The Silhouette - January 19

MSU Presidential Elections 2012 Begins Monday, January 22nd Stay tuned for in-depth coverage www.thesil.ca

McMASTER UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER / THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

The Silhouette CENSORED

(IN COMPLIANCE WITH SOPA)

YOUR VOICE ON CAMPUS

Est. 1930

Views divided on End the Ban Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

On Jan. 8, the SRA voted to send the “End the Ban” motion, a national campaign to end the lifetime blood ban on gay men, to the Operations Committee for further review.

Initially spearheaded by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), of which the MSU is not a member, the “End the Ban” campaign seeks to abolish the Canadian Blood Services’ ban on blood donations from men who have had sex with other men, citing that gay men

were at a high rate of infection.

As a precautionary measure, the ban was instituted in 1985 during the height of the AIDS epidemic when knowledge and technology in viral detection were not as sensitive as modern techniques.

Although slight grumbles of inequality and discrimination surfaced among fringe humanitarian groups, the 1985 lifetime ban was generally accepted by all, including those in the gay community.

But with time came medical advancements and a breadth of knowledge. Current analytical techniques

can detect HIV within a blood donor, public awareness regarding the perils of the immunodeficiency syndrome have expanded, and ‘high-risk’ lifestyles have been minimized with the widespread use of condoms. In fact, the American Red Cross has gone so far to say “the risk of not getting a blood transfusion when it’s needed is infinitely greater than the risk of infection from receiving one.”

After a presentation by Riaz Sayani-Mulji, Operations Commissioner for the SRA, which highlighted these facts, the SRA

Clean sweep: Men’s and women’s volleyball teams sweep RMC and Queen’s

VOLUME 82, NO. 18

Journalism conference hit by virus

devolved into debate regarding the support of the ban where both for and against were represented.

Opposition swelled in the As- Students recovering after sembly as some of the representatives questioned the merits of the weekend of violent illness ban itself. outbreak in Victoria hotel They believed that any endorsement was premature in its inception. The topic of a lifetime blood ban was much more complex than Farzeen Foda the discrimination policy suggests. Senior News Editor Without an actual plan that is detailed and involves all appropri- The 74th annual Canadian University Press conference, held in Vic• PLEASE SEE SRA, A4 toria, BC ended on a sour note after an evening of celebration ended with numerous conference delegates reporting dizziness, nausea and vomiting following dinner on Jan. 14.

The illness spread rapidly among the 360 guests attending the four-day conference. By the morning of Jan. 15, over 60 people had been infected with what was later determined to be the Norovirus, sending 11 people to the hospital.

Following the dinner and a keynote speech was a celebratory gala held at the University of Victoria, which was cancelled as people began feeling ill on the shuttle bus transporting guests to the gala.

Rumours went rampant on Twitter, which served as a source of updates, jokes and precautions about the spreading virus. The conference, this year called Archipelago, was comically renamed ‘Barfipelago,’ and on Jan. 15, the Harbour Towers Hotel, which hosted the conference, was under voluntary quarantine as a result of the virus.

Conference staff was diligent in monitoring attendees, providing assistance and advice to ill guests.

All who were symptom-free were separated from those who were ill. Meanwhile, many delegates travelling from great distances were forced to reschedule their flights – a process that proved to be a frustrating process for many.

Among those ill were four of the seven delegates from The Silhouette, including Executive Editor Brian Decker, who pleaded with Westjet on behalf of his staff to waive the expensive rebooking fee for the flight home, while coping with the flu himself. The Sil editors were scheduled to return to Hamilton on Jan. 15, but returned instead on Jan.16.

The exact cause of the flu has not been determined. While reports at first questioned the food served on the evening of Jan.14, it has since been said that a delegate brought the illness into the hotel prior to dinner.

With visitors that included their biggest rivals, both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams came up big and posted a flawless week SEE SPORTS FOR MORE

IN THE SIL THIS WEEK OPINIONS

SPORTS

INSIDEOUT

ANDY

THE MARAUDER MEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM WINS A CLASSIC FIVE-SETTER OVER QUEEN’S AT THE BURRIDGE GYM

ANOTHER GLOBE IS BECOMING POLLUTED, LEAVING AN ILLUSTRIOUS AWARDS SHOW NOT SO GOLDEN

INSIDEOUT EXPLORES THE POST-GRAD JITTERS AND HOW SOME CHOOSE TO COPE

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE MUSIC BEFORE SOPA TAKES IT AWAY

SEE S2

SEE A7

SEE C1

SEE D6

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)

State of the Union addreSS - jan 26 @ twelveighty the Board of directors invites the campus community to the 2012 MSU State of the Union, appetizers and complimentary soft drinks will be served! Bar service will be available

Matthew dillon-Leitch President president@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 23885

On Thursday, January 26 we will host the MSU’s State of the Union Address at TwelvEighty from 1:30pm – 3pm. This event will provide insight into the status of the MSU, projects that have been completed and a comprehensive presentation on the direction of the organization. The address is based off of a document that was developed by last year’s Board of Directors and proved so successful that it has been instituted as something the MSU will write every year.

One of the most challenging aspects of my job is explaining precisely what the MSU is and does in only a short amount of time. The efforts of the MSU are vast, as it is intended to be reflective of its student membership. One of the reasons why the State of the Union exists is to help inform students as to what it is that the MSU does.

I got involved with the MSU not exactly sure what the organization was all about, - what it was, what it did, and why any of those things mattered. Yet I frequented Union Market, would eat at TwelvEighty and bought my bus tickets at Compass.

All of which I later learned were operated by the MSU. I was an unconscious user of MSU services and businesses, and having experienced not being involved, I believe my experiences are reflective of the average student. The State of the Union is an attempt to curb that lack of understanding. It is an attempt to help explain why you pay into

this organization and how the MSU works diligently to benefit you as a student. The MSU is full of potential, but in order to actualize our fullest potential, students need know who and what we are. We must explain our efforts and display value to the student body.

The State of the Union was developed not only to help explain what the MSU is but to also provide some direction into the future. Each year, candidates run for the position of MSU President with a multitude of ideas and promises, but because not every student knows what the MSU does, it is often difficult to choose which candidate best reflects your interests. For many, this becomes a barrier to voting as they feel ‘getting involved’ doesn’t matter. Our forthcoming State of the Union document and address is intended to help provide some organizational context, and guide not only those seeking elected positions within the MSU, but those who want to judge the feasibility of an idea or concept during the forthcoming elections.

In the past, the MSU President delivered a State of the Union address exclusively to the Student Representative Assembly (SRA). Starting last year and continuing now, the State of the Union will be delivered to all who wish to listen, in a very public display. With this address and this document, we are looking to not only bring back a part of our tradition, but also inform students on what exactly the MSU is, what it does and why it matters.

The address will be followed by a question and answer period with complimentary appetizers and soft drinks provided.

In the mean time please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have about the MSU. I hope to see you there!

CaMpUS CoMpoSting iS now avaiLaBLe in the StUdent Centre

Katie ferguson VP (Administration) vpadmin@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 23250

Notice anything different outside of Union Market lately? Take a look and you’ll find that composting is now available in the McMaster University Student Centre! The MSU, in collaboration with MUSC Administration and the Office of Sustainability have expanded the campus composting program to include a public compost bin in the Student Centre, located across from Union Market. This is an exciting example of one of the sustainability initiatives the MSU has taken on this year.

The campus composting program began

in 2009 when the Office of Sustainability worked with the MSU service MACgreen, Hospitality Services and Facility Services to investigate the opportunity to incorporate composting as a method of waste diversion on campus. Since that time, composting has been implemented in kitchens and dining areas around campus including Mary E. Keyes, Bridges Café, TwelvEighty, La Piazza and the Phoenix. Union Market also participates by composting food scraps and organic material such as coffee grinds, sugar packets, wooden stir sticks, coffee cups and bagel crumbs. With these successes, the next step saw the expansion of the program.

The call for the resources for personal composting on campus has been voiced by students repeatedly, and the MSU is proud to have contributed to this expansion of the composting program.

Acceptable items for compost include fruits and vegetables, bread products, napkins and milk cartons. For a full list of acceptable items, as well as items not suitable

for compost, visit www.sustainability. mcmcaster.ca. You will also notice a sign posted above the compost bin across from Union Market, outlining the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of composting.

MACgreen has played an integral part in the development of the composting program, as well as continuing another sustainability initiative; Plastic Bottle Free.

After the adoption of the MSU Plastic Bottle Free Policy by the Student Representative Assembly (SRA) earlier this year, a lot of work has been done to implement our commitment. The policy states no MSU money will go towards the purchase of single-use plastic bottles (with the exception of our retail outlets). Furthermore, the Plastic Bottle Free Pledge initiative stems from McMaster waste audit results that show plastics are a large contributor to waste on campus, particularly in comparison to glass and aluminum. The ‘Go Plastic Bottle Free’ project introduced last spring will continue with an educational campaign,

promotion of the pledge and a an info package which will be available for MSU and University departments and offices that wish to become Plastic Bottle Free Zones.

This initiative strives to promote educated consumerism, while not reducing students’ choices. Union Market is contributing to this by looking to provide a wider variety of beverages in aluminum and glass containers.

For more information or to take the pledge please visit www.plasticbottlefree.com.

Composting and Plastic Bottle Free are just two examples of the important sustainability initiatives the MSU has committed to this year. Also in development from MACgreen is an organization-wide sustainability audit, that will help to focus future MSU sustainability endeavours.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments regarding these programs. Feedback is always welcomed and much appreciated in the quest to expand sustainability initiatives at McMaster.

For now, happy composting!

SECOND SEMESTER TEACHING AWARDS ARE COMING SOON! NOMINATIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM JAN 22 UNTIL FEB 5 VISIT TEACHINGAWARDS.MSUMCMASTER.CA FOR INFO AND NOMINATION FORMS 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

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Student Life Enhancement Fund

Joint fund supports student initiatives “It will make us aware of all the ideas that students have to make this university better.”

- Matthew Dillon-Leitch, MSU President

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

The Student Life Enhancement Fund is making a new leap this year in order to provide students with services and campus improvements to better suit their needs.

The change was set in motion

by Student Affairs and the Student Services Committee this academic year. The Fund gives students an opportunity to propose improvements that can be made on campus to improve student life and wellbeing. Additionally, an initiative of this sort will give students a chance to take an active role in the change they envision.

This Fund has been used in the past, but making it more accessible for students this year stands as a testament to the fact that students’ voices are not only valuable, but necessary in order to improve the quality of education that each student at McMaster is entitled to.

A strong driving force behind the implementation of this program is the improvement of the quality of education for McMaster’s full-time

undergraduate students.

Applicants whose projects are chosen can partner with either an MSU service or a sub-section of Student Affairs that best suits the needs of the proposed change.

Students who submit their idea will be given the opportunity to suggest services which may be beneficial as partners in the initiative. If no suggestions are made, the student will be recommended partnering services upon acceptance.

The partnership with a campus service is beneficial to those applying and the entire student body, as it promotes the use of services already in place.

There will be essentially no upper limit for the funding of a project, noted Matthcw Dillon-Leitch, president of the McMaster Students Union (MSU). Submissions may be of any size and may require anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to complete.

According to Dillon-Leitch, “no matter the size of your project, there are funds for this,” as long as it is seen as something that will benefit the student body at McMaster as a

whole.

Previous student-lead initiatives funded by the Student Life Enhancement Fund include the creation of study space on the second floor of the Student Centre, the addition of new couches in the David Braley Athletic Centre, additions to the Queer Students Community Centre (QSCC) library and the development and implementation of the Residence Information System (RIS), among many others.

By utilizing student input to such an extent. the hope is to not only listen to students and offer something that appeals to them directly, but to also give students an opportunity to come up with solutions to problems currently facing undergraduate education at McMaster that are perhaps often overlooked.

A strong supporter of student input and the power of the student voice, Dillon-Leitch explained that, “it will make us aware of all the ideas that students have to make this university better.”

Applications are being accepted until Feb. 17.

Fair Trade

Campus vendor offerings adjusting to new policy carries only fair trade coffee along with a selection of certified teas and chocolate. The majority of products Vendors and restaurants across did not need to be changed to meet campus are considering how their fair trade standards. products are manufactured as Mc- Along with the MSU and Master implements a new fair trade EWB, McMaster’s Office of Suspolicy on campus. The new policy tainability, Hospitality Services, requires all vendors serving coffee, SRA members and other interested tea or chocolate to make available, groups have also been involved in fair trade certified options for these the effort.

McMaster’s Hospitality Serviproducts.

This fair trade certification pro- ces is doing its part to ensure that it cess comes as a result of efforts by meets fair trade requirements, while several groups on campus, includ- other independent vendors and ing the McMaster Students Union cafes on campus are also following the trend.

(MSU).

On-campus fran The movement chises such as Tim to certify the McRegardless of Horton’s are exempt Master campus as from fair trade regufair trade began whether the [cerlations. last spring when tification] comes Ferguson noted the University of British Columbia through this year or that the availability became the first not... I can see this and price of products and services at campus to be certibeing something Union Market and fied as such.

Members of the that starts to create TwelvEighty are not McMaster chapter a little bit of buzz expected to change because of this proof Engineers Witharound campus.” cess. “We’re not ofout Borders (EWB) fering any less than decided to push for we were offering the same certification at McMaster as a result of this previously,” she said. initiative. They proposed the idea to Along with making fair trade the MSU and subsequently pitched products available, the certification the idea at the MSU’s 2011 General effort further aims to spread awareness of the choices students have Assembly.

“We were definitely on board,” when purchasing products and the said Katie Ferguson, Vice President social issues related to fair trade inof Administration for the MSU. itiatives.

“It’s something that students really An application was submitted to an independent fair trade certifiwanted.”

The MSU was responsible for cation board to recognize McMaster ensuring that its two food vendors, as an official fair trade campus. the Union Market and TwelvEighty, It is currently under review and is met the requirements for certifica- scheduled to be determined later this month. tion.

“At Union Market we already Ferguson, however, is confioffered the majority of our coffee as dent: “Regardless of whether the fair trade,” she said, as well as fair [certification] comes through this trade chocolate, leaving only tea as year or not ... I can see this being something that starts to create a a point of concern.

As of Jan.1, the Union Market little bit of buzz around campus.”

Roy Campbell Silhouette Staff

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

End the Ban

SRA sends motion for further review Operations Committee now faced with housing campaign within the MSU

• CONT’D FROM A1 ate parties, including the Canadian Blood Services and the MSU, a ban on blood services at McMaster will be entirely fruitless.

Rather than prove anything or further a cause, it may simply result in more harm.

Others argued that if the student representatives do not endorse the ban, then they are necessarily acquiescent to a policy that perpetuates discrimination. In a way, the proponents of the ban implicitly suggested that a lack of support by the SRA marginalizes a minority of their constituency.

Simon Granat, Social Science representative, supported such a view, writing an opinion in the Silhouette and saying “if you don’t stand up against discrimination – even if you’re apathetic – you let hate continue.”

Yet such opposing reasons pale into comparison to the greatest precursor of debate:

politics. As the MSU is not a member of the The two, CFS and CASA, are diametrically trayed more moderate in nature.

CFS, many of its members are participants of opposed. While they both are champions of “Certain members of the Assembly do other advocacy groups such as the Ontario student welfare, the way they go about enact- not seem to want to endorse or participate in this movement because of the CFS connection,” Sayani-Mulji All of these issues together have resulted END THE BAN CAMPAIGN in a standstill within the SRA. The motion has not been endorsed, and now the Operations Committee is faced with trying to house the Support Opposition ban within the MSU, a task that will certainly be met with opposition.

- Policies based on outdated - CFS affiliation Whether the opposition or support is HIV detection techniques merited or not remains to be seen. Currently, - More detailed plan of action much of the public awareness has been led by - Lifetime blood ban exacerbates required before voting outreach groups such as Occupy McMaster discrimination and the School of Social work. On the other hand, the SRA’s debate sired a discussion centralized on a differences of opinions as Undergraduate Student Association (OUSA) ing their demands is entirely different. The opposed to anything else. which is in turn a sister group of the Canadian CFS has been commonly characterized as The SRA plans to meet Jan. 22 to discuss Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). a leftist, radical group, while CASA is por- consequent motions.

Global Health

Grad students venture to India

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Experiential learning has been adopted in the masters program at McMaster.

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

One of McMaster’s relatively new graduate programs, the Masters in Global Health, will be taking a trip to India’s Manipal University in April as part of a two-week symposium in collaboration with a Manipal University and Maastricht University in the Netherlands .

During the event, which has the theme “Bridging Different Worlds,” students will also be working on various development projects, “ranging from assessing safe drinking water in urban slums, to examining causes of infant mortality at Karkala Hospital,” said Stena Sothiratnam, a student in the Masters in Global Health program who will be going on the trip.

