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McMASTER UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

FROM CAMPUS TO YOU AND BACK AGAIN

EST. 1930

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 / VOLUME 81, NO. 7

This is our house 5,610 Macsters turn out to watch Marauders maul Windsor 39-3 See pg. B1 for full story PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Students host forum on G20 protests

Bomb threat at McMaster Hospital

Debate focused on economic inequalities, police actions

Police investigation finds nothing unusual

CHRIS ERL

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

A frayed beige bed sheet hung on the wood paneling of the lecture room in Chester New Hall. In fierce, broad strokes of black and red, the name of the group, “McMaster Students for Social Justice,” covered the sheet that provided the backdrop for the speakers on stage.

The sounds of Bob Marley greeted participants who gathered for the club’s forum on the outcome of the G20 protest that occurred this past June in Toronto.

Billed as an open debate around the question “In accordance to the events surrounding the Toronto G20 demonstrations, is Canada a police state?” the event drew around 50 people from the McMaster community and local political left.

The “McMaster at the G20” was hosted by a newly restructured incarnation of the student group Campus Choice. It is made

up largely of the same students who opposed the McMaster Students Union’s exclusive contract with Coca-Cola during last year’s refer-

The discussion began, focussing mostly on the crowd’s frustration with the capitalist system...

The radicalism of the speakers was made clear by the presence of members of the Marxist-Leninist and Communist Parties.” endum on the matter.

The group is now led by Kerem Engin and current SRA Social Sciences Alex Ramirez, and changed

its name last year in order to broaden its scope and appeal.

The “G20” event opened bluntly, with a slideshow of police brutality and civilian protests, all set above a sampling of music by Rage Against the Machine.

Following the visual display of the events which took place in Toronto, Ramirez attempted to link the events of the G20 and the eventual result of the conference with McMaster and its student population.

“Students simply don’t care about politics,” he said, lamenting the lack of student interest in extragovernmental organizations such as the Group of 20.

Ramirez noted that this establishes a disturbing precedent where governments will be able to do as they please without being questioned by the people.

Ramirez decried the existing order and the forces of modern capitalism before engaging in a surprising display of revolutionary leftism

during the conclusion of his speech.

From the maroon and grey lectern at the front of the hall, Ramirez presented a declaration in which his group openly denounced the “intrinsic forces of capital,” the “relentless pursuit of profit” and the “continuous attack on the working class.”

It was then that the discussion began, focusing mostly on the crowd’s frustration with the capitalist system and the existing order.

The radicalism of the speakers was made acutely clear by the presence of active members within both the Marxist-Leninist Party and the Communist Party.

Ramirez was optimistic about the group’s appeal saying, “The whole goal of the group is to get a large amount of students involved, but we could obviously tell that the crowd here was predominately leftof-centre at the very least.”

The student testimonials about their varied experiences at the summit protest were brief, and came mostly from students in the Labour Studies program who ventured to Toronto together.

Their level of involvement was mixed, ranging from detention to bemused spectatorship, but the consensus was overwhelming: even considering the actions of law enforcement at the G20 protest, Canada is still a far cry from a police state.

Despite this, the entire system came under relentless fire from the modest crowd, with one speaker ending his speech with the cry, “Down with capitalism!”

Ramirez brushed off the suggestion that such radicalism could have scared away moderates, saying, “If they felt intimidated, it was not our intention.”

Ultimately, he hoped that students would “have seen that there are a lot of people who disagree with the powers that be and the existing system in place.”

SAM COLBERT

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Students in a fourth-year Engineering History class weren’t sure what to do when a P.A. announcement informed them that a “code black” was in effect at the McMaster University Medical Centre on Tuesday morning.

Their instructor was late, so they stayed in their seats until Nathan Biederman turned to a few of his classmates to explain what the alert meant: a bomb threat had been made against the building. “ ‘The code black is still in effect.’

It just kept saying that. It said it four or five times,” said Biederman. “A lot of people didn’t know what was going on.”

Assuming his teacher wouldn’t be coming, Biederman left. On his way out, he was puzzled to find that although people seemed to be informing students of what was happening at one entrance, other doors were unguarded as if nothing unusual was going on.

The code began at 11 a.m., explained Heather Pullen, the Medical Centre Manager of Public Relations and Communications. According to procedure, “staff in the building started doing a very comprehensive search of the whole building and looking for anything out of place, anything unusual.”

Although a number of police cruisers were on the scene, “it wasn’t a case of the police searching the building,” said Pullen. “We search it ourselves because we know what looks right and what doesn’t look right. So, as soon as an area was cleared...it was just business as usual.”

Other than the search, the hospital continued its operations without blocking entrances or halting work, except where staff held patients in • PLEASE SEE THREAT, A4

Inside the Silhouette this week...

AYAN DEY / THE SILHOUETTE

Event leader Alex Ramirez introduced a declaration against capitalism and the G20 consensus.

Sessional profs’ struggle to survive: pg. A7

Clothing show: pg. C7

My Verona: pg. C1

Boardwalk Empire: pg. D7

Business in Hamilton: pg. C7

Supercrawl Review: pg. D12

A2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

THE SILHOUETTE • A3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Ceremony marks expansion Ronald McDonald House to add 25 new rooms ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

The Ronald McDonald House on Main Street and Cootes Drive has served Westdale for 17 years. enced 130 grand mal seizures over a able to make use of the house when period of three weeks. he needs to come back to the Mc Over the six Master Children’s week period that Hospital for addiEvan was under inYou’re not thinking tional treatments tensive care at the and check-ups. hospital, his family about food when your The renovation was referred to the child is sick. You’re not of the house allows Ronald McDonald thinking about where many more families House located on you’re going to sleep in situations similar Main St., very close to Evan’s to beneto the McMaster or what you’re going fit from the nearby Children’s Hospi- to eat or where you’re accommodations. tal, allowing his going to do your laun- Across Ontario, family to remain several such facilidry.” close by at a time ties are available to when he needed families in need at them most. no cost. Recently, Now, Evan’s condition is the Ronald McDonald Room was improving and his family is still created at the McMaster Children’s

NABILA KHAN

THE SILHOUETTE

FARZEEN FODA

The Ronald McDonald House hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 23 to celebrate the expansion of the facility, which has served the Westdale community since 1993. With funding from the joint Federal and Provincial Infrastructure Stimulus Fund and fundraising by the Ronald McDonald House, the $13.6 million expansion will add 31,000 square feet to the facility, creating an additional 25 rooms. Following the expansion, the Ronald McDonald House will have 40 rooms. The house previously had 15.

To mark this significant step forward, many families that have benefited from the house, as well as people that were instrumental in the expansion, were present to mark the occasion and say a few words of thanks and acknowledgement.

The Ronald McDonald House serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving medical treatment at the McMaster Children’s Hospital. Treatments for pediatric illnesses often keep families away from home for days or weeks at a time.

The houses are non-profit accommodations located near several medical facilities across Canada and the United States, allowing families to stay near the hospital where they can easily attend to the needs of their child while being able to take care of themselves as well.

“You’re not thinking about food when you’re child is sick. You’re not thinking about where your going to sleep or what you’re going to eat or where you’re going to do your laundry,” says Jaya MootooSzypulewski. Her six-year-old son Evan was hospitalized at the age of three at the McMaster Children’s Hospital. His condition was initially unknown but he was consistently lethargic and soon reached a point where he was paralyzed and experi-

New Program for Mac Eng

Hospital to allow families of children under hospital care to remain on site.

Mootoo-Szypulewski encourages McMaster students to visit the Ronald McDonald House to learn more about what they do. Her family was unaware of the house until it held their lives together when her son’s health was in jeopardy.

“You do the McHappy days at McDonalds and you think, okay, 10 cents goes to the Ronald McDonald House, but you never really know what it’s about,” she said. With generous donations from the Hamilton community and fundraisers such as McHappy days, the Ronald McDonald House is able to continue

Newsbites

McMaster has taken a leap into the new era of technology with the instalment of the NVIDIA CUDA Teaching Centre. CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) is the computing architecture designed

by NVIDIA. The CUDA Teaching Centre Program was introduced to encourage teaching establishments to combine graphics processing units (GPU) computing into their programs. Funding, teaching materials and equipment is provided

by NVIDIA, the world’s leading developer of GPU. This is the first program of this calibre in Canada and will be housed at McMaster University. Worldwide more than 350 universities are teaching the CUDA programming model.

Currently only available at the Master’s level, the program will teach electrical and computer engineering students how to use GPU resources in computing applications.

The program began earlier this month with the start of the Fall semester, and will be taught by Alexandru Patriciu, assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The equipment provided by NVIDIA allows for a considerable increase in computing performance for graphics as the GPUs can increase processing speeds up to 100 times at a minimal cost.

The high-end graphic cards provided by NVIDIA will provide McMaster students with a multitude of opportunities in multimedia. The new technology will help students in designing more life-like computer games, 3D television and movie production, and in the development of new medicinal imaging technologies and surgical tools, as well as simulation environments for designing cars.

“CUDA has the potential to revolutionize the way parallel processing is done,” says David Capson from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McMaster, noting that, “it has the potential to create the next generation of high-performance multimedia applications and services.”

Compiled by Alex Boudreau and Farzeen Foda National Pizza Month

October marks National Pizza Month in Canada. This time of year allows pizza-aficionados a great opportunity to explore the history of the dish. Canadian soldiers returning home from Italy during World War II first made pizza famous, and it has since made its way into the hearts and stomachs of the Canadian people. So, in celebration of this momentous occasion, feel free to enjoy a slice of the doughy delight.

Prostitution Laws Struck Down Toronto judge Susan Himel has struck down controversial legal provisions that criminalized prostitution. The prosecution argued that provisions originally meant to protect women and residential neighborhoods are now endangering the lives of sex workers. Striking those laws down means that prostitutes will be able to communicate freely with costumers on the street, conduct business in their homes and even hire bodyguards and accountants without exposing them to the risk of criminal sanctions. The ruling, however, will not take affect for 30 days, to give the government time to consider how to address potential consequences.

Club Bouncers Face Assault Charges Three Club 77 bouncers are facing charges of aggravated assault following an incident outside of the club that left a McMaster student in serious condition. The victim had been at the King William Street bar supporting a DJ friend when the incident occurred. The victim stood up for the DJ who was accused of being drunk and was thrown out of the bar. The victim was then put into a headlock and the argument quickly escalated outside where the victim was knocked unconscious, fell to the ground and hit his head. The student is now lying unconscious in the intensive care unit with life threatening injuries. Tony Sa, owner of Club 77, refused comment when being asked about the incident.

Alumni book signing On Sept. 20, McMaster alumni and author Terry Fallis was at McMaster to promote the launch of his new book, The High Road. In The High Road, an unconventional Liberal candidate in a fictional Eastern Ontario riding stands for re-election. Though Fallis self-published the book after being rejected by a number of publishers, it was well received and earned the Stephen Leacock Award for humour. Fallis, himself a Liberal pundit, now resides in Toronto.

Bicyclists no exception to traffic laws Many McMaster students choose to ride their bikes to school each day. Some of these bicyclists, however, fail to realize that traffic regulations apply to those on bikes as well. Stop signs apply to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Failing to stop at a stop sign is not only dangerous, but a punishable offense. A student caught ignoring a stop sign can be fined $90 and face a one or two demerit point penalty on their driver’s license. The safety risk far outweighs the penalties when failing to stop at a stop sign. Stop, look both ways, and then proceed.

New reporting method for short-term illnesses A new online illness self-reporting form, McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) has been introduced for McMaster students. The service has been designed for students whose absence is no longer than 5 days. Students must indicate the appropriate course as well as a list of the work missed. Upon submission of the form, an email requesting relief will be sent directly to the course instructor, after which point it is between the instructor and the student to discuss the nature and details of the relief. Students for whom an absence exceeds five days should contact their respective Associate Dean.

A4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

MSU Teaching Awards honour faculty

CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

The eight faculty were acknowledged at a ceremony on Sept. 23. From left to right: Professors Nicolici, Wilson, Vilks, Kinder, Culver, Flynn, Dej and Howarth.

KARA MCGOWEN

and Krista Howarth (Kinesiology).

The ceremony took place in Council Chambers, Gilmour Hall 111. In attendance The McMaster Student Union held the was McMaster President Patrick Deane, 2009/10 MSU Teaching Awards on Sept. 23. Vice-President (Academic) and Provost Ilene The annual event honours eight professors Bush-Vishniac and Chancellor Red Wilson, nominated by their students for showcasing as well as the MSU Board of Directors, past winners and students. outstanding teaching.

The 2009-10 winners were Nicola Nicol- Every semester, students have the opici (Engineering), Jean Wilson (Arts & Sci- portunity to honour their own professors by ence), Peter Vilks (Commerce), Keith Kinder nominating them for the Teaching Award.

(Humanities), Kirsten Culver (Nursing), Greg The Teaching Awards Committee then tallies Flynn (Social Science), Kim Dej (Science) every student nomination in order to create a

short-list and evaluate each professor in class.

MSU President Mary Koziol said in her opening address, “You cannot have a quality education without quality teaching.” Each of the professors were honoured with a certificate presented by Koziol and MSU vice-president (Education) Joe Finkle. Each recipient said a few words after being presented with the Teaching Award.

Jean Wilson commented on the award, “I think that this reception is so important because it brings together the president, chancellor and provost...together with students

Canada ranks second in post-secondary spending

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THE SILHOUETTE

Though tuition is rising, spending is keeping pace accordingly pay more for their schooling than the state in general, because they, as private entrepreneurs, so to speak, gain the benefits. So again, THE GATEWAY it’s a debate of should the state pay or should EDMONTON (CUP) - Canada is second only it be privately paid?” to the U.S. in how much of its GDP is spent Joseph Marchand, an economics professor at the U of A, explained the relationship on post-secondary education.

In a study released on Sept. 7, the Or- between enrolment and the cost of education. ganisation for Economic Co-operation and He pointed to a study published in Higher Development found that Canadians spend Education in Canada, stating that the rela2.6 per cent of their GDP on post-secondary tionship favours increasing tuition. On the demand side of education, education, while Americans if tuition goes up by 10 per contribute 3.1 per cent. cent, then enrolment will Canada, along with DenIt is generally the only go down by 1.5 per cent, mark and Finland, contributes the most public funds pattern that richer explained Marchand. On the supply side of education, with to universities and colleges countries spend the government being the pricompared to other countries more on education mary funding source, if provstudied. incial spending goes down by Jerrold Kachur isn’t surand because of prised by the statistics. As an that, they also have 10 per cent, then enrolment will drop by 3.3 per cent. educational policy professor higher rates of But Marchand added that this at the University of Alberta, isn’t an absolute reason to Kachur studies the interattendance...” keep increasing tuition. national sociology of educa “These demand-side statistion. He stated that Canadians tics that I quoted, these low have always paid more for responses to tuition rate increases, doesn’t education in general.

“It is generally the pattern that richer mean that we should punish students with countries spend more on education and be- increasing tuition over time,” said Marchand. cause of that, they also have higher rates of “Just because they don’t react to it, doesn’t attendance in schooling and attainment of mean that it’s a good thing to keep increasing tuition.” higher levels,” he said.

Canadian statistics released on Sept. 17 Kachur also questioned the composition indicated that tuition is rising in almost every of a student body paying higher tuition fees. province, and post-secondary administrators “Education is something that can be measare continuing to push for dramatic increases. ured by a credential and has a payoff in the Kachur explained that a gradual rise in tuition market at a certain price, and that’s a very represents a rise in the percentage of the total narrow reading of what people do in schools,” cost of education that students become re- said Kachur. “You know there are issues of sponsible for, under the assumption that stu- enlightenment, cultural transmission, liberadents are the ones who benefit the most from tion and empowerment, that in a sense are also part of teaching and becoming democrattheir education.

“We’ve had a general shift in the last 15 ic citizens. I think that’s important and that or 20 years that individual students should may not show up in economic return.”

MOLY MILOSOVIC

Bomb threat keeps hospital under “code black” for two hours • CONT’D FROM A1 offices and waiting rooms while their areas were being scanned.

Having found nothing out of the ordinary, hospital administration ended the code black at about 1:10 p.m. The few police cruisers that remained on the scene left.

Catherine Martin, Corporate Communi-

cator for Hamilton Police Services, explained that an investigation is now underway. She was not at liberty to go in to detail, except to say that the “investigation began at McMaster and...is continuing off-site.”

The rest of campus was said to have been checked and cleared, and no bomb or suspicious object was found.

CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

The hospital was cleared, and the investigation in continuing off-campus.

Write for the Sil News!

Come by the office in MUSC B110, or send us an email at news@thesil.ca to write or to talk about what’s happening around campus.

and faculty. It’s about a culture of people who value teaching and learning.” The award winners and McMaster president shared their own experiences in teaching, both positive and negative.

Dick Day, in congratulations to the eight award winners, said: “What the good teachers really do is lift you up and motivate you. They create the passion in you.”

The Teaching Awards for 2010-11 are to be held in March, for which the preparation process is now beginning.

THE SILHOUETTE • A5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Supercrawl & Open Streets JOY SANTIGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Thousands crowded James Street North in Hamilton’s increasingly popular North End for a weekend of art, music, and community

RENEE VIEIRA / THE SILHOUETTE

MICHELLE NG / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Great acts from across the country took the main stage throughout Supercrawl.

The road was closed off during Open Streets, encouraging walking and cycling.

DANIELLE GIBBONS & SAM COLBERT SILHOUETTE STAFF & SENIOR NEWS EDITOR

Thousands took to James Street North this weekend for two of Hamilton’s major cultural events. The first, which took place through the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 25 and into the night, was the second annual Supercrawl, a spin-off of the monthly art crawls that attract so many to the North end of Hamilton. Its mission was to help promote artistic culture in the city.

Open Streets, the second event, ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Sunday. Attendees came to walk, bike and rollerblade down the street, which was closed to traffic from York Boulevard to Guise Street. It was a celebration of car-free methods of transport in the interest of building community and encouraging environmental sustainability. The many shops and restaurants in the area were eager to open their doors to crowds, and there were games and activities to enjoy.

The Sunday was planned and supported by Environment Hamilton, Green Venture and Smart Commute Hamilton, along with individuals from Public Health and local residents’ associations. This is the second event of its kind in Hamilton, first taking place in June. Similar ideas have come to life in other North American cities, including New York, Portland, Winnipeg and Ottawa.

Supercrawl organizers Dane Pedersen and Tim Potocic made their event even more noteworthy than last year by taking a page out of the Open Streets book and shutting down the streets from York to Barton Street. Hamilton’s booming art scene was out in full force as stages were set up for scores of performers, including Cadence Weapon, Bruce Peninsula, Lost In The Trees, Elliot Brood, Wax Mannequin, Lee Reed, Terra Lightfoot, Joel Elliott and Thin Lines, as well as many more. Dance groups, War Child buskers and street musicians also provided entertainment. Artists were literally painting the streets to celebrate the North End’s penchant for culture.

Many of those who went to Supercrawl enjoyed the chance to talk with the artists, who came from across the nation to be a part of the local arts community. As a result, the event each year shows how much the face of Hamilton is changing. It moves many to change their opinion that Hamilton is a gritty steel town and see that it is fast becoming a trendy area for art and culture.

Along with stages and screens, tents were set up in the middle of the street for shop owners to showcase their goods. There was something there for everyone – including fresh produce, baked goods, jewelry, clothes and a public art competition for James North.

In the near future, three pieces of art will be installed on James Street North courtesy of the City of Hamilton. Interested crawl-goers can visit the city’s website to see the possible choices.

Teaming up with Supercrawl this year was C+C Music Festival. McMaster’s CFMU and Mohawk’s INDI 101 converge to showcase local talent and chose Supercrawl as its stage. This Ain’t Hollywood played host to the event and a free compilation CD was given away at the doors. Also at This Ain’t Hollywood and The Brain were the official Supercrawl after parties.

