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Ahmed Shamiya is getting ready to defend his wrestling CIS championship title pg. 21
THAT TIME STUDENT GOVERNMENT GOT EXCITING. The highly-anticipated conclusion of the elections saga (spoiler: Justin is still President-Elect) pg. 3
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End of an era After 69 years McMaster broke its ties with the Baptist Church, making it the last university in Ontario to remove its religious associations. Western, Queens and University of Toronto all broke their respective Anglican, Presbyterian and combined Methodist/Anglican ties before us.
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Meet McMaster’s new Writer-in-Residence Page 5
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The rise of blended learning at McMaster Page 7
Election draws to an end Following Sarah Jama’s reinstatement into the presidential race, Justin Monaco-Barnes remains the MSU President-Elect for the 2016-2017 year
Canadian campus news Saad Ejaz Contributor
Fossil fuel divestment at Waterloo UW students and faculty members are calling on their institution to divest from fossil fuel companies. The motion, put together by a student group named “Fossil Free UW,” called for divestment from 200 fossil fuel companies globally. An additional letter issued separately by 63 faculty members from different departments calls on the board of governors to “embrace its moral and fiduciary duty” by divesting from fossil fuels.
Monaco-Barnes talks to a student during the campaign period. MICHAEL GALLAGHER/ PRODUCTION EDITOR
Ana Qarri Managing Editor
Following a three-week long election period, the race for MSU President has finally come to an end. After Sarah Jama’s reinstatement into the presidential race and the retabulation of votes on Friday, Feb. 5, Justin Monaco-Barnes remained the winner of the 2016 presidential election. Jama came in second overall, and Jonathon Tonietto fell to third place. Justin Monaco-Barnes is now officially the MSU President for the 2016-2017 year. Some highlights from his platform to look forward to in the next year and a half include: his promise to print cheaper courseware through Underground, work towards
sustainability at McMaster and efforts to continue addressing sexual violence on campus. The Silhouette interviewed Monaco-Barnes for our Feb. 4 issue which can be found online. Sarah Jama was initially disqualified due to charges of misrepresenting expenses to the Elections Committee and a severe violation of “bad taste.” The Elections Department released the minutes for the Jan. 28 post-election period meeting alongside the appeal decision. Following Bylaw 10 of the elections process, disqualification was briefly considered for Monaco-Barnes, Gill and Tonietto as well. To counter the claim that she spent $500 on her website, Jama presented evidence that her campaign website was designed by a volunteer on her team who is also a co-founder
of a website design company. Jama chose to display his logo on her website to promote the volunteer’s company as a sign of gratitude for his volunteer work. However, Jama told The Silhouette that she was still fined for not including her website designer as a part of her core team. Jama’s campaign was also fined for a controversial retweet by one of her volunteers of an anonymous account that accused another candidate of sexual assault. The minutes from the Elections Committee’s meeting on Jan. 28 say that Jama’s campaign was made aware of the content of the retweet that the minutes quote as “@MikeGill2016 again just for those who missed it, a known sexual assaulter coopting a phrase for having sex....awksssss” was considered
slanderous. The CRO acknowledged, as the candidate herself posted on her Facebook page, that Jama took quick action to delete the tweet and remove two members from her team. The retweet played a significant role in Jama’s initial disqualification. However, as stated in a press release by the MSU, following their deliberations on Feb. 5 the Elections Committee decided that the tweet did not significantly affect the integrity of the election. With the end of perhaps the most contentious MSU election in nearly a decade, we can all go back to forgetting about student politics until the Student Representative Assembly elections in early March. See you then. @anaqarri
Ontario invests in skilled trades Ontario is allocating $36 million over two years to help the next generation of skilled tradespeople prepare for the workforce. $13 million will be allocated to the Pre-Apprenticeship Training program to support 84 pre-apprenticeship training programs, which will help over 1,500 people from traditionally underrepresented groups in skilled trades, including women and Indigenous people.
BC students protest against high levels of debt Hundreds of students in Victoria, B.C., took part in a protest against student debt and high unemployment rates. With the provincial elections coming up in 2017, student organizers want politicians to address pressing post secondary education issues in their campaign platforms.
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NEWS
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Hamilton startup seeks sponsorship
The creators of Dragon of Legends hope to capitalize on oldschool gaming nostalgia as they relaunch their Kickstarter campaign
Patrick Kim News Reporter
Hamilton has long been synonymous with the "Steel City" moniker, but a growing market for entrepreneurs is helping to re-shape that perception. This, along with the growing popularity of online crowd-funding models like Kickstarter have allowed developers like Nathan Dworzak, Parker Martin and Michael Huynh to gather support for their own online action role-playing game they're calling Dragon of Legends. The three are founders of Thrive Games, which they initially began in 2013 as Thrive! Entertainment. The project, their first game developed from scratch, is described on their Kickstarter page as a "2D online [action] RPG inspired by Celtic and Norse mythology" and resembles the style and art reminiscent of video games in the early 90s. "If you grew up playing the Super Nintendo, it's kind of tapping into that aesthetic," explained Dworzak. "But we're also adding more advanced mechanics, like being able to play the game on any device." At the time of writing, the game had accumulated nearly 500 backers and $18,000 on their Kickstarter with a couple weeks left in their campaign to reach their $60,000 goal. While the team made the decision to briefly shut down the campaign as they didn't expect to reach their end goal, Dworzak went on to explain that an investment firm had very recently stepped forward to cover 80 percent of their costs. The campaign is expecting to re-launch on Kickstarter before the end of February with a more modest goal of $12,000 for the project to be fully funded. The project follows in a style of games that have grown in familiarity in recent years. Cult-hit titles like Shovel Knight, and more recently, Undertale, have demonstrated that independent developers like Dworzak and his team can experience critical success with their games, despite having a minimalist approach to the game's aesthetics.
C/O NATHAN DWORZAK
However, the team at Thrive has certainly spared no expense in attempting to flesh out the world that they're promising on their Kickstarter page, and the wealth of information they've provided on the world and the mechanics of their game indicate just how serious they are. With a team that Dworzak has estimated to have involved up to 25 people, the input and background of the team has had a variety of influences as well, both within and outside Hamilton. While Dworzak graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a degree in music composition, Martin graduated from McMaster University with a background in Multimedia/ Theatre & Film. However, the three co-founders have grown up as friends in Hamilton since middle school, and have shared a passion for video games that they've been able to turn into more than just a passion project. They’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with The Forge, a start-up accelerator associated with McMaster, as well as McMaster’s Innovation Park. “For me, it was just a passion, and I’ve always wanted to make games,” Dworzak explained. “But as a composer, I was limited … I managed to be lucky with the people I knew.” “We shared the same vision in what we wanted to do; we wanted to create a gaming company that would create heartfelt experiences.” With their Kickstarter set to re-launch, they’re hoping that others will share in their passion for these experiences. @patrickmkim
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NEWS
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Writing the way for future authors Author Kim Echlin hopes to cultivate creative writing skills for students in the English and Cultural Studies Department Kim Echlin’s role involves mentoring young writers at McMaster and in Hamilton.
Bina Patel Contributor
Each year, the English and Cultural Studies Department hosts the Mabel Pugh Taylor Writer-in-Residence. This fourmonth program seeks to attract highly accomplished Canadian writers, from which a selection committee narrows down to the top three authors who they believe are best suited to occupy the position in subsequent years. The recipient uses their knowledge and experiences to engage McMaster and the wider Hamilton community in the craft of creative writing. This year, that resource is author and teacher Kim Echlin. According to Jeffery Donaldson, McMaster English professor and Chair of the Writer-in-Residence Committee, although published work gives an applicant eligibility for the position, selecting the ideal candidates goes beyond just the technicalities. “We want to have some idea of what skills the writers will be bringing. Do they have the skills that we would expect them to have in editing and advising students? The more they know about the publishing community, the better advice they can give. We want to feel that the writer is a writer of reputation,” said Donaldson. And of reputation she is. Echlin’s publications include Elephant Winter, The Disappeared, Inanna and Elizabeth Smart: A Fugue Essay on Women and Creativity. She is the winner of the Torgi Award, CBC Literary
C/O MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
Award for non-fiction, Barnes and Noble Award, and has been nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize as well as the Chapters/Books in Canada First Award. It is distinction of this nature which indicate to the selection committee that the applicant inhibits what they consider are core skills in making a significant impact during the residency, which include one-on-one mentoring to students. Her mentee and McMaster History and English alumnus Nichole Fanara, recounted her experience working with Echlin, whom she approached for assistance in writing and graduate program application.
“We worked on my novel. She helped me get to the standard so that it would be good enough and was really great, really helpful,” Fanara said. In addition to mentoring aspiring writers, the Writer-in-Residence also reaches out to the wider community through public readings and lectures. One of these instances was during Prof. Donaldson’s Creative Writing Inquiry course, where Echlin shared her wisdom with the class of writers. “She’s brilliant. When she was talking she was making suggestions and little lights were going off in my head. She was saying things that you would think would be no brainers but they hadn’t occurred to me to
say to my students,” he said. Echlin has had a passion for writing since her childhood. Her most recent book, Under the Visible Life, follows the lives of two women in different parts of the world: Hamilton and Afghanistan. Despite having struggled through stigma and systematic oppression, both find their freedom through their love of music. “I explore the kinds of oppressions that women from all over the world have lived with and how they continue to make themselves free,” she said. Although having a Writer-in-Residence has largely to do with fostering the creative imagination of students, Echlin
makes clear that the advantages are mutual. “This is the first time I’ve been a Writer-in-Residence, and I really like it. At McMaster it’s very interesting because in the Humanities program you have a lot of alternative forms of storytelling. You have creative writing with Jeffery Donaldson, but also you have Daniel Coleman and he’s working with a lot of different forms of narrative.” Donaldson added that although McMaster has not yet established a creative writing program, having an individual of such literary prowess to consult with is inspiring for young writers.
