The Concordian

theconcordian Volume 30 Issue 22

IndependenT sTudenT neWspaper aT ConCordIa unIVersITy. sInCe 1983.

February 26, 2013

An ideological divide Over a thOusand prOtesters weaved thrOugh the streets befOre arriving at the summit where the prOvincial gOvernment prOpOsed an indexatiOn tO tuitiOn fees. Photo by Catlin SPenCer

First day of the education summit met with contention from students and protesters for months last spring. The minority provincial government cancelled the tuition fee increase of $325 per year over five years, and later $245 over seven years, imposed by the Charest Liberals upon taking office, effectively freezing tuition for the time being.

The conference was initially pegged to resolve the issues at the core of an

ideological impasse over higher education.

Heavily guarded by the Montreal police, guests had to pass through three checkpoints before entering Arsenal gallery on William St. in Griffintown.

Day one Minister of Higher Education Pierre

Continued on P. 3

In this issue // life arts

music

sports

opinions

Arti Gogna keeps fashion fresh P. 6

Elisapie, queen of folk rock P. 12

Stingers look to playoffs P. 15

Olympics and the NHL P. 18

KALiNA LAFRAmbOiSE News editor

The highly anticipated summit on higher education organized by the provincial government began Monday morning, where Premier Pauline

Marois clarified that the two-day conference would “establish an open dialogue” on post-secondary learning but would likely not reach a solution.

Following a whirlwind provincial election, the Parti Québécois announced the summit in September in an effort to appease all sides in the student movement crisis that rocked Quebec

Reviewing the Oscars’ best P. 11

We tell your stories. Follow us on Twitter: @TheConcordian

Duchesne offered three proposals in relation to post-secondary education: create a provincial council to oversee universities, a law that would provide a framework for universities and a plan to hold institutions accountable for financing and budgeting.

theconcordian.com

news 2

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Write to the editor: news@theconcordian.com

CITY mAttHEW Guité Assistant news editor

city// NEWS

Language police scrutinized over ‘pastagate’ Forced revisions and recommendations trigger backlash in montreal

>> Picking school system a difficult choice Anglophones living in Quebec are divided on the issue of whether or not to send their children to school in French or in English.

According to a poll commissioned by the CBC, 39 per cent responded that they felt their child would be best served in a French school, whereas 45 per cent disagreed. Mélanie Richard, the principal at École Pointe-Claire, a French school in the West Island, told CBC that roughly a third of their students came from English households. “The main reason is they want them to have better work opportunities. They want them to be able to speak in both languages,” she told the CBC.

>> a dismal

end

A pair of skiers on Saturday retrieved the body of a 36-year-old man who disappeared while on a ski expedition in Gaspé. Bertrand Marcotte was on a skiing and hiking trip with his friends on ChicChoc Mountains when he voluntarily left the group. Marcotte of Pont-Rouge, near Quebec City, was missing since last Sunday.

His body was found buried in the snow near the former Madeleine Mine, a kilometre away from a warming hut, CBC reported. Quebec police stated that two skiers noticed yellow under the snow and decided to dig where they found his body.

>> the old men

and the sea

Ever seen a cod that weighed 25 kilograms? Alain Gagnon and Claude Mathieu have. The two men reportedly spent 25 minutes pulling the fish out of a 10-inch hole in the ice while fishing in Saint-Rose-du-Nord last Thursday.

The large cod was quite a handful according to the men, and took some maneuvering to get out of the water. “It’s almost scary when you get there and the fish’s mouth is as big as the ... hole in the ice,” Mathieu told CBC. Gagnon explained that they ended up using a large hook to finally pull the cod, which they nicknamed “the fjord’s monster,” out.

RObiN DELLA CORtE Assistant news editor

T

he Office québécois de la langue française told a Montreal restaurant owner last week that the word “pasta” had to be translated on its menu, but have sinced reversed the decision.

After backlash from the public over the controversy, the OQLF issued a statement saying that the inspector who went to Buonanotte, the restaurant in question, had displayed “an excess of zeal” and that “pasta” is an acceptable word after all.

On Feb. 20, the OQLF visited Italian restaurant Buonanotte on St. Laurent Blvd., and declared that having the word “pasta” on the menu without the correct French translation was a violation of Quebec’s Language Charter.

Most of the items on their menu have names in Italian, like “pasta,” but the descriptions are in French.

“They could’ve picked any word, of all the words, they pick ‘pasta’, which touched a sensitive core,” said Massimo Lecas, the owner of Buonanotte.

“And the fact they didn’t circle pizza, it heightens it to another level where it was absurd because why would you circle one but not the other.”

The letter Lecas received from

the OQLF also took issue with the words “bottiglia” and “calamari” on the menu without providing French equivalents. The story quickly gained international attention, triggering an unprecedented amount of backlash against the OQLF. However, after an evaluation of the situation in recent days, the OQLF declared that the use of “exotic” names for foods, like “pasta” or “polpette” can be used by food establishments without fear.

“I still haven’t been reached by the OQLF,” Lecas told The Concordian Monday. “I only know of my so-called “victory” from media coverage. Have they called me or told me personally or apologized? No,” Lecas said.

However, a file opened by the OQLF states that Lecas has until March 18 to contact the organization to find a solution.

“Up to date, my file is still open, nothing has been closed,” he added.

“Maybe it’s a strategy, I don’t know.”

Media relations officer of the OQLF, Martin Bergeron, said that the OQLF will be releasing a press release shortly but for now, he is unable to release any information concerning the situation before then. others sPeak out Montreal restaurant Joe Beef also had a visit from the language police who

Photo by Leonardo Nieto-Montenegro

reportedly had problems with the restaurant’s wall art which contains English words. One piece is a sign from a Prince Edward Island beach saying “exit” and an antique sign above the staff bathroom saying “please leave this gate closed.” Restaurant owner David McMillan decided to keep his art up, except for the bathroom sign which he decided to take home.

McMillan was contacted four or five months ago but only decided to come forward after hearing what happened at Buonanotte.

Brit & Chips on Côte-des-Neiges Road also had a visit from the OQLF, demanding that the sign in their front

window reading “fish and chips” be translated to “poisson frit et frites.”

However, restaurant owner Toby Lyle challenged the OQLF, adamantly refusing to change the sign.

“Word travels fast,” Lecas said.

“None of these stories made Quebec look good, and always wonder why Montreal doesn’t have the same shops like in New York or anyone else, and it’s because of things like this.”

In an effort to protect the French language, the provincial government provided the OQLF with a six per cent budget increase this year, to $24.7 million.

campus // NEWS

Concordia Senate in brief Addressing education summit, online learning and independent students KALiNA LAFRAmbOiSE News editor

almost at the toP President Alan Shepard announced on Friday, Feb. 15 that the university received an invitation to the provincial government’s highly anticipated higher education summit — a mere 10 days before the start of the two-day conference. Shepard maintained that post-secondary institutions are in need of better financing and that’s an issue he plans to bring to the table on Feb. 25 and 26.

“We have less funding than we need to be great universities,” said Shepard. “We must have satisfactory financing for Quebec universities to thrive.”

When asked if Shepard was the only administrator or individual from Concordia invited, Shepard implied that the details were still under wraps but that he would be present for the summit.

InDePenDent stuDent? tough luCk During question period, student Senator Gene Morrow asked why independent students at Concordia, those who have not declared a degree and are taking part-time classes, are not allowed to sit on governing bodies and if this was an oversight from the university.

While the university’s bylaws state that only students registered in a program may sit on Senate or the Board of Governors, articles 25 and 57 do not implicitly state the reasons behind the bylaw. Vice-

President institutional relations Bram Freedman provided a written response saying that it was a “conscious decision” made more than 10 years ago.

“The rationale for this criterion is that representatives on the university’s highest governing bodies should be fully committed to the institution and to their studies as demonstrated by being registered in a program,” the response read.

Morrow claimed that the rationale he received was insufficient but was met with little support from fellow senators. In a previous interview with The Concordian, Shepard said that he had no interest in re-opening the debate.

By the numBers Approximately 15 per cent of Concordia’s total enrolment is in online

learning classes offered by eConcordia, with more than 50 courses offered in winter 2013 including three new courses. According to interim Provost Lisa Ostiguy, there is no current academic framework for e-learning — something that made certain senators feel nervous. Senator Ali Akgunduz explained that Concordia students come for the culture of the university and felt that online learning did not provide the same experience. Morrow explained that while e-learning brought various opportunities to students with different learning styles that it is surrounded by “many unknowns” that make individuals feel uneasy.

Ostiguy said that discussion, faculty engagement and careful assessment of the results of online learning could lead to blended learning approaches and online certificates in the future.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Protesters squarely in the red Continued from cover

I

n a meeting that lasted over 12 hours, multiple issues were discussed: the development of postsecondary funding, research, quality of education and accessibility.

While various concerns were voiced by participants, the most contentious issue of the day was the issue of tuition.

The PQ announced later in the evening that they plan to index university tuition at approximately three per cent annually, meaning that tuition will rise by $70 per year leaving student representatives feeling deceived.

Martine Desjardins, president of the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec, said that indexation would “punish” students and send the wrong message. “I’m telling you there will be an impact,” said Desjardins.

However, Duchesne said that the province can simply no longer afford the same rates and that a freeze would force Quebec into a crisis. lowerIng the exPeCtatIons The summit has been the subject of backlash the last few weeks, with university rectors only receiving invitations 10 days before the start of the summit. Principal Heather MunroeBlum of McGill University blasted the provincial government, citing disorganization and poor planning before calling the conference “a joke.”

Concordia University is waiting on the

NATION

>> no tea for

you

Protests throughout the Day

Photo by Madelayne Hajek present didn’t want tuition to rise and genuinely believe free education is a possibility.

Protesters headed south before arriving at the summit, where police officers from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal and provincial police guarded the building. There was no intervention before demonstrators resumed their march east toward the downtown core.

The protest, though declared as illegal

from the start, was largely peaceful.

The SPVM reported two arrests. Police claimed that projectiles were launched and flags from some downtown hotels were removed by student protesters.

By 6:30 p.m. protesters had made it to Ste-Catherine St. and McGill College St. but by 7 p.m. most of the protesters left after tear gas was deployed. Several demonstrators met at Parc ÉmilieGamelin heading east but dispersed close to Beaudry Metro station.

VanDalIsm Earlier Monday, several buildings were vandalized with red paint including the offices of Duchesne and of former student leader Léo Bureau-Blouin. The Ministry of Education building located on Fullum St. was also covered in red paint.

Vandals wrote in white outside the offices of the minister responsible for Montreal, Jean-François Lisée, and several windows were also broken.

No arrests have been made in relation to those incidents.

Photo by Madelayne Hajek

3

RObiN DELLA CORtE Assistant news editor

results of the provincial conference to know when the additional funding promised by the PQ is coming — something that was promised to the university in the wake of the tuition freeze.

Peaceful protests marked the first day of the summit, with a small contingent gathering outside Arsenal gallery in the early morning during guest registration. Approximately 30 protesters passed through the streets of Griffintown calmly without ever accessing the highly guarded building.

Similarly, a gathering of 20 demonstrators including professors, students and civilians congregated on Notre-Dame St. to reiterate their position on accessible education. The protesters did not mobilize, choosing instead to read poetry and sing in support of students in front of the building.

In the afternoon more than 1,000 protesters marched through the streets of downtown Montreal, leaving from Cabot Square. The protest was promoted by the Association pour une solidarité syndicate étudiante, the student association that backed out of the conference since free education would not be part of the discussion.

“We feel sort of betrayed by the Parti Québécois,” said Concordia University student Serge Del Grosso. “They say they support the student movement and are against the hikes and then they say they will index it.”

Del Grosso went on to say that those

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Photo by Catlin Spencer

With files from Robin Della Corte and Matthew Guité.

Photo by Catlin Spencer

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency advised consumers in British Columbia not to drink a certain brand of herbal tea sold since it can potentially cause salmonella poisoning. This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Following the health alert the company is recalling the product from being sold. Tega brand Organic Lemon Hibiscus Green Rooibos Herbal Tea is sold in packages of 24 tea bags and suspect packages have the best before dates of winter 2014. Young children, the elderly and people with a weaker immune system can suffer from deadly infections whereas healthy adults may experience short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.

>> family doctors available Due to a $132-million pilot program anyone who wants a family doctor will be able to have one by 2015, the provincial government and the British Columbia Medical Association have announced. The province says the plan will improve access to general practitioners by putting $22 million towards funding phone consultations, CBC reported. “Patients will now be able to consult with their family doctor over the telephone and the family doctor will be able to be compensated for that,” Minister of Health Margaret MacDiarmid told CBC. The new program is supported by $132.4 million in funding and launches on April 1.

