The Silhouette - December 1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

The Silhouette VOLUME 82, NO. 16

MARAUDERS WIN FIRST VANIER CUP IN SCHOOL HISTORY SPECIAL 4-PAGE PULL OUT SECTION INSIDE

This is a paid advertisement by the MSU

the

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Duncan Thompson VP (Finance)

Katie Ferguson VP (Administration)

Matthew Dillon-Leitch President

Alicia Ali VP (Education)

New Ontario Tuition Grants Available Soon!

Universal student grants just the latest procurement brought about by student lobbying association OUSA

Alicia Ali VP (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 24017

News of particular importance to the students of McMaster is the new Ontario Tuition Grant, which will reduce tuition fees for over 300,000 students in Ontario. Over the last five years, average tuition in Ontario has increased from approximately $5,300 to over $6,600.

The new grant will be available to all dependent, full-time undergraduate students in Ontario for up to four years. The grant will be worth 30% of the average tuition fees for first entry non-professional programs and will increase each year as tuition rises. For most first entry undergraduate programs, the average

is currently around $5,400 which through an online application that means the grant will be about $1,600 will likely be available to you by the for all university students this year, middle of December.

This grant is just the latest step in regardless of program. This totals to an approximate savings of about a campaign on education spearheaded $6,400 per eligible student over four by the Ontario Undergraduate Student years. The grant program is expected Alliance (OUSA). OUSA is an organization that represents to commence in January the interests of over 145,000 undergraduate, professional, 2012, which full- and part-time students will give each student half at nine university student The new grant of the grant associations across Ontario will be available at Brock, McMaster, money to all dependent, full-time Queen’s, Trent in Oshawa, $800. The full undergraduate amount will Waterloo, Western, Wilfrid students in Laurier and Windsor. be available Ontario for up to OUSA promotes the beginning in 4 years.

September interests of Ontario students by providing research and 2012. solutions to governments So, the big question – how do you get the on how to improve the affordability, money? For students on OSAP, you accessibility, accountability and the will receive the grant without an quality of post-secondary education in application. If you’re not on OSAP, Ontario.

OUSA will continue to lobby on you will need to apply for the grant

“

UPDATES: GMAIL AND NEW ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLATFORM

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

Exams are nearly here and some of you may be wondering about your new email system. The short answer is that it is coming. Since the summer, McMaster and Google have been in negotiations in regards to what the contract specifics should look like.

Once Google was able to dedicate their legal team, the two sides were able to lay out their concerns. Currently, there appears to be only a few outstanding issues left and should these be agreed upon (which it seems they will be soon) McMaster can finally begin integrating the new system. What does this means for you? The contract is likely to be signed soon, and if all goes well, you will ideally have a new email system in January. The Gmail system will provide you 7gb of space instead of the 15mb of which MUSS is capable. There are numerous

other benefits and the completion of this project will help usher in the beginning of changes to McMaster’s technological infrastructure.

The next big project after this is moving away from our MUGSI/ SOLAR system. As many of you know, this system is incredibly difficult and frustrating to use and often results in angry and bitter students. McMaster has dedicated $30 million to the change of this system and on December 6th and 15th there will be an opportunity for you to watch presentations by two potential vendors. These sessions are geared towards students, especially those who have been inconvenienced

by MUGSI/SOLAR in the past.

Attending these presentations will help ensure that our new Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP) better suits student needs. I encourage you all to attend these sessions, watch the presentations and make sure your voice is heard. Presentation dates are: December 6th 2:30pm – 4:30pm Oracle Peoplesoft - CNH B107 December 15th 8:30am – 10:30am Sunguard Banner - CNH B107

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

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

www.msu.mcmaster.ca

issues of post-secondary education, specifically tuition, throughout the rest of the year, and the McMaster Students Union is dedicated to an affordable education system for all.

For more information or details on the grant, please check out my page on the MSU website, vped.msumcmaster. ca. Also please feel free to direct any questions, comments or concerns to my e-mail, vped@msu.mcmaster.ca.

Next week, from December 4th7th students from across Ontario will be uniting in Toronto for our annual Student Advocacy Conference. This is our opportunity to take the issues that we have prioritized, and lobby Members of Provincial Parliament individually, asking for commitments and persuading them how to best use their time and resources. This year, we will be focusing on three issues in particular – the new tuition framework, a fair tuition payment process, and empowering strong teaching skills at our universities.

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

McMaster Community

Forward with integrity and realism Presidents hold open forum to discuss educational concerns of undergraduate students

YOUSIF HADDAD / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Both University and MSU Presidents addressed student concerns in a forum held on Nov. 24.

Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

If there would be one word to characterize the current motif in education it would be optimism.

Despite overwhelmingly large class sizes, climbing tuition fees, and the increasing reliance on private partnerships, educators have shown nothing short of bravery and courage in an uncertain, and at times, questionable future.

This was no better captured in president of McMaster University, Patrick Deane’s, letter to the McMaster community: Forward with Integrity.

Issued on Sept. 21, the document is not so much of a letter as it is a declaration of reassurance, recognition, and hope.

In it, Deane lauded a variety of educational endeavors, including the efforts of the ever-growing role of experiential, interdisciplinary,

and community based learning.

But such praise was sordid when compared to the variety of obstacles that still needed to be recognized, and more importantly, delt with.

Among the many, the rarefying of material and commercial funds, the loss of personal interaction in the digital age, and lingering questions of remolding education itself remained a persistent standard not quite met nor realized in between the eloquent paragraphs and sentences.

In light of such concerns, it was determined that in order to create a mutually stimulating environment for the student, the professor, and all the faculty in between, a holistic view was required, and at McMaster, this was simply not occurring on systematic level.

In the months following Deane’s letter, a variety of open forums took place as a means to foster, and per-

haps reanimate, the conversation on McMaster’s shortcomings and accolades alike.

On Nov. 24, the second of such discussions was spearheaded by Deane and MSU president, Matthew-Dillon-Leitch, to an audience composed primarily of SRA members and a few concerned students.

Deane began by saying, “Everyone contends that the education experience is meant to be unchanging.

Everything is fixed. This is not the case.”

Explaining that much of the education model is based on Harvard University in the early 20th century, and many of the problems are age-old in their inception, Deane added, “Don’t assume everything is tightly circumscribed. It is not. This University is able decide how much this course is worth and how much it isn’t, for example.”

To this, Dillon-Leitch noted that there is an overwhelming tempta-

University Finances

tion to, “redefine what university means. It’s an approach of balance.”

As to where this balance reaches equilibrium, and to what end are things circumscribed, students voiced an array of concerns and fears.

A never-ending rat race, fruitless degrees, student’s being forgotten in the educational standard, and many more were among those raised.

Both Deane and Dillon-Leitch mirrored each other in their response.

While it is true that there will be constraints in any attempt for change, and it would be foolish to minimize the reality of the constraints, the University can, and is trying, to operate more efficiently.

Whether this is to the end of undergraduate studies or graduate research, efforts are being made on all fronts – some successful, others not.

Only through recognition of these success, and admitting those that have failed, can one move forward with integrity – the entire embodiment of Deane’s September letter.

But it is here in the forward movement where problems arise.

Without a practical and overarching plan, skepticism will amount. Without clear leadership, demoralization will fester. Talk of action can go on until time itself ends, but without action – system-

atic, broad, and unrelenting action – such talk will be futile at best.

Perhaps this is why the letter itself is not called simply moving forward. Perhaps.

But a second consideration was forgotten at the forum. What if what we seek to fix was built broken?

In between the speeches, rebuttals, and general conversation, few seemed to have recognized that education itself may be the perpetuator of its own problems. Because any University serves as a means of its nation, and thus is hedged in by society’s demands, education appears to require analysis.

Here, Deane admitted, imperfection amounts. “Grading is an imperfect thing and most of the teaching is abhorrent,” he said.

True as this may be, the mantra of optimism still echoed. Deane concluded that, “We have to be optimistic because we have the potential to do something fantastic.”

And yet with only 50 students in attendance at the forum out of a possible 25,000 students, with an ever increasing privatization of education, and an entirely microscopic system built on a macrocosmic national scale, it must be asked whether the next years in education will be more of the same or something else entirely.

If such an answer could be found within the University itself, then the problems would have been fixed by now.

Prospective Students

Mac to implement new Keeping up budget model with the times Activity-based budget to allow more efficient funding allocation

ed to be targeted through a variation of the Activity-Based model, maintaining some aspects of the Incremental system.

Another potential risk pertains transitioning to an Activity-Based to the possibility that this alternasystem. tive model may result in financial The primary difference between benefit for some faculties, while inthe Incremental and Activity-Based curring a deficit in others. system is that following the Incre- To prevent this possibility, a mental System, faculties receive University Fund will be put in place funding based on historical esti- to support those faculties that may mates of their needs, whereas, in incur a loss upon transition to the the Activity-Based system, funding new model. is allocated based on the activities A Shadow Budget will also Farzeen Foda of each faculty, referenced as activ- be implemented for an undefined Senior News Editor period of time.

McMaster University’s Budget During this time, the University Remodelling Task Force recently will maintain its current model, but The current released its Final Report, available run the alternative model concurUniversity budget is online through the Provost’s Webrently on a smaller scale to better site. evaluate its efficacy with McMaster. undergoing a The Task Force has been work The University will also be acttransformation ing on this project since 2007, when ively involved in training necessary to increase Phase I was initiated, noted Khaled staff in the implementation of the Hassanein, chair of Phase II of the new budget system. transparency, but Task Force, which started in August The budget remodelling task also find a balance 2009. began with Phase I in 2007, at which The current University budget between accuracy time the Activity-Based Budget is undergoing a transformation was evaluated, and it was decidand simplicity” to increase transparency, but also ed, “would this be a good idea for “find a balance between accuracy Mac,” according to Hassanein, who and simplicity,” said Hassanein, so ity units in the report. explained that McMaster looked to faculties can better understand their The Task Force has released the other universities who had implefunding allocations and make plans final report in an effort to receive mented the system. feedback from the McMaster com- Following careful evaluation, accordingly.

This new and improved budget munity.

Phase I approved the Activitysystem features a de-centralization Hassanein outlined a few po- Based Budget and concluded that of funding, noted Hassanein, and tential risks associated with the Ac- McMaster must develop an Activresembles the one used by the Uni- tivity-Based budget model, noting ity-Based Budget system that would that, given its nature, it may give be in line with the University’s acaversity of Toronto.

The current University budget way to reduced inter-faculty collab- demic mission, leading to Phase II, follows an Incremental system, oration. which began with a discussion with and McMaster is in the process of This strong drawback is intend- the Deans of faculties.

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

McMaster’s welcomes a new prospective students website.

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

No longer will a Google search of “McMaster” reveal a bulletin of University news, due to the various technological changes taking place throughout the University.

With the digital age and McMaster’s increasing recognition worlwide, the University continues to attract higher numbers of applicants each year.

To make the application process and final decision a little bit easier, McMaster University launched a new prospective students website earlier this month - an initiative in line with their technological reforms.

This development complements many adaptations, such as changes to the University’s libraries to better accommodate the increasing use of laptops and computers rather than books.

Further, serious efforts are being devoted to revamping online

course registration and other online student services through modifications to MUGSI and SOLAR. With the transition to more electronic avenues for managing academic matters, a student’s entry to a university is more often beginning with a quick online search as opposed to any other method.

It is on these sites where they disocver a variety of universities boasting their school colors and reasons why their institution is worth both their time and money.

Unlike much of the McMaster’s other adminstrative URLs, the new prospective students website boasts bright maroon and grey trims, sharp pictures of the McMaster campus, and a strong emphasis on the symbolic archway located in the centre of campus.

The website has been credited for its clear and visually appealing layout.

While still in its early stages, the website is accepting feedback to improve ease of access and use.

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Career Exploration

Pathway for student success What the Student Success Centre has done and is planning to do to improve professional and academic lives of students

Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

The Student Success Centre (SSC) has been in existence for only a year and a half, but has already made some significant accomplishments. In 2010, for example, the SSC won the President’s Award for outstanding service to the university’s student population.

The creation of the SSC was a collaborative effort on behalf of Career Services, the First Year Experience Office and Service Learning and Civic Engagement offices at McMaster.

Jacquie Hampshire, Events and Marketing Coordinator for the SSC, explained the mission of the organization: “Through our programs, services and community partnerships we inspire students and alumni to engage in learning opportunities to succeed academically, personally and professionally.”

Hampshire added that the “goal is to make sure we are consistently meeting the changing needs of students and offering services and programs that are innovative, connected to the community and tied to the success of our students and alumni.”

The SSC offers “services and programs in the areas of community service learning, civic engagement and leadership, careers and employment, and academic success,” HampStudent Success Centre, in its first complete year at McMaster is prepared to help shire stated.

Many new initiatives have been implemented this year, including the Summer Reading Program, which was supported by tion and answer period with the authors of the an “online brand” through social media for employers to see. the Student Services Fund. Students who two books. chose to participate were given the choice Another new project of the SSC this year The Centre has also hosted an array of between two books to read and discuss with was Career Exploration Month, in partner- workshops on topics that include how to write ship with the Faculties of Humanities and multiple-choice exams, reading strategies, their peers.

This program was geared toward incom- Social Sciences. This program consisted of and writing skills. ing first year students, giving them the op- a networking breakfast, a keynote speech by This year, the SSC has also put much conportunity to not only network with other first motivational speaker Stuart Knight and many siderable effort into reaching students through year students with similar interests, but to job shadow opportunities with Hamilton em- social media, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. These resources are being used engage in academic discussion, which would ployers.

The Social Media conference, which took not only to spread the word of new and onsoon become part of their everyday lives.

The majority of the communication took place on Nov. 10 and 11, was also a new addi- going programs, but to connect students with place via Facebook, with several meetings tion this year, and targeted students in their potential employers. taking place throughout the summer on the final year who would soon be in the process The SSC is excited to implement several of finding permanent employment. One of the new programs in second term, in addition to major first-year orientation days.

The highlight of the program was a ques- focal points of this conference was creating their ongoing programs, such as their summer

University Outreach

Undergrad for the underage

students find direction upon graduation job and employment fairs.

Second term will see the re-launch of the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development program, of which the main message to students is that leadership is attainable for everyone. Any student at any point can complete this new certificate during their time at McMaster, from first to final year.

To round off the year, the SSC is introducing an event called the Hamilton Employment Crawl, which will take place on April 25 and 26. The aim of this program is to allow final-year students who are looking for employment to become informed on the job opportunities that exist in Hamilton.

Newsbites In and around McMaster during the month of December...

Compiled by Dina Fanara and Kacper Niburski

Julia Redmond Silhouette Staff

Did you ever wish you could have gone to university at a younger age? With McMaster’s new Children and Youth University program, children from around the Hamilton community will be given the opportunity to do just that.

McMaster has launched a new lecture series catered to children between the ages eight and twelve. The program is designed to spark an interest in education at an earlier age.

“We want to get them excited about learning at a much younger age,” said Dr. Sandeep Raha, co-organizer of the program and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics.

The lecture series was first inspired by similar outreach programs in Europe, in countries like the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

It was Dr. Katrin Schinemann, also a coorganizer and associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, who proposed that this model be implemented at McMaster.

One of the main goals Raha and Scheinemann have in mind is to attract kids who might not otherwise get the opportunity to pursue a university education.

Said Raha, “we want to get them motivated enough that they might want to [pursue higher education].” The Boys and Girls clubs of Hamilton arranged transportation for students to campus by bus for the first lecture.

Additionally, in the spirit of university education, the organizers hope to see the participants become more inquisitive. “If they become more inquisitive and ask questions, we think they’ll do better overall,” explained Raha.

The lectures, which will run once monthly until March 2012, cover a broad range of general interest subjects.

The first of the series, which took place on Nov. 19, was on the topic of the human body and was delivered by the two organizers.

Subjects for the future lectures include the importance of children in society, Hamilton’s 1918 flu pandemic, and modern aboriginal contributions to Canada.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Centre for Leadership and Learning Conference McMaster’s Centre for Leadership in Learning (CLL) will be holding their second annual “Research on Teaching and Learning: Integrating Practices” conference on December 7-8.

Faculty, staff, and students from McMaster and the academic community from any discipline are all welcome to attend. The purpose of this conference is to bring together intelligent minds from all aspects of academic life in order to promote and share effective methods and research on teaching and learning.

It’s SMAART! Problems with MUGSI and SOLAR may soon be over, as most students have experienced long queue times when waiting to choose courses or view timetables during peak times.

On Dec. 6 and 15, McMaster will hear The new Child and Youth University Program allows youth to experience Mac. from two potential vendors who wish to pitch No other Canadian universities appear to The organizers of the program are opti- their product to replace these outdated operatoffer a program of this calibre. “We’ve sort mistic about the future of the initiative. “I’m ing systems. of hesitated saying we are the only one, but confident that the program will be really well Students are invited to attend and proliked,” Raha said. vide feedback to assist in the decision pro Additionally, with the impressive turnout cess. Once chosen, this system will go by at the first lecture, his confidence is not un- the name, Systems for McMaster Academic We want to get reasonable; for the first lecture, the 300-seat Administration and Research Technology them excited about hall was “nearly at capacity.” Not only were (SMAART). there students in attendance, but many parlearning at a much ents accompanied their children to the lecture younger age...We as well.

Graduate discussion on president’s letter want to get them There are plans for a website to be created that will complement the lectures. It is As much of the discussion regarding reform motivated enough expected to be up and running within the next in the educational system has been that of the that they might want two weeks. undergraduate level, any invitation for graduto [pursue higher The Children and Youth University pro- ates to contribute to the conversation is highly ject is jointly sponsored by the Faculty of out of the ordinary. education].”

Health Sciences, the Office of the President, To this end, McMater president Patrick the Office of the Associate Dean of Science, Deane is hosting an open forum discussion I think that…certainly if it’s not the first it’s the McMaster Alumni Association, and the for graduate students on Friday, Dec. 16 to one of the first…I can’t find anything like this Department of Pediatrics at McMaster Uni- hear their concerns and cares. More detail in Canada,” said Raha. versity. will be given as the day draws near.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Nursing Research

Creating the leaders in healthcare today Event credits innovative teaching and learning practices implemented in unique program paring Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Investing in Capacity Building for Nursing Health Services Research”.

What’s hotter than a nurse? A male nurse. After applying the document’s frameWhat’s hotter than a male nurse? McMaster’s work, which is an assessment strategy to Nursing Health Services Research Unit foster capacity building, it was determined (NHSRU). that the USRIP is both a valuable and a cost On Nov. 3, the provincial government’s effective approach to building research capnew Chief Nursing Officer, Debra Bournes, acity. extolled the NHSRU for In addition to this, the vartheir efforts in pioneeriety of funds granted continWe thought it ing undergraduate research ual insurance and enhanced with the Undergraduate would be good if the ability to invest in future Student Research Internhealthcare leaders through the they recieved ship Program (USRIP) at an program itself. educational showcase event those types of “The program exposes stuhosted by the Faculty of exposures during dents to what they would not Health Sciences. get exposed to during their acatheir university For twenty years, the demic experience,” said Andrea NHSRU has held the USRIP experience so they Baumann, scientific Director of as an opportunity for underget certain generic the nursing research unit. graduate students to delve “Students get the opportunskills sets” into healthcare-related reity to meet those in high-level search. civil services in health and edu Each year, under the cation. They get exposure to funding of various bodies such as the Can- bureaucracy and clinical management, which adian Health Services Research Foundation they wouldn’t get in school per se. We thought and the Ontario Critical Care Secretariat, it would be good if they received those types two or three students from a variety of under- of exposures during their university experigraduate levels are involved in research that ence so they get certain generic skill sets such centers around both patient care and public a writing, ability to do research, ability to crithealth policy. ically analyze material.”

It was only in early November of this She continued, “I only wish that underyear, however, that the program was analyzed graduate research was very common. So far, and subsequently deemed a success. it isn’t.”

To come to this conclusion, the initiatives Perhaps, though, the success of the proof the program, from how to best build and gram, where both the researchers and leaders sustain the nursing efforts to how to enhance of tomorrow are being built, may serve as a a student’s research skills through education, stepping stone for such innovative opportunwere assessed in an evaluation entitled, “Pre- ities for undergraduate research.

Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

R.J. Sawyer

Science fiction as philosphical fiction Brianna Smrke The Silhouette

“It’s the dream that makes artists go on.”

