The Silhouette - March 26, 2015 by The Silhouette

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Generally speaking Should we reevaluate the General Assembly as a governing body? OPINIONS

Marauders REVIEW: year in Fresh off review the Boat Glen Grunwald opens up about his first year as McMaster’s Athletics Director.

How is ABC’s newest entry faring on network TV? ANDY

SPORTS

The Silhouette thesil.ca | twitter.com/theSilhouette facebook.com/TheMcMasterSilhouette

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

MAC SAYS YES

TO BDS

Students voted on whether or not to join the movement of boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel in protest of the occupation of Palestine. PAGE 3

LOOKING BACK

The Silhouette

Volume 85, Issue 26 Thursday, March 26, 2015 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

EDITORIAL BOARD executive editor | thesil@thesil.ca Andrew Terefenko @andrewterefenko managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Julia Redmond @juliaeredmond production editor | production@thesil.ca Amanda Watkins @whatthekins section editors

Krista Schwab @kschwabi assistant news editor Patrick Kim @patrickmkim features editor Christina Vietinghoff @cvietinghoff opinions editor Ana Qarri @anaqarri sports editor Scott Hastie @scott1hastie assistant sports editor Laura Sinclair @Lsinkky lifestyle editor Jason Woo @jayjai223 assistant lifestyle editor Tobi Abdul @toe_bee andy editor Tomi Milos @tomimilos assistant andy editor Michael Gallagher @mikeygalgz news editor

OCTOBER 10, 1985

online online editor online reporter

William Lou @william_lou Shane Madill @shanemadill art

Jonathan White photo reporter Eliza Pope @eliza_pope multimedia editor Catherine Chambers @catherineEBC video editor Colin Haskin @colinhaskin photo editor

staff reporters

Carolyn Zeppieri Sofia Mohamed Daniella Porano

Rachel Katz Daniel Arauz

Alex Florescu Michelle Yeung

sales ad manager

SRA votes for apartheid boycott On a late Tuesday night in 1985, four hours after the meeting started, the SRA almost unanimously decided that the MSU will boycott South African products, after months of student protests publicly condeming Apartheid. It was decided that OPIRG, or any other “interested party” would have the opportunity to prove the full or partial ownership of products by South African firms, thereby leading to the ban on their purchase. “It was a lot of work but it was worth it.”

Sandro Giordano sgiordan@msu.mcmaster.ca

ONLINE ABOUT US

LEGAL

MUSC, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4 executive

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 and editorials expressed in The Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, the McMaster Students Union or the University. 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.

(905) 525-9140, ext 22052 Production Office (905) 525-9140, ext 27117 Advertising (905) 525-9140, ext 27557 10,000 regular circulation Published by the

ouette

@thesilh

er /McMast te t Silhoue

General Assembly recording Did you miss the General Assembly this year? Watch it exactly as it happened on our livestream page. Visit thesil.ca for links to our page and a wrap-up of the event.

TERM 2 SECTION MEETING TIMES News: Tues @ 11:00 a.m. Opinion: Thurs @ 12:30 p.m. Sports: Mon @ 2:30 p.m. LifeStyle: Tues @ 11:30 a.m. Andy: Mon @ 11:30 a.m. Photo: Fri @ 12:30 p.m. Video: Wed @ 11:30 a.m. COVER PHOTO C/O ALEX YOUNG

INSIDE

NOTICE

News: PAGE 3 Editorial: PAGE 8 Around Campus: PAGE 10 Opinions: PAGE 13 Sports: PAGE 17 Games: PAGE 22 Lifestyle: PAGE 23 Andy: PAGE 27

Check out the Editorial page (10) for information on new staff positions for the upcoming academic year and how to apply for them.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

News CANADIAN CAMPUS NEWS

Rachel Katz News Reporter Toronto, Ontario

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca

THIS WEEK BDS vote passes at GA General Assembly reaches quorum as students make binding vote in favour of BDS

New Youth Wellness Centre St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton opens new downtown Youth Wellness Centre

PAGE 4

PAGE 5

MUSC renovations Upgrades suggested through SLEF to improve eating areas and traffic in MUSC PAGE 6

Big decisions at final SRA Motions to leave CASA and ratify WGEN as a full MSU service are passed

U of T’s Simcoe Hall vandalized As the CUPE Local 3902 strike continues, radical supporters have taken to vandalizing U of T property. On March 19, the word “shame” was found spray-painted across Simcoe Hall, one of the university’s main administrative buildings, just before CUPE 3902 voted on a tentative agreement between the union and U of T. The chair of Local 3902 has publicly condemned this vandalism, and police are investigating the incident. Toronto, Ontario

The MSU’s decision to leave CASA follows in the footsteps of student unions at Western and Waterloo.

Ryerson receives Joe Fresh donation Clothing brand Joe Fresh has given Ryerson $1 million to contribute in the launch of the first “fashion innovation centre” in Canada. The centre will serve as an incubator for up to 21 businesses, which will be able to work with advisors and mentors to develop products and business strategies. The Joe Fresh Centre for Fashion Innovation will be open to anyone 18 or over, regardless of whether or not they attended Ryerson.

Montreal, Quebec

Two weeks of protest begin in Quebec As part of a campaign involving 25 student associations, hundreds of Quebec university and CEGEP students have begun a two-week strike to protest budget cuts in the province and to demand a moratorium on investment in fossil fuel. Participants hope these protests will be larger than the “Maple Spring” of 2012. In anticipation of the student strike, Concordia cancelled some of its classes for March 23. However, administration said it was unreasonable to expect the university to continue this practice for more than a day.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Patrick Kim Asst. News Editor

The last meeting of the Student Representative Assembly on March 22 marked the end of the 52nd elected assembly. The current SRA made key decisions that will affect the MSU going forward into next year; namely, the assembly passed the motion to terminate the MSU’s membership with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. VP (Education) Rodrigo Narro Perez reaffirmed his position on the MSU’s membership with CASA following deliberations on the issue at the previous SRA meeting. “We acknowledge all the great work the organization does ... but unfortunately right now the Board does not see that the amount of fees that we’re paying to stay in this organization will adequately give us the same amount of value. We’re not getting our ‘bang for our buck’ compared to other external organizations that we belong to,” Narro Perez explained. Concerns about leaving were voiced by some members on the SRA, whose discussion

centered on the upcoming CASA has credibility with alfederal election and a reduced, most everyone, and as the MSU, affiliated member fee of $25,000 we can shape the direction of as considerations for remaining CASA ... Our federal advocacy with the organization. is important.” Anser Abbas, SRA Science, During the meeting, Operexplained why he was planning ations Commissioner Tristan on voting to Paul noted that remain with if the SRA were CASA. to vote to leave “We do not CASA, the currently have a MSU’s bylaws viable alternaprevent them tive,” he said. from joining “Without a again. federal advoHowever, cacy structure the prevailing in place, next sentiment year we suffer amongst the from that. We members of the don’t have SRA was that the resources the supposed necessary to benefits of advocate on the CASA had been specific things far outstripped that CASA by other advoRodrigo Narro Perez would or could cacy groups like VP (Education) do for us and I OUSA, and that just don’t think the MSU’s only it’s a good idea real reason to to leave an organization instead stay for another year would be of trying to make it better.” to hope to see an improvement MSU President-elect Ehima in CASA’s poor efforts. Narro Osazuwa echoed Abbas’ statePerez noted that over the past ment. year, both the University of “I do believe we have a Waterloo and Western Universivery very good opportunity, by ty’s student unions had voted to staying in CASA, to shape the leave CASA. direction of the organization. Said Mike Gill, SRA science,

“

The Board does not see that the amount of fees that we’re paying to stay in [CASA] will adequately give us the same amount of value.

“knowing who we are, it’s easy for SRA members to romanticize the idea of federal advocacy. I think when you look at the reality of things, and look at things from the perspective of student value ... it becomes to difficult to say we should stay with CASA.” The motion to leave CASA passed with a clear two-thirds majority after more than an hour of discussion. In contrast, the ratification of WGEN as a full MSU service only required a few minutes of deliberation before the assembly unanimously voted in its favour. Jessica Soubas, SRA Humanities, called the decision a “no-brainer” in a short discussion beforehand, and cited examples from several universities in Ontario that have dedicated centres towards gender empowerment and diversity services. WGEN was first launched in January 2015 as a pilot service dedicated to creating a “safe campus environment for women-identified individuals, trans people, and survivors of sexual assault.” WGEN is the 34th MSU service available to students. @patrickmkim

News

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

STUDENT POLITICS

General Assembly highlights

BDS support, food changes in Bridges among motions passed at 2015 GA Notable Excerpts

“South Africa is no longer under apartheid rule and that has very much to do with the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement that was passed in this campus, right here. We are asking you 20 years later to make the same decision and to ask yourself whether you as a student have the capacity to make a difference.” - Shoufani

“I do not see a motion that calls for the MSU to address local and international human rights in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Rather, I see a motion filled with legal, moral, and historical inaccuracies that chooses to target one very specific, one very complex conflict.” - Klugberg

“I want to make sure that we are cautious and very controlled when we say we are going to divest from every single company that has invested in Israel today…. This amendment is the best amendment we can possibly put forth because it includes all, and I mean all, kinds of oppression.” Students at the General Assembly voted for the MSU to support the BDS movement.

Daniel Arauz News Reporter

After a week of campaigning and a controversial protest in the MUSC atrium, the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Campaign successfully passed at this week’s General Assembly. The final vote count was 622-28, with 77 abstentions, meaning the assembly met quorum and the motion is binding. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions motion requires that the MSU boycott and divest from any corporation that profits from the occupation of Palestinian territory, in favour of more ethical purchasing policies. The BDS movement is supported by over twenty different Hamilton and McMaster organizations. With the passing of the motion, Mac joins nine other graduate and undergraduate student associations in Canada to adopt BDS, including those of York and Windsor. Notable companies that are set for boycott under this motion include HP information technologies, which provides

software for Israeli military checkpoints, and whose computers and printers are commonly used in the university. “This one is not only for the Palestinian people, but for each and every oppression that comes after…from Ferguson to Afghanistan, oppression is a crime,” Salah Khalaf told a cheering crowd immediately following the assembly. BDS campaigners and supporters often drew comparisons to the General Assembly where a similar BDS motion was debated and ultimately passed in the case of Apartheid-era South Africa. In addition, the assembly passed a motion for the MSU to work with Bridges Café, which is already operated by MSU Diversity Services, in order to include more Kosher, Halal and other religiously certified food options for religious students that observe various dietary laws. The General Assembly progressed without significant uproar or conflict between BDS supporters and opponents, but as anticipated it faced a number of challenges. Jacob Klugberg presented a

- Wong C/O ALEX YOUNG

motion of amendment almost immediately following the presentation of the BDS motion, in order to exclude any mention of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, in favour of a more broadly sweeping commitment to review McMaster’s ethical purchasing policies. “I do not see a motion that calls for the MSU to address local and international human rights in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Rather, I see a motion filled with legal, moral, and historical inaccuracies that chooses to target one very specific, one very complex conflict,” he said. The amendment ultimately failed to pass after BDS campaign teams strongly criticized it to be what they viewed to be a tactical and political deflection. After the rejection of this amendment, the discussion between supporters and opponents concluded. As the original motion was presented again, and the question was raised in order to immediately vote on the motion, those against it began to leave the assembly in an attempt to break quorum, representing three percent of

the undergraduate population, or 632 students. BDS opponents also noted a lack of debate during the assembly. Incoming Israel on Campus President Mindy Chapman denounced the General Assembly vote, stating that the event was not sufficiently advertised, nor did it facilitate any kind of democratic discussion. “The anti-Israel BDS activists demonstrated their hypocrisy and discriminatory purpose by rejecting an amendment to recognize the MSU’s role of social responsibility and renew and review its policies and procedures to address all human rights issues in a non-discriminatory and holistic manner,” she said. “The BDS activists terminated any and all chance of dialogue, discussion or debate by ‘calling the question’ and going immediately to a vote on the motion, silencing all other student opinions with over an hour still remaining in the meeting.” Following the assembly, BDS supporters reunited in the MUSC atrium, where they met for their daily prayers, and to celebrate their success. BDS

campaign organizer, Nagham Azzam, reiterated the excitement of the supporters. “The reason we even came out to BDS, and to the vote and the General Assembly, is because at the end of the day injustice against one is injustice against all and our prophet, peace be upon him, tells us that we need to stand against injustice because injustice will be the darkness on the day of judgement.” Khalaf delivered a final speech to supporters, thanking them, while also reminding them to not act in a malicious or discriminatory manner towards BDS opponent groups on campus. Tensions between Israeli and Palestinian support groups on campus arose over the course of last week, especially when the current Israel on Campus president was caught tearing down MSU approved BDS posters on camera. @DanielArauzz

A surprise, non-binding motion on the electoral reform of MSU Vice Presidents was passed at the General Assembly. To read more about this motion, visit www.thesil.ca

News

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Working towards wellness St. Joseph’s Healthcare now offers youth mental health services at new downtown location

Krista Schwab News Editor

Youth in Hamilton will now see an improvement in mental health services with the launch of the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Youth Wellness Centre. The Youth Wellness Centre, which officially opened on March 16, helps young people aged 17 to 25 with early intervention treatment as well as easing the transition from child mental health services to adult programs. “As far as I know in Hamilton there’s never been a service geared towards young people in this age range and supporting them to move from the child and adolescence mental health and addiction services to the adult world,” said Lisa Jeffs, Manager of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s Youth Wellness Centre. The centre will also provide

assistance to youth who have never received mental health services but are in need of early intervention. “If someone has some signs and symptoms of illness and they’re not really sure what’s going on and they haven’t accessed services before, we’ll help figure out what’s going on,” said Jeffs. “So find out what’s troubling them so we can help with an assessment, they can see a nurse, if they want to they can see a psychiatrist, [and] we have youth mentors on the team as well who can help with more informal peer support.” The idea for the Youth Wellness Centre came out of research that was done in the Hamilton area. “We actually went out and asked our community partners and young people and family members what was missing in the system, what the gaps were, before we built this service,” said Jeffs. “So this service is actually built on what the community, what Hamilton told us

was missing.” Through discussions with McMaster’s Student Wellness Centre, services at Redeemer University and Mohawk College, the MAD Student Society, and other community partners, it became clear that transition and early intervention services were needed. The wellness centre is very accessible, as youth can self-refer for services rather than relying on formal medical referrals. Members of the community, such as a guidance counselors, parents, or friends, can also refer youth ages 17 to 25 to this service. Another unique part of the centre is their focus on providing information and support to the families of youth. At the Youth Wellness Centre, family is defined as anyone who is a positive support for the person seeking the service. The Family Educator ensures that the family is well informed and understands the treatment that their family member is receiving.