The next opportunity to get a taste of what James Street North has to offer will come on Oct. 8, the date of the next art crawl.

RYAN JANSSEN / SILHOUETTE STAFF

Live entertainment lined the roadsides.

CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Works of art found their way outside.

CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Both events offered an opportunity to experience the vibrant arts community growing in Hamilton and to visit the variety of shops along James St.

A6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

EDITORIAL The Silhouette McMaster University’s Student Newspaper

TheSil.ca

Editorial Board

Peter Goffin Executive Editor

Will van Engen Production Manager David Koots Copy Manager Sam Colbert Senior News Editor Chris Erl Asst. News Editor Farzeen Foda Asst. News Editor Cassandra Jeffery Opinions Editor Brian Decker Sports Editor Fraser Caldwell Asst. Sports Editor Natalie Timperio InsideOut Editor Kaitlin Peters Asst. InsideOut Editor Roxanne Hathway-Baxter Senior ANDY Editor Dan Hawie ANDY Music Editor Myles Herrod ANDY Ent. Editor Christopher Chang Senior Photo Editor Joy Santiago Multimedia Editor Jonathon Fairclough Asst. Photo Editor Simon Granat Business Editor Santino Marinucci Asst. Business Editor

Silhouette Staff Kevin Elliott Writer Trevor Roach Writer Aaron Joo Writer Victor Pek Writer

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

A meditation on the gradual process of socio-political change or...

Hookers still ain’t legal, but it’s okay I think I’m in love. Her name is Susan and she just tried to legalize solicitation. Yeah, yeah, okay I know how that sounds, but that’s not what I mean.

What I’m trying to say is that Ontario Superior Court Justice Susan Himel, in overturning all anti-prostitution legislation, was performing maybe the most honourable political act possible: failing.

And you’d better believe she’s failing. Come on, what did you think, Canada was going to legalize prostitution? With a Conservative government? No. The regulation of prostitution is far too ingrained in the bedrock of societal norms. A few hundred years of illegality doesn’t get waved away with one little judicial decree. This thing is a dead duck as soon as it goes to any place higher than the Ontario Superior Court. And Susan knows it.

She’s a judge. She didn’t make a mistake, she didn’t forget the way the law works, and it’s highly doubtful she thought she could just slip a little old pro-prostitution writ past the entire legislative system. Even if it is the beginning of the fall TV season.

But what she did was take a stand. And I love her for it. Because it doesn’t matter that the federal government has already launched an appeal. What matters is that the first chip was made in that bedrock of Canada’s laws and values. And in the game of world-changing, that’s the way to start.

All it takes is one judge getting the kind of publicity Himel has, by saying that prostitution should be legalized and chip! There it goes. A little bit gets taken away from that big old bedrock.

And then a sex worker called Terri-Jean Bedford says that she was once hit in the head with a baseball bat by a John, and because hooking is a hot topic, people listen for once.

Chip!

And then a few hundred thousand people read in the paper that prostitution is up for debate and they hear what Bedford has to say and they wonder why we can’t start protecting women like her. Chip!

Chip, chip, chip, and eventually, in 20 or 10 or even five years, another Superior Court Justice cancels solicitation legislation again, and Crack! The bedrock breaks open and progress rushes through the breach.

Now, maybe you can’t get behind legalizing prostitution. I get that. It’s a complicated issue. And sure, I personally believe that prostitution should be legalized. But it makes no difference what I think. Or what you think. Politics aren’t worth a damn here, nor is morality, or legality. Makes no difference that Susan is almost assured of a failure. In fact, the most impressive thing about her is that she can’t win.

Susan Himel took action in the name of something she believed in. She fell short but she carved a foothold. And with each such failed attempt, with each mention of a need for change, the issue cuts a little bit deeper into the social consciousness. People start to think, people start to question, people start to talk. And that’s when the biggest changes happen.

So, like, I’m no Superior Court Justice. But in this situation, Susan Himel’s profession wasn’t worth much to her cause. It gave her no better a chance at seeing her decree last.

She was just a person who perceived a need for progress and took what action she could, doomed though it may have been. And it was all incredibly noble and, in the long run, could be incredibly effective.

So with that as a model, I’m grabbing for my hammer and chisel for to start chipping away. Not for prostitution, necessarily, but for whatever I see fit to change.

Love that chip, chip, chipping sound.

Sandro Giordano Ad Manager

•

PETER GOFFIN

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Letters from the dissatisfied: We thought it necessary to inform you that the image used alongside your article “Mac students parade through Westdale” in the Sept. 9 issue of the Silhouette was used out of context.

Your caption states “volunteers are ridiculed down Sterling street”; however, that was not the case. The male pajama parade attendees pictured are in fact good friends of the female Welcome Week Representative volunteer also pictured.

The caption and subtitle insinuate that these gentlemen were harassing volunteers they were unacquainted with in an unwanted fashion. Yet, in actuality the image captures friends reuniting after the summer.

What was a joyous occasion was presented and published with negative connotations regarding sexual

to will van engen. shine on you crazy diamond. to beefy the wonder wiener dog. to hockeyville in dundas. to daa marauders. it was a homecoming win worthy of coach ditka. to the kinks. to the veterans of the silhouette. to the supercrawl. crawl on! to the tip drill. to saskatoon. and nostalgia. to the career of rick moranis

harassment.

The corresponding article mentions inappropriate behaviour displayed by other onlookers of the pajama parade. As this picture was printed with the article, all of the comments are associated with the individuals shown. This misrepresentation was unwelcome and not beneficial to those involved.

Our respect for The Silhouette has diminished due to the stereotyping placed on the people pictured by your article. We would appreciate if in the future you ensured that all images used are adequately presented in the truth of their occurrence.

Sincerely, Siobhan Coo and the Misrepresented Students of Westdale

to pregnancy fetishes. you make pregnancy dirty and sex disgusting. to having to shave your food. to not taking a shot at gary bettman when i had the chance. to sunbutter brand sunflower seed spread. peanut-free, glutten-free, tastefree. now with extra texture. to goodbyes. to irresponsible pizza delivery. realize that your actions affect dozens of people. to missin’ moranis

Contact Us McMaster University Student Centre, Room B110 McMaster University 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4S4 Fax: (905) 529–3208 E–Mail: thesil@thesil.ca Production Office (905) 525-9140, extension 27117 Advertising (905) 525-9140, extension 27557 10,000 circulation Published by the McMaster Students Union

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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.

And on a regretful note...

This week the Silhouette is saying goodbye to our Production Manager, Will van Engen, after more than two years. He is one hell of a talented photographer, a great goddamn editor, and the finest kind of co-worker you could hope for.

But more than that, he has been a friend. And in a basement office-full of 20 people that’s a superbly valuable quality.

I have never enjoyed a smoother or more entertaining working relationship than the one I’ve had with Will. It has been marred only by a lingering jealousy on my, and the rest of the staff’s, lingering jealousy over Will’s artistry, technical knowledge, commitment to, and flair for, journalism, and unfairly refined dress sense.

Whether shooting Feedback or sleeping in a cardboard box on the streets of Washington while covering the Obama inauguration, you were always the good one, Willem. Via con dios. I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it.

Now, have a Bombay Sapphire on the staff’s tab. And go find yourself a café au lait.

We know how much you like’em.

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THE SILHOUETTE • A7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

OPINIONS

production office extension: 27117 opinions@thesil.ca

Sessionals struggle to survive Contract teachers are underpaid and underappreciated FRASER CALDWELL ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Imagine: You’re living handto-mouth and paycheque-topaycheque. You make minimum wage, with no hope of promotion.

You travel for nearly as much time as you spend at working on a daily basis.

Maybe you just messed up. Maybe all that condescending propaganda from health class never really left an impression, and now your juvenile fling has spawned a family. Or maybe you spent too much of your high school life studying the work of Cheech and Chong, and left Watson and Crick behind.

Or maybe, you’re a university professor.

That’s right ladies and gentlemen. Meet the sessional lecturer. The teacher of fortune. Or as many such individuals jokingly refer to themselves, the “road scholar”. They’re the underpaid and hardly employed profs you meet in upstairs seminar rooms packed to the point of overflowing, and their numbers continue to grow.

But why is this a bad thing?

And why should we, as students, care about the plight of those who withhold our grades and denigrate our 11th- hour essays?

Because the explosion of sessional contracts at universities across North America has very tangible and wide-ranging implications for all of us who call a post-secondary campus home.

For existing academics caught in the mercenary hamster wheel, the sessional phenomenon means a substantial shrinking of tenure track offerings, the sole means of a secure and prosperous position. The financial separation between these contractual categories is staggering, and can mean the difference between desperately searching for secondary employment, or breaking ground on

a pool for your suburban palace.

One veteran of the sessional system recently appeared on a venerable Canadian radio station with a startling revelation.

She had recently taught on a full-year contract at a Maritime university and administered six courses for the measly fee of $24,000.

To put that figure into some kind of context, consider my summer job. It consists of dishing out deep-fried death to the clientele of a major big-box store.

The requirements for such a job are, quite simply, the possession of an academically flimsy high school diploma and a slightly heightened

Why then, if an increasing number of employed scholars are so horribly compensated choose to pursue a career in academia?” tolerance for verbal abuse at the hands of the hungry. And yet, were I to accept full-time employment in this capacity, I would find myself earning more than someone possessing a PhD, putting it to use to the best of their ability.

This is not to say that I don’t greatly appreciate what the fast food racket has done for me – tuition payments don’t collect themselves – but only to imply that the very notion that a hardly educated and untrained individual could out-earn a seasoned and committed academic is pure lunacy.

Financially compare the professor-for-hire with other workers in the business of education, and the result is similarly unfavourable. For example, a full-

time elementary school teacher in Ontario who enters on the absolute bottom of the provincial pay-scale (those with only a single undergrad degree, and no specialization courses beyond teacher’s college) still manages to collect roughly $30,000 per year.

However, as dire as such financial statistics are, they don’t fully capture the disadvantage at which sessional scholars find themselves. Because along with the neglect inherent in awarding miniscule salaries comes another kind of inattention that affects the academic contractor’s everyday life.

It’s the brand of insensitive administration that sees sessionals consistently land larger classes and smaller classrooms. And it dictates that such instructors will inevitably enjoy the support of fewer teaching assistants. In short, they will do more work for less money.

Why then, if an increasing number of employed scholars are so horribly compensated, would outgoing undergrads choose to pursue a career in academia? Let’s face it, we here on university campuses are not altruists. Your everyday undergraduate worker bee is not spending thousands of valuable dollars each year to bask in the unrewarded glory of knowledge.

Nor is their professor freely dispensing such knowledge simply because he or she can.

Rather, in the business that is the modern university, the former must be savvy clients, and the latter convincing merchants. If the ultimate goal of postgraduate studies is the attainment of a professorial post, and such positions are seen to lose their lustre, then the educational product itself is tarnished in the process. And as we senior-year students begin to look over our graduate applications, shouldn’t we be considering the value of that product?

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

The plight of sessionals is worrying for future academics.

HSR is on the road to hell CASSANDRA JEFFERY OPINIONS EDITOR

stalking you.

As terrible as my bussing situation has become, I feel extremely sympathetic for the little old grandmas who are forced to ride the bus with a huge crowd of students. Looking frazzled and intimidated they continue on with their day without complaint. If the well-being of students is not a good enough incentive to improve the bus system then we should at least help out the elderly. The HSR bus system is terribly run. You have literally nowhere to turn and nowhere to go as more and more people pile on to the already over-packed bus. So much for feasible, reliable, and safe

transportation.

I’m sure Jillian Hassard would agree when I say that the HSR has become a badly run organization. Just last week, her body was thrown under a bus when her leg was caught in the bus door as the rest of her body remained on the curb. The 18-year-old-high school student had just been let out of class when she was waiting for the HSR bus on Mohawk Road.

The bus was already packed, yet more people were pushed on. As this was happening, Hassard was bumped off the bus, although her leg was still caught in the door as the bus driver began

to drive away. When the bus drove off, her body hit the ground and her leg was set free. Afterwards she was run-over by the bus’s back wheels.

Apparently the bus driver had not noticed until someone on the bus had said something.

The Hamilton Spectator, reported, “She has a broken left femur, a sprained right ankle, puncture wounds and severe road rash.” Clearly the bus is not a safe place for anyone; let alone the elderly.

Following the incident, The Spectator retrieved a number of comments from the city’s director of transit, Don Hull, who defended the

It happened in seconds, but somehow being passed by the city bus felt like it happened in slow motion. It was a depressing day when this atrocity first occurred. I was waiting for the bus in the rain, on my birthday no less, when the HSR bus drove right by my stop. Having been left behind, I was forced to walk in the rain with no umbrella or hope for the future. I decided to let this incident pass, but when the second, third, and fourth bus drivers raced speedily past my bus stop, casually avoiding my angry glares, I decided something must be done. Thus, an opinion article has been created for your entertainment and benefit.

Our bus system has gone significantly downhill. First of all, the busses are constantly overpacked to the point in which it doesn’t come as a surprise to feel some stranger groping you from behind. At this point, it becomes hot, sweaty, and hard to breathe.

I’d rather not inhale anyone’s armpit odor, but when you’re 5’2” and directly underneath a group of smelly tall kids, there’s not much you can do. You have one of two choices: endure the stench or walk fifty blocks. Unfortunately, I’m lazy and I’d rather hold my breath.

All around, taking the bus is a horrible experience. People are practically sitting on you, that is if they are not hitting you with huge gym bags full of heavy chemistry textbooks. And of course, the bus ride experience would not be complete without some creepy guy’s pathetic attempt to make conversation. Please, the bus is not where I want to meet potential lovers and I’d rather not hear about your ex-girlfriend who is apparently Overcrowded, unsafe, and unreliable; the City of Hamilton’s bus system is pathetic.

JOY SANTIAGO/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

HSR. Hull commented: “Passengers were standing at the entrance obstructing the driver’s view...a driver should have a clear view before driving.” Hello! Bus driver, if you couldn’t see, why would you allow more people to squeeze on the bus? Would it not make logical sense to clear the area before taking off? Hull admitted that there is an issue with overcrowding on the busses, although he seems to pin a significant portion of the blame on the citizens than the HSR. “People always want to get on the first bus,” Hull said.

“The HSR adds extra busses to busy routes. Often, another bus is moments behind the full one... patience may have avoided this incident.” I can hardly imagine that Hull would take the bus on a daily basis, so how could he possibly know what the HSR experience entails?

Hull, you kind of sound like an idiot. Ask any student who’s been passed by the 5C bus up to Ancaster how long they’ve had to wait for the next bus on route.

There are not always extra busses “moments” behind and they are clearly not big enough to hold all of the paying HSR customers. Just this Wednesday morning while waiting for the bus, I was once again passed by the HSR. The depressing part is that the boy waiting with me was on crutches. I decided to walk, but he clearly did not have that option.

Point being, I had enough time to go back home, get an apple, and head back to school. At that time, the boy on crutches was still waiting and I have a strong feeling he was late for class. Is it really the citizens who are the problem?

Stop defending the HSR, Hull. It’s time for a change.

A8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

You’re not bringing sexy back Ladies, tights as Stop doing the nasty on the dance floor pants are not “hot” CASSANDRA JEFFERY OPINIONS EDITOR

Since January of this year, I have been anticipating my 19th birthday, not only for the excessive drinking, clubbing, and quality Snooty Fox time, but because most of my friends were either already of legal drinking age or heading off to the bar to celebrate their fortunate early birthdays.

Throughout the summer my anticipation was heightened as every weekend many of my friends would take off for the clubs, leaving me at home to hang out with the fam. I’m all for quality family time, but my idea of excitement is not a night of Scrabble. Recently, however, everything changed. I finally hit that 19 mark and life started to move forward.

No more hanging out at home with a deck of Euchre cards, no more lonely nights of sobriety, and no more pathetic Friday night movies with tubs of cookie dough ice cream. John Hughes, Molly Ringwald, and the cast of Sixteen Candles would have to wait.

Simultaneously, my “coolness” factor had somehow jumped up 50 points on that glorious day of my 19th birthday and I was determined to party hard.

However, what I’ve learned from my birthday-palooza is that you don’t always get what you want, despite the fact that it is your birthday. Every once in a while, what you’ve been anticipating doesn’t exactly live up to your expectations. The club

nightlife doesn’t exactly match up to everything you’ve pictured. Well, at least in my experience, that is.

In my rebellious, underage days, I’d been to a few bars and I can say with certainty that they were nothing compared to what my Saturday night was like at Club 77.

First off, the so-called dancing was repulsive. Obviously I was not expecting men and women to be divided by a taped line across the floor like some grade seven chaperoned dance. But I was not expecting people to be basically having sex on the floor either.

The dancing I witnessed at the club was far beyond Patrick Swayze’s style of dirty dancing. At one point I witnessed a couple two inches off the ground making out, while viciously groping each other.

Ugh, please get a room, or at least a discreet corner.

Do you really think I want to see you rub crotches while I’m bustin’ a move right beside you?

When you have less than a foot of space between you and some random stranger, someone else’s intense grinding is just a little obnoxious.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a little promiscuous dancing, but you’re seriously disturbed if you think locking lips, while lying on the dance floor, is “hot.” Can’t we have a little more class? I admit that I am secret Jersey Shore lover, but I don’t expect people to act like that show’s cast.

I would like to quote my dear friend Kyle Fisher who also experienced Club 77 that night.

As he stated, “It has the feel of sweaty balls and a VIP strip club, which means it’s not VIP...and the soft-core porn broadcasts definitely make me feel trashy.” I feel as though his experience perfectly sums up the idiocy of those partying at Club 77 on that particular night.

Beyond the disgusting dancing, I would like to focus on the many sketchy men who like to prey on innocent women. Conversations between myself and members of the opposite sex usually went something like this: Sketchy guy: “Yo girl, can I buy you a drank?”

Innocent me: “No thank you.”

Sketchy guy: “Oh come on baby gurl, let’s dance.”

Innocent me: “Really, no thanks, my feet hurt anyways.”

Sketchy guy: “Whateves.

Peace.”

Excuse me for declining, but I’d rather not be date-raped or sexually assaulted on the dance floor. Is it too much to ask for a guy who can speak with correct grammar and does not expect me to grind my ass in his crotch in return for a drink? Would the men respect me more if worked the pole in a bra and short shorts?

Excited as I was for the bar, clearly I have much to learn about the workings of trashy men and women at the sketchy downtown club scene. Maybe I should just make another date with John Hughes and have a little recovery time. Breakfast Club is sounding like a great date right about now.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Violently and excessively grinding and groping on the dance floor is never hot. Get a room!

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Tights as pants are not flattering on any body type.

GRAHAM WHITE

OPINION

Ladies, it is time we had a talk. I have noticed a trend in the clothing many of you have been wearing around campus and it has been troubling me for sometime. This is a trend which has gone unquestioned and unexamined for far too long.

What am I talking about? I am talking about Tights As Pants (TAP).

For the sake of clarity I must make sure you know exactly what I am getting at. I am sure all of us have seen girls around campus wearing tights with a long shirt, a jean skirt or anything else that meets their mid thigh. These are not the girls I am talking about. The TAP girls are the ones who wear a simple t-shirt or any other top that stops at the waist and lets the tights do the rest.

But what could possibly be wrong with this fashion trend if so many women out there are doing it? Is it not odd that so many women are willing to dress the same way?

Or that they would choose to wear an item of clothing that does not flatter any body type? Or are there greater benefits to TAP that I do not understand? Are they so comfortable that it is worth having everyone see your Carebear underwear through your tights? Is that a reasonable price to pay for comfort and looking “fashionable”? Maybe

the many colours and patterns enable you to express your own personal fashion sense. But then why would every girl out there, and all their friends, go out and purchase the same colour?

