SHAIDS OF GREY
Andy reviews Hamilton’s powerful play and delves into the play’s honest and heart-felt portrayal of the plight of those infected. Andy, D7
www.thesil.ca
McMASTER UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER / THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Est. 1930
VOLUME 80, NO. 26
Mac quick to respond to allegations against Bates JEFF GREEN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AVA DIDEBAN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Recent changes in OSAP, which were announced on Mar. 25, include adding 1,000 new graduate scholarships, the introduction of a six-month interest-free period following graduation, and doubling the student income exemption. JEFF GREEN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
The Ontario government rolled out changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) this past Monday, including $80 million to the student loan program in an effort to put more money in students’ pockets. The changes come on the heels of the Ontario budget, released on Mar. 25, which included $310 million in funding to create an additional 20,000 student spots this fall. The Ontario government aims to graduate 70 per cent of the population in post-secondary institutions, aligning itself with the expectation that 70 per cent of jobs will require a post-secondary degree. The changes to OSAP help students in a variety of ways. Highlights included raising the OSAP lending limits, adding 1,000 new graduate scholarships, adding a six-month interest free period of the loan following graduation and doubling the student income exemption from $50 to $100 per week.
The changes incited mixed re- announcement means that students sponse across the province. can now accumulate $29,200 in The Ontario Undergradu- student debt upon the completion ate Student Alliance immediately of a four-year degree.” praised the changes, calling it a John Milloy, the minister for “victory.” training, colleges and universities “Acting dirattributed the chanectly on the recges to OSAP to the ommendations of OUSA lobbying the Ontario Under- The changes come group. “It’s an acgraduate Student on the heels of the knowledgment by Alliance (OUSA), the government that Ontario budget, the McGuinty govwe have a partnerreleased on Mar. ship with students,” ernment today announced a package 25, which included said Milloy. of improvements to McMaster Stu$310 million in Ontario’s system of dents Union (MSU) funding to create vice student financial aid president that will increase an additional 20,000 (education) Chris the accessibility of Martin declared the student spots. higher education changes to OSAP, for those with the “an undisputable greatest need,” read an OUSA press victory for students.” The MSU are release following the announce- full members of the OUSA advoment. cacy group. The Canadian Federation of CFS executive director Alexi Students (CFS) interpreted the an- White, was not echoing the sentinouncement the opposite way. In an ments of Minister Milloy and interview with the Canadian Uni- OUSA. “Students in Ontario conversity Press, Ontario chairperson tinue to pay the highest fees in the Shelley Melanson said, “Today’s country,” said White, in a release.
Students will stand to receive an extra $10 per week, but there is no plan to tie the maximum amount of the loan to increases in tuition and inflation. “It would eventually become a problem of capital for the government. Though loan money is paid back, increasing the loan maximums every year would mean the government would need to find more up-front capital to support it every year,” said the MSU’s Martin. Conversely, he applauded the move to tie textbook costs to inflation. “With textbook money provided through OSAP now indexed to inflation, the rising costs of textbooks will be covered,” said Martin. “However, we have received no indications that the OSAP maximums will increase yearly to cover tuition increases. This points to the importance of dealing with the core issue facing our university system: dealing with the spiraling costs of our education that necessitate these tuition increases,” elaborated Martin.
“Action must be taken to effect a positive change in the collegiality and functioning of the School of Business,” said McMaster President Peter George in response to allegations of discrimination and harassment at the School of Business, and more specifically, at its Dean, Paul Bates. The Office of Human Rights & Equity Services conducted an audit, after Provost and Vice President (academic) Ilene Busch-Vishniac received several allegations by faculty at the School of Business, of which neither their names or their number were provided. The audit is quick to point out that Bates is well respected by the industry outside of McMaster, seen as an, “expert” in his field, and has an overwhelming amount of support from the students of the School of Business. The audit described a dysfunctional work environment within the business school that has caused some faculty to seek therapy and medication to deal with stress associated with the job. “Faculty members have repeatedly stated that the School is divided into two camps: those who identify as being supportive of the Dean and those who are identified as dissenters opposed to the Dean’s leadership,” stated the audit. The 22-page audit outlined a history of problems, pitting the faculty against the dean of the School of Business, extending prior to Bates’ term. The disputes against Bates fall under six categories: the Dean’s credentials, objections to his reappointment, expansion to the Burlington campus, Governance issues, the • PLEASE SEE OPINIONS, A5
Desire2Learn to replace ELM Lakeport shutdown
leaves 143 out of work
JEFF GREEN
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
JEFFREY TAM / THE SILHOUETTE
The Centre for Leadership and Learning held a presentation regarding the new changes for McMaster’s online management system on Mar. 29 in Council Chambers. FARZEEN FODA
SILHOUETTE STAFF
McMaster University’s management system, ELM (E-Learn@ Mac), will be replaced by a new system from an outside company— Desire2Learn—beginning in September 2010. ELM was initially launched in September 2009 as the new learning management system, and was expected to satisfy the growing demands at McMaster University. Instead, the system faced a host of problems which deterred it from
achieving that goal. On Monday, Mar. 29, the Centre for Leadership and Learning (CLL) held a presentation in Gilmour Hall 111 to discuss a plan of action toward correcting the ELM experience, which involves the switch to a different learning management system: Desire2Learn. Desire2Learn will be a “basic, stable, and reliable management system,” according to CCL. Susan Vajoczki, acting director at CLL, said. “For September 2010, to ensure that we have a stable, robust functioning system at McMaster,
we will no longer support the Blackboard product in September and we will be moving to Desire2Learn.” The university of Guelph and Mohawk College as well as several other large institutions like McMaster have claimed to have had positive long term experiences with Desire2Learn. Desire2Learn offers an intermediate between ELM and WebCT, combining the attractive interface and ease of use of ELM alongside • PLEASE SEE MIXED, A5
In an all too familiar story, a foreign-owed company was forced to close its Hamilton production plant to keep efficiency afloat. As of Apr. 30, 2010, Lakeport’s Burlington Street plant will close, taking 143 Hamilton jobs with it. Lakeport was sold in 2007 by philanthropist Teresa Cascioli to Labatt Canada. Many feared that the Lakeport plant would be closed by Labatt in an effort to shut out the discount beer market. The three-year fear became a reality with a decision that was made in the United States, specifically Labatt’s parent company, InBev. InBev completed their purchase of American Beer giant AnheuserBusch, however part of the deal forced InBev to sell of Labatt USA. “[The US tribunal] ruled that Labatt products sold in the United States needed to be brewed in the United States,” said McMaster business professor Marvin Ryder, “So that meant, where London had been brewing all of this beer for shipment in the United States, that volume got transferred to a plant [in
the USA].” The InBev deal, completed Mar. 29, left Labatt’s London plant with a lot of idle capacity, but Labatt “will continue to produce Lakeport beer at our brewery in London, Ontario,” according to the brewer. Labatt cited their highly efficient London plant, and Ryder also noted that they owned their London plant while the Burlington Street plant is leased from Hamilton Port Authority. In a comment that will most certainly leave many Hamiltonians with a sour taste in their mouth, Cascioli said Labatt “made the right call.” Councillor Bob Bratina has called for a local Labatt boycott, and organized a rally outside the brewery on Thursday, Apr. 1. The building is zoned for food and drink production, but it is unlikely that another brewer would move into the building. Labatt plans to strip the brewing equipment from the plant, muting the chance that another craft brewer could easily move into the Lakeport spot. Before Labatt’s purchase of Lakeport in 2007, the plant won awards for its efficiency; Labatt has stated that the Burlington street plant is its least efficient facility.
A2 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
THE SILHOUETTE • A3
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Opportunities to be a tourist in your own city are available and plentiful and you do not need to travel far to experience all that Hamilton has to offer.”
TERRY SHAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Being a tourist in your own city Hamilton has plenty to offer this summer and students can take the opportunity to explore it PAIGE FABER AND JOEY COLEMAN
H
amilton, affectionately known as “The Hammer” among locals, undergoes a transformation each spring from a bland winter landscape and becomes one of Canada’s greatest outdoor playgrounds. From the sandy beaches of its Eastern shore on Lake Ontario to Canada’s largest urban nature conservatory Cootes Paradise up to the Escarpment that raises in the middle of the city creating Hamilton’s beautiful waterfalls, the city offers every outdoor opportunity in the summer. “Hamilton’s a great city in the summertime,” says David Adames, executive director of the city’s tourism agency. Adames added that the city is student-friendly and offers plenty of low-cost and free activities. He stated that there are many great attractions close to the university specifically noting the Harbourfront Trail, Webster’s Falls, and Hamilton’s Bayfront parks. “The offerings are unlimited,” he said. “Hamilton has a wide range of festivals, cultural events, great restaurants, and beautiful trails.” The Harbourfront Trail is a great place to begin a summer adventure. Starting at the foot of Longwood Rd., the 7.5km trail leads into Bayfront Park, and Piers 9 to 11 with numerous attractions. Bayfront Park is a beautiful location to enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the west harbour. Beyond Bayfront Park are the jewels of Hamilton’s waterfront: the Canada Marine Discovery Centre and the storied HMCS Haida, both national attractions operated by Parks Canada. Beside the Discovery Centre is a William’s Coffee Pub with free Wifi and a large outdoor patio— the perfect place to roller-blade to and study during summer courses. No summer is complete without a cruise on the Hamilton Harbour Queen. With a $6 student rate, a sunset cruise is an amazing way to wrap up a day and to view Hamilton from the water. Cultural attractions in Hamilton are ongoing all summer, from the James Street Art Crawl on Apr. 9 until the Mustard Festival on Labour Day weekend, there is always a cultural event not be to missed in the city. The Festival of Friends held at Gage Park the first weekend of August draws first rate musicians to the outdoor band shell and is only bus a route from campus. The Hamilton International Military Tattoo at Copps Coliseum June 12 & 13 brings the world’s best military bands to the city and student tickets are $22 each. Opera Hamilton performs the romantic classic La Boheme at Hamilton Place April 22 and 24 drawing Canada’s best opera singers and actors with its proximity to their residences in Toronto. The Royal Botanical Gardens, owner of the wildlife area behind the McMaster campus, offers live jazz music at their Burlington Rose Garden. Hamilton’s Ottawa Street is Canada’s textile shopping capital. With dozens of fabric shops and knitting supply stores, it is an attraction well worth a visit and located only one bus route away from campus. Hamilton’s rich history provides attractions unique to the city. Dundurn Castle, the home of Sir Allan MacNab, located at the foot of Dundurn St. directly connected by a staircase to the Harbourfront Trail, is a 1850’s mansion, which in its heyday entertained the first Prime Minister of Canada Sir John A MacDonald and King Edward VII. Restored to its mid-19 century glory in the 1960s, the castle is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Canada’s great historic leaders. The city’s military reserve armoury on James St. North houses the museums and archives of Hamilton’s military
units. All the museums are open by appointment. The Workers Art and Heritage Centre is Canada’s premier museum of labour history and offers discounted student admission. Located near the Harbourfront Trail, it is easily accessed by students. The city’s largest sports team, The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, start their season in June and continue into October. Games are at the historic Ivor Wynne Stadium in central Hamilton. Hamilton is a popular site for roving carnivals which pop up at locations across the city and often set up at Harbourfront Park. With the giant Ferris wheel piercing the skyline, the carnivals are hard to miss. Adventurous students who venture to Hamilton’s eastern beach along Lake Ontario will be rewarded to discover Hamilton’s large Confederation Park water park, which features one of Canada’s largest outdoor pools. Within the park is one of Canada’s award winning mini-putt sites Adventure Village. Adventure Village also features rock climbing, batting cages, bumper cars and a video arcade; with reasonable prices, it is a safe bet for a fun evening. Hamilton offers a large pallet for the culinary lover with numerous restaurants on both James Street North and South offering a wide-variety of tastes. The James South side street Augusta, one block south of the GO Station, has a concentration of student friendly dining and pubs. The Hamilton Farmers Market, in downtown’s Jackson Square mall, offers fresh produce year-round but is especially exciting during the local growing season. St. Paul’s Anglican in Westdale also offers a farmer’s market during the summer months. Students are encouraged to check out the Hamilton Tourism website as well as the Pop the Bubble site, which can be linked to through McMaster’s website. Both sites offer items and blogs for Hamiltonians and stu-
dents to help people explore all that Hamilton has to offer. According to Adam Kuhn, the Manager of Community Service Learning and Civic Engagement, the Pop the Bubble is a blog service that helps students get out of Westdale and comfortable exploring the rest that Hamilton offers. He explained that there is so much going on at all times in the city and students should feel free to get involved - it will lead to a far more enjoyable summer in the city. Another great way for students to get involved in the Hamilton community is to volunteer, said Kuhn. There are plenty of opportunities for students including food banks and community gardens. There is assistance available at volunteer@mcmaster.ca where
you can receive help finding the perfect volunteering match. Kuhn said that, “this city has so much to offer! Sometimes students just need to take the leap and explore the city that they live in... if you are looking for great music and great art, there is a huge art and music scene right here in the city – ready to be discovered and experienced!” Clearly there are a lot of available opportunities for tourism in your own city. Kuhn stated that downtown Hamilton is nothing to be feared, when common sense is exercised appropriately, like any other city you would visit. Opportunities to be a tourist in your own city are available and plentiful and you do not need to travel far to experience all that Hamilton has.
TYLER HAYWARD / SILHOUTTE STAFF
JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF
TYLER HAYWARD / SILHOUETTE STAFF
Around Hamilton, there is always something going on and there are many sights to see. The top photo is of Dundurn Cathedral. In the middle is the cenotaph at Gore Park. The lower right photo is the Jackson Square mall in the heart of downtown, and the lower left is James Street North, the location of the monthly art crawl.
A4 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
New Sustainability Program focuses Confucius Institute immerses students in Chinese culture on Green future for Mac SAM COLBERT
SILHOUETTE STAFF
The Sustainability Ambassador Program is the latest major initiative out of McMaster’s Office of Sustainability. In an effort to promote environmental, social and economic awareness in a collaborative, cross-campus manner, various campus departments have each named a representative to be a part of the program. “There needs to be that twoway communication,” said Kate Whalen, Manager of University Sustainability, “so we thought the ambassador program would be a fantastic way to engage people to champion sustainability initiatives within their areas, as well as to provide that point-source communication.” Ambassadors from McMaster faculties, services, stores and administrative centres will participate on a volunteer basis, meeting quarterly to discuss ways in which they have implemented sustainable behaviour in their departments and how others may do the same. Key concerns include transportation,
energy, waste, water management, health and education. Leigh Laidlaw, Chef Manager of Bridges Café, is the ambassador for Hospitality Services. He embraced the role out of his belief that the campus vegetarian restaurant is, “at the forefront of a lot of the initiatives” around campus sustainability. Laidlaw described the many eco-friendly products and practices that have been introduced to Bridges and other campus eateries, including eco-friendly dishwashing chemicals, biodegradable bags, corn-based cutlery, paper-based take-out containers, composting, recyclable cooking oils and purchasing of fresh Ontario produce. “There are a lot of things that can be done when you look at the amount of waste that’s made just within the campus,” said Laidlaw. “Anything that can be done to make less of a footprint is worthwhile,” elaborated Laidlaw. The Office of Sustainability is a relatively new organization that emerged from the former Allmodes Commuting and Transportation (ACT) Office. Whalen ex-
plained that the office’s, “main goal is to develop a culture of sustainability at McMaster University” The ACT Office’s website describes the many campus greening plans and projects that are currently underway. The Campus Renewal Partnership, a plan co-developed by McMaster and Ameresco Canada to reduce energy consumption through facility renewal, is saving the university $1.5 million annually. These savings are due to lighting fixture upgrades, occupancy sensors, window replacements, and caulking and weather-stripping. Further, a green roofing system, located atop the Student Centre, supports plant life, which cleans the air, captures storm-water runoff and better insulates the building. Water conservation efforts and talks of a campus-wide composting system are also in motion. “I think a lot of people are very much concerned about our environmental or social or economic impact in terms of sustainability,” added Whalen, “and so it’s just basically that opportunity to say, find out more, let us help you, you help us and we can work together.”
Mac student to participate in Miss World Canada LILY PANAMSKY
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
McMaster’s very own third year labour studies student Deanna Gold will be heading to Vancouver in May 2010 to participate in the 2010 Miss World Canada beauty pageant. Girls from every province will be featured in the competition, and Gold is the only girl from the Hamilton region to participate. The Miss World Canada beauty pageant will run from May 3 to May 7, and the winner of this pageant will not only hold the title of Miss World Canada, but will also win a trip to Vietnam to compete in the next Miss World pageant in November 2010. On Mar. 21, Gold competed in the Miss World Canada Ontario against 29 other girls and was one
of top 10 winners to go to the upcoming Vancouver national pageant. She also won “Miss Entrepreneur” for raising nearly $5000 for Variety, the children’s charity, and came in third for Miss Beauty with a Purpose, a competition that focuses on girls who have done the most charity work. Gold stated that she would proudly represent McMaster University at the pageant. “My biography, which is located on the Miss World Canada website, as well as all the program books I am featured in proudly state that I am a McMaster University student. I will also wear my “Mac” sweatshirt proudly while being in Vancouver.” The Miss World pageant, which was first organized in 1951, is a yearly beauty pageant that allows girls to showcase their beauty and
talents. It was first organized in 1951 and is the largest international beauty pageant. This year, there will be 120 girls from different nations all over the world competing in Vietnam. During the pageant, the girls will tour the country and help raise money for sick and disadvantaged children. To date, Canada has never won the Miss World title. Gold began modeling only in the past year, but has since then been featured in a magazine and has modeled at the Brazilian Ball in Toronto. When asked how she felt about the upcoming competition, Gold stated, “I am very excited! I can’t wait to be a part of Miss World Canada.” Gold will be attending the Miss World Canada beauty pageant from May 3 to May 7.
MICHELLE NG / SILHOUETTE STAFF
Angela Sheng, pictured above, is the director of the Confucius Institute, which is currently offering insight into the Chinese Culture. DILLON LI
SILHOUETTE INTERN
The Confucius Institute at McMaster University is hosting events over the next few weeks offering insights into Chinese art and language and giving students an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture. The events have already kicked off, with an exhibition titled, “The Art of Language: A Chinese Experience.” The exhibit uses Chinese texts, which are provided by the Hanban headquarters of Confucius Institutes in Beijing, as a guide to explore the differences and similarities between pictograph-based languages and alphabet-based languages. The exhibit also offers interactive programs for visitors to try their part in speaking Chinese words This event will be running until Thursday, Apr. 8 Ongoing until June 10 are showings of recent and acclaimed Chinese films that have been playing on campus. All films are subtitled in English and offer a sneak peak into the culture, past and present, of China. On Thursday Apr. 1, Professor Hung-gay Fung from the University of Missouri gave a lecture discussing the teachings and principles of one of the oldest of classical Chinese texts, the I-Ching, or
the Book of Changes, which is an oracular-like source that has been used by the Chinese for centuries to find harmony in their relationships and wealth in their business. Angela Sheng, director of the Confucius Institute and overseer of these events, explained that the events are meant to “help people have a better understanding of Chinese literature.” She stressed the importance of spreading knowledge about Chinese language and culture. “The leaders are encouraging their children to go where they think they will have an edge,” she continued. “[This is] because the Chinese economy has been growing, even when the rest of the world has been suffering the economic crisis. One quarter of the humanities speak the Chinese language…and so for anyone who wants to achieve, let’s say, climate control, better environment, sustainability, peace, it will be in their interest to learn [the culture and] to speak the language.” According to the website for the Confucius Institute at McMaster University for Culture, Language and Business, the institute, “provides instruction and support to academic interests in the areas of Chinese language, history, cultural diversity, artistic traditions, business practices, social and business environment.”
THE SILHOUETTE • A5
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Newsbites Composed by Zainab Furqan Dinosaur poop watch priced at $11,000 Artya, a Swiss watch company, has recently unveiled a watch made out of dinosaur dung. Designed by Yvan Arpa, this watch is composed of fossilized dung that likely came from a plant-eating dinosaur that lived approximately 100 million years ago in what is modern-day America. The strap of the watch is made from cane toad. A corporate press release from Artya states that, “In its mineral aspect, it (the watch) forcefully underscores the pristine strength emanating from the very dawn of life.”
2010 Ontario budget opens doors
SELMA AL-SAMARRAI SENIOR NEWS EDITOR
On Thursday, Mar. 25, the province’s 2010 budget was released along with the announcement that $310 million is being given to Ontario universities. This was followed with another provincial announcement on Monday, Mar. 29, which extended the recently expired five-year tuition cap for another two years and which limits the rise of tuition to five per cent, at most. The announcement also included the implementation of a limit on any increase in compensation costs for the next two years, known as the compensation constraint. According to The Toronto Star, these recent provincial changes to Tetris cures trauma post-secondary students include Researchers at Oxford University’s increasing weekly loan limits for students without being penalized on Institute of Psychiatry have found their student loan, and a new $500 that playing Tetris immediately grant for part time students who reafter witnessing a traumatic event can minimize the negative impacts quire financial support. Ilene Busch-Vishniac, the Proof viewing that incident. Dr. vost and Vice-President (Academic) Holmes, a Scientist at the Institute, at McMaster University, explained conducted an experiment in which that Dalton McGuinty focused a group of volunteers were exposed on three main initiatives with this to disturbing videos, including year’s provincial budget. These inone of a child drowning. Half of itiatives include increasing the enthe group was asked to sit silently rollment of international post-secafter watching the videos and the ondary school students in Ontario, other half played Tetris. The half increasing online education, and the that played Tetris had half as many implementation of credit transfers flashbacks and their memories were between and within colleges and universities. less vivid. Dr. Holmes explained Regarding the credit transfer inthat playing the game interrupted itiative, Busch-Vishniac explained the neural processes involved with that, “This is a big issue for the abilthe formation of memories. ity to go from college to university Leprechaun killed in an attempted robbery On Mar. 17, 2010, a man dressed up as a leprechaun and his partner were shot dead in Nashville, Tennessee, after holding up First State Bank. Police chased the two men after the hold-up and shots were exchanged on the road. The two men abandoned their car and ran into a field in which gunfire was exchanged once again and this time, the two men were killed. The man dressed up as a leprechaun was wearing a green top hat, a vest, shorts and a fake brown beard and wig. Police say that this may be the same man who robbed a bank three days before Christmas, dressed up as Santa Claus. Baby dressed up as Hitler A recent exhibit by photographer Nina Maria Kleivan included photos of her baby daughter dressed up as figures like Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein and Augusto Pinochet. Kleivan set out to explore the meaning of evil and wanted to demonstrate that the opportunity to commit acts of evil is presented to every single person from their childhood. Pertaining to an individual’s actions, Pinochet explained that, “The responsibility is yours alone. You can’t throw it away - as a parent, as human beings - and say that you just followed orders.” Kleivan began this project when she suffered an injury that kept her at home and couldn’t access her studio. She began sewing costumes and photographing her baby daughter who is now 11. Scientists develop invisibility cloak A material has been created with the ability to hide, or make ‘invisible’, three-dimensional objects. The ‘cloak’ is composed of lenses, which are made out of photonic crystals. These lenses suppress the light reflected from an object. Scientists have only been able to render a small bump on a gold surface invisible. Although it may be many more years until something as large as a human being can be made to disappear, scientists are hopeful that this discovery shows that the technique works and can be developed further.
