The Fulcrum - Vol 75 Issue 6

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Wall not living up to its name

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From CHUO to the CBC

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Debatably credible TMZ

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IN THIS ISSUE Taking over Question Period P.6 Public can now question the Senate

Taken for granted P.8 Students encouraged to take advantage of Ontario Tuition Grant

Ariana and friends P.10 New album mostly features collaborations

Ponyboy’s fall selection P.11

The verdict on Nightmare on Mill Street Pumpkin Ale

POLICE, POLITICIANS, AND PUBLIC OPINION P.12 Homeless youth targeted by laws and policy

Rugby reveals character P.15

Jennifer Boyd’s sports philosophy

Sharing the Good News P.19

Kanye West announces Yeezus Walks tour

Wearing the right condom P.20

All the shapes and sizes

NEWS It Ain’t easy being green NEWS EDITOR

Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi news@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Students concerned over wall’s sickly demeanour

Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi News Editor

T

hese days, the living wall in the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) building looks about as full of life as the library on Christmas Day.

Once the crown jewel of FSS, the living wall is experiencing a mechanical problem that’s causing the foliage to die.

The six-storey wall was developed by Nedlaw Living Walls and it undergoes monthly checkups. It was during one of these maintenance rounds in June that they noticed something was wrong. Since then, many of the plants have either died off or rotted.

Earlier in the month, the university brought in Nedlaw founder Alan Darlington to find the reason behind the wall’s decay.

Maintenance of the wall requires “a lot of coordination of a pretty broad range of people,” said Darlington, including engineers and computer scientists. Because of this, the university is considering a variety of different potential problems, such as plumbing and electricity.

Darlington believes aging lightbulbs may be

Before & After

Photos by Justin Lab & Yaneric Bisaillon

the issue. The insufficient lighting means the plants are not getting as much as they need, he said.

Darlington said he’s certain it’s “not a tough fix,” but they want to make sure they have determined the problem before attempting to solve it. They have to act carefully because the living wall “requires a little bit more finesse to make it work properly,” he said.

Students at the University of Ottawa have certainly taken notice.

“I’m disappointed,” Christine Kiki Lefebvre, a fourth year accounting student wrote in an email to the Fulcrum. “The university made such a big deal about this amazing, green living wall that would be so good for the building, but within (two) years, it’s dying.”

Yaneric Bisaillon, vice-president of academic affairs of the International Studies, Political Science and Policy Studies Student Association (IPPSSA), also expressed his dismay.

“It is sad that such an interesting project is literally dying,” Bisaillon wrote to the Fulcrum.

“It makes us wonder how much does the Faculty of Social Sciences want to support a green environment?”

The University of Ottawa sent out a tweet to reassure students they are looking into the problem.

“Facilities wishes to express that we understand how frustrating it is to see our wall in this state and we take it very seriously,” said Alexis Michaud, Manager of Ancillary Services of the U of O’s Physical Resources Service.

“We appreciate the importance of this feature for the university’s community and do not take it lightly.”

The wall was unveiled in October 2013 as part of renovations that put all the social sciences students and faculty members together under one roof.

The wall is more than just a pretty feature, said Darlington. According to a U of O press release from 2013, the wall acts as a “biofilter” that cleans “80 to 85 per cent of the volatile organic compounds in the air in a single pass.” The wall is hooked to the air system and filters it “without having to go through a lot of really nasty and detrimental environmental impacts,” Darlington explained.

He noted that the wall’s filtering functions have not been compromised.

Ontario council puts students’ skills to the test New report says university degrees don’t indicate skill level Heloïse Rodriguez-Qizilbash Contibutor

A report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) suggests that universities are doing a very poor job of assessing the most basic skills of their graduates.

“Are we measuring what matters?”

Harvey Weingarten, the president and CEO of the HEQCO, asked in an editorial in the Globe and Mail. He said that assessing both incoming and graduating students’ skills is a priority, one that Canadian universities aren’t taking seriously enough.

“We have to do a better job of measuring the outcomes of the post-secondary education that Ontario students are getting.”

A HEQCO-funded survey found in 2012 that 29 per cent of employers named a lack of skills as a problem when hiring university students—10 per cent said it was their top challenge.

In an interview with the Fulcrum, Weingarten recommends measuring several kinds of outcomes, which range from basic skills like literacy and numeracy, to behavioural skills

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like persistence and determination.

According to Weingarten, the latter skills “appear to be most predictive of success in the workplace.”

Dany Laveault is a professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in education, and an expert consultant for the Educational Quality and Accountability in Ontario (EQAO). Laveault has spent years evaluating undergraduate programs.

The U of O is “very serious about making sure that we find out if university students have the necessary skills to perform in the market,” said Laveault.

He explained that at the U of O, undergraduate programs are evaluated on a rotational basis every seven years. The reports, with the experts’ comments and recommendations, can be accessed on the university’s website.

The report involves a combination of internal and external reviewers.

However, the university does not measure the specific competencies of incoming or graduating students like the council recommends.

The need to teach students valuable skills is partly the reason why universities have experienced a surge

in popularity of co-op programs, said Weingarten.

Co-op was first introduced at the University of Waterloo when 75 students were enrolled in an engineering program. The University of Ottawa claimed the fourth-largest coop program in Canada in 2013, with 4,898 undergraduate students and 112 graduates students enrolled in one of the 75 co-op programs offered.

“The push we’re seeing in universities for co-op and integrative learning is an attempt on the part of universities to use work experience as a way of promoting these skills,” said Weingarten. “Are such programs really useful? “Who knows? We won’t know until we measure.”

Laveault and Weingarten agree the problem is more complicated because it’s very difficult to know exactly what skills employers want.

“Who knows what skills you’re going to need 10 years from now,” said Laveault. “There’s a big debate right now among universities about whether we should prepare students for specific skills or very general skills of literacy and numeracy. The prob-

lem is finding the right balance between overgeneralization and overspecialization.”

While there is a dichotomy between what universities teach their students and the skills employers are actually looking for, Laveault thinks it is simply unrealistic to aim for a perfect Are students taught the skills they need?

Photo by Jennifer Vo match. “The martually measure those competences in ket would like our students.” the universities to train the future emAccording to Laveault, students ployees, but to do that we would need need to meet the university halfway thousands of programs and we would and develop those skills themselves, be doing the job of the employer. The by participating in extracurricular employers also need to do their job and activities. train their employees.”

“I think it all depends from what “Employers are dancing around the the student brings,” he said. “There’s issue of what skills they want,” said only so much university can do for Weingarten, which is why he thinks you, at some point it’s the student who it’s crucial to collect this information. has to take charge.”

“We need to get on to the job and ac-

NEWS | 5

Senators set their sights on student with new initiative

Program launched to address low political engagement, especially among young people Lindsay MacMillan associate News Editor

In the last federal election, only 39 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 24 voted—but a new initiative aims to raise those numbers.

The Your Question Period program was designed to allow Canadian citizens, rather than just politicians, the opportunity to pose their questions to the Senate.

Senator James Cowan, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, is confident the program will increase voter engagement.

“Your Question Period encourages a role for people who otherwise would not be involved in politics, and people seem pleased with it,” he said.

In January of this year, Justin Trudeau kicked out all 32 Liberal senators from his caucus in an attempt to spur on Senate reform. Your Question Period was created in March by the former Liberal senators who are now sitting as independents.

To participate, Canadians go to the Liberal Senate Forum’s website and submit a question.

If selected, they will be contacted to let them know which senator is asking the question and on what day. Afterward, they’ll receive a copy of the answer.

Cowan believes that questions coming straight from the public will force politicians to be more accountable. “Sometimes government will dance around the question if another sen-

ator asks it, but they must answer one from the public,” he said.

But not all believe the new program will fix Canada’s chronic problem with political engagement. Don Lenihan, a senior associate at the Public Policy Forum, said it doesn’t fix the underlying problems.

“There are other ways to encourage political participation,” said Lenihan. “The Reform Party used to do a similar program, but stopped due to lack of response. I think it’s a fine program, but it only treats the symptoms. It doesn’t ask why people are so politically inactive to begin with.”

Cowan said he believes the lack of political activity in Canada is a result of widespread cynicism.

“People ask if their politicians really care,” he said. “Scientists and public service can’t speak.

Charities and organizations that criticize the current government get audited.” The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives is currently being audited by the Canada Revenue Agency. More than 400 academics from universities across Canada signed a petition in protest of the move, claiming it is politically motivated.

“We preach around the world how important democracy is, but it doesn’t happen in our own borders,” said Cowan. “This question period is part of showing people that government will listen.”

At the University of Ottawa, there’s also a lack of political participation. Voter turnout for the most recent Student Federation

of the University of Ottawa (SFUO) election was only 11.6 per cent.

“General awareness of our initiatives and the work we do is key to increasing turnout,” said Chris Hynes, the SFUO’s vice-president of university affairs.

Hynes said he doesn’t believe the lack of turnout is indicative of a lack of political interest.

“From speaking to students I can tell that they do care about what is happening on campus,” he said. “The bottom line is students cannot always afford to be available. That is not to say that students are not engaged.”

Cowan said he wants more students participating in politics. He explained that since he and other former Liberal caucus members were forced out, they hold their own open caucuses. Cowan said they are considering holding future caucuses at the U of O to encourage students to get involved.

“We preach around the world how important democracy is, but it doesn’t happen in our own borders.”

— James Cowan

Telfer undertakes social media data mining study

Research aims to better predict market trends

Parliament

Photo by Christine Tomlinson

NEWS Brief

Netflix, CRTC fight over future of Canadian TV Lindsay MacMillan associate News Editor

Telfer professors have begun a new study to investigate the relationship between market sentiment and social media.

Dr. Samir Saadi, an assistant professor and head of the study, hopes his research will be able to accurately predict whether a new firm is ready to go public, and if social media affects investment decisions and long-term stock performance.

Firms that want to become publicly listed will often underprice their shares when they’re first offered for sale to the public during an initial public offering (IPO), Saadi explained.

Consultants will say it’s necessary due to uncertainty about the firms, he said, but examining data shared through Facebook and Twitter could help young entrepreneurs better determine what their business is worth.

The study, carried out with the help of a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), will take two years to complete. Saadi will work with fellow Telfer professors Imed Chkir and Shan-

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tanu Dutta, and Masoud Makrehchi, a professor of computer engineering at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

The team will data mine social media to gain market information from investors and the public, and analyze it to determine market sentiment on a potential IPO. When the firms eventually make their public debut, the team will then compare their actual share value with what social media helped predict.

