industry are willing to offer support. While SWAG advocates for sex workers’ rights in Kingston, the national legal landscape is also changing. Many of Canada’s old prostitution laws regarding the sale of sex were struck down as unconsitutional by the Bedford Decision — a 2013 Supreme Court ruling. In December 2014, the Canadian government passed Bill C-36, which established new laws surrounding prostitution. Selling sex is legal under the new laws, but purchasing sex and advertising for the purposes of sex work are illegal. It’s also illegal to profit from another person’s sex work, such as working as a driver for a worker. Johnston said these laws have made sex work more dangerous for those involved in the trade, because it puts sex workers in a position of vulnerability and opens the door for violence against them. “Not being able to advertise and not being able to work with people — that increases the danger because you don’t necessarily have
Sex work encompasses professions ranging from prostitution and escorts to dancers at strip clubs, such as the Plaza.
PHOTO BY KENDRA PIERROZ One Queen’s student The Journal spoke to received payment for sex multiple times after originally getting an offer on Grindr, a gay dating app.
a co-worker with you,” she said. “And if you can’t advertise through legitimate means, it makes it very hard to have a conversation with that person and kind of feel it out and see how things are going.” Johnston said most of the sex workers she’s talked to have experienced some form of violence — either sexual or physical — at some point while working in the industry. The frequency of violence against sex workers has led to changes in the enforcement of the prostitution laws. Kingston Police (KP) Media Relations Officer Steve Koopman said the emphasis for police has shifted from charging sex workers to stopping people with the potential to exploit them, such as pimps. “Once you’re getting to the pimps, in terms of those who are controlling the workers,” he said, “that’s where you get to the oppression aspect in terms of abuse, assault, sexual assault and so forth.” Koopman added that sex
workers are often charged with drug offences, while pimps are arrested for more serious and often violent crimes. When police do investigate prostitution, they focus on underage sex workers or victims of human trafficking. Koopman said the KP hasn’t charged anyone with human trafficking, but it has happened elsewhere in Ontario. He added that the KP has closed down several escort services and other illegal “bawdy houses” over the last 10-15 years, but said police don’t have solid numbers on how many sex workers operated in Kingston during that time. While sex work still faces legal challenges, Koopman said police have recently focused more on creating an environment where sex workers are able to reach out to the police if they’re in a potentially dangerous situation. “We find some of them are vulnerable or being taken advantage of, and that’s where you’re seeing the shift occurring within the policing structure,” he said.
PHOTO BY ALEX PICKERING
News
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Tuesday, June 2, 2015
RICHARDSON STADIUM
Stadium construction to begin
University officials say construction will cease prior to the begining of the 2016 football season V ictoria G ibson Assistant News Editor The first phase of construction on the Richardson Stadium revitalization project will begin this summer, which University officials say will have little impact on the 2015-16 football season. John Witjes, Director of Physical Plant Services, said the first phase of construction is set to begin this July on the stadium’s east side. According to Witjes, construction will begin at “the spaces near the tennis courts and the parking lots.” Witjes said the initial construction will be mostly groundwork, which refers to the laying of pipes and drainage systems beneath the turf. These additions are scheduled to be completed in advance of the coming football season — specifically, the first home game on Aug. 30. Construction will then cease for the remainder of the 201516 season until November 2015, after the date of the final home game. “We are hoping for absolute minimal impact [on the players and spectators],” Witjes assured. He added that the field and spaces reserved for spectators won’t be affected by the work done during the summer.
Emilio Frometa, ArtSci ’16, the left guard for the Queen’s football team, said he isn’t fazed by construction plans. “As long as there is a field, goal posts, a ‘Q’ at center field, and room for the fans along with Queen’s Bands, I’m sure that the
tradition of Queen’s football will carry on,” Frometa said. The revitalized stadium is scheduled to be built by August 2016. It will include a full artificial turf field, a Jumbotron scoreboard and new stadium seating. This past year has seen a lengthy consultation process with students and community members. Members at AMS assembly have debated the
timeline of construction and the physical makeup of the stadium — most notably at a Richardson-specific assembly on March 2, 2015. The stadium’s new seating plan includes a six-foot elevation between the stands and the field. Computing Students’ Association President Erin Gallagher, CompSci ’16, said the proposed seating plans could endanger students during the March 2 meeting. “You’re raising the stands six feet, what would happen when people try to storm the field?” Gallagher said.
Rector Mike Young, said he was also concerned for student safety due to the six-foot drop, adding that the field rush is not an “if”, but more of a “when”. Member-at-large Leo Erlikhman disagreed. During that session of assembly, he said the stadium would provide a better fan experience. In a recent interview Erlikhman, ArtSci ’15, said the focus should be
on expanding student attendance at sporting events, not the Field Rush. “The field and stands are made so that we can have a better experience, and that should not be sacrificed for 15 minutes of field running. We need more students in the stands and more people caring about viewing our Gaels play,” Erlikhman said. Queen’s Athletics also succeeded in extending its noise bylaw exemption from the City of Kingston. Following complaints last year from community members about the level of noise coming from the fields on West Campus, the University received a limited one-year noise bylaw exemption. Queen’s Athletics went back to City Council for a one-year extension, which was granted to them starting May 2015. The bylaw exemption allows Queen’s Athletics to use the sound and lights necessary for sporting event held on the field between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. “It is important always to know what concerns we need to work with — whether that is City staff, councilors or neighbours,” said Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation. She added that she’s pleased with the outcome of the meeting. “It is validating that our work this past year has been rewarded.”
AMS
Queen’s Earth Centre becomes an AMS service Co-Chairs say they’re excited about the new opportunities the move will create T arini P ahwa Assistant News Editor The Queen’s Earth Centre — once an AMS club — has become an AMS service under the Commission of the Environmevnt and Sustainability (CES). Recent updates to AMS by-laws prohibit clubs from being solely revenue-generating entities due to concerns about insurance for AMS clubs. Both the Earth Centre and the the Sexual Health Resource Centre (SHRC) were revenue-generating clubs. Claire Cathro, the former AMS Commissioner of Internal Affairs, told the The Journal in March the clubs office had been working to identify “areas of risk relating to our insurance” and the issue of revenue-generating clubs was brought to assembly on March 19. The Centre was faced with a decision similar to the SHRC, which ultimately became a Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) club last March. On March 13, AMS clubs that generated revenue discovered they had to decide whether to become an SGPS club or an AMS service
for the upcoming year, with only a few days to decide. While the SHRC had concerns about the implications of the changes for the structure of their service, the Earth Centre’s decision to join the AMS as a service was simple. “Within about four days, [the Earth Centre] told us they wanted to join the AMS,” said Leah Kelly, the former Commissioner for the CES. Former Co-Chairs Alex Bohm, and Josh Goodfield, both ArtSci ’15, said the service will have the potential to become more visible at Queen’s due to increased reach and marketing ability of the AMS. For the former Co-Chairs, the AMS was an obvious choice. The governing body outlined the options for the Earth Centre, which they said made the transition easy. “They [the AMS] presented the options fairly and seemed extremely supportive of our mission statement,” they said via e-mail. The Earth Centre, located in room 3-A607 on the third floor of the Queen’s Centre, would have
otherwise been required to change their business model so they didn’t generate profit. Now that the Centre has become a service, Bohm and Goodfield said they can continue generating profits. The Earth Centre sells environmentally — friendly household items such as cleaning supplies at cost to allow students to reduce their environmental impact in an affordable manner. The Earth Centre also promotes sustainability within the larger Kingston community through programming, including a clothing swap, used light bulb collection and a partnership with Awesome Kingston to fund green projects. The Commissioner of the Environment & Sustainability at the AMS, Peter Liberty, said the move has given the Centre new opportunities. “By joining the AMS as a service rather than a club, the Earth Centre avoids this issue while gaining an opportunity to grow due to the resources the AMS can offer,” Liberty, Sci’ 16, said. The Centre is currently in the process of “renovating a new space,” Liberty added.
Earth Centre Co-Chairs Heather McKay and Liang Zhu.
Earth Centre Co-Chairs Heather McKay and Liang Zhu, who are running the service this year, said the changes will help the service in the long run. “It represents an opportunity
SUPPLIED BY THE AMS
for students to take a more active role in being socially and environmentally responsible, and is a service that will hopefully inspire others to make changes in their lives”, they said via email.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
News
queensjournal.ca
•5
ADMINISTRATION
New sexual assault policy drafted Sexual assault working group releases report with recommendations for prevention J acob R osen News Editor Queen’s is one step closer to implementing an official sexual assault policy on campus. On June 1, the Queen’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Working Group (SAPRWG) publicly released a draft of its policy. The policy, along with an official report of recommendations, will be brought to Senate for the University to implement. The release of the documents comes a semester after the group had submitted an interim sexual assault policy, and almost half a year since the lack of a sexual assault policy on campus was addressed in the media (including The Journal and The Toronto Star). “I would definitely say the media helped expedite the process,” Emily Wong, former AMS Social Issues Commissioner and former student representative on SAPRWG, said. According to the SAPRWG’s press release, the new draft of the sexual assault policy has been built off of the interim policy, which included a definition of sexual assault and consent, as well as a list of resources available to victims. The new draft of the policy has a list of definitions including harassment and misconduct, along with other key words. It also includes the various ways a victim can report an incident and the steps the University will take in response to a reported misconduct. On their website, SAPRWG states that they plan to present the policy before Senate during the summer and that it will likely be approved prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Along with the proposed policy draft, the group compiled a report on the issues surrounding sexual assault on campus. The report includes 11 recommendations to the University for sexual assault prevention and response. One of the recommendations included the establishment of a sexual assault resource centre, which Wong said would ideally encompass both professional support and peer education. “This is something that should be for all students across all years. The exposure that they’re going to get about sexual assault prevention education, that’s a huge part of the prevention piece,” Wong, ArtSci ’15, said. The prevention process will include the implementation of education sessions, which will likely begin in frosh week, according to Wong. She added that the group discussed
implementing a bystander curriculum to Orientation Roundtable (ORT) this summer to incorporate education into Orientation Week this coming fall. Wong said one of the biggest problems for the group was avoiding overlap with criminal justice system, where the University has no jurisdiction, but still dealing with alleged perpetrators. “We were never really talking about discipline … it was more of the process and in terms of consequences — they’re very similar to what students could face for academic dishonesty or any other criminal offence,” Wong said. Other recommendations include streamlining academic accommodations for victims, clarifying the support roles of resources and university bodies, first-responder training, peer-involved prevention education and a comprehensive university sexual assault policy. Wong said she was extremely impressed with how the group worked together to develop these recommendations and the importance they placed on student feedback. “I really hope that the [SAPRWG] will continue to incorporate student feedback as well as it has up to this point because that’s not always the case with university committees sometimes.” The report expressed satisfaction with the amount of input they’ve received from the Queen’s community. “In particular, the students on campus have been the most active leaders on this subject and their voices have been critically important to the development of the final report,” the report states. Wong, who’s graduating this summer, said the responsibility is still on students to bring these issues to light, especially while the University is listening. “It’s also really important that students like Tess Klaver and other people are coming forward with their stories because if students don’t come forward, we don’t know that there’s an issue,” Wong said, referring to the former Queen’s student who shared her story with The Toronto Star. “And if we don’t know that there’s a real pressing issue, then reports don’t get written, policy doesn’t get written and support services don’t have adequate resources channelled to them.”