“

If someone has some signs and symptoms of illness and they’re not really sure what’s going on and they haven’t accessed services before, we’ll help figure out what’s going on. Lisa Jeffs Manager, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Youth Wellness Centre

Although some youth may require referrals to more formal mental health services, the centre will provide informal, peer

support options. “For some young people, they might not necessarily need a service in the adult mental health addictions side, so we’re also looking at partnering with some programs like the MAD student society to do workshops on self-care,” said Jeffs. The Youth Wellness Centre has embraced the motto “reach out,” encouraging youth with mental illness to use this service. Accessing support early is important, as earlier identification and assessment leads to better outcomes for these youth. @kschwabi

Youth Wellness Centre •

The centre will serve young adults ages 17 to 25

•

The centre focuses on two main areas: early intervention and transition services

•

The centre will provide peer support as well as traditional counselling

Non-full-time/contract faculty

WE WANT YOU. More than half of teachers in Ontario’s colleges and universities are non-full-time/contract faculty. Help us understand you better to improve education for everyone.

Take the survey.

Make a difference. Visit invisibleworkforce.ca now.

The new wellness centre will be located in downtown Hamilton.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTOGRAPH

HEQCO is an independent agency of the Government of Ontario.

News

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

MUSC upgrades on horizon $1 million upgrade proposal to be approved April 2015 Krista Schwab News Editor

The McMaster University Student Centre will soon be receiving the upgrades promised in the Student Life Enhancement Fund vote in January 2015. After a feasibility study of possible upgrades, the McMaster Students Union has proposed several changes to better use the space in the student centre. “The focus of our conversations that the board had at the management group was increased seating and better traffic flow – those are the mandates,” said Teddy Saull, MSU President. To improve the seating space in the student centre, many of the current tables in the food court will be replaced with new furniture that is better organized. “The food court area will have the same number of seats but they’ll be more concentrated and it’ll be new – so it’ll be like fixed seating to make nice clear pathways for people to walk,” said Saull. Bar stools will also be installed on several of the empty wall spaces in the student centre as a way to offer more seating for students.

But the largest change to seating is the expansion of wall near the Mills Library and Starbucks entrance to create another seating area. “The entrance by Starbucks is going to get moved down closer to Compass, and that’s going to become a quiet study hub in front of Starbucks – so it’ll be like a coffee shop-esque feel,” said Saull. The wall will be expanded to where the pillars currently are located outside of the entrance near the Starbucks store. In addition to increasing seating areas, the student centre upgrades will include a re-design for improved traffic flow. The upgrades propose a new staircase that will increase the ease of traffic to the Arts Quad. The staircase will be placed on the west side of the Arts Quad entrance, and the seating area will be modified to accommodate these stairs. Although the two major goals of the upgrades are seating and traffic flow, the atrium will also be seeing upgrades. “Through [the Student Life Enhancement Fund] we are going to put a new sound system in the atrium, a permanent sound system, and possibly […] a screen over the fireplace, so it would be like Times Square,” said Saull. The idea of doing a major

“

Visualizing the plan

The focus of our conversations that the board had at the management group was increased seating and better traffic flow – those are the mandates. Teddy Saull MSU President

expansion to the student centre was also explored, though it was ultimately determined that it was not in students’ best interest. “There was a proposal for a multi-million dollar project to push the atrium out to the parking lot, that would have created a bunch of new space,” said Saull. “But we didn’t have enough in our MUSC operating fee to do something big like that, and we thought like for our MSU reserves that we’d rather save that for a new space.” The proposal will go through the board of management for approval in April 2015. @kschwabi

The proposal suggests that the wall near the entrance by Starbucks in the student centre will expanded, and additional seating will be added (pictured in yellow).

To improve traffic flow in the food court area of the student centre, the tables will be re-arranged and an additional stairway to the Arts Quad will be built (pictured in blue).

Masters of public health approved McMaster’s newest program will begin in the 2015-16 academic year Louis Ferracuti Contributor

After three years of development, the brand new Masters of Public Health graduate program is being inaugurated for the 2015-2016 school year. The program was given the funding go-ahead from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities on March 6, 2015. The Ministry agreed to fund the program on a student-by-student basis. The program brings McMaster’s signature style of evidence-based learning and research to the fields of public policy, health management, and environmental health, and is hoping to attract a mix of veteran public health officials,

medical residents, and graduates from programs like Health Sciences and Arts and Science. The aim is to train professionals who can work to improve Canada’s public health system with regards to the essential functions of population health assessment, health promotion, disease and injury prevention, health protection, and health surveillance. There has been a growing number of Masters of Public Health programs since the SARS outbreak of 2002-03, making this new program yet another in an ongoing trend. “The Canadian public health system was found wanting in terms of its public health capacity and response,” said Dr. Fran Scott, incoming Program

Director. “So a number of MPH programs have developed across the country.” Only China and Hong Kong, where SARS originated, suffered more deaths from the respiratory disease than Canada. Staying true to its roots in Canadian public health crises, the program is centered on Canadian health issues. “We’d certainly be excited about our students going on to global health work, but we’re primarily focusing on Canadian needs in public health,” said Scott. An already-existing public health and preventative medicine residency, as well as a tradition of evidence-based medicine and self-directed,

problem-based learning made McMaster a prime candidate for the new program. The program contributes to the ongoing growth in both size and national renown of the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster. The FHS has been ranked second in the country for five years in biomedical and health care research funding by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada, managing $133 million in medical research a year. Although offers have yet to be sent out, a full class for the upcoming first year of the program is expected.

“

The Canadian public health system was found wanting in terms of its public health capacity and response. So a number of MPH programs have developed across the country. Dr. Fran Scott Incoming Program Director

News

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Job Postings

The following paid positions are open for applications. Visit the MSU Jobs portal at www.msumcmaster.ca/jobs to apply and be a part of The Silhouette team. Section Editor

Be the head of the News/Opinions/Sports/Lifestyle or Andy sections and manage volunteers, write articles, and influence the direction of the section.

Free

Weekly Shuttle Bus Starting Sept. 17th

Section Reporter

Be a staff writer for the News/Opinions/Sports/Lifestyle or Andy sections and write stories twice a week. Great for those seeking to polish their writing and interviewing skills. Features Reporter

Dig deeper into complex issues on campus, and write a longform article every other week. Photo Editor

Do you love to take photos, edit them for publishing quality, and work with a team of talented, driven writers? This is the job for you. Previous photography experience and creative composition skills are an asset. Photo Reporter

Tell stories in the form of a series of photographs published weekly in the paper and online. Profile important campus leaders, and share photo essays. Video Editor

For the driven videographer and editor, this position will give you a chance to share important campus events with students, frame by frame. Visit our Youtube page for examples. Social Media Coordinator

Wednesdays 6:00pm | 6:30pm | 7:00pm Last pick-up from Fortinos at 8:00pm

<< NEW!

A brand new position for the ttech-savvy, communications-focused dynamo that wants to engage with the Mac community on our social media platforms on a regular basis, and be involved with promotional initiatives.

Applications will be due Sunday, April 5. Good luck!

Pick-up From Mary Keyes Residence At The Cootes Dr. Entrance

Look For The Big Yellow School Bus

www.thesil.ca

Editorial

The Silhouette

Thursday, March 26, 2015

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The secret of getting things done is to act!”

Dante Alighieri Middle Ages Italian poet, “Dante’s Inferno”

In general disarray General Assembly became the site of a controversial cultural issue, but why did someone decide to co-opt the end of it for their own agenda?

Andrew Terefenko Executive Editor

You’re going to hear a lot about BDS in the next few weeks as the Student Union begins to enforce the decision made by students in that steamy gymnasium, but don’t let it overshadow the surprise finale to General Assembly that many did not see coming, and many more are not particularly pleased about either. In the final few minutes of the proceedings, a lone SRA member stood before the microphone and urged the remaining students to consider an additional motion: that the Vice Presidents be elected at large by the student body. I am not here to talk about the motion itself, whatever merits it may or may not have, but I feel the need to discuss the very fact that he felt the need to bring this to students in such Letter to the Editor

This article is in response to "Honouring Mykayla (sic) Sault's Legacy." [Mar. 19, 2015]. It was in part a report on a forum at Mac about the indigenous experience of the Canadian healthcare system, and in part a call to listen to and respect the perspectives of indigenous peoples. Naturally, this is a noble sentiment, but I found the implications that the authors drew to be troubling, to say the least. Although not strictly relevant to the

a sudden and controversial way. It’s all about the politics. SRA bylaw 4.6 states: all motions for the GA meeting agenda and supporting documents must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary no later than noon, five school days prior to the meeting. Those five days give people time to prepare. Time to prepare counter-arguments. Time to research the motivations behind the motion and dig into why someone feels the need to put it to a vote. Time that was not given in this case, and for a very simple reason. Deliberation gives people an opportunity to defer, and nothing feeds deliberation more than time. The SRA by nature is a very deliberative body, and more often than not, tends to leave controversial movements on the cutting room floor. If something isn’t a clear winner, both politically and in practice, it will be pushed meeting to meeting until it is the next assembly’s problem. Just look at how long it took for WGEN to become a larger point that this article was trying to make, it contained some misleading points that are worth clarifying. For one, it claimed that the media downplayed the toll that chemotherapy took on Makayla Sault’s body. This is false. The very first sentence of the Canadian Press' report on the event, picked up by CBC, The Globe and Mail, The Ottawa Citizen and CTV, reads "Chemotherapy took such a horrific toll on Makayla Sault’s weak body that she begged her parents to take her out of

reality. I can’t speak for this particular SRA representative’s intentions, but I imagine he brought this sudden motion to students’ attention because he knew it would spur dialogue. Dialogue that the SRA would find hard to defer, and would force a decision sooner or later. Hell, if the assembly still had quorum by that point, the decision could have been binding then and there, which would have ensured a referendum, but as it stands it will be brought to SRA for further (endless) discussion. Maybe it is time to examine why the need was felt to bypass procedure and turn a topic from tepid to controversial. The intent may be noble, and the idea may be necessary, but process exists to support dialogue. If dialogue has become the problem, then we have more serious obstacles to overcome than rogue mavericks in the SRA.

to Steve Nash to James Johnson to the impending April of fools to Ebola research to the country of Atlantic Canada to Death Cab for Cutie

to badly-timed emails to keg fights to puffy eyes to backing out of agreements to one week left to starving staff reporters

to Fudg-eos to 一杯酒 to worried BoD faces

to zayn leaving one direction

to drunk secrets

to salad snobs

to trench coats

to Deadline Hollywood

to “me” mornings to spring! rolls

treatment and try instead traditional medicine." This is not what downplaying looks like. The article also claimed that the media neglected Makayla’s legacy of cooperation between biomedical and traditional medicine. However, a paragraph appearing in the same Canadian Press wire story picked up by so many mainstream outlets reads, "[Makayla] continued to receive treatment from her family physician, Dr. Jason Zacks, as well as an oncologist at McMaster hospital.

to last minute midterms

to voldemort funk to jussie smollett to “there is no closet”

to simple surprises to 10 p.m. meetings to being too experienced for a job to euro mix haters

Correction Last week we erraneously printed Makayla’s name as “Mykayla.” We apologize for this mistake. This letter to the editor has been cut for length, but you can read the full letter online at thesil.ca

Elizabeth Arden (neé Florence Nightingale Graham), 1939 (b/w photo) / Creator(s): Fisher, Alan, photographer / [Public domain], via Library of Congress

“Our only limitations are those which we set up in our own minds, or permit others to establish for us.” › Elizabeth Arden: Self-Made Maven In a time when women dare not wear make-up or run their own businesses, Elizabeth daringly did both. She was not a trained chemist, yet she pioneered the concept of scientifically formulating cosmetics. She was not a business graduate, yet she created a global empire. Curiosity and drive were her teachers; the world, her classroom. We think Elizabeth would have simply adored AU, giving people all over the world the chance to make their mark, on their terms, in their time. Beautiful.

open. online. everywhere. Learn more at business.athabascau.ca

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26. 2015

www.thesil.ca

911

The McMaster Students Union

PRESIDENT’S PAGE LIGHT UP THE NIGHT ON APRIL 8 Be a part of McMaster’s newest tradition