“We expect to find market sentiment matters to IPOs, including its pricing, short-term, and long-term performance,” said Saadi.

Saadi said there’s a growing interest from academic, industry, and government agencies in using social media as a “predictive and reactive” analytics tool.

The study is the first to analyze the relationship between social media and IPOs, though there has been broader research on how public opinion can be easily read online. A 2010 study by Sitaram Asur and Bernardo Huberman for HP Labs used tweets to predict box office revenue.

Marketing companies are already

cashing in on social media.

“It helps to build relationships between a business and its clients,” said Lara Wellman, a Carleton graduate and social media strategist at Wellman Wilson Consulting.

“If a business can find its audience online, it needs to use the right tools to reach out to them. When the right audience is reached, the business is more likely to have a strong connection with its clients, ensuring success.”

The results of the study will benefit more than just entrepreneurs, said Saadi. Managers could better understand when to take their firms public, based on the attitude social media has towards their company. Investors could use social media to pick the most promising IPO. Policymakers could watch the general attitude online and react quickly to avoid negative outlooks. Consider the 2008 financial crisis, Saadi explained. “If people had been gauging the attitudes on social media in 2008, the crisis may have been avoided,” he said. “By continuing to analyze social media, we may prevent future economic crises.”

The Canadian Radio-Telecommunications and Television Commission (CRTC) wrapped up a two-week hearing on Sept. 19, where many major telecommunications companies including Rogers, Bell, and Netflix testified against the proposed regulation of the Internet.

Netflix’s global public policy director, Corie Wright, told the fivemember CRTC panel that regulating the Internet will only hurt Canadian consumers. The debate centered on the idea of Netflix working with the CRTC to regulate its Canadian film and TV offerings.

The hearing, Let’s Talk TV, aimed to adapt Canadian broadcasting in times of changing consumer needs and technology, and heard from a range of parties, including Rogers and Bell.

Wright cited this idea as counterintuitive to Netflix’s purpose.

“Netflix believes that regulatory intervention online … could have consequences that are inconsistent with the interests of consumers,” Wright said at the hearing. She added it is the viewers who have the power to shape the marketplace when they “vote

with their dollars and eyeballs.”

The Harper government said it would not impose taxes on Internet service providers such as Netflix or YouTube.

The NDP issued a statement saying the federal government should focus on producing quality Canadian programming as opposed to regulating online providers such as Netflix.

Several cultural groups and at least two provincial governments supported the CRTC’s proposal.

The debate became heated when CRTC chair Jean-Pierre Blais asked that Wright provide them with Netflix’s subscriber information, Wright resisted on the grounds that not only was the information confidential, but that Netflix could be easily exploited by competitors should the information become public.

American TV network executives were also present at the hearing. They came before the CRTC in hopes of being compensated for providing “free” programming to Canadians.

—Emily Fu

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U of O to host awareness week on brain health Event delves into mysteries of neuronal networks and brain diseases

Elizabeth Manley, left, Stephane Richer and Shelley McKay.

Mackenzie Powell CONTRIBUTOR

The brain is thought to have more than 100 trillion connections between neurons. A new conference at the University of Ottawa encourages people to take a closer look.

The University of Ottawa’s Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOMBRI) is the host of the inaugural Brain Health Awareness Week, Sept. 22–27, to raise awareness about the institute’s work on the most complex organ in the human body.

The institute is internationally recognized for its research into genetics, neural dynamics, regenerative medicine, as well as numerous brain disorders.

David Park is the director of the institute, co-director of the Parkinson Research Consortium at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and a professor at the U of O. He explained that in addition to research, the institute wants to improve patient access to mental health care.

“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for people to gather and share ideas and share ex-

periences about the brain and brain diseases,” said U of O student Kevin Lee. “I think a lot of people can speak to their own experiences with brain health.”

Lee is a PhD student studying the basic mechanics of neurocircuit formation. For the last few years, his project has focused on “how the brain creates the connections under normal conditions, so we can better understand what might actually go wrong in situations when we have neurological diseases.”

Among the speakers are Elizabeth Manley, a Canadian former Olympic figure skater; Stéphane Richer, former defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens; and Shelley McKay, a former cyclist and tri-athlete on the Canadian national team—all of whom came to discuss their personal struggles with mental illness.

Mayor Jim Watson was slated to attend the official proclamation of Brain Health Awareness Week on Sept. 24.

Mayor Watson said in a statement that the city of Ottawa supports the institute and “its mandate to link research discoveries to health care delivery for immediate impact on the quality of life for patients and their care-

NEWS BriefS

Photo by Mélanie Provencher

givers in our city.”

“Awareness of (this) is critically important,” said Mayor Watson.

The conference also includes a debate on the prescription of antidepressants and several lectures delving into the complexity of the brain.

Park stressed the importance of awareness campaigns.

“Patients are their own best advocates, so they need to be informed, they need to be involved, and they need to be aware of what’s going on in their own health,” he said.

Mental health issues are becoming more and more prevalent at universities. In 2011, it was found that antidepressants were the second-most claimed prescription at the U of O, after contraceptives. Those numbers align with the general trend across the country.

Students need a way to access resources that can alleviate “incredible amounts of pressure, stress, and anxiety,” said Park.

In August, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations released a report calling on the federal government to provide more support services for young adults with mental health issues.

People’s Climate March attracts thousands ahead of UN Summit

U of O rises in international rankings

The People’s Climate March in New York City on Sept. 21 included many Canadians in a protest demanding action against climate change.

Thousands attended the event, held days before the United Nations Climate Summit on Sept. 23. Several smaller marches were held throughout major Canadian cities.

One Canadian missing from the rally and summit however, angered many marchers. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was not one of the 120 world leaders at the event.

The prime minister sent Environmental Minister Leona Aglukkaq instead.

Harper met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and addressed the UN General Assembly. But his refusal to attend the summit—which aimed to revive political will for a new global climate treaty by the end

The University of Ottawa gained nine spots in this year’s Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings,.

“The University of Ottawa has consolidated its place among the world’s top universities by placing 218th on the very prestigious QS World University Rankings,” said a statement released by the University.

“In addition, our average of 90 citations per faculty places us 65th in the world in this category, an achievement that reflects well on our entire university community.”

Twenty Canadian universities were ranked among the top 500 in the world, with the University of Toronto leading the pack at number 20. The U of O was ranked 11th among all Canadian schools.

The U of O also ranked in the top 200 in 16 subject areas, and in the top 100 for sociology.

—Miriam Saslove

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of 2015—left many Canadians in the march disappointed.

Sierra Club Canada program director John Bennett said in an interview with Global News that it was long past time for Harper to take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, noting that “Canadians overwhelmingly want action on climate change and he has not delivered on that.”

Graduate student Aaron Saad, one of 275 people bussed down by protest group Toronto 350, told Global News that “we are the source of the tar sands, which has just been such a destructive project for the climate and for local environment and indigenous people.”

“We’re just so fed up with that and we need some real leadership on really addressing climate change.”

—Lindsay MacMillan

NEWS | 7

National News

Parliament to debate new bill to protect unpaid interns Rainer Kocsis

The Sheaf (University of Saskatchewan) SASKATOON (CUP)—A newly proposed piece of federal legislation that aims to protect unpaid interns from unfair work conditions is scheduled for debate this fall.

New Democrat Member of Parliament Laurin Liu tabled Bill C-620, the Intern Protection Act, in the House of Commons on June 16.

Its enactment would amend the definition of “employee” in the Canada Labour Code to include unpaid interns, thus extending the same workplace protections that cover paid employees to interns who do not receive a wage.

“Currently in Canadian law, there is no reference to interns whatsoever, so right now there’s sort of a wild west situation for interns in which no federal law protects them against abuse,” Liu said. “The bill would essentially offer all interns, both paid and unpaid, the same protections that paid employees receive.”

Liu and the NDP are hoping to end the exploitation of unpaid interns by placing a cap on the number of hours an intern can work. The bill would also grant interns the right to refuse dangerous work and offer them protection from sexual harassment.

The bill was inspired by the death of 22-yearold Andy Ferguson in November 2011. A practicum student at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Ferguson died after working a 16-hour day at a radio station where he was doing an unpaid internship. While driving home, Ferguson’s vehicle crossed the centre line and struck a gravel truck head-on.

“These are the kinds of abuses that we see elsewhere … we’re hoping that interns and future interns in Canada will benefit from certain minimum protections,” said Liu. The second part of the bill deals with the fact that interns are considered free labour by many employers. Liu hopes Bill C-620 will prevent companies from turning paid jobs into unpaid internships.

“What’s happening to them across Canada is that, unfortunately, employers are taking advantage of interns by replacing paid positions with unpaid internships,” Liu said.

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The bill would force internships to be educational and to provide training equal to that offered in a post-secondary institution. Additionally, the bill would ensure that internships primarily benefit the intern and offer tangible training opportunities.

Youth unemployment is currently double the national average, and many university graduates are having a hard time finding work after earning their degree. As a result, young workers must often resort to taking unpaid internships to start their careers.

Currently, the bill is operating on a complaintbased system where interns would be responsible to report abuses. “What this bill would do is it would provide the courts a new tool to examine whether or not the internship is legal,” Liu said.

So far, the bill has been endorsed by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec, the Regroupement Étudiant Franco-Ontarien as well as the Canadian Intern Association.

The bill is limited to federally regulated workplaces and would not affect interns working in businesses or government institutions regulated by the provinces.

“I think everyone should benefit from those kinds of protections whether they’re interns or employees,” said Liu. “I think those are protections that we owe to every worker.”

Parliament of Canada

Photo by Tina Wallace

Ontario wants more students to take advantage of tuition grant

Students in ‘much better shape’ with provincial help, says OUSA Taylor Berzins

The Sputnik (Wilfrid Laurier University) BRANTFORD (CUP)—The Ontario Tuition Grant (OTG) has undergone its annual increase, and the province is looking to encourage more post-secondary students to apply.

For Ontario undergrads in university and college degree programs, the grant is now valued at $1,780, or $890 per term. This means the value of the grant has increased by 2.8 per cent since the 2013–14 study period.

The provincial government developed the grant, which represents a 30 per cent tuition rebate, in 2012. The grant was initially valued at $1,680 for university and college degree students, and rises each year at a rate capped at 3 per cent.

Tuition costs in Ontario are also limited to a 3 per cent increase until the year 2017, meaning the OTG program will distribute funds that increase at a proportional rate to average tuition fees in Ontario.

According to the Ontario government, “most students who receive the grant pay less in net tuition than they did a decade ago.”