>> this is fishy When she felt ill after eating a lobster pâté bought at Wal-Mart, Margaret Radomski was surprised to discover that the can had been pulled from circulation over a year ago.

Radomski, 78, of Leduc, Alta., claimed the Clover Leaf pâté smelt and tasted too fishy, once she fell ill from eating it.“I started to see stars in my eyes … a crawling sensation on my face,” she told CBC. “I got weak in my legs. It was scary. Very frightening.”

She checked the bottom of the can and saw that it had a “best before” date of July 2011 Radomski strongly believes it was the pâté that made her feel that way, she’s normally healthy and has no allergies. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Felicia Fefer told CBC that they “take this issue very seriously and “regret this incident, and remain committed to ensuring outdated products are removed from shelves.”

Radomski refused Wal-Mart’s offer of $50 compensation and decided to make the issue public to warn others instead. Also she says she will now be more careful when purchasing perishable products.

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theconcordian

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

WORLD mAttHEW Guité Assistant news editor

>> Putin lays down the law Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new bill into law banning smoking in public places or within 15 metres of entrances to buildings, as well as public areas such as parks and beaches. The law will begin to take effect on June 1, and one year later will also ban smoking in restaurants, on trains and in hotels. Russia is said to have the highest percentage of smokers of any country in the world, with an estimated four in 10 Russians being smokers. According to a study published by the World Health Organization in 2010, a pack of 20 cigarettes in Russia costs less than one dollar.

>> the trouble

with snakes

Wildlife officials in Guam are planning to airdrop bombs containing poisoned mice corpses across the island in an attempt to combat an invasive species of snake. The brown tree snake, a species not native to the island, has for years been blamed for the endangerment and extinction of several species of bird native to the island. The poisoned mice are an attempt to cull the snake population. The dead baby mice will be stuffed with a painkiller which is poisonous for the snakes to eat and then dropped from a helicopter in jungle areas where the snakes are known to concentrate.

>> bake ‘em

away, toys

Documents used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to educate its employees on improper behaviour and its consequences has been obtained by CNN. The reports revealed cases including one employee who slept with a drug dealer and then lied about the incident under oath. Other cases include instances where nude photographs were distributed using FBI BlackBerrys, an incident where an employee admitted to purchasing and viewing videos of naked boys and a case where an employee visited a massage parlour and payed for sex.

CNN has also posted the documents on their website.

>> aPParently detroit sucks Forbes has released its annual list of the most miserable cities in the United States, with Detroit earning the number one spot this year, beating out Miami and Chicago, among others. Detroit was chosen for such factors as its low housing prices, poor financial status and high unemployment rate. The ongoing struggles of the auto industry were also reasons behind the choice. The list evaluates the cities based on factors such as crime rates, unemployment and taxes. Last year’s number one, Miami, managed to avoid the top 20 this year due to migration and a recovering housing market.

campus // NEWS

Concordia Student Union stuck in a deadlock Council in conflict over appointment of president KALiNA LAFRAmbOiSE News editor

An ideological impasse between the executive and council over who is best suited to lead the Concordia Student Union has left the organization without a president for an undetermined amount of time.

Following the resignation of Schubert Laforest as president last week, the executive issued their recommendation of appointing VP clubs and internal Nadine Atallah to replace Laforest.

However, the recommendation failed—not a single councillor voted for Atallah.

When the executive explained why they felt that Atallah was best suited to take on the position of president, it was quickly met with reservations from council.

Councillors, such as Melissa Kate Wheeler, voiced their concerns on what they perceived as a lack of transparency on Atallah’s part. There was also worry about Atallah continuing with the ongoing student centre project while fulfilling the mandate of president. An issue for Chad Walcott, councillor and former VP external, was that Atallah was not sitting as a student representative on either the Board of Governors or Senate.

Atallah immediately disclosed why, although she said that Walcott knew the response, saying that her academic standing prohibited her from sitting on the university’s governing bodies.

However, what concerned councillors the most and fuelled what ended up being a united front against the executive was that they felt backed into corner. Councillors were upset that a recommendation was made from the executive before the issue of finding a new president was brought to council.

“There isn’t even an option being presented,” said Councillor Gonzo Nieto. “That’s not how this scenario plays out.”

Nieto asked if any other executive would consider presidency and the seven vice-presidents adamantly refused. VP external Simon-Pierre Lauzon said that he would be unable and unwilling to work as president because he was “burning out” and that “if this had been six months ago it would have been different.”

The executive stated that Atallah was the only option—a belief that fed the backlash from council.

“As an executive our mind is made up about who we want as president,” said VP Loyola Stefan Faina. “If you want to discuss then that’s fine.”

The executive left the room at the request of council, allowing individuals to discuss their concerns candidly before Walcott moved to call the motion to appoint Atallah to question. It failed, with zero councillors in favour, seven opposed and five abstentions.

VP sustainability Andrew Roberts also refused a motion from Walcott to appoint him as president, citing that he was not into the politics that come with the position. He stressed that Atallah was the right choice for the CSU. Several councillors, including Carlotta Longo and Fine Arts representative with ex officio rights Erika Couto, asked Atallah to reconsider her application.

“Clearly, no one chose you,” said Couto.

However, Atallah chose not to rescind her motion saying that while she understood the opposition to her candidacy, “it was not only her decision.” This left the CSU without a way to move forward unless Atallah agreed to step back.

As the impasse became apparent, the divide grew as each side maintained their resolve. The executive felt

that council was breaching the CSU’s bylaws by not following the legal advice they sought about appointing a new president.

Bylaw 7.3 states that council may appoint a new president from the vicepresidents with a simple majority. Similarly, bylaw 7.4 says that should there be no executive willing to be president a councillor may fulfill the role of president with a two-thirds majority.

“I feel uncomfortable sitting in a council where its members are knowingly breaching its bylaws,” said VP academic and advocacy Hajar El Jahidi.

When the notion of legal action was implied as the executive believed council was violating their own bylaws, Councillor Jordan Lindsay said he felt uneasy with the actions of the executive and that, should they sue council, they would be going down a difficult road.

“I hate being threatened,” said Lindsay. “Your threat is so empty.”

Council maintained that their concerns were not being taken seriously and that there was more than the options presented.

Nick Cuillerier, who chaired the meeting since Jean-François Ouellet was absent, said that “there had to be a way to move forward.”

It was decided that the matter would be sent to the Judicial Board to render a decision. The bylaws do not state what a solution is for the current circumstances. As Atallah was opposed and no executive is willing, it will be determined if council must choose from the executive or not.

Council must name a plaintiff in order for the case to proceed to JB and the members of JB can take up to two weeks to issue a decision.

Until then, the CSU will continue without a president.

“CHANGING THE STORIES OF OUR LIVES”

The lecture will address various questions such as “How can we become happier, help teenagers navigate the problems of adolescence, reduce racial prejudice, and help college students adjust to university life?’ These stories, or personal narratives, eventually determine the type of life people lead. At times, psychotherapy helps people to review their stories. However, social psychologists have discovered a promising approach, called “story-editing,” that nudges people down healthy narrative paths. The Lecturer Dr Timothy D. Wilson will discuss story-editing interventions that have been used in a variety of areas (e.g., to help college students experiencing academic problems, reduce teenage pregnancy, increase personal happiness). He will also discuss the promise and limitations of these interventions.

I N F O R M A T I O N : 5� 5 4 8 4 8 -2 4 2 4 , E X T. 2 5 9 5 TH E SCIEN CE CO LLEG E O FFER S A PROG R AM M E FO R G IF TED A N D M O T I V AT E D S C I E N C E S T U D E N T S .

life

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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Write to the editor: life@theconcordian.com festival // life

The city’s culinary experience is just a pit stop away Sara Baron-Goodman assistant life editor

Last Thursday marked the beginning of the annual Montréal en Lumière festival, which will run until March 3. Every year the festivities focus around a theme and this time the city is celebrating the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires.

As a thriving culinary city, a huge part of the festival revolves around literally tasting the spirit of Argentina, along with Quebecois favourites we all know and love. For the foodie on a budget, the returning Escales Gourmandes series of gourmet pit stops is a must. Scattered around the free outdoor site at Place des Arts, Montreal restaurants have set up kiosks where festival-goers can drop in for a small snack or full meal.

To do it right, I recommend arriving on an empty stomach.

My first stop was the SAQ Express booth; to wet my palete, so to speak. For $4.50 I had a steaming cup of hot red wine. Mulled with spices similar to a hot apple cider; it was the perfect antidote to the bone-chilling wind. Other items on the menu included several varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Blanc and spiked coffees, all between $4 and $6. They also offered chorizo sausages and marshmallows to roast over nearby fire pits, but I opted out as I was saving myself for better things to come.

Next up was L’Atelier d’Argentine—a Montreal restaurant that was serving up its South American specialties. The chefs grill the food in the middle of the booth for customers to salivate over as they wait to order from their spots at the wooden tables that line the perimeter. I had the grilled pork sandwich slathered with criolla sauce; the sauce, made with olive oil, diced tomatoes, onions and peppers, added tanginess to the savory pork. My companion opted for the

montréal en lumière festival brings you escales Gourmandes

Indulge In some of montreal’s tasty delIghts at montreal en lumIere. Photos by wrIter. corn empanadas. The dough was buttery and flaky and the inside was hearty, tasting like a cream of corn soup. Dipped in the homemade chimichurri sauce for an added zest, I think that might have been the winning dish of the night.

The empanadas were around $6 for two and the sandwich was just under $7.

Next, we stopped at the small window set

up by Café Jura. We each devoured a churro, which oozed dulce de leche from the doughnut center. For $3.50, it was a delightful and authentic treat.

From there, we spied the Baraque à Frites and the Maison du Chocolat right next to it. Someone with greater willpower than I might have kept walking, but forgoing fries

and chocolate is simply not something I’m comfortable with.

At Baraque à Frites I was presented with a cone of crispy Belgian-style fries and a choice of one of their specialty mayonnaise dips for $4.50.

I selected the Béarnaise, made with mayo, white wine and tarragon. The fries were a little salty, but the creaminess of the mayo salvaged the dish and I was altogether satisfied.

Of course, it was then necessary to balance the saltiness with a little sweetness and poke around the Maison du Chocolat hut next door.

This kiosk was set up by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and was a miniature version of one of their stores. After much deliberation, my friend and I chose to bring home caramel apples and 72 per cent dark chocolate bark, adorned with almonds and fleur de sel caramel, all for $12.

The last stop for the night was the SAQ Bistro, set up as a sit down restaurant inside a dome. The ambiance was definitely memorable, but the food fell short of my expectations.

We ordered what the menu promised to be parmesan fondue with tomato coulis, for $6.50.

Disappointingly, we were served two small, square, battered bricks of cheese that looked store-bought, with tomato sauce slathered on the side. For another $5 each, I had half a shot glass of porto and my friend had a tiny plastic cup of Cabernet white wine.

I left the Escales Gourmands probably about seven pounds heavier, but thoroughly content.

You will find something to satisfy just about any palette and it is all relatively inexpensive. The winner, in my opinion, was L’Atelier d’Argentine.

But I will definitely be back to sample the rest of the kiosks before making a final judgment.

For more information, visit http://www.montrealenlumiere.com/outdoor-site/activitiesseries.aspx?categorie=escales_gourmandes.

festival // life

Cheese lovers rejoice montréal en lumière celebrates Quebec cheese anne-darla lucia d. contributor

The term foodie is widely considered to be an informal way to describe food and drink aficionados—and Montreal is just crawling with them. Although society attempts to shove us all under the same banner, take note, there are subcategories and we are not all the same. Some enjoy seafood over meat, some beer over wine and others, the best kind, cheese over anything and everything.

Needless to say, as cheese lovers, we can sometimes feel like a fairly marginal group lost in a large culinary world. However, on Feb. 20 at Place Desjardins, in light of Montreal’s four day Festival of Our Cheeses, I discovered that we are far from being alone.

The seventh edition of Montreal’s Festival of Our Cheeses came back with a bang after a one-year hiatus. The event, free of charge, welcomed hundreds of visitors enthusiastically rejoicing in the deliciousness and pungent smell of Quebec cheese.

The festival’s atmosphere was vibrant and bustling. Visitors and producers alike seemed genuinely excited and happy to be a part of the event.

Cheese producers were standing behind their designated booths in their signature “Fromages d’ici” aprons and hats with large welcoming smiles.

