The Silhouette - February 2

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McMASTER UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER / THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The Silhouette

YOUR VOICE ON CAMPUS

Est. 1930

Education:

VOLUME 82, NO. 20

INSIDE

The Sil

Right or Privilege?

THIS WEEK

INSIDEOUT

INSIDEOUT LOOKS AT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL PILLS AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE. SEE C4

SPORTS

MAC WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL KEEPS HOT STREAK ALIVE WITH TWO WINS AT WESTERN AND WINDSOR. PHOTO C/O ALVAND MOHTASHAMI

Students march in protest of rising tuition rates as part of a national movement on behalf of Canadian Federation of Students According to the Vancouver Sun, 24 campuses in British Columbia alone were to partake in the “Education is our right, we will not rally. give up the fight!”

At the McMaster campus, a Feb. 1 was known as the Day little over 50 students arrived within of Action for university students the first ten minutes of the event. across Canada, as many marched The CHCH news crew was also through their respective campuses present at the event, interviewing to take a stand against rising tuition students and taking video footage fees. McMaster students gathered to of the rally as it began. chant in Mills Plaza from 11 a.m. to Music was blasting, thanks to 2 p.m. a DJ present outside the Student Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

Centre. People were gathering, and signs and snacks were shared. Students showed immense enthusiasm to be a part of such a movement.

Though McMaster Security and Hamilton Police were present, no issues of conflict arose.

McMaster student Mel Napeloni said, “we need to have more activism on campus,” adding that it was great to see something that all students can relate to.

While the student group Occupy

Forward With Integrity

McMaster played a role in organizing the event, many students from all areas of the University were present, including members of the SRA (Student Representative Assembly), presidential candidates, graduate students and representatives of CUPE Union Local 3906, which represents teaching assistants, sessional professors and postdoctoral fellows on campus.

Cirque 2012

in the name Preliminary phase reveals key considerations of charity

Senior News Editor

“What haven’t we done that we could do if we were just a bit more creative?” said Susan Denburg, associate vice-president academic for the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Denburg was recently appointed Strategic Advisor for the Forward With Integrity initiative.

In response to the letter written by University President, Patrick Deane, addressed to the McMaster community, a Steering Committee has been installed to lead the transformation of the University with respect to four key areas, outlined in the letter as the student experience, community engagement, excellence

in research and internationalization.

To tackle each of the four areas in the most comprehensive and creative way, four task forces have been developed, comprised of faculty members, staff, undergraduate and graduate students.

The Time Limited Task Forces, designated to each of the four areas of concentration, will be meeting regularly until April, after which their ideas, termed “deliverables,” will be examined carefully in an effort to fuel some of the change that has been in scattered discussion across campus.

The Advisory Committee, also comprised of faculty, students and staff across all disciplines, aims to oversee the work of the task forces

ANDY

• PLEASE SEE STUDENT, A3

Committee to focus on outcomes Partying Farzeen Foda

SEE S3

and consolidate the ideas that sprout from the discussion that will surface over the next three to six months.

Membership in the Task Forces and the Advisory Committee are limited to include individuals who can act as a critical liaison for their respective disciplines, actively engaging their faculties in the Forward With Integrity initiative.

In the coming months, the Task Forces, charged with the goals outlined by President Deane, will adopt a problem-based approach to tackling the issues central to teaching, research and community engagement at McMaster, noted Denburg.

Although in the preliminary

HIP-HOP HERO BUCK 65 DISHES ON HIS 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE RECORD BUSINESS. SEE D8

OPINIONS

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

The 14th annual Charity Ball, themed Cirque, will be held on Feb. 3. Hamilton Convention Centre will see hundreds of McMaster students piling through its doors, dressed to impress.

Over the years, Charity Ball has been seen as the biggest formal for McMaster students, and until recent years, has been consistently sold out. Each year, a charity is carefully decided upon. The charity is chosen based on a proposal given by the charity, as well as its contribution and connection to McMaster

IS THE LIBERALS’ PLAN TO DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA TOO DOOBIOUS FOR CANADA? SEE A9

• PLEASE SEE A NEW, A3

• PLEASE SEE FUNDING, A4

This is a paid advertisement by the MSU

the

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Katie Ferguson VP (Administration)

Duncan Thompson VP (Finance)

Matthew Dillon-Leitch President

Alicia Ali VP (Education)

More Clubs’ Funding to stay in the hands oF Clubs – not banks McMaster Credit union offers the lowest fees on Club bank accounts and atM services

duncan thompson VP (Finance) vpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 24109

On January 26th, the MSU presented the 2012 State of the Union Address. The State of the Union offered extensive information on what has happened and what is going to happen within your student union this year.

January 26th also marked the day that changed the way MSU Clubs do their banking.

Until now Clubs have been paying

anywhere from $4-6 in bank fees per month, in order to facilitate a chequing account. With more than 300 MSU recognized Clubs, these small monthly charges add up quickly. Chequing accounts are necessary expenses for many Clubs as rental venues require cheques for deposits and Clubs need cheques to provide registered donations to their affiliated charities, etc. I am happy to say, this is now a thing of the past. Through our work with McMaster Credit Union (MCU), located in Westdale, the MSU has been able to reduce Club banking fees to only $3 per month. The money saved will remain entirely within the Clubs’ Department budget line and the MSU’s financial allocations to Clubs will not change. Bottom line – Clubs will have more of their own money to spend

on programming rather than bank fees.

But this is not the only change we’ve been able to make. In addition to cheaper fees, Clubs banking with MCU will be able to view their account balances and transactions online. Furthermore, the Clubs Administrator will be able to offer digital cheque imaging for Clubs and no one will have to set foot into the bank. For the first time we will be able to access the complete list of accounts that MCU holds on behalf of the MSU Clubs Department. This means that when transitions don’t go smoothly there will not be duplication of accounts and Clubs will have access to the funds that are rightfully theirs.

This partnership has resulted in some other benefits as well. During the month of February, TwelvEighty

delegates wanted For ousa general asseMbly at MCMaster this spring

alicia ali VP (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 24017

Do you have a passion for developing policy and enacting change? The Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) will be hosting their Spring General Assembly (GA) from March 9 – 11 right here at McMaster University. So, what’s GA? As students, the one thing that universally affects each and every one of us is the way our education operates. The measurables in this regard include tuition fees, the logistics of numerous forms of financial assistance, as well as the indicators denoting the quality of education we are receiving in the classroom. The indicators of which I speak include; class sizes, teaching styles or high impact learning experiences, like seminars or studying abroad. However, in addition to these many standardized expectations of the academic experience you receive in university, OUSA has continued to challenge the boundaries, focusing this year on student health and student support services, credit transfer capabilities between colleges and universities, mature students and the accessibility issues faced by northern and rural students.

While the majority of the MSU membership (enrolled in at least 18 units) is not comprised of mature students, the release of the new Ontario Tuition Grant highlighted the fact that mature and independent students do not qualify for the $800 (per term) grant. In an effort to find

out how the grant is affecting the various demographics represented by the MSU, I have put together a small survey located on my website. Visit grantstories.msumcmaster. ca and share your story. Knowing exactly how you feel about changes in our education enables the MSU and OUSA to lobby more effectively on your behalf.

If you’re interested in discussing and debating these types of issues, apply to be a delegate! This is your chance to engage yourself and foster change in a truly positive manner. To apply, go to the MSU website and access the delegate application form, or pick up a form in the MSU Office (MUSC 201), or just send me an email for more information (vped@msu.mcmaster.ca). The application deadline is Friday, February 10th at 5:00pm.

I would also like to stress the importance of student support services.

While issues of quality and tuition are important, life on campus exists well beyond the classroom setting. There is an expectation that health services (both mental and physical) should be provided on campus. However, the minute we leave McMaster, where do we go? University is a continuum that does not end immediately after we graduate. The support networks and services put in place through the Student Wellness Centre and the Student Success Centre are essential resources throughout our undergraduate experiences and beyond. This institution was designed to build people, not just minds. There needs to be a greater call for provincial funding towards these student support services with the understanding that university is not just about in-the-classroom learning.

Apply to be a delegate for OUSA GA, run an awareness campaign, or do your own research - because sometimes the helping hand is closer than you may think.

The President’s Page is sponsored by the McMaster Students Union.

It is a space used to communicate with the student body about the projects, goals and agenda of the MSU Board of Directors.

www.msu.mcmaster.ca

will see the installation of a new ATM. The MCU ATM will be another step in offering students the best deals on campus. The new machine will feature a service charge of only $1.00 (the lowest rate on campus) and 5% of the money collected by that same service charge will be donated to a bursary fund at McMaster University. So next time you need cash and you’re looking to make sure you don’t get gouged by high ATM fees stop by TwelvEighty.

Having already opened a branch in McMaster Innovation Park, MCU is now looking to open a campus location.

The MSU will take full advantage of the opportunity that has presented itself and will continue to look for ways to reduce costs, add value to our departments and help students save money.

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Student lobby group leads tuition protest Movement against high cost of education spreads across Canadian campuses the solution would be to “cut tuition altogether… attack from all angles that they are attacking us from.”

In a speech to the students in at- The Canadian Federation of tendence, Simon Granat, SRA rep- Students (CFS) distributed leaflets resentative for the Faculty of Social to be handed out to students across Sciences, stated that, “we’re taking Canada, outlining their three main a stand to say students care about other students.”

Similarly, SRA Health Sciences The leaflet employs representative Riaz Sayani-Mulji the awe-factor to stated that, “we are the student support the movement, we can make a difference.” He explained that this is a movement, critical time for students to make outlining that their voices heard, because the way students are left with the government grant system currently runs excludes two in three an average debt of university students. $37,000 upon “Education is a human right,” graduation.” continued Sayani-Mulji, and it’s something that many potential students have difficulty accessing because of cost limitations. According goals: to drop student debt, reduce to Rick Gunderman, the candidate tuition fees and increase education representing the Communist Party funding. in the previous provincial election, The leaflet employs the awe• CONT’D FROM A1

factor to support the movement, outlining that students are left with an average debt of approximately $37,000 upon graduation, and “tuition fees are growing faster than public transit, rent, food and other costs faced by students.”

After gathering in the Mills Plaza, students marched in unison, cheering, “What do we want?

Dropped fees! When do we want it?

Now!” The march route included locations such as the Burke Science Building, the John Hodgins Engineering Building, University Avenue, the Arts Quad and the University Hall archway, concluding in Mills Plaza.

An article from Macleans entitled, “Protests underway from coast to coast,” underlines the finding that over the past twenty years, the proportion of operating costs of universities covered by public funding has dropped dramatically from 81 per cent to a mere 57 per cent.

Mac students participate in a campus-wide march in protest.

C/O ALVAND MOHTASHAMI

A new approach to an old issue Humaities MSU Elections

• CONT’D FROM A1

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

phase at this time, the Forward With Integrity initiative is a work in progress. The Task Force members are encouraged to think creatively, without ignoring the limitations and implementation of their ideas.

Concerns have been raised about the inherent obstacle in implementing a personalized educational experience for every student as McMaster’s enrollment continues to climb.

Central to a well-rounded education is “human contact,” Denburg acknowledged, though developing repetitive small-scale systems or having a lot of very small programs is simply not feasible. Considerations on this front have explored the possibility of bridging the gap between undergraduate and graduate students to facilitate mentorship and teaching, with appropriate training.

Ideas pertaining to the student experience may further examine policies in need of revision, scheduling of terms, prerequisites for courses, the granting of academic credit for co-curricular activities or even re-examine what constitutes a degree.

“This is not the first time we’re thinking about what we’re doing,” said Denburg, noting previous strategies aimed at transforming education. Refining Directions was initiated in 2002, under the direction of former McMaster president Peter George.

Under a similar premise, the initiative aimed to bring down the barriers across the University and stimulate cross-disciplinary teaching and research. Among others, Refining Directions sparked the development of the Controversies in Health course, which ran for two years and garnered significant acclaim for its multi-disciplinary approach. It brought students together from every faculty to develop skills in critical thinking through the lens of healthcare. The course was discontinued due to resource limitations, but the concept remains fresh in the minds of those behind Forward With Integrity.

The work of the Task Forces will “tell us what we need to think about,” said Denburg. Following consolidation of the ideas between April and June, forums will be held to discuss the progress, and pilot projects may be established to experiment with the ideas on a small scale prior to university-wide implementation.

“Big classes are not going to disappear overnight,” said Denburg, and much of the current teaching practices adopted at McMaster are based on historical principles about teaching and learning, which may be preserved as necessary, but also call for revision.

The positive feedback around the letter and the project has been tremendous, noted Denburg, leaving hope that this approach to the transformation may be more fruitful than previous attempts.

society pres bashes Erl Sam Colbert Managing Editor

The online polls had just opened.

Lisa Bifano, president of the Humanities Society and member of the SRA Humanities caucus, posted a 1400-word note to Facebook with her personal “analysis” of each MSU presidential candidate, offering an “inside scoop” on the race.

She ranked her choices, dedicating a paragraph to each hopeful, balancing pros and cons. The top spot went to David Campbell, with Siobhan Stewart coming second, and Alex Ramirez and Mukhtar Galan tied for third.

And when she got to fifth-ranked Chris Erl, with whom she works on the Humanities Society executive and SRA Humanities caucus, she didn’t hold anything back.

She wrote that he was “difficult to work with,” had “hidden agendas” and that she “felt manipulated and cheated” during his campaign.

Some of the work he had done, she said, was “merely a step towards reaching his goal of being the next MSU Dictator.. opps [sic] I mean President.”

“It’s disappointing to see somebody in a professional capacity, like the president of the Humanities Society, somebody that I work closely with, say those kinds of things,” said Erl about the Feb. 1 note.

“I’ve had disagreements with her in the past – there are always disagreements in faculty societies, there are disagreements in the Assembly – but it’s disheartening to see somebody say those things during a presidential campaign this late into the campaign,” he said.

In her note, Bifano was careful to note that she was not part of any campaign team, and urged voters to make their own informed decisions about the candidates.

“I think students look to those who have been involved and who have worked with all the candidates for their thoughts and opinions,” said Bifano about the post. “I made sure that I remained very unbiased.

By no means am I saying who to vote for; more so, these are my thoughts, here are my experiences, do with it what you will, and I made sure I said that throughout.”

“Everybody knows it’s an extremely close race,” said Erl. “I think what she said was an attempt to try to sway the individuals that she knows, individuals that hold her opinion in high regard, to put me last on the ballot so I have less of a chance of winning.”

Regardless of the election’s outcome, Erl and Bifano will be serving out their terms on both the Humanities Society and SRA until the end of the term. According to Erl, this incident will “ruin our working relationship for the next little while.”

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Funding an unknown cause Many students remain oblivious to the charitable aspect of MSU’s annual formal • CONT’D FROM A1 students and the surrounding Hamilton community.

Each year, 90 per cent of afterexpenses revenue is donated to the chosen charity. The remaining 10 per cent is dedicated to the Alumni Advancement’s McMaster Senior Class Gift Fund. Proceeds from Cirque, will support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington and the goal is to sell 1,300 tickets to reach a target donation of $15,000.

As hundreds of students put money toward a charitable cause for an evening of dance, entertainment and light gambling, it seems very few students are fully aware of the charity aspect of Charity Ball.

Although embedded in the name “Charity Ball,” a mere three out of 30 randomly sampled McMaster students, all of whom were familiar with Charity Ball, knew which charity was to be supported

by Cirque.

MSU Charity Ball Chair 2012,

Christine Corso, contended that most students do understand and are aware of the charity aspect of the formal, noting that many students, when deciding between a faculty or club formal and Charity Ball, are more inclined to support a charity over a non-charitable formal.

Aware of the need to effectively communicate the charity supported by the Ball, a separate advertising campaign was established for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters aspect of the proceeds. But such advertising appears to be relatively scarce in comparison to the promotion presenting Charity Ball as an entertainment-oriented event.

Corso explained the intention of the posters as a means of relaying important information about the event as concisely as possible without being visually overbearing. “Without overwhelming people with posters, we need to communicate the date and time, and which charity we are supporting is also important, and that is why we had a separate ad campaign for it.”

JOY SANTIAGO/ MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

State of the Union

MSU outlines goals and direction Mac facing new challenges with increasing enrollment and changing demographic Nichole Fanara The Silhouette

The president and three VPs of the McMaster Students Union delivered their annual State of the Union address on Jan. 26.

Under the stage lights of TwelvEighty, alongside president Matt Dillon-Leitch, were Alicia Ali, vice president of education, Duncan Thompson, vice president of finance and Katie Ferguson, vice president of administration.

The State of the Union address and accompanying 36-page document aimed to inform students about the current state of affairs in the MSU. Issues such as budget, clubs and on-going projects were discussed as a way of offering students a true understanding of where their money is being spent.

This year, the MSU aspired to show students early on that they could positively influence everyday student life at McMaster, exemplified through one of Dillon-Leitch’s first pilot projects, the extended hours of Thode library during the exam period. “The results were so quick, and to then see people actually using the library was phenomenal,” said Dillon-Leitch. ate Student Server) to Gmail.

It was stressed that, because As part of the MSU’s goal to students contribute financially to remain a student-centred organizathe Union, students should be the tion, the Student Life Enhancement primary beneficiaries. For example, Fund has been better explored to the talk included an issue raised to derive as much benefit out of the Members of Parliament of how one resource as possible. is only eligible for OSAP if they Under the umbrella of comhave a minimum 60 per cent course munity engagement, students were load. surveyed about The forum outtheir views on the lined key issues sursurrounding HamNot all of the rounding university ilton community in presidential life at McMaster, an effort to bring followed by an in- candidates showed down the barriers depth review of plaguing relationup, which is three fundamental ships between stugoals central to fur- frustrating when you dents and the city at want to show them large. ther development within the MSU. what they can do The MSU’s final High enrolgoal as a representawith the Students tive of the student ment at McMaster Union.” is indicative of the body aims to supUniversity’s growport the diversity of ing popularity as a thought and culture school of choice for an increasing that characterizes the McMaster number of high school graduates, community through support for though such a trend comes with in- various affiliated campus groups. creased demand on the University At the end, the floor opened to to provide quality education and ad- those in attendance for a questionequate space. and-answer period. Unfortunately, In keeping with the Student McMaster’s most vocal and active Union’s commitment to serve as students didn’t do much to chala liason between students and the lenge the Union leaders.

University administration, com- Dillon-Leitch explained that he munication has been central to the was “hoping for more questions.” process. While the MSU aims to He further expressed concern that maintain its online presence through “not all of the presidential candisocial media, it has also successful- dates showed up, which is frustratly pushed for change to the Univer- ing when you want to show them sity’s email system, changing from what they can do with the Students the MUSS (McMaster Undergradu- Union.”

