The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 70, No. 6
fendingdreading finals since 1944 www.thebucampus.ca
NOVEMBER 26, 2014
Principal Golbloom invested into the Order of Canada, p. #2 PHOTO COURTESY UBISHOPS.CA
Holiday gift ideas from your Campus editors p. #12
Gaiters lead the RSEQ! p. #17
PHOTO COURTESY INSPIRINGEDITORS.COM
PHOTO COURTESY BLAIR SHIER
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NEWS The Campus Editors, 2014-2015
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Jared Perlmutter
LAYOUT EDITOR:
Natasha Paikin
COPY EDITOR:
Nicole Gauvreau
FEATURES EDITOR:
Alison Petrovich
NEWS EDITOR:
Kristy Bockus
ARTS EDITOR:
Katharine McKenney
OPINIONS EDITOR:
Asha-Maria Bost
SPORTS EDITOR:
Dylan Konecny
ONLINE EDITOR:
Caleigh Cross
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-in-Chief 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 text-only or Microsoft Word format.
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
BU Pride Levels Up!
Kristy Bockus, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com
Principal Goldbloom Invested into the Order of Canada KRISTY BOCKUS News Editor
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n Nov. 21, 2014, Michael Goldbloom, C.M., Principal and ViceChancellor of Bishop’s University, became the first Bishop’s principal invested as a Member of the Order of Canada. The investiture ceremony took place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where Goldbloom was invested by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada. This honour was presented to Goldbloom for contributions made to the Montreal area, especially work that fosters linguistic duality. Goldbloom’s investiture into the Order demonstrates his exceptional service to the nation. Examples of this dedication is demonstrated through his leadership in organisations such as Alliance Quebec, the Ville Marie Social Centre, the YMCA’s of Quebec, The Montreal Gazette, the Toronto Star, and Bishop’s University. The Order of Canada was established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967. This honour is bestowed on individuals who show a lifetime of dedication and service to the nation. Any Canadian citizen is eligible for nomination into the Order and non-Canadian citizens can be recognized as honourary members. Investiture into the Order occurs at one of three levels. An individual can be appointed as a Member, Officer, or Companion of the Order. Appointment as a Companion of the Order recognizes achievements of the highest degree. A person invested into the Order of Can-
Principal Goldbloom is invested as a Member of the Order of Canada.
ada may be elevated to a higher rank due to continued investment to better the country. Every year a maximum of 136 Members, 64 Officers, and 165 Companions can be invested into the Order of Canada. The newly invested individuals receive one of three medals that corresponds to the rank they have been awarded. Each is in the shape of a sixpoint snowflake with a red annulus center that has the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”), within it. This annulus circles a stylized maple
PHOTO COURTESY UBISHOPS.CA
leaf that is a different colour for each rank. Members’ medals have a silver maple leaf, Officers have gold, and the maple leaf for a Companion is red. BU students, alumni, and faculty have shown an outpouring of support for Goldbloom’s outstanding achievements. On behalf of the Bishops’ community, we’d like to extend our congratulations to Goldbloom and encourage him to continue his efforts to better not only our small community but also the nation.
Alpha Phi Celebrates 25 Years at Bishop’s ERIN UNGER Contributor
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he Eta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi at Bishop’s University recently celebrated 25 years of Greek life. In 1986, the local sorority Zeta Gamma was formed at Bishop’s University. The girls wanted to become a part of an international organization, and the Alpha Phi International Fraternity was selected. On Nov. 25, 1989, fifty-eight colPHOTO COURTESY PATRICK ORAM legians and sixteen alumnae initiates Bishop’s Eta Chi chapter of Alpha Phi celebrates became the first group to join the Eta 25 years. Chi chapter of Alpha Phi. Most of the alumnae initiates were mothers of the collegians who joined. This was the be- Bishop’s collegians into the Alpha Phi ginning of Greek life at the university, fraternity. Notable members include with Alpha Phi followed by Sigma Chi two founding members, Tova White in 1990, then Beta Theta Pi and Alpha and Jennifer Jones, who were recogDelta Pi in 1991. nized in Bishop’s Top 10 After 10. AnSince then, the Eta Chi chapter has other accomplished alumni, Beth Gunn, initiated over two hundred and fifty received a $35,000 scholarship from
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC). Ann-Marie Chacko received a provincial scholarship and now works as a researcher for Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. This year, five alumni members travelled to Bishop’s from Quebec and Ontario to take part in festivities, along with collegiate members, on campus. Over the course of the weekend, various activities took place, such as a meet and greet, campus tour, an Alpha Phi museum, and a formal dinner. At the end of the weekend, the chapter celebrated the initiation of six collegiate members and one alumnae member.
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THEBUCAMPUS.CA
Inside QUILTBAGS
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BUPA’s Gender and Sexuality Workshop NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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n Nov. 21, 2014, the BU Pride Association hosted an informational session on gender diversity and sexuality, which an audience of around 30 people attended. The workshop covered topics ranging from personal identification and stereotypes to personal stories on coming out. The first presentation was by Luis Blanco and served as an overall introduction to the topic. Blanco mainly spoke about the variety of identities and stereotypes. His focus was on how the way a person identifies themselves is their valid identity, People may not fit the definitions or images we’ve come to associate with a certain identity. Some of the stereotypes brought up include mannerisms and dress style for gay men and lesbian hairstyles. It was also mentioned that stereotypes may be invalidated just through the consideration of cultural differences in actions or dress. Next, Sarah Parker defined a variety of terms that would be used throughout the presentation including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, sexual-romantic identity, sexual fluidity, and gender fluidity. Gender identity is the gender or genders one identifies with, which may or may not be the gender assigned at birth based on physical traits. Gender expression is how one expresses one’s gender through mannerisms or physical indicators. Sexual orientation is defined by a person’s attraction on a sexual level, while romantic orientation is who a person is attracted to on a romantic level. Sexual-romantic identity is how one’s sexual and romantic identities combine, which is usually expressed in the same words one would use to come out. Finally, gender and sexual fluidity mean that individuals can change the gender or sexual orientation they identify with over time. Asha-Maria Bost spoke about non-binary identities, both gender and sexual. These are genders and sexual orientations people may identify with outside the generally accepted norm of a malefemale, hetero-/homosexual binary. The umbrella term is queer, which is split into gender queer and non-binary sexualities. Gender queer is defined as not fitting a normative gender—including androgen, agender, neutrois, bi gender, polygender, or two spirit (a gender identity reserved for indigenous peoples which describes gender and spiritual identity). Non-binary sexualities include bisexual, pansexual, and asexual. The next topic was introduced by Bost and continued by Kyle Doucette. The topic encompassed gender pronouns and trans* people. The portion on gender pronouns focused on asking which pronoun some-
The Genderbread Person 2.0 displays Gender Identity, Gender Identity, Biological Sex, and Attraction.
one would prefer to be referred to as, instead of simply using “he” or “she” as you see fit. The alternative, if one doesn’t feel comfortable asking a stranger the pronoun they prefer, is to refer to someone as “they.” This is the result of an absent third person, singular, gender neutral pronoun in the English language that is appropriate for use in reference to a person. The section of the fourth presentation about trans* people emphasized using the pronoun and name that individuals ask be used in reference to them. Doucette talked extensively about the struggle of trans* people in regards to acceptance within society, both legally and socially in the straight and queer communities. Large populations of homeless LGBTQ people, high rates of murder victims (486 between Oct. 2013 and Nov. 2014), and suicide rates (43% of combined successful and unsuccessful attempts) are identified as trans* people. Tara McGlashan spoke on the stigmas against bisexuals and pansexuals in the heterosexual and homosexual communities. Pansexual people feel attraction regardless of biological sex or the gender presented, whereas bisexual people are attracted to people of two genders, either within or outside the normative gender binary. Stigmas against bi- and pansexuals include that they are promiscuous, will break off a relationship to conform, and that they will eventually end up either gay or straight because they are just confused. For these reasons, bi- and pansexuals tend to tell their partners they are either gay or straight and will censor mentioning who they think is attractive depending on the general sexual orientation of the group they’re with. Stéphanie Dagenais present twice,
once of demi, ace, and grey identities and later on the process of coming out. The first of Dagenais’ presentations defined demi-gender (only partially associating with a gender), demi-sexual and demi-romantic (sexual or romantic attraction only after a strong emotional bond has been formed), demi-boy and demi-girl (only partially identifying as male or female), agender (not identifying with any gender), asexual (no sexual attraction), aromantic (no romantic attraction), and grey sexual and grey romantic (only rare sexual or romantic attraction). One question from the audience was how being grey sexual differed from just having a low libido. Libido refers to sex drive, and one can have a sex drive without experiencing attraction; it is for this reason that some asexuals and grey sexuals masturbate. Dagenais’ second presentation was on the typical stages of coming out. The first stage is questioning one’s gender or sexuality and looking for resources. The second is internal acceptance and education. Next is gaining support by coming out to someone you know will support you. The third stage is pride, meaning you are happy with who you are and are out to most people. Fourth is forming relationships based on your identity. Often, the fifth stage is coming out to family, though it may fall earlier or later depending on how supportive and accepting one’s family is. The final stage is finding balance: accepting your gender or sexuality as it is and understanding that it is only one part of who you are. In between any of these stages there may be denial. Heather Prestie presented, with some personal difficulty when it came to saying the words, on slurs based on sexu-
PHOTO COURTESY ITPRONOUNCEDMETROSEXUAL.COM
ality such as gay, dyke, and faggot. The overall lesson was not to say a word that could insult someone, even if you don’t intend harm or no one expresses that harm was done. One should also confront people about the usage of slurs and tell the person to at least not use the words around you, even if they won’t stop around others. There are some groups that work to reclaim current slurs as words of pride, but one should always be careful about using words even in that context as they often taken negatively. If slurs are directed at you, the most important thing to consider is your own mental health and to leave the situation if necessary. The final presentation of the night came from Pablo Correa on pride and activism in Latin America, especially his home country of Colombia. Correa spoke of the evolution of words and how some still don’t accept newer words for non-heteronormative genders and sexualities. Colombia is 80% Catholic, and many prominent issues for gay people are just beginning to gain attention. On average more than 138 people are killed in Colombia each year for not fitting the heteronormative mould. Correa utilized a number of images in his presentation, many of pride parades, to show that parades and activism are needed to gain rights - if a group is invisible they have no rights. Correa also emphasized that while being an activist in your own country is important, taking a global perspective too, as being gay is still considered a crime or illness in some places and heavily discriminated against. If you are interested in finding out more, feel free to contact BUPA at bishpride@gmail.com.