GRAPHIC BY ANISA RAWHANI
Union Gallery Shaken and Stirred
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News
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Tuesday, June 2, 2015
INTERNATIONAL
Queen’s alumni caught in Nepal earthquake The Journal spoke to two Queen’s alumni who happened to be in Nepal in the midst of recent earthquakes. Sheppard was in Nepal for a placement in physiotherapy at a local hospital. Meanwhile, Casey Blustein, Artsci ’14, was backpacking across Nepal when the earthquakes began. V ictoria G ibson Journal Staff
and J acob
R osen
Phil Sheppard’s story
Casey Blustein’s story
Nepal was hit by disaster, but Phil Sheppard, arrangement was an upgrade compared to a Queen’s physiotherapy alumnus caught the empty bag of rice he used as a tarp in the midst of the earthquake, said he was in Pokhara. During the week in Katmandu, things exactly where he needed to be. “I was expecting to be in these situations, began to revert back to some sort of normalcy. but after they occurred, obviously. Not The night before Sheppard spoke to The during an earthquake or during a natural Journal, he was permitted to sleep inside on disaster,” Sheppard told The Journal in a a couch in the headquarters. Then the second phone interview on the afternoon of the earthquake hit. “Everyone in the street and all the traffic second earthquake. Sheppard, MSc ’12 (Biomechanics) completely stopped. Everyone turned off and Msc ’13 (Physical Therapy), went to their engines, and there was silence in Nepal two years ago for a placement in Kathmandu — and then, all the sudden, physiotherapy, where he helped open an everyone turned their vehicles on and then it outpatient physiotherapy program at a local was madness,” he said. Sheppard said the second earthquake had hospital. Sheppard recently returned to Nepal to work at the same centre. After finishing his greater effects than the first because fear placement, Sheppard embarked on a trek from the first earthquake had just begun through the Annapurna and passed through to subside. He added that physiotherapy the small town of Jhinu Danda when the 7.8 has an important role in natural disasters, because injured people often require magnitude earthquake hit on April 25. “I was packing my things, and then the long-term rehabilitation. “People lose attention after the media whole house started to shake,” he said. “I heard the people in the room next to me run leaves, but it will take them years to recover downstairs and get into the courtyard ... less from this.” Sheppard said he hasn’t had time to reflect than 30 seconds later, the roof collapsed.” Sheppard said he heard the aftershocks and will probably deal with the emotional and landslides that accompanied the initial impact of the disaster when he goes home. quake. For the next few days, he tried to He’s not yet sure when that will be. “We’ll see what the need is. I’m going to get to Kathmandu to help with relief aid. He finally contacted colleagues at Handicap stay as long as I’m needed.” International and The Red Cross, who sent him to the airport to assist the Nepalese army. At the time, the army was transporting injured patients to local hospitals. The scene at the airport was chaotic and disorganized, Sheppard said. Sheppard set himself up to assess orthopaedic conditions and spinal injuries, and travelled between hospitals in the area to aid medical staff where he could. When he spoke to The Journal, Sheppard had been in Katmandu for a week, living in a tent city set up outside the Handicap International headquarters. He said the living
The other alumnus — Casey Blustein, ArtSci ’14 — was in the wrong place at the wrong time. After graduation, Blustein embarked on a yearlong backpacking trek, making his way to Nepal to hike the Annapurna Circuit. He said was hiking during the first quake and he barely felt it at the time. However, as he continued along the 10-day trail, he began to see the effects it had the Nepalese communities around him.
“[the ground was] like a seesaw.” — Casey Blustein With communication lines down, he couldn’t contact his family during the days after the first earthquake. Blustein only realized the magnitude of the situation when he saw reports on the news days after the first earthquake. Blustein’s parents, who had last been in contact with him on April 23, were anxious to hear that their son was safe and they launched a Facebook group on April 26. He said he finally contacted his parents on April 27. Blustein stayed in Nepal and worked
with a friend to help in relief efforts, which opened his eyes to corruption in the Nepalese government. “We organized a supply truck, and got to a government checkpoint. We were already in the jeep for eight hours, and they turned us around,” Blustein said. “They’ve been taking the vast majority of aid and keeping it for themselves. Or they allow aid to villages that are politically friendly.” He said he realized there was little he could do to help and decided to leave the country. He had a flight booked on May 12, which was the day of the second earthquake. “I was right dead centre in Kathmandu ... bricks were falling around me. I was terrified. Women were trying to hand me babies, but there was nothing I could do. I just had to stand there. For two to three minutes after, [the ground was] like a seesaw,” Blustein said. When Blustein spoke to The Journal, he was in India preparing to leave the country. He said Nepal was naturally beautiful and he liked the people he met, but the earthquake shook the idealized image of the country from his mind. “There was a huge juxtaposition — it’s one of the most beautiful places [I’ve been], but there was all this sadness and terror”.
see bit.ly/1I7QDUv for the full video
News
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
queensjournal.ca
•7
CAUT has no jurisdiction at Queen’s, Provost says Continued from front page
both parties settled to drop charges have the jurisdiction to conduct didn’t like it. They thought it would of discipline if he didn’t comply, attention from Maclean’s magazine if Shirkhanzadeh removed certain any investigation into this matter, be embarrassing for them,” he said. according to Shirkhanzadeh. On April 28, 2014, In 2009, Shirkhanzadeh and Post Media News. In 2009, the posts from his website. However, and therefore Queen’s University Annals of the New York Academy the settlement included a provision did not participate in the CAUT followed up with NSERC and Shirkhanzadeh was notified that requested that they send him he was the subject of a harassment of Sciences retracted three of the that made it void if the CAUT investigation,” he said. When the case began in 2005, the report they received. Upon lawsuit filed by the University accused professor’s journal articles. published a report. Shirkhanzadeh Despite this, Shirkhanzadeh said says he no longer knows where he Shirkhanzadeh collected alleged reading NSERC’s response to the for materials and assertions made in regards to instances of research attempts to silence him have gone stands with the University. Queen’s employees In response to the report and misconduct and brought largely unnoticed. Upon bringing new allegations to the University the allegations, Provost Alan the allegations to the “CAUT does not have the jurisdiction on his website. Shirkhanzadeh refused in 2010, Shirkhanzadeh engaged Harrison said the University takes University in accordance to conduct any investigation into to take down posts and in constant email communication allegations of research misconduct with Senate policy on this matter, and therefore Queen’s latter settled the matter with the Queen’s administration. seriously and that policy sets a research misconduct. University did not participate in the with the University. Senate policy reads: In 2011, the University blocked clear process for investigating Following the Shirkhanzadeh from sending allegations. But he added that all “If a member of the CAUT investigation.” CAUT report, emails to Queen’s employees and Queen’s faculty members, staff and Queen’s community he was banned from entering three students have the right to “work has reasonable grounds — Provost Alan Harrison Shirkhanzadeh said he feels he has the support in an environment free from to suspect misconduct university buildings. of other academic in research or scholarly These sanctions were based intimidation or harassment”. He said QUFA is the “sole activity it is the member’s Queen’s investigation, he said he colleagues. But he added that the on allegations that Shirkhanzadeh emails were “unwelcomed”, and exclusive bargaining agent” responsibility to bring forward an concluded that the University had past 10 years haven’t been easy covered up misconduct. NSERC’s for him. according to an official letter sent to with representation rights for allegation promptly”. “It takes too much of my time, “That Senate policy basically 2006 report on the allegations Shirkhanzadeh from former Provost academic staff. The collective faculty members stated disappointment with the energy,” Shirkhanzadeh said. “With agreement between the University makes Robert Silverman. become responsible,” thoroughness of the Queen’s the disciplines and threats it has not “There was no physical investigation and raised concerns been a very good time for me.” Shirkhanzadeh said. threat, I didn’t enter Shirkhanzadeh said he never of a conflict of interest on the On Dec. 22, 2005, any buildings. It was all “Right from the beginning, Shirkhanzadeh received a part of the parties investigating considered leaving Queen’s, because electronic communications,” they didn’t like my allegations. the lack of investigation made into notice from the University the misconduct. Shirkanzadeh said. “I don’t They knew they were correct, After the ban on email allegations of research misconduct that the case had been know [the people I emailed but they didn’t like it. They in 2010, isn’t a problem isolated to Queen’s. closed, and the University communications in the administration]. I’ve sent a report to the Natural Shirkhanzadeh sought other ways In Canada, research project never been to some of those thought it would be Sciences and Engineering to get his message out. In 2012, funding agencies allow universities buildings at all.” embarrassing for them.” Research Council of he started a website called LORI to investigate their own instances Shirkhanzadeh published (NSERC). to publish his findings and he of alleged misconduct, which new allegations of research — Dr. Shirkhanzadeh Canada Dissatisfied with the continued to publish the allegations Shirkhanzadeh said is a conflict misconduct on his personal of interest. results of the investigation, throughout 2012 and 2013. website, called the Little “We need to have a system According to documents Office of Research Integrity and QUFA contains provisions Shirkhanzadeh began publishing (LORI), in 2012. The University on academic freedom and a his own research.Between 2007 provided by Shirkhanzadeh, independent of the University,” charged him with workplace grievance procedure for faculty and 2009, he published three Provost Alan Harrison directed he said. harassment in 2014 based on the “if s/he believes his/her academic peer-reviewed journal articles with Shirkhanzadeh on April 7, 2014 to The Journal will update this take down posts from the website freedom is being violated,” he said. his findings. posts he published on his website. “Right from the beginning, they because the investigation had story and provide new information Shirkhanzadeh, along with CAUT, meanwhile, doesn’t have an when it becomes available. didn’t like my allegations. They been closed. QUFA, filed grievances against agreement with the University. Harrison also made threats “Given this, CAUT does not knew they were correct, but they the University and in August 2014
Police say taking photos in public not a crime
would have to have a reasonable fear for her safety for the incident of the situation, according to constitute criminal harassment. to Const. Steve Koopman, He said officers can stop the media relations with the vehicle and ask the driver about Kingston Police. his motives, but can’t force him to As it stands, the incident doesn’t delete the photo. meet the threshold of criminal The student said catcalling has offence, Koopman said. become nearly a daily occurrence “It’s technically not an offence for her. “This happens pretty often to take a photo in a public place,” in Kingston,” she said, adding that he said, adding that the victim men in passing vehicles have called
Continued from page 2
her a “bitch” and “slut” in the past. Her choice of clothing doesn’t affect the catcalling, the student said. In her experience, it happens even if she’s wearing her work uniform or a big, baggy sweater. “There are no boundaries, it doesn’t matter the time of day,” she said. “It makes me feel really unsafe. It makes me feel like I don’t want to leave my house.”
