The Cord November 27, 2019

THE CORD THE TIE THAT BINDS WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926

VOLUME 60 ISSUE 13 • NOVEMBER 27, 2019

LOADING A

NEW YEAR

BEST NEWS OF THE DECADE

REFLECTING ON THE 2010’S

HEARTFELT GIFTING

CRAFTY CREATIONS

SPORTS IN REVIEW

Looking back at the best stories over 10 years

Memorable picks from the past

Choosing gifts that don’t have a price tag

Making presents doesn’t have to be a challenge

Ranking the top sports moments

News, page 3

Features, page 14

Arts & Life, page 11

Opinion, page 24

Sports, page 28

2 •

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

VOCAL CORD

What's the most annoying question you've been asked by family over the holidays?

@cordnews

The Cord

@thecord.ca

CordNews THIS DAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 27

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

43 BC: Second Triumvirate alliance of Roman leader Octavian (later Caesar Augustus), Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Mark Antony formed.

1870: The New York Times dubs baseball "The National Game."

1885: First photograph of a meteor taken by Austro-Hungarian photographer Ladislaus Weinek in Prague.

“If I would stick to my New Year's resolutions.”

1911: Audience throws vegetables at actors for 1st recorded time in US.

– Sonja Knaus, 4th year music therapy

1914: First British woman elected political agent.

1924: In New York City, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is held.

1926: Restoration of Williamsburg, Virginia, begins.

Have you figured out what you're going to be doing in the future yet?"

– Meghan Hutton, 5th year global studies

DARIEN FUNK/PHOTO EDITOR

1943: CFL Grey Cup, Varsity Stadium, Toronto: Hamilton Flying Wildcats defeat Winnipeg RCAF Bombers, 23-14.

1960: Gordie Howe becomes 1st NHLer to score 1,000 points.

1965: 15-25,000 demonstrate against war in Vietnam in Washington, D.C.

PET PICK

1967: The Beatles release their album "Magical Mystery Tour."

"My grandmother asked if I was still seeing my 'friend.' Yes, grandma, I'm still seeing my girlfriend."

1972: Pierre Trudeau forms Canadian government.

1991: Undertaker beats Hulk Hogan to become new WWF champ.

– Summer P., general arts

1999: Helen Clark becomes the first elected female Prime Minister in New Zealand's history.

Compiled by Sidney MacDonald, Lead Photographer

2005: First partial human face transplant is completed for Isabelle Dinoire in Amiens, France.

2013: Frozen, the highest-grossing animated film of all time, starring Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, is released.

HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK/NEWS DIRECTOR

This is Tommy, The Cord's most photogenic feline fan.

NEXT ISSUE

OPINION EDITOR Jade Hosick opinion@thecord.ca

SENIOR COPY EDITOR Victoria Marshall copyeditor@thecord.ca

CORD STAFF

SPORTS EDITOR Mark Cascagnette sports@thecord.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Waitson editor@thecord.ca

GRAPHICS EDITOR Jamie Mere graphics@thecord.ca

CORDCAST PRODUCER Jade Hosick, Victoria Marshall cordcast@thecord.ca

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Brit Kovacs creative@thecord.ca

PHOTO EDITOR Darien Funk photos@thecord.ca

WEB DIRECTOR Kashyap Patel online@thecord.ca

ONLINE EDITOR Kathleen McCullough online@thecord.ca

NEWS DIRECTOR Hayley McGoldrick news@thecord.ca

VIDEO EDITOR Katherine Fitzpatrick video@thecord.ca

NEWS EDITOR Sophia Cole news@thecord.ca

LEAD REPORTER VACANT news@thecord.ca

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Alyssa Di Sabatino arts@thecord.ca

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Sidney Macdonald photos@thecord.ca

JANUARY 8, 2020

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Jackson Carse Amichai Abraham Jana Ibrahim Jennifer Webb Lauren Symbolik Laura Thompson

“Student Choice Initiative deemed unlawful by Ontario court ” - Hayley McGoldrick

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES All advertising inquiries can be directed to Kurtis Rideout at kurtis.rideout@wlusp.com or 519-884-0710 ext. 3560.

COLOPHON The Cord is the official student newspaper of the Wilfrid Laurier University community.

Started in 1926 as the College Cord, The Cord is an editorially independent newspaper published by Wilfrid Laurier University Student Publications, Waterloo, a corporation without share capital. WLUSP is governed by its board of directors.

Opinions expressed within The Cord are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect those of the editorial board, The Cord, WLUSP, WLU or CanWeb Printing Inc. All content appearing in The Cord bears the copyright expressly of their creator(s) and may not be used without written consent.

The Cord is created using Macintosh computers running

OS X 10.10 using Adobe Creative Cloud. Canon cameras are used for principal photography.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Ontario Press Council since 2006. Any unsatisfied complaints can be sent to the council at info@ontpress.com.

The Cord’s circulation for a normal Wednesday issue is 4,500 copies and enjoys a readership of over 10,000. Cord subscription rates are $20.00 per term for addresses within Canada.

The Cord has been a proud member of the Canadian University Press (CUP) since 2004.

PREAMBLE The Cord will keep faith with its readers by presenting news and expressions of opinions comprehensively, accurately and fairly.

The Cord believes in a balanced and impartial presentation of all relevant facts in a news report, and of all substantial opinions in a matter of controversy.

The staff of The Cord shall uphold all commonly held ethical conventions of journalism. When an error of omission or of commission has occurred, that error shall be acknowledged promptly.

When statements are made that are critical of an individual, or

2017: Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their engagement.

an organization, we shall give those affected the opportunity to reply at the earliest time possible.

Ethical journalism requires impartiality, and consequently conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest will be avoided by all staff.

The only limits of any newspaper are those of the world around it, and so The Cord will attempt to cover its world with a special focus on Wilfrid Laurier University, and the community of Kitchener-Waterloo, and with a special ear to the concerns of the students of Wilfrid Laurier University. Ultimately, The Cord will be bound by neither philosophy nor geography in its mandate.

The Cord has an obligation to foster freedom of the press and freedom of speech. This obligation is best fulfilled when debate and dissent are encouraged, both in the internal workings of the paper, and through The Cord’s contact with the student body.

The Cord will always attempt to do what is right, with fear of neither repercussions, nor retaliation. The purpose of the student press is to act as an agent of social awareness, and so shall conduct the affairs of our newspaper.

Quote of the week: “Why she gotta be blonde though?”

- Creative Director Brit Kovacs questioning the artisitc choice of the Ed Cartoon Hawk that she mistook for a person.

TOP NEWS STORIES OF THE YEAR

01

Laurier “four-peats” in student satisfaction

For the fourth year in a row, Wilfrid Laurier University was deemed the number one school in the country from the MacLean’s magazine rankings. The school also held the sixth place ranking in the comprehensive category, as well as the third spot in student services and fifth in faculty awards and social sciences and humanities grants.

The University of Guelph held the second place ranking behind Laurier, but with many opportunities for growth with extra-curricular activity, friendly faculty and staff and great residence life, Laurier held on to the top spot once again.

OF THE DECADE

01

02 Brantford turns 20

Laurier’s Brantford campus celebrated its 20 year anniversary this year as the campus was officially started in the year 1999.

The celebration weekend hosted students, faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends as they celebrated two decades.

Laurier’s Brantford campus had gone under many changes in the year 2019 with the closure of the William’s Caféa and the opening of the OneMarket building for added space for classes. The celebration included a visit from the men’s basketball team from the Waterloo campus who played in a showcase for spectators in Brantford.

02

Lindsay Shepherd, Nov. 15, 2017

Veritas Shuts Down, Dec. 12, 2016

After showing a clip of a U of T professor, Jordan Peterson, in a first-year class, teaching assistant and graduate student Lindsay Shepherd would become the centre of attention in the media about Laurier for the better part of a year. Intended to show a neutral viewpoint of using “they” as a singular pronoun, Shepherd claimed her character was attacked by professors and her faculty, and what ensued would be a year of lawsuits, controversial visits from public figures and the creation of the Laurier Society for Open Inquiry (LSOI), which would become defunct in 2018.

Laurier’s Graduate Students Association (WLUGSA) terminated it’s contract with Veritas Café after a job ad was posted describing the soon-to-be employee as a “new slave” The operator at the time, Sandor Dosman, claimed he had been given little and sudden notice of his termination from the GSA. Veritas, which had opened in 2012, would close for the month while dealing with legal issues, and would re-open in January of 2017 under new management with Patrick McMahon running operations, with the space opening once again in fall 2018 with a brand new look.

03

University Stadium Renovations

After an announcement that both the University of Waterloo and Laurier would be splitting a $5 million donation for upgrades in the department of athletics, funded by the city of Waterloo, UW estimated that the upgrades it wanted to instate was around $23 million, while Laurier’s total reconstruction of University Stadium would cost over $50 million to renovate. The stadium, built in 1958, has had multiple upgrades put in over the years. The funding seeks to revamp the stadium into a multi-purpose facility for both Laurier and community athletics.

03

Laurier ranks #1 in Student Satisfaction, Nov. 2, 2016

The 2016 MacLean’s rankings of universities would put Laurier on the top of the list as it ranked first in student satisfaction, as well as ranking ninth in the comprehensive category.

Laurier would also receive the third-place ranking for prevention of sexual assault in the year of 2016. The student satisfaction ranking was introduced in 2015 for students to comment on their experiences in student life at their university and to indicate areas of growth.

Laurier would go on to win the number one spot for the next three years, holding the spot for four years in a row.

04

TA’s Unionizing at Laurier

In October of 2019, the emergence of a Facebook group titled “Wilfrid Laurier TAs United” revealed teaching assistants at Laurier’s intent to pursue unionization in order to improve their current working conditions.

As one of the few universities without a union for their TAs, TAs at Laurier hoped to address ongoing issues which they have collectively faced, such as increasing support and benefits, going over-hours, transparency within hiring, wages and benefits through unionization. They are continuing to pursue stronger, more equitable wages and benefits.

04

Laurier introduces first-ever reading week, Oct. 29, 2014

The fall of 2014 would see the first ever fall reading week at Laurier, a pilot program that had been tossed around for years at the school. Though many schools had implemented something similar, many believed it would be beneficial for students to enjoy a break in the fall as well, to catch up on readings and relax from school from a mental health viewpoint. The timing of this break encouraged students to stay home with family, travel or visit friends. Five years later, Laurier still implements a fall reading week, and many other schools have followed suit.

05 Frosh Week up in Flames

On Sept. 2, nearly 1,000 people attended a street party on Ezra Avenue during frosh week, a street infamous for gathering students and patrons from outside the university for events such as homecoming weekend or St. Patrick’s Day. Images of the street party flooded social media as new and non-students rowded the streets and mounted furniture to crowd surf, ending in furniture being set on fire and emergency services breaking up the crowd. A 17-year old student was charged with arson, property damage and was later dismissed from the university.

05

St. Jacob’s burns down, Sept. 2, 2013

In the early morning of Sept. 2, 2013, first responders arrived at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market to find the main building in flames.

45 firefighters were on the scene trying to protect the building, but by the time they arrived the roof had been fully engulfed in flames and the building was unable to be saved. The building was a historic landmark for many in the region, but over a year later, the market would re-open the main building, renovated to increase the availability of space for vendors by 20 per cent. The cost of the project totaled over $5 million.

COMPILED BY NEWS DIRECTOR HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK/LAYOUT BY CREATIVE DIRECTOR BRIT KOVACS

4 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

SUSTAINABILITY

Laurier named one of the top green universities SOPHIA COLE NEWS EDITOR

In the Princeton Review’s recent addition, The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges: 2019 Edition, Wilfrid Laurier University was named as one of the top green universities in North America.

The green guide includes 413 post-secondary institutions across North America which have been measured as the most sustainable of the 689 surveyed.

Of the 413 schools included on the list, only 13 were Canadian, making Laurier’s inclusion on the list especially impressive.

“We got the press release, it was pretty exciting, we worked with the communications office and then they sent it out, and there has been huge tractions on social media,” said Katarina Milicic, outreach and program coordinator at Laurier’s sustainability office.

“A lot of people have been talking about it. I think once you isolate how many Canadian universities got it, that stands out a little bit more.”

The Princeton Review used sustainability-related practices, policies and programs, as well as the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System

(STARS) by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Laurier has previously received a gold level STARS rating, which is the second highest.