The tuition grant has always been available to students less than four years out of high school, or less than six years if they have a permanent disability. The Ontario government announced the grant will now also extend to cover students

five years out of high school if they are in the final year of a five-year co-op program, as well as students attending private post-secondary institutions.

“A post-secondary education should be accessible based on a student’s ability to learn, not to pay,” said Reza Moridi, Ontario minister of training, colleges and universities.

“It is safe to say that the 230,000 college and university students that did receive the 30 per cent tuition grant last year are in much better financial shape than they would have been without it,” said Rick Camman, vice-president of administration and human resources at the Ontario Undergraduate Students Association (OUSA).

In an OUSA report released in July, the association challenged the Ontario government’s limited age eligibility associated with the grant.

The report stated the grant should be made accessible to students, “regardless of when they graduated from high school.”

According to Camman, a post-secondary education is one of the most effective tools in combating poverty, and the Ontario government’s age restrictions render many students from low-income backgrounds ineligible for the grant.

Students in two-term programs have until March 1, 2015, or 60 days before the end of their study period, whichever is later, to apply for the grant.

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ARTS &CULTURE

A&C EDITOR Jessica Eritou arts@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

How one radio program proves punk’s not dead CHUO program’s fresh formula gets a hat-tip from the CBC Jessica Eritou

I

Arts & Culture Editor

mitation might be the highest form of flattery, but for Travis Boisvenue, one of the hosts of CHUO’s program City Slang, it’s about focusing on what others don’t do. The show features a unique look at smaller music scenes and interviews bands in an unconventional way that has gained attention across the country in recent weeks.

Last week, the CBC featured the popular CHUO punk rock variety program in a list of best campus radio shows in Canada. Only 75 episodes in, Boisvenue and co-host Emmanuel Sayer, also CHUO’s program director, can proudly say their show is broadcast in three other cities across Canada: Victoria, B.C., Sackville, N.B., and Waterloo, Ont. The Fulcrum spoke with CBC/Radio-Canada’s associate producer Judith Lynch to see why the program was chosen. Lynch put the question to her friends and colleagues: “What’s your favourite campus radio station?”

“City Slang came up more than once. I gave it a listen and liked what I heard. For me, a quality radio show has me invested in the programming or subject matter whether I have any interest in it or not. City Slang made me care,” she says.

“There’s very little that’s truly unique about radio, it’s more about how well you do it,” Lynch adds. “City Slang does what they do very well. It’s not just an open mike, a host and some tunes. They craft radio. And it shows.”

Sayer and Boisvenue do the show live, but also record it as a podcast. Sayer says their honourable mention from the National Campus and Community Radio Association may be why the CBC took notice.

The show features an in-depth interview every week. What sets their program apart is how different their style of interviewing is that of other programs.

“The goal of the interview is really to bring out the personality of the bands,” says Sayer.

“We don’t usually ask the typical questions.

We want to get their personalities across.”

“People just ask really boring questions,” Boisvenue says of other shows. “The last band we interviewed, we bonded over it.”

They make sure to avoid standard questions about when the artist’s new album drops, or what their favourite songs are. “Every band will have the same answer,” says Boisvenue.

“We’d rather just have a fun conversation with people. Usually, good bands are fun peo-

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Emmaneul Sayer

Photo by Marta Kierkus

“If you interview those people, you get in the ground floor of those communities. We’re interested in what your small city or scene is doing. And people really respond to that.” —Travis Boisvenue

CHUO

Photo by Remi Yuan.

ple. So, yeah, we shoot the shit or ask them funny questions, or dumb questions. If you ask a dumb question, you will always get a good answer. But if you ask a bad question, you’ll get a bad answer.”

Most interview subjects are happy with it and find it refreshing, he says. “They just lay back and have fun with it.”

But it doesn’t always work out. One wellknown artist, who they wouldn’t name, was one of the few who fell short with City Slang’s style of conversation. “Any time I tried to ask him a weird question, it would fall so flat.

He would barely answer, and move on to the next one,” recalls Boisvenue. “I was throwing him a bone to do a fun interview.”

City Slang features mostly Canadian music, especially local Ottawa bands, not just to showcase neighbourhood talent, but because it’s what the hosts truly enjoy.

“There’s a heavy focus on Ottawa, but it’s because it’s genuinely the stuff we love,” says Boisvenue.

Sayer is also one of the organizers of Ottawa Explosion, an annual celebration of Ottawa’s unique garage and punk rock scene. “It’s really connected,” he says of the local scene.

Boisvenue believes City Slang gained so much momentum because the garage rock scene is such a tight-knit community. “After a while, you start to get to know everyone,” he says. They interview and promote lesserknown artists from all over the world, and those artists promote the show as well. “You interview a smaller artist, not a super famous dude, and he’s like, ‘Hey, check it out Arizona, I got interviewed on a Canadian radio show, it must be a cool show,’” he says.

“If you interview those people, you get in the ground floor of those communities. We’re interested in what your small city or scene is doing. And people really respond to that.”

If you do that, Boisvenue says, “Over time it’s a lot more people who are fans of your show, rather than a particular episode.”

He also says community radio isn’t very used to change, so a show that’s new and fresh will get noticed a lot more easily than you might expect.

“People get used to how things are. You have people who do shows for decades—it’s an open format,” he says. “But the consequence of that is, if you don’t try to keep your station fresh, it kind of stagnates.”

He notes how Sayer and Flynn are always trying to bring new blood into the station and start up better shows. “It made such a huge difference,” says Boisvenue. “Having that attitude puts it ahead of other community radio stations.”

City Slang is broadcast every Monday at 9 p.m. on CHUO 89.1 FM.

ARTS & CULTURE | 9

Music Review

Photo by Melissa Rose, CC

Ariana Grande My Everything | Republic Records Ophelia John Contributor

Ariana Grande has been crowned pop’s newest musical sensation with a massive (and mostly teen-based) fan following and a voice to die for. Her second album, My Everything, released last month, solidifies her among the ranks of megapopular powerhouse singers.

Although Grande has the talent to stand on her own, her most popular songs are those that feature other major artists. With hits like “Prob-

lem,” featuring Iggy Azalea; “Bang Bang,” featuring Nicki Minaj and Jessie J; and a favourite of Grande herself, “Break Free,” featuring Zedd, the key to Grande’s success seems to hinge upon her contributing artists.

Out of the fifteen songs on the deluxe version of My Everything, nine of them are bolstered by a big namedrop. It’s great to hear such a variety of artists, but it seems a tad ridiculous that there are more songs featuring other people than there

are of Grande on her own.

Nonetheless, it does work to her advantage since there is such a diverse sound on the album.

“Just a Little Bit of Your Heart” is one you could listen to on repeat and still feel as sad as the first time you listen to it. On the opposite side of the emotional spectrum is “Be My Baby,” a catchy upbeat tune with Cashmere Cat, reminiscent of something you would hear from the 1990s. The only song to skip is “Hands on Me,” featuring A$AP Ferg, which

seems unfinished.

So as one might be secretly hoping for a cover of “Emotions” by Mariah Carey since most critics believe in the similarity of sound and style of ballads, we have to wait a bit longer. Grande should focus on her music and not rely on so many trendy artists to stay relevant. We have enough top 40 artists who do that- in fact, that’s what Pitbull is for. I hope she stays around for a little while longer, she has the pipes and talent to do so.

Death From Above 1979 The Physical World | Last Gang Records Matt Radich Contributor

Rarely do comeback records meet fans’ expectations, but The Physical World makes Canadian rockers Death From Above 1979 the exception.

After a six-year break, the Toronto-based band is stronger than ever. The album meets any and every expectation. The Physical World hits just as hard as its predecessor, 2004’s debut You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine, but adds even more to the signature sound that DFA1979 is known for.

The album opens with a booming dance-punk track “Cheap Talk,” with a prominent drum beat that will have you hooked right from the beginning. On “Trainwreck 1979” and “Virgins,” the band proves they’re capable of writing exceptionally catchy hooks.

Singer and drummer Sebastien Grainger delivers strong vocal

10 | ARTS & CULTURE

performances throughout the album, most notably on “Government Trash” and “Gemini.”

A highlight of the album is definitely “Always On”—it’s nearly impossible to sit still when the blistering bass riff comes in for the chorus. “White is Red” is a change in sound for DFA1979. With its meandering, melancholy bass chords, the track is significantly slower than the rest of the album, and it’s a pleasant surprise.

The Physical World is a near-perfect sophomore effort from DFA1979. The duo has shown again that with the right touch, the only instruments you need to create hard-hitting rock music are bass guitar and drums. The last 10 years were well worth the wait.

Death From Above

Brennan Schnell, CC

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Why it might be tough to get through: If you make it a habit to watch modern war movies, you will be struck by the low levels of gore, the small number of explosions, and the low bullet count. If historical dramas aren’t your thing, it might also take you a while to situate yourself in this movie and really get into the characters’ logic and mentality.

Why you should see it anyway: Richard Anderson (Saint-Auban) & George Macready (Paul Mireau)

Pints with Ponyboy

Jesse Colautti Nightmare on Mill Street Pumpkin Ale Features Editor

Where to find it: Mill Street Brew Pub For those of you who speak of glorious sweater weather all year round, who put out Halloween decorations on Labour Day, and who wish it was still socially acceptable to roll around in leaves all day, this is the beer for you.

Mill Street’s Pumpkin Ale is the beer equivalent of a pumpkin spice latte, or your mom’s homemade pie. It offers sweet and smooth

notes of pumpkin, while somehow also managing to delight with a bitter and biting finish.

This one is perfect for late September days salivating over the thought of homecooked turkey and stuffing, amidst your less than appealing diet of Kraft Dinner and Mr. Noodles. Perhaps it can even fool you into thinking the fall offers something more appealing than midterms.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Want us to review your favourite beer? Tweet @PonyboyColautti

Image courtesy of GoneMovie.com

Jasmine van Schouwen Contributor

Why it’s famous: One of the most politically controversial movies of its time, Paths of Glory offers the audience an experience that is half military drama and half legal thriller. Featuring an undeniably brilliant Kirk Douglas it’s a memorable movie that doesn’t need a demonized enemy or wild explosions to communicate its anti-war message.

Famous lines: General Broulard: There are few things more fundamentally encouraging and stimulating than seeing someone else die.

Soldier 1: I’m not afraid of dying tomorrow, only of getting killed.

Soldier 2: That’s as clear as mud.