By Levin C. Handy (per http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cwpbh.04326) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
You don’t have to sit in school to stand among greatness. › Thomas Edison: Relentless Inventiveness Failure is no biggie. Just ask Edison. If he stopped at failure, he would never have moved on to invent a little thing called the light bulb. So if you’ve failed a class somewhere else, or have a scheduling conflict, come on over. You can catch up with our world-recognized online courses, then move on to bigger successes. Talk about a light bulb moment.
open. online. everywhere. go.athabascau.ca/online-courses
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NEWS
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Health talks Lauren Beals Contributor
If you were walking through IAHS on Feb. 9, you probably noticed travelling bands of kinesiology students taking selfies on their trips across campus. Ignore your first impressions, as those dedicated students were not skipping class to capture the perfect Instagram moment, but rather documenting their exploration into health and wellness research at McMaster. McMaster Health Crawl was a one-day event organized by the university to showcase different avenues of locally conducted, health-focused research. Throughout the event, researchers and staff provided guided tours through a selection of six state of the art labs and learning spaces across campus, giving attendees an inside look into how their students learn on a daily basis. Jennifer Heisz, a professor with the Department of Kinesiology, encouraged her students
to attend the event and record their exploits into the world of research. They were joined by other undergraduates, alumni, prospective students and curious members of the community. Health Crawl was part of the School of Rehabilitation’s Building Healthy Communities Week. Featured researcher and physiotherapist Julie Richardson thinks that the Building Healthy Communities Week is important for future prosperity. “This [research] has large implications not only for community health but for public health,” she said. “The population is aging substantially; everyone needs mobility … it just doesn’t happen by chance. Sometimes we have to do things to facilitate it”. Health Crawl was also the fourth event in the larger “Big Ideas Better Cities” initiative, a yearlong series of events aimed at showcasing how McMaster’s research can help communities respond to modern challenges. But it was not just
Discussion about health-focused research took center stage during McMaster’s Health Crawl
Heath Crawl engaged students and faculty in discussions about health research and approaches to education. C/O ESTHER BARLOW
ground-breaking research on display. Innovative campus facilities played a prominent role in the event, advertising McMaster’s novel approaches to learning. Annette Brown, Program Manager at the Center for Simulation Based Learning, gave attendees a tour of the recently expanded Simulation Lab. Within the facility, stu-
dents in the Faculty of Health Sciences learn clinical and communication skills through standardized patient programs, task trainers and re-created healthcare scenarios. The lab features a variety of practice environments including homecare rooms, standardized hospital rooms and a fully functional operating room complete with high fidelity mannequins.
For Brown the advantages of opening the center for tours was clear. “Often [one of the larger benefits] is awareness. If you are not in one of the programs … you may hear of other schools or hospitals that have these centers and wonder if McMaster has one, now you know.”
Reverse Engineer Your Job Search For decades, companies have been using reverse engineering techniques in order to improve products or corner a new market. But why is this technique important in your job search and how can it be used to further your career goals? With many companies striving to do more with less, systems have been put in place to speed up the applicant screening process. Enter the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). ATS has become the gatekeeper for many organizations which openly advertise positions and have the potential of receiving hundreds, maybe even thousands of job applications. ATS scans your resume to determine whether your qualifications meet the criteria outlined in the job description. ATS’ look for key matches on education, skills and work experience. Those that do not fit are simply not passed through to the recruiter or hiring manager.
To make it past this technology, here’s what you need to do: 1. Decode the job description. Identify the skills, qualifications and competencies the employer is seeking. 2. Think of your own experiences that fit the criteria outlined in the job description. Draw from your school work, part-time employment or extra-curricular involvement in order to match the skills being sought by the employer. Aside from technical skills, employers want to know if the passions and talents of the individual match the work required and if your personal/professional values are in sync with the values of the organization. This is an important factor in determining job fit. 3. Tailor your resume and cover letter to include the keywords used in the job description. Don’t be afraid to use the exact wording as it appears in the posting as this will improve your matches when screened by an ATS.
To tap into the “hidden” job market, here’s what you need to do: 1. Think like a recruiter. Determine where and how recruiters are sourcing talent if not online. Identify professional associations, conferences and industry events that you can attend as a student in order to meet hiring managers. 2. Once in the presence of a recruiter, start acting like a boss. Help the recruiter connect the dots between you and the organization. Provide examples of ways in which you have improved productivity, solved a problem or generated a new and profitable idea. 3. Help the recruiter imagine you as a player in their organization. Using relevant examples of past experiences you have had will have the recruiter wanting to learn more and likely lead to an exchange of contact information.
Knowing the ins and outs of the recruiting process is helpful when you are applying to an actual job posting. But, what happens when there is no job posting? The Wall Street Journal has estimated that 80% of all job openings go unadvertised. So, if you’ve been spending the majority of your time job searching online, now’s the time to get offline and start make face-to-face connections.
Using reverse engineering techniques in your job search will help differentiate you from the crowd and get you closer to reaching your career goals.
Thank you to Emily Taylor, Employer Relationship and Engagement Coordinator with the SSC for her insights into reverse engineering for job search. For more information on job search strategies, drop by the SSC and speak with one of our career development advisors.
Mark your calendars! Connect to Careers Job Fair will be taking place at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s on March 8. Check out who’s attending at connecttocareersjobfair.ca or follow on Twitter at #CtoC16.
This is a paid advertisement by the Student Success Centre. The Student Success Centre is located in Gilmour Hall 110 or you can visit online at studentsucess.mcmaster.ca.
NEWS
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
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The future of learning McMaster has put plenty of time and money into blended learning. But is it leaving some students behind?
Rachel Katz News Editor
Over the past few years, McMaster has steadily worked on efforts to improve its course delivery. By implementing animations, social media and online modules, McMaster is gradually bringing university education into the 21st century. This new approach to course structure, called blended learning, aims to flip the classroom. Lecture content is made available online so instructors can use actual class time to explore specific elements in more detail. While McMaster is not currently considered a leader in the development of this method of teaching, Zafar Syed explained that this is starting to change. Syed is the Associate Director of Digital Technology at the McMaster Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching & Learning, the institution that has been the main driver of this change. “For the past three to four years there's been a concentrated effort to increase the digital footprint that McMaster has, whether that means setting up and supporting an institute like ours here to help faculty with technology integration, or funding courses to be redesigned for blended or online delivery,” he said. The cost of redesigning a course ranges from $12,000 to $75,000. “That's not to say that one course is better than the other. It just depends on how much media production is necessary,” explained Syed. He added that a course that uses social media or Avenue to Learn in a unique way are additional ways courses can be technology-infused. Instructors have approached blended learning in a variety of ways. As a cohort, the Biology Department decided to revisit two courses: the first year cellular and molecular biology class as well as its second-year continuation with a greater focus on cell biology. The former was launched in the spring of 2014, while the previous fall saw the beginning of the cell
JON WHITE/ PHOTO EDITOR
biology modules. According to Prof. Rosa da Silva, the department worked together to update the curriculum by creating a type of narrative structure for the course to follow. “We thought how can we make our first year experience better, how can we add more to the classroom without taking away, and we thought going blended would be the best way, so that we could offer core material online, and then really bring in class the opportunity to diversify material,” she explained. The blended learning approach is being explored in other faculties as well. Prof. Emad Mohammad, who bridges the faculties of Commerce and Engineering, has worked to make his course Commerce 1AA3, an introductory financial accounting class, customizable. He has implemented a strategy where students read the course material on weekends and explore it through animations and videos. They are quizzed on the material and based on the
results, Mohammad tailors his in-class lectures to focus on the areas students struggled with. Both da Silva and Mohammad agreed that the blended approach has helped boost marks in their respective courses. While Mohammad admitted that not all students like the blended approach, he has noticed more A+ grades and fewer failing marks. “The results are indisputable,” he said. Da Silva was also enthusiastic about the effect of modules in her biology courses. “We’re seeing that student grades are going up with blended learning, which is great.” Both professors also mentioned the fact that despite the improvements in grades, not all students are satisfied with the new approach to lecture content. Da Silva explained that frequently, students in her courses who do not enjoy the mix of modules and lectures have a more difficult time focusing. “Students who have a harder time managing time…
“Blended learning works best not because you put some content online but because of what happens during the face-to-face component.“ Zafar Syed Associate Director Digital Technology MIIETL are the students that are hating it, they’re not scheduling it in as part of their week to week classes that they should be watching,” she explained. Despite the enthusiasm faculty have for blended learning, they seem to be moving forward without a concrete plan. Syed and da Silva both mentioned long-term studies of the lasting
effect of blended learning courses at McMaster, but neither offered specific ways in which the content will continue to develop beyond constantly improving modules. Syed is looking forward to the opening of the LR Wilson building as a way to encourage more active and blended learning in the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Blended learning works best not because you put some content online, but because of what happens during the faceto-face component. That people are able to engage in content in a deeper and more personal way and not just passively sit and listen to lecture, which they can do in their own time,” he explained. Although there is more room for the assessment of blended learning’s overall impact, it is clear that McMaster is determined to continue implementing learning technologies into a greater variety of courses. @RachAlbertaKatz
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HUMANS
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
ddMason & Kyle
McMaster Custodial and Maintenance Staff
YUNG LEE/ PHOTO REPORTER What work do you do at McMaster? Mason: I worked here at McMaster for over 19 years. My job here, with my friend Kyle, is to clean Edwards Hall, move things, and all kinds of other stuff for students living in res. What would you say is the biggest challenge about your job?
Kyle: Everyday is a challenge … you never know what you are going to walk into. First years can be mess makers, but we wouldn’t have work if it were any other way, so I don’t mind it too much.
football team. Talking to them and listening to their stories about their football game makes me want to be part of the team, you know? Also, it is really cool to sometimes see students from my hometown and church in the west.
What is the best part about your job?