With this line from his novel Flashforward, renowned Canadian author Robert J. Sawyer addressed a crowd of faculty, Trekkies, undergraduates and library staff in Faculty Club’s Great Hall on Nov. 25.

Sawyer was recently awarded his twelfth Canadian Science Fiction ‘Aurora’ award for his novel Watch. He is also the only Canadian ever to win all three of the most prestigious awards for science fiction writing – the Hugo, Nebula and Campbell awards.

Yet, he doesn’t even like the term science fiction.

“I actually like to say that I’m writing philosophical fiction,” said Sawyer, adding, to assorted chuckles, that the moniker Phi-Fi doesn’t seem to be catching on.

Describing science fiction as a literature of ideas, Sawyer stressed that his writings and those of his “intellectual grandfathers” Jules Verne and H.G. Wells should not be dismissed as fantasy.

Instead, they are biting social commentaries, distorted by the lens of science and futurism.

Using the 1969 Planet of the Apes movie as an example, he spoke of science fiction’s ability to draw people into considering ideas like colonialism and race relations without preaching or becoming disengaging.

Speaking out against the ease with which the public dismisses science fiction, Sawyer discussed the freedom to grapple with powerful ideas – fate and determinism, the truth of religion and more – that writing science fiction allows.

Part of his love of the genre, he claimed,

came from the ease with which one can “ask big questions” and create imaginative, but realistic scenarios to test possible answers.

His book Flashforward, adapted into an ABC television series in 2009, poked at determinism by describing a world where all people momentarily caught a glimpse of themselves twenty years in the future.

Sawyer concluded his lecture with a reading of an excerpt from Flashforward. He described aspiring creative types – artists, writers, actors – who had glimpsed a future in which their dreams for fame were not realized.

Accepting future mediocrity and normality, they gave up their quest to be different.

The reading tied together the themes of Sawyer’s lecture.

The “dream” his character refers to, the ideas that keep painters painting and writers writing, match well to the philosophical ideas that science fiction presents and explores, and are meant to provide visions of the future that encourage readers to question their current lives and world.

Sawyer’s own imaginative world will soon take residence at McMaster. His visit to campus was spurred in part by his decision to donate his archives to the University.

“McMaster has a history of collecting the archives of Canada’s great writers – people like Farley Mowat and Pierre Berton,” said Jeffrey Trecziak, McMaster’s University Librarian, when asked why he had approached Sawyer with this request. “It’s only fitting that Canada’s great science fiction writer takes his place among them.”

The archives will be compiled and transported to McMaster in several instalments over the next few months and is expected to be available by March 2012.

New Years Resolution...

Be a published author Write for news Come out to our first meeting of 2012 on January 12 at 2:30 pm in MUSC B110

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

EDITORIAL

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

Thanks, Mac football team

The Silhouette

Sincerely, Everyone

McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

TheSil.ca

Editorial Board

The reactions to Mac’s Vanier Cup win last Friday varied widely from person to person.

The fans inside TwelvEighty and the Burridge Gym went absolutely berserk. Some of the family members of the team at BC Place in Vancouver broke down in tears, embracing the nearest set of arms. Tyler Crapigna, Kyle Quinlan and his teammates broke into a near-violent celebration of fist pumps and man-hugs.

Personally, I was happy that the football team’s soaring level of popularity meant that it would be permissible to keep writing editorials about sports every few weeks.

And everywhere people celebrated the Marauders’ win, there were different emotions: many felt pride that the team had won an athletic competition that is somehow tied to the university’s brand. Some felt the drunken joy and exuberance of fellowship, and some, perhaps those with closer ties to the team, felt the overwhelming emotions of understanding what their friends, sons, brothers or otherwise in maroon had just accomplished.

What the Vanier Cup means to everyone is unclear. It may not sink in for the team itself for weeks or months, and it hasn’t been long enough for nostalgia in inflate the feelings felt across the McMaster community last weekend.

We do know, however, that Christmas came one month early, and Santa delivered a memory that will live on for those associated with McMaster University for a long time.

The faithful fans and followers of the team always knew this would happen, of course. They didn’t buy into the David and Goliath comparisons against the mighty Laval Rouge et Or. There’s a significant group for whom this victory is less of a surprise celebration than a validation of their long-suffering faith in the guys in maroon.

Is this victory getting too much attention compared to all the other great things that happen at this school (things like life-saving research that can make someone get a little perspective on a silly sports game)?

Maybe, but perhaps nothing ever accomplished by someone associated with Mac has produced such unbridled exhilaration.

The commentary on this team will continue for years to come. People will remember 2011 as ‘the year Mac won the Vanier,’ and this team will be compared to the other great CIS teams of the past.

But one week after Crapigna smashed that ball through the uprights and the game was decided, there might be only one thing that stands out clearly and undeniably.

The Marauders have given McMaster a great gift. Enjoy it, McMaster. This is worth celebrating.

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Executive Editor... Brian Decker Managing Editor... Sam Colbert Production Editor... Jonathon Fairclough Senior News Editor... Farzeen Foda Asst. News Editor... Dina Fanara Asst. News Editor... Kacper Niburski Opinions Editor... Andrew Terefenko Sports Editor... Fraser Caldwell Asst. Sports Editor... Brandon Meawasige InsideOut Editor... Natalie Timperio Asst. InsideOut Editor... Cassandra Jeffery Business Editor... Sonya Khanna Senior ANDY Editor... Jemma Wolfe ANDY Music Editor... Josh Parsons ANDY Ent. Editor... Myles Herod Senior Photo Editor... Tyler Hayward Multimedia Editor... Joy Santiago Asst. Photo Editor... Ricardo Padilla

Brian Decker, Executive Editor

Silhouette Staff

Worth Repeating:

Julia Redmond, News Bushra Habib, News Christine Pugliese, News Ben Orr, Sports Maggie Cogger-Orr, Sports Ryan Mallough, Opinions Rob Hardy, Opinions Erin Chesney, Opinions Jenna Shamoon, InsideOut Rachael Ramos, Business Sandro Giordano, Ad Manager

Re: SRA meetings stir controversy I would like to commend the Sil for their excellent reporting this week on the changing political nature of the SRA. Thank you for bringing to light what actually happens at SRA meetings for those of us who are not MSU “insiders.” I am appalled at the efforts of some SRA members to use their voices as student representatives to advance a political agenda rather than to work towards improving academic and student life issues. I hope that this article will be a wake up call to our student representatives to maintain decorum both on- and off-line and to advocate on behalf of the best of interests of McMaster students.

Sincerely, Daphne Jackson Arts & Science IV The Silhouette would like to thank everyone who contributed photos from Vancouver to our coverage of the Vanier Cup. They’re integral to our coverage this week, and we’re sincerely thankful for your help.

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Keith Johnston

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

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

The board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.

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Richard Zazulak

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Geoff Lister

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Josh Curran

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to innis and gunn.

to every other beer.

to innocent guns.

to the port sleepies.

to miller and guns.

to $2-million budgets.

to tasting like a smell that’s better than it smells.

to two production nights in a week. oy.

to vancouver. what a place. to flying to vancouver. thanks a ton, ath & rec. to sushi.

to the end of jon’s incredible mustache. to the end of kacper’s and ricardo’s less incredible mustaches.

to kyle quinlan’s mega beast mode performance.

to that lady that farted on the bus today. for shame.

to hurdling bros.

to 17 consecutive years on the naughty list.

to photo contributors.

let us know. send us a letter and we’ll publish it right here on the editorial page.

to scarf days.

just don’t be too mean to us. thesil@thesil.ca

to joy. what a hero.

TheSil.ca

to biology students. you know what you did.

to potlucks. gluttony lives.

did we upset you this week? are we blatantly offensive and unworthy of print? is this paper only good for making into a pirate hat?

Check out our new freakin’ website

to our livers later tonight.

to chuck testa, again.

to pie orgies. to very mexican christmas gifts.

to wiping the growth from the bowels of this office. to the impending beginning of winter. to 20-minute bus rides to burlington. o rly. to fraser rage.

THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

The dearly departed decade Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

You might have thought 2011 was relevant for cultural progress...Nooope, just Chuck Testa.

They called the 2000s the dead decade, dead because over the period of ten years we were embraced by a rapid succession of vapid trends and fleeting revolutions.

It was a decade devoid of a consistent culture, and not as easy to label as the ones that preceded it. We had the Swinging Sixties, the Psychedelic Seventies, the New Wave Eighties and the sometimesregrettable Boy Band Nineties.

With a month left in the first two years since this deceased decade, are we going to be coming out of the same supposed rut in 2020?

This year has been defined by Eastern revolutions and dead dictators, but the same historical enthusiasm has not quite been applied to our cultural sectors. We instead are plagued by our Biebers, Gagas and interrupting Wests. While some cling to their work like personal bibles, those of us left sane after the ‘00s see the many undeserving self-deserved famous as leeches on the leg of culture. For the life of me I still cannot determine why Kim Kardashian has her own show.

Instead, this year has been enveloped by Internet memes and privacy scares. I am not able to tell you what gems of cinema came out this year, but I can whistle the keyboard cat’s tune within a single note’s margin of error. I can thus probably look forward to another eight years of time-wasting trollisms if this is a

sign of things to come.

This isn’t a call for a cultural revolution, nor is it a cry for change.

I am merely observing the state of things and predicting what we can expect from the rest of the twentytens. I don’t mean to undermine the insurmountable odds that underprivileged people have overcome to change their way of life as of late, but it would be difficult to make the case that we are on the verge of a decade-defining cultural trend.

It would not seem as disparaging an omen if so many cultural icons have not passed away in the past year. Huge influences such as Randy “Macho Man” Savage, selfslandering stand-up Patrice O’Neal and even freakin’ Peter Falk, who kept our grandparents busy when he pretended to be Columbo on television. They were names that seemed so eternal that they would follow us to our own graves, but not as much in the cold, bitter reality.

There is reason to believe otherwise, of course. There are artists and producers who try to reinvent themselves on a daily basis, and some who succeed. Memes may dominate our social spheres, but they are not the death of them.

We may not be doomed to be remembered by future generations for being glued to our handheld windows on the idiot-pandering Internet.

Then again, even if you think you’ve encountered the creative gold mine that may salvage our generation’s reputation, it’s probably just Chuck Testa.

The feminism schism Nour Afara

The Silhouette

The idea that males and females in our society can be equal is just a fairytale, an impossible notion, and quite frankly, something that should not happen.

Think about it. Put yourself in a woman’s shoes (and if you’re already a woman, keep your shoes on) and allow yourself to feel every muscle working in your body, the weight of all your exterior organs, and your entire body holding itself up.

To start, a woman’s body is physically different than a man’s. With common sense set aside, there are still groups of people, feminist extremist groups for instance, that seem to think that whatever a man can do they can do as well, if not better. I think this is the perfect time to burst their bubble; physically, emotionally and socially, women differ from men and yet many women carry out a silent war against men. But why is that? As a woman, I feel that I am always, and will always be treated fairly because I am a respectable human being. However, I admit that there are many things that my natural female structure cannot carry out in comparison to a male.

Even if in hundreds of years to come, scientists were to genetically change humans to make them perfectly equal on all grounds, there would always be a sort of sexual distinction causing the gender inequality we have today. I believe that there is nothing wrong with that, for this is just covering basic physical needs.

The feminist extremist movement has vastly progressed over the years. In 1967, the famous Summer of Love shook the world. Everyone heard of the hippies parading through the streets and women burning their bras, declaring themselves empowered women who were going against social norms. They saw that

one of the main purposes of bras was to make themselves more physically appealing to men and that the bra was linked to this indirect sexual objectification.

Too bad they didn’t know a fellow woman invented the bra. I believe that if women in 1967 who participated in the bra burning and women who support the senseless behaviour today educated themselves on the true history of their actions, they may have done things differently.

Another bubble-burst coming your way; many men enjoy looking at women while they are braless. My personal take on this matter is that women are even more objectified through this notorious braburning event. The act of hundreds of women running through the streets bra-less and topless is not liberation from social norms but the strengthening of social norms.

Extreme feminism extends into our generation as well and is found in our lecture halls. As this term comes to an end, so does my women’s studies course.

I felt that, in the process of studying the struggles of women and their triumphs, men were seen as almost awful beings who think only of sex and rape, and decide on a woman’s behalf if she’s allowed to have an abortion or not.

Though these are short notes on a three-month course, there was still an evident ignorance of the positive role of men in society that contributed to the success of women and vice versa. This again leads to the biggest bubble-burst for extreme feminists: men and women need each other.

I believe that, despite what might have occurred in one’s past, it should not drive them to hate the opposite gender. No one, man or woman, should expect automatic rights because of their sex, and neither should they conform to gender stereotypes.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

INSIDE HEADTOHEAD

Feedback

If you found certain evidence of God’s existence, would you share that info with the world?

It has been a tumultuous year, full of surprises.

What defined your 2011 experience?

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Page A10

Page A11

Feminism is good as an ideal, but in practice alienates even many women, averse to extremism.

This Week in Opinions CD R.I.P.

Winter weight wait

Facebook follies

The compact disc is expected to stop circulating within the next few years. What lies ahead for physical mediumlovers of music?

It might be prudent to not delay your fitness resolution until January. Get that much-needed jump on your 2012 fitness regimen.

Social media is here to stay, so the only question is the best way for you to embrace and abuse it to get the full experience.

Pg. A8

Pg. A9

Pg. A10

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

The death of the compact disc CDs are on their way out, but are we ready to let them leave?

Unfortunately, our generation might be the last to enjoy such luxuries. There have been rumours from major record labels that Dearly Beloved. We are gathered here today by the end of 2012, all CD production will to pay our respects to what used to have a end. First it was the dinosaurs, now it’s ye old huge impact on our lives. In the past, wheth- compact discs. er we needed comfort or cheering up, we To some this might make sense; clearly, always knew we could count on our small, with the recent phenomenon of easily accessyet durable friend. Loyal, enjoyable and oh ible music on the internet, there seems to no so beautiful, we are here to say our goodbyes longer be a need for such passé technology.

However, I strongly disagree with this stance. to our old companion, the compact disc.

Before there were MP3s, iTunes and The elimination of hard copy music productorrents, there was a 120mm, circular piece tion, in my opinion, is detrimental to society of plastic that we all knew and loved. I can Although computers have become a necessity in our society, to me they still still remember the thrill of feel temporary. coming home on my birthday finding on my bed my But above all, CDs For example, a few months ago my computer crashed and first CD: S Club 7. From that point on, CDs became a huge and vinyls represent all my music was lost along with it. If it were not for my part of my life. Whether in more than just a hard drive, I would the car, on a Walkman or just medium for music; backup have had to add all ten thoublasting “Reach” in my bedthey represent sand of my iTunes songs all room, I was hooked on the sound of CDs. freedom, a music over again.

In addition to the insecurity As my love of CDs grew, collection is a of virtual music, there is also so did my love of music. If gateway into a matter of quality. Like the you ever have time, it is incredible to see the progressomeone’s soul.” satisfaction I draw from the sound of a needle on vinyl, I sion of musical technology find the music produced from in the past century. We have gone from using Thomas Edison’s Gramo- a CD to be of a quality far superior to that of phone to 32-bit MP3s. It has truly been a an MP3.

Another difference is that it is very series of amazing inventions.

That said, the music that intrigued me was common to download a single song by an from years past. So one day, when I was raid- artist you enjoy, which there is no shame in ing my parents’ CD collection, I was drawn doing. However, with CDs and records you towards a foreign piece of equipment I had are required to buy an entire album. In theory, never encountered. It was a record player. I you sit down and enjoy all the songs the artbegan to immerse myself in a whole new type ists intended for you to hear. I believe it is unfair to the artist to exclude certain songs on of music quality.

Today, my vinyl collection is one of my their albums, as is commonly done when one prize possessions and there is nothing I enjoy strays from hard copy music. more than basking in the sound of the needle But above all, CDs and vinyls represent on Abbey Road, a quality that can be compared to no other.

• PLEASE SEE COMPACT, A9 Erin Chesney Silhouette Staff

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The CD has been with us through good, bad and even possibly satanic music.

Lights, camera, consume culture generational trauma being passed down among the Aboriginal populations, leading to increased rates of depression, substance Take these four sources of information: The abuse and suicide. Maybe that’s a Band-Aid Story of Stuff, Earthlings, Wayfinders by explanation to a much bigger problem.

Wade Davis and Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. But maybe our consuming habits are You can stream the former two documen- ‘epigenetically’ being programmed into us, taries on the Internet, and the latter two are and being passed down from one generation books you may borrow from your local li- to the next. And without access to informabrary. I strongly encourage you to do it now, tion that would make us change our habits, particularly if you’re taking the time to read those habits just keep getting stronger.

As our priorities focus on material goods this piece, before it’s too late.

Though, it probably is too late. Let me that force deforestation, toxic pollution and displacement of peoples, we explain. feel ‘happier’ and let others You’ve become imprissuffer, including non-human oned, and after the lights But perhaps we life of plants and animals, and camera come on each don’t understand among others. morning and night, you act out your personal story of life, particularly if But perhaps we don’t consumption. we look at it from understand life, particularly if we look at it from You feel the world bethe ‘everything the ‘everything belongs to longs to you, so you go on buying more than what you belongs to humans’ humans’ lens. Now would a good time to learn then, need. Food, clothes, cars, lens. Now would be don’t you think? That’s homes – you name it. be a good time to especially true if you call You don’t realize there yourself a student. are people and resources learn.”

The four sources of innegatively affected by your formation I’ve listed above consuming habits. It’s not your fault. No one has taken the time to edu- will teach us the following: 1) There’s a lot cate you about this. Perhaps it’s the fault of that happens before a consumer item gets to our ancestors, but that would be pushing the you, and a lot that will happen after. 2) Our blame to someone else. Excessive consump- consumption of meat and other animal prodtion is a vicious cycle. Argue against that, if ucts has created an industry that violates the rights of animals in horrific ways, and has you’d like to.

There is an evolving field in science challenged diversity and nutritional quality referred to as ‘epigenetics’. This area of of plants. 3) Our story as ‘civilized’ human study looks at whether changes outside of beings is just one answer to the question our genes can be passed down from genera- ‘what is the meaning of life?’ 4) Our story tion to generation. These changes then affect isn’t necessarily the right story. how our genes are expressed, and can be There are other stories, including those of Aboriginals, for example. We belong to conditioned by our life experiences.

A recent conference on Aboriginal the world, not the other way around. Try to health discussed the possibility of trans- make a change!

Mohammad Zubairi The Silhouette

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Compact demise The winter wait on the horizon Rob Hardy

Silhouette Staff

• CONT’D FROM A8 more than just a medium for music; they represent freedom. There was a time when looking at someone’s music collection was a gateway into their soul. It defined them. We live in a day and age in which, when you go to a record store, there is no discrimination.

All music is equally available and you have the freedom to choose whatever you desire. Although the same can be said about

iTunes and other online music sources, it just isn’t the same.

I am not trying to say that computers do not have their place in enjoying modern music. I was Napster’s number one fan back in the day and today I seldom close my iTunes.

However, I still find extreme value and enjoyment in CDs and vinyls, and will be hitting up HMV until the 2012 ‘end of music day’ arrives.

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

With the passing of the compact disc we remember the pesky scratches.

With the holiday season approaching, let’s do a little rewind. Think back eleven months to remember if you were one of the many people out there who made what is likely the number-one New Year’s Revolution of all time: to lose weight. Next, think ahead to next month, at the daunting task of getting into shape after several weeks of missed workouts and general debauchery. Now, thank me for giving you a heads-up prior to all the festive madness and the possible damage.

Every January, media goes on autopilot generating the same batch of New Year fitness articles that many could write from rote memory. While some of these articles are written well by qualified professionals, this idea that fitness initiatives will succeed when the calendar year changes is extremely misguided. I’m writing this for two reasons: first, to open up your mind to the possibility of perhaps starting this important resolution one month early so as to be ahead of the race, and secondly, to help you understand that false starts are nothing to beat yourself over.

As wonderful as the thought of successfully applied ideals is, we have to first realize that a path to fitness is something that is achieved through our own inner clock and flow, not an external tracking of time.

During my years studying fitness, health and personal training at the college level, I never heard anyone specifically state that everything we do in life, including the life patterns we exist in, has virtually everything to do with the mind. But our psychology dictates the decisions we make, and this also has a lot to do with our biochemistry – therefore, our motivation and the extent of our willpower.