TAP robs the wearer of any individuality. If everyone wears them then how exactly are you expressing your own personality?

How are guys supposed to be able to tell you apart from every other girl out there? They can’t and they won’t and most guys will see those tights and move right on.

The history of tights and how they are used in our current culture in no way matches up with the use of TAP. If you are playing a sport, performing ballet or hanging out at a renaissance fair then tights are an acceptable item of clothing. This does not include going to school, getting groceries or any other run-of-the-mill activity that I have seen women doing out in public.

I once overheard two girls discussing how they were going to improve their physical beauty, one of them stating that in order to look sexier she would simply wear tighter clothing and give up her gym membership permanently. TAP will not cure you of your laziness and by no means will it make you look sexier. In fact TAP does the opposite.

• PLEASE SEE TAP A11

THE SILHOUETTE • A9

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Segway enthusiast rolls off cliff. We’re not kidding...

CASSANDRA JEFFERY OPINIONS EDITOR

Remember those days of basic cable, dialup internet, and landline telephones? These obsolete items seem so far away, yet only five years ago our society actually used proper communication. A tradition known as “calling.” Now we just insist on sending colloquialism-laced text messages. Oh, what has society evolved to?

Slaves to advancing technology are what we’ve become. Cell phones, video games, and every single Apple product greatly impact our lives to the point that we have become completely dependent on technology. We are the virtual generation and I have to admit, as much as I myself rely on technology, I despise this fact.

I have a serious issue with most futuristic objects that are supposedly meant for the vast improvement in our quality of life. Have we not learned by now that some technological inventions are just plain stupid, not to mention unnecessary? A perfect example of such technology is the Segway Scooter. In case you’re unaware of what the Segway Scooter entails, it’s that ugly looking, two-wheeled thing, that you cruise around on standing straight up. Unfortunately, instead of acquiring some George Jetson-esque tool of transportation, you only resemble a creepy mannequin from some low-budget horror or science fiction movie.

The reason behind the rant about Segway Scooters and pointless technology is actually quite ironic. Jimi Heselden, one of the owners of the company that makes Segways, recently passed away. Cause of death: Segway accident.

Now, the fact that the CEO of the Segway company has passed away is not funny. I, by no means am a morbid person and I am greatly sympathetic towards the family and friends of Heselden. However, I could not help but giggle, just ever so slightly, when I read the headline of an article in The Independent, which read, “Segway tycoon dies in cliff fall while riding scooter.”

The article states, “Mr. Heselden has been found dead after apparently plunging 30ft over the side of a cliff while riding one of the machines he hoped would revolutionize the way we travel.” Pardon my sarcasm, but this whole ordeal is completely ironic and a little bit ridiculous. Revolutionize the way we travel? Really? Well I’m sorry Segway inventor guy, but your machine has killed a 62-year-old man.

The name of Segway has become tainted, corrupt! No ones ever going to drive that crazy, killing machine again. I guess it’s

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Jimi Heselden made his fortune selling barrier structures, he used that fortune to buy the Segway company...Oops. back to Hybrid cars as a revolutionizing way of travel.

How could I possibly trust technology now? The man was killed by his own machine. How disturbing. I’ve never really understood how the machine works to begin with. What was it, some revolutionized form of bike? Either way, now I consider the Segway to be completely unreliable.

Apparently Heselden was cruising on an “off-road” version of the two-wheeled machine when he went flying off a mountain side. Why was he near a mountain side to begin with? Clearly his machine could not handle the rough terrain. An article posted by Yahoo News states Segways use “gyroscopes,

computers and electric motors to cruise up to 12 miles per hour.” Clearly a little too fast for poor Mister Heselden.

I really should not pin all of the blame entirely on Segway, Heselden could have been multi-tasking with a number of different things. Doesn’t he know that cell phones and driving do not mix; I suppose he hasn’t pledged to Oprah’s “No Phone Zone” campaign. When will scooter enthusiasts learn that the laws against drinking and driving still apply to Segways? Maybe we should create Segway police for this exact reason. To keep crazy Segway scooter tycoons off the beaten path, which always inevitably leads towards a 30ft cliff. Another pointless invention for a

pointless product.

I truly believe the Segway debacle could have been avoided if Heselden would have just walked.

But no, as a society, we insist on doing everything the “easier” way, even if the easier way doesn’t make sense and in the long run, makes our lives more difficult. It’s pure laziness, stop trying to figure out ways to not move your feet. Segways only contribute to the North Americans culture of obesity.

Eventually machines are going to take over the world. We’re all going to be 300 pounds driving around on Segways; but don’t worry we’ll at least have the Segway police to make sure we don’t drive over any cliffs.

If you’ve got thoughts, we want them, bitch.

Write for Opinions opinions@thesil.ca Meetings Monday at 2 pm MUSC B110

A10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

THE SILHOUETTE • A11

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

TAP is never attractive

More debt isn’t the answer

• CONT’D FROM A8 It reveals everything, and I should not need to remind you that in public, “everything” is way too much.

For the past two years I have been repulsed by the sight of TAP around campus and it is high time for a change. For me the women who stand out amongst the rabble are the ones who have a style all their own.

And I am not the only one who feels this way.

There are others out there who also believe that tights are absolutely not pants. I would like to note that this group of people includes all of my male friends, who find this fashion trend a disgusting turn off.

I would not be able to comment on this fashion trend without the help of the good people over a tightsarenotpants.com who have created a wonderful and humourous argument for the case against TAP. Part of their case, which makes me chuckle, sums up everything I have been trying to say thus far and I felt it appropriate to quote them here: “This gratuitous divulgence of assets repels where the tights-as-pants wearer presumably hopes to entice.”

The point I am trying to make is this: You will attract whatever you project. If you want to dress like a trashy cowgirl who looks

Fight for your education

like she lost her dance pole then by all means go ahead but be aware of how you will be perceived by others and that the type of men who are going to pursue you are only after one thing. If, after reading this, you decide you still want to carry on wearing TAP then by all means I will not stop you, but be wary of the prices you are going to continue to pay.

You will be perceived as someone who has no sense of fashion, has lost all sense of individuality and is comfortable with leaving nothing to the imagination. If, however, you are looking for something a tad more substantial in a relationship, or you simply want to be looked at as more than just a collection of female genitalia then maybe it is time for a change in the items of clothing you consider to be “pants.”

For all the girls wearing tights with other items of clothing that meet your mid thigh, thank you and congratulations on having style, knowing how to properly wear tights off the dance floor, and standing out like diamonds in the rough.

To all the ladies wearing TAP all I have to say is this: go buy yourself a full length mirror, save the tights for the ballet studio and figure out what your own style is.

The miracle of life is not a nightmare

SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO

Pregnancy can be overwhelming, but the B word does not have to be frighting.

MARY KOZIOL OPINION

The B word. It might not quite be what you think, but some might find the word I’m thinking of equally, if not more, horrifying.

Birth. That’s right I went there. I brought up the word that The Miracle of Life made into your grade nine nightmare. I’ve heard many people say that showing young students the actual act of giving birth is the best form of birth control available. I’m inclined to agree.

Yet, as a 22-year-old whose childbearing prospects are a thing of the very (very) distant future, I spend more time talking, thinking and writing about childbirth than is probably socially tasteful. I love birth.

It’s one of my favourite dinner table topics, though I’ve quickly learned others do not share this sentiment. So what’s my deal with it?

I worked as a doula last summer, which essentially means a woman who supports another woman, both physically and emotionally, throughout her birth. It was a volunteer position, so I was working mainly with women from low-income backgrounds with poor social support networks.

In the short time span of four months, I participated in four births, which included twins born nine weeks premature via C-section as well as a natural (free of painkillers or medical interventions) birth.

As all but one of these women were single (as doulas we call them our “moms”), I sometimes assumed a strange pseudo-spouse role. I went to HypnoBirthing classes and learned how to help one of my “moms” enter a relaxed state when she was experiencing contractions. I don’t think I’d make a very good hypnotist, though. The screams of pain when she was in labour made me feel like she probably wasn’t that relaxed.

I helped women breastfeed for the very first time, and helped them bond with their newborns, which is a tad ironic, considering I’ve been afraid of babies for the greater portion of my life. Their heads are just so disproportionately large it creeps me out.

I had a baby who was barely the length of my hand grab my finger. It was a shock to see that something so small could exist. I had, earlier on, helped the mother through the death of this baby’s twin brother.

Through that experience, I learned how deep the bond between mother and child runs, and that someone who lived such a short life could still have an incredible impact.

I spent many nights with my cell phone next to my pillow in case anything were to happen, made many frantic phone

calls asking what a certain symptom might mean (I’ll spare you the details), and had the chance to hold several newborns who had been alive mere minutes.

I suppose the reason why I really love birth so much is that it is such an extreme life event. It’s through these kinds of things that you really learn who you are, and what you are capable of. It has the potential to be an empowering, invigorating experience that brings individuals together. It also has the power to be traumatizing and scarring.

My experiences with birth revealed the greater power of human connection; how important it is to be there for other people when they need you most. How much power and impact a simple back rub or a word of encouragement can mean when someone feels scared or alone.

The level of connection I established with the mothers I worked with would have taken years in a normal setting, but within a few weeks they were sharing intimate details of their lives, and meeting any friends or family they had and sticking by their side through what could be a labour of 10-plus hours.

Every time a baby was born, I had to fight back an overwhelming swell of emotions. It’s pretty powerful stuff. Though The Miracle of Life might have been a little off the mark with its chosen footage and incredible outdatedness, its title certainly captures it: birth really is a miracle.

Now, I don’t mean to romanticize birth. It can be incredibly painful, and you’d better be okay with lots of bodily fluids (did I mention our Student Health Education Centre (SHEC) gives out free condoms?) But if you’re able to look past the things our culture sees as “gross,” you are left with a pretty incredible life experience.

Don’t worry. This isn’t something the majority of you need to think or worry about until later down the road. In many cases, “school first, babies later” seems to be a fairly accurate motto for our generation.

However, I did feel the need to defend birth, to make you challenge your preconceived notions of it and rebut any woman who thinks scheduling a C-section without a medical reason is a fair alternative to the natural childbirth process.

Or maybe I am just trying to defend myself for having such a strange obsession with something most people prefer not to think about. Either way, I expect to continue belonging to a rare breed of people who love birth this much, and I’m okay with that.

Luckily McMaster’s got a midwifery school, so others I can share this passion with are really never far away.

BLAKE McCALL

MPPs who are gearing up for an election in the next year and having a photo op with student “leaders” will not lead to real change, In last week’s issue of the Sil, we were able especially considering that both have voted in to read about the disgustingly high rates of line with their parties dogma since election, tuition in Ontario (on A4) and the laughable which includes yearly tuition increases, and lobbying attempts of our “leaders” in the ridiculous hardline austerity measure. This MSU (on A1) who claim to be fighting for will have effects on the province, the city, and the university. That sort of lobbying initiative students.

Though the article was a good is a waste of time. If the “leaders” want to do attempt at highlighting tuition and the something that matters why not stand up and problems associated with the prohibitive hold them accountable. Did they ask why the higher cost, it failed to mention bigger MPPs voted for an increase in tuition? The problems or even consider the true solution province is not the only enemy when it comes to the problems. The article individualized to tuition and accessibility in education.

The administration sucks every education, that it is a personal choice to assess the risk of debt versus opportunities accrued cent they can out of students to feed their fat paychecks, bonuses, with a post secondary and incredibly inefficient degree. Yet it ignores the fact that education is a right The administration spending on aesthetics rather than quality of education (the for all, not a privilege for sucks every cent number of T.V. screens in those of whom their parents can pay on their behalf or they can out of the the commons anyone?). Do they hold their feet to the fire for those who wish to take students to feed or just let the admin walk all the risk of paralyzing debt.

The article applauds the their fat pay-checks, over them (I suspect it’s the later). In the past three years efforts of CASA to allow bonuses, and I have been here and from my students to increase the amount of debt a student incredibly inefficient understanding the MSU has really never done anything can take on, which ignores spending.” since the ‘60s to stop tuition the fact that they should increases or help students cope not have to take on any with the rising costs of living. debt for their education. As well, this type of campaign (the MSU and They have attempted to get in the room, to OUSA are fond of this approach) comes be heard but are brushed off as mere tokens from a position of higher privilege. They can to give the appearance of being heard. (Go either get a job, fall back on their parents to to Board of Governors meeting, you’ll see help when they graduate, not really having what I mean). What is the MSU doing about to worry about the compounding negative these rising costs or are they just standing by effects of student debt, including mental hoping that the person after them will finally health issues accessibility etc. Many of those be the one to do something?

It is time for us as students to start who do take on large amounts of debt are from working class backgrounds. Increasing the standing up and fighting back, otherwise our debt load of students is never a good option rights will continue to be eroded until the for students; it will only increase disparity point of nonexistence. We cannot depend among the classes which is oxymoronic to on our MSU to do anything to stop the what higher education is supposed to be. The individualization. Only when we organize great equalizer of education is becoming the and go around them will the administration and the province start to take us seriously. inaccessible ivory tower.

Lastly I invite all of you to stop by Now lets talk about the lobbying attempts of two backbench MPPs about issues the MUSC starting on Tuesdays in October to concerning students. I had to laugh when I come and talk to me and find out how you can read the quote from VP education who said take real action against and fight for equity he “believes real changes can come of these on campus, in our community and within the meetings.” Perhaps I am just cynical, but two province.

OPINION

A12 • THE SILHOUETTE

SpeculatoR The Hamilton

THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

INSIDE THE SPECULATOR B3: 32 grams of sugar I71: 200 calories from fat X1: Copper: 25%, Magnesium: 25%, Iron: 8%

Thursday, September 30, 2010 F May contain more lead than KTH.

Terms of protest BUCK HOROWITZ SPECULATOR

With the occurrence of recent functions such as the G20 (Un)Fair, and “McMaster at the G20,” the citizens of Hamilton, students of McMaster included, have begun re-examining this summer’s G20 debacle. It is clear that the tribulations of the summit and ensuing protests have not yet left the public consciousness and, if anything, have returned to its forefront.

Fortunately the Speculator is, as usual, standing watch with its finger on the collective pulse of the country. On Saturday, June 26, one of our intrepid reporters braved the anarchic streets of Toronto to speak to protestors of the G20 summit. The following is a transcript of one such interview.

Buck Horowitz: Do you mind if I ask you some questions about what’s going on here?

First Protestor: Sure. I – HEY, WATCH WHERE YOU SWING THAT SIGN! Okay, go ahead with your questions.

BH: Why are you here protesting on the streets of Toronto?

Second Protestor: We’re here to boycott the use of the term “Nazi” amongst protestors.

BH: And why’s that?

First Protestor: Well, it’s inaccurate. The Toronto police are clearly not Nazis and we believe it is an uneducated overreaction to use the term “Nazi” in this context, not to mention the fact that it trivializes the efforts of millions of people worldwide who have fought against true fascism.

BH: That’s very interesSecond Protestor: We want people to use the term “queaf”.

Protesting bodily functions at the G20 this past summer.

BH: “Queaf”?

First Protestor: Yeah. Because the police presence here is really just a momentary, distasteful phenomenon which, while unpleasant in the extreme, is one of those unfortunate facts of life, though not permanently damaging.

Second protestor: All we are saying is give “queaf” a chance!

BH: How have your efforts been received so far?

First Protestor: Well, everything started out peacefully but then the Black Bloc came in and broke the bottle and that’s when things got ugly.

BH: The bottle?

SAL “MEATBALL“ MARINARA

Second Protestor: Our bottle of queafs. It was meant to demonstrate the potency of queafs and how they are truly a metaphor for police states everywhere.

First Protestor: The Bloc said that queafs were bourgeois bodily functions produced by oppressive Multi-National Corporate pigs and then smashed our bottle.

Second Protestor: Then they lit an ice cream truck on fire.

BH: Do you think the violence is justified?

First Protestor: I think sooner or later the youth of the world is going to have to recognize that violent demonstration only perpetuates a downward spiral of violence, benefitting no one. And that queafs are people too.

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“What Did You Learn This Week, Timmy?”

“I learned that ‘beefy’ is a dangerously ambiguous word.”

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

THE SILHOUETTE • B1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

SPORTS

production office extension: 27117 sports@thesil.ca

Maroon reigns at Ron Joyce Sold-out football game centres Homecoming weekend

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

NO DOWD ABOUT IT: Mac receiver Bryan Dowd returns a kick upfield during the Marauders’ victory over Windsor, which was attended by 5,610 fans.

Football

Column

Quinlan leads Mac to 39-3 beatdown win Homecoming Role players superb in injury-riddled lineup

a home for all McMaster

VICTOR PEK

VICTOR PEK

on the roof of Hedden Hall busy all afternoon.

“We knew we had to bounce A Homecoming crowd of 5,610 back this week,” said McMaster were given 39 reasons to keep the quarterback Kyle Quinlan. The noise level high last Saturday at seventh-ranked Marauders had Ron Joyce Stadium. The McMaster dropped their last two contests to Marauders football team treated Western and Ottawa and were in visiting alumni to a 39-3 shellack- need of a win. ing of their opposition, the Windsor The maroon and grey came out Lancers. Mac’s defence kept Wind- of the gates strong, putting togethsor out of the end zone all game and er good drives and gathering big the offence scored in every quarter, chunks of yards at a time. Quinlan keeping the fireworks technicians opened the scoring on the team’s SILHOUETTE STAFF

third possession by tossing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Brad Fochesato.

Less than four minutes later, running back Joey Nemet would tack on another major for McMaster on a four yard run. Nemet left the game soon after due to a hip injury, allowing backup rushers Tanner Forsyth, Jimmy Hill, John Hartnett and Ryan Kotar to earn some repetitions with the offence. Jordan Kozina, one of the team’s top running backs, did not suit up due to a hand injury.

The Marauders scored another

TYLER HAYWARD / SILHOUETTE STAFF

touchdown on a Josh Kreidl reception and Windsor’s Robert Eeuwes kicked a 22-yard field goal before halftime. Eeuwes’ kick was the only Lancers’ score for the day.

Mac kicker Tyler Crapigna registered a rouge in the third quarter to start the second half’s scoring.

Shortly after, Forsyth took a handoff up the middle, shaking tacklers en route to another Marauder touchdown. Forsyth, a transfer from the University of Waterloo, finished with 105 all purpose yards including a game-leading 80 yards rushing.

“He’s one of the fastest guys on the team,” head coach Stefan Ptaszek said of the running back. “He got a chance to show what he could do today, and he handled those duties tremendously well.”

Quinlan hooked up with Fochesato again for a 32-yard major and Tyler Crapigna nailed a 40-yard field goal to conclude the contest’s scoring. Fochesato, a reserve receiver, has been productive while filling the void left by injured receivers Mike DiCroce, Kevin D’Hollander and Jarred Jones. In the last two games he has registered 153 yards and three touchdowns.

“I’ve been playing with [Fochesato] all my life.” Quinlan said after the game. “We played [OVFL football] together and we seem to have that chemistry. That’s what we were hoping to bring here.”

Quinlan finished the game with 12 of 18 completions for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 73 yards with his legs, including a 28-yard scamper in the third quarter.

• PLEASE SEE MARAUDER, B4

SILHOUETTE STAFF

Last week marked McMaster University’s 2010 Homecoming. The occasion started on Sept. 24 and drew a number of alumni back to campus for a fall visit. It is an event that offers former students a chance to see the changes that have taken place on campus, and allows them to re-immerse themselves in the environment. The campus became a focal point of activity as alumni take tours and attend reunions. Barbecues, luncheons and pub nights were all on the to-do list, but the main event that had everyone talking was the annual Homecoming football game.

