The Silhouette - October 20

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH LOOKS AT THE NEW ART OF COUCHSURFING SEE C1

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

There was a time, not too long ago when the McMaster campus was reaching its capacity.

It was known that campus space would be an issue in coming years, but sooner than expected, McMaster passed that threshold.

The university is now operating at full capacity.

For many years, McMaster has kept its target enrolment static, at roughly 5,000 students despite pressure from the provincial government to increase enrolment. Even with a stagnant target enrolment, the University has experienced rapid growth that has continued to put more strain on its resources and infrastructure.

Since 2005, McMaster University has seen a 62.7 per cent increase in the number of full-time undergraduate students, contributing to an over-populated campus, according to the 2010 Campus Capacity study, which found that the McMaster campus is in fact saturated and currently exceeding its capacity. The provincial government, however, continues to push universities to increase enrolment.

In an effort to show the Ministry that the University is willing to do what it can to comply with the goals of the province, but is limited in its capacity to do so, the University increased its target enrolment by a mere 140 students, hardly substantial for an institution serving upwards of 20,000 students, Peter Smith, McMaster University VPAcademic, said the University is at its maximum capacity to expand.

At the same time that the University’s target increased slightly, McMaster received a greater number of applications, resulting in a 2.5 per cent increase in the number of offers of admission. Subsequently, compared to the previous year, McMaster saw a seven per cent increase in the number of students accepting their offer of admission, followed by an overall 8.7 per cent increase in the number of students who registered for the upcoming academic term, according to Smith.

With the substantial influx of first year students, it became imperative that the University not only arrange physical accommodation for students, whether that be through modifications of classrooms or increasing the

BURSTING at the seams

With libraries crammed and campus space diminishing, where are YOU in the crowd?

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

number of spaces in residence, but to maintain course availability.

Registration for the 2011/2012 academic year was a much smoother process than it has been in the past, noted Smith. This was due, in part, to slight changes to SOLAR to increase its capacity, as well as increases in the number of spaces in particular courses.

Smith said that 11,000 seats were created in courses particularly in the Faculties of Science, Humanities, and Social Science, as these tend to be faculties that offer courses that are often in high demand for students in other faculties. Most seats were created in first year courses, but the increase in spaces spanned all levels of undergraduate education. The creation of additional seats was accomplished by adding sections to courses that tend to be in high demand.

The addition of sections to courses that are already experiencing high enrolment, although not a permanent solution, especially if McMaster’s growth is expected to continue in this way, was the best temporary solution, given the other potential options.

Other considerations when faced with the challenge of high enrolment, included weekend classes, increasing classroom hours, as well as holding classes off campus, according to Alicia Ali, MSU Vice President (Education).

Despite the markedly high enrolment and the fact the McMaster campus is functioning at capacity, business is resuming relatively stress-free at this time.

In fact, many problems facing undergraduate education in recent years, such as the transition from WebCT to Elm have been solved with the implementation of AvenuetoLearn. Meanwhile course registration went relatively smoothly this year, and with an increase in spaces in particular courses, more students were able to get into the courses they wanted.

The University has successfully accommodated climbing enrolment, while maintaining an outstanding reputation, and complying with government expectations of the institution, painting an exquisite portrait of numbers and figures, but with a closer look, what can be found is a saturated campus, hoping it can colour within the lines for one more year.

• PLEASE SEE MAC, A3

Mac showcases green initiatives

THIS WEEK ...

Sustainability Day sheds light on eco-friendly alternatives

OPINIONS

Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

Sustainability Day 2011, held on Oct. 19 in MUSC showcased the year’s developments in a range of aspects related to University functionality with particular emphasis on McMaster’s environmental impact.

McMaster’s Office of Sustainability hosted the events, touching on issues such as waste management, transportation, and student health.

Among those in attendance were Hospitality Services, OPIRG, Smart Commute, McMaster Residence Green Team, McMaster Centre for Leadership and Learning, Grand & Toy, Dell, BioSphere, Ecolab, McMaster Facility Services, FarmStand, and several others.

To support the sustainability cause, free, locally grown apples were handed out to passers-by courtesy of the MSU FarmStand, and fair-trade coffee was available to all who had a reusable mug with them.

Further, the twice-annual IT Collection Reuse and Recycle Program was present, collecting used cell phones and printer cartridges.

McMaster Hospitality Services, deals extensively with issues which have gained particular attention with respect to sustainability, such as food containers, an area that has certainly not been ignored.

One notable change that Hospitality Services is implementing this year is their Marauder Eco-Takeout Container program.

Over the years, many different approaches to containing takeout food have been analyzed for practicality and use throughout campus.

Hospitality Services presented their current initiatives at Sustainability Day, displaying used containers, such as old Styrofoam containers and plates, paper containers, corn product-based waterproof biodegradable containers most commonly used for salads, and, last but not least, the new reusable containers, which began circulation in Bridges and Bistro at the beginning of this month.

At this time, students choose to use this system by paying a five-dollar deposit or obtain a swipe card, in order to become part of this innovative program. The hope is that these containers will be available at all food service locations on campus by next academic year, and the majority of students will opt to use it.

Another booth present at the event in the Student Centre atrium was Ecolab, a company which supplies cleaning products to the food services at McMaster. The company acknowledges that though their products are not completely chemical-free, they are doing what they can in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

A specific example, which was on display

at their booth, was the dishwashing detergent, which is one product that McMaster purchases from this company. Ecolab chooses to produce this detergent in a very dense, heavy, solid cube, as opposed to a liquid form.

If liquid was the chosen detergent, it would take three oil drums’ worth to be equivalent to one cube of solid detergent, which can be held easily in two cupped hands.

Not only does this save time and space in terms of shipping, this choice produces a fraction of the waste which would be created by the liquid: a small amount of cellophane wrapping has much less of an impact than three oil drums, which would have to be disposed of in a landfill.

On another note, Smart Commute Hamilton was present, promoting their free carpool system and raising awareness of a new initiative that they want to bring to Hamilton, called Bike Share.

This system, which is used in large cities all over the world, such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Paris, and Barcelona, will allow users for a very minimal fee of under $100 per year to use a bike lending system to travel within the city.

Bike stations will be placed at different locations around the city, where members can pick and drop off the rented bikes.

The hope is to begin putting the bike stations in place in order to launch this program in Hamilton by spring of 2012.

THIS WEEK’S HEAD-TO-HEAD DEBATE TAKES ON THE WALL STREET PROTEST SEE A11

SPORTS A SWING TO SUCCESS BY MARK YOUNG AT MAC INVITATIONAL SEE S8

BUSINESS SKYPE HYPE: THE FUTURE OF JOB INTERVIEWS SEE C12

ANDY MYLES HEROD REVIEWS RAPAPORT’S FILM, BEATS RHYMES & LIFE SEE D5

... IN THE SIL

the

PRESIDENT’S PAGE Duncan Thompson VP (Finance)

Katie Ferguson VP (Administration)

Matthew Dillon-Leitch President

Alicia Ali VP (Education)

Social Media + Job Search conference noveMber 10th + 11th duncan details the conference - which will highlight the skills to pay the bills

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

University is an experience. At university you will learn many facts, figures and concepts, but university doesn’t necessarily always give you a professional designation or prepare you for one particular job. Rather, university opens up your mind to new ways of thinking and dealing with information.

University teaches you to learn, assess and react to situations in different ways, in order to control the outcome(s).

Often, students will leave university with a different perspective on both life and the world around them.

Yea, that’s all good and what not ...

but how are you supposed to get paid?

The Student Success Centre (SSC) is hosting a conference on using social media to assist you in your future job search. The project is funded by the Student Life Enhancement Fund, in which the MSU and the SSC partner to award intrepid and enterprising individuals and sevices who have great ideas to improve student life.

How do you grow your networking base and land that awesome job? How do you make sure that you can use that amazing knowledge you picked up at university? Well, we just might have a way to help you do that.

On November 10th and 11th, the Social Media + Job Search Conference is taking place at McMaster Innovation Park. The topic will be using social media to bolster your online presence and build the most important brand you’ll ever interact with - your own. According to brandflirtation.com, “social media is like word of mouth on steroids”. So why not

use this to develop your personal brand?

According to Jobvite, an e-recruitment solutions provider, 80% of employers currently use or are planning to use social media for recruiting practices. Of this group, 66% had successfully hired through social media, across platforms including LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. This leaves a decline in traditional job board postings and an emergence of employers screening potential employees’ social media profiles.

If you want more information about how to register, or information about our amazing speakers and panels, scan the QR code below or visit: http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/careers/ career-exploration/events/smconf.html If you want to keep up-to-date with how things are progressing, or if you would like to join in on the conversation, check out #smedia4jobs and follow myself @iduncant, and @MacSSC on twitter to stay in the loop. What questions

do you have about social media and jobs?

Are you already using social media in your job search? Have you successfully gotten a job using social media? Tweet about it and add #smedia4jobs.

I personally look forward to meeting as many of you as I can at the event, if you see me and want to talk about your job search feel free to come up and chat. And don’t forget, you can find the ‘McMaster Students Union (MSU)’ on Facebook and follow us @MSU_McMaster.

blood - it’S in YoU to Give!

Katie discusses the importance of upcoming campus blood drives

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

In September of 2010, the MSU entered into a partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) called Partners For Life. Partners For Life is a nationwide program with participation by corporate and community organizations, committed to saving lives through blood donations. For the MSU, within a short four month period between September and the end of December 2010, the goal was set to contribute 450 blood donations. After impressively far exceeding that goal, the MSU is proud to continue supporting the program once again this academic year.

The Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) has taken a lead in supporting our partnership by actively promoting clinics on campus, as well as educating students about blood donation. What may initially seem like an unpleasant process is actually a rewarding experience that takes less than an hour of your time. When donating blood, you must be at least 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 lbs. As well, you need to be in good general health and feeling well on the day of your donation.

You will be tested to ensure you meet hemoglobin (iron) requirements, asked to complete a donor questionnaire and briefly assessed by a nurse. Once this is

completed, you are ready to donate. The actual process of giving blood usually takes no longer than 15 minutes and once you’re finished treats await you!

With blood clinics here on campus, the partnership has made it even more convenient for you to give. The next clinic will be held on Tuesday, October 25th in CIBC Hall (third floor MUSC) from 10:30 AM – 5 PM. You can call to book an appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Other upcoming 2011 clinic dates: - Tuesday, November 8th from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, CIBC Hall - Friday, November 18th from 10:30 AM to 3:00PM, Ewart Angus Centre in MUMC - Tuesday, November 22nd from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, CIBC Hall Newly introduced this year by CBS to encourage donation is the Blood Signal. Although there is always a need for blood product, the Blood Signal indicates that we are in an increased time of need and as such, CBS asks for help from individuals who are eligible to donate.

Whether you’re a first time donor, or have achieved a milestone of 10, 50 or even 100 donations, please come out to give blood. Your one donation can touch the lives of up to three people. Personally, I am lucky to have two people still in my life because of generous individuals who took the time to donate blood.

For more eligibility information, or to book an appointment call 1-888-2DONATE or visit SHEC in MUSC 202. Let’s continue our support for this partnership McMaster – roll up your sleeves and give.

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

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

www.msu.mcmaster.ca

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Public Transit

City renews commitment to LRT

Almost unanimous vote re-established LRT as municpal priority

Farzeen Foda

Senior News Editor

Imagine making your usual half-hour trek to school in five minutes.

Imagine tackling this journey to school not on your own two feet, or with your bike, not even with the loyal but often tardy HSR transit bus, but with a cross-breed vehicle- a mix between a bus and a train.

Hamilton’s proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) is expected to be a rapid line of transit directly linking the City’s downtown core with the McMaster campus.

This rapid mode of transportation does not have to be a figment of the imagination, and as of Oct. 14, Hamilton City Council re-established their commitment to the project that has projected gains for McMaster students and the City of Hamilton.

Numerous groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and Metrolinx, as well as individuals heavily involved in the project, shared their insights in an effort to promote the prospect of the LRT.

A concluding vote saw almost unanimous support for the LRT. The criticisms of the project revolve primarily around the cost to taxpayers, calling for a more careful analysis of the plan’s benefits.

“There have been no funding promises, but it is something the City is going to pursue,” said Alicia Ali, MSU VP-Education.

She explained that the prospect of a Light Rail Transit system through Hamilton began in 2007, when the province committed $17 billion toward the funding for the facility, to be established within the GTA. The project gained immense support at the time, giving way to many groups that began looking to the finer details and logistics of the matter, who were met with a shock this summer when the LRT was facing reconsideration.

“There was a lot of talk as to whether the city would actually pursue the LRT, or if they were going in a different direction,” said Ali.

Discussions surfaced because Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina openly stated that his focus would be the implementation of a GOTransit system running from Hamilton to Toronto.

Both the LRT and the GOTransit system would serve McMaster in different but

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

equally important ways, noted Ali, outlining the benefits of each transit facility, however the payback will not be seen for another 15 to 20 years.

With a significant number of McMaster students commuting from various cities around the GTA, a trend that is not expected to reduce, a GOTransit system running between Hamilton and Toronto would certainly lead to substantial gains.

Meanwhile, the LRT would ease the integration of McMaster students into the city, consequently increasing the likelihood of graduate retention, and contributing to the revitalization of the City’s downtown core, a strong long-term priority for Hamilton.

To put pressure on council to follow through with their re-affirmed commitment, the MSU is in the process of launching a social media campaign to give students a say in the matter.

“When you’re standing at a bus stop and four buses pass you by, or you’ve been waiting an hour for a bus, all you have to do it is tweet that you’re waiting for the bus, and hash tag ‘#WeNeedLRT’,” said Ali. Although the implementation of a Light Rail Transit system through Hamilton will not be seen for at least another 15 to 20 years, the project will only gain momentum with pressure on the part of the University and its students to make it a reality.

Careful evaluation has finally concluded that such a facility would benefit all parties involved and would be neatly in line with the goals of the University and the City of Hamilton.

Mac awaiting permanent solution

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Empty space, but not for long. Study space in Thode Library awaiting furniture to add 400 seats.

• CONT’D FROM A1 More seats have been created in courses that already serve a large number of students and are now running at full capacity. The amount of classroom space available on campus is quite literally always in use, explained Smith, noting that much of the testing and maintenance work required for these spaces has been pushed to weekends to accommodate the growing numbers of courses requiring these classrooms during regular business hours.

A similar trend has been observed in the University’s libraries.

“Our [library] spaces are at capacity all the time,” said Anne Pottier, an Associate University Librarian, noting that much of the maintenance work has had to be rescheduled to accommodate the high demand.

Library space is running at full capacity, and each square metre of McMaster’s libraries are quickly transforming into rows upon rows of cubicles for quiet study space.

“One of the things we’re trying to do, is change our more traditional spaces into user space for students, but in order to do that, we have to compress our collections, and try to find that space,” said Pottier.

The most recent development has been on the second floor of Thode Library, which was cleared of its book stacks during the summer and is now awaiting furniture that is expected to create 400 seats and five different types of study space.

The current temporary fixture, in place as of Oct. 17, has created 250 study spaces in the area, featuring folding tables and patio chairs, noted Pottier.

She further explained that the new furniture was expected to be in place by Thanksgiving, but has been delayed. The hope is that the new study space will be completed by the beginning of the coming exam season.

With all available student space on campus running at full capacity at all hours of the day, significant

strain is being placed on resources, and maintaining operations in this manner is certainly not a sustainable solution.

It follows without question then, that a more permanent solution needs to be in place as soon as possible. The Wilson Building is a project currently under tremendous support from the City and the University, but also under substantial pressure to accommodate the growing needs of the University.

It is still early in the year, and the high enrolment issue has only surfaced in its entirety in the residence domain of university life, but how this bursting campus will handle the strain during exam time, remains somewhat unclear it seems, especially in the libraries.

Another concern is the access to quiet study space. Efforts have been made to keep Mills Learning Commons a quiet study space, during late night hours. Noting the stigma surrounding “Club Mills”, Pottier said, “I know people find that the Mills Learning Commons is not as quiet as it can be, but we have really good security guards working with us to try and keep the noise down,” outlining the library’s goal to transform the sixth floor of Mills Library into an absolutely silent study space, prohibiting music, and cell phone use.

The McMaster campus is running at its full capacity at this time.

It can be seen in the libraries which are bustling with students at all hours of the day or night. The congestion can be seen on the campus grounds between classes, and in any lecture hall.

If everything continues to run smoothly throughout the year, McMaster should be able to manage, but any hiccup throughout the year, such as a snow day, may pose serious complications for the University, noted Smith.

The need is eminent and the resources to solve the problem are in place. What remains, is the mobilization of those resources.

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Student Expenditures

Science and History

VP finance expects surplus Black Death sequenced Dina Fanara

Assistant News Editor

The MSU’s finances have rebounded from a period of fiscal mismanagement.

Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

There is no question about it: over the years, the MSU finances have often been in a state of bedlam.

With a tendency of incurring a greater expenditure than revenues could match, the MSU saw a deficit of $925,799 in 2009/2010, followed by a deficit of $149,078 in 2010/2011.

While it is true that such numbers may paint a grim picture, there is a hint of optimism.

As the academic year began with a new Board of Government led by MSU President Matt Dillion-Leitch, new policies were promised. Of those, fiscal management took priority and it was thought that financial benefits may accrue from a general restructuring.

“The deficits demanded action which would steer us back on course and see positive results,” said MSU VP (Finance) Duncan Thompson.

The financial woes were addressed in a variety of ways. The first of change was switching the reviewer of financial statements from Deloitte to KPMG LLP, which is a standard practice for external audits.

Through a thorough analysis of the MSU’s accounting practices, KPMG LLG, who assessed the statements of operations and examined changes in net assets and cash

flow, did not report on significant internal control deficiencies.

Such a positive trend can be attributed to the expectations set by the Board of Directors on the MSU. After the near-$1-million debt in 2010, most of which resulted from the rising cost of administering the dental and health plans without adjusting the student fee to match the increase in claimants, the governing body outlined that it must lower expenses by five per cent, even if sales would not increase.

With such an expectation, the deficit was largely cut. It was projected that a deficit of $402,309 for the 2010/2011 year would be observed, however, a deficit of only $149,078 was reported.

Positive trends such as above are further evident if one looks into the inner workings of the MSU. “We saw a concerted effort from all business last year to improve their customer service and satisfaction. This led to an increase in volume of costumers,” said Thompson.

“TwelvEighty, under new management, made an effort to improve food quality. Union Market worked extremely hard to get competing suppliers to offer us the best prices. Underground Media + Design managed to pick up some of the largest courses on campus for their courseware project, such as first year Engineering and Pyschology,” he added.

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Thompson noted that despite the optimism, work needs to be done. One such area is regarding the MSU’s investment policy.

As it stands currently, there exists no mechanism within the MSU to direct investment policies.

Consequently, there is little to no direction regarding both how an investment is done and the willingness of an organization to contribute to the MSU’s portfolio.