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NEWS
THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014 NOVEMBER 26, 2014
Love Makes BU Go ‘Round KRISTY BOCKUS News Editor
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s the semester comes to a close, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of stressors like essays and exams. In moments when grades take the spotlight in our lives, students sometimes forget their amazing qualities. The SRC decided that they wanted to remind students of why they should love themselves. This resulted in the BU Love Yourself Campaign. Matthew Robinson, vice-president of Student Affairs, was the driving force behind this project. The idea was inspired by a similar event held by Mt. Allison University to promote positive self-image. This is an important initiative in a PHOTO COURTESY BENJAMIN TRACY university environment where students’ Amelia Martin (left) and Matthew Robinson (right) show off their special personalities. work is constantly judged and could lead to self-doubt in more than just academia. will be organized throughout the year ordinates this event. On Nov. 12-13, members of the Bish- to promote mental health on campus— Although the photographers have PHOTO COURTESY BENJAMIN TRACY op’s community were encouraged to every month there will be a new cam- packed up their equipment and white All smiles, Alex Stobo loves to love herself! stop by the Student Union Building to paign concentrated on relevant topics. boards wiped clean, you can still particicomplete the sentence “What I love The campaigns hope to encourage pate in the BU Love Yourself Campaign. about myself is…” and have their pic- discussions of mental health and stig- All you need to do is share what you love ture taken. Approximately 150 mem- ma even after Bishop’s annual Mental about yourself, take a picture, and post it bers of the community participated in Health and Wellness Week (MHWW). with the hashtag #BULoveYou! the event. It was an afternoon filled with This year, MHWW will take place from Don’t be shy! Tell the world all the reasmiles and reminded everyone just how February 9-13. A team of dedicated stu- sons you love yourself, because you degreat they really are! All the photos can dents and faculty, who strive to inform serve all of your love. be viewed on the SRC Facebook page. the community about mental health, coThis is the first of many projects that
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Russian relations with the West grow colder NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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he past two weeks were wrought with tensions involving Russia in everything from the crisis in Ukraine and G20 summit tantrum to the announcement of a new Russian Wikipedia alternative. The latest drama started with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing, China on Nov. 10. At the APEC summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin encountered U.S. President Barak Obama and Australian PM Tony Abbott. Putin had a few short, if frosty, meetings with Obama. Aids report they talked about Ukraine, Syria, Iran, and the two countries’ bilateral relations. The meeting between Abbott and Putin was dominated by talk of MH17, the Malaysia Airlines flight that crashed over Ukraine in July. Abbott is said to have told Putin to own up and follow the lead of the U.S., who accidentally shot down an Iranian civilian aircraft in 1988 and apologized for the error with appropriate restitution. Only a few days later, Nov. 14, the G20 summit began in Brisbane, Australia. Prior to the summit, four Russian naval vessels including a guided missile cruiser, a destroyer, a tug boat, and a refuelling vessel were detected near Australia, though still in international waters. In response, Australia sent out three ships
and an Orion aircraft to monitor the situation. The Russian ships left the area on Nov. 20, and it is unsure whether the deployment should be seen as routine. Naval vessels have been deployed to areas Russian leaders are visiting before. Others speculate about whether or not this is a demonstration of Russia’s military readiness. At the G20 summit, Canadian PM Stephen Harper confronted Putin. Harper’s original plans were not to communicate with Putin at the summit; however, once greeted by Putin, Harper said, “I guess I’ll shake your hand, but I have only one thing to say to you: You need to get out of Ukraine.” Putin used his now well-worn response, “That’s impossible because we are not there.” The atmosphere did not warm up much to Putin from there. The first day of the summit, which is supposed to focus on global economic issues, involved discussions on Crimea and eastern Ukraine, along with the sanctions currently in place on many Russian officials. Even German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the voice in Europe and the EU who has been most hesitant towards further sanctions against Russia and long considered a friend of Putin, spoke out against Russia. Merkel predicts a drawn-out conflict between Russia and the West and criticised Putin as being old fashioned for considering Eastern Europe to be Russian territory.
Russia’s Tu-95 bombers fly over Moscow.
UK PM David Cameron warned that the current tensions over Ukraine could undo post-Cold War relations between Russia and the West. Putin was the first leader to leave Australia, citing lack of sleep, an 18 hour flight home, and a need to return to work in Moscow. Some international analysts believe his quick departure was a result of the isolation Russia and Putin faced from the other leaders. Shortly after the G20 summit, the Russian Presidential Library spoke out against Wikipedia and said the site does not accurately portray Russian regions, despite Wikipedia being an open source encyclopedia. The Library has decided to launch its own alternative to Wikipedia with over 50,000 books and articles
PHOTO COURTESY CNN.COM
from 27 regional libraries across Russia as source material. This is in hopes of providing a more objective view on Russian subject matter, though many fear it will be more influenced by the Kremlin as all sources are curated. In a final indicator of Russian-West relations, NATO announced that it intercepted over 400 Russian jets over NATO airspace this year. That’s a 50% increase since last year. While this indicates heightened Russian military presence and readiness in areas aside from the know border with Ukraine, NATO officials say it also means that NATO forces have more knowledge of Russian flying, and potentially fighting, style.
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
mHealth: Are Smartphones the future of medicine? RHONDA BOATENG & NELSON MAMPUYA Contributors
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he eHealth defines a practice that utilizes the capabilities of electronic devices, such as computers and other communication devices with internet access, to provide healthcare service support. A sub-segment of eHealth is mobile health (mHealth), which uses mobile devices to promote public health awareness and provide more accessible health services. mHealth is a useful networking tool and communication platform that allows for rapid transmission of knowledge between healthcare providers. It also provides a “better” means of communication between government officials, healthcare providers, patients, and the general population. This proves to be extremely important in resource poor regions and countries. It may also have important implications in higher income countries. With prominent cellphone growth in developing countries, mobile health has a profound impact on health services. Ramesh Raskar, an MIT professor, created a mobile application, EyeNetra, for optometrists to prescribe eyeglasses that works on iPhones and uses an eyepiece to determine the refractive error of an individual’s eye. This kind of technology is available in North America for about $10,000. It allows medical professionals in rural and remote areas to access this type of equipment at an affordable price. The EyeNetra offers this medical diagnosis for $30. In Senegal, the support of eHealth was used by government and health officials as a strategy to control and eventually stop the spread of Ebola. 4 million text messages were sent to the population, providing news and information about the crisis. This was an effective method to educate the population and raise awareness. These text messages included information about Ebola cases and advice on how to prevent the spread of the disease. Contact information was also given to report people who showed signs and symptoms of the disease. Thanks to eHealth, Senegal’s campaign
against Ebola was successful. As of the Oct. 17, 2014, Senegal was Ebola free. A McMaster University professor, Christy Gombay, developed a project in Guatemala where his organization trained young Guatemalans to become healthcare providers in rural areas. The Guatemalan healthcare providers were given mobile devices in order to facilitate communication with medical professionals in health centers. It became possible in 2007 when mobile networks were installed in the region, enabling the use of cellular devices. This allowed for over 300,000 people in the region of Alta Verapaz to access more sophisticated health care services, which resulted in more saved lives. The trained youth were taught the most important aspects of healthcare service in order to be effective health promoters in their communities. This collaboration with the youth was a valuable asset for mHealth promoters, because younger demographics tend to have higher rates of cellphone ownership, are more comfortable with new technology, and are instrumental in the initiation of significant social change. mHealth also has a significant impact in developed countries. Mobile Baby, a Swedish application, allows ultrasounds to be uploaded to a cloud server to facilitate sharing images with family and friends. Additionally, there is the application called Zeo Sleep-Manager that can assess sleep patterns through the detection of light patterns. This gives a person better knowledge of their REM and deep sleep cycles, which contribute to overall health. Other applications have been and are being developed to address multiple health conditions such as trauma, kidney stones, and asthma. With these developments in technology, patients can be monitored more effectively from home. A patient with a heart condition can be closely monitored with a mobile application that sends important information back to the hospital. This particular advancement means the amount of available hospital beds increases, resulting in a more effective and efficient healthcare system. mHealth has contributed to improving
The annual mHealth summit is the largest event of it’s kind.
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ishop’s resident playwright is Professor George Rideout. The winner of several awards, both regionally and nationally, Rideout is an accomplished playwright with over 15 published productions produced across Canada. Each year Bishop’s drama department hosts the new plays festival where Rideout’s playwriting students have a chance to exhibit their work to the Bishop’s and Lennoxville community. In addition to his playwriting classes, Rideout teaches several classes that revolve around the production and presentation aspects of stage productions. Rideout’s level-200 drama course, Intro to Shakespeare, is a very popular class for non-majors and for students study-
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PHOTO COURTESY ECARING.COM
PHOTO COURTESY HITECHANSWERS.NET
An increase in cellphone ownership means more widespread access to mHealth resources.
healthcare services around the world and will continue to do so. mHealth’s potential to improve healthcare systems only increases as technology improves over time. As the number of mobile device users increases, the ability to train
Professor Profiles: George Rideout GUENEVERE MACDONALD Staff Writer
NEWS
people to use these technologies becomes more feasible. mHealth is set to become one of the most sustainable solutions for healthcare providers in both underdeveloped and developed regions of the world.
ing Secondary English in the School of Education. Different theatre methods are used to bring Shakespeare to life in a way that makes every class an entertaining experience. He combines history, various props, and student participation to show a side of Shakespeare that many never see. The final weeks of the class cuminate in the annual and much anticipated Shakespeare Jeopardy match, which always proves to be fun, informative, and highly competitive. For anyone who wants to learn more about theatre, improve their writing skills, or are just looking to have some fun, a Rideout classes is a must. PHOTO COURTESY UBISHOPS.CA
Professor George Rideout, a playwright and exceptional teacher.
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NEWS
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
WILLIAMS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWS
Exploring Canadian Real Estate MATTHEW WARBURTON Contributor
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eal estate remains one of the most risky investments for the average person because of the variances that can be associated with a property. The trends remain obvious enough to the casual observer; any home in a major city is particularly exposed to positive or negative fluctuations that result from a massive increase, or respective decrease, from foreign investment. Private, household finances also contribute greatly to the development of a house’s value as most buyers start off their career as homeowners with a substantial amount of household debt. Yet, this still isn’t a definite deterrent as the benefits of a home’s increasing value attract even the most cautious of investors. Vancouver and Toronto are two of the premier examples that demonstrate the unhealthy jumps that are primarily associated with outside money penetrating into the Canadian market. A new generation of Chinese millionaires are demonstrating that they have
the blatant purchasing power, and are able to own the highest scale Vancouver property, without taking out a mortgage. Chinese buyers have invested in $2-5 million properties since 2009 and developed said estates towards values that have climbed over 49% to this current year. A typical English-style estate’s acre in an exclusive neighborhood even reached the record value $17.9 million and attracted the attention of ten different non-Canadian buyers. Naturally, this sort of conduct isn’t entirely sustainable, and real estate space is being transferred to another dimension as luxury tower apartments enter the equation. The trend from China will likely continue for a multitude of different reasons. The most important being that the wealthiest members of Chinese society are attempting to move their capital offshore as quickly as possible since President Xi Jinping announced an anti-corruption campaign in late 2012. Another important fact is that Chinese investment is an entirely welcome factor because it stimulates local economy through numerous “trickle-down” advantages.
2015 - 13 th EDITION
Toronto remains a market that is in stark contrast to Vancouver. The gears relating to the conduct of government also stand to gain exceptionally from real estate that continually changes hands as opposed to long term development of a property’s value. For example, Midtown Toronto is a specific area that carries a strong property transfer tax. It took less than a day to sell a particular property for $1.15 million, and a transfer tax was already pegged out at $38,200. The provincial authorities and the city government stood to gain close to $19,000 and $18,000 respectively. On top of this, an incentive is provided for real estate to constantly switch between holders because massive commissions of anywhere between 5-7% can be obtained for the parties that involve themselves with any lucrative sale. This in turn has generated a real estate market that depends on general mobility, as a property isn’t owned on average for more than three or four years before being resold with a general profit in the low ten thousand range. The old saying that land is the most valuable asset continually comes to mind
when regarding real estate. Perhaps it is because there is a finite amount of land that is being continually partitioned, marked up, auctioned off, and repeated as needed to generate a profit. Of course, secondary, like governments, as well as the moving industry and those in the legal profession, are proponents who stand to gain after they become a bigger wheel in the gestation of a highly mobile real estate market. The typical buyer now finds themselves in an even more questionable and dangerous gambit when taking on a mortgage as part of a long-term plan of working a steady job, supporting a family, and keeping their head above the water in regard to domestic debt. The notion that the relative student debt is in the mid $20,000 range doesn’t help in the slightest. However, there remains a strong source of welcomed news as Canada’s real estate boom continues to exemplify a positive externality which provides income, jobs, and general economic activity albeit in a passive, aggressive approach.