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

She also acknowledged that the promotional methods employed for Charity Ball have, in recent years, had to compete with other campus clubs and faculties holding their own formals, which has led to a decline in Charity Ball attendance.

In its early years, Charity Ball tickets would invariably be sold out, so advertising efforts were relatively weak and virtually unnecessary until recently. Corso noted that it is possible that as the need for Charity Ball promotion increased, “the charity aspect may have gotten lost in that, and [the event] started being advertised as more of a formal.”

Last year, Charity Ball raised $9,500 for The Ronald McDonald House, falling well below the preceding two years, which raised $31,500 and $27,500, respectively.

With hundreds of tickets sold for a night of fun in the name of charity, there may be something to be said about the fact that the charitable aspect of the night is drowning in the glitz and glam of the formal event.

THE SILHOUETTE • A5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

McMaster Health Forum

Bandage for a cure?

Discussions about global access to equitable healthcare inconclusive

KACPER NIBURSKI / ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Speaker Philip Blake addressed inequalities in health at the Jan. 27 forum.

Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

The open forum discussion began with the harrowing reality that ten million people die each year due to lack of access to medicine.

An expert panel of university professors and pharmaceutical CEOs went on to address the variety of obstacles present in the global campaign to provide universal and equitable medical treatment.

Organized by the McMaster Health Forum Student Subcommittee with support from the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, the panel of three speakers, Aidan Hollis, Richard Elliott and Philip Blake, stressed that pharmaceutical inequality was not entirely caused by poverty found in developing nations.

People are not dying simply because they cannot afford the price of life. A complex analysis of the situation on the macrocosmic scale yields a much different observation: inequality does not result from poverty, but rather due to the current structure of medical research and development.

As it stands, a pharmaceutical R&D firm’s most motivating incentive is for innovation and the subsequent patents. Because of this primary incentive, if the demand is large enough, a patent allows the firm to profit for innovation into a novel process as opposed to meeting any dire need.

Profit, then, as described by Hollis, professor in Economics at the University of Calgary, “is due to the connection of innovation and price.”

Only the greatest innovation will result in both a larger price on the market and the most significant profit for the company. Just as it is not by the benevolence of the baker that one receives their bread, it is not by the charity of the pharmaceutical firms that one receives their medicines, no matter how necessary they may be.

The panel agreed that such a complex network of private and public partners working to meet their ends has caused much of the global struggle to achieve universal access to medicine. Elliot, executive director of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, stressed that, “such price-based incentives have char-

acterized the staggering inequality in healthcare for a long time.”

The panel offered little in way of solution, although a few overarching suggestions were offered in how to “square the circle,” as Hollis described it. Perhaps the most obvious was an explicit need to change the funding paradigm by radically altering incentives to fund research.

By no means did the panelists suggest it would be an easy task, however. Hollis stated that while the means to best do this is a contentious topic, it must be remembered that “companies are run by people who value healthcare just as much as anyone else,” which is inherently true.

Behind the grey walls and the large laboratories are people who would rather a system that rewards them for what they do, not what price they sell.

Philip Blake, president and CEO of Bayer Incorporated, mirrored the ideal. “We need a way to encourage innovation in a reality described by serendipity, and to find motivation balanced by pragmatism.”

Pragmatic as any solution may be, the question of how valuable one life is compared to the net profit seemed inescapable. While all panelists were adamant in their belief that any single life is invaluable, dividends behind the various pharmaceutical industries may have suggested otherwise.

One thing is for certain, though. The solution to a gross inequality in medical access is not found in a cure. Based on current intellectual property rights and capital market systems, there is no money to be had in a final cure.

Instead, profit is found in pills that placate an illness, that opiate the senses, and that mitigate the affects, as opposed to eradicating them.

That is the reality of the global struggle in universal medicine. On one end, people lack access to medication and die.

On the other, people take it for granted and often abuse their prescriptions. It would seem that the current market system does not allow for a middle ground between the two.

As Hollis stated, “while companies want to do what’s valuable by improving health, they also want to make money.”

Newsbites Compiled By Dina Fanara Students left in the dark Students were sent into mild chaos when a power outage struck the residences of Bates, Matthews, Moulton and Wallingford Halls, as well as the Student Centre, on Jan. 31 from roughly 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that evening. Some reports have linked the problem to an underground transformer, but students are to be reassured that all fire alarms and other electrical safety systems are in working order. According to Eric Jeong, a Community Advisor (CA) in Bates, students were stuck in both elevators in the building at the time of the outage, but all got out safely. One positive, Jeong noted, was the larger than expected turnout at an event being held in the Bates lobby, as many people were moving in and out of the building at the time.

New tool launching for young alumni The Alumni Association has been working on a new initiative designed to help young alumni succedd in the business world. This project, called Mac10, is the result of extensive research and the surveying of 2,500 current young alumni. It will assist graduates with professional and intellectual development, and will give them access to social activities. In collaboration with the Student Success Centre, this program will offer assistance in searching for jobs and career development, in addition to a speaker series, which will commence with a session by Daniel Coleman, professor of English and Cultural Studies. The intention of this program is to maintain alumni involvement with the University after graduation.

Funding awarded to research at Mac It was recently announced by Gary Goodyear, the Ontario Minister of State for Science and Technology, that $3.25 million will be allotted to McMaster University’s research projects.

This funding will be put toward upgrades to current lab facilities and to build two new ones.

Out of the 38 institutions awarded funds from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), McMaster received the largest sum.

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

EDITORIAL

editor’s extension: 22052 letters: thesil@thesil.ca

From the Editor:

The Silhouette

Campaigns need better, more discourse

McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

TheSil.ca

This year’s MSU presidential candidates have been remarkably amicable. Late last week I saw Chris Erl and Mukhtar Galan participating in a dance-off in the student centre atrium, followed by a heart-warming bro hug.

The five candidates have posed for multiple photo ops together, even as the campaign period has gone on and the rivalries have intensified.

Meanwhile, there have been some pretty vicious attacks on candidates this year from a pair of individuals not associated with any of the campaign teams.

Erl was lambasted by fellow SRA-Humanities member Lisa Bifano (see page A3) in a Facebook note that ripped into his campaign while being generally supportive of the other candidates. Sarah Ali, an open supporter of Erl’s campaign, suggested in YouTube comments that David Campbell’s video featuring aspiring rapper Tony Buzzin was racist for relegating the rapper to the “typecast roles” and using “typecast othering.”

Sadly, this has been some of the most engaging discourse of the 2012 election.

This year’s all-candidates debate was civil at best and unengaging at worst. The candidates stuck to their own points and didn’t confront each other on any issues. This is the only time all year most students will have any fleeting interest in student politics, and yet instead of a challenging discussion, the campaign period’s flagship event was a recital of talking points.

To be sure, keyboard-sheltered attacks are inappropriate and not particularly useful. The people making heated claims need to chill out. And yet, there hasn’t been a loud enough volume of political discourse amongst the candidates to drown it out.

The respect the candidates have shown each other is admirable. There is a lot to be a lot gained from a wholly constructive student election, especially one that doesn’t even last two weeks.

Let’s hope that this kind of working relationship makes its way into the MSU head offices and that sheltered attacks and YouTube comments are left in obscurity where they belong.

• Brian Decker

Editorial Board Brian Decker Executive Editor Sam Colbert Managing Editor Jonathon Fairclough Production Editor Farzeen Foda Senior News Editor Kacper Niburski Assistant News Editor Dina Fanara Assistant News Editor Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor Natalie Timperio Senior InsideOut Editor

The Silhouette is hiring the Executive Editor for volume 83 You should apply f you like journalism, camaraderie and basements.

Cassandra Jeffery Assistant InsideOut Editor

Seriously, though, it’s a great gig. Send your resumé and cover letter to thesil@thesil.ca

Sonya Khanna Business Editor Jemma Wolfe Senior andy Editor

Letter to the Editor:

Myles Herod andy Entertainment Editor

The danger of the isms

Josh Parsons andy Music Editor Tyler Hayward Senior Photo Editor

Editor’s note: the following is a response to the blog post ‘Campbell attacked in YouTube comments’ from the Sil’s 2012 MSU presidential election blog.

I first heard about Sarah Ali’s comments and write up on the Silhouette blog in a text message from a friend. Ironically, this took place while I was working on an essay for Black American Literature. At first I wasn’t sure what emotions Sarah’s comments evoked as they seemed to be more of a personal and direct attack aimed at David Campbell and his team rather than against the type-casting that she claimed to be so disgusted by.

I wondered at first if Sarah was perhaps over-analytical; the type so charged by social and political injustices that they obsess and over analyze literature and popular media, stretching to draw conclusions neither deliberate nor true from underlying contexts. Unfortunately it would appear otherwise as Sarah, an open supporter of Chris Erl, suggested in one of her comments that Campbell had lost her vote, a vote which was clearly already reserved for Erl. No, instead it seems that Ali’s comments were just a form of political trolling in which she used her accusations of racism as the vehicle to drive home a low blow to David’s campaign.

Ali’s claims were both distasteful and pretentious referring to me as a “rapping man of color” who played along unknowingly as the ignorant and dim-witted robin to Campbell’s batman. The suggestion that I would not be able to identify such racist elements in a video I participated in were in fact more offensive and racist then the claims that she tried to project.

When I was contacted by Asfand Minhas (a member of Campbell’s team, and a man of colour may I add) to write some lyrics and participate in the shooting of the video, I thought it would be a fun experience. I would never have thought for a second that this video would fall subject to such false accusations. Would the video have been more suitable or any less racist if I were a white rapper? Is Ali suggesting that “a man of colour,” should not participate in a video advocating a white candidate? Or should I denounce my skill for rapping because it is a craft dominated by other black men in risk of reinforcing the stereotype? I wish I knew the answer to these questions, but unfortunately Ali was unavailable for comment.

Racist accusations need to be reserved for situations in which they are actually applicable and true.

Faulty statements like the ones issued by Ali take away from the weight and value of other like claims and allow for the dismissal of racist allegations that are true and relevant.

I felt the need to write not only on behalf of myself, but for the numerous others who are disappointed with Ali and people like her who feel it is appropriate to selfishly throw around faulty accusations sighting racism and type-casting as a tool of personal attack. Her comments neither dampened my spirit nor my mood but more so provided an opportunity to address the ramifications of people who exercise their speech in the manner that she has in this instance. Such is the world of politics! I’m off to hit the gym, looking forward to voting tomorrow.

Enjoy Super Bowl Sunday, everyone.

•

Anthony ‘Tony Buzzin’ Bishop

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did we upset you this week? are we blatantly offensive and unworthy of print? is this paper only good for making into a pirate hat? let us know. send us a letter and we’ll publish it right here on the editorial page. just don’t be too mean to us. thesil@thesil.ca

Joy Santiago Multimedia Editor

Silhouette Staff Bushra Habib, Christine Pugliese, Chanéle Jordan, Amanda Teseo, Katherine George, Aaren Fitzgerald, Ben Orr, Maggie Cogger-Orr, Ryan Mallough, Rob Hardy, Erin Chesney, Paul Fowler, Nolan Matthews, Jason Scherer, Jenna Shamoon, Sandro Giordano, Jeremy Voisin

to british candy.

to rojo caliente.

to jobs.

to merely prolonging unemployment.

to anthony costa, you magnificent bastard.

to ball-grabbing tackles.

to buffalo chicken everything.

to imitation buffalo sauce.

to blake griffin.

to basket-rape.

to pack this house.

to brock. ouch.

to timbits.

to the lack of space doughnuts up in here.

to turd burglars. to surprise rapping skills. to the crazy dogzzz. to nitrous oxide. to ron mcgavin. to tony buzzin. just a cool guy. to beer. delicious, delicious beer. to phoenix fries. to alvand. thanks for the photos, mang. to satsc coming up. to another bonus skittle. to red velvet cake. off the chain.

to fraser insulting future parenthood. low blow, man. to egyptian soccer fans. holy hell that is not cool. to ambiguous statements. to staff leaving. sad times, yo. to plower’s. i’m sorry, that shit is nasty. to ramping on the ramp. to bailing on free mentos. to two jobs, but when you’re not the hardest workin’ candy in town. to ants.

THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

Ignorance is technically amiss Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor

Blind faith. Two words that perfectly encapsulate the way we co-exist with modern technology in our everyday lives. Is it a problem? Perhaps it is not an immediate crisis facing our species, but an issue worth any responsible human’s due consideration.

Imagine for a moment how an airplane functions. Visualize the complex mechanisms keeping you 11 km in the air and understand what each of the 970 switches, buttons and levers do to keep you safe. If that isn’t in your capacity, then I do not blame you, as you are the same as the other 300 passengers who trust that the technology is sound but do not truly understand it.

Entire droves of people fly on a daily basis without understanding the basics of aerodynamics.

It is a reflection of a culture that has become so inundated with rapid technological advances that there is just no time for an individual to read Not fully understanding technology can lead to irrational a flight manual. People are too busy to intimately know the inner to the last atom, and transmit our biological workings of their toaster. As long as it toasts make-up through radio-like transmissions to bread, we can take solace in delicious, reli- be re-assembled at our desired destination. able breakfasts. The problem lies in a techno- If such a technology existed would it not be logical event horizon where the advances we important, then, for a prospective teleportee to understand that they were about to be desire require far higher increments of risk.

Consider for a moment a theoretical tech- completely decimated atom by atom, and renology of teleportation. We want it so very assembled on another end of the earth? Conbadly to cut down our commutes to work, to venience would drive most decisions in that save moolah on yearly family vacations, and case, but it would be important to understand to save precious bed-to-bathroom seconds. such a technology to weigh the risk of using That kind of technology entails the entire it. breakdown of the human cell structure, down On that same train of thought, it is im-

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

fear of relatively simple mechanisms and gadgets. portant for people to understand real technologies available to us today, even very basic ones we have relied on for decades. Magnetism, for example, is the driving mechanism behind most brain-scanning technology, and a basic understanding of how safe polarization mechanisms would aid an ailing individual who fears being sent into a magnetic resonance imaging machine. Global magnetic fields are what allow compasses to derive north from south no matter where you are on the planet, which is an amazing discovery yet most take for granted. Your debit,

revelation.

We are busy people; I understand that.

We have lives, obligations, families and Facebook routines, but I don’t think it’s a valid excuse.

It would take two minutes of browsing Wikipedia to learn how a doorknob works, which is two minutes most people spend looking at pictures of cats. Hopefully those cats explain the basics of atomic recombobulation because otherwise you can look forward to several more decades of blissful, stupid ignorance.

MSU Presidentials

Campaign academic lack needs to be addressed, and the “End the Ban” campaign is something I generally support.

However, the MSU is a students’ union, not I guess I have a somewhat conservative view of an activists’ union. Any initiative I want to see the MSU. Anyone that’s ever talked to me about advocated by an MSU President should be dirpost-secondary education knows it’s something ectly related to our education and our experithat I value quite heavily, and I think that an ence as students. Some candidates subscribe to effective student union could be a useful tool this view more than others. Siobhan Stewart’s towards ensuring that our university education platform, which advocates for better utilization is of a high quality, and that we make it through of study space and expanded student-run mental the experience relatively intact. In my opinion, health services, makes it clear that she is conthe MSU’s duties should be to advocate for us cerned about the McMaster student experience. as students and offer services that allow us to One of David Campbell’s three major platform get through our education without experiencing categories is education, and his ideas of intromajor hardships. Unfortunately, somewhere ducing mid-term course evaluations and exam along its 121-year journey, the support services would directly MSU has lost sight of its purcontribute to an increased quality pose. of education. Furthermore, his Despite what I consider to I want to see a can- campaign is the only one to have be a healthy degree of cynicism didate that takes the referenced McMaster President towards student politics, I take issue of educational Patrick Deane’s Forward with the time to read through the Integrity, revealing that he is in quality seriously, tune with the Administration’s platforms of MSU Presidenand considers it tial candidates, and more often priorities for the University. than not I leave their websites their top priority to The one thing that unites disappointed. It wasn’t until everyone who studies at Mcimprove.” this year that I realized it is Master is that we’ve all made a because candidates in student conscious effort to pursue higher elections rarely address the education to one degree or anissue that should be of most concern to all stu- other. Personally, I want to see a candidate that dents: education. takes the issue of educational quality seriously, Browsing through the platforms, I see and considers it their top priority to improve our promises of an MSU endorsement of the “End experiences as students (as opposed to our exthe Ban” campaign (Chris Erl) and the estab- periences as ‘young people who attend univerlishment of an MSU Department on Poverty Re- sity sometimes’). duction (Alex Ramirez). Don’t get me wrong, It’s about time that we start demanding that these things are not inherently bad; the 25 per our student government give this issue some cent poverty rate in Hamilton is something that attention. After all, it’s why we’re all here.

Jeremy Henderson The Silhouette

credit and loyalty cards all have a black magnetic strip on the back that actually encodes and carries information without any kind of scratching, poking or clicking, merely by altering the strip’s magnetic field ever so slightly. The human body has such a low inherent sensitivity to magnetic fields that all this technology is completely safe to us and integral to most of our daily tools and gadgets. So important, apparently, that a Yahoo! Answers search of “How do magnets work?” yielded an astonishing 2233 results. That is a staggering amount of literate, internet-savvy people who do not understand what is quite possibly the most important mechanism in their lives.

Magnetism is but one example, as similar searches in the popular question-answering site yielded similar results for inquiries about the process that creates rain, how gas powers a car and, to my astonishment, 300 results for “How does a lightbulb work?” I could not help but feel incredulous at this

Race flair Aaron Grierson The Silhouette

Talk about a whirlwind campaign this year; posters started going up about two weeks ago, and according to the MSU website, we finish voting today. (It’s a little surprising that none of the candidates’ posters had the voting date on them, but I digress.) Matching the speed of these campaigns are the flight of certain words.

Environmental sustainability, better public transit, better club engagement, better food choices; these are just some of the topics that are frequently discussed, using the usual corporate buzzwords and attention-getting sales points. Some candidates are riding old ideas, made popular by recent events; it’s as though they wanted to bring down the bureaucracy that runs the school. Overall though, what we have is a group of students who are honest, well intentioned and serious about bringing change.

That’s great, in theory; the problem has been and probably always will be actually accomplishing the platform goals. It’s not that the candidates are making grandiose promises that cannot be kept, as many cynics might claim, nor is it that the candidates are liars, but it’s the system that the candidates must work within that prevents an expedient change. I consider myself an indifferent voter. Not because I am genuinely apathetic towards politics, but because I’ve spent the past four years watching students get elected, and, if they’re lucky, make one big thing happen for which some people might remember them for. Two

INSIDE HEAD TO HEAD What is the true value of your postsecondary degree?