“Our current investment portfolio is very low risk meaning very low yield, mostly in the bond market.”

In KPMG’s audit report, a suggestion was offered. It was observed that by drafting an investment policy regarding the MSU’s level of market risk, the MSU would be able to use funds more efficiently.

As to projections for this year, Thompson hesitated.

“The budget released earlier this year predicts that if all our businesses and services manage to keep exactly as we have predicated, we expect a surplus of $120,163 at the end of the year.”

“However, since the majority of all our business happens during the academic year, it’s still too early to tell exactly,” he added.

Even if it is “too early to tell”, the positive trends suggest that with the appropriate management, the MSU will no long worry over deficit. Instead, the challenge may be of a different nature: mo’ money, mo’ problems.

Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Tubingen in Germany have joined together to collaboratively and successfully uncover the long sought out secret behind one of the most catastrophic diseases of European history.

The genome most commonly known as Black Death, but also known as the Bubonic Plague, or the Black Plague, was successfully extracted in its entirety and recreated by scientists from McMaster and Tubingen for the first time.

This is a critical scientific discovery, which will open the doors for similar progress to be made in the near future.

Between 1347 and 1351, the plague was responsible for killing over 50 million Europeans, between one third and one half of Europe’s population.

The group of scientists on the project, consisting of Kirsten Bos and Hendrick Poniar (also chair of paleogenetics in Canada) of McMaster University and Johannes Krause and Verena Schuenmann of the University of Tubingen, have managed to recreate the Black Death genome in its entirety.

This is the first time that scientists have successfully created the genome for an ancient disease, especially one of this magnitude.

This gives scientists a better sense of the evolution of modern diseases, which creates significant potential for future discoveries in disease control.

The team has managed to piece the disease back together by taking strands of DNA from bone fragments of those who initially died of the disease and extracting the fragments of this ancient disease, followed by sequencing of the DNA The bones used for this research came from the British Museum of London, home of over one hundred victims discovered in a mass burial site from 1348-1350.

An evolved form of the Black Death still exists, killing roughly two thousand globally per year, a death rate much less than the common strands of the original flu.

The report on this discovery was initially published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science in September.

This preliminary writeup was soon to be followed by an updated version of the report in the popular scientific journal Nature on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Arts and Culture

Mac poet competes nationally Kacper Niburski

Assistant News Editor

Even though a slam poetry competition may suggest to some the makings of a failed WWE pitch, it currently serves as one of the most progressive forms of modern poetry.

McMaster poet Oskar Niburski knows this better than most, as he recently slammed on the national stage.

From Oct. 11 to 14, Oskar Niburski, a second year Arts and Science student, 2010 winner of McMaster’s Poetry and Creative Writing Society’s Annual Contest, and Poetry Club Executive member, competed in the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, the premier event for Canadian spoken word poets.

As part of the Burlington Slam Project, Niburski and fellow teammates went as far as the semi-finals and ultimately scored fifth out of twenty teams from across the nation.

Based in Toronto, the spoken word competition saw teams from Halifax to Victoria.

In three bouts of four rounds, each team was given three minutes to say their poems, and five randomly selected judges scored the teams from a range of zero to ten. Poems could either be performed individually or

with a teammate.

While Niburski’s national success stands as a testament of both the vibrancy and progression of poetry in Canada, he admits that he wasn’t always the mental-muscled poetic pencil pusher he is now.

Winter Olympic Games, Niburski’s poetic aspirations began to swell.

Yet he claims that, “while I was most definitely influenced by other poets, I sat on my creativity like a person on a gold mine.”

But his creativity did not sit idle for long because a year later, Niburski’s pen dug until it struck gold.

On the microphone, “Like all university students do, I was it didn’t matter procrastinating studying calculus. Then, all of a sudden, I had idea and I couldn’t stop writwho I was, ing. Driven by the perplexing nature of math, what I’ve done, I wrote a poem called, ‘Mental Math’.” or where I’ve been.

Soon after, he presented the poem at an Arts and Science “Kaffehaus” event, where All that mattered he received appraisal from students and facwas that moment, ulty alike. and more important, His poetic passion only grew with each performance, “because on the microphone, what I chose to do it didn’t matter who I was, what I’ve done, in that moment or where I’ve been,” Niburski said. “All that mattered was that moment and, more import “Before, I was boring,” Niburski said in antly, what I chose to do in that moment. So I an interview. “Now, I’m boring with poetry.” spoke, and oddly enough, people listened.”

Joking as he may be, Niburski’s poetic “Listen” as they may, Niburski plans to beginnings were quite accidental. continue his poetic aspirations. Next year, Inspired by Shane Koyczan, specific- he plans to compete in Saskatoon where the ally his “We Are More” address at the 2010 2011 festival will be held.

PHOTO C/O MICHELLE DARBY-WYATT

Oskar Niburski slamming in Toronto.

THE SILHOUETTE • A5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Newsbites Compiled by Karianne Matte and Alex Rockingham Cane-wielding phone bandit arrested Hamilton Police have arrested a woman who they say is a cane-wielding phone bandit.

Around 1 p.m. last Tuesday, a 21-year-old woman was robbed of her cell phone and beaten with a cane by a woman at the corner Mohawk West and Upper Paradise road. The police located the woman, a 50-year-old Hamilton native, suspected of committing the robbery within the area and charged her with robbery with a weapon. Police declined to reveal the suspect’s name as she was released on a promise to appear in court on Nov. 7.

Pan-Am velodrome project axed The Hamilton City Council has decided to kill the controversial velodrome project. After a lengthy debate at City Hall, the council decided to cap its proposed contribution to the cycling centre at $5 million, a mere fraction of the $22.5 million that was requested. Pan-Am Games CEO Ian Troop said the city’s offer was not enough to go through with the project.

He then said the 2015 Pan-Am games “will pursue discussions with other municipalities who have expressed interest in this significant legacy facility.”

More Ontarian students are choosing to go to college Colleges Ontario recorded their highest ever first-year enrollment this fall. Colleges Ontario says that student enrollment in Ontario’s 24 applied arts and technology colleges has risen more than 20 percent than five years ago. More than 116,000 first-year students have enrolled in full-time classes this fall. Colleges Ontario released statistics that showed that, even during a recession, more than 83 per cent of college graduates were hired within six months of graduating.

Ghosts, goblins and ghouls for half price?

While the Waterdown Rotary Club’s haunted house has come to an end, its contents are being sold and all the proceeds will be collected for charity. The haunted house, a longstanding Waterdown attraction for decades, had helped raise money for the alleviation of worldwide poverty. The owners have said they will continue to donate all the money they’ve earned from setting up these household haunts to charitable funds.

Racing with Red Bull

RYAN JANSSEN / THE SILHOUETTE

What do you get when you cross Red Bull cans with a motor? the RC chassis were exactly the same, the cars proved to be very cumbersome and difficult to steer, so a degree of skill was needed On Tuesday, Oct. 18. McMaster students in order to complete the race in the optimal were invited to take part in the Red Bull amount of time.

Racing Can. After winning the race by approximately The Red Bull-sponsored event was held ten seconds and being judged as the best lookin the atrium of the student centre and saw ing car in the race, team #2 will be moving five teams design, build and race cars using onto the national championships. only recycled cans of the popular energy The victors, Yohann Printer and Jack drink.

Murphy, will be bringing their elaborately The teams were judged on the creativity decorated Red Bull RC car, which was deof the design, then took part in a race. The signed to look like a Formula 1 racer, to better looking the car, the better the starting Montreal to compete in the national champosition the contestants received at the begin- pionship on Nov. 8. ning of the race.

If the pair wins the national champion The teams drove their cars individually ship, they will move onto compete in the through a track that was set up in the atrium of world finals against contestants from 25 difthe student centre. The three teams that com- ferent countries in Milton Keynes, United pleted five laps through the course in the fast- Kingdom. Second- and third-place teams est amount of time were awarded. Although were awarded gift certificates to the Phoenix.

Alex Rockingham Silhouette Intern

Steelworkers at Mac Ruth Thsikonde The Silhouette

On Tuesday, Oct. 12 McMaster hosted a conference entitled “Stop Stealing our Steel: The Struggle of the Steelworkers”.

The conference, organized by McMaster’s Labour Studies Student Association, and sponsored by OPIRG, began with an introduction by Brendan Sweeney, from the Department of Labour Studies. Sweeney explained the importance of labour studies in today’s dynamic society.

The brief introduction was followed by a thought-provoking speech by Lisa Nussey, spokesperson and volunteer for “Hamilton for Steel”.

Nussey gave the audience a brief introduction to well-known controversy between the owners and employees of US Steel.

Nussey proceeded to discuss the controversy that had erupted when the owners of the Hamilton based factory, Stelco, now known as US Steel, had breached their part of the agreement when the company was sold to them under the Investment Canada Act. She explained that owners of US Steel wanted a two-tiered pension plan, yet the employees were not willing to settle for it, this thus led to ongoing negotiation between both

parties.

Nussey also spoke about the “Hamilton For Steel Association,” about which she explained, “everybody’s fight on the issue of standard of living in our country.”

She further stated that through the years they had been able to accomplish many things in order to show support for the Hamilton steel workers and their families with initiatives such as the Billboard Project.

The Billboard Project granted permission for four billboards to be posted throughout City of Hamilton in order to raise awareness for the issue plaguing the lives of those impacted by the demise of the steel industry.

The meeting was followed by a brief viewing of the documentary entitled “Defying the Law,” which took the viewers back through the events and issues of that particularly hot summer in Hamilton when everything erupted. It also showed the dynamics of our current economic, social and labor challenges for the steel industry.

The evening was concluded with a brief question and answer session, at which time it was established that fighting for the steel worker is a key issue that should not be left until all is fair for the workers, their families and anyone else who is an affected by this issue.

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

EDITORIAL

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

A little dose of reality, please

The Silhouette

Did you hear the one about the lions, tigers and bears that escaped their exotic animal farm, ran wild and caused mass panic in rural Ohio?

It’s not a joke. It’s a real story that happened near Zanesville, OH this week. A 62-year old man who owned an exotic animal preserve allegedly let loose his stable of jungle cats and other beasts before killing himself on Tuesday, setting off a wild panic from locals.

It’s a real-life horror story mixed with a little bit of surreal, macabre humour, given the absurdity of the situation and the unfortunate mass culling of the animals that local authorities have been forced to perform.

After receiving international attention, the whole ordeal seems perfect for the old saying that truth is stranger than fiction. And these days, it seems true that reality is certainly a strange place.

I don’t mean about wild animals laying siege to Midwestern U.S. towns. I mean about how millions of people across the world have seemingly forgot about reality altogether.

Greece is experiencing one of the worst financial crises in the history of everything. The country has accumulated a crippling debt that is (along with Spain and other debt-ridden countries) holding the European Union hostage.

It’s a problem that, if not dealt with soon, will default Greece’s debt and cause a severe chain reaction to the global economy.

Meanwhile, violent protests are taking place in the streets of Athens, urging authorities not to take away the very fabric of Greek life with austerity measures.

Democracy, math and philosophy? No, not those parts of the Greek lexicon. More like tax evasion, cushy public service jobs and early retirement with pensions.

While Greece’s cultural exports have influenced the world over for centuries, many outside Europe are just learning now about the absurdities of the Greek federal government’s revenue incompetence. 20 minutes of light Googling, along with a little clicking around the Economist’s website, leads to two particularly notable failures.

First is an epidemic of tax evasion: estimates suggest as much as 30 per cent (!!) of tax revenue is missed due to a long-standing tax evasion issue.

Second is an inflated, tired public sector: There are approximately 700,000 public sector jobs in the country of 11-million people, and pensions from public jobs are frankly pretty awesome: employees can retire on 80 per cent of their full salary after just 35 years work.

Here is where reality is missing. Governments will always battle with the question of how much to tax and how much to spend, and there will always be legitimate arguments from both sides of the arguments.

But this isn’t a question of political leaning. It’s an obvious need to deal with a massive debt by increasing revenue and reining in spending, two issues with seemingly obvious partial solutions.

Meanwhile, protests take place in the street and arguments rage on about what has clearly been a very touchy subject in Greece. And you have to wonder where reality has been while the whole crisis developed.

Avoiding taxes is always going to happen. But when it becomes jokingly referred to as a national pastime, as has been the case in numerous publications over the last week, it’s simply a problem – on the part of the citizens and the state – of avoiding reality.

And would it be nice to keep an early-starting, extremely well-paying pension? Sure – nobody would turn that down. But when reality is screaming at Greece that their current promises are unsustainable and dragging down the rest of the European Union, the offer needs to be taken off the table.

The absence of reality is no stranger to issues closer to home, either. Remember the ‘Don’t Tread On Me!’ Tea Party protests last year? Apparently people forgot that paying taxes for a country of 300-million that’s fighting two wars is, you know, a modern reality.

The same can be said for the ‘Occupy’ protesters who carry around signs demanding bankers be thrown in jail for single-handedly causing the global economic recession. Sure, it’d be nice to put a few people in the slammer and fix the problem right there, but that’s got nothing to do with reality.

A crazy story about dozens of jungle animals escaping some guy’s exotic farm, running wild and being killed brutally out of necessity by Ohioan police officers? That’s reality.

The rest of the world? I’m not so sure about that anymore.

•

McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

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

Silhouette Staff Ben Orr, Sports Maggie Cogger-Orr, Sports Sandro Giordano, Ad Manager Ryan Mallough, Opinions

Brian Decker, Executive Editor

Worth Repeating: There is a problem when every 20 seconds a child dies from a water-related illness. Over the last ten years, Engineers Without Borders Canada has been devoted to solving the problem of global poverty. But we must stay realistic, and take time to understand challenge cities of this problem. Last year, you agreed to give $0.35 from your student fees to fund our overseas programs. Here, we would like to thank all MSU members for their support and commitment to the cause we can all stand together for: ending global poverty.

Your money will be going towards both on-campus events to promote the overseas program, and funding McMaster students’ work oversees with a local development agency. We understand that ending poverty might not happen in our lifetime, but even small differences make the world a better place. We think that’s a worthwhile goal.

to kacper’s shorts.

Despite our name, we are not limited to Engineers: we strongly encourage students of all faculties to apply to our overseas program. Of our two students overseas this summer, one is a nursing student, the other an engineer.

Applications are due on Oct. 23 and can be found at mcmaster.ewb.ca.

to schoolboy fraser.

So, on behalf of all Engineers Without Borders members across Canada, all our partners overseas, everyone we’ve helped and everyone we will help, thank you.

to cockmouth, the soldier. thanks for everything, man.

EWB

to joy.

Legal

to joy, again. and again and again.

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!

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.

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 Thursday 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

did we upset you this week? let us know. send us a letter and we’ll publish it right here on the editorial page. just don’t be too mean to us. thesil@thesil.ca

to ripped pages.

to hamilton’s woolly massacre. to the lunchlady-Brandon Hall feud. to weather satellite maps. to fair trade monkeys. to fair trade coffee, when it’s free. to pretty much anything when it’s free. to the drunk food faceoff. See C8, yo. to a central park in newark.

to one, last chicken wing. to normal fraser. to no spec this week. sorry, kyle. to undergrad j-school degrees. to names that sound like typos. like, ‘fraser’. to the Gee-gees. to forgetting three ads. to chihuahuas. to the leafs instead of the world series. to raining forever. to thursday presentations. to mushy burritos. to parking tickets. to fruit flies. to the lingering effects of 1280 at 4 am

Check out our new freakin’ website at

TheSil.ca

THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

Linking the path to prison It kicks up a mighty stink, when someone attacks an innocent link Andrew Terefenko Opinions Editor

As I pondered the ongoing international constriction of the internet, something happened to temporarily alleviate my fears over the phenomenon. The Supreme Court of Canada gave the final word on volatile dispute on Oct. 19, that posting a link cannot get you sued for libel.

The reason this was even being contested was a case in British Columbia where former Green Party campaign manager Wayne Crookes was seeking damages for “defamatory links” found on p2pnet, a site that prides itself on international news “without the spin.” Back in 2006, the owner of the site, Jon Newton, wrote an article on the Green Party and within the article, shared links to some sites, which themselves may have been defamatory, but were in no way affiliated with Newton.

Crookes’ legal team made the case that

by Newton publishing the links to his reputable website, he was himself responsible for any and all content on the linked site, and should be treated as if he published the linked articles himself. Newton’s team fought back, saying that without explicit intent for defamation, a solid case could not be made against them or anyone in their position.

The truly disheartening fact of the matter is that in many cases, the internet is still being treated in the same way one would treat a magazine, newspaper or live broadcast. It is a mechanism so unique and uncompromising that I feel it foolish to hold it to the same laws that govern the mediums of Christmas past.

Luckily, the Court made the distinction that it should not be held to the same standards as the standard mediums.

The Supreme Court ruling comes as a breath of fresh air, as it would be absurd to consider the precedent set in an alternate reality where Crookes got his way. Hyperlinkamalgamate sites such as Google and Bing would find themselves at constant odds with lawyers, as it is their very business to link to any and all things, both defamatory and otherwise. It’s a reality where the mere threat of libel could have a website lost in the vast expanse of the web, without any links joining it to the digital congregation.

The greatest aspect of this ruling comes from the reasoning the Supreme Court used to come to their decision. It was not on an individual basis that they decided Newton

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The room where the biggest Canadian disputes are won or lost, and the scene of this week’s momentous digital victory. was absolved of these alleged crimes, but in of liability through association. fear of the larger consequences that would be What does this mean for Canada? It upon us should they ignore his plight. means that there are good, knowledgeable The Court felt that holding someone people who make and break the decisions liable for using hyperlinks that define our country. It would put internet use in means that internet use is not Canada at great risk. “The important just to the youth internet cannot, in short, pro- “Limiting [hyperlinks] and recently young, but also vide access to information usefulness by sub- recognized as essential to the without hyperlinks. Limiting jecting them to the old and black-robed in our sotheir usefulness by subjecting ciety. traditional them to the traditional publi And what does it mean cation rule would have the for the world? With the UN publication rule effect of seriously restricting naming internet access a would have the the flow of information and, human right, we may just see a effect of seriously completely free, governmentas a result, freedom of expression,” cited the ruling. restricting the flow sponsored internet in our They additionally did not lifetime. It may be a stretch of information.” wish for internet authors to to consider such progress so be put in a great state of fear soon, but with the sheer pasand paranoia, being wary of sion people show for their linking to any kind of relevant content in fear love of the internet, it is not an impossibility.

My hope is that all people will have access to the same sort of internet that Canada currently enjoys.

So I write to thank the Supreme Court, and all those individuals who helped make this a reality. Thank you for educating yourselves on the importance of internet future, present and past. Thank you for treating the internet as its own entity, and not another arm of conventional media. Thank you for reminding me that our country is not a step behind the issues, but sometimes two steps forward. Thank you for preserving the internet so that those who come after me can appreciate it to the extent that I have.