“It is basically a practical placement in the field during which we will be participating in research data collection for research studies that are currently in progress or will be starting at that point,” said Ryhana Dawood and Natasha McNamara, members of the Fundraising Committee for the project, in an email.

A project in a developing nation such as India would be a valuable experience for students in this program, as many intend to apply their expertise from their program outside of

Canada, noted Dawood and McNamara, who further explained that the purpose of the program “is to get students better acquainted with development work, and what exactly that entails.”

With a focus on health care, the 28 students, including nine exchange students from the Netherlands, will be engaging in projects dealing with health care systems in other countries.

This is the second year the program is running and hosting a trip of this sort.

To fund the trip, a self-defense/fitness seminar will be held on campus for a nominal fee, and depending on demand, more than one such seminar will be held. Methods to engage the residence students in the fundraising efforts are under consideration as well.

With McMaster’s renewed commitment to the revitalization of the undergraduate learning experience, an endeavour of this nature is certainly a positive step in improving the educational experience. “There is only so much that can be learned from flipping through the pages of a textbook,” said Sothiratnam.

“We hope to gain a lot from this experience and we personally feel a service-learning component is beneficial to all learning environments,” said Dawood and McNamara.

THE SILHOUETTE • A5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Open Forum

Humanities calls for experiential education the option, there is great potential, especially if there is “a joint effort amongst all,” said Bifano.

As administrative committees start to blos- The open forum acted as the beginnings som around the themes dictated in President of such a unified effort. Organized with the Patrick Deane’s letter Forward with Integrity, help of MHS VP Academic Heather Watson various faculties and student groups are voi- and SRA Humanities Tanya Kuzman, the cing their concerns. event saw both faculty and students.

Among the many, McMaster Humanities President Deane himself spoke at the Society (MHS) hosted an open forum on Jan. event, as well as listened to the students as 12 to discuss both the possibility of introdu- they gauged the possibility of experiential cing experiential education education. into the faculty and general Despite speaking only a concerns within the given week after the forum, Bifano While it is true that claimed that concrete action disciplines. such a fear is Unlike many faculties, is being felt. “I am pleased Humanities lacks an experito say that I have been appervasive to all ential education component. proached on several occaLisa Bifano, president of faculties, it could be sions by students and faculty argued, and often members.” She added further McMaster Humanities Society (MHS) and student rep- has, that unemploy- that, “A few points that were resentative for Humanities, raised in the discussion are stressed this as one of the ment directly affects being further examined.” main inciting factors for the One of these is the fear of humanities forum itself. unemployment after graduastudents.”

“This project is sometion. While it is true that such thing I took on as a part of a fear is pervasive to all facmy year plan for MHS president, as well as ulties, it could be argued, and often has, that an SRA representative,” said Bifano. “My unemployment directly affects humanities main priority as an SRA member and as the students. The diatribe of, “What do I need huHumanities Society president is to ‘Put Stu- manities for? I’m already a human” are all too dent’s First,’ so I am constantly ensuring that common. Although not saying exactly that, my constituents are well represented and al- students were concerned about their future lowing them the opportunity to be involved.” perspectives.

Experiential education does exactly that. Bifano couldn’t disagree with such a Unlike many of the other typical education stigma and concern in humanities. “Our facvenues, experiential education offers an op- ulty is so diverse in that each discipline can portunity to engage in learning outside the lead a student down a different path, as opconfines of a classroom. Students involved posed to other programs.” in the program have often been provided As it stands, the forum tied the two with the advantage of internships, volunteer together. Experiential education would utilpositions, and a variety of other experience- ize this breadth of options offered by the Hubased learning opportunities. Considering manities faculty in unique ways that have not that the Humanities faculty has yet to institute been done before.

Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

Newsbites Compiled Dina Fanara and Haman L. Graphics by Joy Santiago Google Street View of McMaster In July, Google came to McMaster campus to photograph the campus for Google Street View, which is an extension of the application Google Maps. Bringing with them a specifically modified tricycle and a car outfitted with 15 cameras, motion detectors and 3D laser technology, the Google team collected images, which would be pieced together in order to provide the “street view” of the University, allowing viewers to have a 360-degree view of the campus.

McMaster is one of Canada’s first universities to be available for viewing on Google Street View.

Students and staff present on campus in July need not worry – all faces present in the images have been blurred, as have license plates, in order to protect identities.

DeGroote team places highest at MBA Games 40 of McMaster’s top students of business recently participated in the 2012 MBA Games in Edmonton, Alberta, absolutely obliterating the competition.

After placing seventh overall last year, the DeGroote team placed first in all three categories: spirit, athletics, and academics. Students participate in competitions testing their finance and marketing skills, as well as participating in several sporting events, such as volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. The competition will take place at McMaster next year, as the winning team traditionally hosts the competition the following year.

GO Transit fare increase Metrolinx, the operator of GO Transit, has recently approved a motion to raise its fares as of Feb. 18. The prices will increase by roughly five per cent, a change that is estimated to generate an additional $19.5 million a year. The additional funds will go toward meeting service demands and improving infrastructure. The savings percentage offered on the student 10-ride ticket and student monthly pass will remain unchanged. Most of the improvements proposed involve expanding parking lots and improving the frequency of service to small, distant towns where service is limited.

GO Transit is also considering electrifying its train network, though that would be a number of years away. Tickets purchased before Feb. 18 will remain valid and exempt of the fare increase.

11

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

EDITORIAL

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

From The Executive Editor:

The Silhouette

On SOPA, Metallica and stupidity

McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

TheSil.ca

Editorial Board

In early 2000, Metallica sued peer-to-peer file sharing service Napster for spreading the band’s to-be-released song “I Disappear” around the web before it was available for purchase anywhere.

The band, in its infinite wisdom, was upset that its song was spreading like wildfire to radio stations, CD players and personal computers – and the ears of its consumers.

While it was long before the term ‘viral marketing’ was ubiquitous as it is today, that’s what James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and that other dude were unintentionally doing.

Sure, they probably lost thousands of dollars in album revenue and didn’t have control over the marketing of the song and album upon its release. But while Metallica and their lawyers were scraping that money back together, they were ignoring the fact that their product was getting where they wanted it to be.

We now know downloading as a way of life. We know that if we want music or movies or TV shows, we can get them online – quite easily. It doesn’t take a hacker to find and download torrents.

Some companies have been shrewd enough to recognize this phenomenon and have actually taken advantage of it. This is how iTunes makes an insane amount of money. Instead of a dichotomy of easy-toaccess-and-free vs. hard-to-get-and-not-free, the smart companies have created a compromise to make sure they aren’t losing consumers who happen to live a 21st-century lifestyle.

Artists stream their new albums online and make them easy to purchase. Movies can be rented or bought for pretty reasonable prices online and through iTunes. Even some sports leagues have it figured out.

The NBA, whose games can be found streaming online with 20 minutes of light Googling, offers a package where you can watch any of their games online at any time in pretty good quality for about $20 per month.

These companies get it. They’re making use of modern technology to make their product accessible while ensuring quality. But perhaps more importantly, these companies aren’t trying to fight against reality by trying to maintain their old, unsustainable business models.

SOPA and PIPA, two words pretty much everyone with a computer has heard by now, are pieces of U.S. legislation designed and backed by people who think in the exact opposite way of the companies that ‘get it.’ Instead of realizing that downloading content is a modern reality for nearly every consumer, these people – mostly powerful Hollywood and music corporations – want to make it illegal, all in the name of preserving their Dinosaur gravy trains.

By now, if you’ve read much on SOPA, you know about its potential to ruin perhaps a majority of what we enjoy on the Internet today. Forget the fact that the bills wouldn’t prevent downloading anyway – IP addresses of downloading sites could still be found easily.

The bill could give sweeping powers to corporations to sue anyone or anything deemed to be illegally copying, imitating or even linking to original content. That means no covering songs on YouTube, no setting podcasts to theme music, no linking to movie trailers you’re pumped to go pay $11.50 to see in a theatre.

These are the consequences, and they might happen in the name of the reckless pursuit of keeping revenue streams that are already on life support – movies in theatres, music in stores – alive a little while longer.

We could have a world where the most profitable companies are the clever, innovative ones that make their products accessible, benefit from the creation of new markets and don’t try to use their clout to exploit cash cows that have already left the pasture.

Instead, it looks like we’ll just get another Metallica.

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 Cassandra Jeffery Assistant InsideOut Editor Sonya Khanna Business Editor Jemma Wolfe Senior andy Editor Myles Herod andy Entertainment Editor Josh Parsons andy Music Editor Tyler Hayward Senior Photo Editor Ricardo Padilla Assistant Photo Editor

• Brian Decker

Joy Santiago Multimedia Editor

Silhouette Staff

Worth Repeating: What disturbed me in last week’s article by Simon Granat [“Blood bad becomes bothersome”], which spoke against Canadian Blood Services’ ban on the blood of men who have had sex with other men, was that it falsely insinuates that anyone who is apathetic or opposed to the blood ban is contributing to the discrimination of homosexuals.

Personally, I am absolutely ecstatic that the SRA did not vote to support the campaign, because the End the Ban Campaign is itself discriminatory. Homosexuals are just one group among many that are unable to donate blood due to the fact that they are statistically more likely to contract HIV I agree with Mr. Granat when in his article he states, “Supporting the End the Ban Campaign is something that should unite people together,” but the ban itself clearly fails in uniting all those that are affected by it. Instead, it chooses to focus its campaign around one demographic.

Although I am against the End the Ban Campaign, I am in no way supporting discrimination and I am definitely not homophobic.

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

• Marten Kaas

You Might Have Heard...

At the NASH 74 Canadian University Press journalism conference in Victoria BC, we did more than just vomit approximately 4,000 times. Our own Fraser Caldwell was named the winner of the John H. McDonald Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism, the highest award for student journalism in Canada.

to fraser’s johnny win.

to the norovirus.

to meawasigisms.

to fraserisms.

Everyone, buy the man a beer. The guy friggin’ deserves it. We’re all proud of him.

to moss. the noun, verb and adjective.

to sore guts and raw anuses.

to the toilets in the harbour towers. you need this more than anyone.

to thinking ‘end the ban’ and anti-homophobia are the same thing.

Legal

Contact Us

The Silhouette welcomes letters to the editor in person at MUSC B110, or by email at thesil@thesil. ca. Please include name, address, and telephone number for verification only. We reserve the right to edit, condense, or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions expressed in The Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, or university officials. The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette board of publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community, and the McMaster Students Union.

Grievances regarding The Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications.

The board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.

McMaster University Student Centre, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4

Section Meeting Times Photo Fridays at 2:30 p.m. photo@thesil.ca

News

10,000 circulation Published by the McMaster Students Union

to april.

Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. business@thesil.ca

to jibbles and bits.

to erratic weather.

Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. sports@thesil.ca

to two-plus packs of skittles.

to dog’s burgers.

Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. insideout@thesil.ca

to slurpy terekenko. yum.

Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. andy@thesil.ca

to people who still read these, even though they’re mostly inside jokes.

Business Sports

InsideOut andy

Opinions

Fridays at 12:30 p.m. opinions@thesil.ca

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

to sopa and pipa. to the ‘pheonix’. i could have sworn we caught that in copyediting.

Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. news@thesil.ca

E–Mail: thesil@thesil.ca Production Office (905) 525-9140, extension 27117 Advertising (905) 525-9140, extension 27557

to the cup staff for getting us through.

to mountains. real ones, though. to portrait of a city, 1950s.

to wikipedia whiners. to friendzones, lvl. 100. to hangover day shifts. to taint jabs. to flying on a airplane on an empty, all vommited-out stomach. to coffee spewage.

to four mans, one cup.

to portrait of a city, 2012.

to that fucking tree. wow.

to missing out on pulled pork sandwiches.

THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

A polluted globe like any other Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor

When one is violently bed-ridden (by a sickness, not a serial killer, of course), there are few avenues for entertainment at hand. So from my choices I tried to select the one that was least likely to send me into a slumberous stupor. Alas, I fialed. This is my experience watching the 2012 Golden Globes.

The Hollywood Foreign Press hands out these pristine statuettes to the actors, actresses and even disappointment-bound actkids that they deem, through some voodoo clandestine methods, are most deserving of the notoriety and precious stage presence the award entails.

On that note, I come to what is the most noticeable problem with the gala, which is the gush-heavy, smug-breeding acceptance speeches.

Given the star-struck nature of the average North American citizen, the Globes become a highly public avenue for celebrities to voice their concerns and grievances with the world at large. Some like Clooney choose to chastise the world for ignoring the underprivileged and departed, while the Pitts and Jolies may instead opt to congratulate their fellow A-listers for doing just the opposite.

It is an event that serves to further perpetuate the illusion that these people are not only richer, but also better than us. There is already such an irreparable issue with celebrity status in this part of the world, among others, where the downtrodden populace is not content with viewing acting as a mere career, and a neat way to mete out some scratch.

They are instead worshipped, idolized and basted in a marinara sauce of millions of dollars, and thus taken more seriously at times than the uninteresting people who run our world. If Helen Mirren can be more influential than Harper, I think it is just cause to be taken aback.

I don’t want to take away the dazzle in that little prospect’s eyes that strikes when he or she sees a star on the big screen and aspires to wear grey hairs with just as much dignity as the Hollywood aged elite, but one must consider that the culture of entertainment vastly poisons the way that priorities are set in our civilization. When the writers or screen actors guilds go on strike, there is a larger outcry than the single bleep we hear during scandalous political injustices.

The flawed income distribution and frightening media attention on depraved life-

styles are problems enough on their own, but the issue begins and ends with perception.

The powers that reign, whether they are God, NBC or Albertan oil, only capitalize on what the public is easily distracted with. It is difficult to focus on the real commotions that motion our lives when our eyes are glued to the best and worst dressed lists, spreads and photo orgies that populate every event like this one.

Abandoning a celebrity-central society focus can be a great step towards taking back control of our broken, penniless lives, and the sooner we break out of this Hollywood hypnosis the sooner we can get back to occupying financial centers and grieving about Eastern world disasters. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of staring at shiny objects like a race of bipedal magpies.

The world is our oyster, but far too many of us are blinded by the pearl in the center, so I sincerely hope people make the extra effort to avoid the celebrity draw, unlike me.

Of course, it’s a difficult habit to break, but I’ll be damned if a major world crisis gets overshadowed by another Streep breakdown.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Beiber-powered problem solving Ryan Mallough Silhouette Staff

There comes a time in every generation when we as a people must march to the precipice and gaze into the abyss. When we must stand up, face our fears, and stare into the very heart of evil.

For our generation that time is now. For the good of digital kind, and at great risk to both our physical and mental health, we must call on the Internet Gods to employ the most powerful weapon at their disposal.

We must invoke the power of Bieber.

The Board of Shadowy Figures that runs the entertainment industry (see: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo) in tandem with Congress have devised the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). The Act aims to stop online piracy with Protect-IP (intellectual property) which will crack down on sites that allow for entertainment content downloads, like The Pirate Bay or Isohunt, by having search engines block them from their results lists, forcing Internet providers to block the site and/or cutting off the site’s advertising and financial services.

While SOPA is well intentioned – after all, if Congress won’t stand for the property rights of multi-billion dollar corporations, who will?

– it is unlikely that it will have a major impact on Internet piracy. In fact, industrious searchers

need only find the IP address of a blocked site to regain full access to its content.

Instead, according to Fight For The Future, an online access rights group, SOPA opens the door to widespread censorship and a crackdown on free expression.

The group also argues that because the act “fiddles with” the Internet’s domain registry, SOPA will make the net less secure, and less stable and assumedly more vulnerable to hackers and viruses. While SOPA is an American Act, its consequences will likely spread and become universal.

At its most extreme interpretation SOPA could result in imprisonment for anyone who duplicates content for up to five years. That could include people who post themselves singing pop songs, brief movie or television clips, or other copyrighted content on YouTube, Tumblr, or any other site where people share content.

While this means that SOPA could have also resulted in the imprisonment for one Justin Bieber before Usher found him, preventing numerous cases of temporary deafness, laryngitis, and the countless deaths that resulted from the Bieber Fever epidemic of 2010, the bill could also result in widespread censorship and the destabilisation of the Internet.

The Internet is the final frontier when it comes to free speech. Its perfection, and its flaw,

lies in the fact that it is borderless, and that no nation has jurisdiction on the infinite space that makes up the World Wide Web. Expression and freedom reign supreme. Yes, there are those that abuse it, whether it be in the form of illegal content or using it as a platform to spread hate; however, their bigotry is a small price to pay for a medium that has helped to spurn and coordinate the greatest freedom movement since the War of Independence.