There is something to be said for sticking with a fitness program through sheer discipline alone, but if it’s a struggle to fit it into your life, you may need a partial revamp of life itself. Your overall vitality depends on everything you do for the entire day, not just

the couple of hours you exercise and eat.

For example, if you are working ten hours a day and commuting another three hours, the chances of long-term success in a balanced fitness program are quite low. Taking steps to health involves, realistically for many of us, a gradual rebuild of your whole lifestyle in order to suit all your goals and priorities – not those of your boss.

This may seem discouraging, but I challenge any personal trainer out there to disprove this claim. To have a state of optimal health involves not only an exercise regimen, but mastering other factors, like the role of vitamins and minerals. The average student, for instance, will be hard-pressed to truly live an all-round balanced life in the midst of enormous pressures on their time and energy. Of course, varsity athletes often succeed at this, but mostly after having fit the requirements into a carefully-crafted routine, with sacrifices along the way and a strong support network – factors that eventually breed hard-earned success that leaves no doubt.

Though this sounds a bit bleak, this is the real reason why many New Year’s resolutions fail. An overwight body is seen as the sole problem instead of a symptom of larger imbalances.

But with that said, I believe that any attempt to exercise, move and be active should definitely be celebrated. Even two weeks of moderate activity brings more health benefits than most realize. Falling off the wagon should not be the focus, except as a springboard for renewed commitment. I “failed” many times years ago, before I ever had an inkling that life’s crazy path would one day find me studying fitness professionally.

As the holidays approach, those of you contemplating this goal should not be hard on yourselves for the slips. Where we need to apply this militant attitude, though, is in pushing ourselves to keep going and get better, because even personal trainers can hit slumps, but we can all strive to overcome them.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Losing that winter weight can become a December resolution, not circa 2012.

Norway’s system crash Ryan Mallough Silhouette Staff

On July 22, Anders Behring Breivik approached a youth camp on Uytoya Island, just outside of Oslo, Norway. Hours before, a bomb planted by Breivik that killed eight had rocked Norwegian Parliament buildings. When he reached the youth camp he opened fire. The final death toll would reach 69. Teenagers. Children.

It was the largest mass killing in Norway since the Second World War. Breivik unabashedly confessed to the murders, yet when brought before a judge, he pled no criminal guilt. He claimed to be a commander of the Norwegian resistance movement, and that his attacks – on Norwegian children – were the first wave in the fight against multiculturalism. A search of his home revealed a 1500-page manifesto, detailing his planning of the attacks as well as his political beliefs and alleged ties to secret societies like the Knights Templar.

Anders Breivik is an alleged terrorist, and someone who destroys and kills in the name of a cause. While there is no question that there is a disconnect between Breivik and reality, his cause, while wrong, is not imaginary. Multicultralism exists, and thus a line of rational thought between cause and act can be drawn. Prosecutors will attempt to show this relationship to try and prove that Breivik knew exactly what he was doing when he acted.

And yet the public knows that this man is crazy. There has never been a question about it.

It may have been that moment, when his

manifesto was released, that those watching knew the day would come. On Nov. 29, Norwegian authorities released a 243-page report, the result of Breivik’s court-ordered psychiatric assessment. Breivik has been found criminally insane by Norwegian psychiatric authorities.

Who can blame them?

There is no one sound of mind who decides to open fire on a group of teenagers. There is no one sound of mind who tries to assassinate a president. There is no one sound of mind who flies a commercial aircraft into a populated building. These actions are the definition of psychotic.

They are the actions of someone who has lost their grasp, and no longer understands reality. To commit such atrocities, and then to believe that they were the correct course of action under any rationalized moral, religious, political or other reasoning is insanity.

The trial will go on. Breivik will be found guilty. There has never been any other option. However, instead of rotting in a prison or being put to the needle, Norwegian law dictates that Breivik be sent to a psychiatric institution. He will be re-examined every three years to determine whether or not he is sane. Odds are that he will spend the rest of his life in an institution.

However, the knowledge that there will be people who will try to fix him, who will try to restore Breivik to society, along with even the slightest chance that they will succeed, is no justice for the families who lost loved ones in his massacre.

The system has failed the Norwegian people.

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

HEADTOHEAD

SUMEET KHANNA

Co-President, Mcmaster Debating Society

AND

VP Promotions, Mcmaster Debating Society

AMANDA MIHOUB WRIGHT

Q: If you discovered irrefutable evidence of the existence of a God, would you share it with the world?

Sumeet: I would destroy that proof. Why? Because this information has the potential to incredibly damage the lives of religious individuals, for a number of reasons. First, it would throw individuals into torturous doubt. If I have spent my life ordering my actions around the commandments of a God that I now know does not exist, I enter existential despair in lieu of my sudden abandonment. I go from a person touched by the divine to a material creature destined to wither to dust. From this, I become racked by the fear of death. Before, I lived with the expectation that heaven, reincarnation or spiritual peace awaited me in the afterlife, and when that comfort is suddenly stripped away, I encounter an angst that I never before believed existed – without God, death becomes my absolute end. I can think of nothing that could be more terrifying than to be unwillingly and unexpectedly thrown into this frame of mind. So the issue is not whether one can live without God. Instead, the issue is rooted in the excruciating act of removing God from the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world who have lived their lives under the assumption of God’s presence. If I reveal this truth, I risk bearing their suffering on my conscience. Destroy it, and let people live their lives in ignorance. There are truths that are worth not telling.

the fact that God does not exist from these people. If people only have one life to live, as an afterlife does not exist, then they should be aware of it in order to best live their one life and to achieve their true potential.

S: Amanda claims that, without the repressive nature of religion, individuals will find comfort in their liberation. Let’s take this to its logical conclusion, though. Under Amanda’s model, people should be forced to become hedonistic, “living life for the sake of life.” I’m not convinced that this is an absolute good.

Indeed, contrast this with a world that has God and religion. Atheists can continue to live “free, unsuppressed” lives. For religious individuals, though, the idea of God and religious order allows for humility – followers accept that they are limited and finite, and that there is an infinite, transcendent being that has the capacity to judge the actions of human kind. In this sense, perhaps a restraint on complete hedonism is necessary. Further, although I think it is possible to conceive of a

moral code without religion, I recognize that religious individuals rely on God to frame moral issues. Without God, their conception of morality is completely undermined, and I think that it’s extraordinarily unfair and bearing to ask these people to undergo the reconstruction of these moral understanding.

A: Sumeet argues that without religion, many religious people will live hedonistic lives absent of a moral code because their conception of morality has been undermined. All humans have an inherent set of morals and much of our society in particular is not underpinned by religious morality, but rather by a set of secular, shared moral understandings. Many religious people would be good people with or without religion.

They will not necessarily become hedonistic after losing their belief in God. Hedonistic behaviour also does not necessarily lead to immoral action. If it did, atheists would be disdained in society for their immoral behaviour, which they are not. They are not, by

Amanda: Sumeet has a point. There are definite harms that will be caused initially by revealing the proof that God does not exist. However, these initial harms are necessary in the long run in order to allow people to live their best possible lives – to self-actualize. The truth needs to be revealed in order to maximize people’s quality of life. It is better to live our lives to their own ends rather than in the hopes that there is something that awaits us in the “beyond”, after our material lives end. If there is no heaven, all of the sacrifices made by people who are religious, for the greater good and in order to one day end up in heaven, are unnecessary and restrictive. Take, for example, people who abstain from pre-marital sex purely for religious reasons, even though they would enjoy it otherwise. It is morally wrong to hide

nature of their beliefs, or lack thereof, more averse to deviant behaviour or crime. There are people who do not need religion to be moral. We should still strive to live our lives in the absence of a divine presence. We can still find purpose and utility as human beings.

S: “All human beings are born with the ability to be good.” I agree, Amanda, but you’re missing the important comparative in this debate. I’m not arguing that all religious individuals, without God, will become immoral actors. Rather, I’m arguing, first, that living a life in purely material terms is not necessarily good, and further, that the act of forcing religious individuals to re-constitute the way they view their lives is an undue harm.

Many religious individuals become, on their own accord, agnostic/atheist and do quite fine afterwards. But recognize the issue here.

This information actively strips religious individuals of the comfort that religion provides, and I think it’s misguided to claim that their lives will be “better”. Why do people turn to God? To alleviate suffering. To tell them that amongst the chaos of this universe, there is meaning that can be found through worshipping the divine and thus entering a spiritual kingdom that transcends their material existence. Religion gives people hope that their lives mean something; God gives them a reason to care about their lives and the lives of others. Indeed, to take this away would be to commit treason against humankind.

A: The decision of whether or not to reveal proof that God does not exist is a difficult one, rife with complexities. Religion and the belief in God does benefit millions of people throughout the world. However, even if irrefutable proof that God does not exist is found, people who are extremely religious, who turn to God to alleviate their suffering, will most likely not believe this proof anyways. Finding proof that God does not exist and not destroying it does not “force” religious individuals to reconstitute their lives. Instead, it would be revealing to them a truth that they deserve to have presented to them, all the while allowing them to make a choice about their lives by retaining their own autonomy and freedom of choice.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Shafia movement Social media tedium Waleed Ahmed The Silhouette

My soul cringes with disgust every time details of the Shafia murders are revealed.

So much so that I have difficulty finishing the articles detailing accounts of what the Shafia sisters were going through. But unlike most people following the trial, my disgust and anger is twice that of anyone else – partly as a human, and partly as a Muslim.

Every now and then we hear of people committing unspeakable crimes. Here in Canada, the most recent one was that of Russell Williams. While public outrage and anger was directed at Williams alone during his trial, this certainly is not the case for the Shafia trial. Afghan Muslim immigrants have allegedly committed the Shafia murders. The blame in this case has been relegated to everyone but the accused, it seems. Different groups are now using this unfortunate tragedy as an opportunity to advance their respective agendas.

Right-wing media outlets have already started using the incident to attack multiculturalism and its failure in Canada. They argue that it is political correctness and accommodation of immigrants that doomed the four women. Being overly sensitive towards Muslims is what caused the authorities to overlook the ‘honour killing’ that was about to take place. How these people mix up religious accommodation with abuse towards women is beyond me. Even the most extreme interpretations of multiculturalism don’t call for accommodation of moral vices.

The Islamophobes are using it to warn us of the impinging threat that Muslims pose to this nation. The Shafia sisters, along with Aqsa Pervez, will now become the poster children of their movement. They will use this incident to further their stance that Islam is, in fact, what inspired this crime. Statements from Quran establishing

the sanctity of human life, the prohibition of such despicable acts and the commandment for the good treatment of women by the Prophet Muhammad are meaningless for this group.

The secularists are using it to prove the evils associated with religion, and the misogyny that they claim to be inherent in it. Their belief that Muslim women are forced to wear headscarves is further strengthened and their mission to liberate the ‘poor Muslim woman’ has gained more momentum. Their inability to differentiate patriarchal tribal customs from the normative practices of Islam is unfortunate, to say the least. These uninformed superficial attempts only end up inflicting more harm upon Muslim women, who, for the record, are quite capable of speaking for themselves.

Since the label of ‘honour killing’ has sensationalized the murder and has sparked a series of unnecessary debates, I for one will attempt to set the record straight.

Mohammed Shafia, if you are in fact guilty, then you are a sick man. Killing your own kin is one of the most despicable acts humanly possible, and doing so in the name of preserving honour is even more perverted. The dysfunctional family you fostered was your own doing. Now, you’ve punished your daughters for your poor parenting.

You’ve dishonoured not only yourself but your co-religionists too. Average Canadian Muslims like me will bear the brunt of your misdeeds. We will spend the coming ages explaining to people that our faith condemns, in the strongest terms, the heinous act you committed. We will have to go the extra mile to convince people that Muslim women observe their faith out of their own free will, and not under the Nazi-style hegemony you imposed on your family. Freedom was all your family yearned for, but you deprived them of it. I hope you too are treated in a similar fashion, with your freedom restricted behind bars for good.

Ingie Metwally The Silhouette

You wake up and notice that your phone is missing. You reach over to your nightstand in search of your laptop, but it’s not there either.

A crisis has hit you. How will you connect with the rest of the world?

Social media is a relatively new concept that has been developing exponentially over the years. It took all of 38 years for radio to reach 50 million users, while it took TV 13 years, the Internet four years and the iPod only three. What’s even more shocking is that it only took Facebook a year to reach over 200 million users. If Facebook were a country, its population of over 800 million users would make it the third largest in the world.

So the question is, why is this happening?

Social media offers a community, and its various forms allow it to appeal to almost anyone.

Social media is a phenomenon of the 21st century. It’s come to a point where you can instantaneously post whatever it is that you’re feeling, what you’re doing and your exact location, and share it with potentially millions of followers. People know so much more about each other due to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and even personal blogs.

Not only that, but people are meeting people they probably never would have met without the cyber world. Today, one in five couples have met online, though one out of five divorces can be blamed on Facebook.

While some people like to claim that social media does not affect them, you can simply

ask yourself, “Is this true for anyone I know?”

The answer is likely to be no.

Although there are many advantages to social media, like almost everything else, it does come with its disadvantages. For instance, it is very time consuming to keep up with. Whether you use it for networking, marketing or even personal use, you need to be involved with it daily. While creating a brand image for yourself or your company through Twitter for example, you cannot decide to stop tweeting for weeks at time; this will lose you followers, and if you’re in business, customers.

This committed involvement in social media, of course, affects your involvement in everyday ‘real’ life. I cannot count the amount of times my mom has asked me to put down my blackberry and have an ‘actual’ conversation with her. As much as you don’t want to admit it, this has probably happened to many of you reading this.

Social media can negatively affect interpersonal relationships based on face-to-face communication, as most of your time is spent on your phone, a computer or any other technological device.

Regardless, social media is what it is.

With its development, there is no turning back to the days of no Internet, no instant messaging services and no smartphones. So just take advantage of what some may call the greatest advancements of our generation. Listen to the words of Seth Godin when he asks, “How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?” Embrace the revolution we know as social media.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

SRA working for students in solidarity Riaz Sayani-Mulji The Silhouette

?

“The whole university process, picking out what you’re going to be doing for four years.”

What defined your 2011?

-Geoffrey Boddy, Engineering I

Feedback

As a SRA member who supported the motion to stand in solidarity with the Quebec students facing a 75 per cent increase in tuition, I was fairly puzzled after reading Mr. Colbert’s piece, Assembly needs to stay relevant (Nov 24), in which he made light of the motion and deemed it to be insignificant.

Let me begin this piece by explaining where I stand on the issue of tuition. Education is a human right – we all deserve to be able to access post-secondary education, and let’s face it, tuition is the major barrier to accessibility. Statistics out there say that if you’re part of the queer community, are Aboriginal or are a woman, your chances of being able to go to university are hindered disproportionately because of the high costs.

As a part-time job, I work with homeless youth. A lot of these young people are bright enough to attend university, but don’t have a chance because of the financial burden. How is it fair that I’m able to attend university but they aren’t?

To achieve free and universal post-secondary education, we need increased government funding for it. And that’s a stance the majority of students support.

Other SRA members and I spent three days earlier this week collecting signatures for a petition demanding the McGuinty government reduce tuition as they promised us during the past provincial election, instead of the grants they are now introducing – which, by the way, half of OSAP students don’t even qualify for. We’ve already collected over 1000 signatures, and given a few more days I have no doubt we’ll have collected over 5000 signatures.

So how does this relate to the

recent motion passed about standing in solidarity with students in Quebec fighting a 75 per cent tuition increase? Well, if we’re ever going to change government policy and reduce tuition, the McMaster student community needs to join the broader student movement in Canada and combine our voices into one. That is when the government will listen to us – when we as students are united, and have a clear message and direction.

The current situation in the SRA does not allow for this, and membership in lobbying organizations OUSA (Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance) and CASA (Canadian Alliance of Student Associations) is the reason why.

I’ve sat, frustrated, through delegations from both organizations, in which they’ve tried to argue for education being an investment, not a human right.

These organizations believe that students should be footing part of the bill – what they would say about our subsidized healthcare system, I wonder? – without even looking at how free post-secondary education in Norway and Sweden has positively benefited those countries, amongst others who have gone down the “no tuition” route.

This is what has been missing from MSU for the past decade or so – a students union that behaves as a union – defending the collective interests of its members without losing sight of the bigger picture.

We need the MSU to transform into an organization that stands up for student rights – the most important fight being against student poverty and debt created by the high fees we pay. This motion about solidarity with Quebec students is the start of what I see as a paradigm shift and one small step towards taking back the Union.

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

“I went to New Zealand for a month volunteering and turned 20.”

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“I went to Hawaii and I rode down a volcano.”

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A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

SpeculatoR The Hamilton

Thursday, December 1, 2011

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

INSIDE THE SPECULATOR

A3: Tentative deal struck in my pants B7: Global Cooling, a contrary opinion C1: Explore budget cuisine; feces P4: Classifieds: someone buy my Pogs

Petitioning for a Non-Family Day since 1991

F

Christmas is cancelled Hanukkah hangs in there, Kwanzaa kills twenty in fire Tiberius Slick Speculator

In one fell swoop, billions of hopes and dreams were simultaneously crushed last night as Santa Claus’ public relations office announced that Christmas this year would be “cancelled until further notice.”

This decision comes after a controversial court case in which a Saskatoon resident was accused of intentionally drugging and raping the head toymaker and aspiring reign-shaper at the North Pole, Herb the elf.

Herb was reportedly visiting Saskatoon on a business trip to gather information for an impending merger with a local pharmaceutical company, in an effort to expand the Claus market into the lucrative field of supplying drug dealers in bulk, as sources say they also need “a little bit of Christmas.”

While in the city, Herb relieved himself in a local tavern, Shad’s Shady Shed, where alleged rapist and impressive wax sculptor Jeremiah Claus, who has no relation to the famous gift dispenser, was scouting for “an easy mark.”

“Claus approached Herb and engaged him in conversation, while silently slipping a powerful sedative into his beverage,” key witnesses have confessed in the case against Claus. “Once the elf was passed out like stamps in a homeless shelter, Claus perched Herb on his shoulder and carried him out of the bar.”

The court ruled in favour of Claus, as there was no prior precedent for the drugging and/or raping of fictional beings, cites the verdict document. Court proceedings grew unstable as the verdict was released, with Herb’s family and friends crying out against the injustice of unfair fictional representation in a non-fictional legal system.

“All he wanted to do was make it reign, and now he’ll have to deal with years of therapy to overcome the long-lasting stench of having a “Saskatoon Totem Pole” performed on him,” said Herb’s brother, Jerb.

“This has just never happened before, or at the least, never happened before and been reported. Generally fictional beings stay quiet about their existence, so they don’t come forward when they get raped, as the Leprechaun has said multiple times in his autobiography, which may or may not exist,” said an officer who participated in the initial arrest on Claus.

Due to the controversial verdict, the Claus Corporation has ceased all Christmas plans for this year, and will continue to put all future Christmas celebrations on hiatus until the reported demands are met. “Until the day that one of my elves can go into a bar on the prairies and not get raped, which happens more often than you think, we’ll be raping the childhoods of kids everywhere, by keeping the gifts to ourselves, and possibly selling them to the Chinese,” said the president and CEO of Claus Co., Santa “Herschel Heronimus” Claus.

Several pro-free stuff activist groups in North America are petitioning for the hiatus to be lifted, on the grounds that they, “really don’t want to have to put thought into shopping for their spoiled offspring.”

Jeremiah Claus, when asked about the hiatus, responded that “I don’t take pleasure in the suffering of children, but I do take pleasure in exploiting the absence of long-overdue legal obstacles that would usually make it very difficult to make it into the news.”

A hearing is scheduled for the end of March in which key legal officials will discuss, with the aid of key fictional beings, the merits of instituting laws to protect the fictional chastity of their fictional anuses.

SAL “MEATBALL“ MARINARA

Herb, hours before succumbing to the icy terror of a Canadian’s embrace.

Getting trashed on tampons Oskar Olsen Speculator

Two of the greatest things in the world have come together in what can only be described as a teenage boy’s wildest and wettest dreams and a father’s worst and driest nightmares: tampons and alcohol.

In schools across America, various teenagers have begun a trend of misplaced boredom and curiosity. By saturating tampons with alcohol, the depths of the human body are explored like none other.

Butt-chugging, vagina-funneling and literal body-shots have become the substitute for common drinking. Depending on the orifice chosen, both men and women become drunk from the inside out.

And that’s when the fun starts.

