The Converged Citizen - February 23, 2015.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2015

University students address income inequality Johnathan Hutton Citizen Staff Reporter Students from the University of Windsor participated in a model United Nations council at the university in Windsor on Feb. 9.

The debate, which featured three University of Windsor professors and more than 100 students, aimed to raise interest in income inequality among students, and address social and economic issues in the region.

“Income inequality is a big concern for younger

Photo by Johnathan Hutton Left to right University of Windsor professors Jamey Essex, Andrew Richter and Jeff Noonan debate income inequality at the University of Windsor’s Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation on Feb 9.

generations,” said Jamey Essex.“ In Windsor and Essex County it’s pretty bad, but it’s a problem anywhere.”

According to a report called “The Rich and The Rest of Us” published by Pathway to Potential, there has been a significant increase in income inequality in Windsor since 2010.

The wealthiest one per cent of Windsorites has seen a 21 per cent increase in income, while the average resident has seen a decrease of three per cent.

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Symphony schedules ‘innovative’ program Sean Frame Managing Editor The Windsor Symphony Orchestra has announced their next season with some new ideas for the 2015-16 concert season. According to Robert Franz, the WSO’s music director, next season will feature ideas from previous years as well as innovative ideas. Some of these were demonstrated in the WSO’s current season in which the orchestra has branched out into more multimedia.

On Feb. 7 at the Capitol Theatre WSO presented Wright Flight, an original piece featuring music written by American composer Lawrence Dillon in collaboration with Franz and accompanied by three actors telling the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright. According to Franz, this is just a taste of what will come next season wheny they will showcase American

violinist Rachel Barton Pine, Broads on Broadway and much more.

“The orchestra really is a part of how the city feels about itself,” said Franz, explaining why the orchestra is important to Windsor. “This is a place where people can come and escape the world they’re in. They can be engaged, they can be entertained, they can be thrilled, they can be brought to tears, they can be made to laugh. There is just so much music can provide in a person’s life when heard through a live performance.”

During the next season there will be numerous genres and performances on stage. In their current season they began with astronaut Chris Hadfield and Franz said he promises the future of the WSO will only get better.

In late 2015 and early 2016, the Capitol Theatre will be hosting two new festivals. The first will be late 2015 and will be

Photo by Sean Frame Robert Franz discusses the upcoming Windsor Symphony Orchestra season on Feb. 5 at the Capitol Theatre. called Operafest and the second will be in spring 2016 titled Mozartfest which will present two concerts featuring the music

of Mozart.

“The work that Robert is doing is to break down that preconceived idea of what an orchestra

concert experience can be and make it something new and

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 23, 2015

‘Boyhood’ and ‘Imitation Game’ vie for Oscar

Mark Brown Citizen Staff Reporter

OPINION The Academy Awards have had a long history of recognizing period pieces, as well as those films with highly original concepts. Two of those films are up for the prestigious Best Picture honour – the ambitious family drama Boyhood and the period thriller The Imitation Game.

A labour of love for writer and director Richard Linklater, Boyhood (IFC Films, USA) follows the trials and tribulations of a Texas family over a 12-year period. The film was shot by the same actors between 2002 and 2014, so the viewer can see the actors mature naturally. The focus of the story is Mason Jr. (Eller Coltrane), and the viewer watches him mature from a six-year-old to an artistic, selfassured young adult. Mason is being moved all over Texas so his mother can complete her education and find a job, living with a stepfather who spirals downward into abuse and alcoholism and experimenting with alcohol and drugs himself as he struggles to find his place in society.

The two constants in Mason’s life are his father Mason Sr. (Ethan Hawke) and sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater). Though Mason Sr. has demons of his own and eventually starts a family with another woman, he is very much in tune to the lives of his children. Samantha is also there to endure the growing pains Mason Jr. is feeling.

Going through many changes herself is the mother Olivia (Patricia Arquette) who has endured the pain of failed rela-

tionships, financial worry and spousal abuse.

Because the actors were allowed to age on their own and the film was shot periodically over 12 years, it makes the actors’ performances as believable as you can get. As a consequence, the film’s running time is a crampinducing two hours, 45 minutes. Arquette (a Best Supporting Actress nominee) steals the show as Olivia and the audience can’t help but feel the pain she has to endure with every setback.

Hawke (up for Best Supporting Actor) is also strong as Mason Sr., a man with his own problems, yet someone with an enduring soft spot for his children. The natural progression of the actors is the main story behind this film and if I had a vote for Best Picture, Boyhood would certainly get it.