WILL VAN ENGEN/ PHOTO EDITOR
One of the initiatives sought by McGuinty in this year’s provincial budget is to ease the transfer of credits between and within universities and colleges. Pictured here is the Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster. drey further elaborated that such or university to college or for that could not be confirmed. Roger Couldrey, the Vice- a provincial funding enables the matter one university to another without having to start all over. In President (Administration) of Mc- budget committee to look into those fact we’re very well-positioned to Master explained that the 2010- initiatives, and that a major current deal with that because we have the 2011 budget is currently progress- focus for McMaster University is best college-university partnership ing ahead of the expected schedule, the technology on campus, such as but that the budget will not be re- the online Registrar system. in Ontario.” Busch-Vishniac expressed, “I Busch-Vishniac estimated that leased until June. Couldrey exMcMaster University is receiving plained that when the budget is built would like to add that we are really anywhere between five and ten per every year, the budget committee grateful to the Premier for making cent of the fund. The exact share reviews initiatives that the Univer- good on his promise to keep post that McMaster University is receiv- sity would like to do but cannot do secondary education one of his priing from this recent provincial fund because of lack of funding. Coul- orities.”
Opinions about Dean Bates split
Desire2Learn more reliable than ELM
on 1990s technology, and it simply doesn’t have the capacity,” elaborthe reliable functioning of WebCT. ated Vajoczki. As ELM steadily lost dependMcMaster can expect the same features, tools, and options that have ability, the search for a vendor been available before, but now became critical once again. Desireusers have the ability to use them 2Learn (D2L) was one of the opmore efficiently, with more flexibil- tions that McMaster had considered when initially choosing Blackboard ity and is supported by all internet Learning System virtual environbrowsers. The D2L system can also ment, which hosts WebCT, ELM, handle audio and video podcasts. and D2L. However, at the time, Desire2Learn is a Canadian Desire2Learn was relatively new company based out of Waterloo, and its efficiency was unsure. Now, Ontario that boasts over five mil- Desire2Learn has had 10 years’ lion users and over 400 clients experience and has developed an worldwide. Although it is not based exceptional track record and client out of McMaster University, all base. “They have the enviable track data remains in Ontario and is en- record of never having a school crypted so that third parties cannot down for a 24 hour time period in have access to it. their 10 years of Many profesoperation,” noted sors are concerned As ELM steadily Vajoczki. that their data To facilitate the lost dependabilwould be going smooth transition ity, the search for from ELM to Deoutside of the university, however the a vendor became sire2Learn, there Desire2Learn staff critical once again. will be extensive ensured that when help options offered Desire2Learn professors post inthrough Desireformation, the in(D2L) was one of 2Learn. McMaster tellectual property will offer online as the options that remains the same well as face to face McMaster had... as the information training. To help is staying within professors set up Canada, and specifcourses and transfer ically, Ontario. content, LMS Student AmbassaELM was initially tested during dors will be available. LMS Student the summer of 2009. It looked Ambassadors will be students hired promising, but was unable to and trained throughout the summer handle the increased load in Sep- in the inner workings of Desiretember. Following the ELM failure 2Learn. Currently student support of September, support from CLL is available for ELM and upon tranwas instrumental in getting the sition to Desire2Learn. It is unclear system back to a reasonable level of if the current LMS Student Ambasfunctioning, which was sufficient sadors for ELM will be trained to until January of 2010 when the help with Desire2Learn, however, ELM system experienced another CLL made it clear that students will failure, this one not as severe as the be used to support Desire2Learn. September ELM experience, but While Desire2Learn is a stable frustrating nonetheless. system and currently CLL is conMcMaster University has taken fident that it can support the needs a proactive approach toward sta- of McMaster University, it must bilizing a learning management be noted that no solution will be system on campus. perfect. Dr. Vajoczki clarified “… During the presentation, I don’t want to set unrealistic exVajoczki explained that reverting pectations as we move forward that back to WebCT, McMaster’s the learning management system former online system, is not feas- will run 24/7, 365 days of the year ible because it would not be able to without occasionally faltering. That handle the increasing demands of is not an excuse though. January the university. “[WebCT] is based and September were unacceptable.”
• CONT’D FROM A1
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
The audit on the School of Business described a dysfunctional work environment. Dean Paul Bates is pictured above. • CONT’D FROM A1 the dean’s leadership and grievances with how Bates follows rules and procedures. The audit makes it clear that many of the allegations come from faculty who felt that they deserved a promotion, and described an, “us versus them” mentality that has been rooted for 20 years. Following Bates’ re-appointment to dean, the McMaster University Faculty Association (MUFA) took a vote in which 81.8 per cent of the faculty stated they opposed the dean’s re-appointment. “It’s a peculiar move. I’ve never seen that before in the history of the university,” said Marvin Ryder, associate professor within the School of Business, “I think the reason MUFA did it, is because some faculty in the school felt concerned for being ignored, so MUFA did this to take the temperature of the faculty.” At the same time, a vote among students found the exact opposite with 83.6 per cent voting in favour of re-appointing the dean, “It’s interesting that one person could have these different,” commented Ryder. The accumulation of the report’s fractious and divisive findings led to an audit that suggested that immediate action needed to be taken. Much of the report describes long-standing dysfunction within the school, which has only recently become more into the public eye. The move to Burlington may have been a catalyst, although Ryder doesn’t quite agree. “This situation with dean Bates is quite
unusual because there is not one single event that you could change things on. This is a little vague I realize. I think if you asked some people who were upset with the dean, each one seemed to have a different reason. Yes they may have voted against Burlington, but it may have had nothing to do with Burlington, maybe they were voting against Burlington because Dean Bates wanted Burlington.” The audit described two ways that the School of Business can move forward through its own policies. The School of Business is recommended to concurrently introduce their, “anti-discriminatory policy” for the alleged instances found in the audit, and begin the University’s, “group conflict policy” which would in a sense have a small three-person committee take over the School of Business for a period of time. Peter George will be presenting his decision on how McMaster will move forward with Dean Bates and the School of Business on Thursday, Apr. 1. “It is imperative that we find our way through these current difficulties and that we work together to maintain our focus on two overriding priorities,” stated George, “Our students require our close attention and I know you will ensure they continue to receive the high quality education they expect from McMaster. We must also maintain focus on the timely completion of the new business school building in Burlington and the successful transition of the MBA and executive programs to the new facility.”
A6 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
EDITORIAL McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
The Silhouette TheSil.ca Editorial Board Executive Editor Jeff Green Managing Editor Bahram Dideban Senior News Editor Selma Al-Samarrai Assistant News Editor Lily Panamsky Features Editor Paige Faber Opinions Editor Peter Goffin Sports Editor Brian Decker Assistant Sports Editor David Koots Insideout Editor Lindsay Jolivet Assistant Insideout Phyllis Tsang Photo Editor Will van Engen Staff Photographer Terry Shan Multimedia Editor Ava Dideban Production Editor Katherine Marsden Web Editor Jason Lamb Health Editor Sarah Levitt Distribution Coordinator Jonathon Fairclough Business Editor Simon Granat Business Editor Santino Marinucci Ad Manager Sandro Giordano
Senior Andy Editor Grace Evans Music Editor Corrigan Hammond Entertainment Editor Myles Herod
Silhouette Staff
Fraser Caldwell, Ben Orr, Sam Colbert, Joey Coleman, Kevin Elliott, Noah Nemoy, Julie Compton, Jenifer Bacher, Michael Hewak, Christopher Chang, Lauren Jewett, Jacqueline Flaggiello, Natasha Pirani, Amanda Fracz, Aaron Joo, Katherine Snider-McNair, Farhang Ghajar, Ben Small, Jemma Wolfe, Michael Hewak, Dan Hawie, Josh Parsons, Roxanne Hathway Baxter, Catherine Brasch, Trevor Roach, Remek Debski
Contact Us Volume 80 2009-10 • McMaster University Student Centre, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4 • Fax: (905) 529–3208 • E–Mail: thesil@thesil.ca • Production Office: (905) 525-9140, extension 27117 • Advertising: (905) 525-9140, extension 27557 • 10,000 circulation • Published by the McMaster Students Union
executive editor: extension 22052
The real world Are students customers? It’s a simple question for which no one in the realm of academia has a real answer. We pay to earn a degree, but the university doesn’t sell a degree. It’s a laughable question. It would belittle professors, reducing them to retailers of knowledge; apron-adorned clerks helping you navigate a superstore of degrees. It’s a question that needs to be asked, because it leads to the clear answer in how a university should be run. If the student is a customer then the university should be run like a business. And that’s exactly why Dean Paul Bates is in trouble, and why OSAP is in a desperate need of rebuild. Starting with the troubles in the School of Business, Dean Bates has gone through an in house tar and feathering. The internal audit by the Office of Human Rights & Equity Services has dragged his name through the mud for no one identifiable reason. The main faculty members who complained are the ones who think they deserve a promotion. They’ve cried that their voice wasn’t heard and that work is ‘stressful.’ Forgive my candor, but welcome to real life. There are no instances in which Dean Bates has used gross negligence to McMaster policy, and he has moved the program in the right direction with their move to Burlington. The fact that Business School has been run too much like a business for some business professors should be embarrassing for those faculty members crying bloody murder. In the OSAP rebuild, the provincial government has taken some steps to make post secondary more affordable but have no real long-term plan. There is no business model to keep the OSAP lending rates on par with the cost of school. Again, this is only a problem you would find at the colligate level. What the Ontario government needs to do is link OSAP maximums to a blended value of tuition increases and inflation – a true representation of what university costs. Don’t hold your breath. Collegiate politics are dysfunctional. They represent an ideal world where everyone would have a say and all needs would be met. OSAP could never be linked to inflation and tuition because it would cost the government too much money. Dean Bates will never have the budget to give every professor tenure and appease their every need. Collegiate politics makes winners and losers. Regrettably in their model, the only loser is the customer. Happy shopping. •Jeff Green
Thank you. It’s like a security blanket. You get used to it, you drag it around, week after week, and forget what life was like without it. For the past four years I’ve worked at the Sil. That means no Motown at Absinthe, no mid week recharge. Wednesdays, for me, are days where I stare at a computer screen until unnatural hours and walk home when the sun comes up on Thursday. I’m a salmon, fighting upstream on Sterling Street against the flux of students coming on to campus for their 8:30 class, while I am going home for a much needed rest. I never did well in any course that had a class Thursday morning. With this last production in the books, the end is bittersweet. I’ll return to a ‘normal’ schedule, but it won’t be mine. But at least I can go to Motown on Wednesdays again. The weekly production was not the security blanket, rather the people are. They’ve made the whole experience the reason I was here. I drag them through production every week only to cling onto them the remaining six days. I’m at the destination, and I wish I were back on the journey. And with that I can’t say thank you enough to the staff here at the Sil. Good luck on your 81st year, the 80th was a blast. •Jeff Green
Write to us
Opinions: Up to 600 words Letters: 100 to 300 words Submit via email by 5:00 p.m. the Monday before publication.
Legal The Silhouette welcomes letters to the editor in person at MUSC B110, or by email at thesil@thesil.ca. Please include name, address, and telephone number for verification only. We reserve the right to edit, condense, or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions expressed in The Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, university officals, or Ricter Web Printing Ltd.The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette board of publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community, and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding The Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn:The Silhouette Board of Publications.The board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.
That’s it, that’s all This is that last issue of the Silhouette for the term. The Silhouette will resume publishing in the summer months, and return to it’s full time weekly editions in September. Check out thesil.ca for updates, schedules, stories and more; and most of all, thanks for reading
Corrections The Silhouette makes every effort to be accurate. If you discover a mistake, please notify us via e-mail at thesil@thesil.ca with the subject “corrections.” We will include the correction in the following issue of the Silhouette.
thesil@thesil.ca
Letter:
Outsourcing of ELM I’m just writing in to voice my concern regarding the cancellation of the ELM system. True, this system has had serious issues in the past and continues to have minor issues. It has recently been decided that ELM would be scrapped and a new system would take its place. With this particular decision, I have no problem (but students and faculty might find reason to complain again due to the system changing once again). The real issue at hand is the fact that the new company that will be taking over the server is in Toronto. That’s great, so we’re paying for a system for which there is no one-on-one problem solving (one of the benefits of WebCT and ELM) and long distance fees? As well, outsourcing is a slippery slope in terms of privacy issues. Why would I want my personal information to leave campus? Granted, we all have facebook and are not shy to post select information on the internet. However, will it stop in Toronto? What if this company further outsources to, for example, Mississauga, Ottawa, etc for certain other needs? I’m not a computer expert by any stretch of the imagination, but this worries me. I don’t want my information at McMaster University to travel that far from home.
The next issue is how far the slippery slope will slide. Suppose some of the outsourcing is done in the United States (which, let’s face it, is very likely). So, any information that I put on this new system, any papers that I write (being in Political Science, this is a dangerous thing for me) will be subject to the Patriot Act. So, if I say anything contrary the Iraq war, the United States ignorance and any other opinions that someone, somewhere does not like, I will suffer penalties. Being in Political Science, I have strong opinions about the way American politics functions and should not be penalized for them. The reason I live in Canada is because even if a professor disagrees with my thesis, I am entitled to an opinion (provided I back it up). So, for those students and faculty members who cannot stand ELM, which is worse: having a system like ELM (which has gotten much better since September) or some strange company that McMaster outsourced to that has access to all my information and can send it out to whomever it wants? Hmm... no contest. Toronto: keep your mitts off my stuff.
to b.d. - i remember a heart shaped hot tub somewhere in niagra... i mean, er, a, thanks for everything, best manager i could ask for.
to w.v-e. - hopefully i’ll catchup with you somewhere is south east asia, while you’re on assignment with the national geographic. i’m so jealous.
to s.a-s - who da baby daddy smelma? i’ve never met someone with so much energy at four in the morning... but i have seen an iraqi who can drink more vodka... to l.p. - someday i’ll get over my artsci complex, but today is not that day spills. how do you look up the address of a gypsy? btw, i hear everything. to p.f. - ay bay bay, i don’t think i can hire you back. maybe i’ll see you in asia somewhere... or berlin? or amsterdam again? to p.g. - i want to take our tag team moose joke on the road, but i only think it works on chicks from brock. maybe i’ll come up and visit cousin lenny. take care of this old boat, i just go the oil changed. to b.d. - you like sports and you don’t care who knows, and you will fix my golf swing. it will be on-par with yours. ha. to d.k. - enjoy the 08/09 leafs. i hope they take you to the playoffs. tell us leaf fans what it’s like. to l.j. - the little french girl that could. its been three years frenchie, i’ll see you and mama j up in sudbury. to p.t. - is there anything that you/google can’t do? you’re going to change the world... don’t forget us.
Anonymous
to t.s. - i’ve never seen someone eat a chicken wing like you. I’ll see you on iron chef someday. to a.d. - i fully expect to see your work in a modern museum someday to k.m. - grammar queen and fad follower. i won the dance off. ask anyone. to j.l. - i fully expect to see you as part of some kind of revolution, or at least running their website. to s.l. - you’re the fastest health editor ive ever seen. to j.f. - brocktoberfest was the best idea ever. i’ve never felt more like a ‘brah’. to s.g. - you guys had the idea, and you did a great job launching that section. i’ll work on my yiddish, i promise. to s.m. - i’m sorry, but every time i say your last name i feel like the godfather... to g.e. - i’m going to be watching food network at 3 am one day and see you making vegan cupcakes for the homeless. take care of him red. to c.h. - who knew the kid from brantford would know everything about hip hop. to m.h. - while we’ll never agree on avatar, we still have in rainbows.
THE SILHOUETTE • A7
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
OPINIONS
production office: extension 27117
opinions@thesil.ca
The last opinion: it’s been worthwhile Peter Goffin OPINIONS EDITOR
About twenty months and two lifetimes ago, I wrote and printed my very first article as the Opinions Editor of the McMaster Silhouette. Well, that’s not strictly accurate. I wrote and printed three articles that day. But all three were significant to me, and still are, for what they meant to me at the time. They were a sign that I had a voice, they were the ingredients for change. For the first time in my life I had a means to be heard and I was going to use it for the betterment of the world. I chose my words carefully. I wrote lamenting the negative image that Stephen Harper projects on the world stage, I wrote about the importance of finding out where you belong on campus, I wrote about the changing face of social media. Okay, I wrote an article about the Prime Minster’s crappy dress sense, one about struggling to
find the best bathroom on campus, and last, I find that precious few of visible or not, it was all worth it. and one about breaking up with those causes have seen any advanI justify droning on in print Facebook. But the point is, there cement.The landscape out there, be week after week by telling myself was momentum behind me. I felt it global or local, political or social, that even if I’m not moving mounpowerful. imperative or trivial, is pretty much tains, I’m planting seeds. That’s what And here sit I, these nearly two the same today as it was so many each and any of you who has ever years later, finishing up my hitch not moons ago, back in the autumn of written an opinion article has been only as Opindoing: laying ions Editor, down ideas THE SILHOUETTE OPINIONS SECTION WOULD LIKE but as a unithat can grow TO EXTEND THE SINCEREST THANKS TO EVERYONE and flourish versity student, and what in readers’ WHO WROTE FOR AND READ US THIS YEAR. IT IS has changed? heads. And BECAUSE OF YOU THAT WE ARE STILL HERE. S t e p h e n that’s where Harper is still change starts unaccount– in the mind, able and disappointing, we are still 2008. It is most likely the same as it as a seed of a thought. That’s where hopelessly married to technology. was for years before that, too. development and solutions are The world is the same. I didn’t conBut should I be given the chance born, at their most basic level, as a vince the country to vote against to do my job over again (and for the sudden idea. the PM in the last election, I didn’t rest of my life I will pray every day Here at the end of it all I can say change the face of the internet with that I be given that opportunity) I only this: If you’ve got something to my brilliantly cutting satire of com- wouldn’t do it half an ounce differ- say, you might as well say it, because munication networks. I don’t seem ently. I wouldn’t hold back a single it will be heard by someone. And to have had any impact at all. article, wouldn’t ignore a single even if the changes you seek, the And as I go down the list of topic. solutions you hawk aren’t immeditopics covered in articles this year Because whether the change is ately put in place, even if your mes-
sage isn’t heard right away, you’ve got to keep on saying it until you do see change, until you do see problems solved. That’s how the world keeps turning, that’s why we are all still here and doing as well as we are – people keep pushing, keep talking, keep writing, hoping for change, hoping for development. No, the Opinions section hasn’t realigned the tectonic plates, hasn’t ended any wars. Rain still falls. But we’ve laid the groundwork for advancement and a better future. I think that’s well worth two years’ worth of work, if not twenty. I will leave my editorial post with this final hopeful sentiment: I have managed, in my time here, to find a pretty fine bathroom. It’s in the basement of University Hall. Enjoy. See? One out of three of my article-wishes came true. Not bad. Goodbye readers. And Godspeed. Or something. The next round is on me.
Falling in love with a
PHYLLIS TSANG
30-mile run
the joy of running is more than conquering admirable distance. A greater joy comes from simply running Have you ever experience post- side-by-side with people. Twenty something depression? Like the minutes into the race I wondered post-Olympic depression many why I got myself into the middle of Canadian experienced. Or post-va- a three-hour run. Perhaps I would cation depression? After spending a have given up right then and there week or so with a group of people, had it not been for the people I was I miss them terribly when the trip running with. All of which is to say is over. that the sometimes lonesome and Well, my post-Around-the-Bay highly individualistic sport of rundepression has hit me. It’s not so ning is more people-oriented than much about the race, but the energy you think. On top of the 200 per surrounding a race, cent that comes the single-mindedfrom you, the ness of a group of Twenty minutes into people around you runners aiming for the race I wondered could top you up the same goal, and with another 200 why I got myself per cent. the human bonding that developed in a into the middle of a Frankly, I don’t shared experience. remember much three-hour run. “ H a m i l t o n ’s about the race. Perhaps I would Around the Bay There was a lot of Road Race is the have given up right pain but somehow oldest on the con- then and there if not I managed to finish. tinent, first run in That is three hours 1894, three years for the people I was of my life which before the Boston I only remember running with.” Marathon,” accorda few minutes of. ing to its website. However, as soon As a matter of fact, as I crossed the finished line, my “older than Boston” are the exact memory worked again. I rememwords that are printed on the ber high-fiving Christine, my friend back of the technical running shirt who stayed with me the whole race, which each participant gets. I now and we gave each other a big pat on have one of these hanging up in my the back. I remember the ecstatic room, glowing in the dark. I think it joy when we found Lexi and Jenny does. who both finished way before I did. The race on Sunday was my I even remember being intimidated first ever Around the Bay; also my by the stairs going down to the exit first ever 30-mile race. I learned at Copps Coliseum because I could that running long distance is about barely walk. Oh joy. how much pain you can endure. Thank God that I can run. People say running is 95 per cent Thank God for the amazing human mental and five per cent physical. I’d body that recovers so much after a say running requires 200 per cent meal and a nap. Thank you all who of the whole person – 100 per cent graciously ran with me and made mental and 100 per cent physical. me love running and all of you. But that still doesn’t do it justice. Three hours well spent, I must Since I started to run, I realize say. ASSISTANT INSIDEOUT EDITOR
PHYLLIS TSANG / ASSISTANT INSIDEOUT EDITOR
A8 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010
THE SILHOUETTE • A9
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
How to keep busy this summer You with the ring: So many things to do now that the sun’s out Eric Williams OPINIONS
It’s time to get out and soak up the spring weather. Make the most of it. There are a ton of options. Say “hi” to a stranger: Just like the flowers, women also blossom in the spring.The campus is full of smiling faces, ready for summer relief and something new. These fading winter weeks are just the time to say “hello,” make a connection, and spark a summer romance. Love is a game of odds (and sometimes ends). Try it ten times today and see where it takes you. You might surprise yourself. Frisbee Golf: Never heard of it? Well, it rules. All the same rules of golf, except you are throwing a little disc into a metal basket. Google “Frisbee Golf” to get the idea. They are selling kits in Titles right now, and it is well worth it. Courses typically charge nothing, and in the nearby area can be found at Bronte Creek (Burlington), the Arboretum (Guelph), Mohawk Park (Brantford), Christie Lake (Dundas) and Toronto Island (Hogtown). Check out discgolferontario.com for info on the sport and course locations. Get a few discs, and that’s your lifetime membership to play for free in most places. Along with a few pops, smokes and a picnic, it’s a great away to spend an afternoon.