If the alcohol is flowing heavy, then ‘sour puss’ becomes something else entirely. Not only is it a fruity drink, but it also becomes a girly drink both in the strict and figurative sense.

Perhaps a more fitting title may be Bloody Caesar.

This is not the only revolutionary alcoholic brand change, however. Smirnoff turns into a smear that doesn’t come off, dry gin is an immediate misnomer, and after a teenage party, where tampons flow like water, one will be left with the question whether they soaked their tampon in Rickard’s Red or not.

Even though those boozing their tampons in Ginger Snaps may be forced to answer the age-old question whether the carpet matches the rug, Dr. James Cockter, expert on both tampons and accidently spilling ethanol onto them, reminded that, “This [the act of putting a tampon that has been immersed in alcohol up an orifice of your choice], of course, happens with no strings attached – besides the tampon string, that is.”

“Most of the professionals say it is unhealthy. They are completely wrong,” he added. “In fact, soon people will be sticking food up their butt as well. This is because tipsy-tam-

pon-topping is a way to avoid bad breath – easily the biggest problem of our generation.”

By absorbing it directly into the bloodstream, and not passing allowing it to pass through any permeable membrane, the teenagers become legitimate gods of partying.

Who needs Four Lokos when you have tampons, rubbing alcohol, and 28 days to go crazy?

Answer: no one. Period.

“Those are the answers that need to be stressed,” expressed Kinky Kara, a girl dropped off barely clothed, with throw-up on her face, and a clamburger that smelt of Sky Vodka. Unfortunately, she wasn’t so high. Regardless, she mentioned that her night was great – so great that she didn’t remember it.

She continued in a slurry of words mixed together with We reccomend you soak saliva and hiccups while insisting to attempt to make-out with a fire-hydrant, “Most people are fogies. They drink from their mouths. That’s so 2010.”

This is certainly true. 2011 has become a year of rebirth.

Among the many other angst-filled-actions and surely-stupidexperiments, teenagers have also been found to use live birds to send tweets and to cut off their fingers to make finger-fillet salads.

“This is only the start,” echoed Cockter, “after the lower

SKIZZY IMAGES

your tampons three to four hours before insertion. regions are fully explored, people will soon eat the tampons.

They’ll be getting fibre while they’re at it.”

This is undeniable as it is commonly known, change is the only thing constant, and stupidity is practically the same thing as change, and teenagers are practically the same thing as stupidity.

In the mean time, be on the lookout for undieleggers – woman who put alcohol in their lingerie. Most of the time, they chose to booze on Beefeater Gin.

What did you learn this week, Timmy?

“Santa won’t be the only one

climbing down chimneys.”

Disclaimer: Stories printed in The Hamilton Speculator are fact. Any resemblance to persons real or dead is likely intentional and done out of spite. Opinions expressed are those of The Speculator and if you disagree with them you are wrong. And stupid. Possibly ugly as well.

S1 • THE SILHOUETTE

The Silhouette

SPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Blessed with an assortment of attacking options, Marauders offensive coordinator Jon Behie has made the most of the talent on offer. See S3.

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

MARCHING BAND

MAC ON FAST BREAK

McMaster’s marching band has new uniforms, more shows, and a new drive to improve their sound. Details on S6.

SWIMMING

The Marauder swim teams conclude their first half and look forward to a Jamaican training camp. Details on S2.

The men’s basketball team continues its hot start with two wins on a Kingston road trip to move its record on the season to 5-1. See S3.

S2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Waterpolo

Swimming

Team settles for another bronze

Swimmers eye tropical camp

Fraser Caldwell

Fraser Caldwell

A week after the McMaster men’s water polo team won a bronze medal at the provincial level their women’s equivalent managed the same feat.

However, as glamorous as a podium finish sounds, the Marauder women will be disappointed to have come away from yet another OUA Championship without playing in the title game.

That’s because the Maroon and Grey have long played the role of third wheel in a division traditionally dominated by Carleton and Toronto.

McMaster’s star goalkeeper Nicola Colterjohn conceded that her squad was displeased with the semifinal performance against the Varsity Blues that relegated them to yet another bronze medal match.

“It really is frustrating,” Colterjohn said of the result.

“At the beginning of the year we really thought that this could be the season that we would be able to do it. “=In the semifinal, nobody really had a great game and it was rough.

“We knew that we could have beaten that team and that it was our ticket to the championship and our way out of a bronze.”

However, despite another near miss to conclude her team’s campaign, the goalkeeper remains upbeat about the group’s chances in the future.

“I do think that we have a very talented team and that we’ll be able to bounce back next year,” said Colterjohn.

“Our starting lineup is still very young, and next year almost everyone will be back.

It looks promising but it’s definitely disappointing to go out right now.”

Colterjohn believes that the area in which the Marauders most need to improve to compete with the best of their division is their attack.

“Our defence has always been solid,” said the sophomore goalkeeper.

“We always keep other teams to very few goals. It’s our offence that really needs to improve on a technical and mental level.

“A lot of people have the skills and the techniques but they need to mentally step up and know that they can be the ones to put the ball in the net.”

With bronze medals in hand, the Marauders now look to transition to the club season.

Another dominant weekend at a dual meet saw the Marauders qualify a 12th athlete for the CIS national championships.

The event in question was the Brock-Mac Cup, a meet held at the two aforementioned schools over the course of two days on Nov. 26 and 27.

McMaster garnered medals in a slew of events on both the men’s and women’s sides, leading the Maroon and Grey to clinch the team titles across the board.

It was at that dual meet at Sara Thompson notched two podium finishes – including a gold in the 200 individual medley and a silver in the 50m fly – and added her name to a current field of a dozen Marauders heading to the national championships.

The Maroon and Grey’s coach Andrew Cole underscored the significance of having 12 athletes earmarked for the year-end meet with only half of the season complete, and indicates that such a figure marks a drastic progression from past seasons.

“As recently as three years ago we didn’t have 12 national qualifiers in a whole year, so the progress of the team is significant,” said Cole. “Even in my first year, I think we had one male and four female qualifiers go to the event.

“It’s also significant because the qualifying time is a running average of the top 16 swimmers in the country. So if you’ve made that time it’s a very impressive milestone and a good marker of where the team is overall.”

Despite his teams’ early successes, the Marauder mentor is quick to acknowledge that his swimmers must continue to build on the momentum that they have accumulated to this point.

“I think [Marauder football coach] Stef Ptaszek said it best,” Cole said. “It’s one thing to have some success, but you have to have the desire to go a lot further. So we can’t rest on our laurels. We need to be more excited to do more.

“There were some solid performances in the fall, but everyone is hungry to be competitive at the national level.”

Cole also knows that while his swimmers have excelled in several smaller events, they remain some distance off the pace set by the strongest units in the country. He believes however that the Marauders have the correct mentality to close that gap in performance.

Sports Editor

Sports Editor

PHOTO C/O MCMASTER ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

Mac’s swim team looks to carry its early momentum through the winter break.

“We’ve beaten Western and Guelph in some dual meets, but to go into the University Cup on (Nov. 24) where the eight best teams in the country were there, it wasn’t always the case,” said the coach of his athletes’ high standard. “But the athletes believes more and more that we can get there.”

Part of the improvement that the Marauders envision will come over the holidays, as they look to embark on a warm-weather camp in Jamaica over the course of the Christmas Break. Cole knows that the gains made in the Caribbean could make all the difference at the end of the year.

“We’ve always gone on a warm weather camp to make sure that we capitalize on

what we’ve been able to achieve so far,” said the coach. “If we didn’t go to the camp, we would come out of the break on a lower level than we went in on. If we go to the camp, we move to a higher level.

“The difference between those is the difference between being either competitive nationally or falling short.”

In Jamaica, Cole will have 24-hour control of his athletes’ routine, and he plans to make the most of that control for training purposes. Fans of the Maroon and Grey will be able to see the fruits of those tropical labours when the Marauders resume their conference schedule at a dual meet with Toronto on Jan. 14.

THE SILHOUETTE • S3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Men’s Basketball

Football

Road trip brings two wins

Behie behind potent Mac offence

Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

In hosting the Ryerson Rams and Toronto Varsity Blues on Dec. 2 and 3, the Marauders men’s basketball team will look to improve on a 5-1 record and round off the first half of their 2011 schedule in style.

McMaster ended their recent road trip with two victories in Kingston, one coming against Queen’s on Nov. 25 by a score of 8962 and another against RMC on Nov. 26 by a convincing margin of 98-51.

Off to a great start, the difficulty for this young team will be maintaining their composure and focus.

“The important thing for our guys is to understand how we’ve done it,” said Mac coach Amos Connolly. “What’s dangerous about success going to their heads is that feeling when you take your foot off of the gas or start making changes your preparation.”

Connolly’s concern is that his team’s early success will somehow cut into their competitive drive. “When winning goes to a team’s head they feel they can win without working as hard,” Connolly said.

Although their record may indicate otherwise, keeping consistent pressure has indeed been an issue for the Marauders this season. In their season-opening loss to powerhouse Carleton, Mac fell victim to a third quarter Ravens run that would eventually be the difference.

“We need to work on our consistency coming out of breaks, in the start of game, the second quarter and halftime especially.

“If you look at that [Carleton] game for example, that run at the start of the third quarter was eventually the difference,” said Connolly of the improvements his team needs to make in order to continue their success.

Preparing for the weekend, the Marauders will need to analyze the games this season in order to improve on their consistency.

In addition, Connolly and his team can look to last year in which they lost two early-season games to both Ryerson and Toronto.

“Playing Ryerson with Jahmal Jones, who is a national team level point guard, is a challenge. These two teams give us something different. Well have to focus this weekend if we are going to be successful.”

The first of the two weekend games will be Toronto on Friday, Dec. 2 at McMaster’s

Brian Decker Executive Editor

Perhaps no team would be more suited to play in an overtime shootout for the Vanier Cup than the McMaster Marauders.

Armed with an MVP wide receiver, an All-Canadian field goal kicker, a talented group of slotbacks, a powerful running back and a quarterback who had permanently entered Beast Mode, the Marauders had a bevy of weapons to march 35 yards into the end zone more times than their opponent could match.

That, and a diverse playbook devised by a man many have described as a football genius behind the scenes.

Observers of this year’s Mac team will no doubt be familiar with offensive coordinator Jon Behie’s arsenal of jet sweeps, behind-the-back handoffs and other tricky plays that have led many to herald the former player as an offensive mastermind.

Behie, a man who considers himself a Marauder lifer and a “McMaster football historian,” credits the skills of his players for the offence’s success rather than his own creativity and influence. But with aerial precision demonstrated by Kyle Quinlan and co. last Friday, it’s clear Behie’s fingerprints are all over the blueprint Mac used to cause utter destruction to the vaunted Laval defence.

The Marauders threw for 496 yards and gained nearly 700 for the game, moving the ball against Laval seemingly more successfully than any team this decade. The variation in playcalling, especially with Quinlan’s powerful arm, resulted in a commanding passing game.

“The pass game has always been my thing. Moving guys around, it’s like a chess match. It’s been fun to draw it up,” said Behie.

Taylor Black has been a defensive standout for Mac so far this season.

Since the turn of the century, Behie has Burridge Gym tipping off at 8 pm. The fol- to defense. For us to be successful given that been heavily involved in McMaster football, lowing day Ryerson will also visit Burridge we don’t have a go to guy, we have to be a first as a recruit and fan, then as a quarterfor a night game. sound team and defense has to be at the fore- back and receiver and now as the offensive As for what his team has been doing front of that,” said Connolly. coordinator of the most potent offence in the right, Connolly suggests that the key to suc- “Taylor Black and Nathan Pelech have CIS. cess is on the defensive side of the ball, es- both been playing well, they played well for “I went to every game starting in 2000. pecially the interior, given the lack of a pure us last weekend. We need decent play from This is the only place I applied and I wanted scorer. our big guys and we also need to establish “They have really committed themselves someone as a lockdown defender.”

• PLEASE SEE PLAYS, S8 JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

S4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • S5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Fall in photos

Marauder teams rose to the occasion this season

JEFF TAM / SIILHOUETTE STAFF

Captain Mel Van Der Hoop led her team to the OUA Final Four.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Striker Mark Reilly and the men’s soccer team ran their way to the OUA title.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Dan Groenveld and the Marauders got off to a hot start to their campaign.

PHOTO C/O PETER SELF

Victoria Coates and the Marauder women won bronze in the national meet.

JUSTINE HO / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Maggie Cogger-Orr and her teammates grabbed a berth into the CIS National Championships.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

The women’s volleyball team kicked off its season.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

The men’s rugby team battled their way to a fourth-place OUA finish this fall.

S6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Marching Band

Group grows and looks to improve

PHOTO C/O ASHLEY CAPON

Sporting brand new uniforms, a slew of new instructors and a new schedule, the McMaster marching band is looking to be better than ever this year.

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

They’ve long been a constant presence at sporting events and special functions across campus, but the McMaster marching band is intent on making that presence felt much more this year.

The group has embarked on a program of improvement and expansion that has seen them don professional uniforms, hire section-specific instructors and greatly enlarge their schedule of appearances.

According to the group’s Vice President of Promotions Ashley Capon, the band’s overhaul is the result of a long-held goal to produce a larger and more professional organization.

“One of the main goals that we had as a band was to be a bigger group that students could look to for a sense of pride and a symbol of their university,” said Capon.

“We wanted to grow. With our uniforms, we wanted people to be able to look at us and visually see that we’re expanding and doing better.

“We’ve got new instructors for music, our colour guard and our drum line. That’s all part of having a better sound and getting bigger.”

The cosmetic upgrades that the marching band has undergone have been designed to mimic the appearance of American college groups, whose well-honed sound the McMaster outfit soon hopes to match.

Capon believes that the new uniforms have borne immediate benefits for the band, and signals its drive to improve.

“We looked at our performances of

years past and even at Homecoming this year when the uniforms hadn’t come in yet, and there’s definitely a difference,” said the Vice-President. “We have full colour guard uniforms and the traditional plumes for the band now, and it looks amazing.”

The band’s spokesman took time to acknowledge the role that McMaster’s Department of Athletics and Recreation plays in the group’s activities, as the department responsible for Marauder sports provides • PLEASE SEE NEW, S7

THE SILHOUETTE • S7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Women’s Basketball

Marching Band

Slow starts cost Mac points

New uniforms, ambition for band

Ben Orr

Sports Editor

Consistency continues to be elusive for the McMaster women in the early stages of their OUA season.

The Marauders played to yet another weekend split, losing to Queen’s on Nov. 25 before rebounding against RMC the next night.

They continue to stay glued to a .500 record at 3-3, good enough for six points and fourth place in the OUA West division. However, with division leaders Brock sprinting out to a 6-0 record, the Maroon and Grey will need to find their rhythm soon if they wish to compete for a division crown.

Mac began the weekend against the Queen’s Gaels, who came into the game with a 3-1 record and a whole lot of offensive firepower. The Gaels dominated early, scoring 29 points in the first quarter alone.

They would take a 49-29 lead into half thanks in part to their effective 58 per cent shooting from the field.

The second half would see much of the same, as the Marauders struggled to get anything going against a stingy Queen’s defence. Shooting an impressive 63 per cent from three-point land, the Gaels would cruise to a 94-65 win. McMaster coach Theresa Burns was not thrilled with her team’s effort.

“We just mentally weren’t there from the start. We let them get very comfortable, and they just took off and we couldn’t reel it in.”

Against the Paladins, the Marauders came out flat again, falling behind 16-13 early. McMaster appeared to be shell-shocked, as the deficit increased to 31-24 by halftime.

The second half, however, was the Taylor Chariot show. The fifth-year senior and team captain would take charge, leading her team back to the forefront in the third quarter. The nail was hammered into the coffin as the Marauders outscored the Paladins 20-8 in the fourth quarter, taking the game by a final score of 61-48.

Chariot would go on to score a gamehigh 27 points, adding eight rebounds for good measure. Isabel Ormond was also effective for her team, finishing two boards and a basket away from a double-double.

“It was pretty disappointing. Not what we were looking for out of the weekend,” said Burns to sum up the road trip.

“Against RMC I thought our first half

• CONT’D FROM S6 opportunities for the marching band to perform.

“We do a lot of work with them and they ask us to attend a lot of events,” said Capon of the department. “We were at Midnight Madness and at the Homecoming shows in support. We like to be out and amongst the McMaster community as much as we can be.”

The Vice-President indicates that the band has been getting a positive reception from audiences and fellow musicians alike, and was a hit at the Toronto Santa Claus that it took part in on Nov. 20.

“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback so far this year,” Capon said. “The musical director of the Toronto Argonauts even complimented us and said that we were really looking and sounding good.

“We’ve also gotten feedback from the multiple parades that we’ve performed in.

We’ve done four so far and have two more to go, and all of them have told us that they were really glad to have had us there. We performed at the Toronto Santa Claus parade this year and it was a huge event.

“We were so happy to get in, and everyone was cheering us on.”

Beyond the parades on the near horizon, the Vice-President says that her band is focused on adding more tunes to its repertoire as the year progresses in the hope of finding common musical ground with potential audiences. slow out of the blocks in Kingston.

“One of our goals going forward is to we’ve had various people in and out of the learn new music,” Capon explained. “We lineup with injuries. I think we’re got such a want to move towards music that’s a little young lineup that when you take that experi- more modern, something that students at ence out there’s just not enough experience McMaster can relate to. We’re trying to deat this level to be able to put that consistent cide what songs will be the most interesting play together.” for us to play and for people to listen to.”

Still, the coach praised the efforts of Their enlarged schedule of practices Chariot, who carried her team on her back in and events has added hours of work to band Kingston. members’ lives. Capon believes however “Against RMC I don’t think Taylor had that her band mates understand as she does a great start for what she’s capable of doing. that excelling at their craft will require hard At half time we regrouped the whole team work. and I think she realized she had to step up. While the effort to improve continues, On any given night she can take over a game the band will keep displaying their prowess when she wants to. That’s what she’s capa- in parades and special events throughout the ble of doing.” holiday season.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Alyska Lukan and the Marauders were was not a great effort either, so we are definitely looking for a better effort right from tip off in any of the games we play and hopefully we have that this weekend, because we’ve got two tough games coming up.”

The Marauders will host the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Ryerson Rams at Burridge Gym. Burns knows something will have to change to collect four points this weekend.

“We’re not playing consistently, we’re not putting a 40-minute game together, we’re not putting two back-to-back good games together,” said the Mac bench boss.

“Not to make excuses but we still haven’t had a full lineup out on the floor yet,

S8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Football

Wrestling

Playbook complements talent

Buckle leads wrestlers Maggie Cogger-Orr Silhouette Staff

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Jon Behie (right) is the mastermind of offence that dominated the CIS on the way to victory in the Vanier Cup. receiver from 2002 to 2006 for McMaster helped foster his creativity for the passing to be here,” says Behie. “I immersed myself game, something that has flourished with in it and I just haven’t left.”

Quinlan, Mike DiCroce and the other tal The Burlington native says his passion ented players in the receiving corps making for offensive innovation has been around plays. since the first time he ever picked up a foot- “The pass game has always been my ball, and that he always had an eye on help- thing. Moving guys around, it’s like a chess ing to direct a team. match. It’s been fun to draw it up.”

“I remember drawing up plays and talk- Behie is right to send credit for the Vaniing with coaches in high school,” says Be- er win towards Quinlan, whose astonishing hie. performance led him to call the fourth-year “I’ve wanted to coach for as long as I pivot the best to ever play for McMaster. can remember, and I can remember in my “What he did was unbelievable. He first, second and third year wanting to get couldn’t have done anything more; statisinto coaching and teaching. tically; ‘wow’ factor; winning. It was all “It was kind of ‘right place, right time’ there.” and the circumstances were lucky that they But his own brand of creative offence are what they are here at Mac.” and his dedication to the team’s develop Behie says playing quarterback and ment has also been an integral part of Mc• CONT’D FROM S3

Master’s rise to becoming the king of Canadian university football.

“It’s always about the program. It’s never been about one year’s team. And that’s why I do this every day and care so deeply about it,” says Behie.

Four days after the victory over Laval, the Vanier Cup sat in Behie’s office, but the drive to win another one was clearly already on his mind.

He was heading off with head coach Stefan Ptaszek to scout recruits at the Metro Bowl in Toronto.

For Behie, the process of accomplishing what the Marauders did in 2011 again in 2012 is already underway.