This is only the most recent recognition of Laurier’s continued commitment to sustainability, in addition to receiving the Region of Waterloo’s Water Excellence Award in 2018 and being named Ontario’s most sustainable campus in 2017, among many other accolades over the years.

“Of course we are always trying to strive to be better. We received in 2017 the number one green campus in Ontario, and so of course our next goal would be number one green campus across Canada,” Milicic said.

Laurier’s has its sustainability office and campus partners, such as food services, the grounds team and custodial staff, to thank for its highly sustainable status.

“I think a lot of it is our campus partners,” Milicic said. “Any sort of programming that we’re looking at running, it becomes very impossible to make sure it’s successful if it’s just coming from the sustainability office — it’s myself and my manager, so what’s really cool is that we have all of

JAMIE MERE/GRAPHICS EDITOR

these groups that are committed to sustainability, and they really focus on, of course their day to day work, but when we want to look at including sustainability practices or new programming they’re all in and I would say that’s what makes Laurier stand out.”

This recognition is only fueling Laurier’s sustainability office to continue working towards a more social and environmentally sustainable campus.

“We still have to kind of push forward, you know we have so many programs on campus we

have to go back and look at what we can do better, what are some of the challenges we face,” Milicic said.

Having a strong focus on sustainability in post-secondary institutions is essential to creating a more sustainable world in the future.

“When it comes to things such as sustainability, it’s so important to engage our post-secondary students because the next thing they’re doing is going into careers.

And if we want to see change on levels with sustainability, with

more innovative thinking, when it comes to some of the most pressing challenges including climate change, we want to be able engage our students from the get-go,” Milicic said.

“I think that we’re doing a good job right now… but we should be going further, we should be figuring how to engage students more, how do we get to the population that isn’t in environmental studies, how do we engage from business students to general arts students, where do we engage them and on what spectrum.”

it’s all within the individuals that participate in our initiatives.”

Clubs, associations and individuals participating in Movember use the official Movember Canada website to create platforms for donations, known as “Mospaces.”

These pages can de shared directly and these provide a list of the up-to-date fundraised amounts for each aprticipant, as well as a leaderboard ranking each partcipant based on the amount of donations they have gsrnered.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Movember festivities as much as possible, whether that’s by coming out to take part in one of the upcoming events or simply donating to the cause.

“I think one things that’s really impressed me this year with the campaign, is that there’s other organizations within Laurier, not just on the business side but within the campus side, that have been partnering and running Movember themed events for the month,” Hall said.

“I think it’s really awesome that we have all these clubs coming together and actually supporting one another. So no matter what faculty you’re in or what association you’re under, or if you’re a student that’s maybe not really involved, the chances of you seeing the marketing promotion for one of the Movember related events are quite high.”

CHARITY

Movember spirit spreads awareness across campus SOPHIA COLE NEWS EDITOR

Over the course of November, the “Movember” spirit has been strong on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

A global movement devoted to raising awareness and funding for Men’s testicular and prostate cancer, as well as men’s mental health and suicide prevention, Movember lasts the duration of the month of November and encourages men to grow out their facial hair to draw awareness to the cause.

“I feel like it’s such an important movement itself, that everyone around campus, especially within business, can connect to, man or woman, whatever you identify with, everyone has some part of their life that has been touched

by Movember,” said Sam Hall, Movember Campaign Chair for the Lazaridis Students Society.

The Lazaridis Students Society — or LazSoc — has a strong involvement with the Movember movement and has its own committee devoted to the organization of Movember events.

“Recognizing it as an actual committee in separation from dayto-day club activities really helps strengthen the impression that is has on the community within Laurier, and also really helps us

drive across the message through marketing and stuff like that, raising awareness for Movember itself,” Hall said.

I think it’s really awesome that we have all these clubs coming together and actually supporting one another.

-Sam Hall, Movember campaign chair

In addition to LazSoc, a variety of campus clubs have joined in hosting Movember themed events, with more closing events to come in the last few days of the month.

More detailed information on these upcoming events can be found on The Perch website.

“So, we had some smaller events to start already. There’s a few Movember initiatives around Laurier — we did a bridging the gap night which happened, and it was a speak up [which took place] in Wilfs,” Hall said.

“This week we actually have two

events coming up, which are our main flagship events to end off the month of Movember.”

“This Wednesday we have a Family Feud night in partnership with A-team and Wilf’s. So that’s basically where teams of four sign up and they can come out to the event and participate and all the proceeds go to Movember. And then this Saturday there’s actually a ball hockey tournament hosted by two of our Lazaradis Student Society clubs, The Link and Sports Management Laurier, and it’s from 11 a.m. until early afternoon.”

Within LazSoc, clubs and associations are participating in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most funds before the end of the month. Each participating club has a designated Movember rep in charge of spearheading awareness and collecting donations.

“I can speak specifically within LazSoc, we have a goal, basically we created a competition with all the clubs and associations underneath Lazaridis Students Society to kind of create the most awareness and raise the most money, so each club is kind of raising money on their own,” Hall said.

“Individuals themselves actually set goals for it, so we actually don’t set any specific goals that we’re trying to raise, as we aren’t the ones collecting the funds ourselves,

JAMIE MERE/GRAPHICS EDITOR

NEWS • 5

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 CAMPUS

Indigenous research events hosted at Laurier Three different events are planned and set to focus on Indigenous studies and the promotion of other initiatives HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS DIRECTOR

Wilfrid Laurier University is hosting three different events to focus on Indigenous research, in addition to promoting non-Indigenous students and the public working together with the Indigenous community to conduct studies.

The first event being held is the book launch for scholar Georges Sioui where will launch his new book, Eatenonha: Native Roots of Modern Democracy, on Nov. 28 on the main floor of the Laurier Library, a collaboration with the Cold Regions Research Centre.

“The author will be there, he’ll do a reading from the book and then answer questions, if people have questions for him regarding anything he will be there to ask,” said Jean Becker, senior advisor of Indigenous initiatives at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Nov. 29 is the Indigenous Day of Learning at Laurier, featuring another partnership between the Cold Regions Research Centre and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, will feature a presentation from Sioui in the morning, with the afternoon session hosting a research workshop by Kathy Absolon.

“The Indigenous day of Learning, for them, is particularly

focused on training for students, graduate students primarily, but any student in doing research with Indigenous communities, so that will kind of be the focus of that day of learning,” Becker said.

“It’s to give students the information and some training, how to proceed when you’re going to be working in or around Indigenous communities.”

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Paul Martin Centre, with the morning speech focusing on circular and matricentric thinking, the essential thread of Canadian history, the concept of Americity and the Four America and Indigenous roots of modern democracy.

The afternoon workshop will include discussions on conducting research with or about Indigenous peoples as well as introducing learners to a holistic research paradigm.

The final event is being hosted on Dec. 4, which is the annual Indigenist Research Symposium, with the theme and title this year as “On Our Own Terms: The Future of Research in Indigenous Communities”.

“This year, the theme is completely different, what we’ve focused it around is community control research, Indigenous

John Zoe, senior advisor to the Tlicho Government of the Northwest Territories, will be giving a keynote speech at the symposium, as the symposium will also host talks by Geraldine King, a Queen’s University PhD candidate and another talk by Sioui.

In Indigenous communities more and more of them are taking control of the research that is being done ...

-Jean Becker, senior advisor of Indigenous initiatives at WLU

FILE PHOTO/LUKE SARAZIN

community control of research; customarily in the academy, we think that we control how research is done, who decides what will be researched and then we proceed to do that on our own,” Becker said.

“In Indigenous communities

more and more of them are taking control of the research that is being done and they have their own reasons for getting research, there are certain things that they want to have researched, they are taking an active role in defining research.”

“Increasingly in Canada today, at some point in your life as a researcher or working in a company, you are more and more going to have to know about Indigenous issues, many companies are now hiring Indigenous liaisons because the relationship between the Indigenous population and everybody else is recognized as being of critical importance,” Becker said.

LOCAL BUSINESS

JAMIE MERE/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Waterloo Brewing loses millions in cyber-attack HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS DIRECTOR

Waterloo Brewing was the victim of a “sophisticated” cyber-attack

where the thief impersonated a creditor employee and requested fraudulent wire transfers resulting in over $2 million in losses for the company.

The brewery, which is located in Kitchener off of Bingemans Centre Drive, has also initiated analysis of all other activity and transactions across all the bank account in-

volved with the company to ensure no further compromise happens.

“Outside of what has been communicated in our press release I have no further comment at this time as it is an active investigation and we are actively engaged with the authorities,” said George Croft, president and chief executive officer of Waterloo Brewing in an email statement.

“When we have something material to share we will do so. Thanks for your interest and understanding on this matter.”

The brewery has explained that though there was a breach in their finances, personal customer information was not leaked and that clients are not at risk.

“Upon becoming aware of the incident this week, the company initiated an analysis of all other transaction activity across all bank accounts of the company, as well as a review of its internal systems and controls, including its computer networks,” Waterloo Brewing stated in a press release on their website.

“The company has engaged its third-party IT services provider to conduct an independent investigation of the company’s systems and is working with its auditors and bank to ensure that appropriate steps have been taken to mitigate the chance of any future occurrences of similar cyberattacks. At this time, the company does not believe that its systems were breached or that any personal information of its customers is at risk.”

Waterloo Brewing is the largest

Canadian-owned brewery in Ontario, also owning the rights to Seagrams coolers and also owning the exclusive rights in Canada to Landshark beer and Margaritaville coolers.

At this time, the company does not believe that its systems were breached or that any personal information of its customers is at risk.

-Waterloo Brewing, press release

“The company has notified the appropriate authorities including local police services, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and the United States’ Finance Crimes and Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The company is working with authorities in furtherance of their investigations as applicable,” Waterloo Brewing continued in their press release.

Though the business has stated that this breach will not affect their business in stores or in operations moving forward.

They also have not recovered any of the stolen funds and there is no assurance that they will see even a portion of the money in the future.

6 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

PROVINCIAL

EMILY WAITSON/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ford government’s Student Choice Initiative deemed “unlawful” in recent Ontario court ruling Doug Ford’s initiative aimed to make post-secondary fees such as student unions optional, challenged by schools across the province HAYLEY MCGOLDRICK NEWS DIRECTOR

On Nov. 22 it was announced that the Student Choice Initiative was deemed “unlawful” by the Ontario Divisional Court and a violation of university autonomy.

The initiative, which was brought to life for the first time during the 2019-2020 school year, allowed students to opt out of fees from the university that the government deemed “non-essential” including students’ union programming and campus publications among others.

“It was the decision of the national executive, the national executive is made up from one member of each province, then also members from constituency groups and caucus groups as well, graduate students, racialized students, women along with other identities,” said Kayla Weiler, the Ontario representative for the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS).

“This decision was a lengthy discussion of the national executive, then it was voted on that the CFS would be taking the government to court along with the York Federation of Students (YFS) and the YFS is a member local of the CFS and one of the largest student unions in the country.”

The CFS and YFS jointly filed a lawsuit against the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities in May of 2019 on the basis that the government’s policy for the Student Choice initiative lacked authority.

“It was such a great feeling to know that the hard work we put in paid off – special thanks to our legal team, but I think the most exciting thing about this challenge

is that the day the Student Choice Initiative was announced was the day that the government made the statement that they didn’t think that students’ unions or other organizations such as campus radio stations or newspapers, they didn’t see them as essential, they didn’t see them as important,” Weiler said.

Student organizations are democratic and autonomous – they are funded by students for students to do the work we find is essential ...

-Kayla Weiler, Ontario representative for CFS

“They didn’t recognize our autonomy or our democracy. It was a clear statement from the government that they don’t care about the work that we do for students, whether that is running an on campus food bank, support centres for survivors of sexual violence or the fact that we continuously advocate for lower tuition fees and an education system that is fully funded.”

The CFS and YFS appeared in court on Oct. 11, arguing that the initiative negatively affects student organizations and their ability to properly provide essential services and programming on campuses across the country.

“Since it’s been repealed by the courts, it’s great to hear that the

Student Choice Initiative was never lawful. It was unlawful from the very beginning and it shouldn’t have been a policy in the first place so it’s really nice to know the courts backed up and reconfirmed what students already know in this province and in this country,” Weiler said.

“Student organizations are democratic and autonomous – they are funded by students for students to do the work that we find is essential and is mandatory for students on our campuses, the work that we do is fundamental to our education system.”

This decision, however, does not come without backlash from many students who feel that these options saved them money to be able to afford groceries or help pay for rent due to having to fund services they claim to never use.