Several major websites, including popular site sharing/public forum Reddit and free webbased encyclopaedia Wikipedia have been especially vocal in their opposition to SOPA, and launched a “blackout campaign” shutting their sites down for 24 hours in protest of the Act. Yet despite current protest efforts, the Act is on pace to pass through Congress.

But to save the Internet, there must be more.

The opposition needs an increase in manpower; or to be more precise, in “tween power”. The 12-19 year-olds stand as one of the most influential consumer demographics and their voices should lend a great deal of influence to the opposition movement.

So we must call on Justin Bieber to raise the Bieber Army, the largest standing army in the world, to rise up and fight to protect the medium that gave them their God. Only he can save us now. God help us all.

INSIDE HEADTOHEAD The debaters tackle the violent issue of overthrowing an incumbent regime, and the best way to do it.

Page A8

Feedback Are Mac students working towards their dream jobs or just working?

Page A9

This Week in Opinions Signing the stars

Relapse of choice

Blood Feud

Astrology is an often misunderstood and undervalued concept. Take an inside look into how the signs can mean more than mere musings.

Many of us might be here for the wrong reasons. One student speaks out about the path that led her away from a bleak future.

Blood runs thicker than water, and the same is true for issues regarding the former.

Read the contrary to last week’s take on the ban.

Pg. A8

Pg. A10

Pg. A10

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

HEAD TO HEAD MATTHEW

MARTORANA VP - External Relations Mcmaster Debating Society

Matt: In a year where the protester was deemed the most influential person in the world by Time Magazine, I think it is important to look back and reflect on whether violence is really necessary in overthrowing a government dictator. I would argue that not only is violence not necessary, non-violence is much more effective. Non-violence is not pacifism.

People still go to war, just like military leaders would, only their weapons are not the guns, grenades and rockets that militaries use. Instead, activists can arm themselves with political protest, raising international awareness. In violent civil wars, countries are often marred by political instability, economic difficulty and social injustice. The Democratic Republic of Congo serves as a good example of how violence is destroying the stability and safety of a country. Non-violence avoids such bloody and destructive outcomes. Non-violent protests and similar tactics are used to ensure that such destruction and instability do not ensue.

Amanda: In some situations, non-violent tactics of protest are not effective in terms of inciting regime change. In reaction to some actions of protesters in Libya, Qaddaffi hired foreign mercenaries to kill unarmed civilians. It was only due to the untenable situation in Libya caused by Qaddaffi’s violent repression of his citizens, along with the resistance campaign, that foreign intervention occurred. If the Libyan rebels had continued to use only non-violent tactics of resistance, their resistance would not have lasted long enough to incite foreign intervention. This should indicate that the blanket expectation of non-violence in all situations is unreasonable. In some situations, change may perhaps be achieved without violence, but in others, the use of violence may be the only way to bring about change. How can people be expected to continuously experience atrocities at the hands of a regime, to have their human rights denied to them continuously and to not react in self-defense? Violence on the part of protesters may serve as a pre-emptive type of self-defense.

Matt: In many cases violence has created more problems than it has solved. In

DEBATE: Is non-violence the best course of action towards enacting regime changes?

Silhouette Staff

If you are reading this newspaper, you might be like many people who are in the habit of following your horoscope regularly in daily publications and online, and swear by this ritual along with your morning coffee. It might not be pleasant to hear that many of the people who smirk at this pastime actually have some logic on their side, though not for all the reasons they think.

The word ‘horoscope’ is actually derived roughly from a term that meant ‘the hour of our birth.’ So to be curious as to one’s horoscope is to wonder what the cycles of the planets have in store for you based on the exact date and time, as well as place, you were born. Since this is very specific, the faith in newspaper astrology is usually misplaced.

The idea of people being born with a specific sign actually relates to our sun sign – the position of the sun at the time of our birth. We do, however, also have a moon sign, as well as a placement for all the other planets. This means that even though we share some common characteristics with people born around the same time of year, the other differences in our birth chart make us all ultimately unique. That is why some twins can be so alike, and others can still be quite different.

Sun sign astrology became popular in newspapers during the early part of

MIHOUB WRIGHT VP - Promotions McMaster Debating Society

tions during the Arab Awakening. Yes, there are many examples of non-violence working and achieving it’s goal, however, it is not guaranteed to be the best course of action in every single situation.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Liberia, a civil war was waged because in 1989 President Samuel K. Doe used political patronage to allow members of his own ethnic group to have control over the military and government affairs. In resistance to President Doe, Charles Taylor created the National Patriotic Front of Liberia to overthrow Samuel Doe’s government regime. Although Samuel Doe was assassinated in 1990, what ensued was a 14-year bloody civil war in which over one hundred thousand people lost their lives. What initially started out as a simple military campaign against President Doe became a war over blood diamonds and economic control. The effects of such a brutal and devastating war have left Liberia in severe economic depression even to this day.

Military campaigns may serve as a great temporary solution, but when we have a long-term perspective we see that military campaigns often leave a country worse off. Even if military campaigns are successful, overthrowing the dictator is only half the battle. The other half is to ensure that there are true democratic leaders to replace the dictator.

Amanda: Overthrowing a dictator is only half of the battle, but the way in which a dictator has been overthrown does not

necessarily predict how democratic the new regime will be. The Egyptian revolution was achieved through non-violent methods of protest, but the transition to democracy has been messy. What the outcome of the political situation in that country will be is still not clear. There is also the fact that non-violent methods on their own cannot necessarily overthrow a regime that uses violent methods to maintain power. In some cases, such as Egypt, in which significant international pressure, a high literacy rate, a committed youth and access to social media ousted a dictator, non-violence was effective. However, in other situations, such as the political strife in Syria, it is evident that non-violence cannot always achieve the necessary regime change, as Al-Assad is a ruthless leader. When one’s opponent does not abide by any rules but their own, it is difficult to win by following rules.

Dictators are more often than not vicious and unyielding, as this is often what helps them stay in power. Non-violent revolutions don’t just spontaneously occur – they are often the result of years of planning on the part of individuals and interest groups and should be carefully executed. Social media planning was critical to the success of many revolu-

Starry-eyed signing Rob Hardy

AMANDA

the 20th century, though as you might suspect, even when professionals wrote these columns, focusing on only one part of your life without the whole picture will usually glean almost nothing of value. It is also the way of astrological symbols that the meaning for one sign will at times manifest in quite an opposite way between two people.

If you compare your sign to that of your family and significant others, you probably recognize a shallowness to this analysis based on sun sign alone.

Your first Scorpio boyfriend may have been much more intense than your second – perhaps his moon sign was also in Scorpio. That Gemini girl you’ve been talking to may prove to be less maintenance in the future if she has some other planets in Taurus to bring her back down to earth.

Though this may sound like magic or make-believe, astrology has somehow survived through the ages for thousands of years. It is both a science and an art. First, one must be able to calculate geometrical aspects between planets, and then use intuition to interpret what this means for the person, thing or event in question.

The good news is that if you are still interested in your horoscope after this, you may find it rewarding to read more about it online or at the library, and leave the newspaper horoscopes to those who are content with some light amusement.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Matt: Let me tackle the common assumption that you cannot fight violence with non-violence. I agree that a nonviolent response is not an easy one. It requires citizens to suffer great loss, and to respond to great injustice without anger, fear or disillusionment. Citizens must be willing, in the most profound sense, to “turn the other cheek.” The reality is that people have a natural tendency to react violently when attacked or made to suffer severely. I am not so insensitive to suggest that this violent reaction is morally wrong. I merely want to suggest that reacting to violence with more violence is not the healthiest response. A non-violent reaction, such as that which Ghandi performed for India in the face of Britain’s brutality, has the kind of strength needed to create a lasting change and not just a superficial one. Non-violence responses are excellent ways of exposing the root causes of systematic injustices, not to mention in gaining support for a just cause.

Amanda: According to Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the Burmese pro-democracy movement, “It is never easy to convince those who have acquired power forcibly of the wisdom of peaceful change.” This statement can be applied to both situations of non-violent and violent resistance. Regime change does not occur smoothly, no matter the method of resistance. Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress, improved the bargaining tactics of the non-violent anti-apartheid movement in South Africa by using guerrilla methods. However, there are many more examples of non-violence, rather than violence, achieving political change in history, the most famous of which is the American Civil Rights Movement.

The outcome of any resistance depends on the level of widespread cooperation on the part of its citizens, as well as the resistance’s organization and careful execution.

Drug-trade tirade Alex Rockingham Silhouette Intern

In 1971, President Richard Nixon made his famous address to the people of the United States, stating that the U.S. government was “at war” with the drug trade. Nixon’s presidential successors and their allies have continued this aggressive campaign against the trafficking, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs to this day.

Forty years and trillions of dollars later, the now infamous “War on Drugs” rages on. The war has been a costly one, not only in treasure, but also in blood. Policy makers must ask themselves whether the war is worth fighting anymore, and whether or not there are alternative measures that could be taken.

Nowhere is the cost of the U.S.-led War on Drugs more apparent than in Central America, particularly Mexico. The powerful drug cartels now menacing Central America are some of the most powerful organized criminal syndicates on Earth, which at their peak raked in profits in the tens of billions.

In 2006, the governments of The United States and Mexico collaborated to form the Merida initiative, a bi-lateral campaign to crush the cartels, restore the rule of law in Central America and block drug shipments from entering the United States.

The result has been a horrifying blood bath as drug gangs now fight amongst themselves and with local law enforcement and military personnel across Central America. This anomic cyclone of greed and sadism has led to the deaths of at least 50,000 people in Mexico alone, and those are just the ones we know about.

The bloodbath shows no sign of slowing down as cartels battle the government and each other in order to profit from America’s insatiable appetite for drugs. The violence in Central America has lead to consequences here at home, as the constantly fluctuating cost of cocaine and competition over retail drug distribution contributes to gang violence on the streets of Canadian and American cities.

World leaders must come to terms with the fact that the demand for drugs is never going to go away, not completely. Those in positions of power should learn from the past and realize that prohibition doesn’t work. All it does is empower criminals and exacer• PLEASE SEE CARTEL, A9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Cartel crisis on hand • CONT’D FROM A8

?

“I’m going to med school because I really enjoy helping people. It is more work than I was expecting, of course.”

Are you working towards your dream job?

-Westen Macintosh Hon. Bio III

Feedback

bate violent crime. Prohibition does very little to curb drug use anyway.

In Canada and the United States, it is much easier for a teenager to pick a few grams of weed than a pack of cigarettes or alcohol. The latter two are both legalized, governmentregulated commodities, while the former is sold tax-free on the streets of every major city.

Prohibition of drugs has swelled the populations of American and Canadian prisons with people who have committed relatively victimless crimes, making it harder for addicts to receive treatment and doing very little to combat the larger issue of organized crime. It profits the most from prohibition. Meanwhile, thousands of addicts and retail level dealers are incarcerated every year, at great cost to American and Canadian taxpayers.

It is time that Western governments put serious consideration into ending the prohibition of certain drugs. Marijuana, for example, is a widely used psychoactive drug that is relatively harmless, even when compared to legal controlled

substances such as tobacco and alcohol. If marijuana were to be legalized in the same way as alcohol and tobacco products, a new lucrative industry could be incorporated into the economy, creating jobs and generating tax revenue.

More importantly, transforming the cannabis trade into a legitimate business would severely damage the profit margins of drug-trafficking transnational crime syndicates.

Obviously legalization cannot be applied to more destructive substances such as cocaine or heroin, but lawmakers should still consider the option of decriminalization.

Rather than incarcerating users, we should attempt to rehabilitate them utilizing evidence-based treatment.

Policy makers need to abandon the “war of attrition” mentality that has led them astray thus far. We need to stop viewing addicts as sick people, rather than “the enemy.”

We must stop measuring success based under the number of people our government throws in jail and focus on what matters, such as decreasing levels of dependence, violence and death by overdoses.

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

“I want to be a psychiatrist because I’m really interested in how the mind works.”

-Samantha Irving Psychology II

Compiled by Andrew Terefenko and Ricardo Padilla

“I want to be a nurse because I feel like helping people and also there are people that I can make feel better.”

-Jennifer Van Houten Nursing I

“I want to be a marketing specialist because I am a creative person and want an outlet for that creativity.”

-Stephen Mccolm Business Man. I

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012

The real world at your doorstep Big decisions are coming soon, are yours right for you? they have to pursue a certain occupation in order to prove their self-worth.

My second and more significant problem was that That time of the year is coming up when students are I was not trying to do what I loved. I was a horrible forced to come out of their safe McMaster bubbles science student, and it was not because I did not put and face that scary, unknown future. Some will have in the effort. In high school, I had a regular lunch date to make tough choices about what they will attempt to with my chemistry teacher, and in university my go-to pursue. Whether you are debating graduate schools or hangout spot on campus was the biology office in considering undergrad courses, it is important to make BSB. I did hours of reading, and I did every practice sure that whatever you decide, you are truly and sin- question. I even attended academic counseling at the cerely happy.

Health and Wellness Centre (an amazing resource if I went to a high school where the social hierarchy you are ever in need of academic or personal assistwas a little unconventional; as opposed to ‘jocks’ and ance). ‘cheerleaders’ ruling the school, it was the students Everyone’s mind functions differently, and it that were smart, hardworking and committed to an become more clear to me that my brain could not abundance of the extra-curricular that were deemed handle science. Consequently, becoming a doctor ‘cool.’ seemed to become more and more unrealistic (not to Due to this set-up, I was put in a very tough pos- mention the fact that I faint at the sight of blood, but ition. I always pride myself off my that’s an entirely different topic). work ethic and wanted to choose a path The breaking point for me was in that reflected that. So when it came the summer, when I was trying to take It was at that point a physics course. Being a prerequisite time to choose courses and decide my fate at the all-knowing age of 14, I asked myself, why for my program at that time, I thought I came to what seemed to be the most am I putting so much that having all my focus on one sublogical conclusion. I was going to be a ject would provide me the opportunity effort into something to thrive. However, after hours on end doctor.

Why a doctor? Well, in my school, that I am getting of studying, I sat down at a midterm all the smart kids wanted to be a possessed questions that were no significant return that doctor. Now, I am not saying that I am completely foreign to me. It was at from? a follower, for I have always been very that point I asked myself, why am I committed to being a leader in everyputting so much effort into something thing that I do. There were two main that I am getting no significant return reasons why I chose this profession. The first being from? that I have much respect for doctors and have always From that point on, everything changed. I changed dreamed of pursuing a profession that makes a pro- both my program and major, and for the first time in found, positive impact on the world. The second and my life started taking courses that I actually enjoyed. perhaps more relevant reason was that I also believed At no point during this past semester did I feel lost or that I had the ability and determination to be in the overwhelmed. Yes, I did have to still work my butt same ranks of my intellectual peers, and if that meant off. But this time, the results of my efforts were finally being a doctor, then I was prepared to commit myself tangible. to being an outstanding one.

Do not let your family, your community or, in my To summarize: I believed I was smart. Smart case, your high school, dictate what you should do. In people become doctors. Aspiring doctors take science every class, regardless of subject, there are always stucourses all through high school and university. There- dents who have no interest in being there. In addition, fore, logic dictated, I was to immerse myself into the there will always be certain students who work exwonderful world of science. tremely hard but just cannot do well in a given course.

Have you caught the flaw to my thought process If you are in one of those categories, maybe it is time yet? It took me five years of struggle and frustration to to rethink your academic choices. figure out why I hated my academic career so much. In addition, from a broader perspective, maybe we My first misconception, partially due to the context of should be reexamining the expectations that adults in my high school, is that there is no shame being in a our society place on children. As the world develops non-science program. The world would not be able to there are a wider variety of jobs available. We should function efficiently if there were only doctors. There work to eliminate the assumption that there are only are so many other respectable jobs that can highlight certain respectable careers. Maybe then, students will one’s intelligence, and no one should ever feel that finally be able to enjoy school, not dread it.

Erin Chesney Silhouette Staff

A bloody mess SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Andrew Richardson The Silhouette

Last week as I was reading the Silhouette, I noticed an opinion piece concerning an issue near and dear to my heart: the ban on men who have sex with men from donating blood.

Excited as I was to see this important issue get the airtime it rightfully deserves, I was disturbed by the premise of Mr. Granat’s argument – that by not voting to join the End the Ban campaign of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), the SRA had voted to let discrimination continue against gay men.

I have been a vocal advocate for the queer community on campus for nearly ten years now, and I do not support the SRA taking a stand on the blood ban. In fact, I outright oppose the SRA going near the issue. Simply put, the ban on men who have sex with men from donating blood is an issue that properly belongs at the most serious levels of national policy making and public discourse. The dignity of my human rights deserves better than to be debated on by a group of parttime student politicians who, quite frankly, cannot hope to change the status quo. By taking on the issue of the blood ban, the CFS and members of the SRA who brought it forward have trivialized the queer community’s battle to be taken seriously in the eyes of politicians and policy makers that can change the reality of the blood ban.