Paint a picture: Painting is really cool. If you haven’t really painted since you were a kid, then you are in for a treat of self-discovery. It is not about how good you are, it’s about emotional expression and the psychological satisfaction of positive creation. Just pick your favourite colour and start from there. Don’t be limited by brushes. Body parts, leaves, sponges and
These fading winter weeks are just the time to say ‘hello’, make a connection, and spark a summer romance.” more can be used to paint all kinds of objects (not just paper or canvas) to create unique art pieces. Make yourself a tickle trunk or upgrade that coffee table. Acrylic paint dries much faster than oil paint. It is easier to use, and is just like what you had as a kid. Learn a new language: Learning a new language is highly rewarding. Try to pick a major one, where you have a good chance to be around lots of others who speak it (French, Spanish, German, Hindi
or Mandarin). Start off with children’s books and grow your mind from there. Watching familiar movies is also really helpful. Try Toy Story with French dialogue and French subtitles. Add to your vocabulary each day. You will learn more and get better value for your money enlisting at a language school, or making private arrangements than you will by taking courses at McMaster. French classes here are no more for learning French than English classes are for learning English. Give it a shot. The rewards will last you a lifetime. The great outdoors: There are literally thousands of people on campus who have never been camping. For shame! Get out there. Canada is awesome and spring is the best time of year to explore it. You’ll see life growing everywhere, but most of the insects have not arrived yet. Pack your bag with a map, a compass, and provisions, and then hit the road. Trail maps of Ontario are as web-like as the highway system. Camping sites are everywhere, but you can also crash out guerrilla style if you are careful and quiet.You don’t have to copulate in a canoe to be a Canadian, but the outside dirty is twice as nice and speaks to your inner caveman.
married or single?
MICHELLE NG / SILHOUETTE STAFF
Author suspects wedding ring dodge on the meat market. John Bolton OPINION
Now it is not exactly clear to me, but I have hunch that there are a good many women out there who are not married but who are wearing rings that very much look like engagement rings or wedding bands. And I think this is a very bad idea, especially when there are good alternatives. My displeasure for the whole practice (I will call it that since I am assuming I’m right) began recently when I noticed a picture on Facebook of a group of girls all sitting and smiling nicely, with their left hands in the air exposing the fact that there is a some sort of band on their ring finger. Now I have to ask what exactly the chances are that five friends all became engaged at the same time. Thus, I think these girls’ simultaneous engagement to be highly improbable and, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, will conclude that they weren’t actually engaged. But seeing this picture brought to mind a number of quite recent situations in which I have seen a woman, whose marital status is highly suspect, sporting similar finery. Now, I know brandishing a ring on the left ring finger deters me from even approaching a woman. Going up to her would, I think, be a rude gesture.The problem with this, however, is that it will only deter unwanted attention for so long. As all organisms must adapt, so will the male of the human species.Thus, not only do women end up trivializing the wedding band and engagement ring when their own is really neither of these, but after men begin to realize that these rings are for show and have no real significance, they will begin approaching women whether they have rings or not. Of course this means that women who are quite married or quite engaged will be approached just as much as those who are not.
The other problem with the practice might possibly be that in deterring unwanted attention one will inevitably deter what is quite possibly “wanted attention.” And our ladies in question will begin to wonder why they don’t receive the attention they, deep down, really want. We are humans, we all want this kind of attention regardless of sex, but at the cost of having the attention we do want, we have to get the attention we do not want – male and female both. It happens to me; it will happen to you. What will make us exceptional creatures is how we handle it. As I said before there are good alternatives to wearing rings. The first is simply saying things like “No, I am sorry, but I am not interested,” or “I have a boyfriend.” I have to say there isn’t a woman who has given me a straight “no” who I haven’t respected and subsequently left alone. I imagine that other, decent men would say the same. Now of course, you will find men who don’t respect this, but in such situations police involvement or a boyfriend’s intervention is the better alternative than a whole generation of women putting on rings and messing up what has been a symbolic practice that has roots back to the times of the Romans. Moreover, I’d really like to believe (though it is impossible for me to do so) that women have been saying “No” and the like and it just hasn’t worked. More likely is the fact that women (and men are just as guilty for this) say “yes” or “no” and later regret their decision and cannot, therefore, trust themselves to say what they mean, which inevitably creates the need for some practice which avoids the whole problem, like a fake engagement ring. Of course this reminds me of need for Jesus’ statement (here out context, though not inappropriately so): “let your word ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’”
A10 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2010
THE SILHOUETTE • A11
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Listening for the next big summer jam Corrigan Hammond MUSIC EDITOR
Without fail, every summer there is that one song that’s absolutely everywhere. At first it’s great— almost refreshing. It is an opportunity to say to yourself, “wow, isn’t that Soulja Boy something? Doesn’t he sure like to crank that?” But then it gets a little annoying. That little ditty morphs into a poltergeist that haunts you everywhere until finally you crack a little – maybe you head down to the local mall, and some mook’s scrawled “Soulja Boy” across his aviators, or your grandma asks you what does “superman that ho” means in that delightful new song that’s always on the radio. And then you find yourself longing for the good ole’ days, the simpler time when all summer long you did nothing but listen to Sugar Ray and hum “Who Let The Dogs Out” quietly to yourself. This, my friend, is called the summer jam. The first summer jam that I can remember came to me courtesy of Bugs Bunny: “no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” I’ll be the first to admit that it wasn’t a particularly good number—it’s melody lacked (especially when I sang it), and it’s lyrical content, while entirely scholastic, was juvenile at best. But, following an incident on the last day of second grade where an exceptionally bratty girl in my class told on me for singing it during recess, I insisted on belting it out
my buddy and I spent the spring amid a heated debate over whether Passion Pit or Asher Roth would be responsible for the summer jam of 2009. Pegging down what ditty will or will not become a bonafide summer jam is a difficult task though. There was a time I’m told, long, long ago when record promoters simply had to ask The Beach Boys the name of their new single, and presto, they had a summer jam. But those days are gone. First of all, a summer jam must be just catchy enough that anyone can hear it and know a minimum of three quarters of the song’s lyrics for the rest of their lives. And honestly, who among us isn’t uncomfortably familiar with Brian Adams “Summer of ’69” or The Beach Boys “Kokomo?” These songs are especially effective when they deal with summer-themes. A few good examples of this are tracks like Weezer’s “Islands In The Sun” or Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.” I mean, is there a better way to write a Get ready to lay in the grass and listen to some summer tunes. summer hit than to write a hit as loudly and as proudly as I could praying for Joan’s forgiveness – evi- about summer? everywhere that I went. dently God doesn’t care for hippie- And while summer jams might If my grandparents took me singer-chicks speculating on what seem like nothing but sunshine and to church, the entire congregation He would do, if He were one of us. good-times, they are really just acts knew I was there, and that pencils, Another summer, I spent a little too of group-think. books and teacher’s dirty looks much time listening to Crazy Town were no longer any of my concern. - “you’re my butterfly, sugar.” The That set the tone for each of year before grade nine, Blink 182 my many summer vacations that was ubër-hip. Sadly, the following followed. One year Joan Osborn’s year was all about Avril Lavigne - it “What If God Was One Of Us” was the summer where two thirds was everywhere. I think my grand- of my hometown’s female populamother wore out a Rosary or two tion became “sk8ter girls.” Last year, SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
No one, after a long hot summer day, has ever said to themself, “do you know what would help me relax… throwing on my complete Chumbawumba discography!” Not even Chumbawumba. But, throw that same disc on while chilling on some patio somewhere or down at the beach, and presto — phone up the Bud-girls, your quiet little get-together has just magically transformed into a full-blown summer par-tay. I for one have no guilt when it comes to embracing the summer jam. And although after hearing Asher Roth or Soulja Boy or The Ataris one too many times, you might find yourself getting a little edgy, maybe even starting to relate to Jack Nicholson’s character from The Shinning (“all summer jams and no play make Johnny a dull boy”), in a couple of years you’ll look back fondly on the good ole’ days when you could chill on the patio, drinking a brew and listening to Len’s “Steal My Sunshine.” After all, no matter how annoying a summer jam might get by midAugust, the point never changes “no more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks.” Here’s to the sounds of summer friends… let’s make 2010 a good one.
A12 • THE SILHOUETTE
SpeculatoR The Hamilton
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
INSIDE THE SPECULATOR
You enter the bathroom and it is reasonably clean. Go to page A7 to hit the urinal or, if you are a stall man, turn to B9. To pull down your fly, see page E17, but if you’re wearing sweat pants, head on over to J11 and slide’em south.
Thursday, April 1, 2010 F We hope we passed the audition.
Department Dean Under Review
Politeness, absence of perversion just too flagrant to keep ignoring BUCK HOROWITZ SPECULATOR
Charges were filed with McMaster’s human resources department this week by the staff of the Hygiene Department against their dean, Dr. Chester Eichman-Riggs. EichmanRiggs is alleged to have disrupted regular working procedures and poisoned the professional environment through a campaign of cleanliness and maturity. “Lotta” Lola Limreed, the Dean’s personal assistant was the one who personally filed the charges. “Tweeking nipples, wiping lubricant on the doorknobs, giving people Wet Willies in their bellybuttons, watching Keanu Reeves movies, pushing around the small and weak, mocking the sick and poor, putting razor blades in the carpet, spitting in the coffee, reading Ayn Rand, wedgie-ing students… These are the pillars on which this institution was built, and Dean Eichman-Riggs is trying to take all that away from this department.” “First he cancelled pantyoptional Fridays,” said Professor H.R. “Stretch” Armstrong, “then he took the Hustlers and out of the bathroom. My doctor says I can play tennis again but screw my elbows, I want the Dean gone!”
University officials have already taken measures to investigate any possible wrongdoing on Eichman-Riggs’ part, having brought in a task force of mediators and counselors from the Ted Bundy Memorial Psychology Department. In a report to the office of the VicePresident in Charge of Discipline and Bondage, the task force wrote that: “In cases such as these, in which the employer is clearly morally clean and pro-social, there is an 85 per cent chance that sexual harassment is not even taking place. As of now, we must assume, as awful as it may be, that EichmanRiggs is not violating anyone in the department.” If found guilty of the allegations, Eichman-Riggs could face any number of consequences, including being drawn and quartered, tickled for one minute for every year that he has held his post, being forced to perform an interpretive dance depicting the aristocrats joke at convocation, or receiving the McMaster Teaching Award which, as we all know, is a sure sign to the recipient that they will be fired in the next round of Humanities downsizing. He can also choose to have whatever is in the mystery box.
The administrative staff of the Hygiene Department are morally outraged.
Collars popped in dormitory bathroom
The Mac frisbee team, known as the Bronanas, sits for their team picture. DUCK HEMSWORTH SPECULATOR
In a move that is sure to impress members of the same sex, jocks across campus have popped their collars. The seasonal ritual is part of mating call to other ‘bros’. “How are you going to tell chicks that you’ve been working on your ‘situation’ all winter long?
They love this shit.” said J.T. Brown, president of campus club, Frisbees Are Good (F.A.G.). J.T. is sporting the F.A.G. uniform a double popped Abercrombie / Hollister polo in pink and blue. Shawn Norton, a graduate student from the department of biology suggested that the F.A.G. club needs to be neutered in order to protect the human race as a
whole. “Unfortunately, there are some females that are attracted to the F.A.G.,” commented Norton, “we’ve tried to isolate them within the Geography program, but they’re adapting faster than expected. You’re common F.A.G. can now be found in Political Science, and even English.” Early studies suggested
that they would never develop the mental capacity to handle post secondary academics, but with the introduction of alcohol, some smarter girls mated with the members of F.A.G. and produced offspring that could not only communicate with other ‘bros’, but could also formulate multiple coherent sentences. Hipsters have rolled up
pants as a result, and cut v-necks to a regulation 7 inches below the collar bone. “We need to remain competitive with other English students, and this is just a proactive measure,” said local hipster Andy, “when the Kings of Leon were big, hunting was easy. Now with Justin Bieber, well, you’ve seen campus lately.”
“What Did You Learn This Week, Timmy?”
“I learned that good friends are hard to find, and the time you spend with them is worth more than any precious stone. Also, electric fans will really take a chunk out of your genitals.” Disclaimer: Stories printed in The Hamilton Speculator are fact. Any resemblance to persons real or dead is likely intentional and done out of spite. Opinions expressed are those of The Speculator and if you disagree with them you are wrong. And stupid. Possibly ugly as well.
THE SILHOUETTE • B1
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
INSIDEOUT
A look back to the best sport photos of the year, B9
production office: extension 27117
e-mail: insideout@thesil.ca
PHOTO C/O SCOTT POWELL
Responding to Haitians PHYLLIS TSANG
ASSISTANT INSIDEOUT EDITOR
JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / SILHOUETTE STAFF
In order from top to bottom: 1. A view of the IDP camps; 2. Haitian children lining up for clean water; 3. “180 morts” refers to 180 perished; 4. A “We need some help” sign. Top right: eMi civil engineer Scott Powell training Haitians to use a water filtration system.
Humans are helplessly inferior to natural disasters. They come and go at their time, location, and magnitude. The best chance humans have to survive is to plan and prepare before a natural disaster strikes, to prevent damage and causalities, and to respond and recover efficiently and effectively. “Following immediate search and rescue efforts, safe shelter, and clean water will be [the] critical needs in the days ahead,” Scott Powell, eMi’s Disaster Response Coordinator, reported a few days after the earthquake struck Haiti. Engineering Ministries International (eMi) is one of the many NGOs that responded to Haiti and Chile’s desperate need of help after the catastrophic earthquakes. It has sent out seven teams of civil and structural engineers thus far to assess structural damage, set up clean water systems, and to equip local people with technical skills to do the same. Two of the pressing needs were setting up water filtration systems to provide clean water, and doing structural assessments of hospitals and clinics to make sure they are safe to oper-
ate. Next came to setting up tent cities for the internally displaced people, known as IDP camps. The Haitian government reported that the earthquake has left 1,000,000 people homeless. The IDP camps, typically housing 5000 people or so each—provide temporary shelters until the rescue and recovery phase shifts to reconstruction. On Jan. 29, one of the eMi teams began to survey a 62-acre site that would be master planned for resettlement housing. They expect construction of small homes to begin soon. On Feb. 28th, architect and Vice President of eMi Gary MacPhee wrote: “Today we met with a US Army Corps engineer in charge of operations at the Hotel Montana and walked and studied the collapse site and heard the stories of deaths and near misses—fearsome, terrible, horrific...and that’s after six weeks of clearing away. Even my California structural experts had never seen anything like it.” On the ground, the eMi teams worked long and hard hours: 6 a.m. wake-up; 7 a.m. on the road; work till 5p.m. without any lunch; 6p.m. return to camp—sometimes later. Despite the “burst of action and movement,” Daniel • PLEASE SEE Recover, B4
Shirt: Boutique store (made each top a different colour) $15
Vintage Leather Jacket: $50 Scarf: Boutique store, $10
What is your favourite music group or artist? I think there is a time and a place for different types of music. What do you look for in a significant other? Someone who is interested in travel, dreams and fireplaces.
Anasuiya Surendran 3rd Year Arts & Science
How would you describe your style? Lots of primary colours. What is your favourite quote? “What is an adult? A child blown up by age.” —Simone de Beauvoir
Skinny Jeans: Bluenotes, $40 Watch: Swiss Time Watch, $50
WILL VAN ENGEN / PHOTO EDITOR
B2 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
How-to-do-it
B
L
O
G
S
R
T
W SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
Bloggers speak through words, images and about a plethora of topics, as demonstrated by this compilation image from wefeelfine.org.
Entering the world of blogs
Thoughts, feelings, opinions—cyber sharing expands NATALIE TIMPERIO SILHOUETTE STAFF
Nowadays, blogs are amongst the most popular of networking phenomena. One may even venture to say that blogs are responsible for changing the very nature by which people share their thoughts and feelings. A contraction of the words “web log,” a blog is a sort of website managed by an individual through use of various tools and techniques such as written text, images and videos. While many different types of blogs exist, it seems that personal blogging is the most common type amongst bloggers. Personal blogs, which may not necessarily gain a following, are nonetheless significant in that they often become more than a way to simply communicate one’s thoughts—they are a means through which people can retreat and reflect. Various social networking sites
may be considered a form of blogging as well. For example, Twitter is a medium through which people instantaneously convey whatever may be on their minds. In this respect, blogging may be performed by anyone, anywhere, at anytime. The increasing popularity of social networking has undoubtedly led to a new-fangled interest in blogging. In fact, some online communities have been developed for this exact purpose. MyBlogLog, for example, is specifically geared towards connecting people to blogs in addition to linking bloggers to other bloggers. In this sense, the advent of such sites indicates the prevalence of blogs in this particular day and age. With this said, how is it that blogging became so popular? Blogs evolved out of online diaries, in which people kept a running record of their personal lives. Those who cared to follow these premature blogs, or, weblogs as they were once known as, displayed a curious interest in the private lives of these
initial webloggers. Consequently, followers began to comment on these weblogs. Soon afterwards, following the preliminary principles of weblogs, various websites, such as Pitas, introduced sites on how-to-build-your-own-weblogs; in due course the modern day blog was born. These days, blogging may be considered something of a bandwagon pastime. However, it is not necessarily for everyone. Sabrina Cino, a second year English and Geography student, said “[although] I find it interesting to read other people’s blogs I’m not interested in ever creating one as I don’t think I would ever be able to justify the amount of time needed to maintain a blog.” Yet, Cino knew of people who blog about a number of issues such as school, dating, and life experiences. With this said, it is clear that in order to maintain an even somewhat successful blog it is imperative to allocate a fair amount of time for, well, blogging. Similarly to
Cino, Catherine Jalowica, a second year Commerce student, stated, “it’s not that I’m not interested, it’s finding the time to write or read or do anything else besides school.” Although Jalowica doesn’t know of anyone who blogs, she thought that blogging “can be a great way of communicating your ideas and thoughts to large groups of people. It’s a great way to get our opinions and ideas out there and even just to learn more about something or someone. Although I think it can be a very time consuming hobby and sometimes distracting.” Indeed, it is often assumed that blogging can easily become an unwieldy interest. Yet it cannot be denied that blogs are an innovative way to creatively articulate a variety of views, a aspect of that cannot be taken for granted. As Cino said, “[blogging is] an interesting medium for individual expression.” Indefinitely, blogs have flooded the World Wide Web with a remarkable dynamism that has not gone unnoticed.
Graduate gracefully We know. We understand how it feels when the impending doom of fourth year creeps up on you and forces you to realize that it’s time. Time to grow up, you think? Well, no, of course not. Time to find every possible distraction from the painful truth that approaches: no more classes, naps in between them, or the comfort of not having to decide what to do with your life. But worry not, because InsideOut’s team of researchers has dug deep into the psyches of distressed university students. We discovered some frightening things, but among them were the keys to graduating without a nervous breakdown. 1. Divert attention like you’re in a spy movie, then duck away. When others ask you what you are doing next year, point behind them and scream FIRE! Alternatively you could yell Is that Justin Bieber? He’ll be more interesting than you, at least until you get a full-time job. 2. Alcohol. Be honest, it’s gotten you through worse. The theory behind this one is that if you act like you’re in first year, you will feel like you are in first year. Poor life decisions and general debauchery are also recommended. 3. Impart wisdom. For a slightly different approach, try treating your graduation like your ninetieth birthday. Stop everyone you see that could be a first year and tell him or her to seize the day. They might not appreciate it now, but someday they will. 4. Get over it Dwell. Breakups and graduations have a lot in common. They’re both—endings, and stuff. Barbeque wings, iced cream, and The Notebook are definitely a good idea. • Lindsay Jolivet
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Testing the 100-mile diet The nutrition vs. environment battle
SEX&THE STEEL CITY
10 things a sex column can’t teach LINDSAY JOLIVET
INSIDEOUT EDITOR
CHRIS CHANG / SILHOUETTE STAFF
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY WILL VAN ENGEN
Can the feat of J.B. MacKinnon and Alisa Smith in Vancouver be repeated in Ontario?
MEGHAN WRIGHT THE SILHOUETTE
There are many ways to reduce one’s ecological footprint. Shopping with reusable bags or taking the city bus, for example. J.B. MacKinnon and Alisa Smith, a couple from Vancouver, B.C., decided they would reduce their ecological footprint by beginning a yearlong “100-mile diet,” a somewhat drastic measure that restricted them to consuming food that was produced within a one hundred mile radius of their home. They documented their experience in a series of online articles, which were followed up by a book. The popularity of their articles and book contribute to the growing popularity of local diets. “Locavores” can not only boast of saving a whole planet’s worth of resources through their diet change alone (a statistic purported by MacKinnon and Smith), but they also avoid buying “chemically-altered foods picked and packaged three weeks ago by exploited migrant farm workers and marketed by giant international corporations for huge profits.” As impossible as it may seem, the diet worked well for MacKinnon and Smith. And I believe that with some research, I could increase my own consumption of local produce here in the Steel Town. An issue I find myself concerned with, however, is the nutritional consequences of a completely local diet. I wonder: how far off from the recommended values in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), published by Health Canada is your average locavore? I decided that I would evaluate the nutritional value of MacKinnon and Smith’s local diet by analyzing any details of their food intake they published in their online articles. By their own accounts, the couple ate fairly well. In the late winter and early spring they ate root vegetables, seaweed, shell-
fish, salmon, apples, mushrooms, dairy and a whole lot of potatoes. They were eventually able to find local eggs (laid by chickens fed with locally sourced feed), but it was quite some time before they found any sort of local grain. In the summer they feasted on lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and many fruits. They were able to drink local wine, and by the end of the year had found vegetable-based protein sources such as soy beans and hazelnuts. There are some obvious nutritional benefits to their local menu. Throughout the year, the couple was able to avoid the nasty preservatives and other chemicals ubiquitous in supermarket foods. They took a year off of sugar completely, while the rest of us were busy snacking on processed foods that likely had at least three different types of added sugars. They took in lots of vitamins in the summer months by eating fruit and vegetables. Despite this, the diet had its shortcomings. For one, they were unable to find many lean sources of protein such as poultry, soy beans or lentils. They ended up eating a lot of fish and shellfish and ate eggs for breakfast every morning. Beef and game were also readily available. As a result, their cholesterol and saturated fat intake would have increased dramatically. Their greatest source of fibre would have likely been in the potatoes and the potato skins. Major fibre sources such as whole grain foods, wheat and bran were unavailable. Hopefully they were careful about how much seafood they ate; omega-3 fats present in fish are good for you as long as you consume less than 3 grams a day. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends only two to three servings of fish a week. In the winter months, their canned vegetables and fruit would have lost any vitamins or minerals.