On the last night of class, the 2014/2015 school year is going out with a bang. Imagine Welcome Week, New Years Eve, and the first time you discovered YouTube combined into one experience, and that’s what the McMaster Students Union (MSU), along with the McMaster Alumni Association and Student Success Centre (SSC), have put

together. On Wednesday, April 8, watch as our beloved McMaster is transformed into a huge on-campus celebration, otherwise known as Light Up the Night: The Inaugural Year-End Block Party. The event has something for everybody. Love carnival rides? I’ll meet you at the Bumper Cars where you can smash my car like the Womping Willow. Want to see campus lit up like never before? Hop on the Ferris wheel and watch your campus come alive from a few stories up. Regretfully, I will not be joining you on the Gravitron ... I have a sensitive stomach (and soul), so that type of thing can mess me up, but I’m sure others will enjoy it! We will also have a Scrambler, Berry-Go-Round (yes, a Berry-Go-Round), and Fun Slide! If you enjoy festival tunes and perhaps the occasional hip shake, tune in to the multiple DJ booths on site, plus finalists from McMaster’s Battle of the Bands, and a feature performance by

Imagine Welcome Week, New Years Eve, and the first time you discovered YouTube combined into one experience USS on the main stage. USS will take the stage just before 10 p.m. to ring in the official end of class, and to introduce the EPIC FIREWORK SHOW. This thing is going to be the real deal. So real that we couldn’t launch it off of the Mary Keyes residence, because we were worried it would blow a hole through the roof. If you prefer to lay low, worry not. There will be a coffee house and open mic hosted by Residence Life in Bridges Cafe. In addition, SSC and the Mac Board Game Society will host board games night in the MUSC Atrium. For all you Breaking Bad fans out there (read everybody), the evening will also feature a Last Lecture from RJ Mitte (Walter’s son who often eats breakfast on-screen). My large fan base of three students will be happy to know that I will be introducing him on April

8, at 6 p.m. in Burridge Gym. This event is free, but you must register in advance at macblockparty.ca. If you’re worried about getting here, we have increased GO Transit service to campus for the evening. There will also be free on-campus parking available in all lots on the West side of campus. Come one, come all, there’s no excuse not to come. We are so excited to Light Up the Night, not just with all of these fun extras, but with that McMaster magic that we all know and love. To find out more details, and to revel in the excitement in the weeks leading up to the event, visit macblockparty.ca. You can also tweet your excitement using the hashtag #MacBlockParty. I can’t wait to see you all there, and I hope you have the most wonderful time on April 8, before the final exam grind begins.

FREE RIDES, GAMES & FOOD FIREWORKS | FREE PARKING ONE MAIN STAGE AND TWO DJ BOOTHS BOARDGAMES in MUSC | COFFEEHOUSE in BRIDGES SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY

LAST LECTURE IN BURRIDGE GYM F E AT U R I N G :

RJ MITTE from

M A C B L O C K PA R T Y. C A

The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.

TEDDY

SCOTT MALLON

NARRO PÉREZ

RODRIGO

JACOB

President

VP (Finance)

VP (Education)

VP (Administration)

SAULL

BRODKA

www.thesil.ca

Around Campus

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Eliza Pope Photo Reporter

“How would you describe yourself in three words?” “Very stupidly ambitious.” “Why?” “I try to think I can acheive a lot of things, but reality is, not everything is possible. But it’s not wrong to dream, right? Even after Grade 12, I thought I would get into university — didn’t happen. My family thought I wasn’t gonna do anything with my life and I felt like a failure. I literally didn’t do anything and started working. But I realized I didn’t wanna do that for the rest of my life. I started picking up courses and improving my mark, and I didn’t tell my parents I was applying until I got my acceptance letter. So I guess it has a happy ending.”

“I think that one concept that is really important is writing, and how that plays into identity — the words that people use to define themselves. It’s not so much specific words, but the concepts we use to identify with ourselves. And the things you’re interested in, those are what you use to identify yourself. In the end, I think it’s just about making sure that your individual fingerprint leaves its mark. That’s what I’m trying to figure out how to do.”

“Tell me something interesting about yourself.” “I worked on the animated TV show Doug for about eight years. I was a storyboard artist, a layout artist, a character designer, and eventual art director.” “How did you get into that?” “I studied animation in Paris and worked in France for about three years after that. And I continued working in animation when I moved to New York after that. I’d say that this is the best job I’ve ever had.” “Do you have a piece of advice?” “Don’t give up on anything too soon. Sometimes when you’re passionate about something and it doesn’t pay off right away, you tend to question your passion. You need to lose yourself to find yourself.” “When did you face that?” “Right now. Let’s just say I’m in a transitional period in my life.”

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Around Campus

“What do you like to do?”

“Well I keep busy with anything from sports to books to circus arts.” “What in the circus arts?”

“Juggling, hand-balancing, and something called a cyr wheel — it’s a steel ring about six feet in diameter, and you stand in it while it spins around like a coin. I’m not very good at it, but it is a lot of fun.” “How did you get into that?”

“I started spinning poi, which are basically balls on strings — if you’ve been to the Caribbean, you’ve probably seen these guys spinning balls on fire on the beach — it’s like that. That was really fun, and so I started trying to explore what kind of other weird art performance things I could explore — of course that naturally led to circus stuff.”

HAVE A STORY TO TELL?

AY, THURSD2 MARCH 6 DOORS: 9:30PM | DJ STAPLES $ 2 . 0 0 B E FO R E 1 1 P M | $ 4 . 5 0 A F T E R 1 1 P M $ 4 . 0 0 R A I L S | A L L N I G H T LO N G $ 4 . 0 0 D O M E S TI C B E E R S

NIGHT BOOZE BEFORE BOOKS WE BLEED MAROON!

2015 grad don't miss out on your

last chance to party at TwelvEighty

DOORS: 9:30PM DJ JET CARSON & DJ STAPLES $ 2 . 0 0 B E FO R E 1 1 P M | $ 4 . 5 0 A F T E R 1 1 P M $ 4 . 0 0 R A I L S | A L L N I G H T LO N G $4.00 DOMESTIC BEERS

#THIRSTYTHURSDAYS

MAROON & GREY

T W E LV E I G H T Y O W N S T H U R S D AY S .

THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND

ONLY AT

Do you still call it Quarters?

@MSU_1280

EMAIL PHOTO@THESIL.CA AND BE ON THIS PAGE!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Opinions

www.thesil.ca

Back Issues

Miss an issue? Want to dig up info on something that happened earlier this year?

NOW on

Visit www.issuu.com/thesil for a digital archive of all of our back issues going as far back as October 2009!

facebook and twitter!

You can also download the issuu app to read our archive from the convenience of your bus seat or study corner.

mber

pte day, Se

Thurs

11, 20

da ana A C out with’s es Tim op chain donal

sh r natio one ffee A co define ou if some not ity, eveng it out. identis buyin else

E PAG

UNIVERSITY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

awl ercr Sup view: ore Pre ells & m to c Ma k on Ark lks you acts wor downss, ANthroDYugwahrcrtheawtol panp.d t me pe ma of Su s you a firs recent gaall tb e ing on rs’ foo BuildMaraude to improvn. the hopes oductio teamdown pr first

E PAG

draw

E PAG

ouette Silh The tte Silhoue te m/the tter.co asterSilhouet cM ca | twi thesil. com/TheM ok. facebo

Thursday, Januar

S y 22, 2015

The Silhouet te thesil.ca | twitter.c om/theSilhouett e facebook.com/T heMcMasterSilho uette

Mac back Mac life on top hacks

Mac men’s volley ball reclaims no. 1 rank in CIS top ten.

Lifestyle lists hacks that areoff ten life make studen sure to t lives easier .

PAGE 19

PAGE 23

It’s Not My Vault A look at Canad ian artist Chris Cran’s exhibit at the McMaster Museu m of Art.

PAGE 31

PRESIDENT

TIM SCHOFFER Operations Manager

IAL

Op-eds Each candid ate pitches you their messa Opinions sectio ge in the n.

PAGE 14

ID INS

S NEW N c at Ma PINIO Lair O RTS Lion’s e NFL SPO E th PR in ls STYL ce LIFE ANDY XC ex rant an iOS8 ity t Helm onym Scot et an Intern ATURES

PRESIDE FE

, 2014

25 mber

pte day, Se

Thurs

OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

IAL E ISSU C A PLE

NE McM NasteOr stud have a chance LL I ,0to00decUniideonwhoents will run thei A r next year. 5 T 6 I $1 Five Thursday, Novem

S ber 20, 2014

ouette Silh The

Shin

ligh

t on

-P

is ndra

70 QUALITY PROPERTIES

INSIDE

candidates. d did Five but cho ice to make platforms. ENDtudent groraumpas thraisisehyyethar,emOne ? on January 27. S Make an info T SP hine ask w ’ rmed decisio for S anyone N n. DO 6 PAGES 4-7 The ASi GE lho

tte Silhoue te m/the tter.co asterSilhouet cM ca | twi thesil. com/TheM ok. facebo

Marauder logo creator NEWS Brockface OPINION Who are the Mounties? SPOR TS Dating apps LIFESTYLE Interstellar review

ing.

ANDY

uette

thesil.ca | twitter.c om/theSilhouett e facebook.com/T heMcMasterSilho uette

ober 16, ay, Oct

2014

Thursd

te ilhouet The S e ilhouett om/theS ouette Silh | twitter.c thesil.ca m/TheMcMaster k.co faceboo

• one to eight bedroom homes • minutes to MAC

is inlove gn inc is aso in Fa allllse nd Mea ut tb p to y -off Foo rimite,haath y Thursday, dC it October 9, 2014 Send ert its pw re l e g te ow. ts r in onc ettSin nleawash lks you- den osty h som esfall t tu Write ence cdebate t g Life natio ns in xter pec a throug c hos loc win e ly to id t i ore and ton, m befn wants cert res YA Whfrie mil TE ter M The MSU -year conh nd? y head.CU Ha AT -of — wit new wri drsaitsluuglweS eke P an end T ts rea SRA ster’s to anCH CO McMa pus aims tingCL for studen ney. Two RE AM is 23 Y t mo igh in. AR PIONS on camcreative wriskills thGE KE PA studen EHIMA ers we foster elop thether 8HE memb 1 LIE E and devary to fur 13 OSAZUWA PAG MAST-ER necess t projects. PAGE S studen

“ IT’S OK

5 PAGE

ts c ge musi skin r rich The der you you an un gives ing of and nse feel st. lu te er in and w

“

TRISTAN

TThe OSilh Bouette E PROUD. IT’S NOT“ OK TO E SATISFB IED.” thesil.ca | twitter.com/theSilhouette facebook.com/TheMcMasterS ilhouette

PAUL

JOHN

TAMBAK

ONLY

11%

The sco re an int adds atmosp egral here the film to .

20 YEARS IN BUSINESS 1000’s OF SATISFIED CLIENTS

OF ALL MS

Three of the last four yea Marauders rs, the hav trophy in Nor e won the oldest foo tball th But in the nex America. their sights t two weeks, they will set on national glory. HAV E

U PRESIDENTIAL

PAGE 19

D SOUN

OFF

ly ib ed — cr re in co ing an ng s giv to a e. It’s ovi mes s in lac e i m t t ps al p a im tic gl tas fan

“

1.905.304.8075

RELIABLE, WORRY- FREE LIVING. CALL TODAY!

CANDIDATES BEEN FEM ALE.

ONLY FOUR

OF THEM

HAVE WON.

“

ll E oa UR tfoli ? AT Por to be ing p rn d u ea cke E 6 L he cra AG Is t it’s P

io This, amon pilatg other nts startling com prese est re fin figure This s, gsbegs in question... the the son of e of usic a. som s of m cinem use a of er any

st mo s in the ack wn tr do ound ts un vie s ory. o c t o l m his 30 ntia film

WHERE

ARE THE WOMEN? ue

infl

E AG -P

An investigative look at the lack of women in student government positions.

www.machousing.com

- PAGE 6 -

E: houses@machousing.com F: 905.648.9352

BEST PRICES ON CAMPUS FOR:

Milk • Bagels • Sandwiches • Cold Drinks Grab N Go Meals • Fair Trade Coffee & Tea Gluten Free Options & More! We accept cash, debit, and credit, and have long hours to serve you best.

The Silhouette

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Opinion

www.thesil.ca

THIS WEEK General Assembly Is the GA still an effective venue for democratic discussion for the MSU?

Get an education A contributor shares his thoughts on the value of a university education.

