The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 69, No. 3
Bein’ Turkeys since 1944 www.thebucampus.ca
October 2, 2013
A homecoming home run, p. 2 photo courtesy bishop’s university
Gaiters vs. Stingers, p. 16
Parking on campus, p. 3
photo courtesy bishop’s university
photo courtesy natalia apic
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News
The Campus october 2, 2013
Brian MacIver, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
The Campus Editor-in-Chief Maghen Eisan Associate and News Brian MacIver Features Chelsea Conway Opinion Lois Boateng Arts & Culture Alissa Ralph Online Meghan Roulet Sports Jared Perlmutter Layout Sarah Williams Copy and Multimedia Adam Young The Campus is editorially and financially autonomous. It is published by the Campus Publication Board. The Campus is a member of the Canadian University Press (CUP), a national co-operative of over 70 college and university student newspapers. The Campus supports the CUP Statement of Principles. All material is copyright The Campus. Nothing may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. Complaints may be made directly to the Editor-in-Chief. If no resolution can be reached, complaints should be forwarded to the Publishing Board. The opinions of the writers published in The Campus do not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff of The Campus or the Campus Publishing Board. Likewise, the opinions expressed in the advertisements published in The Campus do not reflect the opinions of the staff or the Publishing Board. Submissions to The Campus will be considered if they are received prior to the deadline at midnight on the Saturday previous to the publication date. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, style, and/or inappropriate material. The editorial staff also reserves the right not to publish submissions, including assigned stories or solicited material. Letters to the editor can be submitted directly to the Editor-inChief by email, in person, or by mail. Letters must be accompanied by the author’s name and phone number for verification purposes, even in the case of anonymous letters. All submissions should be in textonly or Microsoft Word format. The Campus Newspaper Bishop’s University P.O. Box 2131, SUB #107 Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 1Z7 thecampus.editor@gmail.com (819) 822-9600 ext. 2688
Homecoming 2013
The Return of the Gaiters Homecoming strikes again By Meagan Roulet Online Editor
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ach and every year, proud Bishop’s University alumni travel across the country to return to their alma matter. This Fall, Bishop’s University celebrated its annual fall Homecoming on the weekend of Sept. 19-22. Numerous alumni returned to Lennoxville to prove that although they did eventually graduate, “college days continue to linger ever in their hearts.” As per usual, the weekend was packed with activities for alumni and current students alike. This year’s schedule boasted a variety of different activities, including the biennial Top 10 After 10 event. To kick off the event, the group of Top 10 inductees visited residences on Thursday evening to mingle with first-year Gaiters. On Friday, students and alumni were invited to join the third inductee lunch in the program’s history. This year’s recipients included: Jane Brydges ’95, Chris Burns ’94, Colin Feasby ’94, Chris Hirsch ’00, Sonia Isaac-Mann ’95, Steve Losty ’96, Geoff MacDonald ’92, Vince Morena ’93, Jennifer Quinn ’94, and Chad Schella ’94. This year marked the twentieth anniversary reunion for the classes of 1990 to 1994. Alumni from these graduating years were invited to participate in a special reunion schedule on the Saturday of
photo Courtesy bishop’s university advancement office
Dr. Alex Paterson, OC, ‘52, DLC’74, Chancellor Emeritus, and Mrs. Joan Paterson.
the homecoming football game. In addition, this year marked the thirtieth year celebration of the Bishop’s Men’s Rugby program. The rugby-men celebrated this exciting milestone with a barbecue dinner, hosted by Bill Robson and Lissa McRae at their home in North Hatley. The Saturday of Homecoming Weekend boasted an exciting schedule, including the annual Gaiter Walk. This year also marked the fifth year of the Gaiter Walk, a walk that campus and is done in support of ALS. Participants met in the Quad as the walk began at 10:00 a.m.
Shortly thereafter, Bishop’s community members were invited to a waffle breakfast in the Coulter Field parking lot to kick off the tailgate with a good hearty meal. Gaiters fans began to arrive for the tailgating action at 11 a.m., ready to participate in the university’s new tailgating policy. The Bishop’s football team did not disappoint their large Homecoming crowd. Gaiter fans were ecstatic as the team secured a 40-18 victory over Concordia University.
Bishop’s gets a new VP By Brian MacIver News Editor
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wo weeks ago, Bishop’s University announced the appointment of Dr. Miles Turnbull as the new Vice-Principal of Academic Affairs. In a press release dated Sept. 19, Bishop’s announced that the former Dean of Education at the University of Prince Edward Island will be taking over for Dr. Michael Childs as of January 1. “We’ve hired a very good person,” said Dr. Jamie Crooks, interim VP of Academic Affairs. “His résumé is extremely impressive, he has a solid background of administrative experience. But the most striking aspects of his CV is how he increased the research funding for the School of Education at UPEI by 600%.” The role of the Vice-Principal of Academic Affairs is to coordinate all academic activities and services, as well as
participate in many administrative decisions. As Dr. Crooks mentions, “there are realistically no aspects of administration that the VP of Academic Affairs is not involved in.” Apart from his work as Dean of Education at UPEI, Dr. Turnbull was at one time an Assistant Professor in the department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He has also published many studies about “code switching”, which is the idea of switching languages mid-sentence. Needless to say, he has a tremendous understanding of the needs and wants of the various members of this student body, in addition to being perfectly bilingual. “He’s also guy who likes to be involved in his community,” added the interim VP, “and I think that bodes well for both parties. He’s an education guy, so he
loves that interaction with students. His people skills are excellent, plus he’s a superb cook!” Dr. Turnbull’s hiring comes after Dr. Michael Childs resigned from the post at the end of the last academic year, and Dr. Crooks believes that he has tremendous shoes to fill. “Michael Childs has been here for 25 years, so he has an intimate knowledge of the history of the place and of everyone at Bishop’s. Miles will come in from the outside and will bring in a new perspective and new ideas. I don’t know exactly how it’s going to turn out, but he has a tough act to follow,” said Dr. Crooks. “Basically, there is a very high standard across the Bishop’s administration, and especially in this office. But I do believe we will be able to keep that high standard, and I am extremely optimistic about the next five to seven years at Bishop’s.”
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Parking at Bishop’s: A nightmare or a work in progress? By Brian MacIver News Editor
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arking on campus has been a struggle as of late. The construction of the new Sports Centre has taken away over 50 spaces, “B” passes are no longer a sign of status, and the usual available parking spots are by the pond with the duckies. But it has not always been like that. Only a few short years ago, students with “B” passes (sophomores and up) could park behind the library, and, until this semester, behind the Arena and the SUB. Yet those spaces have been converted into “A” pass only parking (faculty and staff), while more student parking (“B”, “F”, and Champlain) has been created behind the Hangar, all the way across campus from the classrooms and library. “These changes to the parking structure on campus have been made in part of the campus ‘Master Plan’,” said Hélène St-Amand, Vice-Principal of Finance and Administration, and Head of the Parking Committee at Bishop’s. The “Master Plan” referred to is the joint plan between the University and the architects brought in to help redesign the campus in order to make it more eco- and pedestrian-friendly. “We don’t necessarily want to push students off to a certain area,” said StAmand, “we want to try and streamline
photo courtesy Natalia Àpic
Parking on campus has become a struggle as of late, with many permit owners forced to park behind the Sports Centre, near the pond.
traffic away from the heart of the campus to make it safer for pedestrians. This year we have noticed a significant increase in pedestrian safety, and it is directly related to the fact that we’ve concentrated parking in a specific area of campus.” While no one can argue against better safety, another issue for many students is the notion that while they are being forced to park further and further away from the heart of the campus, parking prices have been increasing.
Since 2011-2012, yearly parking prices have increased by nearly 35%, going from $115 to $155 in 2013-2014. St-Amand explains these price increases by mentioning that building new parking and the maintenance required to make them safe are costs that are not covered by student fees, and therefore funds must be found elsewhere. “We’re not trying to make money here. We are simply trying to cover costs to maintain the parking lots, and there are many factors that go into that, including
the increase of snow removal prices due to higher gas prices, as well as increasing costs of security.” But while price increase for students has gone up by almost 35%, prices for staff and faculty has only gone up 14%, going from $140 to $160 over that same period, now at a mere five dollars more than what students pay. Of course, when compared to our neighbours at the Université de Sherbrooke, prices are much lower here. Université de Sherbrooke students can pay upwards of $300 for parking for three semesters. Meanwhile, at the University of New Brunswick, students pay $147 for an annual parking permit. Whether it be because of limited parking or the price increase, more and more drivers have decided to park off-campus in nearby streets such as Reed, Conley, and Little Forks (oftentimes closer to classrooms than on-campus parking), and is an option that St-Amand welcomes. “What I would like to see happen is exactly that: people choosing to leave their cars off-campus, making it much safer and easier for those who have to park on campus and the pedestrians to move around. That’s the objective of all of this shuffling of parking spaces on campus.”
Pope Francis shares his beliefs on gay rights By Nicole Gauvreau Contributor
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ope Francis has created an uproar in the Catholic Church recently after unveiling his views on homosexuality. Until July, the Pope had remained silent on the issue of homosexuality within the Catholic faith. When he made remarks to the press on his return from World Youth Day celebration s in Brazil on Sept. 19, the pontiff shocked all in his departure from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s anti-homosexual rhetoric. Francis changed the tone of the church
when he said, “If [gays] accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency [to homosexuality] is not the problem ... they’re our brothers.” However, the statement does not, and will not, change the Church’s teachings. It was merely meant to suggest the end of obsessive preaching of anti-homosexual remarks within the Catholic faith. Despite his personal views, Pope Francis is reported to have said he has no plans to completely reform the Church; that he only wants to create an accepting environment, in contrast to former Pope Benedict XVI’s desire for a small, pure
faith. In the matter of same-sex unions, Francis says his beliefs are in line with those of established previously in the papacy that forbids gay marriage, but remarked that his views are “not based on religion, but rather anthropology.” Pope Francis has also declared that homosexuality in priests is to be accepted, and that one must always consider the person first. “What is clear is that he does not think like a classicist who sees the world in unchanging categories. He is a story teller like Jesus, not a philosopher,” said Father Tom Reese, an American Jesuit.
photo courtesy huffington post
“Hay hay hay!” said Pope Francis (not really).
CORRECTION
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n the Sept. 18, 2013 edition of The Campus, we ran a story about an incident involving injuries allegedly sustained by Kevin Kwasny in a university football game. The Campus wishes to clarify that the source material for that story came, for the most part, from media reports of the court-filed pleadings from a lawsuit filed by Mr. Kwasny against Bishop’s University and, as such, consists of allegations that have not been proven in court. The Campus should not have published the story without first contacting the parties for their comments.
Secondly, The Campus wishes to correct an error in the story suggesting that Mr. Kwasny’s condition was assessed at half-time in that game and then sent back onto the field during the second half of the game. The Campus truly regrets that these errors were made and to all those who were in any way affected by the article. We want to whole-heartedly apologize for any anger, hurt, confusion, or insult that this may have caused. It was never our intention when publishing this article, and will make every effort in the future to ensure that this type of mistake is avoided.