Why you haven’t seen it: Paths of Glory is one of those movies we tend to forget. It was known less as a modern must-see and more of a diamond in the rough, especially for its era. If you are not a World War buff, or the type to visit the Bytowne Cinema on its unfortunately unfrequented Monday movie nights, you most likely haven’t encountered it because you just never knew about it.

There's a reason why this flick makes most moviegoers’ top film lists. It offers incredible storytelling and an unbelievably engaging 88 minutes that you won't regret devoting yourself to. Every time you think you know where it's going, you'll realize how much you underestimated the movie to begin with. You'll understand that the lack of CGI and other special effects is not a weakness of the movie, but rather its strength.

Fun Facts: • French authorities considered the film an offence to the honour of their army due to the strong diplomatic pressure the French government put on the European distributor. The film wasn’t shown in France until 1975. In Germany, the government decided to delay its release to avoid any strain in relations with France.

• The film was also banned in Spain by the censorship under General Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, for its anti-military message. It wasn’t released until 1986, 11 years after Franco’s death.

• The film was shot near Munich, Germany, and most of the men playing French soldiers were actually off-duty officers from the Munich Police Department.

#FULCRUMFOODREVIEW: CACAO 70

Spoil yourself with chocolate delights on a night out in the ByWard Market

Chantal Jiang Contributor

Hooray, we’ve hit the jackpot.

Cacao 70, a café franchise from Montreal, made its debut in the ByWard Market this summer. Patrons can indulge in glorious chocolate fondue, waffles, crepes, and sandwiches for lunch or brunch.

The café is well-suited to Ottawa’s reputation for a frigid and everlasting winter.

Cacao 70 offers guests a cozy and relaxed atmosphere with

thefulcrum.ca

warm lighting.

I ordered the double-sized Flaming Turtle chocolate fondue and shared the plate with three people. It was served as a mug of hot chocolate dip with waffle bites, classic brownies, and delicious fresh fruit.

Cacao 70 stands out from other crepe and waffle cafés since the shop offers a number of chocolate choices to have drizzled on fresh fruit: 76 per cent powerful dark chocolate; a 64.5 per cent Costa Rica; and

finally, a smoother 31 per cent French cream.

Most surprisingly, they offer Chocolate Pizza, which features a warm pizza crust drizzled with chocolate, topped with strawberries and bananas. Beer lovers will also appreciate their chocolate beer.

Cacao 70 is a bit pricey for students, but it makes for a memorable Friday night and a wonderful treat for when the semester leaves you wilted.

ARTS & CULTURE | 11

Justin Dall

Staff Contribu “Have two people jaywalk, one in a suit and one looking homeless—who do you think the cop would stop?”

By 16, Raphaëlle Ferland was homeless, a fact that makes her graduation from law school at the University of Ottawa this past spring all the more remarkable. It’s a success story few others are able to share, and she seems to know it. Despite her recent accomplishments, Ferland's view of police and the criminal justice system has been marred by earlier experiences.

“Those who are there to serve and protect are the ones who hurt the homeless community," she said. "They know those who are homeless and target them."

Now 25 years old and articling at the Hale Criminal Law Office, Ferland hopes her work as a criminal defence lawyer will help her “even out at least the injustices.”

She isn't alone in her concern about the levels of youth crime and vagrancy in Ottawa. There's much controversy around community safety and justice, and there's never an easy answer. Many would welcome the idea of policing the city’s most troubled neighbourhoods, regardless of the long-term consequences. But in trying to protect the public, are we making street youth the target of discrimination and criminalization?

A notorious neighbourhood

Starting in the 1980s, Canadian poverty and homelessness rates began to rise dramatically for a number of political and economic reasons.

Today, it’s estimated that there are at least 200,000 Canadians who experience homelessness in any given year. Twenty per cent of them are youth between the ages of 16 and 25, and another one per cent are under 16. And these numbers do not include those living on the street or with friends, and who never enter the shelter system.

The capital is certainly not immune to youth homelessness. In the past, Ottawa has responded to this issue by providing more emergency services, such as shelters and drop-in centres. According to the Report Card on Ending Homelessness in Ottawa, prepared annually by the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, there were 379 single youth using Ottawa’s emergency shelters at any point during 2013.

Although the city was able to reduce the overall number of people using shelters by 7.6 per

cent—an achievement that earned the city an “A” on its report card—the number of young people relying on shelters decreased by a mere 0.8 per cent. Moreover, the organization found the average length of stay for youth has been on a slight rise year over year, reflecting the larger issue of “an extreme shortage of affordable housing opportunities in the community.”

Emergency services are therefore critical for homeless individuals, especially youth, but their concentration in downtown areas comes with an “unintended consequence,” according to a research paper entitled "Policing Street Youth in Toronto."

The authors found that emergency services make street youth more visible to the public and the police. Because they have nowhere else to go, they're forced to spend a lot of time in public spaces. In turn, their increased visibility has a negative impact on public perception.

This was precisely what was happening in Ottawa in 2005, when City Councillor Georges Bédard successfully passed a moratorium—a temporary prohibition—on new homeless services in the downtown core.

Bédard felt the concentration of services was turning the area into a sort of ghetto.

Two years later, then-Mayor Larry O’Brien stated that by offering so many emergency services, Ottawa was attracting homeless people “like seagulls at the dump.”

The stance taken by these prominent city officials are rooted in stereotypes associated with homelessness, but they also reveal the pressure felt by politicians to take action when faced with the threat of public disorder.

A look at the 2012 Public Survey conducted by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) shows that residents in the Rideau-Vanier ward continue to be concerned about crime that's often perceived as being linked to the prevalence of homelessness, such as public intoxication and drug arrests.

In the survey, 74 per cent of ward residents listed the presence of intoxicated persons as one of their top five concerns, while another 72 per cent expressed concern over the presence of drugs and drug dealers. These results are

markedly high compared to the average across all wards of only 24 per cent and 43 per cent respectively. One major difference is the visibility of homeless individuals in the downtown area.

“Rideau-Vanier has a sort of notorious history,” said John Ecker, a PhD student in psychology at the U of O. “The public’s perception is warranted to a degree.”

Even so, Ecker, who’s doing his thesis on community integration for the homeless, said the perceived relationship between crime and homelessness is a myth.

“Oftentimes people think that homeless people are all mentally ill and drug addicts and alcoholics," he said, "but that’s not the case.”

Criminalizing homelessness

number of

of offence Although not all street people neOSSA Was cessarily commit criminal offences, some concern regarding the criminal activity of the homeless is nevertheless warranted. Academic studies have found, for example, that street youth are more likely to be involved in shoplifting food and clothing, and consuming drugs and alcohol in public. A small percentage of them are involved in more serious crimes, such as assaults and drug dealing.

“Being homeless did expose me to some criminal activity, mainly theft 2000 and drug sales,” said Ferland. “My friend got murdered on the streets and I've seen numerous fights.”

“Given the large number of street youth involved in many different forms of criminal activity, it may not be surprising that they are closely monitored by the police,” state the authors of “Policing Street Youth in Toronto.”

This may be part of the reason why the visibility of homeless people is met with a “law-andorder response,” the authors argue. But the added attention of police nevertheless can lead to the criminalization of homelessness. This is what appears to be happening, at least to some extent, here in Ottawa.

In an attempt to make the streets of Ottawa safer, homelessness has become increasingly criminalized. However, is the link between the homeless and street crimes real, or imagined? laire

utor

Each weekend in September and October of last year, the OPS, in partnership with other local law enforcement agencies, took part in the Nuisance Enforcement Project in the communities of the ByWard Market, Vanier, Sandy Hill and Centretown, in an effort to “address ongoing community concerns in the downtown core,” according to the 2013 Ottawa Police Report. Over the course of those two months, the agencies handed out a total of 1,607 tickets under different acts, including the Ontario Safe Streets Act (OSSA).

“We are working with the local community and residents to address their concerns regarding nuisance offences,” Insp. Chris Rhéaume of the OPS Central District certificates said in the report. “Our approach to es after the violators is education through ens e nacted forcement of municipal bylaws, provincial statutes and Criminal Code offences.”

The Nuisance Enforcement Project was one of two law enforcement projects led by the OPS in 2013. The service has also been experimenting with “beat cops” in the ByWard Market.

Starting in June of last year, officers were on foot patrols in the market during a three-month pilot project aimed at reducing crime in the summer months. In addition to the 59 officers who usually patrolled the mar2006 ket, 14 officers were assigned to walk along various beats in the area.

“We were getting community complaints about vagrancy,” said Rhéaume in the Ottawa Star last year. “Local businesses were worried about it – not just vacancy [sic], but crime and disorder.”

Policing public spaces that are known hotspots for the homeless isn't anything new.

The OSSA, which came into effect in January 2000, is a provincial law that addressed the rising concerns over aggressive panhandlers and squeegeeing in the late 1990s. Some experts have said that the Act targets homeless people

by making activities they engage in, such as sleeping in parks or panhandling, illegal.

“There is certainly no correlation between serious criminality and homelessness,” said Marie-Eve Sylvestre, a law professor at the U of O. “But obviously, because homeless people are occupying and living and working in public spaces, they are often violating bylaws and other provincial statutes which regulate individuals in public spaces.”

For many common offences, then, the question becomes one of causality.

“It’s seems like it’s a chicken and egg situation,” Sylvestre said. “Is it because homeless people are committing more crimes, or is it because we draft legislation so as to criminalize them? It seems to be the latter that applies more than the former.”

A paper published last month called “Challenging Discriminatory and Punitive Responses to Homelessness in Canada,” by Sylvestre and fellow U of O law professor Céline Bellot, discusses the ticketing of homeless individuals in cities across the country.

Although the data presented for certain cities dates back to the early 2000s, the authors’ findings reveal the growing tendency to ticket homeless people under legislation like the OSSA. In Ottawa, the number of certificates of offences went up to 1,527 in 2006 from 103 in 2000, nearly 15 times more registered offences in the six years after the OSSA was enacted.

Sylvestre said policing homelessness is “not going to address the problem.” Rather, she believes it contributes to fuelling the fear around homeless people.

“People think that if the police are there, then it means … that there is a security issue,” she said, “whereas if you were to replace police officers by street workers or social workers, people would see the problem differently.”

More than half of homeless youth have been in jail, a youth detention centre, or prison

Reimagining our response

Ecker, who did his comprehensive exam on LGBTQ youth homelessness, called the relationship between police and homeless people “tumultuous.”

“I always find it interesting when a homeless person … gets ticketed for panhandling or something like that,” he said. “First of all, where are they going to get the money to pay for the fine? That just accumulates and can lead to other charges. It’s not a good response to what is clearly a social issue.”