PAGE 16

PAGE 17

Women and Gender Equity Network

A need, not a want What the recent ratification of the Women and Gender Equity Network tells us about the struggle for gender equity on our campus Ruchika Gothoskar Contributor

With a unanimous vote resulting in the ratification of MSU Women and Gender Equity Network as a fully operating service on March 22, it was clear that many students wanted to see the further success of WGEN. However, in 2015, this is the first time that McMaster University has successfully passed a motion that made a women’s centre a definite on-campus possibility for students. Historically, women’s centres have been linked to addressing the changing needs of university campuses in relation to women and gender issues. They are especially important when creating dialogue surrounding topics like women in politics, reproductive rights, issues surrounding intersectionality, and

gender based violence. Women’s centres not only act as a space to encourage safe and important discussion surrounding this divisive type of oppression, but also to exist as a space for sexual assault survivors. A three-month-long Toronto Star investigation has found that only 9 of 78 Canadian universities have created a special sexual assault policy, although one in five female-identified students will experience sexual assault during their time at college or university. Because of this lack of support from the university itself, survivors often decide to reach out to their school’s women’s centre, as these centres offer emotional support by trained peer volunteers, as well as a plethora of resources regarding next steps that the survivors can take. It is also proven that survivors who are more

informed of their options and resources available to them are more likely to follow through with formal complaints or seek services that may be able to help them cope emotionally and psychologically. Furthermore, women’s centres are also healing spaces, not only for survivors of assault, but for those who may be facing the intersection of a variety of oppressive systems, such as racism, ageism, ableism, and more. Discussing intersectionality has provided a theoretical and practical framework for many centres to engage in the intended work of dismantling interlocking oppressions, while creating environments where those who choose to share their experiences feel validated, affirmed, and most importantly, safe. So if all of the aforementioned points make such a solid

point for on campus women’s centres, why doesn’t McMaster already have one? Emma Perin, current Social and Political Advocacy Executive for the Women and Gender Equity Network, and past Women and Trans* Centre Ad Hoc Committee member thinks that the entire process was fraught with the McMaster Students Union leaders and the Student Representative Assembly wanting more—more evidence, more facts, more work, more time. But in all of the ad-hoc committee’s survey and the discussions around it what kept recurring was that WGEN was needed and wanted right now, if not a decade ago. Research both conducted by past WGEN supporters, and the “It’s Time” campaign showed that students wanted the space and programming a women’s centre would provide, and research

of practices at other universities demonstrated that many already had these systems, while McMaster fell far behind. Though it is true that McMaster fell behind in terms of creating policy and providing spaces for students who identify as female, trans, or otherwise, it should be noted that the support that the Women and Gender Equity Network has received this year is overwhelming. This hard work, supportive community, and deep need generated a sense of support from not only this year’s SRA members but the McMaster community at large. In a sense, it’s a good feeling that the only big thing left to lobby for is a permanent space for this essential addition to student life at McMaster.

The niqab contradiction Harper’s comments go against our values as a multicultural society Jenan Nasser Contributor

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed his dissatisfaction and clear prejudice on not only the matter of the niqab but also on the faith of Islam. As he explained on March 10, “it’s very easy to understand… why would Canadians, contrary to our own values, embrace a practice at that time that is not transparent, that is not open and, frankly, is rooted in a culture that is anti-women?” In this speech, the PM is referring to the niqab being worn by women during their Canadian citizenship ceremony, a day in which Canada

is supposed to welcome new citizens into its jurisdiction and accept them as a part of society. Not only is Harper belittling Canadian values, but he is also reinforcing the false stereotypes and discrimination that religious minorities, particularly those of Islamic faith, have been undergoing. Unfortunately it is not clear what Harper is specifically referring to when he mentions “Canadian values.” However, contrary to his position, the values that are currently entrenched in our constitution provide Canadians with the right to religion, expression, and equal protection under the law without discrimination, to

name a few. When a woman who wears a niqab has identified herself prior to the proceedings of the citizenship ceremony, there is no need for her to expose her face during the ceremony if this act is against her personal religious or spiritual values, and these are the values that our country provides each citizen. During the citizenship cer-

emony, each participant must sign and accept their duties to the country and the Queen. These duties include abiding by the laws set by the Canadian government and respecting Canadian society as a whole, amongst other things. It seems then that this promise should

bind the government as it does the citizen. New Canadian citizens agree upon this contract not only to obey the duties and responsibilities set forth by Canada, but also to enjoy the freedom and protection promised to them by Canadian law. If the question remains about security, other forms of identification may be used; a female examiner may request the removal of the niqab prior to the ceremony, and these would be minor measures taken to protect the right and dignity of that new Canadian citizen. Continued on PAGE 16

Opinion

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Health and wellbeing

The green giant Don’t take facts about drug use at face value

Carolyn Zeppieri Columnist

I’ve stumbled upon countless articles that read something like this: “10 reasons why marijuana use is better than alcohol.” This is extremely misleading. The abuse of any harmful substance will negatively impact your body regardless of whether it’s alcohol, or weed, or something else. There is no reason in justifying how the use of one substance is “better for you” than another. The hungover aftermath of drinking has been heavily relayed to and experienced by university students, but the consequences of marijuana side effects haven’t been given enough thought. The shortterm effects of weed are mostly common sense, but the longterm effects are what can greatly impair someone’s life. Health Canada states long-term marijuana use effects include impaired concentration and ability to make decisions, amplified depressive symptoms, anxiety, and prompting the onset of psychosis and schizophrenia. Some

people can be more susceptible to the effects of regular marijuana use, which can be detrimental to their mental health. In 2009, a study was conducted surveying 950 McMaster undergraduate students reporting on their depressive symptoms. The results from the survey concluded that about 35 percent of McMaster students reported feeling depressed, about half of the students identified having anxiety, and ten out of the 950 students had attempted suicide. Health Canada also reported that people who come from a family with mental illnesses might be at greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, psychosis, or schizophrenia through regular use of marijuana. Anyone can be vulnerable to the side effects of marijuana similar to how people vary from light- to heavy-weight when consuming alcohol. Some students may be more tolerant of the side effects of weed and alcohol, but for others who are dealing with a mental illness, frequent use of either substance can intensify their symptoms. It’s a major concern that students are unaware of the negative impacts of weed,

especially considering the prevalence of these issues among post-secondary students. Regular marijuana use should be approached with the same precautions taken for alcohol and other substances. Cannabis and synthesized cannabis are addictive in the same way that people can be addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, medications, and processed sugar. People develop a psychological dependency on marijuana the same way people crave alcohol. The occasional drink won’t do much harm to one’s health, but long-term repeated use of these addicting substances could lead to complex health concerns. Students are at greater risk of being misinformed about the damaging effects marijuana and can be passive of its long-term effects. With the rise in depression and anxiety in university students, marijuana use should be treated similarly to the use of other substances, such as alcohol, and the same level of moderation should be encouraged.

“

Students are at greater risk of being misinformed about the damaging effects marijuana and can be passive of its long-term effects.

@carolynzep

WRITE FOR OPINION. Email opinions@thesil.ca to get involved

FEEDBACK

Evan Schafrick Engineering I

“A negative side effect of weed is laziness.”

Are you aware of any of the side effects of regularly smoking weed?

Eva Zanetti Biology II

“Impaired judgement is a side effect of marijuana use which could lead to impaired driving.”

Tim Tim Daly Daly

Political PoliticalScience ScienceIIII

“With extreme use weed can be just as damaging as alcohol. Prolonged and heavy use can cause brain damage and can have a lasting effect on memory and retention.”

Stephanie Black

Integrated Science I

“Weed impairs your thinking and decisions, which can lead to making other poor decisions.”

Opinion

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Generally speaking

The General Assembly is far from being an effective, democratic venue Ana Qarri Opinions Editor

For those who attended last year’s General Assembly, this year’s was mostly a sigh of relief. No disorganized waiting lines, no major confusion with counting votes, no uncertainty about what was and wasn’t an acceptable request for the speaker. The General Assembly as a governing body is an interesting concept. It only requires three percent of the student population to make a binding motion on the MSU. Some would argue that’s tiny. And relatively, it is. General Assemblies are supposed to be places of discussion, but productive discussion rarely happens. With huge campaigns, like the BDS motion and three years ago, the implementation of the Welcome Week levy (which made the fee mandatory for all first-year students), there is no space for discussion during the GA. The time is also a ridiculous constraint. Two hours is not nearly enough for something as sensitive as BDS, and it seems strange that any-

one would ever expect it to be. Given that everyone’s minds were made up, we could have just as well emailed out a question to the student body, and those who showed up would have answered the same way. But what about those who didn’t come? Chances are a lot of them don’t care. This doesn’t mean their voices should be ignored, but it does mean that they probably wouldn’t have taken the time to educate themselves on the issue regardless of the venue their opinion was sought through. So having a vocal minority of just over 600 who really wanted BDS to pass could, on one hand, be seen as a good way to make a binding motion for the MSU. Here are 622 people who clearly know what they want and cared enough to come out. That’s not a small number, when we consider that two years ago only 60 people attended the General Assembly, and it was only in 2012 that it finally reached quorum after 17 years of non-quorate GAs. The last two years have shown us that students are not apathetic. Political mobilization at McMaster is possible. It takes

work, it takes a couple of years, but it can be done. The problem is that students care about different things—that’s why things like the General Assembly appear unsuccessful. This year, it was mostly people who cared about the BDS motion who attended. Years before, it has been about other people and other causes. The aim is never to have all 20,000 McMaster students there, although looking at the slogan used for the GA (“Show up; Speak out”), you would be led to believe this is the case. As a way of making binding decisions for the MSU, the GA seems set up to fail. As a way of having particular voices heard, we’ve seen that it can work well at times. It’s also set up to fail because aside from preparing to avoid a reoccurrence of last year’s GA, the MSU did not do much. It still did an awful job at promoting it. It still only opened up one side of Burridge Gym. And it still failed to be an impartial voice for the motions put forward that could educate students who would otherwise not be involved with either side of the debate. Are GAs like this every-

where? McGill, for example, has three different kinds of GAs. One per term that is similar to our annual GA, and special as well as strike GAs, which have to be called by at least 200 members of the union. These are clearly advertised in the SSMU’s (Student Society of McGill University) webpage on GAs. A similar attempt to find how a GA can be called by the membership on the MSU website amounts to nothing. UTSU, the student union at U of T, also has an annual general assembly with a quorum of “no less than 75 people” and the Alma Mater Society at Queen’s appears to also follow the annual general meeting format. McGill’s approach might not be perfect, but the point remains that this is a structure much more flexible than what the MSU has presented its membership with. The MSU knows that three percent is small. It also knows that most years there is absolutely no point in promoting the GA. If groups care, they will do it themselves. This is the biggest flaw of the structure in place. The GA is not a place of direct democracy. It is a place for

“

As a way of making binding decisions for the MSU, the General Assembly seems set up to fail.

vocal groups to be heard loud and clear by the union and the university. This doesn’t invalidate the work or any binding votes. To mobilize more than 600 university students during one of the busiest weeks of the year is an incredible feat. However, we need to recognize what the GA is and what it is not. Maybe its time is over. Maybe it just needs a reboot. But I doubt that tweaks here and there, or the use of iClickers instead of voting cards, will make a difference for the meaning of the GA. It’s not about its execution, it’s about an idea that now appears archaic and, at times, rather useless.

www.thesil.ca

Opinion

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Why university is still worth it Higher education gives you skills you can’t get anywhere else Erik Fraunberger Contributor

What is the purpose of university? If your immediate answer is related to employment then I suspect that almost everyone would agree with you that many fields seek people with higher education. However, what is implicit in this answer is the fact that university is now being treated as a means to end as opposed to an end in itself. While this is something that many, including myself, have occasionally lost sight of throughout our years at McMaster, it is important to reflect upon the often overlooked benefits of post-secondary education and how they can help us in this so-called “real world” we all keep hearing about. It has been said that some students find it “agonizing” to go to lecture and dread taking some courses since they find

them uninteresting or irrelevant to their studies. If you find it consistently difficult to go to your classes, perhaps university is not for you. While memorizing facts can be a mundane activity at times, keeping these facts in our minds and readily accessible makes it easier for us to integrate them with new information we encounter and allows us to synthesize new connections between previously unrelated pieces of information. A caveat of university is that the integration of new information and synthesis of new ideas is not necessarily the responsibility of the professor but that of the student. As the old saying goes: you can lead a horse (or in this case a student) to water but you can’t make it drink. Developing new technologies, designing new drugs, and coming to new conclusions about complex philosophical

Harper’s comments on the niqab are anti-women Continued from PAGE 13

The citizenship ceremony should be the beginning of a journey filled with hope and promise. It is unjustifiable to begin this journey by subjecting women, whose values center around modesty, to forcefully assimilate in order to meet Canadian norms. The rights of Canadians should begin when welcoming them into our country to share our values of acceptance and freedom. To deny these rights to any women is the definition of being anti-women. Harper also continues to amplify the Islamophobic mirage that has been on a constant incline in recent years by addressing Islamic symbols, such as the niqab, as being “rooted in a culture that is anti-women.” The Prime Minister’s judgement to pinpoint covering up a women’s face as the main indication of female oppression when we live in a hyper-sexual-

ized Western society is intolerable. If dealing with female oppression is Harper’s true goal, then a great starting point would be allowing women to cover up or dress down their bodies as they please. If this judgment was inverted, and Canadian women were told to wear more clothing or given a standard uniform, it would not stand, because the government is not in place to tell women what to wear but to protect their right to wear what they want. Although there are regulations about dressing appropriately in courtrooms and other settings, the niqab is in no way indecent and should be honored. The only thing anti-women in this situation is a man dictating how much of her body a woman is permitted to conceal.

works over discussion and debate are but a few of the ways that this integration and synthesis can change the real world. If these tasks are not undertaken and information is simply erased and discarded, then you have decided to close your mind to an aspect of the real world which is the antithesis of higher education. As for university equipping us to handle the real world, there are numerous lessons that I have learned over the last five years of my time here at McMaster that I have readily applied to navigate the world outside of university. For example, taking courses you do not want to take is essentially the same thing as learning to complete tasks that you may not want to do. The only way to positively cope with this scenario is through changing your attitude and mindset towards these courses. This will

“

The most important lesson that McMaster has taught me, however, is how little we actually know about the world and the scope of human thought surrounding it.

most definitely translate into the real world skill of adjusting to adverse or inconvenient situations. A second example I’m sure many of us are familiar with is

working in groups for a project, assignment, or presentation. We have all been in a group at some point with people we dislike or with whom we have difficulty interacting. Learning to compromise and work with other people is essential for success in the real world and without this important skill, I am fairly confident in asserting that you will have difficulty finding employment. The most important lesson that McMaster has taught me, however, is how little we actually know about the world as well as the depth and scope of human thought surrounding it. As a wise philosopher once said: all that I know is that I know nothing. Open your mind up to the intricate and vast world around you and, for goodness’ sake, get an education.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Sports

The Silhouette

www.thesil.ca

THIS WEEK Catching up with Tweedle Mac's lone CIS runner performed well in his first trip to the national championship.