News in brief SGPS Officially Out of Grey House
to more efficiently administer the space, and frees up resources for the SGPS to put towards our own The Society of Graduate and initiatives,” Cochrane said. The transition won’t impact Professional Students (SGPS) will no longer administer space SGPS services, but AMS clubs in the Grey House as of May 1, will be able to apply for space making the house an exclusively in the Grey House for the 2015-2016 academic year. AMS-run space. The clubs and groups The Grey House, located on campus at 51 Bader Lane near that are currently in the Grey Victoria Hall, was originally part House, including Queen’s First of the Student Life Centre and Aid and the Levana Society, was divided between the AMS will remain there for the and the SGPS. Because the AMS upcoming year. Cochrane said he remains predominantly uses the space, it was logical to make the space confident that all services offered exclusively administered by the by the AMS in the Grey House AMS, according to Jessamine will continue to be open for SGPS Luck, AMS Marketing and members as well. Communications Officer. “For instance, while the Sexual An AMS press release on April Health Resource Centre recently 22 announced the change. transitioned from being ratified SGPS president, Chris Cochrane, under the AMS to the SGPS, its said he agreed with the AMS. He services have remained available added that the move is primarily an to all AMS members, as well as administrative change. the broader Kingston community,” “[The move] will allow the AMS Cochrane said.
law, Corbett became a full-time for international and English as a member of the Queen’s Faculty of Second Language (ESL) students. Law in 1997. SASS will be spearheading the Dr. Corbett was the faculty’s programming while QLC provides Flags lowered at longest serving Associate Dean space for the new area. Queen’s in memory (Academic). He took the position Susan Korba, Director of SASS in 2008. said this lab will be “a space where of Stanley Corbett For his impact on the students he [SASS] will provide different Flags on campus were lowered taught, Dr. Corbett was honoured kinds of support than that offered on May 20, according to the on three separate occasions with by the Learning [Strategies] or Gazette, following the passing of the Law Students’ Society Teaching Writing Centre.” The lab will offer speech Adjunct Assistant Professor Stanley Award. A celebration of Dr. Corbett (BA ’66, MA’ 72, PhD ’82, Corbett’s life will be held during development software and other Law ’95), Associate Dean the summer. opportunities for students to (Academic) for the Faculty of Law improve their verbal and written on May 18. — Victoria Gibson English. The Residence Society For over five decades, Dr. funded the purchase of the software. Corbett dedicated himself to Although this lab will be focused New QLC lab Queen’s University. Beginning as on helping international and ESL provides space for a student of mathematics, Corbett students, the resources will be open then completed his post-graduate for all students, according to Korba. international degrees in philosophy. She said the lab will be a small students After a brief hiatus to Acadia room with a couple of computers University, he returned to Queen’s and work areas for students and embarked on an additional The Queen’s Learning Commons to book. degree in law. (QLC) and Student Academic After working as an adjunct Success Services (SASS), are creating — Samantha Figenshaw professor in philosophy and a new space in Stauffer Library — Samantha Figenshaw
8 •queensjournal.ca
News
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
queensjournal.ca
DIALOGUE
Editorial Board Editors in Chief Sebastian Leck Anisa Rawhani
Production Manager
Arwin Chan
News Editor
Jacob Rosen
Assistant News Editors
Samantha Figenshaw Victoria Gibson Tarini Pahwa
Features Editors
Sean Sutherland Alison Williams
Editorials Editor Opinions Editor
Jane Willsie
Kate Meagher
Arts Editor
Lauren Luchenski
Assistant Arts Editor
Ramna Safeer
Sports Editor
Adam Laskaris
Assistant Sports Editor
Joseph Cattana
Lifestyle Editor
Erika Streisfield
Assistant Lifestyle Editor Photo Editors
Kailun Zhang
Kendra Pierroz Maria Vlasova
Assistant Photo Editor Digital Manager
Jessica Sung
Editorials — The Journal’s Perspective
SEXUAL ASSAULT
RMC refuses to open up Recent events at the Royal Military College (RMC) reveal a disturbing history and pervasive culture of sexual violence at the school — and an unwillingness to do the bare minimum to protect students. Allegations of sexual assault and harassment have surrounded the school — including those against Officer Cadet Alex Whitehead, whose court martial for the alleged rape of a junior cadet is ongoing. Yet this is likely one of the few cases in which the reporting of an incident has led to a perpetrator being formally charged. Victims of sexual assaults at RMC were driven to seek legal counsel to prevent their own expulsion, demotion or suspension. No action was taken by the school to investigate these incidents. Nor any move to rectify the persistent culture of hostile hyper-sexuality — that’s been
identified in a review of sexual forward by future army personnel. Overturning the normalization assault in the Canadian Armed of sexual assault within its ranks Forces in April. Instead, the administration used is an opportunity for men, in an male-dominated evidence of psychological trauma aggressively resulting from being violently military, to exercise responsible assaulted as ammunition to deem leadership in the anti-sexual assault victims unfit for their chosen career. and harassment movement. However, sexual assault and RMC’s administration has been unpardonably uncooperative in harassment isn’t a problem that’s isolated to RMC. investigating this issue. Since the launch of Kathleen The school’s refusal to admit the existence of the issue has resulted Wynne’s “It’s Never Okay” Action in a systemic tradition of denial Plan, the prevalence of sexual and disregard for the lives of those violence and harassment has become more evident, as has the under its tutelage. The superiority of being a necessity of cooperation between military organization doesn’t administrations and individuals. As a larger movement gains exempt RMC from accountability force in Ontario to combat sexual for sexual violence. On the contrary, the institution’s violence and harassment, integral failure to address its problem is institutions, such as RMC, can’t all the more troubling because be overlooked. the mindset fostered among the — Journal Editorial Board cadets at the college will be carried
Kayla Thomson
Graphics Editor
Ashley Quan
Editorial Illustrator
Kia Kortelainen
Web Developer Copy Editors
Daniel Clarke
Kyla Craig Vishmayaa Jeyamoorthy Katie Ross
Contributing Staff
Staff Writers and Photographers alex Pickering Jenna Zucker Caela Fenton Blake Canning
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Spencer Belyea Daniel Cassese Nicole Costa Christina Ma Chelsea Speck Megan Williams
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Jasmit De Saffel Monday, June 1, 2015 • Issue 1• Volume 143
The Queen’s Journal is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Alma Mater Society of Queen’s University, Kingston. Editorial opinions expressed in the Journal are the sole responsibility of The Queen’s Journal Editorial Board, and are not necessarily those of the University, the AMS or their officers. Contents © 2015 by The Queen’s Journal; all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the Journal. The Queen’s Journal is printed on a Goss Community press by Performance Group of Companies in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Contributions from all members of the Queen’s and Kingston community are welcome. The Journal reserves the right to edit all submissions. Subscriptions are available for $80.00 per year (plus applicable taxes). Please address complaints and grievances to the Editors in Chief. Please direct editorial, advertising and circulation enquiries to: 190 University Ave., Kingston, ON, K7L 3P4 Telephone: 613-533-2800 (editorial) 613-533-6711 (advertising) Fax: 613-533-6728 Email: journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca The Journal online: www.queensjournal.ca Circulation 4,000
•9
ILLUSTRATION BY KIA KORTELAINEN
OMAR KHADR
Universities have a voice The actions of a McMaster University professor have exposed a failure on the part of Canadian universities to take a stance on issues of social and political justice. Upon Omar Khadr’s release on bail, Dr. David Clark extended an olive branch to the 28-year-old former Guantanamo Bay resident that was promptly rescinded by the university’s administration. The tenured professor wrote to his university president requesting that a spot be held for Khadr, who was captured in Afghanistan and charged with war crimes at 15 years old. The gesture was mostly symbolic — Khadr can’t leave Alberta — but Dr. Clark’s offer has a weighty sentiment behind it. It acknowledges the injustice of Khadr’s treatment by the American
and Canadian governments. Dr. Clark’s actions demonstrate the opportunity that universities have to voice their qualified support for social justice causes. It’s an opportunity that’s rarely seized. As places of learning and discourse, universities are strategically positioned to be able to comment on the goings-on of society and politicians. However, universities often protest that they have a responsibility to remain unbiased and apolitical. And as financial institutions, they’re generally unwilling to make statements that might alienate those of a differing opinion. McMaster has chosen to avoid conflict by claiming neutrality and stating that their open application policy places all applicants on
equal footing. But this claim presumes that all university applicants have had equal opportunity. Khadr was denied a childhood by the combined efforts of the American and Canadian governments to label him a dangerous terrorist at 15 years old. The actions or inactions of an institution have weight in public discourse. It’s nearly impossible for universities to remain completely neutral, as in some cases even the refusal to comment becomes an implied comment. By remaining neutral and abstaining from the opportunity to actively remedy a social injustice, McMaster failed to acknowledge that any injustice has taken place. — Journal Editorial Board
jane willsie
Exercise democracy In the last federal election, it took 6,201 votes to elect a majority Conservative government. In that same election 9,434,184 eligible Canadian voters didn’t cast a ballot. To put this into perspective, if every person that didn’t vote suddenly had the urge to elect the Communist Party of Canada, we would all be wearing red right now. Although we justifiably mock our leaders and bemoan their insincerity, over 9 million people failed to represent themselves in a system of representative leadership. This places the onus for our politicians’ inadequacy squarely on our own shoulders. I used to long to be an adult because it looked like they knew everything; how to do taxes, fill the tank with gas, have endless amounts of money for ice cream. But the day arrived when, although I no longer had to finish everything on my plate first, I could no longer ask my parents for money for ice cream. In a democracy, as in growing up, along with the freedom to choose comes the duty to choose wisely or to choose at all. A public opinion poll conducted earlier this month by Forum Research put the Conservatives and Liberals at 31 per cent each, with the NDP at 30 per cent. The possibility that any party could win will make this election more of a nail-biter than the Breaking Bad series finale. Harper’s controversial anti-terror legislation is sure to be a point of contention between the three parties. If Canada is currently poised at a crossroads, the pivotal decision made this fall will set our country on its chosen path. It’s essential that we actively choose it and not merely accept it. If the debate over the best way to prevent terrorism while protecting constitutionally-guaranteed rights (Bill C-51) doesn’t motivate you to vote, consider this: 50 per cent of post-secondary education in Ontario is publicly funded. This percentage has been declining since the 1970s when over 90 per cent was funded by the government, making post-secondary education increasingly inaccessible. Considering how costly our futures are already, what will it mean for our children if this trend worsens? The measure of influence that our government has over our lives should only be matched by the measure of influence we exercise over our government. You have a brain and an opposable thumb to hold a pen. Use them. Jane is the Journal’s Editorials Editor. She’s a third-year English major.
10 • queensjournal.ca Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Op-Ed — Your perspective
EDUCATION
Canadian public schools can’t compete Why where you learned as a child matters
PHOTOS BY DAVID REBER AND BERNIE ROSS
Our contributor argues that Canadian students are limited by an inferior academic environment in elementary and high schools.
Nicole Costa, ArtSci ’17 As Canadians, we’re widely unprepared for scholarly competition in comparison to our international counterparts. Watching the latter groups succeed makes some wonder what went wrong at their local elementary and high schools. I believe that this is because we underestimate the capability of our students to learn difficult concepts at a young age. I met Wilson in grade nine science when our teacher told us we had a genius in our class. “He’s a refugee from India,” she said. “If I’m busy with another student, he’s your guy.” After countless tutoring sessions, lunch breaks spent together and group projects, Wilson and I became great friends, although a part of me always resented his intellect.