The accumulation of unpaid fines is indeed a problem for homeless individuals. Sylvestre and Bellot's report states that in Ontario, only 0.3 per cent of all certificates of offences issued against homeless people between 2000 and 2006 were paid. In Ottawa, that amounted to only 14 of the 4,880 registered offences.

The authors concluded that most homeless people are rarely able to pay their fines, and as a result they frequently end up incarcerated.

“Everyone I knew would get ticketed from things such as sleeping in a park … hopping a bus, panhandling, or drinking in public,” Ferland said. “Most people I knew would get ticketed a lot, and since they could not afford to pay, they would let the tickets accumulate to a point where they got stopped for jaywalking and spent a week in jail to pay off tickets.”

The criminalization of homelessness impacts street youth in a unique way, since youth are different than adults in terms of their physical, mental, social, and emotional development.

Most of them, especially those under 18, have never had to fend for themselves.

“Youth is tricky, because there’s a lot going on,” said Ecker. “They might be in care systems already, like foster care, they may age out of the system … they may be legally involved or have terrible families sometimes … There are a lot of issues to contend with.”

All this makes the criminalization of homelessness particularly harmful to youth. Being on the street for longer periods of time exposes them to criminal activity and leaves them vulnerable to becoming victims, not just perpetrators, of crime. As a result, they develop a negative view of police and the justice system. Ferland, who is well on her way to becoming a criminal lawyer, continues to believe the system is “flawed” and needs to be fixed.

“The issue (of homelessness) needs to be addressed,” said Sylvestre. “But it’s a matter of deciding who should be dealing with it.”

If the issue isn’t addressed, the marginalization of homeless youth may persist. And stories like Ferland’s will remain an inspiring exception to the rule, rather than a source of change.

SPORTS

SPORTS EDITOR Sarah Nolette sports@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Letdown at Lansdowne for the Gee-Gees

Carleton Ravens win Panda Game with final play ‘you would only see in the movies’ Spencer Murdock & Tima Hacini

F

Staff Reporter & Contributor

ive seconds left on the clock and your team is down by four points, more than half the field away, during one of the most important rivalry games of Canadian football. Scoring chances are all but gone, waning with every second.

But in what Carleton Ravens quarterback Nick Gorgichuk described as “something you would only see in the movies,” his team defied the odds and scored a touchdown with not a second to spare.

Last play, second and 10, second-string quarterback Jessie Mills threw an unbelievable 55-yard Hail Mary pass to wide receiver Nathaniel Baher, and secured the 33-31 win over the Gee-Gees, making them the 2014 Panda Game champions.

Talk about a clutch move.

The energy in the building was palpable more than three hours earlier at kickoff, as the Ravens started with as much of a bang as they finished.

With less than a minute into the first quarter, defensive back James McCallum forced and recovered a fumble from Gee-Gees running back Mack Tommy, allowing Gorgichuk to rush 16 yards on the first down and put the first touchdown on

the board. By the end of the first quarter the Gees would tie it up after two field goals and a rouge.

By this time, chants sounded from both sides of the stadium and the excitement grew in the second quarter. Ottawa took an 11-7 lead midway through the quarter, but that quickly changed after a 42-yard touchdown pass from Gorgichuk. Minutes before halftime, the GeeGees bounced back again with an 18-14 lead on a 14-yard run from Tommy.

The third quarter was the slowest, with only a field goal from the Gee-Gees. Early in the fourth, the Ravens punched in two field goals, putting them up 27-21 until a four-yard run from Gees quarterback Derek Wendel put them back in the lead.

After a solid defensive stand, the Gees got the ball back and hoped to put the game out of reach, extending the lead to 31-27. Another strong GeeGees defensive effort led to what looked like the final offensive opportunity that the Ravens had to punt away.

But with 25 seconds on the clock, the Ravens got the ball back in an almost impossible position. Fans said their prayers and were rewarded with a Hollywood finish.

With a fairly impressive total of 500 yards in offensive play, spectators were able to watch some great highlights from the Ravens, none of which surpassed the stellar performance of wide receiver Baher. With dance-like dodges and a total of three touchdowns, Baher was in beast

mode. He also earned the final highlight play that granted the Ravens the owners of Pedro.

“I am honoured to play with such a great player,” said Gorgichuck. “It is definitely an advantage to have him on the team.”

Gees quarterback Wendel said discipline could have made all the difference in that fourth quarter.

“We just have to do our job the entire game,” he said. “When something happens at the end of the game like that it just brings you down lower than you would be before.”

Without a doubt, the Ottawa-Carleton rivalry is alive and well. The loss was heartbreaking for Gee-Gee fans, but there is plenty of excitement ahead.

“I think it strengthens the rivalry,” said Wendel. “Hopefully next year it’ll be a bit better.” #PandaGame reached the number one trend in Canada on Twitter, and many fans described it as the best Canadian Interuniversity Sport football game they’ve ever seen. But to GeeGees head coach Jamie Barresi, it was just one challenge among many this season.

“It’s another game,” he said. “Obviously it has some implications because it’s within the city, but next week is the next big game so we have to play that. We’re right were we were last year, we have four games left, and we can win them all.”

The Gee-Gees will be back home at Gee-Gees Field on Sept. 27 to take on the 1-3 Toronto Varsity Blues at 1 p.m.

“I think it strengthens the rivalry, hopefully next year it’ll be a bit better.”

–Derek Wendel

Around the Panda Game

14 | SPORTS

Photos by Marta Kierkus, Zach Verret & Remi Yuan

thefulcrum.ca

Jennifer Boyd’s philosophy of rugby I have grey and garnet engraved into my heart CIS star shares her humbling experiences in and out of the sport

Gees coach brings commaing presence to the game

Moussa Sangaré-Ponce Associate Online Editor

Photo by Sarah Nolette

David Campion-Smith Contributor

For Jennifer Boyd, rugby is about way more than passing and kicking—it’s about living.

The women’s rugby team recently moved into the ninth spot in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) top 10 rankings after a 45-21 win against Sherbrooke.

Their success is due in large part to Boyd, the team’s head coach. She started her second year as the Gee-Gees head coach in fine fashion, leading the team on a three-game winning streak.

Much of Boyd’s philosophy lies in the demonstrative power of rugby—how the sport really reveals the character of an individual.

“You can’t hide who you really are. If you’re a coward, if you’re courageous, you see it on the field,” she says.

Boyd says the sport is different from any other because its ferocity knows no bounds.

“I find it very special, and very unique,” she says. “It’s the only sport where the rules for a contact sport aren’t adapted for women. There is no women’s rugby. There’s just rugby.”

Boyd has almost 20 years of combined experience as a player and a coach. She began her playing career in her second year at Bishop’s University, where she graduated with a bachelor of science in 1997.

After playing three years at Bishop’s, Boyd

moved on to the University of Ottawa, where she wore the Gee-Gees jersey while attaining a bachelor of education in 1998. She played in numerous different positions during her time in Sherbrooke and Ottawa, which has given her valuable insight when it comes to coaching.

Boyd also played on the Canadian national team for three years and competed in games against New Zealand, Scotland, England, and the United States.

As a coach, she has worked at local rugby clubs and at the varsity, provincial, and national levels.

The Gee-Gees women’s rugby team practices six days a week— Boyd and the team’s contact coach Duncan McNaughton demand excellence at each one.

The coaches focus on the basics such as passing, catching, and tackling. Boyd says the hardest thing to teach a new player is tackling, because it’s just as much a mental exercise as a physical one.

“You’ve got to want to tackle and take someone down,” she says.

When it comes to coaching, it’s all about the player’s development and the bonds that form along the way, says Boyd.

“It’s not about the passing and kicking,” she says. “it’s about the relationships that you build, and setting goals.”

When Cynthia Leblanc was named a first-team Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) AllStar at the end of the last school year, she was frustrated.

That’s because in her mind, she had not reached her full potential. In all her selflessness and humility, she knew she could be better. So, instead of taking a job placement this fall, she decided to compete for one last championship run with the Gee-Gees women’s soccer team.

Training with her teammates during the winter made her realize how much she would miss the team. She decided to travel to Tanzania this past summer to do her placement there instead of Ottawa, so she could play one last season with her beloved Gees.

Many factors led her to Tanzania, but her love of animals coupled with the country’s wildlife helped make it an obvious choice. While she was

there she volunteered at an English school to help with lessons. Though Leblanc only spent a few weeks overseas, she says the trip had a real impact on her.

“Coming back here, I find I have new ideas and in general I’m a different person,” she says. “I can’t put into words what it brought me.”

Despite her reluctance to leave, becoming a Gee-Gee wasn’t even the original plan.

With her skill set, she was first accepted to play in the in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). But two weeks before she was

scheduled to head to the University of Connecticut, the NCAA declared her ineligible to play. Leblanc couldn’t attend the school because she had not finished at the College d’enseignment general et professional (CÉGEP).

That disappointment led her instead to the U of O, where she went on to become a star goalkeeper for the Gee-Gees.

“It was what I was looking for in Connecticut but a little bit closer to home,” says Leblanc. “It wasn’t intended, but it was one of the best life decisions I made.”

Though she’ll still have a year of eligibility remaining after this season, this will probably be Leblanc’s last year of CIS soccer.

In January, she hopes to land in the pro circuit somewhere in Europe. It’s also her dream to become a member of Canada’s Olympic women’s soccer team.

But as Leblanc puts it, the U of O will always be special.

“I have grey and garnet engraved into my heart,” she says.

“It’s the only sport where the rules for a contact sport aren’t adapted for women. There is no women’s rugby. There’s just rugby.” — Jennifer Boyd thefulcrum.ca

SPORTS | 15

Synchronized swimming at the U of O Big dedication in a big family envrionment Sarah Nolette Sports editor

The University of Ottawa’s synchronized swimming teams are one big family.

The competitive club has four teams, each offering something different. There's the novice team for anyone who just wants to dip their feet in the water, and three competitive teams for different skill levels.

Geneviève Dunn is the Gee-Gees synchro club coordinator. She organizes everything between the club and the league, and takes care of all the team’s needs.

Dunn has been involved with synchro since she was six. She loves the sport because it's as competitive as it is beautiful.

“It's the creative aspect on top of a physical sport,” says Dunn. “It's a good way for people to get involved, and it's a good way to relieve some stress.”

This year, the synchro team has only one coach, Katie Simanzik. She’s been involved in the sport for 18 years. Simanzik floats between

the four teams, helping them with choreography and making sure the group is doing the right drills.

