September 30, 2014. Volume 32
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issue 5
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Independent student newspaper at Concordia University. Since 1983.
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theconcordian
News p.4
Concordia compresses
In this issue
LIFE
p.6
Sisters open gelato shop
ARTS
p.9
See through their eyes
MUSIC
p.12
Fall in love with Owens
SPORTS
p.14
Pitch perfect wind-up
We tell your stories. Follow us on Twitter: @TheConcordian
OPINIONS
p.17
Discrimination isn’t funny
theconcordian.com
news 2
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Tuesday, sepTember 30 2014
Write to the editor: news@theconcordian.com
CITY MiLoS KovACEviC news editor
>> UNION PROTESTS Montreal city hall says the police have handed out significantly fewer tickets this summer – and wants them to make up the difference, according to CTV News. The city has filed a grievance report with the courts, demanding the money it says would be owed to it had the ticket rate been on par with seasonal norms. The police union has given the reasons behind the drop as better overall driving by motorists, and less officers patrolling for infractions because of a need to oversee roadwork sites, an assertion Mayor Denis Coderre disputes.
>> ROSEMONT EXPLOSION
A propane tank explosion in Rosemont on Sunday afternoon has injured five people, two of them critically, according to CBC. While authorities have only begun analyzing the scene and much is unknown, the explosion seemed to have happened near a ground floor staircase and was powerful enough to blow out the building’s windows. The two critically injured individuals are said to have suffered burns to 80 per cent of their bodies. The structure, containing 52 units, is undergoing tests by experts as to whether it remains stable as the arson squad continues the investigation.
>> AMERICAN WINS MONTREAL MARATHON An American who’s started running marathons this year has won the Montreal Marathon in just a bit over 2 hours. Californian Ben Bruce, whose win in Montreal is his third,, said the unusually warm weather forced him to adapt and run slower, according to CBC. The yearly event — made up of the marathon, half-marathon, and the 10k, 5k and 1k races — drew a record 35,000 runners from 45 countries and took them through Île Ste-Hélène, Île Notre-Dame, and the central and eastern parts of the island. Last year’s winner came in second, at 2 hours, 29 minutes.
Campus // nEWS
Playing with the Legos of life Concordia team turning microscopic biology into machinery KATE ShERiDAn Staff writer
A group of Concordia students and professors would love to use algae to fuel your car, fill your belly, and improve your life. The team, composed of 23 members, will showcase their research at a synthetic biology jamboree next month in Boston, Mass. The iGEM (which stands for International Genetically Engineered Machine) competition is in its 12th year and brings together dozens of synthetic biology teams – and their work – from across the world to showcase their talents, scoop the competition, and pick one another’s brains. This will be Concordia’s second time attending. David Oram and Dilan Jaunky have been working together with their teammates since February on Concordia’s iGEM project, which seeks to develop a toolkit for artificially manufacturing algae by providing the basic building blocks needed to genetically engineer them. Their toolkit will include many small and useful parts of an algae’s genetic code. Once finished, scientists will be able to put parts as needed to make what they want. “We’re looking at ways to increase production so you get more bang for your buck,” Oram said. That isn’t all the team is up to, though. “70 per cent of our project is the toolkit, and 30 per cent is our wild, wild ideas,” Jaunky said. One of these wild ideas could change the way we fuel our cars by exploiting the fact that microalgae naturally produce hydrocarbons, the broad array of chemical substances which form the foundations of modern civilization. The gas in our cars, the wax on our skis, and the plastic bottles that hold our detergent and soft drinks are all thanks to hydrocarbons. For the less developed world, coal is the hydrocarbon sustaining their economies. Most of the hydrocarbons we use today come from fossil fuels. There may not be a lot of fossil fuels left, but microalgae which could produce them on a large scale would be very useful. The team used a gene for a thioesterase – this is an enzyme that can break a bond formed by sulfur atoms. Some of the hydrocarbons produced naturally by algae have these kinds of bonds. The resulting molecules are slightly different and far more useful. “Not necessarily for the cell, but more usable for us,” Oram said. The hydrocarbons are shorter, which decreases the amount of processing that needs to be done after the chemicals are produced.
Not only can algae be engineered to produce hydrocarbons, but they could also become a super-food. “They’ve been used as a food source for hundreds of years,” Oram said. Some people put Chlorella powder in their water to make an energy drink. “There’s already protein shakes made out of it,” Jaunky added. All that remains is to supercharge nutritional value of algae, and the Concordia team has been working with one gene that codes for an enzyme which, in turn, creates omega-3 fatty acids. The algae could then be added whole to any meal. “You could put it on your salads,” Jaunky said. The Concordia team makes all this happen with promoter genes that code for proteins and allow the scientists to force the cell to produce new things. The genes have to come from
somewhere. Often, genes can be found in an animal or plant on campus. If not, they can be purchased from elsewhere. “We can order DNA,” Oram said. One copy of a gene isn’t particularly helpful, though. You need to copy the gene dozens of times, wrap it in a circle known as a plasmid, and put inside a bacterium like E. coli. In addition to the gene you want, the plasmid also has genes for antibiotic resistance. The team uses antibiotics to check and make sure their genes are working properly. If they aren’t, the bacteria won’t be able to survive. Next, plasmids are removed from the surviving E. coli. The circle is broken before it is stuck into an algae cell. The team uses heat to put the plasmids in the E. coli, but they need something a little stronger to get the genes into the algae. “We electrocute the algae,” Oram
T15-21225-SSER-DOST-CCSL-Awards-Concordian-Ad
said on their refined methods of geting the DNA into the cell. “It’s called electroporation.” The flexibility in the field of synthetic biology means the Concordia team’s project will be one of many extremely different projects at the iGEM competition. While 245 teams from Asia, Europe, South America, and North America will be at the competition, Concordia’s team will be competing primarily against themselves. Projects at iGEM are judged on several criteria, including their outreach efforts. For this the team has made a video explaining the science behind their work as well as an upcoming game. Oram and Jaunky are confident that their project will do well. “We are well-versed in each of them and have a very well-rounded project,” Oram said. “We’re definitely going to go with our heads held up high,” Jaunky said.
1/3 page - 6” x 8”
CCSL OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARDS
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE AT CONCORDIA WHO MAKES A DIFFERENCE? The Concordia Council on Student Life invites you to honour a student, faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond their duties by nominating them for the CCSL Outstanding Contribution Award! Nominate someone before the deadline: Friday February 13, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
To find out more about the nomination requirements, and to nominate someone visit: concordia.ca/outstanding-contribution-award
Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
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Campus // nEWS
Montreal promises focus on housing
NATION
An update on the ongoing effort to court international students MiLoS KovACEviC news editor
Concordia’s Housing and Job Bank (HoJo) is saluting a recent Montreal report calling for better housing as one of its key priorities in attracting and retaining international students. The report, titled L’urgence d’agir pour attirer et retenir les meilleurs étudiants internationaux à Montréal, reiterated the rising importance of foreign students as a potential demographic resource for skilled and integrated citizens in a globalized world where mobile human capital is to be courted and enticed. HoJo is joined in its statement of support by the L’unité de travail pour l’implantation de logement étudiant (UTILE), an organization promoting co-operative student-run housing in the city. Off-Campus HoJo Assistant Kyle McLoughlin agrees the rec-
tor’s report is a start, but says the universities and government have their work cut out for them. In his professional experience, the difficulties for international students come from both being unaware of the resources available to aid them and not knowing their legal rights. “International students pay an average of 20 per cent higher than the median rent in Montreal,” said McLoughlin of the existence of a ‘predatory market’ of landlords making a business from vulnerable international students. “We see at HoJo an endless amount of students who are taken advantage of and who are asked for [such unlawful things as] illegal deposits, they’re asked for illegal personal information like photocopies of their passports [or] driver’s licenses, or cases where landlords refuse to rent to non-Canadian students,” McLoughlin said. Corporate entities sponsoring workers also frequently cross the line in their demands.
For McLoughlin, one particular vector of abuse is the avenue available to Quebec landlords in demanding a guarantor in for tenants they suspect of bad faith or financial insolvency, a normally sensible enough option. “However, many companies will require that the guarantor be somebody from Quebec or from Canada, and if you’re an international student who doesn’t have any family or friend connections to the city, it can be exceptionally complicated,” McLoughlin said. “The university can do anything it wants to in its ability to act as the official voice in these matters, but at the moment they don’t,” he said of the university’s ability to alleviate the situation, suggesting a streamlined form system to confirm student status, which confirms financial stability, as it is one of the requirements for studying in Canada to begin with. Justice, when available, can be glacial. “The law only favours
somebody to the extent that it’s enforced,” he said of the Regie du logement’s newest figures which point out wait times that stretch up to a full year. For many international students, they’ll sooner receive their degree and move on then receive a resolution to their problem from the overwhelmed Regie. “It can take so much time [to exercise their rights] that the students don’t find it worth it.” “What we would like to see is a more effective, more streamlined Regie du logement, a body that enforces the rules and regulations that exist in Quebec, and a sort of focus towards creating a better student housing situation.” He said HOJO and UTILE’s mission, in addition to providing legal and informative aid, is also to get the information out to both sides of the divide. “We feel we’re educating landlords at the same time as informing students about what their rights are.”
Campus // nEWS
“Another Word for Gender” will open your eyes Take part in the Centre for Gender Advocacy’s thought provoking series
LinDSAY RiChARDSon Staff writer
C
oncordia’s Centre for Gender Advocacy is aiming to open eyes, challenge perceptions, and inspire activism at their event series “Another Word for Gender,” which kicks off this week. Entering its fourth year, the centre organizes a week-long stretch of thought-provoking lectures and expert-led seminars that cover a range of controversial themes relating to gender and sexuality. All lectures are free, open to the public, and take place at Concordia’s downtown campus or at specified locations nearby. Despite a wide range of topics, the centre believes that there is resonance for every demographic of the student body and community in general. “Even if a presenter’s particular experience is completely removed from your own life, there are ways of learning from the experiences of others and applying that insight to our own lives and our own communities,” said Julie Michaud, coordinator at the Centre for Gender Advocacy. “Everyone has decisions to make in their life about sexuality, reproduction, being true to yourself, [and] fighting for justice,” said Michaud. The events and workshops provide what Michaud refers to as a cross section of the types of issues that the Centre for Gender Advocacy handles daily. An open
house event on Sept. 29 will allow students to interact with employees and volunteers at the centre, who will be dispensing information on the many ways to get involved. “The great news is that the centre offers opportunities for those who do feel inspired by these events to get involved in a related campaign whether that’s with the Reproductive Justice League, Missing Justice, A Safer Concordia, or becoming a peer support volunteer,” said Michaud. “Another Word for Gender” runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 4. Further details and locations of events can be found at genderadvocacy.org. SEPT. 29— The Porn Event (Talk and Q&A) 6:00-8:30 p.m. Featuring trans, gender queer, Two Spirit, Black Boricua Taino
filmmaker and activist Ignacio Rivera, AKA Papi Coxx, and Sarah Beall of MakeLoveNotPorn.tv. Together, they’ll discuss the topics of feminist porn, consent and porn culture, among others. SEPT 30— Gender, Disability and Sexuality: Real Talk with Accessibilize Montreal 6:00-8:00 p.m. Taking a look at how people with disabilities or diverse ways of being are being short-changed in society, and how they operate outside the constraints of “normal” intimate and sexual relationships. OCT 1— Natural Cycles and Rhythms with Sonia Osorio 6:00-8:30 p.m. An informative seminar about The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)—a natural, cyclic form of birth control that prohibits the
use of drugs or devices. OCT 2— Reproductive Justice Without Borders: Choice and Accessibility 6:00-8:30 p.m. A panel discussion among a diverse group of experts about access—or lack of access—to abortion services, breastfeeding support, or basic reproductive health services. OCT 3— An Evening with Janet Mock: Gender, Race & Realness 6:00-8:30 p.m. The keynote event of this year’s series, featuring New York Times’ bestselling author and trans activist Janet Mock, sharing her thoughts on topics of gender, race, and reproduction. OCT 4— 9th Annual Memorial March and Vigil for Missing and Murdered Native Women 6:00-9:00 p.m.
graphic by marie-pier larose
MiLoS KovACEviC news editor
>> QUEBEC SET
TO MAKE NATIVE SAFFRON Quebec’s first saffron farm – considered the world’s most expensive spice and worth more by weight than gold – is about to harvest its first crop, and it’ll be a big one. The farm, located in the Quebec town of Saint-Élie-deCaxton, is expecting 450 to 500 grams of pure saffron, according to CBC. The farm was started on expertise and 50,000 saffron plants imported from France. The tricky plant’s life cycle is opposite to that of most plants: its bulbs lie dormant in the summer and only sprout in the fall, then reproduce under a blanket of snow during winter. Each plant gives but three strands of saffron, which are the dried stigma (the part of the flower that is pollinated); it takes tens of thousands of saffron strands to weigh a single ounce. The owners estimated only 60 or so kilograms of saffron are imported annually in all of Quebec and said saffron will always be in demand.