More like GOOD-minton Jacob Kao stood above the rest at the OUA badminton championships.

PAGE 18

PAGE 20

The state of Mac athletics Glen Grunwald talks about his first year as athletic director and where McMaster goes from here Scott Hastie Sports Editor

With multiple provincial championships and CIS medals decorating the halls of McMaster’s athletic centre, year one of Glen Grunwald’s reign has been a success. “We’ve really took a step forward on a number of fronts. Four OUA championships is awesome, five national medals, unfortunately none of them gold, but it was so exciting, the pursuit of those,” said Grunwald. “Our teams, most importantly, are poised to continue their success next year.” Year-over-year success is where McMaster athletics should take pride. Few schools consistently appear in coach’s polls and national championships as often as Mac does. The football team is a good example of consistency, as they appeared in their third Vanier Cup in four years. As the teams continue to compete on the highest stage, Mac has cemented a winning culture, but Grunwald aims to do more than just win. When asked about what the culture of McMaster athletics is, Grunwald talked about people before wins and losses. “It’s about the student-athlete and it’s about making their experiences as positive as you can. It’s more positive to win than to lose, but to the extent we have setbacks, we continue to understand what we can do better. It’s a culture of expecting success and expecting to continue to seek winning with constant improvement of the support of student athletes,” said the former NBA executive. Success and a winning culture usually breed fan interest, but attendance of Mac sports is

Grunwald started working at Mac on Sept. 1 after working as General Manager with the New York Knicks. C/O ANDREW BAULCOMB

still lacking. Burridge Gym will see an above-average number of fans come out, but for a department that expects success, comparing itself with weaker departments is not a worthwhile exercise. Grunwald says the department is looking at ways to engage the student body and Mac community. They will be reaching beyond McMaster too, trying to bring families in to show support. Non-football events are free for students to attend, while football, volley-

ball and basketball games were streamed online. The streaming initiative could be a major step in improving fan engagement, and McMaster’s games were some of the highest-quality videos in the OUA. The one area Mac would like to improve is their finances. “We’re trying to ensure that we have a sustainable operation here. We’re looking at both sides of the equation – cost and revenue – to be a successful athletic department and great recreational facility,” said Grunwald.

According to Grunwald, Mac is more focused on raising revenues through sponsorship rather than cutting costs. This does not mean the athletic department is in a dire financial position. It is an example of the department trying to improve and stay ahead of the curve. Grunwald beamed excitement about the future of Marauder athletics and their varsity teams, as well as the impending improvements to the recreation side of McMaster’s

athletic department. The Student Life Enhancement Fund will be funding an outdoor fitness circuit and bouldering wall. Lighting for the track field will be added so intramurals can be played in the evening. With Grunwald at the helm and some of the top coaches in the country behind him, Mac athletics is set to stay the course and continue to be among the top programs in the CIS. @Scott1Hastie

What a year McMaster collected a number of OUA and CIS medals this year. Here are some of the highlights.

Football

Women's rugby

Men's volleyball

Swimming Konrad Bald

Women's rugby

Men's soccer

www.thesil.ca

Sports

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Tweedle runs at first-ever CIS race After a season of highs and lows, Tweedle managed to prevail as the lone Marauder on the National stage

Jeff Tweedle (centre) before his CIS 1000m race in Windsor. He ran a 2:23 at the Boston Valentine Invitational to get there. CO/ MAXINE GRAVINA

Tomi Milos ANDY Editor

Despite an injury-plagued end to the track season, Jeff Tweedle is more than happy with its outcome. The third-year Civil Engineering student was the lone Marauder to race in the CIS championships in Windsor earlier this month, and prior to that he became the McMaster record-holder in the men’s 1000m in emphatic fashion. The Hamilton native achieved the result at the Boston University Valentine Invitational, where he laid waste to a field of NCAA Division I athletes with a personal-best time of 2:23.66, handily winning a heat whose atmosphere he likened to that of a time-trial. “I’d been shooting for the record since last year, so to get it was nice and an affirmation that I was moving in the right direction and that training had been going well,” said Tweedle. Tweedle said the win and school record gave him some

needed buoyancy heading into the OUA championships and onwards to CIS championships after that. While falling five tenths of a second short of an automatic CIS berth in Boston, his converted time of 2:25.64 ended up being good for seventh place in the national rankings and meant he would compete in the national championship regardless of his performance at the OUA final. While the Boston race gave him a brief high, Tweedle confessed to feeling the pressure ahead of the CIS championship knowing that the field would be full of athletes he hadn’t competed against before. “My training hadn’t been going well after Boston due to some injury problems and then my confidence took a blow after racing at the OUA championships as I didn’t have a good run there. It kind of got in my head a bit,” he said. Tweedle acknowledged that his training schedule this year had him peak earlier than he would have liked. His tone lacked any regret as he said that he knew running a fast time in

Boston was what he needed to do to put himself in a position to quality for nationals. “It was a gamble I had to make. I had to peak early and try to hold on to that momentum and fitness for the rest of the season and try to do what I could at CIS.” On the day of the race itself, Tweedle said his attitude became more positive. Complacency was not running through the third-year’s mind, and Tweedle was simply looking forward to the prospect of racing with the nation’s best. Speaking to the strategy that he and coach Paula Schnurr had devised, Tweedle said that it differed from the one he had employed in Boston where he had led for a good portion of the race. Instead, this strategy focused on staying with the pack and feeling out the final two laps based on the pace. What hindered Tweedle aside from being burnt out was an Achilles injury that he got through only by having his left leg heavily taped. While it has affected both his legs at various points in the season, it was a

testament to the team’s medical staff that he was even out there. “I’ve been seeking a lot of treatment for it from the trainers, who really kept me alive throughout the season.” The CIS race was a slow, tactical one where the pace was not pushed despite most of the runners boasting a sub-50 second capacity over 400m. The pack clung together and Tweedle comfortably kept pace with them. When it came time to make a move, Tweedle said he suffered from the nerviness that came with being boxed in for much of the race. He had to jostle to maneuver to the outside lanes where he attempted to pass some runners, but did not have the same blazing kick that saw him coast to a win in Boston. Laval’s Charles Philibert-Thibou was the eventual winner with a time of 2:25.19, while Tweedle finished in 2:30.50. Tweedle was not regretful of the respect he gave the pack even if running his qualifying time would have meant a spot on the podium in third place, saying that it was a different

race that called for a different strategy. This summer, Tweedle plans to pick up where he left off with Hamilton’s Harbour Track, where Paula Schnurr also handles coaching duties. The continuity is something that Tweedle relishes and cites as one of his main advantages along with the knowledge that he can run such a quick time as he did in Boston. “Training with Paula has been awesome as it makes my season seamless,” Tweedle said. “We’ve learned from this season and the training will change next year. We’ll try to focus on just peaking for the OUA and CIS championships for next year.” Tweedle hopes to recover from his injury soon and be well on his way to training for the summer track season. @tomimilos

Sports

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Marauders Kao wins OUA badminton MVP Kao’s Singles and Doubles title with Kamaruddin is the Marauders first-ever Badminton OUA win

Laura Sinclair Asst. Sports Editor

Marauder badminton standout Jacob Kao had a successful showing at the OUA Badminton tournament on the weekend,

where he managed to win the first ever Marauders singles title and OUA MVP. The second year computer engineering student managed to win all 14 of his matches at the tournament, including the final against a talented Jack Hall from Western, which he managed to win in three sets (21-12,

9-21, 21-16). Originally hailing from Taiwan, Kao came to Canada after an injury took him out of badminton for a while. “I played in Taiwan for seven years, but I came here when I was 16 to just study, because I was injured,” said Kao. Kao’s left ankle injury was

Call or email for a FREE trial class suitable for any level of ability. 15% discount to students.

pretty severe, and forced him to take a long break from the sport before he recovered. After moving to Toronto as a Grade 10 student, Kao played for his high school team, where he not only qualified for the Ontario high school championships, but he won as men’s singles champion in 2011 and 2012. His success in badminton also extends to doubles. Kao was able to prove this on the weekend alongside teammate and OUA rookie of the year, Muhammad Kamaruddin. The pair managed to win doubles gold in a close threeset match (21-19, 17-21, 21-19) against the Waterloo Warriors,

who won the OUA championship, in a close three-set match. Although Kao had an outstanding weekend, he still feels as though there are areas of his game that he needs to improve on. “I try to find my weakness and then train harder for my weakness. I think I move a bit slower than other people, so I try to run a lot on the field, and then do a lot of foot work.” Kao will have a lot of time to work on this aspect of his game before next year’s OUA tournament, which will be here at McMaster in the Ivor Wynne Centre. @lsinkky

Jacob Kao won all 14 of his singles matches before he went on to win doubles alongside teammate Muhammed Kamarudden.

905.730.9107 | strength@crossfitodeon.com www.crossfitodeon.com

C/O ALEX D’ADDESE

DID YOU KNOW?

Every McMaster University undergraduate student enrolled in 18 units or more is entitled up to $600 in dental work from September 1st until August 31st.

FREE Wifi! FREE* Take-home Teeth Whitening Kit.

* with the completion of your new patient exam and professional cleaning appointment.

FILICE DENTISTRY HAPPILY ACCEPTS THE MSU DENTAL PLAN. WWW.FILICEDENTAL.COM

1685 Main St. W. Hamilton Across from the West Village Condos

E: filicedental@bellnet.ca

P: 905.529.4200

www.thesil.ca

Sports

NOW OPEN!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

MEDIUM PIZZA WITH PEPPERONI

PLUS TAXES

ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!

CIS wrap-up SETTLE IN TO YOUR SCHOOL YEAR WITH

WEST VILLAGE SUITES

Rates as low as $549 for May applicants CLOSE TO CAMPUS • UPGRADED 24-HR FITNESS CENTER PREMIUM UPGRADED INTERNET • STUDY ROOMS • YOGA STUDIO RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES • PRIVATE BEDROOMS

Scott Hastie Sports Editor

The numbers are in for Sportsnet’s CIS Super Championship Weekend but it is still unclear whether the venture was a success. According to Yahoo Sports Canada, viewership was up for most of the sports. Those increases came at a major cost, though. The leading event from last year, the CIS men’s hockey championship game, saw a 43 percent drop in viewership, from 139,000 in 2014 to 61,000 in 2015. Men’s basketball saw a slight increase, up to 53,000 viewers for the Final 8 championship game. That is a surprising number given it was a

rematch between Ottawa and Carleton, last year’s championship final. The Windsor-McGill women’s basketball final was a good game and drew 32,000. Yahoo Sports Canada said that was an increase over last year’s figure. These numbers are encouraging but the viewership ceiling is not likely much higher than this. If Sportsnet wants to improve viewership, they should consider airing some regular season games. Under the current structure, winter CIS sports shows up for one weekend of the year and disappear until the next Super Championship Weekend. It is unlikely the CIS can grow beyond what it is right now under this current structure and coverage.

ALL-INCLUSIVE LIVING • INDIVIDUAL LEASES • ROOMMATE MATCHING

@Scott1Hastie

CIS championship winners

93-46 MEN’S BASKETBALL

60-47 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WESTVILLAGESUITES.CA scan & learn

905.522.4066 | 1686 Main Street West

Rates, amenities & utilities included are subject to change. See office for details.

5-0

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

6-3 MEN’S HOCKEY

Zombie Apocalypse When: March 26, 2015 from 04:30PM until 08:30PM Where: Between faculty club and University Hall. • • •

Zombie Apocalypse is a huge game of zombie-themed tag for charity. All proceeds go to ALS Canada Tickets available at Compass!

Meet at Mac

Dining in the Dark (CNIB@Mac)

What’s In a Word: Insult or Inclusion?

When: March 30, 2015 from 06:30PM until 09:00PM

When: April 01, 2015 from 01:30PM until 03:30PM

Where: Maccheroni Cucina restaurant (1560 Main St. West, Hamilton).

Where: MUSC 224

All proceeds go to CNIB Hamitlon to support those in our community with visual disabilities. Tickets available at Compass!

When: March 27, 2015 from 06:00PM until 10:00PM

MacSwing Dance

Where: CIBC Hall (MUSC)

When: March 31, 2015 from 07:00PM until 09:00PM

•

If you are interested in volunteering at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, this is a perfect place to start. Tickets available at Compass!

The BOLD Run When: March 28, 2015 from 09:00AM until 12:00PM Where: Mills Plaza, McMaster University On Saturday March 28th, Mac Alliance for Body Peace in partnership with McMaster Golden Z will be hosting McMaster’s first BOLD Run. This event is open to everyone, not just students at McMaster Univerity - so bring your friends!

Where: Westdale United Church (99 North Oval) Come share a night of dancing with the McMaster Swing Dance Club. After all, great music is timeless, and swing dancing is not just something your grandparents do! Start with an introductory lesson in lindy hop at 7PM to help get you grooving and stay for the social dancing to great big band music and jazz.