“It’s a really fun and convivial event,” said Francis Boivin, a representative for Fromagerie Île-aux-Grue, after he jokingly asked his wife of

40 years if he could have permission to speak with me.

Although the festival is similar to a trade show, the joyful and talkative cheese artisans were neither aggressive nor seemingly competive with each other to push sales.

“Most of us are actually friends here,” said Christian Barrette, founder and producer of Le Fromage Au Village. “Cheese producers in Quebec are part of a very small community and many of us share the same distributors. Because of this, you quickly learn that it’s in everyone’s interest to cooperate. At the festival we joke around with each other. It’s a lot of fun.”

The event, I quickly learned, meant much more to these small cheese producers than simply having fun.

Montreal’s Festival of Our Cheeses actually provides regional cheese producers with the rare opportunity to gain visibility and interact with people outside their predominantly rural communities.

“If it weren’t for Fromages d’ici organizing the event and inviting us here, as a small cheese company, we could never afford to be an exhibitor at a festival this size,” said Hélène Lessard, Barrette’s wife and business partner.

Benoit Robitaille, a die hard cheese fan, has been coming to the festival every single year since it began.

Aside from his love for cheese, the main reason he keeps coming back is to show support to small Quebec producers like Barrette and Lessard. “I find it deplorable that supermarkets offer very few Québécois products,” he said. “Because we really have some of the best cheeses here.”

In between talking to producers, visitors and making pit stops at the wine & cider booths to cleanse my palate, I tried every single cheese at the festival. The best ones, in my opinion, were “fleurs d’ail,” a firm cheese with garlic flower seasoning by Le Fromage au Village and La Famille Migneron’s “la tomme d’elles”, a firm surfaced cheese made with sheep’s milk.

All in all, if you love cheese, make sure not to miss next year’s festival. It was delightful and quite an experience for my taste buds.

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Tuesday, february 26, 2013

theconcordian fashion // life

Arti Gogna celebrates feminine curves on the runway Summer 2013 has never looked so bright and sexy maria HinoporoS contributor

In a city that houses approximately four million people, few have been given the gift of design; fewer are given the chance to explore it. Born and bred in Montreal, fashion designer Arti Gogna is one of the chosen few.

During her second year in the fashion design program at LaSalle College, Gogna put on a fashion show where one of her teachers attended.

“He really liked one of my skirts. He worked at ELLE Québec at the time and said that it would be perfect to feature in the magazine. That’s what triggered it,” said Gogna.

“I knew that this was my calling, it’s what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life.”

Five years later, on Feb. 22, I found

myself at Espaces des Arts waiting for the launch of the Arti Gogna summer 2013 collection to begin.

As people filled the room, wine glasses started to clink and the lights began to dim to signal the start of show. The first model strutted onto the runway in a beautiful lace and chiffon peek-a-boo turquoise and lime dress.

“This is the first time I work with chiffon, I’m really experimenting with it and so far I’ve gotten a good response,” explained Gogna. “I’ll be using it for the next collection as well.”

Her collection features an array of gowns in blues, greens, beiges, and reds in lace, chiffon and brocade. Each dress possesses a unique trait that’ll suit any occasion. My favourite look was a turquoise asymmetrical gown with a chiffon bunched-up skirt and a high-cut lace patterned top.

“My designs are glamorous yet practical.

I want women to wear my dresses and feel comfortable but still look sexy. We [women] have curves and my fabrics compliment them. They’re tight and fitted but accentu-

ate the female shape,” she said.

As the show came to a close, the last model rocked the catwalk in a form-fitting crimson red silk sweetheart cocktail dress with a black tiered lace peplum skirt.

Gogna’s collection is currently sold at both 1861 store locations as well as on her website.

“I walked into Razberry [1861’s sister store] one day and just thought that my dresses would look great in the store so I asked to speak to the owner. I showed her my samples and she liked what she saw and that was that, they’ve been carrying my garments ever since,” said the designer. “I was lucky. Most aspiring designers aren’t given that opportunity which is why I always tell people to fall in love with what they believe in. If you do that, you’ll always succeed.”

After a trip to India during the holidays, she admits that her perspective on life changed. “Everyone is so free there. They’re just in a different and better state of mind. It has inspired me to do the same.”

Her upcoming fall collection will showcase that newfound sense of freedom that

was triggered in her native land.

When it comes to the fashion industry, Gogna admires anyone who strives for originality. Her newest obsession is Indian-born, American fashion designer Naeem Khan.

With his elaborate patterns and accents, even first lady Michelle Obama can’t help but indulge.

Before expanding her eponymous brand to the United States, Gogna would like to establish herself in Montreal.

“This is my home, I can’t fathom leaving Montreal without really getting my name out there,” she said.

After such a successful show, there’s no denying her potential to expand and succeed across the border.

To purchase any pieces from the Arti Gogna summer collection, visit http://artigogna.myshopify.com/.

Simply want to browse around? Have a look at http://www.artigogna.com/summer2013.htm.

Photos courtesy of Arti Gogna

health // life

Wake up! You are missing . . . the winter blues The Concordian is here to help you cope with the cold weather Victor BarBaroS contributor

I

t’s 8 a.m. and your alarm goes off. You open one eye and then the other just enough to finally shut the snooze that’s been running since 7 a.m. You may be running late, but it’s only Monday and you’ll have another four chances this week to be on time.

On your way to class you realize that the first espresso didn’t help you too much.

Your week seems never ending and your weekends are just not long enough. You look around and realize you’re not the only one with a gloomy look on your face, and that’s the silver lining. You’re officially experiencing the winter blues.

To help you diagnose your level of the winter blues and offer helpful advice, we have consulted Irene Petsopoulis, a psychologist at Concordia University’s counseling and development department, who gladly offered her expertise.

According to Petsopoulis, the winter blues

is like a state of depression, mainly during the winter months. Usually it starts in the autumn and can persist up to early spring. If you are acquainted with seasonal affective disorder, then the winter blues could be considered as its lesser variant.

“The cause of winter blues is mainly considered as being the lack of light during the winter period; consequently, the insufficiency of light is causing an instability of melatonin levels, and this ... has certain effects on your mood,” she said.

It’s important that you notice the signs and symptoms that are characteristic of the winter blues. “Generally you feel a lack of energy, it’s difficult to wake up in the morning, you have a feeling that you cannot catch up with daily activities. It might also be observed as a feeling of self-blame, you might attribute to yourself for being unsuccessful in your tests, exams, workouts, which is a wrong approach,” said Petsopoulis.

Furthermore, some of us may experience

unfamiliar cravings such as preferences for sweet snacks or carbohydrates.

As to the frequency of the winter blues in the Concordia community, Petsopoulis said that “it’s not an uncommon phenomenon. It certainly doesn’t meet the same levels as in U.S.A., which estimates an incidence of about 25 per cent of college students experiencing the symptoms of the winter blues”.

She mentions that students may not experience every symptom of the winter blues. More often than not, they come with a few complaints that match the characteristics of it.

Thankfully Petsopoulis offered some practical advice on how to deal with the most common symptoms.

Considering these blues are caused by the lack of light in the cold winter months, the first advice is to get more sunlight exposure. You can do that by spending more time outside during the less chilly days and, if you’re courageous enough, even exercising outside would be quite helpful. You don’t need to spend long hours like

in the gym, only a couple of minutes of a heart pumping workout is enough. Sometimes going for a walk or being with friends for a couple of hours can be sufficient. It may be difficult, but you should try to wake early in the morning so as not to lose those precious sunny hours.

Another quick reminder would be to eat right and incorporate vitamin D in your diet. Be sure to include more fruits and vegetables than usual and try not to skip a meal. Some of the best fruits and vegetables you should include in your winter diet are pomegranates, brussels sprouts, squash, kiwis as well as some good old fashion oatmeal and chicken soup.

Petsopoulis’ most important advice to students is to seek help. “You should never ever stay locked in your room, thinking that this might pass by itself,” she said. “It would be more productive to speak with your friends, to speak about what you are feeling, how you are dealing with, whether it works or not. Ask for assistance in our department. We are here for you.”

Now it’s time to get out of your room and take advantage of the fresh fallen snow. As soon you know it February will be over and soon so will your winter blues.

To seek help or advice, visit the Concordia counselling and development website at http://cdev.concordia.ca/our-services/counselling/ Graphics by Jennifer Kwan

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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food // Life

Come for the sweets, stay for the smiles

A homegrown shop in the Old Port showcases our pride for Canada’s sweetest export Saturn De Los Angeles Staff writer

What is it that makes our well beloved maple syrup so delicious? There’s just something so mysterious and magical in that sweet sap that makes people light up. Is the sweetness, the stickiness, or the fact that you could drizzle it on anything from pancakes to ham?

Although maple syrup can be enjoyed year round, it seems like when February hits and cabanes à sucre venues open up shop, Canadians are reminded of this delightful, local product.

As for those of us who can’t make it out to the wilderness for a little syrup on ice, there’s a lovely shop in Montreal’s Old Port that will satisfy your needs.

Canadian Maple Delights is a specialty store filled with every maple product you could possibly think of. Thankfully, for the sake of our sanity, the shop offers maple taffy, or as we like to call it tire d’érable, for $2 year round.

To further your experience and in case you’ve forgotten the maple story from your elementary school field trips, Canadian Maple Delights offers an extensive maple museum explaining the maple syrup process.

When the store was opened in 1999, a division Citadelle, the largest cooperative of maple syrup producers and sugar maple growers in

Quebec, there were only 60 products. Today, assistant manager Mark McDonough said there are more than 260 products, ranging from salad dressings, to maple cookies, maple popcorn, maple pie, and even maple bath scrubs, all ranging from $3 to $25. One of the delicacies of their shop is their $3 delicious maple latte, served best with a pair of homemade waffles on the side for $2.95.

Now maple flavored drinks are usually too sweet for one’s liking, such as those you may see in some chain coffee shops, but the natural blend of this drink is mild, soothing and welcoming to your taste buds, veering away from the typical draining aftertaste.

McDonough warns that a lot of maple products are mixed with white sugar to enhance the taste. Health-wise, it’s artificial and not good for you. Natural locally-made maple syrup from the sap of Quebec’s forests is the way to go. “[Maple syrup] is the world’s natural sweetener with the fewest calories, 100 fewer calories than honey. Everyone thinks that honey is good for you, but maple syrup is [healthier],” adds McDonough.

His favourite part of the job is working at the tasting table, where he interacts with customers and encourages them to try out the sweet stuff that’s here.

“We don’t push sales, but we push tastings.

We want every person who comes in this store

Photos courtesy of Canadian Maple Delights

to learn about maple syrup, how it’s made and taste it [...] taste a little bit of sugar. It’s good for you,” he said. “Drop by, say ‘hi’ and lets have a good time. We always love to have you taste everything in our store.”

We know now why Canada is so well-loved

overseas. We’re not just nice and friendly; we have Mother Nature on our side and our good old maple trees to thank.

Canadian Maple Delights is located on 84 StPaul St. E.

recipe // life

A fish filet to make your mouth water Skip the Great Wall and indulge in Hong Kong Style Fish Arohie Chopra Staff writer

Photo by writer

Over the years I have had the privilege of travelling quite a bit. One of my most memorable trips was to China — climbing the Great Wall and visiting Victoria Peak were adventures I will never forget and neither will my taste buds. Since then I tried to recreate a dish I absolutely loved, Hong Kong style fish, and have been delighted by the result.

This nutritious recipe incorporates Hong Kong’s fusion culture with zesty flavours for the real food fanatic. The delicately steamed fish will melt in your mouth and leave you longing for more.

Hong Kong Style Fish (serves four) 1 bamboo steamer 4 fish fillets (sea bass, cod or haddock) 1 lb green beans 1 cup spinach 1 tsp sesame seeds 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tsp sugar 1 two-inch piece of ginger (cut into thin strips) 2 green onions (chopped to your liking) 2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed) Line a bamboo steamer with the spinach and place the fish fillets on top. Place the bamboo steamer over boiling water and cover for eight to 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Boil the green beans for five minutes in a pot. In a well-greased pan, stir-fry the ginger, green onions and garlic. Add the drained green beans and the sesame seeds. Continue to stir for five minutes. Mix the sugar into the soy sauce until completely dissolved and boil in a skillet.

When plating the dish, drizzle the soy sauce mixture over all the ingredients. Serve with rice.