Thousands of students, both graduated and current, filed into a packed Ron Joyce Stadium on Saturday to watch their beloved Marauders host the Windsor Lancers. Sweaters, scarves and other apparel donning the McMaster insignia formed a sea of maroon in the stadium’s bleachers. The rhythmic thumping of inflatable thunder-sticks could be heard echoing throughout the nearby residence quad before the game even began.

McMaster President Patrick Deane was at the game, experiencing his first Homecoming event at McMaster. “This is an excellent occasion in which you can actually get a sense of the strength of the community,” Deane said. “I’ve felt that since I’ve been here. This is a very warm and welcoming community.”

McMaster may be a welcoming place for alumni, but certainly not for the visiting Windsor Lancers • PLEASE SEE MAROON, B4

B2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Men’s Soccer

Western ends Marauders’ streak BEN ORR

SILHOUETTE STAFF

The McMaster men’s soccer team spent this past Homecoming weekend anything but close to home, playing two away games in OUA action. After a strong showing in a 3-2 loss to the third ranked Western Mustangs, the Marauders earned a tie in Windsor to salvage the weekend. The showing brings the Marauders’ record to 4-3-2, putting them in fourth place in the OUA West standings.

The weekend began on an unwelcoming note, as the McMaster men travelled to London to face a Mustangs team which has racked up ten more points than any other OUA opponent, outscoring their foes 20-4 in the process.

Western opened scoring in the sixth minute, with Niko Mavrikos tallying the initial goal off a John Morrissey cross. Not to be out done, McMaster’s Aaron Booth capitalized in the 36th minute for the equalizer. Drama ruled in the 56th minute, when Eric Amato was awarded a penalty kick after being taken down by McMaster’s Rob Schlosser in the 18-yard-box. True to last season’s playoff form, which saw Matt Grant win four consecutive shootouts, the Marauder keeper stopped the initial shot, only to have Amato pounce on the rebound, handing the Mustangs back their lead.

Not until the 80th minute did a McMaster substitute play hero, as Vincent Lentile redirected a free kick off the foot of Dan Niksic.

However, Western’s Andrew Chan denied the feisty Marauders a chance for the upset, with his game-winning goal in the 85th minute coming courtesy of a beautiful set up pass from his teammate Alex Martins.

The win, coupled with a victory against Guelph the following day, takes the Mustangs

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The Marauders managed only a single point over the course of their Homecoming weekend doubleheader. record to an undefeated 8-0-1.

Next up for the Marauders was the Windsor Lancers, who had previously been struggling in the competitive OUA West. The McMaster attack, however, was stifled by Lancer keeper Dan Mendonca, who recorded his fifth shutout of the season.

Women’s Soccer

Not to be outdone, Matt Grant helped earn the tie with his strong play, including a breakaway save on Windsor striker Mike Watson. Frustration boiled over in the second half, as five yellow cards were awarded in what became an increasingly physical affair.

Mendonca was beaten twice in the second

half, but the Marauders were not able to beat the cross bar, and the game ended in a scoreless draw.

Next up for the Marauder men is the Brock Badgers in St. Catharines on Saturday and a home match-up against the York Lions on Sunday at Ron Joyce Stadium.

Women’s Cross-Country

Mac bounces back Pearo paces McMaster to record win from upset loss JULIA EMPEY THE SILHOUETTE

This past week was a jam packed one for the Marauders women’s soccer team. With three games over five days, it was a week of high highs and low lows. After taking down the Brock Badgers with a 2-0 victory last Wednesday, things were looking good as McMaster headed to London to take on the Western Mustangs.

However, things took a turn for the worse on Saturday. Going into the game the Mustangs had an overall standing of 1-3-2; to the Marauders they seemed like they would be a team that would quickly fall to the mercy of the Marauders. The game started off well enough, but when no goals were being scored the Marauders became frustrated.

With their frustration they began to lose their patience leading to sloppy ball handling and passing. The only goal of the game came from a free kick, awarded to Western, in the 69th minute of the contest. The Marauders have had to defend against their fair share of free kicks this season, but when the ball came flying into the goal area the Marauders were not prepared. Having not marked their man properly the ball was able to slip past the fingers of Jocelyn Wilkins.

Upon reflecting on the outcome of the game, head coach Richie Barnett says that the Marauders went into the game expecting a victory and did not take the Mustangs seriously enough. The outcome of the game left the Marauders 4-2-1, with the Mustangs ad-

vancing to 2-3-2. With this in mind the Marauders began the long trek to Windsor to take on the Lancers.

Every game brings forth new challenges and new battles needing to be won. Going into the game the Lancers had an overall record of 2-0-3 making them a team to beat. Things did not start out so smoothly for the Marauders.

Veteran Cheryl Druchok was injured in the first half while Carley Luongo was taken out of the game due to health concerns. These set backs did not upset the Marauders game plan or goal.

According to Barnett, the Marauders played their best game of the season so far.

First year players were called on frequently throughout the game, giving them a chance to show their skills and hunger for action. One of the standout rookies was first year student Brittany Duffey in net, recording her second shutout of the season. The lone goal of the game came during the second half when the Marauders had a free kick. Star Tara Dawdy sunk the ball into the back of the net by cleverly striking right under the crossbar. The Marauders continued to have the Lancers at their mercy and won the game 1-0.

In all, with the victories and the loss this week, the Marauders now stand 2nd overall in their division with an overall standing of 5-2-1. Playing with dominating, aggressive finesse it is easy to see why they are as lauded as they are. The Marauders take on the Brock Badgers again this Saturday on the Badgers home turf and the York Lions this Sunday at Ron Joyce Stadium.

FRASER CALDWELL

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After taking home CIS bronze in 2009, the McMaster women’s cross-country team has reached an accomplishment few teams can boast. The team topped the inaugural CIS rankings of 2010, setting the standard for a season full of promise.

The ranking sees the Marauders sitting one spot ahead of traditional powerhouses Guelph, who were voted 86.9 points to Mac’s total of 89.2. The voting comes off the heels of the Western Invitational, which saw Mac tie the course record and win the event as a team.

The Marauders were led on the day by standout runner Jessica Pearo, who won the women’s 5k race with a stifling time of 17 minutes and 15 seconds. Pearo’s time was the second-best in the history of the event, leading her to become the first McMaster runner to win the event.

The woman who holds the current course record at the Thames Valley Golf Course site is Lindsay Carson, who bettered Pearo’s

recent feat by 13 seconds last year. Although she was running for the Guelph Gryphons at the time, Marauders fans can take solace in the fact that Carson has since transferred to McMaster, and will be eligible to don the maroon and grey next season.

As impressive as Pearo’s effort was, it was the Marauders’ combined success that propelled them to a record-tying team victory.

The Mac ladies outpaced Guelph by 4 points to clinch the collective win with a total of 28 points on the afternoon. That figure stands as the lowest aggregate score achieved at the London course and ties McMaster with record holders Osaka University, who achieved the same tally in 2002.

Their impressive achievement has coach Rory Sneyd looking to the future with confidence. Regarding the result at Western he stated, “[The] meet serves as an early-season indicator of where the group is at and the coaching staff saw a lot of promise.”

The Marauders will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday, when they head south of the border to compete at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational in Chicago.

questions? sports@thesil.ca

THE SILHOUETTE • B3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Kraft Hockeyville

Dundas hosts the big leagues Jon Fairclough shares his experience at NHL exhibition

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Fans from across the Hamilton area and beyond packed into the JL Grightmire Arena to watch the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators do battle.

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH

pre-season game as part of Kraft Hockeyville, much to the delight of Dundas families and residents.

The staff of the Buffalo Sabres were nice “It makes you wish every place you enough to let me into the dressing room played at was like this,” said Ottawa’s Chris while the players were out to lunch. It was Neil. the Dundas Arena I remembered - the same “It’s great for fans to come in and enjoy one I played intramural hockey at last winter it, especially for those who don’t have the - but this time it was full of gleaming-white chance to see the NHL up close.” jerseys, matching skates, and other various Ever since NHL Commisioner Gary pieces of equipment all painstakingly lined Bettman put an end to Hamilton’s hopes of up in perfect order. a NHL team, Hamilton and Dundas residents JL Grightmire arena was how it always have been aching for any chance to catch an was, except this time it was the centre of the up-close look at an NHL game. The arena was Canadian hockey world for one night. All packed full of fans young and old, all dying eyes of the hockey nation were on Dundas, to see the players they follow and idolize on a Ontario, this past Tuesday to watch the Buf- daily basis. falo Sabres and Ottawa Senators battle out a “It’s nice to see the kids here, wearing the ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

jerseys,” said Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller.

“It sends you back a bit. It reminds me of when I was a kid.”

The festivities were not exclusively inside the rink. Outside on King and Market Street was a gigantic TV screen for residents not lucky enough to find tickets. Kraft and other companies had booths and tents open for the public, handing out free samples and prizes to passers-by.

For one night, Hamilton (well Dundas) was given the NHL team they deserved. The game, played out on such a small ice surface, was fast, high-paced, and exciting right to the last minute. Buffalo opened the scoring in the first period, capitalizing on an Ottawa defensive mistake that resulted in a short-handed goal by Rob Niedermayer.

Ottawa answered late in the second period from a point shot from Patrick Wierciotch, beating Miller’s glove side.

The last goal of the game was scored by Jason Pominville off a short breakaway, beating the Ottawa goalie on the short-side. With a fight and a goal in every period, the game was fast-paced and exciting – a great game at a great venue.

The entire downtown part of Dundas, not just the rink, was Hockeyville that night. All members of the Dundas and Hamilton communities participated in the festivities, cheering for one team just as much as the other.

It wasn’t just the game that had fans cheering, it was also the success of such a memorable night. Finally, Hamilton and Dundas had the NHL game that they deserved.

Jesse Lumsden

Lumsden returns to spotlight Former Mac running back taking another shot at CFL BRIAN DECKER

SPORTS EDITOR

Jesse Lumsden just loves to play football.

After a year away from the game competing as a bobsledder in the Vancouver Olympics and recovering from a devastating shoulder injury, the former McMaster standout running back is back in the CFL. And while there have been plenty of critics saying Lumsden is too injury prone to ever make a long-term impact in the pros, the Burlington native, who signed with the Calgary Stampeders on Sept. 21, is back in the league for one simple reason.

“I love to play football,” says Lumsden, the quick, powerful back who many had pegged as the “Great Canadian Hope,” before being slowed down by injuries in each of his CFL seasons. “It feels great to be coming back to the game and the grind.”

Since tearing up the OUA and winning three Yates Cups with the Marauders from

2001-2003, Lumsden has surfaced a number of times in pro football. Since going sixth overall in the 2005 CFL draft, he has made numerous appearances, both brilliant and short-lived with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Edmonton Eskimos, as well as training camps with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins.

Lumsden started the 2009 season with the Eskimos, the same team where his father Neil won three Grey Cups in the 1980s, with high expectations. But he was knocked to the sidelines for the season with a devastating shoulder injury in the season’s first game.

Many have criticized the 28-year old for his inability to stay healthy, suggesting he lacks the required durability of a professional running back. Lumsden, however, says such criticism fails to bother him.

“I just feel sad for [those who say I am too injury prone], because they’ll never know the blood, sweat and tears of the grind and what it takes to compete.”

“It doesn’t affect me,” he says, noting that he’s worked hard to get back to the CFL for his love of football and not to try and prove anyone wrong.

As a running back, Lumsden knows he will be hard-pressed to take playing time and carries away from Stampeders incumbents Joffrey Reynolds and Jon Cornish, both of whom are considered among the most dangerous ball carriers in the league.

Rather, Lumsden says he is comfortable to help the team any way he can.

“One of the reasons I’m [with the Stampeders] is they were willing to ease me in, and I’ll be able to help this team any way I can,” says the former Marauder, who some have suggested could be extremely useful on kick returns and special teams.

Something else Lumsden can bring to Calgary is a trait few, if any, of his teammates can boast; having represented his country at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Lumsden was of course a member of

Pierre Lueders’ bobsled team, an endeavour he says he will continue to pursue as a twosport athlete.

“One of the great things about being in Calgary is that I can continue to sled and train here,” As for his days at McMaster, Lumsden, who spent much of 2010 training in Hamilton, says he’s kept an eye on what has been going on with Mac football.

“They’re doing a lot of great things with the team,” he says, praising current Marauder coach Stefan Ptaszek and the McMaster staff for what they’ve done with the team.

“They have a great core, a great coach and a great facility. I’m excited for them.”

As he prepares to make his debut with the Stampeders, there are plenty of supporters excited about Lumsden’s ability to reach his full potential. And while there are plenty of doubters as well, it will certainly be a return worth watching. He’s come back to compete, and above all else, to simply play football.

B4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Football

Column

Marauder defence too Maroon and grey spirit abound at Homecoming much for Lancers Fochesato hauls in two TDs D’Aguilar takes Timpany trophy • CONT’D FROM B1

football team. The crowd of painted faces was given plenty of reasons to cheer as the Marauders trounced their opponents 39-3 in an offensive spectacle. The slew of points kept the energy level high and the win kept the team unbeaten at home in 2010.

Mac defensive lineman Benjamin D’Aguilar was honoured with the Mark Timpany Memorial Trophy for being the game’s Most Valuable Player.

“It feels good, but I want to be humble about it,” said D’Aguilar. “It was a team effort.”

The trophy is sponsored by the McMaster Alumni Association and is named after a former McMaster graduate and foot-

ball player. Timpany played on the team from 1964 to 1967 at quarterback and defensive back and is remembered for his strong leadership. The award was presented by Timpany’s grandson.

Though the game concluded in the late afternoon, festivities carried on around the university. Many flocked to TwelvEighty, one of the campus bars. Others could be heard in the backyards of adjacent neighbourhoods celebrating the occasion.

On display during Homecoming 2010 was a university community that is proud and passionate. The event showed that school spirit extends beyond campus borders, and even though we all have to leave McMaster eventually, our maroon hearts are always welcome back.

JEFF TAM / THE SILHOUETTE

Receiver Alex Francella was one of Kyle Quinlan’s many targets on the day.

• CONT’D FROM B1 Windsor rotated two quarterbacks throughout the game. Sam Malian went eight of 20 for 125 yards while Austin Kennedy completed five of 14 attempts for 94 yards but had an interception caught by Joey Cupido.

The offensive blowout was a good indicator for McMaster’s offence, which featured many rookies and players who do not boast much game experience. The ground game torched Windsor’s defence for an impressive 254 yards and the receivers displayed a good performance against a physical defensive backfield. “[Windsor] plays a lot of in your face man coverage,” Quinlan said. “You really have to be aggressive...and our guys did that.” The victory improved Mac’s record to 3-2 while dropping Windsor’s to 1-4. The Marauders are undefeated at home in 2010.

Defensive lineman Benjamin D’Aguilar recorded seven tackles and two sacks to earn MVP honours. “It was like a light went on today. It was really fun to watch,” Ptaszek said of D’Aguilar’s performance. “He could be one of the best football players in all of Canada if this is a sign of how he’s going to progress.”

McMaster has three games left in their regular season schedule, and the impressive play of their backups could allow the team to rest injured players and gradually work them back into the lineup.

The Marauders’ next matchup is Saturday at 1 p.m. against the York Lions at York Stadium. York is currently the only winless team in the OUA, having last produced a victory in 2007. McMaster will be back on home turf the following week when they host the 3-1 Guelph Gryphons.

Ron Joyce Stadium was filled with a lively, boisterous crowd on Saturday.

PHOTO C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK

Men’s Rugby

Mac battles Brock to draw Dickenson’s last-minute drop kick secures 20-20 tie MAGGIE COGGER-ORR THE SILHOUETTE

They say time heals all wounds, implying that eventually you’ll forget about whatever bad happened. Anyone who has ever played a competitive sport will tell you this is a lie, that you never forget the ones that slip through your fingers; you merely use them as motivation the next time around.

Motivation was exactly what the men’s rugby team had for their match versus the Brock Badgers on Saturday; the 2009 season ending 21-17 loss to the Badgers as fresh in the veteran players’ minds as if it were yesterday.

It was a physical battle right from the start, with both teams contesting fiercely for the ball from kickoff. Brock was quick to set the tone, mauling the ball through the Marauder defence, using their forwards to make the gain line. Hard work by the men in maroon turned over possession and the back line took advantage with some cunning passing by flyhalf Chris Dickenson and penetrating lines from inside centre Sam Roberts.

Shaky hands by both teams back lines kept the score at 0-0 well into the first half until a debatable yellow card to fullback Chris Gordon for “jumping into a tackle” put the Badgers up 3-0 on the ensuing penalty kick.

The Marauders seemed unfazed by playing a man down and kept the ball in Brock territory for the remainder of the half.

As the second half began it became noticeable that although the McMaster forwards were not as large as their Brock opposites, they were fitter and more mobile. The maroon pack began to dominate scrums, continued to wreak havoc on the Badger lineouts and worked hard all over the field.

In spite of these strong efforts, two errors in a matter of minutes resulted in two fluky tries by the Badgers, giving them a 15-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining.

It is in these moments that the character of a team is defined and where heart matters the most. Rather than throw in the towel and complain about their lack of luck, the Marauders pinned their ears back and charged right back into Brock territory.

Taking initiative, a quick tap-and-go by

rookie scrumhalf Andrew Ferguson, who has been a spark for the team this season, would get McMaster on the board for the first time that day. Not wasting any time at all, on the ensuing kickoff a break by second row Cam Stones down the side would eventually lead to a try by captain and eightman Tyler Ardron, putting the Marauders back in the game at 1510.

Off kickoff, some mishandling and bad luck led to a break by Brock fullback Dylan Mundy and the Marauders being forced to bring the ball into their own in-goal, giving the Badgers a five metre scrum from which they would score.

But the maroon refused to go away and brought the ball back into the red zone. After being held up by the Badgers, the McMaster pack would take things into their own hands.

Off the following scrum the Mac forwards executed a textbook tighthead wheel, giving Ardron a perfect angle to plough his way over Brock’s flyhalf for his second try of the game.

Ferguson would come up big and convert the try to bring the score to 20-17 with minutes remaining.

It’s very rare to get a second chance at something not only in life but on the sports field and when you do you must seize it. Not wanting a repeat of 2009, the maroon left it all on the field in the final minutes, keeping Brock pinned inside their own 10 metres.

Aside from a mild case of try line fever which had the Marauders playing slightly panicky and being held up several times, the team kept pouring on the pressure until Dickenson made a successful drop goal in the last play of the game to tie the score 20-20.

Man of the match honours go to Ardron for leading his team by example with his 10 points; honourable mention to Dickenson for his Johnny Wilkinson-esque drop goal and the entire Marauder pack for their fitness and dynamic play.

Although it may not have been the win they were hoping for, this tie helps the Marauders remain undefeated at 3-0-1 in the OUA and instils a sense in future opponents that they are not a team who gives up. Next up are the Laurier Golden Hawks, who in spite of holding a 0-3 record, only lost to Brock 28-19.