How do we describe a colleague, classmate or roommate who is different from us? When is it even relevant to do so? Enhance your ability to build inclusion through the everyday use of words and phrases that focus on diversity. All workshops are held in room 224 in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) and are facilitated by staff from the Office of Human Rights & Equity Services. For more information or to register for one or more session(s), please contact hres@mcmaster.caor call 905 525 9140 x 27581.

Games

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Blows, as one’s lines 6. ____ apso (dog) 11. A low-down dirty dog? 14. Unit of weight for gems 15. Some foreign bones, for short 16. Bill with a pyramid 17. Satisfaction 19. Seinfeld’s old network 20. Insect’s final stage of life 21. Air combat mission 23. Moisten a stamp, once 26. New orleans or Baltimore, e.g. 28. Chestnut equines 29. Fuss 30. “... _____ I saw Elba” 32. Actions on the auction floor 33. Chess pieces, informally 34. Caveat 38. Gourmet rice 40. Supply mother’s milk 43. How dunce caps are shaped 45. Candy purchase 46. “Anybody need to make ____ stop?” (road trip query) 48. Tai ____ (Exercise method) 49. Haul 50. Run off at the mouth? 52. Historical chapters 55. Tennis divisions 56. ___ spades (card in a deck) 58. Troy, by another name 60. Fast-spinning meas.

Oh god not Puns Alexandra Florescu ANDY Staff Reporter

My bread recipe is top secret, it’s on a knead to know basis. I was walking down at the wharf and I stepped on a small fish. Guess I didn’t sea it there. My parents want to take me on a trip to Northern Canada, but I’ll have Nunavut.

61. Meltdowns 66. Slitherer in the water 67. L.A. icemen 68. “____ forgiven” 69. English city near Cambridge 70. Notices, Biblically 71. Alternative to flats

We went on a vacation to Florida, but we had to go back because I couldn’t find the Keys.

1. Broadcast regulatory agency 2. Doctor in a 1964 movie 3. Caterer’s coffeemaker 4. Hand-dyed fabric 5. Flower part 6. Set free

What are the two longest words one can spell using each letter only once from this wheel?

Puzzle

U N A O D G S R E

What are the five six-letter words that can be spelled with no repeating letters from this wheel, that all start with “D”?

What are the nine three-letter words that can be spelled with no repeating letters from this wheel, that all end with “D”?

What are the two longest words one can spell without using the letter “D”? BONUS: What is one 8-letter word that can be spelled that is the same in both French and English?

Twitter Winner

Seriously Sudoku

7 2

I did a theatrical performance on puns. It was a play on words. I ate too much Middle Eastern food, and now I falafel.

DOWN

Think you’re a word wizard? Tweet the completed puzzle @theSilhouette and be on this page next week!

7. Satisfied another’s whim 8. “____ we having fun yet?” 9. Dad’s boys 10. Financier aboard the “Titanic” 11. Able to be constrained 12. Free, as from ropes 13. First-grade time out? 18. 40 winks 22. Android, e.g. 23. Ewe youth 24. Brainchild 25. With awareness 27. Warbling sound 31. And others, for short 34. Food or drink container 35. Suffix with “psych” 36. Alcove for a statue 37. Frozen and slippery 39. Kind of lodge 41. Tight, as a drum skin 42. Units of work or energy 44. TV showings 46. Like many websites 47. Push forward 51. Door securers 53. Choice invitees 54. Sample, as wine 55. Obey the photographer 57. Pate de ____ gras 59. Salt Lake City’s state 62. SSW opposite 63. “Bravo!” at a bullfight 64. It amounts to nothing 65. Air leak sound

6 1 8 5 9 1 4 9 2 9 5 8 2 3 3 8 7 7 5 8 4 2 Puzzle Place six coins like this: In only three moves, moving only one coin at a time, make a circle/ hexagon of coins with coin touching at least two other coins after each time it is moved.

The Silhouette

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Lifestyle THE SKINNY

Emma Little Contributor The end of Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs, the “younger sister” of the Marc Jacobs brand, is no more after 15 years. The brand will soon be absorbed into the Marc Jacobs main brand line. The brands will all be under the main brand line, with two price points. We’ll miss you, MbMJ. Hello, James Reynolds

After months of silence, Ryan Reynolds finally confirmed the name of his three-monthold daughter with wife Blake Lively and her name is James! Reynolds confirmed the name on The Today Show and said he waited so long because he was being protective. 38 in 83

Acrobats Cheetah Platt and Rhiann Woodyard, who got engaged last year, are planning to marry 38 times in 83 days. Friends and family are funding the couple, and so far they have married in Spain, Morocco, Thailand, Fiji, India, and Egypt. And then there were four

One Direction has lost one its key members and teenage fans worldwide are crying. Zayn Malik has decided to quit the band, and although its sad news for a lot of people, it makes for great social media memes.

www.thesil.ca

THIS WEEK Get a degree, and a business Eight finalists in the McMaster Spectrum’s Student Startup Competition share tips on being a student entrepreneur PAGE 24

Leaving on a jet plane

Deciding to move abroad can often bring a lot of mixed feelings. Although you’ll most likely go through a rollercoaster of emotions, making the decision to pack up after graduation can be a rewarding experience.

Daniella Porano Lifestyle Reporter

Coming back to Pearson from Gatwick in March of my Grade 12 year, I promised myself that I would return to London, the city that won my heart, as soon as I possibly could. In the haze of first and second year, my mind was primarily focused on the adjustment to university. Everything felt new and exciting, and I was eager to absorb every possible opportunity. Like everyone else, I felt lost and confused in my third year. What did I really want from life? As much as I tried to prevent the thoughts, I continued to dwell on London, which to me felt like endless possibilities. I dreamt about the city constantly, thinking about its gorgeous buildings, the millions of stories that made it fascinating, the ease of European travel, and the overwhelming cultural access. For someone who grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, London was an absolute visual masterpiece, a sensory overload. I vividly remember walking to school when it dawned on me that I didn’t have to deny myself. I could

do this. What was really holding me back at this point? I played with the thought for over a year, until I began applications to graduate school in fourth year with the determination to move to London, something that scared me as much as it excited me. The question that tormented me on a daily basis was

coated with expected anxiety trying new things all summer and a deep analysis of my own long. How am I going to leave personal strength. Could I leave my family, who, in my case, is everything and everyone I had the reason I’m even able to go ever known to move across the at all? I mean, how do you say Atlantic in chase goodbye to of a dream? Was I someone just lusting after an you’ve elaborate illusion shared that I had cultivateverything Could I leave ed from a touristy with for everything and week abroad as a years? form of escapism? I You everyone I had didn’t know. don’t. ever known to I thought about I’m my friends and famprobably move across the ily, and how intrito Atlantic in chase going cately I had weaved mutter “I my life around can’t of a dream? theirs. I thought about the streets of Toronto, the places that shaped wait for your me, and eventually, I began to family feel more excited than afraid. ChristI’ve begun making mental notes about what I’m going to miss. And there’s so much. Sunday lunches with the family, drunken, pizza-filled nights with my best friends, and

“

mas party” to my best friends, accompanied by some sort of half-hearted drinking motion, through a sea of tears. I’m definitely going to beg them to

“come and visit me - because I mean it is free room and board! All you have to do is cover your flight!” What I’m really saying is thank you for everything. You are part of the reason I am able to do this, and I love you. Please come stay with me, because I want to share this with you. It’s not a goodbye, it’s just a new chapter that I am lucky enough to open surrounded by people I care about. While I can vividly picture the plane ride to London, I can’t quite imagine how I’ll feel when I land at Gatwick or Heathrow. It’s a feeling that no travel blogs or expat guides can describe adequately. Maybe I’ll feel like I’m ready to take on the world. It’s more likely I’ll feel like getting back on the plane and turning around to fly back into the familiarity and comfort of home. My life has become a giant love letter to London, to travel, and to being able to do things I thought I couldn’t do, and I have never felt freer. Next September, I’m moving to London, England. I don’t know how long I’m going to be there or what it’ll be like. For once, I genuinely don’t know what to expect. And that is refreshingly okay. @daniellaporano

Lifestyle

www.thesil.ca

So you go to Mac and you run a business? Finalists in McMaster Spectrum’s Student Startup Competition talk about life as a student entrepreneur

Henry Beckett

Being a student and entrepreneur simultaneously brings constant personal real-world relevance to what you’ve studied. This is a benefit that no school, no matter how high in quality, could ever deliver so effectively.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Sabrina Sibbald Contributor

It’s midnight. You’re tired, but you can’t go to sleep yet – you’ve got a chapter to study, a paper to finish, and a business to run. Hold up, a business to run? That’s right, while some mere mortals (i.e. myself) worry about how they are going to balance school, clubs, and a social life, there is a rare breed that is able to do all this, and run their own business: the student entrepreneur.

Having graduated from the Engineering and Management program at McMaster, I started with a basic knowledge of business, but through the ever-growing resources for student entrepreneurs at Mac I’ve been taught so much more about how to build a sustainable business around a simple idea.

Comikka

Shiloh Covey

HARvEST

[It’s] the equivalent of running a race. There are hurdles, some big some small, but it all depends and how high you are willing to jump. You do this without fear of failing, because sometimes you will, and sometimes you’ll jump higher than anyone else before you.”

As student entrepreneurs we’re given the opportunity to positively influence and engage with our surroundings… I’ve become more connected. It’s a self-fulfilling attitude that has allowed me to become passionate, curious and driven in everything I do. Finish strong and fail fast.

Start the Cycle

Peter Basl

Blue Orchid

Graham Spry UWallet

I joined the entrepreneurship program after earning my PhD and five years of work. It was overwhelming but exciting being back as a student to start my own business, while still working. However, it was the best way of doing it, as students get a lot of support and opportunities.

Being a student entrepreneur is a unique experience. The skills you learn at school are immediately applied in the real world. I have learned more from my experiences of starting a company than I could ever have from school alone.

Chetan Singh RotaNovus

Ranggo

Sina Afshani

Jeffrey Girard

Entrepreneurship is about the journey and taking risks and whether you fail or succeed what you learn along the way is far greater and rewarding than any job or academic experience. [It] means having the freedom and the ability to explore ideas and opportunities deemed impossible by others.

Working with a start-up and being a student is rewarding but busy. It offers the opportunity to apply theoretical lecture material to real-world situations. Additionally, being a student at McMaster provides resources including professors, market research, and student organizations which have helped grow the startup.

@pinksburgers LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

/pinksburgers

Crisitna Beghian Sound Options Tinnitus Treatment

Lifestyle

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Spring into spring! With finals season here, it’s important to get into the spring mood Alexandra Kilian SHEC

March 21 marked the first day of spring. The snow is melting, the geese are returning, and soon the plants will bud and flowers will bloom. Personal rebirth – as cheesy as it sounds – is needed. This is especially true in the chaotic month of March, when motivation seems to be dwindling and exhaustion and stress are the words of the day. As students, it is unlikely that we have the time or will for a classic “spring cleaning.” Come to think of it, does anyone actually do that? Probably not. Even without the classic spring cleaning – hanging everything outside and dusting every corner – there is a lot of cleansing to do and meaning to find during this season. Some might find it helpful to do a smaller clean, or more of a “de-clutter” by throwing out the things that you don’t need and getting organized. This cleansing ritual may help you get mentally ready for the upcoming season and, as much

as I hate to say it, exams. Spring is all about change. There are a number of things that can be done to help get over the winter blues and spring into spring! My favourite thing about spring is the warming weather. Shed your winter coat and those heavy winter boots and enjoy the outdoors; it feels so refreshing and relaxing. When you go for coffee with a friend or for a meeting, sit on the patio to get some sunshine. If you've been exercising indoors a lot, switch to some more outdoor exercise to benefit from the fresh air by going on a run, enjoying a bike ride, or stroll. On your next study break, be sure to grab one of these cool bikes and feel the wind in your hair. Use the outdoors to rediscover how to relax, change your study space and even to inspire yourself artistically. If you don’t feel like going outdoors, you can bring the green indoors. Buying a small potted plant and watching it grow can brighten your day. It’s a wonderful way to refresh your space and make you smile by reminding you, yet again, that

it’s spring. The next best thing about spring is the return of outdoor farmers’ markets and the accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit has so many benefits for your health and sense of self. Try to start your morning with a springlike smoothie or a nice spring salad with fresh strawberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, plan a picnic or eat outside. And beyond all that, remember that by buying local you are helping Ontario farmers, in addition to reducing your carbon footprint. Finally, take the time to think back on winter, and on your semester. Think about successes and failures as well as future goals. Think about something that you might want to change or something that you’ve been meaning to try for a while – and then go for it! Spring is a perfect season for transformation and growth. Whatever you do, try to find a way to make this a fun and meaningful season. March might be rough, but before you know it, all the stress and worry will be over.

www.thesil.ca

Hamilton’s top spring locations

Theo Abraham Contributor

It’s allergy season, baby. We have never been happier to say hello to the sniffles and goodbye to the cold. Now that spring is in the air, it’s time to pull out the short-shorts and pack away the long johns. We’re here to help find the perfect venues to unveil the version of yourself hidden away all winter in the ten-tonne parka you call a jacket. Give a hoot, visit Cootes My fellow Marauders, I invite you to take a trip on the wild side in Cootes Paradise. Explore some of the many gorgeous trails by foot or bike, and check out some of the amazing Hamilton wildlife. This location doubles as an amazing place for nature hikes, bird observing, and makes a great date for all that new spring love.

Sarcoa Restaurant Bar Yeah, there is no pun for this one; it’s straight up an incredible restaurant to visit. With moderate pricing, delicious food, and an amazing view of the water, you would truly be missing out on spring if you didn’t at least try this seasonal restaurant.