Take a look into how the modern world looks at jobseeking students.

Page A8

Feedback Does religion have a place in modern university life? Students speak out.

Page A10

• PLEASE SEE FIXING, A8

This Week in Opinions Campaign Clutter

Weed Whackers

Fun with Religion

Are MSU presidential campaigns and similar initiatives too obtrusive to proper student centre usage? Look inside for a deeper insight.

The Liberal party has an opportunity to capitalize on a platform important to many young Canadians. Read a spliffy take on MJ laws.

World Religions Day has caused us to reevaluate the way we look at foreign religions. How does it affect student life?

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Pg. A9

Pg. A11

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

HEAD TO HEAD

WENDY CHI

AMANDA M. WRIGHT

DEBATE:

Is

post-secondary

education really

JUNIOR FINANCE MINISTER MCMASTER DEBATING SOCIETY

VP - PROMOTIONS MCMASTER DEBATING SOCIETY

preparing students for the workforce?

Wendy: Statistics about what students are doing after university are painting a less than optimistic picture of the future of undergrads across North America. In many cases, recent grads find themselves in one of three scenarios: unemployed, working in a field unrelated to their education, or returning to school for another degree.As a result, students have begun to question whether the knowledge garnered during their time in university will translate to finding a career and performing well in it. Sadly, for a large proportion of students, it won’t.

At a certain fundamental level of the current system, this actually makes sense. Students often forget that most universities are, first and foremost, research institutions. Teaching undergrads is only a secondary function of these schools and a side job to professors. What does this mean for students?

Aside from the fact that their needs are not always a top priority, there is also an inherent bias in what they are It is important for taught that favours theoretical concepts over real students to acquire world applications. Course the interpersonal, content and skill development are presented from communication and a research perspective because that is what proleadership skills do for a living. It’s that are prerequi- fessors no wonder that more and sites for success in more people end up pursuing graduate studies, since the real world.” that is the natural path to follow in a university setting.

Amanda: Wendy is correct when she says that a university degree no longer guarantees employment; however, I do not agree that it is a result of universities failing to teach workplace skills or the theoretical nature of university material. Rather, the devaluation of academic credentials is due to many other factors, such as the expansion of universities since the 1970s. Even though universities are geared towards research, students do develop skills that are necessary for workplace success and employment. Universities offer programs such as internships and co-ops with the explicit goal of fostering students’ workplace skills and to give them concrete, hands-on experience in the career field that they wish to pursue. As well, universities simulate workplace settings; students learn that they must attend class for a cer-

tain amount of time in order to take notes and to succeed, they must respect deadlines or they will be penalized, and they must develop a certain level of skill in order to obtain their university degree. Most importantly, they learn that this must all be done on their own initiative, and that the responsibility for the quality of their work is theirs alone.

WC: I agree that internships and co-operative education programs can be an excellent way to supplement education with practical work experience. The problem is that at many universities, McMaster included, not enough students are participating in these programs. Enrollment in co-op programs is limited to only a privileged few students who can reap the benefits of the experience. In addition, the fact that the co-op schedule disrupts extracurriculars and other yearlong commitments can be a major disadvantage to some. As for Amanda’s claim that university simulates a workplace setting, my answer is yes and no.Yes there is a certain structure to the university experience that translates to the workplace (deadlines, schedules, etc.) but is it enough? Although basic organization and time management are important, the relevance of other heavily emphasized skills, such as essay writing, conducting secondary research and test taking, is often limited to academia. It is equally important for students to acquire the interpersonal, communication and leadership skills that are prerequisites for success in the real world.

AMW: I agree with Wendy’s assertion that students need to acquire interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills in order to succeed in the real world. However, these skills can be acquired at university through the group work that goes on in classes, club membership, and involvement in student life. As well, a lot of the skills developed through school work, such as effective writing and communication skills, are actually very transferable and extremely important in many workplace settings. Students have agency, they are not simply passive actors, and they cannot expect to be guaranteed skills and abilities by simply attending a postsecondary institution. Students must actively work on their employability. Yes, there are not as many co-op’s and internships available to students as there should be, but that is not the universities fault but rather the result of the current economic climate. Choosing between club involvement and co-op may be a tough decision for some, but it is a sacrifice that students must be willing to make. It is a

tough and competitive job market, but it is not solely universities’ responsibility to ensure that students are prepared.

WC: Amanda makes a good point that students have a role is seeking out their own personal development. However, that doesn’t change the reality that students spend years of their lives in school and thousands of dollars on tuition with the expectation that a university degree will make them better off in the job market. Although the transferable skills gained from group work and extracurricular involvement can help accomplish this, these activities usually come second to the independent study required to perform well in classes.

Regardless of their autonomy and initiative, students can only operate within the constraints that the university places on them. Consequently, it is up to the faculty and administration to make changes if they want to produce graduates who are ready for the chal- Universities should lenges of the workforce. also offer more Programs and services such as co-op, internships, career career services fairs, career counselling, and and place more other workshops are a great start, but they have to be exemphasis on the panded to serve more stuimportance of dents so that they are provided every opportunity to employability and develop their employability.

transferable skills.”

AMW: A clear-cut answer to this issue does not exist.

The current employment market requires an improved effort by both universities and students to increase the employability of students. Students need to be aware of the fact that a university degree does not guarantee them employment and take initiative to improve their own employability and transferable skills. Universities should also offer more career services and place more emphasis on the importance of employability to students; however, universities are a place of higher learning, academia and research and it is unreasonable to expect them to make students’ employability their main focus above all else. The devaluation of credentials has already occurred and it is unlikely that the times of merely having a undergraduate degree and obtaining guaranteed employment will ever return.

Fixing the race for first place Travel cutoffs • CON’T FROM A7 examples would be the Mac Farmstand and the incoming email switch from the old MUSS server to Gmail (which doesn’t actually save anyone any amount of typing, as the “cis.mcmaster” part of the address is superfluous). Any other major changes must have been done without public spectacle, as I can’t recollect any publication of any sort.

The candidates do have their ways of reaching out to students though. In addition to the websites, there are the traditional classroom rambles, where one person comes around and gives an incredibly condensed spiel about “why it would be best to vote for them.” Last year in particular I found them useless because they provided no substantial evidence that they could provide the results for the changes they promised. Sure enough, most changes didn’t come around. Something new this year are the revamped improvised headquarters in the student centre. I don’t eat there a lot but do they ever look annoying. They take entire sections of tables up with flashy banners and free handouts which will be, even if read, promptly discarded, hopefully in the recycling. I can appreciate reaching out to students in a public place where many will see you, but the student centre is hardly an ideal place for a political discussion due to noise and body levels during peaks. Of course, all that yelling one has to do might fit in well with politics.

But, that probably won’t stop me from voting for the most realistic candidate. Or perhaps just abstain if the ballot allows it. Kin Hubbard once pointed out that we would all like to vote for the best man, but he is never a candidate. Outdated language aside, his point holds. My major issue with any politician is that the promises or goals they make to their target audience are often far too optimistic for their own success.

A problem, especially at this level of politics, is that the elections are always cast, rather accurately, popularity contests.

Some of the plat- as Sometimes, so much so form points sound that some of the platform like they are cater- points sound like they are catering to certain ing to certain groups in which they hold groups in which they a strong affinity towards. hold a strong affinity Social media makes this so much easier, as I’ve towards.” gotten added to groups for candidates I don’t even know personally, and it’s not a good way to convince me, as someone who wants to be an informed voter.

A final thought, if I may venture once more into the

Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

The campaigns tend to take over student space. past, is taken from previous candidates who were never taken seriously. They were talking communism, dictatorial takeovers, and reforming the school’s bureaucracy by basically eliminating it. It sounds outlandish and echoes an old war, but maybe they have the right idea, that the popularity contest, as it were, should be an actual vie for a seat of power to ensure, under certain restrictions, that the people’s voice may be heard and that improvements can be made without all of the paperwork. That doesn’t help external unions, but a baby usually doesn’t start walking by running. Maybe politicians shouldn’t either.

It has recently come to my attention that the University offers bursary opportunities for students wishing to travel for school or volunteer work. However, it has even more recently become known to me that you need to be “smart” to even apply. By this I mean that students without an 8 cumulative average or higher will not even be considered.

Though it is mentioned on the application form that this average is a “must” from the applicant, I thought asking the person in charge to confirm that I would, in fact, not even be looked at would be a smart idea. When asked, the Awards Officer of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Karen Jowett, confirmed this.

It seems a bit odd that a student must have a certain average to apply for an award to allow them to travel and experience the world on their own terms – there are so many things wrong with that notion. Our university has so many students who are incredibly gifted and intelligent but may not necessarily have the high grades that others are able to accomplish. It may be a possible notion that a student may work two or three jobs, while going to school, while participating in extracurricular and volunteer work.

The desire to travel in itself is an accomplishment that should be not only accessible by all but encouraged. It doesn’t take book smarts to travel – if anything, the opposite may be true.

Those with a lower I realize that my saying this average should at will have no impact in the decisions of who will and will not the very least be be considered for these bursarallowed to apply ies, nor would I want it to. I think it is extremely offensive and be considered that the university is virtually for these telling students that you can be bursaries.” not smart enough to be awarded money to learn abroad or take part in a mission trip to better some aspect of life for not only themselves but others. It is absolutely disgusting that nothing is offered of similar value for those who are “less smart” in the University.

I would understand having preference for students who may be stronger academically as well, but the one thing that worries me the most that if no student with an 8 average or higher applies for a specific bursary of the fourteen offered, that money would go unclaimed. Those with a lower average should at the very least be allowed to apply and be considered for these bursaries.

By no means am I throwing academics under the bus. I am simply stating that there is more to an individual than how they perform on paper.

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

A doobious stand for legality Ryan Mallough Silhouette Staff

Bob Rae characterized the Liberal Party as “knocked down,” a term ripe with the political optimism demanded by the leader of a party humbled in an historical fashion. The fact is the Liberals where much more than knocked down in the last election. Relegated to third party status for the first time in history, the Liberals were the electoral equivalent of curb-stomped and left for dead in the gutter. The people had spoken.

The Liberal Party was on notice and changes needed to be made if the “natural governing party” wanted to survive beyond another election. It started with the naming of Toronto-Centre MP Bob Rae as interim leader to steady the ship, but the real rebuilding did not begin until the party’s biennial convention.

There was an air of optimism amongst delegates going in, and several surprises coming out of the biennial Liberal Party policy convention, held in Ottawa from Jan. 12-15; not the least of which was the election of Mike Crawley as Party President in a narrow defeat of favoured former Deputy Prime Minister Sheila Copps. The party delegates, anchored by a strong youth representation, also voted to keep the Queen and to open up membership for free to all Canadians not already members of a political party, while rejecting the idea of holding American style primaries in leadership races.

However, the most surprising, and if handled correctly the most potentially renewing, resolution to pass – with resounding support – was Resolution 117: support for the legalization and regulation of marijuana.

Proposed by the Young Liberals of British Columbia, Resolution 117 proposes a federally regulated system of MJ growth, distribution and taxation of marijuana. While the plan does not get into the specifics, one imagines a distribution system similar to that of liquor wherein a Crown corporation (similar to the The demand for marijuana legalization is strong enough that Economically the party is proposing an entirely unique LCBO), likely be administered by a special branch of Health Canada, or perhaps even through the creation of a revenue stream for the federal government. The Dutch govMinistry of Marijuana (after all, who wouldn’t want the dis- ernment collects around $600 million per year from its marijuana industry which is regulated to the city of Amsterdam. tinction of being Canada’s top dealer?).

Regardless of how it comes into effect, the resolution cre- Canada receives approximately 35 million tourists every year ates a unique opportunity for the Liberals to shape their plat- (almost quadruple what the Netherlands receives) and could form. One of the more common criticisms of Canadian pol- potentially see revenue in the multi-billions from domestic a itics, and particularly of the federal Liberal and New Demo- tourist based consumption. crat Parties, is the lack of significant difference between par- It also allows for a distinct opposition to the Conservative Crime agenda by legalizing many farmers, dealers and ties. Passing Resolution 117 changes that.

It is not to say that the Liberals should become the mari- traffickers who currently make up, as of 2009, five per cent of juana party, but that support for legalization will allow them the prison population – a number which will increase when to create present unique platform points that will gain public the new Crime Bill comes into effect – and eliminating other and media attention, as well as help to throw their stances in competition. The resolution also proposed providing amnesty sharp contrast to those of the Conservatives and New Demo- to those previously convicted of minor possession charges, and will free up police and corrections resources for more crats.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

the Liberal Party should give it serious consideration. serious crimes as well as support for a strong health and drug information and awareness campaign which is a distinct education and prevention based alternative to the Conservative crime and punishment based approach.

Despite these benefits, the Liberals will also have to come armed with data and prepared for the potential onslaught of attacks. One can already imagine the 30 second spot listing Liberal policies and asking if the party leader is high and the pun-lined debate responses quipped to undermine the issue.

However difficult it may be, the Liberals should not back down. Public support for legalization is strong. A recent poll shows that nearly two thirds of Canadians support legalization, and the benefits largely outweigh the risks. After all, we already condone the far more damaging consumption of alcohol and cigarettes while promoting a sport that all but glorifies brain damage, so why not?

European cultural crisis at large Erik Fraunberger The Silhouette

First of all, I would like to emphasize that I am not here to debate the policies of multiculturalism.Personally, I agree with Mohammad Zubairi (‘A land of many lakes,’ Jan. 26) in his assertion that multiculturalism provides “perspective on a range of issues, whether they are political, economic, or social.”

In fact, these varying perspectives help shape my own personal philosophies and enhance my intellectual development.

My intention is to clarify what Mohammad Zubairi wrote in the Silhouette a couple of weeks ago regarding his response to David Cameron’s, Nicholas Sarkozy’s and Angela Merkel’s statements that multiculturalism is a failure. My main point of contention in his writing lies with the misappropriation of the comment made by European politicians to the Canadian situation.

In Canada, we are fortunate enough to have a wide variety of peoples and this enriches our cultural tapestry to lengths never before seen in history. However, if one is to take a look at Europe, the cultural tapestry is virtually non-existent. The reasons for the European leaders’ comments stems from the disturbing developments occurring in their countries. For example, policies in each of the European countries regarding immigration are extremely lax thanks to the European Union.

This results in large, legal influxes of immigrants from Africa, Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Due to large numbers of immigrants coming from a common location with a common religion and culture, many chose to stick together, which we understand as an inevitable consequence of our biology. In combination with failed integration policies, many immigrants rejected the native European culture. This includes language, food, dress, arts and the general lifestyle.

Looking at France in particular, one will notice many “no-go” zones in which certain immigrant populations have declared an independent rule of law from that of France.

Emergency services, post office officials, and other community figures avoid these areas for their own safety.

Basically these populations have consciously and purposely created a separate community they feel does not need to abide by the laws of the host country. This is present in Germany and the United Kingdom as well. Last time I checked, I did not see or hear about anything that is comparable within Canadian borders.

At this point, what needs to be understood is that there is no comparison between Canada and Europe with respect to multiculturalism.

There is no historical baggage like WWII that burdens Europe with fears of racism, Nazism, and intolerance in Canada. It is historical

Many immigrants rejected the native European culture.

This includes languages, food, dress, arts and the general lifestyle.” fact that we went through our own tough times but nothing comparable to the centuries of religious wars and massacres like those in Europe. Fear of intolerance and offending everyone non-European has paralyzed the entire European Union within its own anti-racism and human rights regulations.

This in part, is the very reason there has been a failure of multiculturalism in Europe: political correctness, fear of a second holocaust, and cultural relativism has grinded European culture into the ground, causing a lack of enforcement for integration policies and, consequently, cultural segregation.

In the process of failing to successfully introduce European culture to immigrants, European politicians have created parallel societies within their own borders.

This is why David Cameron, Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel are justified in asserting that multiculturalism has failed.

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

?

-Elizabeth Barr, Kinesiology

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

“I think it should be available as an option for students.”

-Patricia Lara, Nursing II

What role should religious practice play in student life?

With only SEVEN issues left of the Silhouette this year, your chances to contribute are slowly fading!

If you have any strong opinions of recent events, ongoing world problems or even everyday annoyances, don’t waste another second and pitch your idea TO US.

ALSO, if you have a specific debate topic you want the McMaster Debaters to tackle, send that in too!

WE’LL TAKE ANYTHING. WELL, ALMOST ANYTHING.

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“It should be independent of student life because we live in Canada.”

OPINIONS@THESIL.CA

-Sanjeith Varathan, Engineer. II

-Anthony Gatti, Kinesiology

Compiled by Andrew Terefenko and Jonathon Fairclough

“It plays a big role in my life, but it depends on the person.”

-Uju Ubah, Life Sci II

“I don’t believe religion should play a role in my life.”

-T. J., Economics IV

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

A pamphlet away from tolerance

the fervently religious and staunch atheists. But anyone that knows any religious or atheistic group, Last week was World Religions inside of or outside of Mac, probDay. Between hearsay and per- ably knows that this dichotomy is sonal attendance, the event seemed false in a lot of cases. Most people rather busy throughout most of seem to be fairly level-headed, if the day. Unfortunately due to my a little excited about their personal class schedule I missed most of faiths, save for the few that make the events. But hearing about the the stereotype come true. list of events that took place, it As the stereotype is well seated sounded like attendees were not in our minds though, one has to disappointed or bored. The passing wonder why it got there the way it of the Day brought the question of is. faith to the forefront of my mind. If so many people feel so Not so much as a question of my strongly about the portrayal of personal belief but the question of a certain religious group, due to people and religion. The student popular figures in the media or body, faith and MASH aside, it excited randoms, does that mean, seems like most people couldn’t in some way, they have a positive care less about religion or faith, at view of faith on a personal level? least as far as their days on campus Even if that is a strong inclinaare concerned. tion to some unexplored agnosti That may be one of the primary cism or a bunch of unanswered issues though: that many people questions, it seems as though those may take faith views should be so seriously that pursued in some they’re not com- We live in a country reasonable manner. fortable expressPerhaps not as ing or exploring with a great number dinner table conit at school. Open of freedoms and a versation but at Circle, one of the student and faculty one of the many non-denominaopen groups on tional groups that body that provides campus, amongst contributed that all kinds of support friends or maybe day, facilitating just randomly one and a safe and their own event, day with one of the welcoming Try on a Spiritual Campus For Christ Practice. The event representatives environment.” embodies one of who seem to quite the major elements plentiful.