While Boyhood celebrates the progression of a boy into a young man, The Imitation Game celebrates the eventual victory of democracy through science.

Game (Black Bear Pictures and Weinstein Company, UK) chronicles the extraordinary story of British mathematician Alan Turing (Best Actor nominee Benedict Cumberbatch) and his development of a system that broke the so-called Enigma Code used by Nazi Germany during World War II. The film follows Turing as he forges through his own social awkwardness to develop the computer that would eventually break the Nazi codes. Nevertheless, the film easily points out that the work Turing and his team did may have saved thousands of lives and probably

shortened the war by at least two years, and despite his personal flaws, Turing and his work are being hailed.

The viewer sees the brilliant scientist butting heads with his superiors and alienating his colleagues with his often bizarre behaviour. The film portrays Turing as having some form of autism. There is little or no evidence that Turing was autistic, though he did portray some eccentricities.

The film also shows Turing struggling with his homosexuality during a time when it was illegal in Britain. A subplot of the film involves Turing’s professional and personal relationship with Joan Clarke (Best Supporting Actress nominee Kiera Knightley), the only female to pass an entrance exam to get on Turing’s team. Turing helps Clarke get settled on the team and find a place to live. The two are even engaged to marry at one point, but that ends once Turing tells her he’s gay.

Years later, when Turing is convicted of indecency charges, the two resume their friendship.

The Imitation Game, directed

by Morten Tyldum, painstakingly recreates the process of developing the system that broke the Enigma Code, while delving into the personal hell being experienced by Turing.

The film, like Boyhood, is a moving testament of the human spirit – a triumph over evil and an example of perseverance and passion over everything that seems to be wrong with the world.

The motion picture academy loves period pieces and the film could likely get some Academy love when the Oscars are handed out in Los Angeles on Feb 22.

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The organization also published a report called “Reality Check” that says one in 10 Windsorites currently live in poverty.

“Income inequality is not simply a difference in the amount of money people have access to, it’s a problem in terms of complete access to resources and opportunities that make life worth living,” said professor of political sciences Andrew Richter.

“Currently, one small group of people control extreme amounts of wealth and resources while the majority of people are struggling just to get by.”

Since 2010, the wealthy one per cent of Windsorites has seen an average income of nearly $300,000 while 90 per cent of Windsorites live off close to $29,000.

Eric Hubberstey is the director of marketing of the Model UN and is also a student at the university. He said the growing gap in income between the upper

and lower classes has had a huge impact on students financially and psychologically.

“Here at the university, a lot of people are in the lower to middle class range of society,” said Hubberstey. “Students are more worried about whether they can pay for their tuition than what their grades are. Many students have to apply for grants and OSAP just to attend school.”

Richter ended the debate with a message to students.

“Income inequality is the contradiction of the very nature of a free society, and our city is ground zero for the widening equalities of the world,” he said.

The Model UN holds weekly meetings on Monday and Thursdays to address current global issues. It is open to Windsor residents and students who are interested in learning more about the UN and the issues it faces. For more information visit the Model UN’s website www.winmun.ca

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NEWS

CONVERGED CITIZEN3 FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Energy distributed via Polar plunge winners recognized healing circles Kameron Chausse Citizen Staff Reporter

Josh Teixeira Production Team Many Windsorites are treating stress with the help of the holistic arts. One ritual involves the sharing, creating and sending of healing energy through drumming.

Drumming is a powerful form of energy creation, prayer, meditation and creativity. It activates healing and raises vibration. Any kind of drums can be used, including hand and rattle drums.

In accordance with the lunar days that fall each year, White Feather Holistic Arts is one Windsor location that creates drum circles, including healing circles.

“It’s a drum circle that’s done at the time of the full moon and the full moon is a time when energies are high,” said Tracey Rogers, owner of White Feather. “When it’s a new moon it’s about planting new things, and when the moon is full it’s when things have been planted and they’ve come to fruition and it’s time to celebrate incomplete projects.”

White Feather Holistic Arts is located on Ottawa St. in Windsor. The store offers a wide variety of healing crystals, jewelry, spiritual items, books, CDs, incense and more.

According to Rogers, drumming circles involve prayerful healing and sending out positive vibrations to people.

“We’re not really focusing in on grief as much as we’re focusing in on how to heal and get over things and to move past things, and so to energetically move to higher vibrations,” said Rogers.