“Every student benefits from the advocacy work of the students’ union, regardless of if you even step foot on campus or if you’re just an online student, you still benefit from the academic advocacy that the students’ union has done and it’s all about collective action and collective power,” Weiler said.

“If everybody pays a little bit of money, we’re able to run things on campus such as a food bank, but also an orientation week to orientate new students on campus to make that first transition less scary.”

The Student Choice Initiative news came out after an already devastating blow to students as it was announced at the beginning of the year that millions of dollars would be cut from OSAP funding, a service many students use to be able to afford tuition.

The Ford government also elim-

inated the policy for fully covered tuition for students who come from a household that makes under $50,000 per year, a policy put in place by the Liberal government.

“This ruling is very crucial because it has made it very clear that the Ford government was attacking the autonomy of the universities and the democratic procedures of the universities, so this is a great moment of victory for both faculty and students,” said Rahul Sapra, president of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

“The government might come back, but we will keep fighting.

We are always onto the next fight, we are ready for it and the students and faculty will always work together. Now that we have won this big victory thanks to our students, students and faculty need to continue to fight and make the Ford government reverse the OSAP cuts.”

Students across Ontario have been fighting this victory for months, from striking outside of Queen’s Park in Toronto, thousands signing petitions and walking out of classes, it has been made clear that students refuse to settle with detrimental changes to their education.

“Students’ unions can now generate more awareness about the dangerous performance-based funding model that can cut millions off of funding at universities; now that the newspapers will survive and students will continue to do well, we have to make sure these models are reversed,” Sapra said.

“Students play an important role in holding university administration and governments accountable about issues including tuition fees,

social assistance and a number of other services – they play a very crucial role.”

The decision comes after months of hard work from students, yet the victory is short-lived as the CFS moves to their next battle for a fair

This ruling is very crucial because it has made it very clear that the Ford government was attacking the autonomy of the universities...

-Rahul Sapra, president of OCUFA

education and university experience for students across the nation.

“With a federation that doesn’t have to worry anymore about taking the government to court over defending our autonomy and our democracy, we’re able to get back to what we were doing before and love doing, which is fighting for students rights,” Weiler said.

“What was really fundamental to our legal win was being on campus radio stations, having those conversations on campus, through tabling or picking up a campus newspaper and reading about it, often times the stories of the student movement aren’t being told through the Toronto Star or the Globe and Mail, it’s important for campus newspapers that their fees are protected and that they’re autonomous.”

NEWS • 7

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

REVIEWING THE STUDENTS’ UNION BOARD The following reviews are based off of interviews with the Students’ Union Board of Directors to reflect on the year and if they best represented Laurier undergraduate students.

ZEMAR HAKIM

PRESIDENTT

Following his previous experience as a director of the board, President Hakim has stepped into the role ready to embrace the challenges of an unruly and unpredictable term of office with enthusiasm and determination.

In two terms, President Hakim is working towards, or has accomplished, four out of the eight of the points from his entirely multi-campus campaign platform from the past year. This includes making certain students rights services, such as the Student Rights Advisory Committee (SRAC), an essential fee, enhancing Food Bank services for students, transportation to and from Brantford for programming and services and the inclusion of committees on The Perch. This means that, in the next term, he will be working towards or strengthening some of his other campaign promises, including discounts for volunteers,

OWEN BOURRIE

fulfilled in regard to the Brantford campus, including multi-campus transportation outside of special events and the aforementioned smoothie bar.

Because his campaign was based on an entirely multi-platform approach to the campuses, the issue has been raised that, if these problems are not adequately addressed in the next term, they may negatively impact voter turnout on the Brantford campus.

It is recommended that President Hakim continue to pursue opportunities for social, as well as professional development for members of his board, continue to cultivate these relationships, engage meaningfully and comprehensively with board members and maintain the sense of transparency and accountability that the entirety of the board has been working diligently to maintain this term.

CHAIR

In only his second year serving on the board of directors, Chair Bourrie has firmly established himself as a significant and influential member of the board and the Students’ Union as a whole. Since his election as vice-chair of the board last year, his enthusiasm, positivity, work ethic and willingness to curate genuine professional and personal relationships, inside and outside of the board and the Students’ Union, as well as his various strengths and capabilities, was once more noted and commended by numerous directors.

Among his more noteworthy qualities, as mentioned by other directors of the board, have been his relationship-building skills with the board and Students’ Union staff, his regular, monthly meetings with directors, his implementation of this year’s board training, which was found to be helpful in terms of

SAMEED HUSSAIN

24-hour student building access, the establishment of an extra-curricular recruitment committee, non-programming-related multi-campus transportation, and the ambitious goal of smoothie bars in the athletics facilities.

President Hakim has been praised, noting that he has been an active and effective presence on the Brantford and Waterloo campuses, demonstrating a strong level of care and effort toward the multi-campus approach which he based his platform on. A number of directors have mentioned his capacity to cultivate personal and professional relationships, inside and outside of the boardroom, with other members of his staff.

However, as a returning member of the board, President Hakim has been critiqued, noting that a number of campaign promises he made have not been adequately

communicating crucial training and information for first-year board members, leading to a better overall understanding of Robert’s Rules, board policy and the Students’ Union’s strategic plan.

As chair of the board, Director Bourrie is responsible for sitting on every board committee, but notes that the Ownership Linkage Committee is among his personal favorites.

Outside of the board, Director Bourrie is also involved with Best Buddies Laurier, of which he is a founding member and the current president, as well as Laurier Moot Court, an extension of the Laurier Pre-Law Society.

While dealing with the difficult-to-navigate issue of hiring a Chief Returning Officer (CRO), Chair Bourrie demonstrated not only his ability to set aside personal feelings and come to a professional resolution, but also showed

his capacity for operating under pressure from inside and outside of the board.

That being said, there are opportunities for improvement within that instance of conflict.

In this regard, greater discussion of potentially sensitive or divisive board information prior to meetings, clarity in updating the board on certain topics and a more active effort to encourage personal cohesion amongst board members.

One of the key pillars of Director Bourrie’s campaign in the previous year, which he will be working towards next term, will be regarding election season. Director Bourrie is very interested in operationalizing the voter turnout: this includes increasing the number of people running for positions on the board, and increasing voter turnout through a more comprehensive voting and marketing campaign.

VICE-CHAIR

Representing the interests of a multi-campus-oriented board of directors, Vice-Chair Hussain steps into his role on the board with a second year of experience behind him.

Similar to Director Alwi, Vice-Chair Hussain has also been credited as being a very involved and vocal member of the board, demonstrating a strong involvement with the Brantford campus, and bringing the voice of the Brantford students to the boardroom whenever possible.

In terms of initiatives, Vice-Chair Hussain has followed in the footsteps of Director Borjas, indicating his interest to create and facilitate a similar Strategic Innovation Planning committee and Innovation Forum for the Brantford campus, which they will be working toward for the next semester.

Vice-Chair Hussain has also been helping to

craft a strategic plan, which helps guide Laurier’s strategic direction for the future.

Vice-Chair Hussain has been quite busy this term, as he is not only involved on the Strategic Plan Committee, Student Life Levy for the Brantford campus and a number of policy-review committees (Direct Inspection Committees); he also has a part-time job, is part of Healthy Lifestyles Brantford, the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA) in Brantford and Hiring and Recruitment for the Brantford campus, the Student Rights Advisory Committee (SRAC) Brantford and the Laurier Brantford Psychology Association (LPSA).

The Vice-Chair recognizes that a significant area of personal improvement rests in taking greater steps towards ownership linkage on the Brantford campus.

While he notes that regular boothing,

branching out and having bigger events for the Waterloo campus has been a priority for the board, a lack of something similar for the Brantford campus has been, in his opinion, a personal failure that he will be working towards in the next term.

Moving forward, Vice-Chair Hussain will be interested in facilitating, and planning, mirrored events for the Brantford campus.

For the next term, Vice-Chair Hussain is encouraged to attend more board meetings on the Waterloo campus, continue strengthening the personal relationships he has worked on with other board members this year, and work with Chair Bourrie to develop initiatives which will more effectively bridge the social gap between board members and encourage a sense of overall solidarity.

8 • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANDREW DANG

FEISAL BORJAS

JULIA PEREIRA

THOMAS HAMILTON

In his first year as a director on the board, Director Dang has made a big impact on his fellow directors consistently being one to challenge motions brought to the table and ask many questions to ensure transparency and accountability at the board table. Director Dang is an active member on the board, ensuring no meetings have been missed and has even travelled to Brantford, though at the beginning of the term he felt he should have been more prepared as a new director, reading more in-depth into policies and agreeing too much with the rest of the general public vote.

Director Dang has been very involved this

semester on the board, becoming the chair of the finance committee, joining many direct inspection and ad-hoc committees.

Outside the board, Director Dang is involved with many LazSoc clubs including Sustainability in Business and SOS among other commitments. Director Dang has been known to hold both the chair and the president accountable for their actions, checking wording on policies and becoming a member of various committees as he believes he, as well as all directors, were hired to represent the voice of students and wants to uphold that commitment.

Outside of personal growth efforts on the board that include speaking up and challenging decisions, Director Dang has also aimed growth in his relationships with other board members, ensuring he sits at a new seat during each board meeting to make sure he sits beside a new director each time to get to know every single director better. Director Dang is seen by his peers as one of the stronger directors on the board, but is also looked at as fair. He has continually kept his promise to the Laurier student body that his platform of transparency and accountability is something he advocates for each board meeting.

As a junior member of the board of directors, in both experience and year, Director Borjas has established himself as a valued member of the board, cited by a number of fellow members of the board as being among the strongest this term.

Director Borjas has taken on the role with vigor and enthusiasm, missing no meetings thus far this term, learning board policy and being a vocal and regularly-contributing member of the board, while maintaining his professional composure and a factual approach to board issues.

He has also been noted as always coming prepared to board meetings, ready to ask a

number of insightful questions strongly-rooted in policy.

Within the board, Director Borjas is involved on the Finance Committee, Student Life Levy for the Brantford campus, the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) sub-committee and the Strategic Innovation Planning committee. Outside of the board, Director Borjas is also involved in a mentorship for first-year business students, helping them transition into university, and is in training for CASE competitions on a weekly basis.

Director Borjas, in partnership with Director Dang, has collaborated on the idea for the strategic innovation forum, an initiative

founded with the goal of taking a major step towards ownership linkage, empowering students to get more involved with the board.

They will be working to develop this initiative to fill in a gap in the board’s operations and encourage greater, more active connections with Laurier’s ownership.

In the next term, Director Borjas is encouraged to continue growing relationships with other board members outside of the boardroom, which will assist in the goal of greater unity as a collective. He is also, however, encouraged to continue upholding the standards of the board to the high degree to which he has already demonstrated.

Though this is Director Pereira’s first year as a member of the board of directors, she has been a valuable resource. She provides thoughtful and insightful contributions to discussions and has a perfect attendance record to board meetings.

So far, she has worked to bring her campaign points to fruition by creating more transparency across the board and working with the marketing team to create graphics at the end of each meeting.

In addition to her involvement with the

board, Director Pereira is a member of the Strategic Plan committee and an OUSA committee board representative. She is widely involved at Laurier in a number of diverse capacities, including drafting and developing budgets for various campus clubs and associations, working with Laurier Alumni and teaching dance at the athletic complex.

Director Pereira has a strong grasp regarding policy and Robert’s Rules, conducting herself in a highly professional manner during meetings.

She maintains a positive relationship with other board members on a personal and professional level, despite the fact that there has yet to be a board social to facilitate team bonding.

While Director Pereira is considered a strong board member, there are areas in which she can improve her performance for upcoming term. She is encouraged to become more comfortable speaking out if conflict arises.

Highly regarded by his peers, Director Hamilton has made a statement in his first year as a director on the board, ensuring that his voice is heard when he believes that there is a conflict of interest, unclear policy or need for a committee on the board. While being vocal at the board table, Director Hamilton has also been involved outside of board meetings to guarantee that promises made on the board table come to fruition in the real world. Being involved with two previous boards before joining the Students’ Union board, Director

Hamilton is well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order and is extremely experienced in policy which is a deciding factor in decisions made at the board. Director Hamilton is known for his thoughtful input on the matter on the board table and always has something to say, both negative and positive when looking at matters that involve all students at the university on all campuses.

Despite the praise Director Hamilton received from his fellow directors and has been witnessed by audience members as a well-col-

lected member of the board, he did not respond to inquiry about his board review to discuss his term on the board or regard other members.