They of Open Circle, as they welcome won’t have all the answers, but and aid in the exploration of one’s it could be enlightening for both spirituality, that is religion, if you people. like, or any interaction with other It might seem like one more people or the world around us. item on the pile of homework This is one of the many groups we’re all going to be getting soon, on campus that help facilitate ex- but if you have questions about ploration of broad, important and faith, religion or spirituality, try personal issues. asking them.

Each of these factors makes If four years in university have me wonder why it is that faith is taught me anything, it’s that asking so taboo. We live in a country with questions can be the best way to a great number of freedoms and learn anything. Even if it’s asking a student and faculty body that multiple people the same question provides all kinds of support and, to see the variety of the world that at least in my experience, a safe we live in. and welcoming environment to Besides, the worst that can deal with personal issues. Yet the happen is a disagreement, or that idea of having a personal belief in you get an advertisement you’ll something, anything at all, or per- never read, and walking away haps nothing, seems widely char- from both can ensure the use of the acterized as a stereotype between proper receptacle.

Aaron Grierson The Silhouette

Booth Babe Samantha

Tim Schoffer

LOCAL FIRM PROVIDES OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING Tim Schoffer, of University Property Management Services, tends to his display at the University’s recent Off Campus Housing Fair. Displayed in front, and flanking his laptop, are two prototype model houses – one made of Lego and the other gingerbread. Tim notes that these homes are in the early stages of development and he has not yet leased any to the general student population.

Schoffer was at the Housing Fair to promote his company’s inventory of more than 80 rental properties and his company’s Property Management Services, which specialize in the management of McMaster Student Rental Properties. Schoffer ads that the company

has been renting homes to McMaster students for more than 20 years, with an estimated 8,000 students progressing through his properties during those years.

Schoffer notes that about one third of the company’s properties remain available to be leased for the upcoming 2012-13 school term. “There are still plenty of great places available so there is no reason to panic just yet” he advises, but Schoffer does caution that students should not put off leasing a place too late.

“Housing options start to thin out by early March”. According to Schoffer, all of University Property Management Services housing is within close walking distance to campus.

For information on available housing, contact:

UNIVERSITY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES*

Phone: 905.304.8075 web: www.machousing.com * Not affiliated with McMaster University

NOW on facebook and twitter!

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Top: The campus divinity college provides a safe place to practice their beliefs in silence.

Bottom: Religious symbols often unify believers but can be misconstrued by others.

A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

SpeculatoR The Hamilton

Thursday, February 2, 2012

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

WEATHER High:

Ratio of poopmongers to turdburglars in frequent night terrors.

Low:

Hope for a better tomorrow.

Eyeballing attractive wild fowl since 1968

F

Feline pawlitician wins MSU presidency Jingles wins the race and our hearts Buggs Vindaloo Speculator

In a shocking and unprecedented landslide write-in vote, Jingles the Cat has been named the MSU President-elect.

Jingles won with a total of 53 votes, dwarfing the 17 in favour of runner-up Winston McDanielsmith III. The grey tabby was seen wandering the student centre and mewing adorably for most of Wednesday and Thursday’s voting period.

In a hotly contested lead-up, candidates jostled for position, only to be obscured by the irresistible snuggles of our new feline fuhrer.

“I was gonna vote for Shelagh McGregor, but this little guy is just so darn cute!” said Rachel Donahughson, who says she voted for Jingles.

Jingles came to campus on free Willy Dog day and never left, instead opting to win the hearts of students across Hamilton. Speculator reports indicate the 3-year old kitty is in the process of finishing an online degree in Anthropology.

Just weeks ago, it appeared candidate Johnny Acklestein was on the way to victory, only to have his campaign derailed by an Elections Office controversy. Acklestein was disqualified for using ambiguous campaign promises too freaking often.

A content analysis of Acklestein’s campaign showed the phrases “open channels of communication,” “working together with students,” and “listening to the voices and concerns,” comprised 83 per cent of his campaign materials, speeches and interviews.

“Every year we have a candidate say the exact same things, as if there has never been an MSU election before. We put this rule in to get rid of these annoying bastards,” said Ron McGavin, MSU General Manager.

Acklestein, a varsity hockey player, claimed he was “just trying to give 100 per cent every day and do the best job I can.”

Following Acklestein’s disqualification, the race between McDanielsmith III and candidate Mike Johnson became heated.

Johnson posted a YouTube video of his campaign platform in which he promised a free donut to every student, to which a member of McDanielsmith III’s team responded by calling Johnson a ‘commie turd.”

In contrast, McDanielsmith III’s campaign was kicked off with a Twitter initiative where he promised voters “complete and total transparency” in his everyday life, which would be transcribed and posted by an aide. This made way for a record-breaking retweeted message in which Winston said, “@McMastersons Oh god oh god what do I do. Jeremy put down the goddamn notepad and find me a shovel or a barrel or something oh jesus. #MSUPresidentials #Clubnight #HidingBodies” It is unknown whether Jingles the Cat will bring new reform to the organization, but when asked for comment, we quickly forgot the question and what were we talking about again?

Jingles will serve his term starting this April, and will surely bring about a new era of mouse-free student government with many yarn-centric policies.

SKIZZY IMAGES

Jingles, moments after winning the election he did not official campaign in, as a beachball rolled behind him, commemorating his momentous nomination in a beach ceremony.

Dog detective keeps a leash on crime Famed canine sleuth cracks another cold case barking up the wrong tree forgettable instance three years ago when he sniffed out an illegal bark-smuggling operation in Stoney Creek. Said operation was illegitimately stripping the outer layers of The Hamilton underworld was shaken to its roots last night city trees and selling them to downtown paper manufacturas another long-unsolved crime was licked by famous local ers for a full dollars per pound under market value, a move detective, MacNab, the crime fighting dog. that was hurting the bottom line of local legitimate bark MacNab, a 16-month old Dachsstrippers. hund with a taste for beach balls, utilized Jason Trent, MacNab’s owner and permonths of planning and research to chew Spectators watched sonal confidante, was shocked that his dog, out a longstanding hitman organization that “found the time to take a bite out of local on as MacNab was hiding its corpses in the north end of murders in between his busy schedule of apprehended yet chasing down leads on airborne Frisbees Cootes’ Paradise.

“We’re exceptionally lucky to have another criminal and and investigating his lower back for fleabag such a dedicated private detective whose sent him to the dog- criminals.” actions put a paws on crime sprees in this The local hero has chronicled his enhouse, where fetch deavours in several best-selling detecnormally gloomy and dangerous city,” said police commissioner Jacob Bismuth at a tive novels, such as the one prompted by had a much less press conference in which he awarded the this recent event, MacNab and the Cootes pleasant canine hero with the Medal of Furor, the Corpse. Other iterations in his fetching connotation.” second-highest honour a crime-fighting dog series include MacNab and the Sinking can attain.

Steel City, MacNab and the Jingles Jig and The malevolent assassination organthe Pulitzer Prize-winning epic, MacNab ization was led by now-incarcerated ringleader Paulie and the Hobo Oboe: Part 1. In the latter, MacNab battles “Whiskers” Desario, a notable member of the Hamilton a series of obstacles to retrieve an antique oboe which had Italian-Canadian community and avid feline moustache en- been missing in the homeless community for three decthusiast. Desario was charged with thirteen counts of first- ades. Part 2 in the series is expected to release in the near degree murder and one count of being a cat person. After future, to a drove of impatient fans and adversaries, who two straight days of testimony and one heartwarming tail are heeled in anticipation. told by MacNab under oath, Desario was sentenced to three It is unknown how long the city’s saviour will continue consecutive life sentences, and thirteen additional hours of his efforts, but until the doggone day that he eventually community service. retires to a clerical position in government, he will never MacNab has been involved in the solving of several cease to be as ruff on crime as the day he found his very cold cases in the city over the past decade, such as the un- first bone.

Tiberius Slick Speculator

PUBLISHER PHOTOGRAPH

MacNab on the cover of his latest detective thriller.

“Did you hear?

The tabloids are all ablaze about the

presidential penthouse.”

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.

S1 • THE SILHOUETTE

The Silhouette

SPORTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Marauder soccer captain and AllCanadian Anthony Costa dishes on Serbian dance music, cigars, dirty tackles and Javier Zanetti in this week’s Meet a Marauder.

See S6.

YOUR SOURCE FOR MCMASTER MARAUDERS SCORES, STORIES, UPDATES AND ANALYSIS

PACKING THIS HOUSE

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Marauders lose crucial points against UOIT decade-long curse at Alumni Hall is -ASee S2

broken as Mac wins in five. See S3.

TRACK

The men’s basketball team extends their winning streak to three games after blowing out Brock 104-60. See S2.

The Marauders are benefiting from the return of two star racers. Details on S5.

S2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Men’s Volleyball

Men’s Basketball

Failure to adapt proves fatal Rookie puts Mac back on form Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

something we’re there with the block or the dig. We didn’t do that very well and it let them play their own game and get confident.

On the flip side, we couldn’t stop that and it obviously brought us off our game.”

In the wake of the sobering defeat in London, Sanders indicates that the Marauders reiterated their need to focus on fundamentals, areas such as serving and passing in which they struggled in the loss.

“We agreed that we needed to take care of the simple stuff,” said the setter. “The word we used was ‘obvious,’ because we needed to

Prior to taking the court for last Wednesday’s game against the Guelph Gryphons, the men’s basketball team had lost three games in a row, a streak that brought into question their ability to contend with the best of the OUA West.

With the season hanging in the balance, head coach Amos Connolly appealed for his team to maintain their confidence, even in the midst of an untimely struggle.

Enter Adam Presutti.

The rookie point guard enjoyed a breakout performance, while demonstrating veteran confidence, against the visiting Gryphons, scoring a career-high 27 points in an 82-74 home victory.

“He made very good decisions, held on to the ball and made free throws, that’s a point guard performance that we need,” Connolly said of Presutti’s performance.

The coach’s emphasis on confidence appeared to be paying dividends for the Maroon and Grey.

By taking over the game and helping his team to a much-needed win, Presutti simultaneously provided a glimpse into his bright future and positive outlook for the remainder of the season.

Hitting the road once more on the weekend, the Marauders travelled to Waterloo Saturday to take on the Warriors.

In this contest it was not one player taking over the game. Instead five McMaster players reached double digits in scoring spreading the ball with 20 assists as a team.

The strength in the backcourt remained a prevalent factor with third-year veteran guard Victor Raso scoring a team-high 18 points chipping in six rebounds and four assists. Presutti also had solid outing, adding 10 points and three assists of his own.

The two guards have developed an oncourt chemistry in which Raso has taken the first year under his wing.

“Victor is a great teacher and Adam is a great student. One thing that is necessary for leadership to succeed is for fellowship to be established. Adam is learning a lot, as a result

• PLEASE SEE FUNDAMENTALS, S5

• PLEASE SEE DON’T, S4

FRASER CALDWELL / SPORTS EDITOR

The Marauders were humbled in a straight-set loss to the OUA leading Western Mustangs in London on Jan. 28.

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor The Marauders had a well-considered plan of attack in hand as they entered Alumni Hall on Jan. 28 to take on the top team in Ontario.

Unfortunately, when that approach failed to yield results against the Western Mustangs, the Maroon and Grey proved unable to adapt under fire. The result was the most humbling loss of the Marauders’ season, coming as it did in straight sets and never seeming in doubt.

McMaster setter T.J. Sanders – who returned to action in London after a concus-

sion – believes that his team’s defeat followed from a static style of play that never addressed the tactical adjustments brought about by the host Mustangs.

“I think we had a really good game plan, and going into [the match] we prepared the way we needed to,” Sanders said of the Saturday afternoon clash. “But [Western] changed a few things in their game, and we have to change along with them. For example, Garrett [May] kept hitting cross-court and the middles kept hitting the ‘T’s.

“It took us too long to make those adjustments. It should just be a point-by-point thing, where the next time a player does

THE SILHOUETTE • S3

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Volleyball

Ben Orr

Alumni Hall curse is no more for Marauders

Mac hits snag at home

Silhouette Staff

The McMaster women’s basketball team did last weekend what it struggled to do all year: capture positive momentum and earn a winning streak.

But despite some last-second heroics from Taylor Chiarot, it all came to a sudden halt on Wednesday night as the Brock Badgers overcame some late drama and escaped the Burridge Gym with a 73-64 win.

Chiarot scored on an inbounds pass from Hailey Milligan as time expired to force overtime, thrilling the boisterous fans in the Burridge Gym for McMaster’s ‘Pack the House’ event, but the Badgers would start the extra frame on a 10-1 run and easily cruised to victory from there.

The loss dampens the team’s momentum gained from a season-high four-game winning streak earned over the previous two weeks.

After sweeping the double header two weekends ago in Thunder Bay, the Marauders brought their strong play back home, beating the Guelph Gryphons in a tight match last Wednesday and pounding on the Warriors in Waterloo on the weekend.

Coach Theresa Burns praised her team’s effort with the reserved enthusiasm only a coach possesses.

“We are playing more consistently,” she said. “Have we reached the point where we feel like we’re doing everything we can yet?

No. I still think there’s room for improvement in a lot of areas, which is okay, as long as we’re getting a little better each day and we’re consistently on an upswing. As long as we’re getting better everyday we’re going in the right direction to get ready for the playoffs.”

The Maroon and Grey returned to Burridge Gym to take on the Gryphons flying high on confidence and would not be grounded, earning a 66-63 win.

Next, the women travelled to Waterloo to take on the last place Warriors. After springing out to a 21-11 first quarter lead, the Marauders kept their foot on the gas and cruised to a 67-48 win.

Chiarot led the game with 14 points.

Joining her in double-digit territory was Stephanie Truelove and Liz Burns, with 13 and 12, respectively.

Coach Burns spoke to the importance of her team’s first substantial winning streak.

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Mac forward Caitlin Croley looks to pass against Waterloo on Jan. 28 “It’s a confidence builder for sure. As much as they work hard every singe night, when you’re not rewarded for it with a win, and you feel like you’ve put all the work in and all the preparation in and you don’t get that win, it can be frustrating at times. Putting a streak together gets your confidence going, you start playing a little looser and a little better and it snowballs. Hopefully we can keep it going and ride this wave into the playoffs.”

McMaster has cemented themselves into the top tier of teams in the OUA West with the four-game streak, putting significant distance between themselves and fifth-placed Guelph with last week’s win. Burns was cautious however, stressing the importance of every game.

“Every position you can move up in the standings in important, whether it’s your seedings for playoffs or your court advantage in the playoffs. The standings are still really tight. We’ve put a little cushion, but that can evaporate in no time. Every game you’re fighting for your life.

“The standings can change in a heartbeat,” explained the coach, “you’ve got to approach every game like it’s your last.”

Former Marauder Nicole Rosenkranz scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the Badgers’ win Wednesday night. It was Rosenkranz’s first game at McMaster since transferring to Brock in the summer.

The third-year forward tore her ACL in the pre-season last year after averaging nearly 20 points per game in non-conference play.

Before the loss, Burns explained the keys to the game.

“We want to have a transition game both ways, we need to run and score, we can just play half court the whole game, we have to score in transition,” said the coach. “We also need to get back in transition and not allow them easy buckets. We need the ball in the hands of our top players tonight, and they need to put lots of shots up.”

The Marauders shot just 28 per cent from the field, but benefited from 22 Badgers turnovers and 16 offensive rebounds.

Alumni Hall has not been kind to the McMaster Marauders over the years.

Veterans of the current crop of Marauders had yet to experience a victory at Western’s converted theatre. The yearly London fixture on the Maroon and Grey’s calendar is consistently penciled in as one of the toughest tests the team will face all season.

But for the first time in a generation, the Marauders can mark that imposing contest with a ‘W’.

The exact length of McMaster’s drought at Alumni Hall is unknown – online result archives stretch back only as far as 2004 – but one observer close to the team believes that the Maroon and Grey’s Jan. 28 victory over the Mustangs was the first one in London for more than a decade.

According to the Marauders’ co-captain and libero Meagan Nederveen, the key to her squad’s success in shaking off the demons of Alumni Hall was their ability to focus solely on their game plan. With only the approach on their mind, McMaster’s defensive stalwart believes that the venue became irrelevant.

“To be honest, we had one game plan when we went into the match and that was – as soon as warm ups were over – to treat Alumni Hall as if it was Burridge,” said Nederveen. “We wanted to erase that idea of the home court advantage, to understand the court and go into it as if we were playing at home.

“Because I think that was the only way that we were going to be able to play the game that we needed to in order to beat them.”

The landmark victory looked to be well on course through the first two sets on as the Marauders clinched both to build a commanding lead. But two loose sets in the third and fourth allowed the Mustangs to roar back into the contest, and appeared to give the home side the edge of momentum • PLEASE SEE REVENGE, B8

THE SILHOUETTE • S4

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Men’s Basketball

Don’t count them out Mac bounces back after three straight losses same token it is easy to get caught up and to have Burridge Gymnasium filled with think that is going to come automatically,” screaming fans in hopes of harboring a of this and it is just a reminder of his bright said Connolly before Feb. 1 game against strong home crowd. future,” said Connolly of his Backcourt. the Brock Badgers.

See our Wednesday round up for cover The team efforts yielded a favorable 89- With a chance to bring their win streak age of the “Pack this House” game against 70 result as well for the Marauders, improv- to three in a row, the game had a stage set the Brock Badgers who the Marauders beat ing their record to 11-5 with their second both figuratively and literally as McMaster in their previous meeting 103-91. straight win. organized the “Pack this House” initiative Previously Coach Connolly had lamented about his team’s success after half time, a deficiency that has proven to be crucial in a couple of the key losses this season.

“They really took what we said at half time on Saturday and put it on the floor. We talked about increased defense, increased intensity and overall increasing the tempo,” said the coach of his team’s weekend effort.

“We played the style of basketball we wanted to play in the second half of that game, we really opened it up, which is in part because our defense created great opportunities on offense,” continued Connolly.

Currently sitting tied for third in the OUA West with six games remaining on the schedule, McMaster needs to finish strong in hopes of obtaining home court advantage for the playoffs.

Of the six remaining games, four are against teams that Mac has yet to face this year, the Western Mustangs and Laurier Golden Hawks.

Western has struggled this season, currently sitting six games below .500 with a record of 5-11.

Laurier, on the other hand, is tied for second place with a record of 14-2 and will be a true test for the Marauders.

“The games against Laurier are definitely a measuring stick for us,” said Connolly this week.

“They are fifth in the country and there is a reason for that. Laurier knows their strengths and weaknesses and don’t try to do too much,” evaluated Connolly of the upcoming key matchups that will give the team a chance to prove that they can contend in the OUA West before the post season.