Kyle: Also, learning about new students through this job everyday is very cool. Witnessing what they are planning for
Mason: During the summer, we work with the athletes, especially with the amazing McMaster
their future is quite amazing. Some say that they want to be the next big engineer, nurse, doctor, and more. They’ve all got bright futures ahead of them – everyone! With all the great opportunities that they have, I think they should really work hard for things they want and never give up. Yung Lee Photo Reporter
dd David Lee
Health Sciences II
When everything is going wrong, what motivates you to keep going? After high school, I used to think that I was going to have
the time of my life at McMaster — getting away from home, being in a program that really interested me, hanging out with friends … I definitely am, but here’s the thing that I learned:
sometimes life isn’t always going to be like the front cover of a brochure where a group of friends are candidly laughing while sitting under a tree. Sometimes you’re going to get
a bad grade, sleep in by accident, or even get five pieces of chicken nuggets instead of six. But that’s how life works — it’s understanding that sometimes your expectations aren’t just
going to be met. So what motivates me? I think it’s accepting the situation and having faith that things will work themselves out with a little hard work and determination.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2015 | www.thesil.ca
The McMaster Students Union
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
Those who have attended McMaster for the last several years are likely familiar with the annual MacTalks campaign. Through MacTalks, the MSU aims to reduce mental health stigma on campus, provide disability-related programming, and inform students about the supports available to them. This year, the MSU University Affairs Committee, Advocacy Street Team, and peer support
services are organizing a two-week campaign designed to continue the MSU’s support and advocacy around student mental health. This year, MacTalks will run from February 22 to March 4. The first week is a “Tell” campaign, focused on education and awareness, while the second week is a “Talk” campaign, focused on the ways in which different communities and individuals experience mental health. A “Share Your Story” initiative will run throughout both weeks, wherein students can anonymously submit their personal stories about mental health. “Share Your Story” will continue the important work of de-stigmatizing mental health on campus, while providing the safety and support that the McMaster community deserves. The highly varied programming will include an Abiliteas event by MSU Diversity Services, as well as an event detailing the particular difficulties faced by people of colour in accessing mental health services. Another MSU service, the Student Health Education Centre (SHEC), will host a self-injury awareness day, while the MSU’s newest accessi-
The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.
bility-focused service, Maccess, will of a Student Mental Health Network. collaborate with the Hamilton Mad In order to address the remaining Students Collective on a hangout for problems concerning lack of capacity, students who have experience with frontline care, and funding, MacTalks both mental illness and the mental will host a panel, titled ‘Where are the health system. Counsellors?’ Panellists for the event In addition, the Women and will include McMaster’s Associate Gender Equity Vice-President (StuNetwork (WGEN) dents & Learning), ... providing will host an event MSU Vice President titled Sexism and (Education), and a the safety and psychiatrist from Mental Health, support that the the Student Wellness while the Queer Centre. This conStudents Comentire McMasversation will focus munity Center ter community specifically on how (QSCC) will disthe University can cuss mental health deserves. improve professional alongside a board support for students. game stress-relief The MSU encourages all students event. Other stress-relief activities throughout the week will include a to engage with the campaign through Movies for Mental Health series and its events and advocacy initiatives, free drop-in tours of the Picturing as well as on social media via #MacWellness exhibit inside the McMas- Talks. If you’re interested in getting more involved, please feel free to conter Museum of Art. The MSU will continue to ad- tact me via vped@msu.mcmaster. vance conversations around improv- ca, or reach out to the great staff on ing mental health care on campus. the Advocacy Street Team, University Significant work has been done this Affairs Committee, and peer support year around academic accommoda- services. All information can be actions and through the establishment cessed at msumcmaster.ca/mactalks.
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EDITORIAL
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Editorial Our civic responsibility to Flint Hamilton’s sister city, Flint, MI, is in the middle of a dangerous water crisis. Should McMaster students feel a responsibility to aid their citizens?
Amanda Watkins Editor-in-Chief
Flint is one of Hamilton’s sister cities. It is located in the state of Michigan, and it has a population of 102,434. It would take roughly four hours to fly there, and like Hamilton, it was built upon a prominent trade industry (in our case, steel; in theirs, lumber). We don’t typically have much to do with Flint, and most of the time the idea of a “sister city” seems like something arbitrarily assigned across the globe. Our status as sister cities was made official by Sister Cities International, and we have been linked to them — along with our other sister city, Fukuyama, Japan — for close to 60 years. We aren’t very close, geographically or socially, but we hold a connection with them that is beyond our local bounds. For those who do not know, the citizens of Flint are currently the victims of a water crisis. Their only sources of water have been contaminated due to old and poorly maintained piping infrastructure made of lead, and their water is currently considered poisonous. They need $55 million dollars to fix the existing damage, and their citizens, including children, the elderly and animals, are falling ill at a rapid pace. We know that they need help, and we know that we’re intrinsically on their side, but why aren’t we, as a community, doing anything? Hamilton’s Mayor Eisenberg has reached out to the mayor of Flint, offering to provide necessary aid, but aside from one dedicated citizen donating a few thousand water bottles to the city, we don’t have much else to show for ourselves in terms of providing tangible help in any form. And when I refer to “us” or “our,” I don’t necessarily just mean the city as a whole, but the separate McMaster community as well. It’s an age-old fact that McMaster students have found it difficult to assimilate into the city and become members of
the community. But so long as we are living, working, or being educated here, we are part of the “City of Hamilton.” And with that being said, we are more connected to our brothers and sisters in Flint than any other university community. Flint has multiple colleges and universities within its borders. Students and faculty are people who are being affected by this lead poisoning, and if we were in their place, the support of our sister university could mean a lot and make a difference. The University and its hospital are two of the largest businesses in the city. Even if the city may not necessarily be able to provide some form of financial support to the citizens of Flint, it could be possible that the lucrative business of our institution could be able to provide help in some way, shape or form. Our lack of initiative related to helping Flint speaks to the rough connection we have as a university to our city and municipal responsibilities, a shortcoming that we have been trying to mend. Many people have no idea that Flint is Hamilton’s sister city, let alone that Hamilton has sister cities. While most students can get away with going a full undergrad not getting to know their city, when something like this comes up, as members of this community, we should be proactive (as we are with many other initiatives on campus) in doing something to help or raise awareness for this cause. As a campus, the biggest thing we have going for us, outside of our finances, are our numbers. We have bodies, and lots of them, who can stand up and make a difference for a municipality that doesn’t have a lot of support from elsewhere, and one that is an innate part of our own city culture. Not too far from us, and not too long ago, the town of Walkerton, Ontario was in a somewhat similar situation with an E. coli problem. The town benefited from the help of its neighbours, and Flint is now in an even worse situation that needs dire help. We may not
Our lack of initiative related to helping Flint speaks to the rough connection we have as a university to our city and municipal responsibilities. always identify with this city we live in, but when Hamilton and its related communities needs us, we need to be there to help facilitate action and effort. @whatthekins
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MSU environmental initiatives do more harm than good
The Silhouette | 11
Opinion
Communists on campus Page 12
Page 13
Students collect donations at last year’s 5 Days for the Homeless fundraiser. C/O MCMASTER DAILY NEWS
Cut the poverty porn Sophie Geffros Contributor
Someone you know has been homeless. This can be hard concept to wrap your head around — if you’re lucky, homelessness is something that happens to other people, and we can only conceive of homelessness as what housing advocates call “street homelessness.” According to a 2013 report by the Wellesley Institute, for every individual identified as street homeless, another four are part of what advocates call the “hidden homeless” population. Think of your high school friend who surfed couches when his parents kicked him out after discovering he was gay. Think of the sibling that struggles with addiction and is in and out of halfway houses. Think of the friend who confessed tearfully that she and her mother spent the summer in a women’s shelter after leaving
a violent spouse. The majority of the homeless population is intermittently homeless, and therefore hidden. Even if you don’t know anyone like I just described, I promise you that statistically speaking you have worked with, or attended classes with, or been friends with someone who has been homeless. It’s not the kind of thing you talk about, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t present. The Degroote School of Business’ “5 Days for the Homeless” both ignores these populations and gives a false idea of what street homelessness looks like. 20 percent of the street homeless population are youth 16-24, of whom at least 40 percent are LGBT and about 60 percent are Aboriginal. When surveyed by Covenant House, they identified the greatest risk to their lives to be physical and sexual assault while sleeping rough or in shelters. Spending five nights sleeping outside the Student Centre gives a false idea
of what homelessness is, and is far safer than the conditions street homeless youth actually experience. It is good to raise money for charity. Nobody is denying that. But donating food to middle class students so they can pretend at homelessness borders on self-parody. If you have a genuine desire to alleviate suffering in the Hamilton community, donate your time or money directly to the Good Shepherd, or the Hamilton Dream Centre, or the Hamilton Community Core, or any of the dozens of other neighborhood food banks and housing programs that assist the vulnerable in our community. The campus OPIRG runs an excellent program called “Food Not Bombs,” and you can begin the process of helping them out without even leaving campus. Programs like 5 Days for the Homeless appeal to us because they sanitize housing insecurity. They make us feel
While intentions may be good, not all fundraising is created equal
Spending five nights sleeping outside the Student Centre gives a false idea of what homelessness is. good about ourselves for caring, without having to be confronted with the unpleasant realities of homelessness. Advocates for the campaign will say that it raises awareness of street homelessness, but raising awareness for street homelessness is absurd. If you are honestly unaware that people are sleeping on the streets in our city, you are willfully ignoring the men and women sleeping rough by every downtown bus stop. I want to ask you a question: do you look at street homeless people when you see them on the sidewalk? How many of you are willing to
donate your food and converse with the students aping at homelessness outside of MUSC, but ignore the man at the bus stop asking for change? How often do you justify not helping when you are confronted with the need by saying “well, they’re just going to spend it on drugs anyway?” How often do you willfully look away when you are confronted with suffering? Too many of us fail to recognize the humanity and dignity of others when confronted with their pain. We can all strive to be better at this. Pretending to understand a struggle that is not ours so that we can write heart-warming Facebook posts about what we’ve learned is not the way to go about it. The unkempt street homeless man who asks you for a dollar is just as human as the commerce student sleeping outside the student centre.