The problem worsens when one realizes that introducing the motion to join the End the Ban campaign was merely a wedge issue used to rally support for competing ideologies on the Student Representative Assembly. Make no mistake, the students involved in bringing the motion forward are fully aware that End the Ban will have no effect.

Their action is being used as a convenient political tool in a time of political instability on the SRA. My blood and my rights and the rights of my friends and colleagues should not be used as the centerpiece in an ideological battle between the competing factions of student politicians.

Finally, I take offense to the idea that the SRA as a body could perpetuate any kind of discrimination against the queer community. Historically the SRA has been a venue where queer students have thrived.

I can think of countless queer SRA members who held tremendous influence and have risen to the offices of Speaker, Vice-President and President. These people have guided and shaped the culture of student politics on campus, and if the SRA were a body capable of discrimination against the queer community, they (myself included) would not have risen to such heights of power and influence. Rather, the SRA has always been an inclusive environment, where anyone can achieve success so long as his or her skills merit attention.

The SRA needs to take a step back from the blood ban issue and think: are there problems we can actually affect to help students? The answer is, of course, yes. There are still students bordering on starving.

There are still students with terrible landlords. There are still issues about student space and the affordability of education. Students need their representatives to talk about present issues at McMaster, not nation-wide policy that should be left to professionals and real community activists. Stop using my blood as a war drum of political ideology, and pay attention to the needs of students on campus. Then you might have earned the right to be re-elected.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

If this setting won’t make you smile, it might be time to think.

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

HAMILTON & DISTRICT EXTEND-A-FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES “SHAR E A S P E C I A L F R I E N D S H I P ! ”

B U D DY P ROGRAM We have over one hundred children and teens with special needs waiting to spend time with a volunteer buddy. Matched buddies spend eight hours a month pursuing a hobby, playing sports, or enjoying other activities in the community.

Gain volunteer experience, have fun, and share a special friendship with a young person with special needs!

RECREATION PROGRAM We offer a minimum of six recreation events each month, providing respite and opportunities for fun and friendship in the community.

We bowl, play laser-tag, go rock-climbing, and challenge each other in all sorts of fun ways.

We have a great bunch of volunteers who assist at these events and are always happy to welcome more!

INTERESTED? V I S I T O U R W EB-SITE, FIND US ON FACEBOOK OR CONTACT US! w w w. e x tendafamilyhamilton.synthasite .com 905.383.2885 e a f @execulink.com (Buddy Program) e a f . c o n n e ct@gmail.com (Recreation Program)

Every Canadian citizen had the right to vote through the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

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

Voting is frequently inaccessible to those with physical and sensory disabilities.

DOES PUBLIC ATTITUDE LIMIT FREEDOM OF CITIZENSHIP? Student Accessibility Services 905-525-9140 ext 28652 | TTY 905-528-4307 sas@mcmaster.ca | sas.mcmaster.ca McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) B107

A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Virus strikes writers!

The Silhouette staff has fallen violently ill and is welcoming any and all writers and reporters who want to participate in the largest student paper in Canada! Help support our ailing staffers today!

Some interested students

Should direct any general inquires to thesil@thesil.ca to ask the hard questions And for The section-specific inquiries, you should look no further than sending an e-mail to section@thesil.ca, with your section of choice in place of the word, such as news@thesil.ca.

H I G H FA S H I O N , G R E AT VA L U E !

1579 MAIN ST. WEST (AT RIFLE RANGE RD.)

Don’t waste any more time!

Send a quick e-mail to News, Business, Andy, Sports, Inside Out or even Opinions and seize this chance to be heard and healthy.

S1 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

The Silhouette

SPORTS

Maggie Cogger-Orr relates the story of the injury that put her rugby career on hold, and the personal transformation she has undergone since. Details on S3.

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

MAC SWEEPS WEEKEND

The Marauder track teams begin their season with a trip to Windsor. See S2.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

After pummelling the Paladins, the Marauder men’s volleyball team notched a five-set win over the Gaels. Details on S2.

After erasing a huge deficit, the men’s basketball team falls to Windsor. See S4.

S2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Men’s Volleyball

Track

Home classic ends in win over Gaels

Runners return to the track

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

The story is formulaic enough at this point to warrant a movie franchise.

Whenever they happen to meet, the Marauders and the Gaels inexorably play to a fifth set. And once that final frame is done and dusted, it is McMaster that comes out on top.

That pattern has held for the past few seasons, and it gained yet another piece of corroborating evidence on Jan. 14.

Over the course of five grueling sets on that Saturday night at the Burridge Gym, the Marauders added a ninth win to their season tally at the Gaels’ expense.

The victory against their longtime nemesis improved McMaster’s record to 9-2, and confirms another sweep of the season series in the favour of the Maroon and Grey.

With the conference leaders from Western suffering their first loss at the hands of the Waterloo Warriors, the Marauders now edge two points closer to the OUA pace setters.

After the weekend win, outside hitter Jori Mantha reaffirmed that he and his teammates have come to expect a battle against the Gaels.

Their collective experience in matches against the tricolour squad breeds a measure of comfort every time they face up to the task of playing Queen’s.

“It’s been five straight [wins] since I got here,” said Mantha of the head-to-head matchup.

“It’s always been my favourite match to play against that team, especially because I have friends there. In terms of how we play them, it always turns out to be a very interesting game and a good fight.

“It almost seems that we know now that we’ll need to find a way through, to figure out the problems we have and get the win.”

Getting the win has been the constant for McMaster in the team’s recent meetings with Queen’s, and yet the vast majority of those results have gone down to the wire.

Fans of both teams recognize at this stage that the fixture is guaranteed to be an exciting one, and an emotional one for players and

Several Marauders make comebacks in Windsor Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

It was the first step on their competitive journey for McMaster’s track athletes, and the results speak to the potential that both squads possess.

The Marauders men’s and women’s track teams took part in the annual Can Am Meet in Windsor from Jan. 13-14.

While both teams combined for only three medals over the course of the event,

coach Paula Schnurr was encouraged by what she saw from her athletes in their first action.

“This is the first time out,” said Schnurr of her message to her runners. “Let’s keep things in perspective. You get a chance to see where you’re at, and coaches get the chance to see the same thing. Who gets to go on to the next meets is determined on the performance in the first one.

“Was there a lot of pressure? Not really. It just motivated people to do some work over

PHOTO C/O PETER SELF

• PLEASE SEE INJURY, S8 Graham Bowes notched a personal best in the 3000m event in Windsor.

the holidays. It’s hard when you go home and have a bit of a break through exams. I think people continued to work hard and it showed.”

Schnurr singled out veteran distance runner Graham Bowes for particular praise, whose time in the 3000m event in Windsor stands as a personal best and has him currently ranked seventh in the country at that distance.

“I think we were very pleased as a coaching staff, particularly with Graham Bowes. It was his first time out and he ran a [personal best]. Last year unfortunately he didn’t make the CIS event but this year he could definitely have a shot at making it to that stage.

“He was up against two Guelph guys who were part of their national championship winning cross-country team. So it was a good race, and a perfect time for him to take advantage of a good pace and hold on to it.”

Two other Marauder men set personal bests in the 3000m race, as Andrew Bysice and Cory McCurry finished seventh and eighth respectively.

On the women’s side, McMaster had success in the 1500m event, where a number of veteran runners give them substantial depth.

The race saw the return to action of Lindsay Carson and Katie Anderson, who finished second and third respectively after lengthy injury layoffs.

Schnurr expressed her satisfaction in seeing both women return to the competitive fold, both of whom should figure prominently in the Marauders’ late-season medal push.

“Lindsay’s definitely getting there,” said the coach of her star distance performer’s rehabilitation process.

“She’s going in the right direction and she’s been healthy, which is a huge bonus for her with her past. Training is going well but this was her first race in quite a while.

“Katie Anderson was out last year, having had mono through the indoor season. She didn’t run at all, so it’s been a really long time for her. Based on her training I could tell that she was ready for a good race. Was I surprised? Not really. But I think she was quite happy with it and a little surprised herself.”

The two veteran returnees are part of a deep pool of McMaster women at the 1500m distance, a group that will undoubtedly chal• PLEASE SEE TEAM, S4

THE SILHOUETTE • S3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Football

Feature

Scouts rate Medeiros highly Injury puts

career in perspective

Maggie Cogger-Orr Silhouette Staff

This past September marked my third season with the McMaster women’s rugby team. It was my first as captain and the first time in my career that we as a team understood that we had a shot of making history by qualifying for the CIS National Championship.

Since losing to Waterloo on Oct. 30, 2010, I’ve thought of nothing but this past season, this opportunity to set things right.

As a varsity athlete, you’re sort of like a horse with blinders. You only see the goal, the banner, the championship. You completely ignore the rest of your life at times because you can think of nothing but achieving that goal.

You come to define yourself by your performance and achievements, not only as an athlete but also as a person.

I spent our entire season carrying so much responsibility – most of which I put on myself – for our team’s success. I felt personally responsible for all of our failures and when I was not playing my best rugby, the guilt of letting my teammates down when they looked up to me was almost unbearable.

During the first two games of nationals – before injuring myself in the last minutes of our last game – knowing I hadn’t performed my best at the most crucial time was devastating and left my own belief about my selfworth dangerously low.

And then it happened, a mere sidestep was an integral part of the powerful McMaster offensive unit. accompanied by that infamous “crunch” in Toronto in March – alongside McMaster it was my draft year. Just to get noticed at all sound in your knee. teammates Kyle Quinlan and Brad Foche- would have been fantastic, but to be ranked Being carried off the field, all I could think of was “What now?” sato – Medeiros looks to be well on his way this high is unbelievable.” to the professional ranks.

Medeiros is excited to represent Mc- What’s the next step when the sport that For his part, the lineman is clearly over Master at the highest level, and believes has defined your daily purpose for so long is the moon with the value CFL scouts have that the inclusion of three Marauders at the suddenly snatched away? placed on him. He insists that professional league’s evaluation camp is a testament to I can only say that I felt empty and confused. There was a gaping hole inside me consideration in any form would have been the strength of the program as a whole. enough. Instead, he has been anointed as “Representing your colours at this level that made me realize how much rugby had one of the most promising prospects on offer is something you always dream that you can become ingrained in my perception of myacross Canada. do, and I’m sure that Kyle and Brad feel the self.

“I really wasn’t expecting to be ranked at same way,” said the veteran lineman. “It’s In the moments when the diagnosis was all,” Medeiros confessed. “Coming into this • PLEASE SEE MAC, S6 • PLEASE SEE BALANCING, S7 season, I knew that I had to do well because PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Offensive lineman Jason Medeiros (61) Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

Very few athletes are presented with the opportunity to realize a childhood dream, but McMaster’s Jason Medeiros may soon be one of them.

That’s because Medeiros – a standout offensive lineman for the Marauders’ Vanier Cup winning football team – has been ranked tenth in the CFL’s latest pre-draft scouting report.

Having already accepted an invitation to the league’s evaluation camp to be held

THE SILHOUETTE • S4

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Track

Men’s Basketball

Team looks to get healthy, gain experience

Big test in enemy territory

• CONT’D FROM S2 lenge for silverware at the highest levels this season.

“The strength on the distance side is in the 1500m between Lindsay, Katie, Jill [Wyman], Victoria Coates and Sarah Haliburton,” said Schnurr.

“We’ve got five girls who could be in the top 10-12 in the country. Lindsay is third, Katie is fourth and Jill is sixth at this point.”

Much of the women’s squad remains a work in progress at this stage, as several runners strive to return from injury and the team tutors a sizeable rookie class in the sprint distances.

“When we looked at the women’s side and the number of women we left behind due to injury, it was almost half of the team we had last season,” said Schnurr of her Windsor contingent.

“Victoria Coates is coming back and will race this weekend. Stephanie MacNeill is out with a bit of an injury. Courtney Patterson is coming back. Sara Giovannetti and Rachel Lamb are injured.

“There’s five girls there that were a big part of the team in the past three, four years.

But they’re starting to come around.

“Our women on the sprint side are generally rookies, so in terms of improvement it comes down to being consistent with their training. This is a year where you want to keep people healthy and training, and building to their second, third and fourth years.”

The Marauder men also find themselves dealing with a few nagging injuries, but Schnurr remains confident that McMaster’s sprinters will be in a position to improve their record-setting pace from last season.

“We’re looking forward to the 4x200m and 4x400m teams to be back up and competitive again this year,” said the coach.

“I know that they want to improve on last year’s time. Jimmy [Tat] and Scott [Hutchinson] are both looking to improve their times in the 300m.”

The Marauders will have a chance to demonstrate such improvement this coming weekend, as they travel to London to take part in the Don Wright Track and Field Challenge on Jan. 21.

Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

“We need to go there expecting to win.

There is a lot of talk that we are going there to fight for a split, at best. I don’t look at it that way. Everyone thinks because Lakehead is so talented, before the game has even started, that we would be happy with a split.

We want to win two games,” said the second -year head coach.

Refining both the play on the court and attitude of his players is not something that Connolly, or any coach for that matter can hope to accomplish without a player who leads by example.

For this season’s team, third-year player Victor Raso, who scored 29 points in last week’s win on the road against the Brock Badgers, has set a tone of dedication and commitment for the rest of the team.

“He is doing the things that young guys need to learn to do. How you should show up everyday. How you should watch film.

How you should commit to strength and conditioning. How you should commit to

your diet. All of those little details that make a big difference,” said Connolly of the 6’3” Raso. “[Raso] has really embodied what it takes to become a player at this level. He has made himself a CIS basketball player.”

For this team, the day-to-day approach of veterans like Raso will make all the difference in the end result of this season. With pertinence to the weekend, Connolly says the squad seems to be making the best of their prep time “Last night was one of the best practices of our year. For our team, it is very much a one game at a time mentality. But it’s a unique situation to be playing the same team on back-to-back nights. It allows for your preparation to be a little different.”

By the final buzzer of this Saturday’s game the Marauders have a chance to establish themselves as a real OUA West contender, and perhaps remove age as the defining factor of this team.

For a young lineup with plenty to learn and even more to prove, the prognosis of being a young team too often provides the excuses to justify mistakes, a stipulation McMaster head coach Amos Connolly has been avoiding all season.

With a record of 9-3 so far this season, those excuses haven’t often been necessary.

However, after suffering two of their three overall losses in the last four contests, a reality of inexperience is beginning to set in for this year’s team.

“For our young guys, the big things are going well. It is the little things like sleep and diet that can be so easily overlooked that can slowly have a negative impact,” said coach Amos Connolly this week.

“What great basketball players do – experienced veterans – is take care of the little things. It is very easy to slip and allow for bad habits to develop.”

To make the learning curve even steeper, the Marauders will travel to Thunder Bay this weekend to take on the CIS no. 2 Lakehead Thunderwolves.

The Road trip, which will be played at the Thunder Dome on Friday and Saturday, will be the most difficult test thus far for Mac, save for a season opener with the no. 2 Carleton Ravens. In order to succeed, Connolly believes his team will need to play to their strength.

“We need to acknowledge our advantages, including our depth and that we are more mobile at the big positions. But going into what is easily the toughest place to play in the country, I think for us the most important thing is to worry less about Lakehead and focus more on ourselves,” said Connolly, who said his team could do with a little more confidence.

“I don’t know if our team believes they can play with the teams yet. They say they do but intimidation seems to be a factor out there.”

The Thunderwolves, tied for second in the OUA with a record of 10-2, are a formidable opponent and one of the strongest that Mac will face all year.

Expecting to lose one or both of the games, however, is not an attitude that Connolly is ready to let spread around his locker room.

Rookie guard Adam Presutti is one of the younger players driving this season.

YOUSIF HADDAD / SILHOUETTE STAFF

THE SILHOUETTE • S5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Women’s Volleyball

New awareness breeds success

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

Confidence has been in short supply for the Marauders this season. But after two convincing home victories on Jan. 13 and 14, the Maroon and Grey have given themselves a reason to believe.

Looking to erase a four-game losing streak that stretched back into 2011, McMaster swept aside the RMC Paladins in straight sets before dealing a four-set defeat to the visiting Queen’s Gaels on Jan. 14. The results moved the Marauders’ conference record to 5-6 on the season, and represent a much-needed change of fortunes for the squad.

Coach Tim Louks sees an encouraging trend emerging among his players, who he believes have found the motivation and the confidence necessary to raise their level of play even further.

“The convincing part three games in is that they’re feeling good about it,” said the coach of his charges. “They’re set on raising the standard from where we are now, as opposed to the place we were in before the break.”

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Marauders’ newfound success is their sudden prowess on the block.

