The Silhouette - November 17

CHAMPS

WITH A 41-19 TRIUMPH IN LONDON OVER THE RIVAL WESTERN MUSTANGS, MCMASTER WINS THE YATES CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2003 AND WILL PLAY ACADIA IN THE UTECK BOWL. SEE S3-S5 FOR DETAILS

www.thesil.ca

McMASTER UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER / THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

The Silhouette

YOUR VOICE ON CAMPUS

Est. 1930

VOLUME 82, NO. 14

Linking in to employment

Advocacy team hosts stress month Social media conference trains a new wave of job seekers Event aims to mitigate stress of school work Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

November has been labeled ‘Stress Month’ by the newly formed Advocacy department of the McMaster Students Union (MSU).

Through the month, the Advocacy Street Team will be holding table days every Tuesday on the first floor of the student centre, where students can come to get tips and free swag to help them de-stress.

The headline events for Advocacy Stress Week are the de-stress rooms, which will be run each Wednesday for the rest of the month by the Advocacy Street Team.

At these events, students are welcome to drop in at any time to participate in the activities and pick up some swag, courtesy of Advocacy and their partners in organizing and running these events.

Some of the groups signed up to present or lead activities at these sessions are Moksha Yoga, organized through the Student Health Education Centre (SHEC), student lobby groups, the MSU Promotions and Advertising Committee and Diversity Services, as well as several motivational speakers, brought in by the club Motivation for McMaster.

The Advocacy department is new addition this year. It works as an informational and promotional tool that connects the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA), the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) and the MSU as a whole.

In addition to Advocacy Stress

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

The rise of social networking not only allows you to stay updated on what happened Friday night, but it could also help you begin your career.

Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are but a few of the online platforms available for job seekers to advertise themselves to employers.

McMaster’s Student Success Centre held a Social Networking and Job Search Conference on Nov. 10 and 11 at the McMaster Innova• PLEASE SEE RELAX, A4 tion Park. The two-day conference

featured employers and Social various aspects of Social NetworkMedia experts, as well as McMaster ing and how students can use the faculty from the department of evolution of social networking to their benefit. For students, it’s about “building your online footprint,” Google your name said Jacqueline Hampshire, Events and see what comes and Marketing Coordinator for McMaster’s Student Success Centre, up. Is what comes explaining that building a profile up something you on a social networking site such as would want a LinkedIn can open new avenues for career exploration that can complepotential employer ment rather than replace traditional to see?” job fairs.

With a strong focus on LinkedIn Communication Studies. as a key platform for job seekers, it The conference explored the was noted that employers are act-

ively involved in posting job openings and head hunters are also vigilant in seeking talent through social media.

Companies present at the Social Networking and Job Search Conference included Walmart, GE Canada and the AIDS Network, among others.

Hampshire explained that unlike a standard resume, in which a candidate must select key things to condense into a maximum of two pages, there is no limit to the amount of information that can be included on a LinkedIn profile, making it an excellent platform to elaborate on other involvements and marketable skills.

Speakers and discussions at the conference further explored how different social media are used. Hampshire explained, for example, that after company representatives meet a potential employee, “it may not be appropriate to add that person on Facebook the next day, but to invite that person on LinkedIn would be perfectly acceptable,” explaining that unlike Facebook, LinkdIn has been established on the premise of professional networking.

Building an online image is vital in this day and age to better market skills and attract the right kind of attention from employers.

Hampshire stressed this point and encouraged students to verify their online presence. “Google your name and see what comes up.

Is what comes up something you would want a potential employer to see?”

Building a professional appearance online is just as important as maintaining your image on a regular basis. Remaining active and vigilant in the social media platform is yet another avenue for students to tap into when exploring career possibilities.

THIS WEEK...

SPORTS

BUSINESS

INSIDE OUT

ANDY

BLEAK PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN CANADA IS TO BLAME FOR LOW INCOME

MEN’S BASKETBALL RESPONDS WITH WIN AFTER FALLING TO NO. 1 CARLETON

CHRONIC FOR CAFFEINE? THE EFFECTS CAFFEINATED PRODUCTS HAVE ON YOUR BODY

SANDLER’S NEW COMEDY ‘JACK AND JILL’ IS LACKING THRILLS

SEE C9

SEE S8

SEE C1

SEE D8

...IN THE SIL

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)

INNOVATIONS IN EDUCATION: THE FUTURE OF MCMASTER Alicia discusses goals for education at McMaster, while the MSU prepares for an Open Forum with the Presidents

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

It’s weird how we all go through life with certain expectations of how things operate. Take university for instance – when we graduate from high school there is an expectation that we will go to school from September to April, Monday to Friday, experience 500 person classes and be considered by our institution as “just a number.” The perceived norms of university are not necessarily the realities however, or at least they shouldn’t be.

Imagine an undergraduate experience where teaching and research were considered equally important, where outside-theclassroom experiences were no longer outside the classroom, but an expected component of your undergraduate education. Imagine that the buzzwords of experiential education, self-directed learning and interdisciplinary studies are no longer buzzwords, but a significant lobbying directive when we meet with university administration and provincial MPPs. McMaster President, Patrick Deane has identified three areas in particular to further develop: experiential education, self-directed learning and interdisciplinary studies. Our vision for undergraduate education is one in which students don’t have to make sacrifices or choose their academics over work or volunteer experience.

The MSU would like to see students move away from expectations, and start laying the groundwork for what we want to get out of our degrees. Several years ago, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) wrote the Student Success Paper which outlines student expectations on the often broad and all encompassing term “quality of education”. A high quality education has

traditionally meant different things to varying institutions, governments and stakeholders.

That is why it is important that we begin advocating a student-focused definition of educational quality. The future of education in Ontario must be one that is progressive in the broader learning environment, dynamic in terms of in-class experiences and recordbreaking with regard to support services.

The picture is large and daunting but a requisite component of how undergraduate education will change over the next decade, and the conversation begins now. We believe that a high quality education means strong support services including health services, academic support and transition into and out of university, along with unparalled support for underrepresented groups. A broader learning environment means greater access to community service learning, international opportunities and research opportunities.

The foundation of this vision can already be seen at McMaster. From the Office of Community Service-Learning, Civic Engagement and Leadership, to Student Accessibility Services, to the First Year Transition Program, to our Alumni Career Coaches, to Student Accessibility Services and the Wellness Centre – student success isn’t a far off goal. It is our job as students however to keep both government and universities accountable to the promises they make, and ensure that this holistic system is not just maintained, but developed in terms of quality – not just quantity.

The discussions on the future of education not only at McMaster, but in this province have been extensive, and the MSU wants to be at the centre of it all. Interested in contributing to this vision? You can start by filling out the Quality of Education Assessment at president.msumcmaster.ca. It doesn’t end there though. We are also putting together a document and symposium on what it means to be a student at McMaster, what is lacking in the current framework for undergraduate education and of course, in what ways does the system already excel.

For more information please contact myself or Jeffrey Doucet, MSU Research and Policy Assistant at policy@msu.mcmaster.ca.

OPEN FORUM with Patrick Deane and Matthew Dillon-Leitch Thursday, Nov 24th

Discuss the future of McMaster University with McMaster President Patrick Deane and MSU President Matthew Dillon-Leitch

“FORWARD WITH INTEGRITY” GILMOUR HALL ROOM 111 11AM – 1PM

MAC’S GOT PRIDE McMaster is celeberating its annual Pride Week, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments and diversity of the McMaster community

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

We are in the midst of McMaster’s Pride Week! This is an annual celebration of the diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual and Queer (LGBTQ) community on campus. The MSU is proud to be celebrating this week, brought to you by the Queer Students Community Centre (QSCC). As Raven Tam, Coordinator of

QSCC says, “Pride is a way to say that as members of the LGBTQ+ community, we exist and should be respected”.

This year’s Pride Week is particularly relevant as earlier this fall the MSU enacted a policy on Anti-Oppression, with a campaign this year targeting Homophobia and Transphobia. Tam comments that, “While we have made significant strides with regards to legality and social acceptance of some of the LGBTQ+ community, there is still much work to be done. There are still many facets of the Queer community that are met with negativity, which is why the MSU’s stance on anti-oppression is so important”.

Promotion for this campaign occurred in conjunction with McMaster’s National Coming Out Day on October 11th and in distribution of the MSU’s swag bags sporting the campaign logo during Welcome Week.

Be sure to look out for more awareness events occurring in second term. If you’re interested in taking part in planning please contact me.

Earlier this week was the McMaster Pride Parade, one of the highlight celebrations of Pride Week. Members of the Queer community and their allies paraded through McMaster, alongside campus and community partners, including our McMaster Marauders. This was an energetic and powerful demonstration from those who support the equality of all McMaster students and oppose Homophobia and Transphobia.

If you’re interested in participating in more Pride Week events, come out to a movie night on Friday at 6 PM in the QSCC social space (MUSC room 221). The film featured will be Tongues Untied, a documentary on black gay men and their experiences of intersecting prejudice. Also, on Saturday,

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

November 19th the QSCC will host their famous Drag Show, to be held at 7:30 PM at First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on Dundurn Street. All are welcome!

If you have any questions or are looking for ways to get involved with the Queer community at McMaster contact QSCC Coordinator, Raven Tam at qscc@msu. mcmaster.ca. The QSCC acts as a support, education and advocacy group for GLBTQ students and their allies. The centre, located on the second floor of the MUSC, maintains the largest LGBTQ resource library in the area. The QSCC runs many programs throughout the year including the Ally Program and Newcomers. You can also tune into CFMU 93.3 FM on Mondays from 7 – 8 PM for the Queer Hamilton Radio Show.

Celebrate with the MSU and show that McMaster’s got Pride!

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011

Atheltics and Recreation

Equality in Sports

Check your Pulse

Training enforces inclusion

Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

An announcement was made to all users of McMaster’s Pulse fitness centre on Nov. 11 with regards to a new usage monitoring system. It will be implemented to regulate the number of users allowed to use the Pulse at any given time.

The new practice is called the “one-in, one-out” policy. The system was put into effect as a result of a greatly elevated attendance level in the facility, resulting in long wait times for equipment.

Students were told in the email that the busiest times for the facilities are between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and were advised to consider using their memberships outside of the peak hours.

According to Debbie Marinoff Shupe, the Manager of Recreation Services at McMaster’s Department of Athletics and Recreation, this year has seen a record number of Pulse memberships purchased, most of which were bought by McMaster students.

A recent ranking of Canadian universities in Maclean’s Magazine said that 79 per cent of McMaster students participate in athletics and recreation in some form, many by purchasing a Pulse membership. It’s a number that, according to Marinoff Shupe, is much higher than the average for Canadian universities.

A steady yearly increase in Pulse fitness facility usage has occurred since the opening of the new facility in 2006.

In the 2005-2006 academic year, close to 8,000 memberships were sold, with a steady increase until numbers reached more than 11,000 this year.

In addition to the increase in Pulse membership purchases, this year has also seen a steady increase in the average number of times per month that the fitness centre is being used.

Not only are more students pur-

chasing memberships, they are also using the facilities more often.

As a result of this increase, the “one-in, one-out” policy has been implemented. This method was first used in January of 2011, as January is typically the busiest month for the Pulse, but this is the first year that the system has been used in the fall.

“Part of what we want to do is educate people on different options,” added Marinoff Shupe, including using the upstairs running track and changing personal exercise schedules.

Athletics and Recreation is cur-

rently looking into options for expansion. However, this also raises concern. For example, where would new equipment go?

There is little room left for more cardio machines on the second floor, and the first floor is already packed with weight machines and free weights.

While this issue is seen by Athletics and Recreation as a positive statement on student fitness, this is a serious problem for those who wish to use the facilities, and an issue that will take time and resources to resolve.

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

“Sports are awesome,” said Andrew Pettit, sports camps and leagues coordinator of McMaster Athletics and Recreation.

Unfortunately, the nature of competitive sport is such that exclusionary comments and name-calling are commonplace.

Athletics and Recreation has taken an active stance against homophobia in the University’s athletic facilities through Positive Space Training, held at various times throughout the year in collaboration with QSCC (Queer Students Community Centre) and McMaster’s Human Rights and Equity Services.

Although exclusion of this sort is not common at McMaster, the importance of the issue has garnered substantial support. The initiative began two years ago, and has since seen consistently impressive turn out, noted Pettit.

The second Positive Space Training of the 2011/2012 academic term was held on Nov.15. Each session of training is led by members of the QSCC, and begins with an introduction to key terminology commonly used in a derogatory manner. The training outlines the “Name It, Claim It, Stop It”

STEPHANIE LOY SON / THE SILHOUETTE

The one-in, one-out system will be implemented at the Pulse during peak hours.

• PLEASE SEE NAME, A4

Provincial Recognition

Peter George awarded for educational contribution

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Former Mac President recieved the David C. Smith Award.

Alex Rockingham & Karianne Matte Silhouette Interns

The Council of Ontario Universities has honoured former McMaster President Peter George with the David C. Smith Award.

The award is granted to those who have worked to improve education and research.

Bonnie Patterson, the council’s president, described him as “a passionate leader,” who “transformed McMaster University with his focus on excellence in teaching and research and his vision for internationalizing the student experience on campus.”

Patterson also commended him for being a staunch advocate of the advancement of research during his tenures on the Council of Ontario Universities and the Association of Universities and Colleges of

Canada.

George, who retired in 2010 after serving three terms as the University’s president, has also been awarded the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario and honorary degrees and honours from numerous universities in Canada and abroad.

At his celebratory dinner, George described the award as a “great honour,” and said that he enjoyed working with the students, and faculty of the University.

The award itself is named after the late Dr. David C. Smith, a Mac alumnus who contributed to both scholarship and public policy regarding university education. Dr. Smith, who passed away in 2000, had a very strong connection to McMaster University.

While completing his undergraduate degree at McMaster in the early ‘50s, Smith served as Marmor Editor and MSU president.

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Stress Month

Sportsmanship

Relax, take it easy MSU Advocacy dedicates November to combating stress

“Name it, Claim it, Stop it” • CONT’D FROM A3

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

De-stress rooms will be open and running in MUSC throughout the month of November to help students cope with stress.

Advocacy Coordinator.

The kickoff session held on Month, Advocacy runs the OUSA Nov. 16 gave students the opporBlue Chair campaign and promo- tunity to listen to and interact with tion of MSU presidential elections motivational speaker Pamela Tracz in the second term.

Tracz focused her discussion on “November [was chosen to be the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, Stress Month] because it’s the time leaving those in attendance with this when students are realizing how final message: being a student is the busy school is and are hit by the time of your life, and too many stubig wave of midterms, essays and dents are too busy stressing to fully assignments,” said Shivani Persad, appreciate it.

• CONT’D FROM A1

The thought provoking message explained that if you take proper care of yourself, you will be able to more thoroughly enjoy what is happening in the world around you.

An instructor from Moksha Yoga was also present to give an introductory yoga lesson to all in attendance, with focus on relaxation and self-awareness.

As Advocacy Stress Month is the largest event to be organized by

David Adams Richards

A rough start to literary fame Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

If somebody said that David Adams Richards, a prominent Canadian novelist from New Brunswick, would have stopped by the smoke stacks of Hamilton to discuss the finer things in life, the appropriate response would be to ask if the individual was taking any illicit materials.

Illicit materials or not, Richards found himself in Hamilton from Nov. 12 to the 14.

His appearance was part of an annual Distinguished Visitor Speaker Program, funded through the Harold and Lilojean Frid Endowment and sponsored by the Westdale United Church.

Richards spoke on a variety of issues regarding topics large and small, from a wine and cheese meet-and-greet to the existence of God. In addition, there was a secondary event entitled, “Reading, Discussion, and Reception” at the University Club, sponsored by the McMaster Arts and Science Program, English and Cultural Studies, Labour Studies and Economics, and Religious Studies departments.

Known primarily for his novels, such as Mercy Among the Children, which was a co-winner of the Giller Award in 2000, Richards stands as a leading Canadian writer.

Currently, he is one of the only three to have ever won the Governor General’s Award in both fiction and non-fiction.

Richards has also been shortlisted for the Trillium Award, Thomas Raddell award, Canadian Booksellers Association author of the year, countless regional awards for his novels, and the prestigious

Canada-Australia Literary Prize in 1992.

To say the least, this literary paragon’s list of accolades is long.

Yet, under the hum of an anxious audience, his eminence consistently preceded him.

At each event, the audience was left with lingering thoughts of ambiguity: could this really be David Adams Richards?

Where superior knowledge of the literary world should have been, there stood unbridled modesty. In place of splendor and extravagance were unkempt hair and a fiveo’clock shadow. Instead of impatience and arrogance, there was a friendly smile.

It was such a characterization that, despite expectations otherwise, perhaps fueled Richards’ opening comment at the wine and cheese event.

“I almost never got into university because I almost never got out of high school. I got expelled four times.”

Such a comment began a brief outline of Richards’ early life as a truly gritty struggle.

From his birth in Newcastle, New Brunswick to his original aspirations of being a professor, because “it looked so grand, sitting in a chair all day and smoking a cigarette,” Richards claimed he had difficulty staying afloat.

But it is only because of difficulty that happiness has any meaning.

Richards, despite his overwhelmingly difficult start to his professional life, soon discovered a passion for writing, and more importantly, the happiness that his writing provided.

Richards attributes his success to a written tone that mixes a bitter

realization of moral verisimilitude and indelible nostalgia neatly packaged into a Canadian setting.