12 |
OPINION
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Meet the Communists on campus Who are the McMaster Young Communist League and what do they want? Ajit Singh & Mike Van Arragon Contributors
We are certainly the odd ones out at clubs fest. Sitting in front of a big red banner, the words “Communist” and “Socialism” loom over our little table. A force field of political distrust seems to glow in this corner of the Student Center; and we’re wondering what does it mean to be a Communist at McMaster? Somebody approaches us with
the question: “What are you guys? Like, Hitler?” For the record, we aren’t anything “like Hitler”, however, we continue to hear the word “Communist” used as a pejorative on campus. One example was during the MSU Presidential election, making it clear that many still see Communists as mysterious boogeymen. Unfortunately, this is not surprising given the long history of anti-Communist hysteria,
including the recent proposal for a monument to the “Victims of Communism,” envisioned in a particularly frightful moment of opportunism by former PM Stephen Harper. Due to the confused and, at times, hostile, buzz about our presence on campus, we think we owe our peers a proper introduction. Communism is an ideology and movement that seeks to establish an egalitarian society without classes, “from each
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according to their ability, to each according to their needs.” Generally, Communists see capitalist society as a global system with a key feature: separate classes with conflicting interests. This results in a class struggle between the few, the propertied or “bourgeoisie” (think: CEOs and bankers), and the many, the property-less workers or “proletariat” (think: teachers, nurses and retail workers). Since the proletariat control no property (technology, machinery, and materials) of their own with which to meet their basic needs, they are forced to sell their labour to the bourgeoisie in order to survive. Communism seeks to establish a society where there is a collective ownership of property in order to direct the economy towards common interests. Ensuring clean air, housing, healthcare, food, and education for all, before thinking about more frivolous things. We believe that such a society can only come about through a complete transformation. While it is true that Communist societies have not been without their problems, they have continuously faced persistent aggression from Capitalist regimes (including the invasions of the Soviet Union, Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba). This must be accounted for when evaluating the development of Communist states. In spite of this aggression, Communism has raised the living conditions of millions of people worldwide. While facing an illegal blockade since 1960 and a militarily occupation since 1898, Cuba has achieved an average life expectancy which exceeds that of the United States. Influenced by Karl Marx, modern Communists believe that various oppressions, including gender-based violence, sexism, transphobia, racism, colonization, criminalization of the poor, ableism, religious bigotry and stigma surrounding mental health are actually relationships of exploitation, which emanate from and cannot be done away with in class-based, capitalist economies. Built upon colonialism, slavery, and other forms of labour and resource exploitation, capitalism creates inequality, accumulating wealth in the hands of a few. According
Corporate profit margins in Canada were at a 27-year high, yet we are inundated by talk of recession, balanced budgets and the need for “belt-tightening.” to Oxfam, 62 individuals are as wealthy as half the world’s population). To ensure this constant accumulation, military and economic wars are waged to open up and control the “free market” and bring into submission any societies which resist. Factories and mines rise up on lands stolen from indigenous peoples. Their sovereignty and dignity seen as an intolerable extravagance. The surviving working class lives precariously, as Capitalist governments privatize and cut social services and environmental protections to accommodate big business. Last year the CBC reported that corporate profit margins in Canada were at a 27-year high, yet we are inundated by talk of recession, balanced budgets and the need for “belt-tightening.” Why is it always the working class that has to pay the price? When Communists are told to be patient, to wait for the “right actors” to come into parliament and change things for the better, we point them towards the recurring crises of Capitalist democracies. For some reason, whether Liberal, Conservative, Democrat, or Republican, no Capitalist government is able to ensure that the environment is protected and that the entire population has adequate housing, food, education, and health care. Confusing conversations aside, our experience at clubs fest demonstrated that people do care about the big issues. As the past month’s election campaign has shown, students care about politics and are seeking to create change. Fortunately, if history tells us anything it is that things are always changing, but it’s up to us to choose the right way forward.
OPINION | 13
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
McMaster’s refurbished waterfountains count how many times students refill their waterbottles at each station. C/O JON WHITE/ PHOTO EDITOR
McMaster vs. the Climate Talia Kollek Opinions Editor
On Feb. 4, Naomi Klein came to McMaster to discuss her latest book, This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. Her overall message was simple: our current methods of living — and especially making money — are not sustainable. I’ll be honest, I have only ever been peripherally involved in environmental movements. My activism tends to focus on social issues that affect people: racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, and classism. To an extent I convinced myself that environmentalism was a whole other world disconnected from mine, but Klein related many of the issues that I care so deeply about directly to the environment because of the connection between capitalism and climate change. This got me thinking, what are we doing here at McMaster to tie environmental activism to our other work? Why have I be-
come so complacent about the environment? Climate change is directly connected to other issues I greatly care about, yet I am significantly more passionate about other topics. Part of it is undoubtedly the overwhelming amount of work to be done to help save our planet. When I consider the enormity of the problem I can almost hear the sound of a door slamming as my brain shuts down. “No thank you, this is too much to bear, and I’m not interested in engaging with what you are selling.” While overwhelming panic is undoubtedly behind my inaction, I’m starting to think that complacency is the bigger culprit. So how are we fostering complacency on campus? One example is water. McMaster’s sustainability website boasts advances in water conservation on campus, from “ultra lowflush” urinals in DBAC, to a rainwater conservation system at the Engineering Technology Building. In an attempt to engage students in water conser-
vation, the MSU has created “plastic-bottle-free zones” and retrofitted fountains with spouts designed to refill bottles. While the sentiment behind these changes is great, I am skeptical of their efficacy. Every time I fill my reusable water bottle, the fountain tells me that X number of bottles — including my own — have been saved from a landfill, but this isn’t strictly true. Just because I refilled my bottle doesn’t mean I otherwise would have purchased bottled water. Apropos purchasing water, if the MSU is invested in a disposable-bottle-free-university, why are bottled beverages still sold across campus? I don’t think that the steps we have taken are necessarily bad, nor should they be repealed, however I do think that they have given us a sense of false security. While we may indeed have reduced the use of disposable bottles on campus, our initiatives have given us a good excuse to pat ourselves on the back and consider our environmental sins absolved.
Nevermind Whatever
Are our environmental initiatives hurting more than helping?
If the MSU is invested in a disposablebottle-freeuniversity, why are bottled beverages still sold across campus? At McMaster we have fallen into the exact trap that Kline warned against: attempting to make our current capitalist system slightly friendlier to the environment as opposed to understanding that the system is the problem. McMaster’s environmental initiatives, such as recycling, are framed as important for saving money. Our campus waste audit report in 2015 listed the ways in which recycling could reduce operating costs, but not the potentially positive impact it might have on the environment. Recommendations were described as “ap-
Maybe
propriate and cost effective.” It is easy for us as students to feel ambivalent about sustainability efforts when they are framed as a way to reduce overhead. Outside of our tuition costs — which would not directly correlate to recycling efficiency — are any of us concerned enough about our university’s budget to religiously recycle in an effort to reduce spending? Instead, we need to call for reforms that are less budget-friendly and more environmentally sound. Klein called for McMaster to follow the examples of Oxford and Harvard in demanding our university cease investing in corporations profiting from oil production. Divesting from fossil fuels is a fantastic place to start. We need to go beyond reusable water bottles and energy efficient urinals, because we don’t demand more, complacency will be our demise. @TaliaKollek
Who cares?
14 |
OPINION
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
C/O JON WHITE/ PHOTO EDITOR
Where the f*&k are my pockets?! Why are your jean’s lacking in storage capacity? Carolyn Zeppieri Contributor
Where the f*&k are my pockets?! When did we decide women’s clothing doesn’t need pockets anymore? When trying to leave La Piazza safely while balancing a coffee, wallet, pizza, and a phone the size of my face, the utility of some nice deep pockets is sorely missed. The depth of pockets might not seem like a big deal, but let’s put it into perspective, the lack of pockets in women’s clothing is immobilizing in a metaphorical and literal sense. Jeans with fake pockets or pockets that are microscopic in size limit how women go about their daily
routines. Women are required to add purses or handbags to their non-essential expenses. Lugging a purse around can be a major annoyance and slows the pace that a hands-free approach would allow. It’s not fun to have to bring a purse to the club, or on a packed bus, or when you’re going to Canada’s Wonderland for the day and have to make sure you put your purse in a cubby before getting on a ride. The fashion industry limits women on a daily basis by withholding functionality. The more impractical the clothing design is, the higher the fashion. The development of women’s fashion promotes tight and revealing looks, showing
all the nooks and crannies to be the desirable norm. The underlying idea is to show how slender a woman can truly be and this has justified eliminating the utility of pockets. Fatphobia has driven female fashion to make any practicality obsolete. Fashion will go to any end to prevent extra folds in fabric that might make a lady have unflattering bulges. Small pockets are one thing, but it is baffling to look down and realize after you purchased a pair of pants that the pockets are sewn shut for no apparent reason, other than for aesthetic purposes. You would think the clothing we wear would adapt to the technology that we acquire. It looks ridicu-
lous when a giant iPhone 6 Plus is sticking halfway out of your miniscule front jean pocket. It shouldn’t be so absurd to have functioning pockets while maintaining fashion appeal. Wouldn’t it be more fashion forward to be able to combine a hot new look with practical pockets? Is it that complex of an idea? The simplicity of a pocket should not be seen as preventing women from looking their best. It may be in the distant future before any large changes are made, but hopefully the women’s fashion industry can take baby steps to implement practical clothing. No one should have to put their phones in their bras as a go-to. Let’s
When trying to leave La Piazza safely while balancing a coffee, wallet, pizza, and a phone the size of my face, the utility of some nice deep pockets is sorely missed. take a stand against gender-coded clothing and put the utility back into our pants.
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Want to go on a heart-healthy date?
The Silhouette | 17
Lifestyle
Page 18
Do you need to write a love letter to your bae? Page 19
Four
outfits
for four kinds of dates Lifestyle breaks down how to rock a trendy and hot outfit for any kind of Valentine’s Day date you have planned Miranda Babbitt Contributor
THE BAR YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF DATE
THE NETFLIX AND CHILL DATE
THE “I’M GOING BROKE” DINNER DATE
THE YOU-SUCK-A-LOT DATE
So you’re going out with a cool cat, eh? But you’re feeling a little scared that they’re going to find out that you have a tendency to talk to your cats for too long and you have an active relationship with the cast of New Girl? Well, first, tell them all of that because you sound like a dream. Second, dare to show them that cat lovers and New Girl diehards are cool too. What screams “I deserve to be at this underground music show?” Culottes (Alice & UO Enalle Tie-Waist Culotte Pant, $82)! Topped with a bow. Like the present you are. Amp up the sexy calf action going on with some sleek leather heels (Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lexington Heel, $145), and make sure they have a thick heel because you’re gonna be dancing like you know all the lyrics. Complete your otherwise black outfit with a blush tank featuring daring crochet work (Project Social T Andi Side-Tie Tank Top, $42).
Hopefully this date was posed ironically, with the unintended consequence that the most notorious date of them all was born. Societal expectations for Valentine’s Day plans be gone! But just because you’re breaking the Valentine’s norm, doesn’t mean you have to break every norm. Gettin’ sexy, for example, is a great norm. So what to wear? Well, because you two are being so cheeky, go with the obvious route here: match your undies to your mood with cheekier undies (Everly Lace Cheeky Boyshort, $10), and then slip into a Parisian-looking bra (Kimchi Blue Serena Applique Bra, $49) that won’t sacrifice the comfort promised with Netflix and Chill evenings. Top the look off with some over-theknee socks (Lightweight Button Thigh-High Thermal Sock, $16) and the fuzziest pair of slippers (UO Fluffy Slipper, $14.99) you have.