It wasn’t that I didn’t like being high school students? The answer its surveys has their students learn lose the motivation to graduate. challenged. It was that I felt he is yes. pre-algebra, calculus, chemistry, Comparatively, when “problem was, in some way, luckier for Curriculums move slowly in physics and biology around children” in north-western Europe growing up in a war-torn town elementary and high schools with the same time Canadian finish elementary school, they’re not in India. important topics covered quickly in and American students learn told they’re too stupid to take part “I did this in grade four. I can’t a last-ditch attempt to get through how to add and subtract in the regular curriculum. believe they’re only letting you as much as possible before summer. three figures. Instead they’re given chances As a result, the expected prior We underestimate our students’ to intern at various jobs and learn this now,” he complained to knowledge in first-year classes abilities to understand difficult are often hired. In fact, 52 me in almost every class. Key word: letting. has yet to become part of our concepts and delay them until per cent of Switzerland’s Even though we went through long-term memories. hormones and a developing employed are considered the same program and wound up A successful curriculum should dopamine reward-system skew special needs. with similar grades, Wilson got combine early exposure to difficult the brain to take more risks and It’s no wonder that transitioning more out of high school than the topics, adequate time to process find leisure more appealing than into post-secondary education them, and long-term repetition. ever before. This is the stage in life makes many feel anxiety rest of us. Nearly all of Asia and when humans learn what not to do and depression. In the 2013 survey Learning the material early gave him the opportunity to ask better north-western Europe use this as an adult. However, as children, for the National College Health questions and ultimately gave type of education system and we’re prime subjects for learning. Assessment (NCHA), 89 per cent him the opportunity to make it unsurprisingly make up all the We’re eager to do more, to learn of Queen’s students reported big — he’s only 20 and he just countries that rank highly in more and to do better than the last feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do. began his medical residency in education — and they all place time — it’s inherent to us. emphasis on learning what’s As children, our brains have a Try as I might to catch up to the the UK. The more I saw how large the necessary for higher education and huge capacity to form long-term Wilsons in my classes, I wind up neural pathways. Making use of spending more time learning what gap our education was, the more the workforce. For example, India’s National them at this stage not only makes he learned as a child rather than unfair I thought it was that I never got to learn harder concepts at an Curriculum Framework prioritizes an undergraduate student’s life learning what I’m taught now. earlier age. learning three languages, much easier later down the line, Many succeed in catching up, Why was it that while Wilson mathematics, social science and but it makes learning difficult but the rest shouldn’t be forgotten was learning differential calculus in science so that these subjects takes subjects less likely to be stressful. because they failed — it’s our the fifth grade, I was learning how up 68 per cent of the material. This “spoon feeding” process country’s education system that to multiply fractions? In addition to this, each of the prevents many students from has failed them. The fundamental question I countries that the Program for smoothly transitioning into higher ask is this: Do we, as Canadians, International Student Assessment education. Many are put into less Nicole Costa is a third-year underestimate our elementary and (PISA) ranked the highest in all of challenging streams and sometimes Con-Ed student.
Talking heads ... at the Bader International Study Centre
What do you think is the value of learning abroad?
“The experience and meeting new people.” Andi Reppas-Rindlisbacher. PHE ’16
“Learning about the local culture.” Larissa Buhot, ArtSci ’15
“You can directly relate what you’re learning to your experiences.” Kate Skelton, ArtSci ’17
“Developing yourself through experiences with other places.” Monica Nadia Capriani, ArtSci ’17
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
ART SALON
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ARTS
Juno award winner opens Art Salon Justin Rutledge and Kingston Arts Council support Canadian art R amna S afeeer Assistant Arts Editor Acclaimed Canadian musician Justin Rutledge performed at the Kingston’s Arts Council’s Juried Art Salon’s opening night to support Canadian art. Kingston Arts Council (KAC) held their fourteenth annual Juried Art Salon at the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning on the evening of May 21. The evening marked the opening exhibition of chosen pieces to be showcased at the Tett until June 26. Rutledge, who’s a Juno-award winning musician, showcased at the event. The event also marked the first year the event took place at the Tett Centre. Last year, the opening night was held at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) Central Branch. The event included an opening reception, a gallery exhibition of the juried pieces and Rutledge’s performance. Members of the organization and supporters of the Kingston arts community announced the juried winners during the opening reception. Every year, the KAC invites local artists to submit works of art in any medium. After the submission deadline, two or three jurors spend approximately seven weeks reviewing and curating an exhibition of chosen pieces. The evening began with the awards ceremony of the winning artists. Presenters offered each award in honour of a significant figure in the Kingston arts community or a Kingston arts organization. Each speaker emphasized the significance and uniqueness of the arts community in Kingston. “It is absolutely astonishing to me how much talented artists and support for the arts is packed into this small city,” Susan Shaw, co-owner of the Frontenac Club Inn said. The exhibition curated by the jurors, which was open for viewers throughout the evening’s events, was one example. The art pieces varied from paintings and drawings to small sculptures and photography. One piece, titled Daddy’s Pride and Joy by artist Lindsay Foster, was a black and white photograph of two men crying and holding a newborn child. “Daddy’s Pride and Joy was taken during Pride Week at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) in July 2014. The artist’s statement in a pamphlet provided to all attendees of the event read: “Baby boy Milo was born through a surrogate mom to two wonderful and caring
fathers Frankie and BJ ... this moment was emotional and joyous to witness.” The night ended by a musical performance by Justin Rutledge, who played a selection of songs from his latest album Daredevil. The album is composed entirely of Tragically Hip covers. In an interview before the show, Rutledge said Canadian communities should be commended for their efforts to support the arts. “One thing that Canadian artists are really good at is supporting Justin Rutledge performing a Tragically Hip set-list at the Tett Centre. other Canadian artists, through grants and arts councils and community support,” says Rutledge. “When I was traveling the country, it was clear that there is a real camaraderie between artists and people who love the arts.” Rutledge’s message for musicians and other artists was simple. “Play. Play live whenever you can. Play bad venues. Play great venues. Just keep playing,” said Rutledge. Rutledge had been looking for an opportunity to perform in Kingston, according to KAC’s Artistic Director Greg Tilson. “It seemed fitting to ask Justin to perform, especially with his recent homage to the Tragically Hip,” Tilson says. “Both him and the Kingston Arts Council were celebrating hometown artists. It fit aesthetically and artistically.” Tilson said KAC uses the Juried Art Salon to support local artists. “Works in the past have received Lindsay Foster’s photograph Daddy’s Pride and Joy. national and international attention as a result of the show,” he said. “With Justin performing, local businesses catering to show their support, and awards presented to the juried winners, the opening night is about celebrating the community’s dedication to art and increasing awareness.” The Juried Art Salon gallery runs at the Tett Centre until June 26.
King’s Town Players
PAGE 13 Michelle Mackinnon’s drawing Dad (Ken).
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY KINGSTON ARTS COUNCIL
Arts
12 •queensjournal.ca
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
GALLERY
Queer wonderland Feminist Art Gallery brings a queer utopia to the Agnes L auren L uchenski Arts Editor Deirdre Logue and Allyson Mitchell have created their own universe within the walls of the Agnes Etherington Arts Centre. The Toronto-based artists run Toronto’s Feminist Art Gallery (FAG) in the backyard of their home. Their current exhibition I’m Not Myself At All, curated by Sarah E.K. Smith, opened on May 2 and runs until August 9. The artists have put on a larger than life display about feminini=] ty, sexuality and identity complete with over-sized objects such as books, a pink highlighter, yarn and dolls. The collection aims to demonstrate the existence of the queer community within our ordinary universe. “I interpret the exhibition as Logue and Mitchell exploring and pursuing these exhausting but vitally important radical ideals
as they occur in everyday life,” said Sunny Kerr, the exhibition coordinator, via email. Logue and Mitchell use a variety of mixed mediums to create their idealized queer world, including drawings, video, large dolls, crochet, needlepoint and paper mache. These materials and techniques have historically been feminized, said Kerr. The artists’ use of them is an act of reclaiming. “Mitchell and Logue bring contemporary aesthetic and political concerns forward precisely by looking at and taking up past radical practices,” Kerr said. For example, the artists use crocheting and needlepoint — artistic techniques typically associated with women — to promote the deconstruction of gender norms. The first section of the exhibition features two walls covered from the ceiling to the floor with
ART SHOW
Shaken and Stirred shakes and stirs Queen’s students display strength through art show R amna S afeer Assistant Arts Editor
Emily Gong’s painting Manchu Lineage.
pencil-drawings. The drawings depict books with various titles regarding feminism, queerness, gender identity and lesbian literature. According to Kerr, the piece, titled Recommended Reading, suggests that people must be educated on topics of radical feminism. Otherwise, he said, the artists’ ideal universe will never become reality. The book titles suggest there’s already a place for queerness within our world, he added. There’s a video loop displayed on a wall in the same room. The video displays images and sounds of everyday domestic routines, including men and women washing dishes and making beds. The images depict ways their idealized queer world fits in naturally amongst the ordinary world and routines we live in, Kerr said. Meanwhile, abstract images interrupt the clips of everyday life. Every couple minutes, miniaturized versions of the artists crawl on carpets and into over-sized underwear. Those images, Kerr says, depict the Portion of Recommended Reading. difficulty of achieving the queer viewers to remind them world the artists envision. The feelings of smallness of the difficulty of integrating continues throughout the a queer world into the exhibition. Over-sized versions existing world. “[The play with scale] implies of dolls, books, yarn and a pink highlighter surround that they’ve been miniaturized. The Union Gallery’s Shaken and Stirred exhibition features the work of Queen’s student artists, each completed over the course of a semester. The gallery showcased the juried exhibition from March 26 to May 22. It’s the culmination of a collective term-long effort of Queen’s Bachelor of Fine Arts students Iris Fryer, Emily Gong, Brian Hoad, Cindy Kwong, Lauren McEwan and Art Conservation student Julie Driver, a photographer. One of the showcased paintings begins at the top of the canvas with a coldly shaded face. The eyes are closed and mouth is slightly open. From the right eye bleeds trickling red veins intertwined with small Chinese inscriptions. Within these inscriptions lies Emily Gong’s inspiration for the piece, entitled Manchu Lineage. “I think our generation can easily lose touch and become disconnected from our cultural roots,” Emily Gong, BFA ’15, said.
Iris Fryer’s painting Itinerant.
“I remember standing among the ruins of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing and feeling a strong sense of loss. That emotional connection made this a particularly personal and difficult piece to paint.” Like Gong’s artwork, the exhibition’s other pieces convey a sense of a journey. They explore themes of identity, mental health and belonging, and each challenge conventional ideas of space. For instance, a painting by artist Iris Fryer entitled Itinerant is a somber image of two people on a bus. One of them has earphones in, looking thoughtfully out the window. The other sits in the seat behind with his or her head down. The figure is visible only by a thin strand of evening light. Beyond the window of the bus, we see a blur of green land, a tinge of blue and the blank white of sky passing by.The piece evokes a sense of being stuck in motion. It makes the viewer wonder whether the motion is towards home, or from it. Fryer said the
PHOTO BY RAMNA SAFEER
That speaks to the enormity of this task of getting at this queer future from such a smallness,” said Kerr. The exhibition runs until August 9.
painting reflects her understanding of a student’s knowledge of home and the sense of travelling to and from it. “Moving to Kingston from my hometown meant that I took the bus on the 401 continually, back and forth to Queen’s, a feeling that I’m sure many students are familiar with,” Fryer said. Regardless of the viewer’s individual interpretation, each painting promises to look beyond simple explanations for simple ideas. Each artist has taken an aspect of their own lives, shaken and stirred it to reveal a tangible insight, and transferred it into various art mediums. Artist Emily Gong said each piece was connected through a cohesive message of strength. “Regardless of how different all of the pieces are, the whole exhibition gives off a unified sense of strength and adversity from diversity. Each piece represents coming face-to-face with your own challenges and moving forward.”