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Tuesday, february 26, 2013

Write to the editor: arts@theconcordian.com festival // arts

Montréal en lights up Multicolored lights, ice, and a red sled: The Milk Urban Slide

a warm winter down in Cabaret Clandestin

Nathalie laflaMMe staff writer

aNdy fidel staff writer

What: The Milk Urban Slide is definitely worth a stop at Montréal en Lumière. The slide is 110 metres long and filled with sound effects and flashing, multicolored lights. You are given a red sled on which to slide and many of the lights are activated as the sliders pass by, making the experience interactive.

Two people slide at a time, so make sure to bring a partner to race with.

The only slight annoyance about this event is the lineup. It takes about half an hour to get to the slide, but with all of the live music and activities going on around you, time flies by. There is also a free photo station where you can stage a photo of you and a friend sliding and have the photo sent to you by email or through Facebook.

This is an amazing event for all ages.

The slide is fast enough to be thrilling, but

not so fast that it will scare children. There are also walls on both sides of the slide, so it is perfectly safe.

If you decide to go, make sure to bring a hat – and especially gloves – as it can get chilly while waiting in line, and you’re going to want gloves for holding onto the sled.

Where and When: The slide is located in the Esplanade de la Place des Arts. The lineup for the slide, as well as the free photo station, begins outside of the Complexe Desjardins on Ste-Catherine St. This event is open until March 3, but will be closed on Feb. 26 and 27. The slide is usually open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

What: The subtle difference between just playing and feeling Argentine Tango are perfectly packaged into one show — Cabaret Clandestin.

Montréal en Lumière brought together a talented group of emerging artists that will warm the winter nights from Feb 21 to 24.

Written and directed by Julie-Anne Ranger-Beauregard, Cabaret Clandestin takes place in Buenos Aires in 1888. The audience is immediately immersed in the narrative in what appears to be an underground saloon.

The audience sits around the round tables and sips on a free drink while the performers prepare themselves. The limited space creates a warm and inviting atmosphere; small enough that even those seated in the back can see Osvaldo Rabuñal pluck the strings of his guitar, Pablo Seib tap the back of his contrabass, and the dancers lift and hook their legs around each other. But you

may want to close your eyes and merely listen to Andrée-Anne Tremblay’s dazzling artistry on the violin.

“Tango is a sad thought that is danced. So we dance,” says comedienne Kim Despatis. RangerBeauregard’s text becomes a work of poetry about a world where beauty and the malignant walk hand-in-hand. Despatis blends and interacts with the members of the audience, making us all laugh and ponder.

Anglophones, don’t be discouraged. The musical theatre may be in French, but the dancing and the music in between serve as a translation that is sure to entice and enthral all. This collaborative performance weaves through a wide range of emotions in a matter of moments.

Where and When: The ARTV Studio underground in front of the Salon Urbain.

Photo by Madelayne Hajek

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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9

Lumière the night Images of Buenos Aires: worth a thousand words

the dark side of passion: Tango Demonstration

Jack Ward staff writer

tsoler tekeyaN contributor

What: Images of Buenos Aires captures the sights, sounds and smells of an incredibly rich and multifaceted city. Taking you on a journey through images, the photographs give an alternate view to what tourists pass by. An informative exhibit, Images of Buenos Aires is an educational compliment to the Montréal en Lumière festival. Unfortunately, the atmosphere of the exhibit was stuffy and pretentious and the turnout for the exhibition paled in comparison to the other events headlining

that evening. Precedence was taken by an exceptionally well done live music show that was setting up just outside of building where the Images of Buenos Aires was held. However, what made up for the atmosphere were the amazing examples of traditional Argentinean music and food which tantalized the senses.

Where and When: Corner of De Bleury and Ste-Catherine St. W. Feb. 27, 26 and March 1 starting at 5 p.m. and March 2 and 3 starting at 12 p.m..

What: As part of the festival’s spotlight on Buenos Aires, free tango demonstrations are being offered to festival goers.

Manuel Soto from Las Piernas Tango school introduces and demonstrates the concepts of the dance on stage, while his colleagues mingle with and encourage the crowd. You can show up with a partner, a group of friends, or alone. The atmosphere is friendly and it is easy to pair up with other participants or one of the dance teachers.

Instead of teaching techniques or steps, Soto focuses on the feel of the dance. There are elements of longing, passion and sensuality in the music and the movements but there is also melancholy and what Soto calls “the dark side of passion.”

“One moment it’s ‘yes I want you’ and the other it’s ‘no I don’t want you’,” says Soto.

There is an elegant playfulness to the exercise. With the upper body in an intimate embrace, the lower body fluidly glides across the floor.

The movements must start from the body’s centre and be felt at the gut level,” notes Soto.

He explains that the tango is a dialogue be-

tween two bodies moving together. In this relationship, “you must be in tune to the other while staying yourself. One partner leads while the other trusts; but it’s not about being a man or a woman, it’s about being who you are.”

While techniques can be mastered by professionals, the spirit of tango is rooted in improvisation and intuition. The style was developed in the streets of Buenos Aires and it has European and African influences.

With time, dancers across the world have adopted the style.

“Montreal has one of the biggest tango communities outside Argentina,” says Benoit Dubois, a participant who has been learning the dance for the past two years.

That community might grow bigger with the help of Soto and his colleagues. Their passion for tango is contagious. Their friendly and laid-back attitude makes beginners feel like experts. It’s not about learning technicalities, it’s about feeling a mood.

Where and When: Demonstrations are being held at the RBC stage, Wednesday to Saturday at 5:30 p.m. until March 2.

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Tuesday, february 26, 2013

theconcordian cinema politica // arts

The winter of Russian discontent an examination of the national divide leading up to the 2012 presidential election ayaN choWdhury staff writer

T

his week’s installment of Cinema Politica has an appropriate title considering the time of year but, ironically, it has nothing to do with the cold or the icy sidewalks of Montreal’s most bone-chilling season.

Winter, Go Away! (2012), a documentary directed by Anton Seregin, Marina Razbezhkina and Askold Kurov, bears a title that subtly refers to the “winter of our discontent,” felt by many Russian citizens, reluctant to see a third presidential term in 12 years go to Vladimir Putin.

This is an observational documentary, meaning that there’s neither commentary nor music. The filmmakers take a fly-on-the-wall approach. As such, Winter, Go Away! also serves as an exposé of Russia’s shady political dealings.

The directors follow several anti-Putin protesters and other outspoken critics, leading up to the “Rally for Fair Elections” held in Moscow in February 2012, and then culminating with the elections held a month later. On more than one occasion, viewers are brought to understand the burning questions that spur

Russian pRotesteRs against VladimiR putin Rally togetheR foR theiR Rights in Winter, Go AWAy!

the protestors onward. For instance, during a university lecture he is giving, Ivan Mironov a writer and activist - asks why anyone would consider voting for Putin, considering his numerous alleged abuses of power. One student simply states: “It doesn’t matter who we vote for, it won’t change a thing.” Taken aback, Mironov replies: “What if it did?” Mironov’s comment makes it clear that questions of this sort are what fuels their hopeful, yet inevitably futile, democratic ambitions.

One of the more amusing scenes in the film occurs when we see a group of dissenters wearing Guy Fawkes masks, quietly travelling by bus and casually reading the morning paper.

The filmmakers also encounter the Russian feminist punk band Pussy Riot, an all-female group with political goals whose members hide their faces behind colourful balaclavas.

The cameras capture their infamous protest, that of an impromptu performance at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a stunt which

lead to their arrests but which also garnered them international headlines.

Nonetheless, the film falters in its inability to provide the viewer with enough background information regarding the various players in Russian politics, often leaving the audience confused. Although the subject matter is highly relevant, in light of Russia’s recent state of internal affairs, the documentary’s execution lacks lustre. Without the proper context, the film doesn’t fully resonate emotionally and the viewer is left watching fiery Russians bicker about matters that they don’t fully understand. The filmmakers perhaps make the most grievous assumption in expecting us, as outsiders, to care from the very beginning.

What you’ll find in Winter, Go Away! is fragmented vignettes of brewing political unrest. Be it through electrifying scenes shot from the heart of chanting mass protests or through stolen instances of police brutality, what’s portrayed is the plight of the average Russian activist, restlessly fighting for his political and civil rights, one day at a time.

Winter, Go Away! screens March 18 at 7 pm in Room H-110, 1455 de Maisonneuve W. Director Askold Kurov will be in attendance. For more information, visit www. cinemapolitica.org/concordia

theatre review // arts

Double, double, toil and trouble McGill’s Player’s theatre presents Macbeth in the 20th century Michael JohNsoN contributor

On the damp and gloomy moors of the Scottish highlands, generals Macbeth and Banquo are accosted by three witches as they make their way home from battle. The witches foretell that Macbeth will be made King and Banquo’s sons will inherit the throne. The witches vanish and the pair think none too much of their ramblings until the prophecy starts to come true.

Lady Macbeth shares all her husband’s ambition, but none of his misgivings, and when Macbeth arrives home, she convinces him to kill King Duncan that night and blame it on his guards.

Upon learning the next morning that Duncan has been slain, his sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee to England and Ireland, fearing that they are the assassin’s next target. With no heirs of Duncan to rival him, Macbeth is declared King, an event that does nothing to strengthen his already fragile state of mind. Seeing enemies behind every curtain and challengers under every bed, Macbeth orders the death of Banquo and his son, for the witches had foretold that Banquo’s heirs would form a line of Scottish kings. This marks the beginning of the rapid deterioration of the mental faculties of Macbeth and his wife to the point that they start seeing things that are not truly there.

Director Martin Law’s production of Macbeth for the Players’ Theatre is well executed, but unfortunately lacks vision. Set in post-WWI Europe, the production seeks to use the brutal and chaot-

ic birth of the twentieth century to emphasize the cruelty and violence of Macbeth, as well as the moral depravity and madness of the title characters. While the idea is intriguing, the contextualized setting does little to provide further insight.

Contrary to a simplistic popular belief, the twentieth century did not have a monopoly on violence and moral depravity. Simply transplanting a Shakespearean play into another violent chapter of human history does not constitute a search for deeper meaning. More work is needed to achieve this end. Perhaps likening Macbeth to an actual historical monster of the era (read: Stalin) would help to unearth more of the human frailties with which the text is riddled.

The character of Macduff, played by Alex River, was rigid and stern but convincingly emotional upon hearing the news of his family’s death. Matthew Rian Steen inhabited the role of Macbeth well, but at times appeared to be waiting to say his next line rather than listening to his fellow actors and reacting accordingly. Deserving of special note is Annie MacKay’s chilling portrayal of Lady Macbeth, whose lust for power and descent into madness superbly embodied the arc of the tragic hero. Hers was a wonderful performance.

The cast and production team deserve much credit for making the most of the confined space of the Players’ Theatre. Eric Chad’s turntable set design made the scene transitions as engaging as the action and David Costello’s lighting, although simple, was extremely effective at capturing the mood of the scenes.

Although the overall vision lacked depth, the climax fits seamlessly into the context of postWWI. Macbeth has been told by the witches that he cannot be harmed by a man born of a woman, making him believe himself invincible. However, when he learns that his opponent Macduff was “from his mother’s womb untimely ripped”,

Photos by Eric Chad

meaning he was not born of a woman, Macbeth realizes he is indeed vulnerable to harm. And thus Macbeth becomes the victim of a piece of moral depravity which the twentieth century knows all too well: he neglected to read the fine print.

Macbeth runs Feb. 27, 28 and March 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $6 for students/seniors, $8 for adults. Reserve tickets online at http://ssmu.mcgill.ca/players/reservations.

You can also get tickets by emailing foh.players@gmail.com

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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entertainment // arts

Oscar fever: best picture round-up this year’s oscars have come and gone. undoubtedly, 2012 was a great year for filmmaking and The Concordian is giving you a tour of all the best picture nominees, as well as the ultimate winner.

GeorGe MeNexis opinions editor

Life of Pi: Based on the popular book by Canadian author Yann Martel, Life of Pi tells the incredible tale of a boy and his trip across the Atlantic ocean on a raft, with a tiger.

When Pi’s family decides to move to Canada, they pack all of their worldly possessions, including their animals, onto a boat and begin the long journey. An enormous storm hits and Pi finds himself floating away on a lifeboat with an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena and a tiger.

Cinematically speaking, the movie scores quite a few points: the graphics were absolutely stunning, the scenery moving, and the story extremely compelling. Director Ang Lee, who won the award for best director, captures the true meaning of the book and makes something that could’ve been extremely dull, lively and breathtaking. Pi’s story has a final twist too, one that leaves audiences really pondering the true meaning of Pi’s life-changing adventure.