Christmas Food Drive RACHEL BOERSMA Contributor
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ANS ENTARI PARLIAM
SOCIETY
POLITICAL PARTIES
POWER
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CITIZENS
DEMOCRACY
OPINIONS
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MNAs
UCS wills be collecting can donations for the rest of the semester that will go towards the Lennoxville Elementary School Food Drive. Drop off a can in Hamilton 310 or in one of the wrapped boxes throughout Bishop’s campus to do your part in ensuring no one goes hungry this holiday season!
ENTRIES NOW BEING ACCEPTED
$6,500 IN PRIZES DEADLINE: JANUARY
16, 2015
The National Assembly will reward the authors of doctoral dissertations and Master’s theses focusing on Québec politics. For information: assnat.qc.ca/prixlivrepolitique assnat.qc.ca/mediassociaux
OPINION
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THEBUCAMPUS.CA
Muzzling of Canadian Scientists
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Asha-Maria Bost, Opinion Editor » thecampus.opinion@gmail.com
An opinion on Harper’s increasing control over public scientific information ASHA-MARIA BOST Opinions Editor
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cience is a profession that prides itself on finding solutions to the problems plaguing our world, with a commitment to providing accurate information about the world around us. Scientific findings therefore, should not be minimized or altered to serve political goals, as the information given to the public would no longer be true or scientifically sound: having inaccurate scientific information spread to the public can endanger the health and safety of Canadians and our environment. In Canada, according to a poll commissioned by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), 24% of federal scientists have experienced “muzzling or political interference” of their scientific data, meaning that they were asked to modify or remove scientific information in government documents for non-scientific reasons. This means that some government scientists Photograph of the Experimental Lakes Area. were unable to accurately communicate the results of their scientific inquiries. ant for creating an educated and knowAlthough this survey was self-reported, ledgeable society and for advancing the Paul Dufour—adjunct professor at the health and safety of Canadians and our Institute of Science, Society and Policy at environment. When the government the University of Ottawa—believes that controls how science is reported, Canthese results reflect a pattern of govern- adians receive a more biased view of ment influence and control over some the work, as the results may have been of the scientific information being deliv- changed to suit political aims. ered to the public. According to Patrick Fafard, an associProviding accurate scientific informa- ate professor at the Graduate School of tion to the public is extremely import- Public and International Affairs at the
PHOTO COURTESY THE MANITOBAN
University of Ottawa, the Canadian government has been steadily increasing the control it has over what public service employees are allowed to say when communicating with the public. In addition, scientists are worried that recent closures of libraries belonging to Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada will cause scientists to lose valuable historical data about the state of the environment. These sorts of data
Learning beyond the classroom:
are extremely important for scientists because they provide details of a base state to which researchers can compare the current state of aspects of the environment. Moreover, in March 2013, the Canadian federal government closed the Experimental Lakes Area, a collection of lakes near Kenora, Ontario where scientists could study the effects of, for example, detergents and acid rain on all aspects of the ecosystems of the lakes. This was essential research that provided important insights on how to protect and conserve freshwater. Thankfully this world-renowned program is still running due to a management take-over of the area by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, but the stoppage in funding for this important research center by the federal government seems to demonstrate how far the government is willing to go to minimize spending on science. Steps must be taken to ensure that the government is held accountable for their treatment of scientists, and it is essential that the public knows both uncensored scientific fact and the extent to which the government seems to have limited scientific discourse. In this vein, and in response to the political interference found in the survey and cuts to scientific programs, PIPSC has decided to break its neutrality in political elections and campaign against Stephen Harper and the Conservatives.
Why is attending conferences at the Undergraduate level important? RHONDA BOATENG Contributor
“For me, conferences are like little mental vacations: a chance to go visit an interesting place for a couple of days, and come back rested and refreshed with new ideas and perspectives.”- Erin McKean
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n November 1st 2014, I had the pleasure of attending the Students & Young Professionals (SYPs) Global Health Summit in Ottawa. The summit brought together students, individuals in the beginning stages of their careers, and people who were curious about the Global Health field. Conferences are excellent for networking as you will meet people with diverse educational backgrounds that work in a variety of organizations. Networking throughout the summit and participation in workshops brought me many potential volunteer, internship and career
opportunities. After the workshop on Global Health at Home, I realized that I did not have to go halfway across the world to have a career in this field; there are careers available right here in Canada. During the Careers in Global Health workshop, I received interview tips. Additionally, the speakers highlighted important skills to develop and the steps to take to secure a career in the field; this was valuable information that I might not have learned had I not attended this summit. The conference atmosphere allows for exchanges of ideas, opportunities to ask questions, and for knowledge to be transferred from one generation of professionals to the next. Attendees are eager to learn and meet other people with the same passion for their field. The Upcoming Challenges in Global Health and the Social Media and Health in Global Health workshops discussed the challenges of and the progress with-
in the field. Sustainable health systems in developing countries, climate change, and treatment for non-communicable diseases are but a few of the many challenges currently plaguing the Global Health field. These workshops motivate participants to find ways to solve these issues and provide new professionals ideas about how they may contribute to the field. Now, I understand that attending a conference may not fit into the student budget; I recommend looking into other events that may be going on before, during or after the main conference that are geared towards students. The Students & Young Professionals Global Health Summit was a pre-conference for the three-day Canadian Conference for Global Health. As such, the event was at an affordable student price. Also, look into applying for different Bishop’s awards such as the McConnell Opportunity Fund and the B.E.S.T Fund, either
of which can be used to offset the costs of attending these conferences. To find conferences, I recommend speaking with professors, as they may have suggestions for you. LinkedIn and Google are also good ways to search. Lastly, find organizations that operate in your field of interest. These organizations tend to advertise meetings, workshops and conferences that they are either affiliated with or hosting. This experience reinforced my belief that attending conferences at the undergraduate level is a necessity as conferences provide lots of networking opportunities and one may acquire knowledge not possible in the classroom. Congratulations to the planning committee of the Students and Young Professionals Global Health Summit for organizing such a successful event that opened my eyes to the many benefits of attending conferences.
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OPINION
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Love to Travel?
An exchange student’s guide to travelling for free BIANCA BANCHETTI Contributor
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here is an inward liberation that unfolds as a plane ascends into the clouds. Rising up and out of familiarity, you leave the comfort of home behind and welcome the heights of new experience. You allow yourself to embrace promises: of adventure, a renewed perspective on life, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world around you with child-like wonder and awe. Sounds enticing? Well, there is a way to do it without breaking the bank: experience the places closer to home. Travellers, myself included, can end up spending thousands of dollars to satiate their “Wanderlust”; the now popularized and affectionate term meaning a strong desire to travel. Armed with this longing for new places and a desire to ‘wander’, travellers are convinced that foreign cultures and a change of scenery will bring them closer to an understanding of themselves and the world in which we live. This same wanderlust saw me embark, all the way from Australia, on a semester student exchange to Bishop’s University, inspired to live the breadth, depth, and width of that travel’s promise in just 135 days. Almost every weekend this semester, I, and other enthusiastic exchange students, have seized the moments to traverse the great expanses of the Eastern Townships of Quebec –
Mount Pinnacle, Mount Orford and bike trails through North Hatley, Lake Magog, and Sherbrooke – as well as Montreal, Quebec City and venturing as far as New York, Boston, Toronto and Niagara Falls. Each weekend I would return, invigorated by adventure and bursting with excitement to recount my experiences to my Canadian friends. The popular question over bagels and eggs at Dewie’s on Monday mornings would go something like this: “So where did you go this weekend?” With very little prompting needed, I would eagerly discuss about the sites I had visited, food I’d eaten, and the weird and wonderful people I’d met. When I had fully relived and recounted my many wondrous experiences, I’d follow up with a “So, have you been there before?” You could ask the same question time and again within a 50 mile radius of Bishop’s and, amazingly, most people say no. This piqued my curiosity; why do we feel the need to travel long distances and forfeit our hard earned money for luxury trips abroad just to have an excuse to explore and appreciate the world around us? How can I experience more richness in a new place than the people who call it their home? Why is it that I have never fully explored the rich and wondrous places and experiences on offer back in my own home, yet I continue to seek it throughout the rest of the world? As I prepare to leave Bishop’s, I am struck with a new conviction. There
Bianca Banchetti outside of the Bishop’s sign.
is proverbial saying that “familiarity breeds contempt” and, as we both reflect on that for a moment, understand that travel is an attitude more than it is a way of moving from place to place. It doesn’t give you a new way to see the world, it just encourages you to see the world around you. The exhilaration of travel is not borne on the other side of an arduous plane ride or an expensive ticket; it is a yearning and a sense in your heart that is satiated in the simple moments of everyday life. It is in that brief moment when you pause to soak in the sunset as it illuminates the sky with colour or when you stop to watch a snowflake as it melts
PHOTO COURTESY BIANCA BANCHETTI
slowly on the tip of your nose. It’s in that breathtaking moment when you step out into the cold and breathe in the crisp morning air and smile before you start your day. These moments are when serendipitous magic unfolds as you explore life within the parameters of familiarity. It may be cliché, but the greatest lesson I have learned in my travels is that all we have is where we are right now and the present is indeed a gift. So walk away from the comfort of ‘one day’ or the excuse of ‘tomorrow’ and seize your day no matter where you are.
The Sexual Assault Conversation Canada needs to Have An exchange student’s guide to travelling for free ASHA-MARIA BOST Opinions Editor
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ian Ghomeshi’s name has been splattered all over Canadian news for a few weeks now. When allegations of sexual assault first started pouring in after Ghomeshi was fired from his position as the host of CBC’s show Q, many people rushed to defend a man whose show they enjoyed and who had become trusted face in Canadian media. People belittled the experiences of the women who were brave enough to share their story. They automatically believed the man who wrote an eloquent Facebook post that described the women who accused him of sexual assault as “jilted exgirlfriends” and a “freelance writer who was known not to be a fan of his”. By believing Ghomeshi, we are saying that these women are liars and that their experiences are less important than those of a high-profile man. Though they did not go to the police first to report their experiences, this does not mean that their testimony is any less valid. Going through a trial is difficult and emotionally taxing, and using the media is
another way to get their story heard, and perhaps prevent their aggressor from hurting other women in the future. Now that eleven women have come out alleging sexual assault and harassment at the hands of Ghomeshi, more people are beginning to believe the experiences of these women. As recent stories demonstrate, Ghomeshi seems to have created a sexually exploitative and manipulative culture on the set of Q and in his private life. A female producer talked about how Ghomeshi told her that he wanted to “hate f-k her,” and that when she brought her concerns to the show’s executive producer, she was advised to try and continue to work with Ghomeshi. Ghomeshi had become the face of CBC radio and seemed to be untouchable, which according to a Q staffer allegedly allowed Ghomeshi “to take advantage of the economy at CBC” and assert control over those working on contract with the show. I know many people who have been sexually assaulted, and often these sexual assaults are unreported, their reports are not investigated or the rapist is not convicted in a court of law. It saddens
Jian Ghomeshi host of CBC’s show Q.
me that so many people are affected by the reprehensible actions of people who completely disregard the desires of another person. A person should wholeheartedly consent to every aspect of a sexual activity, and cannot consent when drunk or otherwise inebriated. This situation has sparked many Canadians to tell others about their sexual
PHOTO COURTESY RICK EGLINGTON / TORONTO STAR
assaults creating a national conversation on sexual violence, exposing the fact that sexual assault and harassment are real problems in Canada. Perhaps this will result in people accepting the testimonies of sexual assault victims and giving support to victims instead of automatically dismissing their stories as false.