>> BRINGINʼ BISON BACK
A dozen Native North American tribes across Montana and Alberta signed a pact last week for the reestablishment of wild bison populations once numbering in the tens of millions before being decimated in the late 19th century across the Great Plains., according to CTV News. The aim is to reintroduce the buffalo’s central role in the diet, spirituality, and economy of the tribes of the region. The treaty is the first cross-border Native American treaty since the 19th century, and will face resistance from ranchers
>> FREE TRADE DEAL
Barely hours after the final text of a momentous free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union was released publicly, Germany has asked for changes to be made if it is to sign at all. The pact, which still remains to be ratified by both parliaments, contains a section allowing for private companies to sue the state something German officials consider a dangerous encumbrance to policy and an unacceptable intrusion of corporate interests on the state. The Canadian government, meanwhile, has called such laws perfectly in line with the idea of investor protection, according to The Globe and Mail.
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Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
Campus // nEWS
WORLD MiLoS KovACEviC news editor
>> TAKING (TIME) OFF WITH VIRGIN
Business mogul and billionaire Sir Richard Branson announced this week that his company Virgin is testing a new form of leave that would allow employees to take time off whenever they want for as long as they want – effectively an unlimited vacation. The pilot program, which only applies to some 160 employees at the moment, could be introduced more widely to his business empire if it proves successful, according to CNN. While the policy could make for some very happy workers, the picky and demanding Branson went on record as saying he still expects any vacation takers to keep up to date on their work and take it at times that would not damage the success of the company.
>> INDIA ENTERS MARS ORBIT India’s Mangalyaan space probe entered Mars orbit last week, a historic first for the country’s space program, according to Forbes. India now joins a select club with the European Space Agency, the US, and the former USSR in achieving orbit around the red planet, a feat both China and Japan have failed at. It is also the only country to have done it successfully on the first try, at a cost of only one tenth the expected amount, officially making it the cheapest space project in the world. Mangalyaan will study Martian weather patterns and search the atmosphere for methane, a gas produced both by life and geological processes.
Another notch of cuts for Concordia
Concordia to receive $13 million less than expected from gov. for 2014-2015 nAThALiE LAfLAMME Editor-in-chief
Just a few weeks ago, Concordia finally received word from the government concerning just how much less they would be receiving this year: $13 million for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. They also learnt that it would no longer be possible for the school to have a deficit this year. Since Concordia had one of $2.7 million – which was carried from last year’s compressions – this meant that the total amount that would need to be cut from this year’s budget would add up to $15.7 million. Total compressions between 2013-2015 will therefore amount to a total of $29 million. Coming up with a plan of action was quite a challenge for the school, especially since they found out they would need to make major cuts for a fiscal year that began last May. “That’s the tricky part. It’s hard to change the tires of the car while you’re driving on the highway,” said Concordia President Dr. Alan Shepard. In order to comply with the government’s new rules, Concordia announced a Voluntary Departure Program (VDP) on Wednesday Sept. 24, and hopes that 180 administrative, support, and professional staff members will choose to opt for the package. Staff accepted into the program will begin leaving Concordia on Nov. 30. “It’s important to me that we not move into the world of involuntary layoffs. I can’t imagine anything worse than coming into work and finding out that the job you love and the place that you’re loyal to has just laid you off,” Shepard said. “I know that happens in the private sector but
>> CATALONIA CALLS FOR INDEPENDENCE
The Catalonian region of Spain has initiated a bid, unsupported by the central Spanish government, asking for a Scottish-style referendum on independence to take place in November, according to BBC. Madrid has called the attempt by Catalonia’s president as an unconstitutional decree it will not allow. The president, meanwhile, has said he can push the referendum through by using local laws. Catalonia, a region that includes Barcelona, is more heavily industrialized and generally richer than other regions of Spain, and supporters of separatism cite unfair taxation laws and cultural differences as the main pushes for independence.
it’s not something I am eager to do, so we worked really hard for the last several weeks trying to devise a program that would give opportunities to people who were prepared to take a package to leave Concordia.” Members of staff who have worked a minimum of 10 years of service are eligible to take the package, including both full-time and part-time employees. It is important to note that this only includes administrative staff, and not professors. Employees who have worked over 10 years at Concordia would receive a severance package equal to 12 months of pay, while those who have been at the uni-
“
going to do is that we planned for 180 departures, and we know that some number of those, maybe 20, 25, 30 we’re not sure, will be in positions that are critical. You can’t do without that so we’ll have to rehire those roles, and when you make a voluntary program you can’t pick. I can’t say ‘I want you to depart, you can’t depart,’ so what we’re going to do is we are going to invite people who are eligible under the terms of the program to make a decision. Once we know their decisions, we’ll see what rebalancing needs to be done.” Another 3 per cent will be cut in operating expenses. For example, Concordia will put off
That’s the tricky part. it’s hard to change the tires of the car while you’re driving on the highway. -Dr.
versity for over 15 years would receive 18 months worth of salary. There are currently 900 staff members who are eligible for the package. This program would allow the school to save up to $5 million this fiscal year, and $12 million per year starting in the 20152016 fiscal year. In the 2012-2013 fiscal year, permanent and temporary administration and support staff accounted for 2,113 positions at Concordia. Reducing the staff by 180 would represent a reduction of about 8.5 per cent. These 180 positions represent 2 per cent of Concordia’s salary expenses. “I don’t think that you can make 180 reductions and positions and pretend that it’s just like it was yesterday, because that’s not true,” Shepard said. “At the same time, what we’re
Alan Shepard
replacing some computers in offices, which will save $1 million. Concordia’s Vice Presidents are still hard at work, trying to find just where they can spare some money. Concordia has also reduced the Chief Financial Officer’s reserve—which is an amount built into the budget for the unexpected which usually represents one per cent of the budget—by $1 million. Other public institutions have used similar programs, and they have been quite popular within the staff. McGill, for example, used a voluntary departure program last year when they had to cut $43 million, according to Doug Sweet, director of Internal Communications at McGill. In this instance, 250 employees opted to take the package. “You have a year’s pay, so you
$15.7
Severance package for employees who have worked at Concordia over 10 years
(including 2.7 M deficit)
12 months’ pay
million Concordia cuts for the 2014-2015 fiscal year
$29
million Concordia cuts since 2013-2014 fiscal year
$1
million Amount cut from technology upgrades and other facility expenses
Severance package for employees who have worked at Concordia over 15 years
18 months’ pay
180 Total amount of staff that Concordia expects to accept the Voluntary Departure Program
have the time to look around for something else. It depends on your personal circumstances, maybe you have kids at home, or you have a second career, maybe you want to go back to school, there’s as many circumstances as there are people.” Paul Eifert, an IT technician for IITS who is eligible to take the package, agrees. “Personally, I think that a lot of people here will take a buyout and maybe retire a little earlier,” he said. Eifert explained that many would also consider taking the severance and seeking employment elsewhere, or maybe even use the time to travel. A maximum of 180 employees will be able to take the package. It is a one-time deal, and will not be offered again in the next few years. Concordia took special care in deciding where to make cuts in order to make sure that the student experience and quality of education would not be affected. Concordia’s budget compressions are a part a total of $172 million reclaimed from universities in the province for this year. This is on top of last year’s compressions, which added up to $123 million according to Le Soleil. “I think that what the message is that no matter which government is in power, there are constraints on all our resources, and we are trying in the most respectful way we can to respond to the restraints that were given,” Shepard said. “And we’ve experienced it under both governments actually. It’s not about the government of the day, it’s about the economic reality we’re in.” Make sure to keep an eye out for next week’s paper, which will look at other universities in the city.
$5 million
Amount of money Concordia will save with the VDP in 2014-2015
$12 million
Amount Concordia will save per year with the VDP as of 2015-2016
Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
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Campus // nEWS
Buzz your way to Loyola’s brand new Hive Cafe food co-op welcomes patrons at new location SARA BARon-GooDMAn Life editor
T
he buzz about the Hive has been circulating through the Loyola Campus for years. At long last, the Concordia co-op opened for business yesterday, Monday Sept. 29, on the second floor of the Student Center (SC) building. The opening was an informal affair, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and staff welcomingly ushering in their eager new customers with free coffee and an expansive menu, which highlights organic and local fare. “Today was just a friendly little meet and greet,” said Fiona Keats, the coordinator at Loyola campus’ Hive. “In the fall we hope to have a big first Hive bash.” A large part of the purpose of Monday’s humble event was to encourage member sign-up. As a co-op, the organization runs on a volunteer basis largely supported by the Concordia student body. Membership costs $5, lasts a lifetime, and garners you 10 per cent off of everything at the café. Members are encouraged to offer suggestions and get involvewd as much as they can or want to in order to keep the Hive running. “Not everything is 100 per cent sustainable yet,” said Keats. “But that’s the ultimate mission.”
For now, they do the best they can, until more opportunities become available from community sources. “Some stuff is local, some is organic,” she said. “We try to, in everything we buy, have at least one element of sustainability in it.” At the very least, they’re transparent. Information on where each specific menu item comes from is designated on the wall by the cash register. For now, that includes loose-leaf teas from Concordia’s City Farm School, fresh sprout salad from the Concordia Greenhouse, local Quebec apples, and sandwiches from Côte-des-Neiges—NotreDame-de-Grâce’s Café Zephyr, which has a farm-to-table model. Also on the menu are gourmet scones, fresh-baked muffins, an incredibly hearty vegan chili, and grilled cheese on organic sprout bread. As a location hoping to provide affordable food to all customers, prices are decent: a bowl of chilli and a grilled cheese or scone will set you back a total of $7, taxes included. The Hive also sponsors a lunchtime program, where they offer free vegetarian lunches (while supplies last) to anybody who visits. In both cases, only the continued support of volunteers and members limits costs and allows them to affordably sustain such programs. Their sprawling space has an abundance of room to sit and eat, or just hang out — stop by the SC building and see for yourself.
some oF the delightFul decor and ambiance on display at the newly opened hiVe locaton on loyola campus. photo by sara baron-goodman
DO YOU HAVE AN EXCITING IDEA FOR
A NEW PROJECT AT CONCORDIA?
Conference // nEWS
Fostering leadership first Canadian Global Leadership Experience JESSiCA KEnWooD Assistant news editor
C
oncordia University will be the first Canadian host and majority participant to a free four-day leadership event from November 18 to 21of this year. The Common Purpose Global Leadership Experience event, with its two decades of leadership-fostering initiatives across the world, will accept a total of 100 student participants from Montreal, half of which will be reserved for Concordians. The program hopes to chal-
lenge students into improving their personal and professional skills by involvement in both Montreal and international issues. Students will also profit from the opportunity to network with local organizations and receive mentoring from known business figures. Members can continue to play a role in the organization through interaction with GLE’s vibrant alumni community. Although the program has seen success in cities as diverse as Singapore, Cape Town, and Istanbul, this is the first time this program has been offered in Canada.