Much of this comes from the fact that all of his novels centralize on the region of Miramichi, a familiar New Brunswick territory for the author.

It is in this region, one that Richards’ described as “leaving numerous unforgettable impressions,” where the sobering realities of life dominate.

Far away from the stereotypical enchantment of the East, where unforgiving waves lap across a jagged landscape, where quiet serenity is only interrupted by the roaring of the sea, where an ocean gives way to life and life gives way to an ocean, stands reality, and more conspicuously, the struggles life holds.

Such realties were highlighted during the wine and cheese event as Richards read two passages from his book The Friends of Meager Fortune.

Both of the excerpts were centred around the idea that “human greatness does not involve money, power or authority,” said Richards.

“It involves character.”

It is this character, one of equality as opposed to superiority, that emanated from Richards as he read.

With an inviting tone, the room became a setting and the audience became characters in his books.

As he concluded the night with the second passage, one could not help but feel that perhaps art was imitating life, for his shaggy, softspoken, working-class sort of demeanor echoed the words that he himself had written, and he walked with an uneasy sway that mirrored the sea.

Or, maybe, it was the other way around.

Advocacy thus far, much pressure lies on the success of event to promote Advocacy and its sub-sections to as many students as possible.

This is the second year that the Stress Week program has run at McMaster. Alicia Ali, MSU VP (Education) and last year’s OUSA Coordinator for McMaster, launched the program last year with Chris Martin, former MSU VP (Education).

This year, Advocacy aims to de-stress students through these planned events primarily in terms of their educational concerns.

This can be achieved through activities that will allow them to take stress off other aspects of life, help them find the proper tools to be productive in all they do and get the most out of their time here at McMaster.

approach to homophobia This approach encourages bystanders to identify the inappropriate comment, and be able to explain why it is wrong and take the necessary steps to prevent it from continuing.

Currently, Positive Space Training is not mandatory for any groups on campus.

“The hope is that people will want to take these kinds of steps against homophobia,” said Pettit, explaining that similar training is already required for certain groups.

However, considerations are underway for installing a mandate for Positive Space Training.

Inclusion in athletics extends beyond homophobia, noted Pettit.

“Sport is for everyone and no one should be excluded for being too skinny, or not pretty enough,” he said.

Among McMaster students, the gym can be a source of anxiety for some.

“I know that at Mac, I don’t have to worry about being judged, but I can’t help but feel a bit intimidated walking into the gym sometimes,” said Ankita Dubey, a fourthyear Psychology student.

“This is not simply about being gay or lesbian; it’s about supporting an end to discrimination,” said Amos Connolly, head coach of McMaster’s men’s basketball team.

“Collectively, we are able to make a strong endorsement towards acceptance rather than alienation, love rather than hate.”

To further express McMaster Athletics and Recreation’s support, the men’s basketball team joined the numerous other campus groups in participating the Pride Week Parade held throughout the McMaster Campus on Nov.16.

STUDENT RENTALS West Village Suites

A Green Community for Students

Dundurn Student Residence

BEST

THE OF OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

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

905-528-1717

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

w w w.westvillagesuites.ca

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

EDITORIAL

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

Pride Week is for all of us

The Silhouette McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

Observers and participants who saw the Mac Pride Week parade on Wednesday may have been surprised to see a group not typically associated with such an event carrying a large rainbow flag and marching in solidarity with the parade.

A group of nearly 20 young, athletic males in matching clothes marched in the parade. But what made this unusual wasn’t the way they looked or who they were as individuals.

This was the McMaster men’s basketball team, taking part in something a varsity team would rarely lend its name to. And this is a great thing, because it shows a huge amount of responsibility on the part of the team’s players and coaches.

It’s time to eradicate the stereotype that pride awareness events are only for assless chaps-wearing urban cowboys and women making out. Awareness for LGBTQ rights is something that everyone needs to own a stake in.

This kind of participation in pride events is something that needs to happen more often, because raising awareness for LGBTQ pride events and erasing the stigma around homosexuality isn’t up to sexual minorities and transsexual people. It’s up to everyone else, too. It’s on everyone to make our society less prejudiced and more welcoming.

Gay pride parades have found themselves on the wrong side of too many punchlines for too long.

Everyone remembers the episode of the Simpsons when Bart accidentally gets caught in the middle of a gay pride parade and ends up on a newscast.

Is this a hilarious bit of comedy? Sure. But it also makes a joke at the expense of gay people and relegates gay pride events – like the ones on campus Wednesday – to a sideshow for freaks. We can’t expect to make any kind of progress if we never take the issue seriously.

Maybe it’s a problem that it was so notable when the basketball team participated in the parade. Why is it so ridiculous for non-LGBTQ people participate in these events without stigma? The people who need to be enlightened about the cause of gay rights aren’t the ones traditionally participating in these parades. If we want more people to understand the problem, we need new voices to speak out.

Maybe speaking out for gay rights shouldn’t be exceptional. Maybe It should be expected.

The team that marched in the parade deserves a lot of credit and adulation for what they did. It’s a risky move – there are reputations to harm in the eyes of ignorant observers – but the men and women associated with the team put that all aside and put in their time for a good cause.

Everyone has a responsibility in eliminating prejudice. With Pride Week gaining more and more momentum, let’s hope more and more people get on board.

•

TheSil.ca

Editorial Board 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

Brian Decker, Executive Editor

Multimedia Editor... Joy Santiago Asst. Photo Editor... Ricardo Padilla

Congratulations: The Silhouette would like to congratulate the football team for winning the Yates Cup. We’re sending our congrats not just for winning the championship, but for a few other accomplishments.

Firstly, seeing people who go to Western get embarrassed is always great. Secondly, thanks to a bet with MSU President Matt Dillon-Leitch, Western student prez will be forced to wear a McMaster shirt all of next week.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you gave everyone here something to remember and enjoy.

We’re proud of you big maroon guys.

Go do it again in Moncton.

Silhouette Staff

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 Sandro Giordano, Ad Manager

Worth Repeating: A huge shout out to staff and students for the amazing support in the 2nd annual, ‘Warm Up for Winter’ coat drive.

Together we collected over 700 coats and over 1500 winter accessories which were distributed out of Norman Pinky Lewis Rec Center to those in need on Oct. 28! Thank you to everyone who supported the drive and donated on Oct. 24 at the drop off location outside of the Student Center. Big thanks to McMaster Parking and Security, who generously transported the donations from my house to Pinky Lewis. Next year I challenge all students and staff to donate one winter wear item to keep Hamilton warm! Thank you for your continuous support.

Megan MacLeod.

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.

YOU THERE! Section Meeting Times GET TYPING!

Write for the Silhouette e-mail thesil@thesil.ca or come down to MUSC B110

Photo Fridays at 1:30 p.m. photo@thesil.ca News Fridays at 2:30 p.m. news@thesil.ca Business Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. business@thesil.ca Sports Fridays at 2:30 p.m. sports@thesil.ca InsideOut Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. insideout@thesil.ca ANDY Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. andy@thesil.ca Opinions Fridays at 12:30 p.m. opinions@thesil.ca

to being a 5th string call-up for the spec.

to the after-effects of chili cheese fries. may the lord have mercy on our noses.

to tiberius slick.

to occupy my colon.

to mac. eat it, western.

to the bathroom across from twelveighty. rest in peace, you poor bastard.

to chili cheese fries.

to @joecup18. give the man a follow.

to breakfast in america.

to the loss of the parsons’ pale ale mascot/beard.

to jackson square.

to decertification.

to fully completely.

to having a mustachio’d creep in the middle of your brady bunch.

to pride week.

to abbey road. to is this it? to the ticats. holy mackinaw.

AND ALSO...

Tune in to the Sil’s radio show every Thursday at 1 p.m. on CFMU, 93.3 on your dial, cfmu.msumcmaster.ca on the web.

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

TheSil.ca

to adam sandler. i’m longing for the days of “must be burt reynolds or somethin’.”

to real dirty sounds. like a rusty steak knife cutting through a wellaged steak.

to fruit flies.

to power hour.

to shot-for-shot.

to late-night forest adventures.

to late-night forest adventure-related injuries.

to vancouver next weekend. make it happen, fellas.

to a missed opportunity in victoria.

to moncton being so friggin’ far away.

THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

Nation’s superhero fixation Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor

Three British Columbia teens were, until recently, engaged in a pretty ‘super’ practice. They concocted the brilliant scheme of dressing as superheroes, luring child predators to a location, and capturing them on hidden camera for online videos, which would force the authorities to act on the information.

RCMP authorities, of course, discouraged the vigilantes themselves, strongly encouraging them to cease the practice, as it was unsafe for both the crime fighters and the criminals.

Vigilante justice is nothing new, though the public stance has shifted little over the years. The authorities despise vigilante interference, and the impressionable citizenship at large is in love with the controlled chaos caused by the would-be Robin Hoods.

The question at the present, however, is the validity of the results. Those teenagers did in fact expose a child predator with very small room for doubt, and did so in a trio, solidifying their safety in numbers in the event that the would-be criminal turned violent.

This trend is evidently even more popular in the States, where social networking is becoming a useful tool for organizing such amateur crime-fighting congregations.

A Seattle-based organization known as Real Life Superheroes (RLSH) is heading a movement to fight petty and violent crime. A costumed RLSH member broke up a late-night assault using his trusty pepper spray, a heroic act he paid for with a public court appearance, ruining any hope he had for keep-

ing Phoenix Jones’ secret identity secret. Another member, the TriColored Crusader, feeds the homeless and patrols dark neighbourhood alleyways for muggings.

Is this right? Can we leave minor acts of justice to the hands of willing citizens who serve us not for glory or reward, but for the rush of anonymously aiding their fellow man?

I say there is more to be gained than lost in these scenarios. If a citizen follows procedure and dials 911, while another person and possible cohort is seconds away from a fatal wound or irreplaceable loss, they may be those few seconds too late when the police do finally arrive.

Sure, there are risks, but risks are meant to be taken when lives are on the line, and there are times when the authorities just cannot respond to a pending catastrophe quickly enough.

While it’s true that the BC teens may have created the predator they sought to find, in their method of posing as an underage teen and arousing him in the process, proper precautions can keep these questionable elements at bay. Don’t seek out crime, but don’t ignore it when it happens ten steps away.

A time and a place exist to serve your community and stop a crime in progress, but perhaps the pageantry of it all is a little unnecessary.

People can help others and stay anonymous without the hazardous addition of a cape.

There is a fine line between a benevolent act of heroism and a cocky, costumed fantasy, but when that line is drawn between life and death, there is little room to deliberate and even less room to get your tights on.

Vigilante justice is a tad more colourful than our grandparents may have remembered it.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Conservative crisis in Canada Ryan Mallough Silhouette Staff

Listen to the sound of my voice. You are falling into a deep state of relaxation.

Let me take you back to the year 2004. The Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years. George Bush started his second presidential term after beating John Kerry, and the Chrétien government had recently come to the end amidst a national scandal after ten years of power.

People of every political stripe were outraged over the allegations of the “sponsorship scandal.” The idea that the federal government could be a participant in such a corrupt practice – nevermind its original intent of maintaining national unity – was more than the people could handle. Canada’s Auditor General found that $100 million was paid to communications agencies that produced little or no benefit to Canadians. The government had been accused of mismanaging enormous sums of public money, and the public wanted blood.

No federal Liberal or party executive was charged of any crime, but in the court of public opinion their sentence was absolute. The Liberal Party would lose their majority, then their government. They have lost a significant number of seats in every election since.

Last week, the Conservative Party of Canada pled guilty to exceeding election limits and filing election records that did not include all of their expenses. In what came to be known as the “in and out” scandal, the Conservatives transferred $1.3 million dollars to individual ridings that had not reached their spending limits. The ridings then returned the money to the national party, which had already met its $18.3 million limit. It spent the money on further advertising, identical to the national ads. The ridings then

asked for the 60 per cent reimbursement from Elections Canada.

For what amounts to confessing to some level of election fraud, the Party will pay fines of $52,000 total, and in exchange will see charges against Senators Doug Finley and Irving Gerstein, and senior party members Michael Donison and Suan Kehoe dropped. This is probably the first and last that many people will hear of it.

It is not the first Conservative scandal.

The Conservative government has pledged an unknown amount of money – during an economic recession – for fighter jets. It has recently been revealed that the jets will not be equipped with the radio technology necessary to communicate in the Arctic airspace they were purchased to defend.

Former top adviser to the Prime Minister Bruce Carson, who was hired to the PMO despite fraud convictions, was accused of influence peddling in promising government contracts to an Ottawa-based water purification company.

However, Carson’s actions pale in comparison to the Conservative Party’s alleged offer to dying Independent MP Chuck Cadman. Cadman’s daughter claims that the Conservatives offered Cadman a $1 million dollar insurance policy, among other enticements, in exchange for rejoining the them before a key budget vote.

In perhaps the most egregious offense of all, the Conservative Party outright refused to provide the House with documents surrounding the handling of detainees in Afghanistan. The move brought the opposition to find the government in contempt, the first such occurrence in the history of Canada. The Conservatives dismissed the vote as nothing more than a political manoeuvre.

The people barely noticed.

In five years, the Conservative Party has been involved in scandals worthy of a political soap opera. Their offenses have ranged from ir-

Opinions is always looking for angry writers.

Send us an e-mail if you hate/love a certain person, place or thing!

INSIDE HEADTOHEAD

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Harper is up to his neck in controversy. responsible to a flat out affront and dismissal of Canadian democracy.

They have made no apologies. They have simply told us to move along, that there is nothing to see here, and that it does not matter anyway. The public smiles, nods and goes back to their coffee.

There has been no outrage. No cry for political blood. No cry at all. Instead, the Conservatives have been rewarded for their actions with an increased vote share in every election, leading to majority government.

The public has simply stopped caring.

So go ahead, continue to ignore the man behind the curtain. These are not the scandals you are looking for.

When I count down from five you will wake up. You will continue to feel apathetic. You will remember nothing.

Five...four...three...two...one...

The sanctions against nuclear weapons in Iran may be too late to arrive. Were they even effective?

Page A10

Feedback The campus touches on the criminal topic of costumed vigilante justice.

Page A8

This Week in Opinions Helping Abroad

Abuse of Protest

Timmies Trouble

Students going abroad should consider the impact they are (or are not) making when they reach foreign shores.

Protests used to be more about the issues than the spectacle. What are we protesting now, when the message is lost in the crowd?

Our lovable corporate mascot has darker workings behind the scenes than we may be comfortable with when we get our next cup.

Pg. A9

Pg. A9

Pg. A10

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

?

It is so badass. It’s elaborate inyour-face justice. Wrong versus right.”

Do you agree with costumed vigilante justice?

-Martha Giordano, Humanities I

Feedback

I don’t think it’s necessary to dress up.

You can do good and stay under cover while not in costume.”

-Yukiko Ishii, Life Sci III

Compiled by Ricardo Padilla and Andrew Terefenko

“It is just anarchy. If everybody does it, it would be very bad.”

Adhitya Ravichandran, CES Master’s

“I think justice should be left to the authorities.”

-David Bak, Engineering I

A flu shot away from influenza immunity Nour Afara

The Silhouette

Every winter, the same influenza scare comes about. There’s only so much one can do to prevent such a crisis from affecting them. The obvious thing to do is get the flu shot.

Some take the time to get protection them from the feared headaches, fevers, upset stomachs and nausea. Others, however, say the best thing to do is to not get it at all. The flu shot’s effectiveness has been debated for years. The vaccine is annually based on the educated guesses of selected vaccine researchers who predict which strands of the flu will be prominent this winter. Then they put their three top choices into the new vaccine. That doesn’t sound very reliable, does it?

While this may sound convincing, here’s a scary fact: about 36,000 people die each year from influenza-related complications, which is only one thousand people less than the 37,000 who die each year from smoking in North America. This statistic gives a frightening image to how dangerous the flu really is.

Side effects of the flu vaccine include a mild fever, body aches and swelling where the shot was given. These secondary responses seem similar to flu-like symptoms and this explains why people claim to get sick from the flu vaccine itself. This is because, aside from a Band-Aid on your arm, you also have dead or weakened virus particles swimming in your blood. That way,

your body may learn to fight off the flu virus if you are ever exposed to it. Any bad reactions are usually your immune system’s way of strengthening itself after the particles in the vaccine. All these symptoms usually fade after a few days.

Ontario has done its part to make the flu shot accessible to all Canadians during an annual time where influenza viruses are most common; and McMaster University is no exception. The Student Wellness Centre has set up their very own Flu Shot Clinic to make student life (and health) much easier.

On Nov. 9, 14, and 16, McMaster students are encouraged to trek through the November weather to get the needle prick they have been waiting for.

To get vaccinated or not to get vaccinated, that is the question. If a play on an overused phrase won’t get you to contemplate getting the flu shot this winter, then putting your health as a priority will.

From Ontario with its amazing healthcare system, to McMaster University, with its Flu Shot Clinic, they are all dedicated to your well-being.

For the 2011-2012 flu season, getting the influenza vaccine will definitely do its part in protecting your body from the infamous winter virus. With 166 million doses available this year alone, there should not be a fear of shortage. As the winter months get closer, the coughs, sneezes, and fevers are just one sore throat away. Getting vaccinated at the McMaster Flu Shot Clinic or your local doctor’s office will be your way of keeping your body flu-free.