The following reviews are based off of interviews with the Students’ Union Board of Directors to reflect on the year and if they best represented Laurier undergraduate students.

NEWS • 9

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

TY THOMAS

Director Thomas, like many other directors, is a first-time member of the board of directors. In addition to being a first-time member of the board, this is also Director Thomas’ first time being involved in a Students’ Union organization of any kind.

Despite being new to the policy world, he attends meetings with an open-mind and is focused on learning as much as possible while he is present.

In addition to his involvement on the board, Director Thomas is also a residence

life don, as well as a chair on the residence council. He is also involved in the Students’ Union Strategic Plan committee.

As a residence life don, his connection to first year students helps him to bring pathways of involvement to students as they enter their upper years, particularly focused on educated them about opportunities available within the Students’ Union and the ways they can get involved, which was part of his campaign platform.

In the upcoming semester, Director

Thomas should work towards building stronger relationships with other board members, both in and outside board meetings, which will help to bring them together into a more cohesive unit. He is also encouraged to voice his opinions and weigh in more frequently during meetings.

well.

Cultivating a number of professional and personal relationships across the Brantford campus, Director Alwi has been involved with the Student Life Levy on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, is a hiring and recruitment coordinator for the Brantford campus, and is a member of both the Healthy Lifestyles committee and the Brantford Muslim Students’ Association.

While Director Alwi has adequately achieved his goal of encouraging transparency and accountability for the board as a whole, has not missed a board meeting to date and

has developed strong, professional relationships with other board members, there are definite areas of improvement for the next semester.

Opportunities for improvements include a greater willingness and level of comfort in sharing his ideas, thoughts and opinions with the rest of the board; branching out and developing stronger personal relationships with directors on the Waterloo campus, so as to encourage a greater sense of overall board cohesion; and a more conscious effort to be physically present on the Waterloo campus during board meetings more frequently.

Director Stephanie Higgs did not respond to our request for an interview in time for print. Read her full review on thecord.ca.

STEPHANIE HIGGS

OSMAN ALWI

KARNEET CHAHAL

DEVYN KELLY

Returning to the role of director of the board for a second year, Director Alwi has been working toward last year’s goal of making a positive impact on the board. One ways he has been doing so has been utilizing the skills and knowledge he has obtained, in terms of knowledge of board policy, to better serve the interests of the Brantford campus.

Director Alwi has been noted as being a very involved and vocal member of the board regarding Brantford issues. His care and passion for the Brantford campus especially, alongside returning Director Hussain, has been felt by other members of the board as

Director Chahal has been very involved in her first year on the board, speaking up when she feels there is an unjust action or policy being presented. Director Chahal is also involved in the Board of Governors, being elected to a two-year term on the Senate. Though her input is intelligent and insightful, many directors feel Director Chahal should use her voice more as she was elected to the board for a reason.

Though initially responding to interview requests, Director Chahal did not answer when

As a first-time member of the board of directors, Director Kelly attends board meetings well prepared and has a strong understanding of the operational aspects of the meetings. Her attendance has been strong overall, with only one missed meeting due to prior obligations.

Director Kelly, in addition to being a member of the board, has gained a wealth of experience from her roles as a hiring and recruitment coordinator, campus ambas-

contacted for her board review to discuss her term or analyze the year and other board members.

sador and ice-breaker. She is also involved in the annual “5 Days for the Homeless” campaign, which takes place every March.

One of Director Kelly’s campaign platform was to make the board more easily accessible to students by creating a more direct line of contact. This is currently in the works but has not been established as of yet; it will hopefully come to fruition during her second term as a director.

She has demonstrated her ability to

maintain positive personal and working relationships with other board members, both inside the board environment and outside of meetings, and has proved to be a devoted and knowledgeable board member.

However, there are areas which she could improve upon for the upcoming term.

Director Kelly is encouraged to have a stronger presence during board meetings by speaking up more during meetings and voicing her perspectives where she feels

10 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Arts & Life

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR ALYSSA DI SABATINO arts@thecord.ca

Breaking down the lyrics of “Baby it’s Cold Outside” President and Publisher Aaron Waitson deconstructs a controversial Christmas classic With our love for the holidays comes an equal amount of love for festive songs that aren’t usually approached from a critical perspective, ones which often have the potential to perpetuate problematic notions regarding consent around the holidays.

Baby It’s Cold Outside — originally written by Frank Loesser, but popularized by singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, John Legend, Michael Bublé and many others — is among one of the most famous songs that has been perceived and criticized as allegedly preserving the troubling cultural and historical issue about the nature of consent and female autonomy.

The original Baby It’s Cold Outside was first performed for the 1949 musical romantic comedy Neptune’s Daughter, in a scene featuring a man and a woman, alone together, sharing a drink, before she makes the decision to leave.

The scene, in which the charming, debonair José O’Rourke (played by Ricardo Montalbán) comes off as particularly romantically-aggressive towards the shy, demure Eve Barrett (played by Esther Williams), gives the distinct implication that he is trying to coerce her into some kind of a romantic engagement, going so far as to give her drinks and put his hand on her arm to restrain her as she attempts to leave.

It continues, with a series of backand-forths from each character, one making excuses as to why she needs to leave, and the other trying to convince her to stay with him; a delicate dance begins, where she switches between putting on and taking off her jacket and hat, heading for the door and then back into his arms, letting him get close to her and then pulling

of women’s bodies. away — ultimately ending with bringBecause of this, and due to the fact ing her back to the couch which they that the music industry is notoriousbegan the song on.

When you break down the lyrics ly male-dominated, to the extent of a song like this, there are definitely that its production and direction is problematic elements that rise to the considered to be an oligopoly, there surface. is an argument that, to create and The most criticized lines include hide progressive messages in these “Say what’s in this drink?”, “I ought kinds of media, you would have to be to say, no, no, no sir”, “At least I’m extremely careful in how it was done. gonna say that I tried”, Another way, then, “what’s the sense in to read a song like hurtin’ my pride?” and this, is in the feigned “The answer is no”, excuses, body paint a particularly language — in the Especially as a single clear picture of what film — and tone that woman, having sex outside appears to be direct the female singer of the confines of marriage allusions to sexual asconveys to the male singer. sault and an ignorance was still, in the 1940s, a very taboo subject. It wouldn’t be What seems at of consent. until at least the 1970s, and first like control on Because of this, it the free love movement, the part of the man, begs the question, that these kinds of converthen, is turned upwhy include these lines in a song? What is sations would shift — as side down: because its purpose? What is it of a cultural focus on would our perception of the trying to accomplish? sexual purity and its song.

Are there hidden, more connection to what progressive messages was considered under the more overt, “proper behaviour” problematic ones? for women during And most importhe 40s, women had to be very careful not tantly, if these hidden to come off as too messages exist, but the majority of people won’t be able to sexually eager, or interested, otherfind them, does it even matter? wise they would be labelled unvirtuSome have argued that, in the ous or whorish. historical context in which Baby It’s Because of the strong connection Cold Outside was originally written — in this time period between marriage 1944 — the cultural perception of the — which was ultimately connected to song was entirely different from how virtuousness and sexual modest — it is seen in the modern age. and financial stability, in which women Instead, it has been suggested still did not have a strong sense of that the song is a coded discussion financial autonomy, the reliance on of female sexual autonomy, which in cultural perceptions in order to find a the 40s was heavily entrenched and partner still had a significant weight complicated by a male-dominated, on the minds of women. often religious, purist, controlling view Looking at the song that way, then,

the female singer seems to be caught with a complicated decision: she cannot seem eager to have some kind of romantic engagement with the male singer, because “There’s bound to be talk tomorrow”, and “The neighbors might think”, but she also wants to have some kind of a non-marriage-related sexual experience.

Especially as a single woman, having sex outside of the confines of marriage was still, in the 1940s, a very taboo subject. It wouldn’t be until at least the 1970s, and the free love movement, that these kinds of conversations would shift — as would our perception of the song.

The back-and-forth nature of the conversation then, would give the implication to “others” that the woman hadn’t done anything wrong at all — hiding any discussion of them sleeping together — and that it was simply a matter of circumstances that kept them together — because it’s cold outside, nothing more.

The reason for this, then, would be to preserve a cultural sense of her sexual modesty and purity, so she would still be perceived in the way that society expected her to, and therefore not have to suffer the consequences.

In this case, the song becomes quite the opposite of the problematic one it has been criticized as being.

However, in the modern era, there is still the issue of its reception: if people aren’t seeing that message, or if that message isn’t as relevant anymore, isn’t it still problematic?

[Text Wrapping Break]It might still be a question that hasn’t been answered — yet. Maybe though, if the message in a song takes that much scrutiny to understand, it doesn’t have a place in holiday playlists today.

HOLIDAYS Homemade Gifts What’s more sentimental than a homemade gift?

Something to showcase your originality while spending next to nothing on materials. I recently sent a friend on a lengthy scavenger hunt for his birthday.

I’d carefully dissected numerous Kinder eggs, replacing the toys with clues prompting him towards other memorable locations throughout the Waterloo region.

Not to my surprise, his first question after completing the scavenger hunt was if I’d kept the toys from inside the eggs. I hadn’t.

It’s easy to come up with original ideas simply by taking a couple laps of the dollar store. Slap a picture of you and the intended on a glass flour jar, fill it with candy and boom! Sentimentality at its finest.

Throw a few things together, glue a ribbon on it and call it art. Nick Moore got away with it for years.

Picking a theme

DARIEN FUNK/PHOTO EDITOR

Gifting from the heart JACKSON CARSE STAFF WRITER

Powered by corporate greed and childhood gluttony, holiday gift giving forces the hands and pockets of parents into spending an uncomfortable amount on unethical garbage just to keep their temperamental children from assaulting them with the severed head of the dolls that now need replacing.

Or maybe I’m a cynic.

Christmas is supposed to be about family.

About uncomfortable dinners with cousins you can’t name.

About kissing your unaffectionate father on the cheek forgetting that isn’t something twenty-year-old’s do.

About getting a little too buzzed off cheap chardonnay and cursing for the first time in front of your Catholic grandmother.

Christmas is about seeing those who you have no excuse to make an effort for any other time of the year.

And Jesus, I guess.

That being said, it’s often an expectation.

Two straight weeks of rapidly increasing guilt capped off with

Christmas morning.

Maybe one sibling opens a PlayStation.

Good for him.

But maybe the next kid’s gift is an undercooked scrambled egg loosely strained into a grocery bag.

Now little Jebadiah’s suspicions that his parents do indeed “hate his guts” is only reassured and the holidays are ruined! Christmas equality is impossible!

So, in an attempt to avoid such a tragedy, take these tips in creating some original yet inexpensive gifts for the holidays.

Two years ago for Christmas I’d bought my father the ultimate Hairspray fan package.

I’d individually wrapped anything I could find that had to do with the musical: t-shirts, posters, DVDs (including the BlueRay) and by noon on Christmas morning he had all the musical theatre merchandise a father could ask for.

To my knowledge, he’d never seen the movie nor expressed any interest in musicals whatsoever.

Sure, he might have hinted at that book we’d been glancing at on the display or mentioned he’d been running low on warm socks for the winter but what says ‘I Love You’ more than John Travolta cross-dressing in high-definition?

None of these items were relatively expensive but due to their eccentric display and numerous packages my father thought I’d must have maxed out another credit card.

Pick a theme to center your gifts around.

Maybe your mothers a germaphobe like mine. A box of latex

gloves is three dollars. Throw in some antibacterial soap, a few surgical masks, maybe a little iodine and you’ve got a pretty cost-efficient little basket there.

Get personal with it. Find things your family members will use and disguise your frugality by dressing these elementary household items in a cute little floral arrangement of ballpoint pens and hand lotions.

Joke Gifts Every year for Christmas, I get my brother a card in a different language. He has trouble reading English already, I can’t imagine he does any better with Dutch. My personal inscription remains the same, but the pre-generated holiday greeting is usually in Cantonese, German and once, Yiddish.

Joke gifts are typically easy and inexpensive depending on the route you take. My little card routine costs me less than eight dollars a year. Throw in a box of stovetop stuffing and that’s a happy boy.

I always find mothers are the hardest to shop for. Not once has my mom laughed or even giggled at one of my joke gifts; she had nothing good to say about the poem I wrote her about why she is solely responsible for all my emotional shortcomings.

A mother will never tip you off on what she really wants and on the off chance she does, it’s often unattainable. “I can’t wrap Henry Cavill, Nancy. You’re getting a scarf.”