Spring/Summer courses at Brock

Falls in love If you have lived in Hamilton for more than five minutes, you know that it is home to the most waterfalls in the world. Take some time to see the Bill Green Falls, Webster’s Falls, Tiffany Falls, or Beckers Falls. If you’re feeling really adventurous, take a trip to the dark side and grab a quick drink from the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Not literally though—it’s another waterfall in Hamilton.

We’ve got what you need • Accelerated two-week “super” courses • Online and in-class courses • Wide range of Faculties and programs

Vroom vroom

Spring forward. brocku.ca/springsummer

Now this is for all you gear heads and oil monkeys out there. The ultimate in car-lover experience is right here in your backyard. If you’ve ever been itching to take a spin in some of the fastest and most exotic cars in world, there’s a place for that. Ultimate Exotics is a car rental and tour through Hamilton taking your excitement from 0 – 100 real quick. Buckle up, drive a convertible with the top down, and truly enjoy the warmth of spring.

Lifestyle

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

RECIPE

Easter treat: Mini Egg Cake square Emma Little Contributor

Ingredients Yields two nine inch cakes

•

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans

•

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the pans

•

1 tablespoon baking powder

•

1/2 teaspoon salt

•

1 1/2 cups sugar

•

4 large eggs, at room temperature

•

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

•

3/4 cup heavy cream

•

1 cup of Mini Eggs

This is the photo caption font. Use a black box behind white text is it does not read clearly on the image. C/O PHOTOG NAME

C/O EMMA LITTLE

Step one: The batter Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk 3 cups flour, the baking powder and salt in a bowl until combined. Beat 2 sticks butter and the sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. (The mixture may look separated at this point.) Mix 1/2 cup water with the cream in a liquid measuring cup or bowl. Beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour, until just smooth. To jazz it up, add sprinkles to the cake batter to make your own homemade funfetti mix. Step two: The eggs Place mini eggs into a sealed bag, smash them into smaller pieces, and add the pieces into the batter.

Step three: Get baked Grease a 7 x 11 baking tin, or line with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into a baking tin, making sure the batter is spread evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden coloured. If unsure whether the cake is finished, stick a toothpick or fork into the center; if it comes out clean, it is finished. Cool before cutting into squares.

The Silhouette

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

NAME:

MAKE YOUR OWN:

IGGY FREESTYLE Pis Tow Pa Hoes Point Tall Imma Call Gaster Fall No Iggy Yo Nah Joint sdf Bu Yoo Sid Rapter Joint Bop Win Faster Wa Gi Waw Giii Aw Col

andy

Thursday, March 26, 2015

This week’s quick picks

The McMaster Honours Performance Series play is far from its title

MUSIC

THE CASBAH > Dirty 30 Bash > Chico Dusty > Ryan Boldt > God Made Me Funky

Review: Tasteless

Keeping up with Coming up in Hamilton

www.thesil.ca

MAR 27 MAR 29 APR 1 APR 2

HOMEGROWN > Open Mic > Tom Savage > Pat Maloney > Tear Away Tusa

MAR 26 MAR 27 MAR 28 MAR 28

THIS AIN’T HOLLYWOOD > Limblift > The Crawlin Kingsnakes > Katrina > Jimmy and the Jerks

MAR 26 MAR 14 MAR 28 MAR 29

THEATRE

Robinson Memorial > State of Mind > Last Call

MAR 26-27 MAR 26-27

NIGHTLIFE

Heist > James Johnson night Join the Toronto Raptor in the Hess Street club

MAR 27

Tasteless starred Taylor Yanke, Claire Shingleton-Smith, Ian Wilush, Rowan Traynor, Nicole Anne, and Zac Williams.

Ayesha Siddiqi

Pushing Hoops Last time I checked, Ayesha was the queen of these tweets. As editor-in-chief of The New Inquiry, Ayesha Siddiqi has moved the non-profit magazine/ website in a direction entirely opposite of the one employed by BuzzFeed *clapping emoji*. Siddiqi has now taken the educated #hot #takes her magazine and Twitter are famed for to podcast form. The first volume of Pushing Hoops With Sticks features Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend in a discussion about race and class in current-day America. And Kanye. We are out here in 2015.

THE ANDY CHARTS

ALBUM TITLE

I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside

To Pimp A Butterfly

56 Nights

Mr. Wonderful

Blatlanta 3

Eclipse

Sometimes I Sit and Think...

Reminisce

Fantasy Empire

Viet Cong naming their band Viet Cong, smh @ white bros

Force Majeure A Swedish drama that fans of Karl Ove Knausgård’s work will take to kindly. Like the Norwegian writer’s work, the film focuses on the minutiae of familial life and reveals how tiny actions can shape one’s relationships. Rather lengthy at 119 minutes, it’s worth it for the ending alone.

The Verdict

Alexandra Florescu ANDY Reporter

The season for Theatre and Film Honours Performance Series is upon us, and the School of Arts has a space reserved for you in the crowd. Last week’s bill featured Tasteless, described on posters as “a nice dark comedy.” The production ran seamlessly from start to finish, garnering many laughs from the audience. One criticism of comedy can be that it does not carry any sense of meaningful weight outside of entertainment. How Tasteless managed to pull off both is credit to the production team and cast who made the stage their own. Making use of a humble set, the entire one-hour play was set among a bed and nightstand. Three doors in the background served to mark the coming and going of characters. A brief but entirely appropriate soundtrack featured a slowed-down rendition of Jimmy Buffet’s “If You Like Piña Coladas” and Three Dog Night’s “One (Is the Loneliest Number).” The protagonist Mike Hunt (Taylor Yanke) is a naïve comedian trying to make a living out of wit, who decides that the

small town of Sommersvale is exactly the kind of welcome change that he needs. As far as small towns go, Sommersvale will probably beat out any other in terms of number of quirky habitants. Stan (Rowan Traynor) is a Mike Hunt fanboy to his core, and you will find him hiding in the shadows for the majority of the play. Lisa’s (Claire Shingleton-Smith) instant infatuation with Mike raises a number of red flags, but oblivious Hunt walks into every trap with a smile on his face. Zac Williams plays Larry/Terry/ Jerry, switching from garbage man to cable guy to mailman with effortless ease. Dr. Annita Mann (Nicole Clarke) is not a conventional doctor, choosing to run a slaughterhouse in her spare time. At the pinnacle of it all is the mayor, played by one of the directors/writers Ian Wilush, whose orchestrating hand makes the town run like clockwork. Mike wants desperately to break out of his comedian mould, but the town has other plans for him. In Sommersvale, fiction and reality are warped, dulling the lines between persona and person. Too trusting and eager to please, Mike plays right into the hands of those who are not what they appear. Tasteless challenged the preconceived construct of what it

means to be funny, poking at the cultural obsession with celebrities and our eager consumption of their personal lives. Satirical, dark and poignant, the play builds to its shocking end while making you laugh along the way. Rude jokes garner a few blushes, but it is important to remember not to take the play too seriously. Witty dialogue, refreshing humour and transcendent acting made the play a phenomenal performance. Not one actor stood out among the others, each embodying their character with enough zeal to give their personalities credibility. Their struggles, while at times a little far removed from my own life, were grounded in shared experience. Many people can relate to feeling the pressure to be someone that others expect you to be, a parallel between celebrity Mike Hunt and the audience that may not be initially perceived. My only regret is not having gone to any of the shows prior. While the curtain closed on Tasteless for the last time a week ago, the School of the Arts is running their two final productions Last Call and State of Mind on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27. @alexxflorescu

the

big tickle If you were to write a novel, what would it be about?

Ana

The communist regime in Albania.

Gabe

Andrea

The life of a rickshaw Crime. operator in downtown Toronto.

Giuliana

Definitely coffee; it’s my lifeblood.

Tishya

A romance novel.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

andy

www.thesil.ca

Interview: Kate Quinn Nimra Khan Contributor

Title: Lady of the Eternal City Author: Kate Quinn 528 pages Price: $13.53 (paperback)

hot trailer

takes

with andy In which we make hyperbolic judgements on entire films based only off their initial trailers.

The Verdict

In the two years since I last interviewed Kate Quinn for her book Empress of the Seven Hills, she has had time to work on its sequel, Lady of The Eternal City, which came out on March 3. The latter surpassed all her other books based on subject matter, characters, and plot. In short, I loved it. Empress of the Seven Hills follows the trio of Vix, Sabina, and Titus one year later. Hadrian, now Emperor of Rome, is engrossed in his new plans for the Empire, leaving little time or respect for his wife, Empress Sabina. He is earning the reputation of a ruthless, untrustworthy emperor, and Sabina needs to find a way to control that side of him. Vix is serving as the Emperor’s “dog,” forced to jail his friends on the Emperor’s command and possibly kill his best friend Titus. The lives of these three friends that I grew to love in the previous books continue to get entangled in a flurry of schemes revolving around Hadrian. Along with the addition of a few new faces, the views of many different characters are effortlessly woven together. “I’ve always liked complicated interwoven plots, so perhaps I’m just getting used to it by now,” said Quinn of her book. “To be honest, I’m very glad you thought I pulled it off, because this book was the book from hell in many ways. Many plots, many characters, many

historical threads, and...many headaches while writing.” Emperor Hadrian was hailed as a man with many masks, and someone who was hard to pin down. Quinn said that Hadrian was the most surprising and contradictory historical figure in her research. “Almost every character trait he had was bracketed by its exact opposite: he was a cynical mystic, an artistic man of science, a scholarly warrior, an animal-loving hunter, and a man of mercy with a cruel streak. I still have no idea if my version is anywhere near to the truth—and that’s what makes him fascinating.” I was surprised to find so many serious topics so deftly woven into the story, including homosexuality, rape, misogyny, and religion. For instance, Quinn boldly tells the story of the love between two men (one of them being the Emperor), the backlash they face from society, and the very real legacy they leave on Rome. Quinn explained that she has wanted to write a more central gay male romance for a long time, “precisely because it would give the chance to explore the issues we face today through a lens of Roman culture, which at first seems much more lenient than our own, but is revealed to have its own set of prejudices. Ancient Rome didn’t have homophobia the way we do today; they didn’t have words for ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ as states of identity, just words for individual homosexual acts. And Roman

Tomi Milos ANDY Editor

Great, a Judd Apatow rom-com that he both wrote and directed. The last two rom-coms that Apatow did the same on were Knocked Up and This Is 40, with the former being insufferable for its bro-inflected humour and the latter being the same in that you will have turned 40 yourself by the time it finally finishes. Trainwreck looks like it’ll appeal to the type who annoyingly launch into pseudo-philosophical tirades about the downfalls of monogamy at a party when everyone is just trying to have a good time. As the Apatow newcomer, Amy Schumer seems to slot effortlessly into the role normally occupied by Seth Rogen, that

men especially could face a lot of condemnation if they were perceived as ‘taking the woman’s role’ in a male-male relationship.” I was also surprised that the story of Hadrian and his lover was something I’d never read or heard about. Given his stature, why wasn’t Hadrian’s love story as commonly known as some other historical figures’ dalliances? Quinn explained, “there was a lot of embarrassment from historical scholars of the past in studying Hadrian, because you cannot write about him without writing about the male lover he adored so publicly. Their romance—and by effect, Hadrian’s reign—had something of a scholarly blackout for a long time, but thankfully, that view is changing and we are seeing a lot of scholarly work done on Hadrian’s remarkable reign. We are also starting to see a good deal more LGBTQ characters in mainstream romance...and not just as ‘the heroine’s gay best friend’ or ‘the hero’s lesbian cousin,’ but getting their own stories as protagonists.” Although many characters in Lady of the Eternal City are fictional, there are just as many who are plucked from history, which makes for a tantalizing experience. Quinn’s series is definitely worth the read not just for entertainment, but also for how it shows what we can learn from past blunders in history.

of the heartless bachelor/ette whose heavy drinking lifestyle is supposed to endear her to the American masses. Schumer works at a men’s magazine in New York where she is assigned a profile on a leading sports doctor played by Bill Hader, who might end up being the movie’s saving grace. Always one for racial equality, Apatow enlists the help of a benchwarmer from NBA bottom feeders, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to play Hader’s Downton Abbey buddy. When you have LeBron James as your token black man, it either means Kevin Hart was busy or you are doing well for yourself. While she begins the film not believing in monogamy, it seems like Schumer is to buy into the heteronormative fantasy of marriage and it is only a matter of time before she does. Seems like a right trainwreck to me.

andy

www.thesil.ca

Thursday, March 26, 2015

First Look: Fresh Off the Boat Despite its questionable title, Fresh Off the Boat offers a diverse spin on the traditional sitcom that produces enough laughs to keep you watching Michael Gallagher Asst. ANDY Editor

Even though it’s only eight episodes in, ABC’s latest comedy Fresh Off the Boat is already making waves. Boasting a 90 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show has quickly joined the ranks of promising new comedies like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, becoming a must-see title for 2015 television. However, what makes Fresh Off the Boat unique isn’t the laughs or the gags, it’s the cast themselves. From the beginning, Fresh Off the Boat was marketed as an important departure from the standard white protagonists seen in practically every sitcom in the history of television, towards a focus on the lives of Asian Americans. This claim only gained more attention

when Fresh Off the Boat received criticism from the very man the show was based on. In a lengthy personal essay on the site Vulture, author Eddie Huang criticized show creator Nahnatchka Khan and executive producer Melvin Mar for taking away the critical edges of his creative vision, in favour of something more family and network friendly. Thankfully, with each episode it becomes clear that the show’s positive ratings aren’t a coincidence; Fresh Off the Boat is undeniably a success. In fact, even though Eddie Huang had issues with the show with regards to its creative vision, he has since praised its ability to break down some of the stereotypes surrounding what defines an Asian family in America. To Huang, Fresh Off the Boat give Asian Americans the ability to define themselves, rather than restricting that definition to the few characters in mainstream

media. All this certainly left me very curious. While I don’t belong to an ethnic minority, my own social circle is typical of anyone who grew up in the GTA; most of my friends aren’t