There will be hurdles in the future as more people set on their single-minded mission of exploiting the world wide web for cash, fame and feuds, but for now I can catch my breath. I can catch it because I know there are people at the top who can see through the bullshit and let the internet breathe freely.

Re: The skinny on obesity Erin Chesney Silhouette Staff

It’s too easy to blame all of society’s problems on the fat kid.

In the last edition of the Sil, Opinions Editor Andrew Terefenko wrote a compelling piece as to why Canadians should be outraged with the increasing rates of obesity. Although Andrew’s concerns are valid, I believe we are throwing around a lot of blame in the wrong places.

People love to accuse obese individuals for being the reason they are the way they are. It is so easy to assume that obesity is only caused by the type of food consumed, when in fact it is a much more multi-faceted issue. Yes, eating habits do play a significant role in one’s overall weight. However, a lot of people that are classified as ‘obese’ are usually suffering weightrelated diseases that they are born with. It’s not merely the junk that you judge them for snacking on that is causing them to gain weight, but more anatomical issues.

In some cases, an individual can exercise and eat healthy until their blue in the face, yet to you they will always be considered ‘fat’. Why do we judge someone based on a metabolism defect?

That brings me to my next point, which involves that ugly word that seems to have a profound impact on many of our lives: metabolism.

For some, such as myself, metabolism is diabolic. Every calorie consumed is accounted for on the scale, and to rid oneself of these pounds requires strenuous effort.

However, there is another type of metabolism that doesn’t get as much attention. People don’t tend to judge those who have the idealized ‘skinny’ image. Those people can feast on whatever his or her little heart desires and will not gain once ounce of fat. No gym, no effort. And nobody gives a look of disgust when someone with a Keira Knightly body inhales a Mars bar.

But just because someone has a thin frame does not necessarily mean they are healthy.

When you take away the beautiful exterior, who knows what kind of shape they’re actually in?

Yet, no one calls them responsible for ‘an epidemic.’

I know that I talk a lot of talk, but do I walk the walk? The answer is yes. Honestly, I can never say that I have ever been obese. I was always a little above average, but in a healthy range. However, by the end of first year, I had gained close to double the typical ‘freshman fifteen’.

But after a lot of work over the summer and a lot of support and encouragement from my parents, I was able to completely revitalize my lifestyle. I learned absolutely fabulous skills when making choices in regards to eating from a program I highly recommend called Weight Watchers. Also, I joined a gym and had a personal trainer twice a week. I am thankful that my parents also provided financial support, which made all these resources a lot easier to access.

However, I am aware that not every is as fortunate as me.

I believe it is unfair that Andrew criticizes those individuals who are “at ease with their bodies in any shape or size, rather than strive to change it all.” Now, I am not saying that change is bad and that we shouldn’t all aim to have healthy lifestyles.

My summer experience had incredible results, allowing me to completely redefine myself and to gain more confidence in every aspect of my life. However, change is hard. I would not have been able to accomplish what I did if it was not for an immense amount of self-motivation and motivation from others.

Not everyone has the access to this, and if they are comfortable with their self-image, who are we to judge?

INSIDE HEADTOHEAD The MacDebate co-presidents duke it out over the tenuous issue of Occupy Wall Street and other kinds of protesting.

Page A11

Feedback We ask students on campus how the internet factors into their daily lives.

Page A10

This Week in Opinions Bodystorming

Winter is coming

Prison swap

We are entering a new era where scientific theories are being interpreted through the classic medium of dance.

With the oncoming Arab winter, comes further challenges for the citizens who are fighting for their rights on a daily basis.

Swapping prisoners is often an all-too controversial political tool. With a release just behind us, we look at the consequences.

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Pg. A11

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Dance of the microorganism Brianna Smrke Silhouette Staff

In 1971, a group of Stanford science students tied balloons to their heads and interpreted protein synthesis through dance to a remixed version of “Jabberwocky”. In 1991, dancers in sumo suits, in collaboration with a University of Minnesota biomedical engineer David Odde, repeatedly collided in an abandoned gym to represent the collapse of protein microtubules.

Last year, Maureen McKeague, a Carleton University Ph.D student, won Science magazine’s “Dance Your Ph.D Contest” for illustrating DNA probe generation in time with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

Are these situations laughable?

Maybe. But there’s something pleasingly trippy about humanscale models of cellular processes, and, beyond that, something incredibly important. These kinds of tangible expressions, explorations and celebrations of science are bringing back a sense of wonder to a world where we’ve explained away magic. Dancing science lets us tap into rhythm that usually escapes our notice, an understanding of which can and should change how we look at the world.

Fundamentally, it is fun. The palpable enthusiasm of the dancers seems almost out of place in the context of science, where procedures, diagrams and schematics make dynamic processes seem static, even boring. Dance pulls at your body as much as it does your mind, but science is firmly based on passive observation. Researchers often cannot directly experience or influence the phenomena they study, so they simplify, reduce and deconstruct it.

In general, our society has moved that way – we’ve stopped using our bodies as an interface to interpret and connect to the world, instead developing technology to simulate and model it for us. Still, the mindset you get from moving as thinking is different, more free and dynamic, than any other.

It’s exactly this freedom – the looseness and flexibility of dancing and dance, that appears screamingly inconsistent with how we view science. And perhaps that’s the point.

Maybe these dances are expressing a part of science that we’ve lost, oppressed and left behind. With the imperfect, sometimes random movement of their bodies, the dancers show how from apparent chaos

– the mess of probabilities and randomness – there emerges a unified movement of organized life.

Whether explicitly choreographed, as with McKeague’s PhD, or through a more random flow of movement, as was the case of the sumo dancers, putting science on the stage allows it to be examined holistically. We can see the tension between order and chaos, appreciating how incredible it is that life happens at all, given that at any moment there are countless reactions, interactions and collisions occurring all around us at scales we can never perceive.

Dance magnifies these unseen worlds of action, bringing us closer to grasping all parts of our environment. Modelling our cells with ourselves is almost like beginning an infinite loop, self-referencing, which might continue to infinity.

Who can say that we’re not cells inside a much larger entity that’s actually modelling us too? Whether infinitely looped or not, dancing fosters this broad thinking, making tangible the connections between ourselves, our cells and our world.

At the very least, the broader perspective and sense of wonder that come with dancing science could drive people to view the natural world with a more accurate conception of the seemingly contradictory messy order of life on a tiny scale.

This type of thinking can help shape better questions and more elegant experiments. Odde, the University of Minnesota biomedical engineer, was surprised by how much watching people-sized protein microtubules interact informed his research.

Not only are human-scale models more responsive than a computer program, scientists have the chance to become part of the simulation – brainstorming is elevated into bodystorming.

Dancers, meanwhile, have a similar opportunity to learn. In the best possible formulation of this collaboration, the art isn’t subordinate to the science. If art is an attempt to connect the human and natural worlds, these types of dances can do exactly that – helping to connect the world we can experience with the world we inhabit.

There is opportunity for ideas from both worlds to mix – procedures informing choreography, routines shaping experimental controls.

The challenge of communicating ideas from artist to scientist

“When I was but a discarded ball of slime in my mother’s belch pail, I had no outlet for voicing my thoughts on the importance of picking up strong swimming skills in past lives.

Thanks to the e-mail I sent to opinions@thesil.ca, I can now properly educate the rest of my hovel in matters such as responsible mischief and proper pail maintenance.”

-”Vomit” Green Goblin

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

When science and dance collide, everyone wins. Except the guy with the tube of corrosive acid. can push both to new and exciting areas of thought. Dancing science brings each discipline closer to its core purpose – helping us interpret and understand ourselves and our world. It’s for this reason that science and dance need to collide more regularly.

Whether that means bringing jazz shoes to your next titration or a pipette to a mosh pit, we can start to bring back wonder to a world without magic.

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

The Arab winter is almost here Shashanth Shetty The Silhouette

It was a raucous display in Toronto today.

Legions of the disaffected stoically rallied against the corporations that are so fundamental to the ruin that perpetuates their lives.

Yes, this historic and noteworthy event, known as “Occupy Toronto”, drew not only the bored and the apathetic, but also the mildly annoyed, the slightly beleaguered and the somewhat disadvantaged. It adequately set up the backdrop for what is to be a truly momentous clash of the classes, with the poor and the provoked finally triumphing against the greedy and evil capitalists! Huzzah!

But this will not be their story. Indeed, this may be the farthest thing from their story. As a conceited bunch of middle-class suburbanites march in on Toronto, a different set of people, with a wholly different set of goals, begin their march on Tahrir square, a contrast that more or less sums up the comical difference between the West and the rest.

While we here seem to be protesting simply for the sake of protesting, the masses gathered in Cairo tonight are protesting for the right to agitate without being physically assaulted or jailed, the right to have a democratic system of governance and the right to not be treated as second-class citizens simply for belonging to a different religion. In comparison, the motley crew of fad-seeking students, debt-stricken adults, and anti-corporate liberals that make up the “Occupy Toronto” protest seem almost silly.

It hasn’t been easy for them, of course.

This week will mark the ten-month anniversary since the beginning of the Egyptian protests, a period that can be described as tumultuous, at best. Egyptians had to deal with violent suppression when the protests began, followed by the relatively peaceful ousting of Mubarak, followed by the takeover of the seemingly benevolent armed forces, followed by the realization that the army may not have been as kind as once presumed.

Now, as October nears its end, Egypt is once again slipping into violence, with the Egyptian army brutally stifling any dissent from the populace and communal bloodshed becoming more and more commonplace, especially between majority Muslims and minority Coptic Christians.

It’s a problem that’s currently being echoed throughout the Arab world. The socalled Arab Spring, the inspirational tale of how the Middle East was regaining its free-

dom, has turned into a nightmare. As November and December approach, the Arab Spring has turned into the Arab winter, with very little to show for it. Libya’s situation has evolved from a minor revolt to a full-fledged civil war, with final death tolls estimated around 25,000.

Although Ghadaffi has been ousted, the sole change in authority has been the transfer of power from Ghaddaffi’s clan in the west, to the opposition clan in the east. There has been no indication from the National Transitional Council, the fighters who are currently in control, that there will be any move to democracy. Further to the north, in Yemen and Bahrain, bona fide citizen movements have been brutally suppressed by the ruling government elite, with little or no condemnation from Western powers.

Lastly, the Syrian government, which has been in the news a lot lately, is still actively waging war with it’s own citizens in a bid to maintain it’s dictatorial status. With Syria being When compared to protests in the east, the raucous rebellions on our soil seem almost tame. propped up by Russia and China in the U.N., there is very little the extent, of those in the U.S. as well. To me, Their motivation, too, is just as bogus.

West can do there. Still, the people of Syria they’re not really genuine protests. They’re It comes not from seeing yet another loved actively continue to revolt, an act of rebellion just happenings driven by teenagers and one get shot, or from seeing their rights being that has cost them 3,000 of their own friends young adults desperately looking to be part trampled; it comes from a selfish desire to and family. of a movement, by people who will never be noticed, to be appreciated, to seem as Other Arab countries, once the site of really stand for anything. though they are “doing the right thing.” As massive protests, saw the mobs diminish Those involved will never be in danger their phony parade draws to a close, they’ll after rulers granted them minor concessions. of anything more then being hosed by the go back home to their warm beds and pat There seems to be a sense of melancholy in police. They’ll never have to worry about themselves on the back for having been brave much of the Arab world tonight, and increas- being dragged away in the night by agents of enough to face down “the Man”. They’ll ingly, a perpetual sense of defeat, as well. the government. They’ll never be shot or tor- forget their “cause” as soon as they’ve upStill, the people involved in these protests tured. Rest assured, if there was a chance that loaded their pictures to Facebook or Twitter. refuse to give in, and keep on marching. any of them were in danger of anything more They’ll move on.

You can see, then, why I am so cynical of then a paper cut, none of them would be out Half way around the world, moving on is the protests going on in Toronto and, to some there protesting to begin with. not an option.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Voters need not bother

The quantity of voters is not the problem, but the system is too broken for our votes

Rob Hardy

Silhouette Staff

The end of the election two weeks ago brought about days of articles debating the merits of the results, as well as the importance of getting out and voting because it is our civic duty.

The problem is that this rhetoric has been diluted over the years into something hopelessly naïve. While the spirit of such newspaper editorials is admirable and may, in the case of the Silhouette, reach out to the younger generation to get involved with politics, there is much that is incomplete in the analysis.

Civic duty is indeed important. However, the idea that voting is our prime contribution to civic life is completely and utterly false. It is merely the final act of a much larger process, as well as a start to a new cycle of action. Civic duty, through which each citizen remains engaged in politics and actively participates in some niche of public life, is an ongoing initiative. It requires an obligation to know what is going on in your community, to be able to name some of your MPs and to have some contextual understanding of how policies on a provincial and national level correlate to the global world.

This can be accomplished any number of ways, but the bottom line is that whether or not politics bores you, it affects most aspects of your life. By the time we get to election day, whether you vote or not, if you really don’t have a clue who’s running and what the implications are, you’re not going to have a confident take on things – especially if your sole source of information is commercials, which are best ignored.

There is another way to look at these things. Mathematically speaking, unless the results are very close, adding another million voters into the mix is probably not going to change the outcome of the winner anyhow. Whether we had 49 per cent voter turnout or 79 per cent, the names on the ballots were the same and the Green Party was never going to have won a majority.

This makes one ponder that it is actually not the parties we need to be voting on at all, but rather an overhaul of the political system in which parties function, which is a major reason voters have become so apathetic. For example, when amalgamation was forced onto Hamilton, many of the suburbs opposed it, even years later. The fact that the majority of citizens are not in favour of amalgamation was confirmed in 2003, when the City of Kawartha Lakes held a referendum vote in which most citizens voted to de-amalgamate.

Caught off guard, it was announced that despite the money spent on the referendum, the result would not be honoured. As a result, these referenda were halted because the provincial government refused to take into account our voice on such matters.

This is but one example that illustrates the economic and residual effects politics has on your life.

The news will rarely connect the dots for you. It is your responsibility to see the correlations for yourself.

It seems to be the stance of Canadians at times to politely not say anything and endure that which we feel we cannot change. Not exercising your vote, or your civic duty in other ways, assures your agreement with the status quo.

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

?

“Family, friends, school, internet, is where it stands. I can make do without food and water, but not internet.”

How important is the internet in your life?

-Ranya Hasso, Life-Sci IV

Feedback

“Really important. It connects me to my social life, and it’s another way to bring school home with me.”

-Robert Beaudoin, Commerce II

“Connects me to research projects and tools. Such a useful thing to have access to.”

-Matthew Lewarne, Commerce II

“Very important. 100 per cent. It’s all based on internet for me, my life that is.”

-Jay Visweswaran, Business I

Compiled by Andrew Terefenko and Ricardo Padilla

“Beyond important. I’m on it when I’m not asleep, essentially.

-Ralph Conforti, Commerce IV

On the MSU

Despite differing views on its purpose, there’s hope for our union The ideas expressed in this article are not expressly those of the Silhouette.

Chris Erl

The Silhouette

What is this students union, this vast collection of ideas and opinions and hopes?

This very question is the centre of a debate that rages throughout our MSU without purpose. It is really the question of what the organization is and should be.

The prevailing view, one that has been the standard since the mid 1990s, is that we are a corporation, a body meant for the provision of services and the act of lobbying alone. In addition to these establishment sentiments, there is a strong minority of parliamentarians who see the organization as a government, meant to represent above all.

And then there is the growing movement of activists and idealists, students who see this organization as one dedicated to fighting for its membership, who pay it dues each year in return for a voice. A single voice, rising high above the million other noises on our campus. A Union.

There are the peculiarities associated with the word ‘union’ that people automatically think of. The word conjures images of the oft-demonized Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), a national lobbying group that the MSU helped found, but broke away from in 1997. Said body is contrasted with our current lobbying group, the Ontario

Undergraduate Student Alliance or OUSA, which is cast in a much more favourable light on our campus.

‘Union’ is a word that is associated with strikes, protests, social movements, negotiations, stances on issues and fighting for marginalized people. Such ideas are unpalatable to some with certain political views, or to those who see such actions as best undertaken by others.

I can provide my commentary on the situation, in that I find myself embroiled in the debate on a daily basis. I sit on the Student Representative Assembly, the chief governing body of the MSU. Few people, save an SRA insider or two, know about the finer points of the Assembly. This is indeed sad, in that each full-time undergrad pays approximately $440 into the organization each year.

Regardless, I entered the MSU looking to represent students to the best of my abilities. After a few months, I came to see that the only way to do that was to take a stand on the issues that students face daily.

Money is pumped into the military instead of university campuses while homophobia, racism and sexism each destroy the social fabric of our diverse community, and students who rely on public transit face poor service and few improvements.

I have the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated activists from • PLEASE SEE UNION, A11

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

HEADTOHEAD

SUMEET KHANNA Co-President, McMaster Debating Society

AND

VN: Right now, we find ourselves witnessing perhaps the closest example of what Marx foresaw when he wrote that the proletariat masses would one day come together to protest against the rich bourgeoisie. However, there is one significant difference: the movement lacks true class consciousness and unity. During the G20 protests in Toronto, the streets were divided between two groups. The first was a group of violent rioters who loitered the streets and vandalized the city, causing a great deal of damage to the local economy.

(Many small, independent businesses had to be shut down for the weekend.) The second group were citizens who protested against the rioters. It attempted to show that not everyone who advocates for justice and civil liberties carries out their actions in an appropriate manner. This occurred once again during the London Riots; there was an overwhelmingly underrepresented group of people who supported the police and organized themselves into cleaning groups. The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) protests, which include the many similar movements across the globe, have now divided themselves into the “We are the 53 per cent (or 51 per cent)” and the “We are the 99 per cent” movements. In the first group are those who feel that it is the responsibility of individuals to advance their social mobility through work. Those in the second group feel there will never be an opportunity to advance under current corporate structures. No fragmented movement can create enough of an impact to serve the purpose that unites them all: equality and justice.

Compiled in cooperation with McMaster Debating Society

SK: There is a systematic problem with the global economy. Large corporations, like those found on Wall Street, fund the politicians that regulate them, evade conviction for their criminal behaviours and block alternative forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil. They hold unrestrained political power over governments around the world and espouse a crony capitalism that serves their interests, rather than the interests of the other 99 per cent. Violetta points to the history of violence in recent protests. Recognize, though, that Occupy Toronto has issued several public statements urging protesters to practice non-violence. The movement is striving to maintain public legitimacy via peaceful protests. Indeed, the arrests that have recently been made in the New York movement have come from curfew and traffic violations – hardly violent in my opinion. Violetta also worries about the fragmented nature of the movement, but fails to see the value that this holds. OWS has launched a global conversation that will, in the coming months and years, mediate differing points of view and produce balanced, progressive policy initiatives. Perhaps OWS is fragmented, but it does have overarching goals. It highlights several issues,

VIOLETTA NIKOLSKAYA

DEBATE: Is protesting an effective method of combatting injustice, or do the various drawbacks distort the larger message?