“We’ll do everything we can to try to get another another Yates, another Uteck and another Vanier,” he says. “Hopefully we don’t have to wait 47 years to get it.”

The beginning of the 2011-2012 season for the McMaster wrestling teams has been one where success has been spread throughout the two teams.

Starting a month ago at the Concordia Tournament, the Marauders brought home five medals on the day, including a gold medal from rookie Chris Garneau in the men’s 65kg weight class.

The Maroon and Grey would also pin down three silvers on the day with rookie Linda Vu in the women’s 48kg weight class, Sean House in the 90kg weight class and 2010 CIS silver medalist Ryan Blake grabbing one in the 68kg weight class.

Second-year Sydney Duggan also won the bronze medal in the 59kg weight class.

The next tournament would be McMaster’s own invitational tournament and would see the men’s team pick up a gold, silver and bronze. Winning the 57kg weight class would be rookie Jason Buckle, who would be rewarded with the Male Outstanding Performer of the tournament for his outstanding efforts.

Also medalling for the Marauders would be Fady Georgis with a second place finish in the 61kg weight class and 2010 CIS silver medalist Kevin MacLellan grabbing a bronze in his 82kg division. Picking up another top-five finish was Garneau, who would finish fourth on the day.

In more recent news the women’s team competed in the University of Western Ontario’s women’s duals event and placed eighth overall. The Marauders had two standout performances on the day by second-year Nicole Mazara in the 51kg weight class and third year Erica D’Angelo in the 63kg weight class.

While the women were in London, the men’s team competed at the University of Toronto Invitational and would once again see another fantastic performance from Buckle.

Winning gold once again in his division, Buckle would also be awarded MVP honours for his dominant performance in the tournament.

Also continuing to show strongly was Garneau, as the first year placed fourth again in the tournament.

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

INSIDEOUT

production office extension: 27117 insideout@thesil.ca

Why I keep coming back Jonathon Fairclough writes about the people who made his travels worthwhile

Jonathon Fairclough Production Editor

It’s never how you picture it, is it?

The passage of time, that is. The inevitable change of faces, places and circumstance; it goes by far too fast for us to fathom. One minute it’s summer and then it’s winter. I can’t help but see it any other way.

I wrote the first installment of these travel articles back in September with Europe fresh off the platter, the sweet smell and humidity still lingering. I was as lean as a pup, happy as a kid, expectant and optimistic with whatever the world had for me. And then winter came and these stories, once just enjoyable, passing accounts, have become intrinsic to my survival. The characters, the plot, I shamelessly revisit over and over again, and they keep those fleeting moments alive for me. It’s as simple as that.

And with Christmas approaching, you’re hopefully going back to a home with the people who remind you of your own former moments of glory, and there isn’t a better time of year for that. So the people who bring you back home in mind, I thought I’d write about the people

ling with me every year since. A character in a number of my stories, my brother has said “yes” to every wild plan and detour that I’ve offered. Offering a mature, inspired approach to our travels, the guy has put up with my shenanigans for years on end without the faintest whisper of protest.

Adam and Brienna I met these two on the first day, the first hostel, and the first city I ever visited, Rome. We were all timid, nervous backpackers without the faintest idea of what were doing.

We had similar itineraries, travelling through Italy and, as it happened, we somehow bumped into each other in every single city – even though we had no intentional plans of meeting up again. It’s the biggest practical example of “fate” that I’ve ever been a part of.

Heidi The reason why I ever went traveling in the first place, Heidi hired me for my guide job and facilitated the biggest turnaround in my spiritual growth. Beyond that, Heidi has let me sleep on her couch for weeks at a time when I was jobless, bought me

Just another one of those days: Me and Neall clown around after a few too many drinks in Belgium.

I’ve met on the road, the ones who have shaped me into the snot-nosed dreamer I am today.

Andrew My only sibling, two years my senior. Not only was he there for my first time abroad, he’s been travel-

dinner when I had no money, and has taken me to enumerable spots she loves around Belgium. Heidi is almost 40, works six months a year and travels the rest. I want to do what she does when I’m older.

Neall We both worked at the same guide job but never did a trip together. In total, I’ve spent no more than two weeks with Neall over the last three years, but they’ve been a crazy two weeks. There’s always that person that bumps the night to an unspeakable level, and that person, for me, is Neall – insane, full of life, not a bad bone in his body. Thank you, Neall, wherever you are.

Didier You may have met this guy already in my travel article from last month.

I met Didier while couchsurfing and we kicked it off right away. Didier was born blind from birth, but this didn’t stop him. He’s a successful, funny, fantastically intelligent individual who was, and continues to be, a big inspiration to me. We

completely ripped from baggage handlers, all my clothes were falling out, and I was due to fly back to Canada in a few days. Ben brought my pack to the beach and spent three hours sewing the thing until it was in top shape. I swear I could go to war with it and it would never rip again. Thanks Ben, you strange, crazy German.

Trifonas A Greek outfitter that runs a whitewater rafting and outdoor sport company in the Peloponnese mountains, Trifonas was a guy I looked up to because he does what he loves and every facet of his life exudes this passion. Beautiful girlfriend, great friends and family, unbelievable job, Trifonas has it all. He’d tell me stories of his travels, and the inspiration from this alone could fill a few books.

Woman on the boat, Amsterdam My first summer was almost over.

I’d been travelling for three months, and I decided to spend the last few days in Amsterdam to relax before I flew back to Canada. I was beat tired, lost and a little intimidated by the city, so I grabbed some cheap Indian food and sat on a small canal to eat. Nothing is worse than being lonely in a big city. Floating by in a small boat was a woman, middleaged and wearing a modest summer dress. She saw me, felt how I was feeling, and gave me the warmest smile and wave I’ve ever received.

I wasn’t lonely after that.

Dutch family, Netherlands I was guiding a bike trip through the Netherlands and had to set up tents at the next campsite before the group arrived. I was new to this job and didn’t know what I was doing, and this Dutch family noticed and helped me. Afterwards, they invited me over for dinner and they gave me everything I wanted: food, drink, company. They said it was their family reunion and they were travelling through the Netherlands, and that, for the night, I was a part of their family. We traded travel stories and the like before my group arrived and I had to go, but not before I gave them some Canadian keepsakes for my gratitude.

A typical day at work: Biking through the Netherlands on the way to Belgium was “tiring”, to say the least. keep in touch, even now, and I’m planning on seeing him when I go back to the UK over the holidays.

Bee Professor, Athens Yes, that’s right, a professor of bees.

I met this man on the Athens metro, and he was curious as to where I was going and what I do. He told me that he has wanted to study and teach about bees ever since he was a child – he was nearly 60. He told me the importance of doing what you love, the importance of good teachers, and why you shouldn’t listen to critics. It was a 20-minute conversation, that’s all, but it’ll stick with me for many years to come.

Ben I met Ben in Portugal at a surf hostel right at the end of my summer this year. We kicked it off right away and turned every day and every night into one gigantic amusing adventure. Along with my brother Andrew, we surfed all day and drank all night, shared stories about home and covered every topic under the sun. My travel-pack was

‘Tis the shopping season

Scottish shortbread

Ease the strain of holiday shopping with these quick tips.

Share this homemade recipe with friends and family this holiday season.

Pg. C6

Pg. C7

Mom and Dad I saved this for last because, to me, they’re the most important. To say these people are understanding is an understatement. They’re the best and biggest influence on my travel life and my home life. Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada when they were 21, so they get what it’s like to be alone in a new country, and were always there if I ever needed them. Unconditional love is a foreign thing in this self-serving generation, and these people give and give and never ask back.

So time flies by, and with winter coming, maybe you should think about the people that have turned life around for you. Better yet, write about them, even if it’s just for yourself, and reminisce about what they’ve done for you and your journey.

That’s all, folks. Go be with your families, go get inspired, and maybe, just maybe, plan your next trip. Happy holidays to all my readers, and thank you.

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

ThreadCount David-Paul Song Fourth Year Kineseology Favourite band: Linkin Park Describe your style: Whatever makes me feel alive What do you look for in a significant other?

Gamer girl Boots: Little Burgundy, $80 Cardigan: Zara, gift Toque: H&M, $10

Photos by: Tyler Hayward

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THE SILHOUETTE • C3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Tantalize and tease your partner Incorporate sensual massages as a part your foreplay routine Maryann Ashley SHEC Media

Everyone knows (or at least should know) the importance of foreplay. But how many people would say that they are comfortable with the art of sensual massage? And no, I’m not just talking about hand jobs here. I’m talking about full-body touching and relaxation, which may or may not lead to more extensive sexual activity.

Having a stressful day? Special anniversary? Are you with a new partner? Is your relationship on the fritz lately? Why not try jazzing it up! Massages are nice in general, so adding them to your sexual repertoire certainly couldn’t hurt.

There are several ways to execute an enjoyable massage. You can make it a big event with scented candles, body oils and sensual music.

There are a few things you should keep in mind, though. First of all, don’t mix too many strong scents at once – instead of getting someone in the mood, it could just make them nauseous.

Secondly, when using oils, you don’t want to put them directly onto your partner’s skin.

Put it on your hands first, rub your hands together to get it warm, and then work it into your partner’s skin.

Finally, this kind of massage is done best in the nude – otherwise it’s just going to get messy.

That’s the obvious way of going about a sensual massage, but don’t underestimate the

value of reaching out and touching someone There are many different ways to touch a just while you’re stretched out on the couch person. together watching TV. Even with all your Light touches, when only the very tips clothes on you can touch someone in an ex- of your fingers softly caress the skin of your citing way. partner, are going to awaken the nerves and Start off with rubbing their feet and then create that tingly sensation. slowly make your way up the leg. There are Firmer touches, which can be achieved two very important things to remember: take by heavier pressure through the fingers, are your time and don’t jump right to the genitals. going to display a more sensual undertone This is an opportunity to pay attention and are likely to express your desire for the to all the other areas that generally get over- other person. looked. Slowly work on the legs, arms, ears, So you’ll want to start off with some very neck, back and scalp. soft gentle touching and then Work in a direction that eventually lead up to some This is an will build tension toward the firmer, longing strokes. more erogenous zones. So if opportunity to pay Depending on where you you’re working on the legs, working on the body and attention to all the are move in an upward motion, what your partner says they other areas that paying special attention to like, you can use different the sensitive inner thigh. generally get over pressure through different If you’re working on the parts of your hands. Pressure back, move from the shoul- looked. Slowly work through the fingers and thumb on the legs, arms, are going to be good for workders down toward the buttocks. ears, neck, back, ing on smaller more specific Be sure to pay special muscles. If you want to cover and scalp.” attention to the area just more surface area while still above your partner’s butt beproviding good pressure then cause there are a lot of nerves use the heel of your hand. in this area and it can be extremely sensitive Be careful when working near boney and pleasurable. areas and don’t go pounding on their muscles Massage is a great way to build anticipa- like you’re tenderizing a piece of meat. You tion, so play around your partner’s genitals want to relax and seduce them, not prep them and nipples eventually, but don’t give into the for the BBQ. temptation too quickly.

You don’t want to bruise your partner or Alright, so you know that you should take seriously injure them. your time and build the excitement, now you Remember, you’re not a professional just need some actual massage techniques. so don’t go trying to fixing things or mess

around with their spine.

Communication is very important here, so frequently check with your partner to make sure that your pressure is good and that they like what you’re doing.

Here are some of the most basic techniques you can use.

Circular motions – whether they are tiny or big, soft or hard, circles are a very effective form of touching.

Stroking – use the entire surface of your hand and do large continuous strokes while maintaining constant contact with your partner, this should be a very fluid motion.

Petrissage – lightly grab the muscles and move them in a lifting motion.

Vibration – press your fingers firmly on a muscle and then gently but rapidly shake the area.

And finally tapotement – with your fingers slightly apart, do a gentle chopping motion or tapping strokes.

By far the best and easiest way to learn massage is to watch it, and then practice.

There are many videos on the internet that can give you great tips and techniques for how to massage your partner.

A massage is a great way to build up excitement for more intensive sexual activity. It is also great for relationship building, working on communication and a fantastic way to show how comfortable you are with each other.

And, it’s something new and exciting to bring to the bedroom.

Bottom line: being touched feels good, but being touched? Well, it feels even better.

Have a very Merry Christmas from the InsideOut Team!

Feliz Navidad Wesolych Swiat Maligayang Pasko Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo Geseënde Kersfees en ‘n gelukkige nuwe jaar Häid Jõule ja Head Uut Aastat

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Eye Oh Tidbits Greek-mas

The common abriviation for Christmas to Xmas is derived from the Greek alphabet. X is the letter Chi, which is the first letter of Christ’s name in the Greek alphabet.

Traditions from down under

Melbourne, Australia has a sporting Boxing Day tradition. The Melbourne Cricket Ground hosts a cricket test match. Sometimes this attracts 90, 000 spectators. Cricket is Australia’s premier summer sport.

Holiday roots

In 1834, Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, brought the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal family.

Songs from the stone age

The first American Christmas carol was written in 1649 by a minister named John de Brebeur and is called “Jesus is Born”.

Mexican Merriment

Mexicans call the poinsettia “Flower of the Holy Night” ---the Holy Night is the Mexican way of saying “Christmas Eve”.

Turkey vs. Goose

A goose was customary Christmas fare until Henry VIII took it upon himself to tuck into a turkey. Mince pies were once shaped like mangers and are thought to date back to the sweetmeats formerly presented to the Vatican on Christmas Eve.

Holly jolly wreath

A holiday wreath with holly, red berries and other decorations became popular in the 17th century. Holly, with its sharply pointed leaves, symbolised the thorns in Christ’s crownof-thorns. Red berries symbolised the drops of Christ’s blood. A wreath at Christmas signified a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.

Great grub in downtown Burlington Rayhoon’s Persian Eatery offers a wide selection of authentic food

petizing addition to any dish – I could have eaten the bread all night.

The fesenjoon is like nothing I have ever Where else can you find delicious Persian eats tasted before. The dish consists of chicken, at an affordable price? Located in downtown pomegranate and walnuts.

Burlington (420 Pearl Street), Rayhoon’s Per- It provides a whole new type of sweetsian Eatery offers this and so much more. ness, and when mixed with rice it becomes I had the fish stew, fesenjoon, the Ray- that much more unique. hoon Special, and for dessert, faloodeh, all The Rayhoon special is a skewer of Barg accompanied with delicious duke, which and a skewer of Joojeh, which is lamb and consists of milk, yogurt and a variety of well chicken marinated for 24 hours in onions, blended spices, in addition to a side of rice. garlic and saffron, and seasoned with select The restaurant’s front is the most pro- spices, making for a very tender dish. nounced one in the area, which is made evi- The faloodeh dessert is a Persian sorbet dent upon arrival. that consists of vermicelli noodles and rose You are greeted with a shining sign water. It is served in a bowl with a waffle bathed in Persian art. piece to the side.

I was told a Christmas It is deliciously sweet and decoration competition was The atmosphere is can be covered in cherry or being held between restau- enlightening and all lemon water that is provided rants in the area. Rayhoon’s at the table. at once satisfying. The food is great, the staff definitely did not disappoint The place is steeped is friendly, and the environin this regard.

The restaurant provided in Persian history with ment is soothing. a twist to the conventional great art pieces and I felt a part of the family themes of Christmas by diswhen I entered and learned a better yet are the playing Persian artefacts in lot about the window. unqiue stories that Persian culture during When I entered, a dim my time there. I am eager to come with them.” light set the mood for a relaxreturn. ing dinner as a Christmas tree While driving might be the greeted me to the side, fully best option, the restaurant can decorated. The 23-year-old owner Mahmood be reached by bus.

Emami took me to my reserved seat and the From McMaster, take the 10 B-line to place slowly filled up over the course of the King and Parkdale, and then take the 11 Parknight. dale Northbound to the John at Burlington The atmosphere is enlightening and all at Terminal. once satisfying. The place is steeped in Per- It’s then a short walk to 420 Pearl Street, sian history with great art pieces, and better which resembles Hess Village. yet are the unique stories that come with The restaurant is the cathedral-looking them. one in the middle of the tiny cobblestone vil The waiters are friendly and eager to lage. help. Our food was served surprisingly quick, The total bus trip takes over an hour, but beginning with the bread and rice. it’s worth it if you’re up for an adventure.

The fish stew is highly recommended, as I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rayit has a taste reminiscent of India. The bread hoon’s and I hope you will too! is also extremely fresh, making for an apImran Motala Silhouette Staff

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

FashionWatch

Dress holiday appropriate this sesason Natalie Timperio

Senior InsideOut Editor

In between the study sessions and Christmas shopping, fitting in time for you this December is important.

By now your calendar is likely filled until the New Year with the much-hyped holiday parties – as if you need the added stress. So, how to incorporate holiday party-wear shopping into your busy schedule while still maintaining a budget?

Shopping for holiday partywear presents a perfect opportunity for study breaks. Plus, if you’re already doing your yearly rounds of holiday gift shopping, then squeezing in some time for holiday attire is made even simpler.

Of course, there’s added convenience in online shopping, meaning you never even have to leave your computer to shop. The only downfall to online shopping, as we all know, is the inability to try items on prior to purchasing, which can leave you fretting over fit upon the item’s arrival.

However, if you’re willing to take the risk, online shopping can definitely be beneficial for those under tight time constraints – that and the fact that most sites ship free during the holiday season.

Whatever form of shopping you choose, just be sure to keep in mind both look and cost. Men, unlike women, need to worry about over-heating; a few glasses of whiskey coupled with close-quarter interactions all the while wearing a stiff-fitting shirt and pants can leave gents beading at the brow.

ArtOfManilness.com recommends that men stick to cotton fabrics during the holidays, as cotton fibres are cellulose based, therefore allowing heat and moisture to pass through rather than creating a personal sauna.

An added bonus is that cotton fabrics are durable, meaning that most of the time they can be washed at home rather than at the dry cleaners, which will in turn save a dime or two when it comes to cleaning.

The website also recommends that men wear a dress jacket for holiday parties.

Most holiday parties do not require a suit, however, a dress jacket is a good way to maintain that killer

look without going over the top.

Dress jackets can add broadness to shoulders, give you an excuse to skip the tie, hide any extra weight you may have gained as a result of the season and provides pockets in which to keep your personals.

If you’re worried that a dress jacket may be too much for the occasion, try pairing it with jeans.

Jeans will help to tone down the look while still maintaining that puttogetherness. Or, if you’re really gunning for that “like a boss” look, try tucking a handkerchief into the breast pocket – it’s an inexpensive way to boost your sex appeal.

While women need not worry about overheating in cute-to-boot cocktail dresses, there are a few things they should keep mind. Keeping it classy is key; while your body may be banging, ladies, remember that it’s the holidays (meaning lots of time with dear friends and family), so sexifying your look should be kept to a minimum.

Finding a cocktail dress that hits no higher than your mid-thigh is a good safe zone. Yet cocktail dresses can run a costly price tag. If you’ve missed out on Black Friday deals, don’t worry, as there are alternatives. Try borrowing from a friend.

No one needs to know you’ve borrowed, and, if it comes down to it, simply say she was the one who borrowed your dress before you even had the chance to wear it.

For those willing to brave online shopping, I’ve found success with AmiClubwear.com.

Though a U.S. company, meaning currency conversions and impossible returns, this site offers inexpensive dresses suitable for all types of holiday parties and body types.

The best part? They frequently have sales, with items into the single digits. I’ll admit that while some items can be tacky, with the models often mirroring amateur porn stars, there is plenty of merchandise to choose from, so have patience.

That foolishly dressed person seems to be omnipresent at holiday parties, so don’t let it be you.

But, if all else fails and you find yourself without time or money to shop for holiday party-wear, embrace the ugly, wool-knit sweater and hang out at the kids table.

Stay stylish at all of your holiday parties in cool and classy attire that is sure to impress.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Word of the Week Christmaphobe Definition

Someone who hates and is scared of anything Christmas related. This means no unwrapping presents, singing carols or watching Christmas T.V. specials.

Used in a sentence

“Large amounts of whiskey should cure his Christmaphobia. ”

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

No need to fear Christmas cheer Follow these holiday tips and keep yourself stress free this winter Cassandra Jeffery

Assistant InsideOut Editor

November is finally over and classes have begun to wind down, but the forecast for December doesn’t predict sunny skies and clear horizons.

Instead of kicking back and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of school, we’re forced into the dreadful month of final examinations and the tedious task of Christmas shopping.