FROM PAGE 1 exciting,” said WSO Communications Manager Shelley Sharpe. “I think with this next season and with this season too, it is a great opportunity for people to try something new out no matter what you like. If you want to see opera, there is a great opportunity to come out and see a couple of different operas. If you want to see hunky firemen

Participants of the drum circle find the ritual to be relieving, leaving them feeling positive and eager to share their experiences.

“All my cares sort of go away, everything disappears,” said Sue Fischer who participated in her first drum circle in early February. “I’m just drawn in.”

Drumming circles can be participated in for free.

Anybody can take part and no previous drumming experience is required. All age groups are welcome and drums are provided but can also be brought to the circle.

Caitlyn Lloyd, another drumming circle participant, is more experienced with them and says she visits several times a year.

“It boosts your system, you don’t feel down. It’s like a kaleidoscope,” said Lloyd.

“It’s easier I find if you have a constant sound like a drum beat. I have drum beats on my phone on my music list that I use just to relax.”

Lloyd explained that drumming circles had a role in the discovery of a new hobby of hers in the form of paranormal activity.

“We go to businesses and private homes to do investigations, and we don’t charge anything,” said Lloyd.”

She says the spiritual side of drumming circles had her interested in paranormal activity when her friends suggested it.

The next drumming circle at White Feather will be held on March 20 following the Spring Equinox.

Drumming circles are also offered at The Bloomfield House.

(Burning Love) on stage, you can come out and do that as well, and everything in between. It sounds cliché to say there is something for everybody, but there really is something for everybody.”

The orchestra’s next show will be on Feb. 15, where Tony Award-winning American actress Debbie Gravitte will join the WSO and sing some romantic love songs.

The enthusiasm of St. Clair College’s students made the school’s first Polar Plunge a success.

The event, held this year on Feb. 5, raised money for provincial Special Olympics programs. While the event itself is for charity, the College’s Student Representative Council encouraged participation by awarding prizes to outstanding participants and teams.

The Student Athletics Association’s team won Most Creative Splash,

Photo by Taylor Busch Participants take the Polar Plunge at St. Clair College on Feb. 5. which included dunking a students of the basketball into a net dur- International Department ing their pool entry. The had excellent costumes Dueling Chefs, Mike and energy, winning the Jimmerfield and Steve award for Best School Meehan, jointly won Best Costume. The staff and

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ENTERTAINMENT

CONVERGED CITIZEN4 FEBRUARY 23, 2015

Oscar predictions for 2015 Allanah Wills Citizen Staff Reporter

Photo courtesy of Grammy’s Facebook

2015 Grammy recap Allanah Wills Citizen Staff Reporter The 57th Annual Grammy Awards was a star-filled evening that featured more performances than there were trophies handed out.

English singer Sam Smith dominated the night with four wins including Song of the Year for Stay With Me. Beyoncé, who became the Grammys’ most nominated woman this year, won her 20th award for the sultry R&B hit Drunk in Love.

The theme of social issues has been prevalent at many of this year’s award shows and the Grammys were no exception. While presenting Album of the Year in a bold orange suit, Prince took a moment to recognize black lives.

“Albums still matter. Like books and black lives, albums still matter,” Prince told the audience.

Katy Perry put the spotlight on another issue: domestic violence.

FROM PAGE 3 Spirit.

The Honourable Mention goes to Darryl Danelon, who had a great deal of support from the engineering department. However, the Top Fundraiser award went to Margaret Rice, captain of the Plunging Nurses, who brought in $2,260 and won a trip to Toronto to see a hockey

Her ballad By the Grace of God was introduced with a public service announcement

by U.S. President Barack Obama, who encouraged artists to take a stand against violence towards women.

The biggest shock of the night did not just come from Beck winning album of the year, but from Kanye West’s reaction to it.

West briefly jumped on stage during Beck’s acceptance speech, reminiscent of his infamous moment in 2009 when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s speech at the MTV Awards.

West quickly left the stage, but did not hold back when talking to reporters after the show.

“Beck needs to respect artistry and he should have given his award to Beyoncé,” West said.

Although it proved to be a controversial one, the complete list of winners can be found at www.grammy.com/nominees. game.

The money raised by the Polar Plunge will go to support Ontario Law Enforcement’s Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario, contributing to assistance given to over 18,000 special needs athletes across the province.

More than $24,000 was raised during this year’s Plunge at the school’s south campus, more than their initial $10,000 goal.

Film’s biggest night is just around the corner.