PHOTOS BY RAMNA SAFEER
Arts
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
queensjournal.ca
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PLAY
A Midsummer Night’s Dream rethought, but respected Shakespeare’s timeless play reinvented into a 1950s setting R amna S afeer Assistant Arts Editor The King’s Town Players’ production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a classic play rebound into a 1950s setting. The play, which was directed by Steven Spencer, was held in the Rotunda Theatre and included a cast of both seasoned and first-time performers. The production, the last of the season, ran from May 6-9 and again from May 13-16. The King’s Town Players (KTP) began rehearsing for their parts five weeks ago. Each night at 8 p.m., they took the stage with the hopes of harnessing the influence of Shakespeare while adding new distinction to its magic. “When we see a play that’s been around for 500 years, we already know it’s going to be important,” Director Steven Spencer said. “We just have to figure out how to make it more important than it was before.” In this condensed two-hour version of the play, three distinct plotlines and nearly 30 cast members worked seamlessly to lead the audience through several love stories. The King’s Town Players’ production added the charm of simplicity with an intimate venue, uncomplicated stage production and the more relatable setting of the 1950s. “The play unifies itself through love. How crazy it is, what it’s like when it’s new or falling part, what it’s like when it’s free or imposed. Every relationship in this play has a different aspect of love attached to it,” explained Spencer. In a seminal scene in the play, a group of fairies surrounded Titania, the Queen of Fairies, as she’s about to fall asleep. Titania
ordered the fairies to sing a song as she sleeps before they resumed their duties in the forest. The singing fairy, played gracefully by Sophia Battel, began a soft lullaby as the other fairies hummed in harmony. Soft piano is accompanied by the gentle sounds of the forest in the background. The scene sets a haunting tone for the entire production. Many members of the cast have been with King’s Town Players for several productions, but for many, it was their first production. According to cast members, the actors performed each night through their sheer dedication for community theatre and love for sharing classic art. “We rehearsed through a six-week period with approximately four rehearsals per week,” said cast member Krista Garrett via email, who played the mischievous sprite Robin Goodfellow in the production. “Before that time, the Producers sourced and recruited props mistresses, a costume team, sound and lighting designers, and many other crew members. The board of KTP works very hard all year long alongside their crew of dedicated volunteers.” Steven Spencer said the King’s Town Players’ ran the production with two aims in mind: a technical message and one about the play itself. “First, we want people to come away from this play thinking that Shakespeare can be understandable and entertaining, without having to be nine-and-a-half hours long,” said Spencer. “Second, on a less technical standpoint, the play asks us to believe in magic. That no matter how strange the world can get, there is something magical always out there.”
Natalea Robyn and James Hyett playing Helena and Demetrius.
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King’s Town Players cast on stage.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY KING’S TOWN PLAYERS
Arts
14 •queensjournal.ca
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
CONCERT
The Wooden Sky supports fellow artists
Toronto band works to give back to the music community J ane W illsie Editorials Editor The Wooden Sky’s lead singer Gavin Gardiner says he wants to be sure he’s giving back to the entire music community. Based in Toronto, The Wooden Sky consists of lead singer Gavin Gardiner, bassist Andrew Wyatt, pianist and guitarist Simon Walker and drummer Andrew Kekewich. The indie rock band has released four full albums and two EPs since 2007. Their most recent album, Let’s Be Ready, was released in 2014. The Wooden Sky’s songs are filled with raw and honest lyrics, which reflect Gardiner’s lyrical talents and sensitivity to the world
around him. “There’s the idea that songs all exist and that songwriters are just conduits for those songs,” Gardiner said. “Which I think is pretty valid … like a subconscious dealing with things.” Although he’s weighed down by pressure to achieve perfection in his own music, Gardiner said he produces other bands’ records and aims to support struggling musicians. “I would love to be considered an ambassador of [Canadian music],” Gardiner said. “Whether that be through just sitting down and having a beer with another musician or just chatting and sharing war stories and getting advice.”
SUPPLIED BY THE ISABEL BADER CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Wooden Sky.
In 2014, the band started its own independent artist-driven label -— Chelsea Records. Gardiner said The Wooden Sky played in Ottawa the night before their Kingston show with fellow musician Kalle Mattso. Gardiner produced Mattson’s last record. Gardiner describes his own career choice as a way to explore his relationship with the world that
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The Wooden Sky performing at the Grad Club.
POETRY
Kingston’s poetry revival Poet Laureate hosts popular one-on-one poetry sessions L auren L uchenski Arts Editor Kingston’s Poet Laureate, Helen Humphreys, will be offering one-on-one sessions for community members to sharpen their writing skills. Humphreys has teamed up with Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) to host half-hour poetry review sessions. The sessions occur seasonally at the Central Branch on Johnson St. Twelve sign-up times are open to all community members, including students. The session gives participants the chance to bring in three of their original poems to be reviewed by the Poet Laureate. Humphrey said it gives participants a chance to have their work evaluated by an experienced writer. “[The] one-on-one sessions are for people who have been writing poetry on their own and want some sort of feedback,” Humphreys said.
Humphreys is the author of four books of poetry, six novels and two creative non-fiction works. “There are general guidelines for writing poetry that help make it more successful,” Humphreys said. Humphreys said simple poetic laws, such as rhyme and line breaks, can greatly improve works of poetry. She added that the workshops are a space for community members to receive critiques of their work, which may not be available elsewhere. “This is a service I can provide, being Poet Laureate, to let people have an avenue to someone who can give them an appraisal of their work,” Humphreys said. Humphreys said she hopes her sessions encourage a reconnection with poetry that has diminished in modern society. “Poetry has been more important in the past,” Humphreys said. “But it is still the place that people
go to for comfort, consolation and wisdom.” Her sessions have been booked-up so far, and she said her success proves there’s still an interest in poetry in the community. “Seeing that my sessions are booked-up and people are coming to see me means that people are doing [poetry] on their own,” Humphreys said. “There is an interest [in poetry] even if [the participants] are not necessarily sharing it.” Although Humphreys is a published poet, she doesn’t see publication as the only end goal. She said she advocates for poetry simply as a tool for self-expression. “You need to express your emotions, get your feelings out, think about how you feel and see the world,” Humphreys said. “So, it’s really good to write -– even if you don’t have a plan to be published.”
infuses his life with meaning. “I wrote a song and the message is very simple: you are not alone,” Gardiner said. “I sometimes feel like life in the world can be very lonely. It’s easy to get trapped in your own head.” Gardiner said finding what’s meaningful to other people breaks down that barrier, but wonders if he can achieve that. “Are my ideas good? Are they important? Why should anyone care about what I have to say? What am I contributing to society by doing it?” Gardiner said. Gardiner added that meeting people on tour who have connected with The Wooden Sky’s music is both rewarding and inspiring.
“I have that relationship with music, it’s part of why I still do what I do, and its neat to hear other people having that relationship with our songs.” Gardiner said thinking about a listener’s relationship with the band’s songs reminds him of places he goes for lyrical inspiration — like the rooftop patio athisoldapartmentinTorontoabove Queen St. “We would go up there and sit in the sun and it was above one of the busiest streets in Toronto and you’d sort of be in your own world,” Gardiner said. “It felt like you were in this place you weren’t supposed to be, living on borrowed time.”
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
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• 15
FOOTBALL
Morgan heading to Winnipeg after draft Defensive back goes to CFL’s Blue Bombers in 2nd round D aniel C assese Contributor Last year saw four Queen’s players taken in the CFL Draft, but only one is on his way to the pros this time around. Defensive back Brendan Morgan was drafted 15th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round of the 2015 CFL Draft in Toronto. His selection represents a silver lining in what was otherwise a disappointing season for Morgan. After recording 16 tackles through his first two games, the third-year student was deemed academically ineligible by the CIS for failure to enrol in the minimum number of classes. The decision resulted in the forfeiture of Queens’ first win against Windsor and his suspension for the rest of the 2014 season. “I didn’t play [much] in my draft season, so I obviously thought that might have lowered my stock and my value,” Morgan said. “I didn’t expect to get picked in the second round, so I’m just grateful.” Despite playing just two games for Queen’s in 2014, Morgan
was the second defensive back taken in the draft, with nine out of the first 14 picks being used on offensive or defensive linemen. The defensive back’s athleticism was enough to impress the Blue Bombers as his football prowess showed during the CFL Combine. Morgan ran an impressive 4.57 second 40-yard dash. He also registered a 10 feet, 2.5 inch broad jump and a 36-inch vertical jump. Morgan trained heavily for the combine, working with the head strength and conditioning coordinator at Queen’s, and training with former Gaels Matt Webster, Scott Macdonnell and Rob Bagg on weekends. His training focused on all aspects of the drills, but one area that received extra attention was his 40-yard dash. Morgan looked to improve on his previous performance at the East-West Bowl last season, where he ran a 4.73. “I wasn’t upset with it [the 4.57 40-yard dash],” he said, “it was a long way from the 4.73 I ran.” Following the combine, the draft process continued with interviews involving the coaching staff and
Jessie de Boer was one of four Gaels at the OUA Soccer Showcase.
front office of every CFL team. “The coaches try to get you with some tough questions and put you on the spot,” Morgan said, “but all in all they went well.” He credited Gaels’ coaching staff, notably head coach Pat Sheahan, for guiding him in the process and helping him deal with his lost season. “After I found out I wasn’t going to be able to play, he made an effort to get my name out there,” Morgan said. “He made sure I could pursue an opportunity to play in the CFL.” With training camp set to begin May 30, the transition from student-athlete to professional is underway. Morgan has already begun preparing for the move to Winnipeg in his attempt to crack the opening-day roster. If he doesn’t make the lineup in training camp, Morgan has plans to return to Queen’s under a season of full eligibility. “I’m happy and looking forward to what’s in Winnipeg,” Morgan said. “It’s going to be fun.” The Blue Bombers kick off their season June 26th.
SPORTS Morgan played just two games this past year for the Gaels due to academic ineligibility.
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SOCCER
Gaels excel at OUA soccer showcase Four Gaels chosen for annual event A dam L askaris Sports Editor Top Queen’s athletes got the chance to exhibit their talents at the OUA Soccer Showcase earlier this month in Oshawa. The women’s and men’s games each featured a pair of Gaels on the OUA East teams on May 2-3. Striker Brittany Almeida and midfield Jessie de Boer represented the women in the Saturday afternoon contest, while goalkeeper Max Materne and midfielder Henry Bloemen played for the men’s side in the Sunday game. Both teams came out successful with the women’s East side winning
2-0 over the West while the men’s did the same by a 4-2 score. The event was organized by the Ontario Youth Soccer League (OYSL) alongside the OYSL university fair. Queen’s women’s head coach Dave McDowell worked alongside the coaching staff for the women’s game. He said the high quality of play was one of the best parts of the weekend. “Not as much scoring as you’d see in some other all-star games,” McDowell said, “but it’s nice to worry less about tactics and more about … things like people getting to play with their teammates and See Showcase, Page 17
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WOMEN’S RUGBY
CIS final coming to Queen’s Barz, McEwen preparing to host Canadian championship A dam L askaris Sports Editor Women’s rugby coach Beth Barz has seen her workload double for the upcoming season, but you won’t see her complaining. Barz, along with the rugby program and athletic department, has been tasked with hosting the CIS 2015 Women’s National Championship weekend from November 5-8. It will be the first time in Queen’s history hosting the event.
Barz will have to juggle her significant role in the championship with her coaching responsibilities at nearby Syndenham High School. “It’s more of a facilitating role than anything else,” Barz said of her championship. “Everything’s looking set up well so far,” Barz said. “Our ticket sales and our marketing teams are really coming along nicely.” Barz’s decade of coaching experience in the OUA and attendance at other CIS championships has helped ensure
that both the bidding and hosting process for Queen’s went smoothly, while giving credit to the athletic department as well for their management of the process. “Any time you get to host an event like this you want to do it well and show off your school,” she said. “You want to be a place that the CIS and the OUA will want to come back to, whether it’s for another rugby championship or any other event.” While the ultimate goal would Bloemen (#14) was a force in the midfield for the Gaels See McEwen, page 18
this season.