OPINION
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
Why Bishop’s University is Equally Deserving of a Fall Reading Week as much as any other University Across Canada HALEY LEWIS Contributor
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he implementation of a fall reading week would strengthen Bishop’s University’s commitment to mental health and reduce student stress at a critical juncture in the academic year. Before anyone reading this immediately starts to argue that if we were to implement a fall reading week it would require us to start earlier and end later, hear me out. Other schools across Canada have both a fall and spring reading week and are in school for the same amount of time as we are now. Ryerson University has a reading week right after Thanksgiving, but has a similar start and end of term dates as us. Why can’t we follow this example and make this happen? I understand that there is a mandatory
amount of teaching days required for each course, so what could be done is to extend the teaching period and shorten our exam period. Taking a closer look at Ryerson University, their undergraduate student population is 13 times the size of ours, however they condense their exam period into 10 days, while our exam period is 12 days long. Shouldn’t a school as small as ours be able to fit our exams into a shorter period? The benefits to having both a fall and spring reading week are endless. It provides a small reprieve from classes at a critical time in the academic year will allow students a chance to catch-up on their studies and improve upon their work. Students will no longer be forced to miss classes because of pressing assignments and midterms but will instead be able to finish those assignments while
A Time for Study
still attending all or almost all of their classes. Universities are demanding, competitive, high-stress environments, which can trigger anxiety and depression-related illnesses in students. The Canadian Mental Health Association recently said that mental illness affects one in five Canadians; this number is even higher among post-secondary students, where close to one-third of students experience elevated psychological stress. A fall reading week would also offer students an opportunity to visit family members or, especially in the case of first year students, a chance to go home and have a break after being pushed into a completely new university environment. A short break, moreover, could promote student learning without sacrificing the breadth of material learned in
Why the exam period needs to start later NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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uick, what starts two days after classes and goes on for two weeks? If you answered something besides “exams,” congratulations on having a far more interesting life than mine. In the last week or so of classes, students frantically write term papers they’ve had to put off throughout the semester in favour of more immediate assignments and start studying for final exams, in addition to keeping up with clubs, teams, and/or jobs. Faculty are driven into a frenzy of marking papers in time to hand them back before the end of the semester, hold more office hours to deal with last minute student concerns, create and revise exams, and even hold review classes for material covered early in the semester. A mere two days between the end of classes and the first exam is not enough time for anyone to effectively work, even more so when that time may be filled not only with trying to study for an exam at 9 a.m. on Saturday, but also writing a term paper that’s due after the last day of classes but before exams officially commence.
Additionally, these two days are not enough time for professors to finish marking assignments they hope to hand back on the day of the final, which then necessitates special office hours during the exam period so students can collect work. All of this creates a highly unhealthy environment, both mentally and physically, for students and faculty. Exam week needs a new structure, and it should be everyone’s concern. I enjoy having a three and a half week winter break/ seasonal employment period as much as the next person, but I would gladly do away with it if it meant having more time to study without completely destroying my already erratic sleep schedule. In many other countries, particularly those in Europe, the period after classes but before exams is at least a week long, providing both enough time for students to study and write terms papers and a reasonable amount of time for instructors to mark papers and assignments. While some may argue that instituting a longer period between the end of classes and the beginning of exams just forces people with later exams to stay even longer, and poten-
tially get into more trouble, it’s not necessarily true. Should these people choose to use the extra time for something besides studying, there are a number of trips that can be made in a week or less, The Gait is closed, and depending on where the person is from they may be able to go home, or at least to a friend’s, during the intervening period. The SRC is concerned with extending Thanksgiving as a fall mental health break, this just creates a few more days in the middle of the semester, but does nothing to alleviate the strain on health produced by an inadequate period of time between the end of classes and the beginning of exams. The only Fall Reading Week we should be concerned about implementing is one where people actually read to prepare for exams. The limited period between the end of class and start of exams can only be described as brutal and must be extended by at least two more days, thus starting the exam period on a Monday. Yes, it could mean staying in town a little longer, but it also means more time for revision and a little less pressure on both students and staff.
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the courses. As of right now, 11 of Ontario’s 20 publicly funded universities have allocated a block of time in either October or November, usually ranging from two to five days, for a fall reading break; Trent University has had a fall reading break since 1964. So not only will adding a fall reading week benefit our academic performance and mental health, it will also benefit recruitment efforts. Many schools across the country have successfully implemented the break and to follow suit will make Bishop’s more desirable to prospective students. I believe that the addition of a fall reading week will only make our university a better place, decreasing stress and promoting better mental health for students.
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OPINION
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Sex: not your regular starfish
Your sexuality and sexual practices can be whatever you choose MIRCYA Contributor
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f you stopped to read this article, it might be because it’s about sex, a topic that is often on some of your minds. Shane from The L Word once said “Sexuality is fluid… You just go with the flow”. This sentence had a big impact on me; it suddenly made me realize that nothing about my sexuality was set in stone. The vocabulary defining sexuality is not limited to lesbian, gay or straight anymore. Bisexual and pansexual have made their way in the public recognition of “queer people”, and now there is an infinite number of words to define variations of sexuality and identity. People have many different sexual practices. It’s all about how you feel, your desires, and what gives you the most sexual pleasure, as long as it’s consensual. Your sexual practices do not reflect your level of self-respect, just like there is nothing constant or firm about sexuality. Fetishes don’t come instant-
ly, and the sense of being a “pervert” doesn’t wear off as easily as some dark corners of internet might have made you think it does. Fifty Shades of Grey is coming to theatres, and the book is an interesting description of female sexual desires. The book was dubbed “mommy-porn,” mainly because the story is simple, and the sex is not-too-rough. It is open and direct. Why does sexuality have to be complicated, just because it takes a woman’s perspective? Women enjoy porn, too! And even though the story line is a little more complex than the pizza delivery guy’s exceptional tip, or the plumber coming to check the pipes, Fifty Shades is not aiming for a Pulitzer Prize. It’s there for the sex: raw, sensual, exaggerated, and totally inaccessible sex—inaccessible in the sense that most women do not come multiple times from basically anything a guy does. From virgins to porn stars, and everything in the middle, there is nothing wrong with how you choose to explore
your sexuality. It really is about being comfortable, excited for the act, and exploring different ideas out of your own desire rather than being pushed or coerced into doing something you are not comfortable with. Sexual encounters with multiple people are a good example of the “comfortable-excited-curious” idea. The contexts range from a dark dungeon to your friend’s couch, or even swingers’ clubs. It is about how you feel, and what you’re ready to try. To make your sexual experiences more enjoyable there are ten things that you can do: 1. Think about what you want to do, and play with your fantasies 2. Get sexy, from your attitude to your clothes. For the night, you’re a god(dess) 3. Be clean, nobody likes bad hygiene 4. Be positive: it is not about performance, just enjoy the moment 5. Leave your judgments at the door
6. Don’t drink too much (drunk does not equal consent) 7. Don’t expect too much, sex is not like it is in porn 8. Do bring your favourite toy(s) 9. Make sure you and your partner(s) are comfortable at all times 10. Establish passwords and boundaries with your partner(s) As a final word, I am not saying that sexuality has nothing to do with feelings, for a lot of people it is exclusively about feelings. It should also be accepted that sex can exist without feelings; an open relationship is not better or worse than a monogamous one. Not everyone wants to engage in extravagant sexual activities. We should respect the differences in our sexual practices and respect all forms of identities and activities, and never shame anyone for any choices they make, whether you agree with them or not.
Space Travel: Exploring New Frontiers TYLER KOLODY Opinion Writer
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he Rosetta mission that landed a probe on a comet earlier last week has brought some attention to space exploration and travel, so I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about society’s attitudes towards space in general. Looking back on the Apollo moon missions of the 1960s and 70s, the general public today thinks idealistically about these missions. However support of the Apollo missions did not translate into enthusiasm in the general public for space exploration today. This is disheartening as space travel and exploration are important for the future of our species. The first hurdle that we must overcome in order to increase space exploration is trying to improve public opinion on space exploration. It is widely regarded as selfish or foolish divert money to space agencies when so many other problems exist in society. But we can’t wait until we live in a utopia in order push the boundaries of science and technology in pursuit of space travel, and we don’t need to. Even during the space race, the missions to the moon were only supported by about one third of Americans at the time. As Neil de Grasse Tyson says, it is essential that the public understands how space exploration can benefit “the country’s innovation, culture, and economy”. There is a widespread economic recession going on and, believe it or not, space travel might be part of the solution to it. Like a company or idea, space travel is an investment in the future. Not only does NASA take only a small part
PHOTO COURTESY DAVID A. HARDY
Artist rendering of an asteroid impact.
of the overall U.S. GNP (Gross National Product), but the effects ripple through society to boost the economy, and future innovation. A large number of technological innovations were created at least in part by NASA, leading to the creation of new industries, jobs and markets. On top of these benefits, the space race inspired legions of children to become scientists and engineers, further accelerating technological advancement. There is an even more important reason to push for space exploration the future of our species: we are in the early stages of Earth’s sixth mass extinction event, and drastic changes to ecosystems
is going to make human survival a challenge. Even if we do manage to set the environmental record straight and repair the damage we’ve done to our planet as much as possible, we’re not in the clear. There are a myriad of other phenomenon that could wipe out our civilization, such as meteorite impacts, gamma ray bursts or traveling black holes. These may seem like a far-fetched ideas, but at least as far as asteroid impacts are concerned, we have had several close calls in the past century alone. Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicist, suggests that if we don’t start colonizing other planets and systems
within the next 1,000 years, we won’t survive as a species. As a member of the human race, that is something I would rather like to prevent, and increased investment and interest in space exploration is the way to do it. Over the past three decades, we have seen a remarkable amount of science fiction become a reality, and it is imperative that we do the same with space travel. The Rosetta mission is just one small step in the right direction, but hopefully we can build on it to generate a renewed enthusiasm and passion for outer space, and in doing so, propel our species into the future, and eventually, into the final frontier.