Co-President, McMaster Debating Society

including the corruption of Wall Street, the failure of the government to regulate the system, and the power abuse carried out by law enforcement bodies worldwide.

VN: These “overarching” goals are so vast and so different between countries and groups and cities that they will fail to be recognized and accepted by the globalized corporations they aim to change.

One solid voice with specific, global goals would be an effective way to deal with the problems rooted in globalization. Discourse is clearly important, but there is too much fragmentation for this movement to be effective. Sumeet still avoided to recognize that these “legitimate” protests – by disrupting local economies, for example – have had negative effects on the people they have claimed to fight for. In the last month, many stores in New York have found it difficult to stay open with the threat of a possible riot. Many protesters have stated that they feel their voice has not been heard by the government. Perhaps if they Occupied Capitol Hill, someone would address their concerns. A protest of this form is a demonstration of groupthink and shows a lack of clear direction.

The discourse should be taken not to the streets, but instead inside of the organizations that can shape policies, in Congress, the Senate and so on.

The protesters should exercise their democratic rights rather than their vocal cords.

SK: Violetta hasn’t backed her assumption that small businesses will be hurt. In fact, Occupy Vancouver gave a boost to the local economy over the weekend. But even if she is correct, the potential losses caused by these protests does not size up to the amount of damage caused by government policies that favour larger corporations over small businesses. And the accusation that these protests lack vision is slightly ironic. Everyone is hyper-aware that this is a flaw in the movement, which has in fact stimulated a discussion on how to mobilize action-oriented agendas. Take for example the goals voiced by Ottawa-based, non-profit organization Democracy Watch. The group has suggested that protesters support 15 key measures that have been endorsed by over 140 citizen groups across Canada for the past decade, including a call for increased financial and legal penalties for corporate criminality. The dialogue starts here. These groups have tried to talk to Washington, to Ottawa and to London for decades and have been routinely ignored. The beauty of these protests is that they gather these varying groups and form larger and stronger collaborative think tanks. The WTO Seattle protests brought together labour unions, human rights activists, small business owners and global networks that collaborated on new policy initiatives. Those

protests lasted one day. Imagine what potential OWS holds.

VN: Let us not paint the WTO Seattle protest as a sunny afternoon; it was a riot. Protesters were sprayed with pepper spray. But most importantly, the lead up to that protest was different. One element of the success was the democratic lobbying at the local level that secured Seattle’s title as a Multilateral Agreement on InvestmentFree Zone. Change will happen in government and policy-making institutions. The Tea Party has done more for their cause then this protest ever will for the hundreds of individuals loitering around that New York park. The Tea Party movement originally began with a group of angry citizens who were fed up with the way that the government runs. The way they dealt with their anger was by mobilizing themselves into a political group. Regardless of one’s own opinion on the Tea Party, it must be recognized that a moving from obscurity to being represented as a sub-group of the Republican Party is no ordinary feat. Sumeet continues to emphasize the OWS goals, called the Principles of Solidarity, which call for a variety of solutions and eventual progress. This cannot be achieved over a microphone. It must be done within the government. The first of the principles even promotes “Engaging in direct and transparent participatory democracy.” In order to stop corporate influence on our civil servants and representatives, we must find ourselves in the political discourse, not outside the chambers.

SK: It’s curious that Violetta uses the Tea Party as an example, because the Tea Party as a populist movement began with local, then national protests. A few things can be said in response to Violetta’s comments. First, it is not the responsibility of protesters to draft legislation. Our political leaders are paid to do this, and it is their job to address these protests. Second, OWS is a protest against a system. The status quo operates within a corrupt framework that must be undermined as a whole. OWS has called for a reconceptualization of the way we handle the economy en masse, and if it is given time to grow and solidify, politicians will be forced to respond. If you examine the Nationalist Movement in India, the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and SecondWave Feminism, you’ll see that they all began by challenging people to re-think normative, oppressive ideologies that were implicit in the way society functioned. Once government leaders became aware of the scope of injustice, they began to implement change at the legislative and judicial levels. OWS can do the same. If we can muster the courage to seize the opportunity that OWS presents, change is possible.

Prison swaps are dirty business Union not Mozafer Rajabali The Silhouette

Prisoner swaps have been at the center of many political ploys – none more exaggerated than the one between Israel and Palestine.

Late Friday evening, the political group of Hamas, which currently runs the Gaza strip, will release a number of Palestinians in what is dubbed “phase one” of two phases that will take place this year. In it, 477 prisoners who are illegally prisoned within Israeli borders will be either sent to Gaza, kept in Jerusalem or will be sent abroad.

Of course, Palestinians are joyful to finally receive some sort of compensation from the Israeli authorities. Israel, on the other hand, after much political pressure, will in exchange receive their much loved, though unsung hero, Gilad Shalit.

Shalit was captured in the summer of 2006

by Hamas militants (or soldiers, depending on which side you’re on) and has been held

by Hamas in an unknown location ever since.

U.S. president Obama, Isreal’s prime minister Netanyahu and French president Sarkozy can use his name repeatedly in speeches, going on about a young, oppressed individual who was Gilad Shalit has been released from his international custody at long last. wrongfully kidnapped. But, at the end of the day, they tend to forget those hundreds if not thousands of people something that stirred a lot of emotions. The hunger strike seems to stuck in Israeli prisons. Then again, politics is a dirty game. have borne fruit and will soon reunite families.

The young Israeli-French soldier was either captured for illegal- However, with all the good that will be brought about by the ly trespassing, as Hamas will tell you, or was sincerely fulfilling his prisoner exchange, Hamas’ authorities are not fully satisfied, as they national rights, as Israel will tell you. Whatever the case, he will be were hoping to retrieve back some of their top brass. It seems as seeing his people again. And to think that he was bait for 477 Pales- though Israel has only agreed to release one senior Hamas official. tinians, he probably is making his country proud.

This could be a peace offering – though knowing Netanyahu A while back, at the United Nations Security Council, Palestin- and Israel, it seems unlikely they are willing to settle with this. What ian president Mahmoud Abbas stressed the issue of prisoners that is probably occurring is that the immense political pressure felt by were illegally caught and held in Israel. The issue has come to the Israel after events in recent months, the tide is finally beginning to forefront, with agencies like Amnesty International showing that not turn. How far this tide goes and who benefits from it is up to the only are they illegally held, but they are also treated badly. Only a players in the game – not to mention the masses coming out in the few weeks ago, Palestinians in Israel were under a hunger strike – Middle East right now. The people’s voices might just be heard.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

just a fiveletter word

• CONT’D FROM A10 every community on campus who, this year, found themselves on the SRA, ready and eager to fight for what is right. We have quickly realized, though, that there is only one way we will be able to fight for every member of the MSU. That is by reasserting our role as a students union.

We have done that in ways that have not been attempted in a generation. We passed an anti-oppression policy to tackle discrimination on campus. We are working on lobbying for better public transit, including Light Rail Transit and improved HSR service. Our tireless Operations Committee is looking to implement a sweat-shop free policy, while the External Affairs Committee is busy drafting policies on important issues that are specific to our campus.

We cannot do this alone. This is still our union. The policies we are working on will better our situation on campus and uphold the promise we made in our constitution to “draw into a true society all students at McMaster University,” so we all deserve a say in how they are constructed and implemented. Express your opinions to your representatives, write letters to the Sil, post on MacInsiders and talk to your friends about your opinions on what the MSU is doing for you.

What is this organization? It’s what we make it. One thing, though, is for certain.

There is, this year, abundant hope in this union.

A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

S1 • THE SILHOUETTE

The Silhouette

SPORTS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Mac powers past the Laurier Golden Hawks by a score of 26-5 in Waterloo.

Details on S3.

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

BLUES BLANKED AT BACK 10

WOMEN’S SOCCER A last minute strike secures a 1-0 win over Brock at Ron Joyce. See S2.

GOLF

The Marauders cruise past the Varsity Blues for the second time on the season to coast into the OUA semifinals by a score of 48-0. Details on S3.

Mark Young claims Mac’s home Invitational after a round of 68.

Details on S8.

S2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Women’s Soccer

Men’s Volleyball

Ugly win brings needed points

Mac readies to defend OUA crown

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Kirsten Lowe and the Marauders eked out a last minute win at Ron Joyce on Oct. 14.

Fraser Caldwell the match, it appeared that a score- keeper Brittany Duffey said that the Sports Editor less draw was on the cards, as both conditions were nothing new for sides lacked the firepower to threat- she and her teammates.

It was hardly a pretty victory, but en the goal.

“It’s not the first time at this late stage in their conference But in injury time, Mc- we’ve played in that kind of condischedule the Marauders will take Master ensured a full three points tion, so I think we were used to it at three points however they can get and heartbreak for the visitors as that stage,” argued Duffey. them. forward Natalie Kollars got a head “Of course it wasn’t the

On Oct. 14, the Maraud- to a free kick from midfield general best game of soccer, but I think we ers welcomed the Brock Badgers to Mel van der Hoop and directed it coped well and so did they.

Ron Joyce Stadium, and contested home for the dramatic winner.

“Really, being in front of a match under less than optimal The 1-0 victory was the our fans helped to give us that extra weather conditions. third consecutive win for the Ma- push that we needed.”

With the on-pitch tem- rauders, and solidified their hold on A theme that has reocperature low, wind gusting strongly, third place in the OUA’s West Divi- curred for the McMaster squad and intermittent rain showers pelt- sion. throughout their season is one of ing the players, the quality of play While the weather un- raising and lowering their standard on offer was understandably low. doubtedly affected the standard of of play to match that of their oppo For the vast majority of play on Oct. 14, Marauder goal- nents, for better and worse.

Duffey agrees that such a trend was on display on Oct. 14.

“I think that was at work a little bit,” said the second-year keeper.

“When we play teams like Brock I think we do tend to bring down our level. It did show a bit on Friday, and I think we played hard but we didn’t play as well as we could have.”

One constant in the Marauders’ recent winning streak has been their sterling defensive record, which has seen Duffey claim four shutouts in the team’s last five matches. For her part, the Marauder keeper attributes the clean sheets to a growing understanding amongst she and her defenders.

“If I didn’t have the support of the team, I wouldn’t have confidence in net, and I wouldn’t play as well as I could,” said Duffey.

“I really have to commend the defence because we’ve had some tough times but we’ve worked through them and started to communicate better.”

With only two games remaining on their conference schedule, the Marauders will play their final home game on Oct. 21 against the Waterloo Warriors.

Duffey explains that the time is right for a tight game, as Waterloo comes in riding the high of beating the nation’s best and their cross-town rivals from Laurier.

“I think they [Waterloo] will come out with some real confidence,” said the Marauder keeper. “We just have to stay mentally prepared and play our game. Right now, our team is pretty confident.

“If we just keep the momentum that we have, it’ll be a good game.”

The Marauders will look to build on that momentum with a win against the Warriors, which would stand them in good stead for their season-ending clash with the Laurier Golden Hawks in Waterloo.

Game time for the Oct. 21 clash at Ron Joyce is 6 p.m.

Fraser Caldwell Sports Editor

It’s been an eventful preseason for the Marauders, and one chalked full of high-profile competition.

For their part, the members of the Maroon and Grey will be hoping that such preparation puts them in good stead as they face up to the beginning of their conference campaign on Oct. 21.

The defending OUA champions have tested the waters against some of the toughest squads in the nation as they look to fend off the challengers for their provincial crown.

Those teams included the national champions from Trinity Western and provincial rival Windsor Lancers, before the Marauders closed their exhibition schedule at the Coast-to-Coast Classic tournament at Queen’s.

The inaugural event served as an opportunity for many of Canada’s strongest volleyball powers to acclimatize themselves with Kingston and the venue that will host this season’s CIS Championship tournament.

In an eight-team field, McMaster would finish sixth after finishing 1-2 in the three-stage event.

The first knockout match saw the Marauders lose a four-set decision to the UBC Thunderbirds and drop into the consolation rounds.

Here, the Maroon and Grey dealt a straight-set defeat to the Montreal Carabins, before losing the fifth-place match in five seesaw sets to the Western Mustangs.

Despite the mixed results, the Marauders’ veteran outside hitter Kevin Stevens was adamant that the Kingston tournament was a positive experience for he and his teammates.

• PLEASE SEE MARAUDERS, S7

THE SILHOUETTE • S3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Men’s Rugby

Women’s Rugby

Mac stifled in London

Marauders blow away Toronto

Mustangs hold Marauders to a single penalty convert in 19-3 victory Maggie Cogger-Orr Silhouette Staff

On a grey dreary day and muddy and slick field, the Marauders could not weather the Mustang storm.

The McMaster men’s rugby team fell to a hearty Western Mustangs team 19-3 on Oct. 15.

Western, aiming to avenge their last lost to McMaster in the 2010 OUA Finals, came out hard and immediately pinned the maroon and grey inside their 22-metre line.

Some staunch tackling and defensive pressure would see the Marauders force the Mustangs out to the centre of the pitch following some hard work by the forward pack.

Western would keep on coming in the opening half and the Marauders would continue to defend their line with impressive vigour and aggression. Craig Leveridge, in just his second game at flyhalf with the team, would use his boot to clear the end a few times and relieve some of the pressure.

When they did have the ball in hand, McMaster’s quick ‘go forward’ attack with their powerful pack would wreak havoc amongst the Mustang defence, causing them to take numerous penalties on the day.

One of the penalties would lead to Andrew Ferguson’s penalty kick which would stand as the Marauders’ only points on the day and give them a 3-0 lead.

Slippery conditions favoured the Marauders throughout the first 40 minutes, as the lethal Mustang backline would be forced into handling errors.

The tight game plan that both teams would turn to as a result of the pouring rain would show the dominance of the McMaster pack, including Man of the Match Cam Stones.

The consistent pressure their 22-metre line would cause the Marauders to take penalties and after several calls going

against them within a few minutes, senior player Will Long was given a yellow card.

Led by the fearless Mike Sheppard, the maroon and grey would work even harder to hold up the Western offence and would put enough pressure on them at scrum time to get out of their immediate red zone.

The Mustangs would look to the foot many times throughout the day but the McMaster back three of Grant Schneider, Mike Paris and Chris Gordon would be up for the challenge.

Paris in particular had several great counters to get the Marauders out of trouble.

Unfortunately for the Marauders, their opponents would finally break through to open the second half with Conor Trainor, who recently returned from representing Canada at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, touching down. Western would convert to take a 7-3 lead.

The try would take the wind out of McMaster’s sails as Western used the momentum shift and immediately broke the line off the ensuing kickoff.

The resulting lineout would see some skilled play by the Mustang back line eventually result in a try after a lengthy injury delay, putting Western up 12-3.

As the game wore on, emotions would come to a boil with one of the Marauders being penalized following a skirmish after a whistle.

Western would capitalize after freshman Lucas Balkovic picked off a McMaster pass for a try of his own.

In spite of the disappointing result, there were some huge positives for McMaster. Their area of weakness thus far this year, their defensive structure and individual tackling, was far improved on the day.

If the Maroon and Grey can keep this up, they have the potential to challenge first and second place teams Western and Queens come playoff time.

The team’s next challenge comes on Oct. 21, as they travel to Guelph to take on the Gryphons.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Veteran Natasha Turner ran roughshod over the Varsity Blues on Oct. 15. for the Marauders, with Maggie Cogger-Orr taking charge with two tries of her own to push to lead to 19-0. Kim Ngai capped off The McMaster Marauders are off the to the half with a score of her own, and the OUA semifinals in spectacular fashion.

Maroon and Grey took a 24-0 lead into half The women’s rugby squad domi- time. nated in cold and rainy conditions Back Ten The second half began with 20 minField on Oct. 15, crushing the Toronto Varsi- utes of back-and-forth play, as both teams ty Blues 48-0. The victory marks the team’s were handicapped by high winds and rain. first shutout of the season, and earns them a The Marauders would finally break through spot in the provincial semifinals against the as Turner ran for two tries in ten minutes.

Brock Badgers.

• PLEASE SEE BLUES, S5

Natasha Turner opened the scoring Ben Orr

Silhouette Staff

THE SILHOUETTE • S4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Football

Mac clips Golden Hawks’ wings On a five-game win streak, the Marauders prepare to host Ottawa

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Rookie running back Christopher Pezzetta, who started the season as a back up, leads the Marauders with 400 yards. peratures created less-than-ideal conditions for either team to develop any sort of aerial attack. With both squads also struggling to Passes wobbled through the air, receivers make any headway on the ground, the promdropped footballs that would normally be ised offensive matchup quickly turned into a caught and special teams play was interest- gritty battle against both opponents and the ing to say the least as the Marauders looked elements – a battle Mac would prevail in, to continue their win streak in Waterloo on defeating Laurier 25-6 and moving to 6-1 on Oct. 15. the season.

Touted as the matchup of the two Kyle Quinlan led the Mac offence premier passing offences in the OUA, the with 230 passing and a touchdown. Mike Saturday contest against the Laurier Golden DiCroce’s fifth touchdown of the year gave Hawks was supposed to feature highlight Mac a 10-point lead late in the third quarter reel performances from the quarterbacks and they would not relinquish, and Chris Pezzetreceivers on both teams. ta put the icing on the cake with a one-yard

However, rain, wind and frigid tem- TD run with less than a minute left.

Brandon Meawasige Assistant Sports Editor

DiCroce’s catch was the only touchdown reception of the quasi-apocalyptic day, of note considering the game featured the CIS total passing yards leader in Hawks QB Shane Kelly and the yards per game leader in Quinlan.

The Mac defence, which once again showcased its talent in the secondary, picked off Kelly twice, including a massive snag in the end zone by Mike Daly, his CISleading fifth of the year. The other pick was nabbed by Joey Cupido, playing in his first game after returning from injury.

Holding an opposing team to less than ten points for the second time this season, Coach Stefan Ptaszek’s defensive unit

can attribute their big game to shutting down the Laurier receiving core.

Combined, Shamawd Chambers and Dillon Heap, two of the conference’s top receivers, managed only 10 receptions for 94 yards and no touchdowns, a result that was far less dominant than that of the expected passing clinic.

By the final whistle, the Marauders had se cured a convincing victory, extending their win streak to five games in a row and solidifying their place in the OUA standings. It was also the first victory for the team while visiting Laurier in 10 seasons.

With a record of 6-1, McMaster currently sits second in the OUA behind the undefeated Western Mustangs (7-0) who handed McMaster their first and only loss of the season thus far back on Sept. 10.

The Mustangs have established themselves not only as the front-runner for the Yates Cup, but for the Vanier Cup as well. The most recent CIS top-ten rankings feature UWO at the top spot with McMaster also receiving national attention, ranking no.

6 in the country.

Now on the doorstep of the playoffs, the Marauders have a chance to earn a first-round bye with a win against Ottawa in the season’s last game.