THE SILHOUETTE • B5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

MARAUDER SCOREBOARD FOOTBALL

W. RUGBY

M. RUGBY

W. SOCCER

WINDSOR - 3

QUEEN’S - 14 K. WONG - 1 TRY

MCMASTER - 20

T. ARDRON - 2 TRIES

MCMASTER - 0

MCMASTER - 39

MCMASTER - 15

BROCK - 20

WESTERN - 1

P. LEFAIVE - 9 RUSH, 59 YDS

T. FORSYTH - 12 RUSH, 80 YDS, TD

A. MORRIS - 1 TRY

M. ALEXANDER - 1 TRY

J. WILKINS - 4 SAVES

C. STOCKS - 1 GOAL

W. SOCCER M. SOCCER M. SOCCER BASEBALL MCMASTER - 0

LAURIER - 5

MCMASTER - 1

MCMASTER - 2 A. BOOTHE - 1 GOAL

M. GRANT - 5 SAVES

N. LOEHLE - 1/5, RBI

WINDSOR - 0

WESTERN - 3 A. CHAN - 1 GOAL

WINDSOR - 0

D. MENDONCA - 7 SAVES

MCMASTER - 6

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

BASEBALL

M. LACROSSE

LAURIER - 5

GUELPH - 10

M. SCHWAN - 2/5, 3 RBI

GUELPH - 14

S. FLEISCHER - 2/3, 3 RBI

MCMASTER - 5

MCMASTER - 6

MCMASTER - 3

MCMASTER - 2

BROCK - 12

T. DAWDY - 1 GOAL

R. SINGER - 7 SAVES

R. PANAS - 2/4, RBI

S. LEMON - 3/3, RBI

A. MORALES - 1/3, 2 RBI

A. MORALES - 3/3, RBI

J. VRBENSKI - 1/4, RBI

Hall of Fame

McMaster introduces 2010 Hall of Fame inductees FRASER CALDWELL

(Frank Donlavey), and a crucial architect of McMaster’s sporting branch (Thérèse Quigley). The seMcMaster honoured its athletic his- lections pay homage to the Maraudtory on Sunday night, inducting six ers’ most successful athletic dynasstoried figures in Marauder sport ties of the last two decades. into the school’s Hall of Fame as part of Homecoming celebrations. Robert Betz – Class of ’96 (WrestAmong those immortalized at the ling): In his four years of competigathering were four former ath- tion at McMaster, Robert Betz letes (Robert Betz, Lori Johnston, emerged as one of the most domSteve Maga, Julie Ross), one of the inant grapplers in Canada, reachschool’s most influential coaches ing the peak of his collegiate sucASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

cess with consecutive CIAW gold medals in 1994 and ’95. After winning silver in his final year of university competition, Betz was recruited to the senior national setup, and served as an alternate at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

He would top this admirable feat the following year, by clinching the Canadian Senior National championship, and solidifying his position as the premier wrestler in the country. With a sterling competitive career behind him, the champion grappler returned to his alma mater in 1999, where he served as the Marauders’ assistant coach until 2008.

child of Frank Donlavey, who expertly guided the women’s soccer program to sustained success for 12 years. With Donlavey holding the reigns, the Marauders reached the national championship tournament four times, where they clinched a title in 1991, and won bronze in ’97.

For his efforts, Donlavey was honoured as the OUAA Coach of the Year on three occasions, and won distinction as the nation’s outstanding coach in 1992. Under his tutelage, the Marauders embarked on a remarkable 33-game winning streak during their greatest period of success in the early 1990s.

Steve Maga – Class of ’00 (Basketball): What can one say about Steve Maga that has not al-

Thérèse Quigley – Builder: Although originally hired as a coach, Thérèse Quigley’s most lasting contributions to McMaster sport would come during her tenure as an administrator. Originally brought into the fold as the women’s volleyball coach in 1984, Quigley was elevated to the post of Athletic Director in 1990. That she managed to retain this position for 19 years speaks volumes about the value of Quigley’s work at the university, which included hosting the FISU Games’ women’s soccer competition on campus in 1993. Her adroit administrative skills saw Quigley serve on the boards of the OUA and Canada Basketball, and she was Frank Donlavey – Coach – rewarded in 2003 with her recogni(Soccer):The sporting dynasty that tion by her peers as the outstanding produced Julie Ross was the brain- Athletic Director in North America.

ready been said? Simply put, Maga brought the Marauder basketball team to national prominence at the turn of the century, winning nearly every conceivable personal award along the way. He was designated as an All-Canadian on three separate occasions during his stay at Mac, and was also recognized with the Ivor Wynne award as the university’s top male athlete for three consecutive years (1999-2001). His efforts helped propel the Marauders to the national championship tournament four times, where the squad garnered a silver medal in 2001.

Maga’s heroism for the maroon and grey culminated in his being recogLori Johnston – Class of ’93 nized with the Mike Moser Award (Water Polo): McMaster’s in 2001, given to the outstanding women’s water polo unit were the male basketball player in Canada. virtual rulers of the pool in the early 1990s, and the lynchpin of Julie Ross – Class of ’93 (Soccer): that group was Lori Johnston. Her Julie Ross stands as the pivotal nominations to the provincial all- figure in the McMaster women’s star team corresponded to the Ma- soccer dynasty that marched to a rauders’ title-winning campaigns national championship in 1991. A in 1990, ’91, and ’93, where the clinical striker, Ross was named to prolific scorer habitually domin- the Ontario All-Star squad in 1992 ated the goal charts. However, it and ’93, and was nominated to the was her commendable leadership All-Canadian first team as a senior. abilities and status as an example to Her contributions helped to pave her teammates which stands as per- the way for a dominant Maraudhaps the most enduring memory of ers women’s soccer program that Johnston’s tenure with the maroon would challenge at the national and grey. level throughout the 1990s.

B6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

THE SILHOUETTE • C1

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

INSIDEOUT

production office extension: 27117 insideout@thesil.ca

A slice of the unexpected JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

I saw the world these past two summers - or a slice of it at least.

I slept in tents, hostels, hotels, airports, trains, planes, and rental cars. I met tramps, farmers, disgruntled mimes, doctors, gypsies, musicians, Irish kayakers, and too many Australians.

I fell in love with a girl, and she fell in love with me.

But every story has its beginning and end. And here I am, at the tail of a beast, one which I have every intent of waking and keeping alive.

So as it is, I’ll write what I have seen, what I have done, what I have lived. I hope the following story is the first of many that I write for you.

It was nine o’clock at night, but the air was still sticky from the summer heat. My brother and I got off the train with our packs in a daze, wanting nothing more but a bed and a bite to eat. Travelling with rail passes in Italy is useful but certainly not ideal – so many transfers, so many waits – imagine GO transit but no air conditioning, or definitive departure times. Rome was built in a day but the rail network, decades after its completion, is still ironing out the creases.

Seedy cabs, buses peeling in and out of the terminal, Verona wasn’t what we expected it to be.

Little did we know, this city would be the basis of a true story on the road - a story to tell other backpackers and friends back home – a genuine Italian experience.

The bus terminal was mayhem, even for nine at night. There were probably 20 or more bus stops.

None of which, mind you, were our bus stop. It wasn’t until an off-duty bus driver directed us in broken English of where to go that we found ourselves on a hot, cramped bus – standing up.

We managed to get off at the right spot. We didn’t know where to go. It was getting late, but Italian families were out by the dozen, taking their daily evening stroll – talking about the upcoming football match, complaining about the heat, cursing this and that. We asked the pharmacist for directions. He told me I was lucky, nobody really speaks English in these parts.

His directions didn’t help. We had been travelling for over 12 hours. We had two bread rolls for breakfast, shared a McDonalds fry for lunch, and had absolutely nothing for dinner. As for sleep the night before, the church bells in Cinque Terre would occasionally wake us up. Being a Sunday, they rang nonstop for five straight minutes at 7:30 • PLEASE SEE VERONA, C6

JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Zara $35 ThreadCount Hat: Scarf: H&M $10 presented by Amal Abuzgaya photos by Christopher Chang

Favourite Quote: “Before a man sets out to conquer the world, he must first conquer himself.”

Watch: Bulova $400 Shoes: Geox $250

Favourite Band: Guns N’ Roses Describe your style: clean, cut, vintage, preppy

What do you look for in a significant other: honesty, ambition, artistic quality and a sense of adventure

Alexandre Rochtchine Fourth Year Commerce

Fashion forward to Toronto

THE SILHOUETTE • C3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Toronto celebrates its thirty-third annual Clothing Show CHANÈLE JORDAN

ers, retailers and artists as they are a part of our community and our local economy,” says producer Bonnie Meacham.

Fashion addicts, photographers, models, bar- As a first time visitor, I really didn’t know gain hunters and vintage lovers alike were what to expect but as a lover of fashion, I was all spotted this past weekend at The Clothing very excited. When I finally arrived at the Show held in downtown Toronto at the Ex- Better Living Centre, I was given a really hibition Place. cool eco-friendly shopping bag, which was For the past 33 years, the show has designed by Pause Designs. brought together some of the best Canadian Created by a group of artists, their clothtalent in the areas of fashion design, accessor- ing reflects the style and cartoon illustrations ies and art. of the members.

It serves as a great marketing opportun- I stopped by their booth to get a closer ity for up and coming businesses, as it gives look at some of their items, and although they them a chance to display their products to the don’t really fit my personal style, I still found public and generate public awareness. their shirts to be very cool. If you’re interest “The Clothing Show has become a fix- ed, check out their website at pausedesigns. ture of the Toronto fashion scene, providing com a venue for members of our local commun- I spent about two hours at the show, ity to jumpstart their businesses. We are a slowly making my way through the room to grassroots enterprise ourselves, and we see make sure I didn’t miss anything. However, a huge value in supporting our local design- after only a few minutes, I became a little THE SILHOUETTE

overwhelmed as it is very hard to decide where to look first. Although I tried to walk around in an organized manner, I soon found that it was impossible as items catch your eye from all directions.

The show offers over 300 booths varying from Vintage to Urban Streetwear and any visitor is guaranteed to find something to suit their fancy.

But not only does your $10 admission include a cool reusable shopping bag, it also allows you to watch a number of runway shows and view a gallery of work from local artists.

I had the opportunity to sit front row at one of the runway shows, and because of the overall ambience of the room, I felt as though I was experiencing a high-end fashion show.

I also got the chance to observe an artist as he created a painting on the spot, which I found to be very interesting.

To describe the show in just a few words,

I would say it is almost like a high-class flea market, in the sense that almost all the vendors were more than willing to bargain with you for a reasonable price.

After a full two hours of shopping, I can most definitely say that I left the show with a smile on my face. Not just because I left with a cool vintage belt for 10 bucks, but also because I was really impressed with the merchandise that I saw.

I never would have guessed that we had so many talented fashion designers living so close. We may think that we have to travel far and wide to get some really unique items, when really all we need to do is hop on a GO bus and make our way to downtown Toronto.

The Clothing Show is held every spring and fall at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. I would definitely recommend visiting the show in the spring for a one of a kind shopping experience. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

CHANÈLE JORDAN / THE SILHOUETTE

From rocker punk to pretty prep, with over 300 booths, you’re bound to find something at The Clothing Show in downtown Toronto.

SEX and the Is your dating style foreplay or faux-pas?

STEEL CITY Take note ladies and gents, your dating etiquette may need some polishing.

KAITLIN PETERS

ASSISTANT INSIDEOUT EDITOR

Have you ever been on a date at some fancy restaurant and nervously shredded a napkin underneath the table? You may be nervous about the evening not going according to plan and, at this point, you may just want to escape this soon-to-be catastrophe. You just may not be “gelling” with your date or maybe one of you has committed some horrible dating fauxpas and now both of you just cannot seem to overcome that single, awkward moment.

Dating can be exciting, especially because the relationship is just in the throes of what probably is lust on both ends. On the other hand, the safety and reliability of a steady relationship should not be taken for granted.

Dating can be fun, but it can also be extremely awkward, embarrassing, and upsetting. You might have asked out that hottie in Bio1A03 only to discover that they really are as dumb as they look.

Although they might be nice to look at, your future conversations will undoubtedly be dull if they continue to believe the G8 is the newest gluten free diet and Chrétien is still the current prime minister.

Oct 1-3, 2010 Halloween Ho-Down

A lot of turmoil could be avoided if both daters were on the same page mentally and not thinking about each other’s bods. Getting onto the same page might be a problem, especially if both partners are stocking up on “quality” advice from their friends.

Some of you may go into your dates thinking that by using a combination of body language, psychological mind games and clever lines your date will be totally enthralled with you.

As a rule, if you’ve got to psychologically prepare a week in advance so you can become this “on-stage” actor extraordinaire for four hours, then the rest of your relationship will probably be not so hot.

If you’re thinking about how to show yourself in a certain way while presenting a page of pre-prepared lines, it comes out looking contrived; most people are pretty good at figuring out when their date is being a fake.

Trying not to sound like the most broken of all records, the key to future happiness is about being yourself and having fun. Easier said than done and since most likely you’ve heard this line an infinite number of times before it might be easier to start out with some useful tips of what not to do and then work your way up to being yourself.

Take note guys. Here are three things that are more likely to have your date suddenly receiving an “emergency” call from their grandma then spend another minute in your company. According to smh.com you should never use; Clever chat-up lines such as, “I play the field, and it looks like I just hit home with you.” They appear contrived and usually cause the listener to gag.

“Negging,” offering a back-handed compliment, is never a bright idea. Some guys think it makes them look confident, self-assured, and that it unsettles their date, but instead of thinking “macho-man” she’s much more likely to think “major douche bag.”

Your crotch is not a welcome mat and pointing it towards your date does not equate to “come hither,” well you might think it does but what your date is thinking is you must be carrying some pretty nasty STIs if you can’t even fully close your legs.

Meanwhile ladies, if you’re thinking about trying out one of these dating strategies you’re date will be so revolted you’ll probably only get a chance to use it once.

The “peek-a-boo” glance you consider so cute and alluring can actually backfire by being mistaken for an involuntary twitch or

Community Events

Oct 5, 2010 Thanksgiving Dinner - 6:30pm Hosted by the McMaster Outdoor Club St. Paul’s Anglican Church Tickets available at DBAC

might signal to your date that you are way more into them then they thought. Don’t be surprised if they excuse themselves to escape the gaze of “Ms. Crazy-eyes.”

Not calling him, or not answering his calls so you can “keep him on his toes” is not being savvy and may be considered fairly rude. You might think this is a great way to test if he’s genuinely interested, but he might think you’re just being a genuine diva.

Sticking out your hip to accentuate your curves is not a sign of fertility, enough said?

Congratulations ladies and gentlemen, you’re now fully qualified to go out on a date and not make a complete mockery of yourselves.

Well, there is still the potential for you to embarrass yourselves completely in a myriad of other ways, but, in these particular areas, you’re covered.

The bottom line is that, within the first few minutes, you’ll have a pretty good idea of whether the spark is indeed there or not. Even so, a lot can be taken from dates that may not work out so well – not only can it be a time to learn something new about you, but others as well. Who knows, you may even make a friend, or an enemy, but surely the experience is something to be valued.

October 10, 2010 Jersey Shore’s Pauly D Hamilton Convention Center

October 23, 2010 Wacky World of Hypnosis The Studio at Hamilton Place at 8 p.m.

October 22, 2010 Tiger Cats versus Alouettes Ivor Wyne Stadium

October 26, 2010 Spamalot Hamilton Place

C2 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

C4 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

MFNSA celebrates second annual Pow Wow Embracing the diverse First Nations culture on McMaster campus SONYA KHANNA THE SILHOUETTE

Dressed in elaborate traditional attire, members of the McMaster First Nations Student Association (MFNSA) danced passionately while the captivating sound of drums echoed throughout campus.

The McMaster community was exposed to a lively celebration of First Nations culture on Sept. 24 when the MFNSA hosted its second annual Welcoming Pow Wow in front of the John Hodgins Engineering Building.

The Pow Wow brought in a wide array of spectators both young and old, including members of the First Nations community from the surrounding area, as well as McMaster students.

Spectators congregated around the lawn and huddled beneath the trees in front of JHE to watch as dancers proudly unveiled years of tradition, performing a variety of intricate dance forms as voices chanted rhythmically to the beat of drums.

Alia Durbarry, a fourth year student at McMaster University, attended the Pow Wow for her first time this year after initially hearing about the event through friends.

“I loved the vibrant colours and the outfits,” said Durbarry. “The dancing is beautiful. I’m so glad I came out, this was a great opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture,” she elaborated.

Additional highlights of the event included a dance contest for CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Celebratory rituals of First Nations take place in front of John Hodgins Engineering buidling.

Word of the Week “Double-Chipping”

Tired of writing essays and lab reports?

Experience creative freedom and write for InsideOut! Volunteer meetings every Monday at 1 p.m.

When a house guest reaches into a bag of chips and eats some. Then licks all over their hands, then reaches into the bag and eats some more chips, DoubleChipping.

Used in a sentence: “A buddy and I were eating Hot Cheetos but he kept “Double-Chipping” Or “I caught the flu from Erin because she kept Double-Chipping in my Doritos.”

THE SILHOUETTE • C5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Surviving the fourth year blues The final frontier of our undergraduate careers is better known as fourth year STEPHAINE HAUCK THE SILHOUETTE

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? Anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, lack of funds, workload intoxication, lack of nutrition due to lack of ability to cook or due to lack of time, library fever, grad school headaches, job application migraines, work vortex virus, followed by extreme isolation, irrational behavior and sudden burst of insanity. If so, then welcome to fourth year!

After years of anticipation, the home stretch is finally here, the fourth and final chapter of our

some of us must have a game plan? “ M y technique for surviving fourth year is to go day by day,” says Sara Berces, a fourth year Commerce student. “ M y main

goal is to focus on what I have on task each day, so I don’t get myself in a stressful situation.”

Stress is something we’ll all run into at some point during our

Stress is part of life in a fast paced society…[and] the signs of stress often go unnoticed. Consequently, students need to focus, get organized and manage their time wisely. undergraduate careers.

By this point, you’ve likely had a mild panic attack about the fact that you have three assignments due, and it’s only September.

Oh, and don’t forget to read one hundred pages for Monday, and attend the career fair on Friday.

Yes, yes, and, yes the fourth year blues have finally arrived (all applaud, please).

Every year, thousands of students survive the fourth year grind. Of course, the fact that we never have to use MUGSI again should surely be one motivation.

But what other survival techniques are out there? Surely

Fourth year can leave us feeling exasperated, to say the least.

JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

university experience. Admittedly, by the time you reach October of first year you already understand such feelings.

As a result, stress management becomes an important part of our make-believe survival manual.

According to Health Concordia, “Stress is part of life in a fast paced society…[and] the signs of stress often go unnoticed.”

Consequently, students need to focus, get organized and manage their time wisely. “setting up a schedule for [studying], breaking up your studies into smaller chunks, and other time management skills are essential,” says Elizabeth Scott, author of Reduce Student Stress and Excel in School.

Although pounding out a few study sessions can keep the work stress at bay, not all students find it appealing or worthwhile.

In fact, for some of us, managing stress is all about balance. “Getting up earlier, [going] to the gym, hanging out with friends and occasionally partying,” is an excellent way to keep your head above the water, says fourth year Commerce student, Samantha Pallotta.

There is no doubt fourth year will indeed be stressful, and at times downright scary.

But here are a few helpful tips to remember throughout the year: set priorities, utilize time management, remain positive, sleep, exercise and study hard.

the most However, important thing to remember during the final stretch of university is to have fun! The years you spend at university are supposed to be the best years of your life, so enjoy them to the fullest.

Hang in there, only 211 days to go!

C6 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Finding the “fun” in being fit RANDAL DESOUZA SHEC MEDIA

As we plunge deeper into a new school year, we fondly watch as the last days of summer slip by.

With crunch time around the corner in October and midterms galore, life can be challenging.

Classes, extracurricular activities, club meetings and even a party or two (maybe a few) all take a sizeable bite out of our already limited time. With so much on our plate, we students often wonder how to juggle it all.

With all the media focus on soaring rates of obesity and the need to improve physical education in schools, it is a small wonder that the university demographic has cause for concern.

The fabled “Freshman 15” has become a hallmark for those who wish to promote healthy eating and exercise habits.