OPINION
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
What do I believe in? KRISTY BOCKUS News Editor
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t’s a question that many people struggle with throughout their lives. I’d like to think everyone wonders about belief at some point, even if only for a fleeting moment. For me, it’s a question I’ve asked multiple times throughout my life. In troubled times, I’ve screamed at a God I didn’t want to believe in and begged to die, to live. I thought I found the answer when I turned to Buddhism and began daily meditations. It seemed to click. Then all of a sudden, it didn’t. There has always been a longing within my soul to connect with this world on a spiritual level, a desire I still cannot totally understand. In an attempt to explore faith further, I asked five people within the Lennoxville Christian community to answer five questions about religion. I was not prepared for their responses. Firstly, it is truly incredible how much time these individuals contribute to their community of faith. In regards to direct contribution, the average amount of time the interviewees contribute on a weekly basis is 10 hours. This extends beyond just Sunday service attendance. I asked them to explain some of the benefits of being involved in a community of faith. Across the board, everyone mentioned how their communities make them feel welcomed, safe, and loved. The discussions that arise in these moments challenge people on a personal level and allow members of the community to reflect and grow together. No one is left behind. A former Bishop’s student and member of BeU Christian Ministries, Melissa Major said, “A friend notices I seem a little down and asks to talk and pray with me. They remind me of how much I matter to them. I leave knowing how loved and important I am.” The strength of having a support group that encourages and uplifts a person is crucial. So important, in fact, that the benefits can and have been measured by empirical studies to show an increase in many aspects of life, including overall mental health. The members of a religious community don’t just look after themselves. These individuals come together to help those who are commonly neglected such as the elderly, poor, and prison populations. I experienced this type of outreach when I volunteered with Lennoxville’s Oasis Christian Centre in the summer of 2011. We were a group that consisted mostly of youth who flew to New Orleans, LA. The main purpose of the trip was to help with an organization called Jesus Project Ministries (JPM) coordinated by Debra Hoffman and Rachel De La Rosa. JPM hosts a Vacation Bible School during the summer for children and adolescents from a town called Hollygrove. It is one of the poorest towns in the state, making it one of the most poverty stricken towns in the nation.
Kids from all over the neighborhood come every Monday through Thursday to have lunch, play games, participate in crafts, and listen to bible stories. It is typical to see about fifty children each day. Every child is given a lunch and the option of bringing home an extra sandwich if needed. JPM also plans block parties for the entire community where free food is served, local music is preformed, children get free face paintings and balloon creatures. In August, JPM holds a Back to School Outreach where approximately two hundred and fifty children from all over the neighborhood come to pick up school supplies including book bags, binders, white t-shirts for graduation, pencils, etc. Without the help of the numerous volunteer teams and regular JPM staff, many of these children would not be able to go to school. This desire and passion to help those in need is one of the best components of being part of a religious community. It demonstrates a selflessness of humanity that seems to grow dimmer in a culture that idolizes individuality. After the discussion of these benefits, the conversation turned to media. I asked the interviewees what their reaction was to how religion is portrayed in the media. I have to admit, I braced for the worst. Boy, was I wrong. Jennifer Little, a BU alumni, summed up the mutual feelings expressed by the interviewees perfectly. Little said, “I really don’t have anything against the media. I honestly have more against the people who call themselves Christians and then act with hate. Christians who judge others, or hate diversity do not properly represent Christ because He came with one message and it was a message filled with grace, compassion, and rich love.” Every single person I interviewed shared this perspective, a view that Christianity is a subtle, sophisticated philosophy and is non-judgmental. Rather, the negative portrayals of religion stem from people who may identify with a group but tragically misrepresent it. An interviewee, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that fundamentalists are those who are afraid of the integration of new ideas and focus on anthropologic rather than religious components of faith. Finally, the interview ended with the most difficult question of all: “What is the one thing you wish people knew about religion?” It was a question that rendered one interviewee silent for a few minutes as he gathered his thoughts. The main point brought up time and time again was the idea that faith is not the same as belief. Faith is not simply masked by cultural norms. It is a crucial aspect of humanity that extends beyond religion. To quote Little, “Real faith doesn’t ask you to adhere to a new set of guidelines;” it is really about a “love that comes out of nowhere and fills a hole in your soul that otherwise would have remained empty. It is another breed of love.”
Encounter, Sunday nights @ 7pm.
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PHOTO COURTESY LORI CARON LAPIERRE
PHOTO COURTESY KRISTY BOCKUS
Children learn how to make balloon animals during an event organized by the Jesus Project Ministries (JPM).
This is a love that Angela Tracy, a graduate of Université de Sherbrooke, describes as “having a father who will never fail to protect me and to wrap me in His arms and who keeps offering to take me back no matter how many times I walk away.” The view that everyone is imperfect was another important point brought up. Imperfection is what makes us human, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The true beauty lies in striving to be a better person and sharing unconditional love. One example of this shared love is shown through the passion and dedication of the BeU Christian Ministries. Members of this club are seen during Frosh week giving out muffins and fruit to students on their way to morning classes. It’s a simple gesture that brings a smile to many faces. The group also provides free student suppers every
Tuesday night at 18a Conley that is attended by hundreds of hungry students. If you bring your own plate, you even get dessert! Another popular event is Encounter, the Sunday service at 18a Conley that starts at 7pm. When I asked one the club’s current members, Lori Caron Lapierre, about the group’s mission, she said that everyone simply “wants to share love with others in any way they can. If free meals help others and bring people together, then it is well worth the effort.” As for me, I’m still on my own spiritual journey. I don’t expect to have it all figured out, and I hope I never do. I’m an explorer, a person who loves to learn and change and grow in ways I never thought possible. If you want to find out more about BeU Christian Ministries, please contact encounter.bu@gmail.com.
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FEATURES
THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Alison Petrovich, Features Editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com
All I Want for Christmas is... A Gift Guide from your Campus Editors
JARED PERLMUTTER Editor-in-Chief
PHOTO COURTESY RAISEDBYWOLVES.CA
Alert Watch Cap Toque, Raised by Wolves, $25.00 A small time streetwear company, Raised by Wolves prides itself on high quality hand made goods. With winter already at our doorstep, gearing up for the cold is of the utmost importance. Available in a variety of colours, Alert Watch toque is made in Canada and sure to fit anyones style preferences.
PHOTO COURTESY INDIGO.CA
The Book of Basketball, Bill Simmons, $18.00 Bill Simmons might just be the greatest sports writer on the planet. An admitted sports-nerd Simmons’s whit, insight and humour come across flawlessly in his writing. The operator of ESPN’s online offshoot Grantland, Simmons is the authority on NBA basketball. Anything by him would make for an entertaining read I’m sure.
PHOTO COURTESY APPLE.COM
Apple TV, $99.00 Simply put, Apple TV is a game changer for lazy students. Apple TV allows you to wirelessly connect your Mac and other apple products to the TV, as well as providing quick access to Netflix, NHL Gamecentre and NBA League Pass etc. With the remote in hand, you’ll hardly have to get off your couch again.
NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON.CA PHOTO COURTESY CAPITALS.NHL.COM
PHOTO COURTESY DAVIDSTEA.COM
DAVIDsTEA Gift Cards I can never have enough tea (the 15 kinds I have here in Lennox should speak for itself), so David’s Tea is at the top of my list, especially because I can always get some new tins so I don’t have a half dozen plastic bags sitting on my dresser.
Washington Capital’s Gear I love only one sport, and that’s hockey. I also have only one love of my hometown: our hockey team. Given my hockey fanaticism, the outrageous ticket prices, and the fact that Sherbrooke is rather far from the Verizon Center, some new Caps gear seems in order.
KRISTY BOCKUS News Editor
PHOTO COURTESY DAVIDSTEA.COM
DAVIDsTEA Gift Cards Anyone who knows me for longer than five minutes realizes I’m a tea addict. I live alone and have only one plate, yet somehow I have four tea pots. My motto is that there is never such a thing as too much tea. Entire cupboards in my kitchen are devoted to showcasing various types of loose-leaf tea. It’s a rare sight to see me on campus without a mug of tea in hand. While most students host BYOB parties, I’m that weird person who invites people over for tea parties. I’d like to think that my friends enjoy tea as much as I do. It’s an expensive addiction, especially when 90% of my tea and tea accessories comes from DAVIDsTEA. You should see me whenever they release a new collection – it’s like Christmas!
Amazon Gift Cards Some people may know that I my favourite quote is “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me,” from C.S. Lewis. While I don’t always have time to read during the academic year, I do try to get a lot in during the winter and summer. As my book wish list is currently over 500 books long and contains volumes in three languages, Amazon is often my best bet to get those books at a price that doesn’t kill my bank account; I may have a slight book issue: I don’t have enough shelves.
PHOTO COURTESY ASSETS.VG247.COM
PHOTO COURTESY TARGET.COM
TARGET Gift Cards About that one plate situation… I could really use a gift card to buy myself a proper dish set. Then maybe my guests won’t have to eat off of plastic plates while sipping tea from an endless supply of mugs. 30+ mugs but only one plate. Yup, I’m totally a functioning adult.
PS4 Isn’t that what a wish list is supposed to be? A list of insane gifts that you could never afford yourself. You think that if you keep bugging your parents, eventually they’ll cave. Those were the good ol’ days. Can I return my adult ID card? Don’t get me wrong, I love getting socks and other practical gifts but a PS4 – that’s something I really need. I mean, a student has to stay sane somehow , right? Never mind the fact that I’d probably be too swamped by assignments to actually play any of the random bargain bin games that I’d buy. Seriously, who can afford Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel? That’s why I keep gamer friends within walking distance. Anyone up for a game night?
FEATURES
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
PHOTO COURTESY ZARA.COM
Cozy Sweaters One of the best parts about being home at Christmas time is watching the cold snow fall outside while staying warm inside with family and friends. Cozy, knitted or crocheted sweaters are my must-have item for this winter season!
NATASHA PAIKIN Layout Editor
PHOTO COURTESY DAVIDSTEA.COM
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Indigo Gift Card Between classes, hanging out with friends and doing assignments and readings, there is unfortunately not much time for pleasure reads during the school year. I love getting Indigo gift cards that I can use to buy a new book to read during my free time at home on the holidays!
DAVIDsTEA Keeping with the warm theme, David’s Tea is definitely the place to go if you find yourself gift-shopping for someone who enjoys a good cup of tea (me!) this holiday. With more flavours than someone could ever imagine exist, there is something for everyone on your list.
PHOTO COURTESY INDIGO.CA
ALISON PETROVICH Features Editor Gift Card to Banana Republic As I am graduating at the end of this academic year, I guess it is time to retire the comfy sweatpants and Bishop’s attire for a more professional wardrobe. I am looking forward to Boxing Day shopping to find some clothes for ‘the real world’.
PHOTO COURTESY PLANCANADA.CA/GIFTSOFHOPE
Fruit Tree, $15 This is the perfect gift for the person who has everything, as it gives to those who have nothing. Plan Canada: Gifts of Hope allows you to pick a specific item to donate to those in need, many of which are matched by government and organizational donors. Prices range from $10 for a bed net used to prevent malaria, to $75,000 to build an entire school. My favourites are the fruit tree ($15), school essentials for one child ($17), newborn check-up ($30), stack of books ($60), and a goat ($75).
My October by Claire Holden Rothman, $17 This book takes place in my hometown of Montreal during the October Crisis of 1970. It has been recommended to me by several people and has been long-listed for the Giller Prize and short-listed for the GovernorGeneral’s Award. I am eager to read it over Christmas break as Claire Holden Rothman will be reading at Bishop’s in February.
PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON.COM PHOTO COURTESY BANANAREPUBLIC.CA
ASHA-MARIA BOST Opinions Editor PHOTO COURTESY MASHABLE.COM
PHOTO COURTESY UNCOMMONGOODS™ LLC
Storymatic, $30.00 I love playing card games, such as Cards Against Humanity, that get you thinking creatively. A new game called Storymatic™ gives you inspiration to create. This game would be fun for the holidays as this is one of the few times, at least for me, when friends and family have time to tell stories to each other. This game is also good when you have writer’s block and need a bit more information to make your stories come to life.
PHOTO COURTESY INDIGO.COM
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire Series (Game of Thrones) $29.97 on indigo.com Started watching the show last year and haven’t read many books since the Harry Potter series finished.
PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON.COM
New Pentatonix Album, $9.00 I love Christmas music and I am always trying to get new arrangements that revitalize classic songs. Pentatonix, my favourite music group at the moment, recently came out with a new Christmas album “That’s Christmas to Me”. Needless to say, I am waiting anxiously until I can get my hands on the album!
Tile, $20.00 Tile is a new product on the market that helps you find your important things using your iPhone/iPad. All you have to do is place the tile on the item and download the app on your phone and locate the item using the Bluetooth tracking device. As an extremely forgetful person with a lot of things on my mind this product would probably stop me from spending so much time looking for my things. $20 is perhaps a bit expensive for just one tile though.
DYLAN KONECNY Spor ts Editor
How I Met Your Mother: The Complete Series $152.01 on Amazon One of my favourite shows that came to an end last year, The show is easy to watch on any given day,a nice collectors item for any fan.
PHOTO COURTESY NBA.COM
PHOTO COURTESY AMAZON.COM
Tracy McGrady Adidas Purple Hardwood Classics Swingman Jersey $109.95 on NBA.com One of the coolest jerseys from back in the day, The Raptor on the front of the jersey is awesome.
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ARTS
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Katharine Mckenney, Arts Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com
Sadly Few Good “Possibilities” KATHERINE WARRINER Contributor
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t’s a good thing BU has some good actors, because otherwise The Possibilities would have been completely unbearable. The script itself was strange and hard to follow. Where the semester’s first play, Scenes from American Life, managed to shine by employing the vignette structure, Alison Darcy’s production had little to attach one’s interest to or root for. The tone and pacing of the script varied wildly, adopting almost Shakespearian cadences in some moments, but then completely losing its flow in the next. Moreover, the subject matter at hand—a 1984-inspired, almost Hunger Games-like futuristic society complete with an oft-referenced “capital”, along with clearly historically influenced scenes—was covered in only the most vague, distant way possible, which failed to provide any tangible commentary on our current society. Projections were used to show modern images, but
the script itself failed to build on any of these critiques, so they too were sadly lost between scene changes, which were in themselves awkward due to attempted incorporation of on-stage costume changes. And here is where we reach the real problem of the play: the scene itself. Darcy, a visiting director to BU this term, made a series of choices that infuriated this audience member time and time again. One must applaud the bold choice to employ a theatre-in-the-round set up in Turner Studio Theatre; it is an ambitious and quite difficult task to choreograph a production that will satisfy an audience on each of the four sides. Unfortunately, Darcy was not up to the task. From the very opening scene, one saw the backs of every single cast member on stage—be it two people or four—for painfully long periods of time. Crucial, complex moments—such as Laura Alessendrini’s character trying to strangle her daughter out of grief—were completely lost due to the continuously closed off staging choice Darcy made.
For audience members on the other side of the stage, standing groups of actors often blocked views of the projections or action. Moreover, though the set was smartly designed, with three different levels for the actors to take advantage of, this feature was barely utilized, producing a rather monotone and visually uninteresting stage, complimented by a predominantly grey wardrobe. Thus, with a script that was less than savoury and a stage that was sorely used, Darcy forced her production quite heavily on her actors’ shoulders, to varying degrees of success. Perhaps the best thing to come out of the production were the turns by Tom Niles and Erin Noble, who both came into their own in ways unwitnessed before on a BU stage. Niles, with his wild personality, is often type cast or chooses to play too big or too much, but his portrayal of the bookseller was superb, filled with moments of depth, comedy, and drama. Likewise, Noble embodied her character and owned the stage in a new way, playing a sexually liberated woman convincingly, andin a manner
that just demanded one follow her every movement on stage. Laura Alessendrini also deserves a mention, for the clear, strong performance she gave that was often the highlight of her given scene. Other actors, however, struggled, either because of a lack of intensity—or a onenote intense tremor—or because the production itself undercut their efforts. The continued playing of the screaming sound clip comes to mind, for instance, as it was not only utterly gratuitous, but also served to torture the audience so much so that actors’ lines were lost. It’s ridiculous enough to put the weight of each scene completely on amateur actors’ shoulders; it’s almost comical to then undermine their ambitions with terrible production design. The good news for is that we get to see these actors shine next semester and beyond; the bad news is that those same talented actors had to struggle through these last six weeks to produce a play that so wildly underserved them.
Pentatonix: The New Face of A Cappella ASHA-MARIA BOST Opinions Editor
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hen you think of a cappella you might think of a large group of musically inclined individuals singing covers of gospel songs. Or maybe you think of Pitch Perfect, the successful movie about an all-female, university a cappella troupe? When I think of a cappella, I think of Pentatonix. This five person group arranges many different popular songs, including impressive re-imaginings of pop songs. They have created a few of their own songs, such as “Love Again”, an electronic dance music tune which demonstrates the group’s ability to not only arrange music and lyrics, but to produce and create musically and lyrically diverse music. Their original songs showcase the many talents of the group’s members and could easily bring a crowd to their feet and dancing. Their arrangements are fresh, energizing and showcase the remarkable talents of each member of the group. The group was formed when Scott Hoying, the group’s baritone singer, decided to audition for an a capella show called The Sing-Off. However, Hoying needed at least five members in his group to participate, so he recruited his friends Kristie Maldonado and Mitch Grassi. Then, through mutual friends, Hoying found Avi Kaplan, a renowned bass in the a cappella community. Through YouTube they found Kevin Olusola, an impressively talented musician who performed twice at Carnegie Hall and can play the cello while beatboxing. The five person group was unstoppable
PHOTO COURTESY BILLBOARD.COM
The members of Pentatonix.
on The Sing Off, winning season three with their impressive chemistry and uncanny ability to adapt to many different styles of music. Since The Sing-Off, they have toured around the world and have amassed a large following on YouTube. One of the many reasons why I love Pentatonix is the fact that they are able to showcase the unique talents of each member of the group equally. Scott’s raspy and soulful voice adds a lot of dimension to pop songs. Mitch’s high range and clear voice makes every note he sings beautiful to the ears. Kristie’s smooth soprano voice brings a sweet sense of calm and heart to the arrange-
ments. Avi’s bass notes are perfectly timed and executed to round out the sound. Kevin’s beatboxing provides multiple layers of complexity, energy and excitement to the group’s sound. Pentatonix always tries to break new territory with their music. They stepped away from a cappella and covered “Papaouati”, a French language hit by the Belgian singer Stromae, with Kevin playing the cello and Lindsey Sterling, a popular YouTube violinist, on the violin. They have made many interesting mash-ups of songs, such as their video the “Evolution of Music,” which samples a wide variety of songs and genres. The
mash-up transitions impressively from one song to the next, making a cohesive but varied sound that transcends genres. The members of Pentatonix take the time to engage with their fans, through intimate performances and bringing members of the audience on stage during their shows. They represent a new, accessible future for a cappella as they make music that rivals anything on the radio today just with their mouths and bodies. So the next time you find yourself looking for new music, check out Pentatonix’s YouTube channel ptxofficial, or look for their albums on iTunes or at Walmart. You won’t be disappointed.
ARTS
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
Musique Chez Nous TABITHA BRASSO-ERNST Contributor
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he Musique Chez Nous concert series has had a very solid lineup this term. The stage of Bandeen has been graced with the presence of some extremely talented musicians, and the community of Lennoxville has made sure to drop everything to come see these performances. On Friday, Oct. 17, the audience was treated to an impressive night of jazz by tenor saxophonist Ralph Bowen and the Hot Jazz Trio. The trio, which consisted of Juno Award-winning Andrew MacDonald on guitar, Guy Breton on bass, and Kevin Sullivan on drums, provided a warm welcome for the legendary Bowen. Each musician possessed their own unique skill and technique, and it was clear that they are all very passion-
ate about their respective instruments. The repertoire, which featured an abundant amount of numbers arranged by Bowen, MacDonald, and Sullivan, proved that these players were not just savvy performers: they were truly musical geniuses in their own right. Some of the tunes included “Soul Proprietor”, “For You”, “Thru Traffic” (Bowen), “Sleepless Nights” (MacDonald), and “Post No Bills” (Sullivan). Bowen and the Hot Jazz Trio certainly made their mark on the Bandeen stage, and the stellar performances did not stop there. The next Chez Nous, on Oct. 24, featured another highly impressive set of musicians: world-renowned violinist Axel Strauss, Douglas McNabney on viola, Elizabeth Dolin on cello, and Philip Chiu on piano. The performance began with a duet between Strauss and Chiu, called “Baal
Interview with Student Artist-in-Residence, Yolanda Weekes KATHARINE MCKENNEY Ar ts Editor
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ecently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Yolanda Weekes, a student artist-in-residence at the Foreman Art Gallery, and ask her some questions regarding her duties and experiences while working with the Forman Art Gallery and the Community Art Lab. During her time at the Gallery, she has developed skills both in and outside of her field of study, and has honed the skills necessary to succeed in her chosen field. Please tell me a little about yourself. (Major, hopes for post-grad, hometown, background, etc.) I’m from Montreal and a Fine Arts Studio Honors with a Psychology minor. After graduation I’d like to work in community arts and activism, and maybe do a Masters in Art Therapy or Social Art. What skills have you developed from working at the Foreman Art Gallery? Creativity! Also stronger work ethic, team and solo work, and time management skills. How have you grown from your experiences? I have more confidence creatively and communally.
How has the Art Gallery helped you grow as a professional? It has given me incredible opportunities. I learned a great deal working as an assistant curator, art educator, and now student artist in residence. I have been pretty lucky to get to know all aspects of gallery life. If you could tell your first-year self one thing, what would it be? Be open, trust yourself, have fun, and value your education.
The Community Art Lab, coordinated by Yolanda, is open to all every Thursday afternoon. For more info on the Student Artists-in-Residence, the Community Art Lab, the Foreman Art Gallery, or Yolanda’s projects, please email communityartists@ubishops.ca or visit their Facebook page.
Shem, Trois Images de la vie hassidique,” by Ernest Bloch. The musical chemistry between the two was undeniable, as the pair worked very well together. The next piece to dazzle the audience was Charles-Marie Widor’s “Sonate pour violoncelle et piano en la majeur, op. 80”. The sultry tone of the Dolin’s cello was an excellent contrast to the smooth piano accompaniment by Chiu. The fi-
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nale of the concert was a presentation by all four musicians of the piece “Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Minor, op. 60,” by Johannes Brahms, and truly showed the crowd an amazing performance. The Musique Chez Nous concert series runs on select Friday evenings in Bandeen Hall at 8 p.m., and are free for all students. Please visit www.ubishops. ca/musique-chez-nous for more details.
Poetry Spotlight The Campus Poetry Spotlight is comprised of student-submitted poetry and short prose to highlight the talent here at Bishop’s. To be featured in the Poetry Spotlight, email submissions of 500 words or less to thecampus.ac@gmail.com.
The Flighty Poet and the Lost Star KUNA ZERO Contributor
Once, there were two, Two stories to be told. Two that became One, Him and her becoming ‘them’.
Like any story worth telling, This one consists of struggle, Conflict to be resolved, The flaws of humanity to be overcome. It’s a story about Love, A love shared between two, Torn into chaos, By who they were.
He was air, A flighty poet looking for meaning, Searching the whole world For something right in front of him. She was fire, A lost star in the cosmos, An inferno of troubles, An abundant courage.
The throes of passion united them, Gave them a sincere love, But it wasn’t enough. They became two again. If wind stops, It is no longer. If fire cools, It is no longer.