Often mothers will ask for altered behavior, reliability in regards to household chores and the most frequent in my house: peace and quiet.

In reality, you could gift your family a can of lentils and a barrel of roadkill, it doesn’t change the holiday.

Have some fun with gift giving and don’t stress about breaking the bank for your family.

They’ll appreciate a jar of paint thinner just as much as an industrial food processor.

It’s the thought that matters, not the price tag.

FILMS

Underrated festive flicks 2. Rise of the Guardians

EMILY WAITSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1. Jingle All the Way

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

People don’t appreciate the true greatness of this 90s holiday movie starring Arnold Schwarznegger and I’ve never understood how that was possible.

Is it expertly done? Absolutely not.

Is it a creation of comedic genius through the pure fact that it’s so bad, it’s good?

Absolutely.

What more could you want from a festive movie that truly embodies the Christmas spirit than a workaholic father on a quest to reconnect with his young son?

Jingle All the Way has a Poorly crafted CGI reindeer, a loosely strung together plot and Arnold shouting, “I’m not a pervert! I was just looking for a Turbo Man doll!”

Many people don’t know about this movie and it surprisingly didn’t do well at the box office.

It’s filled with whimsical animation and a unique storyline with adorable characters. The attention to visual detail is amazing, and it’s the perfect holiday movie without being overly Christmas-y.

I highly reccomend this pick if you want a calming, uplifting little winter movie to put on during a lazy Sunday afternoon.

3. Bridget Jones’ Diary A personal favourite rom-com of mine that also doubles as a solid movie to put on during the Christmas season, this is a go-to watch of mine every year.

Featuring the English beaut of Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, this is a cozy little film that’s perfect for a night in with wine.

4. Edward Scissorhands There’s something so comforting about this odd little movie that makes me think of a snowglobe come to life. It’s unconventional, but a great pick if you’re looking for something to watch over the holidays that’s a little different, but still enjoyable.

5. Black Christmas Are you sick and tired of the same old Christmas movies that are sickly sweet and full of festive cheer?

Well look no further. This 70s horror movie is one of the first in the slasher genre, and it’s the perfect option for people who prefer watching scary films over cheesy, feel-good Halmark specials.

Instead of just watching the classics this year, I hope you give these movies a shot over the winter break if you haven’t seen them already.

12 • ARTS & LIFE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

BOOKS gothic suspense.

Find Me by Andre Aciman Find Me is the sequel to Aciman’s first novel, Call Me by Your Name, and is dissected into four “movements”: Tempo, Cadenza, Capriccio, Da Capo, with each chapter narrated by a different character.

Instead of revealing the fate of Elio and Oliver’s relationship from the earlier novel, the story begins with the budding romance between Samuel, Elio’s father and Miranda, a girl thirty years his junior.

This book is perfect for anyone who has been patiently waiting for the conclusion to Call Me by Your Name, or for anyone looking for a book to warm you up on a cold winter day.

SIDNEY MACDONALD/LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

This year’s perfect reading list for winter break few new releases that you should consider reading over the break.

ALYSSA DI SABATINO ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR

With winter break being only a few weeks away, you might begin to wonder what you’re going to do with all your free time. Here are a

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell In this story, a young woman named Libby receives a letter on her 25th birthday that reveals the identities of her birth parents and also informs her that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned

London mansion.

She visits the home and discovers that 25 years earlier, three dead bodies were found in the house and that the other people who were living there had gone missing.

The only thing is that the house isn’t as abandoned as she thought, and others have been waiting for the day that she returns “home.”

The novel uses a past and the present narrative, and is perfect for anyone who is interested in some

White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation by Lauren Michele Jackson

knowledge without having to turn to your boring readings, then this book is definitely worth the read.

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Machado’s book In the Dream House is a memoir of her abusive relationship with another woman while in grad school. The woman in the dream house had become more controlling, violent, and volatile, until the dream house that she resided in became a prison of which she needed to escape.

Although this non-fiction story is about Machado’s own experience with abuse it also breaks the ice, so to speak, around the “legitimacy” of abuse in queer relationships: it addresses the narratives, or lack thereof, surrounding queer domestic abuse. This book has been called revolutionary, and is worth checking out if you’re at all keen on getting ahead on soon-to-be classics.

In this scholarly critique, Jackson reveals why appropriation of black culture in America is something worth serious attention.

This text urges its readers to be thoughtful when consuming materials from other cultures. In everything from music, language, fashion and more, black pioneers of culture are left behind while their aesthetic becomes profitable and popularized in white America.

White Negroes plays with similar ideas from Norman Mailer’s 1957 essay “The White Negro” which explores the counter culture of hipsterism. If you want to expand your

You Look Like a Thing and I Love You explains the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence: how they function, how they learn and perhaps most notably, how they can be misled.. If you want to come back after winter break and impress your friends with your newfound AI knowledge, then this book might be worth checking out.

most.

Anyhow, I hope you gained a much wider understanding of the Jewish festival of lights, it’s really a fun holiday with a lot of rich tradi-

tion and meaning. I wish everyone happy holidays and additionally, I would like to issue a dreidel spin challenge to anyone who has the stomach for it, fight me.

You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It’s Making the World a Weirder Place by Janelle Shane

TRADITIONS

Learning more about Hanukkah AMICHAI ABRAHAM STAFF WRITER

Hanukkah: you may have heard of it. It’s likely the most mainstream Jewish holiday out there referenced in many holiday TV specials, brought up in movies, even frequently referred to in cartoons.

But how much do you really know about Hanukkah?

Well here’s some Hanukkah info you may not have known before!

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that falls on the 25th of Kislev (or, for those of you who for some reason aren’t well versed in Jewish calendars, it usually falls sometime during November or December).

The holiday is celebrated to commemorate the Maccabean revolt that occurred during the second century BCE, which saw the Jewish people led by the Maccabee warriors, rise up against their Greek oppressors.

Once the Greeks were defeated (miraculously), the Jewish people returned to their desecrated temple to light the menorah — a big gold candelabra that held seven pots of oil that would be set aflame.

It was of high ceremonial importance.

Unfortunately, all of the oil in the temple was destroyed by the Greeks. The only vat of oil that was found could only last for one night (at least a week was needed to

make more oil).

The Jews put in the small amount of oil anyhow and then unbelievably, the oil lasted for eight days! This is why Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days every year, in order to commemorate the miracle.

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights much like the Hindu holiday of Diwali.

The difference being with the Hindu festival of lights is that there are five days of beautiful fireworks, while the Jewish variety mainly has you awkwardly singing prayers with the rest of your family whiling lighting crusty candles you’ve kept in the basement for the last seven years.

Hanukkah is similar to Christmas in a lot of ways, most importantly in that during both holidays presents are given. I will admit however that the Jewish children aren’t given presents from an overweight, elderly home invader but somehow I’m pretty ok with that reality.

On the subject of presents during Hanukkah, you typically receive one for every night making that eight total.

This sounds great on paper until you actually get the presents and realize that they’re all cheap dollar store toys that provide you with around fifteen minutes of excitement.

Some of my favorites include the animals you put in water and watch them grow bigger, the fossil kit for removing plastic dinosaur bones and those little water games where you’d push the button and pray the rings stacked together.

Food is, of course, a big part of this holiday (as it is for every Jewish holiday). The classic Hanukkah food has got to be the latkes, full of oily goodness. They’re really just potato pancakes but damn, they are delicious.

They help to once again, commemorate the miracle of the oil.

We also eat Jelly doughnuts. I don’t really know why, but like hell if I’m one to complain.

And then there’s Hanukkah gelt (or chocolate coins for all you plebeians who don’t know what gelt is). Now while chocolate gelt is very good for eating, there’s something else that it is much better for.

Underage gambling!

What I am referring to is the game of dreidel, where you sit around with your cousins and spin that four-sided top with that sweet, sweet Hanukkah gelt on the line.

Me, being the eight-year-old badass that I was, would always spin my dreidel upside down and take that gelt like it was nobody’s business. I mean nobody would actually eat the gelt afterward for some reason, but the thrill of the win was more than enough for

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Cheap charcuterie boards for a student budget Cheese

The staple of any charcutie board, cheese carries the weight of a great spread. Look for onsale Crackerbarrel options or brie (it’s usually fairly cheap at Valu Mart).

Crackers

Probably the easiest element to find for just a few dollars that doesn’t taste half-bad, leaning towards “noname” brands and flyer sale crackers are always a reasonable option.

Triscuits are good, too.

Nuts

Nuts can be pricey, but there are often assorted versions that are on sale during the holiday season (President’s Choice and Planters are always great). And when in doubt, peanuts are one of the cheapest nuts you can buy.

Meat Assorted packages that you find at the grocery store can taste half-decent, and although going to a local butcher shop or deli isn’t always an option, you will be able to get the best bang for your buck from those places over a supermarket.

E TH

CELEBRITIES LIZZO

1.00

HARRY STYLES

2.00

LEWIS CAPALDI

3.00

JONATHAN VAN NESS

4.00

TIMOTHEE CHALAMET

5.00

DID YOU SEE HER MICRO PURSE?

I M E A N I T’ S J U S T E V E R Y T H I N G

A K A A M E R I C A’ S S W E E T H E A R T

A TRUE ICON

THOSE FASHION MOMENTS THOUGH

TV SHOWS

LAURIER CLASSES

THIS YEAR

BEST O &

END OF THE FUCKING WORLD

1.00

DEAD TO ME

2.00

CHRISTINA APPLEGATE IS AN INTERNATIONAL GEM

BIG MOUTH

I F Y O U K N O W, Y O U K N O W

1 . 00

HIP HOP PUBLICS:THE CASE OF DRAKE

2.00

INTRO TO WOMEN & GENDER

3.00

L O V E & I T’ S M Y T H S

4. 00

TRANGRESSION & DESIRE

5. 00

ALBUM RELEASES

FATHER OF THE BRIDE

1.00

MAYBE

2.00

CUZ I LOVE YOU

3.00

WH E N I S A Y T O Y O U B L A C K L I G H T N I N G

4.00

LOVER

5.00

3.00

4.00

WHEN THEY SEE US

5.00

START BY GRABBING THE TISSUE BOX

VALLEY

LIZZO

S C H I T T’ S C R E E K B E C A U S E T H E L E V Y’ S

COMMON HOLLY

TAYLOR SWIFT

NEW PLACES IN KW S W E E T L O U’ S C O O K I E S

1.00

SPECIAL DELIVERY SHOP

2.00

141 W H IT N E Y P L .

3 4 1 K I N G S T E.

LADY GLAZE DONUTS BELMONT VILLAGE

KENTUCKY BOURBON 1 0 3 K I N G S T N.

CRAFTY RAMEN

5 - 2 7 6 K I N G S T W.

THE LA

D R U G S & B E HA V I O U R

VAMPIRE WEEKEND

W H O D O E S N’ T T H I N K T H E Y’ R E A P S Y C H O P A T H

CO

BEST MEMES AREA 51

1.00

A N D I OOP

2.00

JUST STORM IT ALREADY 3.00 JASMINE MASTERS

4.00

SORRY TO THIS MAN 5.00

* FULL DESCRIPTIONS FOR BEST OF CAN BE FOUND ONLINE

KEKE PALMER

3.00

ORD

’S

OF 2019

AST DECADE

VINE

2.00

DONALD TRUMP ELECTED PRESIDENT

3.00

#B L A C K L I V E S M A T T E R

4.00

COLIN KAEPERNICK

5.00

#M E T O O

POP CULTURE MOMENTS

1.00

THIS DECADE

MAKE UP TRENDS 1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

MOVIES 1.00

MOONLIGHT

2.00

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

3.00

SPOTLIGHT

4.00

THE SOCIAL NETWORK

5.00

MAD MAX:FURY ROAD

A NECESSARY PIECE OF ART

EVEN THOUGH IT RUINED PEACHES FOR LIFE

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FOR THE SOUL

A FACEBOOK BIRTH STORY

BECAUSE TOM HARDY & CHARLIZE THERON

SPERM BROWS

TV SHOWS

WHEN TWEEZING NEVER STOPPED

FOUNDATION LIPS

FORGET ABOUT EVEN SETTING THEM

CRACKLE NAIL POL ISH

1.00

ATLANTA

2.00

FLEABAG

3.00

BLACK MIRROR

4.00

GAMES OF THRONES

5.00

MAD MEN

WHEN WE PAID FOR CHIPPED NAILS

MATTE FINISH

WHEN CLOGGED PORES WERE CUTE

FEATHER HAIR EXTENSIONS

ENOUGH SAID

S E R I O U S L Y? W H A T C A N ‘ T D O N A L D G L O V E R

SEASON TWO IS EVERYTHING

HIT OR MISS BUT MOSTLY HIT

T H E L A S T S E A S O N A S I D E!