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The Campus october 2, 2013
Bus accident kills 6 in Ottawa Train collision leaves 30 injured By Asha-Maria Bost Contributor
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ur nation’s capital has had a difficult two weeks in the wake of a horrific crash that shook Ottawa to the core. At around 9 a.m. on Sept. 18, a double-decker OC Transport bus traveling on route 76 collided with Via Train 51 at a railway crossing in the west end of Ottawa. The crash killed six people, including the bus driver and two young post-secondary students, and left 30 more individuals injured. The entire front end of the bus was sheared off like a scene in a horror movie. Survivors recall the surreal moment when they realized that the bus was going to collide with the train. “People screamed on the bus shortly before the crash because [the bus driver] was not stopping,” said Greg Mech, a pas-
photo courtesy global news
The front end of the double-decker bus was sheared off as the Via Rail train collided with it.
senger on the bus. Shamsia Quraisi was also a passenger on the bus and is reeling from the psychological trauma she experienced. She described
how the crash lives with her every day to CBC News: “Today I saw a double-decker bus, and as soon as I saw that bus I just stood there and I couldn’t move.”
The memorials have started for the victims, with a city trying to understand how the crash could have happened and remembering the lives cut short. There are still
very few answers. The bus crashed through the barrier separating the tracks from the roadway, but it is unknown how or why. There is speculation that if the driver was distracted, and the fact that the train did not whistle before the crash could have given the driver less time to react. A forgotten Nepean bylaw passed in 1985, when train crossings were less busy, forbids trains in the area from whistling between the hours of 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. In addition, the type of level train crossings with main roadways was on the radar of the Transit Safety Board for many years because there have been 71 accidents between passenger trains and vehicles on the Quebec-Windsor corridor. For Transit Safety Board investigator Glen Pilon, the crossing was, “a watch-list concern of ours”.
Quebec Charter of Values concerns professors and students By Kalina Laframboise CUP Quebec Bureau Chief
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ONTREAL (CUP) — The Parti Québécois’ proposed Charter of Values aimed at separating church and state is raising concern in post-secondary institutions across Quebec. The controversial project announced on Tuesday would prohibit government employees from wearing conspicuous religious symbols — such as turbans, hijabs, crucifixes and kippahs — and time off for religious holidays. Educational institutions and hospitals could apply to opt out of these conditions but a ban on veils that cover the face would be permanent. The law would also amend the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms to provide an outline on accommodation requests. However, the bill would not affect members of the National Assembly and would allow politicians to wear religious symbols if they choose. Furthermore, the crucifix that hangs in the National Assembly and the cross on Mount Royal in Montreal would remain in place as Democratic Institutions Minister Bernard Drainville clarified it to be part of Quebec’s history. The law would extend to all public sector workers including judges, police officers, teachers, daycare workers and municipal personnel in what the provincial government deems an effort to “maintain social peace and promote harmony” and to “prevent tensions from growing.” Universities are refraining from com-
menting for now. “We have taken no position yet,” said Concordia University Spokesperson Chris Mota. “We are assessing the proposal.” Jenny Desrochers, director of media relations at the Université du Québec à Montréal, also confirmed that UQÀM has not taken a position. However, the proposal led to a massive protest in the downtown core of Montreal Saturday afternoon and spawned a petition for an inclusive Quebec that drew the support of post-secondary teachers and students across the province. John Aspler, a graduate student studying neuroscience at McGill University, attended the protest because he was concerned with the ramifications of a charter. “I protested today because this law impacts women far more than it impacts men, making it sexist. It impacts ethnic and religious minorities as well as immigrants far more than it impacts white Christians, making it racist and discriminatory.” said Aspler. “Christians generally won’t be affected by this legislation.” Aspler feels that the Quebec Charter of Values acts as a “hypocrisy of the highest order.” “The charter doesn’t level the playing field, it ensures that a whole segment of society leaves the public eye,” added Aspler. Avi Goldberg, a sociology professor at Vanier College and Concordia Univer-
sity in Montreal, says he addressed the issue in the classroom at Vanier with his students where he encouraged young adults to discuss the proposal. “One student said all kinds of professionals in this province who are getting degrees and might be religious,” said Goldberg. “But they are being told they are not allowed to be themselves.” Goldberg explained that the law “will certainly affect anyone who is teaching at university or CÉGEP in one way or another,” and is concerned it may impede students who wear religious symbols to pursue employment in the public sector since they may not feel welcome. “Maybe there’s a lack of belief that one can be religious in their home, minds and heart, and at the same time do a job that they are able to do and serve the laws of the public,” said Goldberg. “But I think that’s possible.” Goldberg is not the only one to foster a discussion in the classroom. Ashley Davis, a student studying arts at Dawson College, admits that one of her teachers openly criticizes the Quebec Charter of Values in class and through social media.
“He’s pretty vocal about it. It’s interesting, because while he himself is secular, he’s culturally tied to a specific faith,” said Davis. “And it seems as though he’s really pushing for people to look at this as an issue of freedom rather than integration.” Lorenzo DiTommaso, the chair of the department of religion at Concordia University, believes that the department could manage if the Charter of Values becomes law and that it would not affect the courses offered. “The thing is this: would it have an impact on our courses? No,” said DiTommaso. “We set our courses on the basis of our program needs. I don’t see how this law can affect the courses being offered.” DiTommaso continued to say that he hopes religious holidays will not be affected by the Charter but that the department could find ways to work around it by setting their own schedules or employing a graduate student or teaching assistant to replace the professor on the date of the holiday.
SRC Election Results
The SRC Elections were held from Sept. 24-26, 2013. With a voter turnout of 36%, the following positions have been filled: Mike Thomas, On-Campus Student Events Coordinator (SEC) Ananya Srivastava & Catherine Kentros, On-Campus Student Affairs Representative (SAR) Hannah Rowe, Off-Campus Student Affairs Representative (SAR)
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Nairobi mall massacre
Terrorist group engages senseless attack on innocent civilians By Sofie Hojabri Contributor
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n Saturday Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. during a busy shopping time, fifteen armed gunmen began a calculated and ruthless attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi Kenya, only coming to a gruesome end on Tuesday morning. The attack, carried out by the terrorist group alShabab, left 67 dead and 240 injured, with many still reported as missing. The mall was held in siege for four days and has over 80 stores. It is frequented by hundreds of shoppers daily and its complex layout was a perfect target for an attack of this type. Abdi Ahmed Godane is the leader of the extremist terrorist organization which holds an association with al-Quaeda. Al-Shabab has gained much opposition over the years for its extremist views of Islam and violent crimes, with Godane being one of the world’s most wanted terrorists since a Ugandan suicide bombing in 2010. While the group has lost much support, Godane has been able to construct a tightly-knit and loyal organization that is highly disciplined and organized. He believes that “apostates from Islam and even Muslims who do not share the same jihadist vision must die”. Fifteen masked gunmen split into three groups and attacked simultaneously in order to block exits and drive crowds together, with one group entering at the main entrance, another beginning at the rooftop parking lot and a third coming through the basement parking ramp. The attackers were armed with AK-47s and grenades, unleashing chaos and a rain of bullets on innocent bystanders. The gunmen attempted to separate the Muslims from the non-Muslims by demanding they name the mother of the prophet Mohammed – killing and torturing those who failed to respond correctly
photo courtesy nbc news
Jihadist gunmen stormed the Westgate mall on September 21st, killing 67 people and injuring 240 more people.
and releasing those who were able to prove their religion. Over the next few days Kenyan troops attempted to clear the building and free hostages by breaching the roof with helicopters. With the elaborate layout of the mall and the location of the shooters still unknown, Kenyan forces struggled to gain control of the shopping complex without risking casualties. On Tuesday morning the government launched a massive assault which, in combination with the days of heavy gunfire and explosions, caused part of the parking structure to collapse. The standoff lasted for about another hour until the Kenyan troops were able to secure the building. During the attack, al-Shabab sent out a message on Twitter saying “the message we are sending to the Kenyan govt & public is and has always been just one:
remove all your forces from our country”. Their brutal attack was a retaliation to Kenyan presence in unstable Somalia – a country al-Shabab hoped to turn into an Islamic state. Five gunmen were believed to be killed during the attack and nine are currently being detained by the government. A week after the brutal attack, Kenyans are still left with many unanswered questions as the government appears to be limiting the information being released. The search for bodies in the rubble continues, but this tragedy has been met with a great deal of support with thousands donating blood for the injured. Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta vowed that “we shall hunt down the perpetrators wherever they run to. We shall get them and we shall punish them for this heinous crime.”
Typhoon Usagi and Hurricane Manuel kill 156 people Are storms getting stronger? By Brian MacIver News Editor
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wo “super-storms” wreaked havoc in Mexico and China last week, killing a combined 156 people. Typhoon Usagi, the most powerful typhoon of the year, hit the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, killing 25 people in that area, 13 of which were residents of the city of Shanwei, the country’s most devastated city. In total, Usagi, meaning “rabbit” in Japanese, killed 33 people. On the other side of the globe, Hurricane Manuel and Tropical Storm Ingrid combined to rip apart Mexico in what is now being called the worst storm damage in decades. In addition to the 123 dead in Mexico, around 1.5 million acres of farmland were “completely lost” according to government’s agriculture ministry. While these events are tragic, they are far from being the first of their kind: last year’s Hurricane Sandy was the second costliest hurricane in U.S. history, surpassed only by 2005’s Hurricane Katrina.
There has definitely been an increase of intensity and damage dealt out by those super-storms over the last decade, and many have placed the blame on global warming, but according to Dr. Matthew Peros, the Canada Research Chair in Climate and Environmental Change and Associate Professor in Environmental Studies and Geography here at Bishop’s, we cannot necessarily make that assumption. “It is difficult to attribute individual storm events to a single cause (like global warming), but it is likely that the conditions for the development of storms such as Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina, which were both responsible for considerable human suffering and infrastructure loss, have been more favorable over the last few decades.” These super-storms form just as any regular hurricane or typhoon – “they all require a certain combination of warm ocean temperatures, wind conditions, and other factors,” says Dr. Peros. He also specifies that the intensity of the storm does not necessarily correlate with the damage it will do, noting that “if a storm
photo courtesy Al-Jazeera
Children swimming in the flood waters as Typhoon Usagi hit the Philippines before moving on to China.
happens to come ashore right at the moment of high tide, the amount of coastal flooding may be much greater than a more powerful storm striking a coast at low tide.” Dr. Peros also adds that “it is important to note that the increased damage we see from many of these storms over the last decade may also be related to increasing populations in coastal areas.” As to what can be done to prevent or reduce the damages caused by these super-storms, Dr. Peros believes that there are both short-term and long-term goals we should be working for.
“Short-term solutions include enhanced storm forecasting, communication with the public, the development of more hurricane-resistent infrastructure, etc. This is especially true in countries where people are most vulnerable to these events. In the long-term, the solution is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting our energy systems to renewable, “green” sources.” “This I fear will not happen fast, and the effects of human-caused climate change will linger for a very long time, but it is important to start now.”