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

The naïve fraud of helping abroad Erin Chesney Silhouette Staff

It’s a few minutes before the lecture will commence. I walk into class, sit in my usual front seat and begin to prepare for the subsequent 50 minutes of note-taking and attentiveness.

That young, 20-25 year old man or woman with a huge smile and condescending attitude walks onto the podium and begins to yell at the top of their lungs, “G’day mate. Do you wanna volunteer abroad this summah?” They then go on to inform me that spending a week engaged in an African village or snorkeling in New Zealand is going to make me feel all warm and fuzzy because I am “giving back” to those less fortunate.

Wait up. Let’s back this up a bit. By going to a far-away tropical destination and essentially vacationing for an extended period of time, I get to be qualified as a humanitarian?

That is a sweet deal. These representatives make these volunteer opportunities seem so appealing. However, I find the underlying morality to be a bit unsettling.

One of the problems in these ever-so intriguing proposals is in regards to money. So many honourable charities are in desperate need of money, and thus it is important to ensure that when we give money to charity, it goes to the right place.

So how is it that many of these volunteer abroad opportunities pay for your plane tickets and leisure activities? Couldn’t the money being spent on snorkeling in Pacific go towards improving the supposed impoverished destination?

My next concern is sustainability. Yes, it is true that building houses for homeless or constructing schools for children who can’t afford an education are all worthy and honourable endeavors. However, laying down a physical structure does not ensure the maintenance of the building and doesn’t con-

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

Going abroad to help unfortunate souls is noble in theory, but too often it turns into a personal vacation. sider its surrounding social implications. Many of these programs do not involve locals, which is an essential aspect in ensuring sustainability.

I commend every individual who has enough passion and drive to give up their free time to go somewhere far away and try to help others. That being said, I do not believe that all these programs have the most honourable type of student

interests in mind.

The key is to remember that we are all human beings.

The fact that we live in a first-world country does not make us superior to others. There are many places that need help and it is incredibly generous and respectable to want to help.

However, it is important to ensure that your time and efforts are being used effectively.

Protesting for dummies Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

On March 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what would become one of the most recognizable and influential speeches in U.S. history to a peacefully protesting crowd who consumed the capital area of Washington. King’s efforts, joined by the quarter of a million Americans who marched with him that day, precipitated a social change of the kind that may never be seen again.

In Egypt this past year, millions of citizens organized in the country’s streets to protest a government, eventually toppling the regime of Hosni Mubarak with their crusade. Similar protests in Libya generated such a buzz globally that a civil war involving numerous foreign participants, including NATO, eventually ended the decades-long rule of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

What these protests have in common is that each achieved social or political change, proving that the voice of the people is more powerful than any institution, including government. That is, of course, unless that voice is stifled by abuse.

Unfortunately, examples of abuse are more prevalent than of action in North America today. Protesters seem to take to the streets in the name of any cause possible. If one piece of knowledge could be gleaned from the G20 summit in Toronto, for example, it is that, if given a chance, the wayward citizen will find others like them to disturb the peace.

Perhaps that is too critical, if that example is taken alone. Less than a year later in Vancouver, a vast group of these “activists” turned Robson Street into a war zone. Was this to raise awareness for some human rights initiative, or to call for action in the fight against drugs in the city’s lower east side? Not quite.

Garnering international attention in the process, these idiots were rioting after the heartbreaking loss of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.

It is abuse of the human voice as seen in Toronto and Vancouver that deteriorates the power of protest when it is actually necessary.

In the “Occupy Wall Street” movement in New York City, fighting against the irresponsible banking practices of corporate America has been a worthy cause. From the beginning, the movement carried with it the strength and validity to at the very least catch the attention of corner-office CEOs. Unfortunately, the “Occupy Wall Street” movement was used all over and soon became the “Occupy Any and Everything in Sight (For Whatever Reason We Can Come Up With) Movement.” Protests began in numerous other big North American cities, including Toronto, which is now notorious for its overly vocal population.

Masquerading as a worthy cause, downtown Toronto’s “Occupy Bay Street” movement invited an influx of protestors to the city centre. Among the notable causes present on the streets was a young man holding a sign that said, “Capitalism is the enemy,” while listening to his iPod. Granted, the majority of the movement is a strong and worthwhile protest. However, the bandwagon or tag-along participants give the entire cause a bad name.

Along with the Occupy Toronto movement came a variety of other causes and protestors who felt this was a great opportunity to speak out and be heard.

The result has not been a quarter of a million people united under the banner of rights and freedoms, nor has it been to end the government of one of the world’s most oh-so oppressive democracies. Rather, on a daily basis, protests of all shapes, sizes and subject matter litter Dundas Square, Queen’s Park and a plethora of other venues.

People have taken these protests for granted in the city. No longer intrigued by the force of social action, citizens of Toronto walk by the demonstrations paying little or no attention to the cause. It’s too bad that, at the centre of all this hoopla, there are real issues that need to be addressed.

The increasing abuse of the right to protest will eventually wear it down, rendering it useless. Hopefully it doesn’t get to the point where the only thing the protester is occupying is space.

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

Protesting has become a circus of impressionable youths and tired internet memes.

Disabled aid for Mac’s disabled Tierney Kovljenic The Silhouette

Disabled university students are at an extreme disadvantage. Whether it is a physical, mental or learning disability, university students, particularly at McMaster University, seldom receive the assistance they need in order to compete at an academic level similar to their non-disabled counterparts. In a world where a post-secondary degree has become the norm and is needed in order to achieve higher levels of learning, and in most instances even a well-paying job, it has become increasingly important to recognize the barriers that disabled students face in their attempt to reach the same goals many non-disabled students easily achieve.

Statistics Canada suggests that 68,000 children living in Ontario are recognized as disabled. Many of these students transition through elementary and high school with the support of educational assistants and individual learning plans and are able to apply to colleges and universities of their choice. With the aid of financial assistance and grants for students with disabilities, many of these students are able to achieve personal and societal goals of attending post-secondary education. Unfortunately, once being accepted to university, these students face a number of challenges that often prohibit them from completing their degree with the same level of ease that non-disabled students encounter.

While accommodations for disabled students vary by school, typical services, and in particular those offered at McMaster University, are tutors, note-takers, accommodations for missed classes and class work and

extended times for exams, as well as parking accommodations. While on the surface many of these accommodations appear to be helpful, acquiring these accommodations are simply the beginning of a long road.

Disabled students need to be their own advocate.

Being recognized as a student with disabilities is simply not enough. Disabled students already face considerable disadvantages when dealing with their medical complications in addition to their school work; they deserve to utilize every assistive option available. Alternatively, if required accommodations are not readily available, the student can go through the school year without help, which can severely hinder their academic achievement.

Aside from attending classes, tutorials, study sessions and a part time job, students of the disabled community need to allot time to defend themselves to their teachers, educators and often the University as a whole if their disability requirements are not met. While options such as filing a complaint with Human Rights & Equity Services is available at McMaster, it is important to note that many students opt not to go this route, as it is seen to take more time and energy away from their studies, which of course hold precedence.

Overall, it is important that disabled students seek assistance from their school whenever possible in order to compete at an academic level consistent with other students.

On the other hand, it is important to note that being recognized as disabled is simply not enough; disabled students are to be reminded that they too are deserving of every accommodation needed to help them succeed, even if it means being their own advocate.

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

MATT MARTORANA Vice-President, External Relations, McMaster Debating Society

AND AMANDA MIHOUB WRIGHT VIce-President, Promotions, McMaster Debating Society

HEADTOHEAD Matt: Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that Iran was using its nuclear development program to design a nuclear weapon. The international community has known for years about Iran’s nuclear development and has on many occasions implemented sanctions against Iran. Yet in light of the report last week, many believe that the UN should place tougher sanctions on Iran than the ones that are currently in place. I strongly disagree with such a sentiment and argue that even the sanctions that we currently have in place should be removed. Sanctions are ineffective in preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran. Iran already has the materials and intellectual capacity required to develop nuclear weapons. Sanctions cannot do much to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons because Iran already has everything it needs.

Amanda: Matt has a point. Iran already has the means necessary to develop nuclear weapons. However, there are many benefits to imposing further sanctions on Iran.

First of all, they are primarily a method of forcing Iran to come to the table for negotiations. Sanctions, in the long run, can make the situation more diplomatic by opening up a dialogue between Iran and Western nations, which in turn could prevent the situation from escalating into another war in the Middle East. The Western nations that are pushing for the UN to impose sanctions also demonstrate their commitment to preserving their relationships with Israel, Saudi Arabia and the moderate Islamic states that oppose Iran’s proliferation of nuclear weapons.

M: Any sanction that we impose on Iran is incomplete because China, Russia, and India are unwilling to comply. If we want to force Iran to come to the table, then we need to ensure that all countries are going to abide by the sanctions. By sanctioning Iran, it is forced to trade with China and Russia, allowing China and Russian to exert a considerable influence within the region. I agree with Amanda that we should preserve our relationship with Israel while demonstrating that the development of nuclear weapons in Iran is unacceptable. But sanctions are not the best way to do that; they only force Iran to trade with China, Russia, and India. Instead of isolating Iran, we should welcome

DEBATE: Are nuclear sanctions against Iran effective?

Iran into the international community. By creating economic ties with Iran we can exert our own influence within the region and control the message that is disseminated to Iranians, curbing damaging anti-U.S. extremist rhetoric.

regime. Even though it is likely that China, Russia and India will continue to trade with Iran, sanctions will still have an impact on the Iranian economy, which should still negatively impact the development of their proliferation process.

A: Even though the prospect of collective international action will be thwarted by China and Russia, it is still imperative that tougher sanctions are imposed on Iran. The overall goal of sanctions is to essentially impact the Iranian economy to the point where the Iranian government is open to negotiations. Removing all the sanctions that have been imposed on Iran does not create any incentives for Iran to improve its transparency in terms of its nuclear program or to improve its relations with Western nations. Furthermore, since President Ahmadinejad and the Iranian regime are demonstratively anti-West, it is unlikely that they would allow the West to exert any influence within Iran. As the attempted assassination on the Saudi Arabian ambassador on U.S. soil demonstrates, the Iranian regime is not deterred by international laws. The situation in the Middle East needs to remain diplomatic and the next step after sanctions – a military attack on Iran – should not occur until all other diplomatic methods are exhausted. Sanctions may prevent a pre-emptive military strike. If a pre-emptive military strike occurs, on the part of the U.S. or the Western nations opposing Iran’s nuclear proliferation, the entire region would be destabilized. Iranians may unite against Western powers and side with their unpopular governmental regime. Regional terrorists could utilize the situation as a new propaganda tool and a new war in the Middle East could occur. Also, it is not necessarily a given fact that Iran would lose the war. The alternatives to sanctions are obviously very severe. It is imperative that sanctions are imposed in order to slow the nuclear program and to foster opposition against the Iranian

M: Amanda, stalling Iran for maybe a few more months really does not change much in the grand scheme of things.

Iran is going to develop a nuclear weapon and there isn’t much we can do now to prevent this – even a military strike may not be enough to prevent Iran from developing their nuclear weapon. The best thing we can do is to ensure that the regime in Iran does not use the weapon. Sanctions give Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a scapegoat to stay in power and cover up his bad economic policy. Instead of blaming high levels of unemployment and poverty on his failure for economic development, it gives Ahmadinejad the excuse that the United States and other Western Countries are doing this to them. Sanctions allow Ahmadinejad to solidify his overstayed incumbency. Moderate Islamist parties cannot step up to challenge Ahmadinejad when Ahmadinejad claims “extreme measures are needed fight the United States.” As long as we continue to sanction Iran, we will prevent any influence that we could establish within the region, and we will give Ahmadinejad more fuel for his self-serving propaganda.

A: The nuclear weapons situation in Iran is a sensitive one that is fraught with issues and difficulties. There are both potential benefits and consequences to imposing and removing economic sanctions on Iran. However, removing the current sanctions on Iran will not improve the situation. Further sanctions need to be proposed on Iran. There are two options if imposing further sanctions does not lead to a more diplomatic solution. The first one, a preemptive military attack on the part of Western powers, is an option that will have dire consequences on the West and Middle East for generations to come. The second option, a nuclear-armed Iran, is essentially what would occur if economic sanctions were to be removed.

If this were to become reality, a regional arms race would occur and the likelihood of nuclear weapons actually being used would be far greater than it is now. The political situation in the Middle East is a fragile one and its destabilization must be avoided at all costs.

Evil starts with a cup of coffee education.

This is a defining feature of child labour.

In most of these countries, because the coffee Tim Hortons: the Canadian icon, the coffee of bean farmers have to sell their coffee for such a low price to compete, their children have to the ice rink.

It’s also a corporation that is one of the help with the workload, and cannot afford to major contributors to not only child labour, send their children to school. For children, esbut unfair wages and general environmental pecially in these countries, having an education is essential to escaping these harsh condiunfriendliness.

As recently reported in the news, Tim Hor- tions. tons has talked about how it is reinventing its It is the consumers who decide which image, and starting to cater to high-profile cli- coffee chains succeed and which don’t, so if ents. They are doing this by introducing cap- everyone stopped drinking unfair trade coffee puccinos, lattes and espressos to their menu. then this would stop.

But, Tim Hortons has assured its valued and Most people would argue that Tim Horloyal clientele that the prices of coffee will not tons is a timeless Canadian classic, and that they like to know that the coffee they are be increasing.

So how come the coffee at Tim Hortons buying is Canadian.

Yes, Tim Hortons does is so cheap? If you walk into exude an identity that most Starbucks or Second Cup, you will immediately notice Is it worth buying a Canadians can relate to; they have pictures of family, that the coffee prices are up coffee that is just a hockey and maple leaves, around two dollars.

This is because both little cheaper, even which commonly represent Canada. Canada is known as a Starbucks and Second Cup if it is taking multicultural society and usuprovide what is called “fair advantage of peo- ally prides itself on diversity trade” coffee.

Fair trade coffee is deple in third-world and equal rights. If Canadians Tim’s, they are in fined by a product certificacountries? It is the support part supporting a corporation tion system that holds produconsumers whose products call for child cers to environmental, labour labour, and unequal and unfair and developmental standards. who decide. worker rights.

In order to be certified as a The reason most students fair trade institution with fair trade products, companies must go through can’t afford expensive coffee is because they a strict screening process by Fair Trade are paying for an education. If you buy coffee International. Their coffee must be ethically from Tim’s, you are destroying another child’s friendly, and ensure that people in third-world opportunity to get an education. Something countries aren’t being forced to sell their that seems so given and simple to a Canadian can literally change a child’s life in a thirdcoffee beans for cheaper than fair prices.

Tim’s is one of the highest sellers of coffee world country, where education is a way to in Canada, and most of the time it is because freedom. of the cheap prices. But, is it worth buying a If even half of Tim’s drinkers stop drinkcoffee that is just a little cheaper, even if it ing the coffee because it is unethical, Tim is taking advantage of people in third-world Hortons will have to take notice, and maybe then they would even change over completely countries?

In Canada, child labour laws started up to fair trade coffee. around the 1800s with the Industrial Revolu- Instead of buying coffee from Tim’s, tion, and now in Canada, all children are re- make your own or go to a coffee place that quired by law to go to school until they are at supports fair trade. Don’t support Tim Horleast 16 years of age. In developing countries tons. Money talks, so don’t continue to say such as Ethopia, Brazil and Costa Rica, most that child labour, unfair wages and killing the children are forced to work instead of get an environment is okay.

Lindsay French The Silhouette

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Behind every coffee, cappuccino and latte is potential suffering and intrigue.

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

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

Help fight Poverty and Restore Dignity

Saturday December 3rd, 2011

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

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

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

www.sacha.ca

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

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

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

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

A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

SpeculatoR The Hamilton

Thursday, November 17, 2011

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

INSIDE THE SPECULATOR

Special Insert: “NOPE” See K17 for full-colour photo spreads of animals you thought were driving cars.

Refusing to have a comfort zone since 1968

F

Yates Cup changes on the horizon Tiberius Slick Speculator

SAL “MEATBALL“ MARINARA

Western Glue Factories’ quarterback in a post-game interview, seconds before fleeing the scene.

REVISED TEAM NAMES

WESTERN GLUE FACTORIES GUELPH GREEK GOVERNMENTS WATERLOO WATER CLOSETS LAURI”EH” FOR EFFORTS WINDSOR LOSS ACCEPTORS

QUEEN’S GAELS* YORK DEAD MUFASAS TORONTO ‘ARE-SHITTY-POOS’ OTTAWA BEEGEES MCMASTER EXCELLENT HONOURABLE “MAD GAME” ROYAL MARAUDERS

*The Queen’s Gaels was deemed an “already embarassing name.” Additionally, the Ottawa team is now sponsored by the surviving members of the 70’s pop sensation.

Last Saturday the McMaster Marauders overwhelmingly stomped the Western Mustangs and consequently won the Yates Cup. It was such a severe victory, in fact, that the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) board has come to the decision of putting forward a series of new initiatives to guide the next tournament for future college football showdowns.

The first of these initiatives is the “Name Quality Reduction Penalty.” The OUA saw fit to have teams who placed exceptionally low in road to the Yates Cup punished for their good sportsmanship but lack of skill. As a team gets progressively lower in the yearly standings, their names will be changed to reflect their general team aptitude for the sport.