8.5/10 Lincoln: Starring the notorious Daniel Day-Lewis who took home the Oscar for best actor, and directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, Lincoln tells the story of former American President Abraham Lincoln’s struggle to abolish slavery in the midst of the American Civil War. Despite the star-studded cast, viewers may find it to be a tad boring. This is mostly due to the fact that the movie makes a point of being as realistic as possible, going into every single detail in Lincoln’s fight against Congress and his struggle to get the necessary votes to pass the motion. Despite these few static points when yawns may escape from the audience, it is definitely still a must-see and elegantly captures this unique moment in American history.

Spielberg does do one thing that may leave audiences pleasantly surprised throughout the film. He makes a point of showing Lincoln’s truly unique, joking and down to earth character in different scenes. Day Lewis made us love the character and hope that he would achieve what his heart so deeply desired: equal rights. In all Lincoln is a great movie that perfectly and accurately captures a chunk of American history.

8.7/10

Zero Dark Thirty: Kathryn Bigelow has done it again. Zero Dark Thirty tells the story of the CIA’s plan to capture and kill terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden. There’s only one word to accurately portray this movie: suspense. The last chapter of the film is, by far, the epitome of it as a team of elite American soldiers is sent into the home where Bin Laden is presumed to be hiding. The quiet is deafening, the suspense electrifying and the drama intense. One of the greatest moments in modern cinematic history made this a top contender for best picture.

It’s worth noting that the movie received some criticisms when it first hit screens for it’s gruesome torture scenes. Many politicians and journalists alike were quick to deem the movie disgusting and unreal, claiming that this isn’t how it happened. However, despite being quite violent, these scenes were not unwatchable. All in all Zero Dark Thirty is a masterpiece, fully deserving of its nomination for best picture.

9.3/10 Beasts of the Southern Wild: Perhaps the least publicized of the best picture nominees this year, yet also the one with the most imaginative timeline. A great example of artistic expression, with an extremely original storyline and surprisingly refreshing acting. It’s no wonder nine-yearold star of the movie, Quvenzhané Wallis, is the youngest person to ever be nominated for best actress. This movie tells the story of a young girl and her father living on an island off the coast of Louisiana called “The Bathtub.” However, due to the melting of the polar ice caps, the island is at the risk of inundation, and many people find themselves fleeing the community. Hushpuppy, played by Wallis, and her father decide to stay.

Hushpuppy’s father has trained her to be strong and fearless, however, when her father catches a mysterious illness, her community begins to crumble. Hushpuppy’s toughness is put to the test in this telling tale of courage and love.

8.9/10 Les Miserables: Anne Hathaway stole the show and Russell Crowe definitely did not. Wonderful, charming and extremely beautiful, Hathaway, despite the fact that her performance in Les Miserables barely lasted half an hour, gave one of her best performances to date. It all came to an incredible climax when she gave her spot on rendition of I Dreamed A Dream. Crowe on the other hand struggled to master his musical skills, and has been criticized by many, including fellow cast member Sacha Baron Cohen.

Surprisingly, the film is entirely a musical.

With no exceptions, almost every single line of dialect is sung, not spoken. This was an incredible feat to achieve, although it did make the movie quite long at some points. Despite this minor downside, it is an excellent rendition that definitely gets our thumbs up.

8.6/10

Django Unchained: “The name is Django.

The D is silent.” Quentin Tarantino has managed to create yet another one of his notoriously memorable movies. The story, written

by Tarantino won the award for best original screenplay. This one has all the makings of a Tarantino classic; violence, bloodshed, controversy, a touchy subject and a star studded cast.

Django is set in the Western United States, a few years before the Civil War, at a time when equal rights between African-Americans and white people had yet to be established. In the movie, Django is a slave who is bought by a bounty hunter played Christoph Waltz. In exchange for his help, the bounty hunter promises to find Django’s wife. They later find out she is owned by an extremely rich and powerful white man, played by Leonardo Dicaprio.

Needless to say, the movie does not lack action and, by all accounts, provides one of the most entertaining endings in recent movie history.

9/10 Amour: Amour was not only nominated for best foreign film, but also for best picture at this year’s Oscars. Emmanuelle Riva plays an old woman whose health slowly deteriorates before our eyes in this heartbreaking film. Riva perfectly captures the struggle an elder must face as his or her health fails, giving us a gripping view of what old age can become for some people.

In this movie, the husband George must care for his wife as she suffers two strokes in a short amount of time. An amazing depiction of how even the strongest of loves are often tested. Amour is a different type of love story, a heartbreaking one, seriously testing what one must to do to make his better half happy. If I had it my way, Amour would have won best picture, but considering the circumstances, I think taking home the Oscar for best foreign film is a great achievement in itself.

9.1/10

Silver Linings Playbook: Silver Linings Playbook was a serious contender for the most prestigious oscar. The movie is so realistic, the acting so precise, and the story so unique that they all mesh together to make an amazing picture. Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy that strays from the stereotypical layout most movies follow.

The story begins when Bradley Cooper, playing a bipolar history teacher, catches his wife cheating on him with another professor he works with.

He snaps and is sentenced to eight months in a psychiatric ward.

We see Cooper’s difficult path towards rehabilitation, his crumbling relationship with his wife and parents and his drive to make his life better and get his wife back. Needless to say, his plans don’t pan out exactly as he thought in his quest to find that silver lining he so desperately needs.

Jennifer Lawrence also delivers an excellent performance for which she took home the oscar for best actress. Silver Linings Playbook really delves into the struggles of deep mental illness, all the while telling an extremely interesting story.

9.3/10 And... the Oscar for best picture goes to... (awkward envelope opening)..... ARGO. Argo: A masterpiece, some may say, based on the true story of a CIA-based operation in the 1970s to extract six fugitive members of American personnel from an extremely violent and revolutionary Iran. What made Argo such a great film is the fact that it so accurately portrayed the true story, all the while dramatizing it. The crowds, the protests raging and the violence roaring are so accurately portrayed that they create an emotional dimension that’s difficult to find in most dramatic productions of a true story.

Ben Affleck, who plays real-life CIA agent Tony Mendez, stars and directs in this film. Most audience members will agree, Argo is a fast-paced and smart movie which is well-worth the watch.

9.5/10

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Write to the editor: music@theconcordian.com

profile // music

Songs from the Canadian North Folk rock musician Elisapie turns strife into beauty saturn DE Los angELEs staff writer

Google Elisapie and you’ll discover Navvaatara, Inuk and Life is What You Make It on the front page. Then you’ll see various names such as Elisapie, Elisapie Isaac and Taima. Confused? Just call her Elisapie (As in E-leh-suhpee).

“My name is actually Elizabeth,” said the artist. “I have many common names...and it’s really complicated because everybody doesn’t know how to say my name. I don’t wanna change it on my 15th album.”

Travelling Love is Elisapie’s latest album. It’s upbeat and pop in flavor and deviates from the dreamy northern folk-rock ambience in There Will be Stars. The album is a creative offspring from a difficult time in her life, and she turned to making music as a kind of therapy that freed her from her inhibitions.

“I was going through a separation, and I was questioning my beliefs in love. I feel like I was sidetracked and I asked myself what am I going to do with the passionate and spiritual side of me,” she said.

The album represents her state of mind at that time. It aims to tell a story, and it reaches out to listeners who might be going through a

Singer-Songwriter eliSapie. photo by Raphael ouellet

difficult time too, as long as they can acknowledge the situation. “It’s amazing to be able to go [to the studio] and realize right after [recording], you’re not saving a life, you’re making an album. But once it’s done, it’s there. You cannot be in that state of mind all the time. You’re out in the real world [and you have to move

on]. Because love is moving constantly and it’s mysterious.”

Salluit is a small Inuit community on Quebec’s far-northern shore. It is your average town - isolated, no technology, and tight-knit, according to Elisapie. She grew up as a vocalist for her uncle’s former rock band of the town’s

same name called Salluit Band. “I sang since I was a little girl… It’s like breathing,” she said. “[My mom] always encouraged me to sing. But I stopped because I don’t see myself seriously doing that.

Elisapie was a youth counselor before she left the North, did a year of college and got involved with many projects in various mediums, such as film-making. She spent a year working on a TV production about young people living near the North Pole.

But the beauty of sound is something that preoccupies Elisapie nowadays. When performing live, “It’s not just about the music, it’s what you have to say – how you use your voice and how you’re gonna find a way to make a story.”

She admits that she has a lot of things on her plate right now, but she’s taking it one thing at a time. “I need to learn to say no,” she said.

“I can easily say yes to everything and I can’t do well when I do too much, so I don’t multitask. I wanna do another album; I have leftover creativity, it’s just so liberating for me.”

That liberation continues to allow her to move forward. “It was through Travelling Love that I realized I can write songs, and I’m not doubting that anymore, and I feel so free. I can be myself and say what’s on my mind.”

But for now, she may consider taking a break and go back to film-making. By that time, we’ll know for sure that the next break-out film will be produced and directed by Salluit’s own folk rock superstar.

By that time, we will know how to say her name - Elisapie.

mixtape // music

Spring break recovery mixtape Party hardy on Break

the study grind

1. Beastie Boys - “Fight For Your Right” – Licensed to Ill 2. The Kooks - “Always Where I Need to Be” - Konk 3. Chromeo - “Bonafied Lovin’” Fancy Footwork 4. Franz Ferdinand - “Do You Want To” - You Could Have It So Much Better 5. The Strokes - “You Only Live Once” - First Impressions of Earth 6. The Vaccines - “Norgaard”- What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

7. Missy Elliot - “Pass That Dutch”This Is Not A Test!

8. Arctic Monkeys - “Dancing Shoes”- Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not 9. Julian Casablancas, Santogold, Pharrell Williams - “My Drive Thru” - Welcome To Converse 10. The Rolling Stones - “Get Off Of My Cloud” - December’s Children (And Everybody’s)

1. The Beatles – “Mother Nature’s Son” – The White Album 2. Trevor Hall - “Well I Say…” - This Is Blue 3. Pink Floyd - “Us and Them” - The Dark Side of the Moon 4. Benjamin Francis Leftwich - “Atlas Hands” - Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm 5. Fleetwood Mac - “Never Going Back Again” - Rumours 6. Jack Johnson - “Belle” - In Between Dreams 7. Modest Mouse - “Perfect Disguise” – The Moon & Antarctica 8. Andre 3000 - “Vibrate” - The Love Below 9. Timber Timbre - “We’ll Find Out” Timber Timbre 10. The Fray - “Ungodly Hour” - The Fray

JEssica romEra staff writer

A

s students, we are naturally inclined to want to relax or blow off a little steam after weeks of hellish midterms. Some of us like to party, while others prefer to stay in watching entire seasons of their favourite television shows with hot mugs of tea.

Although we wished we could do anything but look at a textbook, we are faced with the ominous reality that we have mountains of readings to get through before the week’s end.

Couldn’t decide whether to dance the night away or bury your face in books? To acknowledge the Party Patty you’ve recently been, Side A is filled with happy fun-time tracks that are sure to make you remember the spring break good times. Now that you’re back to being a Studious Sam, flip over to Side B for a calming selection of tracks that will help you get back on that study grind. Enjoy!

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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top 10 // music

Academy Award winners for “best song” After uttering the famous line “nobody puts Baby in a corner,” actors Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey perform their iconic dance scene in the film Dirty Dancing. This song was recently sampled in “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by The Black Eyed Peas.

7. “Jai ho” — Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Music: A. R. Rahman; Lyrics: Gulzar “Jai Ho” was used for the epic Bollywood-inspired dance sequence during the end credits of Slumdog Millionaire. Not only did the film go on to win most of the Academy Awards for which it was nominated that year, including “Best Picture,” this was also the first Oscar winner to feature Hindistyle cinema.

PauL traunEro staff writer

10. “My heart Will go on” — Titanic (1997) Music: James Horner; Lyrics: Will Jenning It’s impossible to deny the power of this song, both vocally and emotionally. Céline Dion perfectly channels the majesty of the Titanic, all while conveying the tragedy of the lives lost during its maiden voyage.

9. “a Whole new World” — Aladdin (1992) Music: Alan Menken; Lyrics: Tim Rice “A Whole New World” is a ballad from the Disney classic, Aladdin. The moment shared between the two primary characters, Aladdin and Jasmine as they sail through the night sky on a magic carpet is definitely a classic ‘90s childhood one.

8. “(i’ve had) the time of My Life” — Dirty Dancing (1987) Music: Franke Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz; Lyrics: Franke Previte

6. “sooner or Later (i always get My Man)” — Dick Tracy (1990) Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim Dick Tracy is one of my favorite comic book film adaptations of all time. Although it’s hard to believe that Madonna actually starred in a decent movie, she brings a vulnerable sensuality to her character, Breathless Mahoney, in this cabaret number.