THE SILHOUETTE • B3
MacKinnon and Smith were, from what I can tell, way over their DRI for saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-3 fats, and sodium. It would have been very hard for them to maintain the daily recommended dose of fibre, minerals and vitamins. It appears that the DRIs do not go hand in hand with a local diet. I thought about this conclusion as I ate my All Bran bar and swallowed my calcium and vitamin D pills this morning. Then I read the ingredient list on my All Bran bar and came across something called “palm kernel oil.” What is palm kernel oil? Where does it come from? My palm kernel oil moment was the first step in realizing that it might be time I put my concern for the environment over my own dietary and nutritional concerns. At first I thought that the locavores were being unreasonable for suggesting we do the earth a favour, consequently ignoring the results of scientific studies on health requirements. Now I’m wondering if the DRIs are out of line for placing demands on our diets that cannot possibly be met in an ecologically responsible manner. The science behind the DRIs isn’t perfect. It may help reduce our risk of developing heart disease and some forms of cancer, but what is it doing for the environment? The science tells us that a Chiquita banana provides us with some much needed potassium. It doesn’t tell us about the pollution and worker’s rights violations that come on the side. MacKinnon and Smith’s year of eating locally allowed them to live in an ecologically responsible manner. Unfortunately, their diet would not have been possible if it had been further restricted by the DRIs. So which is it going to be? Should priority go to your nutrition or your environment? It’s a tough call, but I think it is time we started eating within our means.
Around this time in 2008, I wrote my first ever Sex and the Steel City article. I have a confession to make. I didn’t know what I was talking about then and I haven’t become qualified since. Now seems like a good time to tell you, since I won’t be around for any angry emails or petitions to get me fired, not that they are likely to happen. Despite my severe under qualification to give anyone advice about anything, this might not be entirely my fault. During my tyrannical rule over Sex and the Steel City, I’ve struggled to understand what exactly has always bothered me about thinking of ideas and writing this column. I tried to approach it in such a way that made my violent hatred of Cosmopolitan magazine obvious, but I’m not sure that was enough. The truth is, I don’t think anyone is really qualified to tell others how to improve their relationships, sex lives, and overall well-being. We can collect information from studies and experience, which can sometimes be valuable, but ultimately I think the lesson we should have all learned by now is that relationships work when people learn to think for themselves. Of course, I’m not arguing for the elimination of all sex columns. But regarding these forums as places for discussion rather than answers could change the “I’ll tell you how to have good sex and you’ll listen” format. Let’s be honest, I’m not exactly Sex and the Steel City’s Samantha. We don’t ask volunteers for backgrounds on their sexual or relationship experience before they write and it shouldn’t be necessary. Despite there being more advice than one person could possibly read in magazines, on the internet and from Dr. Phil, the divorce rate still hovers near that infamous number, 50 per cent. The
frequent failure of marriage implies a misunderstanding of how to make romantic relationships work, which includes making sex work. Friends might be off the air but many of our love lives are still DOA and Dear Abby can’t solve all of our problems. While we wait for science to decode every neuron in our brains, it might be time to look up from the research results and out in the world. What will you find there? Well, I’m not going to tell you because that would undermine everything I’m trying to do here. Whatever you find, embrace it, believe in it, and be open about it. For example, I recently overheard a couple on campus arguing. The girlfriend said, “You should cancel your dentist appointment,” to which he responded, “Stop nagging at me! If you’re going to be with me for the rest of my life I can’t stand you nagging me already. I’ll find another girlfriend. There are a dozen like you.” Lifelong commitment and scathing indifference all in the same sentence. What I learned from this observation is that eavesdropping can be a lot of fun. But also, I confirmed my opinion that right now, I want neither a lifetime commitment nor someone who thinks I’m a dime a dozen, no matter how good the sex is. An obvious deduction, but the point is that if people discover what they want and make it clear to those they are involved with, they are more likely to end up with someone that shares those desires. Furthermore, they will project confidence, which never hurts a relationship. There are many things a university sex column can’t teach you, which is also why I haven’t numbered and listed them out. Although 10 is a nice round number, there aren’t really 10 tips for resolving every problem you’ve ever had. But maybe if everyone collects their ideas and experiences, we’ll sort through this crazy thing called sex someday.
B4 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
Videogame Review
Recovering from Bad Company vs. Call of Duty natural disasters ERIC WILLIAMS THE SILHOUETTE
Ok, so you just got your GST rebate cheque and you want to reinvest it into new video games. Two of the hottest Xbox 360 FPS titles are Bad Company 2 (BC2) and Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (MW2), but you can only afford one. They both cost about $60 for Xbox 360. Which should you get? Single Player: Both single player campaigns are short and highly linear, so online play is the only way to get good value. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy hunting the ultimate prey? BC2’s single player campaign has better character development, and uses more immersive cinematic techniques. It has a less absolutist storyline, and the action is heavy, but somehow lighter. It is more of a tactical war game than a psychological simulator designed to program your son or daughter into an emotionless, button-pushing killbot. That’s what MW2 is for. Advantage: MW2
Class System: BC2 has shifted from five classes to four, essentially combining heavy weapons and medic. In this case, less is certainly more and the resulting balance is sublime. However, in the world of Xbox 360 online gaming, MW2 is the fastest, most intense combat experience available. MW2’s class structure is totally flexible since you can design your own with creative names (for example, Stoned Breakfast Ninja for those early Saturday mornings). BC2 gives some class flexibility but it is not nearly as customizable as MW2. BC2 is more of a team game and the balance between the classes matters more. Advantage: Tie.
Graphics & Sound: While the landscape is slightly more beautiful in MW2, it is mostly solid. In BC2, you can blow up almost everything. Consequently, no position is secure, as you can destroy any protective walls or cover. MW2 has none of this dynamic action. Most hiding places are safe from wall piercing bullets. Occasionally something as an LCD screen or even glass will stop a bullet. The sound quality is much better in BC2 if you have a surround sound theatre. Advantage: BC2
Online Play: Bad Company 2 is a huge improvement over Bad Company 1. The online combat is more intense, and emphasizes combined tactics. It feels more like a war than a game, and the maps are much larger than MW2. BC2 also has a ‘rush’ mode, where team has to capture a series of checkpoints, with each capture extending the map. This is a really interesting innovation. BC2 maps allow 24 players at a time, whereas MW2 usually caps out at 12. MW2 online play typically has fewer players, reduced teamwork, smaller maps, and less innovative game play. Advantage: BC2
Weapons & Controls Both have an excellent mix of weaponry, but BC2 is more point and shoot (though it does use gravity on bullets), while MW2 is more sophisticated in the control scheme. The biggest downer in BC2 is that you can crouch, but still can’t lie prone. This is a silly omission for a war game. MW2 has that, plus better sniper controls, and faster, smoother action. Advantage: MW2
Vehicles: Bad Company 2 lets you control a wide range of vehicles, including turrets, helicopters, tanks and boats. Vehicles are part of every map, and teams that use them effectively have a big advantage and effective use of them is essential in many maps. By comparison, besides a couple stationary guns, MW2 only brings in a couple vehicles as power-ups awarded for killing streaks. Consequently, snipers usually win more vehicles than kamikaze grunts. They are therefore less interesting and important. MW2 rocket launchers are really just rocket guns to shoot others. In BC2, rocket launchers (as well as mines and C4 chargers) are essential to curbing vehicular domination. Big Advantage: BC2
Verdict: MW2 is still the fastest killing game there is, but overall, I definitely prefer BC2. The fun factor of blowing everything up, and driving around in tanks just takes the cake. BC2 has a minimalist HUD, which makes it feel like a war. If you like squad based tactics and war games, BC2 is the way to go. If you’re a lone wolf who likes playing by his own rules while racking up the body count, then MW2 is probably for you (Psycho!).
• CONT’D FROM B1 Zeiden, director of the Samaritan’s purse office in Bolivia, shared later after returning home, “my feelings and emotions were frozen... The images, smells, and sounds were too monumental for one to take in and digest; the human suffering just too overwhelming to comprehend.” He continued, “So one went about focusing on the activities of the day—planning and executing, delegating tasks, [and] defining solutions. But the misery and hopelessness of the situation seeped in sometimes, shaking our souls.” A lot of us question how people in Haiti are able to wake up the next day, face the miserable reality, and live. “A week or so after the quake, markets re-opened and people tried to piece together what was left of their former lives and adjust into some sort of normalcy,” wrote Zeiden. Of people’s sheer resilience, he stated, “One needs to see it to believe.” Soon after returning from Haiti, Scott Powell assembled another team to Chile, working tirelessly alongside with other organizations and people. In the darkest of times, hope is found not in the situation, but in people.
DID YOU KNOW? PHOTO C / O SCOTT POWELL
Haiti’s 7.0-magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12 caused 233,000 deaths and mass devastation in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, the fourth deadliest earthquake in history. Chile’s 8.8 magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27 caused buildings to collapse, power outage, and 432 deaths. Just 81km offshore of Okinawa, Japan another 7.0 earthquake struck on Feb. 26, the day before Chile’s. No damage reported, only a tsunami alert was issued. What is the reason for the various degrees of destruction during an earthquake? “Earthquakes don’t kill people,” said John Mutter, a seismologist and disaster expert at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. “Bad buildings kill them.” According to TIME, concrete blocks used to construct buildings in the capital of Haiti are often handmade, and are of wildly varying quality. A block of concrete in Haiti may only weigh an eighth of a concrete block in U.S, jeopardizing the structural integrity of buildings. Better-developed nations like Chile and Japan fair much better in earthquakes because the quality of their infrastructures and building design, whereas Haiti, one of the poorest countries in West Hemisphere, is much more vulnerable in disastrous situations.
THE SILHOUETTE • B5
THURSDAY APRIL 1, 2010
Crossword
Interactive
Across 1- Wonka’s creator 5- Convocation of witches 10- Inter ___ 14- It’s blown among the reeds 15- Model Campbell 16- Pleasing 17- Medicine 18- Brother of Moses 19- Affirm solemnly 20- Beetle juice? 21- Wharf 23- Come out 25- French 101 verb 26- Outer defense of a castle 29- Farthest 33- Flax refuse 35- Bellows 37- Greek X 38- Minerals 39- Brown 40- At that time By Sandy Chase / CUP Graphics Bureau Chief 41- Actor Stephen Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com 42- Intervening, in law 43- Inspire anew (http://www.bestcrosswords.com). Used with permission. 44- Request 46- Italian ice cream 48- Pitcher Hershiser 50- Gum arabic source 36- To ___ (perfectly) 6- Swedish auto 53- Universality 39- Sing for 7- Aboriginal rite site 58- Hosp. workers 40- Cheerio! 8- Love, Italian-style 59- Yard tunneler 42- Additional 9- Tinge 60- Preceding, poetically 43- Suggestive 10- Head garland 61- Colombian city 45- Instigate 11- As it happens 62- OPEC member 47- Hidden 12- Bakery worker 63- Fiend 49- One in prison for good 13- Dynamic beginning 64- Served perfectly 51- Bay 21- Sponsorship 65- 1996 Tony-winning 52- Digression 22- Collective word for musical 53- Chieftain, usually in intellectual pursuits 66- Construct Africa 67- Unit of computer memory 24- X-ray units 54- An apple or a planet will 27- Ages have this at the centre 28- Juvenescent Down 55- ___ Bator, Mongolia 30- Mob rule 1- Evade 56- Draw near 31- Author Silverstein 2- Garfield’s middle name 57- Camaro model 32- Very small 3- Make tractable 61- Taxi 4- Human limb, section of a 33- Israeli dance 34- Ancient Athens’s Temple journey of ___ 5- Tooth covering
Sudoku 3 9
5 2
8 2 1
2
5 6 7
4 3 8
4 7 5
9 2 5
7 1 4 3 4
1
9
7
5
8
2
2
7
3 5
8
3
7
2 5
9
1
7 9
1
1
5
3
4 2
6 7
6
7 9 3
9 8
Solutions
The solution to last week’s sudoku, crossword and jumble. For solutions to this week, look at http://thesil.ca
GRASS TULIP FLOWERS BIRDS GREEN BLOOMING
BOUQUET UMBRELLA DAFFODIL SUN RAINBOW RELAXING
Welcoming the...SPRING EQUINOX
JumblyJumble
Incredible
TEBKAS (_) _ _ _ _ _ NUBNY _ _ _ _ (_) COCTELAHO _ (_) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LIPAR (_) _ _ _ _ SATTER _ (_) _ _ _ _ GEGS (_) _ _ _ SALTEP (_) _ _ _ _ _ RAMWOLMALSH _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (_) _ _ _ BELLSJAYEN _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (_) _ _ NAPGITIN _ _ _ (_) _ _ _ _ HARSEC _ (_) _ _ _ _ How does the Easter Bunny travel? __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
With basil tomato sauce and avocado puree
Pan seared sea scallop Basil tomato sauce Ingredients • 2-3 tomatoes • 2 cloves of garlic • handful of basil leaves • olive oil • 2-3 tsp of sugar • tin foil
NOBTEN _ _ _ _ _ (_) OPH (_) _ _ ROLFWES _ _ _ _ (_) _ _ FOORULUCL_ (_) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ YANSDU _ (_) _ _ _ _ TUHN_ _ _ (_) GRINSP(_) _ _ _ _ _ TABIRB _ _ _ _ (_) _ CUKD (_) _ _ _ LEFECE _ _ (_) _ _ _
Slice 2-3 tomatoes in half along with 2 cloves of roughly chopped garlic. In a large mixing bowl, add the tomato, garlic with a handful of basil leaves, a generous amount of olive oil and 2-3 teaspoons of sugar. Mix well and spread well on a baking tray lined with tin foil. Bake the mixture in a hot over around 300 for 20 – 30 min. just until all the juice is released from the tomato. The tin foil is crucial as it captures all the juice for the sauce.
What side of the Easter Bunny has the most fur? __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ AVA DIDEBAN / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Avocado puree Ingredients • 1 ripe avocado • olive oil • lemon juice • salt & pepper TERRY SHAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
While baking, prepare the avocado puree by mashing one ripe avocado. In a mixing bowl, add the mashed avocado with a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. After the tomato is ready, use a siv to capture all the juice from the baking mixture and bring it to a boil until it’s reduced by half. This will create a light syrup-like texture for a flavourful sauce.
Scallop and final combination The scallop should be seared at the last minute. In a hot pan, add a bit of olive oil. Just when the pan is nice and hot, sear the scallop for 1 min per side for a fairly large scallop. Make sure you only flip the scallop once, and the pan must be hot to achieve a nice caramelized sear. The scallop should be cooked medium to avoid a rubbery texture. Finally, assemble everything together on a plate. Remember, be as creative as you want. Enjoy! • Terry Shan
B6 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2010
THE SILHOUETTE • B7
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
SPORTS
production office: extension 27117
sports@thesil.ca
On Apr. 6, McMaster Athletic and Recreation will be hosting their annual awards night to recognize the achievements of Marauder athletes. We at the Silhouette have come up with our own choices for male and female team of the year as well as the athletes of the year for both team and individual sports. Enjoy. Disagree. Respect.
MALE TEAM OF THE YEAR MEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
FEMALE TEAM OF THE YEAR WOMEN’S CROSS-COUNTRY
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
No team exceeded expectations this season more than the men’s soccer team. The team came in to the year as underdogs before doubling their win total from a year earlier, and saving their best play for playoffs. The team won four straight matches in penalty kicks and claimed OUA gold against the goliath University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Thanks to the stellar goaltending of Matthew Grant and the play of a number of young players playing like fifth year vets, the Marauders climbed from obscurity to the very top of OUA soccer. At the CIS tournament, the Cinderella team looked set to move on to the second round after holding the McGill Redmen scoreless for 120 minutes of action, setting up a fifth consecutive shootout for the Maroon and Grey. The teams exchanged goal after goal until the twentieth shooter, Mac’s tenth, was stopped, giving the Redmen the win. The soccer team’s capturing of the OUA banner was one of only two won all year by McMaster teams and the dramatic fashion in which it was won should be enough to name the young Marauders as McMaster’s team of the year.
Despite their ignominious exit from the OUA Championships, the men’s volleyball squad enjoyed a stellar season throughout 2009-10. Expectations were high for the Marauders, who reached the pinnacle of the CIS rankings at one point in their campaign. While they were far from perfect, the McMaster men achieved an impressive 17-3 record in conference play, locking up top spot in the OUA as a result. In addition, they succeeded in sweeping their season series with both of their conference rivals: Western and Queen’s. And although they ultimately did not make it to Kamloops for the national championships, the Marauders can boast preseason victories over the number one ranked Laval Rouge et Or and the Montreal Carabins. The Marauders’ conference dominance was reflected in the yearly OUA awards, where Jeremy Groenveld and Tyler Santoni were named OUA First Team All-Stars, while Ryan Hudson was named to the second team, and Kevin Stevens was added to the AllRookie squad. Regardless of their loss in the OUA semi-finals, the volleyballers are deserving of mention as the men’s team of the year.
We like to make a lot out of underdog stories that rise up when the time is right to claim glory. Well, the women’s cross-country was not one of those stories, as they entered the year with expectations of a CIS medal. Unlike some other Mac teams, however, the girls met these expectations by claiming CIS bronze. If it wasn’t for the fact that the perennial powerhouses of Guelph and Toronto were located in the same conference, this team would have been a heavy favourite to bring home the OUA banner. Consistently ranked throughout the year as one of the top three teams in the country, the women ran their way into the record books by claiming McMaster’s first CIS medal in women’s cross-country. Led by third year runners Jessica Pearo and Jillian Wyman, the Marauder squad finished only three points behind the second place Toronto team. Living up to expectations is important, and no team, male or female, had the same kind of national success as the 2009-2010 women’s cross-country team.
For all intents and purposes, this season looked to be a rebuilding year for the women’s volleyball squad, after the loss of several key veterans in the off-season. But apparently, the Marauder ladies never got the memo. Playing a bruising style of volleyball, they thoroughly dominated the OUA throughout this year’s campaign, en route to an 16-3 record and a bye to the conference semi-finals. In the process, the Marauders became the only Ontario team to crack the CIS top ten. Their achievement did not go unnoticed, with McMaster garnering four awards at the provincial level, including first team AllStar nods for Jenn Holt and Larissa Puhach, second team honours for Kaila Janssen, and the Coach of the Year honours for Marauder bench boss Tim Louks. While they were eventually stopped in their march to the national championships by the Varsity Blues in the OUA final, the Mac ladies can take heart from their display this year, and the promising performances of several young players. For their achievements, the Marauders women’s volleyball squad should be recognized as the McMaster women’s team of the year.
-David Koots
-David Koots
-Fraser Caldwell
OUR PICK: While the men’s volleyball team was unbeatable during the regular season, they failed to deliver in the postseason. For this reason, we pick men’s soccer for team of the year.
-Fraser Caldwell
OUR PICK: No other team had as much success on the national scene as the women’s crosscountry team, the clear favourite for female team of the year.
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (TEAM SPORT)
RYAN CHMIELEWSKI FOOTBALL
MATTHEW GRANT SOCCER
TYLER SANTONI VOLLEYBALL
KEENAN JEPPESEN BASKETBALL
This year’s Marauder football team lost only three games, two of which were against the country’s top team in the Vanier Cup winning Queen’s Gaels. A major reason for the team’s success was the solid play of the team’s formidable defence, and no player was bigger than linebacker Ryan Chmielewski. The third year vet topped the team in tackles and was the leader on the field. Offences needed to be aware of Chmielewski on every single play, and the OUA first team All-Star could do it all, finishing the year with three sacks, two pass breakups, a fumble recovery and an interception. In McMaster’s playoff win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees, Chmielewski set up Mac’s first touchdown after intercepting an Ottawa pass and bringing the ball into Gee-Gee territory. Playing in front of a young secondary, Chmielewski’s consistent play was crucial in settling down the entire defence. Despite the youth on D, the squad finished the year as one of the most feared units, with no player being more feared than the third year middle linebacker.
The McMaster Marauders men’s soccer team enjoyed one of the most impressive and unbelievable playoff runs in CIS history this past fall. And behind the Cinderella story the whole time was impressive goalkeeper Matthew Grant. After barely squeaking into the playoffs after a mediocre regular season, the Marauders defeated the Guelph Gryphons in a sudden death shootout, a particularly difficult situation to put any goalie in. Their next win against the Windsor Lancers also came in a shootout. A theme was beginning to develop. Amazingly, their next game, against the Carleton Ravens, also entered a shootout, with the Marauders yet again coming out on top. Their reward was a date with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, the nation’s top ranked team. Feeding off strong play from their goaltender, the Marauders battled hard in regular time and earned a berth in another shootout, winning yet again to claim OUA supremacy. Undoubtedly, the most important player on any soccer team when competing in a shootout is the goaltender. Grant was the man who fuelled McMaster’s improbable run to the OUA title, and certainly puts forth a great case as the best team athlete.
Quite simply, Tyler Santoni was the most dominant player on one of the best squads that the Maroon and Grey had to offer this season. Manning the middle of McMaster’s fearsome men’s volleyball unit, the Kingston native used his massive 6’8” frame and pterodactylesque wingspan to their full effect over the course of this year’s campaign. By season’s end, the Marauder veteran had racked up a total of 44 blocks, only one back of the OUA lead. However, more than anything, Santoni should be commended for his consistency, which saw him maintain a blistering level of play throughout an often turbulent year. While he may not have been as flashy a performer as some of his counterparts, Tyler played the game with a degree of professionalism and enthusiasm that was both a joy to watch, and a shining example for his teammates. For his efforts, the OUA recognized Santoni as a first team All-Star, and for my money, he is McMaster’s male team player of the year.
In the realm of McMaster’s team sports, perhaps no one was as much of an ‘impact player’ as Keenan Jeppesen. The 6’7” Stoney Creek native, who returned home to McMaster after four seasons at Brown University and UWO, immediately stepped in as the Marauders’ leader on and off the court, averaging 20 points and better than nine rebounds per game. Anyone who saw the Marauders play this year knew he was a force to be reckoned with at both ends of the floor, and it wasn’t hard to see why Head Coach Joe Raso nicknamed Keenan “the Man.” But while his on-court accomplishments were impressive, his leadership off the court was just as incredible. Coming in from another school and becoming the captain of a new team is no east task, but Jeppesen pulled it off beautifully, becoming the heart and soul of a team that spent much of the season in the CIS top-10. Oh yeah, his accolades are pretty impressive too – OUA All-Star, OUA West Player of the Year, and a CIS first team AllCanadian.