W H O W A S I N S P I R E D T O D A Y D R I N K I N T H E O F F I C E?

CONSPIRACY THEORIES RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE QUEENS BIANCA DEL RIO

SEASON 6 WINNER AND QUEEN OF CLOWN COUTURE

SHARON NEEDLES

FUN FACT: SHE HASN’T GONE BACK TO PARTY CITY SINCE FILMING

KATYA

THE RUSSIAN STRIPPER WE ALL NEED

1.00

1.00

2.00

G R E T A T H U N B E R G T I M E T R AV E L L E D

3.00

E P S T E I N D I D N’ T K I L L H I M S E L F

4.00

MEGHAN MARKLE IS A ROBOT

5.00

CHUCK E.CHEESE RECYCLES PIZZA

2.00

3.00

AVR IL LAVIGNE DIED

AND WAS REPLACED BY A CLONE NAMED MELISSA

SHE USED TO BE AGOLD PROSPECTOR

WE WILL NEVER KNOW

WITH A MECHANICAL SPAWN

SHAWN DAWSON SWEARS BY THIS

* WARNING ITEMS ON THIS SIDE OF THE MENU MAY BE PASSED THEIR EXPIRY DATE -- PROCEED WITH CAUTION

and so much more!

31

475

salons & spas

businesses

uptownwaterloobia.com

80

bars & restaurants

24

clothing stores

@uptownwaterloo

BIG CHANGES ALL NEW MENU

8 Erb St. W, Waterloo | tacofarm.ca

Recruiting students?

Offering a student discount?

Promote your organization with WLUSP. Recieve a discount when you advertise in multiple publications.

•

•

•

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL ADS@WLUSP.COM OR PHONE 519.884.0710 ext. 3560

Launch your path to success

MASTER OF TAXATION

Learn to REACH BEYOND Become a highly-valued member of the Canadian tax community.

Join Canada’s most comprehensive English-speaking program for the development of tax professionals. Offered through the University of Waterloo at our downtown Toronto classrooms.

EXPERT FACULTY | DOWNTOWN TORONTO CLASSROOM

learn … develop … experience mtax.ca C017846

The MTax advantage

2017 2011

2013

2015 2012

2016

2018

2010

2014

19

20 • GAMES

Dear Life Dear Life is your opportunity to write a letter to your life, allowing you to vent your anger with life’s little frustrations in a completely public forum.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 I lay in bed, really cold. I feel something warm... It’s Shrek! I was so happy. He whispers in my ear “This is my swamp.” He grabs me with his ogre hands, and puts me on my hands and knees. I’m ready.

Sincerely, Shrek is love, Shrek is life

Dear Life, Dear Life, Why do literally all my professors assign presentations in the last three weeks of class? I’m not paying to be taught by other students for nine hours each week.

Sincerely, Tuition going to waste

This is a stressful time right now for students and those getting ready for the holidays. Please for everyones own well being, be nice to each other.

Sincerely, Stressed Hawk

Dear Life, Laurier athletics Why does the inside of the ac feel so tropical man I’m just trying to work out without sweating to death.

Sincerely, Too hot Dear Life, How do I work so many shift yet still have no money?

Sincerely, Struggling student Dear Life,

Oh, hello.

You’re, uh, you’re probably here About the, Uh, the story.

Elves love to tell stories.

I- I’ll bet you didn’t know that about elves.

There’s, uh, probably a lot of things You... you didn’t know about elves.

Another... another interesting Uh, elf ism Uh, there are only three jobs available to an elf.

The first is making shoes at night While, you know, while the old...

The old cobbler sleeps.

Lazy bum. Couldn’t even make a clog.

You can bake cookies In a tree. Hey! As you can imagine, it’s, uh, dangerous Having an oven In an oak tree during the dry season.

I wanna make shoes!

But the third job... uh, some call It, uh, “The show,” or... or “the big dance,” It’s the professin that every elf Aspires to, And that is to build toys in Santa’s workshop.

Only two weeks left till Christmas!

I- It’s a job only an elf can do.

Our... our nimble fingers, Natural cheer and active minds Are perfect for toy-building.

They... they tried using gnomes And trolls, But the gnomes drank too much... ...and the trolls weren’t toilet trained.

No human being has ever set... set foot in Santa’s workshop.

Uh, that is until about 30 years ago, And, as you may have guessed, That’s where our story begins.

Wow! Whoa!

Ooh! Wow! Wow! Ow! Ow! Whoa!

Are you sleepy?

Here we are.

We’re just going to make you feel

so comfortable.

Here we are.

There you are.

It’s time to go to sleep.

Maybe by next Christmas you’ll Have a home.

Merry Christmas, my ngel.

Mmm...

All right, all right.

We’ve had another very successful year.

So, after all that hard work, It’s time to start preparations For next Christmas!

What in the name of Sam hill Is that?

Wow...

A baby... “little buddy diapers.”

His name is buddy. He must’ve...

Snuck into your sack at the orphanage.

What do we do?

So, Santa had a Decisin to make, And fortunately, when it Comes to babies, Santa’s a... a pushover.

So, buddy stayed with, uh An older elf Who had always wanted a child?

But had been so committed to Building toys, he...

He, well, had forgotten to Settle down.

Santa.

Yes, yes, I... I raised buddy.

I was his adopted father.

Though buddy grew twice as fast, He... he wasn’t any different from the other children.

Chuckles not too fast, buddy.

I mean, not... not really.

Before we learn how to build The latest In extreme graphic chipset Processors, Let’s recite the “Code of the elves,” Shall we?

Number one.

“Treat every day like Christmas.”

Number two.

“There’s room for everyone on the Nice list.”

Number three.

“The best way to spread Christmas Cheer Is singing loud for all to hear.”

And one day, when buddy was old enough, I made him my own personal apprentice.

I’ve never been in this room before.

Well, I think it’s time you start Your tinker training.

Santa’s sleigh.

You’re gonna help me make it fly.

I thought the magical reindeer made The sleighs fly.

And where do the reindeer get their magic from?

Christmas spirit. Everybody knows that.

Well, silly as it sounds, A lot of people down south Don’t believe in Santa Claus.

What?!

Well, who do they think puts all? their toys under the tree?

Well, there’s a rumor floating around That, uh, that the parents do it.

That’s... that’s ridiculous.

I mean, parents couldn’t do that all in one night.

What about Santa’s cookies?

I suppose parents eat them, too?

Yeah, I, uh, I... I know, Uh, and every earless and less People Believe in Santa Claus.

I mean, we have a real energy crisis on our hands.

Oh. I mean, just see how low the, uh Claus meter is.

That’s shocking.

That’s why I came up With this little beauty in the ‘60s.

WH-what is it?

It’s a cringle 3000...

A 500-reindeer power jet turbine engine.

Without it, the sleigh couldn’t Get more than, uh, a few feet off the ground.

Well, it looks like we got A short in the thermo coupler.

You wanna give mea hand with that?

You want me to help?

As much as, uh, buddy was accepted. on today’s quota.

It’s all right, buddy.

Just how many etch-a-sketches Did you get finished?

Come on, buddy. How many?

I made, uh... 85.

Eighty-five?

That puts you...

Ooh... that’s bad.

Why don’t you just say it?

I’m the worst toy maker in the worid.

I’m a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 SUDOKU

GAMES • 21

• 22

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Editorial

OPINION EDITOR JADE HOSICK opinion@thecord.ca

President’s Note

EDITORIAL CARTOON

It’s not a holly jolly Christmas for everyone

AARON WAITSON PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER

For what is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season can also be one of the most isolating and difficult parts of the year for people to get through.

There’s a reason why some of the most beloved Christmas songs are depressing — the holidays have the tendency to make any existing feelings of sadness worse and potential loneliness more noticeable.

When I was younger, being surrounded by joyous people at school who would be contentedly partaking in festive occasions with their other friends and family, only served to make me more miserable.

To me, it seemed as though everyone was actively trying to shove their happiness in my face, and it just made me realize how alone I felt.

Growing from a person who used to alienate themselves from anything to do with Christmas, and who felt incredibly depressed during it, to a person who actively enjoys the holidays now, has definitely been a difficult transition for me, and one that is still challenging to navigate.

There is a momentous amount of pressure around the holiday season to put on a happy face and participate in the traditions that are supposed to be fun, regardless of whether or not your home life reflects that.

For me, and other people I know who have grappled with this in some way or another, it can feel immensely stressful trying to please all the people in your family, while trying to be a version of yourself that you think will make everyone the happiest — often to the neglect of your personal wellbeing in the process.

Whether it’s gritting your teeth and bearing through the uncomfortable, intrusive, overly-personal questions from extended family members, suffering through awkward small-talk with people you barely know, managing their expectations or navigating other various family issues, it’s no wonder why the holidays can be so depressing for some.

I often felt like all of my failures, the things that I wasn’t doing right, or doing enough of, were on display for everyone to criticize and question, and I felt cornered because of it.

I couldn’t retreat to my room like I wanted to, and I had to plaster a grin on my face and pretend like I wasn’t intensely uncomfortable and anxious.

When my grandmothers, the

two people in my life who were always kind and made the holidays as enjoyable as they could for me passed away, I felt like there was even less of a reason for me to care about Christmas.

It hit me harder than I could process at the time, and there was a void that couldn’t be filled with the Christmases that followed it.

They always knew what gifts to get me (an extremely difficult task), how to make me smile and feel comforted in their presence and they just generally gave me a sense of calm during what I considered to be an anxiety-inducing and very stressful time.

There was no pressure from them to act a certain way or be anyone other than myself — they loved me as I was.

I think, when one of the biggest expectations around the holidays is to be “happy,” failing to meet that standard just makes you more conscious of your own supposed shortcomings.

There are so many reasons why seasonal depression impacts people differently, and I understand how absolutely crippling it can be around this time.

A Spotted at Laurier tweet that was shared recently really resonated with me: “This is something I feel like a lot of people need to know. You choose who you call family. If you have a mother, a father, or even siblings who are psychologically damaging to you, get rid of them. You deserve better.

Stay strong out there, everyone. I know how much it hurts.”

In many ways, my family dynamic is by no means “normal,” but I consider myself lucky.

For the people I don’t have, I still have my sister, the person who was closest to me growing up, and who endlessly supports me no matter what.

I was also welcomed into another family when I entered my current relationship over five years ago, and it really opened my eyes to a different way of experiencing the holidays. That it could be done with people who unquestionably accept me and want what’s best for me, not the opposite.

Being in a different home where decorating, playing music, hanging out, eating, drinking and talking becomes fun and stress-free, was enough to make me realize that I have a choice now in who I spend the holidays with.

It feels natural, and organic — I want to be a part of it and be involved with these things again rather than sitting on the sidelines and waiting for it to be over.

As an adult, I have the ability to surround myself with people who build me up and bring me joy, not the opposite.

The only true obligation that you should have during the holidays is to treat yourself with kindness and do what’s best for you.

JAMIE MERE/GRAPHICS EDITOR

Editor’s Note

Stick to a tamagotchi if you can’t handle a real pet EMILY WAITSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Different holidays seem to inspire people to buy or adopt animals as gifts, often to the detriment of their unexpectedly time-consuming four-legged purchases.

Easter sees an increase in petstore bought bunnies and chicks, while Christmas seems to fuel people’s desires to buy puppies and kittens when The Bay and Walmart just won’t do for someone’s (usually a kid’s) wishlist.

I’m not necessarily saying that every person who buys their family member or significant other a pet for Christmas is automatically dooming them to be a terrible pet parent.

However, it’s worth noting that there often isn’t a whole lot of thought put into the responsiblity that a pet requires after the video of your girlfriend or child sobbing over the puppy that was in the moving box goes viral and is featured on Ellen.

After the initial joy and excitement passes from receiving a new animal on Christmas Day, you’re left with a living creature that

will need attention, upkeep and various amounts of money put into looking after it for the next 10 plus years of its life.

Many people don’t consider this when plopping a cute puppy with a bow around its neck in front of the Christmas tree like it’s a scene from Lady and the Tramp and simply call it a day when that part is done.