The Gee-gees could also earn a playoff bye with a win as they visit McMaster currently tied for third place in the OUA. Ottawa’s squad brings with it the dazzling duo of quarterback Aaron Colbon, who is the conference’s second leading passer and Simon La Marquand, who trails only Mac’s DiCroce in receiving yardage.

However, unlike Laurier, the Geegees have a serious threat on the ground with running back Brian Gillanders sitting third in OUA rushing and backup Franck Ngandui also in the top ten.

McMaster’s defence appears to be up to the task of stopping these threats. The unit has held their last two opponents to 20 points while the offence scored 75 in those games.

The season-ending contest will kick off at 1 p.m. Coverage of the game can be seen on Hamilton’s Cable 14 or heard on campus radio CMFU 93.3.

THE SILHOUETTE • S5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Women’s Rugby

Blues unable to pose challenge • CONT’D FROM S3

Ngai and Emily Ricketts added insurance as Turner converted on a kick for the first time on the day, much to the delight of the McMaster sideline.

The convert was to be the last play of the game, as a relieved Turner raised her hands with the referee’s whistle, mercifully ending a dominating performance by the Marauders.

Following his team’s win, Cam Mitchell spoke about how it felt to claim his first playoff victory as a rookie head coach.

“It was a bit of a relief,” said Mitchell. “I knew that Toronto wouldn’t be the same team we played before and I think they came out with a bit more flash out wide, but the conditions really helped us and we were able to handle it.

“I’m very happy. This is the first game of the year in which we haven’t allowed any points, so that was very big for us.”

The defensive performance was clearly important to a team that has dominated on offence all season long, but had yet to earn a shut out.

“Going forward we want to keep doing this,” Mitchell remarked. “We know we’re going to have a lot better opposition to face. So it’s about doing the same things we’ve been doing, just a little sharper because the opposition is going to be better.”

The coach praised the performance of two defenders in particular.

“We played tons of defence and Lindsay Turner made some very big tackles, as well as Stephanie Baron, who came in as a substitute for us.”

Mitchell also spoke about the consistency he has instilled in his team.

“We’ve basically done the same thing we’ve done all year. For defence we didn’t have any little mistakes, so we didn’t give away any points, so that was the biggest thing we can take away from this game.”

The Marauders defeated the Varsity Blues 68-7 during the regular season. When asked if it was difficult to keep in team playing at a high intensity, knowing they had won so easily just weeks previously, Mitchell praised his squad’s focus.

“Once the game started, I didn’t worry at all. In practice this week I was wor-

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Team captain Maggie Cogger-Orr had 16 points on two tries and three converts in the win against Toronto. ried we wouldn’t be quite as intense coming in but I think the women proved me wrong with that,” said Mitchell.

Adding to the playoff atmosphere, the match was played in harsh conditions, which led to difficulty moving the ball and offensive errors.

“I think if anything [the weather] favoured us because we’re definitely stronger in the forwards. They tried to run some stuff out wide that may have been a little easier if it had been better weather but overall it wasn’t a huge factor for either of these teams.”

Mitchell’s post-game message to his team was simple.

“I just told them that I was very happy with their game, happy we did not allow any points and that we still had a lot of work to do to prepare for the next two weeks,” said Mitchell.

Next, the Marauders will take on the Brock Badgers, who scraped by the Waterloo Warriors 13-0 in triple-overtime.

After two overtime periods solved nothing, the third overtime was played in the form of penalty kicks, with the Badgers converting on their final kick for the victory.

Coach Mitchell and the Marauders will not change anything in preparation for what is a relatively unknown opponent.

“We haven’t seen them in a couple years because they’re in the other division, but we expect them to be similar to most of the teams we’ve played,” said Mitchell.

“We’re not going to change anything specifically, we’ll just play our system and we’ll attack where ever we see them being vulnerable on the field.”

That OUA semifinal will be played on Oct. 22 at 12 p.m. on Mac’s Back Ten Field.

S6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Men’s Soccer

Ridgebacks foil Marauders again try and finish. It wasn’t so much a matter of slack on our part. But it was too bad because it came after a nice 5-0 win at home.

So those are points we would have loved to have.”

The UOIT draw reinforces the growing notion that the Marauders may unwittingly be tailoring their play to their opponents, as they famously played up to the level of the national champion York Lions, and have disastrously dropped their level of play against lesser opponents such as the Ridgebacks.

When asked whether he believed that his squad was guilty of playing down to the Oshawa-based team over the weekend, Costa suggests that results seem to speak for themselves.

“On a personal level, I know that I don’t, and it doesn’t seem like we do on the collective level,” said the captain. “But having said that, if we played up to York and came away with a victory, that’s the level that needs to be brought every time. If we can knock off the number one team in the country, why can’t we do that to everyone else?

“Sometimes it’s not that easy, because the ball doesn’t bounce your way. In our mindset I don’t think we play down to teams, but on the field sometimes maybe you relax and assume that you’ll score, and then the 90th minute rolls around and you haven’t.”

With the playoffs only two matches away, and the Marauders practically assured of a home quarterfinal, Costa is adamant that his squad needs only to maintain their current form and attitude to succeed.

“Things are looking up, and we’ve Mark Reilly and the Marauders once again failed to break down the UOIT defence on Oct. 16 and tied 0-0. just got to stay sharp and keep our feet on the Fraser Caldwell had handily beaten the Brock Badgers by a end matches, team captain Anthony Costa ground,” said the fifth-year senior. “Because Sports Editor 5-0 score at Ron Joyce only two days prior. argued that the Oct. 16 result was less a if we play our game and think the way we

The four points garnered over the product of a lack of effort than a simple lack have, then I don’t think we’ll have a probIf the Marauders were looking for a nemesis, course of the weekend maintained McMas- of a cutting edge in front of goal. lem.” they seem to have found one in the unlikely ter’s position in second place in the OUA “It was unlucky,” Costa said of Costa and his teammates will have form of the UOIT Ridgebacks.

West standings, and convinced CIS voters to the result. “I mean, it’s the worst pitch in the opportunity to close their season in style

Having held the high-powered of- move the Maroon and Grey up a spot to sixth the league but there are no excuses, we still this coming weekend, as they welcome the fence of the Maroon and Grey off the score in the national top ten. didn’t play our game. We had to vary from Waterloo Warriors to Ron Joyce Stadium on sheet earlier this season en route to a 0-0 But the Marauders are naturally un- our possession style that we use well against Oct. 21, before travelling to Laurier to take draw, the OUA West doormats repeated the happy to have managed only a single point teams. on the Golden Hawks in their final regular feat on their home turf on Oct. 16. against the OUA’s worst team for a second “We had to play a little more direct season tilt on Oct. 23.

The result represented a sharp re- straight time. and switch to a 4-4-2 for some more natu- The Friday night home contest will versal of fortunes for the Marauders, who Speaking in the wake of the week- ral width and a couple of guys up front to kick off at 8:15 p.m.

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

THE SILHOUETTE • S7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Men’s Volleyball

Marauders won’t rest on laurels Team deploys a quicker style to challenge CIS powerhouses • CONT’D FROM S2

“It was a good weekend for us, just because we’ve been working on so many things,” said Stevens. “And it was a good opportunity to play a number of teams that we’re hoping we’ll see again in Kingston at the CIS tournament.

“We were able to see and get a lot out of them and learn their tendencies. And we learned a lot about ourselves in the process.”

Part of that learning process has involved adapting to a new style of play, brought on by the addition of setter T.J. Sanders to the lineup and the stated goal of coach Dave Preston to play a quicker brand of volleyball.

Preston and his team know that such a stylistic adjustment is necessary if the Marauders are to compete with the Western powerhouses that have traditionally dominated the CIS game.

And Sanders – who began his varsity career with the illustrious program at the University of Manitoba – will be the creative engine powering that change.

For his part, Stevens indicates that the adoption of the quicker style has taken some time, but argues that once perfected, the system will cause headaches throughout the OUA.

“It’s been our first experience with T.J. on court in a game situation and we’re running a few different things, with our hitters coming in from different angles,” said Stevens. “So at first, when you put it into a game situation it takes some adjustment, and we just have to make sure we don’t move back into the slower style.

“I think our speed’s definitely going to help us out and I don’t think there’s going to be too many teams that will be able to catch up with us at our pace.”

One of the most promising performers throughout the preseason has been rookie Dan Groenveld, who has moved firmly out of his older brother’s shadow and established himself as a legitimate threat on the outside of McMaster’s formation.

Stevens believes that the younger Groenveld’s play has been indicative of a

“Nobody’s disappointed if they don’t start because we all know that we all deserve shots.”

The turnover in the team this year has seen the departure of two of the Marauders’ on-court leaders, in libero Josh Lichty and all-star middle Tyler Santoni.

However, Stevens indicates that several veterans have quickly stepped into that void, including himself, fifth-year hitter Jeremy Groenveld, and Sanders.

Most importantly, the Manitoban attacker points out that each member of the team has something to offer.

“It’s really not just a matter of younger guys looking up to the older guys,” said Stevens. “It’s a matter of everyone helping each other out.”

The upcoming opening of the conference season sees the Marauders thrown straight into the proverbial fire, as they welcome divisional powers Windsor and Western to the Burridge Gym.

Last season, those same two teams dealt the Maroon and Grey consecutive defeats to kick off the campaign and forced them to fight uphill to gain OUA supremacy.

Stevens indicates that the Marauders are determined to avoid the same fate this time around, and will be aided by having already played the teams in question.

“We definitely don’t forget what happened last season,” said Stevens. “We went by a ‘worst-to-first’ mentality. But we don’t want to repeat that, we’d like to be on top all the way through and set the tone right away.

“We learned a lot from Western this past weekend and we’ve seen Windsor too. It was nice to be able to see both teams before we play them in conference, and I think we’ll come roaring out of the gates this weekend.”

Marauder fans will be hoping as much as well, and will get to see the early litmus test on home soil. The Maroon and will meet Windsor on Oct. 21.

Grey will open their 2011-12 campaign year hitter. “There’s so much depth on our against the Windsor Lancers on Oct. 21, beteam, especially on the outside, so that if fore playing the Western Mustangs the folsomeone is having a bit of an off day you lowing day. can throw another guy in and they’ve been Both games are slated to get underway at 8 ready. p.m.

JEFF TAM / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Hitter Jori Mantha and the Marauders team-wide dependability that gives McMaster crucial depth.

“I’m pretty impressed with the way he (Groenveld) is playing and really all of our rookies have stepped up,” said the third-

S8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Golf

Young wins Mac Invitational said Young, who birdied his second-last hole of the day.

“[The four-putt] was hard to get over, but I composed myself well enough to finish one-under on my last seven holes. I’m hitting it as well as I ever have.”

It was far and away the highlight of what’s been a trying season for the Marauders. With just one team medal on the year, coach Alf Callowhill said the team would have hoped for some better results.

“We haven’t putted well in most of our tournaments. If we’d made a few more putts here and there we could have done some damage,” said the fourth-year coach.

The opportunity to do that damage presented itself this week at the OUA Championships at Cataraqui Golf and Country Club in Kingston.

Unfortunately for Mac, the putts didn’t seem to want to fall, and the Marauders finished in seventh place, 22 shots behind the victorious Waterloo Warriors.

Brutal winds of 45 km/h and up as well as biting cold – expected conditions for Ontario golf in October – made conditions tough for the whole field.

“The conditions were the real story.

The wind made pretty much any score in the 70s respectable,” said Young. “If you weren’t careful, you could run off a few bogeys or worse really quickly.”

Patrick Thornley and Greg Gabel led Mac with identical 75s on the first day, while rookies Jonathan Lam and Darryl McClure

posted an 80 and an 81, respectively, giving Mac a total of 311. Young wasn’t able to carry over the momentum from the previous week, posting an uncharacteristic 84.

While the second day saw more benign conditions and lower scores, Mac wasn’t able to make up enough ground on the leaders. Gabel’s 74 – good enough to net a top-10 and a tournament All-Star spot – led Mac to second day of 305 and a total of 616.

“We were in a bit too much of a hole after the first day. Credit the guys for improving by six shots from day one. It just wasn’t enough this week,” said Callowhill.

Waterloo ran away with the team title, shooting a tournament-best 289 in the second round to win the Ruttan Cup. Fifthyear senior Garrett Rank shot a secondround 68 to win the Len Shore Trophy as OUA Champion for the second straight year.

“[Waterloo] really capitalized on the better conditions. We didn’t keep up with them the way we needed to,” said Young, who earned a spot on the season-long AllStar team.

On the women’s side, the Marauders struggled to an eighth-place finish at the Loyalist Country Club. Michaela DiMarcantonio led the Maroon and Grey with a two-day total of 169 to finish tied for ninth in the 32-player field.

Windsor’s Meaghan Pototschnik won the individual title at 159 while Waterloo ran away with the team title, finishing 18 shots ahead of second-place Western.

BRIAN DECKER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Mark Young swings his way to a win for the home team at Mac Invitational.

Brian Decker Executive Editor

Bright spots have been hard to come by in 2011 for the McMaster men’s golf team.

With exactly zero team medals and only a few individual top-10s to show for in 2011, a season that began with hope was quickly becoming a struggle.

For fourth-year senior Mark Young, one day at his team’s home tournament, changed that all.

Young shot a two-under par 68 to win the McMaster Invitational on Oct. 13, his first victory and the first win by a McMaster player in two years. His performance led the squad to a team-best 294 on the day

and a silver medal, just one shot behind the winners from Guelph.

“It was nice to end up with some hardware for a change. We’ve been working hard all year to get results and they finally showed up,” said Young, who won by two shots over Guelph’s Eric Pattenaude and Chris Hemmerich and Toronto’s Richard Persaud.

Young hit all 18 greens in regulation on the day and could have walked even further away from the field if not for a sloppy four-putt on the par-3 7th hole.

“I was able to manage my nerves well and make some putts. I’ve never been in a position like that for Mac before. It felt great to play like I did down the stretch,”

BRIAN DECKER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Young’s win was a bright spot in a trying season for the young Marauders.

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

INSIDEOUT

production office extension: 27117 insideout@thesil.ca

Couchsurfing: the unsung hero Jonathon Fairclough tells how couchsurfing saved his life Jonathon Fairclough Production Editor

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH/ PRODUCTION EDITOR

The unsung hero travels a long, and sometimes lonely, road.

The first week of my European odyssey had gone exceptionally well. I had a job, a temporary place to stay and, most importantly, I had left the home life behind. The worry of school, dread of the future, problems with friends and females were all on a four-month hiatus.

But that exceptional week abruptly ended. Things changed. I’d been sobered by reality, and there I was, jobless, and more frightfully, homeless.

I only had one or two days to find a bed, let alone a place to live for a month and a half before I was due to leave Belgium. So what was I to do? Where to go? Ah yes, enter Couchsurfing.com.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Couchsurfing.com, I’m not surprised. Though it boasts a membership of over four million people, it’s not the type of website that you would utilize unless travelling on a tight budget. In essence, it connects you with other travelers around the world, allowing you to utilize spare couches, beds, floors – anything for temporary accommodation. And get this: it’s all free.

A few searches, a few requests sent out, and within hours I have a place to live for three days.

Laura lives in the Turkish district of Ghent, my humble, bittersweet city, and says I can stay there for a couple days. The plan is, as it stands, to hop from place to place and until I find a host that’s willing to rent out a room to me. Not a bad idea in practice, but this turns out to be a more daunting task than first expected.

I meet Laura outside of her townhouse. She’s all smiles, speaks great English and she even offers me a drink upon my arrival.

The house is small and she has three roommates, all of whom attend the University of Ghent. It’s a typical student house, minus the old architecture and plaster furnishings.

Ghent used to be a large factory complex during the industrial revolution. After the Wars, Ghent veered away from being an industrial town and turned into a cultural hotspot of Flemish culture.

Townhouses like Laura’s, which initially housed poor workers, were converted into comfortable flats for students and new immigrants, mainly Turks, who moved to Belgium after the formation of the European Union.

This house, unfortunately, was not in the best of shape. Firstly, the main floor was poorly kept (as most student houses are) and there was a tremendous mosquito infestation. Not a good place to start my room hunt, but hey, how bad could it really be?

Laura and her roommates cooked me a delicious vegetarian meal, we shared some beers and some stories, and I went to bed ... well, tried to go to bed. The mosquitoes were worse than I thought.

After curling up on my mattress,

Paws@Mac

Fight the bed bug fright

Support the initative to ban the sales of cats and dogs from pet stores

What to do when these critters come crawling in the night.

Pg. C3

Pg. C6

which was situated on the ground floor, I was soon bombarded and pestered by these little beasts, buzzing violently over my head and landing on every exposed piece of skin. I tossed and turned for hours, literally hours, until I put on my socks, my sweater (with the hood over my head), a blanket to protect me, and iPod to ignore the enemies flying overhead.

I awoke with only two hours of sleep under my belt and over 200 bites of all shapes and sizes, on every piece of skin I left exposed through the night. I hurried onto my laptop, sent a dozen requests, and luckily enough I found a new place to stay in a matter of minutes.

Ewout said he would take me in without a fuss. A quick bike ride across the city and I was outside his townhouse, just down the street from a canal, a stones-throw away from a beautiful park and a minute walk from the student district. Ewout laughed at my story about the mosquitoes, egged on by the countless bumps and blotches all over my hands and forehead.

Ewout (pronounced Ay-woat) was a web designer and HTML coder.

He worked from home and had a wonderful apartment all to himself.

Big screen TV, kitchen, an attic and no mosquitoes, this place was much better than the nightmare of last night. I was right at home.

Ewout didn’t mind if I sat around for the day to watch the French Open on TV, or go out and come home late. He gave me a spare key and just told me to respect the place. He took me out several times to his favourite bars, and to introduce me to other couch-surfers he knew throughout the city. I cooked him dinners to give my thanks. All his friends were warm, kind, and always willing to have one last drink at the end of the night. And, just by chance, Ewout informed me that at the end of the month one of his rooms was going to be available to rent.

That’s right, after two days I had found a place to stay – and for a very reasonable price. The only problem was that I had two weeks to kill before the room opened up, as Ewout was hosting plenty of other people in this time. I fired off a storm of Couchsurfing requests and, what do you know, in a few hours I had a new place to live for a few days.

The last of my Couchsurfing experiences was the most impactful, given the host and given the circumstances. My host was a linguistics graduate, a music hound, and a lover of all things audible. He was a Blue Jays fan, knew more about the NHL than I ever would and had a tremendous knowledge of Canadian indie bands. It may help to mention that Didier, my third and final host, was absolutely, positively, 100 per cent blind.

Didier’s apartment was nice, new and mosquito free as well.

• PLEASE SEE C4

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

ThreadCount Tamir Holder

Third year Multimedia & Sociology Favourite quote: “The man who says he can’t and the man who says he cannot are both usually right.”