Lately, our priorities have consisted of studying for upcoming exams and finishing last-minute assignments. Our busy schedules have distracted us from the fact that it’s already December and before we know it, we’ll be scrambling to prepare for the Christmas holidays.

How is it possible for students to even begin to think about Christmas when our lives have already seen the epitome of hectic?

Aside from our time sensitivelives, students also need to take into account their financial situation, as we probably don’t have a lot of cash to be spending on lavish gifts this Christmas season. In preparation for the Christmas season and to prevent any stress-induced hair loss, here are a few quick Christmas pointers to keep in mind when shopping for gifts this year.

1) During exams, setting aside time for Christmas shopping can be difficult. Should you really be spending your time shopping, or studying for your Communications exam worth 30 percent of your final grade? Regardless, the gifts must be purchased, so the best thing to do is just relax. Eventually, everyone needs a study break, so take a breather and prepare yourself for the fight through crowded malls in search for that one great present.

Sure, you’re exchanging one stresser for another, but at least Christmas shopping as nothing to do with Marshal McLuhan.

2) As long as you give yourself enough time before Christmas, online shopping can be a great way to bypass the traffic in malls, and if you search for the deals, it can be

RICARDO PADILLA/ ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Beat the bankruptcy blues this holiday season and be a conscious consumer. Your wallet and academics will thank you for it. relatively cheap. Online shopping is chocolate. gifts. Loved ones realize that uni- home this Christmas season, then easily done from your home, which To beat the bankruptcy blues versity is substantially expensive, it’s important to keep gift size in means you’ll have no problem at all this holiday season, try limiting the so tap into your creative side this mind. Buying or making gifts that balancing exam and Christmas prep amount of money allocated to each festive season and have some fun can easily fit into your suitcase is simultaneously. gift recipient. while preparing for Christmas. key. Lugging around a large blender 3) Christmas is one if the big- In preparation, its wise to leave Homemade gifts are incredibly or juicer is not going to be an easy gest financial burdens of the year, the credit or debit card at home and sentimental and meaningful. You task, so either keep it light or wait so a budget for yourself. Even if only bring the amount of cash you don’t need to be Picasso in order until you’re home. you’re buying only for immediate wish to spend. That way, you’ll to pick up a blank canvas from the With exams just around the family and that significant other, know exactly how much you’ve dollar store and paint something corner, Christmas preparation is the last thing on our minds. However, the Christmas bill has the potential spent and when you’re close to run- extraordinary. to reach over 300 hundred dollars ning out of money.

4) Keep travel in mind. If you’re following these few simple tips, before you have time to finish that Also, remember that there’s a student who has the unfortunate getting into the Christmas spirit can three-dollar cup of candy cane hot nothing wrong with homemade burden of taking a bus or flying be a fun and exciting adventure!

Organ donation 101 with Recycle Me Aaren Fitzgerald Silhouette Staff

I met James Cameron at the Recycle Me event held in the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) last Thursday.

Cameron is a soft-spoken and charismatic young man whose health has played a significant part in his life, but does not define him.

“I was born with cystic fibrosis, he explained. “By my twenty-third, birthday I had to build a transplant list. I had both lungs transplanted, double-lung, and in the process I also developed diabetes. It has been eight years since the transplant. I’ve had some issues with rejection and pneumonia that sort of thing, but it’s been clear for three years now.”

Cameron is a personal trainer and motivational speaker, who, at age 12, was inspired by his uncle to box, and now teaches others how to stay healthy.

He was invited to the event by the Recycle Me club at McMaster.

Recycle Me aims to raise awareness and educate students on organ and tissue donation. They also fundraise to help people in need of transplants.

Recycle Me at McMaster began last January after Trisha Sengupta, now president of the club, registered to be a volunteer for the Trillium Gift of Life Network, the external agency that supports the Recycle Me program. Sengupta suggested to a spokesperson for the organization that Recycle Me club a McMaster be founded, and so it began.

Last year, the club provided a campus tour with a life-size version of the game ‘Operation’ in MUSC and gave an iPod to the winner.

During last week’s event, which featured performances from a trained magician and boxing sessions, Recycle Me provided access to online donor registration and information to interested participants.

Sengupta explained that the group hopes to make this an annual event.

She added that anyone can join the club and that being a donor or having a transplant is not a requirement to join.

The Recycle Me club holds these events to provide students with information about the option they have as a Canadian, to not just donate an organ, but to voluntarily give someone a second chance at life.

The website recycleme.org “brings recycling from the curbside to the inside,” where visitors are invited to bring agency into their browsing experience by exploring the inner organs of a healthy young man who tells guests about his organs.

The website also provides information on myths such as, “is there a chance I might not even be dead when they take out my organs?” The answer, “patients who have agreed to donate are actually given more tests to prove that they are truly dead than those who have decided not to donate.”

The website also has videos on transplants and, of course, available donation forms for those who are interested in signing up online.

The Recycle Me hopes to educate people on a decision to donate organs.

While there are many issues in clinical bioethics, as well as theological and political beliefs surrounding live and dead organ and tissue donation, the Recycle Me club provides information for students to consider the options. In Canada, there is an option on every citizen’s healthcare form, which you can check off if you would like to be a donor.

Many people do not want to think about their mortality, but when other lives are at stake, it might be comforting to know that you can have say in predicting the outcome.

Free & quiet study space Dec. 6 - Dec 8 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dec. 12 - Dec. 15 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. @ St. Paul’s 1140 King Street West Free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and homemade snacks available. For more info contact cva@mcmaster.ca Open Circle’s Meditation Circle Dec. 5 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. @ MUSC 230 Explore many forms of meditation For more info contact james.lannigan@live.com or jdruery@mcmaster. ca

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

IntheKitchen

A holiday classic: Scottish shortbread Share with friends and family for a delicious after-dinner dessert

Natalie Timperio

Senior InsideOut Editor

‘Tis the season to be jolly – in the stomach, that is – and there is little better than holiday treats.

If you’re in the spirit, or simply searching for an excuse not to study, then why not bake one of the season’s most popular of desserts?

Scottish shortbread is renowned for its

Aside from its deliciousness, Scottish shortbread is well-suited for even the pickiest of palettes.

Lacking “weird” colours and textures – cough, cough, fruit bread – this dessert is sure to satisfy almost anyone. And while primarily consisting of butter, it’s not the heaviest of desserts either, so it won’t leave you with that bloated feeling like other holiday treats. buttery goodness. While it’s not one of the Scottish shortbread is probably best healthiest of desserts (then again, what des- paired with coffee or tea, particularly after sert is?), it is one of the most delicious, and a heavy dinner like those served during the promises to be a favourite among friends and holidays. Other than that, it’s one of those desserts best left to be enjoyed by itself over family this holiday season.

While Scottish shortbread requires some and over again. technicality – and I know this from experi- It’s flakey goodness will you leave you sience – it’s nothing that can’t be mastered with phoning crumbs from the table – literally. Just a little bit of practice. Plus, it’ll give you an try to do so when no one’s watching, or else it can make for some awkward holiday moexcuse to eat all the not-so-perfect batches. ments and candid photos that you will regret years later.

Scottish shortbread is also wallet-friendly, as its ingredients are relatively inexpensive, consisting of really only a few items, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet.

That makes for convenience as well; avoiding long line-ups in the grocery store is sure to save you some stress.

I suggest the Bulk Barn for these ingredients, as you’ll be tempted to replenish your stock of Scottish shortbread in no time at all, or, at the very least, you’ll reuse these same ingredients for another dessert recipe.

If you want to make your Scottish shortbread extra special, try sprinkling sugar or adding maraschino cherries to top it off. Personally, I enjoy it best plain.

While there are many variations of the Scottish shortbread recipe, this one comes right from my grandma’s kitchen, and I promise you, it is much better than store-bought Walker’s shortbread.

Ingredients 1 cup butter, room temperature 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed firmly 3 1/4 cup sifted cake flour Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 2. Sift the flour; use a spoon to fill the measure and level with knife.

3. Cream the butter and sugar with a fork until it looks like peanut butter.

4. Work in the flour 1 cup at a time (and use the extra 1/4 cup to flour the counter), slowly mixing until the mixture cracks when kneaded. Do not add more flour if it is still soft.

Instead, cool it in the fridge until it’s easy to handle.

5. Take portions of the dough and press with your palm on counter until its 1/3 inch thick.

6. Cut it in squares and pierce it with a fork.

7. Place the squares on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or when cookie bottom shows light brown.

8. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, and then place the squares on a wire rack to cool completely.

From my grandmother’s kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this Scottish shortbread recipe.

Most importantly, I wish you the happiest of holidays this season!

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Enjoy Scottish shortbread with coffee or tea this holiday season.

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

BUSINESS

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Consumers eat up online shopping

JO YS AN

TIA GO

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The cyber gift-giving frenzy steals the spotlight for the holiday season

Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Lights dangle merrily from faux PVC-moulded branches; festive bliss encompasses the weary, burnt-out student anxiously awaiting the post-exam holiday season and familiar jingles echo nostalgically – pretty much everywhere.

It’s time to open your arms to the joys and inevitable woes encompassing the holiday season.

The frenzy associated with holiday shopping is all-too-familiar, epitomizing the materialistic madness of the season.

With popularity of cringeworthy consumer events such as Black Friday shedding light on the inherently cheap nature of society it comes as no surprise that Cyber Monday has gained popularity among consumers.

Although this may seem like just another consumer-capitalist inspired movement, the ease of shopping without the hassle of endless lineups and the fear of claustrophobic spaces may come as a breath of fresh air.

Cyber Monday refers to the Monday following American Thanksgiving and has rapidly become the busiest online shopping day of the year, providing consumers with a quick, stress-free substitution to the traditional form of holiday shopping.

According to a recent BMO survey conducted by Leger Marketing, 46 per cent of consumers plan to purchase gifts online for the holiday season.

Canadian consumers are quick to catch on to the growing trend with 49 per cent of males and 43 per cent of females planning to join the Cyber Monday circus.

“This is a growing trend, with

almost half of all Canadians now doing at least some of their holiday shopping online,” says Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “As more Canadian retailers mirror U.S. sales promotions, there is the potential for significant activity on Cyber Monday. More than ever, Canadian shoppers are taking notice and adjusting their retail calendar.”

Some individuals may prefer the traditional method of shopping along with its seemingly personalized gift-giving demeanour.

For the rest, online shopping may be just the right thing to avoid hair loss due to the painful search for the perfect parking spot in a sea of crammed vehicles and enraged consumers unleashing their inner stress-provoked demons.

“Approximately 80 per cent of Canadians shop online. Consequently, retailers are increasingly providing incentives and easy access for shoppers who want the added convenience of making a purchase online,” said Cathy Pin, VicePresident, BMO Commercial Bank-

ing.

“Big box stores and boutique outlets are still popular shop- ping destinations, but businesses can make the most of the holiday spending season by ramping-up their online presence and appealing to this growing consumer base.”

Shopping from the comfort of your home and quite possibly in the warmth of your snuggie is just one of the perks of online gift shopping.

“This year I’ve been doing a lot more online shopping for presents mainly because it’s just an easier method of shopping,” says fourthyear Commerce student Russell Davey. “Online shopping allows me to be more specific with the items that I’m looking for. Something that you might not be able to find or that might be more difficult to find in a certain store can be easier to find online. There are just a lot more op-

tions avail-

able.”

Canadian regions most likely to be shopping online this season include Atlantic Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and the Prairie provinces at 64 per cent, 52 per cent, 46 per cent and 47 per cent, respectively.

Although many Canadians seem to be following the growing trend of online shopping with the vast popularity of newly formed consumer-driven crazes such as Cyber Monday, some may not be as welcoming to the foreign concept.

Quebec is noted as the province least likely to purchase gifts online, at 31 per cent, up from 27 per cent in the previous year.

“Online shopping is definitely less chaotic than shopping in malls during the holidays, but I still prefer the traditional method just because I feel like we lose that personal touch

as new technological improvements allow for things like online shopping and sending ecards,” says McMaster graduate Sabreena Gill. “I always enjoy the fun little traditions like getting a hot chocolate and walking around the mall... holiday music playing in the stores and the mall Santa. That is something that Cyber Monday and online gift shopping can’t ever replace.”

The Bank of Montreal also offers a few helpful spending tips to effectively budget for the holiday season.

According to BMO, 81 per cent of shoppers are affectionately deemed last-minute shoppers. For some, this might be a non-issue, but by waiting until the last minute you risk overspending and possibly exceeding your budget.

BMO suggests taking advantage of store sales and coupons.

Comparison shopping and seeking out store sales ensures you are getting the best price for purchased goods.

Although shopping online can save time and money, be cautious of sites that are unfamiliar and plan in advance as to avoid disappointment of late shipping.

The survey was completed online with a sample of 1,508 Canadians and projects optimistic sales figures for this holiday season, with Canadians estimated to fork out an average of $1,397, up from $1,305 in 2010.

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

Discrimination

Rising above unfair employment practices Shama Kassam The Silhouette

In a country like Canada where ethnic minorities are more common than Tim Horton’s locations, we would assume that something as trivial as ‘name discrimination’ wouldn’t exist, right?

A recent study conducted at the University of Chicago says otherwise.

When prospective employers accept resumes, perhaps the first thing they look at is often the centered, bolded and underlined first and last name.

Discrimination in the workplace can begin long before the job seeker even arrives at the interview.

From the moment your resume hits the desk of the management, your name subconsciously sends a message about you.

Some names can be obviously be indicative of a particular cultural background.

Though someone’s race should be no indication of their abilities, work ethic or competency, the sad truth is that real life indicates otherwise.

Each hiring manager is subject to their own set of racial discriminations and pre-existing notions, and wouldn’t necessarily always follow in line with the company’s policies.

The researchers in this study created fake resumes with “typically white” sounding names such as Brad and Carrie and “typically black” sounding names to examine the effects of these in the workplace.

Though it is unfair to assume that anyone named Brad would be

“white-sounding” names were 50 per cent more likely than those with “black-sounding” names to receive a call-back. These striking results held true for both lower income jobs such as cashiers and mailroom clerks as well as those in executive positions.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Ethnic name discrimination is an unfair roadblock hindering professional success. white, these names were chosen for the purpose of this study to play to the stereotype of the average person.

They sent 5,000 of these resumes out to 1,300 potential job positions to observe the outcome.

They found that resumes with

These numbers indicate that for a job applicant with a “black name,” they would need to send out 50 per cent more resumes for the same number of call-backs or contact from the companies.

Though this study was conducted in Chicago, these disappointing results are likely to hold

Workplace Behaviour

Finding the appropriate barriers Mind your manners at your office gatherings

TYLER HAYWARD/ SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Office parties give you the chance to let loose a little, but be mindful of your behaviour.

Rachael Ramos The Silhouette

It’s that time of the year again! It’s time for your company’s annual Christmas get together!

Most employees look forward to this event as it is a chance to relax and socialize with other co-employees, after a long year of hard work.

Although your company is generous enough to host a Christmas party, remember employee policies still apply.

This isn’t the time to get too drunk, ask out the co-worker you’ve been eyeing all year, or dress inappropriately.

Some individuals do need reminders on how to behave properly when mixing business with pleasure.

This is especially the case if you are a new employee or managing to try to put your best face forward at the holiday office party.

So here are a few office Christmas party-etiquette guidelines you may want to consider.

First question that comes to mind for many is ‘what to wear?’

Of course, you want to dress to impress!

This is a time to let loose a little, let your hair down, and jazz up your outfits from the usually casual business attire. Obviously rule is:

true north of the border as well.

Initial screenings of resumes are often done under time pressure and examiners don’t take the time to look at each and every resume with the same scrutiny.

Without much else to go on, the name of the applicant is crucial in

don’t show too much skin or come “blinged out” like a Christmas tree.

Ladies, keep the cleavage to a minimum and refrain from skintight dresses. Also be festive! Get into the holiday mode by wearing something red or Christmas style accessories.

ensure everyone gets home safely.

An issue with some employees is they do not realize that taking advantage of the open bar and becoming overly intoxicated is a bad idea.

Remember this is an office Christmas party. Key word: office.

You are still surrounded and being watched by your boss and other co-workers. You do not want to be known as the ‘office idiot.’ It You are still is okay to have a few social drinks surrounded and here and there, but know your limit.

Christmas parties are perfect being watched events for socializing, as it allows by your boss and you to become better acquainted with your fellow co-workers not other co-workers. only from your department but from You do not want other divisions of your company. to be know as the Don’t be the loner in the corner.

Introduce yourself to new people office idiot.” and mingle with the crowd.

Remember when socializing with employers and other employ Remember this isn’t a clubbing ees to ask questions and seem inevent with your friends - it’s with terested, this can put you on your your co-workers and bosses. boss’s good side.

Company dress code still ap- Also keep vulgar language to a plies, so dress appropriately and minimum and keep jokes clean. according to company rules. De- Other tips to remember: dance and pending on your company, alcohol sing in moderation, don’t bring a may be involved in the party. guest unless it’s allowed, and last When it comes to alcohol all but not least remember to say thank employers and employees should you, not only to your employer but be aware of their safety. Make sure to the organizers of the party. there are taxi services set up by Foremost...the mistletoe rule your employer or even the venue to need not apply at the office!

creating an immediate impression and without realizing it, may be the key or roadblock to your success.

“When my family first came to Canada over 20 years ago from India, the demographic landscape was quite different than it is today, says third-year student Simona Shaw. We moved to a smaller city

and my family decided that they would change the family name to something a little less ‘ethnic’ sounding in order maximize the chances of finding employment. My mother was able to find employment quicker than she may have had she not changed the family name. Although at the time our family benefited from the name change, it does bother me a bit, especially looking at how Canada has transitioned into such a multicultural country with many immigrants. Hopefully in the years to come society will be able to bridge this gap.”

The Canadian workforce right now is made up of 3.2 million people who were not born in Canada and have come to Canada as immigrants.

Over half of these workers were in Ontario showing that though having an “ethnic” name may slightly decrease your chances of getting a call back, being a motivated and skilled worker will still pay off.

Make sure your resume showcases all your skills regardless of what your name is and put the work in applying widely to make sure that the Canadian workforce soon breaks these stereotypes to ensure each individual is provided with the same opportunities across the board.

C11 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec sets the bar high Alizeh Khan The Silhouette

It’s been a year and the nationwide competition is back to make sure campus life becomes the sweet life. Bigger prizes are to be won, challenges will be overcome and the world will be conquered.

The prizes are unmatched, the stakes are high and the challenge is on to find the next university to shine and the winner to claim the title of Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec.

Having made its mark with an impressive five-year run, the competition has recommenced to challenge business students.

Encompassing marketing and advertising skills, the task is to create a pitch for the lead sponsor of the competition: Chevrolet. With a budget of 5 million dollars, the creative proposal is meant to be both realistic and intuitive.

The challenge has expanded from 17 to 29 universities all over Canada. Undergraduate and graduate students majoring and minoring in business are both eligible to take part.

The competition has reached out multiple universities through a various string of road trips that have taken place over the past two weeks.

Students have been greeted with the presence of the executive team as they have made their way to multiple central Ontario universities, including York, Wilfred Laurier and Queen’s. Various information sessions, booths and presentations have been targeted

towards the students to raise awareness about the amazing opportunity that the competition presents itself to be. With on-site registration at the booths, the competition has seen increased interest and registration.

Onsite visits have had the executive providing face-to-face information about the competition, reaching out to faculty and working with Campus Account Managers (CAMs) that are the student representatives at each university. The number of CAMs for the year has surpassed last year’s number, and 27 representatives are actively taking part in different universities.

This year the competition’s goal remains to provide an opportunity to not only win some prizes, but also potentially get hired through the challenge. The grand prize includes not only a Chevrolet Spark, but scholarships and internships.

Broken into three phases, Phase 1 includes creating an elevator pitch in which a short proposal of two pages with three pages of appendices. The deadline is January 23, 2012. Phase 2 includes a detailed 15-page report and the deadline for this is Feb. 20, 2012. Finally, Phase 3 is the final phase that requires contestants to present their proposal and pitch to a panel of judges, which takes place March 25, 2012.

With further road trips planned for Eastern Ontario, the competition is growing; the task remains to reach out to further universities as the goal remains to raise registrations from the previous year.

THE STATS OF HOLIDAYS PAST...

The average amount spent per person on lastminute gifts for the holiday season is $33.

On average, visa cards are used 5340 times every minute in the world during the holiday season.