You’re pulling out all the stops this Valentine’s Day, opting for an over-the-top traditional candlelit dinner at a restaurant where you will be the only ones who aren’t thirty or forty something. It’s fun pretending to not care about money, isn’t it? Yes, it really is. Tonight, start with something that makes it look like you boldly accept all traditions that go along with Valentine’s Day – an elegant red number (Keepsake Interlude Lace Bodycon Dress, $219 or a shorter option, Silence + Noise Mekka Strappy-Red Dress, $109). But then bring out that twenty something rebellious nature and throw on a denim jacket that boldly displays your nineties roots (Kimchi Blue Woodstock Embroidered Denim Jacket, $129), a pair of ankle boots (Isabella Buckle Ankle Boot, $104) and some whimsical anklets (Polka Dot Anklet Sock, $16)!
So your date is taking you to Hawaii? Fuck you. Wear this though: (Out From Under Printed Longline Underwire Bikini Top, $54 and Out From Under Printed Flat High-Waisted Bikini Bottom, $54). Accessorize! No outtift is complete without a few pieces of jewelery. Your date might have a piece waiting for you at your date, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t leave with an incomplete outfit. These small details can really tie your outfit together and take it to fashion-blogger level. Depending on your personality, it can be small and subdued, like a ring, but can also be a statement piece that’s big and sparkly.
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LIFESTYLE
THE SKINNY Michelle Yeung Lifestyle Reporter @wangsquad to represent Alexander Wang’s SS16 line
Earlier this week, Alexander Wang released a new Instagram account titled @wangsquad for his upcoming SS16 line. This coveted group consists of celebrities, models and artists close to the brand including rappers Travis Scott, Makonnen and Vic Mensa. Also featured are Cindy Crawford’s daughter, Kaia Gerber, as well as Korean icon CL. Although it’s unclear how hype #WangSS16 will be, the @wangsquad has got us excited already. Guess Kanye’s new album name, T.L.O.P.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
A heart healthy Valentine’s Keep your hearts healthy and your pockets full this year Alex Killian SHEC
Want to celebrate the day of love but feel sick at the thought of corporate associations with Valentine’s Day? Do you know that expressions of love are important everyday, but want to do something extra special with someone special? Luckily, it is possible to ignore the complex marketing scheme behind the holiday. The day can be a wonderful opportunity (or excuse) to spend time with people that you love and tell them how much you love them. Best of all, incorporating grateful gestures can be done in a way that is in line with your New Year’s resolution of eating better, getting out more and spending less money. Planning a date is always a challenge. Instead of the standard Nicholas Sparks movie in theatres, perhaps discover your
city. Normally, a suggestion to visit one of the outdoor skating rinks would be appropriate, but considering the El Nino winter, it might be better to plan a hike to one of Hamilton’s famous waterfalls instead. Bring your rain boots and get moving! Alternatively, try another new activity altogether; rock climbing at the gym is a great activity for two! In the evening, prepare a healthy, homemade dinner together to warm up. Try a fancy-looking-but-remarkably-easy spinach-strawberry-and-feta salad as an appetizer, and a frozen yogurt parfait with the fruits of your choice for desert. Use Greek yogurt for extra protein and add some honey or maple syrup for that added swirl of sweetness. Don’t forget the wine and the candles for a romantic evening! After you exchange gifts, curl up with a movie or a book. Gifts? Though certainly not
a necessity, small gifts can help commemorate the holiday. Skip the Hallmark card and revive the dying art of homemade cards and handwritten expressions of love. Delve into the world of DIY on Pinterest for inspiration. The process of making your own Valentine’s Day card or gift can be meditative and therapeutic, and you might be surprised at what you can make with youwr third grade art skills. The recipient will recognize and appreciate the amount of effort that went into the gift. To get even craftier, fill a mason jar with individual slips of paper with written compliments, memories and reasons why your partner means a lot to you can be an exciting alternative card that can be “read” over a longer period of time. Moreover, receiving something uniquely made for you makes one feel all sorts of warm fuzzies.
If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, throwing in Hershey’s kisses can be a nice touch. Alternatively, dark chocolates or dark chocolate covered raisons/ peanuts/almonds or even coffee beans make healthier study snacks, and will be especially appreciated as midterms creep up! A midterm survival kit can also be a meaningful gift. Be sure to include coffee, tea, study snacks and useful little things like handcream, socks or gum. If you’re both bookworms, consider exchanging recent books that you each read recently, thus spreading and sharing stories. Each holiday or special day, Valentine’s Day included, is an opportunity to create memories and traditions with your friends, partners and family. Making your holidays affordable, healthy and sustainable can make the experience together more meaningful and more yours. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love is a cocktail of pain
Getting shot by cupid’s arrow is a mix of pleasure and pain Mitali Chaudhary Contributor
Kanye’s new album is scheduled to be one of the most fire drops of 2016. However, the rapper continues to be indecisive about the album’s name. He has flip-flopped from Swish to Waves, and recently revealed on Twitter that his newest name idea was the acronym T.L.O.P. Supposedly, anyone who guessed the acronym wcorrectly would receive a free pair of Yeezy Boosts and tickets to his Season 3 show. The Internet has been tirelessly coming up with possible things T.L.O.P. could stand for; some of the best ideas include To Limp O Pimperfly and The Life Of Pi. Snoop Dogg endorses Burger King’s new hot dog(g)s
Burger King has enlisted Snoop Dogg as the spokesperson for their newest menu item: “grilled dogs.” In this marketing stunt, Snoop guest stars in an instructional video educating employees on how to make the perfect BK hot dog. Thanks for droppng the knowledge, Snoop.
Why does love feel like literally being stabbed by cupid’s arrow? Be it a bout of infatuation or a full-blown deep and passionate promise, at every step of the game, love seems to hurt just as much as it brings joy. To make things even more complicated, there isn’t just one type of pain that it causes. Instead, we get to experience an impressive range of conflicting feelings that are difficult to name, much less describe. But for all the lovers out there, we have made an effort. Let’s start with the one the makes you feel the most insane: infatuation. This is essentially when you’re crushing hard on someone you often don’t know quite that well. Maybe they are in one of your classes. A popular activity in this phase is the social media, shall we say, “reconnaissance work.” During your research, you come across a picture of your object of affection with a (attractive) friend that suddenly makes you feel hurt. This is an interesting mix of about 78 percent cold, hard, green jealousy, ten percent indignation, ten percent hurt and two percent guilt (you stalker). “How dare they?” you might ask
yourself, until you realize that they are human beings allowed to have friends and that they are not in a relationship with you. Now let’s fast forward to when you and your darling are dating, and you think you might actually be in love. When you’re together, you’re over the moon, you have stars in your eyes and all that mushy stuff. You’re so happy that it hurts. There it is again, but this time it’s a faint pain at the back of your ribcage. Yes you’re both here, yes you’re having the greatest time, but that just makes you think more and more that you can’t live without them. Which is equally amazing and terrifying: are they the one? This pain is a strange one, as it’s 80 percent a feeling of being overwhelmed (in the best way possible), ten percent fearful and ten percent trusting. It’s pretty messed up. Of course, it’s all roses and pink stuff when your love is right there, but when they have to go home to get some work done on their assignment (which you have to work on too, by the way, but you’ve been ignoring it because OMG IN LOVE), you feel pained once more. This pain is actually the most famous of all the lovepains: even Shakespeare thought
to comment on it, as he penned, “Parting is such a sweet sorrow.” This ache is more of a piercing sadness, with about 64 percent abandonment, 20 percent grief, 12 percent powerlessness and four percent embarrassment (because you know that you’ll be seeing them the next day). This is amplified approximately 300 times when you’re in a long distance relationship. Unfortunately, this analysis does nothing to demystify the complexities of and connections between pain and love. But it’s amazing to think that the strange and deep feelings this relationship creates has inspired thousands of years of human art and literature. These, undoubtedly, are reassurances to those suffering from love that they are not alone, and are, in fact, not insane.
64% Abandonment
20% Grief 12% Powerlessness 4% Embarrassment
LIFESTYLE
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
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A love letter for the millenials Here’s a love letter template for your not-so-significant other this Valentine’s Day Michelle Yeung Lifestyle Reporter
Dear (insert name), I didn’t believe in love at first sight until I saw you on Tinder. Unlike the twenty-orso good-looking people I had swiped right before you, I felt butterflies in my stomach when I came across your selfie. Something felt different. Although I’m unsure whether this odd feeling in my stomach was because of you or because of my strict fresh-pressed juice diet, I knew from the get-go that you were special. Now, two weeks since I sent you that coy greeting on Tinder, I am so happy to say that you’re the first person I call when I feel like hooking-up. It’s scary for me to say this but … you’re my main hang. Looking back, our first date feels as though it was just yesterday. I remember feeling lonely after making gluten-free
pain au chocolate at the local café that day. After my thenmain hang failed to respond to my text, I decided to hit you up instead. To my content, you responded promptly to my proposition of Netflix and Chill. You took my breath away when you opened the door to your apartment; the interior was so familiar that I thought I might have hooked-up with your roommate before. Thankfully, the similar decor was just a coincidence. I want you to know how much I still think about that day. It was so good – the “chill” part, that is. I’m so happy to be in a low-key, casual, non-committal partnership with you. It’s amazing to be with someone on the same wavelength. We’re both smart, progressive people. Unlike those who opt for traditional dating and committed relationships, we consider cost-benefit analyses and the low risk, low investment model of hooking up. With the Cana-
dian dollar at the lowest it has ever been, it is imperative for people to be more financially conscious. Can you imagine being someone whose idea of a date is dinner and a movie? The cost-benefit of that scenario is so skewed, not to mention how much time that date would take up. All we do is buy someone a drink at the club and bam-shabam! We’ve sealed the deal. The cost of our “dates” is one drink and maybe an hour at the club, followed by a night of fiscally responsible hooking up. I cannot imagine life any other way, and I am so glad you feel the same. We are definitely what people mean when they say, “meant to be.” Stability is so overrated. We both want freedom, we want excitement, we want new. And can you imagine the FOMO you’d have otherwise? There is a never-ending stream of singles to choose from. I cannot imagine being with one person for a long time rather than cycling
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through lots of suitors quickly. That sounds so stagnant. But I’m so glad I’m at this temporary pause with you. You are the perfect person to be temporarily stagnant with. I know we’re not, like, together or anything but it felt weird to just not say anything so I’m writing you this letter as an indication of how much I enjoy your companionship. There is nobody else I’d rather lie in bed and look at my phone next to at this moment. It’s like I was playing a game of darts at the new craft-beer-exclusive pub down the street; I kept throwing darts and eventually one stuck. That dart is you. You stuck. I can’t see you becoming unstuck anytime soon. Would it be optimistic of me to say that I can still see us together at the end of next week? I know that’s a long time, but that just goes to show how special you are to me. None of
the other people I’m flirting and hooking up with right now make me feel the way that you do. I hope that makes you feel special. This letter really isn’t a big deal and it doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to, obviously. I’m having a great time just being what we are right now. (Do you want something though? I’m totally open to whatever. It’s chill. I’m cool. If you do though, shoot me a text and let me know. If you don’t, you know. Whatever.) Anyhow, swiping right on you was the best decision I’ve ever made. Happy Valentine’s Day. With like, (insert your name) @mich_yeung
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LIFESTYLE
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Feline fatale On cats, love and loving cats Christine Chow Lifestyle Writer
Valentine’s Day serves as an annual reminder that I will likely, one day, turn into a cat lady. This concerns me for a couple of reasons, the most important being that I despise cats. If their condescending, territorial stares aren’t enough to detract from their appeal, then consider that they’ve been known to eat their dead owners’ bodies. Valentine’s Day might incite oozing feelings of passion for some, flowery declarations of love for others or even just a general indifference. Whenever Valentine’s Day swings around, I usually think of myself not alone, per se, but surrounded by two dozens of cats all feeding on my decaying body.