Do you need money to help make your project become a reality? Apply to the Concordia Council on Student Life (CCSL) Special Project Fund to help fund your project! To find out if your project is eligible, and to apply for funding visit: concordia.ca/special-project-fund Fall Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2014 at 5 p.m. Winter Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2015 at 5 p.m.
Applications for the GLE event must be submitted by Oct. 18, 2014. The form can be found online at commonpurpose. org/global-programmes/ global-leader-experiences/ apply. SSER-T15-21099-Ads DOST-CCSL SPF-Concordian ad 1/3 page (6” x 8”)
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
life
Write to the editor: life@theconcordian.com food // LifE
2 Sorelle turns gelato into a sister act Sample some homemade gelato and decadent coffee
MARCo SAvERiAno Contributor
A
re you craving authentic Italian gelato and fresh baked goods, or just a cozy place to sit with a cup of coffee while you catch up on your homework? If so, look no further than 2 Sorelle Gelato Café. Situated on Amherst Street in Montreal’s Gay Village, 2 Sorelle was founded by sisters Cynthia and Jessica Colati this past summer. The Colati sisters didn’t always dream of opening a gelato shop. Jessica, a buyer for a fashion label, and Cynthia, an accounting clerk for a construction company, were inspired after jokingly brainstorming ways they could be their own bosses and make a lot of money. “We were coming up with ridiculous ideas,” said Cynthia. “Like, ‘let’s just marry a rich man,’ or ‘let’s create this insane makeup line.’” A few weeks after their conversation, Jessica brought up opening a gelato shop, like their parents always wanted to do. Still thinking her sister was joking, Cynthia told her to look into it, and if it was possible, they could try. After getting together for coffee and going over the numbers, she realized, “Oh my god! We can do this!” A few months later, 2 Sorelle, Italian for “two sisters,” was brought to life. With so many gelato shops opening
around Montreal as of late, it’s difficult to stand out from the crowd. For Cynthia, what sets 2 Sorelle apart from the rest is not only their array of unique gelato flavours (like peach bellini, Nutella, lemon granita, and the brand new pumpkin spice), but also their dedication to making sure each customer feels welcome. So what’s on the menu? Besides their homemade gelato — you’re encouraged to try as many flavours as you want — they also offer fresh gourmet paninis and salads, coffee beverages (including the new Nutella latte), Nutella brownies, cro-
nuts, and a variety of other baked goods. And for those of us who have some trouble getting through those tough Monday mornings, 2 Sorelle even offers a Monday special with $1 coffees and $2.50 lattes and cappuccinos. “It felt like your friends were working behind the counter,” frequent client and Concordia student Michael Chaar said. “They would strike up conversations with you, ask you about yourself, and make the experience a rather fun one.” With its brightly-coloured, cozy environment and abundance of comfort food,
2 Sorelle is the perfect spot for a lazy day or an afternoon study session. Even though the business is still fresh, Cynthia has her sights set on the future. With hopes of becoming a major gelato distributor in the next two years and opening a second store within the next five, there are no plans to slow down anytime soon. “We want to build a 2 Sorelle empire,” she said. 2 Sorelle gelato shop is located at 1485 Amherst St.
Jessica colati shows how the sisters’ whimsical dreams became a reality. photo by keith race.
Let’s talk about sex
Column // LifE
it’s time we gave bisexuality some recognition SELinA GARD Contributor
As our sex column has been rather heteronormative as of late, why not discuss the tendency both in the media and in everyday life to treat bisexuality as less than? Coming out as bisexual can elicit two negative reactions: if you are female, it is often seen as attention seeking or as being
“just a phase,” and if you are male it is met with hushed whispers of “he’s probably just gay.” Even worse, the words “you’re just confused” are some of the most favoured to throw around. Being bisexual is seen as a halfway point, a crutch and not quite as serious as being either straight or gay. It seems to affect bisexual men and women equally. With the move towards more LGBT+ centric TV shows, the B still remains invisible for the most part. Orange is the New Black, one of the most popular shows around, also skirts around using the word bisexual. Piper Chapman, the main character, has had sexual and intimate relations with both a man, her fiance Larry, and a woman, her ex and
sometimes current lover Alex. To an outside observer it seems like the perfect opportunity to feature a bisexual lead on a hit show. Yet Piper is seen as an “ex-lesbian,” when referring to her long term relationship with Alex. Piper can identify as whatever she chooses, but when the lesbian and trans communities are so openly and warmly represented on the show it feels like a missed opportunity. By not uttering the word “bisexual” it makes an entire community feel all the more invisible and contributes to the bi-erasure that trickles down into everyday life. The lack of representation of bisexuals in the media contributes to misinformation being spread. Recently, actress Anna Paquin was ques-
tioned by Larry King on whether or not she could consider herself bisexual now that she was married to a man. Invasive questions are often asked of those who identify as bisexual in an attempt to pigeonhole them. However, this is not limited to the media, it happens in daily interactions as well. Probing questions about how many men and women said person has been with are asked in order to gage “how bisexual they really are,” as if these were not extremely offensive and invasive questions that would never be asked of someone who identifies as heterosexual. The bottom line is that bisexual people exist and should be treated with the respect that would be given to anyone else.
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Campus // Life
Get green groceries at Le Frigo Vert Concordia co-op invites you to come on in and shop, or simply just sit and stay a while Guenevere Neufeld Contributor
“Are you a member of the co-op?” That’s what Le Frigo Vert volunteer Maria Forti asks each customer as she works the cash at Concordia’s co-operatively run food store. Good news is, as a Concordia student, you automatically are. Members, in addition to being vital parts of the community that keeps the co-op running, also benefit from 20 per cent off everything in store. Minutes after opening the doors, Forti alternates between serving customers and stocking the chip shelves. It’s the coffee that draws in the first clients. The co-op’s members are mostly students, and at 50 cents to fill a reusable
mug, it’s cheap. Le Frigo Vert doesn’t exist to make a profit. It began over 20 years ago as a bulk food buying group and expanded to a store where it can best serve its mandate: provide affordable, organic food and environmentally-friendly products to students on campus. They keep their mark-ups low and their shelves stocked. By the time the doors have been open for half an hour, the store has a steady stream of customers buying everything from sprouting seeds to organic cotton tampons. The convenient location just steps away from the Hall building, good prices, and high quality products are what bring in members. It’s not just their regular weekly groceries that members can buy here. “There aren’t a lot of spaces downtown where you can just hang out without hav-
ing to buy anything,” Forti said. The coop’s back room fills that need. Boasting a kitchen to heat up your lunch, a fully stocked bookshelf to peruse, and a newly renovated seating area, the lounge space is also home to workshops throughout the year. “It’s fun to work in a store that also has a mandate to put on a workshop series every year,” Forti said. Past events have included anti-colonial dinners, DIY lotion and cosmetics workshops, and information on herbal remedies. Planning for this year’s workshop schedule is underway. Le Frigo works with organizations around the city dedicated towards important causes such as food justice and the fight against poverty. In the summer months, it’s a drop-off point for local farms’ Community Supported Agriculture baskets. Leftover vegetables are
purchased from the farms and sold in the co-op. The clientele at le Frigo Vert is mostly made up of students. Since they are a feelevy group, Concordia students are automatically members. Membership for nonConcordia students costs $15 per year. The community feel of the place is apparent. This isn’t a store that’s set out to pay for a CEO’s yacht. “We’re a collective,” Forti said. “So many people rely on us for their groceries. It’s really important that we have what they need when they need it.” If you’re interested in getting involved, send an email to yesfrigo@gmail.com. They regularly hold volunteer orientations. Le Frigo Vert is located at 2130 Mackay St.
Frigo Vert sells many different products and offers a place where students can kick back and relax with some coffee. Photo By Navneet Pall.
Column // Life
Keep geekin’ on the cheap Indie bundles keep your geek on, and your wallet full
Jocelyn Beaudet Online editor
G
aming, comic books and even digital copies of novels can get pretty hefty as a hobby. Let’s be honest, the average highend game release usually runs for $60, comic books can be $10 an issue and
books, well, that’s all over the place really. Either way, keeping up with those hobbies can be pretty taxing on your wallet, especially if you’re always looking for something new. If the previous paragraph got your attention, you’re in luck! There’s a handful of ways to keep your geek on, on the cheap, with the help of some great websites. For starters, the most prominent of the bunch is HumbleBundle. The site features weekly sales in the shop, with deals on games for PC and Mac going all the way down to 75 per cent, and bundles for games, books and comics going up every week or two for a “pay what you want” price. Better yet, you can divvy up what-
ever you’ve decided to pay between charity, developers and the site itself. If you’re into indie games, then sites like Indiegala, Bundlestars and BlinkBundle might be right up your alley. These sites often throw five to 10 games together for under $10. Another great resource is isthereanydeal.com, a site that can keep track of specific titles and whatever sales they might be involved in. Either way, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to get some games on the cheap to sandwich between some study sessions. Fancy yourself as more of a book person? Well, check out the StoryBundle site, which usually rotate a handful of books per bundle on specific categories like
mystery, horror, cyberpunk, and what have you. There are literally hundreds of amazing sites like these that can keep your hobbies on the cheap. Having grabbed hundreds of issues of comics from Valiant and Dynamite publishing off of humble bundle, and over a hundred steam games from other bundle sites. I’ve accumulated well over a lifetime’s worth of stuff. Bundles are great, and there’s so many around that it’s impossible to cover them all in just one short article, but if you keep your finger on the trigger, and use a bit of Google magic, you can keep geekin’ on without resorting to eating ramen for the rest of the month.
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Event // Life
Concordia hosts annual bibliophile’s delight Annual Antiquarian Book Fair brings rare items and collector’s knowledge to university milos kovacevic News editor
I
’m holding a $15,000 book in my hands. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece of 1870s French fiction extolling the pastoral life. Its owner half-jokingly introduces it as the very first treehugger novel. I asked if I could open it, hopeful because it wasn’t under lock and key or behind glass, but surprised all the same when the request is accepted – if it was mine, I’d demand latex gloves. The touch, the smell, the handdrawn pictures and binding all speak of a craft inimitable by electronics. Next to it is a self-published sliver of a book by a young and completely unknown Margaret Atwood. Further down along the tables are musty bibles from the 1700s; religious
and political tracts hailing from the Glorious Revolution; limited edition lithographs from famed artists; old maps showing how far Montreal has evolved, yet how little it’s changed. Though not a typical experience, this is what you would find if you attended last weekend’s 31st annual Antiquarian Book Fair, held at the ground floor of the McConnell Library building. The books (and maps) were wide-ranging and multinational in character, and their keepers a colourful bunch. The older books were kept quite in the open, which was unusual. Some were falling apart, but perhaps that was the reason for their display – you keep your real valuables safe and keep a few shiny ones for display. After all, students won’t routinely spend a few hundred dollars on a hard cover. More interesting and rewarding than the literature on display was the chance to speak to their owners and gain insight into
a specialized industry. A relatively modest event of some two dozen participants ranging from as far as Ottawa and Toronto, they were nonetheless friendly and informative. Any bibliophile would find pleasure in discussing literature with them. After a few tables, one gains the barest of footholds in their world. Patterns emerge and similarities became apparent. Cartographers are a political bunch, dealing in visual representations of dominions and empires; the book antiquarians are a patient folk – more than once, I was told it took several decades of diligent service before clients offered their loyalty and the chance at seeing or handling the real treasures. All are ultimately salesmen, eager to cultivate connections but not necessarily open to discussing the tricks of their trade or the specifics of margins and sources. Judging from the median age of the book sellers, it’s not a business easily broken into. “You need about $2 million in stock to get
$200,000 in [yearly] income,” said Wesley Begg of Toronto’s Contract Editions, which specializes in rare books. Despite prohibitive entry costs – or perhaps because of, as those able to sink such resources have substantial sums to fall back upon – Begg thinks the future of the rare and unusual book trade will always exist to cater to a wide array of budgets, from rich patrons to bibliophile student collectors. Not so for regular used book stores, which Begg declares a moribund industry. More nuanced is the opinion on the book industry as a whole: some see highs, others continue to experience tough times. Montreal isn’t Europe or New York when it comes to antique books. We’re not a major stopping point, and the offerings (and prices, which can hit millions of dollars) reflect this, but it’s nice to know Concordia’s library serves and will continue to serve as a gathering place for dusty tomes and their fans.