“Coaching the Gee-Gees team is really rewarding,” says Simanzik. “They are really dedicated to it, and you see the results. One of our teams placed at nationals last year, and it's the best this club has ever done.”

She says the novice team is just as rewarding to coach as the competitive ones.

“It's a neat opportunity to see people excel really quickly. These girls are brand new, and it's a lot of fun,” says Simanzik. “They train twice a week, learn the fundamentals, but do it well in a team environment.”

It's no secret that synchronized swimming relies heavily on teamwork. The Gee-Gees thrive in their big family environment.

“Everyone who is there, chooses to be there,” says Dunn. “We all really work well together.

We have four teams, but it feels like we have one team. We all help each other out.”

Syncornize swim team in action

Photo by Sarah Nolette

The wireless activity and sleep bracelet Fitbit wristbands are useful—but maybe not necessary Ophelia John Contributor

FitbitFlex product

16 | SPORTS

Photo by Marta Kierkus

A new type of fitness products, branded Fitbit, promise to help you work towards a healthier you— but do they really work?

Let’s take a look at the products. First, there’s the Fitbit Zip for about $60.

It’s a fun little tool that can count your steps, calories, and distance. Seeing what you’ve done for the day is supposed to be the motivation to keep going.

The Fitbit Flex is a bracelet that can monitor your activity 24/7 for $99. During the day, it counts steps, calories, and distance, and at night it tells you how long you slept, and when

you rustled or woke up. It also vibrates to wake you up, instead of an alarm.

Third-year human kinetics student Emily Mrozinski is a Fitbit Flex user.

having to wear it on your wrist all day and night, it clips onto you anywhere.

The Fitbit Aria scale for $129, is an additional tool that’s pretty cool. It can tell

“It definitely helps with setting long-term goals.”

One problem you could come across, however, is if you keep the bracelet on all the time as recommended,

Over the past year, she’s seen subtle changes in her health habits, and is happy with the bracelet so far.

“The Fitbit allows you to set up daily goals and reminders,” said Mrozinski. “Once you’ve reached the goal, a vibration on the bracelet will go off letting you know when your goal has been met. It helped me tremendously with tracking my sleep cycle.”

The Fitbit One essentially does what a Fitbit Flex can, but it’s a sleeker version for $99. Instead of

your weight, body fat, and body mass index, and it’ll update your online profile so you can track your changes over time. This scale is advanced since it can recognize up to eight different users. So, if you want to get healthier with your family, friends, or roommates, you can do it without each of you having to buy a $100 scale.

“I believe if someone is willing to track their progress thoroughly, the scale would help with further progress,” said Mrozinski.

you can trap moisture or soap underneath it, which can cause chafing. This past February, there was a recall for the Fitbit Force due to 9,000 reports of skin irritation and 250 reports of blistering. Since then, Fitbit has tweaked its products.

The products are hightech and useful if you don’t mind spending the money to find out how active you’ve been or when you moved around in your sleep. But then again, a free pedometer app could tell you almost as much.

thefulcrum.ca

OPINIONS Point/Counterpoint

OPINIONS EDITOR Kyle Darbyson

opinions@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Should TMZ be considered a legitimate news source?

TMZ gets the job done Ryan Mallough Contributor

T

he number one goal of any news organization is to break the news and that is what TMZ does.

are quick to forget that it was not the Star, but Gawker that broke the original story about a video of Ford smoking a crack pipe. Minutes after Gawker published their story, the Star put up an article that said their reporters had also seen the video, upwards of three times from late March to early April—way before Gawker published their story on May 16, 2013. Without Gawker making the first move, it’s hard to know when, if ever, the story would have gotten out.

The Ray Rice scandal followed a similar thread. This story is all over the news now, but the original incident—the night Rice knocked out his then-fiancée in an elevator—occurred in

Throughout their nine-year history, TMZ has broken stories that have become major national and international news, including Michael Richards’ racist rant at a stand-up performance in 2006, and Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.

More recently, they have broken the Donald Sterling, Jameis Winston, and Ray Rice stories in a period of 10 months.

While TMZ’s brand of in-yourface, paparazzi-style journalism may rankle some, the outlet has become a legitimate and necessary news source in the media industry.

The most common knock against TMZ is their perceived lack of editorial standards and ethics. However, editorial standards are a by-product of audience expectations. We expect indepth analysis, research, fact-checking, and corroborating evidence and sources from mainstream Canadian publications like the Globe and Mail or the Ottawa Citizen. But those expectations don’t exist when we’re reading or watching TMZ-type content.

TMZ has never been shy to admit they pay for some of their content, and it’s fair to accuse TMZ of “checkbook journalism.” But as TMZ managing editor Harvey Levin has pointed out on several occasions, there’s a significant difference between paying a source for an interview, which provides an incentive to exaggerate or lie, versus Paparazzi attack paying a source for a photograph or February. That’s seven months between when a recording—hard evidence—which is a comthe incident occurred to when TMZ released mon enough practice among mainstream methe video. This means mainstream outlets failed dia outlets. to obtain the security footage, despite some of TMZ doesn’t deal in interviews or features. them, like ESPN’s Peter King, alluding to knowlThey deal in hard news. edge of its existence months before. Without Because TMZ isn’t held to the same expectaTMZ’s aggressive reporting, Ray Rice would tions as mainstream news media, they are allikely be taking the field for the Baltimore Ralowed to move forward with stories that their vens this very week. more established counterparts would hold back TMZ doesn’t follow up, it doesn’t analyze, and on due to lack of sourcing. it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. It does While no one would argue the Toronto Star what every news organization sets out to do: it hasn’t led the way in the coverage and analysis breaks the news. of Toronto mayor Rob Ford’s drug scandal, people

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Journalists need to be held to a higher standard Sarah Bader Contributor

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o we really live in an age in which gossip blogs like TMZ are being celebrated for their journalistic prowess?

After their recent break of the Ray Rice scandal and video, praise (and web traffic) has skyrocketed for the popular “news” site.

The Daily Beast even hinted at the idea that TMZ deserves a Pulitzer Prize for their most recent scoop.

Let’s not get too carried away here. This is the same gossip blog that reports daily on Kim

Kardashian’s hairstyle and the sobriety of Lindsay Lohan. They also have not been shy about posting photos and videos of victims of domestic abuse such as Janay Palmer (Ray Rice’s wife).

During the Rihanna-Chris Brown scandal, TMZ posted police report photos of her bruised and battered face during the investigation.

Domestic abuse is already a terrible situation to be in without a sleazy website publicizing and profiting off your facial contusions.

This type of attack journalism threatens the right to privacy that, yes, even celebs are enti-

tled to. A person’s profession doesn’t forfeit their right to basic privacy. Even the biggest showbiz divas should not be subjected to the entirety of the Internet watching their most private moments.

Defendants of TMZ’s methods claim that publishing pictures and videos of domestic abuse draws attention to the cause. But by publishing these kinds of pictures, TMZ is directly profiting off the misery of these survivors of domestic abuse.

And profit they do. The website experiences tens of millions of site visits every month, which translates to healthy profits for founder Harvey Levin, who is worth an estimated $15 million.

Levin is not financially benefiting from excellent journalism, or superb writing skills, or any other sort of talent.

TMZ openly admits to buying photos and videos, while claiming all of their tips are well-researched and unsolicited. If Levin is willing to admit to buying leads, then what does he actually do for the stories headlining TMZ? This type of “checkbook journalism,” whereby photos and stories are bought and sold, is insulting to actual journalists who bust their asses trying to research leads. In the race to report breaking Photo by Marta Kierkus news, TMZ simply buys their right to win.

While a free media is a necessity to a free society, reporters and journalists still must be held to a higher standard. The difference between reputable news outlets and gossip blogs is not only in the content they report, but how they report it.

There are many websites more deserving of your bandwidth than TMZ. Thousands of blogs containing interesting news, pictures, and opinions pop up every day. What we choose to view on the web determines the content available. So please, choose wisely.

OPINIONS | 17

The relevance of the U of O Senate in a corporatized world Bridging the divide between the Senate and BOG Adam Strömbergsson-DeNora Contributor

Photo by Brad Perkins, CC

A fragile peace in the West

Conflict between teachers and their provincial government is far from over Patrick Fleming Contributor

Teachers’ strikes are the norm for those who attend public school in British Columbia.

For many years, school teachers have been putting pressure on the provincial government to sign a fair deal.

Since 1987, the teachers’ union and the B.C. government have been so far apart on issues such as compensation, wages, and classroom sizes that pickets and walkouts have become a regular occurrence for students attending public school.

Even though the union and the government have signed a tentative deal, I doubt it’ll result in peace between these two parties for very long.

I went to public school in Richmond, B.C., a suburb of Vancouver, and graduated from high school in 2012.

Throughout this time, tension between the government and the teachers is so intense that it jeopardized some events during my graduating year.

The teachers had to endure so many cutbacks that it began to weaken our after-school programs. My rugby team’s season was almost cancelled.

If it weren’t for some teachers who stepped up and other volunteers that enlisted their services, our season would have been over before it started.

While I could understand what was going on, since I come from a family where one parent was a teacher, many other students were unsure what to think about the latest strike. Some believed it was unfair that they were being affected by these strikes and felt that the two sides should have come to an agreement a lot sooner. Others would say the teachers were simply being greedy and they should have just taken whatever the government was giving them.

18 | OPINIONS

Another party would claim it was the government’s fault for all of these strikes, and that the teachers should still continue fighting for a fairer deal.

With this kind of divisive rhetoric still being espoused, I can only imagine the temporary deal will be shattered at some point in the near future.

I did not see the teachers as being greedy. What I saw was a union that was fighting for something they had been promised years ago. I appreciated what the teachers did for me when I was in school, both in and out the classroom.

I could understand the frustration the teachers had toward the government. So when teachers began to take action this summer, I sided with them.

In response, the government tried to diminish teachers in the public eye. According to them, the teachers were the ones to blame for students being out of the classroom. In reality it was caused by an irresponsible government that should be held accountable for initiating one of the longest ongoing labour disputes in B.C. history.

The ones who are most affected are still the students.

British Columbian students have been caught in this feud for more than two decades.

And although they’re finally back in their classrooms this week, they still have to endure a drastically shortened school year with no hope of making up for lost instructional time.

The tension between the teachers’ unions and the provincial government needs to subside so we can get back to what’s really important: educating the youth of our nation.

I doubt this will happen. It’s more likely that in a couple of short years, they’ll be right back where they started.