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opinion
The Campus october 2, 2013
Lois Boateng, Opinion Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com
Why I didn’t vote
Fighting voter apathy will take more work By Will O’Connell Contributor
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nother SRC election, another opportunity to abstain from voting. While voter turnout has been consistently rising in recent elections, this semester’s “record” 36 per cent turnout leaves much to be desired. As a member of the majority of the student body who chose not to vote, I feel it is time we talked about this indifference. Last year’s winter elections, in which this year’s executives were elected, saw celebration over voter turnout exceeding the 23 per cent turnout of the last election. Equally alarming is the SRC’s Constitutional requirement of only 10 per cent turnout in order for results to be legitimate. Both of those figures seem unacceptably low. So why doesn’t anyone vote? Is it indifference towards the SRC? Is it not photo courtesy the campus knowing any of the candidates? Is it not knowing the platforms of the can- Poster-covered hallways have not been proven to increase voter turnout in past elections. didates? Is it not understanding the responsibilities of the positions being contested? For me, it was all four. of their leadership, I have not seen any because I knew a candidate personally. I should clarify, however, that I am significant change between this year’s Theirs was the only position in which not entirely indifferent towards the SRC. executives and last year’s. To put it sim- I cast a vote, due to both not knowing I understand that they are a necessary ply, I’m not sure the difference between any of the other candidates and my frusand important part of the university. I the candidates, or elected officials, is tration that half of the positions being am not calling for their abolishment or particularly significant. elected were uncontested. any significant reforms in their strucI still would have voted though, had Even if I didn’t know the candidates ture. I known any of the candidates. In fact personally, I would have voted based on This being said, I’m not entirely clear I’ve only voted in one SRC election since their platforms. Had they had one. I was on all of their responsibilities. In terms coming to Bishop’s and that was solely unable to attend the debate and, though
I tried, I couldn’t find any further information as to how any of the candidates differed from each other. But let’s say I did know their platforms. I would still be faced with not understanding the responsibilities of their positions. I know there is clearly a difference between, say, the VP Academic and the VP Student Affairs but I’m not really sure what exactly each position does. So here I am, an average student only mildly interested in the functions of the SRC, not knowing who any of the candidates are, what they stand for or what sort of work they’d actually be doing. Clearly, the campaign structure needs to be changed. All I know about the elections is what I’ve gathered from vaguely glancing at a few posters which told me absolutely nothing but a candidate’s name, the position they were running for and often a rhyming slogan. According to the SRC executive I spoke to, there had been a committee set up to review the election process last winter. The committee was tasked with assessing the election and suggesting means of improving voter turnout. However, according to the executive, no significant changes have been made. So until those changes are made, I, along with the majority of the student body, will likely remain apathetic to future SRC elections.
Sexting among teenagers
Should it be considered child pornography? By Lois Boateng Opinion Editor
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he pervasive use of cellphones mixed with sexual desire has led to what is now known as “sexting”: the sharing of sexually explicit materials via cellphone. While engaging in sexting is legal between consensual adults, teenagers who engage in such behaviour run a grave risk of being charged with distribution of child pornography. Yet, the reality is that teens are sexting; they have a cellphone during a period of their development where their sexual appetite is awakened and they are exploring the world of sex. Unfortunately, the current Canadian criminal laws have not caught up to those characteristics. There have been several cases in which teenagers are charged with dis-
tribution of child pornography. Recently, a case in British Columbia is shedding new light on sexting between teenagers. This case involves the boyfriend, the exgirlfriend and the current girlfriend of the boyfriend, all minors. The 16-yearold current girlfriend is accused of allegedly sharing nude pictures of the exgirlfriend without the latter’s consent. She apparently received those pictures from the boyfriend who held suspicions that the ex-girlfriend may have sent nude pictures of him to others. In all, this case seems to display the typical vindictive girlfriend scenario where the current girlfriend is intent on shaming the ex-girl. While it is clear that the new girlfriend’s acts were wrong and damaging to the ex, what is not so clear is whether these acts should be deemed as child pornography. Her lawyer, Christopher
Mackie, argues that it should not. As it currently stands, the age of sexual consent is 16 years old, and the age of consent to engage in activities such as pornography and prostitution is 18 years old. The Supreme Court of Canada
“Child pornography laws are meant to protect minors from predatory adults not to invariably label teenagers who sext as sex offenders.” has formulated a “personal use” exemption which allows minors over the age of consent and in a relationship to share explicit materials within the confines of the relationship.
However, when the relationship ends, is it fitting to consider such materials as child pornography? Certainly, if teenaged sexting is considered pornography, this is cause for concern. I think when sexting is applied to teenagers, law makers need to be cautious as to not blanket it as child pornography. Child pornography laws are meant to protect minors from predatory adults, not to invariably label teenagers who sext as sex offenders. Should there be legal repercussions for teenagers caught distributing sexually explicit photographs without consent? Yes. Nonetheless, many teenagers do not intend on making child pornography as stimulated in the criminal code nor do they think sexting would be considered that. The Criminal Code, in this regards, is in need of revision.
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The goodness of volunteering By Catherine Paquette Contributor
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ne of the most comforting things about our university is the community atmosphere that exists in our little academic village. You can live, socialize and gain access to almost all services needed without having to really speak to people other than those at Bishop’s. Is this a good thing though? Bishop’s students, like students elsewhere, come to university filled with energy, hope and motivation to inspire, create change and help others in the world they live in. But for the most part, after 3 or 4 years of college, how much do students know about the local community outside of the university bubble? The Eastern Townships is a rich and beautiful region. Not taking advantage of the chance to integrate oneself and discover this part of the country and its people during ones’ stay is a student’s loss. There are numerous opportunities where one can get involved and expand one’s undergraduate experience. My advice of the day is to volunteer, outside of our campus – outside “the bubble”. In addition to providing help and service, volunteering can give you many personal benefits. First off, it can help you solidify your resume and acquire new skills. For international students it is a great way to learn about Canadian culture. This region additionally can provide volunteers the opportunity to improve their French and English language abilities. Volunteering also helps build selfconfidence.
“Make your time here even more memorable. Get to know the community you live in.”
A great place to start one’s local volunteering search is with Townshippers Association. Located on Queen Street, this non-governmental, non-partisan organization represents the English-speaking community of the Eastern Townships. Their work with the 42,000
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photo courtesy bradford district community fund
Volunteering reaps many benefits, but most importantly for Bishop’s students, it’s an opportunity to be truly immersed in the Eastern Townships’ community.
member regional Anglophone population focuses on community services, culture, health and social services. The association is often looking for volunteers for various events, such as their upcoming open house in October, as well as administrative work at their head office. Opportunities also exist to work on various short and long term projects. In addition, Townshippers Association keeps a database of prospective volunteers whom they match with associated organizations when requests for assistance are made. Positions are available to all, including unilingual English speakers. Further volunteering opportunities exist with the Lennoxville and District Women’s Center as well as Mental Health Estrie, both situated within the same building as Townshippers. These are but a few examples of local volunteering opportunities, more can be found at the university’s Career and Employment Centre.
Few Bishop’s students come from the Townships but many leave having created a new family and a new home. Make your time here even more memorable. Get to know the community you live in. If you do, not only will it be personally self-rewarding but you will leave an impression in Lennoxville and in the Townships that will last past your tenure at university. For more information on Townshipppers visit: http://townshippers.qc.ca, Membership is free for those under 21. The Lennoxville and District Women Center is found at: http://ldwc.ca. Mental Health Estrie’s website is http://mentalhealthestrie.com. The career and employment center is found in the Marjorie Donald Building, room 215.
What was that?
Pope lets his opinion on gay rights out of the closet By Jodie Firth-Tessier Contributor
A
startling opinion from someone with high power in the Catholic Church has been revoked due to its inconsistency with previous opinions. Pope Francis stated “if they [gays] accept the Lord and have good will, who am I to judge them?” which caused a media firestorm. His words, although forever existing, were then removed from his mouth and washed out with holy soap. The Catholic Church put intense pressure on him to fix the mistake he made while speaking out in a candid interview. While his heart was in the right place, it appears his mind wasn’t. People all over the globe appear to be outraged by his original comment while others are still attempting to process it. What does it mean? Is this their
new position on homosexuality? No one really knows the answers. In countries like Canada we are fortunate enough to have legalized same-sex marriage. Homosexuality is accepted throughout the general public and we have pride parades dance through our cities, rainbow flags in our windows, and even select Churches on board the floats. It becomes clear that Pope Francis is not the only bible worshiper who believes in equality. Although he may not promote gay rights, equality, or marriage, his statement provides a window into a bright future: gays are not only human, but deserved to be treated as such. The commotion behind this entire scandal is gaining speed and everyone knows the internet makes your words immortal. The ironic aspect of the Pope’s statement is that many people feel as though it actually is his job to
photo courtesy diversity now \ blogspot
Pope Francis’s comments regarding homosexuality during an interview with America magazine in Aug. 2013 demonstrates a new and kinder stance towards LGBT individuals..
judge others in God’s name, more or less. Even though the Pope has ‘taken back’ his statement on gays, the Church has a long way to go before it’s forgotten. Something so honest, so humbling, cannot and will not disappear so eas-
ily. The Pope has a point that many people can agree with, most of whom are probably outside of the religion he represents. This is something basically unheard of. Welcome to the twenty-first century ladies and gentlemen, things are beginning to change.
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opinion
The Campus october 2, 2013
Being yourself
Whatever gender that may be By Asha-Maria Bost Opinion Writer
“Cassidy, like all of us, should be able to live her life in peace, to live her life to the fullest as the person she is meant to be.”
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ecently, a young woman named Cassidy Lynn Campbell was crowned homecoming queen at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California. This was her long-time dream as it signified that people would recognize her for who she was, a woman, beautiful inside and out. Her dream was bigger than herself; she was becoming homecoming queen “for the kids who can’t be themselves” and are stuck in the cycles of selfdoubt and self-hatred that often come with discovering one’s gender identity while trying to fit within society’s rigid notions of gender. However, Cassidy’s happiness was short-lived amid backlash as some questioned whether Cassidy, an affirmed woman born with a penis, is truly a female? People often try to fit others into strict gender categories that are familiar to them but then ignore that the concept of gender is fluid. They are confusing gender and sex. Sex is biological and related to the reproductive parts a person was given at birth. In contrast, gender is a social construct within which a person self-identifies as one gender (man or woman), no gender (gender-neutral), or genders (androgyny). Gender and sex can be the same but are not necessarily the same. Gender is dif-
photo courtesy adam bouska \ huffington post
Transgendered homecoming queen Cassidy Lynn Campbell joins photographer Adam Bouska’s NOH8 campaign for LGBT rights.
ferent from sex in that the former is determined by how one feels rather than one’s physical make up. Thus, not having female genitalia does not make Cassidy any less of a woman because it is about how she feels inside. A person should not need to physically transition (meaning take hor-
mones or complete surgery) to identify as something other than their assigned sex. Indeed, one should not have to conform to the two-gender strait-jacket just to make other people less confused. Three years ago, Cassidy took a brave step and decided to finally live her life
as the woman she was inside. I have tremendous respect for her and how honest she was with herself and the world, documenting her transformation in YouTube videos. Nonetheless, some people have made it a point to make Cassidy feel subhuman. These people express hatred towards things they fail to understand or choose to ignore. This ignorance is not bliss; it is a mechanism for hatred. Unfortunately, these encounters are common for transgendered individuals. In the end, we are all just human beings, nothing more, and nothing less. All Cassidy Lynn Campbell wanted was “to be like any other human. Boy girl does not matter, just a human”. Her tormentors denied her of the right to be human by robbing her of a joyous moment. Cassidy, like all of us, should be able to live her life in peace, to live her life to the fullest as the person she is meant to be.