To demonstrate this penalty they have initiated the protocol on this year’s losing teams, and we are now witness to teams such as the Lauri“A” for Efforts, Waterloo Water Closets, and Western Glue Factories.

In parallel to this initiative is the sister procedure in which the Yates Cup winners are giving a series of honorary titles, while the players on said team are knighted and given duchies and farmland in the losing teams’ regions. This year’s winners are henceforth known as the McMaster Excellent Honourable “Mad Game” Royal Marauders.

The team carries forward star players such as quarterback His Majesty, King Kyle Quinlan, defensive lineman the gracious Lord Kareem Ferreira, and cornerback and Duke of West Kingston, Joey “Hitman” Cupido.

Critics of this new initiative claim that the penalties are “too harsh, and make it too difficult for losing teams to build up the motivation to try harder next year.” The critics then read the third initiative in the movement and quickly cease their complaints.

The third and final initiative, tentatively dubbed the “Sportsmanship & Fun Incentive Program,” promises to make good standing within the Ontario football rankings a more noteworthy achievement. Every year, the bottom two teams in the pre-Yates Cup standings will be invited to the OUA headquarters in Hamilton, Ont. Upon arrival to the building the two teams will be spayed and neutered by surprise, and then forced into Survivor-esque reality shows where the weakest members on each team will be “preserved as monuments to future teams that should try harder.”

It is expected that there will be stronger contenders for the Yates Cup in the following years, as analysts believe that we may see “feverish efforts towards third-last place” in future tournaments. In related news, last-place Waterloo University has begun to phase out its funding towards the arts to work towards purchasing for the Warriors a working lawnmower to bring their football field to “non-wilderness levels” and has ceased the practice of having the players’ helmets made in the arts department’s ceramic ovens.

When asked for comment on the new initiatives and the subsequent rewards that he had just barely missed out on, Glue Factories’ quarterback Donnie “Not in the face” Marshall fled the scene and was later heard weeping behind the bleachers.

God smites gays for showing excessive pride Kingsley Morris Speculator

“No, no, you’ve got me all wrong!” said God in an interview with the Speculator this past Wednesday, “I’ve got nothing against the gays, that’s not it at all. What I’ve taken issue with is all this fucking pride that’s being thrown about... by everyone!”

When asked to expand on his point he replied, “I told you the 7 deadly sins thousands of years ago and I specifically requested for no pride whatsoever.

“Everyone’s painting me as the bad guy when really, some of my closest friends are gay. Hell, even my son experimented a little bit in his college days in Alexandria and I was cool with it. I only ask that people stay modest about it, as not to incur my wrath… it’s a simple request really.”

This past week, scores of queers have been temporarily turned into pillars of salt all across

the McMaster campus – especially in the student center atrium, where the annual Gay Pride parade and luncheon occurred. God reportedly is “a little bit ticked” about all this pride that’s happening in the world, and not just within the gay community.

David Robinson, a fourthyear mechanical engineer, was turned into a swarm of locusts after sharing his midterm marks with his parents. Timmy McPherson, a young disabled boy and Scorpio from Westdale, received boils and skin lesions after admiring his finger-painting that his mother posted on the fridge. One of the largest groups to be hit by God’s ‘crackdown on pride’ was a proud band of Oakville housewives with breast-implants that were having a weekly Tupperware party. All the women were turned into goats, wandered into Milton, were picked up by farmers mistaking them as their own livestock, and were subsequently slaughtered and fed to the

large, imbred population of Milton and neighbouring Waterdown.

By far the cutest smiting of God occurred to Stacey Wilson, who had just bought a new Coach purse from the Niagara Falls Shopping Outlet. Wilson was last seen walking with friend Abby Fapstein when she turned into a miniature dachshund.

“We were just walking along and POOF, there was a weiner dog at my feet”, said Fapstein, who was noticeably enamored with the pup.

“I think I’m going to name her ‘Beefy’ and keep her.”

Reports indicate that people at high-risk of smitage include hockey moms, celebrities, young silly children, and dogs that have retrieved sticks and Frisbees from the waters of Lake Eerie and Lake Ontario.

“Once again, I’m sick and For God’s sake, just tone it down a little. tired of all you proud Canadians”, start my campaign.” will be turned back into regularIt is unknown when the functioning human beings, if at all. said God. I just thought ‘Pride Week’ would be a perfect time to unfortunate victims of God’s tirade

SKIZZY IMAGES

What did you learn this week, Timmy?

“I’m not a fighter,

but I’ve got my brown belt. ” 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

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

Mac cruises to victory in the Yates Cup with a 4119 thumping of Western. See S3-S5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

The Silhouette

SPORTS

S2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Men’s Soccer

Women’s Volleyball

Mac finishes sixth at CIS tourney Lack of early

PHOTO C/O MCMASTER ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

Aaron Boothe and the Marauders suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Capers.

Fraser Caldwell performance in the loss – spoke to the frustraSports Editor tion his squad experienced after conceding in the dying moments.

For 119 minutes, the Marauders had held off “The reaction on the field showed the lauded attack of the Cape Breton Capers exactly how we felt,” said Grant. “It was and kept their hopes of national hardware kind of shocking for me because I thought we alive. could have won the game. We were just try In one cruel, final twist of fate those ing to hold on and get to the penalty shootout, aspirations came crashing to a halt. and we’d weathered the pressure for most of

With only seconds remaining before the game. the two teams moved on to penalty kicks to “It’s especially frustrating knowing settle the result of their CIS quarterfinal on that it was our last real, competitive match of Nov. 10, the Capers found the back of the the season.”

Marauder net with a driven effort from the Despite the heartbreaking nature edge of the 18-yard box. of the Nov. 10 result, Grant believes that his

The goal provoked polar scenes of squad gave a good account of itself against jubilation and dejection for the two teams, one of the premier outfits in the country. making a last-ditch comeback for the Ma- “We played extremely hard,” said roon and Grey nearly impossible. When the the goalkeeper. “There were times in the final whistle blew seconds later, the Maraud- game where we were trying to find our feet, ers knew that a golden opportunity to move because it’s a completely different level at the forward had been missed.

CIS tournament and Cape Breton are a very

McMaster’s veteran goalkeeper good team.

Matt Grant – who himself enjoyed a standout “They played very quickly so we

had to adapt a lot, but we played them well.”

While the quarterfinal loss ended McMaster’s dreams of medaling at the national level, Grant indicates that the team remained focused on success in the consolation rounds.

There, the Marauders won a Nov. 11 contest against the Montreal Carabins before dropping the fifth-place match against McGill the next day to finish sixth in the field of eight squads.

Grant argues that the Marauders lost none of their edge after being eliminated from medal contention, and aimed to compete to the best of their ability regardless of the nature of the contest.

“A lot of the older guys, myself included, wanted to compete in those [consolation] games because they could be our last match for the team,” said the fourth-year keeper. “We didn’t want to end our careers on a losing note.

“We didn’t want to go out to Victoria just for the vacation. If you’re going out there, you have to go out to win every game.”

While the Marauders remain disappointed with their inability to medal at the event, they can take solace in the knowledge that they will return the vast majority of this season’s successful squad next year.

Only two members of McMaster’s current starting 11 are guaranteed to graduate, as All-Canadian defender Anthony Costa and midfielder Daniel Niksic have exhausted their five years of eligibility.

Two others, defender Garrett McConville and Grant have the option of returning for a fifth season, and have yet to make that decision.

For his part, the veteran keeper indicates that the large core of returning players makes McMaster’s future on the pitch a bright one.

“I think it’s very promising looking forward to next season,” said Grant. “We had five rookies starting already this year and a lot of young players seeing playing time. We’ve got a very young core, and it looks promising because Coach [Dino] Perri has done a great job of recruiting.

“So I feel that we can compete just as well if not better next season.”

In the meantime, Grant and his teammates look forward to the relative relaxation of the offseason, where they will work to improve their individual play and tighten the ties that bind together their sporting family.

focus brings loss

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

Readiness is the watchword around the Marauders these days, after a shockingly slow start cost the team dearly on Nov. 12.

Playing one of the premier squads in the OUA in the Ottawa Gee-gees, the Maroon and Grey could ill-afford a lapse of concentration if they were to taste victory at the Burridge Gym.

Unfortunately for McMaster, such a let down is just what they experienced in the opening set of their Saturday afternoon contest, falling behind by an insurmountable nine-point margin at the technical timeout.

Although the Maroon and Grey would bounce back admirably and close the gap to within three points by the end of the frame, the Gee-gees closed out the first set and never looked back from there.

The visitors from Ottawa swept aside the Marauders in straight sets to reaffirm their early status as provincial contenders.

McMaster’s bench boss Tim Louks knows full well that his team’s failure to respond early in their Nov. 12 contest largely determined their fate on the day. It marked a tame opening from a squad that he believes lacked nothing in the way of focus on the practice court.

“We practiced well all week with good intensity, and addressed some systemic issues that we still had,” said Louks. “Then we come out on Saturday and we don’t bring the level of focus and competition that we’ve had. There’s no pointing of a finger, but there has to be some accountability.

“You have to point that finger at yourself. Because you watch the video and you see that this player didn’t pass the ball, or this player didn’t play the ball over the net.

It becomes very obvious where the problems lie.”

The inability of the Marauders to play consistently has much to do with the current instability of their lineup, which has seen an unusual amount of mid-match tinkering with personnel.

Louks argues that in order for the squad to settle, its more experienced players • PLEASE SEE READINESS, S7

THE SILHOUETTE • S3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

104th Yates Cup

Mac wins first Yates since ‘03 Brian Decker Executive Editor

The last time the Western Mustangs football team lost a game at home, the Marauders broke the hearts of Mustang fans with a win at Western’s Homecoming in 2009.

This most recent loss likely hurt a little more.

The McMaster Marauders entered hostile territory and earned their first Yates Cup since 2003 with a 41-19 victory, handily beating Western and punching their ticket to the national semi-final in Moncton, where they’ll play Acadia in the Uteck Bowl.

“‘Leave No Doubt’ seems to be the motto of our athletic department, and we left no doubt about who was the best football team in the OUA in 2011,” said coach Stefan Ptaszek.

Kyle Quinlan threw for 275 yards, ran for 103 more and earned game MVP honours while Marauder defence held Western to a mere rouge on offence before the fate of the game had been effectively decided.

“We’ve had the monkey on our back for quite some time with this team. It was great to come out here and execute our game plan and get the win,” said receiver and OUA MVP Mike DiCroce, who caught four passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

After a slow start on offence (but some timely mistakes by the Mustangs, too), the Marauders took a 10-3 lead into halftime thanks to a Teddy Peters field goal and a Chris Pezzetta touchdown run from seven yards out.

Then, with the Marauders struggling to overcome penalties and Western failing to produce much at all, one pass from the game’s MVP to the league’s MVP gave Mac all the momentum they would need.

From deep in Mac’s own end and with 6:24 left in the third quarter, Quinlan threw down the sideline and found DiCroce, who broke free from Western halfback Aaron Handsor and took the pass 102 yards for a touchdown.

“We drew it up with Kyle throwing a pump fake and I would try to get open.

The halfback couldn’t get over to me and Kyle just threaded the needle to me,” said DiCroce.

Peters added a field goal before the

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK -

OUA offensive MVP Michael Dicroce was responsible for the play of the game scoring a 102 yard touchdown. end of the third quarter.

Then, with 13:38 to go, Quinlan found Robert Babic in the end zone from 12 yards out to make it 27-3.

Quinlan would tack on another touchdown to Brad Fochesato from 33 yards out to make it 34-3 with just over 10 minutes to go before any hope of a comeback from the Mustangs was lost.

Western would score two late touchdowns to make things slightly more respectable on the scoreboard.

The 10-3 halftime lead might not have been a lead at all for the Marauders were it not for a dramatic goal-line stand by the sturdy McMaster defence.

The Mustangs looked to be in position to tie the game after Western fullback Dan Duff took a pass down to the McMaster two-yard line late in the first half.

But the Maroon and Grey held strong and pushed quarterback Ian Noble

and running back Tyler Varga back three times to prevent the score and get the ball back.

The stand echoed week two, when the Mustangs kept Mac out of the end zone from two yards out in a 48-21 Western victory.

“The strength of [Western] is supposed to be smashing it right at you. Nobody’s been able to stop them when they got inside the five-yard line ever, and we got killed in week two inside the five-yard line.

We were supposed to be undersized and a little thin inside, but in fact it was the strength of our football team,” said Ptaszek.

“The defence exceeded every expectation we ever could have possibly had for them. That’s the best football game they’ve played all year, bar none.”

Donnie Marshall, Western’s starting quarterback who had been out since Oct. 1 with a severely sprained ankle, returned to

start and play in most of the game, but was limited in mobility and sported a noticeable limp by game’s end.

With Marshall looking shaky, it was up to Varga, the OUA Rookie of the Year, to carry the load on offence for Western.

Varga ran for 154 yards on 30 carries, but was arguably outplayed by Marauder rookie Chris Pezzetta, who ran for 151 yards on just 19 attempts.

The Yates Cup win was Mac’s first since 2003, when Greg Marshall – the coach who occupied the opposing sidelines this year – was McMaster’s own head coach.

“[Marshall] runs the best program in Ontario over the past few years and he’s been to this game nine straight years. He knows how to build a program from top to bottom,” said Ptaszek.

“To go toe-to-toe with him and get it in his backyard, well, we’re doing some things right.”

S4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Uteck Bowl Preview

THE SILHOUETTE • S5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Yates Cup

Mac heads out east for Uteck Ptaszek guides team to the top

A loss to perennial powerhouse St. Mary’s on Oct. 1 was the only blemish in an otherwise dominant season for the Axemen.

The Huskies won that game by a score of 8-3, No. 9 Acadia Axemen (8-1) handing Acadia its first and only loss.

Redemption was in the offing as the Flying under the radar until late in the season, the Acadia Axemen have quietly put together two faced off in the Loney Bowl on Nov. 12. one of the most successful overall teams in the St. Mary’s was the heavy favourite entering play, as they had captured the title for four CIS this season.

The Axemen will bring 12 confer- consecutive seasons from 2007- 2010.

However, it seems to be a season of ence all-stars to the Uteck Bowl, including the AUS Most Valuable Players on both offence destiny for the Axemen, who ended the Husand defence with quarterback Kyle Graves and kies’ regional reign by the decisive score of linebacker Tom Labenski taking home earning 39-20. The AUS championship is the 12th in program history, earning the Axemen their those honors.

In addition, Acadia’s coach Jeff third Uteck Bowl appearance.

The Axemen, who lost both of those Cummins, in his ninth season in that role, was previous games to Laval and Laurier respecnamed AUS Coach of the Year.

On offense the Axemen average tively, are looking to make it to the Vanier Cup 423.2 yards per game, ranking second in their for the fifth time, and the first in 30 years. conference and tenth in the CIS in that categoNo. 4 McMaster Marauders (9-1) ry.

Led by Graves, who threw for 1856 yards and 7 touchdowns this season, Acadia’s This 2011 season has been one of the most reattack is based on a consistent passing game markable in recent memory for the McMaster that had Graves targeting five different receivers more than ten times in eight regular season games.

On the ground three running backs carried the majority of the load for the Axemen with sophomore players Zack Skibin and Zack Clarke complementing senior Brett Haenni for an average of 175.5 yards per game.

This run-by-committee style helped Acadia be the premier rushing team in the AUS.

The Axemen’s defence is one of the best in the country. Ranked third in the CIS, the unit averaged an AUS-low of 307.2 yards per game.

Undeniably the greatest strength of this team, that defense has been dubbed “The Wolfville Wall”, a reference to the university’s location in Wolfville, NS.

One of the Axemen’s five defensive all stars, defensive tackle Jake Thomas is a big reason why the unit allowed less than 100 yards rushing each game.

Recording nine sacks and leading the country with 16 tackles for a loss, Thomas is an exciting player to watch.

In order for Acadia to be successful, the defence must be stout against the run and continue to generate the big plays that have held opposing offences to an average of 13.5 Kyle Quinlan earned MVP honours in the points per game.

Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

Marauders.

Despite missing key players for a majority of the regular season, the team suffered only one loss and captured the Yates Cup without much playoff resistance.

McMaster has 11 conference AllStars scattered across both their offence and defence.

Receiver Michael DiCroce, who led the CIS with over 900 receiving yards, and linebacker Ryan Chmielewski, who led the Marauders in tackles, were named conference Most Valuable Players on offence and defence, respectively.

Led by star quarterback Kyle Quinlan, the Marauders had the most potent offence in the country this season, leading the CIS with an average of 530.5 yards per game.

Despite missing three games, Quinlan put together a season worthy of a First Team OUA All-Star.

However, while the passing game remains the Marauders’ focus, there is a bright spot emerging in McMaster’s backfield.

Rookie running back Chris Pezzetta led the

team with 468 rushing yards this season, and largely supplanted senior Joey Nemet as the team’s feature back.

In the Marauders’ Yates Cup victory on Nov. 12, Pezzetta rushed the ball 19 times for 151 yards and a touchdown, an impressive contribution from such a young player.

Look for the ground game to have a big impact on the outcome of the Uteck Bowl, as most observers focus on the more high profile passing game led by Quinlan and Dicroce.

Not to be outdone, the Marauders defence has been one of, if not the most exciting to watch in the OUA. In nine games prior to the Yates Cup, McMaster intercepted opposing quarterbacks 25 times.