Universities are communities of academics who are mandated to preserve and expand human knowledge through teaching and research. The professors and students are the constituent parts of this community, and often have an academic Senate to represent and guard their interests.

Unfortunately, the Senate at the University of Ottawa is at risk of becoming ineffectual in an increasingly corporatized academic sphere.

While the Senate is in charge of overseeing academic issues on campus, the Board of Governors (BOG) is the corporate legislative body responsible for implementing important financial decisions and policies that allow the university to function properly. Each has their own jurisdiction, but the BOG and the administration like to give out the impression that these jurisdictions are totally exclusive and shouldn’t overlap. However, these jurisdictions cannot be totally exclusive, and to think otherwise demeans the academic role of the university.

Instead, the Senate and BOG must work closely together to allow corporate and academic management of the university to mix. This is the most effi-

cient way our institution can provide professors and students with a positive environment in which to learn.

Practically, this artificial divide established by the BOG and Council of Administration is best seen in the budgeting processes of the university.

Throughout this process, the Senate does not get to see the projected expenses, nor does it see the audit. Senators can look it up on their own time, but the administration is not bringing itself and its ideas before the supreme academic body on campus. In other words, the BOG is not taking into account the thoughts of others.

This approach to government is antithetical to university life. A rigorous debate encourages effective policy, and it lifts the abysmal morale of students and faculty who do not feel valued. Students and faculty compose the core of this university, and their well-being must be the priority of the university administration.

A first step toward being heard is to break this artificial divide between the Senate and the BOG. This step is really easy—all it requires is honest, frank, and public discussion of problems that affect us all, and a desire for compromise between each other and administrators.

A major criticism of this university is that there is little sense of community, something that inspires very little public discussion. Let’s dispel this criticism by having an open discussion on issues that affect us directly.

Departmental assemblies, faculty council, and the U of O Senate are powerful forums for discussion amongst academics and students alike.

They are our tools to bring public discussion to the fore, and we must make it so. If we do not, no one will.

Adam Strömbergsson-DeNora is a student representative on the University of Ottawa Senate.

A rigorous debate encourages effective policy, and it lifts the abysmal morale of students and faculty who do not feel valued.

University of Ottawa Senate chamber

Photo by Marta Kierkus

thefulcrum.ca

Yeezus walks across America Famed rapper preps for nationwide healing mission Laura Molinaro Contributor Kanye West, the American rapper, producer, film director, and inventor of leather jogging pants, has shared yet another side of himself—that of a miracle worker.

“I’m stepping away from the limelight and into the light of the Lord,” West declared in an uncharacteristically brash interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night.

“I’m a humble man of miracles. I’m the most profitable prophet since Jesus.

That’s the truth. The media’s going have to find a better target because I’m gonna be travelling across America using my powers to cure my handicapped fans.”

The announcement follows an event that occurred at a concert in Sydney, Australia on Sept. 12, where the “Heartless” singer halted his show and refused to perform until all seated fans either stood up or proved they had “…a handicap pass and get special parking and shit.”

When all arose but two, he focused his attention on these select individuals—a moment so powerful it provoked

one of the fans to stand up, completely healed. West, still perched atop his prop mountain, simply declared: “OK, you fine now.”

Even though it was caught on video, the press has been skeptical regarding the authenticity of the “miracle” in question. However, if it proves to be genuine, renowned theologian Samuel Goldbloom notes we cannot understate the enormity of its significance.

“This is likely the first faith-based healing to occur solely through eyecontact—let alone Shutter Shade sunglasses,” Goldbloom said. “Beyond that, what we’re dealing with here is a modest man who, despite his Godgiven abilities, isn’t above making an example of himself. Jesus Christ himself might need to watch the throne.”

While speculation as to whether West will make good on his promise of a nationwide healing mission, the rapper has taken to social media to reveal more about the Nike-sponsored

#YEEZUSWALKS campaign. The campaign will feature West making his way across the country this coming June in his signature Air Yeezy

sneakers, using his newly honed healing powers to cure those with physical disabilities.

The catch is that the receivers of the rapper’s healing powers “need to be true followers, true fans, or else my power ain’t gonna work on them,” West said in an interview.

Certain individuals have raised concerns that this stipulation may leave a sizable portion of Americans without care.

“By agreeing to only serve ‘true fans’, Mr. West is disregarding the sizable number of former fans who jumped ship a long time ago because of his dickish behaviour,” said Harvard bio-ethics professor Katrina Armstrong. “This type of privatized care undermines the democratic aspects of Obamacare and doesn’t serve the entirety of the American population.”

In a world so devoid of faith, West’s healing abilities will certainly prove to be earth-shattering in terms of cultural and socio-economic repercussions. However, this exclusive miracle worker leaves many to wonder, “What’s a God to a non-believer?”

Promotional image for Kanye West’s Healing Tour

Photo by Rodrigo Ferrari, CC.

“I’m a humble man of miracles. I’m the most profitable prophet since Jesus. That’s the truth.” —Kanye West

PM plans to re-sink Franklin expedition ship

Decision comes after ship’s 200-year-old crew comes out in support of Liberals gh llou a M Ryan Contributor

It’s back to Davy Jones’ locker for the crew of the recently discovered Franklin expedition ship.

Shortly after making the historic discovery of one of the long-lost Franklin Expedition ships on Sept. 9, Arctic archaeologists subsequently stumbled upon the existence of the ship’s 26 original crew members a couple of days later. After transporting them back to Ottawa for a debriefing, the Conservative government did their best to help transition these men into the 21st century world.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has ordered the ship’s crew to be re-sunk after the former crew members came out in support of Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau last week.

Harper’s move is an about-face

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for the Conservative party, which sink the nearly 200-year-old crew, originally lauded the discovery officials from the Prime Minister’s of the Franklin ship and crew Office (PMO) said they would simto be among Canada’s greatest ply cut the crew’s funding. achievements, along with the “Let’s see just how long they stay 1926 prime ministerial term of Arthur Meighen, NAFTA, John Diefenbaker’s rugged handsomeness, and the Gomery Commission.

“I’m not sure Canadians can really trust these people,” said Martin LeDuc, director of opposition research, noting that crew members had spent most of their living years outside of Canada and were just visiting the country on their way through the Northwest Liberal leaning unknown until now.

Passage. afloat without taxpayer dollars LeDuc was also quick to point propping them up,” said PMO chief out the fact that they also spoke of staff Donald MacDonald.

English with a funny accent and Meanwhile, the Liberal Party have spent the last 169 years “in was thrilled with the endorsement way over their heads.” from the Franklin Expedition crew, When asked how they would believing their support will bolster

Trudeau’s foreign policy, Arctic sovereignty, and really, really oldage security.

But the Liberals were disheartened to hear about the recent fate of the Franklin crew, especially since their endorsement could have garnered a potential electoral boost.

“We were very excited about the prospect of making inroads in the voter-rich subArctic region,” said Liberal strategist Laura Martin. “Now that the Franklin crew is being taken out of the game, Justin will need to make a connection with another group that really knows their way around the North Pole.”

Scientists across the country were highly skeptical of the crew members’ existence and had hoped for the opportunity to examine some of them to determine just how it was they man-

aged to survive submerged in Arctic waters after all these years.

“It would have led to some groundbreaking research,” said a University of Ottawa scientist who wished to remain anonymous out of fear that the government might realize they were still providing her with minor funding. “But unfortunately the PMO has made it very clear that asking questions about matters of science is simply un-Canadian.”

Reports indicate the crew is not pleased with their forced return to the Arctic depths after their long overdue shore-leave. However, a spokesperson for the group said that rising water temperatures have made Arctic sea living bearable for the past 20 years.

The crew themselves could not be reached for comment after rumours of their fluency in Russian spread throughout the parliamentary press corps.

THE TOMATO | 19

DISTRACTIONS

Dear Di,

I hooked up with a guy from Tinder this weekend, and I assumed that he took the condom off and threw it in my garbage after we finished. Apparently he didn’t, because while I was peeing the next day, the condom came out of my vagina. I don’t know a ton about sex, but aren’t condoms supposed to stay on his shaft? I’m also on the pill, but should I be concerned about the slip up?

— The Imperfect Fit

Dear TIF,

Ah yes, the quandaries of correctly fitting condoms. It may come as a surprise, but few men actually know what to look for when they buy condoms. No matter your size, be realistic and comfortable—properly fitting condoms are essential to ensuring both pleasure and protection against STIs and pregnancy. Unfortunately, your Tinder man had a case of a condom that was too big, which is probably why it came off during sex. On the other side of the spectrum, a condom that’s too small can break.

If you haven’t already, I would ask your Tinder hook-up to make sure he’s STI-free below the belt. And for more peace of mind, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure your nether regions are in the clear.

For my male readers, take the time to measure your erect member by yourself or, if you feel so inclined, with the help of a partner. Start from the tip of the head up along to the place where your shaft meets your body. Measuring the circumference at your widest penile point will also help cater the fit of the condom. The average penis is between five and seven inches long and four to five inches around.

If you’re narrower, snug fit condoms are a good choice, and if you’re on the wider end, try large fit condoms.

Like any good sexual experience, it might take a couple of tries before you find the condom that works best for you. Different brands have different labelling, and this can result in some inconsistency if you’re just grabbing a box off the shelf when you need it. Some sex shops allow you to buy single condoms or an assortment of condoms to try out so you can find the perfect fit for you and your partners.

FEATURES EDITOR Jesse Colautti

features@thefulcrum.ca (613) 562-5260

Dear Di,

My boyfriend loves morning sex.

Adores it. His engine is roaring before I’ve even gained consciousness. I love having sex long into the evening, but in the morning the last thing I want to do is get down and dirty. I feel awful because he definitely knows that I’m not into it as much as he is. Why does he like morning sex so much and what can I do to match his early morning cravings?

— Lack of Morning Libido

Dear LML,

Your missing morning appetite comes down to one of nature’s sexual endowments. Overnight, men build up higher levels of testosterone that give them thirsty tendencies in the a.m. (hello morning wood!). Men are at their sexual prime within the first few hours of waking up, whereas us ladies prefer a nighttime shag once we’ve taken the time to feel sexy and seductive. In the morning, women need to feel physically desirable—cue many a movie where the woman tries to freshen up before sneaking back into bed with her man.

In order to build up your morning lust, spend some quality time cuddling in the morning with your guy. It helps to make you feel more comfortable, and being closer to him will also stimulate your senses—the smell and touch of his body naturally heighten your own hunger. You can also switch up positions to doggy or spooning, so you can work around those lazy morning blues and morning breath. I love having a morning quickie when one or both of us has somewhere to be in the morning. Better yet, take matters into your own hands by waking up your boy with a handjob or blowjob. Spur-of-the-moment sex with you in charge will give you both a little extra boost to start off your day.