Favourite band: A.S.A.P. Rocky & Affiliates Describe your style: Swag What do you look for in a significant other?

Drive Boots: Ebay - $130 Hat: Urban Outfitters - $21 Jacket: Urban Outfitters - $40

Photo by: Tyler Hayward

Write for InsideOut and become a faceless celebrity.

Volunteer meetings @

1:30 p.m. Thursdays or email

insideout@thesil.ca

r

THE SILHOUETTE • C3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Flashmob fun at McMaster mass production and widespread distribution of consumer items.

This purely capitalistic system, out If you were walking through the to make money, has no regard for Student Centre on the afternoon of our very own health, let alone that Oct. 19, you might have caught a of the environment. People are seen glimpse of a three-minute flash mob. as consumers, not individuals, by Standing frozen from 12:25 to 12:28 big corporations when they crank p.m., the participants were there out products that damage our world to support OPIRG working group and our health. They see us with the Just $top. The group’s mission is to cash required to consume. This need raise public awareness of our role for awareness and for informed inin an environmentally destructive dividuals motivated our desire to consumer society. In the following start Just $top! interview, Just $top founders Twishna Patel and Dhanisha Patel de- RD: Would you be able to exscribe the group’s purposes, meth- plain more about your involveods and plans for the future. ment with OPIRG McMaster as a working group?

Randal De Souza: So, tell me about the inspiration behind Dhanisha Patel: OPIRG McMaster starting Just $top! is a chapter of the Ontario Public Interest Research Group, which is Twishna Patel: Well, last year we a not-for-profit organization that is both came across the celebrated both student-funded and directed video “The Story of Stuff” by Annie and works on issues of human Leonard, the noted critic of exces- rights, the environment and social sive consumerism. Briefly, the docu- justice. We thought it would be the mentary emphasized the steps lead- perfect solution for reaching out ing to environmental oppression, to the community, so we applied specifically the overexploitation of for working group status last year natural resources that leads to the and received it. A working group Randal De Souza The Silhouette

is composed of students associated with a unique cause, and it uses consensus decision-making and antioppression principles.

We believed we could successfully raise awareness about the dangers of mass consumption, specifically the way the media oppresses the environment by encouraging our appetite for consumption.

RD: So how does Just $top! aspire to meet its goal of raising awareness?

TP: As the name suggests, you need to “stop what you’re doing and think about it”. How does it affect you?

How does it affect the world around you? Be an informed citizen. The first step is self-awareness, and the second is to reach out to the people around you and educate them – this means your family and friends.

Finally reach out to strangers and tell them about your mission – this is where we currently are with Just $top!, where we involve the public in our activities. We recently held an event known as the “Flash Mob @ Mac”, where we managed to engage the McMaster community in a fun, practical way. We prefer this method in contrast to overwhelming people with facts and hoping they make something out of it.

RD: Do you have any future direction for your working group?

DP: We intend for many, many fun events to get people thinking. Stay tuned for a screening of “The Story of Stuff” in the MUSC Atrium. We encourage people to come speak with us, and our events are an incentive to do so – we don’t require lots of your time, as our message is focused on increased awareness and consciousness. Our events are cost efficient – we have actually spent $0 this year. While not asking you to spend $0 in your life, we realize there are things you do need, but our emphasis is on asking you to consider your impact on the environment. Do you really need to shop Mac students make a stiff stand in the Student Center. till you drop?

AKASH PATHAK / THE SILHOUETTE

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

SEXandthe STEELCITY

Monogamous dating: is it natural? ment between each member about the monogamy of the relationship. She explains that problems are likely to arise when there are Often a dreaded conversation theme that in- guarded feelings regarding exclusivity, like evitably arises between a couple, monogamy jealousy and anger, that are not dealt with. is a celebrated yet controversial topic of dis- She also explains that men are most often the cussion. Some cultures have strict social rules ones to stray, and women the ones with the on monogamy. Many people hold strong and negative feelings. often heartfelt views on the morality of mon- At the Karolinska Institute in ogamous relationships.

Sweden, a genetic variant in men was dis At the beginning of this year, a covered to influence the way in which males French pork butcher was discovered to be bond with their partners. balancing a wife and three mistresses. While The inability for some males to some rewarded this man with waves of ad- commit to one person can be attributed to a miration, the French In“divorce gene.” This gene is conterior Minister showed nected to restlessness within relapublic disapproval by and increased inclinaSome people see tionships stripping the man of his tions to stray. monogamy as an French citizenship.

So, does this mean men are

The man remore likely to balance multiple unrealistic cultural sponded by claiming that partners? History reveals males imposisition and mistresses were a French to be more promiscuous than feargue that it forces males. tradition and, if he is to be stripped of his cit For example, there are a naturally izenship, countless other multitude of passages in the bible promiscuous Frenchmen should also about males who engaged in pobe subject to citizenship people into cheating lygyny. A female, on the other appraisal, at the least. hand, was punished for any hint secretly.”

The man, like of promiscuity. A woman was exmen throughout history pected to always be faithful to her was responsible for “giving in to temptation.” man.

Many argue that monogamy is simply beyond The feminist movement, however, the scope of a man’s nature and the eventual resulted in imposed monogamy and faithdemise of a monogamous relationship is to be fulness of men. This attempt to level out the expected. playing field between men and women has

Dan Savage, an American relation- not come without opposition. ship columnist who is notorious for his blatant Cultural pressure to form monogamous honesty, suggests that the human race is not relationships has been linked with increased cut out for monogamy. He says that rejecting divorce rates. monogamy is more realistic and brings about Some people see monogamy as an more satisfaction in a relationship. unrealistic cultural imposition and argue that

Savage, who claims to be happily it forces naturally promiscuous people into enjoying a non-monogamous homosexual cheating secretly. For other people out there relationship, says that heterosexuals should looking for their “one and only,” monogamy learn some lessons from their homosexual is something they are searching for. counterparts.

Overall, both monogamous and

According to relationship psycholo- non-monogamous relationships have failed gist Dr. Susan Heitler, the success of a rela- and succeeded. The question is, do you know tionship is determined by the level of agree- which will work best for you?

Amanda Teseo Silhouette Staff

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

In today’s sex-driven society, is it natural to have a monogamous relationship?

How Couchsurfing can change the way you look at travel

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / PRODUCTION EDITOR

Didier, my favourite host while Couchsurfing in Ghent.

• CONT’D FROM C1

Situated next to the train station, it was a cinch to find and was close to all the bars, grocery stores and shops I would ever need. The difference between Didier and the other hosts was that he was truly interested in my company, my stories and my travels.

We’d put on a record, eat from the local chip shop, and talk about everything under the sky: music, books, sports, embarrassing stories, sad stories and even about his disability – which was, and still is, an inspiration to me.

When a few days passed and I felt like I was overstaying my welcome. Didier told me he was flying to Barcelona for a music festival. “Not to worry though, you can have the apartment for the week.” The next morning he left me his keys and that was that. Complete strangers, brought together by chance over a website, and within days there’s enough trust and responsibility to hand over the keys to your apartment.

And that’s probably the most important thing about Couchsurfing: besides its obvious virtues of convenience and utility, it allows people of any size, race and ability to participate and share with one another. Didier wasn’t a distant relative or old high school chum that welcomed me into his room. He was a complete stranger. Despite his disability, and despite his inability to see the guy

he’s entrusting with his apartment for a week, he opened his doors to me, and for that and many other things, I’m eternally grateful.

Couchsurfing isn’t just about taking advantage of spare beds and living spaces.

It’s not even about seeking an alternative means for living abroad. It’s about witnessing the human bond that ties us all together.

How two strangers, with completely different backgrounds, can come together and relate to one another in such a profound way will always stick with me – even after all these travel-odysseys subside. I wonder how many lives have been affected by this site, how many people with disabilities, who may find it difficult to meet new people, have used Couchsurfing to get out in the world, meet interesting people, and use another means to interact.

These wonderful hosts really did save my life. They took me in, fed me, connected with me and took me out. Regardless of that first, mosquito-infested experience, which is more hilarious now than anything, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Not one bit.

And with that, the Couchsurfing experience was over, I had found a place to stay and I was over the homeless hurdle. Now, I had to figure a way to get to Paris and meet with my friends for a three-day expedition of foul and revelrous proportions.

You know, the Silhouette has a couch.

You might not be able to couchsurf here, but you could couchvolunteer! insideout@thesil.ca

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Animal cruelty goes on paws Lauren Jewett The Silhouette

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Paws @ Mac puts forth an initiative to ban the sales of cats and dogs in pet stores.

In October 2010, Richmond, BC became the first city in Canada to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. In September, Toronto followed suit, taking steps to eliminate ‘puppy mills’ and reduce animal cruelty.

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that force large numbers of dogs to live in close quarters often without food, water or the care of a veterinarian. These dogs are then sold to pet stores, brokers and online vendors without any regulation or standards for care.

When looking for a new pet, few people look beyond the glass cubicles and ask the questions necessary to ensure their new friend has gotten proper care.

Cats pose a different problem. They can have up to 30 kittens per year meaning that in most urban places, there are more cats and kittens than can be cared for. This creates a problem for cities, as animal control is ultimately the responsibility of the municipal government. This means that the city must pay to have animals collected, cared for, housed and eventually euthanized if they do not find foster care.

Hamilton is no exception to these problems. There is a large population of stray cats as well as poorly treated puppies. McMaster club PAWS @ Mac is working hard to make Hamilton the third Canadian city to pass legislation to ban the sale of cats and dogs.

Formed in 2007, PAWS @ Mac holds various events to raise awareness and support the protection of livestock, domestic and wild animals.

Justine Schultes is a fourth-year political science and religious studies student who lives in the Westdale area. She has been with PAWS @ Mac since its creation and is currently the Public Relations and Volunteer Coordinator. She has been working with various groups around Hamilton to get the attention of City Hall and raise awareness about this issue so close to her heart.

In February of 2010, Justine’s family rescued a cat off of Newton Street. After some digging they discovered that their new pet was abandoned by a McMaster student who moved to the other side of campus and didn’t have room for the cat.

Justine explained that it’s difficult to be angry, when the main problem is education.

Most people do not understand the problems behind animal cruelty, and also are not aware of their options.

The Hamilton SPCA, for example, offers foster programs for students to adopt cats for a year at a time as well as reduced rates for implanting ID chips and many other programs.

Puppy cruelty is a sensitive issue for Justine as she has two golden retrievers. One of her dogs was rescued from an abandoned home in Huntsville that was filled with puppies. Her dog was rescued by an organization called Golden Rescue, which is a breedspecific dog rescue program.

Breed-specific rescue groups are becoming increasingly popular because they are able to find foster care much faster than local humane societies while catering to dog lover’s specific breed preferences.

Unfortunately, Justine’s stories are very common and mild compared to what some animals go through. Greed and lack of awareness are to blame here.

Puppy mills are created to make fast cash, and the public is left in the dark. Recently, Petland pet stores have phased out the sale of cats and dogs, with the exception of animals from shelters.

The goal of Justine, PAWS @ Mac and many dedicated animal lovers is to permanently eliminate the sale of cats and dogs by the first week of this November.

There are many programs in place that currently support this effort. The City of Hamilton has a trap-neuter-release program for stray cats as well as a few spay/neuter programs for domestic cats.

It is important to know where your pets are coming from. When speaking with private breeders, make sure you go to see their facilities so you know how your dog was raised.

Private breeders will often have their customers sign a “care contract” to protect the animal, and they’ll do a home investigation to make sure their dogs are going to a safe place.

PAWS @ Mac, in partnership with other animal rights groups around the city, is petitioning for the ban to take place.

Although there is no required minimum for signatures, Justine has set a personal goal to collect 2000. If you have questions regarding this issue, would like to get involved or are interested in signing the petition, PAWS @ Mac will be in the MUSC atrium by Williams on Thursday, Oct. 20. Blank petitions can also be found in their MSU Clubspace mailbox #1.

For more information on this issue and on raising healthy pets visit the Ontario SPCA website.

Word of the Week Homewedge Definition About the same as a homeskillet but slightly less than a homefry.

Used in a sentence Person A: “Bro, do you know where I can score some illegal substances?”

Person B: “Who you calling bro?”

Person A: “No disrespect, homefry!”

Person B: “Homefry? You ain’t from around here, homewedge!”

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

A student’s worst nightmare These small, reddish-brown bugs can create quite a stir in bed

buying old mattresses unless you can be guaranteed there are no bedbugs or eggs. Use white linen so you can see bedbugs if they appear.

Vacuum your room and clean furniture regularly.

Aaren Fitzgerald Silhouette Staff

As travel companions, bedbugs are a guaranteed nightmare.

Cimicidae (bedbugs) are small parasitic insects that, like vampires, feed on warm-blooded animals.

They are about an eighthto a quarter-inch thick, they have oval, flattened and reddish-brown bodies and they leave signature triangular bites on their victims.

Luckily, they cannot fly, though they can scamper quite quickly over floors, walls and ceilings.

They hitch rides in suitcases and clothing, and have recently been showing up in Canadian cities, causing major issues for homeowners, fancy hotels and the residents that occupy them.

On the bright side, they don’t transmit diseases.

However, this has meant that little interest has been paid to them in both the field of entomology and by the government.

Bedbugs were prevalent in the developed world in the 1940s, but the use of DDT seemed to eradicate them from the Americas.

Though, they continued to pester Europeans.

The reason for their more recent return is unclear, but contributing may include increased traveling abroad, the ban on DDT and increased resistance among the bugs.

A single bedbug can lay up to 500 eggs in a lifetime and can fast for up to a year.

They are scarcely seen during the day, as they live in the dark crevices behind woodwork and molding, and even in old mattresses, in which they can linger for

Q: How do I know if I have bedbugs?

A: It is impossible to be 100 per cent certain until you have retrieved an actual sample of a bug or egg from the area, but bug bites are a good clue.

They are typically small red clusters of three and can be isolated to one spot or can cover a large part of your body.

I nspect your mattress, walls and molding for black spots.

If you’re suspicious, call a pest control company for further diagnoses.

Q: How do I get rid of bedbugs?

A: Take all of your potentially infested linen and clothing and put it in a plastic garbage bag to lay in the sun for the day.

Alternatively, try using rubbing alcohol to kill eggs, or freeze your linen or clothing.

Of course, the best solution would be to consult a professional – or to get your housemate to do so, as you are probably too busy itching with paranoia.

Q: How do I treat the itch?

A: Try your best not to itch the bites, as that can cause infection and spread disease.

Some interesting remThese vampire-like pests leave red, itchy bumps all over you’re bod; check your mattress tonight! edies include baking soda and water paste, lemon juice, cortisone cream, months without being detected. they awaken to the itchy red bites. you clean your sheets at least every calamine (my favourite for all bug

At night, the bloodsucktwo weeks. Try to investigate the types of bug bites) or witch hazel. ers emerge to prey on their innocent Q: How do I prevent bedbugs? problem quickly if you notice bites. victims, who are unaware of their A: While not directly linked to per- Place luggage and cloth- Good night, sleep tight and don’t let presence until the morning when sonal hygiene, it is recommended ing away from your bed, and avoid the bedbugs bite!

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Exposing stereotypes of suicide aged 15-24 in Canada. In the last ten years, more young men in Ontario have died by suicide than have People don’t like to talk about sui- died in car accidents. And for each cide. We don’t even like to say the of these deaths, dozens of friends word. We have these euphemisms and family members are affected. (to ‘off yourself’, ‘end it all’, ‘take If your life hasn’t been touched by your own life’) to make the topic suicide, chances are someone you easier to avoid. It makes us uncom- know has. fortable, and to an extent this is natural; we don’t like to talk about Myth: Once someone has made up their mind to die, they can’t be things that scare us.

But this lack of talking helped. creates a stigma around suicide, and Fact: Suicide can be prevented with that makes it harder for people deal- intervention. Most people who have ing with suicidal thoughts and sur- suicidal inclinations do not want to vivors of suicide to seek help. The die, but are in fact looking to stop only way we can ease this stigma is the pain they are experiencing. With by starting a dialogue about suicide professional help, people who are and shedding some of the myths suicidal can identify other ways to cope with their pain that do not inthat surround it. volve self-harm.

Myth: Suicide isn’t very common.

Fact: Approximately twice as many Myth: People who talk about suipeople die by suicide each year as cide do it to get attention. those who die as a result of armed Fact: Most people who consider conflict. Suicide accounts for 24 suicide try to get help by telling a per cent of deaths among people trusted friend or family member Carla Brown SHEC Media

about their feelings or hinting about their plans. If someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide, you should always take them seriously.

Myth: You shouldn’t bring up suicide if you think someone might be depressed because it could give them the idea.

Fact: If someone is not considering suicide, mentioning the topic won’t make them suicidal. If the person is in fact thing thinking about suicide, asking a direct question (like, ‘Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?’) gives them the opportunity to confess their feelings to you and get professional help.

Although it might be an awkward question, it could help save someone’s life.

So what do you do if you think a friend might be in crisis? If you are concerned about a friend who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, some warning signs to look out for include isolating themselves from family and friends, ex-

pressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, taking uncharacteristic risks (such as speeding, fighting, lawbreaking or self-mutilation) and making final arrangements (like giving away possessions or saying goodbyes).

However, this list is not comprehensive and you might notice different changes in behaviour in someone you know well.

One of the most helpful things you can do is ask the person if they are considering self-harm, as this gives them the opportunity to share their feelings with you. If someone does tell you they are considering suicide, try not to express horror or disgust; instead, listen without judging and calmly encourage them to get help.

People who are suicidal often subtly communicate their feelings to other people by saying things like, “I wish I wasn’t around” or “Life hardly seems worth it.” If someone you know says similar things or directly mentions their

suicidal thoughts to you, you should always take such threats seriously.

Finally, remember, you are not equipped to help someone in crisis alone.

Even if a suicidal person has asked you not to tell anyone, you should seek outside help from one of the resources below.

If you are feeling suicidal, please tell someone you trust or contact a professional. There is no shame in getting treatment. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts include the McMaster Student Wellness Centre, which is located in the basement of MUSC. Appointments can be made at 905-525-9140 ext.

27700. The Distress Centre of Hamilton maintains a 24-hour crisis line at 905-525-8611. The Crisis Outreach and Support Team of Hamilton-Wentworth also runs a 24-hour crisis line at 905-972-8338.

How students are affected by divorce Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Divorce can be a drag. While it might be an escape from the perpetual turmoil in a household, there are a slew of long-term issues that may arise in the years subsequent to divorce. Having divorced parents, I can say personally that although the matter had been lingering throughout my childhood, the issues evident in the years prior to the separation were almost as negatively doused in drama as the issues that arose post-divorce.

After the epic custody battle of ’06, an array of issues ensued, much to my dismay. Cue Dad’s new girlfriend and the possibility of marriage number two and let the emotional rampage continue.

In modern society, divorce, a once frowned-upon notion, is now increasingly prevalent among many families. In 2006, more than 1.6 million Canadians were divorced.