5. “under the sea” — The Little Mermaid (1989) Music: Alan Menken; Lyrics: Howard Ashman Another childhood classic. This Calypso-style song was featured in the Disney animated film The Little Mermaid. I can’t help but wonder how many kids went on to become marine biologists due to this song. Life does seem pretty sweet under the sea!

4. “over the rainbow” — The Wizard of Oz

(1939) Music: Harold Arlen; Lyrics: E.Y. “Yip” Harburg “Over the Rainbow” was performed by Judy Garland in her most memorable role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. The song has become a timeless classic, covered countless times and recognized worldwide.

3. “the Way you Look tonight” — Swing Time (1936) Music: Jerome Kern; Lyrics: Dorothy Fields “The Way You Look Tonight” was performed by musical film star/dancer Fred Astaire as a serenade to co-star Ginger Rogers in one of the best musical comedies of the ‘30s. The song is sweet, endearing and surprisingly still relevant today.

2. “Moon river” — Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Music: Henry Mancini; Lyrics: Johnny Mercer “Moon River” was a bittersweet victory for Audrey Hepburn, who always dreamed of singing onscreen. Unfortunately, her delicate vocals did not transfer well to the film adaptation of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady three years later. She was dubbed by American soprano Marni Nixon.

1. “Falling slowly” — Once (2006) Music & Lyrics: Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that two virtually unknown indie musicians were able to achieve so much? Indie-folk at the Oscars!

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová wrote and performed all the songs on the soundtrack for Once. pills. “Give it Away” is at number one because of how amazingly weird and fun the entire video is.

Quick spins // music

Matt Costa - Matt Costa (Brushfire Records; 2013)

Doldrums - Lesser Evil (Arbutus Records; 2013)

The Proxy - Music from the Eastblock Jungles Part I & II (Dim Mak; 2013)

Three years since his last album Mobile Chateau, Matt Costa is back and ringing in the new year with his latest self-titled album. The 10-track album combines Costa’s signature dreamy voice and folksy melodies with interesting new orchestral sounds and fun-time pop beats.

Costa kicks it off with “Loving You”, a track that perfectly blends the singer’s signature pipes with a new orchestral sound, followed by a catchy pop beat, instantly putting listeners in a cheesy, happy-go-lucky mood. The subsequent tracks are laced with a fresh symphonic feel, all the while being true to folksy singer’s earlier work, perfectly exemplified by the album’s first single “Good Times”.

Matt Costa’s self-titled album delivers on all levels, making us feel happy, light and dreamy, proving to fans that the new album was well worth the three-year wait.

If you’re going to listen to Doldrum’s album, then you’d better crank your subwoofer to 11. Montrealer Airick Woodhead’s debut album is a flood of electro-pop psychedelia that introduces new electronic flavors to your ears.

The whole album feels like an experiment that lets a variety of electronic melodies and beats run wild. Woodhead begins each song with a solid pulsing beat, then drops different sound layers like warm fuzz, whimsical synthesized notes, fast-falling crescendos and finally, his own voice that pierces through the thick layers above. “She is the Wave” stands out in particular as it releases an ocean of noise in which every coat of musical modulation tickles your brain and leaves you wanting the three-minute song to be endless.

“Egypt” can definitely conjure an image of colorful holographic pyramids in your head and the song continues to get more interesting as it progresses. The whole album breaks the usual electronic music mold of repetitive beats.

An amalgamation of tracks old and new, The Proxy’s latest offering allows the listener to peer through the intensely shadowy lens of how he views his native Russia.

On the whole, the 23-track mega-compilation is heavy with industrial undertones and what sounds like flickering and buzzing lights, often luring the mind into a chop shop, junkyard, or leaky boiler room—in the most enticing and captivating way possible.

His Eastern European touch is woven into the entire album, predominant on some tracks more than others. “Coke” is a fast-paced, glitchy, europoppy number, while “Blood”, the first song off Part II, boasts a rumbling bassline reminiscent of Justice’s “Genesis”.

At the top of Part I sits “Raven”, a well-established track from the past that Crookers got their hands on years ago. “8000” borders on druggedout oriental, while its Part II counterpart, “9000”, is irresistibly spirited, jazzy and bold.

trial track: “shotgun”

trail track: “she is the Wave”

trial track: “hiccup”

9/10

- Jessica Romera

9/10

- Mia Pearson

7/10

- Stephanie Ullman

anDrEW guiLbErt staff writer

>> As he’s inked, crying //

As I Lay Dying’s frontman tim Lambesis is the kind of man who starts a side project loosely inspired by an ex-governor action-star called “Austrian Death Machine.” So it’s not difficult to comprehend where he gets his ideas on crowdsourcing incentives to fund said band’s third album Triple Brutal. For a mere $5,000 you can have your initials tattooed on Tim’s butt followed by a celebratory dinner and “maybe you can hold Tim’s hand while he’s under the needle.” Though that’s the top prize to be had on his indiegogo.com funding page, there are a number of other rewards up for grabs, including a gym workout with Tim for $99, having your face on his shirt at a concert for $250 and having the singer be your personal trainer for a month for $500. As of this writing, the campaign has collected $16,000 of the $63,000 required by April 5, but no one’s coughed up the five grand yet, so you may still have your chance at cheeky immortality!

>> Battle of the B-listers //

A while back troubled actress Lindsay Lohan decided to sue rapper Pitbull over some lyrics he spouted in his song “Give Me Everything”: “So I’m tiptoein’ to keep flowin’/I got it locked up like Lindsay Lohan.’” Apparently Lohan believed that the lines constituted an “unwarranted, unauthorized and unfavorable mention of [her] name and personality, and allusions to [her] physical and mental character.” Lohan’s lawyer argued that the song was created for commercial and not artistic reasons. Incredibly the judge disagreed, saying the song constituted “a work of art” (legally speaking) and that it was protected against publicity and privacyrelated claims under the first amendment. “The fact that the song was presumably created and distributed for the purpose of making a profit does not mean that plaintiff’s name was used for ‘advertising’ or ‘purposes of trade’ within the meaning of the New York Civil Rights Law.” In addition to losing the case, Lohan’s lawyer was fined for “an affront to the court” for allegedly plagiarizing her legal briefs from educational websites and other law firms.

>> Better branding through bodyslams //

In case you didn’t hear the Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan started his own professional wrestling company, Resistance Pro, back in 2011. Now he’s taken the next logical step in his progression from alt-rock icon to guy who does weird things for a living by using said wrestling company to make a T.V. commercial to sell furniture. The company in question, Walter E. Smithe Furniture, is a local Chicago store known for its ridiculous advertising. If you’re curious, Pitchfork summed up the ad pretty well: “Corgan and one of the Smithe brothers are playing musical chairs in a wrestling ring.

Then they get in a fight. Naturally, Corgan calls in his goons from Resistance Pro Wrestling.

When one of the dudes tries to hit another guy with a chair, Corgan stops him: ‘That’s a Walter E. Smithe chair!’” As for Corgan’s reasoning, “Branding anything these days is a real challenge,” he told the Chicagoist. “We have to build credibility in the wrestling community.

It’s based on visibility and name recognition.”

As to how that translates into wrestlers selling furniture, your guess is as good as mine.

sports 14

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Tuesday, february 26, 2013

Write to the editor: sports@theconcordian.com

men’s hockey // sports

A tough start headlines a season to forget A review of the men’s hockey season Anthony Abbondanza Staff writer

What started out as a strong start to the season, with opening wins versus cross-town rival McGill Redmen and the Carleton Ravens, turned into a season to forget for the Concordia Stingers men’s hockey team.

Although their hockey fate came down to the last game of the season, a 2-1 loss to Toronto, falling three points shy of a playoff spot, the Stingers (8-15-5) suffered more than just a disastrous 10-game losing streak early in the season.

Opening the year with Nick Champion between the pipes, who was expected to attend the Tampa Bay Lightning’s pre-lockout training camp in September, Stingers head coach Kevin Figsby thought he had an AllCanadian goaltender in the making.

After beginning the season with consecutive wins, Figsby received some unexpected news - Champion’s days as a Stinger were over. The netminder received a job opportunity from a mining company in Labrador that he could not refuse.

“After losing Nick Champion, we were almost in a depression for five games to lose a goalie that we thought would be a CIS All-Canadian this year,” said Figsby, who’s been at the helm for 13 seasons.

The team went on to lose their next 10 games, throwing untested goaltenders Loic Boivin and Antonio Mastropietro into the fire.

To make matters worse, the team battled

more than just the slump. They were forced to play through injuries, playing without forward Jessyco Bernard (blood disorder; missed nine games) and rookie defenseman Alex MacDonald (concussion; missed six games).

But after a much needed Christmas break, the Stingers made a run for the playoffs, running a 4-5-3 record to end the season, all the while playing short-handed, as backup goaltender Loic Boivin was out with a torn hip abductor.

“I got to look back and say ‘hey we peaked at the right time and we did all the right things but we came up three points shy’,” said Figsby.

The Stingers were in playoff contention until their final game, when a loss to Toronto and a Ryerson win (eighth in the OUA Eastern Conference) ended their postseason hopes.

While the loss of Champion and a lethargic 10-game slump can be highlighted in the disappointing season, it was the Stingers lack of scoring prowess that ultimately put a dent in their playoff aspirations.

The team finished the season second-tolast in goals for, with 73 goals scored, a 41goal drop-off from the 2011-12 season. Both star forwards, George Lovatsis (19 points in 28 games) and Alex Monahan (15 points in 28 games), had off-years after a stellar 201112 season in which they scored 40 and 27 points, respectively.

Now this young Stingers team, featuring nine rookies, will be even younger next year, as captain Kyle Kelly, Lyle Van Wieran, Alex Monahan, Djan Lefebvre and Corey Garland are finishing their last semester at Concordia University.

But the future looks bright for Concordia’s hockey program.

Mastropietro’s emergence in the second

staff // sports

Concordia’s athletic department director to retire Katie Sheahan will be leaving the Stingers community after a 10-year career Kevin Duarte Sports editor

C

oncordia’s athletic department director, Katie Sheahan, will retire this May after 10 years on the job. The department made the announcement last Thursday.

During her tenure, there have been some major upgrades and advancements in Concordia’s athletic services. According to the Athletic Department’s website, both the outdoor artificial turfs on Loyola campus, the Stinger Dome and the gyms have all been installed during her time at Concordia. Sheahan was also involved in the creation of The PERFORM center, an advanced sports re-

search facility, located in Le Centre at Loyola campus. It was inaugurated in October 2011.

Sheahan has always had tremendous passion for all Stingers teams. She regularly attends Concordia home games. More recently, she was spotted cheering passionately, sitting in the first row of the men’s and women’s basketball games this past Thursday.

In her 10 years as the department’s director, Stingers sports teams have, combined, won over 10 championships.

In 2008, her achievements led her to the Humberto Santos Award issued by the Concordia University Alumni Association.

The university will look to continue building on Sheahan’s work while providing a quality experience for the school’s athletes and varsity teams while continuing to improve the facilities.

Stingers fall short of playoffs, despite good start to year. Photo by Marilla Steuter-Martin

half not only earned him a rookie goalie of the year nomination from coach Figsby, but also his status as the undisputed number one goalie to open the 2013-14 season.

“I just started being less nervous and just having fun, while helping out the team,” said the netminder, when asked about his

overall game.

Figsby certainly expects “the great Antonio” to backstop his team next season with a strong, young core intact. The team is planning to build a foundation around Olivier Hinse, Jessyco Bernard, Dany Potvin, Youssef Kabbaj and Alex MacDonald.

Upcoming games Wednesday, Feb. 27 Women’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers vs UQÀM Citadins at 7 p.m. (Playoffs - available online SSN) Men’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers @ Bishop’s Gaiters at 7 p.m. (Playoffs - available online SSN)

SCORE BOARD

Thursday, Feb. 14 Women’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers 81-58 UQÀM Citadins Men’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers 8276 UQÀM Citadins Saturday, Feb. 16 Women’s Hockey: McGill Martlets 7-1 Concordia Stingers Women’s Soccer: UQÀM Citadins 0-4 Concordia Stingers Men’s Soccer: UQÀM Citadins 1-0 Concordia Stingers

Thursday, Feb. 21 Women’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers 70-51 Bishop’s Gaiters Men’s Basketball: Concordia Stingers 7263 Bishop’s Gaiters Saturday, Feb. 23 Women’s Basketball: Laval Rouge et Or 67-62 Concordia Stingers (OT) Men’s Basketball: Laval Rouge et Or 8462 Concordia Stingers Sunday, Feb. 24 Women’s Soccer: Laval Rouge et Or 7-0 Concordia Stingers Men’s Soccer: Laval Rouge et Or 4-1 Concordia Stingers

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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men’s basketball // sports

Concordia fails to secure home court advantage in playoffs stingers win and lose in final two games of the season Kevin duArte sports editor

Concordia’s men’s basketball team had two important games to finish the season. On Thursday the Stingers hosted the Bishop’s Gaiters at Concordia Gym before travelling to square off against Laval on Saturday.