Although ranked tenth in the CIS and allowing an average of 357.9 yards per game, the Marauders defence has been much more dominant in the playoffs, holding both Queen’s and Western to under 20 points.

Capturing the first Yates Cup since 2003, the Marauders have earned the opportunity to make the program’s first Vanier Cup appearance.

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Peressini was one of nine McMaster seniors who lifted the cup for the first time.

Brandon Meawasige

Ptaszek, in his sixth season as bench boss, has coached the Marauders to the program’s first OUA title since 2003.

The 2003 championship, and Mac’s Striving for the pinnacle of university football in Canada and facing an unknown opponent, previous three in a row, were coached by Head Coach Stefan Ptaszek and the McMaster Western’s current head coach Greg Marshall.

Marauders travel to Moncton, New Brunswick By winning the Yates Cup, Ptaszek has joined this week to represent the OUA as champions Marshall in the upper echelons of McMaster’s football history. in the 2011 Uteck Bowl on November 19.

Assistant Sports Editor

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Yates Cup game, throwing four TDs and rushing for a team-high 103 yards.

“Its been a great week. The well wishers from former presidents, former athletic directors, alumni and the greater marauder football family have all taken the time to say congratulations, how impressed they are with the 2011 season and wishing us the best of luck going forward,” said Ptaszek of the accomplishment.

However, as he will tell you, it is not the coaching staff and their accomplishments that will drive this team forward.

“It’s not about us [coaches] lifting a Yates Cup again, it was all about watching these kids lift the Yates Cup for the first time,” he added.

Unfortunately, such is the rigor of CIS playoff football; the Marauders must put the Yates victory behind them and look towards their next game.

Lining up opposite Mac on Saturday will be Acadia Axemen, who have had an interesting trip to the Vanier Cup semi-final of their own.

Essentially, neither team was touted as the conference front-runner until after the championship game. The losing teams in both cases, Western and St. Mary’s, were heavy favorites prior to and during the season.

That being said, the Uteck Bowl features two very worthy participants this year pitting a Mac team loaded with firepower on both sides of the ball against an Axemen squad that won five of seven major individual awards in the AUS.

“They are a very well-coached, disciplined team with playmakers at every level of both the offence and defence as you would expect from a championship team” Ptaszek said of the Axemen, whose coach, Jeff Cummins, won AUS coach of the year.

Ptaszek and his staff have a very tough team on their hands this week, and need to prepare for something they haven’t faced yet in the playoffs; a star quarterback with the talent and skill set to take control of an entire game.

The case can be made that Acadia’s pivot and AUS offensive most valuable player Kyle Graves will be the toughest test for McMasters defense all season.

“He has a strong arm and he can run the ball really well and has had a fantastic year,” said Ptaszek.

“The OUA is one of the best conferences in the country and it gets you ready for all kinds of football. Playing Austin Kennedy

and Donnie Marshall gets you ready for a Kyle Graves,” added the coach.

One thing is certain. No matter the success of the 2011 Marauders, it will be difficult to find Ptaszek taking any form of personal credit.

Even if his defence does manage to stop Graves and his team wins the game, he will surely find another Marauder to credit with an amazing performance.

This cohesive, unselfish, team- oriented way of doing things precipitates into the style of play that has made his team so successful, a quality that may have gone unnoticed if not for the series of setbacks endured by the team this year.

Forced to play without Kyle Quinlan for three games, the Marauders had to account for the absence of their offensive heart and soul.

For a team centered on one or two players, losing those players would be disastrous - think about the affect of removing the legs of a table.

Losing their starting running back Joey Nemet, cornerback Joey Cupido and Quinlan just to name a few, Ptaszek needed to work the pieces that remained- a predicament that not only threatened the well being of a few games, but the entire 2011 season.

Not for lack of personnel, however, a backup quarterback and rookie running back are not traditional picks to carry a powerhouse team to the championship.

The Marauders not only managed to get by, instead, the team dominated the conference this year, seamlessly transitioning from line up change to line up change.

Going into the Uteck Bowl, Mac is as healthy as ever and Ptaszek will be able to use the full of extent of the weapons at his disposal.

With the focus now on the Vanier Cup, every decision is bigger and the consequences magnified.

It’s not about numbers and achievements for Ptaszek at this point, but about his players and their chance at glory, especially the nine seniors on the roster. Having had a chance to watch them lift the cup was a special moment for the coach.

“Watching Matt Peressini lift that Yates Cup, as a fifth-year senior, was about as cool a thing as you will ever see.”

For all involved, lifting the Vanier would be the best possible outcome.

S6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Men’s Rugby

Men’s Volleyball

Mac follows trend with losing finish

Alexander emerges as offensive threat

Inconsistent season ends with Brock loss Maggie Cogger-Orr

Fraser Caldwell

Silhouette Staff

The Marauders’ Nov. 13 loss to Brock in the provincial bronze medal match continued an intriguing trend for the team.

Without fail since their OUA Championship in 2006, the Maroon and Grey have alternated between winning the title (2006, 2008 and 2010) and subsequently placing fourth in the following season (2007, 2009 and 2011).

Perhaps it could be said that Marauders are truly an ‘all or nothing’ team, as their season this year certainly showed.

At their best the team looked to be of the highest calibre and resembled an OUA champion, but at their worst, their defence struggled to contain high-powered offences across the board.

In spite of the disappointing loss, several of the graduating Marauders still post very impressive records for their careers. Five members of the squad, including Mike Sheppard, John Williams, Sam Roberts, Grant Schneider and Phil Paparella, finish their time in the Maroon and Grey as three-time OUA champions.

Also in the graduating class are Mat MacLean and Marcus Sullivan, who were both part of the provincial title-winning team of 2010. Of these players, three of them finish their season off as OUA All Stars, including a third nomination for Roberts, a second nomination for Williams and a first-time selection for MacLean.

Also receiving nominations as All Stars were sophomores Andrew Ferguson and Cam Stones who, after being huge contributors in their rookie seasons, continue to be a driving force in the Marauder squad and ensure the future is bright for the team. Ferguson would finish the year with 54 points, which was good for third in the league, while Stones would

Sports Editor

It is hard to believe that a man of his stature could fly under the radar, but the Marauders’ 6’8” middle hitter Tyson Alexander is finally stepping into the spotlight in his third year.

For his first two seasons in Maroon and Grey, Alexander largely played a relief role as standout veterans Tyler Santoni and Shawn Bench saw the lion’s share of playing time.

With both men having graduated, the starting reins have finally passed to the third-year Marauder and his partner in the centre, Michael Sjonnesen.

Between the two of them, the middles have formed a formidable duo, with Sjonnesen providing consistent blocking prowess and Alexander posing the offensive threat in the centre.

His play speaks volumes to the transformation that Alexander has undergone since being recruited by McMaster three years loss to Brock on Nov. 13. ago, when the middle could only at 6’4” and weighing 225lbs, Sch- be described as a raw talent.

That’s because Alexanneider is a physical force on both offence and defence. Chipping in der comes from a fairly unique with five tries on the season, de- sporting background, one in which fensively he was always a threat hockey was his top priority for on counters and making big stick much of high school.

While the veteran hittackles on the wing – often driving opponents into touch to regain pos- ter had first played volleyball at the middle school level, he never session.

Honourable mentions for took his talents to the club level.

MVP go to Williams, who in his Instead, Alexander excelled on the fifth year with the Marauders was ice, and tried out for his local OHL consistently among the highest in outfit, the Barrie Colts.

When his efforts to break terms of tackle count every game, and Craig Leveridge, who stepped into the upper echelon of junior up huge for them at the flyhalf po- hockey fell short, volleyball began sition having spent most of his ca- to assume a new importance for the Marauder. reer in the centres.

However, the years of

While the Marauders’ re- sult this season was not their fin- casual interest had left Alexander est, if tradition holds they could be technically lacking, even while his celebrating another victory next sheer height and physicality made him promising as a project. season.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Mac’s season closed out with a chip in with 20 points on four tries of his own.

Taking the Silhouette’s Rookie of the Year honours is Taylor Wilenski. The first-year flanker from Pickering, Ont. stepped up big for the Marauders in the various absences of veterans Tyler Ardron, Stones and Sheppard throughout the season due to injuries.

An extremely hard worker on the field, Wilenski was a menace on defence and would chip in with two tries on the offensive side of the ball.

The Silhouette’s Most Valuable Player is fourth-year winger Grant Schneider. After battling through a multitude of injuries in his first three seasons, this season Schneider would stay healthy and be a standout for the Marauders. Towering over most wingers

Looking back on his early days with the Maroon and Grey, the veteran middle acknowledges that the learning curve was steep as he worked to adjust to the quality of OUA competition.

He credits the guidance of coach Dave Preston, and his mentors Bench and Santoni for his success in that adjustment.

“I came in here as a hockey player, and it’s been a long road to get to where I am now,” said Alexander. “It’s a product of good coaching and a couple great guys to look up to in Shawn Bench and Tyler Santoni.

“[Preston] was honest with me from the get-go. He told me it would be a long process and it has been. But here we are today.”

With the departure of Santoni in the offseason – he now plies his trade with the Canadian National Team – Alexander has assumed the number 12 jersey that his predecessor wore so successfully with the Maroon and Grey.

However, the middle indicates that his adoption of the number derives not from his admiration of Santoni, but rather from his older brother, whose own tendency to don the number spurred the younger Alexander to do so.

“My older brother wore the number 12 when I was younger, so I always wore it when I could,” said the third-year hitter. “It wasn’t really because of Tyler that I took it, but I’m definitely not ashamed to wear his number either.”

Beyond the digits gracing his uniform, Alexander is looking to emulate the sort of leadership that Santoni brought to the Marauders, recognizing his new role as a veteran and the departure of his own role models.

“I’m definitely trying to be the type of player for the younger guys that they • PLEASE SEE RAW, S8

THE SILHOUETTE • S7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Women’s Basketball

Women’s Volleyball

Overtime drama brings win Readiness is the key as Mac looks to improve • CONT’D FROM S2

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Vanessa Bonomo and the Marauders managed a dramatic overtime win against Ottawa.

Ben Orr

Silhouette Staff

The 2011-12 season didn’t start easily for the McMaster Marauders, with arguably the two toughest opponents of the first semester crossover schedule heading to the Burridge Gym to take on the Marauders on Nov. 11 and 12.

But if the weekend was a sign of things to come, it looks like the Marauders will be able to handle whatever their OUA East opponents throw their way. The Marauders split a weekend set with the No. 3 Carleton Ravens and the Ottawa Gee-gees, losing to the Ravens 81-69 but topping the Geegees 66-64 in overtime.

Travelling to Hamilton first were the Carleton Ravens, who came into the game ranked third in the CIS top-ten.

After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Marauders would lead 18-17 on the heels of a Taylor Chariot three-pointer. The seesaw battle would continue into the second, as the Maroon and Grey would flirt with the lead right up to the half, eventually tying the game at 36. However, the Ravens’ shooters would reclaim the advantage,

sinking a trey just before the half, taking a three-point lead into the break.

McMaster would have a more difficult time keeping up with Carleton in the second half. Led by Alyson Bush, who would score 22 points, the Ravens expanded their lead by controlling the lane, scoring in the paint seemingly at will.

They would take a six-point lead into the final quarter.

The Marauders would get to the line in the fourth and climb within three, but were unable to complete the comeback, falling 81-69. Chariot led her team with a double double in the form of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Alyksa Lukan added 11 points and six assists and Jackie Nimec would go three for four from beyond the arc, adding a team-high 12 points of her own.

The second game of the weekend double-header would also be an Ottawa-Hamilton affair, as the ninth-ranked Gee-gees came to town.

The Marauders would escape a sloppy first quarter with a 18-15 lead, as both teams struggled shooting the ball. Lukan would convert from the three-point line

will need to cement their places on court.

“We have to change a lot of things when we make even one substitution,” said the coach. “You don’t want to keep going there, when it’s so dramatically different whenever someone new comes into the match. Getting veterans to perform is the key to settling us down.”

Approaching a tough weekend of competition on the road, that will see the Marauders encounter two capable opponents in the RMC Paladins and Queen’s Gaels, Louks believes that better preparation is the key to success.

Not only will the Marauders be spending more time on court before games, the coach argues that players must become more knowledgeable about their oppo-

nents and the tactics necessary to combat them.

“Players need to become more familiar with their opponent,” said Louks. “Walking in as a first year, these players didn’t have to do that to the same level with club teams. With tournaments of five or six matches per day, there isn’t that level of preparation for another team.”

Readiness is one of many areas in which the younger Marauders are receiving a crash course this season.

They will hope that their latest lesson can translate itself into on-court success as they hit the road for another weekend doubleheader.

McMaster travels to the Royal Military College on Nov. 18 to take on the Paladins, before encountering the Queen’s Gaels the next night.

mid-way through the second, giving Mac a commanding 26-19 lead.

Still, Ottawa would claw back towards the end of the period, scoring two quick baskets to go into the half down by a mere three points.

The Marauder women would relinquish their lead in the third quarter thanks to a three-point play from star Gee-gee forward Hannah Sunley-Paisley. Not to be outdone, McMaster’s Isabel Ormond would sink a three late in the third, tying the game at 48.

The chess game would continue into the fourth, as neither team seemed able to pull away from the other. The teams would battle to a 63-63 stalemate, the Marauders riding the strong play of Chariot and Nimec.

In overtime, Lukan would take over, scoring the go-ahead basket and converting on a free throw to put the nail in the Geegees’ coffin. The Marauders would escape the evening with a 66-64 win, and would escape the weekend with a 1-1 OUA record.

The Marauders will continue conference play this weekend, going on the road to take on the York Lions and the Laurentian Voyageurs.

Mac looks to improve its preparedness moving forward.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

S8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Volleyball

talent Mac earns weekend split Raw comes to fruition

Marauders lose to Ravens, topple Gee-gees Brandon Meawasige

• CONT’D FROM S6

Assistant Sports Editor

The Marauders tipped off their 2011 season on Nov. 11 and 12 with a win against the Ottawa Gee-gees and a 16-point loss to the defending national champion Carleton Ravens.

Playing both games at home seemed to work in McMaster’s favor considering Carleton and Ottawa are two of the toughest opponents they will face, not only in the first part of the schedule but the entire season as well.

In the weekend’s first game, the Carleton Ravens paid a visit to Burridge Gym to flex their muscles as a yearly contender for the national title. Tipping off at 8 p.m., the game was closer than most would have expected.

McMaster’s Cam Michaud drove to the basket to get opportunities from the charity stripe, although he only dropped 3 of 6 shots, his efforts helped Mac to a 26-20 lead in the game’s second quarter.

Unfortunately the Marauders were not able to maintain that lead, with Carleton storming back into the game after a strategic timeout by head coach Dave Smart.

Leading again 31-30 late in the second quarter, the Marauders were not able to make it out of the half in front of the potent Ravens.

At the break Carleton was up by a score of 38-34 and after beginning the third quarter scoring 13 unanswered points never looked back eventually defeating the home team by a score of 77-61.

Senior forward Nathan Pelech led the Marauders with 11 points and freshman Nathan McCarthy led the team in rebounds grabbing 7 boards in his first regular season game dawning the maroon and white.

Saturday would hold a more favorable result for the Marauders hosting another team from the nations capital.

Mac looked to rebound from their loss to Carleton hosting the Ottawa GeeGee’s in the second of the home opening weekend.

Once again Pelech took charge of the game scoring a team high 17 points, shooting 60 per cent from the floor and hitting 3 shots from beyond the arc adding in 2

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Cam Michaud and the Marauders bounced back against Ottawa on Nov. 12. of 3 shots from the foul line. As part of his complete performance, Pelech also grabbed 7 rebounds and was a treat to watch.

Thanks to Pelech’s performance, the Marauders would eventually win by a slim margin of four points, holding off a late Ottawa charge that brought the score to a 7369 final.

After the opening week split, things are looking for a team that seems poised to compete for it all this season regardless of the critics. Pelech and the Marauders will now take their show on the road to play four away games before returning home on Dec. 2 to take on the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

(Bench and Santoni) were for me, someone to look up to,” said Alexander. “It’s definitely different not having that older presence around you.”

The third-year middle will have an opportunity to demonstrate such leadership on the toughest of stages, as the Marauders prepare to play their perennial nemesis, the Queen’s Gaels.

The trip to Kingston is a notoriously tough test for McMaster, as the Gaels routinely field one of the strongest lineups in the province. In addition, there is a measure of bad blood between the teams that seemingly transcends generations of players.

Speaking to the challenge facing his team, Alexander appears to relish the prospect of a visit to the Kingston outfit, where he knows full well that the Marauders will be pushed to the limit.

“Games against Queen’s always promise to be good ones, and I definitely want to go in there and set the tone early for the team and for myself,” said the middle.

“They’re going to come out with their guns blazing. We’ve never had a slow game against them, so regardless of their slow start to the season it’s going to be a good game.”

The slow start that Alexander alludes to has seen the Gaels begin their season 2-3, a rare misstep for a program that a perennial contender for the provincial title.

However, the Marauders themselves have been far from perfect, and that makes for an even more important contest when the two sides collide on Nov. 19.

“We’re both going to want to make a statement with this game,” said Alexander of the match up. “So I wouldn’t be surprised to see a good five-setter come out of it.”

The third-year middle and his teammates will be hoping to come out on the right side of such a result, as a win will do much to cement the Marauders’ status as contenders leading into the winter break.