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SPORTS
16 •QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Queen’s court takeover Blumentrath, Livingston finding larger roles ADAM LASKARIS
Sports Editor
While some incoming sophomore students have yet to make their mark on the university, this certainly isn’t true of Danielle Blumentrath and Caroline Livingston. The pair were integral parts of the women’s volleyball season, ultimately both being named to the OUA East All-Rookie team. Though she’s satisfied with her performance this past season, Blumentrath said she was completely surprised when she heard she’d been selected for the All-Rookie team. “I didn’t even know what it was when I got the email,” the setter said. “I had no idea [the All-Rookie team] even existed.” Blumentrath came into the program as a walk-on. The team had already been training for a week before open tryouts, and seemed to have already selected their roster. When they held tryouts, Blumentrath was the only successful one to join the team. “Everyone was very welcoming right away,” she said. “Tryouts were a little intimidating … but the girls and [head coach Michael Ling] made it an easy transition.”
Gaels dominate East-West Bowl Led by Queen’s receiver Doug Corby, Team East defeated Team West 29-21 at the 2015 CIS East-West Bowl on May 9 in Montreal. The two rosters consisted of university players from across the country. Corby set an East-West Bowl record with three touchdowns (seven, 50 and 63 yards), and was named Team East Offensive Player of the Game with four catches for a game-high 131 yards. Last year, the fourth-year receiver was integral to the Gaels having the fourth-best ranked passing attack in the OUA, finishing the season with 33 receptions, four touchdowns and 487 yards. Gaels kicker Dillon Wamsley joined Corby on the East squad, hitting all four extra point attempts, scoring a rouge, as well as averaging 39.5 yards per punt. The thirteenth annual East-West Bowl served as a showcase for CIS players who will be eligible for the 2016 Canadian Football League Draft. — Joseph Cattana
Carroll signs first CFL deal Former Queen’s football receiver Alex Carroll has signed a contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League after a five-year career with the Gaels. Last year, Carroll led the OUA with 52 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns and while his 109.4 receiving yards per game sat second in the league. Following the season, the fifth-year was named a first-team OUA All-Star receiver and second team All-Star as a kick and punt returner for his special teams play. Carroll recently attended the Roughriders’ mini-camp following being scouted at regional combine. Renowned accross the OUA as one of the league’s fastest players, Carroll also competed for the Gaels in the indoor track season as a sprinter. Carroll isn’t the only Gael on the Roughriders’ roster, as he joins former teammate and second-year defensive back Matt Webster, as well as receiver and eight-year veteran Rob Bagg,
Blumentrath is currently focused on the summer beach volleyball season. She said the longer offseason is strange, as high school volleyball schedules typically go late into May, while this year’s season ended in February with a first-round playoff loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues. Outside hitter Livingston’s path to joining the Gaels was a bit more traditional than Blumentrath’s, as she committed to the program without having to worry about making the lineup as a walk-on. Livingston and Blumentrath both saw a slow but steady increase in playing time throughout the season, where they ultimately became two of the most essential pieces of the Queen’s lineup. Having gone through a year in the program already, Livingston believes her and Blumentrath’s newfound experience could be helpful to other first-year players coming to the Gaels. “We’d just tell them to come in with an open mind,” she said. “It can be a scary transition from high school to university and even though people tell you about it, you can’t really experience it until you’re here.” Now fully part of the Queen’s Gaels
Livingston (foreground) and Blumentrath (not pictured) were two bright spots on the Gaels in their first year.
program, they both credit Colin McAuslan, the strength and conditioning coach, with assisting in developing their workout regime. “Last year my sister introduced me to the squat rack and I thought that was a big deal,” Livingston said, “but this year it’s been totally different with a completely customized offseason training plan.” Unlike Blumentrath, Livingston is taking the summer off from competitive volleyball. “I didn’t feel like there was one team at my proper level that I’d fit in with this summer,” she said.
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She instead wants to focus on developing her conditioning skills, while playing volleyball at open gym sessions. Looking ahead to next year, both rookies seek to move into larger roles. Losing fifth-year middle Katie Hagarty is a blow to the program, but the large core of the volleyball team expects to be back. No recruits or major roster changes have been publicly announced, but both players know that should a new athlete join their team, they’ll be first in line to assist with that transition.
SPORTS IN BRIEF a 2013 Grey Cup Champion. Carroll will be looked upon to help bolster the Roughriders’ struggling offence from 2014, which ranked seventh in total yards, and fifth in total points in the nine-team league. — Joseph Cattana
Women’s basketball All-Star Game hosted at Queen’s The OUA’s women’s basketball All-Star game was held in the ARC this past month, celebrating excellence from the 2014-2015 season. The Gaels were represented this year by guard Liz Boag and wing player Jenny Wright. New to the format this year, coaches were given the opportunity to draft their teams, in comparison to the traditional East-West format. Gaels Jenny Wright and Liz Boag were pinned against each other, with Wright playing for Windsor Lancers’ coach Chantal Vallee and Boag playing for Carly Clarke of the Ryerson Rams. The score ended with Team Clarke winning the game 71-69, with Boag finishing with a stat line of ten points, five rebounds and four assists. Wright scored 10 points for Team Vallee, adding two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Last year the Gaels finished seventh in the OUA, but made a surprise run to the OUA Final Four, led by the two all-stars. Ryerson ultimately topped the Gaels by a score of 69-60. Wright led the Gaels in points (13.8 ppg), earning OUA First-Team All-Star honours, while Boag finished her Gaels career with a Second-Team berth. — Joseph Cattana
Bailie Belleville’s Best Kevin Bailie was recently awarded Belleville’s 2014 Athlete of the Year for his contributions over parts of his first two years for the Queen’s men’s hockey team. The presentation is part of Belleville’s annual Honours and Awards Night, with individuals and teams from the city receiving recognition for outstanding athletic achievement in 2014.
In his first year at Queen’s, Bailie backstopped the Gaels to an impressive 17-6-5 record in 2013-14, tying the school mark for wins in a season. Bailie finished with a 1.98 GAA and 0.934 save percentage, playing an integral role in taking Queen’s to the OUA East semifinals. Bailie was honoured with multiple awards in his freshman year including being named the CIS Rookie of the Year, becoming the
first Gael to receive the Clare Drake Award. At the conference level he also took home OUA East MVP and Rookie of the Year honours. Bailie also was named to the OUA East First All-Star team and OUA East All-Rookie team. He also was named as the Queen’s male Rookie Athlete of the Year, and took home the Alfie Pierce Trophy. — Joseph Cattana
SPORTS
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015
8’0’’ 7’0’’ 6’0’’
MLB Chris Young
Will Hoey
Avg. Male Middle Blocker NFL Calais NHL Zdeno NBA DeMar Chara Campbell Avg. Jamie DeRozan Canadian Wright Male
QUEENSJOURNAL.CA
Standard Net Height Wuttichai Suksara
5’0’’
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Showcase enjoyable for all Continued from page 15
4’0’’ 3’0’’ 2’0’’ 1’0’’
5’8.5” 6’1” 6’7” 6’7.6” 6’8” 6’9” 6’10” 6’11” 7’3.5” 7’11” Hoey measured up against his shortest teammate (Wright) and some of the tallest professional athletes.
GRAPHIC BY KIA KORTELANEN
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
Hoey stands tall on, off court Tallest athlete at Queen’s turning heads S PENCER B ELYEA Contributor Standing at 6’11”, men’s volleyball middle blocker Will Hoey is no stranger to double takes. Volleyball players above 6’5” are a common occurrence, but only a handful of players in the OUA reach Hoey’s sky-scraping height. His height has tactical advantages that
keep opposing coaches up at night. Coach Brenda Willis notes that Hoey’s stature helps him manage the middle third of the net extremely well. “My hands and part of my forearms are already above the net when standing,” Hoey, ArtSci ’17, said. “This allows me to get up on blocks faster and with less effort.” But just as height creates natural advantages, it comes with its disadvantages. “It is physically impossible for me to win a
game of hide-and-go-seek,” he joked. Games aside, finding clothes and shoes is a hassle — Hoey wears size-15 shoes, while most stores and styles only go up to 13. He added any form of travel is a frustrating exercise, with comfortable seating next to impossible. Hoey’s father is 6’9” and his mother is 6’2”. Volleyball wasn’t always his sport of choice, but something he literally grew into. He was a hockey goalie until grade 10, when he hit his growth spurt and shot up an astonishing five inches over the summer. So he changed his focus to volleyball, but moving from the ice to the court wasn’t a seamless transition. “I was playing in a completely new body and struggling to learn things over again,” he said. “I had a hard time hitting and passing because I never really knew where my arms ended. If I wasn’t so tall, there was no way I was making the team, I was so uncoordinated.” Given his ability to tower over the net without even leaving the ground, you might expect Hoey to just rely on his height and not develop skills to complement his natural gifts. But Coach Willis said this wasn’t the case. “Elite athletes with high aspirations don’t rely on their strengths,” she said, “they focus on developing their weaknesses. That’s certainly true of Will.” With his desire to be an international player, Hoey has become well-rounded in areas that he doesn’t already have an advantage in, like ball control and passing. Willis also added that Hoey’s naturally large frame can also make quick movements on the court more difficult. “The challenge when guys are that big is getting fast enough to close out to the outside,” she said. At just shy of seven feet, standing out is something that Hoey has gotten used to, recognizing that he’s usually the tallest person someone has met. With their rare nature, Hoey states that spotting another vertically-endowed person in public often leads to a shared nod as a sign of respect. And with only two other athletes — Nicholas Romanchuk, football; and Mike Shoveller, basketball — at Queen’s who measure 6’11”, they are a rare breed indeed. While Hoey will always stand out in a crowd because of his height, he has the skill to stand out on the court as well.
work together as a team.” While not an all-star game per se, the showcase helped display the quality and opportunities the league offers. McDowell saw the opportunity to use the showcase as a recruiting tool, as the crowd included many prospective athletes from grades 10-12, who were also attending the university fair. McDowell said the event is an opportunity to get closer to fellow OUA athletes and coaches. “There are some people on other teams you’d love to hate because they’re such good players,” he said. “But you get to know them at an event like this and you realize they’re also real quality people too. You don’t get a lot of time to socialize during the season so I really enjoyed it.” Almeida agreed with McDowell. “It was a really cool opportunity to show the calibre of the OUA,” she said, “and also get to play with girls you’ve played against so many times.” While the athletes may stay the same, Almeida said she knew that it’d be different this upcoming year playing against people she called her teammates for a game. “There’s a sort of new respect for them,” she said, “[that] maybe you didn’t have before because you’d never met them off the field.” Almeida also helped McDowell with the recruiting process, talking to many of the high schools athletes who’re deciding what university they’d like to attend. “You hope some of the conversations you’ll have will sway someone into coming to Queen’s,” she said. Over on the men’s side, goalkeeper Materne saw the opportunity as a swan song of sorts, as his Queen’s athletic career has finished after five years. Materne, who’s currently pursuing his graduate diploma in business at Queen’s over the summer, relished the casual nature of the experience compared to the competitiveness of the OUA. “It’s not too serious but more just a fun time,” he said. “It’s cool to play on the same team as people you’re supposed to hate during the year.” Materne noted that while he made his own mistakes during the match, it wasn’t as costly as it could’ve been in a non-exhibition game. “They scored a nice direct free kick against me,” he said. “But I wasn’t too worried about the result. I was just having fun out there playing one last time.”