On offer at the fair: An old mi’kmaq prayer book and a 17th century map of Montreal and the surrounding area. Photos of valuable antique books by Milos Kovacevic
Column // Life
Mim meets Montreal Episode 2: Aussie seeks historical enlightenment Mim Kempson Contributor
M
y great, great (plus a couple more “greats”) grandfather was a pickpocket. No, I’m just kidding. Although, it might be true – after all, Australia was colonized by convicts in 1788. Maybe the late Mr. Kempson was one of them. I wonder, what kinds of people were in the Kempson lineage? On a spontaneously sunny Saturday afternoon (what I learnt is termed an “Indian summer”), my friends took me to visit Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. Its long history and thought-provoking grandeur got me philosophizing on life. While the oratory is often bustling with hundreds of people (it is estimated that two million visit each year), the place somehow radiates a reassuring sense of tranquility. Strolling through the gardens, sitting in the chapel and then gazing at thousands of candles, lit in dedication to Saint Joseph, filled me with a profound sense of peace. In its humble beginnings, the oratory was literally a small chapel, with its blessing taking place in 1904 by Brother André with the help of Brother Abundius and a few lay
friends. Meanwhile, in Australia, colonists were converting their bush huts into terrace houses. The particular spot of land where the Kempsons had pitched their tents a few decades earlier came to be known as Melbourne. Fun fact: Melbourne was the only Australian settlement not founded by convicts, whereas Sydney was originally titled “Sin City” for exact opposite status. Perhaps this means that the first Mr. Kempson didn’t commit a crime after all. Saint-Joseph’s Oratory is certainly worth a visit, whether it be for religious interest, touristic fulfillment, deep and meaningful reflection or caloric combustion (there are 283 steps to climb). You can also kneel on 99 of those steps and make 99 prayers. There’s a separate staircase dedicated to this physically unpleasant exercise, a tradition wherein visitors endure pain in order to pay respect to Jesus Christ, who suffered on the cross. This century-old building instilled in me a curiosity, a desire to investigate my family history. Ironically, there won’t be much investigation. All I have to do is pick up one particular book written by Rachel Kempson, the mother of actress Vanessa Redgrave, which sits upon my Melbourne bookshelf, yet to be read. I also wonder, how many of us younguns of the 21st century actually know our family roots?
Mim takes in the grandeur of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. Photo by Nathalie Laflamme.
arts
Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
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Write to the editor: arts@theconcordian.com Event // ARTS
Walk a mile while wearing someone else’s shoes See Through My Eyes makes you understand what living with a disability is really about fRÉDÉRiC T. MUCKLE Arts editor
A big part of the way we live our lives is a question of perspective. How do you see yourself, the people surrounding you and what you do with what you have? What we call empathy is one of the most beautiful and crucial emotions that human beings are capable of. Yet, we often forget to think about how other people perceive and live through our world. See ____ through my eyes tried to palliate this scarcity of shared understanding. The exhibit organized by Concordia’s Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) presented a unique way to get a glimpse into someone else’s way of life. The artists were all Concordia students registered with the ACSD. Together, they created a mosaic of testimonies about how they experience life--probably a little differently from others. Still, messages of hope and determination that were associated with the photos and pieces of art showed that most of them did not let their disabilities define who they are. What could have been an exhibit about difficulties and differences turned out to be more of an affirmation of one simple fact of life: how you are born and how you grow up to be should not define who you are; the way you see and live your life should.
As Paul Tshuma, one of the artists of the exhibit, explained in a note next to his art, “I may be disabled, but my ability to live life to the fullest is not limited.” Still, various parts of the exhibition showed and described how certain disabilities may affect one’s day-to-day routine. It may be confusion for some, others may have trouble with daily tasks, and some may be forced to continuously adapt to their illness. Nonetheless, most of these statements also bring up one very important point: one should never be determined by his or her disability. After all, are we not all subject to bad experiences in our lives? This does not mean that the weight and seriousness of a disability or illness can be equalled to the everyday anxieties of the average John and Jane Doe. But in the end, it is possible for anybody to overcome a problem with a bit of help and a lot of determination. To quote artist Christina Tricarico, “you determine your path, not your disability.” See ____ through my eyes made an attempt of raising awareness by allowing the people concerned in these issues to share what it really is like dealing with a disability or an illness. It successfully achieves its goal. It also was definitely more creative and enjoyable for the viewer than dry descriptions and numbers explained by people in white blouses. Fortunately, this kind of participatory creative project seems to be a
growing trend, according to the ACSD. The exhibition can also be seen simply as an opportunity for students to express themselves. Painting, photography and writing can allow the artist inside us a way to better understand ourselves. It also can be used as a form of catharsis. It can help us live through difficult moments of our lives. People need ways to deal with reality, and art, in all its forms, can help. Azalia Shahidi Kaviani successfully described this in the note accompanying her work: “I found deep peace in my heart in
art. That is also one of the reasons why I started to paint. When I paint, I feel like flying like a bird in the heavens.” Let’s be honest, at some point in our lives we all deserve to be able to let go. Especially when you are a living example of courage and determination, just like the talented artists of See ____ through my eyes. For more information about Concordia’s Access Centre for Students and possible upcoming events, visit the concordia.ca/ students/accessibility.
CONNECT WITH YOUR PASSIONS,
ENGAGE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY! the artists presented understandings oF their own disabilities. photos by Frederic t. muckle.
Connect with 50 organizations at the VOLUNTEER FAIR October 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., J.W. McConnell (LB) Building Atrium Attend a workshop October 30: LAUNCH YOUR CAREER, VOLUNTEER! November 5: STRATEGIC VOLUNTEERING Visit your on-campus Volunteer Resource Centre! (H-608) Concordia LIVE Centre
volunteer.concordia.ca
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Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Comedy // arts
Aamer Rahman keeps them rolling in the aisles The Truth Hurts made for a highly entertaining and political night of comedic stand-up Krystina Scenna Contributor
If you enjoy the rawness and unapologetic nature of political comedy, then Aamer Rahman’s free comedy show The Truth Hurts is the stand-up for you. Terrorism and racism are touchy subjects, and joking about them can spark heated argument among people. Surprisingly, the audience at the comedy show was ecstatic, and quite pleased, to hear a man of Bangladeshi origin, who spent most of his life in Australia, shining the spotlight on racist white people and cracking jokes about some of the most controversial topics. He seems to be a spinoff of Russell Peters in that respect. “Tonight I will be making jokes about terrorism, but I’m completely opposed to it,” Rahman clarified. While his subject matter may be risque, it is clear that Rahman’s intentions are aimed at raising awareness and poking fun at racial prejudices. For instance, the infamous Boston Marathon bombing that occurred last spring was soon to be transformed into comic relief. “I didn’t care how many people died, I didn’t care how many people got injured,” Rahman said. “I had one thought in my mind the entire time: whoever finds out who did this, please be white!” All jokes aside, there is certainly more to Rahman’s comedy than just a series of witty jokes and laughter. Rahman educated his viewers on the gravity of current social-
political issues in the Middle East and in Australia. “The Australian government recently changed the law to make it easier to publish [a] hate speech,” he said. Naturally, most audience members shook their heads in disbelief. Some even shouted hate at the prime minister of Australia, Tony Abbott. Rahman soon lightened the mood by recounting a moment when he and his cousin from Bangladesh went to a heavy metal concert. “These people looked like Orcs from Lord of the Rings,” he said. He added that they saw a woman in a black sleeveless dress with a tattoo of a portrait of Adolf Hitler on her arm. “I felt at that moment time stopped and that tattoo of Adolf Hitler locked eyes with me and said ‘have a nice night’.” This was followed by loud laughter and a standing ovation. Rahman’s career in comedy began by accident. “My friend Nazeem started doing comedy at an open mic competition and I just copied him,” he said. He always took interest in political protests as a law student at Monash University, and the comedy prompted him to express these issues to a larger audience. “I used to be involved in a lot of different types of activism so when I started doing comedy I just started talking about those things.”Rahman is currently finishing up his North American tour of The Truth Hurts and will be doing another one next year. Follow Rahman on Facebook and Twitter @aamer_rahman for more.
Rahman is using his interest in political and social issues to birng light and laughter to flaws.
Theatre // arts
Singing and dancing for a place in your heart Motion of Movies is a rollicking musical set in the silent movie era Matt D’Amours Contributor
It was a packed house this Saturday at the Calixa-Lavallée Centre, for a performance of the musical comedy Merton of the Movies. Within the crowd of eager musical theatre aficionados, there sat at least one person who could not accurately be called a fan of the art form: this very writer. But over the two-hour performance, that didn’t stop me from having one hell of a good time! Merton of the Movies tells the story of Merton Gill, a general store clerk who moves to Hollywood with grand ambitions of becoming a silent movie star in the 1920s. The lovable character was played by Jerome Roy, whose sincere and innocent performance immediately endeared him to the crowd. From Gill’s first number about his dreams of silver screen success, Roy had the whole room smiling from ear to ear. Gill eventually meets Flips Montague, a seasoned – and somewhat jaded – actress who instantly falls for his hopeless, wideeyed naiveté. Actress Tina Mancini carried the role of Montague with an endless supply of spunk, providing a satisfying coun-
ter-balance to Gill’s underdog persona. The two were joined by a stellar supporting cast, who took on multiple and varied roles, each with equal determination and enthusiasm. This was further bolstered by impressive vocal performances from all those involved – including a few harmonies that tapped directly into my spine for a fresh infusion of chills. Much of the success of Merton of the Movies goes to the inspired script written by Doug Katsaros and Donald Brenner, and the focused direction of Stephen Pietrantoni. The sets and props may have been modest in nature, but this ultimately served to highlight the feel-good story and the infectious rhythm of the show. The writers, actors and director also deserve credit for a mature experience overall. Merton of the Movies was sweet, but not saccharine; irreverent, not farcical; moving without being melodramatic. Toward the end of the show, Gill’s inner voice (taking the form of an entertainment journalist) extols the pleasures of his chosen craft: “To touch [the audience] and, yes, to lift them up for a single moment, make them forget their troubles and…laugh!” The show’s greatest achievement was living up to those words, even with a relative stranger to musical theatre such as me. Just as Gill ended up winning over Hollywood, I was quickly won over by Merton of the Movies. More information about the show and The Next Wave: New Musical Theatre Festival can be found at cetm.ca.