McMaster’s Kingston swing begins on Nov. 18 as the team travels to the Royal Military College to take on the Paladins, before meeting the Gaels across town the next night.

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

INSIDEOUT

production office extension: 27117 insideout@thesil.ca

Caffeine Chronic Caffeine produces a temporary feeling of awareness, but is the eventual crash and burn worth the buzz?

Cassandra Jeffery

Assistant InsideOut Editor

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, SHEC (Student Health Education Center) hosted the 3rd annual addictions awareness campaign in the MUSC atrium. Students had the opportunity to check out the different venues, each of which provided information on some form of addiction directly or indirectly affecting students. The awareness fair accommodated information booths that ranged from technology based addictions to eating disorders.

One important – though rarely discussed addiction – was not included, however: caffeine addictions.

Caffeine addictions aren’t as dangerous as alcohol or drug addictions, and can be seen as more of a reliance rather than an addiction.

Certainly in terms of an individual’s health, anorexia nervosa is far more detrimental then a silly reliance on a daily cup of coffee, but despite these obvious differences, caffeine addictions are certainly more deserving than a passing glance.

As university students, we often turn to caffeine as a quick fix to most of our stress induced problems. We wake up in the morning subconsciously craving that bold aroma of coffee or tea; we guzzle down energy drinks in preparation

for exams and final assignments; we turn to caffeine as a method to our most horrendous hangover solutions. Caffeine is a substance used by most university students. Some simply enjoy the taste while others find themselves longing for the caffeine buzz day after day. Regardless, the reality is that a significant number of individuals are accustomed to consuming caffeine, thus are we right to assume caffeine consumption can be an addictive tendency?

According to Medicinenet. com, “caffeine is considered the most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world. Approximately 90 per cent of adults consume it on a daily basis, and research is being done on its health benefits and consequence.”

Caffeine is the popular name for trimethylxanthine and the ingestion of such products provides a feeling of alertness. The most common sources of caffeine found in our diet consists of coffee, tea, cocoa beans (chocolate), pop, and energy drinks. Research has shown that an individual’s caffeine reliance can be categorized in terms of dosage. A low to moderate intake of caffeine would be approximately 130 to 300 mg per day. A moderate intake would be 200-300 mg per day, high doses are above 400 mg • PLEASE SEE COFFEE C7

Paris Adventures

Pride Parade

Join Jonathon Fairclough on his European excursion.

Mac supports the queer community in 3rd annual march.

Pg. C2

Pg. C6

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

ThreadCount Ibrahim Hasan Second Year Pyschology Sweater: H&M $60 Belt: Gift Boots: Aldo $150 Scarf: Gift Favourtie singer: Lady GaGa Describe your style: Comfty, trendy, eclectic What do you look for in a significant other?

Intelligence, confidence, ambition

Photos by Tyler Hayward

Travel

The Paris chronicles: part deux Jonathon Fairclough Production Manager

It’s day two in Paris and my travel companions and I are already getting comfortable; we’ve been parading around town, drinking wine, making noise and capitalizing on every cheap thrill that confronts us. It’s been a wine-fuelled parade, and the beautiful neighbourhood of Montmartre, Paris’ former artistic district, is our next showcase.

We sit on the stairs in front of the Sacre Couer church and look across the city in wonder. At this point, brothers Daniel and Dave, Medina, our adopted American counterpart and I are sharing stories as we walk, occasionally met by tourists who’ve been looking at their feet for too long in their ascent up the stairs and have realized that we’re blocking their route. “Sorry!” we said. We weren’t. It was funny.

We drink a bottle of wine each, passing around the baguettes, and we finally decide to grab dinner. We find a nice little restaurant, where have more wine and have some terrific French beef. The West-Virginia girl we’re with slaps down cash on the table and covers the bill – over a hundred Euros – but we’re way too gone at this point to really show our appreciation. “I make good money back home, you guys are taking me out, consider us even.” We were stunned.

We metro back to the apartment to gather our stuff for the big night. Medina knows of a small bar we can go to in an elbow of the city and we’re all for it, mainly because we aren’t aware of how dodgy this place really is. Fifteen-plus metro stops later and we’re in a rundown mess of a neighbourhood. Nobody knows where we are.

We buy two bottles of whisky and drink one on the street corner. A guy comes up to us and begins conversing with those in the party who speak French, occasionally taking swigs of the red label.

He tries to sell us drugs, and we kindly decline. Poor fella.

We head to a hole of a bar where the group splits up – some

of us smoking outside and some swaying and drinking on the inside.

I finally sneak in a kiss with the American. Success. The bar is full of French students, all of whom are aware that there are some loud and obnoxious American-sounding buffoons in their presence. We feel odd and estranged. The bar closes, and we think that’s it.

Oh no, that wasn’t it. Far from it.

The bar next door – scratch that – the pit next door says it’s open. Once some people from the outside fill the place in, they shut the doors and, unbeknownst to us, lock us up – metal girders on the windows and everything.

Yes, it’s a bar, but hardly.

I suppose there are certain French laws which prohibit such establishments from existing in the weehours of the morning. They serve shitty beer and the staff are all North African and extremely sternlooking. We keep drinking with no intent of stopping. We’re far gone at this point.

One of the guys in our party steals a woman’s crutch and begins hobbling around the bar with it. This isn’t taken very lightly, but hey, it was just one of those nights.

At this point, Dan has a woman yapping and slobbering into his ear, stealing his cigarettes. He’s forced to sit through the degradation, in fear of upsetting the others.

In retrospect, we were waiting for something to happen, something to go wrong, but we were either too drunk or to confused to care. It was only until I wanted to go outside for some air, since the place was locked up and full of smoke, that I actually realize we’re locked in.

At this point I get it in my head that this is a setup. When I ask how I get outside, the people at the bar don’t have an answer for me. I begin to panic. I look across the bar to see my friends completely oblivious to the knowledge I’ve come upon.

I talk to the staff, I ask how we can leave, and finally one person says they’ll escort us through a

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH/ PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jon and company find themselves in yet another debacle when in Paris. back alleyway. I share our situation to the group, which falls upon deaf ears, but after a little persuasion we decide to leave.

We’re escorted through a back alleyway in which I was certain we were going to be robbed and we made a quick exit. Three of our party are missing, all girls (including the American girl), but they quickly re-appear. We wander the streets for a cab, breaking bottles and making noise on the way.

We cab back to the hostel, slam on the door at 4:30am and wake up all those sleeping soundly inside. We make an incredible amount of noise – comparable to that of the bar from 30 minutes earlier – and really mess up the joint, banging shit around, waking up new hostel guests. Complete terror. And so there we were, left way-gone on a beautiful Parisian Tuesday night.

And it didn’t matter what city we were in, or the way we got there.

What mattered was the company.

No, it wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t elegant or civilized, the way it ought to be in a place like Paris.

But I will say this: it was something.

You don’t need to see the sights to feel enthralled. You don’t need to stare at a painting to find meaning. Sometimes, if the time is right, all you need is a few friends, a few strangers, a few baguettes and a crutch.

Oh, and a shitload of wine.

r

THE SILHOUETTE • C3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Sleep is on your side this November Zzzzz’s are essential for a healthy, sustainable student life Jeff Wyngaarden SHEC Media

Here it is – the last month of class. Now is the time when term papers are due, when we once again question why midterms can occur at the end of the term, and when we begin frantic preparations for exams. Amidst all these academic pressures there’s holiday planning, club meetings, part-time work for some and thesis work for others. How do you keep on top of it all?

At times it seems like the only solution is hard work and long hours. Many pull all-nighters in November in order to get those last touches done on this or that final project; some even manage an entire week of running on coffee and adrenaline, topping out at three or four hours of sleep a night. November is an erratic month of changing weather and changing habits, of sleepless nights and sleep-filled classes, of last-minute crunches and long hours of procrastination.

“With closing eyes and resting head I know that sleep is coming soon.” So ends

the first verse of Eric Whitacre’s timeless piece “Sleep”, an ode to that necessary human activity that is so elusive at this time of year.

“Too bad,” you may be thinking. “My eyes keep closing, but if sleep comes soon I’ll miss my deadline!”

Most of the time, getting enough sleep is a matter of prioritizing. Sleeping is a key part of staying healthy (How many people do you know who get sick after a few all-nighters?) and a crucial break away from the hectic, work-a-day atmosphere of campus.

Normal sleep cycles help your body to heal and your brain to process information in ways that scientists don’t yet entirely understand.

What’s more, getting enough sleep helps you stay focussed and alert during the day, so you may not need to spend quite as much time studying as you might think.

As time spent sleeping goes up, so does productivity. But when you start sacrificing sleep, it’s a long, hard climb out of the zombified state of perpetual fatigue and into the land of the living. “But how can I get enough sleep now? I already need to work 80

hours a week just to get things done!” Sure, there is a limit to the sleep-productivity correlation; you can’t expect to get all your work done if you’re sleeping all the time. Usually it comes down to using time productively, and this includes time spent sleeping and relaxing.

In general, if you are focussed and efficient while working you’ll feel more accomplished when you take a break, and you’ll feel more tired.

How is this a good thing? If you feel tired then you are forced to relax, your relaxation is more effective, and your sleep tends to be deeper. There’s a reason most religions recommend a time of rest after a period of hard work; your body and your mind need it!

The key to relaxing, recuperating and recovering is to put as much effort into it as you do into your work.

This means being focussed – you can’t relax as well if you spend the whole time thinking about all the work you have to do. Take a day, a few hours, or even just an afternoon to go for a hike, read a book for fun, play games with your friends, or visit home.

If you focus on relaxing you’ll be better rested by the time you need to start working again, and as a result you’ll probably feel happier and be able to work more efficiently.

Of course, there will be times when relaxation isn’t enough. Sleep disorders, though rare, do exist, and sometimes need to be treated by a professional. There are many resources available if you have questions about sleep – any health centre on campus will have information on sleep and relaxation issues and will be able to make referrals to the professionals that can help with treatment.

If you have questions or concerns about your sleep habits, don’t hesitate to contact an information hotline or visit a clinic.

As you head into this holiday season, get a jump start on your vacation by making sleep and relaxation a regular part of your schedule. Maybe this means hitting the hay early instead of hitting the bars, visiting family instead of the library, or just planning a full day with no work. Chances are you’ll feel happier, healthier and wiser as you head into the final round of first term. Sleep tight!

IntheKitchen

Homemade hummus Taste: delightful Cost: cheap Convenience: quick and easy nish, use parsley or olives, And that’s it! It’s a relatively simple recipe to make and it’s also adaptable to different tastes. Some people like If there’s one thing that Christmas brings to add different flavourings to the hummus, aside from presents and holiday shopping, it’s such as cayenne pepper or red chile. parties. Though Christmas celebrations are a favourite aspect of the holiday season, it can Review: be difficult to figure out what to prepare for Hummus is a smooth, tasty dip that can be your guests in terms of food. One great ap- eaten with crackers, pita bread or even vegepetizer to prepare is hummus. tables.

It has a strong taste to some, but for Ingredients: those who like tangier foods, hummus is def1 16-ounce can of chickpeas or garbanzo initely a good party dish to have. beans

Hummus is an ideal party snack be1/4 cup liquid from can of chickpeas cause it is so cheap and so easy to make. It’s 3-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on a healthier chose than most dips. It is high in preference) iron and vitamin C, and is also a good source 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini of protein and fibre. Tahini is made from 2 cloves garlic, crushed sesame seeds, which is an excellent source of 1/2 teaspoon salt amino acids.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Hummus can also be used as a spread in sandwiches, usually with an assortment of Directions: vegetables, chicken, grilled eggplant or falaFirst, drain the chickpeas and set them aside fel, another Middle Eastern dish. Hummus in a bowl. Take the remaining ingredients and is vegan and vegetarian friendly. So, if you combine them in a food processor. Add ¼ cup bring hummus to the party, anyone can parof liquid from chickpeas and blend for three take in this delicious dish. to five minutes until smooth.

Lastly, hummus is great to have as an every-day snack with a few crackers and Preparation: slices of pita.

Hummus is a pretty easy dip to display. Just Leftover hummus can be refrigerpour the hummus into the bowl, create a well ated for three days after it is made. in the middle and put one to two tablespoons Hummus does not cost very much to of olive oil in the well. If you want, you could make. All of the ingredients can be purchased also add a tablespoon of lemon juice. For gar- for under $15 at your local supermarket.

Jenna Shamoon Silhouette Staff

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

SEXandthe STEELCITY

Abusive relationships Don’t tolerate a partner’s hate

InsideOut’s Christmas Wish List Writers!

Writers!

Writers!

Section Meetings: Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.

MUSC B110 insideout@thesil.ca

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR=

Any kind of abuse should never be tolerated in a healthy relationship.

It is easy for an individual from an outside perspective to ask someone in an abusive relationship, why would you stay in it? It Seven per cent of women reported suffering is a little more complicated than just walking through a current or previous abusive spousal away. relationship between 1999 and 2004, accord- Fourth-year McMaster commerce ing to Statistics Canada. The highest rates of student Samantha Cowie believes that “even abuse were found in young women aged 15 to in relationships that might not be abusive, 24, specifically those in relationships of three women tend to deny situations that are occuryears or less. ring by making up excuses for their boyfriend

Dating violence among Canadian or partner and stay in the relationship in hopes university and community college under- of changing that individual.” No matter how graduate students is far too severe or how long-term, common. In 1993, Violence the victim is often under Against Women Survey the impression that the abu(VAWS) stated that students sive partner cares for them Abuse in in college and university are despite their violent behavmore likely to be involved in relationships is not iour. Or, the victim might a coercive relationship. necessarily limited be afraid to leave in fear of

Though women are what might happen to them to physical abuse; if they do. more likely to report abuse than men, the 1990 General they can also come Additionally, the Social Survey organized by abuse may have been occurin emotional and Statistics Canada also pointed ring for such a long period of out that the portion of violence psychological forms time that it begins to seem against men in spousal relanormal. as well.” tionships is almost equal. De Every relationspite the equality in numbers, ship is unique, but victims the severity of violence against women tends of abuse generally find it more difficult to to be higher than violence against men. exercise their own free will when making

Abuse in relationships are not ne- decisions. To help victims, whether male or cessarily limited to physical abuse; they can female, it is important for communities to also come in emotional and psychological offer somewhere safe and secure for victims forms. Most forms of abuse are difficult to to go. detect. These types of abuse don’t take any In Hamilton, there is an annual physical form, but still have effects as painful event organized by the Sexual Assault Centre as a physical wound. Emotional and psycho- (SACHA) called Take Back the Night. It logical abuse festers within an individual and occurs every September and allows women can cause long-term harmful effects. and children in the area to gather together and

In a more recent survey, Statistics stand up against violence.

Canada claims that almost 23,000 incidents Events such as Take Back the Night of dating violence were reported to police in provide women, and even men, in any kind 2008. Of all violent crimes, dating violence of detrimental relationship the support to represented seven per cent in 2008, and 28 improve their life through building new and per cent of all intimate partner violence. healthy relationships.

Katherine George The Silhouette

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Swap a top and move shoes for free Threadwork and MacGreen host annual Clothing Swap event Chris Erl

The Silhouette

“Hang on, I have to show you the coat,” she said, running to the ‘Outerwear’ pile. She returned a minute later wearing a baby blue blazer, strips of fur lining the hood and stuck aimlessly all over the front of the ensemble.

The inside of the coat was even more fabulous, lined entirely with an audacious leopard print.

The coat in question was a mere sampling of the selection at this year’s Clothing Swap, organized by OPIRG working group Threadwork and the MSU’s MacGreen. Over 90 people participated in the event, which was organized by third-year Arts and Science students Alexandra Epp, Alice Cavanagh and Isabelle Dobronyi, as well as MacGreen Coordinator Davey Hamada. Cavanagh, the enthusiastic model of the ambitious blue coat, summarized goal of the movement. “Basically, our aim is to support a sustainable clothing economy on campus,” she said “I don’t want to say it’s about ‘anti-consumerism,’ but that kind of attitude towards reducing our consumerist needs,” Epp noted, shedding light on the principle of the movement: lessening the need to pay for what is available through alternative means.

The system is simple. A call for clothing items was sent out prior to the event.

Everyone who contributed during the weeklong collection period received points, which would be redeemable for other items of clothing. On-the-spot swap-day exchanges were a possibility as well, with one participant attempting a rather spontaneous transaction.

“We actually just had someone swap the shoes off his feet,” Epp said, though later, the would-be swapper noted that the desired shoes were not his size, but he was intrigued by the potential for footwear that was already broken in.

“My goal is to have someone swap the entire outfit they’re wearing,” Epp continued with a laugh, prompting Cavanagh to note the changing-room tents in which participants could try on items. The methodology was such that Threadwork attempted to get as many people interested in the project as possible. Particularly, they targeted those who would be opposed to the idea of donning

YOUSIF HADDAD / THE SILHOUETTE STAFF

OPIRG working group Threadwork and the MSU’s MacGreen teamed up for this year’s Clothing Swap. someone else’s blue blazer if it was hanging on a rack in a vintage store. “We bring it to people who would never go to Value Village and buy used clothes,” Epp said.

An alternative suggested was to simply allow people to take clothes without contributing any of their own, but the group agreed that the point system was a better way to combat the negative perceptions associated with used clothing without compromising their ideals surrounding sustainability.