The Charter of Quebec Values A step in the right direction By Guillaume Lafleur Contributor
T
he name does not adequately express the true purpose of the proposal. What some have come to label as the Quebec Charter or the Charter of Quebec Values is actually an attempt to systematize immigration according to a particular conception of the effects of immigration on a host society. By implementing a process to obtain reasonable accommodation and regulating religious symbols worn by government employees, both objectives of this proposal, the Government of Quebec is consolidating its assimilation-oriented approach to immigration. The current government of Quebec’s position follows a consistent opposition to Canadian multiculturalism that was adopted during the Trudeau era. Multiculturalism’s objective is the preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a single state. Yet is that truly desirable? For Quebec, it is simply irresponsible and utopic. Multiculturalism does not take into account that these different groups do not share common core
values or similar priorities. Consequently, cooperation and stability are much more difficult to attain. Diversity is good in a society as long as this diversity is not a source of conflict. Quebec’s stance on assimilation is definitely a formidable alternative to Canadian multiculturalism. Assimilation is often seen negatively because the goal is the adoption of the dominant culture. Nonetheless, assimilation should not be labeled as anti-immigration or racist, as some have argued. The United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron, recently affirmed that “the doctrine of state multiculturalism has failed and will be no longer state policy.” Does this statement mean that Britain has closed its borders and that the United Kingdom is racist? Of course not. It only means that the United Kingdom is fully examining its immigration policies and renouncing its thus far laissez-faire approach in this matter. Before judging Quebec or calling its residents racists, as I have heard on campus, one should know that the idea of assimilation is an old one in Canada. It stems
as far back as Governor Durham, who recommended that Upper and Lower Canada be united into one province. He also encouraged immigration to Canada from Britain in order to overwhelm French Canadians into conforming to Anglo-Saxon culture. One should also remember that French was only made an official government language in 1969; perhaps late considering that Quebecois people represent around 25 per cent of the Canadian population. Moreover, one should consider the fact that this Francophone province has traditionally been the only province with a
generous treatment of its minority-language population (i.e. English minorities) and the only province to be cited by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism as a model to be emulated by other provinces. I don’t think Quebec has any advice to receive from other provinces or the federal government in regards to immigration. Instead of criticising Quebec and closing its eyes to the problems related to the multiculturalism policies in Britain and France, Canada should remain quiet and use Quebec’s action as an opportunity to re-evaluate its own position.
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opinion
thebucampus.ca
9
Rockin’ in the Gluten-Free World Naomi Zurevinski The Sheaf (University of Sasketchewan)
S
ASKATOON (CUP) — Gluten-sensitivity seems to be spreading like a mass epidemic in North America these days. But there is more to the diet than consumers and health nuts realize. Refusing doughnuts on the basis of not eating gluten doesn’t even cause people to question whether a person is actually allergic to it or if they’re just consciously cutting it out of their diet. Either way, if you ask for gluten-free options at a restaurant, chances are you’ll get some. In fact, it’s difficult to find a place to eat that doesn’t make accommodations for the gluten-sensitive consumer. This trend took flight back in 2011 with the release of Dr. William Davis’ Wheat Belly. Davis nicknames modern wheat as “frankenwheat,” bluntly stating that it is poisonous and contains addictive properties that can be comparable to that of heroin. The book goes on to state that consuming modern wheat can cause obesity, hypertension, ADHD, dementia, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, autism and more. No wonder everyone’s terrified of gluten — I’d rather not have drugs, monsters and life-threatening illness for breakfast. In the midst of this craze, asking someone who’s gone gluten-free what is actually wrong with wheat will usually generate an unimpressive answer of “it’s genetically-modified,” or the even less convincing: “It’s bad.” Unless you’ve actually read Davis’ book or done your own research, it’s hard to know what the real problem is here. To start, gluten is a protein found most commonly in wheat, barley and rye. It’s the stuff that gives dough its elastic tex-
ture and it’s used as an additive in many consumer products. So if you actually want to avoid gluten, you’d better start looking for it. It goes beyond just saying no to morning bagels and dinner rolls. Salad dressing, soy sauce, processed meats, blue cheese, hot dogs, couscous, licorice, canned soups and beer are just a few examples of the surprising places where it’s hiding. For people who actually have glutensensitivity or Celiac disease, it’s easy to understand how tedious this can get. In severe cases, one morsel of gluten can cause a serious autoimmune response in the small intestine, producing inflammation. From there, chain reactions of very uncomfortable symptoms occur such as bloating, heartburn, constipation or stomach cramping. Now, the majority of today’s glutensensitivity problems come from the development of modern wheat, also known as semi-dwarf wheat. In the latter part of the 20th century, a certain Dr. Norman Borlaug developed hybridized wheat. This hybridizing technique meant that the offspring of one strain of wheat was mated with parents of a different strain, leading to Borlaug’s exceptionally highyielding semi-dwarf wheat. The semi-dwarf wheat is stockier and shorter — a teeny 18 inches compared to original wheat’s height of four-and-a half feet. This allows the wheat to mature quicker, leading to a shorter growing season and enables more wheat to be produced in less time. Today, semi-dwarf wheat comprises 99 per cent of all wheat grown worldwide. This means that the wheat we eat today is vastly genetically different from the wheat that our great-grandmothers ate.
The semi-dwarf wheat undergoes significant structural changes through the process of hybridization, making it almost unrecognizable from the original wheat. The real problem here is that this semi-dwarf wheat was never actually tested for human consumption; it simply replaced original wheat without testing and was assumed safe. The alterations on wheat that the majority of us consume make it harder for the human body to break it down. There has been increasingly more research showing links between health problems and the consumption of semidwarf wheat. This concern points to the increase in people who are beginning to diagnose themselves as gluten-sensitive, leading to reports of improved health once it’s eliminated. The Canadian gluten-free market saw an annual growth rate of 26.6 per cent between 2008 and 2012, putting the 2012 revenue at 450 million dollars. The best sellers in the industry are gluten-free snacks, breads, cereals and prepared foods. According to the National Purchase Diary Group, a Canadian global information company, the interest in gluten-free menu items has increased by 137 per cent in Canadian restaurants over the past three years. Obviously not everyone is simultaneously realizing his or her long-ignored gluten intolerance. And if you’ve been eating wheat your whole life, the concept probably seems like complete bullshit. For some, it may be a genuine health concern, but for others, it is strongly suspicious that it is being received as a fad diet. It’s safe to say that this trend is annoying, right up there with Instagramming pictures of the salad you had for lunch
and hashtagging it #vegan or #foodporn. Ironically, as I write this, I am enjoying a piece of leftover gluten-free pizza. I confess that after doing my own research, I ditched gluten over a year ago. Maybe I was actually gluten-sensitive all along, maybe not. Regardless, I feel so much better now. I have way more energy than I used to and my asthma has also disappeared. However, in addition to saying no to gluten, I also adopted different health habits at the same time such as more veggies, more exercise — the type of habits your mother would approve of – so it’s hard to credit my improved health only to a cessation of gluten consumption. The biggest problem I see is when people stock up on President’s Choice gluten-free mini chocolate brownies and expect dramatic health benefits or weight loss. Those gluten-free goodies are not only packed with the same preservatives that regular ones are, but they are also loaded with potato starch and rice flour — neither of which are beneficial to your health. It’s simply a company responding to consumers and seeing an opportunity for profit. Eating gluten doesn’t necessarily make you unhealthy but going glutenfree doesn’t necessarily make you healthy either. Before you join the club and throw out your Wonder Bread, I recommend reading up on it a little and seeing if you really want to commit. The gluten-free diet is definitely a lot more work than it sounds and isn’t something to be taken lightly as a quick path to health. Frankly, there’s no such thing. And healthy or not, I’ll stick to my gluten-free cupcakes — nobody said anything about giving those up, did they?
Remembering the victims
Focus on the perpetrator the bane of media By Tyler Kolody Opinion Writer
W
hen there is a terrorist attack, such as the Boston bombing or a mass shooting, such as Sandy Hook or the recent tragedy in Washington D.C., different explanations abound. Everything from violence in video games to gun control to laws concerning the mentally ill is brought up. Although these are legitimate discussions that need to be had, my primary concern is the media and how these stories are covered. When a mass shooting happens, we are told the location, the number of victims and the name of the shooter. The shooter’s name will be replayed countless of times over the next few days. You will learn about his family life, hear from those who knew him, in some cases, you will be subjected to lengthy reports of his struggle with mental illness. I have two major problems with this. First of all, the vast majority of people with mental illness are non-violent, and the majority of people who are violent are not mentally ill. This focus by the media on this one aspect
of the perpetrator’s being fuels a far-reaching and completely misleading stigma about the mentally ill. Secondly, while I’m not totally comfortable with the term “glorify”, we do put these murderers in the spotlight. I would think many of them would be well aware of how deeply the media will dive into their lives after
“We honour these killers by keeping their memory alive, and they don’t merit that. We should strive to keep the stories of those who were killed instead; they are the ones who deserve to be remembered.”
their spree has ended. Some perpetrators even leave manifestos hoping the media will help get their message out there, whatever it might be. Thus, this brief stint of infamy for the perpetrators that follows these events may make some believe that mass murder is a legitimate means to make a statement. Meanwhile, the victims are often not discussed near-
ly as often. Beyond the purpose of putting a number on how horrible the perpetrator is, we rarely hear hosts talk about the lives that have been cut short. This is then used to further one side or the other of some agenda, usually national security or gun control. Those who died drown in the ocean of speculation of what could have been done to save them. This seems fundamentally wrong to me. If we really care about the loss of life, we should show some respect and give victims their time on the air. Instead we tote around their murderer because we seem to have more interest in him and what he did than we do in the lives he took to get there. In the end, I think we need to stop focusing on the murderer’s story and start looking at the lives that have been lost or altered by the events being reported. What good does it do any one to know the name and face and story of the killer? We honour these killers by keeping their memory alive, and they don’t merit that. We should strive to keep the stories of those who were killed instead; they are the ones who deserve to be remembered.
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features features
The Campus october 2, 2013
Chelsea Conway, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
RAISING
AWARENESS
As part of a two-part series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the features section of this issue and the October 15 issue of The Campus will run a collection of articles on the subject of womens’ breasts.