An estimated 7 in 10 dogs get Christmas gifts from their owners. That’s a lot of pooch lovin’; unfortunately the remaining 3 in 10 get a lump of coal (just kidding).

The value of candy, confectionery and snack foods purchased at large retailers in Canada during the 2005 holiday season amounted to $347.6 million.

Gotta catch em’ all! All the Sil business writers, that is.

Ash chooses you to write for the Sil, do you have what it takes?

Sadly this is the last Sil issue of the year. That doesn’t make Ash a very happy camper. But wait, don’t fret!

We’ll be back in action in the new year.

Come out to our first meeting of 2012 on Thursday, January 9 @ 1:30 in MUSC B110.

For more information email us at business@thesil.ca

C12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Help fight Poverty and Restore Dignity

Saturday December 3rd, 2011

National Presenting Sponsor

Register on-line @ www.santashuffle.com

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

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

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

But… I am not alone!

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

905-525-4162

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mike watt • the muppet movie lights • martha marcy may marlene

andex

thursday, december 1, 2011

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

Contributors: Sean Hardy, Aaron Joo, Natalie Timperio

Cover: Jonathon Fairclough

coming up

dec.4

The Tea Party Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m.

dec.9

The Sadies The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

dec.9

Emma Lee This Ain’t Hollywood 8:00 p.m.

Paul Anka Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m.

Twelve Angry Men Player’s Guild of Hamilton 8:00 p.m. 80 Queen St, Hamilton, ON. Poodle Skirts to Platform Shoes: A Solid Gold Review

Theatre Aquarius 8:00 p.m. 190 King William St. Hamilton, ON. (905) 522-7529

film

Outrage Shame Sleeping Beauty

now

dec.3

Cello Extravaganza 7:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Church

dec 1-3

dec.2

Chelsea Wolfe The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

theatre

dec 14 - 31

nov.26

Carole Pope This Ain’t Hollywood 8:00 p.m.

dec.12

music

andy’s ticks

opening

in the hammer

sexy ray davis: that gaptooth smile, green tea finally, fuck chad kroeger, fuck shakespeare, secert santa, monkeys of the arctic, bedroom burrito, wine all the time, planet earth, sleeping in/staying up, bobbit, lodi, tea from sam, cello extravaganza, new harmonica, celebrating christmas, fuck jesus, jesus fuck, feezus juck

“

The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.”

candy cane

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

this week in music history...

Decembeber 1, 1976: The Sex Pistols appeared on the British TV “Today Show.” In the interview Glenn Matlock said the word “fuck.” The Sex Pistols were soon banned in several British cities.

don’t bogart that

• George Carlin

editorial

thursday, december 1, 2011

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D3

we are the champions Friday Nov. 25 is a day McMaster will never forget. For the first time in our university’s history, our football team brought home the Vanier Cup after quite possibly the most exciting game the league has ever seen. It was so thrilling, so emotional and so euphoric that even I – an arts editor who has never played a sport in her life – was screaming and jumping around after Tyler Crapigna’s winning kick.

But perhaps sports and arts aren’t so unrelated. Perhaps it isn’t so bizarre for the arts to be interested in sports, and vice versa. No one can deny the fundamental relationship between music and games, for instance. From “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and its intrinsic association to baseball to the iconic theme song for Hockey Night in Canada, music is an integral part of the sporting experience.

I can’t quite imagine a hockey game without “Kernkraft 400” by Zombie Nation playing at some point, or AC/DC’s

“Thunderstruck” coming on during time-outs. Even the Superbowl’s halftime show has become a fabled platform for superstar bands to perform on, and is annually awaited with much anticipation.

I wonder what songs were running through the heads of Mac’s football team as they practiced at B.C. Place. What tunes did they blast in the locker room as they donned their equipment with nervous fingers? What lyrics raced through their head as they began overtime, on the precarious precipice of victory? Finally, what ecstatic song became the celebratory anthem of their after party?

Sports and song – a happy couple with a long history and a prosperous future. Congrats to our Mac men on their Vanier Cup win; you made one arts editor proud.

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

the big tickle

what are you most looking forward to about the holidays?

compiled by ricardo padilla & myles herod

“drinking eggnog by the fire” olivia gissing

“smoking santa’s stash”

“learn to raise the other eyebrow”

eric williams

matt joniec

“rubbing beards with santa” anthony beardo

“homemade indian goodies” anupa simon

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D4

film

thursday, december 1, 2011

a muppetational comeback The Muppets Directed by: James Bobin Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams

HHH We all know the Muppets. They may not be as ubiquitous and popular as they once were, but their infectious mixture of slapstick, strangeness, satire, and singing is familiar to generations alike. In their newest incarnation, director James Bobin and co-writers Nicholas Stoller and Jason Segel (the latter of whom also co-stars) have never forgotten what made Jim Henson‘s creations so special.

Although the title is sadly bland, the contents gush with color, energy, music and enough soft-edged parody to remind longtime fans that the Muppets always winked through their smiles.

Jason Segel plays Gary, a grown child whose beloved brother, Walter, happens to be a Muppet (something the film wisely leaves unanswered). With Gary’s long-suffering girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), in tow, they visit the Muppets’ old theater in Los Angeles,

only to find its depleted remains set for demolition by a real-estate tycoon (Chris Cooper) in order to drill for oil.

It is soon up to Walter, Gary, and Mary to bring the Muppets back together so they can stage a telethon and raise the $10 million to save the studio.

Utilizing the 'getting-the-gang back together' plot to great effect, the film cleverly appeals to two audiences: the young kids who probably will only recognize Muppets from Sesame Street, and the adults who remember the TV series and movies from yesteryear.

The first half plays as set-up, bringing everyone back together and showing how most of the Muppets have turned their backs on fame Fozzie is now performing in Reno with “The Moopets,” Gonzo is a plumbing magnate, Animal is in anger management, and Kermit lives alone in his Los Angeles mansion – quietly yearning for a reconciliation with his old gang, and the love of Miss Piggy.

Again, the film is smart, providing an introduction/re-introduction of the characters to a new audience

while providing plenty of in-jokes and references that will remind older fans of the nostalgic Muppet magic.

The old chestnut of a plot is balanced lovingly by loads of selfreferential humor that has long been a Muppet mainstay — as when Kermit first declines the challenge, and Mary decries, “Oh no, this is going to be a really short movie.”

With all its fun and irreverent humour, The Muppets is not a perfect return to the big screen. Walter is a bit of a washout next to his fellow puppets, and Adams is mostly wasted in a supportive role. Segel, meanwhile, remains a ball of exuberance (both as co-writer and actor), declaring his chops in a show stopping ballad called ‘Man or Muppet’, which see’s Walter and he recognize their true destinies.

It isn’t till the second half that parts start to drag. Strangely, it feels that when the energy should be exploding, the characters are overwrought with concerns.

Will Gary feel abandoned if Walter leaves him for the Muppets? Will Mary leave Gary because he forgot their

anniversary? Can Walter overcome his stage fright and perform on the big show?

It’s all too much to contemplate when we want jokes and songs and just the right sprinkling of sentiment.

In Muppet tradition, several musical numbers pop up frequently, as do human guest spots (even though one would have expected more). Although old favorites — such as the TV theme song and Rainbow Connection — are welcome reprises, some of the newer numbers get lost in the breakneck shuffle.

Still, with a healthy nostalgia factor mixed in, The Muppets may find parents having more fun than their youngsters at this lighthearted affair. It truly is a treat to see hand-held puppets hopping across the big screen opposed to an army of computer-animated stand-ins.

That, and it's great to see Kermit again.

What a charming frog.

• Myles Herod, Entertainment Editor

thursday, december 1, 2011

film

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D5

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Martha Marcy May Marlene Directed by: Sean Durkin Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, John Hawkes

HHHH This may be a purely personal bias, but I adore independent cinema. It’s often true that smaller pictures benefit from budgetary constraints, which allow for greater acting, confident writing and smart direction.

Evidently, Martha Marcy May Marlene is such an achievement – clever, creepy and extremely striking in its reflection of the duplicitous ways cults instill their beliefs.

Let it be known that this is a truly uncomfortable, fear-soaked experience.

A chilling examination of the human psyche, viewed through the susceptible eyes of a damaged woman who has forgotten how to be human.

The picture opens with Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, an attractive, quiet, troubled 20-something, who — in a moment of quiet observation and rebellious strength — flees the confines of a fundamentalist cult.

Alone, and without resources, she reunites with her estranged sister Lucy (wonderfully played by Sarah Paulson) and brother-in-law Ted (Hugh Dancy), who take her in to their remote summer cottage.

However, the idyllic scenery and support do little to calm Martha’s confused state, and soon she is sent spiraling between tormented memories of her former master Patrick (John Hawkes) and the upscale lifestyle of her new abode.

Viewing the film, it’s impossible not to be shaken by the sense of dread hanging over every scene. Truly, this is a stellar piece of American gothic, calling the arrival of two major talents. Writer/director Sean Durkin — making his feature film debut — is not interested in pointing the finger at any specific ideology, though.

Instead, he stops to examine what might drive such organizations, what might cause one to become a member and, more importantly, the psychological repercussions it causes.

He and cinematographer Jody Lee Lipes have captured arresting visuals of mute beauty, where trees rustle with foreboding sway and murky waters blur the depths of

perception.

As commendable as the direction is, though, all might have been lost if Durkin hadn’t found strength in a lead actress.

Newcomer Elizabeth Olsen (younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley) brings a raw, wounded charisma to the role that’s difficult to watch at the best of times.

Gradually, flashbacks paint a picture of Martha’s enigmatic history. We see her live in what appears to be communal serenity under the watchful eye of Patrick, their hatchet-faced leader, who, in a casual, patriarchal welcome, renames Olsen’s character Marcy May. Soon, however, charm leads to woodsy manipulation as Patrick teaches his adoptive tribe to channel old hurts into handgun skills, oversees their orgies and enlists them for petty theft.

Fashionably stark, one scene of house burglary, turned murder, immediately draws Manson Family comparisons with disturbing assurance – eventually moving Martha to reconsider her life.

Because Durkin is restrained in his depiction of both of Martha’s families, he can create a powerful juxtaposition as her experiences emerge, one from the other,

fragmented yet telling.

At the lake, sisterly relations don’t fare much better. Absent of understanding, Lucy discovers that Martha has retreated within herself to a point of depression and hysterics.

Afflicted by alienation, and too numb to connect, Martha regrettably relapses with a phone call to her former clan, fearfully leaving the film open to whether or not they will come for her.

Strategically, the movie leaves conventional plot structure behind, trekking off into the backwoods, the mind and the paranoia of a bewildered girl. Then comes the ending. Watching the screen, I felt confident that I knew where it would go.

I was wrong.

Funny, the more I think about the way Martha Marcy May Marlene ends, the more I realize that any other would have felt forced. Here Durkin devises a film interwoven from the past and present, and leads us into the darkness with one gripping shot.

• Myles Herod, Entertainment Editor

D6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

spielgusher idyllic punker mike watt finds inspiration in facing demons In the world of punk rock, few have stuck to their guns like Mike Watt has. He was a member of legendary econo-punkers Minutemen, currently plays bass for Iggy & the Stooges and has continually been active as a solo artist for the past three decades.

This week, ANDY had the chance to chat with Watt, as he sat in his sunny living room in San Pedro, California. It was humbling to hear him so eager to speak openly in a slow paced Virginia-viaCalifornia drawl about the relevance of punk today and his newest material.

“Punk wasn’t a style of music, it was an attitude.

We tried to do stuff that wasn’t on the beaten path,” Watt asserted. “Don’t get all cock-sure of yourself, just have a little nerve to try stuff that might not fit in.”

Watt has renown in independent music circles for his strict adherence to a low-cost, econo approach to music. “If you feel like you don’t fit in you have to do it yourself, you have to keep that autonomy. In not being a style, but a set of ethics, you don’t have to worry about stylized things or being out of date.”

Watt’s latest project, Spielgusher, is a far-out collaboration with a Japanese drum/guitar duo, playing to poems written by renowned rock lyricist, Richard Meltzer.

“Meltzer gave me 48 spoken word poems and we made about 63 pieces of music to go behind it – kind of Minutemen style,” Watt laughed. “I got together with these guys in Tokyo for three days and just wailed out all these jams to go behind it.”

Since the end of Minutemen, following the tragic death of front man D. Boon, Watt has stayed away from the fragmented writing style they became known for. “I gotta tell you, I didn’t listen to a lot of Minutemen after [Boon] got killed. It was bummer.”

But in 2005, two filmmakers approached Watt with the idea of shooting a Minutemen documentary, forcing him to dig up a painful past. “These guys, Keith and Tim, they were too young to actually see us. So they wanted me to do the spiel. I had to listen to the Minutemen for this thing and I kind of got into it again. I wanted to write like that.” The result was the award winning, We Jam Econo.

What followed was Watt’s first effort since 2004, Hyphenated-Man, inspired equally by the Minutemen and the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, who“made one thing out of a lot of little things, little creatures, you know?

“I didn’t want to make just some nostalgia trip. I wanted to make it about where I am now, a middleaged punk rocker. I wrote ‘em all on D. Boon’s guitar, so I’m not ripping off the Minutemen. I usually write my stuff on bass. It gives the other players a lot of room. I thought, ‘maybe if I use his guitar I’ll have the courage.’”

After three decades, it’s incredibly inspiring to see Watt still venturing forth into untouched territory, embodying in his art everything that he believes.

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor

music

thursday, december 1, 2011

music

thursday, december 1, 2011

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D7

featured throwback review Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas

HHHHH First released in 1965 for the television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas is and will still be a definitive Christmas album for generations to come. I lost track of how many times I’ve seen the special after I turned five – a certain length into the holidays, and CBS seems entirely content with playing it on an endless loop.

But I still find a certain charm to the album. And why not? “Linus and Lucy” is a classic, and the trio lays down some amazing improvisation on several traditional carols. The whole thing evokes emotion and memory, nostalgia of childhood, skating, snow and shared moments with family and friends. That’s what makes Christmas albums like this so timeless, so powerfully moving.

Even if you never grew up with it, it’s still an excellent album to turn up at holiday parties; there’s just something about cool jazz, cold weather and holiday spirit that fit so well together. And the instrumental talent on this album is fantastic: Vince Guaraldi is a mean soloist, and with Jerry Granelli and Fred Marshall taking their place on drums and double bass, the three play a wickedly tight, swinging set.

So find yourself a copy and bring up a few pleasant memories. You might even dig up an old VHS of the special if you look hard enough. So happy holidays to all the readers, whether you celebrate Christmas or not (I’m quite partial to Festivus), I hope you spend your holiday season among those who bring you the fondest memories.

• Aaron Joo

cd reviews Kate Bush 50 Words for Snow

Carole King A Chirstmas Carole

Justin Beiber Under the Mistletoe

HHH

H

HHHH

Whether it ultimately means that you like her work or don’t, anyone who is familiar with the catalogue of Kate Bush can attest that “boring” and “predictable” are rarely descriptors that fit her style.

Now, as the holiday season approaches and her newest effort, 50 Words for Snow, hits the shelves, fans can take comfort in knowing that Bush hasn’t lost her knack for ingenuity.

Based on the conceptual motif of falling snow, the album is likely to surprise listeners first in how minimal it is. Haunting piano accents most of the spaces between Bush’s subdued vocals, making for an atmosphere that, if not immediately engaging, is certainly well constructed.

Still the skilled songwriter that many have grown to love, Kate Bush proves with 50 Words for Snow that some of her most interesting work may yet lie before her.

Carole King, the 1970s legend known for her emotive voice and relatable lyrics, has often brought me to tears with the heartbreaking honesty of her songs. Her recent release, A Christmas Carole, however, is definitely one album to skip this holiday season.

A Christmas Carole features a mix of traditional holiday songs and original compositions by King’s daughter Lousie Goffin.

Strangely, the first track is “My Favourite Things” (the iconic tune from The Sound of Music), covered awkwardly and out of place amidst the Christmas-themed songs that follow it.

King is boring and robotic on the album, her voice like clockwork without any musicality. “Chanukah Prayer” is a laughably poor number that puts the traditional Hebrew verses to slow, pseudo-jazzy music with unfortunate results. Even “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – a hard tune to mess up – sounds as though King would rather have been anywhere than in the studio, and is backed by a cheesy, karaoke-sounding track. “This Christmas” is the only slightly redeeming feature of the album, but it still fails to truly move or entertain.

A Christmas Carole is a disappointing album from a woman who has talent, but fails here to show it.

The Biebs will get the best of you this holiday season, as his Under the Mistletoe will prove to be a holiday time favourite.

While most festive albums are simply remakes of the classic Christmas songs we’ve heard time and time again, the Stratford, Ont. native provides listeners with a balance of the old time favourites and his very own original holiday themed songs.

Between collaborations with some of the industry’s most renowned names like Usher, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, his fresh take on the classics and his spirited originals, Bieber will have you listening and relistening to Under the Mistletoe.

With a maturation of both voice and lyrics, Under the Mistletoe is a welcome change from his usual top 40 beats. The album clearly signifies his coming from the high-pitched tween pop star to an established young adult.

• Sean Hardy

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor

• Natalie Timperio, Senior InsideOut Editor

D8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

music

thursday, december 1, 2011

lights opens up to ANDY about dubstep, email collaborations and what the holidays mean to her The spindly star with the iconic side-swept hair – Lights – crooned her way to the hearts of those in attendance at campus bar TwelvEighty last Saturday, Nov. 26. After an energetic opening set by Torontobased dance-rock band Nightbox, Lights took to the stage amidst frenzied chanting of her name.

TwelvEighty was largely filled by dedicated student fans, who welcomed every song with shouts and screams. She played an hour-long, 15-plus song set, dropping hits like “Toes” and “Second Go,” her tiny frame rocking on stage. Backed by a three-piece band who took care of the keyboard, drums, guitar and synths in rotation, Lights happily frolicked through her second studio album, Siberia.

In an interview prior to the show, Lights opened up about her new album and the directions she went with it. “It’s a totally new place than I was in with the first record,” she said, citing the dubstep influence and guest collaborators Shad and Holy Fuck as being largely responsible for that.

She said she was first intrigued with dubstep because of a concert she went to in Montreal, and knew then that she had to work with it.

“One of the biggest attractions was the hardness of it, that it was hard.

The bass sound and multi-layers and distortion I found was such a cool contrast to the softness of my vocals and the softness of melodies,” she explained.

Holy Fuck were also hugely part of the creation of the album. “We just jammed and the songs came out of that; it was really natural and organic. Everything just started to come together and it felt great … It was like, ‘let’s just be creative,’ and it was fun and that’s what came out on the record.”

Shad’s contribution was slightly more complex. With him in VanTYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

couver and Lights based in Toronto, the entire collaboration for “Flux and Flow” was done by email. Inevitably, this presented some difficulties, but Shad “just killed it so much [on ‘Flux and Flow’] that we had him on ‘Everybody Breaks a Glass’ as well,” Lights said.

Of the email process, Lights elaborated, “I think collaborations can be done that way if it’s a feature spot. When it comes down to writing together in a cohesive way, I think you need to be in the same room. But with something already there and you’re adding a flavor to it, that can be done over email.” The resulting album is a solid, cohesive collaborative work.

Although her concert at TwelvEighty was marketed as the “Christmas Lights” show, ironically, Lights and her family don’t actually celebrate Christmas. “We used to,” she said, “but we stopped when I was about eleven.” Lights explained, “It’s not because we have anything against it, we just stopped doing it and it makes that time of year so much easier. It really [takes the pressure off] and makes it about visiting family. We don’t feel the need to buy each other presents or set up a tree or anything like that.”

The holiday instead involves snowboarding at Whistler when she’s in British Columbia, skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto when she’s in Ontario, and generally enjoying the time off. “I go home and visit my family in Vancouver.

We get together and have dinner and just hang out. The thing I look forward to most is just being with the people I love,” she said with a smile.

Now that her Siberia tour is over for the year, she can do just that.

• Jemma Wolfe

Senior ANDY Editor

The Silhouette THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

VANIER CUP NOVEMBER 25, 2011 - BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC

MCMASTER MARAUDERS While the David and Goliath comparisons ran wild, the Marauders proved themselves to be the most powerful team themselves. Assistant Sports Editor Brandon Meawasige looks at Mac as a team of destiny.