-David Koots
-Brian Decker
-Fraser Caldwell
-Ben Orr OUR PICK: While our other three candidates were exceptional this year, no player was more important to their team than Keenan Jeppesen, who was simply dominant more times than not. • PLEASE SEE B8 FOR CONTINUED COVERAGE
B8 • THE SILHOUETTE • CONT’D FROM B7
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
the Sil picks the Marauders of the year
FEMALE ATHLETE FEMALE ATHLETE MALE ATHLETE OF OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR THE YEAR (INDIVIDUAL) (TEAM SPORT) (INDIVIDUAL) JESSICA PEARO CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK AND FIELD
JENN HOLT VOLLEYBALL
HASSAN MUHAMMAD SQUASH
You can make a pretty good case that the top team at Mac this year was the women’s cross-country team, who claimed CIS bronze. At the same time, it is pretty evident that the team’s top runner, Jessica Pearo, has all the makings of the top individual female athlete of the year. Pearo paced the squad at the national level, claiming fifth place overall and finishing only 1.1 seconds away from reaching the podium on her way to being named a first team All-Canadian. Pearo’s strong season qualified her for the Canadian team at the World University Championship to be held on Apr. 11 in Kingston. Like a lot of cross-country runners, Pearo also ran for the Track and Field team. While cross-country is her scene, her track results were strong and she finished the year as McMaster’s second fastest 3000m runner. As a two-sport athlete, her athletic involvement lasted all year long. Coupled with consistent results on the cross-country circuit and her strong showing at the CIS national championship, Pearo is truly deserving of McMaster’s individual female athlete of the year.
For an example of the quintessential varsity athlete, look no further than Jenn Holt. In her final year as a Marauder, the women’s volleyball team’s chief attacking architect did this year what she has been doing since she arrived at McMaster almost a half decade ago - she excelled. There is, after all, a reason why Holt was once again selected as an OUA first team All-Star and a second team AllCanadian this season. Sure, as one of the most technically gifted setters in the country, the native Hamiltonian notched hundreds of assists over the course of this campaign. But beyond her obvious role as a setup specialist, Jenn contributed to her team’s efforts in nearly every conceivable way. Her creativity translated into attacks of her own, most of which can only be described as highlight reel material. More than a simple attacker, Holt was more than willing to sacrifice her body on the defensive side of the ball, and hardly a game went by this year where she was not seen flying into bleachers or diving into the darkest corners of Burridge to make a dig. Jenn was a complete player, and she should be the women’s team player of the year.
After earning a First Team All-Star position and OUA Player of the Year award, it is no surprise that the co-captain of the varsity squash team, Hassan Muhammad, is again a candidate for another accolade: top male athlete of the year. Of course, there is no easy way of comparing players from such contrasting sports as wrestling, golf and squash, so my criteria for top athlete of the year is based upon general qualities that would make someone successful in any sport i.e. What truly makes a great player? Tenacity and winning when it counts. Nursing an ankle injury all season long, Hassan who normally plays second seed, emerged victorious in a close 3-2 match against number one seed, Nick James, of McGill to clinch a playoff spot for the Marauders. Team leadership and love for the sport. As a member of the team myself, every weekend I receive an e-mail from Hassan asking if anyone would like to squeeze in some extra hitting time. The little things. At our first exhibition tournament, I remember feeling apprehensive despite the fact the match didn’t count towards our record. Regardless, Hassan treated it like a real game and coached me all the way through. In my opinion, the little things go a long way and have brought Hassan the success he’s had and will continue to have.
-David Koots SARAH TAYLOR SWIMMING Every once in a while, a freshman athlete comes along with skills that utterly belie their years. For the Marauders this season, that rookie was Sarah Taylor, the first year swimming sensation out of Stittsville, Ontario. After a solid season, Taylor found top form in the OUA Championships, garnering silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 50m fly and being named an OUA All-Star in the process. However, it was on the national stage that the Social Sciences student would shine brightest. On the second day of the CIS Championship meet, Taylor won silver in the 50m fly, in a time of 27.47 seconds. The result is the best achieved by a McMaster swimmer since 2001, when Janet Cook wrapped up two silver medals. Her amazing achievement, and at such a young age, makes Sarah Taylor truly deserving of recognition as the women’s individual athlete of the year.
-Fraser Caldwell NINA BUI RUGBY In the opening minutes of the OUA Bronze Medal game this season, Nina Bui went down with a devastating leg injury. While it would have been easy for her to limp off and watch her teammates from the sidelines, the feisty centre got up and did what she does best: bring down opponents, get the ball, and crush it through into the end zone. Bui has made a name for herself in the OUA for her ferocious play, and after scoring six tries and providing suffocating backfield defence all season, she took home honours as OUA Russell Division Most Valuable Player and a CIS AllCanadian. While she wasn’t successful in taking home OUA Gold or making the CIS tournament, it is moments like the Bronze Medal game which make you realize Bui is a special kind of player who brings the heat every time she steps on the field.
-Fraser Caldwell
-Brian Decker
OUR PICK: This one’s too close to call. Both athletes simply had phenomenal seasons, and we’re calling it a tie.
TAYLOR SMITH BASKETBALL
Want to write for Sil Sports next year? For real? E-mail us at sports@thesil.ca
If you saw the Marauders play this season, you probably came away thinking one thing: that number 11 girl is ridiculously good. Yes, it was often the Taylor Smith show this season, with the veteran guard leading her young team through thick and thin. Smith ended her university basketball career as McMaster’s all-time leader in a number of categories, most notably points and assists. Averaging better than 14 points and a CIS-leading 7.4 assists per game, she was the shining light on a team that was learning throughout the entire campaign. Called “the ultimate point guard” by Head Coach Theresa Burns, Smith was ideal not only as a scorer, but as a mentor for a team that featured a boatload of rookies. The 5’7” guard was named an OUA West All-Star for the third straight season, and was the focus of opposing defences every time she suited up. And for those opposing teams, that was probably a good idea – after all, they probably know better than anybody that the girl wearing number 11 really is ridiculously good. -Brian Decker OUR PICK: Bui was the MVP of her division and a First Team All-Canadian. Hard to argue with that.
FOR SALE: Dynamite. It goes boom. Get it to the man. He’ll shoot it. Contact Bryan@boomgoesthedynamite.com
-Mike Chong RYAN BLAKE WRESTLING This year McMaster claimed five CIS medals, and of those five, two were won by wrestlers Ryan Blake and Dusan Milakara who each won silver in their respective weight classes. It is easy to make a case for either wrestler as a silver at a CIS Championship is an incredible feat, but in looking at the entire season, Blake had the advantage of staying healthy all season long, and for this reason he gets my nod for individual male athlete of the year. Blake claimed gold at the OUA level in the 68kg weight class, beating Brock wrestler Ben Rowbothan 4-0 in the final. The second year student’s accolades at the OUA and CIS level make him a worthy winner of Mac’s individual male athlete o the year. -David Koots JASON WELLINGS GOLF While he plays in one of the most obscure varsity sports, Jason Wellings of the men’s golf team might have the most decorated record of any athlete at Mac. Wellings is the 2005 OUA Champion, the 2006 Canadian University National Champion and a two-time OUA Team Champion. But as good as his resume is, the 2009 campaign was one of his most impressive ones to date. In four regular season tournaments, Wellings never finished out of the top-5, including two runner-up finishes and a win at the McMaster Invitational. The Dundas native was named to the Coaches’ All-Star team, topping the regular season points standings. Wellings will have chance to add to his resume this spring, when he plays the final tournament of his career at the Canadian University National Championships. Repeating as champion will be a tough task, but as he proved this season, Wellings is clearly one of the best across the nation. -Brian Decker OUR PICK: Blake’s CIS Silver is an amazing accomplishment. We’ve got to give him the nod for that feat.
THE SILHOUETTE • B9
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
JEFF GREEN / EXECUTIVE EDITOR
McMaster forward Mike Sheppard imposes his will and makes a devastating hit in a Sept. 13 game against the Waterloo Warriors.
2009-2010: A Year in Photos
PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK
Left: McMaster veteran Cheryl Druchok tries to advance the ball in an Oct. 17 match up against the Windsor Lancers. Above: McMaster seniors and longtime friends Taylor Smith and Lisa Marie Iavarone get pumped up before a Feb. 3 game against the Laurier Golden Hawks WILL VAN ENGEN / PHOTO EDITOR
PHOTO C/O LARRY SKELLY
Left: All-Canadian setter Jenn Holt sets up a play in a Jan. 30 game against the Waterloo Warriors. Right: Standout rookie Mike DiCroce attempts to get by the defence in a Sept. 26 game against the Laurier Golden Hawks.
PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK
B10 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
What’s in a name? Allow us to explain... Andrew Hawley The Fulcrum
OTTAWA (CUP) — Fans of the Gaels, Carabins, and Cascades — among others — must all have asked themselves at one point what in the world their teams’ name means. In order to spread some wisdom from coast to coast, the Fulcrum, with the help of sports editors from across the country, attempts to reveal the meaning behind the names of some of Canada’s university teams.
McGill University Redmen and Martlets
University of Manitoba Bisons
Concordia University Stingers
University of the Fraser Valley Cascades
THE REDMEN IS the name used to describe the men’s athletic teams at McGill. The term was first used in 1929 as “Red Men” in order to describe the red uniforms won by the sports teams. The word “redmen” also serves as a nod to the Scottish heritage of James McGill, the university’s founder, as in previous times the word was used to describe Celts who had red hair. The Martlets is the name used for the women’s teams at McGill since 1976. A martlet is a mythical bird that has no feet, making it unable to land. As such, it is constantly soaring. Three martlets are featured in the university’s logo as they were also present in James McGill’s family’s coat of arms.
THE MEN’S HOCKEY team at Manitoba has worn the Bison logo the longest, having played in the Canada West conference since the 1919–20 season. Bison once dominated the Canadian prairie landscape through their sheer size and numbers. This powerful animal is sacred to Canada’s First Nations peoples and is used as a symbol for the province of Manitoba and for the University of Manitoba sports teams. The animal as a logo is intended to symbolize strength, determination, and perseverance, which are integral aspects of all Bison athletes.
UP UNTIL 1974, Concordia University was actually two separate universities. When Loyola College and Sir George Williams University combined to create Concordia, their athletic departments remained separate for a year. In 1975, they combined and were originally given the name the Concordians. In November 1975 the name was changed to Stingers, and they adopted their current colours of maroon, gold, and white. Around 1979 a bee mascot was introduced to represent and cheer on Concordia at various events, sporting and otherwise. Though originally given the name “Stinger,” he is now known lovingly throughout Concordia as “Buzz.”
THE UNIVERSITY OF the Fraser Valley (UFV) was founded as a community college in 1974, and its athletics program started in 1981. UFV gained university status in 2008 but began competing on the Canadian Interuniversity Sport level in 2006. The school’s teams are named the “Cascades” in honour of local legend and geography. The Cascade mountain range, or the Cascades, extends from southern B.C. to northern California, includes many volcanoes, and is a part of the Pacific’s Ring of Fire. The area’s mythology describes the mountains as chiefs who fought each other with fire and stone. Indeed, their logo seems to personify the mountains. UFV’s mascot is a sasquatch, a purported resident of the Cascades.
—Noreen Mae Ritsema, the Manitoban
—Andrew Hawley, the Fulcrum
—Jamie Gewurz, the Concordian
—Des Fisher, the Fulcrum
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds
University of Western Ontario Mustangs
Université de Montréal Carabins
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks
THE UBC WAS founded in 1908, but for many years varsity teams competed without a team name. They were occasionally called “The Blue and Gold” as a substitute, referencing their uniform colours. In 1933, the Ubyssey stepped in by running a contest to find a “popular name or mascot”. The write-in candidate that garnered the most student support was the “Seagulls.” Unsurprisingly, the Ubyssey rejected the name, and held a public meeting the next year. After a lengthy debate, consensus was formed around “Thunderbirds” as a suitable name, beating out “Golden Eagles.” “Thunderbirds” was used informally by the athletic department until 1948, when an official ceremony with the Kwicksutaineuk people sanctioned the use of the name “Thunderbirds” for all teams on campus.
ACCORDING TO ANDY Watson, sports information coordinator for the Mustangs athletics department, the origin of the name at Western dates back to the 1920s. Two local London newspapers coined various nicknames for sport teams, including “Broncos” for the football team. With their original colours of purple, tan, and white, the team was even labeled the “Skeletons” at one point. The first reference of the word “Mustangs” was in 1929 by the London Free Press. At the time, the head football coach wanted the team to be called the “Purples.” However, the Western Gazette student paper conducted a poll, and “Mustangs” won against the “Purples.” From then on, “Mustangs” was the official name for the university’s teams.
ACCORDING TO THE Carabins athletics department website, the sports teams’ name was initially derived from describing a type of student. In the 19th century, the French term “carabin” was used informally to describe medical students, especially those who frequently played sports. The term became more popular over time in describing med students who played sports when they weren’t studying, following the “work hard, play hard” mantra. The students’ association at Montreal embraced the word “carabin” for symbolizing school spirit and student solidarity and the term was officially adopted for athletic teams in 1922. The Carabins logo features the school colours of blue, white, and black, and also includes a campus landmark: the imposing Roger Gaudry tower, designed by noted architect Ernest Cormier.
BACK WHEN WILFRID Laurier University was called Waterloo College, the school colours were firmly established as being purple and gold, but the athletic teams did not have a name. In the 1950s, students on campus began to call its varsity sports teams the Mules. This name was quickly adopted by Laurier’s student newspaper, formerly called the Cord Weekly. By 1960, when the university had changed its name to Waterloo Lutheran University, the editorial board at the Cord Weekly felt that its sports teams’ name was derogatory, and the student body began to search for alternatives. In the end, the students decided on the Hawks, with Golden being added on as a reference to the school colours. An actual stuffed “Golden Hawk” exists on campus; though the feathers are deteriorating and the golden paint is peeling, it still symbolizes an important part of the university’s history.
—Andrew Hawley, the Fulcrum
—Justin McElroy, the Ubyssey
Queen’s University Golden Gaels
SINCE THE SCOTTISH Presbyterian Church founded Queen’s in 1841, the university’s sports teams are called “Gaels” in reference to Scottish heritage. The term “Gael” refers to a person who speaks Gaelic, a language typically originating from the Scottish Highlands. As well, Kingston Whig-Standard reporter Cliff Bowering coined the term “Golden Gaels” in 1947, which referred to the head-to-toe yellow outfit debuted by the team in a football game. The “Golden” term caught on by the 1950s and has remained since. However, in 2008, the Queen’s athletic department started referring to teams as simply the “Gaels,” although they stated that the name was not being officially changed. —Amrit Ahluwalia, the Queen’s Journal
—Andrew Hawley, the Fulcrum
University of Ottawa Gee-Gees
McMaster University Marauders
GARNET AND GREY have been the trad- IN NOVEMBER OF 1948, the McMaster Silitional colours for the University of Ottawa, houette published a contest to come up with a dating back to when the school was found- nickname for McMaster’s varsity teams. The ed in 1848. The team did not initially have paper offered one prize for the winner—the its own name but was instead referred to by hope of inspired varsity teams. A student by its colours, as most schools were back then. the name of Bill Cline entered “Marauders,” Local Ottawa media began calling the team and by early December, the Silhouette reGGs (the abbreviation for garnet and grey) ported that the “Mac Marauders lose opener and by the 1950s this developed into the to Central Y.” In the yearbook for that season, name Gee-Gees, which has stuck ever since. the football team, which was coached by McSince a Gee-Gee is the lead horse in a race, Master legends Ivor Wynne and Les Prince, Ottawa’s logo features a horse encompassing was listed as the McMaster Maroon Maraudtwo letter Gs. ers. The name has stuck ever since. —Andrew Hawley, the Fulcrum
—Brian Decker, the Silhouette
—Jaehoon Kim, the Fulcrum
Cape Breton University Capers
CAPE BRETON ISLAND was home to the University College of Cape Breton beginning in 1974. In 2005, the school was officially renamed Cape Breton University while maintaining its former athletic colours: a bright stream of orange, green, and white. The name “Caper” (a term describing a resident of the island) was chosen to reflect Nova Scotia’s pride in preserving the Gaelic culture and its ties to a history of Scottish immigration, especially during the Highland Clearances (CBU’s mascot is called the Highlander). The image of a charging Gaelic warrior represents everything that the athletic department at CBU stands for: fierceness, strength, and determination. —Katie DeClerq, the Fulcrum
THE SILHOUETTE • B11
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
What do Dinosaurs have to do with Calgary? Or Vikings with Victoria? We take a look at the history behind 20 University teams’ names from all across Canada
Simon Fraser University Clan
Acadia University Axeman and Axewomen
University of Victoria Vikings
Bishop’s University Gaiters
THE UNIVERSITY WAS founded in 1965 and named after Simon Fraser, a fur trader who charted most of what is now British Columbia, including the Fraser River. The explorer was a member of “Clan Fraser,” a Scottish clan of French origin that was founded in Inverness in the 13th century. “Clan” then became the name for the university sports teams, as Clan Fraser was involved in every major military conflict in Scotland since its founding. As a nod to the university’s close ties to Scottish history, the Clan’s current mascot is a Scottish terrier named McFogg the Dog.
ACADIA UNIVERSITY HAS a mascot derived from its unique history. The school is located in the rural but scenic Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Upon its founding in 1868, Acadia was little more than a collection of educators looking to establish a Baptist institution for higher learning. The university was created on donated land from the loggers and “axemen” of the Annapolis Valley—the traditional labourers during the heady foresting days of yore. The axemen donated their time to clearing the land and building the first structures of Acadia University; hence their selection as the school’s sports teams’ name.
—Matt Lee, the Peak
—Tim Hansen, the Athenaeum
THIS SCHOOL’S TEAM name dates back to 1945–46, when a naming contest was held while the university’s home was Craigdarroch Castle, a large Victorian mansion. Mike Tucker, communications officer for the Vikes, relayed this report from alumnus Harry Greenhough: “I was down in the smoking room at the Castle, and I was talking to this fellow, and he had just won $5.00 because he’d thought of the name ‘Vikings.’ And he was very happy. And when you consider that $5.00 in those days was quite a bit of money, it was well worth it.” The Vikes mascot is a Viking named Thunder, appropriate since the Norse god Thor was the god of thunder.
THESE AREN’T YOUR green reptilian “gators.” The term “gaiter” refers to the clerical boot covering (originally made of leather) worn by Anglican bishops up until the early part of the 20th century. At that time, gaiters were used for practical purposes as bishops were mobile and often rode horses for travel. The name is a nod to the university’s history, as the primarily English-speaking school (Concordia and McGill are the other universities in Quebec taught primarily in English) was established in 1843 as a Bishop’s College and remained under the Anglican Church’s control until 1947. Despite an undergraduate student population of just under 2,000, Gaiters fans have a reputation for showing a strong affinity for their sports teams.
—Des Fisher, the Fulcrum
—Andrew Hawley, the Fulcrum
Carleton University Ravens
University of Calgary Dinos
University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds
Lakehead University Thunderwolves
FOUNDED AS A small college in 1942, Carleton was first associated with the name “Ravens” in the 1940s. The school’s football team was called the “Originals,” and in 1948 the student newspaper the Carleton (which later became the Charlatan) called them the “Ravens.” This was likely because the team sported Raven-black coloured jerseys. According to Keith Harris, a former athletic director at Carleton, it was a photograph of the football team that inspired the name: during a game in rainy weather, players apparently covered their heads with black jerseys, bearing a resemblance to black birds. To this day, Carleton’s emblem—which dates back to when the school received university status in 1957—includes a pair of ravens.
KNOWN FOR ITS dinosaur-related attractions such as Dinosaur Provincial Park and the Royal Tyrell Museum, Southern Alberta’s dinosaur motif is not limited to tourism. The University of Calgary officially selected the “Dinosaurs” to be their mascot when the athletic department was established in 1964. The building of the athletics program coincided with the archaeological digs in Dinosaur Provincial Park, and the excitement inspired the university to choose Rex the Dinosaur as the mascot. The sport teams’ name was later officially shortened to “Dinos” in 1998. To their knowledge, they are the only dinosaurrelated university sports team in North America.
THE UNIVERSITY OF New Brunswick teams had various nicknames before they were named the Varsity Reds. This was especially true during the latter part of the school’s 225-year history. There was a wide variety of names including Red Devils, Red Raiders, Red Harriers, and even the UNB Swimming Beavers and Mermaids. The media often confused teams and even the student population was unclear as to which name belonged to which team. At the beginning of the 1993–94 season, the athletics department drummed up suggestions from the surrounding community and polled the coaches for a final decision. The name “Varsity Reds” was proposed and stood out from the pack.
—Katie DeClerq, the Fulcrum
—Colin McPhail, the Brunswickan
LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY HAS gone through a couple of name changes in its history before settling on “Thunderwolves.” The school used to be known as the Lakehead Technical Institute back in the 1940s, and its sports teams were referred to as the “Mustangs.” By 1965, Lakehead had gained full university status, and their team name was changed to the “Nor’Westers,” coined after a group of mountains in the Thunder Bay region. In 1998, university president Dr. Frederick Gilbert decided on a name change as “Nor’Westers” was somewhat difficult to market. After a student vote, the team was rebranded as the “Thunderwolves.” The name was a nod to the city of Thunder Bay as well as the university’s fitness centre, called the Wolves’ Den.
—Erin Walkinshaw, the Charlatan
—Jaehoon Kim, the Fulcrum
THANKS TO ALL OUR READERS FOR THE GREAT YEAR! -BRIAN, DAVID, FRASER AND BEN
B12 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
HEALTH
production office: extension 27117
in partnership with SHEC
An active brain is a healthier brain This summer, take the time to give your brain some exercise SARAH LEVITT
However, the brain, like a muscle of the body, must be continuously exercised to stay healthy. If you leave it Though summer may still seem a untouched for four months, it will long time away, in reality, it is fast atrophy, and returning to school in approaching. Over the summer, it is September will be even more paintempting to burn all our notes, waste ful than usual. Here are some tips away the days watching television, for enjoyable ways to keep the brain and, in general, give our brain a pro- active over the summer months. longed—and much needed—break. Games and puzzles like Sudoku, HEALTH EDITOR
Scrabble, and crossword puzzles are all great ways to exercise your brain. A study published in the Psychology of Aging suggests that a high experience with crossword puzzles helps reduce the effects of age on memory and perceptual speed tasks. An article in Psychology Today also points to the connection be-
AVA DIDEBAN/ MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Puzzles, reading, and creative activities like painting or listening to music can all keep your brain alert longer.
tween puzzle solving and a healthy brain. The authors, Sternberg and Davidson, argue that when we complete puzzles we are using our ability to compare concealed data in the puzzle with information already in our memories. The thinking involved in integrating the two sets of knowledge to form original ideas is a combination of imaginative association and memory, which together provide great exercise of the brain. Furthermore, solving puzzles often makes us feel proud and accomplished, and these feelings of happiness release dopamine in the brain, a hormone that makes us feel good all over. Reading is another enjoyable summer activity that helps keep the brain healthy. When we settle down with a book, we have to think about it, and this contemplation is equivalent to lifting weights at the gym. For example, when we read fiction, we exercise our brain in translating the text into the mental pictures that serve to engross us in the story. Though we often remain sedentary while reading, it is actually quite an active endeavour. When we watch television our brain simply absorbs the events on the screen, but when we read, we must actively decipher what is happening in the novel. Reading forces our brains to work so hard, that we are actually building stronger brain cell connections as we turn the pages of our books. Sitting under a tree or lying in a park with an exciting novel is a wonderful, and healthy, way to spend a summer afternoon. Eating, another enjoyable
summer activity, can also be used to reinforce the brain. Foods containing omega fatty acids, like fish and flax or hemp seeds, are known to increase intellectual stamina. For your summer dinners, then, consider BBQing some fish and serving it with some delicious flax seed bread. Furthermore, spending your summer pursuing those subjects that you don’t have time for during the school year will actually benefit your brain. Drawing or painting exercises both hemispheres of the brain, a feat that academic schoolwork rarely accomplishes. When we begin to paint, the right hemisphere of our brain gets a workout as we visualize the completed product in our mind. During the painting process, we must be analytical of our work, exercising the left side of our brain. Also, going to outdoor classical music concerts, commonly found in parks across North America during the summer months, serves as brain exercise. Studies have shown that brain activity increases more while listening to classical music than any other kind. There are many fun summer activities that keep our brains active and fresh for beginning a new school year the following September. Furthermore, scientists believe that by exercising our brains we create a cognitive reserve that helps our brains stay young longer. Once you have slept through the first two weeks of May to recover from exams, keep your brain active and healthy by exercising it throughout the summer months.