Photos from The BU Pink Ribbon Society’s Happy Hour fundraiser (above) and Run for the Cure (left) in 2010. photos courtesy the BU Pink Ribbon Society
features
thebucampus.ca
11
Speaking out
Going bra free
An author’s break from “boob-jail” By Eva Bessette Contributor
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omen are often at war with their bodies. We go on calorie restrictive diets, we pluck our eyebrows, we wax our genitals, we use beauty products full of harsh chemicals, and we wear bras--which many of us refer to as “boob jail”-- almost every day. We believe this is what femininity means. I started wearing bras when I was around 12 years old. I didn’t question the practice of fastening a tight piece of garment with hard wires around one of the most sensitive parts of my body until about six months ago. I came upon an article citing a study conducted by French researchers that claimed that bras do not keep breasts from sagging, but may make them sag even more. After further research, I realized that bras have no proven health benefits whatsoever. The common claim that bras help with back pain is an urban
legend. The only benefit of wearing a bra is the way it makes your breasts look while you are wearing it— high, round, and nipple-less, like those of a Barbie doll. Although there is not much conclusive research to prove that bras are definitely harmful, there is no research that proves that they are helpful. Besides, I did not wait for a study to start wearing bras, so why should I wait for one to stop wearing them? I acted upon my newfound knowledge and decided to stop wearing bras. Initially, I tested it out for one month and in case I didn’t like it, I would strap up again. Confidence quickly replaced shyness as I realized that people either didn’t notice, or didn’t care. Wearing clothes had never felt so comfortable. It used to be that the first thing I did at the end of a long day was take off my bra. That was six months ago. I have not worn an underwire bra since. I still wear a sports bra on occasion, but not
because I believe it’s necessary. Many women, especially those with big breasts, believe they need a bra. I have big breasts myself, and I used to think that not wearing a bra would cause my breasts to hang down to my
“If being naked hurts, you’re probably doing something wrong.”
knees and my back to crumble under the weight. Lingerie sales clerks are all too happy to agree. I actually have much less back pain now than I did back when I wore a bra every day. Some women think they need a bra because as soon as they take off their bra their breasts get sore. I would venture that the problem isn’t their breasts, but the tight, often ill-fitting bras they put them in. If being naked hurts, you’re probably doing something wrong.
Let’s talk about breasts, baby... By Chelsea Conway Features Editor
W
hatever their significance, the ongoing debate over women’s breasts’ place in this world has been a tricky topic to navigate. Women in NYC are now free to go topless should they so choose, two decades after the 1992 case People v. Ramona Santorelli and Mary Lou Schloss, where the New York Court of Appeals ruled in favor of two women after they were arrested, along with five others, for baring their breasts in public. For all their seemingly plain biological origins, breasts have been and continue to be a disturbance in the societal Force. Breasts, boobs, tits, knockers, jugs, tatas, Holmes and Watson: whatever your title of choice, the subject of women’s breasts infiltrates many aspects of Western culture. As women we flaunt them, hide them, strap them in or let them loose, push them up or flatten them down, reduce them, augment them, dress them up, and in some cases, bare all. Of all the many ways in which breasts are represented in the social sphere, there appears to be a consistent desire among women of all ages (and society at large) to enhance or diminish the presence of our chests. As a girl in junior high, many of us waited anxiously for the day when we could at last be excused from that dreaded “itty-bitty titty committee.” As a late bloomer I can remember thinking, when the ninth grade rolled around, that a flat chest had been fine while running around the elementary schoolyard – but
that puberty should have taken care of things by now. Back then CosmoGirl had me believing that boobs that could fit into an actual bra were the ultimate signifier of womanhood. And it wasn’t until later that I realized that breasts only had that authority because I gave it to them, and that having boobs of any size wasn’t the point. The point, I’ve learned, is to find or create for yourself what it is that makes you confident and comfortable, and go with it The clothes don’t make the man, just as the bra – or lack thereof – doesn’t make the woman. Though it may be beneficial to both cases to find what it is that makes you feel the most like the “self” you’re happy to be. With or without your shirt off, learning to love what you’ve got can go a long way. When it comes to the case of Topless vs. Why Boobs Belong Inside the Shirt, it would seem that a good tally has racked up in favor of the latter. Yet this is not by any means a universal viewpoint. While on the beach in Stiges, Spain in 2007, I can remember a couple strolling along the surf, the woman pushing a baby stroller in nothing but her bikini bottoms. From their gaping stares, the tourists could be spotted right away; the woman’s beau meanwhile was unfazed, and neither were the locals. Some may look at a woman’s right to be topless as the handy work of liberal extremists; while for others, the freedom for women to bare their chests punctuates an important step forward in gender equality. Whichever side of
photo courtesy the star tribune
Madonna had cones for boobs: still rocked it.
the coin you choose, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that the coin is an illusion; it wasn’t designed to land face-up or down. It will keep spinning on the table, and as long as it does, the choice is ours to do with our own bodies what makes us happy. “Do what makes you happy,” if we are to believe what the fortune cookies and sentimental e-cards tell us, should apply to all aspects of your life. It’s comforting to know that we ultimately have the
I’m not suggesting that going bra free is for everyone. However, wearing a bra should be a conscious choice. The benefits should be weighed against the costs, and caring about our health should not involve waging a constant war against our bodies. How much can we care for something that we put in “jail” every day? Do your body a favour, and free your breasts from time to time. illustration courtesy wikipedia
final say in what makes us happy and at peace in our own skin. There are a great many women – and men – whose bodies and breasts, for whatever reason, are fighting against them; the count is too high for those with healthy bodies to fret over the little thing, like how big or small one’s breasts are. If going restriction-free and braless does the trick, so be it. Alternately, if wearing an underwire that makes you feel amazing as soon as you put it on does it for you, so be it as well. And if going topless down a city street is up your alley, then own it, so long as you’ve prepared for some sideways glances (until we all share the mentality of the locals in coastal Spain, for the time being some things can’t be helped). There shouldn’t be anything wrong with finding and following your bliss when it comes to how you perceive yourself, including your ta-tas. Women are capable of doing whatever it is they feel comfortable doing, without feeling obligated to let the views and choices of one party – bra-on, braless, top-on or topless – dictate their own. The girl who feels her best when keeping her top covered is just as entitled to that choice as the girl who finds confidence baring her breasts for all to see. If there’s one hope that I have for girls present and future, it’s that they will realize that big or small, round or perky, topless or not, a pair of breasts is an asset, but not a definitive one. Build common ground with your body, and the rest will come.
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a&C
The Campus october 2, 2013
Alissa Ralph, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com
New Plays Festival: A great success By Alissa Ralph, Mel MacCoubrey, and Amaliya Louis Ar ts Editor, & Contributors
T
he annual New Plays festival has come to a close and once again the Bishop’s community is reminded how much talent it harbors on its campus. Night A began on Sept. 24 with Malcolm McQueen’s “Guru”, directed by Red McGrath. The psychedelic drug trip taken by two friends ends not quite as expected, and a great performance by the director himself held the hijinks together. All actors had a moment to shine in this comical one-act show, despite some confusion in the play’s goings-on. The antics continued with “Dinner and a Show”, directed by Michael Sinott and written by Simon Lee. A show full of madcap characters, the cast had the task of acting absolutely insane, with notable performances by Amaliya Louis and Julien Amar. While the premise of the play was pure madness for its own sake, the absurdity grew a little overwhelming at times. The night closed with a story of acceptance titled “Sehnsucht”, written by Denise St.
Pierre and directed by Marcus Jones. The dialogue performed by the cast came off as very real and natural, with only a few moments lacking strength. Night A was put to a close with roaring applause. The second night of the festival brought with it four heartfelt plays. The night opened with “A Whisper of Guilt” by Amaliya Louis, directed by Taylor O’Dea, painting an eerie picture of two sisters trying desperately to communicate the loss of a loved one. The direction was spot on and gave way to a very surprising performance from Kat Zub. The next play of the night, “Everything in the World You Left”, by Chelsea Conway, directed by Madeline Morra, dealt with the inevitable separation of two good friends under a night sky full of constellations. While it brought no surprises, the performance was honest and engaging. After intermission, the bittersweet tension was lifted in “Altered States” by Matt Beaver, directed by Peter Krasemann. The boys worked hard to get the audience going, and they most certainly did not fall short. The cast were an uncanny trio when it came to comedic timing. The evening came to a close
with the tragic, “La Joie de Vivre” by Alissa Ralph, directed by Anders Vanduzer. While the use of e-cigarettes was distracting, the piece was approached with the utmost care and professionalism, and served as a good reminder of what this festival is all about. Night C opened with ‘’Pocket Change’’ written by Julien Amar and directed by Jackie Hanlin. The play shows a laundromat owner who uses his business as a front to deal cocaine with his aspiring rapper assistant. The play was well-written and wellstaged with a few unsteady moments, but Chabot’s impressive performance carried more weight than her male counterparts. Following was ‘’Try’’, written by Dakota Wellman, directed by Christo Graham. The play left the majority of the audience in tears as they witnessed a teenage son and his mother struggle with his sexuality. Perhaps the play’s biggest strength is that the audience could empathize with both parties. All actors had a knockout performance. The night ended with ‘’ASL’’ written by Mel MacCoubrey and directed by Frankie Donato. Scott and Mae try to find romance using false identities
photo courtesy christo graham
through an online dating chat room. Brilliantly staged by Donato, the audience was engaged right from its impressive opening scene to the sweet end. With moments of both captivating
and overbearing qualities, the balance of the play was impressive.
Of poet and publisher
Morris House Reading Series brings in Italian-Canadian authors By Adam Young Copy Editor
B
ringing in both an author and her former publisher can only result in a lively reading. Add in that they’re both Italian-Canadians and you can expect a boisterous discussion. The second Morris House Reading Series at Bishop’s University features a double billing of Italian-Canadian authors Connie Guzzo-McParland and Gianna Patriarca. Both authors will perform readings of their works in the University Bookstore on Oct. 3, 2013 from 4-5:30 p.m. The afternoon will begin with a reading from GuzzoMcParland. Her visit follows the recent release of her debut novel this Sept, The Girls of Piazza d’Amore. Before graduating from the Creative Writing Master’s program at Concordia, Guzzo-McParland worked in both the education and business sectors. Her thesis/
novel Girotondo won the David McKeen Award for Creative Writing in 2007, with translated Italian excerpts garnering her awards and publishing in Italy. Guzzo-McParland has spent the last three years as head of Guernica Editions, a Canadian publisher that focuses on literature perspectives from around the world.
“Patriarca’s poems are filled with rich description of a country left behind, both dealing and dishing on the cultural clashes in an immigrant family.”
Guernica has published four books of poetry by copresenter Patriarca, whose writing career took off with the popularity of her first poetry book, Italian Women and Other Tragedies in 1994. Filled with wit and surprises, Patriarca’s poems are
filled with rich description of a country left behind, both dealing and dishing on the cultural clashes in an immigrant family. Since her first publication twenty years ago, Patriarca’s work has been dramatized by the CBC and shortlisted for many awards, including the Bressani Award for 2007’s My Etruscan Face. She has also been featured in a number of documentaries that focus on the immigrant experience, including Pier 21, Engimatico, and Adapting Lines Adopting Lives. Her latest work, Too Much Love, published in autumn 2012, pays tribute to the influences surrounding her life as poet, author, and teacher. Centering on the immigrant experience, both authors promise to share great insight into both the writing and publishing side of literature. The second in this years’ Morris House Reading Series, the event is free to the public with a small reception to follow.
arts
thebucampus.ca
13
Gloriaaaaaa! The past and present of the St. Mark’s Chapel Choir
photo courtesy barbara ribeiro
Directed by Sarah Heath (left), the St. Mark’s chapel choir meets weekly to learn their impressive repertoire of hymns and anthems. By Tabitha Brasso-Ernst Contributor
F
or the typical Bishop’s student, a Friday afternoon is usually spent relaxing after class, finishing up some homework from the previous week, or getting ready for an exciting night on the Lennoxville town. However, if one decided to stop by St. Mark’s Chapel on their Friday afternoon, they would find something wonderful brewing in the pews: the St. Mark’s chapel choir hurriedly rehearsing for their weekly Sunday service gig. Directed by Sarah Heath, a longtime fixture in the Bishop’s community (and an alumni herself), the chapel choir consists of students and Lennoxville com-
munity members alike, eager to learn the weekly anthems and hymns so that they may share the beautiful music with the chapel’s weekly congregation. The chapel itself has a rich history, its consecration occurring in 1857 by Quebec’s third Anglican Bishop George Jehoshaphat. Unfortunately, the interior required a complete remodeling due to a fire in 1891, but since then has been well taken care of. The spectacular details hidden within the chapel, such as the pristine wooden carvings or the majestic pipe organ, are a definite must-see for anyone touring the Bishop’s campus. Due to the fast-paced nature of the practices, the choir must be able to quickly sight read the music in order to learn the large repertoire within the practice time, which is an hour a week
plus approximately half an hour before the church services on Sunday mornings. Liz Warlund and Pam Eby, both celebrated veterans of the Bishop’s and Lennoxville music scene, provide the choir with an abundance of skilled accompaniment on both the piano and the organ, lending to the warm, welcoming vibe of the St. Mark’s choir. Speaking of warm and welcoming, the Sunday morning services would not have that special feeling without the friendly and assuring tone of Reverend Heather Thomson, the Campus Chaplain. The teachings of Thomson are responsible for lighting up many lives of the Lennoxville community, and the chapel has many passionate devotees each week as a result. One of the yearly highlights of the St.