Amherstburg-born filmmaker Gavin Michael Booth’s latest film The Scarehouse was filmed in Windsor and won “Best Feature” at the New York City Horror Film Festival. Booth breaks down his picks for who he thinks should take home the gold on Oscar night.

Best Picture Nominees:Birdman, Boyhood, American Sniper, Whiplash, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Selma, The Imitation Game, The Theory of Everything.

Gavin’s pick: Boyhood I saw the film and really enjoyed it.

I’m excited that a small indie film is nominated. Sure it is simple in its storytelling but it is a really effective slice of life. Obviously there is a massive focus on the marvel of how it was shot over 12 years.

I definitely think that plays into the accolades the film and the filmmakers are receiving.

I can’t imagine how complicated and daring that would be.

Possible Contender: Birdman A great technical marvel with the incredible one single-shot scenes that make the film feel as if it is a single-shot throughout. Michael Keaton was fantastic. It is the rare film where I walked out of it truly excited because I hadn’t seen anything quite like it before and the story kept me guessing the entire time instead of being able to predict what comes next.

Best Director Nominees: Richard Linklater for Boyhood, Bennett Miller for Foxcatcher, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for Birdman, Morten Tyldum for The Imitation Game, Wes Anderson for The Grand Budapest Hote.

Gavin’s pick: Richard Linklater – Boyhood. How can he not?

Twelve years of patience, creativity and driving the train on that project for over 12 years. That means the cast and crew trusted him fully for over a decade. That is an important bond for cast, crew and director to have. He was able to throw a wild idea out there and have these people follow his lead.

That alone deserves the statue this year.

Best Actor Nominees: Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation

Photo courtesy of The Academy Instagram Actor Chris Pine and Academy president Cheryl Boone announce the Best Picture nominees on Jan. 15. in Beverly Hills, California.

Game, Bradley Cooper in American Sniper, Michael Keaton in Birdman, Steve Carrell in Foxcatcher, Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything Gavin’s pick: Michael Keaton – Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) as Riggan Thomson. This role is perfectly timed in his career. In many ways he IS Birdman; a film actor who walked away from a major franchise and never truly had another hit after that. He’s sad, lonely and slightly crazed after years of being beaten up by the press. He was spot on perfect for the character.

The long-take technical achievement for Birdman also applies here. The actors have to hit their marks with little to no forgiveness shooting in this style and there is such a range of intensity and physicality happening inside these shots.

Best Actress Nominees: Rosamund Pike in Gone Girl, Felicity Jones in The Theory of Everything, Julianne Moore in Still Alice, Reese Witherspoon Wild, Marion Cotillard in Two Days, One Night.

Gavin’s pick: Felicity Jones – The Theory of Everything as Jane Wilde Hawking. Jones is already the favourite to win and I do love her work. Admittedly I haven’t seen all of “The Theory of Everything” yet but what I have watched so far I think she is great in.

Possible Contender: Reese Witherspoon – Wild as Cheryl Strayed. Now, here I think Reese could take home her second Oscar. Carrying a movie largely on your shoulders, many times being alone on screen in the story is an impressive undertaking. The based on the true story angle never

hurts in helping an audience to have their heart strings yanked out during this film.

Best Supporting Actor Nominees: J.K. Simmons in Whiplash, Ethan Hawke in Boyhood, Edward Norton in Birdman, Robert Duvall in the Judge, Mark Ruffalo in Foxcatcher.

Gavin’s pick: J. K. Simmons – Whiplash as Terence Fletcher. The greatest this year. Such a macho man with such deep regrets that brim up over the film. I truly enjoyed Simmons in this film from start to finish. His comedic, abrupt deliveries were at their best but the heart of his performance is the vulnerable moments and he nails it.

Best Supporting Actress Nominees: Patricia Arquette in Boyhood, Meryl Streep in Into the Woods, Keira Knightley in The Imitation Game, Emma Stone in Birdman, Laura Dern in Wild Gavin’s pick: Patricia Arquette – Boyhood as Olivia Evans. Next to “boy” in Boyhood, Patricia is the character with the largest commitment over the 12 year shooting schedule. I think there is such added realism as she ages and brings the additional age and wisdom life brings you in regards to building her character. I’m so curious to know her approach on this role. I completely bought into this woman who started with a raw deal and no matter what was always struggling just to hold it together and still be a good mother on top of it all.

The Academy Awards will air Feb. 22 on CTV at 7 p.m., just five days after The Scarehouse will be made available on DVD.