“I don’t think anyone questions that momentum is moving in the right direction for us right now, but we can’t take that for granted. The future looks bright, but by the Rookie guard Joe Rocca is one of the emerging scorers this season for Mac. • CONT’D FROM S2

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Wednesday Round-Up Women’s Basketball

McMaster Brock

64 Final (OT)

73

In a razor-close contest at the Burridge gym, the Marauders closed the gap on the Badgers in the dying seconds of regulation through a perfectly executed in-bounds play. Unfortunately for the home side, the Badgers would take control of the game in overtime and finish with a deceptively lopsided nine point victory.

Vanessa Bonomo led all Mac scorers with 15 points in a losing effort.

Men’s Basketball

McMaster

104 Final

Brock

60

This one was never close and it was never pretty. But, perhaps fittingly on a night billed as “Pack the House”, the Marauders managed to pack the scoreboard. The Badgers coughed up the ball early and often, allowing 30 points off of turnovers in the blowout.

Veteran guard Victor Raso led Mac with 18 points, converting six of eight shots from the floor and nailing three from long range

THE SILHOUETTE • S5

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Track

Men’s Volleyball

Rehab leads to breakout for Mac pair

Fundamentals key in rebound

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

There is an inherent pain and longing involved in rehabilitation. Being unable to perform at a level that one has become accustomed to brings with it a host of emotions and a hefty dose of anxiety.

But for two members of the Marauders track program, lengthy layoffs from competition have been followed by unparalleled success. Graham Bowes and Katie Anderson – both enjoying career years on the track this season – have each overcome serious physical challenges to become leading members of their respective squads.

For his part, Bowes battled various injuries to his legs that prevented him from running for any considerable length of time throughout the summer. The advent of the new track season however has seen Bowes emerge as a nationally ranked distance threat, particularly in the 1500m event where he ran a personal best at the McGill Team Challenge on Jan. 27.

His time of 3:53.86 saw Bowes finish fifth at the Montreal meet and move into ninth in the CIS at the 1500m distance. The results are impressive, and a far cry from the struggles that the fourth-year veteran endured over the summer.

“My legs just basically blew up, and it got to the point where I could only run for 5-10 minutes because it hurt too much,” said Bowes of his injury woes. “I thought that taking a few weeks off and getting a bit of physio would solve it.

“It got to the beginning of July and it wasn’t working. So I started getting physio three or four times a week and getting on the bike – doing anything that wasn’t running just to get back on the team again. Even if I’d been healthy the whole time, my goal was just to be on the racing squad, not to lead the team or anything.”

Bowes believes that his time on the shelf may actually have aided him in his success this season, as he indulged in an unusual amount of cardio work while unable to hit the track.

“What helped was that because of the • PLEASE SEE RUNNERS, S7

FRASER CALDWELL / SPORTS EDITOR

Serving was an area of improvement in Mac’s Jan. 29 win in Windsor. behind us, and that we’ll get another shot at them.” fix some obvious things. We didn’t serve The team talk evidently had its desired very well or pass very well. They served effect, because the Marauders responded strongly in their bounce-back game against pretty well and passed pretty well.

“We were all upset about it, but at the the Lancers in Windsor. end of the day, we had another great team to A notoriously dangerous squad, the play the next day – the third-best team in our Lancers were swept aside in three fairly rouconference. We knew that we had to put it tine sets on Jan. 29 as the Maroon and Grey • CONT’D FROM S2

reasserted their quality.

It was an unusually tame effort from the Windsor side, and Sanders believes that much of the team’s trouble derived from the absence of outside hitter Ryan Le through injury, forcing the Lancers’ libero to move to the wing.

“I was a little surprised,” said Sanders of Windsor’s weak showing. “Especially in their gym, because when we played there last season they played a phenomenal match.

I think though that missing Ryan Le on the outside really hurt them. He’s a pretty big chunk of their offense and big voice for their team.

“With him out, they had to put their libero on the left side and bring in a backup. It’s tough for any team to adjust to something like that.”

Whatever the reason for their opponents’ struggles, the Marauders gladly took the Sunday victory and the two points that accompanied it. The result moved McMaster’s record to 12-3 on the season, keeping the squad in firm control of second spot in the OUA standings.

Despite their humbling Jan. 28 loss to the Mustangs, the Marauders remain ninth in the CIS national rankings.

McMaster will play its final home contest of the conference schedule this coming weekend, as they welcome the Ryerson Rams to the Burridge Gym on Feb. 3. While the Rams have struggled this season and find themselves with only three wins to their name, the Torontonian outfit caused significant waves throughout the OUA with an upset victory over the Marauders on Nov. 4.

Sanders made no bones about the fact that the upcoming tilt against the Rams is viewed by he and his teammates as a chance for much-needed revenge. In addition, a dominant win would send a powerful message of McMaster’s improvement as a unit.

“It’s important for us to stick a message out there,” said the setter. “We obviously didn’t play our game when we were at Ryerson and dropped that game. I think it’s very important for us to have a good week in practice, and we’ll come out blazing and do what we have to do.”

McMaster will have its chance to do just that on Feb. 3, as the Marauders celebrate Senior Night in honour of their graduating players. The contest with the Rams will follow this ceremony, and is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m.

S6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Meet a Marauder

Meet a Marauder: Anthony Costa You would be hard-pressed to meet a more passionate and outspoken athlete at McMaster than Anthony Costa. He’s the ultra mobile right back with the captain’s armband who led his Marauder soccer team – often loudly and profanely – to this year’s OUA title and a berth at the national championship tournament. Beyond the bluster is an AllCanadian defender. But today we’re mostly concerned with the bluster.

Here’s Costa on dirty tackles, Serbian dance music, cigars and Javier Zanetti.

Fraser Caldwell (FC): What’s the best insult you’ve ever heard or handed out on the pitch?

Anthony Costa (AC): The best one that was said to me was, “You’re a suck up!” I was talking to the ref and talking about cards.

The best I’ve ever done wasn’t said. This one guy was backing up on me and I reached around and grabbed his balls.

AC: [Marauders coach Dino Perri] gave me some good advice after we lost to Western. I gave away the winning goal and I was really worried about it. He told me to remember that I was the captain – the last guy who was supposed to worry. It was a game and it was done. Shut up and play again, and don’t worry about one mistake.

FC: Adidas or Puma?

AC: I’m an Adidas man. Puma comes out with some pretty wacky stuff. We’re sponsored by Adidas and they’re a true soccer company.

FC: Favourite team to play against?

AC: There are a lot of them, but overall I’d have to say Windsor. Well-drilled side, usually very good defensively. I like their coach and I like a lot of their guys. Never dirty. We’ve always had tight games with them over my five years.

FC: Did you have a personal nemesis?

FC: Favourite pitch to play on outside of AC: There’s been a bunch. Vince Caminiti Ron Joyce? last season was a winger for Western made AC: Probably Guelph. I’ve had some great moments there. As bad as their grass was and as bad as their turf is it has to be there.

me look like an idiot in my first game at the guy the first time and he didn’t go down, fullback. That’s when I knew I had to pull up so the second time I absolutely hoofed him my socks – I was in the big leagues. across the shins. The ball was going out for a throw-in as well.

FC: I know you like some pretty eclectic music. What’s your game time tune?

FC: If you weren’t playing soccer, what AC: You don’t even want to know man. would you be playing?

Right now it’s all Serbian beats. The one is AC: With my physique, not many. Maybe called ‘Bezobrazno Zelene’. I put it on the tennis. I admire tennis players and I’m a one day and the whole team liked it and it’s very European guy. I hate football, I hate stuck. basketball, I hate hockey. I’m not that good at tennis but it’s something I enjoy and my FC: Do you have a professional idol? build is good for an endurance sport like AC: It used to be Luis Figo, and I love that. some of the classics like Baggio. Right now though it’s Javier Zanetti from Inter. Even I FC: After the big win, what are you drinking admit how old I am right now, but Zanetti to celebrate? is that 38-year old warhorse who just keeps AC: You’ve got to get the water and Gatorade plugging away. He’s ageless. Keeps on in. But after that it’s brandy. Brandy on the making those miraculous runs. rocks. I had a flask the day before we played Guelph in the playoffs and I put it in my FC: Dirtiest tackle you’ve seen or locker and said, “Boys, this is what I want committed? to be drinking tomorrow and you better give AC: The worst I’ve committed was at Brock. me a reason.” After the game I had my flask I had to pick up my third yellow and take and my shot glass and I polished it off. That the suspension for the UOIT game. I tackled and cognac. And a good cigar out of season.

FC: What’s your favourite goal of those you’ve scored?

AC: The goal I really like was in Windsor when we won 4-0 and I scored the fourth goal. There’s a joke around the team that I can only score from 12 yards out because I always score from penalties. I went from right back to left forward and chipped the goalie. And it was still from 12 yards out!

FC: Best moment in your Marauder career?

AC: When I saw [teammate] Garrett McConville accept the OUA trophy this season. The man didn’t feel a part of the 2009 title win after being injured through the playoffs. So it felt good knowing that I had put all my time, effort and energy into watching him win that thing and really be a part of it one hundred per cent.

FC: What’s the best prank that you’ve seen played?

AC: I always have a can of Pepsi in the fridge when we have two-a-days and I always warn the guys not to touch it. I came back the one day and it was gone. The guys let me shower and rant about it before they brought it out and realized how ridiculous I was.

FC: Best advice you’ve been given as a player?

ERIC HOUGH / THE SILHOUETTE

Anthony Costa was recognized as a First Team All-Canadian this year after guiding his team to an OUA title.

THE SILHOUETTE • S7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Track

Runners continue to improve • CONT’D FROM S5 injury I was doing a lot of extra cardio. I was out on the bike twice a day just trying to do anything to be healthy again. I think that paid dividends in the long run.”

Meanwhile, Katie Anderson was hit with the misfortune of mononucleosis in December 2010, and struggled for months to work herself back into competition shape. Her efforts have finally come to fruition, however, as Anderson finds herself among the upper echelon in the country at the 1500m distance.

Garnering a silver medal at the McGill Team Challenge, Anderson is now ranked fourth in that event at the national level, one place behind Marauder teammate Lindsay Carson. Her sudden success surprises the veteran McMaster runner, and vindicates her lengthy efforts toward recovery.

“I was diagnosed with mono in December of last year, and it’s taken me the better part of the year since to get back into the swing of things,” said Anderson. “I didn’t have as much success as I would have liked in cross-country, so I’m very happy with the success that’s come. Am I surprised? Probably, yes.

“What I have learned from this is that hard work does pay off. I spent all summer pounding away at mileages and not seeing results. To have worked this hard for a full year and finally have this success is great.

It’s been a long journey, but I’m fired up.

I’ve never been so ready to race in my entire life. It’s my last year, I’m finally healthy. Everything seems to be aligning.”

While they have already accomplished career-best results at this early stage of their racing seasons, both Bowes and Anderson believe that they are capable of much more.

“That’s what I find most exciting about this season: I have no idea,” said Anderson of what she is capable of achieving this year.

“I’ve felt the strongest that I’ve ever felt in races this year. That gives me a lot of confidence and the feeling that maybe I can run faster. How fast? We’ll see.

“I think I’ve got more confidence now,” Bowes added. “The guys who won that race [at McGill] came through in 3:50, and I don’t see myself as being worse than those guys.

In my next few races, I’m going to focus less on time and more on being at the front of the pack.”

PHOTO C/O PETER SELF

Veteran runner Katie Anderson has enjoyed a breakthrough season after battling a bout of mononucleosis.

Anderson is aided in her quest to improve by the exceptionally strong field of distance runners she finds herself immersed in at McMaster. Alongside the breakout veteran are fellow nationally ranked racers Lindsay Carson, Jillian Wyman, Victoria Coates and Sarah Haliburton.

Such a group can only help Anderson get better, and she argues that the support offered by her teammates has been a pivotal

part of her growth as an athlete.

“I think it works in a number of ways,” said Anderson of the benefits of her strong team. “It’s great to have a bunch of people to do workouts with. It’s nice to have someone around who’s at the same level. If you have a bad day, they push you. If they have a bad day, you push them. People assume that track is just an individual sport but the team has a huge impact.”

Both Anderson and Bowes have the opportunity to further demonstrate their progression in coming weeks.

The Marauder tracks teams will be splitting time between meets at Notre Dame and York this weekend.

The Meyo Invitational in South Bend, Indiana is slated to run from Feb. 3 to 4, while the York meet will be conducted on Feb. 4.

S8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Women’s Volleyball

Revenge in store against Brock

Taylor Brisebois (1), Kailee Stock and the Marauders will be looking for revenge this weekend as they take on the Brock “But we discussed that a lot as a team the two squads find themselves tied for fifth • CONT’D FROM S3 and I think it’s something that we’re going place in the conference standings and you heading into the decisive fifth frame. to move forward from and learn a lot from. have the recipe for a classic Friday night en However, it was the visitors who would “At the same time, I think it showed a counter at the Burridge Gym. prove the sharper side in the shortened fifth, lot of character on our part to come back af- For her part, Nederveen believes that as the Marauders reeled off a 10-2 run to ter dropping two sets and fight it out for that her squad will not lack for motivation with start the set and effectively end the match. fifth one.” the prospect of confronting the Badgers, and Western would enjoy a surge of sorts in A day after their Jan. 28 victory at Alum- that a win on Feb. 3 would prove to be a cruthe late going, but would be unable to over- ni Hall, the Marauders added another win to cial statement of intent on the Marauders’ come McMaster’s wide lead. their tally with a straight-set triumph over part.

On the subject of her team’s ability to the lowly (3-13) Windsor Lancers at the St. “It’s not as if we need extra motivation regroup heading into the fifth, Nederveen in- Denis Centre. to play Brock, although it’ll be nice to be dicated that the sudden death nature of the The lopsided win improved McMaster’s back at home,” said the libero of the upcomdeciding game provides its own measure of record to 9-6 and stretched their midseason ing match. momentum. winning streak to six games.

“That motivation is definitely already “I think it’s easy to find the energy to Next up for the Maroon and Grey is an there. I’m excited to play them, everyone play a fifth set,” said the veteran libero. intriguing rematch with the Brock Badgers is excited to play them, and I think that we “That sense of finality has a big impact on on Feb. 3. have to send a message back to Brock.” your energy level when you’re out there.

Animosity is a constant between the Ma- The match against the Badgers will “In terms of the third and fourth sets, I rauders and Badgers, making each of their mark McMaster’s final home contest of the think we had a couple of mental and tactical contests a regional grudge match. conference season, before the team travels lapses, and that happens.

Add to the usual tension the fact that to the Big Smoke to conclude their sched-

FRASER CALDWELL / SPORTS EDITOR

Badgers at Burridge Gym on Feb. 3. ule against the provincial powerhouses from York and Toronto.

While the Marauders’ final stretch stands as a tough final test, Nederveen dismisses the importance of individual opponents to her squad’s approach.

“I don’t think it matters,” said the defender of McMaster’s upcoming opposition.

“Every game is a separate opportunity and a separate challenge in different ways.

“Whether it’s a matter of preparing mentally or preparing tactically, every team in their own way presents a challenge.

“Our season typically finishes on the road. I think that finishing off with York and Toronto is a good way to enter the playoffs and to fight our way into a playoff position.”

The next round of that fight comes this weekend on home court, as the Brock Badgers roll into the Burridge Gym on Feb. 3.

The Friday night match is slated to start at 6 p.m.

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

INSIDEOUT

B

ACK AND FORTH (and back again)

A biased guide to living where you want, when you want, and how you want.

by Jonathon Fairclough

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

Believe it or not, this can be your reality, this can be your dream job, and this can be your European adventure. It’s the chance of a life time.

Jonathon Fairclough Production Editor

People ask me from time to time how I’m able to travel every summer. Most assume that I have charitable kin or that I’m in good stead with credit companies, but the answer is far simpler than that.

Every summer, thousands of jobs open up overseas, and every summer, thousands of people make excuses for why they can’t go. Perhaps it’s the North American mentality, a ‘denial of deservedness,’ which convinces us that staying at home and making “real money” at a warehouse or a restaurant is far more feasible than embarking on an odyssey into the unknown.

I concede that travel isn’t for everyone, that some people are indeed satisfied with the home life; I don’t blame them. Unfortunately, for me, there is far too much to see, far too much to digest, and far too much to discover in this small pocket of time that we possess, that remaining still in my free months might as well be a death-sentence.

That might be little dramatic, maybe, but for those of you who

relate to that last sentiment, hear me out: getting over there isn’t as hard as you may think.

It comes down to sustainability if you think of it. Many friends of mine have made the mistake of cashing out their OSAP loans, stacking their credit card bills, and plunging into their savings accounts without thinking of how easy it is to travel in a more rewarding way: by working.

Four years ago I needed a change of scenery, and for plenty of reasons. Brandon Hall caught fire and McMaster had paid me a hefty “transportation fee” for the hassle and inconvenience of having to commute from a hotel downtown – so I had money for a plane ticket. I had lost an old friend to cancer and was getting over a long-term relationship that went sour – so I had my motive. I was in a mental greyarea, devoid of any real purpose or direction – so I had my necessity.

But one thing I didn’t have was the funds to sustain myself over there, so I did what I had to: I Googled “European summer jobs”… it was that simple.

Now it may sound like a long-

shot but I promise you, it’ll pay off.

I spent upwards of six hours my first day getting in contact with every restaurant, hostel, and travel company to inquire about job openings.

Every single business that caters to the tourist industry is looking for extra help in the summer: this is a

I asked questions, fired off resumes, and gnawed away at the internet. I refused to accept the comfort of staying in Canada for another summer.” fact. You don’t need to know multiple languages (I’m a shameful Anglophone myself) since English is a general travel language and most places won’t mind one bit.

Don’t be intimidated by contacting companies through any means necessary, or apathetic with following up with them.

If they don’t have an email to be reached at, call them what do you have to lose? Haven’t heard back from them in a few days? Call back, keep asking. You have absolutely nothing to lose, thousands of miles away, from being persistent and asking for a job – the worst thing that’ll happen is that they turn you down or ignore you. And who cares about that?

I asked questions, fired off resumés, and gnawed away at the internet. I refused to accept that I couldn’t find a job, I refused to accept the comfort of staying in Canada for another summer; I simply refused.

In one week from that first day of job-hunting I had an interview for what was to be my eventual job.

Now every summer I travel around the continent and guide trips for a reputable travel company – all food, travel, and accommodation paid for.

Not into guiding trips? Why not work as a server in a café or a grapepicker in a vineyard? These jobs are a dime a dozen and I have encountered plenty of people who have done it.

They book time off of work and travel on the money they’ve earned,

Confidence in clarity

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and they’ve had a kick-ass time doing it.

When you work overseas you are enabling sustainability, and you will pay for all of your expenses (including airfare) and you’ll come home with a little money in your pocket and a book full of memories and misadventures.