Mark’s chapel choir is the Christmas service, which usually occurs in the first week of December. Spanning over two nights, the service draws in record crowds of locals and students, all joining together to celebrate the holiday season in the cozy nooks of the church. The program is filled with a selection of readings and hymns, with the choir being featured on a variety of Christmas themed anthems. If one is looking for a night of solace and festivities, this particular service is not to be missed! The St. Mark’s chapel choir is always looking for new members to fill the pews, so if anyone is interested in joining a smaller choral group feel free to visit the chapel, located next to the McGreer building, at 4:15pm on Friday afternoons.
No lyrics, no problem
Instrumental band Sagapool comes to Bishop’s By Adam Young Copy Editor
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n a day and age where background music has become the norm, it’s refreshing to see a band that sounds more soundtrack than lounge. The Montreal-based sextet Sagaopool is making a stop at Centennial Theatre the first week of October. Following numerous shows in Sherbrooke over their ten year career, the performance centers around the band’s newest instrumental album that has received a great deal of critical acclaim. Sagapool began as Manouche in 1999, releasing two albums before changing its name to a
mish-mashed word that was chosen to conjure images of ancestral roots and heritage. Their self-titled second album, released in 2012, received a Felix award from the Quebec music recording association ADISQ, the most popular music award in the province. With folk and gypsy origins, the band has branched out into more pop-folk melodies, but still remains, well, voiceless. “I think it’s because none of us are really good singers... we don’t express ourselves in a vocal way”, says the group’s bassist and pianist Alexis Dumais halfjokingly in a recent interview. Yet while instrumental music has less of a following in Que-
bec, the style is more popular within folk music across much of North America and Europe, evident in the band’s Canadian Folk Music Award for their album Episode Trois in 2008, and showcasing at the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in 2010. The music tells vivid stories, some bright and bursting at the seams, others more cool and mysterious. The mix of instruments combine to produce everything through their repertoire of Balkan and Gypsy roots to more modern tracks. There are brushstrokes of Quebec and Northern Canada in the crisp and clear sounds of accordians in the background of violins. From their opening track that
sounds more like GPS coordinates, “45.56° 78.35°O -90°N”, to the dreamy “Le Fil Boreal” (Over the Boreal), there is a sensual buildup of the album that evokes images of being in the outdoors. For some pieces, that’s just it. In a recent interview one member of the band described his songwriting as being inspired from his day-to-day life. In this instance, the song for his morning runs in Montreal. Publicity from Centennial Theatre has labelled Sagapool as “Arcade Fire without the lyrics”, arguably spot-on in the similarities between the folk/alternative/ pop sides of both bands While much of Sagapool’s
music has soundtrack quality and tone to it, so far the band hasn’t done any, at least not together. With a band of talented musicians, “individually we are doing more and more music for films,” says Dumais. For now the band continues touring, hoping to collaborate someday with a film, “from animation, to drama thriller”, says Dumais laughing. Diverse and flexible, the band isn’t picky.
Sagapool is playing Bishop’s Centennial Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theatre box office: $16 for students, $28 general admission
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The Campus october 2, 2013
film file
Joseph Gordon-Levitt holds up a mirror in Don Jon A tender film on our intimate addictions By Kai Rudell Contributor
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oseph Gordon-Levitt has become a prominent figure in the cultural limelight lately, and he’s got the talent to back it up. Most recently he’s played a dream-invading spy, a cancer patient, the son of one of America’s greatest presidents, and next to Batman. But Don Jon is new territory for Gordon-Levitt. It is his feature writing and directing debut. With Gordon-Levitt directing, writing and starring, it’s appropriate that it’s such a masturbatory affair. The film follows Jon (Gordon-Levitt), a New Jersey man who’s satisfied with his routines. He works as a bartender, goes to the gym, parties at the club every weekend, and subsequently takes home a different girl. He even goes to church every Sunday. But the single thing he cares about most is his porn. He starts to rethink his life, however, when he meets Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson), a beautiful woman who believes in fancy things, romantic films, and making Jon work for her love. From the start, Don Jon is clearly about how pop culture affects our lives. The film opens with cultural artifacts (Sisqo’s “Thong Song”, the Deal or No Deal ladies) all saying the same thing: sex, sex, sex. Don Jon asks how watching porn or romantic films affects our relationships. Even further, it tries to show just how saturated we are with certain ideas. A prime example is a very effective scene with Jon and his family eating dinner watching a commercial about burgers where a bikinied woman does everything but eat the burger she’s holding. The writing is sharply funny, and the characters, though caricature-like, come to life. The writing really comes through in moments such as when Jon and Barbara fight over Jon’s plan to buy a mop. Barbara insists that it’s a maid’s job to buy mops, revealing a spoiled
photo courtesy yahoo movies
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson star in Don Jon.
upper crust to her character. Gordon-Levitt gets to play outside of his usual roles with Jon. He is fully believable as a sex and workoutobsessed club-goer and though you start to forget about his innate boyishness, it only adds more to his character by the end. Johansson is very funny as a Jersey Shore-like rich girl, even putting on a convincing accent. Julianne Moore also brings a mature and realistic edge to the movie as a fellow student whom Jon meets at night school, also serving as a listener to his love woes.
Gordon-Levitt does some interesting things with his directing choices. Through repetition of sounds and camera shots we get pulled into the routine of Jon’s life. With the backgrounds becoming more and more familiar, the small changes in Jon’s character become all the more noticeable. We get to see Jon change throughout the film with his inner monologue-like visits, to his church confession booth. You’ll also learn to associate the Macbook startup sound with Jon’s porn addiction. All in all, the film is a well-enough executed debut for Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a writer and director. B
The funniest show on TV
(and how you’ve been missing it for years) By Riley O’Dea Contributor
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he sixth season of NBC’s comedy-mockumentary Parks and Recreation premiered last Thursday with 3.27 million fans tuning in. The cast showcases loveable SNL alum Amy Poehler as eager Leslie Knope, a mid-level politician in the town of Pawnee, Indiana, “the greatest town in America”. The uproarious cast and writing team have finally perfected the show’s unique combination of hilarious and uplifting, crafting a truly ‘feel-good’ show, a rarity on modern television.
The real question is: why aren’t you watching it yet?! Don’t try to make excuses; your hectic Breaking Bad schedule won’t get you out of this one. As if seeing Nick Offerman and Aziz Ansari on screen together wasn’t motivation enough. Don’t try to pretend you haven’t re-blogged a GIF of Aubrey Plaza’s deadpan glare. Now is the perfect opportunity to catch up, with homecoming behind us and midterms not yet here. Leslie Knope’s infectious energy and Ron Swanson’s rejection of institutionalized ideology are the perfect combination to fuel you on in the bleak onset of the winter months. I will warn you, in Sea-
son 1 -only six episodes long- the show is still finding its rhythm. I can promise, however, that come Season 2, the niche has truly been carved. Even if you’re not in it for the laughs – to which I must pause, shake my head, and sigh deeply – the show’s positive message makes it worth at least a cursory watch. Somehow, between the nonstop laughter and wheezing fits, Parks and Recreation makes the audience actually care about this town, its inhabitants, and their problems. While it may not be the most popular comedy on television, in this reviewer’s opinion, it is one of the smartest and most revolu-
photo courtesy bishop’s University
Caption.
tionary. It almost sounds cliche, but even at their dorkiest and least-lovable, the audience can’t help but laugh with these characters and not at them. Maybe Andy Dwyer reminds you of your blockheaded, goodhearted big brother. Or maybe Tom Haver-
ford is just like your old best friend. The characters have character, they have personality and spice that bring them to life outside of the script and the screen. Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC.
arts
thebucampus.ca
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Grand Theft Auto V: Rockstar does not disappoint $265 M production worth every penny By Peter Krasemann Contributor
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ecently, I’ve been on a bit of a video game kick and one of my newest purchases is GTA V. As soon as I started playing it, I knew that it was no ordinary game. It felt slick, well-polished and, boy, driving a car irresponsibly has never been so much fun. It wasn’t long until the small crush I had on the game ballooned into a full-blown love affair. I must begin with a confession: this is the first GTA game I’ve actually ever played. From only playing about eight hours of the game so far (which isn’t much, for the record), I can say that this is the GTA game I always would’ve wanted to play. Maybe it’s because I played an awesome game called Red Dead Redemption instead
of other crime games, and I think GTA V is more a successor to that than any other game. But that’s a whole other story. The story of GTA V is the same basic crime story, but with a twist of pure crazy. Basically you play amongst three criminals with varying degrees of skill in different areas of an RPG-like system. You can level up, and each character has special skills that represent their personalities. As you band together, you pull off bigger and bigger heists. I’ve only done one so far, so while I’m not rolling in the dough just yet, I still got a pretty nice chunk of change. The setting of the game is one of its biggest highlights. Every element is so deep that it’s actually kind of disturbing, as if some city in California was virtualized into the game - civilians and all - and Rockstar just spent its rumoured $265 millionbudget
covering it up… just a thought. Now, I’ve heard some of the controversial things about the game, the torture scene with Trevor for example, the most psychotic character in the game. While it is true that Trevor’s a few fries short of a Happy Meal, it should be noted that this is a video game - a GTA video game at that. Isn’t this common for the franchise? I’m not saying violence should be glorified, but video games can and should be separated from reality. At least that’s the brief answer that will be stuck to. If you don’t want crazy crimes and violence then I recommend a game like Scribblenauts. Don’t pick up this game if you’re not prepared to get your hands dirty, but if that’s your style, then be ready for hours of unadulterated greatness. From playing tennis to flying planes, to owning property and
photo courtesy Rockstar and Rockstar north
Destructive fun in a rich, vibrant world.
exchanging stock, the game has so many layers to explore. The game also includes an online portion that has yet to open, so gamers should anticipate yet another aspect of GTA V to love.
bu tips and tricks
Bishop’s Budget Trips Saving money when you are visiting Montreal By Alexa Bailey Contributor
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The most common place for a student to stay is in a youth hostel. Montreal has a good selection of affordable hostels, with most in the center of town. The rooms can range from $15 to $40 for dorms and private rooms. Some hostels even provide breakfast. The best choice, though, it staying with a friend who lives in the city, so if you have one nearby, consider ringing them up.
idterms are quickly approaching, work is piling up, and the Canadian weather is becoming a familiar cold. Luckily for students, it will soon be the long weekend. Though some aren’t able to make the journey home, an alternative is spending a few fun days in Montreal. But we are indeed students and Montreal is expensive, so here are some ways to cut down on costs.