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18 •queensjournal.ca
Sports
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
McEwen, teammates training for title chance Continued from page 15
obviously be to win the national title at home, Barz said she isn’t feeling any extra pressure to win compared to any other year. “You always strive to have a consistent program, no matter the year,” she said. The Gaels last competed at the National Championship in 2013, where they represented the OUA as league champions, winning a bronze medal over McGill in a 32-24 match. Fifth-year back Lauren McEwen is looking forward to her third appearance at the national championship, which in addition to the 2013 tournament also included a fifth-place finish in 2012. After a 4-1 regular season, McEwen and the Gaels’ 2014 campaign ended in defeat to close rivals the Western Mustangs, despite coming out victorious earlier during the regular season. The Gaels lost in the OUA bronze medal game by a score of 22-19, which would have earned them a berth in last year’s championship. “We had such high expectations because we were so good [during the regular season],” McEwen said, referring to last year when Queen’s had the highest-ranked offence and the second-highest defence in. Along with teammate Gill Pegg, McEwen was honoured at the end of the season as a CIS All-Canadian athlete. This year’s tournament consists of eight teams with Queen’s receiving an automatic entry as host, but the format hasn’t been confirmed. Barz said delays and postponements of CIS board meetings were a minor bother in determining the schedule, but the
lineup of matches for the weekend should be announced in the next few weeks. McEwen and Pegg, along with teammate Erin Geddes were selected to sit on a few of the board meetings, where they learned more about the intricacies of hosting a national championship event. “You get to see some of the behind-the-scenes stuff that most players wouldn’t usually see,” McEwen said. McEwen noted the challenges of a national championship include a short amount of turnover between game times, with games often being played on back-to-back days. “Most times you’d have a week in between games, and have time to plan for your opponent,” she said. Fifth-year centre back Lauren McEwen is the all-time leading scorer among To prepare for the physically rigorous OUA women’s rugby players. nature of the weekend, Barz and the coaching staff have set up an intense summer training program that includes playing a tournament that emulates the structure of the CIS event. Before the Gaels compete at the national level, however, McEwen said that it’s important to have a strong regular season and playoffs in the OUA. “We’ve got to be focusing on game-by-game, play-by-play.” While the event will be memorable for those competing and students who attend, Barz said it’ll also attract others from the surrounding area to check out the event. McEwen added that it’ll provide an opportunity to show off Kingston, the university and their athletic facilities. “We definitely have one of the nicest rugby pitches in the country,” she said. “Queen’s has done a great job of creating a professional rugby culture.”
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Lauren McEwen (centre).
The Gaels bested Western last season 50-19 at home in this regular season contest.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
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LIFESTYLE CAMPUS COOKING
Keep hydrated this summer The most refreshing drinks to conquer the heat C helsea S peck Contributor Summer is just around the corner, which means that patio drink season is upon us. Here are some of the most refreshing drink recipes that are guaranteed to keep you hydrated and happy in the blistering heat. Each recipe is relatively simple and can be easily modified, so don’t not be afraid to put your own spin on them. With garnish and a nice glass they can also make a fabulous accessory by the pool, so sit back, relax and have a drink! Pretty in Pink Sangria Who could reject sweet and savoury Sangria? This particular recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and cool for a hot summer day. Similar to other drink recipes, it’s easy to adjust in terms of measurements and flavours. Get experimental and substitute other flavourful fruits in the mix. Makes one gallon 2 (10 ounce) packages of frozen strawberries 1 can frozen lemonade concentrate 2 bottles (chilled) rose wine 2 cups pineapple juice 1 liter ginger ale All you have to do is combine
the total of ingredients in a punch bowl or a pitcher to serve. Recipe adapted from: allrecipes.com Pink Grapefruit Mojito Mimosa This amazing cocktail packs more punch than the last one, but is equally refreshing. Similar to other drink recipes, it can easily be adjusted based on how much sweetness you require, but even without the adjustments I can assure you that this will become one of your new go-to drinks for a sunny day. Makes approximately ¼ of a gallon 2 cups pink grapefruit juice 1-2 limes (juiced) 1 cup white rum 1 cup champagne 1 cup fresh mint leaves 1 large grapefruit (peeled and sliced) ½ cup brown sugar or sweetener/ sweetening syrup (optional) This recipe can be topped with sparkling water to dilute the alcohol content if desired. Recipe adapted from: bitchinlifestyle.tv Perfect Pina Coloda “Do you like Pina Colodas? And getting caught in the rain?” If that is the case, than this is the drink
for you! The title says it all; this recipe is both fun and incredibly tasty, which makes it a “perfect” pina coloda for days when you’re looking for a classic summer drink. Makes 1 drink In a blender combine: 3oz light rum 6oz pineapple juice 2 ounces coconut cream 2 cups ice Decorate with maraschino cherries and a pineapple slice for maximum Instagram quality. Recipe adapted dineanddish.net
from:
Skinny Blueberry Margarita This blueberry twist on your classic margarita has no added artificial sugars, and combines to create a slightly healthier version. You can buy orange juice with no added sugars, or better yet, use your own freshly squeezed orange juice for the best results. Makes 2 drinks Sea salt 2 ounces tequila 11/2 ounces fresh lime juice 1 ounce fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon light agave nectar ¼ cup blueberries Instructions 1. Rim two glasses with salt and set aside. 2. In a cocktail shaker, add lime juice, orange juice and a handful of blueberries. Shake until the blueberries are smashed, then add tequila and ice. Shake until combined and add to the glasses Recipe adapted from: bitchinlifestyle.tv/recipe Watermelon Breezer For your final buzz, the last recipe includes arguably
These cocktails are as colourful as they are delicious.
the most important summer fruit: watermelon. Makes 6 glasses 500 ml watermelon juice 1 cup coconut water Mint leaves muddled with a splash of lime juice and sugar Sugar and Margarita salt mix to rim the glasses 2 cups sparkling water or soda 2 limes or lemons 4 tbsp honey 1 cup white rum
PHOTO BY CHELSEA SPECK
Instructions 1. If you have a juicer, juice the watermelon. If not, blend and strain it and add to a pitcher. 2. Add muddled mint. 3. Pour in the rest of the ingredients. 4. Rim glasses with salt/sugar. 5. Serve on ice with delicious watermelon wedges. Recipe adapted from: lapetitchef.blogspot.in
FASHION
Whiting out your wardrobe The do’s and don’ts of wearing white E mma M acnaught Outreach Manager
Look crisp and casual in white this summer.
SUPPLIED BY EVA
Neutrals act as easy-to-wear |anchors that ground any outfit. Yet, the very mention of wearing white comes with lengthy guidelines: from no white after Labour Day, to bans on white at weddings. Wearing white shouldn’t be complicated, but rather, easy and fun. This season, instead of abiding by reasons not to wear white, incorporate this summer-friendly neutral into your wardrobe. Take advantage of the natural reflective cooling ability of white
clothing by opting for loose-fitted white tunics. Beyond channeling your inner hippy, these styles offer versatility, from acting as a beach cover up, to glamming up a pair of shorts for a night out. White shoes are a yes in my books! Chunky white sandals have a mod vibe and are sure to put a fresh spin on any summer wardrobe. My pick? Try the classic Birkenstock in matte Arizona white for a more casual take on this rule-breaking style. Try replacing your quintessential boyfriend jeans with a white version. These bottoms pair easily with a casual denim shirt or a silky
strappy tank to freshen up any classic outfit. Put darker shades away and make white your new party colour. Opt for a white rendition of your favourite little black dress for a refreshing and seasonal update to your wardrobe. Ground the neutral in darker sandals or a lightweight jacket. Wearing white isn’t limited to bright shades in lacey fabrics. Try white versions of fabrics and garment styles that are normally limited to darker colours. My favourites? Silk white shorts, denim coveralls and linen rompers.
LIFESTYLE
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Tuesday, June 2, 2015
TRAVEL DIARIES
Perusing Peru with MEDLIFE M egan W illiams Contributor After weeks of planning and watching past MEDLIFE chapter videos of volunteers gushing about their experiences, my trip to Cusco, Peru had finally arrived. Three flights and 21 hours later, we finally landed at our destination, where we were greeted by Mateo, our local MEDLIFE tour guide and fellow volunteer. Together with Queen’s volunteers and a few others from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, we drove to our hostel, where we stayed only a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco — the city’s main square. On our first day in Peru, we paid a visit to the MEDLIFE clinic established in Pisac; the closest clinic available to most civilians living up in the mountains, nearly four to five hours away from urban centres. The great distance and limited ambulances pose a threat to civilians’ lives as there’s a slim chance of survival over the long journey. It’s a harsh reality that was difficult for us to fathom. Over the course of our trip, we travelled to similarly distant places, such as Kallarayan and Taray, where we worked alongside doctors, nurses, a dentist, pharmacist and an OB/GYN to provide basic and necessary health care to the locals. Despite the language barrier between us and the Spanish- and Quechua-speaking locals, we lent them our smiles as they lent us theirs for comfort and thanks. In our free time, we explored and familiarized ourselves with the Plaza de Armas, creating mental maps of the city streets and sampling the local restaurants. A personal favourite was Jack’s café, where our frequent visits for
the gordo (fat) breakfast platter, cappuccinos and smoothies made us “regulars” to the employees. We explored the grand Cusco Cathedral and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin that overlooked the plaza. Although pictures inside the cathedrals were forbidden, they wouldn’t have been able to capture the ornate beauty of every inch of these imperial masterpieces. The modern, streamlined architecture of our Western society paled in comparison. Wandering around the streets, we found the Choco Museum, where we learned about the indigenous cocoa beans of Peru and how they’re used to make A group of volunteers from the MEDLIFE family. beauty products, liquors, teas and, the peak of the trail will always of Peru: a country stricken with of course, chocolate itself. While some of us delved remain indescribable, and even poverty, poisoned with unsafe into the exotic fruits of the local now the pictures cannot convey drinking water, poor healthcare markets, others who were more the picturesque landscape that and limited education. To my future MEDLIFE adventurous tried cuy, also stood before us. Every moment I spent in Cusco, travellers, be prepared to fall in known as guinea pig, a popular I constantly reminded myself of the love with the sites, the culture and Peruvian dish. the people, but hate yourself for Just when our clinic days reality of my journey. Hidden within the beauty of taking so much of what we have were coming to an end, we were fortunate enough to experience its borders lies the bitter realities for granted. other sides of Peru, like taking part in a local parade in Pisco and visiting the Cristo Blanco or “White Christ” statue that overlooked the city. As our week spent in the clinic and our project repainting an old clinic was complete, our final expedition to Machu Picchu began at the early hour of 3 a.m. A bus, train ride and short hike later, we finally reached the icon of Inca civilization. After our guide toured us around the ruins and gave us the fascinating history behind it, we explored the wonder for ourselves. The infamous five-day Inca Trail was unfortunately out of our reach, so we settled for the hour and a half long hike up and down the Sun Gate trail. The view of the valley at Cusco’s picturesque architecture.
PHOTOS BY MEGAN WILLIAMS
I’m humbled to have worked with such an inspiring group of people, and can only hope that I touched the lives of those I worked with in the way they changed mine. To echo what Mateo said at the end of our journey, “your stamp is not only on the walls, but in the hearts of the people”.