41

MCMASTER MARAUDERS VS. LAVAL ROUGE ET OR

38 LAVAL ROUGE ET OR

With fans packing into TwelvEighty and the Burridge Gym, being a fan of Marauder football has never been more popular. Sports Editor Fraser Caldwell analyzes the galvanizing effect of Mac’s spirited playoff run.

PAGE 3

McMaster has established itself as the home of one of the most passionate fanbases in the CIS. Defensive lineman Scott Caterine writes an open letter to the McMaster community to say thank you for all the support.

PAGE 4

PAGE 4

HISTORY

47 YEARS OF WAITING END AS MAC WINS FIRST NATIONAL FOOTBALL TITLE

JOSH CURRAN / THE UBYSSEY

After missing a 30-yard field goal to win the game in regulation, Tyler Crapigna redeemed himself with a 22-yarder in the second overtime to give Mac the Vanier Cup.

MARAUDERS SURVIVE LAVAL COMEBACK , WIN VANIER CUP IN DOUBLE OT THRILLER BY

BRIAN DECKER EXECUTIVE EDITOR

VANCOUVER, BC – It was almost a surreal scene. The Laval Rouge et Or, perhaps the finest football program Canadian university football has ever seen, were being dominated by a team in its first ever Vanier Cup appearance, trailing 23-0 and being outplayed by the McMaster Marauders in every part of the game.

It would only get more surreal from there.

Tyler Crapigna shook off a missed kick that would have won the game in regulation and nailed a 22-yard field goal in overtime to give McMaster a 41-38 win and the school’s first national football championship in a back-and-forth second half with a plenty of action and a dramatic finish.

“We kept swinging until the bitter end and we got three more points than them. How that works I don’t know. At this point we don’t care too much,” said Marauder coach Stefan Ptaszek.

Mac quarterback Kyle Quinlan threw for 482 yards, ran for 102 more and earned game MVP honours in what was one of the craziest back-and-forth games in CIS football history.

“That was the wildest game of my career,” Quinlan said.

McMaster’s 23-point halftime lead, thanks to a stingy defence and a brilliant display from the Quinlanled offence that outgained Laval by 267 yards in the first half, had many at BC Place thinking Mac had secured the title. But the Rouge et Or, aiming for a record seventh Vanier Cup title, stormed back and scored 24 unanswered points of their own to take a lead early in the fourth quarter Guiallaume Rioux brought a slumbering Laval team back to life with a 62-yard punt return for a • PLEASE SEE VANIER, V4

“We’ve got our whole lives to figure out what this means to all of us.

We barely know what we’ve done right now.”

- STEFAN PTASZEK MCMASTER HEAD COACH

VC3 • THE SILHOUETTE

Thriller ends in double OT • CONT’D FROM VC1 touchdown – Laval’s first points of the game – just over three minutes into the second half.

Barely a minute later, linebacker Frederic Plesius picked off Quinlan and took it to the house to make it 23-14.

Mac responded with a 101-yard touchdown from Quinlan to OUA MVP Mike DiCroce, but it was called back after DiCroce was ruled offside.

The Rouge et Or would then add an 18yard field goal from Boris Bede, then took a 24-23 lead two minutes into the fourth quarter thanks to a 44-yard touchdown run from star running back Sebastien Levesque that capped an eight-play, 107-yard drive.

And that’s when things really got crazy.

“I asked my guys ‘if I told you in August that you were gonna be down 24-23 in the fourth quarter of the national championship, and you’re the best offence in the country, would you have taken that?’ And they grinned from ear-to-ear and said ‘absolutely,’” said Ptaszek.

Quinlan took over the game with his legs, escaping the pocket and scrambling for first downs, while DiCroce was able to break free from the double- and triple-teams that covered him to help Mac put together a drive that was capped off by a nine-yard touchdown run by fifth-year receiver Matt Peressini.

The pair would hook up again on a twopoint conversion to give the Marauders a 3124 lead with 5:53 remaining.

Laval would storm right back, however, capping off a nine-play, 62-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bruno Prud’Homme to Julian Feoli-Gudino, making the score 31-31 with 2:13 to go – just enough time for the Marauders to drive down the field on the strength of Quinlan again and set up a 30-yard field goal attempt by Crapigna to win the game at the end of regulation.

Having weathered the storm of a second half charge by the nation’s no. 1-ranked team, the scene was set for Mac to win its first ever title. But the kick sailed left, and Laval’s Adam Thibault was able to run the ball out of the end zone to force overtime.

“It hasn’t been a smooth ride. We’ve been up and down and we weren’t gonna stop swingin’. Missing the field goal was just another thing we were gonna get back up from,” said Ptaszek.

The Marauders would respond quickly in the extra frame, with Quinlan tossing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Brad Fochesato to take a 38-31 lead. Then, after being sacked on Laval’s first possession, Prud’Homme threw up a desperate, high pass to the end zone looking to tie the game. Mac defensive back Stephen Dennis looked to have read the route well, leaping in the air and looking to

have a sure interception that would have won McMaster the game.

Somehow, it slipped through his hands on an ever-so-slightly mistimed jump. Somehow, Thibault tipped it to himself three times while falling down. Somehow, Laval had tied the game at 38-38.

The Rouge-et-Or would take the next possession, but Prud’Homme was quickly picked off by cornerback Steven Ventresca, who raced down the field, lateraled to fellow corner Joey Cupido, who then passed it off to Mackenzie Dent before a forward pass ended Mac’s desperate rush toward the end zone at the 20-yard line.

“That defensive unit had their nose bloodied in the second half, and they wanted to stick the dagger in the heart of the beast and finish him off.

I appreciate that they were doing that.

With Tyler Crapigna being an All-Canadian field goal kicker, they should have maybe not been so liberal with their decision making,” said Ptaszek with a grin.

Instead, the Marauders got the ball from the 30-yard line, and Laval took an unthinkable Too Many Men penalty, allowing Mac to set up a 20-yard game winner for Crapigna.

The kicker, who just minutes before had been the loneliest man in Vancouver, ripped the ball through the uprights, pumped both fists in the air and was engulfed by a jubilant sea of maroon players and coaches.

“Either it was gonna be through the uprights or it was gonna be out of the stadium.

I just smashed it right through,” said Crapigna.

“He’s money. We had all the faith in the world in him that he was gonna ice it,” said Quinlan of his team’s faith in Crapigna not letting a second chance slip away.

Ptaszek said that no mentorship on his part was required before his kicker’s second attempt to seize victory.

“I walked over just before the second attempt in overtime, and he said ‘Coach, I’m gonna get it for you.’ I go, ‘I know.’”

While perhaps not a David-and-Goliath type upset, the Marauders were certainly in deep facing the revered Laval program.

“We played a very good football team today. They’re deserving champions. Hats off to coach Ptaszek and his staff,” said Laval coach Glen Constantin, whose program has become respected and imitated by teams across the country.

The Rouge et Or operate on a $2-million budget with its own Board of Directors and have transformed the competitive nature of CIS football.

The win gives McMaster its first-ever Vanier Cup title, an outcome that seemed far-fetched just three weeks into the 2011 season.

Assistant Sports Editor

The title ‘Team of Destiny’ is thrown around perhaps a bit too often.

But the way the McMaster Marauders rose from the questions and uncertainty of a tumultuous midseason to become a playoff juggernaut with seemingly no weaknesses makes one consider the possibility that the winners of the 47th Vanier Cup were destined to go one to win their first-ever national football title.

With BC Place as the fairytale setting, a storied opponent in their way and a dramatic game whose script could never be intention-

ally written, the win was a magical story that will live on in Canadian football lore.

It could be argued that the 2011 McMaster Marauders were entirely in control of their success and to a certain extent that is true. The Marauders played some of the best football in the country all year, ending this concluding an unprecedented winning streak of ten games in a row with Friday night’s win.

However, it is extremely difficult to practice or prepare for the series of movielike obstacles that made this season one of intrigue, resilience and triumph for the program.

Coach Stefan Ptaszek and the team he

went to battle with all year overcame the adversity reminiscent of the nightmares experienced by every coach in the OUA and all of football for that matter, during their long road to the top this season.

In the same conference as the everpresent Western Mustangs, the Marauders were overshadowed for the majority of the season – essentially until the conclusion of their Yates Cup victory.

Breakout performances and veteran leadership made the Marauders essentially unstoppable nearing the end of their season.

The defence terrorized opposing quarterbacks and Kyle Quinlan and co. moved the ball on the top defenses in the country as if

it was a practice, with composure and synchronization.

One would have to ask, were this year’s Marauders a team of destiny?

If so, when did it become apparent that this team was going to win it all? Perhaps during Kyle Quinlan’s 455-yard performance, his first game after his three-game midseason suspension, against U of T. Maybe one or one of Mac corner Joey Cupido’s four interceptions while playing Queen’s in the OUA semifinal would be in the discussion.

Interestingly enough, the team seems to have had an idea about their destiny for a while. After that same Queen’s game, OUA defensive most valuable player, Mac

PHOTO C/O KEITH JOHNSTON

Quinlan racked up 482 passing yards and 106 on the ground in the win.

After a 48-21 loss at home to Western and the three-game suspension handed out to Quinlan for allegedly assaulting a police officer during an incident at a campus bar, it looked as though the 2011 season may have gone down as a lost year for the Marauders.

But if there’s one thing Mac showed in overcoming their midseason uncertainty and reaching the title game, it’s that they’re a team capable of overcoming great adversity.

That was never more clear than in the wild second half of this game.

“It hasn’t been a smooth ride. We’ve been up and down and we weren’t gonna stop swingin’. Missing the field goal was just another thing we were gonna get back up from. We were gonna keep goin’ until we got the job done,” said Ptaszek.

“We came out a little bit slow, and I guess we got ahead of ourselves. To bounce back like we did is awesome,” said DiCroce, who finished with 102 yards on seven catch-

After missing a field goal to conclude the fourth quarter, Crapigna iced the game in double-overtime .

Kilometres travelled by Mac from the Yates Cup to the Vanier Cup

Destiny calls for Mac Brandon Meawasige

PHOTO C/O KEITH JOHNSTON

11, 951

VC4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

1

Laval defender hurdled by Kyle Quinlan

es. “We’re so used to battling back from adversity. We knew we could come out and compete with Laval. It showed a lot of character.”

“We weren’t comfortable with the lead to say the least. [Laval] is as good as it gets in the country. We knew they would make a game out of it.

“Every time they got something, we had to respond and respond and respond,” added Quinlan, who said his three-game suspension (and ongoing legal process – the case is still before the courts) taught him a lot about dealing with obstacles in his way.

“There’s really only one choice when you face adversity and that’s to battle back with everything you’ve got.”

“None of my coaches and none of my young men are perfect. We’re all going to make mistakes. If there’s anything they learn from this year, it’s what you do with those mistakes and what you learn from them that makes you a better person,” said Ptaszek.

Mac receiver Robert Babic tied a Vanier Cup record with 12 catches, picking up 135 yards in the process, while defensive Player of the Game Aram Eisho racked up 11 tackles. Levesque finished the final game of his CIS career with 139 yards on 17 carries, while Prud’Homme went 21/30 for 239 yards.

Ptaszek has now won three Vanier Cup titles in his career: as a receiver and offensive coordinator with Wilfrid Laurier, and now as the head coach of the Marauders.

The six-year bench boss says the sense of accomplishment from winning the Vanier Cup hasn’t settled in yet for him or his players.

“We’ve got our whole lives to figure out what this means to all of us. We barely know what we’ve done right now.”

“The Yates Cup took a little bit to sink in.

Now that it’s all over, it’ll sink in soon, but I’m not sure when,” added safety Michael Daly.

In winning the Vanier Cup, this McMaster team has accomplished something its predecessors had failed to do in the 47-year history of the championship. It’s a moment that will live on in the history books of not only the team, but the entire McMaster community.

“It’s just as much theirs as it is ours. You saw how many fans we had out there. It’s crazy. People are making trips to Moncton, to Vancouver just to watch us play,” said Daly.

Quinlan was not lost on the significance of the victory his team had just accomplished.

“The first in McMaster history. It feels incredible to be a part of that.”

Total yards gained

by Quinlan during the Vanier Cup

588

GEOFF LISTER / THE UBYSSEY

The Marauders were cocky throughout their playoff journey, and that confidence helped them overcome the odds in the Vanier Cup. linebacker Ryan Chmielewski said that his teammates and him “expected to win the next three games” to extend their win streak, which at the time was seven games.

Earlier in the season, Cupido evaluated his Mac defense as “the best defensive unit in the country.” It may have been statistically untrue, but the with the Vanier cup in Hamilton a few short weeks later, it is difficult to dispute.

Were these arrogant predictions? Maybe, but until the final whistle of the Vanier Cup, the best of anything is only in context. The fact is the McMaster Marauders are now the crowned kings and undisputed champions of Canadian Interuniversity Sport football.

A status that no one, not even the great Rouge et Or, could withhold from the Maroon and Grey.

From the very first snap of the Vanier Cup, the Marauders leapt over defenders, contained one of the country’s dangerous playmakers and captured the attention of the whole country.

Not only did the game represent the best of the season for the CIS but also created a widespread buzz as one of the most exciting football games in recent memory at any level. Bars in the country’s financial capital, Toronto, forgot for a moment about the be-

“ Coach, I’m gonna get it for you ” - Tyler Crapigna

“I know” - Stefan Ptaszek

loved Maple Leafs and dedicated the biggest screens to BC Place.

For the first time in Marauder history, the stars were fully aligned. They may have been questioned when Michael DiCroce’s 103yard touchdown reception was negated by an offside call, or when Laval completed a massive comeback by scoring 24 straight points to take the lead early in the fourth quarter.

But when the live footage of the McMaster crowd was shown on TSN, one thing was apparent: supporters of this team believed the game was not lost, and that the team would make the improbable recovery that is now legendary in CIS football.

For nine seniors, it was the last game of their CIS careers, but they were able to accomplish something that no other McMaster football team has been able to do. Ptaszek, meanwhile, has entrenched his name in the long athletic history of the school. Those Greg Marshall comparisons that haunted him before these past three weeks don’t stand up anymore.

There are too many unbelievable moments to choose as the moment when everything turned to the Marauders’ favour. But at some point, somehow, the McMaster Marauders turned from a team in doubt into what sure looks now like a team of destiny.

47

Years since teams have played for a Canadian university championship

GEOFF LISTER / THE UBYSSEY

Kyle Quinlan led the way as McMaster completed its storybook season.

Years since Mac has appeared in the title game

44

1982 The year the name of the title changed from the College Bowl to the Vanier Cup

VC4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2011

“I am a Marauder!”

An open letter to the McMaster community The only thing that can compare to the excitement of winning the Vanier Cup is seeing how much it means to the fans. It is not only the lights, the glory or the fame that inspires me - it is you, those who do not get their names published in the paper, those who will not receive a Vanier Cup ring. There is truly something special about the pride that McMaster students constantly exhibit.

The pride that you have shown in us, a connection mostly shared only by the jersey on my back and the maroon t-shirt on yours, is something I will not soon forget.

Those of us who play varsity sports, not just football, train tirelessly throughout the entire year. We sacrifice our bodies and time to bring trophies and championships home to McMaster.

The louder you cheer and the more games you attend is truly a motivation. Even more than that is the incredible enthusiasm you have for the Marauder logo that we play for. This turns that motivation into an unwavering passion.

So thank you fans for taking the time to support all of us who work so hard. Seeing the Burridge Gym with over a thousand fans unable to contain themselves sent shivers down my spine.

Hundreds of e-mails of support from past players, friends, loved ones and others showed us that we were not alone in our dream. Watching the “Go Mac Go” video hours before our games fueled our desire to win because we were no longer playing for just ourselves, but for a community. It is your constant screams from the stands that have not just turned us into champions, but a lifelong family. Thank you to all who gave us love and support. I will remember it forever and I will always make sure my voice is loud when I say: “I am a Marauder!”

PHOTO C/O KEITH JOHNSTON

- Scott Caterine Fourth-year defensive end

School rallies around Marauders Fans show support in Vancouver, Moncton and Hamilton Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

It was apparent that the kick had split the uprights, but very few within the heated confines of TwelvEighty could have verified the field goal themselves.

Instead, it was the rush of emotion – the sheer pandemonium – that announced that the Maroon and Grey had sealed their first Vanier Cup. While the players themselves erupted into jubilant celebrations thousands of kilometers from home, the veritable army of maroon-clad supporters occupying coinciding events at the Burridge Gym and TwelvEighty basked in their own elation.

For a student body that has seen its share of criticism for its lukewarm attitude toward its varsity teams, the Vanier Cup victory marked a remarkably large and fervent level of Marauder support.

However, while the events of Nov. 25 undoubtedly represent a high-water mark, many were unsurprised by the response of students to the national championship game.

Parrish Offer, the Marketing and Business Development Coordinator for McMaster’s Athletic and Recreation Department indicates that while the turnout at the Burridge Gym for the Friday night event was extraordinary, it stands as part of a semester-long trend of heightened student involvement.

“Students seem to be engaged with us and with athletics in terms of attendance and the wish to be involved in things we’re doing,” said Offer. “But having 1,200 people in the Burridge Gym was surprising.

Especially after having 400 or so out for the Uteck Bowl.”

MSU President Matt DillonLeitch, who frequently attends events in that capacity, agrees that

students have been more attentive to on-campus events thus far this year, and hopes that his own organization’s efforts to spread Marauder spirit have contributed to that trend.

“Just by attending and watching games, I would definitely say that more students are coming out, and a lot more students are wearing the merchandise,” said Dillon-Leitch.

“We provide ‘Go Mac Go’ shirts because we think that it’s important. Those little things help, and the turnout has been fantastic.”

For his part, Offer believes that the use of social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter was instrumental in mobilizing support among the Marauder fan base and allowing fans a sense of ownership in the event.

“One of the reasons why we were so successful was because the football team was able to capture the attention of our student body and make them feel like they were part of the process,” Offer argued.

“I think people had the intrinsic feeling that they were supporting our football team and in turn supporting their school. They were the ones retweeting and posting pictures to Facebook.”

Whatever the reason for the community response, athletics officials at the university understand that the outpouring of support for the Vanier Cup could mark an important turning point in their efforts to publicize Marauder sports.

McMaster’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jeff Giles hopes that the landmark national championship has provided a decisive rallying point for students and community residents alike.

“There’s a huge sense of pride on campus, but there needed to be something for that pride to gather around and for people to share what they all have in common,” said Giles. “I think we’ve provided that and I hope we can build on that.

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Fans packed TwelvEighty and the Burridge Gym for both the Uteck Bowl and Vanier Cup. “Hopefully we’ve engaged a number of alumni and people who were only casually interested in the past. I think that the city of Hamilton has connected to us and realized that we have a pretty good product – a pretty good game – and one that’s inexpensive and entertaining.”

Beyond the strict confines of the Hamilton campus itself, the national broadcast of the riveting final exposed a much broader Canadian audience to the sporting exploits of the Maroon and Grey.

Giles believes that the exposure his program garnered on Nov. 25 will permanently benefit its profile on the national stage.

“It has a huge impact,” said Giles of the TSN broadcast that peaked at 1.1 million viewers. “While McMaster – from an athletics perspective – was probably on most people’s radars, it probably wasn’t the strongest signal out there.

“Winning the Vanier and having

a million people watching it is a big boost for the brand, for the university, and for our department.”

For those most concerned with the growth of McMaster’s student community, the Vanier Cup celebrations provided an indication that a school frequently decried as a ‘commuter campus’ is fully capable of large-scale organization.

“I floated back and forth between the events that night and I’ve never seen TwelvEighty that packed – even on club nights,” said DillonLeitch. “The atmosphere was amazing, and I don’t know that many schools could pull that off.

“Something I’ve seen from other schools is that people often go downtown or into the city to party and leave campus. What we have here is – for those who are here – a great community on campus. This event really helped further that.”

The MSU President believes the game’s participation on campus

illustrates a primary function of his organization, namely, the responsibility to coordinate the many disparate organizations that McMaster’s campus boasts and set them in pursuit of a common aim.

“Working within the students union, it’s a matter of bringing together all of the different groups that we have on campus and opening lines of communication,” said Dillon-Leitch.

“Because this event was a perfect example of how great things can be when we’re working toward a unified goal.”

Dillon-Leitch and his fellow on-campus organizers hope that the momentum of the Vanier Cup will continue to spur student involvement in local events.

If even a fraction of the energy demonstrated on Nov. 25 can be harnessed for the future, it bodes well for the long-term health of McMaster’s student community.