Food
The bus to Montreal and back alone is $60. If you have a car, taking your own would be more cost efficient. Alternatively, ask a friend to drive with you or find a car share. You would only have to chip in for gas, easily half the price. In the city, it’s recommended not to use taxis. You can get a day pass for the metro (which includes bus), but walking is the best bet as everything in central Montreal is a 30 minute walk away. Bonus: it’s free!
Entertainment
Transportation
Lodging
Don’t spend your money on a hotel. If you’re sharing, splitting a moderate hotel room between 3-4 people can be cost efficient, but avoid it otherwise. Another idea for a large group is to rent a local apartment for the weekend, where you can also make your own meals.
Montreal has some of the greatest selection of food in Canada. While good, not all is student-budget friendly. Plan out how much you want to spend per day on food and drinks. Stick to places where meals are around the $10 mark. There are many delicious cafes and bistros on St. Catherine Street. Chinatown also has many choices of cheap eats. Try not to have dessert or an expensive drink during meals; you will be thankful later. We are Bishop’s students and while most of us like to party, you must conserve money in this area. Instead of going a popular club with long lines and a high cover, go to a lesser known place. Instead of a live game, go watch hockey in a cozy pub with a beer and watch it on TV.
Like any travel, Montreal is a place you should research before visiting. The Internet is a miracle for looking for deals and ideas for what to do. Plan ahead, read some reviews, and enjoy yourself.
Interested in writing for Arts & Culture? Email thecampus.ac@gmail.com
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The Campus october 2, 2013
Jared Perlmutter, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
All systems go for Bishop’s aerial attack Gaiters outlast Stingers in homecoming classic By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts Editor
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lready off to a hot start this season, the 2-1 Bishop’s Gaiters met with the 0-3 Concordia Stingers on Sept. 21 in front of 2 500 purple clad students and alumni. The game marked Bishop’s annual Homecoming celebration, and brought with it a tough atmosphere for any opposing team. The Gaiters were coming into the game fresh off their recent Mayor’s Cup victory, with two games (each won by a single point) against cross town rival Sherbrooke. This put the Gaiters into the national rankings, placing in at No.10 before the matchup against Concordia. Bishop’s came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Gaiters QB Jordan Heather threw a 99-yard strike to receiver Alexander Fox, leading to Matt Burke rushing touchdown. The team did not let up however, piling on another score, this one from Fox on a 17-yard touchdown reception. Bishop’s closed out the first quarter of play with a 14-0 lead. The second quarter was no better for Concordia, as the Gaiters continued to add to their impressive lead. Ryon McCalla added on another rushing touchdown, to go along with a safety, and two field goals from Mathieu Paquette. This gave BU a commanding 29-0 lead going into the half.
photo courtesy andrew debrowolskyj / gaiters.ca
Gaiter’s tailback Ryon McCalla runs through the Stinger defense en route to a Bishop’s victory.
After a quick single from Paquette, Concordia finally found their way onto the scoreboard. After a touchdown reception by Jamal Henry, Concordia trailed 30-7. Bishop’s responded in fashion, with yet another Paquette field goal, his third of the game, followed by a Stephen Adekolu score through the air. The Gaiters led 40-7 going into the final quarter. Concordia would go on to score 11 points in the fourth, but it was a case of too little too late, as the Gaiters came out on
top, 40-18. Bishop’s victory would move them into the eighth spot in the most recent CIS poll. Gaiters third-year offensive lineman Nick Blanchette credits much of the newfound success to a changing of the guard in the Gaiter football program. Blanchette cites the appointment of Coach Kevin Mackey and his staff as the biggest difference maker saying “He and his coaching staff have worked tirelessly not only to improve our existing program, but grow
it with the addition of our new recruiting class”. Perhaps the biggest motivator for Blanchette and his teammates however, is the rowdy BU crowd that comes out to support them at every game. “Our fans are some of the best in the country, and every day I get to play in front of them, I’m reminded why” said the lineman. “When we play. we don’t just play for ourselves or even for the team; truly we play for the community, fans and alumni”.
Leafs and Sabres preseason brawl sparks old question of violence in hockey By Vincent Menard Contributor
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ohn Scott lines up at the faceoff next to Phil Kessel. As soon as the puck drops, he jumps on Kessel, who retaliates using his stick as an axe. Several of his teammates come to his rescue, including David Clarkson who left his team’s bench. A brawl ensues. Even the goalies are going at it. That scene reminded me of another one. One where Dave “Killer” Carlson uses his stick to fight his opponent Tim McCracken as Carlson’s coach, Reggie Dunlop, watches on with a smile. Dunlop had previously promised money if one of his players “took care” of McCracken. Unfortunately, only one of those moment was fictional. Some will recognize the second as being from Slapshot, a 1977 movie poking fun at violence in hockey. Led by the Hanson brothers, the Charleston Chiefs became champions using a style of play heavily based on violence and intimidation. This whole scene made me think, is this the hockey I like? Is fighting really such a vital part
of our game? I must be honest here and admit that I enjoy the occasional fight, as long as it remains a nuclear option. Also, I agree with Brian Burke when he says that he’d rather see two honest enforcers fighting each other rather than having pests like Patrick Kaleta or Ryan White ruling the NHL. Some would argue that taking fighting out of the NHL would somehow make the sport “less manly”. I’d counter with the argument that no one questions the toughness that is required to play football or rugby. The players from New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, are “man enough” to intimidate their opponents… by dancing in front of them. (If you don’t know what I am talking about, do yourself a favor and google “haka”) Some others would argue that fighting is an important part of hockey. I would answer them that if fighting was so important, we would see more of it during games that matter. However, the fight per game ratio goes down as the season goes along.
photo courtesy sb nation
Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier and Sabres goalie Ryan Miller also got in on the act, each picking up a fighting major..
Most of the hockey games that end up being boxing events are preseason games where fringe NHLers try to get noticed any way they can. Often this means stepping onto the ice and swinging for the fences, as everyone is sure to notice a good fight. Furthermore, most teams that could be considered Stanley Cup contenders are characterized by the depth of their lineup. They cannot afford to dress a player who sits on the bench for the
whole game, waiting for something to happen. This is especially true if you consider the salary cap issue. Some players, such as Milan Lucic, are famous for their ideal blend of size and strength, but they can also play the game. Red Wings GM Ken Holland, widely considered as the best in the business, mentioned this week in an interview that he did not see the point of having a goon in his lineup. Let’s not forget the concussions issue. The NFL had to deal with former players asking for money. It’s a matter of time before former NHL players do the same and ask the league for compensation over concussions that were not diagnosed in the past. I think that those who would quit watching hockey if fighting was banned should just do it right now. They remind me of those who watch NASCAR just to see car crashes. There is more to the game than fighting, but as the old moniker goes; more people stay to watch the fight than leave because of it.
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thebucampus.ca
Gaiter men fly high at Eastern’s
The BU Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team continue to build on success By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts Editor
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or the second consecutive year, the Bishop’s Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team travelled to Kingston Ontario for the Canadian Eastern University Ultimate Championships. In just their second year of existence, the team has developed chemistry and improved greatly. After posting a 2-5 record at last years event, the team improved to 3-4 this year, with wins over Wilfrid Laurier University, and University of Toronto’s B team. To the untrained eye, Ultimate Frisbee can appear to be nothing more than havoc on a field. Played with seven players on a time, the goal of the sport is to throw the disc into your opponents endzone and accumulate points. The catch is however, that you cannot walk with the disc in hand. What results, is a high flying, fast paced game. Despite being considered in many circles as a “fringe” sport at best, Ultimate has the speed of hockey, the running of soccer and the strategy of football all melded into one. Now, after two years of development, the Gaiter’s mens team appears to be hitting their stride. After participating in only one tournament last year (the aforementioned CEUUC) the Gaiter’s have joined the Quebec University league, getting more experience and more exposure. This years CEUUC showed that newfound experience and confidence off. The Gatier’s started day one of the tourney with two 15-1 losses to perennial contenders Queen’s and University of Waterloo. However, the Gaiter’s would win their next two matches, beating University of Toronto’s B team 15-7, before beating Wilfrid Laurier 15-12. The following day, the Gaiter’s started off slow, losing 11-7 to Waterloo’s B squad, before a 15-8 defeat at the hands of Queen’s B squad. The Gaiter’s finished on a positive note however, defeating Toronto B once again, this time by a score of 11-7. Overall, the Gaiter’s finished 15th out of 18th, a respectable placement for an inexperienced team. For this team however, the placement comes secondary to their continued development and improvement. With many members of the team having never played competitive Ultimate before, the learning curve was steep. Speaking with team captain and coach Kent Christensen
photo courtesy jared perlmutter
The Gaiter’s Men’s team battled hard throughout the CEUUC, putting together a 3-4 record.
reveals that there is a lot more to this team than just results. “Ultimate is a sport that has a very high level of competition while still focusing on having fun with your friends. It corresponds well with the Bishop’s spirit that everyone on the team holds true”. Christensen continues, by explaining the camaraderie of the team, saying “The camaraderie that develops with the rest of the guys is so great because without Ultimate, we may not have an opportunity to meet such a diverse group of guys”. This years version of the Gaiter’s had players from Canada, the US, and Sweden. Jordan Lavoie, a second year player for the Gaiter’s came into the sport with zero experience, but is now an avid fan of Ultimate. Lavoie first joined the team as a replacement for water polo, which he had played competi-
tively for years. “I joined frisbee because they didn’t have my sport at school, so I figured I might as well try something new and get involved”. Lavoie was kept motivated by his desire to improve and master the “million ways of throwing the disc”. An extremely tight knit group, the Gaiter’s men will continue to strive for victory as they continue in Quebec League competitions. Through their mutual love of the sport, and their desire to win it for each other, the team will certainly continue to improve. With a strong veteran group now firmly established, the Gaiter’s will look to continue their development while maintaining the bonds of friendship that make this team so strong.
do you even lift?
Am I doing this right?
Check with a trainer to reach your gym goals By Éric Joly Gaiters Strength and Conditioning Coach
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ast Time we talked about making the first steps into the gym. Now that this has been done, we now need to make sure that we maximize our time and our efficiency. In order to accomplish that, everything we do needs to be done and exe-
cuted the Right way. But how do we know we are doing the right thing? How do we know that we are executing all our movements in the right sequence and the right way? Sometimes this can be difficult to determine, and only an outside eye can be the solution. First, make sure that you understand the purpose of the movements you are
doing. Everything is done for a reason. A good understanding of your body and the things you are making it do is very important. A good way to figure it out is to you use different web services or videos such as YouTube. But most and foremost, do not hesitate to use our friendly Bishop’s trainers! Too often I see dedicated people working towards a goal, but who are
unfortunately taking a very long detour to get there without knowing it. Time is often tight, and maximizing your workout is very important in order to achieve your goals and stay motivated. Ask a qualified outside eye and make the most out of your training!