Happy Valentine’s Day, indeed. Perhaps you'll spot the obvious flaw my brain tends to miss when it conjures up these imaginary soap operas. If I don’t like cats, then I don’t have a problem because I’ll never actively decide to own a cat in the first place–let alone two dozens. No one sane would, which is maybe where the parasite Toxoplasma gondii comes into play. T. gondii alters rodent neural systems so that a rat becomes attracted to the scent of cats (specifically, cat pee) and is more likely to get eaten. Once in the feline digestive system, T. gondii can happily complete its life cycle. That’s not all: T. gondii has also been shown to use humans as hosts. Although largely
asymptomatic in humans, some have suggested T. gondii is to blame for extreme ailurophilic (cat loving) behaviour. The more cats you own, the more waste they produce and the greater the likelihood of T. gondii infecting your brain. It’s a very convoluted kind of feedback, and without any empirical evidence, hard to accept as anything but a conspiracy theory. Along with the cats comes the “crazy”: despite the minute number of historical cases, studies of people with an acute T. gondii infection show they exhibit psychological symptoms that resemble schizophrenia. A pseudoscientific basis for the “crazy cat lady” phenomenon, however, still fails to explain its inherent association with a pathetic and fornlorn soul, particularly one who lacks enough social skills to find a significant other. My friend recently recalled an instance where she had been playing Neko Atsume on her phone, a highly addictive game where the player purchases products to attract and collect a variety of virtual cats. When her brother saw this upon passing by, he commented (I imagine, in a snarky “you should punch me
The association of female cat owners with the “crazy cat lady” stereotype only reinforces the unequal perception we are trying so hard abolish: that a person’s worth based on their achievements... cannot compare to the worth of someone who has established a committed relationship. in the face” tone) on it being good preparation for her real life. No one denies that my friend's story made for a good laugh, but her brother's association of a cat lady with spinsterhood, and ultimately, failure, is proof that a stigma still exists surrounding solitary living. Yes, the world has come a long way in terms of recognizing that a woman can be
successful in both self-acceptance and her career, even if it means she is not romantically involved, but it is essential that we continue to move away from outdated ideals as a unfounded basis for criticizing other people. The association of female cat owners with the “crazy cat lady” stereotype only reinforces the unequal perception we are trying so hard to abolish: that a person's worth based on their achievements, such as someone who puts their career first, cannot compare to the worth of someone who has established a committed relationship. Everyone is unique, and as we all have different ideas of what makes us happy, it is far from our place to judge someone by the traditional standards of a fulfilling life. When I say Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of my probable future as a cat lady, what alarms me is not literally being forced to live alongside domesticated animals so much as the irrational fear of growing old and dying alone. With Valentine’s Day approaching, we tend to forget that we are constantly surrounded by the people (and pets) we love. So love the things you love without reserve. Love yourself (although not in the way Justin Bieber suggests). If that makes you “crazy,” then so be it. All the best people are.
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
The Silhouette | 21
Sports Grappling with gold
LEAGUE AT LARGE Men’s Basketball
With one CIS gold medal already in his possession, fourth-year wrestler Ahmed Shamiya is fighting for another this year
CIS Top Ten 6. McMASTER 7. UBC 8. McGILL 9. THOMPSON RIVERS 10. DALHOUSIE
1. RYERSON 2. OTTAWA 3. CARLETON 4. CALGARY 5. BROCK
Women’s Basketball CIS Top Ten 1. SASKATCHEWAN 2. McGILL 3. REGINA 4. SAINT MARY’S 5. RYERSON
6. ALBERTA 7. McMASTER 8. LAVAL 9. OTTAWA 10. WINDSOR
Men’s Volleyball CIS Top Ten 6. LAVAL 7. UBC 8. TRINITY WESTERN 9. RYERSON T10. QUEEN’S T10. WATERLOO
1. McMASTER 2. ALBERTA 3. CALGARY 4. MANITOBA 5. WINNIPEG
Women’s Volleyball CIS Top Ten 1. TRINITY WESTERN 2. UBC-OKANAGAN 3. TORONTO 4. ALBERTA 5. MONTREAL
6. UBC 7. McMASTER 8. DALHOUSIE T9. McGILL T9. SHERBROOKE
Men’s Wrestling CIS Top Ten 1. BROCK 2. McMASTER 3. ALBERTA 4. CALGARY 5. SASKATCHEWAN
C/O NICOLE ROACH
Sofia Mohamed Sports Editor
The minutes after a wrestler steps onto the mat matter more than anything else. The physical and mental preparation of a wrestler is evident through their meticulous and well thought out moves. Though wrestling might not have a big fan base compared to other sports and some may call it unconventional, fourth-year wrestler Ahmed Shamiya learned to love it. Shamiya started wrestling in the ninth grade, but he didn’t know how far this love would lead him. “I was trying to convince myself that I didn’t like it, but secretly I liked it. I kept with it, kept working hard and things worked out,” said Shamiya. McMaster is home to many talented wrestlers. Year after year, Marauders compete in
Maroon with their sights set on racking up medals and proudly wearing them around their necks. For most, they work all year for the chance at gold. For fourth-year wrestler Ahmed Shamiya, his dream turned into reality last year as he won national gold in the 72kg weight class. After losing to Brock’s Tyler Rowe in the OUA Championships two weeks before his victory, something changed for the veteran wrestler. With everything on the line at the CIS Champhionships, his final score was 6-5. That huge win for Shamiya is his greatest accomplishment to date. “It was a big breakthrough for me. Mentally, I overcame so many barriers. He beat me pretty good two week earlier and nobody thought I was going to win. It was one of the best memories of my life,” said Shamiya. For people that are not too
familiar with the sport, they may not understand that the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. Unlike sports that have timeouts and substitutions, a wrestler barely has any breaks. When they do have that break for water and to get a pep talk from their coaching team, they are still thinking about the next move and how they can get their opponent to the ground. Shamiya admits that the mental game is a challenge and something that he has been working to master. “When I first came to university, my coach described me as being afraid of my own shadow. Now, I’m very confident when it comes to stepping on the mat,” said Shamiya. The mat is a hostile environment and matches are anything but friendly. Having the competitive edge over your opponent is crucial and a good warm-up is critical for a solid
performance. “You have to prepare yourself before it. I like to get a really good warm-up in,” said Shamiya. With provincial and national championships nearing in the next few weeks, Shamiya will work to defend a national championship title. Shamiya looks to inspirations like Conor McGregor and Muhammad Ali to prepare himself for the challenge. “They are two guys that are perceived as arrogant, but they simply vocalize what they truly believe,” said Shamiya. Shamiya will focus on the next two meets but his eyes are still set on the future. He hopes to play in the Olympics one day and there is no doubt that the passion Shamiya has for wrestling will only grow stronger. “I’m looking to go as long as I can.” @itssofiaAM
6. GUELPH 7. WINNIPEG 8. REGINA 9. CONCORDIA 10. WESTERN
Athletes of the Week Patrick Deane, McMaster Track & Field > Deane won gold in the men’s 1000m event at the Sharon Anderson Meet in Toronto last Friday.
Rebecca Steckle McMaster Women’s Volleyball > “Stecks” had the best match of her career against Lakehead last weekend scoring 15.5 points on 15-28 hitting and only four errors.
OUA Showcase at NBA All-Star Weekend Two OUA Basketball games are happening as part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto Feb. 12-14. On Feb. 13 there will be a women’s basketball game between the No. 10 Queen’s Gaeils and the defending CIS champion Windsor Lancers. Feb. 14 will feature men’s basketball action as the No.1 Ryerson Rams play crosstown rival Toronto. Both games tip-off at the Enercare Centre at 4:30 p.m.
SPORT HALL - DAVID BRALEY ATHLETIC CENTRE
February 19-21, 2016
SPORTS | 23
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
MARAUDERS IN ACTION
JON WHITE/ PHOTO EDITOR
MEN’S BASKETBALL ^ Guard Leon Alexander passes by opponents. Alexander added 19 points for the night as McMaster took the victory of Windsor, 106-74. Aaron Redpath lead the squad with a high of 27 points. C/O ALISTAIR BOULBY
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ^ Guard Danielle Boiago prepares to take a shot. During Marauder Weekend, Boiago scored 18 points. Clare Kenney scored a high of 23 during this game. The team’s efforts came up short as Western handed McMaster their third loss of the season.
C/O ALISTAIR BOULBY
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL ^ Players celebrate after a point against Lakehead. Marauders dominated in three straight sets over the Thunderwolves.