Jerome Roy’s performance immediately endeared him to the crowd. Photo by Danica Couture.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
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Film Festival // arts
Film festival: lights, camera, take action MIBFF gives new meaning to the term “moving picture” for its 10th anniversary Sofia Misenheimer Contributor
The 2014 Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) wrapped up over the weekend, leaving patrons and aspiring filmmakers in anticipation of next year’s program. The festival screened nearly 100 independent films from around the world, many of which exposed festivalgoers to unfamiliar, and often uncomfortable, social commentaries. But the chilling themes of racial exploitation and gender violence that pervaded these MIBFF films were meant to move viewers, and inspire them to combat social injustice. “The role of this festival is to educate audiences on black realities all over the world,” said Fabienne Colas, MIBFF founder and president. “The films we screen are meant to make you think.” The festival opened with Hope, a gripping narrative feature by French writerdirector Boris Lojkine. Though Hope starts as a seemingly expectant tale of characters in pursuit of new beginnings, viewers must quickly adjust to the reality of harsh migrant life. The film follows the arduous journey of Cameroonian man, Léonard, and Nigerian woman, Hope, in their pursuit of an idealized European future. They meet while crossing the Sahara Desert, when Léonard instinctively defends Hope from the unwanted attentions of an aggressive fellow migrant. Following her later rape and abandonment by another traveler, the two form a pragmatic bond. They slowly fall in love, but their relationship is violently tested in each ruthless underworld they encounter over the course of the film. Audience members seemed widely
Spike Lee received MIBFF inaugural Pioneer Award in recognition of his body of work. Photo by Sofia Misenheimer. shocked by the film’s tragic progression and heartbreaking conclusion. This is understandable considering most Western blockbusters condition viewers to expect a happy ending. “Writing this story was not easy for me,” Lojkine said at a Q&A session after the premiere. The director described the years he spent researching migration through Northern Africa to lend authenticity to his film. “I learned that hope is what pushes these people,” he said. That certainly comes across throughout the film, thanks to exceptional performances by an entirely non-professional cast. In fact, Lojkine chose real-life African migrants, who survived many of the same experiences as their fictional counterparts, to play the film’s protagonists.
Of course, hope and social commentary were ongoing MIBFF themes. At a press conference last Wednesday, writer-director Spike Lee expressed hope for the future of the film industry. “When we have more people of colour in the room deciding what gets made and what doesn’t get made, [we’ll] have more diversity [of] subject matter,” he said. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Lee’s hallmark film, Do the Right Thing, 20 years since Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa, and five years since Barack Obama became the first black American president. But the world has not changed enough for the better, according to Lee. “25 years ago I never would have
thought there would be a black president… but there are more African Americans who are in poverty... [and] there’s a greater divide between the have and have-nots,” he said. With that in mind, it seems clear that Canada’s largest black film festival has every reason to expose viewers to eye-opening realities that may inspire them to change the status quo. “Each film we play is relevant, has a purpose… [and] will touch people’s souls,” Colas said. After all, knowledge and empathy, whether acquired from personal experience or from a moving film, is the only catalyst for widespread social activism and eventual change.
Exhibit // arts
From loud and intense music to still and silent art Anvil’s drummer puts down his drum sticks to a moment in order to deliver art exhibition Sara King-Abadi Staff writer
Robb Reiner is not only the drummer of the Canadian heavy metal band Anvil, but also a talented painter. His works, simple oil on canvas stills, are on display for the first time at the Silent Metal exhibit at the BBAM! Gallery. Gallery owner Ralph Alfonso spearheaded the exhibit. Alfonso was the band’s publicist with Attic Records at the beginning of the metal phenomenon in the ‘80s, when Anvil was enjoying moderate success. The band’s story is documented in the 2009 film, The Story of Anvil. The film not only led to a second coming of Anvil, but the exposure of Reiner as a visual artist. There is a scene in the film where Reiner shows his studio. “Robb showed his paintings and I was flabbergasted. I worked with him and I had no idea he was a painter,” said Alfonso. Reiner hasn’t displayed his art in other galleries because it’s not for sale. He believes that if he sells his work it then “becomes a job.” For Reiner, the art is therapeutic. He relaxes in his studio, listens to music and paints, producing maybe three works per year. Reiner has produced a total of 52 paintings. Another reason Reiner does not sell his
work is that he intends to leave it to his son one day, “when it’ll probably be worth way more than now,” Reiner joked. Vibrant, smooth lines and rich colours portray different locations and still-life objects: the Anvil drum kit, a set of twin beds, a diner. Oh, and two portraits of bowel movements. Somehow, even the toilet bowl paintings are touching. Reiner’s art feels like an old friend. The inspiration behind Reiner’s paintings are photographs he takes while on tour with Anvil. Reiner removes not only people, but birds, lights and any other fringe details from the photos when he sketches then paints them. The simplicity of the paintings allows the humanity to speak for itself. Besides, every painting actually has a living subject, and that is Reiner. “I’m in every painting, I’m the one who took the photo, so I’m in it,” Reiner said. “If you’re familiar with the work of Edward Hopper it’s kind of like that except there’s no people,” said Alfonso. He is referring to the artist behind “Nighthawks,”, the famous painting of a couple sitting at the bar of a diner that is universally recognizable. And indeed, Reiner’s work has a similar haunting loneliness. The paintings reflect the dichotomy of Reiner’s character, said Alfonso. The music he creates is loud and intense, yet his painting are still. There is a comfortable calmness
to all 12 of the paintings from the curated exhibit.
Silent Metal is running from Sept. 25 - Oct. 6 at the BBAM! Gallery, 3255 St-Jacques St.
From music to painting, Reiner works with differents mediums. Photo by Sara King-Abadi.
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Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
music Write to the editor: music@theconcordian.com
Profile // MUSiC
Christopher Owens owns our hearts The former Girls frontman offers up advice to those hesitating about pursuing their dreams MiA PEARSon Music editor
“I’m a little nervous,” Christopher Owens said in a YouTube video, while he sat in his San Francisco bedroom about to perform his song, “Oh My Love,” alone with his acoustic guitar back in 2010. Maybe it’s Owens’ soft boyish voice over his delicate guitar playing. Maybe it’s his perfectly crafted lyrics—“You never said you might be leaving, you never let-on with those eyes. You always said it was forever, you always told such pretty lies”—but Owens writes love songs like no other. Even if there’s no one special in your life, his songs hit you in such a way that will have you falling in love with the nearest lamppost for two minutes and 30 seconds. “The important thing for me is to write honest songs—lyrically. I start from a very simple, honest place and then it seems to go pretty smoothly from there,” Owens explained. The former Girls frontman just released his second solo album, A New Testament, which strays from the songwriter’s indierock sound. A New Testament is a country album—perhaps a nod to Owens’ move to Texas after his tumultuous childhood. Owens grew up travelling the world with his family, who were members of the Children of God New Religious Movement. They strictly observed the church’s rules: his brother died at the age of four due to the church’s reluctance to use any modern medical assistance. The song “Stephen” off the new album is about the loss of his brother. At the age of 16, Owens ran away from the church and followed his sister to Texas. He spent nine years there, working backroom jobs, and eventually was hired by wealthy oil tycoon and artist, Stanley Marsh III, as his personal assistant. Marsh’s guidance and role as a father-figure helped sooth the turmoil of the young musician’s heart and mind. With Owens’ move to San Francisco, the rest is history—his widely popular band Girls, his solo debut, Lysandre, and now A New Testament. Though the ears of our generation are less attuned to gospel and country-sounding music, the songwriter’s honesty spills out of
“
owens’ new album, A neW teStAMent, will be released sept. 30. photo oF christopher owens by annie thornton. the album between the guitar and bass riffs’ southern drawls. Everything Owens writes is a window into his life—the album isn’t just a group of catchy songs, but an insight into his mind. He becomes, in his solo career, a musical auteur. Perhaps we’re drawn to his music because he feels so deeply, but also because he possesses the talent for communicating those feelings so beautifully. “There’s love that hits you like a ton of bricks, all at once, that can really throw you off or come as a surprise. There’s love that slowly builds and grows on you or comes from somewhere unexpected. I’ve experienced both—I think maybe that’s why I’ve
There’s love that hits you like a ton of bricks, all at once, that can really throw you off or come as a surprise. There’s love that slowly builds and grows on you or comes from somewhere unexpected. i’ve experienced both—i think maybe that’s why i’ve come to respect the feeling of love. - Christopher Owens
come to respect the feeling of love. I think it’s not just one thing: not only romantic or only dramatic. It’s an intricate part of life... It’s just something that, throughout life, you’ll see in so many different ways—over and over again,” he explained. In different words, and to reference some Girls lyrics, Owens has a bony body and a mushy soul. He’s been at the bottom: at one point in Texas, he fell into the die-hard punk scene, and got a Bad Brains tattoo. He’s been famously quoted in The Guardian back in 2011 as calling heroin “the drug you can only relate to as the warmest hug you’ve ever received.” The pop-star, who found his calling in writing songs at the age of 28, speaks candidly to those with a passion or fire burning inside them—especially to those who see the fire dwindling. He speaks to The Concordian while walking down a street in D.C., his words beaming from the phone speaker: “Without trying to sound too cliché, I would say: ‘don’t give up—hang in there,’ because those things are important. If you are somebody who’s actually going through a crisis with your dreams… I think the bigger disaster would be to just settle for some type of life without a passion or without a purpose. It can be brutal—it can take ages— sometimes an entire lifetime,” he said.
“Just make sure that you’re looking at everything. For a long time I wanted to be a painter and it was very important to me; I never achieved that. I never found a good feeling for painting; I never had any good ideas. But then songwriting came along and I was able to let [painting] go because I realized I had a general need to express myself— it didn’t have to be through painting. Maybe, sometimes, people can get fixated on finding themselves in one way, maybe it doesn’t have to be like that. It comes from somewhere unexpected sometimes,” he said. “So, basically, don’t give up on the greater goal of fulfillment or happiness. It’s hard to talk about these things without sounding cliché. But it’s true; you should not give up.” The Concordian: Are you in love with love? Owens: “I do appreciate love and I think love is better than anger or hate. To say someone’s in love with love—I don’t know what they’re saying. I’ll take it but I’ll just have to accept it as a general compliment.” “It’s hard to talk about love,” Owens says, but he makes love seem effortless to sing about. Owens plays Petit Campus on Sept. 30.
Tuesday, september 30, 2014
Profile // music
ODESZA’s audible odyssey continues
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Quick Spins
The duo’s new album, w, is music that suits any scene in your life Jordie Yeager Contributor
Picture yourself frolicking on a beach in slow motion, the sun refracting through cotton candy clouds and bouncing off the water, polaroid-style light-leaks filling up the sky; that’s how ODESZA’s music feels. It’s hard to find a decent electronic song that you can listen to on the bus to school, in the shower, and while having a drink or three on a Friday night. It’s even harder to find an entire album of those songs. But that is exactly what In Return ODESZA’S new album, is. Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, the duo who make up ODESZA, met through a mutual friend in their senior year at Western Washington University in Seattle. They clicked instantly, fitting together like audible puzzle pieces. “We were the only people who were making electronic music at our college, really,” said Mills. “We just kind of sat down one day and jammed, and it went so well that we decided to make a project out of it. That actually became our first album.” With electronic music ever on the rise, it can be hard to establish a distinct sound without alienating your audience or creating a niche. But ODESZA manages to do just that – they stand apart well enough to earn them a dedicated fan base, yet their sound is sufficiently familiar to appeal to everyone. Since their debut album, Summer’s Gone, though, the seeds of their sound have sprouted. With In Return, fans can expect a better-defined, more mature version of that recognizable sound. “I think each album and EP we’ve done has been us trying something new in one way or another,” said Mills. “This one was
definitely us trying to see if we could make a more song-based album. We actually have verses and choruses, and we worked with people to actually do vocals instead of just sampling songs.” While song-making can be a lengthy process, Mills and Knight do it with speed reflective of their rise to popularity. “What takes a while is finding the right singer and kind of going back and forth with them,” said Mills. “In general, we usually come up with ideas in the first day we’re jamming together, but all the detail work seems to take a bit longer.” Some of their best-known songs aren’t originals, though, but remixes, and their mixing process is a different one altogether. “It helps to not listen to the original song and actually listen to the individual stems by themselves – so, like, vocal, percussion, guitar, whatever – because we don’t want it to sound like what it originally was,” said Mills. “We want to really make an entirely new song out of the base that they’ve given us. And I think that’s what makes a good remix, too: if it’s recognizable but also completely different. Something we strive for in the remixes is to make it feel like a really unique song in itself.” This focused, defined way of doing things has made ODESZA a name that gets more recognition with each new release. They played both Osheaga and Shambhala this year, to name just a couple festivals, and they’re just getting started. Since their formation in 2012, they’ve released two studio albums and an EP – one album for each year of their existence. And coming out with so much music so quickly has paid off: just this month, they reached number one on Billboard’s dance/electronic album chart. But similar to that dream-like, ethereal beach scene, fame doesn’t quite seem real yet to Mills and Knight.