Parents seem to often use pet gifting as a tool to teach responsibility to their children. And while it’s well-intentioned, people still have to keep in mind that kids are still kids. Sure, they can claim it as their own by giving it a name like Crackers and help look after it by taking it out for a walk, scooping food in their bowl or cleaning out their cage — but they’re not completely formed human beings yet.

They are often forgetful and still don’t have the ability to fully look after the pet they were given.

I grew up around friends whose parents would buy them hamsters, fish, guinea pigs, etc. — the socalled “easy” pets associated with childhood. But, they would inevitably get bored of them or neglect to completely look after their animal in some way or another until it died.

Now, the “lesson” here shouldn’t be that the parent is omitted from responsibility because their child forgot to change the water for their

hamster.

A pet shouldn’t have to suffer so that you can tell your kid “I told you so” while you’re burying it in the backyard.

The same can be said for university students who want to train service dogs or get their own dog while they’re in school. I’m not saying that this is never possible, but training service dogs takes a lot of time, effort and dedication. And as for your own dog goes, navigating that responsibility with student housing, rooommates and busy schedules can be more difficult than you originally expect.

Owning pets isn’t always cheap, and as much as I would love to respond to every adoption notice I see that tugs on my heart strings, I need to recognize my personal limitations as a pet owner.

Don’t be one of the people who has to return a pet they adopted or post notices on Kijiji because you took on an animal without really thinking it through.

Local animal shelters are faced with enough challenges without having to worry about the influx of animals that are dumped on their doorsteps during the holidays.

If you really want a pet or someone you know does, just make sure you do the proper research and have the means to care for it before gifting someone a furry friend.

• 23

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Opinion

OPINION EDITOR JADE HOSICK opinion@thecord.ca

Hot take: Is the Toronto Christmas Market worth the hype?

Hot takes feature two conflicting opinions about the same topic. This week, our News Editor and Online Editor weigh in on this popular holiday date spot.

SOPHIA COLE NEWS EDITOR

drink samples.

Although that certainly helps, too.

While some may think it’s overhyped or “basic,” I would argue that those people are missing the point.

Yes, it’s worth it.

The Toronto Christmas Market is a staple trip for any holiday enthusiast.

Not only is it full of amazing treats, cute gifts and Instagram-worthy views, but it is an embodiment of holiday spirit at its finest.

The Toronto Christmas Market brings together everything we love about the holidays in one place to create the ultimate holiday experience.

It is a much-needed light in the (sometimes bitterly) cold, dark winter nights.

It gives people something to look forward to during a time of year that can be stressful, and at times depressing.

Especially when the lack of vitamin D starts to hit you and those winter blues kick in.

Somehow, despite the large crowds and cold weather, you would be hard pressed to find an unhappy guest at the Christmas market.

Something about the atmosphere just radiates happiness, and it’s more than just the free food and

KATHLEEN MCCULLOUGH ONLINE EDITOR

Nah, save your money.

Every year around this time and into December, my Instagram feed is filled with the lit-up tree or the Gooderham and Worts Limited sign in the distillery district for the Toronto Christmas market.

All while at least thirty others join to take the exact same photo to share on their social media accounts as well.

There are huge crowds every year that are there to specifically

Not only is it full of amazing treats, cute gifts and Instagram-worthy views, but it is an embodiment of holiday spirit at its finest.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

It’s not about getting the perfect photo for Instagram.

It’s about taking a break from your often hectic life and taking the time to get into the holiday spirit with the people who you love, sharing laughs and making memories.

There’s a reason why the event is so highly anticipated and widely attended year after year.

It lives up to its hype and always comes through when it comes to delivering magical holiday feels like those you get on Christmas morning.

capture that picture perfect moment.

All while at least 30 others join to take the exact same photo to share on their social media accounts as well.

I have had the privilege to go to the market and there are many just like it.

There are hundreds of Christmas markets just like the one here in Uptown Waterloo and in the greater Toronto area.

These other markets are just as special and can bring the same holiday spirit into your life.

The Toronto Christmas market is difficult to do when you’re on a student budget.

Of course, there are some free samples, including hot chocolate.

But many of the vendors over price their holiday gifts and the food in the surrounding restaurants can easily rake up a bit of a tab.

Not to mention the market comes with a price to get in on weekends.

Although, depending on your schedule, you can make a trip on weekdays when it is free.

No hate to anyone that goes, as we all just want to enjoy some holiday spirit with our loved ones during this time of year.

It just isn’t my favourite place to be this time of year.

24 • OPINION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Crafty gift giving Homemade presents are inexpensive and the perfect way to show that you care LAURA THOMPSON OPINION COLUMIST

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year.

The sparkling snow that’s perfect for making snow angels, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg in every café, and, of course, spending time with family. I can’t wait until the school semester is done and I can finally go home and relax for a couple of weeks.

One of the less relaxing things, however, is the money you end up spending on presents for family.

One thing I always love to do is give gifts that I know my family will love and appreciate, but there’s a problem with that; a student budget doesn’t allow me to get exactly what my family has on their wish lists.

My brothers are always so bad about giving me gift ideas - they always just say money. I mean come on, I’m trying to be thoughtful - give me a little bit more to work with here.

Each year, I worry about buying gifts where I can only spend roughly the same amount of money for each member of my family without spending every dime I have, and with big families, that can add up

quickly.

Instead of trying to find cheaper, lower quality gifts that will probably just end up in the garbage by February, there is another option that I think families will appreciate — homemade gifts!

You don’t have to be an expert crafts maker or the next Picasso to make these; just a trip to Michael’s for supplies and some hot glue is enough to get you started.

There are tons of ideas online for simple little gifts you can make for your family.

You can buy a clear mason jar and paint the inside to create a personalized candle holder.

Find the best pictures of your family and create a collage with fun stickers or written messages as captions.

For those who are handy in the kitchen and want to show off your baking skills, there are lots of easy recipes for creating fudge, hot chocolate starter kits, even candy cane sugar scrubs.

These are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth or someone who loves a good lip scrub. I know there’s usually a stigma associated with homemade gifts.

There’s the worry that it’ll come off as cheap or they won’t be

JAMIE MERE/GRAPHICS EDITOR

appreciated as much as a storebought gift with an actual price tag on it.

Despite all of these, in my opinion, it is honestly true what they say — it’s the thought that counts.

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

Why Taylor Swift should have ownership of her music JADE HOSICK OPINION EDITOR

On July 2, 2019 Taylor Swift had posted an essay on Tumblr where she told the world about how Big Machine Records founder Scott

Borchetta did not consult her when selling her work to Scooter Braun.

Swift states that she was not given the opportunity to buy her own work back and has since then urged her fans to blacklist Braun for his actions.

In the essay she wrote she says, “I walked away because once I signed that contract, Scott would sell the label, selling me and my future. I had to make the excruciating choice to leave behind my past.

Now Scooter has stripped me from my life’s work, that I wasn’t given the opportunity to buy. Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it. This is my worst-case scenario.”

This time last year, Swift had switched record labels to reclaim her own narrative. She was also aware that Borchetta was going to be selling his record company and in a way, selling her. Giving her no

Just knowing that you took the time to make these gifts yourself with love will be enough to win over any family member’s heart.

The added benefit of homemade gifts is the knowledge that they

won’t just be used once and then tossed in the back of the closet.

These homemade gifts can be a reusable decoration or be eaten up right away, saving the planet and your wallet at the same time.

say in her future endeavours if she did decided to renew her contract.

All her albums are owned now

by Braun and Borchetta, and any time she wishes to use them in a live performance, they must sign off on it.

Before the American Music Awards (AMAs) aired on Sunday Nov. 24, Swift had made it known that Borchetta and Braun were stopping her from performing her previous hit songs during the award show performance.

Swift was going to be receiving the artist of the decade award and was planning on doing a performance with her previous hits.

Borchetta and Braun had told her that they would be willing to allow her to use the songs if she had agreed to not re-record any of her old works once she is legally allowed to do so.

Taylor Swift made a statement on Nov. 14 saying that coming forward might change the way men in the music industry use intimidation tactics on young girls and women. She hopes that these men will see the backlash from her fans and see that what they are doing is in no way ok.

Swift wrote, “The message being sent to me is very clear. Basically, be a good little girl and shut up. Or you'll be punished. This is WRONG. Neither of these men had a hand in the writing of those songs. They did nothing to create the relationship I have with my fans."

Swift is following in the footsteps of stars like Prince and Def Leppard who had also re-recorded their works after being unfairly compensated by their original labels.

But when Swift re-records, she has no idea how the radio, stream-

ing services or her fans are going to react to the new recordings.

Swift is someone who I have always seen involved in some sort of drama online since I began to pay attention to celebrities.

Sometimes the controversies

She is handling the situation publicly with grace and sticking up for the young artists who don’t think they have a voice.

she was involved in made me not like her, and other times I was just indifferent.

This situation is making me kind of proud of Taylor Swift from a non-fan perspective.

She is handling the situation publicly with grace and sticking up for the young artists who don’t think they have a voice. That they must quietly sit back and listen to the big players who try to intimidate them.

Which is not only an issue in the music industry, but within the whole entertainment industry.

People’s hard work is being taken advantage of all the time, which is why a lot of younger artists are trying to make it big without a record label backing them up.

Taylor Swift deserves the rights to the songs she wrote, or at the very least, deserves the chance to buy them like Scooter Braun did.

OPINION • 25

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 , 2019

Harry Styles’ joke on SNL isn’t that serious JADE HOSICK OPINION EDITOR

On Nov. 16, Harry Styles did double duty on Saturday Night Live (SNL) being both the host and musical guest on the late-night comedy sketch show.

During his opening monologue, Harry made jokes about him being a musician, not a comedian and also being in a boy band (or as he calls it “a man band”).

He made jokes about his One Direction bandmates being there that night, which they were not — but wouldn’t it be crazy if they were? — well, they weren’t.

But then when it got to the part where Styles was listing off his band mates, he did it in a manner that some Directioners found questionable.

Styles, while pretending to play the piano to send some love to his fellow bandmates, said “I love those guys, they’re my brothers.

Niall, Liam, Louis and uh… Ringo.”

After that comment, Twitter went insane saying that Harry was shading Zayn or “doing him dirty,” but some other fans were quick to clear up some things regarding the joke. Ringo was a former member of The Beatles and was the first one to leave the band, which is a similarity Ringo and Zayn have.

Ringo had temporarily left The Beatles in 1968, whereas Zayn had left One Direction in 2014. That’s literally the entire joke.

A lot of news publications have

decided to talk about this story and say that this comment is a direct reflection on the band’s relationship status and how the four have turned against Zayn completely.

But let’s be rational here, Saturday Night Live is a satirical show – meaning that they are constantly making jokes to get a rise out of their audience. And while I don’t always like the jokes they make, like when Pete Davidson talked about switching out Ariana Grande’s birth control pills with Tic Tacs, they are just supposed to be jokes.

And we should not forget the

The joke was not made as an attempt to belittle Zayn or any of his accomplishments during or after being a member of the band.

fact that Zayn was the first one who first distanced himself from his fellow bandmates after leaving the band. During an interview with Zane Lowe in 2016, Zayn said that he had always wanted to leave One Direction.

Then again in 2017, Zayn sat down with Us Weekly and said that Harry and him never really talked when Zayn was in the band, which few fans believe as there are photos and videos of them talking and being out in public together all

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

the time. I think that the comment Harry made regarding Zayn leaving the band was fine. Sure, some people might not like the joke or see it as shading Zayn, but it was his job to keep the audience entertained that night.

Some of the older people who watched SNL might understand what the joke meant without even really knowing who the members of One Direction are, and if they got a rise out of it, then Styles did his job well. The joke was not made

as an attempt to belittle Zayn or any of his accomplishments during or after being a member of the band.

The joke was simply made as a way to get a laugh from the audience.

to regimented eating and exercise routines weeks before they filmed the annual program. Additionally, they were hand-picked to work the show based on very specific, narrow requirements based solely on their appearance.

For me personally, walking into a VS store can be an intimidating and dually underwhelming experience.

Apple-cheeked models with Chiclet-white teeth, mile-long legs and toned, blemishless bodies blankly staring at customers while wearing what look like deceivingly high-quality bras and panties in comparison to the jumbled bundles of underwear and bralettes that are scattered in sections across the “showroom” floor, can be off-putting when all you want to do is buy a new bra that looks good on your body and is comfortable to wear.