BLOGS
Rediscover reading this summer
K ailun Z hang Assistant Lifestyle Editor
I love Netflix as much as the next person, but there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Although exam season may have involved enough neglected course readings to leave you never wanting to read again, this summer may be time to rediscover a love of reading. Reading, for me, is a way to get away from the omnipresence of screens and unplug for a while. Apart from being quite relaxing, reading engages the mind and even expands your vocabulary. Picking up a book can add some variety into how you choose to spend your free time in the next few months. Consider bringing a book for the commute to your summer job tomorrow, or the next car ride up to the cottage.
If you haven’t read a book since the Twilight series, or you just want some new suggestions, here are five book recommendations for a variety of different tastes. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins A fictional thriller
Hovering around the top of New York Times’ Best Sellers list for the past few months, The Girl on the Train follows Rachel, a woman who becomes entangled in a twisted, mysterious death. If you enjoyed Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, you will love this psychological thriller. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton A picture book for adults @humansofny on Instagram,
anyone? Continuing to tell the stories of New York City, this book features 400 portraits and captions with some exclusive content PHOTO BY CHRISTINA MA never-before-seen on your Find these books at your local library or bookstore. Instagram or Facebook feed. Each Very Good Lives: The Fringe Go Set a Watchman by portrait captures the raw beauty of Benefits of Failure and the Harper Lee New York and the array of people Importance of Imagination by | A highly anticipated sequel living in it. It’s the perfect book if J.K. Rowling you’re looking for a light read. An inspirational quick read You probably read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, and if So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed Whether you’re a Harry Potter you didn’t, you definitely should. by Jon Ronson fan or not, I assume you’re familiar Go Set a Watchman will follow A cultural insight with the name J.K. Rowling. beloved character, Scout Finch, Have you ever called someone Transcribed from her 2008 Harvard through her adult years, 20 years out on the internet? Welsh journalist University commencement address after To Kill a Mockingbird. The and author, Jon Ronson, dissects and at only 71 pages in full, Very sequel will revisit themes of how and why people publicly Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits prejudice and racism — issues that shame on social media. In a world of Failure and the Importance continue to shake our world today. where we can voice our opinions of Imagination, offers a little It comes out on July 14. behind the seeming safety of online life advice from one of the most personas, Ronson explores how beloved authors of our time. I know I’ll be indulging in some public scrutiny is harsher and more leisurely literature this summer. I hope you will too. sharp-tongued than ever.
LIFESTYLE
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
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STUDENT LIFE
Five ways to stay active in the city
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Exploring Kingston’s bustling outdoors
C aela F enton Staff Writer For many students, the summertime is when we’re not chained to a desk in Stauffer and can get outside to be a bit more active. Or, we have desk jobs that scare us about the reality of the working world that soon will hit us, and we cherish our weekends that much more. Either way, the summer months are the perfect time to try new activities, broaden our horizons and maybe work on our beach bods at the same time. Kingston is always a bustling place. Even when many people have left for the summer, the city makes up for the loss of students by upping the ante on community events. Here are some activities to make the most of what Kingston has to offer: Try out your paddling skills
kilometres. The name of the game is to finish the race before the music stops, which means running at a 6:15/K pace. Think you are up for the challenge? The race starts in Confederation Park on June 7, which means you still have time to train.
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Jog it out for some puppies The Run 4 Paws fun run or walk in support of the Kingston Human Society is also taking place on June 7. One hundred per cent of all fundraising goes directly towards supporting the care of homeless and abandoned pets. Climb the social fitness ladder Did you know that Canada’s highest indoor climb is located right in downtown Kingston? Check out the Boiler Room to test your skill at rock climbing. A day pass is only $25, which makes it a fun weekend excursion with a group of friends.
Trailhead offers a series during the summer called “Paddle and Pint.” On Wednesday evenings, for $40, you can enjoy a two Do some sun salutations hour guided kayak tour, all gear included. Afterwards, the group heads to a local bar for A mainstay of Kingston’s healthy lifestyle a drink, making it a great way to get a taste for the sport and make some new friends. culture, Studio 330 offers donation-based No kayaking experience is required to yoga classes throughout the summer. The studio, located on Princess St., is beloved take part. On May 30 and 31, Trailhead will be by hundreds of Queen’s students and most running its annual paddling demo day. You classes are packed during the school year. can go and test out stand up paddleboards With a little bit more wiggle room in the and kayaks at no charge, without the pressure summer months, it’s the perfect time to go and give yoga a try. of having to buy anything. I highly recommend the ‘hour of power’ if you’re looking to work up a sweat and ‘yin Beat Beethoven and tonic’ (studio owner Dallas Delahunt’s Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5 is 50 specialty) or if you’re looking to relieve some minutes long and the race course is eight tension and stress.
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LIFESTYLE
22 •queensjournal.ca
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
QJ POP — COLUMN
From Bruce to Caitlyn Caitlyn Jenner’s impact on the public’s understanding of transgender issues B lake C anning Contributor
transition will influence awareness and public sensitivity towards trans issues. But her experience will be Feeling comfortable in one’s own mind and body is something far different from others of the that many students face, but for trans community. Jenner has been in the celebrity some, the issue goes father than spotlight since the mid 1970s, when skin deep. Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known she won gold in the decathlon at as Bruce, recently announced her the Montreal summer Olympics. transition to becoming a woman, Her consequent marriage to Kris sparking media frenzy. The outcry Jenner and involvement with the of support for Jenner is well Kardashian family has kept her deserved, but what exactly does life under strict media scrutiny for it mean for those who will never decades. There aren’t many people in the world who can claim to have have the same TV presence? Jenner has stated in an interview had that much screen time. Gender transition is a with Diane Sawyer, “I think this is going to do some good — and sensitive topic, especially when it concerns members of the trans we’re going to change the world.” Shannon Weissman, PheKin community who’ve yet to accept ’17, is quick to agree. “[S]he their true feelings of identity acknowledges that [s]he is a public and express that to the rest of figure and will use this to [her] the world. “The way [s]he went to [her] advantage to make a difference in family and showed the world how the trans community.” Of course although Jenner people love you no matter what hasn’t classified herself as a trans and how family will be there for activist, her widely-covered you ... I was inspired,” Gabi Sandler,
#BruceJenner on social media.
ArtSci ’17, said. While it’s true that Jenner has had the full backing of her family, there are still many who don’t have the same accepting family, friends or badge of “Kardashian approved”. She’s privileged, whereas others might not be. While Jenner’s celebrity status has made her a hero in the eyes of many, it’s important to note the many other heroes here at home — friends, family and loved ones who are struggling with their identity on a daily basis. As students we meet new people every day as we walk across campus, in our classes, at club meetings, or around the Ale House. As a result, we’re constantly being exposed to different personalities. The most important thing that Caitlyn Jenner’s case can teach us as a community is to judge people solely on who they are as people, and accept them for whoever they choose to be.
GRAPHIC BY ASHLEY QUAN
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POSTSCRIPT
On the job hunt Difficulties and anxieties surround students looking for work E rika S treisfield Lifestyle Editor In a perfect world, post-exam season should leave students rehabilitating. Instead, we’re swapping essays for resumes, lectures for interviews and school for an office. Last summer, I began searching around for entry-level or summer job. I applied to various positions in Toronto; from serving, to writing, to consulting. I was willing to take anything. A hundred resumes and eight interviews later, I finally received word about an internship. The day of my interview arrived and to my surprise, I was held prisoner in my car by Toronto traffic for nearly two hours, and missed my interview. I was heartbroken. There was no rescheduling or further exchange of emails. I just about had it with the job hunt, and came to terms with living in my parents’ basement for the rest of my life — single and unemployed. Shortly after my meltdown, I received an email for another internship opportunity. Eager as ever, I replied to the email to confirm. The date of my interview arrived, and I jumped on the subway, crossing my fingers that the TTC wouldn’t hold me prisoner again. I guess the first interview went well because I was immediately called back for another. Now more than ever, people of previous generations are competing for the same entry-level job or internship. I know when I write this, I’m not alone. Joel Foss, Comm ’18, went through a similar experience. As his first year began wrapping up in February he began looking for work, but he didn’t hear back until April. “It’s frustrating,” Foss said. “I went on so many businesses’ websites and had to create profiles and upload pictures. They said someone would give me feedback and they never did.” After slaving away at the job hunt for several months, Foss landed two part-time jobs — as a customer service rep at TD Canada Trust Bank and as a researcher for The Kitchener Rangers. “I am really lucky to have these jobs,” said Foss. “I love interacting with people. TD lets me do that, while the Rangers allow me to
apply the stuff I learn in school.” Foss emphasized that networking is important in the process of finding a job or internship. He suggested starting at home by talking to friends and family about potential opportunities. It could give you a leg-up in the stiff competition of the job market, he said. Liz Furl, a writer and web designer, says the job hunt is difficult — better yet, extremely difficult. Furl is a co-host for the podcast Getting There, the founder of Real Talk Magazine, a freelance writer at the Elite Daily and a web designer. While she now has a laundry list of experience under her belt, in the past, Furl also faced the cruelties of the competitive job market. “I spent a year sending out resumes and cover letters while I was interning at Open Letter, and it took that year to find someone willing to hire me,” she said. “You have to keep pushing. Even one application a day is progress.” There’s no harm in trying. After all, you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain. “There’s so much emphasis placed on internships, especially what you learned from them,” she continued. “You can’t just show up and do what they tell you; you have to take initiative and ask to learn a skill, or take on a project. Those are the things that will really count in an interview.” I couldn’t agree more. When searching for a job, it’s important to assert oneself. If success means applying to numerous jobs, printing thousands of resumes or paying a personal visit to the employer, then we should do it. After bonding over our shared experiences with the job market, Furl concluded by offering me some comforting words. “Everyone’s journey is different, and I can only say that we share the same fundamental struggles.” The job hunt is difficult and time consuming — like chasing an old high school crush. The hunt, whether it be at work or play, doesn’t come easy. From a server to social media consultant and finally a proud owner of a business, my hard work has finally paid off. But that’s not to say it’s smooth sailing from here. I still have hard work ahead of me — thankfully, I’m better prepared for it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
LIFESTYLE
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1 Edible seaweed 5 More (Sp.) 8 Opposed to 12 Finished 13 Inventor Whitney 14 Ring out 15 Actress Campbell 16 Turtle shell, e.g. 18 Look of pain 20 Photocopier name 21 Greek vowel 22 Meadow 23 Blue Shoes 26 Late 60 Minutes correspondent 30 Born in the 31 The Simpsons network 32 Payable 33 Designer Gianni 36 Eye color 38 Pipe material, for short 39 Solidify 40 Weird 43 Countertop, e.g. 47 Hot rodders competition 49 Back 50 Division word 51 de deux 52 Therefore 53 Examination 54 Explosive letters 55 Handsome is as handsome
1 King 2 Always 3 Jeans-maker Strauss 4 Undergrad course of study 5 Muhammad’s birthplace 6 Wings 7 Knight’s address 8 Go to a higher court 9 Approach 10 Mexican entree 11 Holly 17 Figure-skating leap 19 Consumed 22 Remiss 23 Minivan alternative 24 Work with 25 Listener 26 Trouble 27 Wood-shaping tool 28 Pool stick 29 Moray, for one 31 Media watchdog org. 34 Tap 35 State with confidence 36 That girl 37 Batman’s butler 39 Visitor 40 Fix a manuscript 41 Sea eagle 42 Phooey! 43 Read cursorily 44 Plane-related 45 Zoo structure 46 Love god 48 Suitable
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Tuesday, June 2, 2015