“I don’t think we’ve had any time to really soak it in, ‘cause we’ve been busy for the last two years straight,” said Mills. “We were working on the album the whole time we were touring, so there was never a moment to rest. Now that the album’s out, everything’s picked up and doubled back, so we’ve kind of just been constantly on the move – we’re either working on a remix, working on an original song, or on tour. But it’s a good thing, because we like to stay focused, keep working as hard as we can, and utilize the opportunity that we’ve been given.” Part of that opportunity includes the chance to collaborate with impressive names in the music scene. “Everyone we tour with has influenced us in a positive way. When you get to meet and talk to people that have inspired your music, you realize how much of a normal human they are,” Mills laughed. “Hearing their workflow and getting to pick their brains is really just an honour. Definitely one that stands out to me is Bonobo – seeing how humble he is and how talented he is was really inspiring. He’s like a god to me. A musician god.” While their ascent to fame has been rapid, it wasn’t always that way. Their advice to any aspiring musicians? “Play to the one person dancing. We really needed that when we first started out – we would focus on the 20 kids in the front who were only there for the headliner, when we were the 7 p.m. opening act. And to the audience: “It doesn’t really matter how stupid you look if you’re dancing and enjoying yourself. Those people have way more… what’s the word? Way more balls than anyone standing at the back and head bopping.”
John Southworth - Niagara (Tin Angel Records; 2014) John Southworth definitely has the capacity to surprise us with the wide range of musical styles on his latest album, Niagara. However, despite his efforts and talent for many music genres, the album itself lacks cohesion. It sounds more like a collection of music that aims to put you in a state of relaxation than like a complete work. Some tracks stand out, such as “Fiddler Crossed the Border” or “Folk Art Cathedral.” The album would have benefitted from sounding like those songs, with their folk/blues rock sound and Leonard Cohen-inspired female backing vocals. Southworth is well respected for his his ability to recreate the sounds of some legendary folk artists, but he still needs to work on making an LP sound complete. There were some tracks that sounded really genuine and dynamic, but there were some throw-off tracks such as “Ode to Morning” and the opening track, “Niagara Falls.” Those songs fell short because of their generic structure and uncreative lyrics. Trial Track: “Fiddler Crossed the Border”
5/10
-Lan Thockchom
Catch ODESZA at Le Belmont on Oct. 5.
Paolo Nutini - Caustic Love (Atlantic; 2014) Already one of the fastest-selling albums of 2014 on the UK charts, with 109,000 copies sold in its first week, Caustic Love, is a masterpiece. The 27-year-old, Scottish-Italian singer-songwriter rose to fame alongside Amy Winehouse, yet never achieved her credibility—until now. With his signature raspy vocals and retrosoul swagger, Nutini exudes confidence and maturity beyond his years with his third album. Though steeped in vintage sound and channelling R&B legends like Curtis Mayfield, James Brown and Bill Withers, this album displays a tasteful level of restraint and contemporary pop sensibility that transcends its retro labeling. Caustic Love is more than a collection of chart-topping singles: it is a coherent and innovative album for its genre, by an artist who has finally found his identity and the critical success he deserves. Trail Track: “Iron Sky”
Check-out the band’s new album, In Return. They’ll be playing their new songs Oct. 5 at Le Belmont. Photo of ODESZA by Tonje Thilesen.
9/10
-Paul Traunero
sports 14
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Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
Write to the editor: sports@theconcordian.com Profile // SPoRTS
Concordia’s king of the hill Star pitcher Andre Lagarde is almost unhittable when he’s on the mound
Sports in the News SAfiA AhMAD Contributor
>> HABS PRE-SEASON ENDING THIS WEEK
With three games left in the pre-season, the Montreal Canadiens roster is beginning to take shape. After inviting 64 players to the regular training camp, nearly half of them are Hamilton-bound. Among the forwards still on the team are Jiri Sekac and Jacob de la Rose. Defensemen Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi, and goaltender Dustin Tokarski will also be given a chance to prove themselves during the next three games.
>> WEEK FIVE NFL SEASON PREVIEW
Week five of the NFL season begins with the Green Bay Packers hosting division rivals Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Stadium on Thursday night. Both teams will look to continue their winning ways, as both are coming off wins in a tight NFC north division thus far. Other notable match-ups include the Arizona Cardinals visiting the offensive powerhouse Denver Broncos. This will be a good test for the Cards, who are off to a strong 3-0 start in a competitive NFC West division. Finally, the New England Patriots will be hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night in prime time.
MATT Di MARCo Contributor
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very starting rotation needs a go-to pitcher: a dominating presence on the mound, with an arsenal that can deliver a gem when called upon. For the Concordia Stingers baseball team, that man is veteran pitcher Andre Lagarde. Armed with a devastating fastball, Lagarde is Concordia’s ace. Entering his fifth year with the Stingers, Lagarde’s most recent victory came at the expense of the McGill Redmen, at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park in Côte-Saint-Luc on Sept. 23. The southpaw fired a stat line of five innings pitched, two hits given up, zero earned runs, six walks and six strikeouts. Numbers that good are enough to give any team a sure-fire win. Lagarde’s advantage on the diamond is not hard to spot. His velocity is a cut above and it is an asset that his long-time head coach, Howard Schwartz, has had the privilege to watch. “The guy throws gas,” said Schwartz, recalling his first encounter with Lagarde. “I watched him throw and noticed he had very tight mechanics.” Schwartz’s first piece of coaching advice to Lagarde had nothing to do with how
he threw the baseball, which can reach up to 90 miles per hour on the radar gun. Lagarde’s natural talent would evolve over his first year under the watchful eye of Schwartz. “I told him that he needed to breathe. Relax. Mental focus,” said Schwartz. Lagarde’s emergence as a force on the mound is only half his story. Concordia’s ace is also a solid contributor at the plate and his speed is a catcher’s nightmare when running the base paths. When he’s not on the mound, he’s playing stellar defense in center field and putting that arm to use. Lagarde forces opposing runners to think twice about scoring an easy run from second base. “He’s a joy to watch play,” said Schwartz. “He’s a special character. He’s funny, and a bit of a loose cannon.” His value to the team goes beyond statistics, however. Schwartz wasn’t shy or hesitant about what Lagarde means to the Stingers. “He’s our backbone, our captain. He’s a role model and he respects the game.” Like all players, Lagarde has aspects of his game that he needs to improve on. A starting pitcher needs to be composed even in the tightest moments. “He needs to control his intensity,” said Schwartz. Lagarde sometimes lets that fire emerge
>> JETER SAYS GOODBYE
Last Thursday night, in his final home game at Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter was nothing short of spectacular. After the Yankees trailed 5-2, they battled back and the game was tied 5-5 in the bottom of the ninth as Jeter stepped up to the plate. With a man on second, Jeter slapped a walk-off single and the stadium erupted. It seemed scripted, but for a man who ruled New York City for so many years, it was fitting. Over the weekend, the Yankees were in Boston to close out the season. The future Hall of Famer did suit up, but was used sparingly. Like the true professional he was, he wanted his last memories on the diamond to be in front of his home crowd. Now, after 20 years in pinstripes, the baseball world says goodbye. Farewell, captain.
as he winds up For a pitch, making batters miss is lagarde’s specialty. photo by keVin raFtery.
after striking out or giving up a walk, but it is the nature of a true athlete who is immersed in his passion. That flash of selfannoyance comes from the same place that his respect for the game is rooted: a sincere love of baseball and his team. Any doubters need only ask to see his jersey number tattooed on his ribcage in Concordia colours. Drawing comparisons wouldn’t be quite fair. Lagarde, as you can tell, is unique. You can spot him a mile away by his six-footthree, 210-pound frame. Coach Schwartz likened Lagarde’s work ethic and the respect he earned from his teammates to that of Derek Jeter. As for his untouchable fastball? “Nolan Ryan or Randy Johnson,” said Schwartz. Lagarde’s respect for the game doesn’t come without a hint of swagger. After shutting down McGill’s batters for an afternoon, Lagarde couldn’t help but admire his work. “I gave them six free base runners and they couldn’t score a single earned run off of me.” Lagarde is just as competitive off the baseball diamond as he is on it. Having graduated last year with a Bachelor’s in Statistics with a 3.40 GPA, Lagarde’s joy of learning led him to enroll in further classes this fall. Schwartz realized that his star pupil, now in his final season as a varsity athlete, will have to move on. “He’ll be one of the players that will be sorely missed,” said Schwartz. Schwartz noted that he never forgets anyone he coaches, but that Lagarde has had such an impact on the Stingers, forgetting him would be impossible. There’s a star in our midst who tosses gems on the regular. He is one shining reason, out of many, to check out a Stingers game. Their exciting brand of baseball is only amplified when Lagarde is mowing down batters with overwhelming efficacy. Concordia’s next game is on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. when they travel to McGill to square off against the Redmen.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
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Soccer // sports
Stingers score late to spoil Carabins win
Although they remain winless, a wild ending gives Concordia their fourth tie of the season Elias Laradi Staff writer
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he Concordia Stingers men’s soccer team was still looking for their first win of the season when they hosted Université de Montréal on Friday, Sept. 26. After three draws and two losses to open the season, the Stingers still can’t catch a break. Once again, Concordia played hard to earn a 1-1 draw against the Carabins. The game got off to strong start for both teams as each had chances in the early stages. Good opportunities on net were met by even better goaltending and stiff defense. Although it was an up-and-down first half, neither team could finish their attacks and both squads went into the halftime without a goal. The second half started with a relentless Carabins attack. Looking to get the first goal of the game, the Carabins were determined to get through Concordia’s defense. Luckily for the Stingers, goaltender Wes Aucoin stood in the way and made some incredible saves to keep the score tied at 0-0. Ten minutes into the second half, the Carabins finally got on the board when Maxime Laurey set up his fellow midfielder, Adama Sissoko, who beat Aucoin to open the scoring and give the Carabins a 1-0 lead. The Stingers pushed hard to equal the score as they dominated possession and got multiple shots on net. It looked as if Concordia was on their way to their third
loss of the season. Late in the game the Stingers looked down and out, but their tenacity eventually paid off. In extra time, to the dismay of the Carabins players and coaches, the Stingers were given a free kick just outside the box. Stingers defenseman Stephen Meterissian stepped up and delivered a kick that sent the ball sailing into the net after being deflected by one the Carabins defenseman. After the ensuing kickoff, the referee signaled the end of the game, and that’s when things turned ugly.
Carabins players, coaches, and even parents came onto the field to protest the call of the goal, arguing that there was interference with the goalkeeper as the ball went into the back of the net. Stingers goalkeeper coach Nicholas Giannone had to step in to stop a fight between the Carabins coach and the referee. “I think it was a crazy match honestly, it was good for the fans and we’re actually happy with the point but it shows there is a lot of work to be done and we
just didn’t capitalize on our chances,” said Giannone. After his last-minute goal, Meterissian was relieved that something finally went their way. “It felt good to get that goal late in the game. Our issue was [that] we couldn’t score on our chances but I liked how we kept the pressure and we kept pushing and creating offense,” Meterissian said. Hopefully, this is a sign of good things to come as the Stingers head into the second half of the season.