In their Saturday night victory over the visitors from Queen’s, McMaster tallied six solo stuffs and 16 block-assists while the Gaels notched only two of each.

Louks indicates that his team’s ferocious frontcourt defence can be traced to their ever-increasing defensive awareness and physical strength.

“I don’t know if it comes down to any one thing, but there certainly are factors that are contributing,” said the coach of his team’s blocking efforts.

“Maybe the one that leads the way is the understanding of offences and of attacking actions. The players are making better decisions, their core is getting stronger and the timing is a little better and faster so that the angle is better.

“Understanding where to be and when based on information has improved the most. Maybe we’ve turned the corner on a few things.”

Beyond the team’s awareness in the frontcourt, Louks believes that his players have made vast improvements in their

Decision-making has been a particular area of improvement for McMaster’s outside players, who often struggled in the face of opposition defences in the Marauders’ first semester efforts. The ability to identify the defensive challenge in front of them allows these players to adjust their attacking approach.

“Lauren [Mastroluisi] is learning to be patient on balls that aren’t allowing her to swing freely and to be selective,” said Louks of his rookie winger. “I think we saw some great choices and very few poor ones, which in the first half was the reverse.

“Kailee [Stock] is a third-year kid, but it’s the same set of rules. She’s strong, and I think we’re doing some things to complement her. She, as a part of that solution, is making some good choices that are allowing her to be patient on the ball.”

Looking to push on and crest the .500 mark, the Marauders are helped by the fact that their roster is healthier than ever, and that the team’s sizeable rookie class is beginning to become accustomed to the rigours of the CIS game.

“We’re waiting on [Meghan] Jamieson a little bit to see what the situation is like with her shoulder, but overall, we’re probably in as good of a spot physically as we’ve been all year,” said Louks.

“The young kids are buying in and we’re trying to keep them on track.”

The Marauders look to continue their winning ways this coming weekend as they welcome the Waterloo Warriors and Guelph Gryphons to the Burridge Gym on Jan. 20 and 21.

While Waterloo notched a fairly routine four-set win over McMaster earlier this season, Louks believes that both teams have undergone considerable transformations in the meantime.

“It’s a different lineup for Waterloo and a different one for us,” said the coach. part of Mac’s success on the block.

“When you watch the lineup that played in rectifying the choice and reinforcing the val- the first half, it’s radically different. Both ue of making that choice. teams are going to be touting some chang “The coach’s ability is to interpret es.” the information and put the kids in a situa- McMaster will hope that their imtion where you can empower them to try to pressive recent overhaul will stand them in be successful. That’s it. You have no solid, good stead against two formidable oppoirrefutable answers to anything. So they nents. The Marauders will battle the Warhave to build a level of confidence in the ac- riors on Jan. 20, before welcoming the Grytion that creates a possibility of success. It’s phons to the Burridge Gym the next night. a learned part of the sport.”

Both matches are set to begin at 6 p.m.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Taylor Brisebois (1) has been a central ability to read and respond in all aspects of the game. When those responses do deviate from the squad’s established system, players are quick to adjust and return to the stated game plan.

“It always comes back to situational analysis,” said Louks. “The discussion that is being had around those situations is not as prolonged as it has been in the past.

Given that situation occurring again, they’re

S6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Football

Women’s Basketball

Mac lineman nears CFL dream

Windsor deals Mac blowout loss

• CONT’D FROM S3

amazing to be able to represent Mac like this, because we’re an organization and a team that competes at the highest level.”

Marauders’ Assistant Head Coach Jon Behie called the plays for Medeiros and his fellow offensive players this past season, and believes that the recognition that the lineman has garnered reflects well on the program as a whole and provides an example for younger teammates.

“It feels great when one of our guys is recognized,” said Behie. “It’s something that our entire program can be proud of, and also gives our younger guys something to aspire to. The same goes for Kyle and Brad being invited to the CFL evaluation camp as well.”

The lauded play-caller is unsurprised

by Medeiros’ position on the scouting list, citing a sterling season from the lineman as ample reason for his being placed in the upper echelon.

“I’m not surprised by Jay’s being ranked tenth,” said Behie. “He had as good a calendar year as a CIS player could have had in 2011. He tested and played well at last year’s East-West Bowl, and was part of the Senior Men’s National Team over the summer.

“It certainly helps that CFL scouts saw him more than hold his own against some of the best defensive lines in the country, including Queen’s, Western, Acadia and Laval. But as great as being ranked tenth on that list is, Jay knows that in the end it really doesn’t matter all that much.

“He still needs to work hard leading up to the E-Camp and have a great showing that weekend.”

One thing is certain: Medeiros will not lack for motivation as he strives to crack a CFL lineup.

Having long dreamt of a shot at playing professionally, the lineman is thinking of nothing else as the evaluation camp looms.

“It’s one of those dreams that you have ever since you were a little kid,” said Medeiros.

“When you’re at the level that you’re ready to make the jump, it’s the only thing that you think about.

“I wake up thinking about the CFL. I eat and sleep it. It’s all I do.”

mentum all year.

“We’ve had injuries to our two top recruits and a starter, that is difficult for any team. But we need to put together a lineup which can play well together every night,” explained coach Theresa Burns.

The Marauders have been led by the likes of Taylor Chariot and Hailey Mulligan all season long, and the recent breakout play of Liz Burns has given the team a spark, but a lack of consistency on court directly correlates with a the constant fluctuation of the starting five.

“Injuries are part of the game. We need to do the best with what we have,” said Burns.

The Marauder women entered Bob Davis Gym in St. Catherines coming off a strong performance at home against Waterloo, but fell behind early to the CIS no. 8 Badgers. The first quarter saw Mac fall into a 21-6 hole, but the second quarter was a different story, as the squad clawed back to within six by halftime.

Despite a balanced attack, which saw Jackie Nimec, Milligan and Chiarot all chip in 14 points, the Badgers were able to hold off any attempts at a comeback, clinging to a 60-56 win.

After losing last week to the Lancers in Windsor, the Marauders were hoping that home-court advantage would have the same effect in Hamilton, as the defending national champs headed to Steeltown for the rematch.

The game would be close early, thanks to strong play from Chiarot and defending CIS Player of the Year Jessica Clemencon.

However, the Lancers would show the class that led them to the national championship last year, going on a tear in the second quarter and not looking back. Clemencon would dominate on her way to a game-high 25 points, and her Lancers would cruise to a 72-37 victory.

The consecutive losses take McMaster’s record to 5-7, which places them in a tie for fifth in the OUA West with Guelph and Western. Windsor and Brock are first and second in the division, respectively. The Ot13 points in the loss to Windsor. tawa Gee-Gees currently lead the OUA East. them, that record would not survive long.

On Thursday, the Marauders will fly to The Maroon and Grey travelled to St. Thunder Bay to take on the Lakehead ThunCatherines and fell to the Brock Badgers by derwolves in a weekend double-header. a score of 60-56 on Jan. 11, only to come Lakehead is a notoriously difficult gym to home to the Burridge Gym and be pum- play in, Burns said. melled 72-37 by the Windsor Lancers on “I believe they call it ‘Heckler’s Row’.

Jan. 14. Decimated by injuries, the Maraud- It’s a very loud, exciting gym to play in, so it ers have struggled to gain any positive mo- will present a good challenge.”

YOUSIF HADDAD / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Taylor Chiarot led the Marauders with Ben Orr Silhouette Staff

After splitting their first two conference games of the New Year, the Marauders women’s basketball team entered their second week of competition in 2012 sitting on a respectable .500 record. Unfortunately for

THE SILHOUETTE • S7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Feature

Balancing the athlete’s life Facing a lengthy layoff, captain re-evaluates her attitude • CONT’D FROM S3

being read and MRI images were flying across the screen, all I could hear was “nine months to a year.”

My brain kicked into panic mode. How was that possible? How could I possibly go so long without playing the sport I’d fallen in love with 6 years ago? What would I do?

It was in this moment, when I was wallowing in the deepest levels of self-pity that I was presented with the opportunity to see the error of my ways.

When the women’s rugby team visited the Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton through Mac Athletes Care and ran a girls sport program about rugby, I was forced to rethink my position.

It was in getting to know these young girls and seeing how happy they were to just meet and play with me and my teammates that I figured it out.

It was the realization of how absurd it was that I should be so upset about hurting my knee when, apart from that, I lead a healthy, joyful life filled with friends and family who care so much about me and very rarely feel like hitting me like a ton of bricks.

Even though the point of the program was for me to teach the girls about rugby and encourage them to be active, I can’t help but feel I got as much out of the program as they did.

It was those little girls who unintentionally reminded me that life goes on, and how easy it is to get caught up in the self centered life of an athlete.

I was fortunate enough that playing rugby-basketball with a bunch of 9 year old girls, showed me that there will always be people who look up to you and need you, even when you’re not at your best.

Now when people hear about my knee and their response is “I’m so sorry”, I am compelled to respond that there is no reason to be sorry. I have suffered no great loss, not of a family member or friend, and I will eventually return to full strength and to rugby. The perspective I have gained in the past months since the injury, not only about myself but also about life in general, gives real validation to the statement that everything happens for a reason.

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Maggie Cogger-Orr struggled to cope with a horrific knee injury, but finds solace in her work with Mac Athletes Care.

In an almost backwards sense, I am thankful for opportunity the injury provided me to take a step back and really consider what’s important, because at the end of the day, every athlete’s career eventually comes to a close.

At the risk of sounding melodramatic and pessimistic, I think every athlete should at one point ask himself or herself, “If to-

morrow I could never play again would I still be happy?” In being so passionate about our sports we run the risk of not considering what else is important in our lives.

Through our intense desire to be the best athletes we can be, we sometimes forget to be the best people we can be. I am not only thankful to Mac Athletes Care for providing me with a life changing opportunity but also

to my teammates and friends who continue to support me, even on my worst days.

Whenever it may be that I return to the rugby field with my reconstructed ACL and repaired meniscus, I know I will step on that field with a perspective that I never had before and with a greater appreciation for the opportunity that playing for McMaster gives me.

S8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Men’s Volleyball

Injured roster proves resilient Marauders sweep weekend matches without starting setter • CONT’D FROM S2 partisan onlookers alike.

For his part, Mantha indicates that the Marauders themselves are keenly aware of the entertainment value that their tilts with the Gaels entail. Despite the excitement involved, the sophomore believes that it is his team’s ability to stay on track that has led them to continued success in the matchup.

“We joke around about that on the bench, the idea that we always give the crowd a good show,” said Mantha.

“The truth of the matter is that we have a game plan and we stick to it. That’s really what it comes down to, that we’re able to push through it even when we’re down.

“We know that we’ve been able to come back in the past, so that really helps mentally and helps us do the same thing again because we’ve been there before.”

McMaster appears to dig in readily against their rivals, particularly when they have their collective backs against the wall as they did in the fourth set of Saturday’s contest.

Trailing two sets to one - and by as many as four points in the dying stages of the fourth frame - the Marauders found an extra gear to power through to the fifth. From there, momentum carried the home side to another titanic win in this hotly contested matchup.

Mantha believes that the determination that his squad exhibits in matches against the Gaels often comes from the fear of losing to the Marauders’ longtime rivals.

He describes his own thought process at the time as one of resolve not to see the team’s five-game win streak slip away.

“That’s what I was saying to myself, that I couldn’t afford to lose this win-streak now, and that I would push myself and my team to get through it,” said the sophomore hitter of his fourth set mentality.

“I’m pretty sure that everyone thinks that way and that they know that we can pull out games like that.”

One of the most encouraging features of their continued success on court is the Marauders’ ability to notch victories while

sporting patchwork, rotating lineups. While the holiday break allowed many players crucial rehabilitation time, it also proved costly on the personnel front.

During the bronze medal match that concluded McMaster’s competition at the EBWM Invitational Tournament in Saskatoon, starting setter T.J. Sanders suffered a concussion, keeping him out of the lineup for this past weekend’s matches.

While no official timeline has been set for his return to action, Sanders has indicated that he is not experiencing any substantial symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, and should be back in action shortly.

In his absence on Jan. 14, McMaster turned over the control of its offence to the creative duo of Austin Campion-Smith and Chris Spack, both of whom filled the setting void admirably in the five-set triumph.

Mantha was effusive in his praise for Spack in particular, who had only a week of practice at the setting position under his belt before the Saturday tilt against the Gaels.

“It helps that we have such depth to our team that everyone can perform,” said Mantha. “It really helps us when someone can come in like Chris, who’d only been practicing at setter for a week after TJ’s concussion.

To have him come in and have him perform so well is great.

“Everyone was really well physically and mentally prepared.”

That same level of preparation will be necessary this coming weekend, as the Marauders face a challenging weekend doubleheader against the Waterloo Warriors and Guelph Gryphons.

Waterloo in particular should pose an intriguing test, fresh as they are off of upset victories over the Western Mustangs and Windsor Lancers.

Having made waves in the offseason with the acquisition of crosstown hero Cameron Wheelan from the now defunct Laurier Golden Hawks program, Waterloo is just now beginning to realize its potential.

McMaster will play host to the Warriors and Gryphons on Jan. 20 and 21 respectively, with both games slated to begin at 8 p.m Ian Cooper saw considerable court time over the course of the weekend. in the Burridge Gym.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

INSIDEOUT

production office extension: 27117 insideout@thesil.ca

Post-graduation paranoia

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Deciding what to do after graduation does not have to be a daunting task, look at your post-grad plan as adventure and find the perfect path for you.

Cassandra Jeffery

Assistant InsideOut Editor

Every year a birthday marks a miniscule milestone in life compared to what grand scale accomplishments are on the horizon. A celebration is a necessity, yet some of us cannot help but loathe the idea that we are one birthday closer to graduation and one year closer to the daunting reality of life.

We’ve been through something similar once before. The transition from high school to university is both a frightening and invigorating experience.

The academics are more challenging and the responsibilities are greater, but there’s freedom, independence and the chance to make lifelong friendships.

Once the fear subsides and the confidence prospers, the undergraduate lifestyle becomes a fantastic experience.

Unfortunately, it is also shortlived. Suddenly, you’re in your senior year at McMaster, desperate-

ly trying to recount for the last three or four years of your life. Somewhere between the exams and the parties, we find ourselves searching for a post-graduation plan. The task becomes overwhelming, our confidence slowly dwindles, and the panic begins to ensue.

Whether you’re applying to grad school, looking for a job, or completely unsure of what to do after, the thought of leaving the safe confines of McMaster University can be difficult.

The problem with this pessimistic logic, that a successful postgraduation transition is unattainable, is that most of us easily buy into to this silly belief. “You have to change the focus from scary to exciting,” says career services, liaison and study abroad coordinator for the faculty of Humanities, Rowena Muhic-Day. Changing your attitude will certainly alter your outlook. View postgraduation as an adventure, conduct some research on various options, and work towards realistic goals.

You have to “start by thinking big,” says Muhic-Day, and eventually narrow down your topic through research. Once you have an idea, begin by fostering what skills you have to offer and what abilities certain jobs require.

Time is often a hindrance for

View post-graduation as an adventure, conduct some research on various options, and work towards realistic goals.” students. Nearing our final years at McMaster, we all have deadlines and GPAs to maintain, which is why at such time periods excellent prioritizing skills come into play.

Twitter proves useful Reap the rewards of being media savvy Pg. C2

If your future is important enough, then you’ll find the time to create a post-graduation strategy and you’ll learn to use the resources offered on campus.

McMaster offers various workshops for students in the careers and services department, from resume critiquing to career conversations with professionals.

Students often become nervous when confronted with the question, “what are your plans after grad?”

Some of us have no idea while others have a pre-determined path they must see through. As students, we’ve never been reassured that it’s okay not to have a plan for the future.

While it’s important to begin planning now, changing your mind is natural and completely okay.

“It’s not a locked door,” says fourth-year psychology student Ryan Janssen. We have to discard the notion that whatever we do after graduation is the be all and end all.

Obviously finding a career that will be financially sustaining is import-

Yoga 101 What’s in your Yoga meat? proves to be a psychologically and Learn about the physcially beneficial health benefits workout. found in meat Pg. Pg.C3 C4

ant, but our society is fixed on the notion that a successful life is defined by the dollar amount on your pay check.

The pressure of wealth coincides with the pressure to find something worthwhile post-graduation. In reality, our precious energy should be directed into planning out a future that will be constructive, but also make us happy.

“It almost doesn’t matter what exactly it is that you’re going off to do after university, as long as it’s constructive in some way and that’s going to be different for different people,” says Muhic-Day. Whether you’re interested in applying for grad school, traveling the world, or you’re simply not quite sure what the future holds, it’s always a good idea to start your post-graduation plan now.