So, dearest travel companion, if you’re reading this, be sustainable in your adventures. Emptying your savings account and travelling until it runs out is no way to enjoy a life abroad; the thought of being low on funds will interfere with your experiences overseas trust me, I see it all the time in hostels and campsites.

People don’t have enough money for a meal or a subway ticket because they foolishly wrote a cheque they couldn’t cash.

Instead, dear reader, plan ahead.

Find a source of income over there, forget about running out of money, and enjoy the time you have there.

This summer will be my fourth year overseas, and there’s no way I’m slowing down. It happened to me, it could happen to you. Start searching and make the dream happen.

Until next time: adios!

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

ThreadCount

Christopher McFarlane Fourth Year Life Science Watch: Urban Planet $15 Boots: Michael Kors $60 Cardigan: H&M $40 Favourite quote: “Do on to others as you would have them do on to you.”

Favourite singer: Smokie Norful Describe your style: Clean and sophisticated What I look for: Honesty & good sense of style

Photos by Tyler Hayward

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

THE SILHOUETTE • C3

Find confidence in being clear Managing your acne is key to dispelling self-consciousness and stigma The first step in treating acne is to understand exactly what it is. Like anything else, the degree of acne will vary from person to “I had plenty of pimples as a kid,” said person. What is common, however, is how Rodney Dangerfield, the late American com- acne is produced. Your pores overproduce edian and actor. “One day I fell asleep in the cells, thus causing a blockage of pores. library. When I woke up, a blind man was Sebum, or oil, which is produced naturally in reading my face.” the body, is unable to drain due from these Of course, a zit from time to time is noth- blockages. Bacteria can then begin to grow, ing unusual; it’s when pimples are sprouting eventually causing the formation of a pimple. seemingly nonstop that ‘just a zit’ becomes There are two types of acne: non-inflamproblematic. In a superficial world, surface matory acne and inflammatory acne. Nonbeauty is highly valued, and so anything that inflammatory acne takes form in either a may impede upon it can be psychologically whitehead or a blackhead. damaging. While acne treatments are nothing When the follicle wall ruptures, which short of scarce, adopting some basic know- doesn’t always happen but can, due to, say, how can help you to care for your acne ap- touching of the skin, inflammatory acne propriately. ensues. White blood cells then inflame the Natalie Timperio

Senior InsideOut Editor

pore, forming a zit. Inflammatory acne can case you can increase the amount you use. explode and inflame the surrounding skin, Begin with a small amount, and then after a causing more pimples to develop. few weeks time, increase the dosage. But be Milia is yet another variant of acne that gentle when applying benzoyl peroxide so as take shape in tiny white bumps that occur to not irritate your already sensitive skin. Alwhen skin cells become trapped in small lowing your fingers to simply glide over skin pockets on skin’s surface. is pressure enough.

Developing a personalized care system Contrary to popular belief, moisturizing is key to treating your acne. is also important, as it will There is no “cookie cutter” help reduce irritation. solution, as again acne will Of course, a zit Try a light moisturizer if vary from person to person. you’re worried about oily from time to time skin. Use about a quarterAcne.org provides personalized advice via an online is nothing unusual; sized amount, and again apply questionnaire that can help the moisturizer gently to your it’s when pimples skin. you to develop a regimen best suited for you. are sprouting seem- Acne.org also dispels some While regimens will common acne myths. Frevary, Acne.org provides ingly nonstop that quently washing your face some basic tips that most ‘just a zit’ becomes will not help to clear up acne. should find useful.

Since acne is the result of skin problematic .”

Stick to it! Patience is cells clogging pores, washkey, and acne, unfortunately, ing your face more often will is not curable over night. more than likely irritate it More than that, starting too fast and quit- only more. So wash your face only twice a ting too early can prove most problematic; day using your fingers only. initial redness, dryness or even blotchiness Additionally, stress does not directly is normal. Unless you experience severe in- cause acne. Though stress can contribute to flammation, stick to a new regimen for a few the factors that cause acne, such as varying weeks, at least. hormone levels, stress itself plays a minimal Try benzoyl peroxide. It can be purchased role in contributing to acne. at your local drug store in either gel or cream At the end of the day, walking around form. You can also purchase different levels with a paper bag on your head is not feasible. of concentration. Though benzoyl peroxide So making the right choices about how to typically causes initial dryness, your skin will treat your acne is the first step towards a more eventually develop a tolerance to it, in which confident you!

TYLER HAYWARD/ SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Don’t hide behind a paper bag. Instead, fight your acne one step at a time.

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Holistic medicine versus conventional pill popping Amanda Watkins The Silhouette

Students are notorious for knowing very little about their health and how to maintain it.

From over-dosing on energy drinks loaded with ingredients that even trained linguists couldn’t pronounce to taking one too many Aspirins after a late Friday night, only on rare occasions does the student leave their usual habits behind to find a more natural aid.

Although reaching for the bottle of ibuprofen when struck with a headache is an easy way out, there are better solutions. Enter holistic medicine, a practice that supports natural remedies and non-invasive drugs and services to help heal common ailments.

The Canadian Holistic Medical Association defines it as “a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.” In other words, it’s not just the medication that matters; health involves finding an inner Zen and using your knowledge as a tool to get well.

Alternative medication may seem like a far-away thought for a student who occasionally doesn’t even have time to eat, but there are some simple steps that can be taken and a nearby location to help with the process.

Innova Health Clinic, Hamilton’s go-to location for pointers on healthy living, has two neighbourhood locations: one on Main Street and one on Upper Wentworth on the mountain.

Second year student of osteopathy and registered physiotherapist, Sharmila Kulkarni explained that Innova’s primary goal is “to help provide a sense of balance for your body.” She outlined a few simple steps that can be taken every day to help achieve this balance.

Drink a lot of Water “You need to drink at least 3-4 glasses of water a day,” said Sharmila in a stern tone. Water is a necessity, as it keeps us hydrated and maintains the function of some of our most vital organs.

The human brain is made up of 95 per

cent water, while the water content in the lungs is 90 per cent and in blood is 82 per cent. A mere two per cent drop in our body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration.

Along with maintaining a healthy diet, drinking water will help keep our bodies running smoothly.

Walk It Out. Although days may seem too long and tiring to put aside long periods of time for exercise, a small commitment to walking every day might just be enough to keep our bodies refreshed and energized.

“It is recommended that you walk ten minutes a day,” notes Sharmila. Ten minutes is a very doable commitment, and in the long run will help keep our joints running, our hearts pumping and our blood flowing.

Change Positions. When studying or taking notes in class, we often cramp ourselves into one position for hours on end and avoid moving around whenever possible. Although this practice of maintaining a statuesque presence may seem to be saving us energy, it is important to move around and change positions whenever possible. Simple movements such as rotating our posture, standing up when possible and avoiding staying in the same position for extended lengths of time will help prevent muscle tension and strain on our joints.

Sleep Well. Resist the temptation to stay up all night studying for an exam or finishing an essay because more often than not, a lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, loss of focus and even depression. Sharmila explains that “it is tough for students to find the time because they’re being pulled in so many different directions, but a healthy lifestyle means eating well and sleeping well.” To maintain healthy emotional and cognitive wellness, it is a must to plan your schedule wisely and make time to take rest.

For more information about taking further action in this direction, you can contact Innova Health Clinic located at 309 Main Street West (a mere ten minutes from campus) and 883 Upper Wentworth, Suite 305. The clinic will be celebrating the grand opening of their new practice on Main Street in March of this year.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Before putting chemicals into your body, try a natural approach to medicine.

Join the IO team and put your writing abilities to the test! insideout@thesil.ca Section Meetings: Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

MUSC b110

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

Word of the week Jejemon Definition

Jejemons are individuals with low IQs who spread their idiocy around on the web, typically on social networking sites.

Beat the winter blues this dreary season

Used in a sentence

“Check out what that jejmon wrote on my Wall: ‘Oh my gawd! I like you’re hare in this pikture.

RENEE VIERA / THE SILHOUETTE

Don’t let the winter weather leave you feeling down in the dumps.

Jeff Wyngaarden them. Getting enough greens can be tough on SHEC Media the wallet, but if it means skipping a latte or

two to splurge on bell peppers and broccoli, it If there’s one word that best describes the will be money well spent. Fruits and veggies weather this winter, it’s pathetic. Far from are rich in vitamins and minerals; many conthe bright, wintery cheer that typically char- tain antioxidants and immune system boostacterizes the season (yes, even in Hamilton), ers, and the added fibre is great for the gastrowe’ve landed in the middle of a halfway-to- intestinal tract. Besides all that, produce takes spring period of damp, dull and dreary. Not more energy to digest and can help you lose quite frigid and frosty, but not yet warm and weight by increasing your basal metabolic cheery, the pre-spring damp is matched with rate. short days, chilly nights, muddy paths and 4. Get on schedule. The human body has slush-covered roads. a hard time dealing with decreased sunlight, At this time of year, the weather can have and winter can play tricks on your circadian a major effect on your mood. Sun deprivation rhythm. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and general chills can contribute to sickness can help with your concentration, emotional and low energy. The lack of local produce can stability, memory and immune response. Getlead to a change in diet (often for the worse), ting enough sleep means more than just logand the cold weather is a major deterrent for ging hours, though; you reap more of these those who choose to exercise outdoors. As we benefits if you establish a regular sleep schedhead into the last half of winter, it’s important ule. And as much as napping in class can have to look after your physical, mental and emo- its drawbacks (especially when you’re in the tional health. Here are a few tips for beating front row), studies show that napping during the winter blahs. the day can decrease stress, elevate your 1. Hit the gym. If running in freezing rain mood and lower your risk of heart disease. isn’t your thing, consider getting a member- 5. Bundle up. Being cold for a few minship at the David Braley Athletic Centre for a utes is tolerable. Being cold for a few hours is semester, or look into developing an exercise miserable. When you’re studying or watching routine that you can do at home.

TV it may be hard to regulate the atmospheric Alternatively, invest in a pair of running temperature, and while it’s tempting to crank tights and a sweater so you can bundle up the thermostat, a blanket or sweater is cosier for an adventurous outdoor run or bike ride. and easier on the wallet. Keeping warm can Being active is just as important in the winter help you avoid mild depression and decreases as in the summer, with the added bonus that it your risk of heart disease and pneumonia. keeps you warm.

6. Get shot. A flu shot can leave you feel 2. Catch some rays. Chances are you ing ill, but the benefits tend to outweigh the start class early and end class late, and with drawbacks. Getting vaccinated can help you the weather the way it is, you’re not likely to avoid symptoms like coughing, headaches grab much sun. Sunlight has been linked with and sore throats, and immunizations against vitamin D production and can alleviate symp- more dangerous strains of the flu like H1N1 toms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). can help prevent the spread of outbreaks.

Recent studies also suggest that a bit of sun Being immune can also protect those around can improve bone health and help prevent you, especially at-risk demographics like prostate cancer. If you can’t get enough sun small children and the elderly. during school, consider going on a vacation Do yourself a favour – as we head into during Reading Week – you’ll not only bene- midterm season and prepare for the end of the fit from the sun, but also from the relaxation. year, keep on top of your health. For more in 3. Eat your greens. Fruits and vegetables formation on how to stay healthy, feel free to tend to be more expensive at this time of year, check out SHEC (MUSC 202) or the Student but that doesn’t mean you should stop eating Wellness Centre (MUSC B101/106).

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Transportation Promo at Compass Feb 04 @ 8:00 a.m.

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Tech Free Zone Feb 2 @12:00 p.m.

MUSC 215

Mac Bread Bin’s Hunger Survey Feb 04 @ 8:00 a.m.

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Hamilton Convention Center

SEXandthe STEELCITY

Dealing with difficult parents How to cope with the disapproval of your relationship Chantal Cino The Silhouette

If you’re like me, you not only enjoy the company of your friends, but you want their parents to like you as well. This usually works out pretty well for me; I can hold my own in casual conversation and always make sure to be polite.

Unfortunately, politeness does not necessarily mean that they will approve when you’re caught kissing the child they’ve spent eighteen years raising.

I found this out the hard way.

What do you do when the parents of that special someone in your life, whether they be an old friend or someone you have just recently met, do not accept your relationship?

I admit, it can be tricky. If they live at home, the time you get to spend together can be limited. Also, the stressful and upsetting environment that is imposed on them means that you should prepare yourself to be a frequent and reliable shoulder to cry on. Things will likely be easier if your significant other lives on their own, as they will not be surrounded by their parents’ disapproval quite as much.

However, the little things, like your partner not being able to bring

you over for Friday night dinner, are likely to spark strong emotions just the same. So how do you, the indirect recipient of their non-acceptance, cope with the situation?

First and foremost, you need to exercise patience, and lots of it. If you’re not a patient person, learn to be. If you are, you might need to amp it up a bit.

Next, try to see where they’re coming from. Often, generation gaps, religion or ethnicity are the reasons that parents give for disapproving relationships.

While these obstacles may seem like small issues for young people today, it is important to realize that at one point they were a big deal, and that reversing beliefs that have been ingrained in a person’s mind is not a quick or easy task.

It is also vital to always remain respectful of your partner’s parents if you ever want to have the chance of establishing a good relationship with them. This does not mean you have to accept their opinion, but being disrespectful can only increase tension, and you don’t want to give them a real reason to dislike you if the problems they have with you are truly unfounded.

Also, keep in mind that having your loved ones reject your feelings can be extremely painful, which

will force the person you’re dating into an emotionally fragile state.

You need to be ready to offer support whenever you can, making communication between the two of you even more essential than if you were in a relationship that wasn’t plagued by disapproval.

By establishing solid methods of communication, you can help your loved one through this tough time, especially when it seems there is no end in sight. The upside is that this extra emphasis on communication will likely help intensify your bond and result in an even stronger relationship, capable of dealing with other hardships effectively. It’s important to remember that while some individuals stay with their partners only to anger their parents, any mature individual has surpassed this spiteful stage by the time they reach university.

This means that someone who is staying with you even when it causes them great stress in their life is actually greatly invested in your relationship. Even though it’s not a situation that either of you wished for and that you hope to resolve with time, fighting to stay with each other when times are tough can be one of the greatest ways to prove your love to the person you care about.

RICARDO PADILLA / THE SILHOUETTE

What are you supposed to do when your partner’s parents don’t accept your relationship?

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Eye Oh Tidbits Horseplay

If a statue in a park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.

Scrub-a-dub

Ivory bar soap floated by mistake. The makers overmixed the soap formula causing excess air bubbles that made it float. Customers wrote and told of how much they loved that it floated, and so Ivory soap has floated ever since.

Space case

It is generally accepted that putting two spaces after a period (or other punctuation) at the end of a sentence is a carryover from the days of typewriters with monospaced typefaces. Two spaces provided a visual break. However, today computers provide proportionally spaced fonts, so how useful is double spacing after a sentence?

IntheKitchen

Classic lasagna made easy This delectably cheesey dish will be sure to please

TASTE: Delectable, smooth, and creamy texture and the lasgana noodles literally melt in your mouth.

CONVENIENCE: The ingredients are easy enough to find at your local supermarket, but the process of making the lasgana filling and layering takes some time. Also, the lasgana takes approximately 45 minutes to bake thoroughly.

COST: Although this Italian classic takes time to prepare, the cost is relatively cheap, as the entire dish can be made for under $20.

Cassandra Jeffery

Assistant InsideOut Editor

As students, we often resort to the frozen, pre-packaged lasagna trays that prove to be faithful in the money department but are severely lacking in any sort of quality flavour. Luckily, the InsideOut team has done some searching and found a great recipe that is not only jammed-pack with an explosion of great tastes, but that also doesn’t require a late-night bank job to prepare. This cheesy masterpiece requires approximately half the time it would take to prepare most other lasagna recipes. Though preparation for this meal will still take at least an hour of your precious time, the results are well worth it.

Ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef 1 white onion 1/4 of a red onion 3-4 cloves fresh garlic 400g can of chopped tomatoes, or 3-4 garden tomatoes, chopped Uncooked lasagna noodles 1 teaspoon of dried basil 1 tablespoon of dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste A generous helping of grated cheese 1 tablespoon of butter Milk (amount depends on desired consistency) Mozzarella cheese (amount depends on desired taste)

Prep work: Heat the oven to 350°F. Start with the red sauce. Chop the onion and garlic and sauté until brown in a frying pan. Add ground beef and cook until brown.

Add the tomatoes and stir thoroughly.

Add the oregano, basil, salt and pepper. To really spice things up, try adding a spritz of red wine.

While the meat sauce is simmering, start preparing the white sauce. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a sauce pan, and then add flour to make a paste. Very slowly add the milk, but be careful not to add too much.

Once the consistency is creamy, add mozzarella cheese until desired texture and taste has been reached.

Using a glass, deep-dish pan, start by layering the ingredients.

Starting with the meat sauce, then the pasta noodles, and ending with the white cream sauce. Repeat layering once more. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese and parmesan to top it off.

Bake in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the cheese is brown on top. Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve with salad and fresh bread.

If you’re a person who loves cheese, this is definitely the lasagna recipe for you. The mixture of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese sauce combines two unique textures and tastes. The combination results

in a sauce similar to a rosé sauce (tomato sauce mixed with alfredo) adding a diverse flavour to the lasagna that you don’t often find in the frozen section of the super market.

Typical to most lasagna styles, this one contains ground beef. However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef with a number of equally delicious items, such as an array of fresh veggies (zucchini, broccoli, spinach, carrots, etc) or some chick peas or tofou. For those who are trying to maintain a diet regimen, try the vegetarian option or use ground turkey instead of beef.

Unfortunately, cheese, as delicious as it is, isn’t very figure-friendly, so if you’re looking to watch the waist line, perhaps cut back on the amount of cheese and only use the tomato sauce instead of using both the mozzarella sauce combined with the tomato sauce.

This Italian favourite is a great dish to try out if you’re hosting a large function. Even if a party isn’t in the near future, lasagna is easily portioned and freezable. Another benefiting quality of this recipe is that it’s cheap! You can easily make this lasagna for less than 20 dollars, and the spices can be kept for the next time you decide to put your culinary skills to the test.

Paired with a full-bodied red wine, this is sure to be an instant student favourite. Bon Appetite!

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Paired with a full-bodied wine, this cheesy dish will surely become an instant Italian classic.

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

MSU

EVENTS CALENDAR

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

Tech Free Zone

McMaster Dance Club Presents: DON'T UPSET THE RHYTHM! - Annual Dance Showcase

McMaster Biology and Pharmacology Program (Co-op) Information Night!