The truth is, with the high levels of stress, erratic schedules and poor eating and exercise habits, it is difficult to take proper care of ourselves on a regular basis. How, then, can

How-todo-it NATALIE TIMPERIO

SENIOR INSIDEOUT EDITOR

For those of you who have ever watched an episode of Slice’s Party Mamas, or for anyone remotely aware of the university lifestyle, planning a party can be more challenging than one would initially expect. Assuming that you’re working within a student budget (a.k.a. an income of minimum wage or less) and not your sugar daddy’s plastic, finding the means to fund that party-of-the-year is seemingly impossible—unless, of course, you make a desperate plea to mom and dad, but chances are you’d have better luck fishing for five dollar bills in Cootes Paradise.

Lucky for you, so long as you maintain that “university student status,” the last thing you need to worry about is flashiness as that’s the absolute last priority for most people our age. To fulfill those college party stereotypes that have become ingrained in your brain from countless hours of watching movies such as American Pie, follow these easy tips and tricks to planning this year’s shindig that will no doubt leave your friends reminiscing for years to come.

1. Decide on a party theme.

Nothing screams “O-M-G!” like a good party theme. A party theme is an easy way to break the

we incorporate regular exercise into our busy schedules?

It is necessary to make time.

Students often try to find time, to no avail. All it takes is a critical look at your personal timetable to decide where at least a half an hour of exercise can be incorporated.

It can be as simple as a quick dip in McMaster’s Olympic sized pool, a Pilates class at the Pulse or even a good run on the track.

Finding the “fun” in exercise is an easy way to motivate the reluctant exerciser. Fitness does not have to be an hour long run on the treadmill – try a Zumba class at the Pulse or meet someone new in a ballroom dancing lesson.

Even just incorporating simple habits, such as waking up a little earlier and walking or biking to school, can make an important difference in the health of an individual.

It can be a challenge to find time to keep fit, but it is important to remember that, in the long run, exercise can help you keep your mind and body healthy.

How can you start getting fit?

Here are some useful tips:

If you prefer a social atmosphere when exercising, take a buddy along. You will get the benefit of good company and a rewarding workout.

Get a Pulse membership – there are affordable student memberships available, with access to many facilities and programs such as the climbing wall and group fitness classes.

Join a dance class, or another cardio-based activity class, like Zumba or Step. You will learn something new, have fun doing it and keep your body in shape.

Pick out some music and go for a walk, hike or a run. Hamilton is rife with biking and hiking trails – perhaps it is time to explore your city.

For more information on how to keep fit, drop into SHEC on the second floor of MUSC and feel free to browse through their resource library. If you are interested in discussing any health issues, do not hesitate to book an appointment at Campus Health or drop in to see one of the counsellors at the Centre for Student Development.

Plan a party ice and, heck, it’s an excuse to go out and shop (in which case there’s no way mom and dad could deny giving you spending money then.

Just say, “Mom, dad...I have a very special university event that requires my absolute attendance and as such I need something to wear.”

If, off the bat, this doesn’t work, emphasize the fact that the party has a dress code and, well, you get the picture). A party theme also gives people something to look forward to and an excuse to dress up for an occasion other than Halloween, so go wild!

2. Find the right party music.

If you happen to befriend a DJ in the near future, or, are fortunate enough to already know one, then take advantage of their playlist. Or, spend many hours downloading music. The point is that music can determine the mood of the party before anyone even arrives.

For example, the sweet melodies of Frank Sinatra versus the raving beats of Deadmau5 will determine whether your party is better suited for your grandfather or a bunch of unruly and, quite frankly, blooming alcoholic university students. So when planning your party, make sure you have an ample selection of crowd appropriate music so as to assure your party won’t leave your guests exiting within the first half hour.

3. As host, choose what food and drink to serve.

Again, this comes down to the budget with which you are working with. However, assuming that you’re working within an average student income, serving food and drinks may not be much of an option.

Of the parties I’ve been too, rarely is food served. This doesn’t mean that your guests expect a five course meal, but a bag or two, or three, of chips may do the trick.

The truth is, whether you’re drinking or playing designated driver for the night, staying up into the hours of the a.m. will leave your stomach grumbling.

Sure, a couple bags of chips are sure to go within the first few minutes of any worthy party, but it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it? At least providing some form of snacks will be less costly than providing alcohol. Luckily, for those designated drivers, tap water is an easy option.

But, for those wanting to drink, bring your own booze (BYOB) is the popular choice for most and not an unreasonable one at that.

These are only the basics of party planning 101, but some of the most essential do’s for party planners. So, remember, if all else fails I’m sure nothing can be worse than what’s-his-face who booked Bobo the clown for his 21st birthday bash.

My Verona • CONT’D FROM C1 JONATHON FAIRCLOUGH ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

in the morning.

I could marginally tolerate the stress and the danger at hand, given that we were in the North part of Verona in a reasonably rundown area. Unfortunately, my brother was a little less tolerant. He let me know about his impatience. I was responsible for all directional guidance.

He wasn’t born with spatial abilities, just as I wasn’t born with organization. We were a pretty useful team, until now.

“If we don’t find this place in the next five minutes I’m getting a cab and we’re staying at a hotel tonight.” That was reason enough to start wandering the streets, hoping we’d find the place.

Up ahead, a 10 minute walk away, was our hostel. After asking every family that walked past us for directions, we finally made sense of the combined data. We had arrived at a palace... well, anywhere is a palace when you were as distressed as us.

Our stomachs hurt. We needed food, fast. We imagined Verona as a city teeming with restaurants, old buildings, plenty of places to gorge and gluttonize. We were wrong.

Well, we were in the wrong area for that type of indulgence. Lots of cars, lots of concrete, lots of characters on the streets, but strangely no open restaurants at 10:30 at night.

We were told by the hostel staff of one place, a five-minute walk down the road, a family-run pizzeria that was open late – but hard to find. We didn’t care. Hunger would guide us. We were on a hunt. We would either live or die: either way, we were hunting... even if it took us all night.

“Fuck we’re lost already,” “no we’re not,” “yes we are.” Brotherhood is a wondrous thing. We passed buildings older than the American constitution, squeezed between concrete and broken glass.

Italy is so old, so rich, but so horribly taken care of. The abandoned old apartments and houses were more beautiful than the functioning modern equivalents. We passed them, fanaticizing about their former days of glory, before the War and social turmoil ruined everything.

And there it was, a family pizzeria, only noticeable because of the noise from within and the smell of the wood oven. We were greeted by a simple family behind the counter, mother in the kitchen, prepping vegetables, father at the oven with a flour-covered tank top – his massive belly protruding from the bottom of his shirt – and lastly a beautiful daughter, modest and curious.

She was the only one who spoke English, and she greeted us kindly.

Apologizing for her poor grammar, she took our order and even gave us some juice to drink. She knew we were beat. The sweaty brow, the baggy eyes and the blank occasional stare were dead giveaways.

We ordered a pizza each, mine with prosciutto and Andy’s with sausage. We felt entitled to it. Boy, were we ever.

Waiting for our pizzas, we looked around the restaurant for the first time. It was full. Full families talking, eating, laughing, singing along to the songs on the television.

Up until this point I hadn’t really seen Italy. Everything before seemed contrived, out of place. Italy does well at selling itself to tourists.

Sure, we saw pieces of Italy here and there, but not like this. We felt, for those strange 10 minutes, part of a family. We were welcomed and appreciated. They knew we were foreign, but they were indifferent nonetheless. We watched daughter and mother deliver gigantic plates of pasta and salads to the tables.

The pizzas were enormous and absolutely mouth-watering. We were getting anxious. This was too good to be true.

We must have watched three different tables being served in that ridiculous 10 minutes, all of which had portions which could trump any dinner I’ve ever consumed before, before our turn came along. The father, who was quiet but always smiling, signalled to us that our pizzas were ready. “Pizza! Pizza!” he screamed. We were ready.

With a paddle about two metres in length, he reached into the oven to gather our prize. He struggled to pull it out at first, implying a great deal of effort to lift it.

Out of the oven came a pizza no more than six inches in diameter.

“Prego!” he exclaimed. The restaurant fell silent.

My brother and I didn’t know what to say. Was it a joke? Was this how they kept tourists out of their restaurant? In a span of five seconds I thought of every possible reason why the pizza was so small, and what this meant for us.

The father began to grin, he couldn’t help it. Slowly the restaurant got louder and louder with laughter. We’d been had. Everybody let us know of their amusement, especially father, who stood arms crossed with a gigantic chuckle that must have lasted for two straight minutes.

The man pulled out our real pizzas, bigger than our stomachs could ever handle. Real cheese, real ingredients, tomatoes that were sweet instead of watery. We had died and woken up in Verona – but not without a little humiliation and amusement lodged in between.

Dan’s Good Grub

Ribs...the lazy, lazy way Now seriously these ribs were the easiest thing to do...BUT it’s not my suggestion to do them very much. They are delicious, so beware.

• turn the oven to 260 f • paint ribs with a mixture of bbq sauce and hot sauce • wrap in tinfoil leaving top open • pour beer into packet and close up • put onto baking tray ( it might leak a bit) • put into oven and let bake for 2.5 hours • take them out and have them with salad/bok choy or something tasty and green

Daniel Penn is a McMaster student and food blogger. He has already published three cookbooks, has his own blog and also writes for theFuturists. com. You can find his own blog at dansgoodgrub.blogspot.com.

PHOTO C/O SAMANTHA TAYLOR

THE SILHOUETTE • C7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

BUSINESS

production office extension: 27117 business@thesil.ca

Can Hamilton compete globally?

Is steel still the future?

SIMON GRANAT

SENIOR BUSINESS EDITOR

There was a time when Hamilton had a booming economy. James street bustled and the steel mills roared on. Now, the steel mills have fallen silent and James Street is as famous for its boarded up windows and closed down shops. Look around downtown. It’s dead. And if it’s not dead, then it’s dying. To survive, some people believe that Hamilton should attracting new industry to the city. Others would prefer that we foster new, ‘creative’ jobs.

The truth is that Steel Town is no longer dependant on steel. In fact, it has been years since steel drove the city. Currently, the two employer in the city is Hamilton Health Sciences.

The city may no longer have quite the same industrial strength, but some analysts believe that Hamilton’s best chance for economic recovery will be industrial growth. According to the Conference Board of Canada, an economic recovery in Hamilton will be driven by recoveries and manufacturing, a boost to which could increase the city’s GDP by as much as four and a half per cent.

Other institutes believe that Hamilton’s economic fate lies in its ability to foster a creative class. Some believe that the medical industry, McMaster University and other white collar, creative jobs could slingshot the city’s economy ahead. According to a creative class study of Ontario cities by the Martin Prosperity Institute, Hamilton is a relatively average city. In the study, Hamilton ranked ninety-seventh out of 374 regions in the province.

Professor Nick Bontis, chair of Undergraduate studies at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University believes that the potential for growth lies in the city’s ability to make business start up easy. “Cut the red tape and streamline the bureaucracy so that it is easier for a small business to maintain its day to day operations while still adhering to the necessary

municipal by-laws,” Bontis said.

In a draft of Hamilton’s 2010 economic action plan, the city states that its top concern is keeping Hamilton businesses in the city. “When a decision about a local company’s future is being made offshore, the municipality must do everything possible to guarantee that the business remains and continues to pay taxes and provide jobs for local residents,” the report states.

Bontis was also quick to point out that Hamilton must lower taxes, and find ways to attract business to the city. “Hamilton must work even harder to attract new employers. Hamilton is facing global competition for hosting the oper-

ations of businesses. It is all about the perceived package from the city. Are the tax incentives competitive compared to other jurisdictions?

Will the city officials embrace the new corporation?”

The draft of Hamilton’s economic action plan notes that the city has a high industrial tax rate, especially compared to the rest of the golden horseshoe and that the city’s approval process may be problematic. The action plan does not provide solutions for either of these problems. Instead, it focuses on promoting Hamilton’s manufacturing industry as an alternative to a busy GTA, with strong links to various forms of transportation. The tax rate for new construction is just over 6.43 per cent in Hamilton. That rate is higher than Stoney Creek, Glanbrook, Ancaster, Dundas or Flamborough. Comparatively, Toronto charges industry a total property tax of slightly over 3.69 per cent.

Ron Marini, director of Development in the Hamilton core believes that there has been growth in the downtown centre. “I can tell you that, for instance, jobs have increased around 270 per year, on average in the core,” Marini said.

The province has also marked the downtown core as an “urban growth centre,” which means that they will strive to increase employment and residence density to 200 people per hectare, according to Marini, who did not comment on how the province plans to do this.

However, the information provided by Marini is based off an annual report to city council that has not been finished yet. As a result, he was unable to speak to any definite reason why employment has risen. Marini’s report will be presented to City Council later this year.

ILLUSTRATION BY JOY SANTIAGO / MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

How to retire young and live rich Freedom 45 may be an easier goal to attain than critics say SANTINO MARINUCCI

ASSISTANT BUSINESS EDITOR

Over the past number of years there has been this ongoing discussion on the possibilities of retiring early. In terms of debate there have been many solid arguments for and against the idea, whether one can actually put away enough cash by the age of 50 to comfortably live out the rest of one’s days living life.

To put it simply: yes, it is possible.

Now, I did not say that this is an easy goal to attain, but with enough planning, saving, and initiate it can be clear sailing for you and your family.

First off, the number one thing is to start saving for your retirement right now. Theoretically, begin putting away 2,000 a year starting at age 25, and consistently make payments for 25 years which sounds like a lot but really is not. Assuming your tax rate is around 25 per cent and your interest rate sits at 5 per cent, you will have accumulated over $600,000, but this compounded with your interest will shoot your savings to over $991,910 by the time you are 50.

That’s right $991,910.

Many would think that this is one of the harder ways to save, because if you are not diligent in your depositing monthly then it will be harder to achieve your goal. This is Is playing the lottery your only retirement strategy? Instead, save your money and put it in an RRSP. especially true if you are plagued with student • PLEASE SEE LIVING, C10

[ Inside Business ]

Gould Trading Floor

China & the United States

Albertan Oil

Saskatchewan’s potash deal heats up after BHP was outbid by current shareholders Pg. C11

Downward pressure on the Chinese yuan, has sunk American manufacturing at a sensitive time.

Pg. C8

Despite TD, RBC, and BMO’s attempts at a greener image, they heavily fund the tarsands Pg. C8

TYLER HAYWARD / SILHOUETTE STAFF

C8 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

American Money

Energy

Taming the tiger

Despite green claims, big banks still invest in A suppressed yuan could Albertan tarsands spur American action

Derek Taylor The Silhouette

Environmentalism and the business world are two elements that might not typically go hand in hand. However, as being “green” has become a key pillar in North American social morality, environmentalism has become more prevalent in the corporate realm. Many organizations have not only adopted green policies manufacturing products, they have also taken environmental considerations regarding their dayto-day operations into account. This would include the amount of paper wasted, how many kilowatt hours are needed to power their lights or even the carbon footprint of their executive business trips.

Although many organizations have made valiant efforts becoming a more sustainable organization, many other organizations continue unsustainable business practices which are leading to the further degradation of the environment.

A multitude of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have created different methods of tracking the steps taken by corporations to reduce their carbon emissions.

Most recently, the Carbon Disclosure Project, a not-for-profit organization, developed the Global 500 Carbon Performance Leadership Index (CPLI) which ranks corporate leaders in carbon reduction.

Currently there are 48 companies on the index, with only one Canadian company, the Bank of Montreal (TSE: BMO), making the list.

A quick glance through BMO’s Environmental Policy and Action Plan and it becomes obvious why BMO was selected to be on the inaugural listing of the CPLI. BMO outlines how it is not only becoming more sustainable in its own practices, but also how it is a leader of sustainability in the financial industry. In section three of its action plan, BMO states that it intends to achieve its sustainability goals through five focus areas: energy consumption, transportation, material consumption, waste generation and procurement.

Geithner may have to talk to China about currency valuation.

In the policy section of its Environmental Policy and Action Plan, BMO states that it intends to Siavosh Moshiri there will be a severe cooling of re- be a leader of sustainable practices lations between these two econom- through many policies, including The Silhouette one that ensures that BMO will ic giants.

Timothy Geithner, the US secretary Such straining of relationships assess environmental risk when of Treasury, has a problem. Well, would be counterproductive, polit- lending to other organizations. actually, he has many problems, but ical commentators note. This is be- On paper, it appears that BMO at the moment there is one in par- cause the US does not have a good is taking the necessary steps in enticular that has been causing him position to bargain from. So even if suring that it is a prominent leader increasing discomfort at his job: one puts aside the aforementioned in sustainability. However, accordChina. unemployment figures and the bad ing to statistics from a globally While the US economy sputters economic status, the issue of pol- recognized NGO, the Rainforest along with a 9.6 per cent unemploy- itical support arises. No country Action Network, BMO has not been ment rate, the Chinese economy is of note has backed Geithner in his following through with its commitment to sustainable lending practigrowing. The country’s industrial call. profits were announced recently, There might be some hope showing a 55 per cent increase year at the upcoming G20 meeting in over year.

South Korea. The US treasury will However, many say the main be able to negotiate and present its reason behind China’s great gains cause to the countries who remain has been its continual policy to de- unconvinced. value its currency, the Renminbi Although even this will have to (Chinese Yen). Close to a billion occur outside of the official dealings dollars of Renminbi is bought each of the meeting as the South Korean day by the government to keep the Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-Hyun price of its domestic goods low ruled out the currency conflict as a compared to Western-made goods.

G20 topic.

This makes China far more at- He was quoted by Reuters as tractive to major companies like saying: “I do not believe that it is Wal-Mart. However this is by no appropriate to have a discussion remeans a new policy and has existed garding the foreign exchange rate for some time. The main ques- or level of a specific country.” tion one must ask is: why has this It will be interesting to see how become an issue now? Well, it is this current argument between the because the low prices in China two nations will turn out. This has coupled with the US market’s cur- not been the first time the US and rent financial status, have led to China have disagreed over a major more and more jobs leaving the US political issue. The US scored a for China. major political point by getting Many major American retail- China to back UN economic sancers, who moved prior to the finan- tions against Iran. cial crisis in 2008 to take advantage But in addition to this the US of the low wages and low levels has also lost a few political battles of unionization, are now moving to its Chinese counterparts. simply to remain competitive. The When nations met in Copencurrent US administration knows hagen in 2009 to discuss setting this: with midterm elections ap- goals to combat climate change, proaching in the United States and China’s stalwart tactics forced the with the increasing backlash over US to accept low targets and to drop unemployment, Geithner is hoping many previous set goals. political pressure can cause the Chi- How this one will turn out renese government to allow “signifi- mains to be seen, never the less one cant, sustained appreciation.” must note that if anyone has the There have been suggestions upper hand it is China. that if cooperation does not occur, PHOTO C/O THE WHITE HOUSE MEDIA

ces. In the same year that BMO developed their Environmental Policy and Action Plan, it lent $10.2 billion to organizations directly involved in the Canadian tarsands. For some, the Canadian tarsands is considered to be a large contributor to pollution and green house gas emissions.

Despite their commitments to the environment, BMO is not the only Canadian bank investing heavily in the tarsands. TD Canada Trust has been very vocal with their sustainability policies, with the development of their TD Friends of the Environment Organization in 1990. According to TD Canada Trust, through environmental initiatives, it has provided over $53 million to support more than 19,000 grassroots environmental organizations. Along with this substantial amount of support, TD also provides an additional $1 million to the fund every year.

Two of the primary functions of the fund are to protect the Canadian environment and to sponsor local environmental clean-ups. Contradictory to these primary functions, TD Canada Trust supplied over $7.9 billion to organizations directly involved in the Canadian tarsands in 2008. Ironically, many of the grassroots organizations which TD Friends of the Environment Organization provides financial support to are trying to stop the Canadian tarsands.

Similar to BMO and TD Canada Trust, the Royal Bank of Canada (TSE: RBC) also has strong environmental policies, with strict guidelines regarding which organizations they give money to. Although the RBC may be sustainable in many other operational practices, they certainly do not assess corporations they lend money to by such standards.