“It makes it more appealing to people who wouldn’t necessarily want to take

free clothes from someone else,” Cavanagh explained. “We’re continually looking at alternative methods of clothing-swapping.”

There is an element of economic justice that accompanies an event like this, but the organizers are taking a realist approach toward any larger aims. “Last year, one of our slogans was ‘Working Toward a Sustainable Clothing Economy on Campus,’ which is obviously hugely ambitious and unachievable, but its kind of nice to have those underlying goals,” Epp said.

The working group soldiers on re-

gardless, planning a second swap for the spring, as well as organizing a knitting workshop, hashing out plans for a similar sewing event and working on ways to improve awareness around initiatives that work towards a more sustainable way to change your wardrobe.

Their goals are ambitious, but they approach a serious issue in a fun and engaging way. It would seem that Threadwork’s Clothing Swap has you covered, from outrageous blazers to already broken-in shoes, no matter what your style is.

Phrase of the Week No Homo Definition Phrase used after one inadvertently says something that sounds “gay”. Used most frequently by ignorant, homophobic bros compensating for their sexual insecurities.

Used in a sentence “His ass is mine. No homo.”

Translates to “I assume that people think I’m gay when I say this. I don’t want people to think that I’m gay because being gay is bad.

As such, I need to reassert my masculinity to reinforce the fact that I am not gay.”

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

It’s time for Movember mayhem Daniella Porano The Silhouette

It’s November. Each day, the weather gets colder, the workload grows larger and boys get … hairier?

No, the recent growth of facial hair isn’t in preparation for the cold. In fact, “Movember” is more than an attempt to annoy girlfriends and skip the shaving routine for an entire month.

Startlingly, Movember is not connected to any kind of playoff sporting event either. The moustaches sprouting up around the country on the faces of men everywhere can surprisingly be attributed to a great cause.

Movember aims to raise awareness about men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. On Nov. 1, men around the country registered on

Movember.com with a clean-shaven face, and they proceed to grow out their facial hair throughout the remainder of the month.

In doing this, they are supposed to raise awareness and funds from supportive friends and family

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

InsideOut has everything you need to know about the month of Movemember. members, particularly women. and wax their way into the annals seeking out sponsorship for their

As the website describes it, of fine moustachery. Supported by Mo-growing efforts.” “ these selfless and generous men, the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Clearly, there’s more subknown as Mo Bros, groom, trim Movember Mo Bros raise funds by stance to this movement than grow-

Pride parade at McMaster QSCC hosts 3rd annual march for queer awareness

YOUSIF HADDAD / THE SILHOUETTE

The McMaster community walked together in order to raise awarness during Pride Week.

Amanda Teseo Silhouette Staff

Stepping on this campus for the first time, filled either with a chaotic enthusiasm surrounding welcome week or with a nervous uncertainty, the overwhelming prospect of building a future for yourself here seems daunting. The university experience is about finding yourself, your passions, your aptitudes and your values.

Now, imagine walking through this campus with the weight of being classified as “queer” over your shoulders. Will you have people who add to the burden you carry? Will you discover a community that accepts you?

Many people get caught up in stereotypes of what they think queer (as a broad umbrella term for all sexual minorities) people are like. In a big university setting, like McMaster, sexual minorities often fall through the cracks. There are gay people around, but they often are not visible.

The Queer Student’s Community Centre (QSCC) is a service group provided by the McMaster Students Union. From September to April, the QSCC operates as a resource centre and accepting community for all sexual minorities and those who support diversity. They hold regular social events, information sessions, and newcomer meetings for anyone who is interested, no matter what your sexual orientation is.

From Nov. 14 to 18, the QSCC is hosting MAC Pride Week.

Pride week celebrates the process of embracing and accepting one’s identity. It includes a multitude of creative events, like McMaster’s third annual Pride Parade and the QSCC Drag Show. This year, the McMaster Pride Parade had an impressive turn out of over 60 people from various groups around campus, like EFRT, the men’s basketball team, the SRA and Residence Life.

“There has been a huge growth in the last three years in support for the QSCC on campus,” said Hillary Jones, third-year Honours Psychology, Neuroscience and Be-

Social Events and Media Coordinator for the QSCC. He officially came out as being gay during his senior prom in high school. Surrounded by support for his identity by his family and close friends, Palios had the courage to take his boy friend (at the time) to prom and kiss him in the middle of the dance floor in front of all his peers. Everyone responded with a huge roar of applause.

“People are people and they all deserve to love and be loved, regardless of their orientation, gender or sexuality,” Adam explained. “People think of queers as ‘the other,’ but they are ‘us.’ They live among us, in our communities People are and not in isolation. The QSCC people and they all raises awareness and brings visibildeserve to love ity to the queer community.”

The QSCC offers other and be loved, helpful services for students, like regardless the Social Safe Place, as well as of their Health Questions. The Social Safe Place is a positive environment orientation, for queer people to hang out free gender or of judgment. It’s located in MUSC sexuality.” room 221, where anyone can come anonymously to interact with others who are open-minded. For Health haviour student. “It’s amazing and Questions, the QSCC has male, empowering to see so many people female and trans health coordinoffer their support. Connecting with ators that can answer any questions people helps to reassure your own one may have regarding mental identity.” Jones handles the QSCC health, relationship issues, sexual Newcomer’s Meetings, which are health, substance abuse and more. completely anonymous and con- Whether you are classified as fallfidential social meetings for those ing under the “queer” umbrella term who are new to QSCC. or as a heterosexual, we all have

Adam Palios, who is in his strengths, weaknesses, passions and third year of Honours Life Science endeavors, and this is part of what with a minor in Psychology, is the makes McMaster so diverse.

ing and styling facial hair.

If men actually participate in the month-long event, funds and awareness could effectively be raised, which is fantastic in terms of progress in research and eventual elimination of deadly disease.

In fact, even if you don’t want to (or can’t) grow a moustache, the McMaster community is striving to help out this Movember with moustache-centered events.

McMaster’s Next Top Moustache, run by MSU Campus Events, is being held in the MUSC atrium on Nov. 23.

On Nov. 25, the McMaster International and Exchange Club is hosting the Moustache Mash at TwelveEighty.

The door fee of $10 will go directly to prostate cancer research.

The following night, the HamiltonMcMaster Rotaract Club is holding Rock & Mo’s Stache Bash at Stonewalls (339 York Blvd.) downtown.

There you have it, McMaster.

This month, show your support for moustaches and all they represent. Happy Movember, everyone!

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

Espresso, coffee, tea: what’s your caffeine buzz?

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Too much caffeine can leave you looking and feeling like this guy.

• CONT’D FROM CAFFEINE C1 per day, and heavy caffeine consumption would reach more than 6,000 mg per day.

For perspective, one cup of coffee contains an average of approximately 135 mg of caffeine, a 1 ounce shot of espresso contains 40 mg of caffeine, and brewed tea holds 53 mg of caffeine. Essentially, if you have at least three cups of coffee per day, you’re already in the high dose range of caffeine consumption.

Energy drinks are the largest culprit when it comes to ingesting caffeine. For example, a 16 ounce bottle of Full Throttle contains 144 mg of caffeine, 16 ounce monster energy contains 160mg of caffeine, and red bull contains 80mg of caffeine.

For students, using caffeine to get that added boost in the midst of exam season is a common practice.

“If I need something to help me stay awake for some last minute cramming, I’ll have a couple energy drinks and pull an all-nighter,” says Michael Smith, a third-year Commerce student.

Fourth year psychology student Mireille Lemelin considers herself to be addicted to caffeine. Lemelin falls under the moderate to high dose range of caffeine intake consuming approximately two to three cups of coffee per day.

“I would say that I’m heavily reliant on caffeine because I get headaches and I become irritable if I don’t have it. It’s a habit and I find it hard to focus passed 1 or 2 p.m. if I haven’t had coffee that day.”

Caffeine works by stimulating the heart and nervous system and causes messages to be translated and conveyed more quickly. In the most basic terms, the chemical adenosine is activated in the nervous system during physical activity and often tires an individual; the consumption of caffeine creates

a similar affect as the cell assumes caffeine for the adenosine chemical, however, instead of slowing the body down, the caffeine speeds the nervous system up. Thus, the caffeine high is stimulated, however lasts only a couple of hours resulting in the dreaded caffeine crash hours later.

Withdrawal symptoms from caffeine include headaches, fatigue, decreased energy, irritability, decreased alertness, drowsiness, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and flu-like symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. The onset of these symptoms will ensue 12-24 hours after the abstinence of caffeine. Over the next couple of days, the peak intensity of withdrawal symptoms will occur, however once the initial difficulties have passed caffeine generally becomes less and less of a necessity or craving.

Many students fail to perceive a caffeine addiction as anything serious, however ingesting copious amounts of caffeine can have serious side effects. Using caffeine to deny the body sleep is not healthy and will eventually result in the infamous caffeine crash.

Caffeine may keep your body alert for a one hour lecture, but you’ll soon be falling asleep at the dinner table. Despite the obvious sleep deprivation caffeine induces, we realize that as students at points we have little time for sleep. We run on five hours of sleep or less and down latte after latte, it’s a part of the university lifestyle.

Boycotting caffeine completely is absurd and unrealistic, especially as a student; however, even a small intake of caffeine can have an effect on your immune system and lead to withdrawal symptoms.

It’s important to sleep properly, eat properly, and sustain a relatively healthy lifestyle, remember, if your caffeine reliance trumps such a lifestyle, then it’s probably time to admit your addiction.

Support your community and join the Santa Shuffle Danielle Gibbons The Silhouette

Being a McMaster Student, it is often easy to get disconnected from the rest of Hamilton, but the city is just waiting to be explored.

While you’re at McMaster, get involved.

The city is much more than smoke stacks and dirty streets.

We have art, culture, community and history. Take a chance on Hamilton and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what this city has to offer.

Specifically, do what you can for others in the Hamilton community. There is no better time of year to start.

Try checking out www.opirg.ca, the Ontario Public Interest Research Group at McMaster.

They have a number of opportunities available. Volunteer Hamilton is another excellent resource to begin community involvement.

One particular Hamilton organization does quite a lot to improve this city. Salvation Army Hamilton is a respected institution that provides social services to the city’s disadvantaged citizens.

Salvation Army is a globally recognized charitable institution.

In Hamilton, it provides a number of services. You’ve all seen the Santas collecting donations at the mall, but the Salvation Army

involves far more than that.

It provides shelter, food, clothing and addictions assistance to both men and women, and assists young parents in completing their high school diplomas.

It also provides support programs to autistic adults and seniors with dementia.

It runs a suicide support line and provides disaster relief, being one of the major players in rebuilding Goderich, Ontario after the recent tornado.

Across Canada each December, the Salvation Army hosts a charity run called the Santa Shuffle.

A 5km run and 1km walk, the event raises funds that go directly to helping families during the holiday season.

This year, the run takes place on Dec. 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Westdale. McMaster students are welcome to attend or even participate in the local event, which is hosted by The Running Room.

This is a great opportunity to assist families and get some much-needed volunteer hours for resumes and teacher’s college applications.

Not interested in branching out of the Westdale bubble quite yet?

The McMaster Students Union also has a number of volunteer and club opportunities that may interest you.

Either way, participating makes a difference.

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

BUSINESS

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Productivity pains pounce Canada Dismal

productivity figures

compared to the

United States hit

Canadians where it hurts Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Two decades of less-than-optimal productivity growth in Canada can be blamed for lower than attainable individual wealth and corporate profits. Let the finger pointing and angry jeers ensue.

According to a report published by the Conference Board of Canada, if Canadian productivity had been on par with that of the United States from 1988 and 2008, real GDP per capita. would have on 2008 figures, individuals in the been approximately $8500 higher in United States were over $13,000 2008, personal disposable income richer than Canadians, would have taking into account purbeen $7500 chasing power parity. higher, and corTwo decades of

To add porate profits as insult to injury, in a deless-than-optimal well as federal sirable scenario in which g o v e r n m e n t productivity growth the productivity growth revenues would in Canada can be of Canada matched that have generated of the United States, the favourable revblamed for lower gap would enue gains. have been

“ T h e than attainable indiless than Centre on vidual wealth and $7000.

Productivity

conducted a corporate profits.”

“Putmodel simulating it tion that shows plainly, increashow much richer Canadians would ing our productivbe, how much more profitable cority growth performporations would be, and how much ance over the past more revenue governments would two decades to have at their disposal, if Canada’s equal that of our labour productivity growth had kept neighbour would pace with that of the United States have significantly over 1988–2008,” the analysis says. increased Can“The results are startling.” adian wealth

To assess the differences and improved in Canadian productivity growth the our standard Conference Board prepared a simuof living,” said lation, increasing Canadian labour Mario Lefebvre, productivity growth by 0.8 per cent Director, Centre from 1988 to 2008. for Municipal

This increase is comparStudies. “These able to the difference between results should annual labour productivity growth impress upon in the United States and Canada policymakers, over those 20 years; a difference as well as average of 2.2 per cent and 1.4 per cent, reCanadians, just how spectively. vital it is for Canada

The report was prepared to improve its producby the Centre on Productivity in tivity performance.” effort to gain a broader outlook on

Coulda, woulda, the issue of Canada’s lagging proshoulda. These are ductivity performance over the past words we chant intertwo decades. nally to put our minds at

The report posits that based

ease and lessen the pain of what could have been, or more aptly, where we could have thrown the extra disposable income.

Wa s t ing time sulking over something that never was might be a further inefficient waste of productive resources, but many might be wondering just when and how Canada dropped the ball on multi-factor productivity and capital intensity.

T h e Conference Board has indicated that the key drivers to productivity growth are labour quality, capital intensity and multifactor productivity.

C a n ada’s performance since the 1980s in facets surrounding multi-factor productivity, including technological progress and organ-

izational changes, as well as capital intensity, has puttered along sluggishly relative to American performance.

Despite the negative connotations of these indicators, the quality of labour in Canada has remained stable.

The report indicates that productivity growth in Canada would have generated an increase in wages, stimulating higher consumer spending by 25.5 per cent.

Total business and government investments would have been roughly $51-billion higher and total federal government revenue would have been 31.1 higher.

The Conference Board reported that output from a goodsproducing standpoint would have been 20.4 per cent higher and 24 per cent higher on the services side, reporting that Universities would have benefited the most from productivity growth.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

General Motors retirees jump for joy CAW Healthcare fund aims to provide benefits to GM Canada retirees Sonya Khanna Business Editor

The Canadian Auto Workers union has implemented a new independent trust fund, called the Auto Sector Retiree Health Care Trust, which aims to cover the costs of supplementary health care benefits for General Motors Canada retirees and CAW represented employees as of June 8, 2009.

“The new healthcare trust is another step forward as we work to de-risk and strengthen our balance sheet and position the company for sustainable profitability,” said Dan Ammann, GM senior vice president and chief financial officer.

The HCT became effective Oct. 31, 2011, was initiated following the government-supported restructuring of the company in spring of 2009 and mimics a similar fund already set in place at Chrysler Canada.

General Motors Canada will be financially exempt from providing healthcare benefit funding for eligible CAW represented retirees, surviving spouses and dependents. To compensate, the company will transfer C$0.8 billion in cash and issue C$1.1 billion of notes to the HCT.

“This represents the final step in the restructuring of GM Canada, and now we can move forward with focusing on ensuring GM’s future success and presence in Canada,” said CAW President Ken Lewenza.

The trust fund will provide supplementary health benefits to approximately 32,000 Canadian GM retirees, injecting upwards of $2.5 billion into the fund over the span of seven years; benefits include prescription drug coverage as well as dental and vision care.

“While the HCT system is not perfect, it provides our retirees

with a level of security for future benefits that is far preferable to the previous system,” Lewenza added.

“Without the HCT, if a company goes bankrupt, retiree health benefits are lost completely. Now we have money in the bank to ensure at least partial payment of benefits, no matter what.”

Funding for retirees will be based on contributions by General Motors Canada as well as investment income earned on those assets.

General Motors plans to diminish its post-employment liabilities by roughly C$3 billion. The independent trust includes assets from which payments for future benefits will be made, releasing GM from financial obligations.

An independent board of trustees including various highly reputable experts in the health care and investment field will manage the HCT. GM is working towards lowering post-employment liabilites.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

C11 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

C12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

What’s the biz in the world markets?

Facebook Is Facebook hopping on the online porn bandwagon? Not quite, but it might please many (or displease some) to learn that a recent wave of spam flooding Facebook users’ pages with graphic sexual content has been put to a stop, for the most part. A statement from the social networking site urged increased watchfulness to prevent accounts from being hacked, cautioning users to refrain from cutting and pasting codes into a browser’s address bar, as well as to ensure that user browsers are up-to-date. According to Facebook, the most recent attack did not compromise any user accounts. Various media reports have claimed that the attacks tricked users into pasting and executing harmful JavaScript in their browser URL bar, enabling for mass distribution of the malicious content.

BMO BMO has compiled a nifty list of financial tips to mark Financial Literacy Month. The helpful hinters are offered to the financially fearful individual keen on effectively managing their day-to-day finances, and are part of Making Money Make Sense and BMO SmartSteps. So what’s the tip of the day? BMO urges students to pay off your credit card balances in full each month and take advantage of student discounts to save money

Abercrombie & Fitch..and the Sitch

Coca-Cola Co. Coca-Cola Co. reported Monday that the company plans to invest $2-billion over a span of five years, an amount equal to what the firm has spent in India over the past 18 years. According to a statement released, the company plans to diversify investment into consumer marketing and brand building, expansion of distribution and cold drink equipment placement and development of manufacturing capacity. Coca-Cola currently employs roughly 25,000 employees in India.