“

To Huang, Fresh Off the Boat give Asian Americans the ability to define themselves, rather than restricting that definition to the few characters in mainstream media. white. So when I watch television shows packed with only white characters, I honestly don’t feel as connected given how different my own upbring-

ing was. If such a small difference can produce a noticeable disconnect, even when the rest of the material is from my own culture, actual minorities are clearly experiencing an even greater disconnect between their own experiences, and what they see on television. Still, some people may disagree with the idea of diverse representation being necessary or impactful, and that’s what makes Fresh Off the Boat so effective. Right from the very first episode, the lead characters within the show are already experiencing situations directly unique to their race or culture. This makes Fresh Off the Boat not just an engaging comedy, but as an existing example of how diversity can change one’s perspective. If you’re one of the skeptics, watch a few episodes of the show and you’ll quickly see just how different others’ experiences can be. For example, when the main

character Eddie starts his first few days of Grade 6, he gets criticized in the cafeteria for eating Chinese food that the other school children describe as “worms.” These kinds of situations, though subtle, accurately reflect some of the challenges presented to those that belong to a cultural minority, and for many people watching at home, they’re something they haven’t ever considered. It’s likely the more you watch Fresh Off the Boat, the more you’ll gain perspective on how other cultures go through life. So while it’s certainly not immune to criticism, Fresh Off the Boat is a show that’s both culturally significant, and hilarious. If you’re looking for something to get you laughing and thinking, this show is a must watch. @mikeygalgz

andy

Thursday, March 26, 2015

www.thesil.ca

Navigating Battle of the Bands Michelle Yeung ANDY Reporter

As the members of Boy With An Atlas – Riley Ducharme, Spencer Jones, Annette Amenta, Stewart Crocker, and Tyra Lennie – slowly filtered into the room, it was clear that this was not a typical stoic and eclectic indie-rock outfit. Fresh off their win at McMaster University’s annual Battle of the Bands competition, the quintet radiated a laid-back aesthetic that effectively calmed my caffeine-ridden nerves. I could see just how comfortable they were with each other in the way they conversed and exchanged little pokes, inside jokes, and playful glances. But this atypically strong bond for a young, relatively new band was not in-your-face obnoxious; it was effortless. Battle of the Bands, an annual competition put on by the MSU, is the title event for many aspiring bands at McMaster University. Notable past winners include Arkells, The Dirty Nil, and Of Gentlemen and Cowards, all local groups who have since catapulted to commercial success. This year, Day Drunk, Monroe Park, Coyote Black, and Boy With An Atlas all competed for a spot at the Ontario Finals in London at Fanshawe University. Boy With An Atlas took the trophy home, and will represent McMaster at the provincial level on Thursday, March 26. The origin of Boy With An Atlas dates back to 2011, when then-singer-songwriter Ducharme and then-pianist Jones met in Brandon Hall as first year students. The two began a fourpiece folk ensemble in the piano room at Brandon, along with a trumpet player and bassist. Through the years, the band has undergone various line-up changes. With the addition of

Boy With An Atlas, winners of Mac’s Battle of the Bands, discuss their win, plans for the future, and their shared love for the city of Hamilton. drummer Crocker and bass player Amenta, Ducharme and Jones ditched their acoustic set-up for electric guitars and opted for a more indie-rock feel. Coupled with this was a persistent desire to include a synth sound to their music, and the recent addition of Lennie, a keys player and vocalist, was a natural and well-fitting progression towards that sound. The band released their debut EP Doors of Dublin in 2013, with another soon to be released. When asked about their song-writing process, Crocker described it as dependent on the song but “usually collaborative, in a sense.” While Ducharme and Jones focus more on melody and vocals, these ideas are then brought to Crocker, Amenta, and Lennie who work on their respective parts. Although the band has a distinctly electric sound, they do cite various musical influences. Ducharme: “We’re all into different types of music, and I think that comes out in our individual performances and as a whole, which is cool. Songwriting wise, The Killers is a big one; really, though, our overall sound is just a combination of all our members.” Individually, the group members’ personal choices of inspirational artists reaffirms Ducharme’s take on the group’s varied taste: Iggy Pop for Ducharme, Johnny Marr for Jones, The Beatles for Amenta, Taylor Swift for Lennie, and a plethora of private lesson teachers for Crocker. Ducharme: “I also like a lot of the bands from Hamilton who have done pretty well; the Arkells, Dirty Nill, for instance. I look up to local bands from Hamilton who [were] able to

make it in their own different ways because we want to do the same with Boy With An Atlas. I think the rest of the band feels the same way – the music scene is amazing here.” Amenta: “It’s really a vibrant hub.” Indeed, it is. Hamilton’s music scene burgeons with undiscovered talent. Dubbed by many as the indie-band capital, many successful Canadian artists catapulted from relative obscurity in the Hammer, to stardom. To date, Boy With An Atlas has only played in their hometown; their performance at the Ontario Finals will be their first show outside of the city. Still, they are not unfamiliar with Battle of the Bands, having made it to the finals two years ago. However, this year is the first where Ducharme felt as though they had “finally found their sound,” making it an entirely different experience. Ducharme: “Last Wednesday was a massive highlight for sure. I think we had a show in November, unfortunately before Tyra joined us, and that was great. It was the first time we played a full set with our new sound. It was the first time I thought: Wow, this could really be a thing. I got the same rush playing at the Battle of the Bands finals last week.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the key to Boy With An Atlas’ success thus far hasn’t only been their love for music and their devotion to perfecting their talent, it has been lots of practice. It seems however that though practice is key, there were many other factors that influenced their victory. Ducharme: “Honestly, there was some really stiff competition altogether this year. I was really, really impressed with all

the bands. No way did I ever think, or still think, we had or have an upper edge. At the end of the day, luck is definitely factored into this.” Lennie: “Yeah, everyone was honestly so good. I literally went “oh man” after each performance; waiting for results, any name that was announced would’ve made sense.” Jones: “Competitions like these really does span more than just the practice. Two years ago, we were in the finals as [a] folk band. We took a lot of comments – more hooks, more vocal melodies – from the judges then, and incorporated [those ideas] into forming our new sound. Our goal has always been to win this competition, and we truly kept in mind those constructive comments not only in our performance, but in the process of writing our songs and establishing our sound.” Two years later, after fine-tuning their sound and implementing the judge’s comments into their creative regime, Boy With An Atlas had finally come out on top. The victory, however, comes secondary to the experience. Ducharme: “Battle of the Bands is a great experience. You get comments and feedback from people in the industry, and it’s local so there’s always such a great crowd… last Wednesday was probably one of the best shows we’re ever had.” Crocker: “This is truly a culmination for me. Ever since I was in the band, we talked about Battle of the Bands and being the last band standing. Coming in and winning is, to me, the ultimate completion of our goal as a band. It feels good to know we accomplished something that has always been such a big influence to us.”

In the near future, three of the five band members will be graduating. Though this leaves a hazy area for the future of Boy With An Atlas, it was unanimously agreed upon that they would all take this project as far as the road allows. Life after the competition yields recording time for their upcoming EP, as well as a show on April. 18 at The Doors Pub in Hess Village (and it’s free for students). Currently though, their prime focus is doing their best at provincials, for which they hope for their supporters back home to keep their fingers crossed. Throughout my time with the band, it was clear how ecstatic they were with their recent victory. At the same time, not one person was even slightly blinded by the gleam of the new trophy. Their rare combination of talent and a genuine passion for music is both refreshing and deeply affecting. This is a no-nonsense, no-spectacle band; it’s a group of good friends and music lovers who enjoy making and sharing good music. During the interview, we briefly discussed the band’s excitement whilst playing at JunoFest a couple weeks back. They were scheduled to play on the roof of a really cool building, but that somehow fell through. With their endearing charm and captivating sound, I would not be surprised to see Boy With An Atlas play wherever they wished in the near future – whether it be on stages, in stadiums, or even on the rooftop of that really cool building in downtown Hamilton. @mich_yeung

THURSDAY

RITCH IN VITAMIN L Local vendor asks: Halal, is it meat you’re look ing for? A7

HAMILTON SPECULATOR OUT OF OUR ELEMENT SINCE 1934

NOTSPEC.COM

MARCH 26, 2015

Students fight for the right to SOLAR

Looking directly into SOLAR has led to newfound appreciation for Mosaic.

MARIANNA GOLD Legally blind

March 23, 2015 marked the official launch of Mosaic, McMaster’s new student administration system. For those unfamiliar with the change, Mosaic replaces a variety of the university’s aging systems, including MUGSI and SOLAR. In midst of the highly-anticipated reveal, many

have forgotten the chaos that erupted months prior. News that the beloved SOLAR system would no longer exist caused an outbreak of riots all over campus. “Why fix what isn’t broken” was written on signs everywhere; in tears of frustration, one student told the story of how the only time she bonds with her family is during course selection season by making all of them sit around the kitchen table to refresh SOLAR on their MacBook

Pros. “Taking SOLAR away equates to taking away the close relationship I have with my family,” the student said as she choked back tears. But this past Monday was a new dawn; Mosaic, surprising to even those who supported SOLAR, did not disappoint. Within thirty minutes – an astonishing pace, comparable to the speed at which Usain Bolt won the 2008 100m final in Beijing

– of its opening for student enrolment in Spring/Summer courses, the site crashed. Immediately thereafter, #betterthanSOLAR began trending on social media platforms everywhere. Facebook page “Spotted At Mac” became the ultimate platform for students’ undeniable approval for Mosaic. In light of its crash, one student posted: “Mosaic is the best! I didn’t know they could make any-

The root, the root, the root is on fire HUNTER HARPER Demidextrous

Facility services are still trying to pick up the pieces from the infamous St. Paddy’s Day fiasco at √69, campus restaurant turned club. Two weeks ago, students flooded campus for what promised to be a night of educational fun, but things got out of control. According to sources, the line to get in stretched all the way to the campus Starbucks - which was amazing for service, Starbucks employee Dave reported. “We actually closed the store for the next three days. We made a

week’s worth of sales in one night, so we thought, why not? All of our customers will probably be at home sleeping for the week anyways.” To the disappointment of many, the night quickly turned sour when administration miscounted and let in too many partygoers at once. Annie was at the scene and described the moment when the walls of √69 ruptured. “I thought it was a really great bass drop,” reported Annie, who lost her phone in the rubble and couldn’t tweet about the incident to her friends. Staff members were hoping to reopen the space by Thursday night,

but two weeks have passed and they have still not managed to repair the walls. Administration is doing all that they can and the cause has been put on priority. Bear Peppers thinks that if the student body can corral together towards this united goal, then fun can resume for all before the next big event. “If each person can put up one brick, maybe in the break between class, then we can both rebuild a campus landmark and simultaneously prove that we as students will not back down in the face of a challenge.” Until then, the nearby library has agreed to close off one floor ev-

ery Thursday night, agreeing that the students have shown a clear need for the service on social media. Status posts like “it’s not Thursday without √69” and “where else can I wear my summer clothing?” flooded the web as distraught students fondly remembered the place that √69 held in their hearts.

TWITTER CAMPAIGN Want to see a resurgent socialist republic in the former soviet union? Tweet @PutinRF_Eng with the hashtag #youSSR and bring back the Iron Curtain!

Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Unless you’re into that sort of thing. Then do what you want. I’m not your dad. Or am I?

thing crash faster than SOLAR – they truly defied all expectations by improving efficiency!” Other posts included: “They said McMaster would be SOOO much better than SOLAR… and they were right!” “I cannot believe how quickly everything I got into Mosaic; I got into all of my desired courses before I got my Booster Juice order at MUSC!” “It’s dope that Mosaic has a tab that says Student Centre; shoutouts to MUSC! #WeBleedMaroon” Unofficial polls show approximately 99.9% of the student body rallying behind Mosaic, praising it for its beautiful interface and incredible speed. As of now, there has yet to be one complaint filed against the new system, a true triumph for administration involved in going against disbelievers and pulling off this gargantuan feat. Perhaps the most hard-hitting response to Mosaic was given by President Bear Peppers 2. “Although Mosaic is supposed to be an interface that replaces current computer systems and acts as a means for modernized business processes, it is so much more,” he said. Mosaic represents McMaster’s student body, a plethora of individuals united into one diverse mosaic of students. I am glad the site has lived up to its name by uniting us all today, in satisfaction and in excitement to move forth with putting all of our important administrative tasks in the hands of such a dependable system.”

INSIDE LOST AT SEA: SHIPWRECK SURVIVOR DOESN’T WANT TO TALK ABOAT IT A5 GENEROUS MINERS TELL CITY: WHAT’S MINE IS YOURS A9 “SELDOM” BECOMING WORD TO DESCRIBE HAYEK’S SOVEREIGN TERRITORY B3 PEOPLE’S BANANA REPUBLIC C3 PER ISSUE: If you don’t like it, talk to the hand. He’s on the second floor in HR. INCL. HST, PST & Ellie’s signature.