Start the day off right with healthy cereal ANGELA TANDON THE SILHOUETTE
It is a common knowledge that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and there is even research to prove it. Several studies indicate that kids who eat breakfast tend to have fewer weight issues and are able to focus better at school than those who do not. But breakfasts high in sugar, like those that include sweetened cereals, cause a spike in blood sugar levels, promoting an imbalance in hormone levels linked with weight regulation. Individuals experience a temporary sugar rush followed by a lull in energy making them believe they must eat again in order to boost their energy levels. Establishing this cycle early in the morning forces us to maintain high energy levels throughout the day, leading to mindless eating and an excessive intake of calories. High sugar levels also make us fidgety and less able to focus. For students who have to sit through hours of lecture, being unable to pay attention is extremely problematic. Furthermore, as the sugar effects wear off, we become irritable and listless, which hinders the learning process even further. A CTV News study looked at
the matter in greater depth. They compared the effects of eating a high fiber, low sugar breakfast such as oatmeal to no breakfast and then to one high in sugar and low in fibre. The study concluded that students who ate high fibre, low sugar breakfasts did best overall, with significantly better scores in spatial learning tasks helpful in learning of math, art and geography. Healthier cereals are not marketed as heavily as sugary cereals. In addition, many high sugar cereals are being promoted as “good for you” emphasizing that they are a source of fibre and whole grains. Fortification of many cereals with essential vitamins and minerals is also common. Even with these supplements, however, many dieticians agree that it is better to get vitamins through unprocessed sources. Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition at New York University, states that fortification is purely for the sake of marketing and making cereals seem healthier than they actually are. Cereal is a convenient source of whole grains and should not be cut out of our diets. However, it is important to know what to look for in a healthy cereal. First of all, any chosen cereal should have at least five grams of fibre, which helps
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
Eating sugary cereals for breakfast can affect your energy levels throughout the day. fuel and satiate the body. As a richsource of complex carbohydrates, fibre also eliminates spikes in blood sugar. Healthy eating also requires us to ensure that portion sizes are kept under control. This practice will help reduce overeating in one sitting. If you want to satisfy your
sweet tooth during breakfast, try adding fruits like berries to your bowl rather than filling it with sugary cereal. Current evidence indicates that several cereals are not within standards consistent with a healthy lifestyle. Everyone needs to take
responsibility for ensuring that healthy foods are being consumed on a regular basis. Making small changes to our breakfasts help us control our weight and make us better able to focus—an essential skill as exam time approaches this month.
THE SILHOUETTE • C1
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
BUSINESS
production office: extension 27117
business@thesil.ca
RRRROLL UP -the rim to-
Lose This year Tim’s contest showcases more prizes, but do all Canadians have equal chances of winning?
Santino Marinucci Business Editor
Anybody who lives in Canada or has been to this country for any set amount of time knows about Tim Hortons Roll Up the Rim to Win contest that rolled in on March 1 and finishes off on May 30 every year. With this comes the students inevitably posting Roll Up scores on their Facebook pages. In which they chronicle their terrible records and proclaim the contest unfair when they are 0-21. In other cases there are those individuals who cannot help to boast their impressive 5-0 record, just making you want to put your head through a wall. However most people would agree that the odds of winning anything whatsoever with Roll Up seems darn near impossible, despite the statement that your odds are1 in 9. According to the Tim Horton’s official Roll up the Rim to Win contest rules, “at the outset: the overall approximate odds across North America of being eligible to win one of the Forty 2010 Toyota Rav4 4WD V6 Sport vehicles are 1 in 6,985,425; the overall approximate odds of being eligible to win one of Twenty-five Thousand $100 Tim Cards are 1 in 11,177; the overall approximate odds of being eligible to win a food prize are 1 in 9”. These odds for the food prizes are audited daily, while issuing weekly reports of prize distribution throughout the country, to ensure that the true odds for winning this contest are always 1 in 9 for the doughnut and coffee prizes. This is supported by the information provided on the contest rules website regarding the contest. However, despite this the odds may vary provincially depending on how many cups are distributed to the different locations. Provinces with larger populations get considerably more winning cups than others. According to statistics provided by Tim Horton’s regarding the distribution of major
prizes awarded, the 279,417,000 cups will be allocated across Canada. They will distributed based on population and overall demand. According to the odds of winning, Ontario will receive the highest number of top prize winning cups. The province will receive 20 top prize winning cups. Western and northern provinces and territories like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, and Northwest Territories will all combine to win 5 top prizes. This is a mere 1 win per province. Ontario also boasts the highest number of second prize winners. The second prize is $25,0000. 12,763 people in Ontario will win this prize, with the Northern and Western provinces will receive 3,647 winning cups. This year Tim’s is giving more top prizes. Last year, Ontario received less prizes than other areas, based on population. Last year, only 15 of the 35 grand prizes were allotted to Ontario making it seemingly unfair. Tim Horton’s seems to have gotten the message this year and fixed the problem. The smaller provinces are not necessarily in a worse spot for winning prizes because the availability is equal to the number of people who live out there. With this said Ontario’s population of 11,410,046 certainly means more prizes. It seems as though the luck we all thought we didn’t have when it came to rolling up (at least in Ontario) can be busted. Given that the number of cups are proportional to our population and we have the highest number of prizes available to our own province. Now this may be based off of the sole fact that our province has the largest number of people and potentially the largest coffee drinking market in Canada. So keep on rolling up your rims and hopefully you can sleep a little better at night knowing that Tim Hortons is not scamming you. At least to our knowledge.
MICHELLE NG / SILHOUETTE STAFF
A slimmer budget for Ontario in 2010 Budget promises more space for students, but no real increase for existing students
Simon Granat Business Editor
The man who has earned the name “spend and save” Dalton is whistling a new tune after the release of the Ontario budget on March 25. The economic downturn and Ontario’s growing deficit has made “freeze” the word. All in all, the liberal budget is relatively conservative. This budget will aim to, “eliminate the deficit and preserve public spending.” It will try and keep expenses as low as possible, freezing wages and reducing spending. It hopes that these reductions will pay down the province’s debt. Ontario is projecting the debt to total $212.4 billion by Mar. 31, 2010. The budget has pledged to freeze wages
for public service employees for the next two years. In addition to this, MPPs will “lead by example” as their salaries, that were frozen last year, will remain frozen for another two years. The budget states that the government will adhere to all collective bargaining agreements currently in place. The salary freeze is expected to free up to $750 million that will be redirected to “sustaining schools hospitals and other public services,” the budget says. And while much of the right wing business media is calling for upheavals from the public sector, workers won’t be happy, but they won’t be overly angry either. While the nation-wide unemployment rate sits at 8.2 per cent. Public sector employees will be more willing to accept a pay freeze than face un-
employment. The province will also try and keep medical expenses in line. They will try and saddle back and reduce spending on infrastructure, after stimulus spending has stopped. Students will see the continuation of a troubling trend. The province has promised more seats for students but not much else. The province will invest $310 million in postsecondary education. This money will generate 20,000 new spaces for students. This is in addition to the $155 million pledged by the government to also increase enrolment in 2009 and 2010. Although this might sound good, it poses some problems for students. • PLEASE SEE ONTARIO, C2
OFFICE OF DWIGHT DUNCAN
The 2010 Ontario budget will give $310 for post secondary education.
C2 • THE SILHOUETTE around the globe
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
YOUR MONEY
United States The United States Treasury is cashing in its stock with Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) to regain a $7.7 billion profit with their $32.2 billion stake. This will complete the paying back of the $45 billion bailout that the government provided last year to the failing financial institutions. This was the third largest hand out of money from the US government who provided over $700 billion in TARP money. This will also bode well for Citigroup and its overall health of the company.
Australia Inheritance claims in Australia are expected to rise to over $370 billion over the next 15 years due to a largely ageing population and the waning off of the baby boomer generation. High ownership rates and home prices are also expected to rise once these properties are left to younger generations. Baby boomers and veterans currently own up to $2 trillion in housing assets in the country, which is half of the country’s housing collection.
Japan The Japanese government has taken another step in combating its aging population and infrastructure, to start creating a healthy resale market for its homes which generally only have a 25 year lifespan. This move will be done to help spark Japanese citizens to spend more money renovating their homes instead of buying property and demolishing it after they move out. Currently, only 13 per cent of homes in Japan are pre-owned, compared to 78 per cent in the US. This move is expected to help increase the home renovation market and its builders, along with incentives provided by the Japanese government by means of renovation credits to help spur investment.
United Kingdom The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc. (LSE:RBS) has received a massive penalty for providing financial institution Barclays Plc. (LSE: BARC) confidential pricing data. This fine is the largest that can be issued in the U.K. at a staggering $43 million. Two employees at RBS provided the data to other individuals at Barclays. The information consisted of the loan pricing data to professional services firms. Barclays is not to be fined because they brought the issue to light exposing the employees at RBS.
TYLER HAYWARD / SILHOUETTE STAFF
A 40 hour week can make summer stressful for students.
Stay cool
Keeping your sanity can be tough while working full time in the summer Michael Cardillo Silhouette Staff
The news is good. Exams are soon. For most of us this means the end of the academic year and the start of summer. The beginning of summer can be a bittersweet experience for some students since it means a return to full time work. For those who have never worked full time, working a forty hour work week will most likely come as a shock, especially during the summertime when you know your friends are having a good time. The luxury of being able to wake up at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. will be replaced by the need to wake up at 6 a.m. to pay for next year’s tuition. Although the idea of a 40 hour work week seems daunting, especially for those who are new to it, there are many ways in which you can help yourself recover from the daily grind and still take advantage of the
summer. First off before starting your job, it is important that you set some goals for what you want to accomplish so that you can help yourself strike a balance between your needs for the future and wants of the present. Moreover, it is key that you establish how much money you need to save, so you have an idea of how much you can spend when you need to reward yourself. Finally, goal setting will provide you with a deeper sense of purpose while you are working. This might make it easier for you to get through the day. Maintaining your sanity while working long hours in the summer also means learning to take full advantage of your time off. If you are fortunate enough to only work during the week, then there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself on the weekend. Shifts for students can be more challenging to
manage since they usually involve working nights and weekends. Finding time to spend with your friends or significant other is very important since casual socializing provides a means to release work related stress. If you are worried that your work obligations may be preventing you from enjoying the weather, then take some of your activities outside. When you are finished work, go for a scenic bike ride or take a dip in the pool. All are inexpensive ways to keep your cool in the summer. No matter how you prefer to spend your free time, the summer season provides many opportunities for growth and fulfillment in both the professional and personal areas of life. Proper time management, resourcefulness, and self discipline are three of the most important tools needed to help you cope with the stress of a busy summer.
Raging BULL On Mar. 31, 2010 the minimum wage in Ontario went up and with it so did the price of a double-double. The timing couldn’t have been better for students. For those who are about to go out and look for a job, chances are you will get paid more. And for those who have been working all year long, they may have received a raise. The increase in minimum wage is a nice way to end the school year. There are dangers to the increase in minimum wage. Inflation would be one. The purpose of increasing the minimum wage is to keep low income workers’ purchasing power on par with inflation. Although, some companies will take advantage of this, these companies do not view the increase in minimum wage for what it is—a reactionary measure to inflation. Instead, these companies, many of which we trust, use the increase in minimum wage to raise prices. I understand why they do it, but it creates more inflation which makes the increase in minimum wage all but invisible. Companies will increase their prices to try and offset the increase in minimum wage. That way their profit margin can stay intact. The problem is that labour isn’t their only cost, the price of transportation of goods, materials, heating, and rent all also go up. When these costs rise, so do prices. Only after other prices have increased does the minimum wage go up. The point of which is to make sure that students, single
mothers, the elderly, or anyone else trapped in a low income job doesn’t lose what little purchasing power they had. And then the price of a double-double goes up and the increase in minimum wage is all for nought. Sadly it’s a stop gap measure, when it could be something much more. When companies raise prices as soon as minimum wage goes up it chastises the low income parts of society. Henry Ford once raised wages in his factory to $5 a day, a significant amount for the time. He believed that by paying his workers a little more they would be able to buy the products that his company and other companies would produce. It would spur consumerism, and make the economy boom. He was right. Companies today have lost sight of the broader picture. Many of our favourite chains are too narrow sighted. They are so concerned with their margins, and maintaining profitability that they take their customers and their workers for granted. They have lost sight of the magic of both the market, and of the North American consumer. If you pay workers more money, they’ll spend it, it will circulate in the economy and eventually everyone will be richer, companies included. Maybe one day minimum wage will go up and prices will stay the same. However, I won’t hold my breath. •Simon Granat
Ontario budget aims to take liberals out of the red • CONT’D FROM 1 The government will not regulate the size of classes in postsecondary. It is likely that universities will create additional space for students, but not invest that money in the quality of the education. Class sizes for students will balloon, with no real promise that the quality of postsecondary education will increase or even stay the same. While public services see funding cuts, businesses will win out. Beginning on July 1, 2010, the province will give $4.6 billion in tax cuts for big and small business. These cuts will gradually reduce the corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 14 per cent to 10 per cent in the next three years. The government will also cut the small business CIT rate from 5.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent and to eliminate the small business deduction surtax. The surtax currently sits at 4.25 per cent. In addition, the government has $1.6 billion in annual savings earmarked for business. These savings will be produced when the government elim-
inates the Capital Tax on Jul. 1, 2010. Saving businesses money may free up funds to invest in other things such as hiring new workers, or increasing inventory. Now that the stimulus taps have been turned off, cutting taxes may keep the private sector investing and the stimulus money circulating throughout the economy. The government expects that 504,000 jobs will be created in Ontario by 2013. Employment is projected to increase by an average of 2.1 per cent annually over 2011 and 2013. This will leave the unemployment rate at an estimated 6.8 per cent in 2013. By reducing their tax base, the government is limiting how quickly they can pay down their debt, or keep the quality of other services such as healthcare in the same. Personal income tax cuts will also be made. Starting in 2010, approximately 90,000 low income citizens will no longer pay Ontario personal income tax.
THE SILHOUETTE • C3
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
the water cooler
executive silhouettes
From Tokyo to Austria and back again
Compiled by Santino Marinucci
MGM may be gone with the wind The 86 year old production studio MGM, may be left in the dust after the film studio made an unconvincing plea to creditors to restructure the company. The struggling studio is currently buckling from the weight of its $4 billion debt and is having trouble selling off its assets to other firms. Offers so far have only topped out at $1.5 billion prompting creditors to grow weary of the company’s prospects of restructuring, making bankruptcy likely. Toyota probed by NASA The investigation into the Asian carmaker Toyota’s (NYSE: TM) accelerator problem just got a whole lot more serious. NASA has teamed up with the US government and the National Research Council to investigate the accelerator pedal problem that has led to over 51 deaths. This investigation is prompted by impatient research groups who believe that the issue is greater than just a sticky pedal and floor mat. The studies are expected to cost $3 million and last over 18 months. Beating traffic by helicopter
FILE PHOTO
Lynton “Red” Wilson Chancellor and former CEO of BCE bridges the gap between public and private business
Wall Street is finally starting to show its financial confidence again through the pocket books of its countless businessmen and women that line its offices. This of course is through helicopter transportation company Liberty Helicopters Inc. Who offer their services to the wealthy who can’t bear waiting in traffic. The company was hit hard in 2009 during the recession and is starting to pick up again this year which is a sign of better economic times. For $200 (USD) a day how could you go wrong? Scramble for...Warsaw?
Santino Marinucci: How did you get started in business? Lynton Wilson: I didn’t start out in the business world. Togo Salmon was a professor of History here when I was a student in 1961. In my 4th year, he came to me and said you know you ought to write the Canadian foreign services exam. So I wrote the foreign services exam. I was offered jobs from both the foreign services and the Bank of Canada. I was 21 years old, the Foreign Service sounded more fun. I had two postings as a young foreign services officer, one in Vienna, Austria and one in Tokyo, Japan. In between I decided I wanted to go back to graduate school so I was fortunate enough to get a Woodrow Wilson fellowship to go to Cornell. After I taught at Cornell and was more or less planning an academic career. It was in 1968-69 and I was a teaching assistant in economics. The country was in turmoil, it was Vietnam, civil rights all of that. The university was shut down. Black students shut down the student government building with guns. I thought this wasn’t a very good thing for the rest of my life. I had been doing some consulting work for John Labatt Limited, which was great because as a TA you don’t make very much money and to do some consulting on the side was great. So that’s how I got started in business. Simon Granat: When you sit down at the end of the day, what motivates you? LW: I like to get things done. I like to solve problems. I like to figure out how you get people motivated in the right ways to get things done and I like public policy issues. I like to solve those kinds of questions, to the extent that you can solve them. So I guess that’s what motivates me, opportunities to make a difference by solving problems and getting things done. SG: You have a BA in history and contribute money to the history department. Why is his-
tory important? LW: I don’t think you can solve problems without knowing how those problems came to be as they are, or you can’t participate as a full citizen in a community or a country unless you know something about how that city or country came to be what it is. It is a very important underpinning for all of us, no matter what our occupation is, but most importantly as citizens. So it’s an important tool for business people, for all of us. SG: What does McMaster mean to you? LW: When you spend four years or more of an important part of your life as a part of the institution, it affects you in many ways. Not only what you learn, who you associate with, what kinds of activities you get involved in. You don’t think about it at the time but it does impact your life, so it’s always with you, you never forget the years you spent here. SM: How has business changed in the last ten years, and where do you see it going in the next ten years? LW: It’s much faster; communications technology has affected the way business is done. Not just globalization, but the way decisions are made, how businesses are organized, so much faster. I know you couldn’t have predicted ten or twenty years ago the communications tech changes that have taken place, but not only that, the way technologies apply. SG: What qualities do you think are important for students looking to be hired right now? LW: Well, the qualities of good human beings. Being inquisitive, searching for ideas, opportunities, being willing to step out and take some chances, take some risks, do things that you may not really understand all that well, but you’re prepared to do it. To get something done successfully is a quality that obviously people looking to entice you
Bear:
Bank of America
(NYSE: BAC)
Pop quiz: what do you do when your customer’s don’t pay their bills? Answer, tell them that they don’t have to pay it back, according to the Bank of America. The company said that they would forgive 30 per cent of ‘underwater’ mortgages, worth an estimated $3 billion (USD). The idea is for the bank to try and get what they can from mortgage holders who otherwise couldn’t pay anything. However, it signals that the Bank of America has had trouble restructuring since last year. Look for lower than expected numbers and angry investors when the company releases its Q1 2010 earnings on April 15.
to come and work for them would look for. An obvious sense of ethics. When I started in business, that was not such a big issue because people were assumed to have an ethical background. They grew up with church or family education that made sure they learned right from wrong. You can see from what has happened in a lot of our bubbles in the economy that ethics has been a concern, so that you’d want to make sure that ethics is an important part of your kit when you look for a job. SM: What advice do you have for students who have high aspirations to succeed? LW: You need to prove yourself. You need to be willing to take assignments, risks, and get the job done. No matter how small the job is, it’s the demonstration that you have a sense of commitment to solve problems and move things ahead that is very important. Don’t underestimate good luck. It’s been part of my life, I’ve had a lot of good luck, and it plays a big role. And don’t underestimate the importance of mentors of my early life and later, people who took interest in me. And when that happens that’s partly good luck but it’s also a very important piece of the puzzle. So I can think about 8 or 10 mentors that I have had in my life that have really made a difference for me. So don’t underestimate mentors and good luck. SG: Is there anything else that you’d like to say to McMaster students? LW: You’re a part of a great university, who is one of the world’s great universities, Canada’s great universities. Enjoy your time here. Take advantage of what university can offer, from the courses you take, to the activities you have to the friends you make. Take advantage of all of them. University is an important part of your life now and it should continue to be an important part because it will have shaped you. So don’t hesitate to give back in whatever way you can.
The government of Poland has recently announced that they are planning on making Warsaw, Poland’s capital, into a major financial hub. This is due to the major share offerings totalling $10 billion that the government will be offering to companies this year. This will be done with the government selling its stakes in energy, insurance, chemical and phone companies. Major institutions like Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) have plans to open a branch office in the Warsaw, and Credit Suisse Group (NYSE: CS) also agreed to open a brokerage this year. McDonalds rights
waives
World
Cup
McDonalds Corp. (NYSE:MCD) has announced that they will be waiving exclusive rights to supply food at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. The restaurant chain is planning on focusing on its other 132 stores within the country. The company will still be presence at the games. They will have an outlet in the main stadium’s international media center. McDonalds saw a 2.5 per cent sales increase in its African, Asian, and Middle Eastern operations last year. U.K swaying towards wind power Siemens AG (LSE: SIE) has agreed to a $120 million dollar wind turbine deal that will build an offshore wind turbine facility creating over 700 jobs. This is the fourth time under the U.K. government where there have been deals luring new investment to the country. They project to employ an addition 70,000 people in the wind turbine sector by 2020. General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) has also agreed to invest $152 million in an offshore turbine facility as well, employing 1,200 people.
Bull:
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C)
Good news for investors, Citigroup will be taken off life support next month. The United States government has announced that they will be selling off their shares in the bank. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) will broker the deal. The move sends signals that the American government is confident that the company can stand on its own two feet. The US government currently owns a 27 per cent stake in Citigroup. They will sell the shares off gradually over time. Shares will be sold after Citigroup releases their quarterly figures on April 19, unless the company runs into trouble before then. Although we won’t need to worry about that, the banks are too big to fail... they did? Well never mind then.