A new chapter of life is bound to begin at some point, but it’s up to you to make sure that you have the ambition, determination, and motivation in order to successfully transition from your undergraduate

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

How Twitter saved my sanity Natalie Timperio

Senior InsideOut Editor

Get me the fuck out of here.

I don’t often drop the F-bomb, but in times of utter chaos and confusion (because truly, that’s exactly what the situation was like for me), swearing becomes the only form of emotional release.

Sadly, no matter how many times I repeated those words, I found myself in the one place I didn’t want to be: Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites in Victoria, B.C. for NASH 74, an annual weekendlong conference for university student journalists.

Don’t get me wrong, the sessions and speakers were great. But if you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that, on the final night, there was a norovirus outbreak among some of the conference delegates.

Norovirus is highly contagious, causing severe vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to muscle aches and headaches. And, yes, while you’ve no doubt heard the words “highly contagious” used before, allow me to paint you a picture of just how infectious this monster was.

At around 8 p.m. one of my fellow Sil editors, who also happened to be one of my conference roommates, fell ill with the virus.

Shortly thereafter, another editor became sick. In a few hours time, multiple other delegates reported being ill.

Any doubts I may have had about these “other delegates” were quickly disproven by the arrival of ambulances and an extreme influx in toilet flushing.

While in total four of the six co-workers I was with fell ill with the virus I, along with two others, somehow managed to avoid infection. It’s times like these that I’m grateful for a strong immune system. It’s also times like these that I’m grateful for social networking.

As Saturday evening meshed into Sunday morning, I can’t quite

recall when exactly I began to check Twitter – as if hashtags and mentions could spare me from severe vomiting and diarrhea. Yet somehow I managed to pick up my phone as if it were a godsend, brought here to take me away from the mess in which I had quite literally come to find myself.

While some tweets claimed the virus to be a result of underhanded terrorist warfare, most others proved to be valuable, up-tothe-minute information sources. I quickly discovered it wasn’t merely a few people who were ill – it was dozens. Another F-bomb emerged from my lips. In a matter of hours, tweets poured in confirming cases of sudden and violent puking amongst delegates, so much so that our finalnight event was cancelled. F-bomb, F-bomb, F-bomb.

In between the curses, tears and nervous fits of shaking, I found comfort in the fact that somehow this had become a communal experience, and that my worries were shared by my fellow delegates.

I should mention that, initially, none of us had any idea that this was norovirus. In fact, I believe most of us suspected it be a result of food poisoning, since we had all been eating the same meals. Nonetheless, Twitter became a forum in which we could float educated guesses at the cause of this sudden and widespread illness.

In time, tweets confirmed that the illness was in fact norovirus, providing information on the causes, symptoms and treatments of the virus.

Essentially, if not for Twitter, there’s no doubt in my mind that disseminating information would have been far more delayed.

And while that may be stating the obvious, it’s not until times of crisis that you fully come to appreciate the value of modern technology and social media services.

I’ll advise all those who refuse to “get with the times” to get with the times – you’ll never know when a freakish (and possibly zombierelated) virus will be upon you.

When

@Matt: “Seriously, this is like watching the setup for some zombie horror and/or bioterrorism thriller film #NASH74

@AndyVeilleux: “#iThoughtYouWereCuteUntil you started puking all over at #NASH74 Seriously. It’s happening.”

@TeeLeacock: “5 hours of being glued to the toliet on and off and my stomach finds something to toss out the top end. What is this thing?! #NASH74

@AmyVanVeen: “The sirens aren’t helping morale. #NASH74 #pukegate”

@YevgeniyaLytvynenko: “This would make a great #House episode #NASH74”

JOY SANTIAGO/ MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

in a crisis situation, tweet as if your life depends on it,

THE SILHOUETTE • C3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

The mystery behind the meat Take the time to research what goes into your food place in your shopping cart that aren’t advertised, not even in fine print.

While walking through the meat Consider, for example, the difsection of the supermarket, decid- ferent types of meat that are availing what to purchase for the week able for purchase in Canada. Among isn’t as simple as reading the labels. the most popular and readily accessThere are many things to consider ible are meat products from adult about the packages of meat you mammals, such as chicken, turkey, Amanda Teseo Silhouette Staff

STUDENT RENTALS West Village Suites

A Green Community for Students

Dundurn Student Residence

BEST

THE OF OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

905-528-1717 STARTING AT $399/MONTH ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN Dundurn Property Management 1685 Main Street West Suite 25 rentals@dundurnpm.ca

905-528-1717

w w w.westvillagesuites.ca

cows, sheep, goats and horses.

This meat is categorized into either “red” or “white,” depending on the concentration of myoglobin in its muscle fibre.

The redness of meat also is dependant on the species, age and fibre type. Generally, meat obtained from cows, sheep, goats and horses is considered red meat. White meat appears lighter than red meat because it has relatively less oxygen and thus, a decreased amount of oxymyoglobin. Chicken and turkey breasts are regarded as white meat.

Along with red and white, meat can be further classified as either “kosher” or “halal.” These names correspond to traditions and rituals related to the consumption and production of meat. Kosher is native to the Jewish culture.

In Hebrew, “Kashrus” means “pure” or “clean.” In order to ensure pure production of meat, the Torah outlines a comprehensive list of regulations for meat preparation.

When you come across kosher meat, it exclusively comes from animals that have hooves split into two toes and who “chew the cud.”

This traditional saying means that the animal does not have the necessary enzymes to digest the cellulose of plant matter, so they repeatedly chew on it.

These conditions exclude meat from pigs and camels, deeming them as “unclean.” The animals that satisfy this regulation include cows, sheep, veal, springbok, bulls, lambs and goats.

Kosher meat is slaughtered in a very particular manner. The animal must be killed so that death is instantaneous, which is said to reduce the amount of pain experienced by the animal. Then, the meat is stripped of forbidden fats and veins, soaked in a bath of water to drain the blood and salted with coarse salt.

Contrary to popular conception, JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

• PLEASE SEE, ARE C6

Do you know the various health benefits meat contains?

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Eye Oh Tidbits

SEXandthe STEELCITY

The cheating conundrum

Fishy Fact

Fish has all essential amino acids that humans need to survive.

However, we could die if we had only fish in our diet. This is because fish has no Vitamin C which is crucial for human survival, which is why eating fish with lemon is a common practice.

Sexy scents

One theory behind why humans have pubic hair is that the hair produces sexually stimulating scents called pheromones. These pheromones are said to increase sexual desire.

Talk about a dream land

Dream is a semi-conscious state where we have absolutely no control over our thoughts and expressions (unless we master lucid dreaming), most of us spend six years or more of our lifetime dreaming.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Cheating is emotionally and psychologically damaging for both partners involved.

Katherine George Silhouette Staff

How much truth is there to the phrase, “once a cheater, always a cheater”?

There are many reasons available to better explain or understand why an individual in a committed relationship would resort to cheating. It might be because one person, often the person who is straying, is trying to fulfill a need that is not being met in their current relationship. Or, a person might be trying to punish their partner, or to test the limits of their relationship, or to attract attention from their partner, or simply because they are bored.

In reality, it’s never quite the same reason for more than one couple.

But one thing that unfaithful relationships have in common is that someone always gets hurt. Both emotional cheating and physical cheating can be equally damaging.

Emotional cheating is more subtle, but is arguably more hurtful. It’s the

act of allowing oneself to develop and demonstrate feelings for another individual, through flirtation or other similar ways of showing a sexual interest. On the other hand, physical cheating is an obvious act of betrayal, though one night stands can sometimes be easier to forgive.

The hardest part of infidelity is dealing with the aftermath. In certain circumstances, cheating is a way for someone to express that they want out of the relationship.

Alternatively, an individual is faced with the decision of whether or not to try and heal a damaged relationship or to abandon it completely.

Recovering from a cheating partner depends on the individual. Everyone has different limits to their forgiveness; it simply depends on how far they are willing to stretch their limits of tolerance. It is a process that challenges trust.

Some people can easily forgive, while others will hold a grudge and punish their partner until the

relationship eventually falls apart.

Obvious reactions to infidelity will be anger, distrust, confusion and betrayal. It can force the other person to look for ways to seek revenge, whether that means reciprocating their own hurt in similarly damaging ways or consistently punishing their partner until their own wounds heal. Neither will successfully cure the problem.

Fortunately, cheating does not always end in despair. Some couples find the strength and stability to recover from cheating and, in the end, it eventually makes them stronger.

The secret to moving forward from such a destructive event is to find the root of the problem – why did that person resort to cheating in the first place? Discovering the root to the problem and addressing it through increased communication will pave the way to recovery. But while cheating is easy to do, but it might be the hardest thing to recover from.

Missing Dates

Did you know the days/dates between the 2nd and the14th September in 1752 did not exist? This was the year when the calendar changed from the Julian (Julius Caesar) to the Gregorian (Pope Gregory XIII) calendar. Because the Julian calendar did not have leap years, they had to cut out dates in order to make the years align for the new calendar.

MSU and You Radio Show Jan 23 @12:00p.m. cfmu.mcmaster.ca

Tech Free Zone Jan 19 @12:00 p.m.

MUSC 215

Tony Lee xxx Hypnotist Jan 20 @ 8:30 p.m.

Twelve Eighty

Freedom Cafe Jan 20 @ 8:00 p.m.

CIBC Hall, 3rd Floor MUSC

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Hey You! Why not try your hand at writing?

Volunteer for InsideOut Section Meetings: Wednesdays at 3:30 MUSC B110

Are you body obsessed?

Don’t get pinned down by the pressure of a perfect bod tween their bodies, but do not often have an objective measure that can be compared, such as number of Over the past week, I have been pull-ups completed, or weight that to several physical activity classes can be bench pressed. where the onslaught of “New Years’ In a recent British study of Resolution-ers” has been very ap- 16-25 year old men all stated that parent. they felt pressure from their peers to Packed spin, core, and yoga attain an ideal body shape, whether classes, and waves of people that was to reduce body fat, or to coming to try out the climbing wall gain muscle, or even things that are all fantastic to see, but the pres- cannot be altered, such as getting sure to shape up once the calendar taller. Men often express desires to turns to January can be rather over- have the same body type as their whelming.

The start of a new year can be the push one needs if you’re lookStatements from ing to make some changes, but who women interviewed says you have to change at all?

Male body image is a newly investiin many studies gated topic with the increased presshow a strong link ence of the male form in media.

The idealized male form is a between women’s mesomorphic body type with the perception of their ‘upside-down triangle’ shape charsize and weight and acterized by broad shoulders and muscular arms tapering to a narrow her feeling of waist and flat abdominals. A very self-worth.” low body fat percentage helps to display the muscles to the greatest degree. peers and friends, or a desire to be This silhouette has long defined ‘average’ rather than exceptionally masculinity, from the time of the muscular. original Greek Olympics. David However, this may be an underZinczenko, author of The Abs Diet, estimation of the importance men has stated that part of the appeal ascribe to attaining the ideal phyof this highly muscular physique, sique, as self-reflection and pursuit especially the highly coveted “six- of what may be considered selfpack”, is that it is hard to come by gratification are not considered and has become a status symbol in manly activities. its own right. Other status symbols Men face a dual pressure to can be bought, but muscles can only attain the perfect body, but simulbe developed with a dedication of taneously act as if they don’t care time and energy. about the way they look.

The male drive for competi- Women in Western cultures tion is much more overt than for face an almost singular pressure females, who may observe other for thinness. However, women are women and make comparisons be- still expected to have a full bust and Meagan McEwen SHEC Media

The Master of Management of Innovation ( M M I ) ,

University of Toronto, is an accelerated twelve-month masters program designed to complement studen t s w i t h a s c i e n c e o r engine e r i n g b a ck g ro u n d b y providing a focused learning experience in management and economics and industry exposure through a Group Project. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in economic analysis, technology management, business strategy, finance, accounting, marketing and policy. That, combined with the option of taking graduate electives from www.utm.utoronto.ca/mmi

good muscle tone; though visible muscles are not considered overly feminine. “Shapely-slim” is seen to be the ideal female body type.

Women who participated in an often-repeated body image study were asked to choose from a figure that represented their current shape, the shape most men would find attractive, and their ideal shape.

The majority of the women chose a thinner figure for their ideal shape than the one they thought most men would find attractive, indicating that this pressure to attain an ideal body shape is self-imposed rather than to become attractive to men.

Statements from women interviewed in many studies show a strong link between women’s perception of their size and weight and her feeling of self-worth.

Many women stated that if they lost weight, they would feel more confident, and they would feel like an entirely different person.

Women, as opposed to men, are socially encouraged to think about their looks and have personal goals to change themselves.

So what does this mean for you? Perhaps in the wake of this New Years’, consider making goals that are based on more than the size of your body. Goals than encompass you as a whole person, such as “I want to try a new activity every month” or “I plan to eat a new kind of food every week”, and body-positive resolutions such as “I want to tell myself something I like about my body, just the way it is, every day.” With all of the pressure around us as university students, we deserve to cut ourselves loose from outside expectations when it comes to our own bodies.

within the University of Toronto allows thestudent to fine-tune the degree to their individual career demands. Classes are led by leading researchers in direct contact with students through very small and selective class sizes of no more than 24 students. Combine all this with our focused team building and leadership retreat, multiple career development seminars, (winning resume strategy, bio-writing, networking skills and dressing for success), with industry consultants and many networking opportunities, successful MMI graduates are well prepared to fast track their careers.

Talented leaders are needed to manage the innovation process – are you interested?

Management

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MISSISSAUGA

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Word of the Week Moss Definition To hang out with friends and partake in revelry.

Used in a sentence “Don’t get mad mom, we were just having a moss.”

Are you eating healthy meat? harsh conditions under which animals are bred and slaughtered. Thus, a rabbi does not bless kosher meat. the idea that government-regulated In fact, foods can be kosher without meat production is done in a nonthe involvement of a rabbi or priest. humane manner has increased the On the other hand, Muslims popularity of kosher and halal meat traditionally consume Halal meat. products.

Like Kosher meat, Halal meat has Ultimately, no matter how you certain rules and regulations associ- slice, meat is nutritious. Muscle tissue is high in protein, contains ated with its production.

First, the animal must be healthy, given water prior to the slaughter and killed by eliciting Although white minimal pain. Severing the windmeat is leaner, red pipe, jugular vein and carotid artery with one quick swipe using a razor meat contains sharp blade typically does this. essential nutrients Prior to the killing of an animal, especially important a passage of the Quran is recited and the animal must be positioned to for the face Mecca. Similar to kosher meat, growth and the blood is immediately drained development of from the animal after slaughter.

The last method of meat prochildren.” duction food labels don’t describe is regular government-regulated animal slaughter. Typically, ani- essential amino acids and is high mals are stunned (i.e. by applying in vitamin B12, niacin, iron, riboan electric current, shooting the flavin, phosphorus and several other animal with a gun or suffocating compounds.

The fat content of meat can vary the animal with carbon dioxide) and then drained of blood. Death results widely depending on the species from either the first or second pro- and body part consumed.

Overall, deer is typically leaner cedure.

There have been a multitude than farm animals and, in compariof news reports depicting the often son to lamb, steak and pork, chicken • CONT’D FROM, MYSTERY C3

breast has the lowest amount of calories and fat. However, depending on the type of steak one chooses, the fat content varies widely. For example, T-bone beef has approximately eight times the amount of fat in top round beef, as well as twice the amount of calories. Although white meat is leaner, red meat contains essential nutrients especially important for the growth and development of children.

Despite how rich in nutrients meat may be, there are many negative health affects related to its consumption.

Large amounts of meat in one’s diet are linked to obesity, heart disease, constipation and certain types of cancer (lung, esophagus, liver, colon). Several studies have linked consumption of red meat, especially pork, with pancreatic cancer.

Animal fat has a high percentage of saturated fat, which is often difficult to remove or measure.

Many people are unknowingly consuming more fat than they are aware of with the ingestion of meat products, which has been speculated as a contributing factor for obesity.

Whether you regularly consume Kosher, Halal or regular meat products, the initiative is yours to research what goes into the meat you consume.

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012

IntheKitchen

Cinnamon bun fun Taste: Ooey-gooey sugary deliciousness.

Convenience:

Rolling can be time-consuming.

Cost: Under $20; ingredients you can find at your local grocer. altogether or can be substituted by pecans.

And if you’re not too concerned If you’re in the mood for a delect- about calories, then try topping able treat, or simply wanting to these cinnamon buns with cream wow your friends and family with cheese icing instead of regular a sensational dessert, try these cin- icing. namon buns.

To finish it off, try sprinkling They’re not only delicious and a pinch of cinnamon or drizzling cheap, they’ll even make you think melted brown sugar. twice about ever going to Cinnabon Cinnamon buns have made again. their stamp in history, originating These doughy buns will warm from the far off land of Sweden. the hearts, and better yet, the stom- There, October fourth is known as achs of your guests.