Coming into the Thursday game against the Gaiters, Concordia desperately needed a win if they were to have any chance of playing at home during the playoffs. The Stingers needed consecutive wins against Bishop’s and Laval to ensure a second place finish and more importantly home court advantage in the semi-finals.

Against Bishop’s, the maroon and gold were hungry right from the opening tipoff. A 7-0 run inside the first three and a half minutes gave Concordia a 9-2 lead. Guards Kyle Desmarais and Morgan Tajfel each had a good opening quarter. The duo combined for more points than the entire Bishop’s team after the first 10 minutes. Desmarais had nine points, while Tajfel had six. The Stingers led 20-13.

“I don’t think we played great for the entire

40 minutes, maybe 30,” said Desmarais, who led the team with 22 points and five assists.

“We knew we had to win it and we know we play well at home. We came out with nothing to lose.”

The Gaiters turned up the tempo in the second quarter. The visitors opened the frame with eight unanswered points and eventually took a slim one point lead. Both teams traded baskets during the remainder of the quarter. There were a total of six lead changes in the second alone.

The game was tied at halftime, 33-33.

The action continued to go both ways in the third quarter. A string of early baskets gave the Gaiters a two possession lead early in the frame. Concordia would always find a way to reply and never let their opponents run the score. The Stingers fought back and had their own five point lead just after the midway point of the frame. By the end of the third, Bishop’s was leading 49-48.

ConU went all out in the final 10 minutes.

Their success defensively translated directly to their success on offence. For the first six minutes, the Stingers’ strong defence only gave up five points to the Gaiters. In the same time, but at the other end of the court, Concordia scored 17 points to go up a game high 11 points.

The Gaiters clawed their way back to within six points, but the Stingers held on to a 72-63 win.

“We did a great job rebounding, we killed

ConCordia will reMatCh biShop’S in SeMi-final on wedneSday. photo by Kevin duarte them on the board,” said Stingers assistant head coach Ernie Rosa. “But, we had 27 turnovers.

That’s unacceptable at this stage of the year.

We should be down to 12. Foul shooting wasn’t very good, and we were at home. No, we’re not happy with what happened today. It was a win, but it was not a good win.”

“We’re in a position where we need to prove ourselves and prove to other teams that we are the number one team in Quebec,” said Tajfel, who ended the game with a double-double of

18 points and 12 rebounds.

On Saturday, Concordia and Laval couldn’t be separated in the first half. The Rouge et Or took a sizeable lead in the third quarter and went on to win 84-62.

The stingers finish the season in third place and will travel to bishop’s on Wednesday in the opening round of the rseQ playoffs. The rematch from Thursday night is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game is available online.

women’s basketball // sports

Stingers close season with win and a loss Concordia will face uQÀM in the semi-finals on Wednesday Kevin duArte sports editor

In their final two matches of the season, the Concordia Stingers women’s basketball team finished with a win and an overtime loss. In the first game of the week, the Stingers hosted the Bishop’s Gaiters at Concordia Gym on Thursday night. Two days later, Concordia travelled to Quebec City to face the Laval Rouge et Or. Against the Gaiters, the maroon and gold got off to a flying start. Guard Ashley Clarke had the hot hand, scoring 10 points straight in a span of five minutes. She finished the game with 21 points, playing a total of 25 minutes.

Concordia’s strong quarter gave the team a 22-8 lead going into the second.

Continuing their dominance from the first quarter, the Stingers went on a 15-0 run in the first five minutes of the second. The home team led as much as 24 points. The Gaiters slowly

started to hit a few baskets and suddenly scored nine unanswered points to reduce the deficit.

By halftime, Concordia still had a comfortable 15 point lead, 34-19.

As the score suggested, it looked like it was going to be another relatively easy win for the Stingers. In three games against Bishop’s this season, ConU had a perfect 3-0 record and won by an average of 18 points.

In the third quarter, the Stingers kept up their high-tempo offence. Halfway through the frame, their 24 point lead was restored. But much like the end of the second quarter, thanks to some unforced turnovers from the Stingers, the Gaiters managed to cut the deficit to 16 points.

Both teams went back and forth in the final quarter. With just over two minutes to go, Concordia had their largest lead of the game.

A seven point run saw them jump up to a 25 point lead. As the final buzzer went, the Stingers won handily 70-51.

After Clarke’s team-leading 21 points, guard Kaylah Barrett added 13 points. Five other ConU players had more than five points each.

Center Serginha Estime pulled down eight of the team’s 40 rebounds.

Despite the result, Stingers head coach Keith

StingerS will hoSt opening playoff gaMe thiS wedneSday at ConCordia. photo Kevin duarte.

Pruden still believes his team needs to tighten up on defence and not give up easy turnovers on offence.

“We have to be more consistent at both ends,” he said. “We can’t afford to give people the kind of easy looks we gave up in the fourth quarter for example. We just can’t give up those kinds of transition layups. We certainly can’t turn the ball over as often. We got to hold the turnovers to under a dozen for the game, otherwise we’re giving teams quality

opportunities to score.”

On Saturday against the Rouge et Or, an overtime was needed to find a winner. Laval pulled off a 67-62 win. Despite the result, Concordia’s loss had no effect on the standings.

The Stingers still finished in second place in the RSEQ conference.

“I’m okay with where we are at right now, but we’re not playing exactly how I want to,” said Pruden. “We’re going to have to tune some stuff for the playoffs.”

opinions 16

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Tuesday, february 26, 2013

Write to the editor: opinions@theconcordian.com editorial // opinions

Summit 2013: FEUQ la hausse! you can dress it up however you like, but a hike is still a hike So, the provincial education summit began Monday and to the surprise of no one, it was declared by Quebec Premier Pauline Marois that despite the current freeze on tuition, fees would be going up in the future.

Using words like “indexing” may differentiate this increase from the one put forward by the former Charest Liberals, but the difference is superficial. The Parti Québécois’ plan amounts to a three per cent annual increase, meaning that tuition will rise by $70 per year. It may not be as much as the hike presented last year, but it provides little comfort to a movement whose

members are demanding free education.

Another point worth mentioning is the feelings of betrayal some may be experiencing at the hands of the government. When the PQ came into power, they ran on a platform of a tuition freeze and some would argue that this attributed greatly to their success. By going back on their promise and creating a plan to raise fees, it is only reasonable that voters would feel anger and mistrust towards the government.

Those in attendance at the summit may also be upset by this news, considering the “open dialogue” they were promised has just been narrowed quite substantially. Student groups like the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec have been vocal about wanting to cooperate with the government towards what they hoped would be the common goal of a freeze.

With this announcement, the FEUQ may not be so willing to support the PQ and could start encouraging its members back into the streets.

Quebec Higher Education Minister Pierre Duchesne says that the province can no longer afford to keep tuition so low, and that a continued freeze would force a crisis. This proves a tough pill to swallow considering the financial mismanagement of publicly-funded institutions throughout the city.

The protests are just the beginning if Marois continues to push an increase. Quebec saw what students and concerned citizens can accomplish when properly motivated. Does anyone really want a repeat of the violent protests, the nightly disturbances, the vandalism and the discontent from last spring?

Accessible education is clearly something

many people in Quebec are passionate about and the battle ahead will not be an easy one for Marois to win. After all, education is a right and people across the province have clearly demonstrated their interest in preserving the current tuition model.

Whether it be $325 or $70, students feel they shouldn’t have to pay any more for education and the PQ should be prepared for that. Spending thousands on a two-day summit to allow all parties to voice their opinions won’t make much of a difference if the government isn’t listening.

If anything, the point of Monday’s three separate demonstrations was to show Marois that the red square movement is alive and well, and that if the government chooses to take a page out of Charest’s book, they will be ready to speak up and fight back.

gay rights // opinions

One step forward, two steps back Trinity Western shouldn’t be allowed to ban homosexual students or faculty Tiffany LafLeur staff writer

There are many things that we Canadians can be proud of: we are peaceful, we have maple syrup, we have hockey. However, perhaps one of the most fundamental things that makes us Canadian is our openness and our acceptance. As a nation, we stand on firm beliefs that every individual is created equal.

Trinity Western University, a private Christian school in British Columbia, is challenging that belief.

The school requires all students and faculty to sign a pledge that they’ll refrain from any homosexual conduct. This means that gay or lesbian students who are married wouldn’t be admitted. The pledge is footnoted with a quotation from the New Testament.

In my opinion, this is a disgusting, discriminatory act and shouldn’t be allowed.

Not only does this go against the fundamental principles in the Charter of Canadian Rights and Freedoms, but it goes against what many Canadians are proud to stand for: integrity, objectivity, and equality for all.

On top of this affront to the Charter, the university is currently trying to open a law school.

As outlined in the Global Issues series, published by West Academic Publishing, “the lawyer is the guardian of the rule of law, the ideal that all people stand equally before the law and neither expect nor receive special

treatment from it.”

If lawyers are supposed to be the guardians of the law, then how can a law school get away with blatantly discriminating against homosexual people? If it’s ‘okay’ to reject someone based on their sexual orientation, is it also ‘okay’ not to hire people based on gender or race?

If the government just stands by and lets Trinity Western go on with their pledge, it will set a dangerous precedent.

As outlined in the Charter, every Canadian citizen has these fundamental rights: freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association. To deny even one of these fundamental rights to anyone on the basis of having a different opinion, or in this case a different sexual preference, is wrong.

Along with wanting to ban homosexual behaviour on their campus, Trinity Western also wants their students and faculty to refrain from drunkenness, use of profanity, dishonesty, abortion, involvement in the occult, premarital sex, adultery, pornography and, ironically, harassment. This is all clearly outlined in the General University Policies.

The presence of such a school in Canada is unacceptable. The Department of Justice has a clear explanation of why we need and have laws and what they are used for: “Laws are also aimed at ensuring fairness. By recognizing and protecting basic individual rights and freedoms, such as liberty and equality, our laws ensure that stronger groups and in-

dividuals do not use their powerful positions to take unfair advantage of weaker groups or people.”

If it is written in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as in the justice system, then there is no conceivable way Trinity West-

ern can legitimize their ban on homosexuality. Not only does the sexual orientation of an individual in no way impact their work ethic or skill, but stripping a person down to their sexuality deprives them of who they are and what they can accomplish.

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

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17

education // opinions

Cursive writing: a romantic art or a useless hassle?

Cursive writing has been under scrutiny lately. is it a useless skill to have in a technology-driven world, or is it a form of writing that should be preserved for the sake of keeping some type of handwriting in the curriculum? The Concordian looks at the pros and cons of cursive writing, and whether or not it should be preserved in the future.

PROS: The value of reviving a dying art CaTLin spenCer staff writer

In grade school, there were workbooks and piles of stencil sheets that were supposed to be filled out in an attempt to learn cursive writing. The problem was, our school gave very little priority to learning cursive; our teacher wasn’t given enough time to thoroughly grade our work, there were never any follow-ups and it was never used in any of the higher grades. Because of that, the majority of the students were able to forget cursive writing with little to no reprimand. Our school focused primarily on the new upcoming technology, and writing classes were replaced with keyboard lessons. I never learned proper cursive writing, and I’ve regretted it ever since not just because I can’t write well in cursive, but because my handwriting in general has suffered. It’s a slippery slope from eliminating cursive to losing handwriting to an over-reliance on technology - a fate that may be in store for future students if more schools decide to end handwriting classes like the principal of innovative teaching for Parkland School Division in Edmonton.

There are the times when things have to be handwritten, and not just scrawled, legibly enough to be read by anyone. For example, technology is not infallible; computers crash and deadlines are unforgiving. It may happen that work has to be written by hand. Also, final exams at Concordia, with the exception of take-home exams, must be handwritten and there are teachers that prohibit the use of laptops and tablets while requiring that students take notes. While no one else has to read a student’s notes, it would be embarrassing not being able to read your own writing, and even more so to lose marks on an exam because no one could read your answer.