Feb 07, 2012 6:00PM to 6:00PM TSH B106

February 2nd Feb 02, 2012 12:00PM to 02:00PM MUSC Clubspace Take a short break from being plugged in, and drop in to the ClubSpace for Open Circle and CVA’s:

February 4th

Feb 04, 2012 7:00PM to 10:00PM Sir John A. MacDonald High School, 130 York Blvd.

• Drum Circle (bring a drum if you have one, or use one of ours) •Art Table •Games!

•Tech Free poll of the week: what's your favourite Deadly Distraction?

Kentucky Caving and Culture Feb 03, 2012 8:00AM to Mar 1, 2012 11:00PM Kentucky Join the McMaster Outdoor Club on a trip of cultural and geological discovery.

Venture into the depths of the American South as we explore some of the largest and most impressive caves in the world. Cost is $325 and includes transportation, accommodation and permits. Please sign up at the DBAC registration desk.

MONDAY

February 6th Carpool Week 2012 Feb 06, 2012 8:00AM to Feb 10, 2012 6:00PM Carpool Week 2012 Carpool between February 6 -10 to be eligible for a number of great prizes: FREE Parking and win an Apple iPad 2 Register by February 3rd to get FREE parking on Upper Main Campus and be entered into a draw for an Apple iPad 2!

For more information, contact: outdoor@mcmaster.ca

Become a Carpooler and Win

CHARITY BALL 2012 PRESENTS CIRQUE

Decided carpooling is for you? Register your carpool

by February 29th and you will be entered into a draw for an Apple iPad 2 and invited to join us for a FREE lunch onMarch 21st to celebrate Carpooler Appreciation Day!

Feb 3, 2012 8:30PM to Feb 4, 2012 2:00AM Hamilton Convention Centre

events.msumcmaster.ca

ATTN LEVEL I and LEVEL II SCIENCE STUDENTS! Admissions for the Biology and Pharmacology program is now open for Sept 2012.

Come out to learn more about the program and application process. There will be free pizza!

Registration on OSCARplus is mandatory.

FRIDAY

February 3rd

February 7th

For more information about Carpool Week 2012, the registration process, upcoming information sessions and additional prizes, please visit: sustainability.mcmaster.ca

For more information: bipharm@mcmaster.ca

WEDNESDAY February 8th

Wefit; Badminton Feb 08, 2012 to Feb 09, 2012 DBAC Registration Deadline: Feb 9, 2012 8:00AM

people all in a fun, small group setting! Open to all students, regardless of fitness level or ability. Free feel to sign up for all 4 sessions, or whichever one(s) fit your schedule! All sessions meet at 5:30pm in the SPORTS HALL in the DBAC and run until 7:00pm Badminton: Played in backyards and on beaches everywhere. This can be a playful pastime and a great workout too!

TO REGISTER: http://wellness.mcmaster.ca /component/chronocontact /?chronoformname=WeFitR egistration

The Transit of Venus Feb 08, 2012 7:00PM to 8:00PM BSB B149 (William J. McCallion Planetarium) The transit of Venus is a twice in a lifetime opportunity. And if you missed the first chance in 2004, the next time Venus passes in front of the Sun in June 2012 is your last chance before 2117!

A rare spectacle to observe today, these transits have WeFit! Trying to incorporate also been historically exercise and healthy habits important for determining in a busy schedule is easier the size of our Solar System. said than done, though we This show will put the know that it can be very relevance of these events beneficial to our success into context by exploring here at Mac! Fitting in the handful of past fitness does not have to be observations in recorded a daunting task and there history - and will also tell are a variety of activities you when, where and how you can do to incorporate to observe the 2012 transit. fitness, whether it be on campus or at home. Having Show times: 7 p.m. 8:15 p.m. difficulty knowing where to Please visit our website for start? more information or to Join us for 4 FREE workshops, facilitated by Student Success Leaders from the Student Wellness Centre and instructed by certified McMaster Athletics/Recreation staff.

Together we will provide you with an opportunity to try new activities, learn some helpful tips about fitness, and meet new

make a reservation: www.physics.mcmaster.ca/p lanetarium.

www.msumcmaster.ca

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

BUSINESS

Pop goes the...balloon?

Experts suggest low interest rates will eventually normalize

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Sil Industry news Target

Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Don’t get it twisted; it’s a housing bubble, not to be mistaken with the housing balloon. A recent report published by the Bank of Montreal suggests that shocks in the economy that led to spikes in interest rates, prompting a recession or hindering foreign investment, shed light on an underlying risk of material correction, due to elevated valuations.

“With the exception of a few regions, valuations remain only moderately high across the country, especially when low interest rates, demographics, construction costs, land-use regulations and foreign capital inflows are considered,” said Sherry Cooper, Chief Economist of BMO Financial Group.

“Low interest rates should hold affordability in check for some time, allowing incomes to catch up with higher prices and restore proper valuations.”

Sherry Cooper suggests that the traditional view of the housing market as a bubble is less realistic and more fragile than what it seemingly more correctly embodies – a balloon.

“Barring one of these triggers, however, a dramatic correction is unlikely,” said Cooper. “In our view, the national housing market is more like a balloon than a bubble. While bubbles always burst, a balloon often deflates slowly in the absence of a ‘pin’. In most regions, where valuations are just moderately high, the air should seep out slowly, as rising incomes catch up with higher prices, allowing valuations to normalize before interest rates do.”

Although low interest rates have sparked concern, with experts zoning in on household debt as a primary area of interest Cooper insists that a market correction is unlikely and posits with a heap of optimism that debt levels relative to income are not as troublesome as some suggest.While some may be quick to suggest that Canadians are suffocated in a web debt, Cooper suggests that the debt burden of Canadians pales in comparison to that of Americans at the peak of the housing bubble.

“Even today, after four years of U.S. deleveraging, household debt ratios are lower in Canada,” said Cooper.

Low interest rates have prompted affordability in the housing market on a national basis. With the cost of housing not entirely out of reach, low mortgage rates have enabled homebuyers to fork out roughly over one-third of disposable income on mortgage payments.

Despite these figures, Cooper indicates that the lifespan for low interest rates is nearing its end and the inevitable spike in interest rates will bring about even a moderate two-percentage point increase, normalizing levels and putting a damper on the affordability of housing, slowing the market. As roughly 68 per cent of mortgages run under fixed terms ranging from five years or more, moderate hikes in rates won’t likely scorch current homeowners. According to the report, most variable-rate holders will likely lock-in when rates begin to climb. In the past decade, home ownership in Canada has reached monumental levels, peaking roughly four percentage points to 70 per cent; however, recent cooling of the housing boom has led to a drop in sales in provinces such as British Columbia, with sales softening in Vancouver.

Canadians actively on the market for a new home and eager to save a bundle of cash in interest rates through the duration of the mortgage should consider maximum amortization of 25 years. this will allow the financially weary Canadians anxious to encompass a debtfree lifestyle.

American retail chain Target Corp. has come to an agreement with Canadian fashion merchant Isaac Benitah, of Fairweather Ltd., under which he much cease from running his own outlets under the similar name of Target Apparel. The agreement states that the fashion merchant must discontinue the use of the target mark by January 31, 2013; the battle was prompted due to the concern that the similar logo would cause confusion to consumers in relation to branding elements, store experience and merchandise assortments; this comes as the American discounter sets to open its first stores in Canada in 2013.

Facebook Facebook has filed for an initial public offering. After much speculation, Mark Zuckerberg has submitted registration documets with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, opening Facebook to the public in one of the most highly anticipated initial public offerings.

Sources say the company is estimated to be worth $100 billion, making it tower among the ranks of successful counterparts such as Amazon. com, Google and McDonald’s. Not too shabby, particularly for Mark Zuckerberg who will surely reap the benefits with the IPO making him the 23rd richest person on earth.

Research In Motion In effort to salvage the BlackBerry brand, RIM has unveiled the new “Be Bold” marketing campaign aimed at attempting to lure consumers back into the wonderful world of the CrackBerry. On Friday, Research In Motion presented an infographic on their official blog, featuring four “Bold” characters, Gogo Girl “The Achiever”, Max “The Adventurer” Stone, Justin “The Advocate” Steele and Trudy “The Authentic” Foreal.

Whether these borderline cheese ball names will aid in the rescue of the company’s image remains to be seen, but the company has created the characters based on New Year’s resolutions posted by BlackBerry users on Twitter and Facebook. The responses were compiled after New Year’s Eve and a number of profiles were generated according to the information listed by users.

Trump Towers

The Sil business trivia Why do zippers have YKK on them?

YKK stands for Yoshida Kogyoka Kabushikikaisha.

Formed in 1934, the company is now A leading manufacturer of zippers worldwide, boasting 90 per cent of all zipper production in over 206 facilities, in 52 countries.

The company, translated to Yoshida Industries Limited, also produces the machines used to make the zippers.

The largest factory located in Georgia produces roughly 7 million zippers per day!

The Trumpster does it again. Although opening was initially set for 2009, Tuesday marked the much hyped public opening of the The Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto. The tower prides itself on being the tallest residential building in the city; individuals keen on spending a night in the ritzy 65-storey hotel should anticipate to fork out a whopping $400 a night, with the lavish presidential suite averaging $20,000 a night. Residential condos are listed at an average price of $4.3 million and are 60 per cent sold out. The hotel includes boasts a two-storey spa.

Starbucks Starbucks is set to open its first store in Indian under the co-branded title “Starbucks Coffee: A Tata Alliance.” With the first outlet anticipated to open its doors in Mumbai or New Delhi, R.K. Krishnakumar, Vice-Chairman of Tata Global Beverages has indicated the company’s desire to spread its wings further, opening fifty stores by the year’s end. Retailers in India have a financial weight lifted off their shoulders with the alliance with Tata; the joint venture will spread the financial burden by opening outlets at properties owned by group companies. Tata Global Beverages will be provided with an opportunity to broaden its presence in international markets with the help of the alliance. The initial investment will be US$80 billion.

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FRBRUARY 2, 2012

News around the world

Saving a penny for a rainy day Sonya Khanna

target end dates,” concluded Mr. Pepin.

Europe

Keeping personal finances in-line is easier said than done.

Just as keeping track of your schoolwork through daily planners helps maintain your sanity, aligning finances through various life stages may relieve stress related eye twitching.

The Bank of Montreal Financial Group has compiled a list of strategies to help Canadians effectively gauge the appropriateness of their investing strategies.

“For Canadians to get the most from their money, their investments must be properly aligned with their current life stage,” said Serge Pepin, Head of Investments for BMO Investments Inc. “In today’s volatile market, it’s especially important not to lose sight of individual needs and to recognize the importance of a comprehensive, well-considered financial plan. More than 90 per cent of Canadians who have a plan believe it has played an important role in helping them achieve their financial goals.”

Keeping in mind the lingering deadline of Feb. 29 to contribute to a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), the list prepared

by BMO seeks to help individuals align investment strategies with their age and anticipated life events.

Thirties to Forties: Individuals between the ages 30 to 40 spawn numerous changes relating to both personal and financial matters; individuals may contemplate growing their families and making greater long-term expenditures.

Individuals closer to the end of this stage must manage debt carefully while planning for the education of their children.

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RESP) along with the federal government’s Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) offer Canadians security and a growthassured education investment; benefits of an RESP include taxsheltered investment.

Juggling priorities can leave you disgruntled and helpless, but maintaining a portfolio that is relatively balanced across all assets will enable individuals to nip financial woes in the bud.

Manage your finances now to avoid the headache later Business Editor

Inflation in the euro zone remains stable following two years of economic uncertainty with the debt crisis. Inflation in the 17 countries sharing the euro brought a wave of optimism, remaining at 2.7 per cent for the second month in January.

Economists have predicted a steady decline in inflation over the year, with a fall of roughly 2 per cent expected by mid-year.

Asia

Japan’s third largest automaker, Honda Motor Co., displayed slow recovery in supply chain disruptions after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that devastated the country last year. Although expectations for operating profit for the first quarter were slashed to US$2.6 billion, a healthy rebound is anticipated for the following year. Subsequent to last March’s earthquake and tsunami, the global output of the firm plummeted to 2.91 million cars, a fifth of what was previously recorded and sinking to less than 3 million for the first time in eight years. Honda has anticipated profit to fall 60 per cent, to 215 billion yen in the financial year. The bleak outlook for the company has prompted concerns of a temporary decline in Twenties: its shares.

According to Bank of Montreal, diversification is the name of the Latin America game for twentysomethings.

Debt-ridden students are atMexicans have reportedly been tempting to establish themselves overcharged US $13.4 billion a year as adults; post graduation living for phone and Internet services, hin- prompts a greater desire to build a dering growth economy and drain- long-term financial plan. ing customers of funds. Growth po- Temptation taunts the widetential of the economy will remain eyed recent graduate, eager to stagnant until phone and internet embark on financially irksome adprices lower, enabling consumers ventures but the Bank of Montreal to have greater access to telecom suggests channelling your inner services. Residents of the second- money conscious self and pay down largest economy in Latin America existing debt while trying to conhave been overcharged an amount serve funds. of up to $129 billion through a five- With the average retirement year period,. age inching higher, young individuals should attempt to take a more United States aggressive approach to their asset mix; acquiring more equities over Things aren’t as sunny as they seem fixed income or cash is crucial to efin the Sunshine State. According fectively secure personal finances. to a report released by Brooking’s “Investing according to one’s Hamilton Project, Florida has the life stage can be complicated. We highest rate of long-term unemploy- introduced BMO LifeStage Class ment in the nation. Approximately Funds to help investors with such 53 per cent of Florida residents decisions. were unemployed for greater than BMO LifeStage Class Funds six months in the previous year in offer a suite of mutual fund portpart due to the abrupt halt on the folios that annually shift asset mixes building boom in the Florida hous- to enable investors to become more ing market. 913,000 Floridians conservative as they approach their

Fifties to Sixties: Within this age bracket individuals should aim to shine the spotlight on shifting investments from long-term to mid-term to support existing retirement savings.

According to the Bank of Montreal, during this stage it is vital to reinforce effective risk management due to the cumbersome nature of tackling fluctuating savings.

BMO suggests adopting a more conservative asset mix with adequate amount of fixed income.

Individuals on the cusp of retiring will certainly want to eliminate existing debt; paying off outstanding debt will east the minds of those taking the leap into a highly anticipated retirement.

Sixties and Beyond: Breathe a sigh of relief.

Phew, you’ve finally made it to your retirement, time to pack your bags and head south to indulge in the cliché wonders of retirement in sunny Florida.

During this stage decision making is in full gear, with emphasis being placed on planning for early retirement, contemplating taking on a second career or eagerly preparing to travel.

It is important to adjust your financial plan to expand retirement possibilities and secure your finances.

Diversifying income-generating investments along with a conservative asset mix will help keep finances in order and opens a field of possibilities for retirement.

I choose you!

Ash wants you to write for the Sil Business section!

Come out to our weekly Wednesday meetings at 1:30 in MUSC B110 Email us at business@thesil.ca for more information.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Each stage in your life will bring about changes in financing.

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C11 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Your Money

The scoop on smart saving The Tax-Free Savings Account offers an added incentive to save Shama Kassam The Silhouette

Saving money is always difficult.

For students especially, we are often in situations where we make little to no income and have very high expenses.

If we ever have money to spare, we often don’t know the smart way to save it.

Saving money is one of the most important skills in life and is the key to being financially secure and independent in adulthood.

Often smart saving can make all the difference, even if you are earning less than what you would like to.

It is important to always have a budget and when determining how much of your income goes to each of your expenses each month, set aside a certain percentage of your income to put directly into a savings account.

With any unexpected sources of income such as birthday money or even bursary money, a handy trick is to split it in half and spend half and save half. It’s surprising how fast this money can add up.

Savings accounts are a great way to put money away and help keep it there, while earning some interest.

Savings accounts differ from chequing accounts because they usually have higher interest rates and limit the amount of transactions you can use from the account to limit spending.

These two features make it an ideal vehicle to save money in.

The Tax-Free Savings account (TFSA) is a newly created Canadian savings account that creates incentive to invest in this account through strategic (and legal) tax-evasion.

Available through all banks, this account allows anyone over the age of 18 in Canada to put a maximum of $5,000 per year into this account and this balance can be carried forward to the following years.

This means that if in any given year you do not have $5,000 available to put into the account, the following year you are eligible to put $10,000.

Though in the life of a student this may not seem relevant, this means that as soon as you graduate and are earning a full-time wage,

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Saving doesn’t have to be a chore, especially for the financially weary student. you have an easy option to avoid paying some tax.

This is also important for students to be aware of because in our first few years of earning, aside from paying off student debt as fast as possible, we may have the ability to save money because our expenses are lower than they would be as fully-grown adults with other large expenses such as children, mortgages, cars and many others.

It is also important to note that owners of TFSA’s are also allowed to give money to their spouse (common-law or official) for them to invest in their own TFSA, up to their yearly maximum of $5,000 per year.

This means that if you are making enough money to fill up your TFSA and you have extra,

and your spouse doesn’t have enough disposable income to make their quota, as a couple you can put away extra money, tax-free.

Filling up your yearly quota of TFSA’s should definitely be a priority.

These accounts differ from regular savings accounts because though they have comparable or sometimes higher interest rates of roughly 1.25%, any investment interest earned from this account is 100% interest free.

This is a very easy way to save money and in fact make money, especially because any income earned from a TFSA nor any withdrawals from it affect eligibility for any income-based tax credits such as Old Age Benefit, Guaranteed Income Supplement and

the Canada Child Tax Benefit.

Tax-free savings accounts are a great way to save money and make the most out of your paycheque.

Though most students don’t have enough money to put away the full $5,000 each year now, we can start by putting in whatever we have and be diligent about filling up our carried-forward available balance in future years.

Budgeting for our regular expenses is simple, but being prepared for unexpected expenses is always a challenge.

Learning smart saving strategies from a young age gives us the ability to do more with our money and be prepared for anything that comes our way.

Become a Water Champion!

Win a isit trip to v in UNICEF rk New Yo

Help provide access to safe, clean drinking water. unicef.ca/studentchallenge QUESTIONS? YouthInAction@unicef.ca facebook.com/UNICEF-Canada @UNICEFLive

Please visit unicef.ca/studentchallenge for complete contest rules and regulations.

1:3 Canadian women and 1:6 Canadian men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

45% percent of female college and university students say they’ve been sexually assaulted since leaving high school.

The victim and the accused are known to each other in 82% of cases – as friends, acquaintances or family

But… I am not alone!

SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton& Area) is there with 24-hour confidential support, information or accompaniment @

905-525-4162

www.sacha.ca

unicef student challenge

© UNICEF/2011/Pakistan/ Zaidi & Elsby

TAKE THE CHALLENGE

buck 65 • the grey tool • star wars

andex

thursday, february 2, 2012

Senior Editor: Jemma Wolfe Entertainment Editor: Myles Herod Music Editor: Josh Parsons

Contributors: Paul Fowler, Simon Marsello, Nolan Matthews

Cover: Jonathon Fairclough

coming up

feb.4

Jim Cuddy Band Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m..

Dead and Divine The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Megadeath Copps Coliseum 6:30 p.m.

The Memory of Water Player’s Guild of Hamilton 8:00 p.m. 80 Queen St S. Hamilton, ON. (905) 529-0284 The Pitmen Painters Theatre Aquarius 8:00 p.m. 190 King William St. Hamilton, ON. (905) 522-7529

film

Big Miracle Chronicle The Woman in Black

this week in music history...

1979: Sex Pistols bass player Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose in New York. There had been a party in the flat to celebrate Vicious’ release on bail.

now

feb.3

Theory of a Deadman Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m.

feb 10-25

feb .3

Buck 65 The Casbah 9:00 p.m.

theatre

feb 8-25

feb. 2 feb. 3

Canadian Winter This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.

feb.8

Common and Coy The Casbah 9:00 p.m.

feb.5

music

andy’s ticks

opening

in the hammer

albums from the basement, memememe, harperbot unequipped with sex technology, blood+fat=gravy, grande days, morning moon, watch out greg wood, hungover, are you going to san fran?, free kyle fries, screw you kyle, truths, correction on that fact, elections, boring, green tea, too hot, green eggs and ham

free fudgee-o’s if you write for andy! meetings are held on wednesdays at 2:30pm in musc b110 e-mail your submissions to andy@thesil.ca

political editorial

thursday, february 2, 2012

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D3

With the MSU Presidential Elections monopolizing the wall space of our hallways, dominating student conversations and inflitrating our Facebook newsfeeds, ANDY editors present our favourite political films that made us laugh, think and care about elections.

The Parallax View

Election

The Parallax View, released in 1974, begs reevaluation. Like so many political thrillers of the era – banking off the air of pessimism coloured by Nixon and Watergate – this one excels with spine tingling atmosphere. Warren Beatty, in one of his finest outings, plays Joe Frady, a journalist caught between a plot involving a gunned-down U.S. Senator and the mysterious deaths of its numerous eyewitnesses. Soon, unquestionable evidence and investigation lead him to the Parallax Corporation – a cold and detached bureau for assassins that recruit on the basis of insidious interviews and bizarre ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questionnaires. (ex.

Have you ever vomited blood?).

Director Alan J. Paluka borrows equally from both Kennedy assassinations – from the deaths of key testifiers to a re-staging of RFK’s political murder, this time atop a claustrophobic Seattle Space Needle. Coming off the heels of The Godfather: Part II, Gordon Willis’ brooding cinematography basks in wide angles, shadows and primary colours, affirming an ever-growing alienation as Frady descends further into the cryptic conspiracy. Who does the Parallax Corporation work for? The government? Instead of disclosure, the film never reveals itself, leaving its murkiness a key attribute to its lasting effectiveness.

Loaded with memorable scenes, the film peaks with an astonishing six-minute-long brainwashing sequence that finds Frady and the viewer bombarded with contrasting images of Americana and world evils. Think Clockwork Orange, but better.

The film is an embodiment of downbeat, both in tone and conclusion. Contrasting 1960’s idealism with 1970’s skepticism, The Parallax View brilliantly captures the zeitgeist of a weary United States, further questioning the darker side of American politics and the ruling powers behind what we really see.

• Myles Herod, Entertainment Editor

the big tickle

Alexander Payne’s 1999 classic film Election is witty, smart and very, very funny.

Chronicling the election race for student council president of a high school in suburban Nebraska, Election focuses on history teacher Jim McAllister’s (Matthew Broderick) hilarious attempts to prevent overachieving student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) from winning the title of Student Body President.

Election meanders between McAllister’s deteriorating personal life and the demise of his marriage, and the school situation with maniacal Flick who refuses to give up in the face of her competition: goodguy football player Paul Metzler (Chris Klein, of

American Pie fame).

Election’s clever satire of suburban life and teenage self-importance is entertaining and thought-provoking; we’re left wondering about the secret lives of students and teachers, and the ruthlessness that campaigning can create.

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor

what issue do you want the next msu president to address?

compiled by jemma wolfe & tyler hayward

“better study space” kirk kuypers

“i’m a TA and want better avenues to get feedback from my students; communication needs to be improved” victoria mitrova

“improve HSR sevice and wifi” arvian ordonez

“quiet, 24-hour study space” ameet kang

“change the 12-point system because it undermines our academic achievement when applying for grad schools” erin brunato

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D4

video games

thursday, february 2, 2012

the empire strikes flat star wars: the old republic falls short of galatical expectations

Star Wars: The Old Republic By: EA Games

HHH A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a stage was set for what was touted to be the most unforgettable gaming experience of the new decade. Sadly, it fell just short of accomplishing this starry-eyed feat.

From the minds of the universally-respected developer Bioware, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) was their first foray into the Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gaming market, and a notably ambitious one at that. Sporting the gaming industry’s largest-ever budget, estimated between $150 and $200 million, boasting that it took 12 full-time writers two years to write the game’s dialogue, and even recognized by the people at Guinness as the “Largest Entertainment Voice-Over Project Ever.” Was

that enough to create an experience that frequently picky Star Wars fans would approve of?

To reach that conclusion, I should tackle the game’s most prominent selling point: the writing. It is not an exaggeration that the game has over 200,000 lines of voiced dialogue, and I would go so far as to say that nearly all of it is natural, interesting and rarely gave me reason to skip ahead.

It was quite a feat for a game to overpower my inherent impatience and get me deeply involved in the character I was playing. That being said, I found a few moments where the voice actors were running out of different ways to stretch and manipulate their voices, breaking the illusion that each entity in this age-old galaxy was a unique and stellar person. Unfortunate, but not enough to take away from the sheer enjoyment of hearing the next perilous plea for my help.

Being a game set in the Star Wars universe, there was no way to get around the

core theme of good vs. evil, and that concept was directly built into your character in his or her alignment meter. When you perform a benevolent (or malevolent) deed, your alignment shifts towards the light or dark side, and even begins to change your facial features if you become deeply invested in one direction. I can attest to the strength of this mechanic, as I proudly displayed my avatar’s grossly disfigured veins and face, a reward for my various misdeeds across the core worlds.

It didn’t come easy though, as many choices legitimately force you to pause and question the ethics of your decisions, even if they are only numbers in an inconsequential program.

I cannot weigh the value of a game, of course, without also criticizing the gameplay. As great as the literate and emotional aspects of the game were, at its core mechanics it was a poor clone of its predecessors.

I found myself pressing the exact same four buttons with the same animations for sixty

straight hours and at times questioning why I was subjecting myself to what seemed like a chore. Mechanical tedium aside, I was so heavily invested in seeing my character’s personal story play to the end that I brushed aside the annoyance of actually advancing it.

Each of eight unique classes has a personallytailored story that tackles different galactic issues, such as human trafficking, political scandals, and even world destruction.

It would be fair to say that SWTOR was not so much an exceptional game, but moreso an exceptional interactive movie with bits of gameplay in between the expertlycrafted cinematic moments. One can quickly tell that Bioware has a lot to learn about crafting an inherently fun game, but they are light years ahead in creating an all-engrossing experience for those patient enough to sit through it all.

• Andrew Terefenko, Opinions Editor

film

thursday, february 2, 2012

man The Grey Starring: Liam Neeson Directed by: Joe Carnahan

HH The Grey is a movie about survival, and its got most of the stuff that we’ve become used to seeing in survival films.

There’s a plane crash, a remote and inhospitable location, and an unlikely group of survivors, but I guess faulting The Grey for having the characteristics of its genre is like criticizing a science fiction movie for taking place in space.

In any case, it’s hard to shake the feeling that so much of The Grey feels familiar, but there are wolves, so at least that’s something new.

A plane crash happens early on in The Grey, and the scene is actually the movie at its most affecting. The crash is disorienting, intensely physical and entirely

vs.

gripping, but the rest of The Grey is unable to maintain the same level of exhilaration, and the movie becomes hopelessly bleak.

The only moments of relief are quickly interrupted by the arrival of the human-killing, computer-generated wolves.

Liam Neeson, playing the main character Ottway, is a hired gunman who works in Alaska to protect local oil workers from wolf attacks.

After the plane crash, the oil workers make up the surviving crew of seven, but they don’t go much beyond the archetypes of the family man, abrasive nihilist, or soft-spoken intellectual.

The crew is only kind of likeable, and so I could only kind of care about them. Even when the film gives some illumination into a character’s past, they tend to die shortly after, so greater character depth comes with the price of predictability.

With the crew being underwhelming, the responsibility then falls to

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D5

wolves

Liam Neeson, who actually does a pretty good job.

While The Grey dulls some of the typical Liam Neeson magic, he gives a passionate performance that can be captivating, at least before both he and the film fall into melodrama towards the end.

Though trailers for The Grey might’ve given the impression that the film is action-packed, it isn’t the mindless guilty pleasure that the trailers hinted it could be.

Instead, we’re left with a film that mostly focuses on the feelings of helplessness of the survivors, and the wolves are not so much an excuse for an action sequence but an embodiment of pure paranoia.

In aiming for big emotions, The Grey succeeds, but the movie has an almost complete lack of subtlety.

Still, the extreme hardships presented to the characters make it hard not to feel drawn into their fate, though the

film isn’t really interesting enough to give its dramatic messages about questioning the purpose of life, and the importance of fighting for that life, much weight.

By the end of the movie, its unrelentingly miserable tone becomes a struggle to get through, and instead of giving the plight of these characters extra weight, it just feels like a bit much.

All of the emotion of the film reaches its peak in the final moments, and it’s in the ending where The Grey throws its first surprise.

The ending is quite possibly totally unsatisfying, but it’s also thought provoking, and it’s too bad the film didn’t take more chances like it.

Despite being about the fight for survival, The Grey ends up feeling a bit lifeless.

• Nolan Matthews

D6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

music

thursday, february 2, 2012

toolin’ around I remember the day fondly. It was in the evening of Dec. 14, and the geniuses at Facebook’s marketing division finally decided to serve me up a semi-relevant sidebar ad.

For once, rather than hawking the flavourof-the-month Farmville imitator or peddling underpriced washer-dryer combos, this usually irksome service was tempting me with something fresh and unparalleled.

It seemed that Facebook was reimbursing me in some small way for thousands of hours spent trolling our generation’s bottomless social piss pit. My day had finally arrived; the ad proclaimed that Tool was coming to Toronto.

If this sounds melodramatic, it should. Let me backtrack for the benefit of the unfortunately uninformed. Formed in Los Angeles in 1990, this musical assemblage is best thrown somewhere under the umbrella of “progressive metal,” edging aside the high-flyers of the grunge era and burying itself somewhere in the part of the brain reserved for loveable cult bands.

My introduction to Tool was only

two years ago, when I purchased their 2006 release 10,000 Days on a whim, a blind shot at a new musical pathway. My previous knowledge of Tool was limited to the label of “that stoner band,” and I was blown away.

10,000 Days fused pounding percussion and hopping bass with enchanting vocals and spacey otherworldliness.

Being entirely sold, I acquired what remained of their discography and embarked on full-tilt fandom. Checking their website every month or so for new tour dates and being repeatedly disappointed, the Dec. 14 revelation via Facebook required at least a triple-take. After confirming the ad’s legitimacy and amassing the few weird friends of mine that actually liked Tool, the tickets were in the mail.

Flash-forward to the concert date.

We hurtled towards our destination, gunning down the QEW in my friend’s Mazda and blasting Tool tunes in anticipation. Barring overpriced parking and hellish crowds, the pre-show excitement chill set in. The Tool show served as a beacon for every outlier in

a 20-mile radius: the stoners, the junkies and the freaks. I was home.

Filing through the established turnstile-and-pat-down custom, we raced to our seats as the powerful crash cymbals of opener “Hooker with a Penis” resonated through the stadium. Setting aside our mediocre view of the stage from section 306, we took our place amidst the thrashing mob and followed suit.

As the band segued neatly into eight-minute epic “Jambi.” Lighters flicked in chorus and the ensuing weed smoke began to wind its way around the dome. Mid-set, Tool ripped through early-period favourite “Sober,” prompting my buddy’s obligatory, “Dude, is this fucking awesome or what?”

And indeed, it was.

Jumping from album to album, Tool took us on a musical journey coupled with stunning backdrop visuals reminiscent of their award-winning album art. Vocalist Maynard James Keenan, pied piper of this unlikely personality cult, conducted his sinister orchestra from the back of the stage, gripping the mic with conviction as he bore

his demons before the hungry masses. It was totally sweet.

When the cheers subsided, the lights came up and it finally became apparent that the boys of Tool would not be joining Toronto for a second encore, I trudged out of the stadium, feeling somewhat shortchanged. My wish list of songs was nowhere near fulfilled.

But looking back, the energy delivered by the band was phenomenal. Each tune was nailed perfectly, and despite the relative lack of intimacy offered by the cavernous Air Canada Centre, the ticket was worth every penny.

Whether you like Tool or not, my feeling at that show is something to which even the casual music fan can relate; spending an evening with one of your favourite bands is always something to be cherished.

• Simon Marsello

music

thursday, february 2, 2012

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D7

cd reviews

y’s and s k pic

Symmetry Themes for an Imaginary Film

Craig Finn Clear Heart Full Eyes

HHH

HHHH

Symmetry’s Themes for an Imaginary Film is rumored to have been initially planned as the soundtrack for Drive, and though the album found itself movie-less, “your life is the film and this is the soundtrack,” claims the artist.

In one way, Symmetry is right; this sparse, moody, and paranoid album of mainly instrumental electronic music would be perfectly suited to a 3a.m. walk home and a nervous glance over the shoulder.

But this album is two hours long, and that’s a lot of just tense, isolated music. There are a couple of songs where the darkness lightens, and the contrast is striking and powerful. All of the songs are fairly short, and the use of repetition can be hypnotic, but sometimes they fade out without leaving much of an impact. The album might have been even better if the songs had more time to stretch out and develop.

Though this album expertly explores a very specific mood, it ends up being all tension and no release.

Craig Finn’s work with The Hold Steady firmly established him as one of the most talented songwriters of the last decade. (Anyone who has listened to Separation Sunday wouldn’t dare to disagree.)

While Finn’s affinity for exuberant tales of drugs, sex and religion remains intact, Clear Heart Full Eyes is certainly not a Hold Steady record. In place of the crunching riffs and massive sing-along choruses are understated arrangements that squarely place the focus on Finn’s storytelling.

Aside from the irritatingly repetitive “New Friend Jesus,” Finn’s razor-sharp lyricism makes Clear Heart Full Eyes a consistently enjoyable record. At times, it’s not to imagine what these could have become had they been backed with the Hold Steady’s raucous guitar frenzy.

Nevertheless, it’s awfully hard to complain when you hear Finn declare, “Anxiety’s persistent – it’s an ambitious politician. It keeps knocking at your door until you come and let it in. I think that Jackson let it in.”

• Nolan Matthews

1. “Somebody That I Used to Know” Gotye ft. Kimbra 2. “Dancing With the DJ” The Knocks 3. “Baby I’m Yours” Breakbot ft. Irfane 4. “The Letter” The Box Tops 5. “Bad Brain” The Ramones 6. “Trem Two” Mission of Burma 7. “Watching the Wheels” John Lennon 8. “Neon Lights” Kraftwerk 9. “Since I Don’t Have You” The Skyliners

• Paul Fowler

First Prize:

$50 gift certificate to Titles!

Second Prize:

$25 gift certificate to Titles!

Short story contest 2000 words maximum on the theme of greed Submissions due March 5, 2012

andy@thesil.ca

D8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

music

thursday, february 2, 2012

wicked and weird canadian hip-hop hero buck 65 talks adventure, songwriting and 20 odd years in the music biz There’s something elusive about Canada’s eclectic hip-hop hero Buck 65. He lives a double life: CBC radio host Rich Terfry by day and performer Buck 65 by night. He’s a man who straddles the edge of many worlds, collecting tidbits of each and reassembling them into a sound that is undeniably idiosyncratic.

His latest work, 20 Odd Years, is a commemoration of just over twenty years in the business, as well as a celebration of all things weird.

“There’s the double meaning, based on the fact that the past twenty years have been very strange, fraught with misadventure, danger and surrealism,” Terfry said.

“It’s a reflection of where I’m at now, where the 20 years have brought me. It only occurred to me that it had been twenty years after most of the songs had been written. One day I was just out for a walk and thought, ‘Holy cow! My first record came out twenty years ago.’”

Buck 65 is instantly recognizable for his gifted storytelling, building narratives based on his strange adventures. “Let’s just be a little bit conservative and say that about 95 per cent of what I write is based on real experience.” Still, Terfry admits a fondness for exercises in intuition and fiction. “Sometimes I think things are born just by the way that the music will trigger someone’s imagination.”

Those who have been fortunate enough to submerge themselves in a Buck 65 record will agree on one thing: his music is rich in texture and complexity. He was eager to chat about his song writing process, and admitted that he survives off constant adaptation and attention to detail.

“I’ll almost always start with the music, and the music will often be guided by my mood. I’ll start building words around

it. If I’m stuck, then I’ll go back through my notebooks,” Terfry explained. “I always have this log for ideas for words, I’m a very words oriented person.”

For Terfry, the final stages of recording are just as fundamental as recording the skeleton of the song. “There is a very important finishing touch, which is how to find the ideal musical compliments to drive this idea home as strong as I can, whether it’s through the choice of instrumentation or addition of a voice”.

“When it comes to that point, I don’t limit myself in any way. I don’t say ‘I’m a hip-hop guy so it needs to sound like that.’”

His boundary dissolving lust for experimentation abides in jazz, blues, folk, amongst countless other styles, and can be summed up in what seems to be a personal mantra: “Everything under the sun is on limits.”

With almost a year since the release of 20 Odd Years, Buck 65 is eager to hit the road. “The older stuff will be presented in a new way.” He continued, “I’m not gonna do like some crazy Lauryn Hill or Bob Dylan set where everyone is like ‘what is this?’

“The whole craft of being on stage and performing is something I put a lot of thought in to. I really try to conduct myself as a professional and think of people’s expectations.” Accordingly, Buck 65 guarantees to leave his Hamilton audience slack-jawed.

“I’m thinking of just leaving it all behind in Hamilton. Just letting it rip and just hitting as hard as I possibly can.”

Buck 65 is performing Friday Feb. 3rd at the Casbah • Josh Parsons, Music Editor