So she let him fly, Her heat elevating him, And he let her burn, Even though he hated to leave. How could their story, How could they, Ever overcome this distance, And unite their two natures?
She could not ask him to stay, For fear that he very well might. He could not ask her to come, For fear that she might go out. It seemed hopeless, As if Love was impossibility, Pursuing the forever distant, Instead of embracing the near.
Hours, days, weeks, months, Would be spent thinking, Trying to overcome these obstacles, Half-debating just giving up. He wanted her happy, She wanted him happy, Regardless of the self: “Go on without me...”
Now, the solution, Inherent in Love itself, Not easily attained, But well worth the pain. The hotter his winds, The higher he flew. The more she burned, The higher her flames.
What had once been separating Became unifying, Became an exuberant system That raised them both higher than alone.
So he fanned her flames, Gave them all the breath he could, And she burned hotter and brighter, Gave him all the heat she could. The conclusion: Love is worth the pain. Love unites two as one. All fly higher together.
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SPORTS
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Dylan Konecny, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com
Alabama back at #1 in College Football Rankings Nick Saban Still Won’t Smile DYLAN KONECNY Spor ts Editor
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he Tide is rolling, both figuratively and literally, as Alabama is once again ranked #1 in the U.S. in college football. Any questions or doubts about whether Nick Saban’s dynasty had seen its final days can be put to rest. The Tide is back in full force now, although they never really left. After beating the previously ranked number one Mississippi State Bulldogs 25-20 in Bryant-Denney Stadium, the Tide were rewarded jumping from #5 to #1 in the College Football Playoff Rankings amidst its inaugural season. “We feel like Alabama is the most complete team right now,” said Jeff Long, Chair of the Playoff Selection Committee. In the inaugural season of the college football playoff that will pit the four best teams in college football against each other for the national title in January, Alabama is certainly making it known that they are, as always, a contender. The hiccup last year in the Iron Bowl versus Auburn, which saw Alabama lose on a missed field goal that was then re-
turned 105 yards for a touchdown as time expired, ended the schools hopes of a third consecutive national championship. The Sugar Bowl just over a month later saw a clearly unmotivated Alabama lose to Oklahoma 45-31. Entering the start of this season Alabama was ranked #2 behind the defending national champion Florida State. However that changed following an upset by the then ranked #8 Ole Miss Rebels who took down Alabama after they had initially dropped to #3, due to a hot start by the Oregon Ducks. Alabama, in the first rankings done by the Playoff Selection Committee, was ranked #7. So how is it that Alabama is back at #1? Well, in classic Alabama Crimson Tide fashion, the one loss team handed the previously ranked #1 and unbeaten Mississippi State Bulldogs a whooping, cementing themselves again as the best team in college football. The Bulldogs weren’t blown out by any means; the score was close, but Alabama, as cliché as it sounds “played like Alabama”—the Alabama that crushes opposing teams’ dreams of glory with strategic efficiency,
Speechless in Toronto
PHOTO COURTESY KEVIN C. COX / GETTY IMAGES
Nick Saban and The Crimson Tide are back at the top of pecking order in College Football-Tide back at No.1
timely plays, and good old fashioned physical football. The same coach who won three national championships in four years (2009, 2011 & 2012) is still at the helm, and the new high-powered offence implemented by former USC head coach
ANDREW SZASZ Spor ts Writer
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oronto Maple Leafs, more like Toronto Maple Laughs. It’s times like these that I seriously question my allegiance to the Leafs. So much promise, so much hope and in the end it’s the same story. Leafs lose another game in humiliating fashion and the whole league is laughing. In case you haven’t heard, the Leafs lost 9-2 to the Nashville Predators. Not to discredit the 1st place team in the Western Conference, but an NHL team should simply not lose a game by that margin. What has turned into a three-game losing streak for the Leafs very well could have been a three-game winning streak. In last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Leafs proved they can skate with the likes of Sidney Crosby. Captain Dion Phaneuf absolutely leveled Patrick Hörnqvist late in the third, drawing an instigator penalty from Evgeni Malkin. The Leafs went to the power play with two minutes left and down by 1. Coach Randy Carlyle pulled the goalie for an extended six-on-four power play; the Penguins did not clear the zone once. The Leafs had unwavering pressure but ultimately failed to score. Although the Leafs lost to the Penguins, their heads were held up high.
PHOTO COURTESY STAN BEHAL / TORONTO SUN
Dion Phaneuf falling to the ice during a fight with Paul Gaustad during last Wednsday’s 9-2 loss.
They played a great game and dominated much of the 3rd period. If it had not been for a stick save by back-up goalie Thomas Greiss, the Leafs would have won. After the tough loss, the Leafs quickly packed up their gear and headed down the QEW to play Buffalo. TSN commentator Mike Johnson believes the Sabres “are without a doubt the worst team in the NHL.” What happened to the team in Buffalo is a mystery: the Leafs lost 6-2. Backup goalie James Reimer was in net and he seemed to be possessed. Dumb-play
after dumb-play, Reimer led the Leafs to an early 3-0 deficit. From there, it seemed like the Leafs just quit. So here we stand: three games, three losses. Toronto is in a frenzy, people are fighting over who is to blame. Management, coaching, players; but really, aren’t they all to blame? In the Leafs recent victory on Nov. 18 over the Tampa Bay Lightning, it appeared the team refused to salute the fans of the game. How classy. A new trend has begun with every embarrassing Leaf loss – a jersey thrown on the ice. Phil Kessel calls this “classless”.
Lane Kiffin in Nick Saban’s system is a force to be reckoned with. In his pursuit of perfection Nick Saban has again brought Alabama back, although they were never really gone to begin with.
Oh Kessel, you’re so wrong. What is classless is losing 9-2. Classless is failing to support your devoted fans. Classless is charging $200 a ticket, $15 for beer, $8 per hotdog, and $125 a jersey. Over the past ten years, the Leafs have successfully taken the average Leaf fan hostage with no sense of remorse or decency. To this we Leaf fans say: Please take me out to dinner before you screw me. Kessel, hailed as the Leafs most prolific scorer, epitomizes the lack of respect the Leafs have for their fans. Kessel famously stated at the start of the year, “I may have skated 5-6 times over the summer.” Wow – thanks Kessel for your hard work in the offseason. We are way more confident that you can lead us to the playoffs now! All Leafs fans ask is a little consistency, a little heart and some passion. Toronto fans, for how dumb we are, will come running and hail our sports stars as royalty – if earned. Moving forward, what are the Leafs to do? Well, they need a center, and another scorer. It may be time to part ways with Joffrey Lupul or Jake Gardiner. These players would fetch a pretty penny on the market. But will the Leafs be willing to trade? Regardless something needs to be done or else I’m going to start cheering for the Florida Panthers.
THEBUCAMPUS.CA
SPORTS
Rookie’s Excellent Play is Bright Spot for the Gaiters Women MIKE STANLEY Spor ts Writer
PHOTO COURTESY GRANT SIMEON / GAITERS.CA
Noemie Hamel-Petit is a freshman on the Gaiters Women’s Basketball team.
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lthough the Lady Gaiters basketball team hasn’t had the most ideal of starts, the future and hope is still bright in the minds of the team. To some that future might look like Noémie HamelPetit, the 20-year-old freshman from Magog. The local psychology student has been playing basketball since the age of 12, and for many this isn’t the first time we are hearing her name. Noémie had a tremendous career at Champlain Regional College–Lennoxville under head coach Steve Cassivi, which she credits as a reason for the ease of her transition from Cegep level of play to CIS, as Cassivi is also the assistant coach of the BU team. The 5’10” guard has done very well for herself since coming to Bishop’s, as her hard work since the offseason has given her the opportunity to be a starting guard, an incredible feat for a freshman. As a Gaiter she has performed at the top of the team in scoring, as well as leads in steals and rebounds. It’s no surprise why she has earned the most minutes of play.
Gaiters Lead the RSEQ
I had the pleasure to meet with Noémie Hamel-Petit recently and asked her a few questions. I first asked her how her transition from Champlain to CIS has been and how it is to now compete at this level to which she responded: “The transition was fairly easy because Steve knew what it took to get to the next level and where my weak points were in my game. As far as how it is to play in the CIS, I love it, you have to compete every second and always push to better yourself, it’s nothing like what I was used to at Champlain; these are the best ladies in Canada.” I was then curious in how comfortable she felt in her role as a starter and playing all those minutes in her first year. “Our team is really young, therefore I didn’t really have the option to gradually learn and adapt, I sort of got thrown in mix right off the bat. There is a lot of pressure of course but it’s the role I was given and I must do my best to fit in and play well. I feel very privileged because it isn’t everyday that a freshman gets such an opportunity.”
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Finally when asked how the team was handling the slow start and what the future look likes Noémie answered: “It looks bad for now but I know that we are better then what we’ve shown, we have to up the intensity in practice and in games, we have to start playing to win and not with the intent to not lose” The Gaiters have a young core of players, mostly made up of first and second years; of the returning players, many are playing more of a role than last year as the team continues to work hard and evolve into a winning team. Such players include: Valerie Tremblay, Ashley White, Mara Marchizotti, Marie-Pascale Duhamel-Desautels, Naomi Zitt-James and Edith Noblecilla. Not to be forgotten is captain and fourth year forward Dani Lumley. As the season continues we hope to see more positive play from Noémie and the rest of the Lady Gaiters basketball team be sure to catch them next semester at home in the newly renovated Sports Centre.
Start the season undefeated in league play MIKE STANLEY Spor ts Writer
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irst in the league, that is the current status and goal for the year for the Bishop’s University Men’s Basketball team. The culture and mentality that “this is the year” is surely exemplified by the Gaiters’ relentless hard work and strong play so far this season. Although the preseason didn’t start the way they wanted, they hung in there with some of the top teams in the country such as Carleton University (the unanimous best team in the country), UBC, U of T, and a few others. The preseason gave the team a good head start in getting a feel for playing with each other and connecting well; the revamped Gaiters look to make a statement this year in CIS basketball. With a lot of new blood pumping through the team, along comes experience with transfer students Kyle Desmarais (Concordia) and Karim Sy-Morrisette (McGill), who have already had a huge impact on the team in helping the current 3-0 record this season. When asked about the season so far team captain David Belanger said, “We had a rough preseason, playing almost only top 10 teams which never gave us The Gaiters Men’s Basketball team are currently first in the RSEQ. a chance to get comfortable and do what we wanted to do. That helped us for the regular season schedule as we’re finding ways to win games and make big plays down the stretch based on our defense. Ring and Onnex Blackwood, they also in being vocal and helping team morale.” The new additions help fill some holes help bring a veteran leadership presence The Gaiters will definitely be a team in the guard positions after losing Scott to the team which helps lighten my load to watch this season in their hunt for
PHOTO COURTESY BLAIR SHIER
the RSEQ finals, which will be played in March here at Bishop’s University.