National Cinnamon Bun Day. They’re perfect for any occa- In Sweden, cinnamon buns sion and can be served as either a are most widely enjoyed with fika, pre or post dinner dessert. a warm beverage. In true Swed Chances are you’ll all too easily ish style, cinnamon bun dough is want to devour more than just one— kneaded with cardamom and comso dieters, be warned. monly baked in muffin wrappers.

As an anytime-of-the-day treat, these sugary buns of love are best Ingredients paired with coffee, tea or (my per- 2 cups flour sonal favourite) a glass of milk. For 2 tbsp granulated sugar winter time, try pairing a cup of hot 4 tsp baking powder cocoa.

1 tsp salt Best of all, this cinnamon bun 1/4 cup cold butter recipe is quite versatile in that rai- 1 cup milk sins can be omitted from the recipe 1/3 cup butter softened Natalie Timperio

Senior InsideOut Editor

1 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp cinnamon 1/2 cup of raisins (optional but highly recommended) Directions In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Cut in first amount of butter until crumbly/ make well in centre.

Pour milk into well.

Stir to form soft dough adding a bit more milk if needed.

Turn out on lightly floured surface.

Knead 8 to 10 times.

Roll into rectangle about 1/3 inch (1 cm) thick and 12 inches (30 cm) long.

Cream second amount of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon together well.

Spread all over rolled out dough.

Roll up as for jelly roll.

Cut into 12 slices.

Place cut side down in muffin cups.

Bake in 400 degree F approximately 12-18 minutes until golden/ turn upside-down on cooling rack. Drizzle with icing (a combination of icing powder and milk).

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

These ooey-gooey cinnamon buns will melt in the mouths of you and your guests.

Fun Fact X-rays of the Mona Lisa show that there are three completely different versions of the same subject, all painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, under the final portrait.

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

BUSINESS

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Budget-friendly meals, without the financial heartache Shama Kassam The Silhouette

Everyone knows the most cost effective way to eat when you’re at school is to pack food from home.

Buying food on campus can be frustrating and expensive if you don’t have cash, and the choices can get pretty boring after being at McMaster for a few years.

Sometimes long days and long nights means there’s not always enough time to pack a lunch, or you end up staying at school later than anticipated and need some food for late night studying.

Staying within budget is something that all students value and is an important part of preparation for working life when expenses can be much higher.

After tuition and books are paid for, and OSAP comes in, most students are still left with a small amount of cash to survive on.

When purchasing food both on and off campus taste, price and convenience are factors that weigh heavily in the minds of the budget conscious student.

Here are a few options for reasonably priced, quick meals for the franticly busy student seeking a quick, but healthy fix whether it may be for a large, filling meal or a quick snack between classes.

and a leg for transportation; you can get a filling meal for $9 - $13, including a drink.

This is slightly on the pricey end for every-day eating, but can be a treat once in a while without affecting your budget significantly.

They offer steak, chicken, pork, fish, shrimp and vegetarian options and allow you to dress your meal any way you like with guacamole, sour cream, salsa, fresh veggies and their secret hot sauce.

Jimmy Gringo’s offers students quality at a relatively inexpensive price.

Refrain from putting a strain on your wallet with these low-cost meal options

in the basement of

the student centre and they sell bubble tea, snacks, coffee and tea, homemade Indian food, patties (beef, chicken and vegetable) and always have something new to look forward to at reasonable prices.

The bubble tea is around Sana Grill – 1686 Main St. W (In $3 and patties are around West Village Condos): $1.50.

The House of Games also has This Middle-Eastern restaurant pool tables, pinball machines, foosprides itself on “nothing being over ball tables, air hockey and other ac$10”. Considering most students tivities to help take your mind off are on a budget, if you’re looking studying. to eliminate unnecessary costs on It’s open until midnight during food, anything under $10 is a great the school year and stay open until alternative. around 4 am during exam time.

They have a wide variety of So if you are looking for a chicken and steak shawarmas, quick snack or a drink to relax your chicken salads, and combos. All of mind temporarily from the stress of their items are customizable with schoolwork, different sauces, fresh vegetables House of Games provides an such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, optimal outlet to do so, at an affordhot peppers, turnips, olives and are able price and a convenient location always served hot and fresh. on campus.

Jimmy Gringos – 1010 King St.: Located a short bus ride from It is important to make sure you

The well-known Mexican res- campus, Sana Grill offers conven- don’t get carried away with food taurant located on King in the Bean ience for students at an affordable spending, and the best way to avoid that is to budget in advance. Student Bar plaza (King St. & Marion Ave.) price. provides students with a relatively Sana Grill also packs food items life can be hectic and fast-paced and healthy meal option without putting to go so you can bring it back to students may not have the time to campus or home to keep studying. prepare meals in advance, often a strain on the wallet.

They sell quesadillas, tacos, Their generous portion sizes let putting a strain on finances. salads and most famously, burritos. you get more “bang for your buck”. Packing food from home is always ideal, but if that’s not Located a quick bus ride from campus, getting to it is free for all House of Games – MUSC Base- an option you can look to once of the above three places for a full-time students, easing the minds ment: House of Games is located reasonably priced meal. of students weary of paying an arm

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Business enthusiasts suit up for success DECA U competitors brush up on their business skills and showcase their talents Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Eager business enthusiasts congregated in CIBC Hall on Jan. 14 to showcase their business talents in preparation for the DECA provincial competition at the end of January.

DECA seeks to provide students with hands-on experience, enhancing business skills and providing networking opportunities; delegates spawn from various educational disciplines. Saturday’s competition sought to prepare DECA delegates for the provincial competition, providing hopefuls with a practice run of sorts, putting their skills to work doing one role play in front of judges, consisting of a wide range of industry professionals, McMaster University professors as well as previous Mac DECA execs.

“In this event everyone does one role play, it’s just a practice run.

At Provincials they will being doing two role plays,” said Andrea Leon, Co-President of McMaster DECA U. “The main difference between is that at this event judges will give one-on-on feedback after they present. Provincialsis just a role play with no feedback and students will find out their mark later. This is about giving delegates feedback

everyone and we understand not all student will have business knowledge so we train them through the year.”

With the competition encompassing a primarily business relevant aura some student might feel a sense of reluctance in participating in the competition particularly if they are lacking somewhat in the business knowledge department.

Leon encourages students not to let fickle nerves get the best of them and emphasizes the importance of practice as a key driver to success.

Leon urged delegates to acknowledge the importance of roleplay to improve their chances in the competition and offered some words of wisdom from personal experiences to boost the confidence of DECA enthusiasts.

“Stay in the role as DECA is a lot about presentation but also role McMaster DECA U delegates gathered this past Saturday to prep for Provincials. playing and a bit of improvisation,” and helping them improve.” skills. delegates from a wide range of edu- said Leon. “Staying in role will DECA U provides students with “The main difference between cational backgrounds are encour- help improve your mark. It’s also the opportunity to build on previ- DECA at the high school level com- aged to participate in the competi- important to believe you can attack anything and have the confidence to ously acquired knowledge, as well pared to the University level is now tion. as an avenue to incorporate skills it’s more about presentations, pla- “The competition is open for do it.” hands-on in the fields of market- cing and networking,” said Leon. everyone,” said Leon. “We’re not The McMaster University ing, business and entrepreneur- “There is a huge focus on network- just business students, there are sci- DECA chapter has expanded from ship. Delegates are provided with ing and there are many industry pro- ence student, engineering students. 72 delegates attending the provthe ability to implement academic fessionals.”

The individual who founded DECA incial competition in the previous knowledge, broaden networking Although business is the name at McMaster University was in Sci- year, to 99 students participating opportunities and acquire real world of the game for this competition, ence. We’re an MSU club open to this year.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

What’s the Biz in the World Markets?

Canada Following news from the Bank of Canada regarding a projected increase in the debt burden of Canadian households, Finance Minsiter Jim Flaherty has stated that he stands ready to intervene in the housing market again. The dismal outlook with the growth of household debt burden indicates heightened consumer vulnerability to shocks due to lingering economic uncertainty. Mr. Flaherty and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney have urged Canadians to closely monitor debts and to avoid taking on bigger mortgages due to the current low interest rate. Although the low interest rate is aimed to stimulate economic growth, it is not meant to entice unnecessary credit accumulation by households. In the third quarter, the ratio of Canadian household debt to personal disposable income soared to 152.96, from 150.57 per cent in the previous quarter.

United States Unemployment Layoffs in the United Stated post holiday season rose, generating an increase in the number of individuals applying for weekly unemployment benefits. According to the Labour Department, applications soared by 24,000 to 399,000, following three months of steady declines. Growth in applications for unemployment benefits can be attributed to the string of employers letting go temporary workers during the holiday season

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012

Did you know...?

If Wal-Mart was classified as a country, it would be the 24th most productive country in the world.

Duracell, the battery-maker, built parts of its new international headquarters using materials from its own waste.

well, now you know!

Carnival Shares of cruise ship operator Carnival took a hard hit, sinking 13.9 per cent to $29.52 Tuesday morning, after the Costa Concordia vessel owned by the company ran aground sinking in shallow water off the coast of Tuscany, injuring more than 60 and leaving at least 11 dead. Carnival estimates the immediate impact of the incident leaving a loss of roughly between $85 and $95 million; the company stock was downgraded by JPMorgan analysts subsequent to the crash.

Kraft Foods Inc. Kraft Foods Inc. has stated that approximately 1,600 jobs in North America are anticipated to be cut as a result of branching into two companies. Net revenues are expected to increase by around 10 per cent due to growth in momentum worldwide, despite a difficult operating environment. Around 40 per cent of the job cuts will be attributed to the realignment of the company’s United States sales division; 20 per cent of the job cuts in both Canada and the United States are among open positions. Job cuts in manufacturing facilities are not anticipated.

Calling all business keeners!

If you consider yourself to be well versed on all things business related then come write for the Sil.

Economic Ranking of Metropolitan Cities In a recent ranking by the Brookings Institution on the economic performance of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, Canada displayed less than optimal results in comparison to other cities worldwide. The ranking takes into account the gross domestic product, measuring economic performance based on the GDP per capita as well as employment.

Although Canadian cities such as Hamilton, Calgary and Vancouver were all given a nod by the Brookings results, in terms of competitiveness Canadians fare poorly against various metropolitan cities. 90 per cent of the world’s fastest growing economies are outside North American, with the top 10 being dominated predominantly by China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The underlying implication of these results sheds light on the ability of said global economies to attract entrepreneurs and to generate jobs.

Zellers With U.S. discounter Target Corp. set to clobber up most Zellers chain outlets in Canada, 86 of the Canadian stores located in primarily smaller towns have been left in the dust; the remaining outlets represent a challenge given the smaller market. Landlords have expressed concern due to the inevitable struggle in competing with stronger rivals. and they are keen on replacing existing Zellers locations with retailers that will generate substantial rent. Potential retailers that have expressed interest in replacing the Zellers stores include Dollarama, Giant Tiger, Northern Reflections and Mark’s Work Wearhouse.

You don’t need to suit up to write about your undying love of the stock market.

Come out to our weekly meetings every Thursday at 12:30 in MUSC B110.

For more information, contact us at

business@thesil.ca

Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec kicks it into high gear Competitors eagerly prep as the competition heats up

degree, but an experience that will set them apart and help jump start their career,” said Ed Shin, co-chair of CNTAE. One of the most popular traditions for Can- With judging set to begin shortly and a adian university business students is here flood of submissions on the way, students in again. Students from across the country at the top 25 can expect their next deadline to be dozens of schools will soon be participating Feb. 20 for Phase 2, and the closing ceremonin Canada’s Next Top Ad ies which will be taking place Exec.

March 25 in Toronto.

Participants from vari During the final presentaThis competition ous Canadians universities later into the spring, comgives students the tions have registered, and soon petitors can look forward to registrants are to create the opportunity to grad- the networking opportunities, proposal that is to comprise uate with more than scholarships, internships and a of their submission. This learning experience. just a degree, but great year’s registrations have During the closing cerean experience that monies which will make up approximated a whopping 900 students nationwide. will set them apart Phrase 3 where the top 10 comIn addition, 41 universities petitors will present to a panel are now participating in the ahd help jump start of judges; students can expect their career ” competition. emotions and excitement to With recent trips by the run high. Also participants can executive team to universiexpect stiff competition with ties including McGill, Ottawa, Concordia and an influx of registrations that have included Laval, more than 20 classroom presentations undergraduate and graduate students both. have reached out to over 500 students.

With names like Laval and Bishop’s Having had an information session that having seen a growth in their number of took place on Jan. 16 by last year’s winner registrants, McMaster and York have reMark J. Scattolon, students were provided mained steadily in place with the number of with a helpful coaching initiative; the session participants that are currently registered. promoted student participation and leader- The goal remains on part of the universiship. ties and the executive team to select quality “This competition gives students the op- submissions that will in turn give the compeportunity to graduate with more than just a tition a new direction.

Alizeh Khan The Silhouette

C11 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

best of twenty-eleven part two

andex

thursday, january 19, 2012

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

Contributors: Jonathon Fairclough, Kyle Fisher, Nolan Matthews, Bahar Orang, Ryan Prance

Cover: An act of solidarity with Wikipedia and Reddit, who black-out today in protest of Internet censorship.

coming up

jan.21

The Dirty Nil The Casbah Lounge 10:00 p.m.

jan .22

String Extravaganza First Unitarian Church 3:30 p.m..

jan.25

Oakland Soul This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.

Pete Vandyk The Casbah 9:00 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

Red Tails Haywire Coriolanus

this week in music history...

January 20, 1958: Elvis Presley receives his draft notice in Memphis, TN. It allows a sixty-day deferment for the King to finish his film King Creole.

now

jan.21

Monster Truck This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.

feb 10-25

jan.20

Arkells Hamilton Convention Centre 7:00 p.m.

theatre

feb 8-25

jan.20

Lee Reed & Adam Bomb This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.

jan. 27

music

andy’s ticks

opening

in the hammer

norovirus times a million, victoria, thrift stores, no room, late coursewares, the plague, westjet, are you sure you’re not pregnant?!, #NASH74, making the cbc, 4 Sils 1 CUP, Wikipedia, natalie’s desperate measures, amazing boyfriends, retrospective laughter, immodium, the nude woman lecturer, snow, vomit

“

I like music that’s more offensive. I like it to sound like nails on a blackboard gets me wild.”

• Iggy Pop

feelin’ dandy? write for andy meetings are held on wednesdays at 2:30pm in musc b110 e-mail your submissions to andy@thesil.ca

editorial

thursday, january 19, 2012

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D3

Although this editorial space is in print, not online, it is still a place of autonomy, free expression and shared knowledge that we have a right to produce, and you have a right to read. In the Internet world, however, this right is being challenged by BLANK who BLANK. In solidarity with websites such as Reddit, Wikipedia and 4chan, who blacked out yesterday in protest of SOPA, this editorial is BLANK. Consider for a moment what would happen if we did NOT have free access to knowledge. Where would we be withOUT Internet freedom?

In a very dark place indeed.

. Challenge the U.S. Congress’ potential legislation that wants to

make that thought a reality. As Canadians, we can still fight this. Sign the petition at sopastrike.com/strike.

• ANDY

the big tickle

what do you think of the internet blackout in reponse to the SOPA legislation?

compiled by ricardo padilla & josh parsons

“a good step towards raising awareness about the proposed law” ryan sparrow

“helpful. just like a strike” rick gunderman

“a cool idea, but won’t do much” omar siddiqui

“a good example. i hope it changes things” alexandra williams

“hopefully good. i need wikipedia” shanna audain

D4 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

thursday, january 19, 2012

andy’s best of 2011 picks

In this

part two of our two-part series, ANDY examines the best of last year’s entertainment industry. This week, we feature The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to Drive, Girls to Bon Iver, and unveil the top five in film and music from the year past.

Girls

5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

4. Martha Marcy May Marlene

3. Midnight in Paris

2. The Tree of Life

It isn’t often that a movie does justice to a book. David Fincher’s The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, beyond all skepticism, has done something which many fans of the Stieg Laarson novels did not find possible: succeed by great bounds.

The performance of Rooney Mara, playing the fabled heroine Lisabeth Salander, almost jumps out from the screen, purveying an intense and profound screen presence which will undoubtedly land her an Oscar nod. The performance of Stellan Skargard, playing Martin Vanger, is yet another brilliant display of casting talent – and one which will undoubtedly have you come back to watch the film a second time.

This is yet another great addition to the filmography of the great David Fincher, an extremely powerful display of talent and expertise, and should definitely be on your list of films to see before the Oscars in February.

Sean Durkin’s debut understands, with profound detail, the inner workings of evil. The remarkably effective Ashley Olsen plays Martha, a former cult member who re-enters the lives of her wealthy sister (Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law (Hugh Dancy).