In 2008, RBC lent $15.9 billion to organizations directly related to the Canadian tarsands. RBC is ranked first in the country for direct tarsands funding, with a total of 198 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions being emitted as a direct result of its funding.

Despite the vast amount of funding that BMO, TD Canada Trust and RBC have provided to the tarsands, a much greater investment is expected from these investors over the next few years. It is the goal of many tarsands operators to nearly triple the extraction of oil, from 1.3 million barrels a day to three million barrels a day by 2020.

Although this may appear to be a rather lofty goal, it is possible so long as organizations involved in the tarsands can receive another $100 billion in funding. Canadians may want to question the environmental practices of businesses before they take them at face value.

Around the World South Africa

Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) has recently made a successful bid for South Africa’s largest retailer MassMart (MSM: SJ) for US$4.1 billion. This comes at a time when Wal-Mart has been expanding its operations overseas due to declining sales in the United States. This move will prove beneficial for the region as Africa is one of the developing world’s fastest growing markets. Currently, 25 per cent of Wal-Mart’s revenue is generated from business overseas.

France

Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) has flown into some trouble with other major European companies and facing legal action on the premise that they have fixed their airline cargo prices. The lawsuit is being led by companies Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERICY) and Phillips (PHD) and has prompted Air France-KLM to pay a fine of US$350 million in damages for conspiracy to fix cargo prices.

There is also a separate civil liberties lawsuit where Air France-KLM will have to pay US$87 million to claimants in the United States.

Russia

Oh those Russians, they have done it again. A private Russian technology firm by the name of Orbital Technologies has developed a plan to build the first “cosmic hotel” in space. The company has attracted hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign investment from countries around the world to get the project off the ground, literally. Although there has been no information released regarding the price of visiting the space hotel, it is assumed that it is only in the price range of the world’s wealthiest.

United Kingdom

Former investment firm Lehman Brothers recently auctioned off all of its artwork from its Canary Wharf location in London. The auction brought in over 1.6 million pounds for all of the expensive art. The event, hosted by Price Waterhouse Coopers, was to help raise back some of the money that Lehman owes creditors. The most expensive piece of art sold at the event sold for £99,560 and was done by Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco.

China

Goldman Sachs (GS:US) has reportedly sold its stake in the Industrial & Commercial Bank of China valued at US$2.25 billion. This number is four times what they paid for when they bought the shares in 2006. Goldman Sachs will continue to own about 10.1 billion shares which totals to three per cent of ICBC.

THE SILHOUETTE • C9

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Executive Silhouette

In Brief Holy car sales Batman

Canadians are buying cars at a record rate. According to a global auto report by Scotia Economics, this year will see the highest number of auto sales in forty years.

The report predicts that Canadians will buy 4.4 million vehicles this year, of which 2.9 million will be used and 1.57 million will be new.

The report also said that Americans were buying more cars this year, but this isn’t big news as their market is driven predominantly by used car sales.

Another leak bites the dust

CHRISTOPHER CHANG / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

Paving the way of the future P

aul Bates is the dean of the DeGroote school of business at McMaster University. In June 2009, he was the first dean in the last 42 years to be reappointed for a second term. With the opening of the new MBA school in Burlington, he will be splitting his time between the two campuses. In 2000, he was recognized as the Most Influential Broker of the Year by Investment Executive Magazine. In 2002, he was given the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in recognition of substantial community service. In 2003, he was given the Outstanding Teacher Award at Rotman School of Management.

Simon Granat: Can you walk us through building the construction of the MBA school from your perspective?

Paul Bates: It’s taken 452 days, from the day we put a shovel in the ground until the day we’re open, which is astonishing. It’s on time and on budget. The building budget was $26.8 million, and we were required to do our best to raise all of the funds externally. In fact we’ve raised $28.5 million, which is absolutely wonderful news. But let me give you the background on how we did it.

The MBA experience, more so perhaps than many other master’s degrees, is all about group learning. [When] I arrived here in 2004 there actually wasn’t any dedicated space for the MBA program anywhere in the building, and we went about creating some. We created space here on the fifth floor at DeGroote and that became dedicated space for MBA and even with that we had only three rooms for group discussion.

There are 28 discussion rooms at the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington. So it’s been completely designed for a graduate management experience.

We did two studies that told us that we had a greater likelihood of winning an increasing number of graduate students by moving closer to the GTA. There’s this line between Burlington and Hamilton. People that live on the Burlington side will go to Toronto to study, but they won’t go to Hamilton. And when you consider that Milton is now the largest, fastest growing community in North America, if we think, Burlington, Milton, Oakville, Mississauga, it gives us a great catchment area and we think it’s going to play out.

In terms of the total MBA population, we’ve got roughly 375-380 MBA students right now.

We want to get to a steady state of 450, which is about half as many as Rotman by the way. We think it’s going to be a nice program.

Many people believe that the facility that we have built in Burlington, and I tend to agree, is now a state-of-the-art learning environment.

And so far, today was the first day of operation [Sept. 13] and I was there and I saw a whole lot of happy faces.

SG: Do you think that our MBA school will be better for having half the enrolment of Rotman?

PB: Class sizes will be more or less comparable, but to be blunt we have one of the best deals in town because our tuition rate is about 60 per cent of Rotman’s and in my view it certainly isn’t 60

per cent of the value.

Our primary offering is our co-op program and by its very nature, a co-op program means that you have to have internship placements.

You can only be confident about so many internship placements so if we were to shoot for an even higher number, we’d be putting the very premise of what we do at risk. I don’t know that any of us would be confident that we could get hundreds more co-op internship placements.

From an economic point of view, a steady state of about 450 works just fine. I also happen to believe, and you know the future will tell, but we won’t be the last major remote campus for McMaster. I think this is the beginning of something; I wouldn’t be surprised to see other faculties develop significant positions. I think there’s an opportunity to be a regional university. At the end of the day that’s our president’s decision of course, but I wouldn’t be surprised if more will follow.

SG: This is your second term as dean. What are your plans for the next five years?

PB: When I came here, and remember I didn’t come from an academic background, but one of the things that I quickly realized was that in order to have a really strong curriculum, you need a really strong doctoral studies program, so we went about trying to build it. If I remember correctly, the year I arrived we had 16 PhD students in two disciplines. Today we have 60 PhD students in five disciplines. And we hope to get to six disciplines and a steady state of about 80 doctoral students. And I’m very proud of the fact that we’re building out our research activity.

And I think the other kind of vision thing is continuing to grow these interdisciplinary programs, we’re actually starting to look at some new specialized components of undergraduate study. So for example, for next year, we’ll either introduce some new courses or possibly a new minor in Golf and Leisure Management. That’s in development, it hasn’t been approved.

SG: You’ve been dubbed “the root of DeGroote.”

How do you feel about that title?

PB: I’d like to think that it means there is a degree of affection of our student body for me.

And it is something that actually means quite a lot to me. You know, when I came here, even in my interview, I did say then and I think that I’ve lived up to it, that I really wanted to get a very close interactive relationship with our students.

I tell parents that I’m their kids’ third parent.

Bear:

Suncor

(TSE:SU) Quite possibly the best thing for any oil company right now, after Deep Horizon, is to lay low. Well, we have to take our collective hats off to Suncor for throwing caution to the wind.

On Sept. 28, Suncor announced that they have leaked diesel fuel into the St. Lawrence River, just off an oil platform. While they reportedly contained the leak by the morning of Sept. 29, the public backlash will be felt from Montreal to Alberta.

I care about our students and try to be a personal mentor to them and whenever I can try to interact with them, so the fact that they feel that they know me well enough to say things like that means a lot to me.

Coming on the heels of the Deep Horizon leak, the Suncor leak in the Port of Montreal has flown somewhat under the radar. On Sept. 29, 2010, Suncor announced that they have contained the leak that happened on Tuesday night. Suncor is unsure how much oil has leaked into the St. Lawrence River. An investigation into the cause of the leak is pending.

Oprah comes north

Corus Entertainment has announced that they will bring the Oprah Winfrey Network to Canada. The channel will launch in early 2011, shortly after its United States premier on Jan. 1, 2011. The channel will target adults 18-54 with a core audience of women 25-54. The station will showcase over 1200 hours of original programming, including Rosie O’Donnell’s return to television in the Rosie O’Donnell Show.

Most Canadians chose work over retirement

In a poll conducted by American SG: You’re currently doing a master’s degree Express Small Business Monitor, 70 in theology. Has that changed your perspective per cent of small business owners feel that they will have a roll in their toward working with students? businesses after retirement. One PB: I’m about 20 percent of the way through [a third of those polled stated that they master’s degree in theology] which means I still could retire now, but have chosen to have about 80 per cent of the way to go. I can continue to work instead. Approxionly afford, from a time management point of mately 30 per cent of respondents view, to have one class per term, and I’m enjoy- want to keep a hand in their busiing it very much. In many ways I regard it as a ness while another 41 per cent plan to work part time. great privilege to be in with those students.

How has it changed my view and my actions Black wants back toward students?

I don’t think it’s changed my actions toward On Wed. Sept 29, 2010 Conrad students. It’s certainly galvanized my views a Black will have another shot at little bit. I found a wonderful quote in a book appeal. The lawyers for each side a little while ago that said “every life, every will have a chance to make a 20person born from the beginning of time to the minute presentation to a panel of end of time, brings something unique to the judges. It is speculated that Black’s world.” Everyone is different. Everyone brings a lawyers will plan to argue that under unique voice, a unique approach to what they do. a re-interpretation of the fraud law, And we know that, that’s true, but I started to re- the charges should be dropped. flect on that quite a lot, and it really strengthened Black was convicted of fraud in my conviction that wherever I can, I need to try 2007, along with three other coland add value to one of those lives. And again, leagues from Hollinger. it makes me feel very privileged to do the work Students hit hard that I’ve been doing.

Statistics Canada reported that SG: Is there anything else you’d like to say to students were hit hard by the recession this past summer. Student McMaster students unemployment rose to 9 per cent PB: Yeah, in 1988, I helped to build a brand new this summer. That is slightly higher product in the investment business. It was called than the current unemployment rate the Guaranteed Market Index, there are many for the country that stands at 8.1 today. It was the first of its kind that allowed per cent. This is an increase from someone to have a term deposit, like a GIC and 2007-2008, when students saw an instead of simply receiving interest on the term unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent. deposit, they could actually link their rate of return to the stock market, if they chose to.

Playboy thong fail When it was all finished, I got a little plaque Retailer Giant Tiger apologized for from the advertising agency that we worked with printing advertisements for Playboy and it said, “always believe in the big idea.” And thongs in one of its recent back-tothat’s the message I’d love to give to students. In school flyers. Giant Tiger has reother words, go for it. Don’t be shy. Believe in moved any mention of the merchanthe big idea. It doesn’t mean being reckless. You dise from its website and promised know there’s a fine line between risk and reck- that they won’t advertise it in flyers lessness, and the difference is being measured in again. There was talk that the comwhat you do. I mean, find the metrics, it’ll tell pany used the term “junior” in relayou whether or not your big idea is working or tion to the merchandise. not working, but that would be the message that I would give.

Bull:

Chrysler Automotive (Private Company)

Question: How can Chrysler prove to shareholders it means business? Answer: Firing 13 of your workers for smoking marijuana and drinking while on the job and then receiving a report that auto sales have surpassed estimates this year.

After all, there’s one thing that hardnosed Detroit private investors like more than a good economic report. And that’s firing hippies.

C10 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

Raging Bull

Taxation without representation?

Simon Granat

Senior Business Editor

Normally, I don’t question the United States. I keep an open ear to what they’re doing internationally, and feign indifference about it. Probably because whatever it is that they’re doing, as bad as it may sound—Iraq, Afghanistan, teaching evolution in schools—doesn’t really affect me on a day-to-day basis.

But with the resurgence of the Tea Party movement and a rise in liberalism, you would assume that one of the nation’s greatest mottos, “no taxation without representation,” would be something that is sacred, like cows in India, or the bible in the South.

What I learned this week is that

the motto is not held in high regard.

I invest in the market. Not much mind you, but last week I decided to buy a modest 25 shares in General Electric Corporation. I hold shares in a couple other Canadian companies, and I felt that GE would be a nice way to dip my toes into the American market.

Not too long after the transaction I received a letter in the mail from the infamous, Internal Revenue Service. That’s right, the IRS sent me a letter.

It demanded that in the next 60 days I log onto a particular website and fill out a particular form.

I’ve watched those movies where the IRS relentlessly chases down men a la Blade Runner, so suffice it to say, I was scared. Naturally, I jumped on the computer as quickly

Living the dream, retire early

• CONT’D FROM C7 debt and other financial obligations. and retiring by the time you are 50.

However, there are other ways to Lastly, one of the best things you get involved with your future re- can do to maximize your retirement tirement goals aside from the trad- savings leading you to an earlier itional methods that may be easier retirement is to get involved with and more effective to give you that investing your retirement savings in the stock market. killer retirement package.

This of course would be the I know what you are thinking RRSP (Registered Retirement Sav- with this one, what if the entire ings Plan) package that all banks market collapses in on itself again offer to individuals ready to start and I lose everything? a plan of structured retirement op- Well there is a simple solution tions. If you are eligible to partici- to this dilemma, invest in stocks pate in something like this then I and bonds that are relatively safe defiantly stress that you allocate from an investing perspective. So if your rainy day funds for this oppor- you’re planning on betting your retunity. tirement savings on derivatives you How an RRSP works is that probably should not be investing at money deposited all. and stored in the Generally 35 per This compounded account is not cent of individuals Instead, taxed.

18-35 invest about with your interfunds are taxed at 35 per cent of their est will shoot your retirement savings the time of withsavings to over drawal. So while into bonds. This is in an RRSP, your a relatively safe bet $991,910 by the money is hidden because bonds have time you are 50.” historically returned from the taxman’s prying eyes, esaround 5.4 per cent sentially making a year, which means the account your that it is basically a own little tax haven. While your win-win for you. money is there, it is given a chance However, if you have more to grow, leaving you with peace of confidence in yourself and your inmind. vesting capabilities, you can invest To make more sense of this, heavily and have a much higher when you withdraw this money rate of return in the long term. If in retirement then you are paying you are planning on retiring early the average tax rate on the with- this option would be ideal, maxidrawal – not the marginal rate mizing your money generating ca(assuming no other income). So pabilities. if someone withdraws from their Retiring early may sound unRRSP in retirement and is at the attainable in today’s day and age same marginal tax rate as they were with wages getting increasingly when they made the contribution, lower and an unstable market. then their savings will have grown However, if you want to retire early, tax free. these options should send you well So if you are less proactive in on your way to have freedom 50. your saving and want a more struc- Hey, even if you don’t reach tured approach to saving for your that goal, you will still have a killer retirement, the RRSP is probably retirement package well on its way one of your safest bets when it to make your money worries a comes to putting your money away thing of the past.

as I could, went on the website and filled out the form. It turned out to be surprisingly non-invasive, all they really wanted was to know my name and my place of residence.

After a couple minutes I calmed down, it sank in that I didn’t owe them money. And so after I figured they weren’t going to throw me in jail, I read the letter again. What I failed to realize the first time was that I could be subject to a 30 per cent tax on my investment.

Now I have to give the good ol’ boys credit, they were quick to find me. But realistically, did they need to go through the effort in doing so?

I’d say, “no.” On my dividend of just around $4 per quarter, they would be making about $1.20 off me. It will likely cost the IRS more to tax me than the amount they’ll

get from me, and while they mentioned something about providing me a tax break if I fill out a form, I figure I have about as much a chance of that as Canada does of resolving the softwood lumber dispute anytime soon. And maybe it’s my foreign perspective, but I don’t think that minimal foreign investment deserves to be taxed at 30 per cent. It seems unreasonable, and that makes me wish that I could bargain for the government to lower it, but as a Canadian citizen, I wish I had representation in the American government, to have some say in how much they tax me.

Currently, the United States is taxing me without representation to a grand total of less than a buck.

I ask you, the reader: where is the fairness?

Is it not my liberty to own a part of a multibillion dollar company and not have to pay taxes?

Does that God-given right exclude Canadians? I understand that some Americans may not realize the pain of being taxed exorbitant amounts of money on small purchases by an overarching foreign power. But, truth be told, I don’t mind paying taxes, so long as they go back to benefit those in need, whoever that may be. I know that by taxing me on this investment, the United States government is cutting off its nose to spite its face. It will cost more to tax me than they will recoup in taxing me. And really, what’s more important, the need to spend money enforcing tax for tax’s sake or genuinely and honestly promoting investment during a recession?

Mixed reaction to federal financial report Simon Granat Business Editor

There is sure to be mixed reaction to the Fiscal Monitor, a publication of the Federal Department of Finance. The report says that Canada’s budgetary deficit decreased for the month of July 2010, as well as the period between April and July 2010, compared to the same periods last year. However, the government also recorded a decline in transfer payments largely due to a reduction in programs such as Employment Insurance and Children’s Benefits.

July’s budgetary deficit stood at $0.5 billion, down from $5.8 billion a year earlier. This was largely driven by an increase in revenue from personal and corporate tax.

These revenues increased by $0.7 billion or 7.6 per cent, year over year. Of this, corporate income tax revenue was up $0.1 billion, 17.9 per cent overall. An increase in revenue for the federal government could indicate that the private sector is becoming more profitable and the economy is recovering.

Other sectors saw moderate increases in July; energy taxes and other excise tax revenues increased $0.1 billion.

One of the largest factors in the decreased deficit for the month of July was cuts to transfers and lower operating expenses. The government recorded a comparatively large savings in program expenses which saw a decline of $3.6 billion from last year, to a total expenditure of $18.2 billion dollars on these services. This is a 16.6 per cent decrease.

Notable savings came from a drop of $0.2 billion in Employment Insurance benefit payments, a 10.3 per cent drop year over year. There was also a decrease in transfer payments, separate from the Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer. These other transfers decreased by $2.9 billion. The drop is largely credited to last year’s one-time payout to the automotive industry in 2009-2010. Transfers to provinces such as the Canada Health Transfer and the Canada Social Transfer increased by $0.4 billion, or 9 per cent.

Between April and July 2010, the government recorded a $7.7 billion deficit. This is down from last year’s deficit of $18.3 billion in the same period. The results of this four month period follow a similar pattern to July, an increase in tax revenue coupled with a decline in transfers.

Corporate income tax revenues increased $0.1 billion, or 1.7 per cent year over year. This was largely driven by an approximate 24 per cent decline in tax refunds paid out.

Personal income tax revenues increased $1.1 billion, or 3.2 per cent.

There was a relatively large decline in transfer payments over the four month period. Overall, these payments saw a $6.1 billion decrease, or 10.9 per cent. Major personal transfers declined $0.1 billion, or 0.3 per cent. Employment Insurance benefit payments dropped 7.3 per cent or $0.5 billion dollars, while Elderly Benefits increased by $0.3 billion dollars, or 2.3 per cent. The Department of Finance also reported that program expenses decreased by $6.8 billion, to 8.6 per cent.

THE SILHOUETTE • C11

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2010

From the Gould Trading Floor

Potash’s future will reshape the mining industry Share price outbids BHP offer Bogdan Antoniu THE SILHOUETTE

On Aug. 17, the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan announced that it had received and rejected an all cash offer from BHP Billiton Ltd., the company’s stock immediately jumped, eventually ending the day 25.86 per cent above the previous day’s close of $143.17 per share (all figures USD). That is a 10 percent premium over BHP’s offer of $130 per share.

With the $39 billion deal dismissed as grossly inadequate by Potash Corp’s Board of Directors, investors began speculating that higher offers would likely follow. The decision by BHP Billiton, the world’s largest mining company by any measure, to make its bid for Potash Corp hostile reflects the strategic importance of the company’s assets, as well as long-term trends in the global mining industry.