The nonchalant attitude towards divorce is epitomized particularly in Hollywood, where stars seem to change spouses as frequently as they would purchase a Starbucks latte.

As divorce becomes less a taboo topic in many cultures, it seems as though a trend has been set, paving the way for more families to hop on board. Although divorce may seem like an optimal alternative and parents may have the best intentions in doing it, there are several negative long-term implications for children and adolescents of divorce that may get shoved under the rug. The concept of ‘staying

gardless of the level of conflict, often leaves children vulnerable to new challenges not visible in intact families.

“After my parents divorced I went through an emotional breakdown,” said fourth-year McMaster student Kevin Kang. “Even though I was in my late teens I struggled with anxiety, depression a bunch of problems in school that I didn’t have before.”

Traumatic events can make it tough to focus on everyday tasks, negatively impacting emotional well being and hurting academic performance. Various avenues have been made readily available to students that seek to improve the condition of students. The Mental Health Wellness Team is available at the Student Wellness Centre to McMaster students. Counsellors are available to assist students in treating “upsetting thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may be hindering the student’s capability to succeed in their educational and personal endeavours,” according to the organization’s website.

Counselling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you find yourself feeling emotionally beat due to unsettling family matters try seeking the comfort and advice of your friends or other family memDivorce can be emotionally damaging and detrimental for students in broken homes. bers. Although it is easier said than together for the kids’ is quite popu- calm before the storm. Before you dren and to lessen the guilt of the done, as many are shy of revealing intimate family details, it may come lar. Whether or not this positively know it the bomb’s been dropped, parents. affects children in the long run is the emotional havoc unravels, and Although in some circum- as a surprise to learn just how much debateable.Picture this familiar that chicken dinner doesn’t seem to stances of low-conflict marriages others can relate to what you are scenario: Mom and Dad prepare be sitting too well. Suddenly prom- this may seem like an ideal alterna- going through. Be it in a negative or the perfect meal and sit the family ises of an ‘amicable’ divorce and tive for both parents and children, positive way, divorce does drasticdown around the dinner table. All ‘joint’ custody are being thrown the notion of a ‘good divorce’ is ally alter the identities of those imseems normal, but this is just the around to ease the minds of the chil- rare. Separation in households, re- pacted.

RICARDO PADILLA / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Tech Free Thursdays Zone Oct. 20 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

MUSC 215 (Clubs Space) Enjoy conversation or study without the distraction of technology!

Harry Potter Marathon Oct. 22 7 p.m.-Oct. 23 2 a.m.

MUSC Atrium Gear up in your HP wear and pjs.

Epic Meal Time Live @ Mac Oct. 21 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

TwelvEighty Live performance followed by Q&A session.

Continuing Education Fair Oct. 24 10:30 a.m.-Oct. 25 2:30 p.m.

MUSC Meet with recruiters from programs across Canada and abroad.

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

IntheKitchen

Stress free chocolate delight Taste: Delectable.

Convenience: Relatively easy, fun and delicious alternative to your favourite coffee shop treat.

Mera Qamar

½ cup sugar 1 orange’s zest 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup flour 1 pinch of salt

eggs, sugar, instant coffee, orange zest, pinch of salt and teaspoon of vanilla until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is Are you overwhelmed by never combined well. Be careful not ending flow of midterms? Eat chocto over mix or the cake will olate! Try making this delicious Orturn hard. You may use an elecange Chocolate Molten Lava Cake Directions: tric mixer, though keep it on recipe. It is easy and simple, takes 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. medium speed. only 20 minutes and is delightfully addicting! If you’re not a chocolate 2. The best method of melting 4. Slowly combine the melted chocolate is using the double chocolate with the rest of the lover already, this chocolate lava boiler. Heat a pot of water on ingredients while stirring until cake will turn you into a big fan. medium heat. Combine the the mix is smooth. Beat in the chocolate and the butter in a flour until well incorporated.

Ingredients: small bowl and set it over the 5. Grease 4 ramekins or custard 4 squares of bittersweet or semisimmering water. Stir the choccups with butter and some sweet baker’s chocolate cubes. olate often using a spatula until flour so that the cake batter 1 cup or 1 stick of unsalted butter it forms a smooth texture. will be loose and easy to re½ teaspoon instant coffee 3. In a separate bowl, beat the move once baked.

4 eggs Silhouette Staff

6. You may also use muffin cups for a smaller portion. However, make sure to line them with muffin paper cups or foil paper.

7. Divide the batter evenly among the 4 ramekins.

8. Bake for exactly 12 minutes, no more and no less. The batter should be slightly puffed up and the centre should be moist.

9. Remove the cakes from the ramekins and let it rest for 30 seconds. Serve the cakes on a dessert plate.

10. Optional: Top the cake with candied orange peel, fresh berries or slices of orange.

11. Eat and Enjoy!

What is so great about this recipe?

When the stress of midterms and essays is eating you up and you are searching for a fast way to escape and regain some energy, you can warm up some of those chocolate lava cakes you made the other night.Chocolate will help you reduce some of that anxiety you’re feeling, and it will give you a boost of mental energy to get your assignments done on time. Some steps of this recipe can be completed ahead of time. Just mix the batter and put it either in the fridge or freezer, depending on how long you plan to keep it. Be sure to let it melt regain its smooth texture before making.

Serve it with a cup of warm coffee.

DRUNK FOOD DUKE-IT-OUT: QUARTERFINALS What’s the best option for a late-night snack around campus?

SHAWARMA

HELP YOUR FAVOURITE DRUNK FOOD MAKE IT TO THE NEXT ROUND. SUBMIT YOUR VOTE TO THESIL@THESIL.CA.

SANA GRILL

WENDY’S

VS.

VS.

PITA

$5 MED. PIZZA

PITA PIT

GINO’S PIZZA

VS.

BURRITO

JIMMY GRINGO’S

VS.

12” SUB SUBWAY

BACONATOR

VS.

MCGANGBANG MCDONALD’S

VS.

FALAFEL BASILIQUE

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

BUSINESS

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Consumer confidence boo-ms

News around the Halloween sales are up despite global economic uncertainty world...

United States: The U.S. Labor Department reported its core consumer price index inched up 0.1 per cent with relatively steady car prices as well as a slight increase in rental prices.

A government report posted small gains in U.S. consumer prices aside from food and energy, with figures demonstrating the smallest gains in six months. Consumer prices rose 0.3 per cent in the previous month following a 0.4 per cent increase reported in August. Core consumer prices in September remained calm amid new motor vehicle costs which were stead, potentially due to the stabilized supplies subsequent to the March, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that hindered production. A 2.9 per cent increase in the price of gasoline nudged overall consumer prices up in September; gasoline rose 1.9 per cent in August.

Eager Halloween goers anxiously prepare for the holiday season in rising numbers.

Sonya Khanna Business Editor

Blood-spattered zombie decorations hang menacingly from front doors and familiar Halloween tunes echo eerily in the ears of eager trick or treaters. Rowdy jokesters plot to rob unsuspecting youngsters of their Halloween loot.

Halloween is in the air.

Recent figures on consumer behaviour for Halloween have many spooked...for all the right reasons.

Optimistic data on retail expectations for Halloween indicate growing consumer confidence.

With celebrations increasing, Halloween consumption is expected to surge with the average consumer expected to shell out $26.52 on costumes.

According to a survey conducted by BIGresearch, 68.6 per cent of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year.

The survey, conducted for the National Retail Federation, indicates an increase in Halloweenrelated consumption among individuals participating in Halloween festivities, with an astounding $1-billion anticipated to be spent on children’s costumes, up from

$40-million in the previous year as “We’ve noticed that our well as $1.21-billion on adult cos- clients are looking for better qualtumes, up from $990 million in the ity Halloween decorations now previous year. because if they are going to spend

“Sales this year have been the money they want something for up a bit,” said Daryl Holliday, man- their kids to play in, and something aging directore of Creepers Hal- they can use for the future,” said loween Superstore in Mississauga, Mr. Holliday.

Ontario. “Halloween is sort of re- “Less people are coming cession proof. It’s in looking for cheaplike the movie er items and people industry where are looking for qualpeople want to get Halloween is sort of ity now. They are away from their recession proof. It’s shopping smarter and lives and have like the movie indus- rather than buying fun, and Hallowsomething they try where people might throw away een gives you that outlet. Christmas want to get away they want something is very stressful from their lives and a bit better.” and there are a lot

It might have fun, and Hal- not be pooch couture, of commitments; Halloween is loween give you that but it’s pretty much fun.” on par in the eyes of outlet.”

W h a t adoring pet owners. about the much Pet costumes are all loved tacky faux spider webs? The the rage this Halloween season. The National Retail Federation reports NRF reports that owners will spend that when it comes to decorations roughly $310-million primping there is no shortage of love for in- their pooch in pint sized costumes. flatable pumpkins and life-sized “Pet costumes are new this skeletons, with the average Hallow- year,” mentions Daryl. “We brought een enthusiast estimated to shell out them in a few years back and they a whopping average of $72.31 on didn’t really sell but this year they decorations, costumes and candy, have been flying off the shelves. up from $66.28 in the previous year. People treat their pets better than

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

they treat their children.”

This holiday whether you plan to revel in the excitement of the season adorned as a cheesy replica of the equally cheesy Mike the Situation or keep it classic in a three holed white sheet ghost costume, the list of costume ideas is vast and budget friendly alternatives are plentiful.

“This year we have found that zombies have been on the rise particularly this year,” said Mr. Holliday. “Superheroes for women and for boys have been quite popular. Little girls love princess stuff but this year more girls have been looking for scary stuff.”

“New this year is also morph suits, people are itching to find them. Contact lens sales have been increasing this year as well; people are really interested in them and are looking for something that they can also keep for later on in the year.”

Whether the growth in Halloween confidence for this year can be attributed to the laid back, stress free aura of the holiday or due to the constantly changing costumes and decor for consumers, Halloween continues to be a highly anticipated time of the year.

What’s the Biz in the world markets Maple Leaf Foods

or 98.02 US cents below Tuesday’s North American session close.

Maple leaf foods has reported that it will spend C$560 million over three years to build a meat-packing plant, while closing existing plants in the process. Maple Leaf indicated there will be a resulting net loss of 1,150 jobs over the span of three years with most of the job cuts occurring in 2014. The changes have been implemented to reduce operating costs and boost productivity.

Maple Leaf shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange closed 1.5 per cent lower at C$10.40 on Wednesday.

Transat A.T. Inc Transat A.T. Inc has reported that it will cut 143 non-union positions across Canada, including 115 layoffs in an effort to restore profitability and save $10 million a year.

Approximately 60% per cent of the propsed job cuts are in Quebec and also include layoffs of vice-presidents, senior directors, supervisors and administrative personnel. Tour operator Transat A.T. will implement a corporate restructuring plan to be announced later this fall to lower operating costs and respond more swiftly to changes in the market. Transat posted a loss of $2.9 million, or 8 cents per share, for the third quarter. Revenue rose to $937 million, up from $867.3 million. No flight attendants were let go with the implemented job cuts.

CAD The Canadian dollar ended weaker against its US counterpart on Wednesday due to the bleak economic outlook from the US Federal Reserve and continued worries about Europe’s debt crisis, steering investors away from risk. The CAD ended at C$1.020 to the US dollar,

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Greece: Violent mass protests erupted in Greece in an anti-austerity strike ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary vote set to implement further wage and pension cuts, generating worry and anger among Greek workers. Police responded to the protests with tear gas bombs, creating an aggravated response from protestors. Damage was caused to the windows and doors of hotels in Syntagma Square in front of the parliament buildings. Some protestors created a disturbance by throwing petrol bombs and setting fire to garbage canisters. The number of protestors is estimated to have been roughly 100,000. The Greek economy is expects to sink by 5.5 per cent this year and remain in recession in 2012. The proposed cuts aim to reduce 30,000 public sector jobs by the end of the year in addition to lowering wages.

China: World stocks plummeted from Tuesday’s 1-1/2 month high and government bonds inches up amid slower than anticipated Chinese growth data, causing investors to cut risks. China’s annual GDP eased to 9.1 per cent in July-September, just below expected levels of 9.2 per cent, shedding light on the slow economic growth.

Latin America: The U.S. approval of a free-trade agreement is said to boost Columbia’s investment prospects, lower violence against union leaders and spawn roughly 300,000 jobs. The deal may potentially triple Columbian exports to the United States to approximately US$ 50-billion over a span of five years and is said to help boost leverage to enforce human rights. The U.S. government cites that shipments to Columbia may shows gains of $1.1 billion from $12-billion in 2010. The deal has been deemed by analysts as a positive sign of foreign confidence in Columbia in its efforts to diminish existing violence and control the illegal drug trade. In September, Columbia received $10.8-billion in foreign direct investment, much of which came from oil, gas and mining.

Africa: According to a study of South Africa’s richest 10 per cent conducted by the University of Cape Town’s Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing and RamsayMedia, approximately 40 per cent are black. In this study of South Africa’s richest 10 per cent, once almost exclusively white, while only 29 per cent of the absolute weathliest South Africans are black, this figure has surged to 50 per cent among the “entry level” rich. According to researchers, younger age as well as having some post-secondary education contributes to getting rich, noting that approximately 70 per cent of wealthy South Africans have ages ranging from 25 to 49.

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

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

B U DDY PROGRAM 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!

R E C R E AT I O N P RO G R A M 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!

INTEREST E D ?

V I S I T OUR WEB-SITE, FIND U S O N FAC E B O O K O R CONTACT U S ! www.extendafamilyhamil t o n . s y n t h a s i t e . c o m 905.383.2 8 8 5 eaf@execulink.com ( B u dd y P ro g r a m ) e af.connect@gmail.com (R e c re a t i o n P ro g r a m )

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

C12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

Skype: interview tool extraordinaire Online interviewing with Skype has gained popularity with employers Sonya Khanna Business Editor

The recent popularity of the online video messaging service Skype has led many firms to implement the usage of this quirky technology as an innovative form of interviewing, acting as a budget friendly, hassle free alternative to the traditional method of interviewing.

According to a report on skyping for interviews by Tony Brett, head of IT Support Staff Services with Oxford University Computing Services, diminished traveling costs, an increased personalized feel and user friendly capabilities are just some of the reasons for growth in the popularity of Skype interviewing.

“Although phone interviews might seem like a quick, less invasive form of applicant screening, it is common in some circumstances to catch applicants typing things on their computer to find answers to interview questions,” says McMaster grad and Financial sector worker Susanna Chu. “Skype is a great way to interview applicants as it assures you the candidate is not sifting through notes or searching the net to obtain answers.”

The Chronicle’s Brainstorm Blog has reported that 12 per cent to 18 per cent of interviews are now conducted via the internet, with web-based interviews reportedly diminishing costs for firms between $5,000 to $10,000.

I’m sure we all can recall receiving that highly anticipated phone call from a certain employer at quite possibly the worst time imaginable: noise galore, two bags in one hand, keys in the other, screaming kids, barking dogs, fast asleep and missed the call, running on the treadmill, the list goes on. Skype

reduces interview annoyances by scheduling a predetermined time for interviews.

“It allows applicants to mentally prepare without the would-be disturbances and potential anxiety associated with being caught off gaurd,” notes Susanna.

Skype also provides employers with heightened visual clues of applicant personality traits and mannerisms. Although these indicators are not as effective as in person interviews, they are certainly more impactful than merely listening to a muffled voice of a mysterious applicant through phone with scratchy service.

If you plan on conducting an interview by means of this nifty piece of technology, here are a few tips to be mindful of when preparing for your close-up.

Conducting an interview from comfort of your own home and maybe even the comfort of your own bed can be an overwhelming exciting experience for some, but as much as you adore your leopard print snuggie, wearing this is an interview blunder waiting to erupt.

Skip out on the unconventional business attire and lean toward something more neutral.

Although you are not meeting in person, potential employers are certainly not keen on seeing you sprawled up on your couch in next to nothing with a beer can resting comfortably on your belly.

While this may be a slight over exaggeration, the point is crystal clear: an interview should be conducted in a professional manner regardless of the location, which means neutral, business casual attire or what would be deemed appropriate for the occasion to convey a positive impression.

If you have an animal or

a child remove them from the area you are interviewing. Having a dog wailing within earshot of you will probably throw you off and will surely be an annoyance to the interview.

Be conscious of the lighting and avoid bright lights behind you as they will darken your face and too much light will depict you as a washed out ghostly figure on the screen. If you are uncertain of how the interviewer can see you, don’t be afraid to ask whether the lighting is appropriate.

Looking at the image of your interviewer on the screen while they talk is acceptable but remember to look at the camera when you speak to ensure eye contact is maintain as it would in an in person interview.

According to Time.com, as quoted from broadcast journalist coach Pricilla Shanks, you should sit with a neutral background, knees angled to the corner of the computer screen and head slightly tilted back to look at the camera.

Applicants should refrain from sitting obnoxiously close to the camera, giving interviewers the perfect view of the inside of your nose. Sit tall in your chair with at least three buttons visible to avoid the inevitable floating head faux pas.

Although these helpful reminders might come across as an annoyance to some you should remember that this is still an interview and although technology has increased the ease at which certain tasks are to be completed, laziness and greater technological efficiency should not be positively correlated.

Prep for your interview with the same zest as you would for any other and you are sure to be successful.

Skype etiquette is important to follow for interviews.

CALLING ALL BUSINESS ENTHUSIASTS! IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN WRITING FOR THE BUSINESS SECTION COME OUT TO OUR WEEKLY THURSDAY MEETINGS AT 1:30 IN MUSC B110.

OR EMAIL US AT BUSINESS@THESIL.CA FOR MORE INFORMATION

JOY SANTIAGO /MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Did you know...

The man who created the Thighmaster was once a Bhuddist Monk.

a tribe called quest • colin stetson • the thing

andex

thursday, october 20, 2011

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

Contributors: Aaron Joo, Will Ahn, Sean Hardy, Imran Motala, Simon Marsello, Brianna Smrke

Cover: Jonathon Fairclough

in the hammer oct.21 oct. 22

Matt Good Hamilton Place 9:00 p.m.

oct. 27

Male Bonding The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

oct.29

John Mellencamp Hamilton Place 9:00 p.m.

nov.2

Minus The Bear The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Master Blazter The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

nov.12

Blackout Party The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

nov.4

music

we’ll think you’re dandy...

...if you write for andy!