Lacking worth, Martha struggles to conform back to social norms. The film slides back and forth between her upscale respite and damaged past, ruled by a Charles Manson-like leader, Patrick (John Hawkes). However, no clear division exists between both timelines. To Martha, and us, it’s all one blurry realm of anxiety. Durkin and Olsen do a startling job at exploring a victim’s inability to regain control—a personality crisis in which rape, murder, and rural brainwashing are recounted.

The title, a strange mouthful, is a verbal map onto its darkened path. While a more commercial film might have played it safe with a healthy recuperation for its character, this haunting and superb effort pulls no punches with its pervasive paranoia. Instead, it implies something scarier: there is nowhere to hide.

This contemporary classic from Woody Allen finds itself a well-deserved spot on the best of last year’s list.

Gil Pender, played by Owen Wilson in his finest role thus far, finds himself in Paris with his horrid fiancée Inez (Rachael McAdams), contemplating what life would be like if he had lived there in the 1920s.

His wish is granted, and Midnight in Paris takes audiences on a delightful romp through turn-of-the-century Paris. Filled with over-the-top clichés of the romance that nostalgia for a time long past is all about, Woody Allen invites us to embrace the rosecoloured glasses of retrospect and enjoy the magical reality he constructs.

A whimsical soundtrack and iconic landscapes compliment the hilarious performances of a starstudded cast, including the fragile seductress of Marion Cotillard and the ridiculous surrealist of Adrien Brody.

Definitely a crowd-pleasing, feel-good film, Midnight in Paris is a must-see.

Terrance Malick’s The Tree of Life is a challenging film, which I initially thought meant that it was just challenging to stay awake for. But instead of encouraging you to nod off, it asks for your full attention, beckoning you think about what’s on the screen and ponder what the creation of the universe has to do with a fractured 1950’s family.

When The Tree of Life debuted at the Cannes film festival, it reportedly left half the theatre in a standing ovation and the rest booing, but the movie, with its vast vision and superb Brad Pitt performance, would seem to celebrate this kind of varied reception. At its most basic level, it looks at how different perspectives on life can be reconciled, and how its impressionistic imagery is open to interpretation. There is very little dialogue, but each scene is never less than strikingly beautiful.

If you are willing to meet The Tree of Life halfway, it may just change the way you think about movies.

• Jonathon Fairclough

• Myles Herod, Ent. Editor

• Jemma Wolfe, Sr. ANDY Editor

•

1. Drive

I’ve been waiting a long time for a western to come by and sweep me off my feet. Although Drive might not be packaged like one, it certainly curbed my appetite. Sparse on dialogue, Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (in his American debut) manages to drench his vision in ultra violence, ethereal vibes, and a splash of hot pink.

Surely to be a cult favourite for decades to come, Ryan Gosling has created the embodiment of a remote, existentialist anti-hero with great aplomb. Though the film only has two major driving scenes, they are taut in form and function. The real show stealers, however, come from the wildfire cast. Refn brings together Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, and Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston, presenting an explosive mixture of sweet and psychotic.

With impeccable technical touches, pensive long takes, and radiant colours, Drive remains flawless in craft. Dig the sounds and sights of its undeniable style; its the epitome of Nolan Matthews cool for 2011. This is a real classic, a real hero indeed.

• Kyle Fisher

The Weeknd

5. Father, Son, Holy Ghost Key track - Vomit

Adele

“They don’t like my bony body, they don’t like my dirty hair,” wails Girls front man Chrisopher Owens on the band’s opening track to the follow up to their 2009 debut, Album.

Capturing the feelings that well in the throats and chests of the young and the sexless from San Francisco to Hamilton, Girls proved to provide a second album that many bands could only wish to create. From the metal-cum-electric acid jazz stomp of “Die” to the lonely sway and gospel explosion of “Vomit,” Father, Son, Holy Ghost proves to be a lush successor to the band’s first effort.

Indeed, in the interviews leading up to the albums release, Christopher Owens, a former childhood member of the Children of God cult, stated that the band strived to make the music “spiritual.” While not really having anything to do with religion lyrically, one can clearly feel the spiritual nature of Girls’ latest – a record not really concerned with the end of things, as the title would imply, but the emotions of love, terror, anger and joy that all of us experience on the journey there.

4. House Of Balloons Key track - What You Need There is something strangely invasive and intoxicatingly perverse about every track on The Weeknd’s first album, which penetrated nearly every musical frontier in 2011. The druggy atmosphere, Abel Tesfaye’s silky smooth voice and the downright disturbing and minimalistic verses come together to create an experience that is transcendental– where your senses are heightened and it’s always nighttime.

Listeners are left to wonder the significance of the missing “e” in the group’s name. Is it to highlight their minimalistic style? Is it to reinforce the messy, intoxicated state of mind expressed by the music? Either way, the mystery that surrounds the album and the artists only adds to the appeal of the music. The group is refreshingly unique in its ability to depend solely on the music to define their image.

The Weeknd provides the sensual yet musically sophisticated soundtrack of the party at 4 a.m.

- tables littered with knocked-over glasses and worn couples asleep on the floor. A House of Balloons.

• Ryan Prance

• Bahar Orang

3. 21 Key track - Someone Like You

Fucked Up

2. David Comes to Life Key track - The Other Shoe

If anything, Fucked Up have remained dedicated to its name. No band functioning within the oppressive genre of hardcore has had the balls to break boundaries and reconfigure possibilities like Fucked Up. And the monolithic David Comes to Life only furthers this assertion.

Only scantly has the often pretentious ‘rock opera’ been tackled by punk bands. With DCTL, Fucked Up were intent on shattering this paradigm, offering up a touching and elaborate tale of defeat and triumph, set in a fictional working-class English town during the late ‘70s. The concept was complimented with an auxiliary release, David’s Town, which featured tracks by fictional bands set in the world of Byrdesdale Spa.

Mountains of electric drumming and behemoth power chords anchor the album in punk-rock, but the structure and content of the tracks elevate it to the level of a timeless pop album. This result isn’t poppunk, but truly artistic, provocative • Jemma Wolfe, Sr. ANDY Editor and cunning punk-rock.Fucked Up have rewritten once again the Draconian laws of a genre obsessed with purity, boldly refuting the cliché mantra “punk is dead.”

• Josh Parsons

At the mere age of 21, Adele made an album with depth and maturity far beyond her years. The British girl with the big voice released 21 last year, a follow-up to her debut 19, to almost instantaneous – and well deserved – success.

Adele shifts effortlessly throughout the album from soul to gospel-pop to power ballads, her voice a powerhouse of sound. Heartbreaking lyrics about love are sung with such grace and fragility as to render “Someone Like You” the anthem of the broken-hearted all over the world (and to garner a spot on SNL). “Rolling In the Deep” was another hit off the album for its catchy rhythm and strong vocals, but it’s “Turning Tables” that gets me every time for its thoughtfulness and emotion.

Adele deserves the utmost praise for her lyrical honesty, vocal ability and versatile musicality. May 21 be only the beginning for this bright young star.

Bon Iver

1. Bon Iver Key track - Beth/Rest How do you recreate the emotions of a deeply personal album for its sophomore follow-up? Answer: synthesizers and a saxophone. On Bon Iver, Justin Vernon and company have overcome their lust for cabinladen, lo-fi cassette recordings and refurbished their indie-folk musings into epic moodscapes. The resulting concoction is a texture-driven, punctuating paean of layered vocals and crystalline arrangements.

From the first notes of “Perth,” you can picture Justin Vernon emerging from his cabin (where he penned For Emma) as flowers bloom and winter retreats.

Tracks such as “Holocene” and “Calgary” are guided by the same delicacy and gently plucked guitars as found on the band’s debut, and are therefore more familiar than the polarizing album-closer “Beth/Rest” – an entrancing evocation of ‘80s authenticity that manages to sound original.

There is no denying Justin Vernon’s talent, and here he’s crafted his most bewitching statement yet, rich in wonder, musicianship and boldness.

• Myles Herod

D6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

free music

thursday, january 19, 2012

steal this article before SOPA ruins our lives, here’s how to get some free tunes

As far as I’m concerned, the greatest thing the internet has provided is the mountain of musical freebies – be they legal or otherwise. There has never been a period in history like this one, where so much music was just a few clicks away.

If you’re one of those nose-in-thenews types, I’m sure you’ve heard a thing or two about this SOPA bullshit. While many popular websites are staging blackouts as a protest to the anti-piracy legislation, I’d prefer to take a more direct route.

Here’s a guide to some of my most reliable methods for finding free music.

The first one is a no-brainer: torrents. If you’re still living in a cave, torrents are super-sneaky way of downloading files from multiple users at once. All you need is a simple torrent sharing program, such as BitTorrent, and suddenly a sea of free music is only a search away.

Becoming a superstar in the torrent community often leads to an invitation to one of the uber-exclusive websites, like Demonoid and ImmortalSeed. These sites host an even broader selection of goodies, including rare demos, bootlegs and unreleased material. Get into one of these and you’ll never need to buy an album again.

If you find yourself technologically inept, as I often do, there’s an even simpler, faster and more illegal way to have instant access to thousands of tracks. Search the domain of MediaFire.com for instant access to countless downloadable albums.

MediaFire is a massive file hosting website. Simply type in what you’re looking for and download the .zip file in which the album is contained. With average bandwidth, an album is downloaded in less than two minutes.

If downloading isn’t quite your

thing, there are plenty of options for streaming music for free online. Although it is heavily policed by hordes of lawyers hired to defend the major labels, YouTube hosts an impressive amount of independent and eclectic music.

Other websites boast a massive catalogue of streaming audio, often utilizing a simple interface and playlist capabilities for maximum ease. GrooveShark is easily the most popular and makes it easy for users to create lengthy and diverse playlists.

Another popular website that embraces this platform is the HypeMachine.

But unlike GrooveShark, it also serves as a blog aggregator and posts an up-to-theminute list the latest music trending in the blogosphere.

And finally, for those looking for the most indie of indie, there are plenty of community-based sites that attract artists

embracing the world of free music. SoundCloud is a European website that hosts a lush variety of independent artists willing to offer their tracks for free. Although it originally specialized in electronic music, musicians from nearly every genre now make use of SoundCloud to reach out to fans.

Of all the sources for free music on the internet, these are some of the most reliable that I have come across, and although I thrive off free music, I still support those artists who need the cash. Go to a show, buy a shirt; there are so many ways to support a band without buying the record. The reality is that it always costs a little bit of money to make recorded music possible.

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor

student poetry

thursday, january 19, 2012

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D7

This week, ANDY spotlights poetry from talented students around campus, spanning several faculties, levels and programs.

James St N

Bystander

Identity

Before returning home, I stroll – because I can – down James St North (tundra) blue as those eyes that wait for me. I’ve

Here I stand with a toque on my head and books in hand

let me speak for myself so to speak

seen this place again, now again – enzymes craze boxed-up soldiers.

I think, that stench is time, raped by booze and hustlers looking for a hit. And what remains?

The GO, a shabby parlour, shack that coddles desperate cries for more of this one, more of that two, until they shiver shut because of gaping wounds above their heads, below their feet. Mother, here, would slap them silly. Nature, too, does the same, or maybe She just laughs with them, silly before death. Over there, the lamppost is music; I can taste the jazz seeping through skulls poetic (but your poems are lazy).

An oval bus bloated with arms and legs takes me to town centre, where slabs of white cement, pretending to be marble, glean a down-trodden whimsy. Bingo-hall full of those that leave life to chance – always a chance that we, every we, disappears as would lightning, or the Deutsch Blitz, or Circassians scratched out from history. So obvious, it seems. The rest are on their way to loot our future of things now, not tomorrow, never here. And your loot? That trip to the East – without me. James St North is fine.

• Sumeet Khanna

The truest sentence*

I

The cool fall breeze strikes me and stings my acne-laden face I stand – frozen in the moment – my legs unable to mobilize my heart sinking to my stomach I take a step forward I take a step back and here I am, right where I began I hear a cry, no, a shriek. it sends a pang through my ear and a chill through my body I shiver.

I turn and walk away I stumble over a branch that lays on the ground I take a deep breath Exhale.

I close my eyes.

Another cry, “please stop!”

• Aaron Joo

II I am piece of the world the wars (as there are others) the dying multitudes. There is peace but only the silent kind.

I am the nonsense of living having forgotten what life is about I am lost in myself, in my words, in my self-necessity through which I justify the world.

I am the seminal work of my father unto my mother, or the reverse rather, my mother and I share dreams of water, that eternal symbol of life-giving I am all their weaknesses and none come full circle to haunt them.

III spirit who took this dormant vessel for itself pulled naked and wet into the light is it from that point that you found yourself? or lost what essence you carried from this point to that, here to there? perpetual in growth, in desire and the after qualm of being in and among the hordes.

• Aaron Joo

I clench my fists I feel the movement of my feet intensify I look back and see my toque on the ground Red Wine

I am running.

(Often I wonder if this is reality, if this is my reality; life = the real, genuine pain that comes out from the dense, stomach-clenching terror of not knowing, of not having control, of not willing anything, of not being anything at all.)

he churns my name, again, again, wears it well into his tongue possesses the syllable, speaks it with an added intrigue, “like Dachau?”

• Damanjot Otal Moment The flash of her eyes disappears as quickly as they settle below and her lips almost allow a smile as she carries on pretending that she didn’t notice.

• Bronwyn Barlow-Cash

Here under the skin-soft covers my mind evaporates. I drift through mists of steam half-awake but still tied to a dream and wrestle with thoughts, have no sense of time.

Next to my bed lies the red bottled wine that left me in this haze. It seems your face rests on a distant cliff— the one beam that reaches across my drunken void.

But you are here, now—peachpink, fleshy.

Avery, your body I can no longer feel where your skin starts and mine ends.

I turn and blindly reach, skim your breast, stretch for the bottle resting on the floor, tip bottleneck back and we drink once more.

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor

D8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

local art

thursday, january 19, 2012

portrait of a city local curator helps to foster the arts in hamilton Whether you’ve taken notice or not, it’s clear that Hamilton has reconfigured its image considerably over the past decade. After years of crippling economic instability from the collapsing industrial sector, artists are now repossessing the city. As they’re saying down on James St. North, “Art is the new steel.”

Although a native of the city, Dorian Batycka has only recently opened up a studio to launch his revolutionary Temporary Projects, a space seemingly unique in the blossoming Hamilton art scene. Batycka takes a boundary-dissolving, openended approach to his work.

“Temporary Projects started as an idea. Last summer, drifting in between Amsterdam and Venice on a fat scholarship from the Gabrielle Erasmi foundation, I got the idea to open a studio/gallery space when I got back to Hamilton,” Batycka explained in an interview with ANDY. His vision is indebted to Charles Esche’s concept of the ‘dispersed museum.’ Esche describes the concept as “that which dissolves only to reappear in different spatiotemporal contexts, while remaining dedicated to creating sites where the surrounding community can encounter new and exciting works of art.”

Batycka, born in Hamilton, has great optimism for the city, having witnessed its transformation over the past decade. “The Hamilton arts scene is incredibly distinct and replete with a flavor uniquely its own,” he professed. “For the arts to grow in Hamilton we need people in the community willing to invest time.”

This past weekend, Temporary Projects hosted the opening of a gallery entitled History that Happened or was Dreamed in its space downtown above Sonic Unyon on Wilson St. The gallery featured the works of four of McMaster’s most engaging young artists, organized by

Ariel Bader-Shamai, whose work was also featured, alongside pieces by Kearon Roy Taylor, Aaron Joo and Amy McIntosh. “[The title] alludes to notions concerning the subconscious experience of memory as a mediator between the self and the real world – a déjà vu-like moment wherein history becomes that of which was dreamed,” explained Batycka. The artist offered both prints and photographs, brilliantly representing the enigmatic nature of the theme.

The opening of the gallery was also celebrated with performances by a tremendous amount of gifted musicians. The first night, which featured the artists discussing their works, was accompanied by an electric jazz band and guitarist Liam Carlisle. On the second night, the galley was turned into a show, featuring sonic accompaniment by Hysteria Siberania and Jung Blud.

“I generally just move through my personal channels – friends, colleagues, other artists and collaborators,” explained Batycka, referring to the selection of artists for his project. “Having literally zero budget and no funding, I needed to expand my definition of traditional gallery programming to be more inclusive of explorations in other fields and disciplines.”

For Batycka, the future of Temporary Projects is entirely open, with a possible change in location on the horizon. “As an idea it’s important that it has time to grow. My goal for the next several months is to continue to cultivate relationships and foster interesting collaborations.”

Temporary Projects will be featuring History that Happened or was Dreamed at 22 Wilson St. for the rest of this month.

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor

c/o notrevictoire.blogspot.com