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The Campus october 2, 2013
Manning Rivalry Renewed Eli vs Peyton: Is there a clear number one?
By Marcus Lam-Peters Spor ts Writer
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n week two of the current NFL season the Denver Broncos faced off against the New York Giants in the third installment of what has come to be known as the “Manning Bowl.” Two superstar brothers, Peyton and Eli, quarterback their teams in a game storied around sibling rivalry. For the entirety of their careers an ongoing comparison of the two has transpired. The answer’s pretty clear at this point; it shouldn’t even be debatable. A few objective facts for the reader first before I impose my impression: The number one thing to consider in defining a quarterback’s legacy is wins and losses. It doesn’t necessarily indicate how the player performed as an individual; it reveals his ability to lead his team to victory and that is the ultimate job of any starting quarterback. Peyton has proven to be a more frequent winner than his brother leading his teams to victory in an impressive 69%of his games. Eli has not been able to so regularly rally his teams to victory winning only 56% of his games. These stats are great reflections of the brothers’ regular season performances, Peyton looks superior. In fairness their post season records tell a different story. Peyton is 9-11 (45%) compared to Eli’s 8-3 (72%) playoff record. In elimination games Eli has been able to navigate his
photo courtesy the new york post
Brothers, and superbowl champions, Peyton and Eli will forever compared to one another.
team to victory more dependably, which counts for a lot in the NFL. While wins are the mark of a great leader, stats reveal a great quarterback. In this light Peyton is far superior to his little brother. Peyton averages around 4050 passing yards a season, Eli is around 3250. He’s thrown for under 4000 yards in only four of his fifteen completed seasons; Eli has missed that mark six times out of nine. Peyton’s career passer rating is third highest alltime, Eli’s is 40th. Peyton throws more touchdowns and fewer interceptions than his counterpart yearly. The numbers that Peyton Manning has been able to put up throughout his career are some of the most impressive
stats recorded by the NFL. However, they do not in themselves define his career. Legacy for a quarterback is all encompassing. How he performs in games of great importance adds weight to his reputation. The playoffs are where he defines himself. Eli in addition to boasting a more impressive record statistically improves his play in the playoffs. He has gained a reputation for holding up under pressure. He will forever be known for the most clutch play in NFL history (search David Tyree Super Bowl on YouTube if you need a reference). His second Super Bowl victory forever labeled him as “Tom Brady’s kryptonite”, the leagues Superman who has historically had Pey-
ton’s number. Peyton on the other hand has had a playoff career marred by subpar performances. His passer rating declines nearly ten points and he struggles to find the end zone. He makes more mistakes and they often come in key moments of the game when he needs to deliver. With that being said consistency counts for a lot. There is a reason Peyton Manning has 4 MVP Titles and Eli has none. There’s a reason why Peyton has several notable records to his name and why he’s on pace to claim a few more. Peyton is playing the best football of his career. Consider that so far this season Peyton has tied the record for most passing touchdowns in a game and broken the record for most touchdowns over three games. His Broncos are 3-0 and sitting atop the AFC West. Eli has thrown 5 TD’s and 8 INT’s in his first three games, his Giants are 0-3 at the bottom of the mountain that is the NFC East. Big brother Peyton clearly won this year’s addition of the Manning Bowl (4123); he’s up 3-0 in the series. The pictures of their careers show that Eli’s performances vary during the regular season and Peyton loses a step during the playoffs. Even so both brothers hold the title of Super Bowl MVP. Both of these quarterbacks are future Hall of Famers and rightly so. Their dependability issues aside Peyton stands out for his record setting statistics and on field coaching ability. Currently he is outperforming his brother and has made a bigger impact on the league as the greater quarterback.
Leafs and Habs prepare to battle it out once more NHL season to kick off with classic grudge match By Jared Perlmutter &Vincent Menard Spor ts Editor & Contributor
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nce again, the NHL season starts with a classic rivalry that goes well beyond sports. Immortalized in Roch Carrier’s classic The Hockey Sweater, the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs will met for the first time on Oct. 1. Montreal’s GM Marc Bergevin made few changes to his roster this summer, simply adding Daniel Briere, Douglas Murray, and George Parros. The latter should bring a physical presence that was sorely missed by the Habs last. It is especially important to have size and strength to compete in an Atlantic division that includes the likes of the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators.
It will be interesting to see how sophomores Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher will react to an increased workload. Rookies Michael Bournival and Jarred Tinordi did well during exhibition games and will surely be the first call-ups should an injury happen to a starter. With the new playoff system, where the first three teams of each division automatically qualify for the playoffs while the rest for fight for the two wild cards spots available, I think that Montreal will have a tough time making it to the spring dance. I predict that the top three teams in the Atlantic division will be Boston, Ottawa and Detroit with Montreal and Toronto vying to be wild cards. The Maple Leafs had an active offseason, highlighted by a few key moves. First, despite James Reimer’s strong playoff performance,
the Leafs acquired goalie Jonathan Bernier from the LA Kings. Bernier is expected to challenge Reimer for the starting nod this season. Shortly thereafter, the Leafs traded for twotime Stanley Cup champ Dave Bolland who will likely centre the Leafs third line. However the highlight of the offseason for Leaf fans has to be the signing of David Clarkson. A former 30 goal scorer, Clarkson brings the required grit and gusto that Randy Carlyle’s team has become known for. Look for Clarkson to quickly cement himself as a fan favourite in Toronto. For now the player is suspended for the first 10 games of the season after leaving the bench during a Leafs and Sabres preseason brawl. While Toronto did shore up some of their needs, namely a competent backup goalie and
photo courtesy the national post
For Canadiens Captain Brian Gionta (pictured) it will be back to business as usual against the Leafs come October 1st.
more depth, they still appear to be a team on the cusp of breaking through to the elite status. This season will be telling, and much like their rival Habs, the Leafs will be trying to prove they belong in the postseason.
This first game is sure to be a thriller, with two hungry teams battling for nationwide supremacy.
sports 19
thebucampus.ca
Sochi prepares to welcome world
Russian host city prepares for Olympic games amid much controversy By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts Editor
W
ith the 2014 Winter Olympics drawing ever closer, Russian host city Sochi has come under fire for the proposed law banning “nontraditional” relationships across Russia. The law has been denounced by activists, foremost amongst them US President Barack Obama. While some activists have called for a full-fledged boycott of Sochi 2014, both Obama, and British PM David Cameron, remained skeptical. This is not the first time that the Olympic games have been threatened by a potential boycott. In 1980, in response to Soviet military action in Afghanistan, then US President Jimmy Carter boycotted the games in Moscow. This resulted in 62 eligible countries not participating. In a response to the US led boycott of the Moscow games, the former USSR alongside 14 of its allies boycotted the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The most recent case of Olympic boycott came in 1988, where North Korea refused to participate in the games hosted the South Korean capital, Seoul. As history shows, the Olympic Games are not without a pock-marked history. But a boycott of the Sochi games would mark the first large scale boycott of a Winter Olympics in history. However, this seems unlikely. When asked at the (International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) general council meeting about the laws, Sochi organizing chief Dmitry Chernyshenko was quick to respond. Chernyshenko was adamant that the laws “do not ban homosexuality in any way” and furthermore, “doesn’t contradict any element of the Olympic charter”.
While there are activists around the world attracting attention to this hot button issue, the IOC itself seems fairly content to let the games continue as scheduled. Former IOC president Jacques Rogge has said that the IOC is satisfied with Russia’s explanation of the law thus far. It is their belief that the laws will not affect the Olympic Games in Sochi or the Olympic athletes staying there. Russian President Vladimir Putin has re-
Despite many prominent figures, such as Madonna and Lady Gaga protesting the law, the Russian government seems unfazed. While these objectors lobby protests at the IOC in an attempt to wrench the games from Sochi, it is now apparent they are not moving. With the games just around the corner, to facilitate a move now, and still have the games start when scheduled, would be a near impossible feat. Unfortunately for the sporting world, the
These laws, and the publicity that comes with them, are coming right on the heels of what appeared to be a major step towards full tolerance of same-sex orientations in pro sports. While the Olympic Games themselves will focus very little on the laws in question, it is impossible to separate the two completely. The Olympics are the largest event of its kind, and for this year’s installment to be surrounded by questions of inequality and hate is unfortu-
photo courtesy cnn
IOC President Jaques Rogge has stated that despite the controversial Russian laws, Sochi will remain the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
mained vocal in support of the law since its passage in July. While the law does not make homosexuality “illegal”, it does make it illegal to expose minors (under 15) to these “non-traditional” relationships, or to promote them as normal or attractive. Putin has also confirmed that he will not allow for any rally or demonstration throughout the Olympic period.
Russian laws coinciding with the Olympics could not have come at a less opportune time. This spring, NBA player Jason Collins revealed to the world that he was gay, marking the first time that a North American athlete had done so. Collins was followed by WNBA player Brittney Griner, who came out as a lesbian shortly thereafter.
nate to say the least. While the laws will not directly impinge on the running of the games, they cast a shadow too large to outrun. Whether we see the signs and protestors as we watch the games will not matter, because the damage to the Russian people, and the global community, has already be done.
student spotlight
A Spartan among us By Brian MacIver News Editor
T
he Spartan Race series is considered to be one of the best tests of fitness in the world. It combines cardiovascular endurance and physical strength in a true test of will. Camille Bourgeois completed the Spartan Trifecta, where all three Spartan Races (Sprint, Super, and Beast) are completed within the same year. The second-year Business Administration student, on the other hand, completed the Trifecta within four months. “When I got my last medal, I nearly cried,” said the Quebec City native. “I was so happy that I had just completed the toughest race of my life that I could barely keep it together.” Spartan races have been an ongoing and ever-
growing series since 2005, with multiple races setup across the globe. The one’s that Bourgeois was in were mostly close to the area. “My group of friends and I tried to schedule the races whenever they were close enough to drive to,” she laughed. “The most recent race was also the farthest we travelled. We went to Killington, Vermont to participate in the Spartan Race World Championship two weeks ago.” That particular race was dubbed the toughest course ever by the event organizers, and according to Bourgeois, they were not lying. “That race was not even comparable to the other two that I did this summer. This race was 13 miles long, with some of the hardest obstacles I have ever done. Plus it was really cold and we had to go in and out of the water! Some people even had to quit because they began suffering from hypothermia!”
One obstacle in particular was challenging for this Spartan: the rope climb from the water, where participants had to attempt climbing up a rope, ring a bell, and come back down, all from the middle of the lake. As Bourgeois said, “typically rope climbs are done from the ground, so doing them from the lake meant you couldn’t jump up and the weight of the water was dragging you down.” “But no matter how much you struggle, everyone around you is encouraging you and cheering you on. That’s the best part about Spartan Races: yes, it’s a competition, but everyone wants to see everyone else do well.” And when asked if she would be willing to do it again, the 20 year-old looked up with a smile and said, “We’re actually looking to complete a DoubleTrifecta next summer!”
Homecoming 2013 Photos courtesy of Bishop’s University and Ryan Millar (bottom right)
welcome home!
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gaiter walk for als