The Rural Alberta Advantage

Hamilton Place 8:00 p.m.

theatre

nov.9- nov. 26

dry lips, lynx on the prowl, earl grey tea, the arch of experience, grapes, cracked pepper, ryan gosling yet again, paycheques, neon at lees, fonts, josh on the radio, midterms, rubber boots, torrential campus showers, the sexual soldier candy, cheese buns and pastrami, wanting grandpa to stay, pennies on the ground

coming up

Queen Milli of Galt Theatre Aquarius

film opening

now

andy’s ticks

meetings are held on tuesdays at 2:30pm in musc b110

Paranormal Activity 3 The Three Musketeers Martha Marcy May Marlene

I reject the cynical view that politics is a dirty business. musc b110

e-mail your submissions to andy@thesil.ca

editorial

thursday, october 20, 2011

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D3

wasted youth I’m usually the last person you’d find bawling about the inevitable end of another celebrity marriage. The obsession with such a banal phenomenon often sickens me; I guess that’s the price you pay for living in a society where people are persuaded to care more about a royal wedding than their own marriages.

But this week I felt a rush of shame when struck with realization that I was susceptible to such hollow superficiality. It all happened when I realized that, after 27 years of marriage, foundational members of the infinitely influential alt-rock pioneers Sonic Youth Thurston Moore and Kim Gordon announced their intent to separate.

All right, so maybe they’re not exactly celebrities per se, but Sonic Youth was instrumental in popularizing the marriage of dissonance and rock music, an admirable feat given the polished musical climate of the ‘80s. Since then, they’ve stuck to their guns, releasing 16 studio albums in their 30-year career.

To much surprise, a press release circulated earlier this week containing the always-feared phrase, “the future of the band is undecided,” indicating the likely disbanding of Sonic Youth. For the first time ever, it seems that the end is nigh for the demi-gods of noise-rock.

My relationship with Sonic Youth began, like many of us, in my teenage years when I picked up a reissue of their landmark LP Daydream Nation in the 2 for $20 section at HMV. The other album I bought,

whatever it was, became instantly irrelevant.

I spent the next week confined to my bedroom, transfixed by the dreamy, washy sound of the album that seemed so strikingly relevant and contemporary to me. Within a week I was back at the store buying several more of their records and bragging in school as if I was the first to discover the band.

Soon enough, I came to terms with my jaded self and embraced the breadth of their influence and popularity. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with their contemporary catalogue, literally rendering a copy of their 2009 release The Eternal physically unlistenable after a summer of constant play.

That summer I also fulfilled one of my most rabid teenage fantasies: I saw Sonic Youth live. That night convinced me, beyond any inkling of a doubt, that Sonic Youth was still entirely relevant to the independent music scene that they helped to forge.

Hopefully you can excuse my soft spot for the end of this particular quasi-celebrity marriage; I really feel as if a part of my youth (all puns aside) is ending.

But maybe I’m being dramatic; maybe they can reconcile enough to keep the band together.

Hell, ABBA made it work so, why can’t Sonic Youth?

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

the big tickle

what do you think was the worst celebrity breakup?

compiled by ricardo padilla & jemma wolfe

“ryan gosling & rachel mcadams” devon lee

“nick lachey & jessica simpson” alanna bannister

“jennifer lopez & marc anthony” cristal williams

“ashton kutcher & demi moore” sean brent

“jennifer aniston & brad pitt” brandon track

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D4

film

thursday, october 20, 2011

Beats, Rhymes & Life Directed by: Michael Rapaport

HHH They’re the definition of chill, the harbingers of boom-bap drums and low-end groove.

There is nothing quite like the music of A Tribe Called Quest.

From their New York emergence in the early ‘90s, innovation, intelligence and unparalleled chemistry forever set them apart.

MCs Q-Tip and Phife Dawg’s skill erupted not in what they said, but how they shaped it – adroitly sampling jazz loops contrary to the West Coast zeitgeist.

Actor turned timedirector Michael Rapaport has succeeded with an ode of obvious affection, exercising his admiration of the hip hop outfit into a chronicled account of origin, importance and, until recently, reprieve and reunion.

Reverence for his subject is imperative, for if Rapaport’s film had suggested a condescending tone from its opening pulse, Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest would have succumb to a VH1 retrospective compromise. It’s better than that.

Not to say it doesn’t have flaws. It just happens to resonate history from the streets through interviews from all four members, archival clips and the hypnotic animation interludes by artist Motion Theory.

Tribe – who originally broke up in 1998, only sporadically getting back together in recent years – made a bold move in allowing Rapaport to candidly document their creation and fragmentation at equal parameters.

The beginning of the film is like an upbeat mosaic, a celebratory kaleidoscope of hip-hop in the late ‘80s, largely focusing Q-Tip and Phife’s childhood alliance and their odyssey with funky cohorts Jarobi and Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

From their signing with Jive Records to their subsequent rise from Queens into the consciousness of listeners and critics, the film’s first half is awash in neon colours. It details the conception of their nocturnal masterpieces, The Low End Theory and it’s follow-up Midnight Marauders.

Accolades from industry heavyweights, such as Pharell and The Beastie Boys, come pleasantly, but perhaps too exaggerated in glorification.

Fast-forward to the present, where modern maestros like Kanye West or Common are jumping to share the mic with Q-Tip as he excels in his solo career, still enjoying the legacy of his tribesman past.

The film’s progression and editing is straightforward and absorbing, to say the least, going from beginning to bitter end, and back again with somewhat less acidity.

In later years we trace the paths of all four members, with primary focus set to QTip, but also Phife and his medical issues associated with diabetes.

From one emotional event to another, it’s an interview with former member Jarobi, who breaks down in tears discussing his friend’s deterioration, that packs the most wallop and profoundness.

Moments of tension make the second half work.

Although some portions awkwardly suffer in portraying the domesticated lives of the four men, the unraveling friendship between an ailing Phife and a reinvigorated Q-Tip are fascinating realisms confronted before our eyes.

Elevated by honest insights from within the sect, the film ultimately draws passion from behind the lens.

Funny how Rapaport, a pale, redheaded New Yorker, could credibly infiltrate the acceptance of a hip hop insider.

Perhaps he should stick with directing – he might have the rhythm for it.

•

Myles Herod, Entertainment Editor

thursday, october 20, 2011

film

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D5

watching things deteriorate

The Thing Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton Directed by: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.

HHHHH It’s hard to imagine what films today would be like had flicks like those of the Saw and Hostel franchises never seen the light of day.

Given our generation’s clear preference for excess over nuance in almost all aspects of life, this must seem like a far-fetched notion indeed.

Realistically speaking, it’s hard to articulate what the modern horror genre would even be without its familiar buckets of gut-wrenching gore, aside from quick cuts of scared teenagers running around and occasional cameos by washed-up rappers.

The real question, though, is what this suggests about us. Are we losing our ability to be “cleverly” entertained?

Shocking though it may be to some of us, there once was a time when “horror” implied more than mass murder portrayed in stunning realism, when aspects of the genre like suspense and atmosphere weren’t just remnants of an earlier time.

On my way to see The Thing this weekend, I prayed that a modern remake of the original classic would do something to bring back the finesse for which horror was once known. I probably shouldn’t have got my hopes up.

By now you surely know the story in some form, whether by way of the earlier Thing movies or one of the innumerable copycats for which they are at least partly responsible. It’s the plot upon which so many modern horror movies have been grafted: research team goes to isolated outpost in remote part of the world to investigate discovery of unusual specimen, specimen goes absolutely apeshit, expendable characters start dying. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Without giving away too much, the

specific plot structure of this movie and its predecessors is such that the plot is set up to be suspenseful right from the get-go, with each of the various characters not knowing which of the others to trust.

On paper the premise is perfectly calibrated to allow for maximal suspense, and in a way the movie attempts to play to this very obvious strength. The action is generally well-shot, the Antarctic imagery is striking and the acting is passable, even convincing at times.

Things go off the rails with the over-the-top gratuity, which, given the modern horror landscape, probably should have been anticipated. When it comes to the film’s moments of actual violence, absolutely nothing is left to the imagination, ultimately diminishing the effect that they could have had were things implied rather than spelled out in disturbing detail.

I did not, for instance, need to see someone’s face disintegrating in real time in order to be properly scared. To be honest, the most powerful moments are those in

which bone-headed brutality is eschewed for moments of terse, muted tension between the central characters.

Such moments make it all the more devastating when said characters ultimately meet their end. In this respect, the movie succeeds; the problem, sadly, is that moments like these are few and far between.

What, then, are we to learn from The Thing? Well, if most of my sentiments thus far have been any indication, you shouldn’t expect much. As it stands, The Thing represents a discouragingly standard foray into the modern, ultra-graphic horror genre.

Though it is not without its strong points, it ultimately falls short, offering little in the way of thematic innovation or departures from the trusted modern formula of gratuitous violence and gore.

• Sean Hardy

D6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

culture

andy’s picks

student poetry

off the web

Miscarriage

edge.org

squarestories.wordpress.com

Edge.org lets you peer into a world of ideas that have the potential to change everything. It’s a place where great minds in science grapple with important questions in uncharted territory. Videos, transcripts and interviews showcase research that pushes past the edge of human knowledge and into new and bold conceptions of the meaning of life, the universe and, well, everything.

Started by McMaster student photographers, this photo blog showcases portraits of the quirky personalities ever present in front of Jackson Square in Hamilton’s downtown core. With beautiful photographs and respectful commentary on the subjects, this blog puts an artful and interesting spin on the often overlooked members of the downtown community.

• Brianna Smrke

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor

I: Conception I remember the first time, the real blood, Her sighs past my shoulder touching the ceiling, The heads of the drifty chrysanthemums Floating, by the heady flight of stairs.

We cast a name and a gender onto the Flesh-bound mold forged in the womb.

II: Materialization This wasn’t supposed to happen.

What carried us home in the hollow night?

Was it the recursive memory of muscles?

In the dark, and a world of barren silence Between us, centuries of fossilization Churned by mechanical arms, propelled Two people towards the flat, desiccate Landscape, back, into the heart of civilization.

• Aaron Joo

starved-writer.com

wearethe99percent.tumblr.com

This cooking blog offers up the most innovative and tasty-sounding vegetarian recipes I’ve ever heard of. Complete with gorgeous photos of her unusual concoctions, the Starved Writer carefully outlines her recipes and shares her thoughts on her creations. From sunflower seed pesto to carrot pancakes to chocolate zucchini muffins, this blog promises to inspire and to create a sudden appetite in any viewer.

This photo blog features pictures of the selfnamed “99 per cent” of people who feel cheated by having to live “in a world made for someone else” – the 1 per cent of the population who has economic affluence and control. This virtual protest is a forum for supporters of the Occupy Wall Street movement to continuously express their ideas, and offers interesting insight into this growing rebellion. Reminiscent of PostSecret, wearethe99percent is an anecdotal assault on capitalism.

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor

perception

thursday, october 20, 2011

by will ahn & aaron joo

• Jemma Wolfe, Senior ANDY Editor

1. Diamond Sea Sonic Youth 2. San Tropez Pink Floyd 3. Won’t Get Fooled Again The Who 4. Call Your Girlfriend Robyn 5. Judges Colin Stetson 6. Picture Book The Kinks 7. Fallout Neon Indian 8. Cheree Suicide

music

thursday, october 20, 2011

the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • D7

featured throwback review Pink Floyd Meddle 1971

HHHHH If you asked the average rock fan to name a Pink Floyd album, you would almost invariably receive one of two answers: The Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall. The former, released in 1973, launched Floyd into the public eye, while the latter will be forever immortalized as the source of such classics as ‘Another Brick in the Wall, pt. 2’ and ‘Comfortably Numb.’

What is often forgotten is that Floyd was already a force on the London underground scene by ’67 and penned more music pre-Dark Side than most bands produce in a career. 1971’s Meddle is one such example.

Unlike Dark Side or The Wall (both concept albums), Meddle’s six tracks make a potpourri of sorts, with musical and lyrical contributions from all four band members. ‘One of These Days’ kicks off the record, beginning with the whistling wind and the thudding of a single, repeated note delivered by bassist and principal songwriter Roger Waters, and expanding into a six-minute ambient soundscape. The fadeout segues neatly into ‘A Pillow of Winds,’ a track captured perfectly by its title. David Gilmour’s ethereal, drifting acoustic guitar overlaid with a slide lead does nothing short of putting the listener at peace with the world. Equally melodic are the acoustically driven ‘Fearless’ and the lounge-jazz jaunt of ‘San Tropez,’ the latter being the only vocal contribution from Waters, who would usurp primary vocal responsibilities by 1977’s Animals. ‘Seamus,’ the final track on the record’s first side, can at its absolute best be seen as a slow-blues throwback track, and at worst, a grating call-and-response between David Gilmour and a baying hound dog.

The unwavering epic ‘Echoes,’ occupying the entire second side of the vinyl release, eschews borders of tempo, key and even genre quite unabashedly across its 23-minute reign, switching from steady space rock to unembarrassed funk to dark, ambient mystery with abandon. The song was even said to inspire Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theme to Phantom of the Opera some 15 years later. All in all, the album is a worthy precursor to Dark Side and a requisite listen for any Floyd fan.

• Simon Marsello

cd reviews M83 Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

Colin Stetson Those Who Didn’t Run

Modeselektor Monkeytown

Lights Siberia

HHHHH

HHHHH

HHHHH

HHHHH

While Anthony Gonzalez may not be immune to criticism at this point in his career, it can at least be said after listening to the new double album by the French artist commonly known as M83 that his music could never reasonably be called “derivative”.

What Gonzalez and his band bring to the table with their newest effort, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, is an ambitiously constructed monolith of sound that is as lush as it is epic.

Though the album can feel a bit repetitive when listened to from start to finish, Gonzalez’s intention is nevertheless clear: to create a masterpiece that functions cohesively as one long, dizzying, breathtaking crescendo, and in this he succeeds.

Tracks like the inconspicuouslynamed ‘Intro’ and the whimsical, surprisingly folk-inflected ‘Raconte-Moi une Histoire’ serve as refreshing additions, helping secure Gonzalez’s title as the king of modern shoegaze innovation. Check this one out.

Being somewhere between Aphex Twin and Gorillaz, Modeselektor’s latest album will find a warm place on your musical palate.

The album possesses a whole specsummer. trum of textures, deriving them from multiple

The EP showcases Stetson’s now infa- genres, while still holding a coherent fluidity mous talent. In my best attempt to describe throughout. ‘Evil Twin’ follows a more generthe sound, all I can say is, brace yourself, be- ic electronic sound, reminiscent of Chemical cause it comes at you in intense waves.

Brothers. ‘German Clap’ features a constant

The title track leads listeners with a aquatic clucking noise, as if it’s reverberating soft march towards a sudden trample of aton- through a wet cave, which is an excellent paral notes. He transitions from throwing full, allel against the sandy, scratchy pulse that is brassy dissonance in your face to a siren-like ‘Grillwalker.’ ‘Humanized’ and ‘Pretentious cooing that lulls you into the abyss, all pro- Friends,’ featuring NY hip-hop trio Anti Pop pelled by the rhythmic clacking of his keys.

Consortium and LA rapper Busdriver, re ‘The End of Your Suffering’ is a self- spectively, rocks buzzing give-and-take beats perpetuated spiral of disorientation. It swells alongside tight, distorted vocals. in and out of frantically paced loops and And of course, where would Modelong, droning, vocalized hums in the manner selektor be without their biggest fan? Thom of a Gregorian chant or a meditative mantra. Yorke lends his voice to two tracks: ‘Ship Those Who Didn’t Run is a sure sign of wreck,’ a snare-dense track, and ‘This,’ which Stetson’s ongoing creativity. leads the album to a nice ambient close.

• Sean Hardy

Those Who Didn’t Run is Stetson’s two-track EP, released shortly after his full-length studio album New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges, which was short-listed for the Polaris Prize in the

• Aaron Joo

• Aaron Joo

Canadian artist Lights is back with another album. She has evidently grown as a musician since her previous release, The Listening, which was based on electronic melodies and synthesis beats. While her old albums were more upbeat and happy, Siberia brings a new element of maturity to her music.

It is a more aspirational album than her older stuff. The mood is serious, and the messages related to life’s ordeals. The single, ‘Toes,’ is about her infatuation with someone. Most of the songs concern romance –the acoustic version of ‘Cactus in the Valley’ in particular.

Her voice is much more dominant in this album. The singing isn’t overcome by electronic beats; it is actually supported by them. The song ‘Banner’ is the only consistently upbeat song. Otherwise, the overall atmosphere of Siberia is sad and thought provoking.

• Imran Motala

D8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine

music

thursday, october 20, 2011

larger than life andy chats with virtuoso saxophonist colin stetson For anyone keeping an ear to the ground, Montreal-based Colin Stetson has been kind of hard to miss.

With both an EP and full-length release this year, the latter being shortlisted for the Polaris Prize, the music press has been scrambling for a peek into the unorthodox world of the solo saxophonist.

Furthermore, Stetson has become renown as of late for his visceral live shows that often end with him looking as if he’d just run a marathon. To describe it in print is to cheapen the sheer effect of the performance. Just try to imagine one man with a giant saxophone (it’s a bass sax, one size larger than a baritone), playing non-stop for an hour while simultaneously creating a terrifying sound by vibrating his vocal chords through a microphone strapped around his neck. You really need to see it to believe it.

This week, ANDY had the chance to borrow a sliver of his time and chat briefly about his whirlwind year. “I could just go on and on. It’s been a pretty good time but also really relentless,” he laughed. The list of his accomplishments in 2011 alone could easily fill more space than I’m allowed for the interview.

This past year has had Stetson working overdrive, committing himself to an unprecedented amount of touring and solo recording, as well as a lush variety of collaborations. He has recently worked with such heavy-hitters as TV on the Radio and Arcade Fire, and is set to spend a large portion of next year touring with Bon Iver.

But when asked what was the most memorable of his collaborations, Stetson cast his memory back almost a decade. “I always have to say that it was the time I spent working with Tom Waits in the early 2000s. Working and recording with him is still my biggest kind of dream-

come-true moment,” he explained.

“Seeing his process from the inside out is pretty powerful”.

Stetson is a fluent multiinstrumentalist, adept in playing virtually every woodwind and brass instrument. But lately, Stetson’s public image has become intrinsically tied to the monstrous saxophone that he often performs with. “In 2005 I found the bass saxophone. I has always wanted one but hadn’t found one, nor could I afford one.”

He went on to explain that the sheer size and difficulty of the instrument provided the challenge that he had been seeking. “I picked one up and immediately began focusing on it. It really was a lot more difficult to play than I imagined and took long time before I was comfortable performing with it.”

Stetson has also been heavily embraced for the inventive recording techniques demonstrated on his latest album Judges, utilizing the placement of 24 different microphones on his sax and body while abstaining from any digital effects.

“When I finally got the idea to record an album, the notion of just recording like other saxophonists was boring to me. Just throwing up a stereo mic in front of a horn was, to me, a really two-dimensional picture of the instrument.

“What I wanted to do was get a snapshot of each sound as isolated as I could, just like someone who is micing a drum set or a band in a room,” he elaborated.

Amid his many collaborations, Stetson also mentioned that he had been writing more tracks for a future solo release. He hinted that something may even come together for next year, but until then he can be caught crossing Canada as a member of the backing band for Bon Iver.

• Josh Parsons, Music Editor