C4 • THE SILHOUETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2010
PROVINCIAL BUDGET
Running down the budget
FROM THE GOULD TRADING FLOOR
The dangers of petrol
If Petrol-Dollars dip, global economy can may take a tumble
ANDREW VRANA
GOULD TRADING FLOOR
countries have more money than can be used efficiently at home. Inevitably, these funds are pushed abroad, and into the global financial system, where these countries’ sovereign wealth funds seek higher returns in already inflated assets. By investing at the peak of the most recent asset bubble, fund managers in Persian Gulf-based sovereign wealth funds are estimated to have lost an estimated 53 per cent on their assets under management. In dollar terms, that is approximately $66.9 billion. This is partly because the massive petro-dollar outflows of recent years happened to coincide with a glut of liquidity due to low interest rates, and excessive investor appetite for risk. Ultimately this situation fuelled bubbles in the global financial markets. The increasing interconnection of these markets has, as the Foreign Policy put it, “globalized the resource curse”, exposing all countries to the risk of energy markets. To use a phrase made famous by Alan Greenspan, “irrational exuberance” or euphoria driven by the false sense of security that prolonged periods of economic growth creates, amplifies demand-driven spikes in oil prices. This will exacerbate the eventual slowdowns of cyclical economies. When the
economy hits the proverbial speed bump and growth stalls, the flows of Petro-Dollars dry up, affecting financial markets. Liquidity and credit is squeezed, preventing the oil exporting nations from investing sufficiently in productive capacity, and so the story begins again. Oil exporting countries of the Middle East can partly alleviate this problem by thinking more strategically. Increasing their investment in oil-production capacity during recessions, as well as building aboveground reserves when prices is a start. A small number of countries have already begun to adopt this approach. Saudi Arabia, the largest exporter of oil, with an estimated 25 per cent of the world’s proven conventional oil reserves not only maintains the largest production capacity in the world, but continues to increase its excess capacity. Another part of the solution is the further development and diversification of Middle Eastern economies, which would be better able to absorb petro-dollar flows, and decrease spill over into the global financial system. Whether this can all be achieved before the next bubble, and how exactly it will be achieved, remains a key question. One can only wait to see the results.
The role of global economic imbalances in creating financial crises has come under increased scrutiny over the last few years as the world was plunged into the worst recession in almost 80 years. Those imbalances came to be personified in the public eye by the large trade surpluses of Asian economies, China in particular. According to data from 2006, the most recent year from which figures are available, the financial outflows from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait equaled approximately $200 billion. This is equal to the value of funds exiting China in the same year. Considering the additional sums of capital pouring out from the remaining oil-exporting Middle Eastern states. “Petro-dollar recycling” the sudden surges of oil-receipts to and from the Middle East, is increasingly unstable, exPremier Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals will create 50,000 new green jobs. acerbating the inherent volatility in the global financial system. During periods of extended economic growth such as between 2002 and 2008, oil producers, like the Middle East and Persian Gulf, reap bumper profits through habitual under-investment in producOntario Energy Credit of $130 for tion and refining capacity. With oil REMEK DEBSKI single people and $200 for families prices continuing their rise, these SIL ANALYST to help offset higher energy costs. Ontario is hoping to stimulate Employment is certainly what’s on every Canadian’s mind. It’s no sur- growth through a green economy. prise that the 2010 Ontario budget The Green Energy Act will add follows in the federal budget with 50,000 new jobs over three years. IN CANADA, economists expect it to be reported that the country’s Raw Materials Price There is also a new water strategy Index declined by 0.50 per cent month-over-month on soft commodity prices, oil and gold prospects for jobs and growth. The Ontario plan is broken to protect Ontario’s water resources in particular. up into six main areas. First, the and create new jobs in the water government is looking to invest in sector. IN THE UNITED STATES meanwhile, analysts expect the country’s unemployment rate to Infrastructure investments into knowledge and skills. Second, there will be help for job creation and roads, bridges, transit, and energy remain unchanged at 9.7 per cent. Despite this, consumer confidence is expected to have economic growth in northern On- retrofits will preserve and 300,000 increased from 46 to 50 per cent because of increased factory orders. Nonfarm payrolls, an indicator of activity in the manufacturing and service sector, will likely show an increase tario. Third, more job opportunities jobs. through the green economy. Fourth, Ontario’s new Tax Plan will of 190,000 jobs. there will be short-term infrastruc- help create 600,000 new jobs ture investments. Fifth, Ontario within 10 years. Personal income A US Federal Reserve program to purchase securitized mortgages from Fannie Mae and has new tax plans to help jobs and tax cuts will be reduced for 93 per Freddie Mac, which has helped stimulate home purchases by pushing down mortgage growth. Sixth, there will be advan- cent of taxpayers. Starting in 2010 rates, will expire on Mar. 31, 2010. cement of the poverty reduction there will be enhanced sales tax credits and property tax credits for agenda. Under the Investing in Know- low to middle-income families and EARNINGS HIGHLIGHTS for the upcoming week include releases from such prominent ledge and Skills section, Ontario is individuals. There will be a small names as Canadian handset-maker Research In Motion Ltd. (TSE:RIM), miner Sprott Relooking at a $310 million invest- business income tax rate reduction source Corp. (TSE: RCP), and pulp and paper giant AbitibiBowater Inc. (NYSE:ABH). ment to open 20,000 new spaces on July 1, 2010 from 5.5 per cent to in colleges and universities for the 4.5 per cent. Finally, to help Ontar2010-11 year. Further, more then ians adjust to the Harmonized Sales 1,000,000 Ontarians will receive Tax there will be $4.2 billion in skills training and employment as- Sales tax Transition Benefits. Ontario is planning to fursistance annually. Finally, 35,000 children in 600 schools will bene- ther advance its poverty reduction fit from a September 2010 initia- agenda. A plan is in place to reduce tive designed for four and five-year child poverty by 25 per cent over 5 years. The hope is to get 90,000 olds. In order to help create jobs in children out of poverty by 2013. Northern Ontario, $150 million a 8,500 children will benefit from year over three years will be put $63.5 million used to replace disinto the new Northern Industrial continued federal funding in annual Electricity Rate Program. $45 mil- childcare. Minimum wage will inlion over three years will be in- crease to $10.25 an hour on March vested into new skills training for 31, 2010. Finally, 90,000 lowerAboriginal Peoples and Northern income taxpayers will benefit from Ontarians. Finally, there is a pro- a tax cut that will have them no posal for a permanent Northern longer paying personal income tax. OFFICE OF DALTON MCGUINTY
Budget promises a leaner, greener Ontario
Gould Trading Floor Market Outlook
greenberg • the runaways • shAIDS of grey cfmu • poirier • budos band
index
D2 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
thursday, april 1, 2010
Senior Editor: Grace Evans Entertainment Editor: Myles Herod Music Editor: Corrigan Hammond Contributors: Catherine Brasch, Michael Clemens, Jordan Collver, Julie Compton, Harrison Cruikshank, Kevin Elliott, Roxanne Hathway-Baxter, Dan Hawie, Michael Hewak, Chris Hoy, Derek Hung, Aaron Joo , Noah Nemoy, Josh Parsons, Trevor Roach, Ben Small, Katharine Snider-McNair, Jemma Wolfe Cover: Ryan Janssen
this week
your parents helped us put together the last issue, in the dark... write for andy. musc b110.
mar.27-apr.8
Hamilton Public Library Central Branch, 4th floor 55 York Blvd., Hamilton theartof language.pr@gmail. com
dec.5-april.11
David Grey Hamilton Place Theatre 8:00 p.m.
“The Art of Language: A Chinese Experience”
Liquid of Rain and Rivers Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St., Hamilton 905-577-6610 info@artgalleryofhamilton. com
Jackson Square Cinema
jan.16-may.9
The Wailin’ Jennys Hamilton Place Studio 8:00 p.m.
Alice in Wonderland Fri - Sat: 6:50, 9:40
The Bounty Hunter Fri - Sat: 6:25, 9:15
Ritual Evidence Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St., Hamilton 905-577-6610 info@artgalleryofhamilton. com
theatre
Green Zone Fri - Sat: 7:15, 10:20
How To Train Your Dragon Fri - Sat: 6:15, 8:45 Diary of a Wimpy Kid Fri - Sat: 6:50, 9:15 Hot Tub Time Machine Fri - Sat: 6:40, 9:00
The Bat: Improv in the Dark Staircase Theatre 27 Dundurn St. North 905-529-3000 info@staircase.org
goodbye for the summer, dear andy readers
Festivals Ancaster 2010 Film Fest The Last Station (Apr. 12) Mon: 7:15
andy’s pick now
Stars The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
opening
Young Rivals The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
ancaster
Barenaked Ladies Hamilton Place Theatre 8:00 p.m.
Silvercity Ancaster
The Last Song Fri - Sat: 7:10, 10:10
jackson
Sloan The Casbah 8:00 p.m.
The Last Song Clash of the Titans Why Did I Get Married Too?
Clash of the Titans Fri - Sat: 7:00, 10:00
festivals
apr.21
apr.14
Gordon Lightfoot Hamilton Place Theatre 8:00 p.m.
apr.21
apr.13
Hedley Copps Coliseum 7:00 p.m.
apr. 22
apr.12
Jason Collett Absinthe 9:00 p.m.
apr.23
apr. 10
Coco et Co The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
apr. 24
apr. 8
Magneta Lane The Casbah 8:00 p.m.
apr. 26
apr. 8
Buddy Guy Hamilton Place Theatre 7:30 p.m.
Heavy Trash The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
apr. 28
apr. 8
Tokyo Police Club Rokbar 8:00 p.m.
Threat Signal The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
may. 1
apr. 7
Hunter Valentine The Casbah 8:00 p.m.
Killah Priest Absinthe 9:00 p.m.
may. 7
apr. 2
The Budos Band Pearl Factory 10:00 p.m.
The Flatliners The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
may.13
apr. 1
Mathew Barber Hamilton Place Studio 9:00 p.m.
Samuel James This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.
may.22
apr. 1
Poirier Absinthe 9:00 p.m.
art
film
music
april.1-april.3
in the hammer
popsicles. white boy dancing. corb lund: the hurtin’ albertan. roller skating. peanut butter chocolate sundaes. hoarders: buried alive. making your own indian food! budos band. the byrds. also the birds.
we’ll be back in the silhouette next fall
thursday, april 1, 2010
f.u.b.a.r.
prose or Paradise Lost. I’ve spent so many nights, wrapped in flannel, reading and reading until the letters editorial column blur and my eyelids grace evans droop. I’ve woken up hours later with no less By the beginning of every summer, of a page count to fulfill. But some of the best as soon as I’ve written my last exam, I have a tall stack of books and a books I’ve read in the past four reading list waiting for me. While years have been syllabus assigned I don’t have time for pleasure reading. In a Women Writers class reading during the school year, I discovered The Romance Reader by as an English major I do have a Pearl Abraham, The Color Purple by plentitude of novels to keep me Alice Walker, Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga, and fell saturated with reading material. Throughout the year I in love with Virginia Woolf’s A receive a few gift books, I pick up Room of One’s Own. Contemporary a few on my own at used book Native Literature introduced me sales, and somehow that stack to Beatrice Culleton Mosionier’s grows. And I spend the year In Search of April Raintree, the avoiding eye contact with these narrative of an Indigenous woman books so I can carry on reading in Canada. In The British Novel I mandatory material. And here, at hurriedly read through the pages the conclusion of my fourth year of of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and undergrad I’m left at the end of the Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian school year with a modest four-foot Gray, and was astounded by the pure brilliance of Jean Rhys’ Wide stack of books marked “to read.” Maybe I’m a little bitter. Sargasso Sea. In Asian American Maybe I’m a little sick of reading. Writing I admired the breathtaking All profs have to do is jot down a beauty of Comfort Woman by Nora quick syllabus and I’m sentenced Okja Keller, and was intrigued by to hours of reading Jane Austen’s the mystery of Kerri Sakamoto’s
column
The Electrical Field. Children’s Literature prompted me to read Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn and J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. As much as I love reading I do not think that I would have experienced the breadth and diversity of literature that I’ve read as a part of my English undergrad. If you’re rolling your eyes when you see one or two of the classics on my list, don’t be fooled. Most English majors are not in love with the dense eighteenth century novels of eight-pound weight. But I’ve softened to some particulars that have imparted their classic status on me. Contemporary novels are not guaranteed to be easier to read, but the ones that have been selected by many of my professors have shed striking insights into the issues that students become all too detached from when they are studied purely through theory. For example, take Keller’s Comfort Woman. The novel is an intimate portrait of a Korean woman who was a sex prisoner in one of the “comfort camps” of the JapaneseKorean war. I feel that reading the historical account through a personal trauma narrative can be more effective and affecting that
the big tickle compiled by michlle ng
“mcat prep books.” emily fuginski
& christopher chang
“the sequel to ender’s game.”
katelyn campbell
the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D3 surveying articles and textbooks. I feel lucky. The education I’ve chosen to pursue is one that continues to surprise and inspire me. I continually find value in unexpected places, and learn more about the world through literature. But maybe reading these obligatory texts has made me a little less eager to pursue extra-curricular reading. My eyes are tired. I’m developing an allergy to paper. And so every summer the reading list grows with the carried-over unread novels from the previous summer. So many words, but so little time! Out of a list of twenty novels, somehow the summer, seemingly endlessly stretched out come the first of May, shrivels down to the span of a few weeks, packed with trips and summer jobs and bicycle rides. And I’m left with a slightly shorter stack. Maybe I no longer want the responsibility of the centurieslong tradition of reading books. With various Kindle readers and iPads, maybe I don’t want to oppose the digitalization of prose and protest the merits of print culture and page turning. Perhaps the physical burden of lugging around too many pounds of pages
have left my spine curved and my spirit broken. So, as the brink of summer is upon us, I have a decision to make. Should I attempt to read through my built up stack of literature? Or have the years of compulsory reading dampened my spirit? Should I spend the summer flipping through glossy magazines? Will I become one of those people who don’t read? All it takes is one look at the spines of books, a quick glance over the titles I’ve compiled and I’m lovestruck once again.
q: what’s on your summer reading list?
“course reading - no leisure reading.”
carson andrews
“eating animals by
jonathon safran foer.” patrick turpin
“a clive cussler book.” chris biberhofer
D4 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
music
thursday, april 1, 2010
what’s the frequency?
andy tunes into mcmaster’s underrated campus radio station, CFMU
The ability of the radio to appeal to listeners has become threatened by the ubiquitous nature of “new media.” Increasing trends toward cultural mobility and the fragmenting of tastes and style has made radio all but obsolete. New technologies, most importantly the Internet, have shaped the way we engage with audio content. We live in a fluid world where our tastes are no longer just shared by our immediate circle of friends (or in some cases, enemies) but networks across the globe. Content is immediately accessible. In the context of these new technologies, the future of radio looks bleak. How can the radio, a linear and relatively archaic technology compete with the immediacy and the unrestrained accessibility of the World Wide Web? Surprisingly, a few radio stations have adapted its programming to cater to niche markets. They have maintained their relevance by providing a unique voice in a world dominated by new media. In this way, campus radio has succeeded where other traditional stations have failed. By broadening the scope of their programming, campus stations have attracted a wide range
of listeners. McMaster’s CFMU 93.3 is a prime example of an old technology being used in new, subversive way which engages a wide range of listeners. In January 1978, CFMU 93.3, McMaster’s radio station, began to broadcast to Hamilton and the surrounding area on FM radio. It became the voice of the campus and the broader community; a fresh medium for expressing ideas, opinions, and news, and a place where listeners could hear local artists and musicians. Its mantra, “redefining radio in your community” reflected its desire to be relevant in the McMaster neighbourhood. Today, CFMU gives voice to marginalized groups, and multicultural families. Its goal of reaching all audiences has made CFMU one of the most diverse stations on the airwaves. Sunday programming, for example, is entirely devoted to music around the world – from Vietnam to Lithuania to Capetown. Other shows like the Aboriginal Component and Queer Hamilton provide listeners with an opportunity to experience a wide range of opinions and orientations that have otherwise been ignored on the radio. CFMU is comfortable with taking
on risky subjects that need attention. For example the program disRespect examines the Canadian political climate, and questions of the economy and its effect on the disadvantaged and discriminated. Other shows like The Grapevine investigate local food initiatives and the problems surrounding local farming and agriculture. CFMU’s keen social conscience is an important aspect of its ability to maintain its relevance. Engaging today’s controversial issues is a remarkable quality in the commercialized vacuum of traditional radio which frequently ignores them. You can credit CFMU’s success to its independence from sponsors, advertisers, corporations, and political agendas. CFMU also provides listeners with an incredibly diverse range of music programming. Traditionally campus stations have relegate themselves to only playing independent and alternative rock. Instead of pigeon holing itself, CFMU stretches the limits of radio airplay. Bebop Jazz, classical, hip hop, punk, top 30, indie, blues, and folk all have their own slots. The Freewheeling Folk Show for instance plays a good mixture of British,
Celtic, Appalachian, and neo folk. Many of the shows on CFMU highlight local Hamilton talent. Other eclectic shows like Bacon!, Bleeps and Hums, and Vinyl Sinners provide listeners with a kaleidoscope of music genres and sharp commentary on the state of the music industry. Although the primacy of the radio is being challenged by new media, there’s still something nostalgic and raw about it— whether it is the way it fades into static as you drive out of a city or go deep into a tunnel, or the obnoxious perkiness of over-caffeinated morning-show hosts. More importantly, college radio is still a vital place in the media landscape. CFMU is not your typical station that broadcasts repetitive playlists compiled by classic rock stations. One must overlook the amateur DJs who punctuate every other word with an ‘um,’ ‘uhh’ or ‘like,’ but, listen more closely and you will be greatly rewarded with its diverse programming. This listener supported station is truly the open and independent voice in the city of Hamilton. •Mike Clemens
thursday, april 1, 2010
film
the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D5
embracing failure
ben stiller delivers an oscar calibre performance in noah baumbach’s latest film Greenberg Starring: Ben Stiller, Greta Gerwig Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Roger Greenberg is 40-year-old child. We’re told he was once in a band on the cusp of a breakthrough, but neurosis prematurely nixed that. Now, after a mental breakdown and hospitalization, he house-sits the Hollywood home of his brother who has left on vacation. We’ve encountered people like Roger Greenberg in life and movies before – angrily cynical individuals, content with their acidic tongues, yet emotionally fragile beneath the defensive facade. As it’s aptly put in the film, “hurt people hurt people.” Noah Baumbach’s Greenberg is a triumph of perceptive wit and squandered dreams. It is of a specific time and place, focusing on characters so acutely drawn it’s scary how authentic it feels. Ben Stiller plays Greenberg in an audacious performance of unlikeability. Relieving himself of such trite as Night at the Museum he’s created a performance of pain and vulnerability, reminding us of his dynamic range once bestowed in such earlier work as Permanent Midnight and Flirting With Disaster. While the film’s name clearly
indicates its main objective, it does not introduce its title character until the 15-minute mark. Instead, it bravely makes us wait, introducing us to Florence, played by the relatively unknown Greta Gerwig. Working as assistant and nanny for Roger’s brother, she meticulously orchestrates every minute detail of his family’s life while leaving very little time to her own. The film is deliberate in showing her daily routine: buying groceries, picking up dry cleaning, walking the dog, feeding the dog, tending to the children. Yet away from the daily monotony she is directionless – a 25 year old who preciously divides her time singing quiet ballads at open mic nights and attending social gatherings with her friend. With a lousy taste in men, she apathetically gives in to any attention, basking in the anonymity of nameless males. What I liked about this film is its honesty, never stepping back to look at the larger picture, always confined in telling its small story. Roger and Florence’s paths cross inevitably when he calls her in need of assistance, having been left her number by his brother. Eventually, after meeting on a few occasions, they interact on an intimate level, creating a chemistry of simulated, physical foreplay, evoking a reality of two people sexually ignited. It is at this point that film really changed gears for me,
transitioning from a merit worthy slice of life to an intuitively conscience depiction of two lost souls, finding themselves amongst the illusion of sunny Los Angles. Adding to that, Greenberg is structured in such a way that feels like you’re living alongside the characters, stripping away any contrivances, keeping it funny but also truthful. Early in the film Roger reconnects with a former bandmate named Ivan (Rhys Ifans). A shaggily disheveled Brit, Ivan patiently listens to Greenberg’s ramblings of contentment for society and self-serving rationality. Although you get the sense that he’s happy to see his old writing partner, there is an ongoing awareness of underlying resentment towards Roger for destroying their band, and ultimately altering his life. While in California, Stiller’s character also encounters an old girlfriend, Beth, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. Meeting for lunch one afternoon, we are unexpectedly thrown into a heartbreaking realization of Greenberg’s standstill existence. As he talks to Beth, Baumbach’s camera stays on her face. We read her reactions with acceptance. She has simply met with him out of pity. When the scene overstays its welcome, we become well aware of her inability to continue listening to his vivid memories of them together, as she repeatedly motions to the waiter.