Although the Ohio-based retailer reported a spike in third-quarter profit due to higher costs for commodities such as cotton, Abercrombie shares retreated 14 per cent amidst weak reported third quarter earnings on Wednesday morning in preopen trade. Shares fell $5.92, or 10.6 per cent, to $49.78 in premarket trading. The stock has dropped 3 per cent since the beginning of the year and has ranged from a low of $43.31 to a high of $78.25. And just when you thought things couldn’t possibly get any worse for the American-based retailer, endorser Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino pulled another “situation” Tuesday, announcing that he has sued Abercrombie & Fitch over a supposed publicity stunt.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

harold & kumar 3• lulu jack & jill • manolis zontanos

andex

thursday, november 17, 2011

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

Contributors: Jason Scherer, Simon Marsello, Cooper Long, Sean Hardy, Paul Fowler, Alex Rockingham

Cover: Tyler Hayward

coming up

nov.28

Guns N’ Roses Copps Coliseum 8:00 p.m.

dec.2

Chelsea Wolfe The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

dec.4

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

The Wild Turkeys The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Framed: A Story of Artists McMaster Theatre & Film Studies Fall Major 8:00 p.m. Robinson Memorial Theatre (CNH 103) Queen Milli of Galt Theatre Aquarius 8:00 p.m. 190 King William St. Hamilton, ON. (905) 522-7529

film

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Happy Feet Two The Descendants

this week in music history...

November 21, 1983: Michael Jackson’s music viceo for “Thriller” premiered in LA.

now

nov.26

The Sheepdogs Copps Coliseum 8:00 p.m.

nov 11,12, 16-19

nov.21

Sara Jones The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

theatre

nov 9 - 26

nov.19

Chantal Kreviazuk Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m.

dec.8

music

andy’s ticks

opening

in the hammer

triscuit thin crisps: cheddar & fine herb, borat, moustaches, tom stoppard, loutallica, english breakfast, cold phoenix’s fries, best friend’s girl, pesto, productive meetings, lars ulrich is a douche, lars von trier is a weirdo, post-its, essay outlines, deadlines, lines, caffeine, shakespeare in love, persepolis, rude quotes, sleep.

“

my moustache still tastes of your testes” Borat

we are stardust. we are golden.

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

editorial

thursday, november 17, 2011

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D3

the death of american comedy myles herod shows no symapthy for today’s mainstream funnymen Some days, I wake up thinking that things can’t be all that bad in the entertainment industry. Then, I remember the state of Hollywood comedies. Trust me, it’s pitiful.

Most comedies – be it movies, TV shows, whatever – work for a handful of reasons. Some toy with our beliefs and values. Others throw something unexpected at the audience, shocking our senses. The rest take something familiar and exaggerate it to point of absurdity.

Particularly in the third category, comedies nowadays are gutless. They feed the audience exactly what they would expect while expending the absolute minimum of creative thinking.

No one really values intelligence anymore. Today’s entertainment is manufactured by suits and statistics.

Sadly, the mainstream mentality seems unaware of the stifling conservatism to which it has grown accustomed.

Just think how little nourishment a good new idea receives,

and how devoid of ambition the horizon currently appears. Name any Adam Sandler film: Click, Just Go With It, Grown Ups, Bed Time Stories, etc. The titles alone suggest monotony.

Even worse was The Hangover II, a sequel so unnecessary, it dismally found itself rehashing the very same premise of its popular predecessor, only this time with a smoking monkey. Pathetic.

Consider 2007, when Michael Cera reined and ‘bromance’ comedies ruled. Was it better? Perhaps not, but the likes of I Love You Man and the superb Superbad are treasured memories compared to the trite of 2011.

Even Adam Sandler was strangely more versatile back then, too. Recall Funny People? Or dare I mention Punch Drunk Love, which arguably contains his best on-screen performance?

Along with the uptick of big-screen remakes, which are hardly worth anyone’s breath (unless there’s artistic merit to it), the

ultimate default of cinematic comedy has been the ‘buddy’ picture.

More specifically, the black, Asian and white buddy picture.

Am I the only one who would rather watch paint dry than see another bi-racial pairing of a popular standup comedian or action star with a white-bread ninny?

It seems like every other month Hollywood blows its load on this tried cliché. Luckily, Jackie Chan is nowhere to be found. Possibly deported?

Now, I’m certainly not suggesting that every comedy needs to be Oscar-worthy. Far from it. I love the screwball shtick. In fact, Dumb & Dumber and Borat are some of my favorites.

The difference is, those at least had creativity and soul in their gags, instead of the hackneyed mediocrity that grows more and more prevalent with each passing year.

• Myles Herod, Entertainment Editor

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

the big tickle

what is the funniest movie you have ever seen?

compiled by ricardo padilla & josh parsons

“anchorman” ariel bader-shamai

“ace ventura: when nature calls” bronwyn gent

“superbad” david oschetsky

“monty python and the holy grail” paul penney

“white chicks” erin rammoutar

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D4

film

thursday, november 17, 2011

third time’s not a charm

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Kal Penn, John Cho

HHHHH Harold and Kumar should have quit while they were ahead.

The original Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, while not quite worthy of the “classic” stamp, was a downright hilarious tale of two stoner-buddies’ epic journey to mini-hamburger heaven, while Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, the second installment, was markedly less inspired but still good for a few cheap laughs.

Unfortunately, our culture continues to demand third helpings of every marginal film franchise in existence, so movie-

goers worldwide must endure mind-numbing drivel to the tune of A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.

The title says it all. Forcing the cultural hot button of the 3D-movie onto a Bcomedy insults the innovation of the former and piles a layer of superfluous cheese on the latter. A new Harold & Kumar movie might have been a welcome addition to the fall film lineup, but prematurely jamming it into the Christmas-movie mould adds “unseasonal” to H&K 3’s heap of dubious accolades. Needless to say, my expectations entering the theatre weren’t too high, though the possibility of a pleasant surprise still lingered. No such luck.

The premise is simple: a few years after the events of the previous film, the movie finds Harold Lee a successful, married businessman, desperate for the approval of his father-in-law, and Kumar Patel still a

shiftless idler whose marijuana consumption shows no signs of slowing down. A mysterious package reunites the separated duo, and when Kumar unwittingly torches Harold’s father-in-law’s perfect Christmas tree, the old friends are forced to work together to procure a new one, which, for notorious stonerslackers Harold and Kumar, proves no easy task.

Laughs, which should abound along such plotlines, were few and far between. Lowlights include a small typecast role for Amir Blumenfeld, who is nearly impossible to separate from his character on CollegeHumor’s Jake and Amir, numerous shameless meta-references, an unnecessary claymation segment, and a short-lived tangent in which Santa Claus takes a shotgun bullet to the face.

As expected, the film’s saving grace was the Harold and Kumar universe’s fic-

tionalized version of Neil Patrick Harris, who reprises his role from the first two films and delivers an outrageous Christmas-themed musical number as only NPH can.

If your inner adolescent tells you that the Harold & Kumar 3 box must be ticked off on your to-see list, treat its viewing as a shout-out to the Ghost of Comedy Past and nothing more, and you won’t be disappointed. Expect comedic gold, and you will.

As NPH bows out of his refreshingly funny segment, he takes a hammer to the next wall in proclaiming, “See you in the fourth one!”

One can only hope the franchise cuts its losses before then, allowing its fans to remember a glorious time when sophomoric penis-and-boob jokes still made us laugh.

• Simon Marsello

thursday, november 17, 2011

comedy

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D5

bringing out the laughs The career in comedy of Manolis Zontanos, a Hamilton native who is now a veteran in the business, began as a child when he rented Eddie Murphy’s Delirious against his parent’s wishes, and would turn it off whenever they came downstairs.

As Manolis grew into adulthood, his love for comedy flourished but he hadn’t developed the confidence to go on stage. Manolis decided to go for it when none other than Russell Peters approached him and told him he would make a great comic.

Inspired and confident about his new career choice, Manolis told his girlfriend that he wanted to do stand-up comedy.

She responded with, “do you really think you’re that funny?” But he was confident. Manolis took Peters’ words to heart and made a decision. Long-time friend Jason Rouse booked Manolis for his first show. “It was good that he put my feet to the fire,” Manolis explained. “The only way to learn comedy was to get out and do it.”

From his own Comedy Network special to performances in front of Gene Simmons, Manolis’ rise from Hamilton into the comedy scene was a combina-

tion of luck and talent. “I remember being 19 and thinking, ‘I got this,’” he said. “I remember being 24 and thinking, ‘I don’t know anything,’ but eventually I realized it doesn’t matter, and you’re just up there to have fun and win the crowd.”

To aspiring comedians at McMaster, Manolis said to step up to the microphone and try out your set. Soon enough, the scene will pick you up.

Manolis stressed the value of having supportive friends.

“Sometimes you can have a bad set. The Hamilton crowd is tough and if they aren’t amused they simply won’t laugh. Your friends are sometimes the only thing holding you up.” Manolis added that supporting other comics is importance, because you share your victories and ride out the hard times together.

But in the end, he said, upcoming comics need to give the audience what they’ve paid for.

“I’ve worked all my life, I know how hard people work for their money, and I’m going to do my best to make them laugh.”

• Jason Scherer

D6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

music

thursday, november 17, 2011

I

critics agree: loutallica sucks “[Lulu’s] few interesting ideas are stretched out beyond the point of utility and pounded into submission.”

“At no point does Lou Reed sound like he is singing with Metallica, and the same is true the other way around.”

“At its best, the effect is that of two records being played over each other.”

Pitchfork: 1/10

PopMatters: 1/10

The Quietus: 0/10

In the 1960s, Lou Reed fronted avantgarde rock group The Velvet Underground, one of the most prophetic and influential bands of all time. Twenty years later, Metallica’s ferocious riffs and aggressive guitar solos helped to define the genre of thrash metal.

Lou Reed and Metallica have only one thing in common: their best work is well behind them. They are now more famous for being awful than for releasing revolutionary music. Despite coming from opposite ends of the musical spectrum, Reed and Metallica were somehow convinced that their styles would be compatible.

Their collaborative album, Lulu, was released on Nov. 1, and it was an instant classic, though of the worst

kind. The first single, “The View”, is a truly vomit-inducing track that buries Lou Reed’s out-of-tune rant in a clutter of poorly produced thrash.

The rest of Lulu follows a painfully similar formula, and the album is a disastrous and unlistenable mess. While it might not be the worst album of all time – many reviewers have made this very case – Lulu will undoubtedly go down as one of history’s most puzzling musical collaborations.

People will be talking about this debacle for years to come. In that sense, Lulu is a classic.

I wish I knew what Lou Reed and Metallica were thinking when they decided to release the album. Anyone who has listened to them degenerate

from musical innovators to bad jokes could have predicted Lulu’s failure. Perhaps it’s all just a massive prank. Maybe Lou Reed and Metallica are laughing right now as they watch a legion of music critics slowly driving themselves insane trying to understand the mysterious impetus behind Lulu.

On the other hand, a very small minority of people are trumpeting Lulu as a success, arguing that this is the sound of two artists releasing music for themselves without any thought to the commercial world. While I’m always in support of artists who follow their own vision, I just can’t get behind anything as atrocious as this.

The only promising element of the collaboration is that it might deter

others from the irritating trend of collaborative projects bound for failure.

Surely an album as bad as Lulu should serve as a warning sign.

Unfortunately, there’s little reason for hope. The latest rumblings on the Internet indicate that Kiss and Lady Gaga are considering collaboration. If Lady Gaga and Kiss have not found a name for their project, I would like to make a suggestion – “Disastrous Trainwreck.”

Please, don’t bother with an album. The musical world can only handle so many ‘classics.’

• Paul Fowler

thursday, november 17, 2011

cd reviews Atlas Sound Parallax

music

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D7

Justice Audio, Video, Disco

HHHHH Bradford Cox’s work with the psychedelic rock band Deerhunter unwillingly elevated him to his current status as an indie-rock hero. In the past, Bradford Cox’s solo project, Altas Sound, has come across as a dumping ground for Cox’s somewhat self-indulgent musical experimentation.

On Parallax, Cox abandons many of his experimental inclinations and instead toys with the pop styling that has been shining through on recent Deerhunter records. “Mona Lisa” is Cox’s warmest embrace with pop, and not surprisingly, it stands out as the strongest on Parallax. It is decorated with beams of sunny guitar and an infectious hook that refuses to leave your ear. Despite it’s pop appeal, Parallax isn’t completely free of Cox’s quirks. “Flagstaff” begins with a delicately strummed acoustic guitar, but the track is soon swallowed by a hazy guitar loop. Ultimately, Parallax’s mixture of pop and experimental music sounds like Deerhunter.

It’s just not quite as good.

• Paul Fowler

HHHHH

The cover art for Justice’s Audio, Video, Disco shows the ancient ruins of a stone cross towering over the French electronic duo.

The image is fitting, considering that the album looks to the past for its sonic touchstones.

Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay give disco-house makeovers to the unfashionable sounds of prog, hair metal, and arena rock. In particular, there are unmistakable nods to Queen on “Canon” and “Parade”.

The results are sometimes cheesy, but also undeniably heart-pumping. The start-stop synths of “Newlands” and thundering percussion of “Civilization” are just as suitable for an athlete’s pregame playlist as they are for Parisian dance floors.

Audio, Video, Disco contains fewer hooks than Justice’s beloved debut, Cross, but it is also more consistent and less menacing. This is admittedly not as impressive considering that Cross prominently sampled a power drill. With so many producers exploring the dark-side of electronica, Audio, Video, Disco is a refreshing reminder that dance music can still be mindless fun.

• Cooper Long Arkells Michigan Left

HH If there ever was a rock band that McMaster could call its own, it’s the Arkells.

The band’s name is a reference to the street they lived on in Westdale while attending Mac. Their sophomore album Michigan Left, like Jackson Square before it, is filled with references to McMaster and the Steel City, including a Brandon Hall reference in the track “Where U Goin.”

While the well-crafted lyrical content of the album will certainly resonate with listeners, the album as a whole was not up to par with Jackson Square; chalk it up to a bad case of a sophomore slump. Although Michigan Left maintains the Springsteen-esque alternative rock sound that people fell in love with, the new album doesn’t rival its predecessor’s red-blooded rock anthems and poignant ballads.

Despite It’s minor shortcomings, songs like “Whistleblower” and “Agent Zero” are more than memorable, and Michigan Left still delivers.

• Alex Rockingham

film

D8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

thursday, november 17, 2011

adam sandler in drag? not funny Jack and Jill Starring: Adam Sandler Directed by: Dennis Dugan

H I went to see Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill this week. Sadly, I must conclude that it fell somewhat short of my expectations.

Take a moment to make sure you fully understand what I mean when I say this, because I’m being completely serious. If after careful consideration you still don’t follow me, take a gander at Jack and Jill’s current Metacritic rating, as I did for curiosity’s sake. Seriously, take a look. Last I checked, it was a 24/100. That’s what I was expecting, and do you know what? It was worse than that.

I didn’t bloody get it, and I want my money back. But it’s not coming back. It belongs to Adam Sandler now.

Given that you’ve read at least one disparaging film review since Your Highness flailed its way into theatres not so long ago, I’ll try to spare you the usual fireand-brimstone treatment and provide only the essentials.

First, the extent of the damage: Jack and Jill is so bad that it actually made me physically anxious.

I wish I were kidding, but I’m not. I’m almost surprised I didn’t break out in hives, so emotionally battered was I in the wake of Hurricane Sandler and his painfully limited repertoire of silly voices and lifeless, uninspired gags.

If nothing else, though, we can at least say that the man is consistent; arm him with a shitty premise (the ol’ twin-brother-andsister-played-by-the-same-actor shtick, in this case), you know he’ll do everything in his power to ensure that the result is an equally shitty movie experience. Bravo, sir. Bravo.

Given the totality of its awfulness, at times the details as to why Jack and Jill misses the mark so completely seem to bleed together into one sprawling, intricate mosaic of suck. It’s what I imagine a great work of art would be like if any of the great artists had lived in a trailer park and painted with Cheez Whiz and children’s tears.

Still, some of the most problematic elements are so blatant that they can’t help but jump out at you: the plot is razor-thin, the acting is virtually nonexistent, the funniest character by a generous margin is someone’s pet bird and most of the situational gags are uncomfortable and nothing more.

As if this weren’t bad enough, what’s left when these essential components have been stripped away is little more than a hastily thrown-together assemblage of product placements, bizarre cameos (Al Pacino plays the sex-offender version of himself for some weird reason), overtly racist humour and scenes that often begin or end without any real context. “Why is Adam Sandler driving a Jet Ski around a swimming pool?” you might, for instance, find yourself asking.

The answer to this and a multitude of other, similar questions is that we simply don’t know. Indeed, we may never know; in more ways than one, how the Sandler and Co. creation could even have been conceived or put in motion is a complete enigma.

In the end, what we are ultimately left with is a version of comedy gone awry.

Too crude to be considered a children’s movie and too painfully unfunny to appeal to adults, Jack and Jill is left to occupy a lonely middle ground indeed. Pass.

• Sean Hardy