American Eagle’s sister company, Aerie, has been praised for the complete opposite approach they’ve applied to their advertising and brand promotions.

They don’t photoshop their models, and through their #AerieReal campaign, have worked to promote the true diversity of women’s bodies.

When Aerie featured a type 1 diabetic model wearing an insulin pump, and it wasn’t the focus of the image, it was merely presented as a normal part of who the model was. I was taken aback to see this done. It never occurred to me that it was possible to have something that I felt ashamed of, especially in relation to being or feeling “sexy,” advertised in such a positive way.

With companies like Savage X Fenty and Lounge following suit with their marketing techniques that include more than what has

been deemed the “standard” of beauty and what is and isn’t sexy — the space for what VS is known for is quickly becoming limited.

A “fantasy” can be whatever you want it to be, and it shouldn’t be curated by men who simpy want to gain views by putting a million dollar bra on one type of body.

Victoria’s Secret is likely going to fade into the background of irrelevance given the lack of direction that the company has left to go in.

With products that aren’t that great to begin with and the history of the company’s conception rooted in the founder feeling embarrassed to buy his wife lingerie, I think it’s time for an upgrade to their corporate identity.

The world of fashion shouldn’t be limited to VS models alone, and given the growing disinterest in their products, it’s time for a progressive change.

It’s no secret: the VS Fashion Show is over EMILY WAITSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The social climate of the world is evolving, and the people behind the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show seem to have realized that the place for their once infamous, televised night focused on supermodels showcasing their lingerie line, has come to a close for good.

Victoria’s Secret (VS) has faced a myriad of criticisms over the past few years, notably last November when executive Ed Razek, chief marketing officer of Victoria’s Secret parent company L Brands, said in an interview with Vogue that the fashion show would never include plus-sized or transgender models “because the show is a fantasy. It’s a 42-minute entertainment special.”

One half-baked apology from Razek and a sheepish step-down from the company a year later, and VS has been left at a crossroads with where or how they should

progress with their brand next.

When questioned about whether or not the show would air this holiday season, VS chief financial officer Stuart Burgdoerfer said, “No, we’ll be communicating to customers, but nothing that I would say is similar in magnitude to the fashion show.”

Inclusivity has been a running contention with lingerie companies and the overall lack of model diversity and range in sizes and prices in the industry’s products has become increasingly scrutinized by consumers — especially with the growth of social media and online marketing campaigns.

Whenever I watched the VS Fashion Show, I never viewed it as a real representation of how the average woman looks. It was a near-fictional half hour of unattainable beauty presented and curated by predominantly male industry workers.

And it has been repeated again and again by the models themselves that they don’t look the way they do on the runway year-round.

It would be an unattainable lifestyle and unrealistic physical ideal to strive for, for one, given the level of commitment they dedicate

CONTRIBUTED IMAGE

26 •

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

Sports

SPORTS EDITOR MARK CASCAGNETTE sports@thecord.ca

DEFEAT

Shorthanded men’s basketball team drop third in a row MARK CASCAGNETTE SPORTS EDITOR

Coming off of a franchise-best season last year, head coach Justin Serresse and his basketball team had high expectations for this season.

The Golden Hawks entered this year as the sixth ranked team nationally, which was their highest ranking in nearly a decade and came out of the gates as expected with two impressive wins over Toronto and Windsor.

However, those two wins during the first week serve as the highpoint of the season so far, as that is the only winning streak the Golden Hawks have had this year.

Since the start of November, coach Serresse’s team has lost six of their last eight, which includes three consecutive losses at home.

The past several games have been a challenge for the team as they have been playing with an extremely shorthanded team. Laurier ruled out both Matt Minutillo and Ntobe Habimana before the two games last week, and matters got a lot worse, when leading scorer and MVP Ali Sow rolled his ankle in the second quarter of action last Wednesday against Guelph.

The score between Guelph and Laurier went back and forth all night last Wednesday as Kemel

rolls its ankle, it does matter… definitely makes things harder,” Coach Serresse stated after the weekend game.

It’s nearly impossible to go out there and compete when you have your best players [hurt] ... [it] definitely makes things harder.

-Justin Serresse, head coach, Laurier men’s basketball

DARIEN FUNK/PHOTO EDITOR

Archer had a career night, scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. However, without the OUA’s leading scorer in Ali Sow, the Golden Hawks were unable to keep up with the Gryphons attack and lost 82-68.

“It was an ankle injury and I am unsure of the extent,” a frustrated coach Serresse said after the game.

After suffering another loss, the Golden Hawks turned their focus to this past Saturday’s game against the first place Western Mustangs.

Rookie Vladimir Lukomski from Waterloo had a much more prominent role due to the injuries and dropped in a career high 13 points including a clutch three point shot with four seconds left to bring the

game within two points.

Laurier had an opportunity to bring the game into overtime, but Lukomski missed one of his two free throws with under a second left, giving Western a 74-73 victory.

“It’s nearly impossible to go out there and compete when you have your best player hurting his knee, one guy gets a concussion, one

Coach Serresse was noticeably frustrated over the two home games last week as his team has dropped to 4-6 and is third place in their division. “I thought we missed a lot of easy stuff again,” Coach Serresse stated.

Laurier will be posed to rebound as they end the calendar year with two games this week, a matchup on the road against Western, before ending the first half of their season, with a matchup against Ryerson.

The first meeting between these two teams since Ryerson ended the Golden Hawks season last year in the OUA semi-final.

Have a fantastic holiday season, Golden Hawks — we’ll see you again in the new year!

SPORTS • 27

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019 MEN’S FOOTBALL

DARIEN FUNK/PHOTO EDITOR

All-Canadian Gordon highlights post-season awards MARK CASCAGNETTE SPORTS EDITOR

The Golden Hawks men’s football team was honoured this past month as 10 different student athletes were named to the OUA First or Second All-Star team.

Laurier was disappointed in their season result as they finished with a 4-4 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, the total of ten athletes awarded is their highest total

of all-stars since 2009, and also matches Western for the largest total in the OUA this year.

The group of 10 all-stars consists of three first-team all-stars and seven second-team all-stars, as well as six players earning the honour for the first time in their career.

Leading the group of the three first-team all-stars is none other than star running back Levondre Gordon, who finished his career with the Golden Hawks in an impressive fashion. This led to

him being recognized this past Thursday at the Vanier Cup Gala in Quebec City as a USPORTS First Team All-Canadian.

The prestigious award for Gordon marks the eleventh Golden Hawk player to be named an All-Canadian under head coach Michael Faulds.

Levondre Gordon described how much head coach Michael Faulds supported him his five years with the team, and said “Coach Faulds meant a lot to me. When I

came in, he spoke about developing a good culture and trusting the process.”

After former All-Canadian running back, Dilon Campbell left the Golden Hawks in 2015, Gordon stepped right into his place and leapfrogged Campbell in several franchise statistics this year.

“Coach [Faulds] started a rebuild, that came with a new playbook, and required us as players to buy in to the process, which we did,” Gordon explained.

The rebuild that Levondre Gordon spoke about was executed quickly by Coach Faulds, as Laurier won the OUA championship, known as the Yates Cup, back in 2016.

The fifth-year Sociology major from Mississauga, Ontario ended his career with his best season, as he led the OUA rushing for over 1000 yards on the ground, becoming only the sixth Golden Hawk to achieve that threshold.

In addition, Gordon had four touchdowns on the ground and was second in the country as he averaged a career high 127 yards per game, and just over six yards per carry.

With Gordon’s career season, his legacy is cemented at this program. He will finish second all-time in school history for career rushing yards (3348) and carries (534). Gordon also surpassed Dion Campbell in touchdowns, which puts him third all-time in rushing touchdowns with the school (25).

Gordon was honoured with the awards that he received, but was ultimately disappointed in the team’s result. “The personal accolades are nice, although it was a disappointing result season wise as we missed the playoffs for the second straight year,” he said.

Gordon came to Laurier in 2015 and gained a more prominent role in the offense once Campbell left in 2016. Gordon increased his productivity each year with the Golden Hawks, as he scored over six touchdowns in three of his past four seasons.

Gordon was eligible for the CFL

Draft last year, and went unselected as he came back to Laurier for a fifth and final year. Levondre is hopeful for a CFL opportunity but has continued working towards a strong education at the same time.

“If an opportunity presents itself, I would love to continue my career – but at the end of the day I have realistic perspectives and have built a future career path in law enforcement if an opportunity does not arise.”

Laurier will be losing one of their stars on offense once Gordon leaves, but Gordon has his sights set on a very interesting future after dominating the OUA for five years.

The Golden Hawks’ other two first-team all-stars were linebacker Tommy Bringi as well as defensive tackle Sam Acheampong, who both earned the honour for the first time in their career.

Bringi recorded a team high 41.5 tackles in just seven games, while Acheampong was an absolute force on the defensive line, as he racked up 5.5 sacks, along with a career high 19 tackles.

Highlighting the second-team all-stars for the Golden Hawks is wide receiver Brentyn Hall who capped off his fourth straight season with over 500 receiving yards and is continuing to climb the all-time ranks. Hall has proven to be one of the most dynamic wide receivers Laurier has had, as he now sits in the top five in both receiving yards and touchdowns as a Golden Hawk.

Another player who was honoured for the first time as an all-star was kicker Nathan Mesher, who ends his stellar Laurier career as the franchise leader in field goals and points, as well as holding the longest kick ever made by a Golden Hawk kicker.

The team now turns their focus to a long off-season with some key players departing and many returning players ready to take the next step.

The Golden Hawks will have to rely on some of these all-stars if they are looking forward to getting back in the playoffs next fall!

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Offensive struggles continue to hurt Golden Hawks MARK CASCAGNETTE SPORTS EDITOR

After starting the season with five straight losses, the Golden Hawks women’s hockey team has picked up points in four of their last six games including their first two wins of the season in that span.

Coming off of two wins in a span of three games. Head coach Kelly Patton believed that her team had been playing an improved style of hockey.

However, back-to-back games last week where Laurier was only able to score a total of two goals, had the Golden Hawks and Coach Patton searching for answers.

Coach Patton stated that “The focus moving forward is still on the production offensively.” Laurier’s offense has struggled all year – they

scored only four goals in the first five games and with a 3-0 loss last Thursday to Ryerson, and they have been shut out a league high of four times just in the first half of the season.

Laurier entered last week’s backto-back games with excitement as the annual school day hockey game was hosted by the Golden Hawk women for the first time in history.

Thus, Laurier was playing at the Kitchener Auditorium, which had Coach Patton excited for such an “energetic” environment.

In a game featuring over 4,000 elementary school kids, the Windsor Lancers were able to open the scoring, although held the lead for only a matter of time. Kennedy Choma scored her first career goal as a Golden Hawk on the power

play to tie the game up at one.

The Golden Hawks scored early in the second period and held on to a 2-1 lead until five minutes were left in the third period, where a bad bounce of the puck gave way to the Lancers who scored the game-tying goal, pushing the game to overtime.

Overtime did not decide anything, and the Lancers were able to win the game 3-2 off of second-year forward Jessica Gribbon’s goal in the shootout.

It was a quick turnaround for the Golden Hawks, as they had to travel to Toronto for a matchup with the Ryerson Rams the following night.

Fatigue certainly seemed like an issue in that game as Laurier committed six penalties throughout the game and conceded three goals in

FILE PHOTO

the first period while being shut out for the fourth time.

The Golden Hawks have struggled on the special teams this year as well, as they have the second most penalty minutes in the league (122) and also have only scored on two of 44 power play opportunities this year.

Coach Patton urged the team to stop taking penalties as she mentioned, “we cannot let emotions dictate the game for us, it is too

costly.”

The Golden Hawks currently sit with two wins in a total of 11 games played this year, putting them in the bottom three of the OUA. They will finish the first half of the season and look forward to a break as they travel to Guelph on Wednesday night before playing Ryerson at home on Saturday.

The Golden Hawks are still looking for their first home win of the season.

28 • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019

The best of sports in 2019 MEN’S HOCKEY FEB. 7

WOMEN’S LACROSSE SEPT25

MEN’S HOCKEY OCT. 30

MEN’S RUGBY OCT. 23

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 20

MEN’S BASKETBALL FEB. 23

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL JAN. 30

MEN’S HOCKEY NOV. 13

WOMEN’S HOCKEY FEB. 6

men’s FOOTBALL SEPT. 11

MEN’S HOCKEY JAN. 4

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL JAN. 4

MEN’S BASKETBALL NOV. 20