Under the dusk sky, the Stingers and the Carabins tied 1-1 in a spirited back-and-forth match. Photo by Nikolas Litzenberger.
Soccer // sports
Stingers play to draw against the Carabins
The women’s team shut down one of the best teams in the country and earn a valuable point Elias Laradi Staff writer
The Concordia Stingers women’s soccer team was looking to add another win on the season when they hosted the Carabins from Université de Montréal on Friday, Sept. 26. Heading into the game, the Carabins were the fifth best team in the country with an undefeated record of 5-0-1. Although it wasn’t a win, the Stingers fought hard for a well-deserved 0-0 draw. The first half was a tight affair as both teams started with chances to open the scoring, but good goalkeeping and solid defense by both teams kept the game scoreless. Even within the first few minutes of the match, spectators could tell that this was going to be defensive battle. The Carabins have relied on their highpowered offense to win games this season, but on Friday, the Stingers’ defense refused to break. By the end of the first half each team had their chances to score, but both sides failed to capitalize on their opportunities. The second half started with an all-out attack by the Carabins as they searched to break the deadlock. Concordia’s goalkeeper Maria Kaperonis kept her team in the game by saving every shot that came her way. By the end of the night, Kapero-
nis and her defensive unit would hand the Carabins their first goalless match of the season. The best chance the Stingers had was when defenseman Lindsey Brooks took possession from her own defensive zone into the Carabins box, only to be turned aside by Carabins goalkeeper Sarah Boucher. The game opened up with a back-andforth pace as both teams pushed for the opening goal, but neither team could find the back of the net. After the game, Stingers head coach Jorge Sanchez was impressed with the draw and pleased with how his team played against such a strong opponent. Although both teams headed into this game looking for a win, the Stingers can be proud of their play against the Carabins. “We played a really good first half. I think we dominated them and we had 70 per cent possession,” he said. “I feel like we didn’t play a good second half but I’m happy we stole a point off the fifth best team in the country.” Brooks was by far the player of the game and, like her coach, was pleased with how her team played. “It was honestly a great effort,” she said. “I feel like I did my job. We knew we were playing the fifth best team in the country. I feel like we put in the work and it was a good team effort, and I felt we were solid on defense.”
The Stingers next home game is on Wednesday, Oct. 3, versus the Univer-
sité du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) at 6:30 p.m.
Carabins were held scoreless for the first time this season. Photo by Elysia-Marie Campbell.
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Tuesday, september 30, 2014
Rugby // sports
Gee Gees hand the Stingers their first loss In a battle between two undefeated teams, Ottawa defeats Concordia in 30-7 game Peggy Kabeya Contributor
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ith conference championship aspirations on the line, the Concordia Stingers Women’s rugby team pitted their undefeated 4-0 record against the seventhranked team in the country, the Ottawa Gee Gees, early Sunday afternoon at Loyola. Entering the game as the sixth ranked team in the nation, the Stingers had high hopes. A veteran team captained by fourthyear flanker Hughanna Gaw, the Stingers uncharacteristically stumbled out of the gate in the early going. “Ottawa came out on fire, and we came out a little slow,” said Gaw after the game. The imposing Gee Gees dominated possession throughout the first half, opening the scoring with a successful penalty kick conversation that put them up 3-0. Despite the lopsided time on attack differential, Concordia’s offense was sparked by a big run from speedy sophomore center Alexandra Tessier, giving the Stingers a 7-3 lead. However, the lead was short-lived. Costly turnovers were the story of the day for the stingers, as Ottawa capitalized and subsequently jumped ahead to a 15-7 lead on a goal-line score from Gee Gees fourth year scrumhalf Erin Van Gulik. The Gee Gees continued to roll in the second half, overwhelming the Stingers as they dictated possession and forced key
turnovers. The Stingers untimely giveaways deep in their zone set up easy scores for Ottawa as the battle of the undefeated ended in a 30-7 rout for the visiting side. “This is the best I’ve seen this team play,” said Jen Boyd, the Gee Gees secondyear head coach. When asked if the previously undefeated Stingers squad had underestimated this weeks competition, veteran head coach Graeme McGravie responded emphatically against the notion. “No definitely not, we know how good they are. They’ve beaten some pretty good teams. We knew exactly what to expect,” said McGravie. After a lack of intensity in this week’s poor showing, Coach McGravie admired the way Ottawa came out ready to play. “We had a real lack of urgency today and a lack of intensity, [the Gee Gees] were probably foaming at the mouth today when they got on the bus, and we weren’t,” said McGravie. Despite his discontent with his team’s lackluster performance, Coach McGravie remained confident when thinking about the prospects of the team’s future this season. “[We’re] going to go over film and going to go over what we need to do as coaches, and we’re going to bounce back fine next week,” said McGravie. Next up on the docket, the Stingers look to right the ship and get their championship pursuit back on track as they host the Laval Rouge et Or Sunday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. at the Loyola Campus.
Emily Hickson bursts up the field against Ottawa. Photo by Andrej Ivanov.
Baseball // sports
Stingers stumble late to give Redmen a comeback win Concordia’s pitching gave up seven runs in the last two innings in a tough loss to the Redmen Sam Obrand Contributor
The Concordia Stingers baseball team saw their four-game winning streak come to an end this Sunday afternoon as they dropped a 7-2 decision to the McGill Redmen. The loss was the first game of a doubleheader against McGill played at Gary Carter Field in Côte-Saint-Luc. According to Stingers Manager Howie Schwartz, the loss against the Redmen doesn’t call for any adjustments. “We’re 1-1 as far as I’m concerned against them, and we have three more games to play against them,” said Schwartz. “I have confidence in my team, I know my guys are great ball players and they’re really solid, and if they keep their focus, we should be fine.” The first two innings saw both teams employ similar strategies. Concordia and McGill’s defenses both anticipated each play with high intensity, leaving hardly any room for an earned run, keeping the score at a 0-0 tie in the process. Stingers starting pitcher Nick Harrison did his part early on, forcing the first out on a pop fly and earning two consecutive strikeouts for a McGill three-up, threedown first inning. The bottom half of the inning began with a leadoff single from Stingers shortstop Matthew Litwin. Litwin attempted
to steal second-base, but was picked off by McGill’s starter Ryan Kramer. Kramer would then walk outfielder Andre Lagarde, setting up first baseman Jean-Christophe Paquin for a two-run hit deep to right field, clearing the fence for a 2-0 Stingers lead. The lead would stand steady until the sixth inning until McGill outfielder James
Pavelick kicked off the top of the sixth with a leadoff single. Infielder Robert Sedin then sent a jack off a Harrison pitch, tying the ball game with a two-run homerun to left field. McGill’s hot bats continued into the top of the seventh inning, with a leadoff double from first baseman James Vardy setting
the tone. Outfielder Alexander Levis then drove a single past Concordia’s infield, sending Vardy to third. Concordia called upon Lagarde, also a left-handed pitcher, to relieve Harrison from his duties. Following the single, third Baseman Zachary Aaron hit an RBI double, allowing Vardy to trot home, giving the Redmen a 3-2 lead. With two outs and the bases loaded after a Pavelick walk to first, center fielder Adam Gordon went deep to left field on the first pitch, earning a grand slam and extending McGill’s lead 7-2. McGill’s defense capped off the game after Concordia’s last half inning, ensuring a 7-2 win. “We had [McGill] on the ropes and we didn’t execute on a couple of plays, made a few key mistakes in a couple of key situations and McGill was certainly good enough to capitalize on that,” said Schwartz on Concordia’s seventh-inning collapse. “They didn’t beat us, we just didn’t finish our game plan.” Although the loss came late in the game, Schwartz said that he is optimistic moving forward and doesn’t think that the score truly indicated what the game was really like. “We’ve been rattled with injuries, we’ve done pretty good moving things around and I think it’s a tribute to the team to how well they are put together to be able to come under such adverse conditions, so I’m really happy with these guys,” Schwartz said.
opinions
Tuesday, sepTember 30, 2014
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Write to the editor: opinions@theconcordian.com Editorial // oPinionS
The online conundrum for Concordia students Why paying more for online classes just isn’t worth it
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e’ve all been in this situation: to take an online class, or not to take an online class? We all know the obvious pros of doing so: Online classes have the reputation of being easier than “real” classes (INTE 290, anyone?). For some, taking an online class practically means not taking a class at all until finals come along. Taking a class on the web also allows you to quite easily cheat your way through online quizzes. Some websites even cater specifically to students offering answers
to quiz questions free of charge. Clearly, online classes can be the lazy student’s dream. But, at the end of the day, are they worth it? After all, education is not cheap; online classes usually cost even more than regular classes. These extra costs include online materials for the course. In many cases, students won’t ever use this resource. Once the course is over, there is no going back: unlike a hard copy of a textbook, it is impossible to re-sell this resource. The quality of education for online courses does not even come close to comparing to that of a real, sit-in class. Firstly, the sections are humongous; some have hundreds of people. This
means that the one professor in charge can obviously not correct all assignments, so the burden of the work falls to the TAs. There is also the matter of limited interaction with the professor. More often than not, you will communicate mostly or entirely with the TA if an issue arises. At the end of the day, we wonder what can one really learn from the online classes currently offered at Concordia? Many would agree (including a vocal minority of our masthead) that, in many cases, they have learned nothing. Offering online courses is very important. Some students, especially those who have children at home, work days, or have mobility issues, benefit greatly
from being able to take course online. But should the quality of their education have to suffer for that increased flexibility? Paying a little extra could be acceptable if it meant a richer, more challenging and engaging work enjoyed from the comfort of your own laptop, but Concordia’s offered online courses are anything but. Online classes at Concordia have a poor reputation within the student community, and should be revised because what they are now just useless. And expensive. Concordia is on the right path with adapting education to new-ish available technologies, but the new initiative is no excuse for poor curriculum.
Society // oPinionS
Being queer was the joke but no one is laughing hate crimes against queer people illuminate lingering homophobia in our day and age LAURA MARChAnD opinions editor
Firstly, I cannot believe we are still talking about this. On Sept. 24, a teacher in British Columbia wrote “I’m gay, LOL” on a sticker and stuck it on a student’s back. A witness said that they “didn’t think anything of it” because “we always mess around with the teacher and he messes back ... he’s friendly.” Thankfully, despite his supposedly friendly nature, he was suspended by his school board – only for another to pick him up, across the provincial line in Alberta. How I wish this was the only incident, but this past summer, a teenager working at a fast food restaurant in South Dakota was forced to wear a nametag that read “GAYTARD” in front of customers. The manager assured the media that the incident was blown out of proportion and that “they were all joking around” and that the boy “wanted a nickname. [Gaytard is] what he picked for a nickname,” according to CBC News. It is so, so easy to hide behind the defense of “joking around.” Starting in elementary school, playful camaraderie is the number one defense for poor behaviour. You were able to push someone down, grind their face into the dirt, do god knows what, and it was okay because you were “just playing.” So, to those who think this is just a joke, I will explain to you a concept most fiveyear-olds are able to comprehend: it’s not playing if not everyone is having fun. According to witness accounts in the B.C. case, the student was not only visibly upset, but was being pointed at, laughed at, and had pictures taken of him until he finally left the room. In South Dakota, the teenager quit
tyler brandt was Forced to wear a nametag reading ‘gaytard’ while working at taco John’s in yankton. photo by kelly hertZ/p&d. the very next day, and has filed a charge of discrimination with the South Dakota Department of Labor. Do those sound like the actions of people who were in on the joke? This is simply bullying. Horrible, discriminatory bullying – and I cannot believe that we, as a society, still need articles written explaining why this isn’t okay. I have seen comments online saying that these cases are not discriminatory at all, because the term gay isn’t an insult anymore. Of course, no one should be ashamed of being gay (or anywhere on the queer spectrum). But these kinds of “jokes” reinforce the idea that being gay is something to be ridiculed. You wouldn’t write “I’m left-hand-
ed, LOL” and slap it on someone’s back for a joke, because there is nothing abnormal or demeaning about being left-handed. Behaviour like this is especially dehumanizing if the people in question are in some way queer. It reconfirms their darkest fears: that if they come out, they are different – something to be ostracized and ridiculed. If they are queer, do they deserve to be outed by a teacher who needs validation from teenagers to show that he’s “cool?” Would you want the fact that you’re gay publicly announced every time you have to do your job? Of course not. This goes out to the people who use de-
rogatory language as “jokes,” too. If you say “that’s so gay,” or use a certain F-word to refer to someone who may or may not be queer, then you are part of the problem. I do not care if your one gay friend said it’s okay. Words carry meaning, and every time you use that language, you reaffirm being queer as negative trait. You validate those who truly do believe that being queer is something worthy of shame. Simply put, you are no better than either of these men. Period. And if you think the struggles of today’s queer community are a joke, then guess what? No one’s laughing.