Call it old-fashioned, but handwritten letters have always had a personal touch that you just can’t get with pixels and ink-jet printers. Whether it’s a thank you note or a love letter, no matter the font, it won’t have the same impact of a paper where each letter of every word was a done by the careful

stroke of a pen or pencil. People appreciate the thought, and the time taken.

There is, however, hope for the art of script.

In an opposite measure than schools in Edmonton, a House panel in Idaho unanimously approved a bill in that would require public schools to teach cursive handwriting. The decision pointed to research that showed that handwriting courses help with visual recognition, refining motor skills and increases interest and capabilities in creative arts. There was also much concern over the possible loss of being able to read cursive, leading to a time when people will not be able to read old diaries, journals and important documents written in cursive.

Generations of information could be lost, and we would become disconnected from a part of our past.

For these reasons, it would be a shame and a bad idea to eliminate handwriting from the curriculum in schools. It would mean the loss of an artform and a major blow to the quality of handwriting in general.

CONS: Out with the old, in with the technology robin DeLLa CorTe assistant news editor

When I was 10-years-old, hours and hours were devoted to mastering my lowercase k’s, z’s and uppercase G’s. Now, in a day of technology, these hours seem to have been wasted stressing over my cursive writing.

Today, more and more teachers have taken out cursive writing practice from their curriculum and replaced it with teaching students keyboarding and other computer-based communication.

Having only used my cursive writing skills in elementary school, I couldn’t be happier that teachers are finally realizing just how useless cursive writing has become.

George Couros, the principal of innovative teaching for Parkland School Division in Edmonton, said that both technology and literacy are developing but that “we need to really focus on what we do in school to help kids connect with the world.”

Going into highschool, I thought all my assignments would be handed in using cursive writing only, as my elementary

teachers had prepared me. To my surprise, this wasn’t the case.

While I do recall having to give in a few handwritten assignments in my first year of high school, I’ve used my computer through high school, college and now, university.

In his letter to The Gazette, Robert Marcogliese argued that reading newspapers, instruction manuals, information documents, novels, university textbooks, Facebook, maps or even greeting cards, he “finds it impossible to remember any recent occasion when [he] had to read cursive text, or to practice [his] cursive writing skills.”

The only time he remembers cursive is when signing cheques, which he believes will eventually become obsolete.

I don’t see the point in forcing children to learn a completely old-fashioned style of writing, when most teachers prefer students to hand in submissions which are typed.

It is a far better use of a child’s time to learn something undeniably useful to them, such as computer science and typing techniques.

There are some classes in college and university where teachers prefer if you take handwritten notes, but this hardly requires the perfection of each standardized letter.

When students are taking down notes while the teacher is speaking,few even bother trying to make it look neat. All they care about is getting the information down, and rightly so.

Ask yourself, when is your child ever going to use cursive writing? To write a fancy letter? No, because now, if you want to send a letter or message to your friend, it’s called an email or a text message.

I’m not saying to abolish learning to write by hand all together, but I think cursive writing should be excluded from elementary curriculums which should be updated in order to coincide with the times and to benefit children in the future.

18

Tuesday, february 26, 2013

theconcordian

The symbolic trial of Efrain Rios Montt Guatemalan politics have a long ways to go yet brenDan aDams JHr Contributor

The trial of former Guatemalan President, Efrain Rios Montt, for murder and crimes against humanity has people talking. As Amy Ross pointed out in her opinion piece for AlJazeera, this is the first time that any former head of state has been prosecuted by their own national court.

Considering Guatemala’s history of ignoring corruption, the trial seems quite meaningful. In Montt’s case, being an ousted dictator didn’t mean exile or imprisonment. Quite the contrary, after being removed from power in a coup in 1983, Montt maintained relationships with those in power and was President of the Guatemalan Congress for several years.

This surreal scenario highlights just how corrupt Guatemalan government and authority has been in the past, where a General can seize power, commit mass murder, and simply re-enter the political realm without any punishment. In fact, Montt was granted prosecutorial amnesty in 2007 that only ran out in 2011.

However, considering that Montt, now 86, is well past his 50 year heyday in military and politics, the timing makes this seems more like a case of an old man who has worn out his connections being served up as an example by a ‘new’ generation.

Most of Montt’s notoriety stems from his brief 14-month rule from 1982 to 1983 in the midst of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war. After

forcing his way into power through a military junta, he began a campaign of violence and intimidation. Ostensibly posed as a counter-insurgency war against the Marxist Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity guerillas, he was funded and supported by the Reagan administration.

This brief foray into dictatorial power saw 70,000 civilians murdered or disappeared, with hundreds of thousands being displaced.

Through his indiscriminate “Beans and Guns” campaign, a with us or against us approach, many innocents were swept up, particularly members of the Mayan population. As many as 15,000 were murdered and some 600 Mayan villages destroyed in his attempt to rout the perceived communist threat.

Montt was only one of a series of brutal dictators in this period, and like the rest, he was vicious with the Mayans. Rigoberta Menchu,

Quiche Maya and former presidential candidate, wrote in her book of the horrific torture and forced labour Mayans were subjected to for years. Though she fled the country in 1982, her region of Quiche in the Ixil Triangle was heavily affected by Montt’s policies. And one of the leading men on the ground was current President, Otto Perez Molina.

In 2011, Molina, also a former General and National Director of Military Intelligence (D-2), was elected under his promise of tackling crime and corruption with la mano dura, or iron fist.

While other parties presented plans for fighting poverty and eliminating illiteracy, his Partido Patriota (Patriotic Party) garnered support mainly through a flashy campaign that provided little in the way of specifics. Despite years of past dictators, Guatemalans seemed to embrace the notion of another severe, military ruler.

In 1982, Molina was chosen by the Montt government to serve in the ‘anti-terrorist’ campaign. Though government reports say he was stationed elsewhere at this time, there is video evidence of Molina giving an interview in that area, albeit under a different name. At the spot where he was interviewed, military documents reveal an encounter that left four adults dead and 30 apprehended.

This was not an isolated incident. Amongst other known crimes perpetrated by Molina, Rightsaction.org points out that while National Director of D-2, Molina authorized the use of psychological and physical torture on Mayan resistance leader, Efrain Bámaca.

Guatemala has not left its past behind.

In fact, its past is parading around as the face of the future. Until that reality is confronted head on and serious measures taken to break with the main players in its violent history, the trial of Efrain Rios Montt remains symbolic.

sports // opinions

Great traditions deserve great players Why the nHL should allow its athletes to represent their countries in 2014 Jenna CoCuLLo staff writer

The Olympic games are a time when talented athletes from all around the world can get together to represent and show their support for their country. It’s a time where a country unites and supports their athletes.

Being chosen to represent your country out of hundreds of athletes in the Olympics is a very prestigious honour and reward for all the hard work they put into their careers over countless years. NHL players deserve the same kind of recognition, yet the NHL is contemplating whether or not they should ban them from participating in the upcoming 2014 Sochi Olympic games due to many logistical issues that have yet to be resolved.

The Olympics are a celebration of the best athletes from around the world, where they can represent and compete for their countries and make them proud. The NHL should not be allowed to decide whether or not these athletes get to participate.

According to The Canadian Press, the NHL is after “some things that currently are reserved for broadcast rights holders,” like use of video highlights the Olympic rings

symbol. The NHL is also asking for better accommodations, tickets and access for team doctors. An article published in the New York Times stated that “after losing three months of revenue during a lockout, NHL owners may be even more reluctant to forgo two weeks of revenue in 2013-14.”

I do agree that they are a money-making

business, therefore they should get some insurance if one of their key players gets hurt, but the rest seems too greedy. The Olympics are struggling as it is, therefore they are very protective of their broadcasting rights and logos.

The Olympics represent the unity of five continents — Africa, America, Asia, Europe

and Oceania, as portrayed by the rings on the Olympic flag — as well as a time for all countries to come together. I think It should be the NHL’s obligation to let their athletes participate. The NHL is a powerhouse and can afford to lose 16 days of revenue every four years because it’s not going to break them. As a matter of fact, it will probably bring them more revenue and greater promotion because, as the Times stated, “The Vancouver games in 2010 produced record ratings for hockey and provided a public relations boost for the NHL.” The organization is already in trouble with fans over this year’s lockout and they would be even more disappointed with the league if they forbid players from going.

Hockey superstar Alexander Ovechkin made a vow that he would attend the Olympics and support his country regardless of the NHL’s decision.

Clearly players want to support their home nation and fans want to see them do it.

NHL players should get treated no differently from any other athletes and should be able to make their own decisions regarding their participation in the Olympic games. They worked hard to get to where they are today and should not be denied the opportunity to show off a little.

ingredient: chocolate chips. What’s better than chocolate chips?

Melted chocolate chips. So if you thought banana bread was bland and boring, try this, and I assure you, you’ll change your opinion.

From our kitchen samanTHa miLeTo assistant sports editor If you have ever tried banana cake, then you’re one step ahead of the game. If you liked it, you’re two steps ahead of the

game. But even if you didn’t, get ready to get blow your taste-buds away. Living in an Italian family, I have the pleasure to taste test many different kinds of foods. My favourite: my aunt’s not-so-secret-anymore banana cake recipe, with one special added

Ingredients 2 c. flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2/3 c. soft margarine or butter 11/4 c packed brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 c. buttermilk or sour milk (if not us 1 tbsp vinger and plain milk) 3 mashed bananas (very ripe) 2/3 c.

Chocolate chips (if wanted)

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Add shortening, buttermilk, and mashed bananas. Beat two minutes vigorously.

Add buttermilk and eggs; beat two minutes more, then fold in chocolate chips. Bake in greased and floured 9x13 pan or round pan for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

Concordia’s weekly, independent student newspaper.

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 Vol. 30 Issue 22 Marilla Steuter-Martin editor-in-Chief editor@theconcordian.com

Sophia loffreda production manager production@theconcordian.com

Kalina lafraMboiSe news editor news@theconcordian.com

Stephanie la leggia Life editor life@theconcordian.com

aManda l. Shore arts editor arts@theconcordian.com

Stephanie ullMan music editor music@theconcordian.com

Kevin duarte sports editor sports@theconcordian.com

george MenexiS opinions editor opinions@theconcordian.com

Madelayne hajeK photo editor photo@theconcordian.com

nataSha taggart alySSa treMblay online editors online@theconcordian.com

For some, it is a day like any other. A lazy Sunday where one goes to bed early in order to prepare for the Monday grind. But for movie-enthusiasts, it is a celebration of artistic achievement, where all of our beloved stars unite under one roof and accept Academy Awards for the year’s best films. Here are the Oscars tweets of the week. @HathawayNipple: “We’d just like to

point out that we won Best Supporting Actress without *any* support. #Oscars.” @OscarGoer: “Just met Bryan Cranston. He

did not try to sell me meth.#disappointed”

@MTV: “Daniel Radcliffe and Joseph Gordon-

Levitt? I’ve had dreams that start out like this.

And do not end in...a kick line. #Oscars2013” @Marcelles_cool: “Somewhere, Leo

DiCaprio is quietly saying “it should have been me” while eating ice cream mixed with vodka and sleeping pills. #oscars2013” @buckhollywood: “If Russel Crowe starts

singing, the should give him the Jaws playoff. #Oscars2013 #ThisISwear #ByTheStars”

@rdoom: “Kristen Stewart looks like about

as fun as a corpse. Without all that dead person personality. #Oscars2013”

jennifer Kwan Graphics editor graphics@theconcordian.com

robin della Corte Matthew guite assistant news editors news@theconcordian.com

Sara baron-goodMan assistant life editor

ariana trigueroS-Corbo assistant arts editor

SaMantha Mileto assistant sports editor

gregory todaro assistant opinions editor

ChriStine beaton Sara King-abadi elizabeth toMaraS Copy editors copy@theconcordian.com

Cynthia dupuiS production assistant

andrea zollner

Graphics contributor

editorial offiCe 7141 sherbrooke st. W. - CC.431 montreal, QC H4b 1r6 514.848.2424 x7499 (editor-in-Chief)

brennan neill tySon lowrie Cindy lopez ruben baStien

board of Directors directors@theconcordian.com

Staff writerS and ContributorS saturn de Los angeles, Victor barbaros, maria Hinoporos, anna Del negro, arohie Chopra, ayan Chowdhury, michael Johnson, Jack Ward,Tsoler Tekeyan, andy fidel, nathalie Laflamme, paul Traunero, Jessica romero, andrew Guilbert, athony abbondanza, Caitlin spencer,Tiffany Lafleur, Jenna Cocullo,

theconcordian

the etc. page // opinions

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