Love, Di

Love, Di

20 | DISTRACTIONS

thefulcrum.ca

Sept. 25 to Oct. 18 2014

THRYLLABUS

Thursday, Sept. 25 Dancing with a Wounded Bear: Russia and the West, Faculty of Social Sciences Building — 3 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 26 E.L.E Music Festival, U of O campus @ 603 Cumberland — 3 p.m.

Twistory: The Historically Inaccurate Sketch Comedy, Arts Court Theatre — 7 p.m.

Ottawa Redblacks vs. BC Lions, TD Place — 7 p.m.

The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby begins showing at Bytowne Cinema

Saturday, Sept. 27 Women’s soccer vs. Laurentian, Matt Anthony Field — 1 p.m.

Open Mic with local singer/song writer Jess Cole, Hintonburg Public House — 3 p.m. [free them] Ottawa Freedom Walk, Ottawa Convention Centre — 9 a.m.

A four kilometre walk dedicated to raising funds and awareness to fight human trafficking in Canada

MUSIC

The Princess Bride, Mayfair Theatre — 1 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 28

arts Sports

Women’s soccer vs. Nipissing, Matt Anthony Field — 1 p.m.

The Tempest: Shakespeare’s Globe On Screen, Bytowne Cinema — 3:15 p.m.

Craig Cardiff, Blacksheep Inn — 4 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 29 Ottawa Architecture Week begins

FUN Thinking

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Thursday, Oct. 2 The Study and Go Abroad Fair, Ottawa Convention Centre — 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 3 Alex Nevsky, National Arts

Centre — 8 p.m. ($12 student rush tickets for any NAC event) Women’s Volleyball Preseason Classic vs. McMaster, Montpetit Hall — 5 p.m.

Periphery, Ritual Nightclub — 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4 Women’s Volleyball Preseason Classic vs. McGill, Montpetit Hall — 11 a.m.

Men’s football vs. Waterloo, Gee-GeesField — 1 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12 Hintonburg Public House Trivia Night, 1020 Wellington Street — 9 p.m.

Mod Night, Babylon Night Club — 10 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13 Blaze Bayley, Mavericks — 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Jim Jefferies, National Arts Centre — 8 p.m.

The Raging Nathans, House of TARG — 9 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Beach House, Bronson Centre — 8 p.m.

Women’s rugby vs. Bishops, Matt Anthony Field — 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 6 The War in Ukraine, Faculty of Social Sciences Building — 12 p.m.

International Exchanges Information Session, Tabaret Hall, Room 323 — 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 7 A Night of Spooky Stories, Maxwell’s Bistro and NIghtclub — 7 p.m.

A night dedicated to the telling of scary stories. Free scary stories.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Gob and special guests Seaway, Mavericks — 8 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16 Ottawa International Film Festival Begins at Mayfair Theatre Protecting the Victims of Human Trafficking in Canada and Europe, Faculty of Social Sciences Building — 9 a.m.

Comedy for Canines, Absolute Comedy — 8:30 p.m.

Fundraiser in support of Sit With Me Shelter Dog Rescue

Friday, Oct. 17

The F Word begins playing at Bytowne Cinema

Bey Bey All Beyoncé Dance Party, Babylon Nightclub — 11 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 10

Emmanuel Jal, Zaphod Beeblebrox — 8 p.m.

Women’s rugby vs. Carleton, Matt Anthony Field — 7 p.m.

Current Swell, Mavericks — 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11 Women’s soccer vs. Carleton, Matt Anthony Field —1 p.m.

Charron, Ritual Nightclub - 11p.m.

Electric Pow Wow, Babylon Night Club —10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18 Thus Owls, National Arts Centre — 7:30 p.m.

Student rush tickets available on day of event

Women’s soccer vs. UOIT, Matt Anthony Field — 1 p.m.

DISTRACTIONS | 21

22 | DISTRACTIONS

thefulcrum.ca

EDITORIAL Why we fall for fall Time

Changing the course of history since 1942.

Phone: (613) 562-5261 | Fax: (613) 562-5259 631 King Edward Ave. Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Recycle this or we’ll unexpectedly defeat you.

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staff Sabrina “Incheon” Nemis Editor-in-Chief editor@thefulcum.ca

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No better h out time to let beard the facial hair run its course than when the outside temperature finally drops to that perfectly brisk 10 degrees. I’ll be letting my whiskers grow right up until the end of October, when at last I’ll have my barber cleave them off with a hot blade and perhaps toast with a shot of bourbon to another fall well-unkempt.

—Adam Feibel

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Adam “Eagle Claw” Ashby Gibbard Production Manager production@thefulcrum.ca Adam “Longewala” Feibel Managing Editor content@thefulcrum.ca Marta “Market Garden” Kierkus Visual Editor visual@thefulcrum.ca

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There is something so wonderful about bundling up with a cozy, heavy-knit scarf on an early Saturday morning as you head over to the Farmers Market to get your produce for the week. The added warmth makes the burden of running errands around the city so much easier as the fabric hugs you, and keeps you comfortable.

Much like Linus’ blanket, I don’t leave the house without one as the temperate drops lower and lower this time of year. —Jessica Eritou

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In the fall I look forward to the steady few weeks of rainfall and grey skies.

I love waking up and going for a run while a light mist cools me down. In the evening the rain makes the perfect companion as I curl up with a good book or a movie.

At night there is no more pleasant sound than that of raindrops on the rooftop.

—Nadia Drissi El-Bouzaidi

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Nadia “Tianquan” Drissi El-Bouzaidi News Editor news@thefulcrum.ca Jessica “Gallipolli” Eritou Arts & Culture Editor arts@thefulcrum.ca

perfect time f T h e I have curly hair, o r c u r ly

After coming back from a walk in the cool, crisp fall air is there anything better than warming your hands on a hot mug of spiced cider? Or watching a sports game with friends while enjoying some pumpkin pie and mulled wine? Fall is the season for making food, eating it and sharing it; thanksgiving is just around the corner and I can’t wait to dig into that turkey and pour myself a glass of pumpkin spiced whiskey. Cheers to the season!

— Marta Kierkus

and fall is the short season during the year for my coils to look normal. There are no tuques to flatten out the curls, and no crazy humidity for my hair to frizz up in. It’s the best quality of air for a curly haired woman like myself.

I can wake up in the morning, lather my hair with cream, diffuse it, and have faith I will return home that night with the same hairdo.

—Sarah Nolette

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Jesse “Kolubara” Colautti Features Editor features@thefulcrum.ca Sarah “Tsushima” Nolette Sports Editor sports@thefulcrum.ca

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Kyle “Adwa” Darbyson Opinions Editor opinions@thefulcrum.ca

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Spencer “Waterloo” Van Dyk Online Editor online@thefulcrum.ca Spencer “Little Bighorn” Murdock Staff Reporter Lindsay “Blood River” MacMillan Associate News Editor Savannah “Cold Harbor” Awde Staff Proofreader Brianna “San Jacinto” Campigotto Staff Photographer

I guess I have to be the one to say leaves.

It’s no surprise to anyone that leaves change colour ‘round here. People travel from as far away as Japan to come see them, so you should too. Yes they’re just leaves, but en masse in the Gatineau Hills they are a sight to see. I like to think of it as nature’s last creative flourish before it crawls into some cave and has a long nap. So get out there! Time to see some colour before it all turns into a cold, colourless mess. —Adam Gibbard

MOVE Save yourselves.

Lets not sugarcoat the situation in pumpkin spice: winter is coming and it’s time to jump ship. If, however, school and responsibility prohibit you from doing that, I say curl up with a blanket, a glass of wine, and a good book; hunker down and wait for patio season to come around again. Fall and winter are aesthetically beautiful, but best enjoyed from the safety, comfort, and warmth of your house.

—Spencer Van Dyk

Moussa “Gibraltar” Sangaré-Ponce Associate Online Editor Annalise “Saratoga” Mathers Associate Features Editor

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Deidre “Yellow Ford” Butters Ad Manager ads@thefulcrum.ca

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I like to wear flannel shirts. They’re warm, yet breezy, and they do a good job of hiding my gut whenever I indulge in an allyou-can-eat sushi buffet. Unfortunately, when I sport this piece of clothing during the spring and summer months I often get funny looks from people.

They probably get the impression that I’m the bassist in a grunge revival band, or that I’m just jonesing to pick some girls during country night at The Cabin.

However, when fall finally rolls around all these prejudices and presumptions disappear, since flannel shirts are back in fashion. So, that’s my favourite part of fall in Ottawa: being able to wear flannel shirts with pride. —Kyle Darbyson

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Chantal “Malta” Jiang Jasmine “Lepanto” van Schouwen Ophelia “Myeongnyang” John Tima “Solway Moss” Hacini David “Vienna” Campion-Smith Sarah “Flodden Field” Bader Ryan “Agincourt” Mallough Adam “Panipat” Strömbergsson-DeNora Laura “Nicopolis” Molinaro Justin “Hastings” Dallaire Heloise “Hattin” Rodriguez-Qizilbash Miriam “Alesia“Saslove Emily “Stirling Bridge” Fu Mackenzie “Tours” Powell Zachary “Edessa” Verret Remi “Adrianpole” Yuan Christine “Salsu” Tomlinson Jennifer “Red Cliffs” Vo Matt “Salamis” Radich L.A.”Julu” Bonté

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Contributors

Pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, apple cider, jumping in leaves, the first turkey dinner in months—I’m not above any of it. I want to carve a pumpkin, collect leaves, and put on my fall boots. I look up every time I hear the geese honking overhead and smile. There’s no fall cliché I’m not in love with.

—Sabrina Nemis

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For about two or three weeks every fall, Ottawa’s weather is perfect. I love throwing on a sweater and going for a bike ride on the canal—starting downtown and finishing up at the arboretum overlooking Dow’s Lake. The trees are aflame, and leaning up against one with a book, coffee, and view of the surrounding nature, one can almost pretend that the upcoming months of darkness and frigidity are nothing more than a bad dream.

—Jesse Colautti

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Andrew “New Orleans” Hawley General Manager manager@thefulcrum.ca

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Volume 75, Issue 6, September 25, 2014

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Cover art A. Marta Kierkus B. Justin Lab & kiki lefebvre C. Marta Kierkus D. Marta Kierkus

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C

D

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