18
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Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014
Science // opinions
E-Cigarettes: a fake puff with real consequences “Vapours” might be harmless, but it doesn’t mean a free pass Jocelyn beaudet Online editor
Electronic cigarettes have been in the news a lot lately. It all seems unbelievably biased and almost short-sighted in nature: the reports of them being a gateway to smoking (or even harder drugs), or that they’re marketed to children, have created a campaign of fear-mongering by some media outlets. Let’s start with some science: an e-cig is essentially a battery that sends power to a coil, which heats up and atomizes a liquid. What is inhaled is made up of propylene glycol (commonly found in medical inhalers and food), vegetable glycerine (used in food and shisha), food flavouring and – of course – nicotine. Minus the food flavouring, these are medically proven to be safe for inhalation. Pretty simple, right? The liquid itself varies in strength, going from no nicotine at all to strong doses like 24 milligrams per millilitre. It’s important to note that a single cigarette holds roughly 18 milligrams of nicotine. Obviously, the math becomes a little more complicated down the line, but there’s nothing grossly unsafe about the practice. As it stands, the new hobby has helped hundreds of thousands across North America kick the habit, by progressively stepping down the intake of nicotine. Better yet, it helps users purge the added
“bonuses” of standard cigarettes like tar, all while being much cheaper. So what exactly is the problem here? All things considered, there’s a big market for smoking in the West – and not just from those picking up the habit, but also from those quitting it. Pharmaceutical companies are making millions on quit smoking aids and the government is raking in its fair share of taxes, too. Just like dieting “supplements,” the best way to secure returning business on quit smoking tools is to ensure that they have a reasonable chance to fail. But when something new comes in (with standard sales taxes applied, rather than the ludicrous increased taxes on cigarettes to “encourage people to quit”), it becomes clear that this is a business being disrupted. After all, who can out-monopolize the people in charge of regulating against monopolies? Conspiracies aside, there’s still a lot of discussion to be had regarding those who are making the switch, and it all boils down to etiquette. A lot of shops and places will flat out say that you can use e-cigs any and everywhere, because it’s not really smoking. This holds a degree of truth: the “vapour” produced is relatively harmless according to several studies done on the subject. The smell generally reflects whatever flavour the user has, but more importantly it dissipates fairly quickly. This is all well and good, but there’s still the issue of respect to keep in consideration. I’ve been using e-cigs for a year and haven’t really used them indoors unless permitted by the establishment either openly, or after some enquiries. Not so cool, though, are the fellow students I’ve seen using them indoors on campus and the random folks puffing away
on the metro and in the bus. Don’t get me wrong, I get it: it’s fairly stealthy and can be pretty unnoticeable. But to be honest, doing this is going to harm the case for e-cigs far more than help them in the long run. If the market needs to do any convincing to keep from being locked and shut down, then it needs to start being mindful of non-smokers, too. At the end of the day, it’s not healthy. There’s no point in saying it is. But e-cigs are sold as a tool for harm-reduction. Being able to get a nicotine fix anywhere isn’t in the books, nor should it be. I don’t miss the days of smoky bars and night clubs, and I’m fairly sure that most people would be inclined to agree. If you’re an e-cigarette smoker, head outside during your breaks like everyone else, or check with the establishment to see whether or not they’re okay with it first. It’s common sense, just like kicking the habit altogether.
Are e-cigarettes a pro or con? Photo by Jocelyn Beaudet.
Politics // opinions
Sovereigntists need to stop crying over Scotland It was someone else’s choice, not yours–get over it already robin stanford Staff writer
“Bernard Landry, the former Parti Québécois (PQ) premier, said the message from the Scottish referendum ‘is not all that negative’ for Quebec separatists because ‘practically half’ of Scottish voters chose independence.” This statement, published in the National Post on Sept. 19, shows a bizarre trend in how we view the separatist debate in Quebec. Both sides of the issue have been living vicariously through the Scottish independence debate. As a result, the foreign movement has been invaded by politicians from Quebec’s past, even though they have no right to be there. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who led the anti-separation forces in Quebec’s 1995 referendum, acted as advisor to United Kingdom officials on their campaign. On the other side of the debate, according to the CBC, low-profile meetings were held last year between Scottish independence leader Alex Salmond and Quebec Premier Pauline Marois. Although from the point of view of the UK and Scottish leaders it makes sense to
bring in the experience of someone who has lived through a similar situation, it still seems odd. When the Quebec referendums happened in 1980 and 1995, neither side asked officials from another country for advice. Perhaps there was no one who could advise on such a vote, but there were many countries from the former USSR who could have advised on how to self-govern. The reason, perhaps, that no outside opinions were asked is the longstanding view that Canada and Quebec are unique. Both have a unique history, culture and relationship with one another that no other nation could speak to. It is odd, then, that although it was felt that no one could advise them, they now stand ready to give advice. The logic may be that Scotland in its current form is like Quebec. There are many similarities between the populations in terms of their economic prosperity. According to their respective governments, Quebec currently has a population of 8 million, while Scotland is home to 5.5 million. Similarly, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Quebec in 2010 was $300 billion, while Scotland sported a GDP of $216 billion US. The picture this gives is that Quebecers and Scots make roughly the same amount per person. This is where the similarities end. It is perhaps easy to lose sight of the fact that Quebec is a province within Canada, while Scotland is its own country within the UK. As such, Scotland has legal, educational and public systems independent from the UK. Although these are in place in Quebec too,
they are still within the larger Canadian systems. This makes Scotland an already halfformed independent nation. Furthermore, conflating the two populations negates hundreds of years of history unique to each. Any Quebec historian would understand the deep ramifications of the quiet revolution, or the fundamental language inequality which led to the first sovereignty campaign, neither of which happened across the pond.
Indeed, Scotland has its own reasons for wanting separation from the UK. Comparing the two situations takes away from that. Perhaps the biggest irony is that as Québecois, we pride ourselves on the shared heritage and culture that make us truly special, yet through meddling and comparing ourselves to Scotland we send the opposite message to the world. We are special…. Just like them.
Jean Chretien spoke to the UK government about separation Scottish Referendum. Photo by Tourisme Mauricie on Flickr.
in the days leading up to the
Whether you like espressos, lattes, mochas or macchiatos, most of us can agree that coffee was there for you when no one else was. At 4 a.m. before your big exam, in your (many, many) hangovers, during the cold Montreal winter mornings–coffee was there. Thank your favourite cup of joe, and enjoy #NationalCoffeeDay.
I quite enjoyed reading Bashir Rifai’s article about the Burlesque Night School (Sept. 23, 2014). I was particularly bemused by the accompanying subheadline, “The History of the Tease is one class you’ll be rearing to do your homework for, on time.” Did he mean to write “raring to do”, or was his use of “rear“ (AKA posterior) intentional and not merely a Freudian “slip” (not the kind of undergarment perhaps worn by a burlesque performer)? Your friendly neighbour on Mackay, Iain Jessop
Sudoku // ETC
Sara Baron-Goodman Life editor life@theconcordian.com Frederic T. Muckle Arts editor arts@theconcordian.com
@TaylorrFoxx
Mia Pearson Music editor music@theconcordian.com
Finally a holiday worth celebrating #nationalcoffeeday @Gods_Girl316
Tim Lazier Sports editor sports@theconcordian.com
Today I need a little bit of coffee, and a whole lot of Jesus! #NationalCoffeeDay
Laura Marchand Opinions editor opinions@theconcordian.com
@jacshelby
Isn’t monday through friday every week #nationalcoffeeday?
Keith Race Photo editor photo@theconcordian.com
@erinshawstreet
It makes sense that #nationalcoffeeday falls on a Monday. Fourth cup of day, this time
Jocelyn Beaudet Online editor online@theconcordian.com
@PrincessMo
Everyday is #nationalcoffeeday when you’re in college
Marie-Pier LaRose Graphics editor graphics@theconcordian.com
@boywonderjoel
It’s my favourite holiday! #nationalcoffeeday gives me another excuse to gradually change my blood type to caffeinated.
Gregory Todaro Julia Scandella Emily Gaudet Copy editors copy@theconcordian.com
@NewsProJoe
In honor of #nationalcoffeeday I’m going to drink as much coffee as I usually do. Drinking more would probably be fatal.
Christina Rowan Natasha Taggart Marilla Steuter-Martin Production assistants
@littlemisselsie
like every day, i will be enthusiastically & coincidentally celebrating #nationalcoffeeday today. even a broken clock is right twice a day. @bexmader
Green balloons for Happy #nationalcoffeeday My local Starbucks SO gets me! @david_j_thomas
Happy #nationalcoffeeday! Naturally, I celebrated with a thermos and not just a cup. @ohitslucas
#nationalcoffeeday i like tea @DeenaNicoleMTV
Happy #NationalCoffeeDay #PumpkinSpiceEverything
Michelle Gamage Production manager production@theconcordian.com
Jessica Kenwood Assistant news editor
@DrunkOnComics
@derekwebb
Nathalie Laflamme Editor-in-Chief editor@theconcordian.com
Milos Kovacevic News editor news@theconcordian.com
Happy #NationalCoffeeDay. Our morning whiskey wouldn’t be the same without it.
Spending the entire day being slightly over caffeinated to celebrate. As if I needed a reason... #nationalcoffeeday
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 Vol. 32 Issue 5
Something on your mind?
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Contributors Lindsay Richardson, Kate Sheridan, Jessica Kenwood, Robin Stanford, Guenevere Neufeld, Marco Saveriano, Mim Kempson, Sofia Misenheimer, Matt D’Amours, Krystina Scenna, Sara King-Abadi, Jordie Yeager, Matt Di Marco, Safia Ahmad Elias Laradi, Peggy Kabeya, Sam Obrand, Lan Thockchom, Paul Traunero
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EVENTS AT CONCORDIA
Have a good week ! Film Silent Movie with live musicians, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, at Westmount Park United Church - Oct. 3-4 Cinema Politica: Exposed: Beyond Burlesque - At Concordia Hall building - Oct. 2
Comedy Mprov Festival - Sept. 30 to Oct. 11 DéPFLIES, Sainte-Catherine Theatre - Sept. 30 to Oct. 11
Music Purling Hiss play La Vitrola - Oct. 5 Odesza plays Le Belmont - Oct. 5 The Augustines at La Vitrola - Oct. 7 Into it. Over it. plays Cabaret Underworld with Foxing and Kittyhawk- Oct. 8
Exhibition Making a Mark vernissage, Concordia Visual Arts Building - Sept. 30 Virginia McClure’s Ceramic Biennale Caméléon, Concordia Visual Arts Centre - Oct. 3 to Oct. 25
Dance Unrelated, MAI - Oct. 4
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