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SPORTS
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Steck it to ‘em McMaster hands Lakehead their tenth loss of the season in thanks to the efforts of fourth-year middle Rebecca Steckle’s breakout performance
C/O ALISTAIR BOULBY
Jaycee Cruz Sports Reporter
The first moments of McMaster’s match against Lakehead last Friday night featured furious rallies indicating quite clearly that the 5-9 Thunderwolves wouldn’t go down silently at Burridge. The first set ended in a close 25-21 decision in Mac’s favor, but it wasn’t until the second set that McMaster began to expose their opponents. Fourth-year middle Rebecca Steckle noticed the hole in the defense. “By the second set I knew that their defense wasn’t stopping our right side. In that moment I recognized that and told myself that if I got set I would do my best to put it down on them,” said Steckle. “If not score, I wanted to put them under stress so we could get a ball back and somebody else
could score. They just weren’t stopping it. The second set was when we found their defensive weakness and we took advantage of it.” There was a stretch in the match where Marauder firstyear setter Michelle Chelladurai was setting every ball to Steckle on the right side and it hit nothing but floor every time Steckle touched it. It was clear that McMaster had found the hot hand. Head Coach Tim Louks called it her best career match to date. “Steckle was the player of the game,” said Louks. “There’s no question. Her intent was to block and attack everything above the height of the net. She had a great match.” “I try not to think about my own game. I was just having fun. For me, it’s always about not thinking too hard about it and just playing the game,” said Steckle. “I just want to help my team win. If I can do that, then
I’ll have a good match whether or not I’m the one putting the points on the board.” The Marauders took the second set 25-19 and cruised to an authoritative 25-9 victory in the third set to end the match. McMaster had solved Lakehead and had little trouble putting them away. “Regardless of scores, I felt like we played like we practiced all week,” said Louks. McMaster got progressively better as the match went on. “I think we started out slow, which is difficult sometimes if we want to get momentum, but we pushed through the beginning to get to a really good ending,” Steckle said. “Lakehead was good and we worked through it, but in the future we need to play at a high level the entire match.” Steckle finished with a team-high 15.5 points and got nice support from fellow frontcourt teammates Taylor
Brisebois and Maicee Sorensen who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. This week is Think Pink week for McMaster Athletics and the Marauders will host OUA powerhouses in Ryerson and Toronto later this week. Both Toronto teams will be a challenge for McMaster. Ryerson is 12-3 while Toronto boasts a 16-0 record. McMaster is 13-2 and has lost 12 sets all year. That’s the second fewest lost sets in the OUA. The only team that has lost fewer sets than them? Toronto. The Varsity Blues have only lost two sets all season. “Against Ryerson and Toronto we need to maintain a high level of play throughout the match. We naturally have a lot of respect for both teams because we’ve seen what they can do,” Steckle said. “At the same time, we want to beat them and we believe that we can. There’s nothing but excitement in our
“I just want to help my team win. If I can do that, then I’ll have a good match whether or not I’m the one putting the points on the board.” Rebecca Steckle Middle, McMaster Women’s Volleyball team room this week. We know it’s a big weekend and we want to get after it. Our team works best when we’re having a good time.” @_jayceecruz
SPORTS | 25
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
Big games on campus for Think Pink Weekend
Grab your best pink shirt and some popcorn. Think Pink Week ends with an elite lineup of games on home court
MVB: No. 1 McMaster vs. No. 9 Ryerson Feb. 11, 2016 - 6:00 p.m. - Burridge Gym
MBB: No. 6 McMaster vs. No. 3 Carleton Feb. 13, 2016 - 8:00 p.m. - Burridge Gym
After a week off, the McMaster Men’s Volleyball team returns to home court action against the Ryerson Rams. The Rams beat No. 10 Queen’s 3-1 on Jan. 30 and come to Burridge with a 12-4 record.
The reigning CIS champion Carleton Ravens make their long-awaited return to Burridge after their last visit on November 2013 that ended in an 83-72 Marauders loss. Carleton won last year’s matchup at the Ravens Nest, 92-75.
WBB: No. 7 McMaster vs. No. 9 Ottawa Feb. 12, 2016 - 6:00 p.m. - Burridge Gym
WVB: No. 7 McMaster vs. No. 3 Toronto Feb. 13, 2016 - 12:00 p.m. - Burridge Gym
Following a successful weekend at Lakehead, Burridge Gym will light up with the Marauders looking to win three straight games. When the teams met last year, McMaster came out victorious with a store of 69-65. McMaster will need solid performance from starters and the bench alike. The Marauders are sitting first place in the OUA Central Division. MBB: No. 6 McMaster vs. No. 2 Ottawa Feb. 12, 2016 - 8:00 p.m. - Burridge Gym
The Gee-Gees come into Burridge for the first time since November 2013 when they handed the Marauders a 100-85 loss. Ottawa is the reigning OUA champion and bring a 12-1 record into Burridge. Former Mac forward Nathan McCarthy now plays for Ottawa.
In what could arguably be their biggest match of the season to date, McMaster welcomes OUA powerhouse Toronto into Burridge. Toronto boasts an immaculate 16-0 record. This will be the last regular season home match for Marauders Taylor Brisebois, Mira Krunic, Khira Adams, Alicia Jack and Lauren Mastroluisi.
• WHAT’S THINK PINK? • For the past nine years the CIS has held events to fundraise and raise awareness for breast cancer. Through sport and community engagement, McMaster Athletics & Recreation is helping with the cause. All proceeds from the week will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
andy
Grease: Live disappoints
The Verdict
The Silhouette | 27
Despite boasting a powerhouse cast and stellar production, the FOX special failed to breathe new life into a tired story
The star-studded Grease: Live cast had all the big names you’d expect from a televised musical, but they were constrained by the soullessness of the material. C/O FOX
Trisha Gregorio Andy Writer
Grease has never been a favourite of mine. I like about two of the songs; I’ve never watched the John Travolta movie all the way through in one sitting; the plot is hazy and the themes it supposedly tackles are simply not there. In fact, as expected of a story set in a high school, the messages it sends out about social and gender hierarchies are disturbing. Its strengths have always been in how upbeat the soundtrack and how lively the dancing is, making it fit perfectly in the stereotype mold for musical theatre, but at the end of the day, that had always been it. Nonetheless, I admit to being swept up in the hype that preceded FOX’s Grease: Live. With a big Broadway name
like Aaron Tveit starring as Danny Zuko and countless behindthe-scenes videos taking Grease enthusiasts through the rigorous process behind the production, I was hopeful and excited. By the time news was released that Hamilton director Tommy Kail was on board, I was more than ready for Jan. 31. Unfortunately, all the things that FOX seemed to take pride in with their take on a televised musical — the celebrity-studded cast, the songs specifically composed for this adaptation, the interaction with the live audience, the set design split across the Warner Bros. Studios — are also the same things that ultimately ruined Grease: Live for me. That said, the cast was good, but it did not impress more than it could have. While I’d loved Tveit since his Catch Me If You Can days, my appreciation
for him as Danny Zuko was half-hearted. His singing did not disappoint, and certainly sparked an eagerness to see him back on the Broadway stage, but standing in the shadow of Travolta’s Zuko and with co-star Julianne Hough overtaking him every choreographed step of the way, his dancing fell a little flat. The opposite holds true for Hough, who despite being one of the best I’ve seen dancing as Sandy Young, gave a half-hearted performance during “Hopelessly Devoted To You.” Her cheerleading tryout scene opposite Heathers’ Elle McLemore as Patty Simcox, however, was by itself enough to establish her as the real star of the show for me, even if her singing was not quite as impressive as her dancing. Vanessa Hudgens’ performance as Rizzo was incredible in its own right, especially with the passing of her father just the
night before the show; the cast dedicated the production of the show to him. Alongside her as the other Pink Ladies are Keke Palmer as Marty and Carly Rae Jepsen as Frenchy, who both delivered where they needed to. Jessie J, Joe Jonas and Boyz II Men all cameo to perform various songs, and with household faces like Mario Lopez in the cast, there was no shortage of applause from the audience when it came to close—up shots, no dancing nor singing needed. The production went where NBC’s live musicals have not gone before. There is a dazzling charm in the blending of theatre and television that FOX attempted to accomplish with Grease: Live, and it’s certainly different, if nothing else. It was big, it was flashy, the theatricality was impressive, it brought in ratings — and for a FOX production, that probably means they’d
checked everything off their list. I am embarrassed to admit I expected more, possibly too much, for if they were willing to try new things, so much so that they would have a new song composed, wouldn’t this mean moving away from the soullessness of the original Grease? To my chagrin, apparently not. The result of FOX’s attempt at a televised musical is a production that felt like one of Glee’s Super Bowl special episodes which I happen to appreciate more than despise, because it usually meant story and character progress (finally) and a lot of show-stopping songs. With the weaknesses remaining where they always were, and the strengths the same as they always were, my opinion of Grease stands. @tngregorio
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ANDY
COMING UP IN HAMILTON
MUSIC
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Review: Hymns - Bloc Party With Hymns, a new-look Bloc Party attempt to move on from their past as if it is water under the bridge, but ultimately things are not the same
BALTIMORE HOUSE FEB 12 > Not Of FEB 14 > Discography MAR 13 > Father Christmas THE CASBAH
FEB 12 > The Gutterdemons FEB 18 > Operators THIS AIN’T HOLLYWOOD
FEB 12 > Sianspheric FEB 13 > Cam Abstract
FILM WESTDALE THEATRE
Currently Playing
The Verdict Kele Okereke, Russell Lissack, Justin Harris and Louise Bartle form a Bloc Party 2.0 of sorts. C/O RACHEL WRIGHT
> Spotlight
Daniel Arauz Features Reporter
> Room This week’s quick pick
Beyoncé
“Formation” Bey is back, and with a resounding bang. The inimitable musician dropped a video for a new song called “Formation” that sees her wrestling with heavy socio-political issues. Stay woke.