It is only Florence, Ivan and his brother’s dog Mahler that remain consistent in his six-week stay. Greenberg’s dilemma stems not from a lack of caring, but from absence of confidence and moving forward. He finds only disdain in sentimentality, culminating in an abusive display of vulgarity and rejection when Florence and Ivan surprise him with cake and song on his 41st birthday. The film is smart, exploring Greenberg as a three dimensional individual, opposed to a strictly sullen misanthrope. It is when he allows himself to emote compassion that we are treated to the full embodiment of Baumbach and Stiller at the height of their powers. He and Gerwig are spectacular together, contrasting his alienated self to her naturalistic, albeit damaged openness. She is a revelation, possessing an unconventional beauty and charisma that is gawky, endearing, and most of all, convincing. Noah Baumbach, writer and director of the equally impressive The Squid and the Whale, layers his stories so richly, one gets lost not only in his characters but the quiet moments of reflection and humanity. The film works so well because it makes you sympathize with an individual emotionally unattractive yet capable of change. Maybe there is a little Roger Greenberg in all of us. •Myles Herod
D6 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
cherry bomb!
music
thursday, april 1, 2010
new biopic features joan jett, cherie currie and the jailbait girl band, the runaways The Runaways Starring: Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning, Michael Shannon Directed by: Floria Sigismondi
HHH
In the 1970s Joan Larkin hadn’t yet become Joan Jett, and was just another teenager looking to play in a band. She approached Kim Fowley, a record producer, and he matched her up with drummer Sandy West. Together Jett and Fowley found Cherie Currie, a fifteen year old with a lot of style and most importantly, jailbait looks. Rehearsing in an old trailer in the valley of L.A., Fowley coached the band into aggressive, tough girl rock stardom. The film follows The Runaways’ rise to fame as well as the clichéd destructive behaviour that tore the band apart: sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. The Runaways is based on Cherie Currie’s memoir, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway, and executively produced by Joan Jett, so the majority of the content in the movie appears to be based in fact. However the film’s poor writing resulted in a lot of the dialogue ringing false, and a confusing time span of the narrative. But after a slow start, the power of actresses Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning’s performances were able to make The Runaways’ narrative captivating. Kristen Stewart, already attempting to shed her sticky Twilight type-casted character, plays Joan Jett. She does a surprisingly convincing job. The beginning was a little awkward, but that is probably more due to poor writing than Stewart’s acting. By the middle of the film, she is pure Joan, all leather, toughness and anger. Protective and sensitive, but always just about ready to beat someone up. In an interview with Cinemablend.com, Stewart said of learning to play guitar from Joan Jett: “she was always telling me to connect like it’s coming through you and considering your guitar is right here [points to pelvic area] … the way she told me to play like her and it’s the only way that feels right is to like – you have to @#$% your guitar.” Dakota Fanning is Cherie Currie, the wild child for whom the Runaways’ first song was written about, “Cherry Bomb.” At first she is awkward and just too damn young to be a part of this, and Fanning is convincing here because of her age. When Fowley and Jett approach her in a club and ask if she can sing, she seriously answers: “yeah, I just
won my school talent show by lip synching to David Bowie.” She is too fragile, too fresh to be in this business, always on the verge of being exploited. But as she is coached to get tougher, she gets tougher. Fanning’s Cherie is both sensitive and tough as she attempts to balance her rock n’ roll commitments with family life. Fanning says of playing Currie: “I think when you love something so much and you love a character … you want to be the best you can for them. Because a lot of people don’t know who Cherie is, this is going to be maybe their only way of knowing her story. It is a lot of pressure, but it was good pressure.” Michael Shannon as Kim Fowley is perfectly eccentric and encouraging, while exploitative and scummy at the same time. He is a convincing bully, shouting at the girls to get better, or constructive criticism such as, “you dogs would be lucky to get a gig singing in the shower. Go sell Girl Scout cookies.” The other band members were superficially depicted: Stella Maeve played Sandy West, the drummer and cofounder of the band, the band’s lead guitarist Lita Ford was played by Scout Taylor-Compton, and Ali Shawkat played a fictional bassist named Robin, because of legal issues depicting bassist Jackie Fox. It was a questionable under-use of Ali Shawkat’s (Arrested Development, Whip It) talents in a minor role with no memorable speaking parts. Much of the dynamic of the band is glossed over in favour of the relationship between Curie and Jett. Though the film focused on the portrayal of Joan and Cherie and their relationships to the band and to each other, only Cherie’s family life was portrayed. And director Sigismondi poorly portrayed Cherie’s twin sister Marie, using an actress that looked a few years older and little alike, creating some questions. The soundtrack is excellent, with three Runaways songs recorded by Stewart and Fanning: “Queens of Noise,” “Cherry Bomb” and “Dead End Justice,” as well as several The Runaways’ originals and other songs by David Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Joan Jett, Sex Pistols and The Stooges. While the writing wasn’t great, the story is interesting and Stewart and Fanning’s performances are too compelling to pass up. If you find yourself wanting to know more about the band, pick up Currie’s memoir Neon Angel, or watch the 2004 documentary Edgeplay: A Film About the Runways. •Grace Evans
thursday, april 1, 2010
theatre
the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D7
shAIDS of grey
andy’s trevor roach looks at the annual production dealing with the realities of HIV/AIDS
shAIDS of Grey Directed by: Michael Pett After six months of hard work and campus wide hype, it all came down to two nights. On Mar. 26 and 27, a crew of McMaster students, and a even few high school recruits, devoted themselves to something that surpassed the duty of books and lectures. The product of their devotion amounted to the creation of this year’s version of the HIV/AIDS benefit show known as ShAIDS of Grey. Producer and director, Micheal Pett, has worked hard to lead this team of actors, singers, dancers, technicians and musicians to shed light on the ever elusive issue of AIDS in the third year of this charitable production. As Pett tells it: “this year was different from the last two years as we wanted to take a more professional approach in a professional venue of Hamilton place. With the cast increasing from 15 to 25 and only six returning cast members, this was a great opportunity to expand with new material for one of the best performances yet”. The performance immediately demanded the audience’s attention with a chilling and eye-opening monologue by main character Kofi, (Simba Sithole), who was remembering his mother’s debilitating struggle with HIV/AIDs. As Sithole finished taking the audience on an emotional journey through Kofi’s recollection of the ruthless
mark left behind by the virus, the pure and powerful vocals of Ndinda Msiska’s character Makena pierced the air with the African hymn known as “Siyahumba”. With red paint dripping down their forearms and letters in hand two other women, Jasmine Oducado’s Mia and Samtha Walkes’s Meuni one by one join Aswani on stage eerily humming the tune to this beautifully passionate lament. The raw and intense vocals of these three women quickly revealed the stripped down acappella musicality that undoubtedly make up some of the greatest and most moving moments of this performance. Throughout the show the vibrant red paint can be seen to symbolize the touch of HIV/AIDS contrasting well with the white and black outfits worn by the many different performers. Pett explained the white shirts bearing the words “Name:” followed by the character name as “a way of showing the faces behind the figures and the stories behind the statistics because all too often when people talk about aids they throw numbers. Numbers don’t evoke the response that you need. Whether its 20 million or 30 million, people end up just being numbers. When it’s the singular of the name, you realize the magnitude and personal story behind the impersonal statistics”. Another effective use of imagery was seen in the wellchoreographed dance scenes that transitioned evenly from scene to scene. These provided
an interesting way of showing the transfer of the virus in the dramatic application of red paint. In addition, minimal props and simple setting allowed for the audience to focus on the emotions of many powerful monologues. Throughout the performance, each character shows a different perspective on how HIV/AIDS affect themselves and the people around them. From abusive endings to oblivious courses of action upon receiving the disease, each character provides room for questioning, “how did I think of AIDS before?” Making for a great first act, the cocky charisma of Marten KAAS’s Drew lightened up the heavy emotions and intense ravings of Sebastian Miller’s chilling performance of the severely addicted drug user Ben. The hard to swallow traumatized innocence of Zoe Godfrey-Davies’ performance of Emma left the audience with a bitter honesty of HIV/AIDS as there was a break for intermission. The second act started off with a simply stunning acoustic song with Casey Park strumming some emotionally inspired chords and backing up vocals to Sarah Kehler’s pure and uplifting singing. While some un-compelling monologues filled up some space between the riveting performances by Carleigh Carter as Heather and Joanne Aswanni as Escendi the second half of ShAIDS of Grey provided a memorable and fascinating choreography backing up
Oducado’s character Mia’s vivacious in your face acceptance of AIDS and the story. The final collective scene showcasing the best lines from every monologue is a nice way to tie together the diverse perspectives that make up the ShAIDS of Grey. Expect no warm and fuzzy feelings when you leave the theatre. The stories are raw and honest, as they advocate for a humanitarian resolve to cure the misguided myths of receiving HIV/AIDS. Most commonly, assumptions are made that the disease is transmitted through sex with dirty people, but this naïve thinking neglects the human quality that deserves the attention of people affected by HIV/AIDs. It is a worldwide pandemic that is rapidly growing in places such as Kenya with an estimate of 1.5-2 million infected persons, of which a significant portion are children. But with its raw and intense honesty ShAIDS of Grey effectively puts faces to the figures in an emotional and memorable way that may surprise you. The experience of this production shows that the profound impact of being HIV positive deserves no black or white outlook. ShAIDS of Grey takes the audience on a journey from our home grounds to an international level to Africa, appealing with one unifying message: people need people. •Trevor Roach and Kathy Woo
D8 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
music
thursday, april 1, 2010
two books and a DVD
Slowly Downward: A Collection of Miserable Stories By: Stanley Donwood
Bowie In Berlin: A New Career In A New Town By: Thomas Jerome Seabrook
Nirvana: Live at Reading
Underneath Radiohead’s universal reputation as one of the most prominent and most influential bands of all time, is an obscure individual hidden away from the general public. The contributions of such people like Dan Rickwood has been brought about from the group’s involvement, in not only music, but also all other forms of art. Under the pseudonym Stanley Donwood, Rickwood is responsible for all of Radiohead’s artwork ever since the release of The Bends, a collaboration that has lasted over ten years. Unbeknownst to most people, Rickwood is also a casual writer. Next to a gloomy children’s book co-written by Thom Yorke, Slowly Downward is Donwood’s most significant publication. It consists of a collection of short scenarios, no longer than a single page, all involving a single narrator. These writings contemplate exaggerated scenarios where aliens and vampires are normalities, creating a tone reminiscent of a surreal dream. Each story is unique in its own merit; some are downright depressing, but others are quirky, sometimes morbid, yet intriguing. A hardcopy of the book is difficult to find in stores, only being available in the UK. Thankfully, the entire anthology can be read on Rickwood’s website at www.slowlydownward.com. Notable pieces are ‘Nearly Got’ and ‘Dead Now’. •Aaron Joo
Everyone knows the David Bowie of the early 70s, an androgynous alien who answered to the calling of Ziggy Stardust. But how many know the man of the late 70s? Stationed in the bleak decadence of Western Europe, battling withdrawal and depression he created three influnetial albums. Paying a visit to an institutionalized Iggy Pop, both agreed to flee north America and clean their habits, deciding on where else? Berlin, the heroin capital of Europe. There, Bowie produced Iggy’s first solo record, The Idiot, rejuvenating Pop’s career. It also laid groundwork for what the man himself will conjure together. Bowie In Berlin details with great precision an artist of extraordinary talent on the verge of divorce, cocaine psychosis and artistic peaks, a history of what has been deemed his ‘Berlin Trilogy.’ Recruiting a small unit of musicians, producer Tony Visconti, and famed artist and ambient pioneer Brian Eno, Bowie built a new wave of sound. Influenced by the German electronic bands of the time (Kraftwerk, NEU, Cluster) he forged ahead to what could have been career suicide. Albums composed one half of short song fragments, the other half, long, atmospheric instrumentals not only solidified his presence as the decades most crucial artist but set in motion countless synthesizer bands to come. A fascinating read from beginning to end, author Thomas Jerome Seabrook meticulously re-accounts specific details of recording sessions, tours and amusing anecdotes. Highly recommended for Bowie fans alike, it serves as a rare glimpse into an individual who not only possessed style but also the creditability. •Myles Herod
After a painful eighteen year tease Nirvana die-hards can finally celebrate the long-awaited release of the monolithic set at 1992’s Reading Festival in its entirety. From the moment Cobain is ushered in on a wheelchair to the final note an overwhelmingly chaotic Star-Spangled Banner, Nirvana showoff the unbridled raw power that drove them to the festival’s headlining slot. That being said, Nirvana Live at Reading is a must-have for any serious fan of contemporary music history and leaves me puzzled as to why it took so goddamn long to be released. Whether or not you’re already ten-years sick of many of these songs , there is no denying that this is Nirvana in their absolute prime. The band pays equal attention to established favourites and classic live numbers, even previewing a few songs from the forthcoming In Utero raw and unpolished. The camera angles play another key role and, for the time, are stunningly vibrant. But, in my humble opinion, the most important part of this release is the nostalgia. Although the story of Nirvana has been drenched in hyperbole, Live at Reading is the perfect tool for exposing a new generation to a sort musical intensity often overlooked by today’s standards. •Josh Parsons
thursday, april 1, 2010
under the radar my milk to of mymilktoof.blogspot.com
off the web musicovery www.musicovery.com No matter what your musical preference or mood musicovery.com has the tune for you. •Corrigan Hammond
This site chronicles the adventures of teeth named Ickle and Lardee in a children’s book-like picture/caption style. If you don’t find the images of two teeth trying to bake cupcakes with orange pop or training to lose weight after thanksgiving painfully cute then you are too hard to please. Otherwise, check it out. Seriously. •Katharine Snider-MacNair
the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D9
the sixtyone thesixtyone.com
stumbleupon www.stumbleupon.com
The sixtyone. It was named after Highyway 61: the middle American road travelled by Bob Dylan and BB King on the way to changing music forever. It’s not the most user-friendly website; but the ability to stream random indie music (in various formats!) and to share and interact with playlists make it totally awesome. Thesixtyone.com is the new indie rock information super highway. •Kevin Elliott
Sad news gang. Andy’s about to head off on summer vacation, which means no more Off The Webs for a few months. Have no fear though, stumbleupon. com has some web browsing recommendations for you. With over 21 different catagories of websites, there is bound to be something for everyone here. Log on, tell it what you like and start stumbling (at least until fall, when Andy’s back). •Corrigan Hammond
D10 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
music
thursday, april 1, 2010
all in the band
a chat with budos bandmember tim meadows Whatever happened to funk music? How come the only possible trace that I could find of its existence in modern pop culture is through the soundtrack of a Tim Meadows film? Or better yet, in every late night sexline commercial that plays a “wocka, wocka” guitar line in the background? The very idea of funk music has become painfully kitsch; a tacky genre that’s lost its musical value in being associated with big hair, and even bigger sunglasses. Thankfully, there are enthusiasts in the world who have held true to reviving the very soul and energy of funk to prove that it’s never left us. Today it lives and breathes in the form of Staten Island based “Afro-soul” group The Budos Band. This eleven-piece instrumental outfit has not only spent the past decade resurrecting that classic retro sound pioneered by the likes of James Brown, and Booker T and the MGs, but they’ve also fused it with a wide variety of genres to freshen things up. “We didn’t want to be the kind of band that was multi-labeled as reggae, funk, soul, jazz – we thought that style was complete garbage,” guitarist Tom Brenneck explained to me. “So we figured that if we wanted to play our own style, we would just start our own afro-soul band with different influences.” The result is an energetic blend of psychedelic funk mixed with Latin inspired horn melodies and Ethiopian drum-lines – this being a handful of the influences that the band claims to draw from. “We kind of just found our own sound through different styles of music, but the soulful part of that sound has always underlined the whole thing. The band has a lot of integrity because it’s not like our music is a trend, we’ve been going at this for a while,” he explained. Indeed the underlying motif of the band is one-part soul, two-parts anything else, but what’s most interesting is the vintage Stax Records inspired method they’ve taken in releasing their past two albums with Brooklyn, NY based Daptones Records. The label channels a level of authenticity through an “all-in-one” package of promoting and recording all of their acts in their home-built studio. Along with labelmates The Sugarman 3, and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the Budos have found success with every album based on an extremely pure, unrefined Daptone analog sound. For Brenneck, this studio has served as a comforting locale for
the band: “We’ll spend two years rehearsing, writing and touring, and when we get to the studio it’s just absolute fire. We just cut loose and record in two to three takes at most.” He noted, “Our newest release was recorded in two and a half days, and we recorded about fourteen songs.” Having followed up a successful release of their self-titled sophomore album in 2007, the band has kept busy through the release of an EP in the summer of 2009, as well as extensive touring to promote an upcoming album (its release date has not been mentioned yet). They’ve also earned a mainstream nod through both “Budos Rising,” and “The Proposition” being included in the soundtrack for PS3’s MLB: The Show two years in a row. For Brenneck, what matters most for the Budos’ appeal isn’t the mainstream recognition, but their dynamically energetic sets from every live show: “We’re especially proud of our live shows because we bring it hard. It’s a pretty aggressive ‘in your face’ live act, which is entertaining considering its instrumental. There’s no lead singer to look at. It’s a big collective, and you’re getting this big sound [as a result].” He continued, “[There are] five percussion players so you have these guys playing the congas, the shekere, the bongos, and everybody ends up playing so well off each other from listening to one another.” What’s left is a spectaclelike performance courtesy of twenty-two legs and a variety of instruments grooving and thumping to one giant polyrhythm – to which you can’t help but dance along. More recently, the band has embarked on an “Anti-Spring Break 2010” tour this past Sunday, to which I couldn’t help but ask Brenneck how they manage to fit eleven (or more) guys into a tour van. He briefly humoured the proposed image of a sardine can: “We rent a nice 18 passenger van. It’s cramped, it smells terrible, but you know, booze is our fuel, and it helps us get the job done.” Fortunately, the band will also be making some Canadian stops, as Brenneck notes: “You could say that we’re looking for the people up North and bringing them some heat to get through the final stranglehold of winter.” Be sure to check out The Budos Band in Hamilton at the Pearl Factory on Apr. 2. •Dan Hawie
in stereo
thursday, april 1, 2010
the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D11
featured review She & Him Volume Two
HHHH
Volume Two, as appropriately titled, should be listened to as a collective addition to She & Him’s 2008 Volume One. This album, like the previous one, isn’t packed with deep, sentimental confessions of a frustrated maturing actress; rather it maintains a certain charm, modest and bright, perfect for a spring day. It offers fresh, exciting music founded in classic folk and even draws influences from certain basic country elements. Zooey Deschanel’s quirky, sunshine voice is emphasized with multiple voice tracks and weighty reverb accompanied by M. Ward’s simple but catchy guitar riffs that distinguish She & Him apart from other contemporary folk ensembles. On several tracks, the harmonies build to a specific degree, reminiscent of The Beach Boys. Mike Mogis covers percussion, synthesizers, as well as the mandolin, and being the engineer/mixer, he distinctly brings a familiar Bright Eyes sound. Overall the album meets, if not, exceeds the well-met success their first album received. For a taste of what the album embodies, check out their single “In the Sun” featuring Omaha familiars, Tilly and the Wall, on back up vocals. •Aaron Joo
Jay Malinowski Bright Lights & Bruises
Artist vs. Poet Favorite Fix
Jason Collett Rat A Tat Tat
HHH
HH
HHHH
Jay Malinowski’s Bright Lights & Bruises is a prime example of the classic singerbranching-away-from-the-band-for “creative reasons” ordeal. We’ve witnessed success with Feist from Broken Social Scene, and Dallas Green from Alexisonfire, but Malinowski’s break from his acclaimed JUNO winning group, Bedouin Soundclash has proven dismal. Bright Lights & Bruises is certainly commendable for showcasing Malinowski’s breezy soulful croon over a range of genres, but the end result is simply boring. Rather than providing a generous serving of around ten tracks, we have an overwhelming plateful of thirteen songs using the same recipe: an acoustic guitar, a piano, and Malinowski.. There are some really catchy gems on the album however, as both “Life is a Gun” and “Loving Hand” reveal a folkier side of Malinowski that he should definitely consider expanding with in his future work. •Dan Hawie
Artist vs. Poet: what a weak band name. Anyways, this pseudo-Boys Like Girls band has just released their debut LP, the inaptly titled Favorite Fix. Honestly, Fearless Records hasn’t released a favourite fix of mine since the days of Gatsbys American Dream or At the Drive-In. They need to get their shit together. I guess I knew what I was getting into when the album’s producers have previously worked with All Time Low and Paramore—but at least those bands are half-decent. Admittedly, the title track is catchy. The intro sounds like it could’ve been produced by Timbaland, the chorus’ melody soars, and the bridge’s super-bro breakdown is remedied with interweaving keyboard parts. But a lot of the songs are forgettable pop-punk, and forgetting them makes it difficult to criticize them. •Kevin Elliott
Rat A Tat Tat is Jason Collett’s fourth album and the first without his face in profile on the cover. On it Collett creates folk rock pop songs that layer acoustic and electric guitar with accordion, organ, hand clapping, backup vocals, and sound effects, creating a more textured sound than 2008’s Here’s to Being Here. Recently, Collett spoke about his interest in developing “a mystique about Canada,” desiring to dig “deeper into writing songs with some sort of Canadian references.” Collett accomplished the task in his usual style, referencing Canadian cities, themes, and iconic Canadian musicians. This process creates a cohesive, homey feeling album that culminates in “Love Song to Canada,” with a chorus almost reinterprets the Canadian national anthem. Check out “Love is a Chain.” Rat A Tat Tat is a great addition to an already solid line up. •Ashley Robbins
D12 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine
music
thursday, april 1, 2010
juno nominee ghislain poirier tells andy about
techno-caribbean hybrids
Usually the Juno awards are criticised as a boring celebration of safe music by established artists – often being derided as a mere opportunity for Canada’s music elite to congratulate one another for last year’s blandest, most radio-friendly hits. However, following this year’s surprise nomination of Montreal based DJ and industry innovator, Ghislain Poirier’s recent single “Wha-la-laleng” for Reggae Recording of the Year in advance of his full length début’s Mar. 30 release, the Junos look as though they may be shedding their old, dull reputation. “Wha-la-la-leng” is a four-minute fusion of electronic dancehall, reggae and soca music—that some critics have dubbed as “techno-Caribbean hybrid” music. “That’s our invention,” Poirier explained to me, laughing as I asked him about the new sound. “The whole album and the whole project is in-between electronic and Caribbean music,” he continued, “so sometimes it feels very techno, sometimes more Caribbean and sometimes right in-between.” “I’m pretty happy and surprised that [‘Wha-la-la-leng’ was] nominated,” he explained to me. “If you look at all the
people in [the category] on the Juno website, it’s pretty much standard reggae. It’s more like roots-reggae usually or dub-reggae, and ‘Wha-la-la-leng’ does stand out as something very different,” Poirier continued. “It’s not a surprise for dancehall, but in terms of who is in the [category] as well, ‘Wha-la-la-leng’ is pretty different. I’m very happy that the Juno’s are open minded [towards] that kind of music,” he stated. While Poirier’s music incorporates many elements of contemporary soca and reggae music, his more bass-heavy, electronic sound is a significant departure from most listener’s normal expectations of Caribbean music—imagine a performer like Buju Banton, if he were to come out of Montreal’s vibrant, Francophone club scene. But Poirier isn’t merely innovating reggae music – rather, he is also exploring new ways to package and release his songs in an ever-changing music market. Instead of putting out his new disc, Running High as a single unit, Poirier opted to gradually put it out over the course of a year as three separate, yet connected EPs. “I needed to be very cautious about what I was doing and make sure that it fit well
on an album,” he told me. Only now have all three EPs been released as the complete unit that their creator always intended for them to be. As he explained: “ There’s a lot of house music and dance music, where [artists] just release singles and EPs and at some point they will do a compilation of what they release and that will be the album. And if you look at other side, most of the bands will do an album and have to do the singles with that.” “Right now we’re kind of entering an era where the single is becoming more and more important than before because each track you release is on iTunes and available [by itself,]” Poirier elaborated. “Each track needs to be strong by itself,” he continued. “When I did Soca Sound System I was kind of starting the project, so I could go wild, I could go everywhere I wanted to go. And after when I did Run The Rhythm, I needed to kind of make it fit, in terms of structure and texture. … When I did the third one [Low Ceiling] it took me longer because I needed to find the link between [the two].” Poirier plans to celebrate last
Tuesday’s Canadian release of Running High by performing the first date of his North American tour on Apr. 1 at Club Absinthe. As a fan favourite on the Montreal club scene, the show promises to be as innovative and exciting as anything on the new disc. When he tours, Poirier explained, he tries to keep each show fresh and spontaneous. “The difference is always on the night itself when I go to the club,” he told me. “[Everything] always depends on the night. I just check the vibe in the room that I can start like dancehall or I start realelectro music. It’s all good with me. I’m not a selfish DJ,” he laughed. “I’m trying to work with the crowd so the crowd can work with me. I follow them and they follow me. I try to do that, and that’s my whole goal. Each night is a different night, and sometimes … I feel like this or that and suddenly … I’ll go [to] a place where I never thought I’d go that night. … I go with the flow, there’s nothing planned.” He paused, “all good man, all good.” •Corrigan Hammond