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26, 2014 THE CAMPUS NOVEMBER MAY 28, 2014
Raptors Race out of Gate JARED PERLMUTTER Editor-in-Chef
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fter a season that saw them surprise the league en route to a playoff birth, the Toronto Raptors were not going to be catching anyone off guard this year. Despite the increased pressure, the Raptors have gotten out to a hot start, leading the NBA’s Eastern Conference early on. The Raptors team is built around depth, with Coach Dwayne Casey comfortably going two deep at every position. In Demar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raps have the top backcourt duo in the NBA, with both players looking to contend for All-Star spots this season. PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS YOUNG / THE CANADIAN PRESS Add to this the continued growth of The continued star play of Demar Derozan has been vital in the Raptors Success so far this season. third-year pros Terrence Ross and Jonas Valenciunas, and the Raptors have a very stable core. the current playoff-bound squad. Inher- year of mediocrity. However shortly afWhile fans were no doubt predicting iting a team with missing pieces from ter the start of the year, Ujiri made the another winning year, most fans prob- Brian Colangelo, Ujiri quickly went to trade that will likely define his tenure ably did not expect this hot of a start. Sit- work last offseason to repair the rota- in Toronto: he dealt Rudy Gay and other ting at 9-2 through 11 games, the Rap- tion. In finally dumping Andrea Barg- pieces to the Sacramento Kings for Gretors can point to wins over Memphis, nani, Ujiri wiped the slate clean from the ivous Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick OKC and Washington as proof that they ill-fated Colangelo era. Patterson and Chuck Hayes. Essentially, aren’t messing around. However, having only traded Bargnani Ujiri traded for a productive bench. Much of the Raptors success can be and acquiring spare pieces Tyler Hans- With the exception of Salmons, the forplaced on the shoulders of Masai Ujiri, brough and DJ Augustin through free mer King remain on the Raptors, with team general manager and architect of agency, the Raps looked set for another Vasquez and Patterson playing crucial
Marlin’s Hook a Giant
roles off the bench. After trading Gay, the Raptors offence opened up, with ball movement and unselfish play leading the Raps to wins. Add to this Casey’s traditionally strong defensive tactics, and the Raptors turned into a contender in the East. Following a playoff loss to the Brooklyn Nets, it was clear the Raptors still had room to grow. Ujiri had quite the offseason, resigning key cogs Kyle Lowry, Vasquez and Patterson. Louis Williams was acquired through trade to fill the role of 6th man, bringing instant offence off the bench. Even with the microwave-hot Williams coming in from Atlanta, no one thought the Raptors would be off to such a start. With the Heat’s Big Three becoming the Heat’s Big Two, and Cleveland struggling to find chemistry out of the gate, the Raptors look like the team to beat early on. Despite the greatt start, the season is still young, and the Raptors will have plenty of time to grow into a contender. Looking to prove that last year was not a fluke however, should propel the Raps to continue this winning start, and keep Drake and the rest of the adoring fan base happy.
Giancarlo Stanton and Pro-Sports Biggest Contract JARED PERLMUTTER Editor-in-Chief
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fter a season in which he bashed 37 home runs and the led the NL, Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has struck it big. Stanton has managed to do what no baseball fan thought possible: sign a long-term deal with the Marlins. In signing on for 13 years at US$325 million, Stanton was granted a first from Marlins’ management, a no-trade clause. Despite winning two World Series in the past 20 years (both as the Florida Marlins) the Marlins have struggled since their last series crown in 2003. Fans have watched as star players nearing the prime of their career have been shipped out for top level prospects. Mike Lowell, Josh Beckett, Brad Penny, Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera, AJ Burnett, and Adrian Gonzalez all left the Marlins, in return for some very solid players. After the name change to the Miami Marlins in 2012, owner Jeffery Loria tried a quick fix through free agency, trying to build the team into a contender around a young Stanton. The additions of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell would prove to be only a little more exciting than the Marlins’ much documented chase of slugger Albert Pujols that same offseason. Just a year after being some of the biggest signings in Marlins’ history, Loria pulled his usual and shipped off Reyes
and Buerhle, along with Josh Johnson and Emilio Bonafacio to the Blue Jays in exchange for some highly regarded prospects. Once again, Stanton was left as the lone star player on a team destined to dwell in the NL East basement. Fast forward, and not too much has changed. The Marlins have gotten marginally better, with some of the prospects turning in good form this year. Jose Fernandez looked like the real deal on the mound before going down early in the season. Adeiny Hechavaria and Henderson Alvarez (both acquired in the Blue Jays trade) have stuck around long enough to make an impact, and with a deep farm system, the Marlins look like they could contend in the next few years. But that all depended on retaining Stanton. At 25 years old, Stanton, already a veteran of five MLB seasons, is just hitting his prime. That’s a scary thought when you consider just how good Giancarlo already is. Having topped the NL homerun charts numerous times already, Stanton is a pure hitter and defensive game changer. Already one of the most complete hitters in the MLB, Stanton will only be getting better. In committing to Giancarlo Stanton, the Marlins have bucked their typical trend of trading star players as they become too expensive. While the money may seem outrageously gaudy, consider that Stanton will only be 37 when the contract would end. At the end of his 200 million dollar deal, A-Rod would’ve
PHOTO COURTESY USA TODAY SPORTS
Giancarlo Stanton is the new owner of MLB’s richest contract after signing a 13 year $325 million contract.
turned 42. The LA Angels will be paying Albert Pujols until he’s 41, and both Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera will turn 40 at the end of their contracts. Stanton’s production is already on level with the best in baseball, this group included. But Stanton provides more value, with less wear on his body, and his contract ending before his 40s. With the commitment to winning now clearly on paper, Loria and the management team will need to ensure that they not only build around Stanton,
but build in a sustainable way. This will likely mean no more big money deals on the free agent market, and more of an emphasis on developing the talented youngsters in the system. In time, the Marlins and Stanton should prove that the 13-year 325 million dollar deal, was not just the biggest deal in sports history, but also one of the smartest.
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ANDREW SZASZ Spor ts Writer
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ll-Star Canadian catcher Russell Martin is coming to the Blue Jays; probably one of the best moves Alex Anthopolous has made as Blue Jays GM. Martin, 31, from Chelsea, Que., signed a whopping five-year, $82 million dollar contract. Martin will provide much needed stability on the Blue Jays roster; he is an exceptional fielder and has a solid bat with home-run ability. Toronto –and Canada - rejoice this is one of the many expected “big moves” coming out of Blue Jays management. The Jays are currently in a state of limbo: they are between rebuilding years for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and the in a prime position to contend with Baltimore for the AL East title. Currently, the Jays are set with players like Edwin Encarnación and José Bau-
PHOTO COURTESY TOM SZCZERBOWSKI / GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO COURTESY NATHAN DENNETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Russell Martin speaking to the media after signing a 5 year $82 million contract with Toronto.
tista. Both players are MVP candidates, however they cannot bring the Jays to the Promised Land alone. Anthopolous needs to still find a second basemen, a centre fielder, and re-
The Fight’s Not Over
Melky Cabrera will be a key piece in the Blue Jays lineup that they hope to Resign for the 2015 season.
sign Melky Cabrera. If he can do this, the Jays would be the MLB favourites for the World Series. Baseball is a fickle game: it does not have a salary cap and the Jays refuse to commit to anyone for longer than 5
years. Fighting for players like Pablo Sandoval and Torii Hunter in free agency will truly be a test for the Blue Jays GM. I think we can expect a lot more for Anthopolous this off-season; it’s a good time to be a Jays fan!
McDavid’s injury re-ignites debate on fighting in hockey NICOLE GAUVREAU Copy Editor
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early every hockey fan, and plenty of people who aren’t, have heard the joke “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out.” Stephan Pastis, cartoonist and creator of the comic strip Pearls Before Swine, went so far as to devote a strip to the joke. PHOTO COURTESY DENNIS PAJOT / GETTY IMAGES Last year, the world of North Amer- Connor McDavid is the #1 NHL Draft Prospect ican hockey, and the internet, were this year. alight with debate on whether or not fighting should be banned from hockey when George Parros, at the time of the Montreal Canadiens, the was carried the base of the pinkie, on Nov. 11 and is from the ice on a stretcher after hitting to be sidelined for five to six weeks. his head in a fight. The debate calmed The OHL is one of the major junior after a fairly short period, but now it’s leagues which is toughest on fighting, back after Connor McDavid, centre and and the Erie Otters are no exception: captain for the OHL’s Erie Otters and the they have special protocols for certain predicted first overall pick for the 2015 players, including McDavid. McDavid is NHL draft, fractured his fifth metacarpal not to throw any punches, but rather, bone, which extends from the wrist to according to Otters owner and GM Sher-
Raiders No Longer Winless DYLAN KONECNY Spor ts Editor
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n any given Sunday any team can win. It so happens the phrase might need some expansion after the 0-10 Oakland Raiders gained their first victory at home on Thursday night. While the NFL is busy handling the legal battles with Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson and trying and to uncover the lost city of Buffalo, the last winless team in the NFL is no longer winless. The rain was pouring on the Thursday night, but Raider Nation was out in full support to see their team battle the visiting Kansas City Chiefs The Raiders are widely considered to be the laughing stock of the league, sit-
ting at a win-loss record of 0-10, going against one of the strongest teams in the AFC and a division rival. It wasn’t like that at all when all was said and done after their victory versus the Chiefs. The Derek Carr-led Raiders ended the 16-game losing streak, stretching back to the previous season. Kansas City certainly was not expecting this game to be close, let alone a loss. This just goes to show the parity in the league where any team can win at any time. The Raiders got their first win on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Derek Carr, his ability to manage the ball and make quick decisions put them in a position to be successful throughout the game. The running game perfectly complimented the passing game, resulting
wood Bassin, “hug opposing players and wrap them up”, which he did not keep with in the Nov. 11 fight. In addition to being sidelined for the injury, McDavid was given a suspension for removing his opponent’s, Bryson Cianfrone, a forward for the Mississauga Steelheads, helmet. This new debate is likely due both to McDavid’s status as a high profile player, but also his age: 17. Should the damage be more permanent than expected, it could mean and early end to McDavid’s promising career. Many NHL stars, including Pittsburg Penguins captain and centre Sidney Crosby and Boston Bruins LW Milan Lučić, have weighed in on the situation. The general consensus is that while fighting wasn’t McDavid’s best decision, and was in fact incredibly stupid, sometimes a player, especially one targeted so often, needs to take the gloves off and stand up for himself, rather than let
designated players step in. As of yet, it doesn’t appear that fighting will be banned in North American hockey at large in the near future, but the OHL, and other major junior leagues, may step up their already stringent rules to eventually become a fight-free league. In all likelihood, fighting will never be banned, barring a big-name NHL player or two being severely injured, but will continue to decrease, as it has for a number of years, until it is a rarity. Had McDavid left the fight uninjured, we would be lauding him standing up for himself, instead his name will be used for a few weeks to further the anti-fighting campaign, but by the time he dons an NHL jersey the incident will be forgotten, just as Parros is now.
in the Chiefs defence getting caught on play fakes and guessing as to what was going on in the game play. Running back Latavius Murray was key in Oakland’s success, scoring two touchdowns one of which was a 90-yard run, after which he was seen after using an oxygen mask to regain his breath. Unfortunately for the Raiders, his successful day would be cut short after he received a helmet to helmet hit that would force him to leave the game with a concussion; Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew would close out the game. The Raiders still had their mistakes and moments of idiocy, and just before the last play of the game, after Sio Moore and rookie linebacker Khalil Mack sacked Alex Smith on a play late
in the game, they were caught celebrating while the Chiefs reorganized themselves. The two players were still behind the play, celebrating; this could have cost them the game if not for the quick thinking of veteran player Justin Tuck who called a timeout before the Raiders could be penalized. The Raiders would prevail and the team won the game 24-20; the NFL no longer has any teams without wins. The Raiders won’t make the Playoffs but they won’t go down as the worst team in NFL history. The 2008 Lions will continue to be that team as they went the season with a final record of 0-16.
BU LOVE YOURSELF THE CAMPUS MAY 28, 2014
Photos courtesy of Benjamin Tracy