My early explorations of music started in the stacks of the Hamilton Public Library around eight years ago, where I would arbitrarily pick out a dozen CDs to bring home. Bloc Party’s debut album, Silent Alarm, was probably the single most important discovery in these trips. To this day, Bloc Party’s early discography has solidified the UK pop-rock outfit in my shortlist of all-time favourite acts. Bloc Party has gone through a string of hiatuses and breakups following 2008’s Intimacy, but their career has unfortunately been overshadowed by the weight of following up on their rapturously received debut. Silent Alarm’s critical acclaim has loomed over Bloc Party’s career, despite the more matured, conceptual approach on their sophomore work A Weekend in the City and a collection of gems from Intimacy. Now, Bloc Party returns without bassist Gordan Moakes
and drummer Matt Tong in their fifth studio album, Hymns. Their new album is an hour of moody electronic sounds and an especially close and personal vocal performance from front man Kele Okereke, who discusses his relationship with his Christianity, hopeless romance, and loneliness. Hymns leaves me unfortunately, and expectedly, feeling lukewarm. Even after several listens, there are few moments that really resonated with me. With the exception of the bland but upbeat leading single “The Love Within,” the entire project sits in a mid-paced electronic drone. Okereke’s beautiful vocal work, showcasing impressive growth in both his emotional and musical range over his decade long career, saves what is otherwise a complete write-off. For long-time fans, Hymns will feel like a husk of what the band once was. Though Kele has grown as a singer, there are very few notable moments in the song-writing, and the religious themes of the album don’t particularly amount to any form
of powerful revelation. It is especially painful to summarize lead guitarist Russel Lissack’s contributions as electronic drone, given how instrumental he has been to distinguishing the group among other mid-2000s indie rock-pop groups. Lissack’s guitar and melody work almost carried the inspiration and legacy of Johnny Marr’s work with The Smiths, and much of Bloc Party’s success was founded on that work. It doesn’t help that Tong’s precision complex and precision drum work is no longer part of the equation. This is where I think the comparisons should end. It is clear that Hymns is the introduction of a new Bloc Party, and though this album still warrants a sub-par score, it is equally apparent that there is no desire for the group to return to their original form. As much as I personally appreciate the group’s early work, it is important to recognize that comparing this new group to their previous work is a measure of a group’s history, and a measure of what has changed, and
marks some deliberate artistic choices. Hymns will be panned by fans and critics alike as yet another project that’s not as good as Silent Alarm, which in my view, is an absolute cop-out. There are solid moments in the project, and tracks like “Only He Can Heal Me,” “Different Drugs” and “Living Lux” create a potentially perfect backdrop to that summer city night where you and a particular someone go out for drive. That being said, you’re going to have to keep a finger on the skip button a little too often. Hymns is an unspectacular, but fairly inoffensive effort, and may even have some appeal to fresh ears looking for ambient and intimate electronic beats with a great supporting voice. There were enough charming moments, enough talent, and there is enough promise in this hopefully rejuvenated group that I am still looking forward to what the new Bloc Party has in store for us. @DanielArauzz
ANDY | 29
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016
Review: Lucifer
The new TV series is devlishly entertaining in its portrayal of Satan raising hell in L.A.
The Verdict Tom Ellis’ portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar is one of the many redeeming qualities of Lucifer, a somewhat formulaic TV spinoff. C/O FOX
Hess Sahlollbey Contributor
Mired in controversy from the moment it was first announced, including a petition from “One Million Moms” to have the series removed from television, Lucifer is finally here. And while it’s not the first crime procedural to feature the occult, it’s definitely the most stylish thanks in large part to its title character. Fox’s new series Lucifer is based off Mike Carey’s comic-book series, Lucifer. The Lucifer comic, a spinoff of Neil Gaiman’s depiction of the devil in The Sandman, was published under DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. Much like Netflix’s Jessica Jones, Lucifer is inspired by the source material and isn’t a direct adaptation à la Walking Dead. What if the devil got tired of reigning over all of hell and
damnation and decided to take a vacation? That’s the basic premise of the show as we get to see how things unfold for him. Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis) decides to relocate to the City of Angels and open his own piano bar called Lux. However everything changes for Lucifer when a friend from his past gets gunned down in his arms outside of his night club. He then teams up with Detective Chloe Dancer (Lauren German) to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice by using his supernatural powers. If this all seems ridiculous, it’s because it is. They managed to pull it all off by perfectly casting Welsh actor Tom Ellis in the title role. The writing of this character, combined with Ellis’ devilishly charming performance is what makes this series so great.
Viewers begin to sympathize with the devil as his character slowly evolves and faces an existential crisis. He just oozes swagger and charisma and right away we learn that the big skill that’s helped him become such a success in our realm: he’s able to make people confess their darkest desires. This adds a fun motif to the show as people blurt out what they want or are thinking to him. Lucifer is also a very stylish show. The direction is awesome and so is the soundtrack selection and set design. The opening shot of Lucifer in his convertible was perfectly set to Cage the Elephant’s devil-themed “Ain’t no Rest for the Wicked.” Combined with scenes of Lucifer in his bar drinking and playing the piano, the whole presentation really gives the viewer a good sense of who Lucifer is. It’s also very
effective at setting the series’ mischievous tone. However, as bold as Fox was to raise a little hell and have a series with Satan as the main character, I’m disappointed that they stuck to the case-of-theweek crime procedural format. The first case Lucifer solves is enjoyable, but the mystery was still paper-thin. While it’s fun to see Lucifer use his supernatural powers to get what he wants, the secondary characters are shallow. Detective Chloe Dancer is still your typical no-nonsense tightwad who’s been paired up with a more eccentric character. Chloe may have a fun and unconventional back story, but I fear that her relationship with Lucifer may be played too safely as the series continues. Also bogging down the series is Archangel Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside) who
occasionally pops up trying to convince Lucifer to go back to hell. His performance is stiff and a real detriment to the narrative. I can’t help but wonder if the show would have been better by simply having Lucifer gallivant in L.A. without all of the police work. Taking into consideration the ongoing success of DC’s other comic-book shows, it’s safe to assume that they’re going to continue adapting more comics to TV. Lucifer proves that there is room for not just one more comic book—based show, but for an occult mystery show that is accessible to viewers. However the success of this show boils down to whether or not Ellis’ Lucifer can bring some light to the tired crime procedural genre and be a hit.
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30 |
ANDY
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 | www.thesil.ca
Review: Hail, Caesar!
The Verdict George Clooney is one of the many A-list actors to grace the screen in the Coen brothers’ latest offering, Hail, Caesar! C/O UNIVERSAL PICTURES Joe Jodoin Contributor
Hail, Caesar! had everything going for it — a great trailer, a great premise, an incredible cast, and the beloved Coen brothers serving as both the writers and directors. Sadly, the movie just doesn’t work. It has some redeeming qualities of course, but it’s just not entertaining or memorable enough to warrant a recommendation. The movie takes place in the 1950s, and loosely revolves around the daily life of Eddie Mannix, a Hollywood ‘fixer’ for Capitol Pictures, played by Josh Brolin. His job is keep the actors and movies free of controversy. This leads to Mannix interacting with all sorts of different characters, one of which is the lead actor in a big Roman epic called Hail Caesar, a Tale of Christ’s Life. The actor, played by George Clooney, is kidnapped by some extras, leading to the main mystery of the movie. Unfortunately, the movie’s plot just consists of a bunch of different sub-plots, none of which are very interesting. None of the stories have a decent resolution, so you are left feeling very unsatisfied when the film ends. The movie also doesn’t use
all of the talent it has. This is noticeable especially when looking at Jonah Hill, who was in all the trailers and promotion but only had five lines in the movie. Hail, Caesar! constantly switches between being comedic and being dramatic, but it doesn’t succeed at either. While at times the movie is funny,
Hail, Caesar! constantly switches between being comedic and being dramatic, but it doesn’t succeed at either. While at times the movie is funny, these times are few and far between. these times are few and far between. This movie is truly unlike any other movie that I have ever seen, but even though originality is usually a compliment, Hail, Caesar! ends up being entirely forgettable. Despite the movie’s many
weaknesses, it has some partially redeeming qualities as well. The best aspect by far is that it succeeds at being a love letter to classic Hollywood cinema. It pays tribute to every different kind of genre film, and pays respect to the thousands of people involved in making each one of these movies a reality. There was also a neat message about how the problems Hollywood faced back in the 50s are essentially the same as they are today. In addition to Brolin and Clooney, the other big standout of the film is Alden Ehrenreich, who plays an actor struggling to transition from the Western genre to making his first sophisticated drama. He has never had any substantial movie roles in the past, but if this movie is any indication, Ehrenreich is incredibly talented and looks to have a huge career ahead of him. Overall, I’m really disappointed to hate on a film that was clearly made with so much passion and effort. This is one of those movies that sounds great on paper, and if anyone could have pulled it off, it would be the Coen brothers. Sadly, some screenplays just don’t translate well onto the big screen, and I just can’t say this is a film worth watching. The IMDb cast page for Hail, Caesar! reads like the invitation list of a prominent awards show.
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THURSDAY
THE
WINTER BREAK Winter is broken. C1
HAMILTON SPECULATOR Hot sauce in my bag since 1934
FEB. 11, 2016
NOTSPEC.COM
Valentine’s Day comes a little too early for first-year couple Living life as an 18-year-old is hard to do
Do people ever actually eat these candies?
MARY KROLL-SNOW Single
First-year students Donna Kim and Harold Black first met in Brandon Hall this past October at a Halloween kegger that was illicitly advertised on their residence white boards. “She was dressed as a monkey and I was dressed as a banana -- it was truly a sign from god that we were meant to be together,” said Black. The two felt an instant connection but were unable to make something work until after their 500-word essays were due and their multiple choice exams had finished. But with the new semester
currently going strong for both of them, the two started “dealing” this January and have recently decided to go exclusive. “We’re both happy to be in this relationship, I just wish Valentine’s Day didn’t come up so soon in our dating timeline. Like, what am I supposed to do? Tell him that I love him? No thank you,” said Kim. The holiday is coming at a time when the pair are excited to be involved but just aren’t quite ready yet to shell out considerable amounts of cash on long stem roses and new tubes of KY Touch Massage. Young love has its perks, but smoothly maneuvering through social situations and holidays is not
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one of them. “I want us to stay together, but I also don’t want to have to pay for her dinner at Bistro. That place eats up meal card dollars,” said Black. “Plus, I have this essay I need to work on, and I haven’t figured out how to multitask yet.” The pair is currently reassessing how important their relationship really is, and if it’s worth continuing past the holiday. “We could keep it going and admit that we don’t love each other. Or, end it and also lose an Intro to Logic study buddy,” said Kim. “I’m just not sure which is the better option. Neither of us are very good at logic.”
“If we don’t make it through Valentine’s Day, I may need to change dorm rooms. Living near my ex just isn’t in line with my aesthetic.” Donna Kim First-year, Undeclared
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