Reeling from the dramatic drop in prices of mineral commodities such as iron ore, coal, copper, nickel, and bauxite, the world’s top mining companies (such as BHP) came to the realization that their revenues were increasingly dependent on the continued growth of China. While demand for new office towers, condominiums and cars in both economically developed and developing countries was highly elastic, demand for food has been relatively resistant to economic cycles. It is of no coincidence that Potash Corp is the world’s largest fertilizer company by capacity. With approximately 20 per cent of mineral potash (a highly valuable fertilizer) production under its control, the company would be BHP’s ticket to profiting off of the changing tastes of an aspiring global middle class.

However, with the price of mineral

potash expected to rise again as demand from middle-income countries in Asia and Latin America rebounds, the BHP offer strikes many shareholders and analysts as opportunistic. It would be no surprise, therefore, if more generous bids from rivals were to emerge in the coming weeks, particularly from China.

As the second largest importer of potash, after India, the country’s government is interested in securing supplies of the fertilizer, as well as cutting costs for its domestic farmers. Despite rumours that Chinese state-owned Sinochem would make a bid, more than five weeks after BHP’s initial offer, none has surfaced yet. Likewise, private sector mining heavyweights Vale SA of Brazil and Rio Tinto of Australia have publicly denied interest in engaging in a bidding war with BHP Billiton.

Even without a counter-offer to rescue Potash Corp from the clutches of BHP, it remains unclear what the Canadian company’s fate will be. BHP’s offer to shareholders nominally expires on Oct. 13, while the price of Potash Corp remains stubbornly above $147 per share, or some 13 per cent above the takeover price. Furthermore, it remains unclear how Canadian regulators will react to the attempted acquisition of one of the country’s few global success stories.

It would be rash, however, to say that interest in fertilizer companies, or even Potash Corp, has dried up. If anything, the possibility exists that we are witnessing is only the beginning of a battle for the future of the mining industry.

The future for Canadian potash interests, let alone global mining companies is far from clear. Expect to see this story play out in the year to come.

C12 • THE SILHOUETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

wall street 2 • cancelled tv • liars • supercrawl review young rival • bad tits • boardwalk empire

andex

D2 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

thursday, september 30, 2010

Senior Editor: Roxanne Hathway-Baxter Entertainment Editor: Myles Herod Music Editor: Dan Hawie Contributors: Santino Marinucci, Everad Tilokee, Danielle Gibbons, Alex Boudreaux, Derek Hung, Collin Willox, Isabella Kun, Chris Hoy

Cover Art: Gracy Lorey

this week

Wintergloves The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Lee Harvey Osmond Corktown Pub 8:00 p.m.

rumour has it that you’re into foot porn, plenty of feet in the sil office. come in and write. musc b110.

sep.4-dec.12 jun.5-oct.3

Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St. Hamilton 905-577-6610 info@artgalleryofhamilton.com

Jackson Square Cinema

jun.10-oct.3

opening

“Doodles to Digital: Editorial Cartooning in the 21st Century”

Cake: Fiona Kinsella Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St., Hamilton 905-577-6610 info@artgalleryofhamilton. com

Let Me In Fri - Sat: 3:30, 7:05

Brendan Ferandes Art Gallery of Hamilton 123 King St., Hamilton 905-577-6610 info@artgalleryofhamilton. com

theatre

Wall Street II Fri - Sat: 6:50, 10:00

Easy A Fri - Sat: 7:00, 9:20 The Social Network Fri - Sat: 6:15, 9:00 You Again Fri - Sat: 6:50, 9:15

sep.22-oct.10

Hugh Cornwell This Ain’t Hollywood 8:00 p.m.

Fubar II Fri - Sat: 7:40, 10:10

Festivals AGH 2010 Film Fest This Movie Is Broken (Oct. 1) Fri: 7:00

39 Steps

By Patrick Barlow Theatre Aquarius 190 King William St. (905) 522-7529 boxoffice@theatreaquarius

Educating Rita

By Willy Russell Theatre Aquarius 190 King William St. (905) 522-7529 boxoffice@theatreaquarius

andy’s ticks now

Melissa Auf Der Maur The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

ancaster

The Wooden Sky The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Silvercity Ancaster

The Town Fri - Sat: 7:10, 10:20

jackson

Garaj Mahal The Casbah 9:00 p.m.

The Social Network Let Me In Fubar II

The Social Network Fri - Sat: 7:20, 10:30

festivals

oct.16

oct.15

We Came As Romans Absinthe 6:00 p.m.

oct.16

oct.13

Crash Test Dummies Hamilton Place Studio 8:00 p.m.

oct.27

oct.12

Abandon All Ships Absinthe 6:30 p.m.

oct.28

oct.10

DJ Pauly D Hamilton Place Studio 8:00 p.m.

oct.29

oct.7

D.O.A The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

oct. 30

oct.6

Hot Hot Heat Hamilton Place Studio 8:00 p.m.

Alan Wilder’s Recoil This Ain’t Hollywood 8:00 p.m.

nov.2

oct.2

The Strawbs Hamilton Place studio 8:00 p.m.

Coheed & Cambria Hamilton Place Studio 8:00 p.m.

nov.3

oct.2

Elias Corktown Pub 8:00 p.m.

Hannah Georgas The Casbah 8:00 p.m.

nov.4

oct.2

Baby Eagle The Ship 8:00 p.m.

Pull Start Rockets Corktown Pub 8:00 p.m.

nov.10

oct.1

The Marble Index Casbah 8:00 p.m.

Monster Truck The Casbah 10:00 p.m.

nov.19

sep.30

Glen Matlock This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.

art

film

music

oct.27-nov.14

in the hammer

the punnies, the wooden sky, clodhoppers destroy myles, gino’s: where’s the sauce? “yeeeuhh,” antoine “double rainbow” dodson, coffee candy: ‘the fuck? tuna wraps, rubes, leafs nation: start the parade, si “man”, canned heat, pornographic art? team building...tonight!

midterm papers are approaching...

get practicing and write for andy meetings are held on mondays at 12:00pm in musc b110

e-mail your submissions to andy@thesil.ca

column

thursday, september 30, 2010

f.u.b.a.r.

has me wondering if he’s going to tone it down this time around.

Cutting his teeth on Madonna and George Michael videos in the editorial column early 90’s, his foray into myles herod Hollywood came with Opening this Friday is a movie that the likes of Se7en and dares to tackle a seemingly limp Fight Club, both highly regarded premise: Facebook. Yes, it sounds and uncompromisingly violent. strange. How could they base, let Now having come off two alone make, a film about a website? of his more underrated pictures You can almost conjure in your (Zodiac and The Curious Case of head the snide remarks made at Benjamin Button) there’s no doubt its expense. “What could happen? that Fincher will be able to deliver People accepting other people’s the goods. I’m just uncertain how friends requests for two hours?” he’ll approach it.

Thankfully it boasts As for Sorkin, he’s a a more cerebral plot than that, man who’s built a name through focusing on the lives of Mark his written word, unlike others Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, who remain faceless commodities the creators. Still, at first I was not in the screenwriting profession. receptive to its rather lackluster While West Wing is accredited potential. That all changed when to his celebrity significance, two inspired choices came into play. establishing him as the David If today’s industry were to rank the Mamet of television, he’s also been top talents of America’s directing the subject of scrutiny, having been and writing profession, David arrested in 2001 for possession of Fincher and Aaron Sorkin would hallucinogenic mushrooms and be amongst the elite. crack cocaine. It seems, though, that Fincher, who exudes a certain his penchant for illegal substances visual brilliance to each of his films, may benefit the film rather than

hamper it. After all, this is a story where rich kids, after creating the most popular website in the world, are thrust upon a myriad of women, booze, and illegal narcotics.

Something tells me he wasn’t just hired for his biting vernacular. He knows this lifestyle all too well.

Regardless, the dynamic duo of Fincher and Sorkin, although untested, is one of the reasons the film is being anticipated so fervently. Well, by me at least.

Ad campaigns have gradually risen from cryptic posters displaying scrawled text over an emotionless Jesse Eisenberg peering beneath, into an over surge of commercials inundating prime time hours on constant rotation. I remember the first indication of the film’s uncanny presence. It came before the screening of Inception earlier in the summer.

I had been tipped off that Terrence Malick, the reclusive filmmaker of a mere four films in the last 35 years, was to unveil the trailer of his much-awaited new picture, Tree of Life. When it didn’t play, I resisted any noticeable aggression, partly because I was intrigued as to what played before me. With

the big tickle compiled by chris chang

recognizable imagery and music, this new trailer quietly showed a cursor gliding across the screen, accessing photos on Facebook, tagging friends and accepting new ones. Its accompanying soundtrack was an eerie reworking of Radiohead’s “Creep,” which instantly suggested an unsavory atmosphere to the overall theme. It progressed, introducing characters played by Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake, while becoming increasingly dramatic with its unspoken tension displayed solely through its visuals and sporadic dialogue.

I nearly gushed after the trailer commenced, and I wasn’t alone. Turning to a friend, I simply asked, “When is that coming out?” to which he replied, “Dude, Oct. 1. We’re totally going to be first in line!” That was July.

Now only a few days away, the word from critics is almost unanimous, The Social Network is something special. Peter Travers from Rolling Stone tweeted a month or so ago “David Fincher’s Social Network is the first film I’ve given four stars in 2010. It’s the movie of the year that also brilliantly defines

“perez hilton”

“college humour”

brandon westman

“reddit, it would be a big circle jerk

most appropriate” bridget kerr

the decade.” This is high praise from a typically reliable source of film criticism.

This is a rare film in which a pop culture has been met with artistry and approval, though we’ll have to wait and see what Roger Ebert says. His recommendation is one of the last true blessings of film criticism in America. If he awards it four stars as well, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re looking at this year’s Best Picture winner. The man has clout.

I hope I’m not over hyping this, but I just read that award consultants are planning no fewer than three Best Supporting Actor campaigns for Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and the relative unknown Armie Hammer, who apparently steals the film playing twin brothers. Hmm, I guess we’ll just have to wait for Oct. 1 to see if everything lives up to the acclaim, or falters under its own wait. All I know is I’ll be there on opening night, waiting, maybe writing on my Facebook wall via my cell phone.

Oh, the irony.

what website would you like to see turned into a movie?

& roxanne hathway-baxter

“facebook seems the

“post secret”

the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D3

mikayla jones

alex vlahos

will volterman

D4 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

music

thursday, september 30, 2010

no reservations

andy chats with sebastien grainger about the spontaneous direction of bad tits Sebastien Grainger is no stranger to the Canadian indie circuit.

The eccentric frontman earned a considerable amount of acclaim as a member of the now defunct Death From Above 1979, as well as through showcasing his soulful aspirations years later with Sebastien Grainger and The Mountains. He’s also gained a great deal of expertise to boot through co-running Toronto’s Giant Studios with Metric-mate Jimmy Shaw, so it’s fairly obvious that the Mississauga-native is rifely seasoned in many facets of the industry.

Yet Grainger’s most recent musical endeavor with applauded frontman Josh Reichmann (Tangiers, Jewish Legend) is anything but an indication of his accolades. The two-piece, self-proclaimed “slush” act is Bad Tits, and their collaborative mantra is both raw, and entirely spontaneous from their usual inclinations. “The nature of this project is to simply base it on what feels good in the moment,” Grainger explained in an interview with ANDY. “I think a lot of the music that both

Josh and I make on our own is very methodical and laboured over. It’s high concept – and this band is totally void of that.”

Though the band’s inception is often noted for having been born out of a Toronto workers’ garbage strike in 2009, both Grainger and Reichmann’s relationship dates back a number of years over a shared fascination with metaphysics – namely the power of lucid dreaming. For Grainger, the intangible experiences from dreaming translated directly to their collaborative outlook on their debut EP, Garbage Night. “One day we got together in my studio and decided to play without thinking – just improvisational, completely communal, not secondguessing anything – and we just ended up making this record.”

He continued: “We actually had it in the can for a couple of years, and one day I put it on for whatever reason and was really excited about it. We started seeking out ways to release it, and the folks at [label] Hand Drawn Dracula were really into it. So we picked things

up where they left off, and started playing live to coalesce with the record’s release.”

The EP itself has stirred a considerable amount of interest with critics for its progression from both artists’ respective realms of experimental and post-punk towards a more formless blend of synth-laden instrumentals. Notable tracks like “Consider Yourself Crazy” transform a serene hum into a cathartic, single-chord thump, while “Reincarnate Yourself” builds into one hell of a nippy groove.

Though one can draw wide parallels on the band’s sound with Gang of Four, Kieran Hebden, and even David Bowie, their influences jokingly range from soundtracks in the vein of the 1970’s cult-thriller The Warriors, and the 1980’s television drama, Thirtysomething.

Grainger, while reinforcing the band’s carefree outlook, quickly dispelled their attempts at any serious descriptors. “Anything like the influences that we wrote [on our Myspace], or the things that we say, or the music we’re

making was done in the moment.

And we’re not thinking back too much.” He continued, “We like to take these little comic nuggets and run with them. The atmosphere we wanted for the record was slush, or even the feeling of flying on a giant dog’s back like in The Neverending Story. And from there we’ve made music with those vibes. That’s it.”

The band’s moniker is treated in the same respect, which, in the case of Grainger, has always been an area of interest in the context of over-analysis. “Coming up with the name Bad Tits goes along with our general attitude in the band, which is that we commit to ideas very quickly without second guessing. The name is evocative, it’s stupid, it’s funny, and it also has the power to create controversy and dialogue. I’ve always been interested in people’s interpretation of language, and how they attach their own ideas to things and run with them.”

He continued, “People can easily jump to conclusions. Especially academic types, who tend to overanalyze and attach new poli-

tics to something because they see it in the world. So with the band’s name, someone could react by saying, ‘That’s misogynistic because it alienates women,’ but it’s had none of those intentions from its outset.

It’s just a silly term of phrase.”

It’s fairly obvious, then, that both Grainger and Reichmann maintain a shrewd outlook on the potential stigma tagged with upand-coming bands that express an offbeat nature early on. And they’re keen on relieving any rumors too, as they list “whatever the kids aren’t listening to” as an influence in their music. Grainger explained, “When we wrote that, it was more out of self-deprecation in saying ‘What are a couple of thirty-year old guys doing making weirdo music?’ ” He added, “We’re both relatively out of touch with what the number one record on whatever website is. So, we’re simply saying ‘We have no idea what’s going on, but this is what we’re doing.’ ” •

Dan Hawie

television

thursday, september 30, 2010

the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D5

the television graveyard It is never easy to lose a show. You start to let it in, you give it your heart, and the show wiggles its way into your life. Then, all of a sudden, bam! It’s gone and you’re never going to get it back, unless you happen to purchase those pricey DVDs. It’s a pain that never really subsides. Shucks guys, I got really sentimental there. This is a brief memorial for shows which are no longer with us. And sadly, the list could be so much longer. My beloved shows, you are gone but you will never be forgotten.

• Roxanne Hathway-Baxter

Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002-2003) This show never receives the credit that it deserves. After finishing as Conan O’Brien’s late-night sidekick in 2000, Richter tried to break into comedy solo with this sitcom, which was cancelled after only two seasons.

Andy Richter Controls the Universe had many typical sitcom elements to it. It was fairly office-centric and there were the standard unrequited love situations that follow primetime shows. However, the show made use of a lot of more absurdist humour, which was executed extremely well. Richter would often retreat into his imagination and seek advice from the ghost of the man who founded his company or run through different outcomes of situations in his day-to-day life. Andy Richter, you controlled my heart, but apparently not television ratings.

Arrested Development (2003-2006)

Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009)

Da Ali G Show (2000, 2003-2004)

Arrested Development is perhaps one of the most tragic of the shows to have been ripped from the air before its time was due. The complexity and absolute hilarity of the series was second to none. Arrested Development was packed with so many long-running jokes that it is understandable that it would be hard to follow while waiting a week in between episodes. As a show to be streamed ad-nauseam during exams, however, it’s perfect. There has been a lot of vacillation between whether or not an Arrested Development movie would come to fruition, but as of August 2010 it seems to be in the works. Of course, the developers may have prematurely shot their wads about the movie and could have a real mess on their hands. Oh Tobias, come back to me.

This series, based around an absolutely delightful duo, with strange musical numbers and awkward New Zealander humour, has left the airwaves. Leaving with them is Murray, their absolutely clueless manager, who never failed at saying something utterly misguided, but ultimately adorable. The naivety and one-line quips of the show’s characters don’t seem likely to be easily replaced. Flight of the Conchords was a hilarious show based on the attempted assimilation of two (beautiful) New Zealanders into the New York City music scene. They never actually hit the mark, but it was absolutely incredible to be a spectator of their attempts. Why did they have to fly away?

The inappropriateness and hilarity of this show was absolutely unrivaled at the time at which it was aired. A three-year run was not long enough to capture all the potential awkwardness that Ali G, Borat and Bruno could unleash on unsuspecting people. Da Ali G Show may be gone, but if you want a Sacha Baron Cohen fix, it won’t be hard to find one. The three characters that Cohen portrayed on the show have gone onto the bigger and better world of feature films. The sting of this cancellation doesn’t hit as hard. There was something nice, though, about being able to get bite-sized doses of the characters. It almost feels as though 80 minutes of just Borat is just a little bit too much. Da Ali G Show, it was da absolute best.

D6 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

music

thursday, september 30, 2010

hide your kids, hide your wife: liars are coming experimental rockers discuss criticism, albums, and their hamilton stop over

Although their title suggests intent to distort the truth, Liars do anything but. “Our name simply derived from the music scene we were based in. Everyone was identifying themselves with one word, two to three syllables max.” Honesty prevails from the likes of Angus Andrew, frontman for the experimental rock trio Liars, whose band’s moniker originates simply from proximity, not a deeper meaning.

Conceived in the fall of 2000, this one time New York based act were initially attributed to the dance-punk movement of the early 21st century, solidified in their electrifying debut They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument On Top. Over the span of nine years, now having released another four albums, Liars have evolved exponentially since their early days as rhythmic tempo, post-punkers, into a darker, more brooding outfit of alternative experimentation.

With their newest release, Sisterworld, Andrew and his other band mates, Aaron Hemphill and Julian Gross, have currently been

touring their exceptional album to an ever-growing fan base, critics included. Pitchfork.com, whose praise has been known to propel many band’s careers, have long been admirers, recently advising listeners of their newest effort to “let it seep into your brain while you wait for its bulging seams to burst.

You’ll find yourself unable to turn your ears away.”

ANDY sat down with Andrew, who discussed the album and their inspiration for a new direction. “There were lots of factors.

Probably the most important was the length of time we allowed to work on the album, which was longer than ever before. Also, it made a big difference that we were in Los Angeles where we had many connections to great musicians.” As for the appearance of strings and brass in the production, “it was our fifth record and I think we had developed our abilities in terms of melody enough to translate them into deeper arrangements.”

While their music has now found a place among the con-

science of open minded listeners and mainstream publications, their lack of a commercial sound has not always drawn universal praise. For their sophomore release, 2004’s They Were Wrong, So We Drowned, Rolling Stone and Spin infamously panned the work, calling it “disturbingly rooted in the what the fuck tradition of Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music” and “unlistenable,” respectively. While far from either, Andrew reflected on negative reviews he and his band have received.

“In the past it was something that bothered me, yes. Now I couldn’t care less. I feel we’ve reached a place where it doesn’t even matter. We know who our fans are. With that said, it probably helped us focus to become even better.”

In terms of a sound, the band has become known for their distinct use of drums, never more prevalent than on their third album, Drum’s Not Dead, released in 2006. When asked about its relation to Liars’ overall sound, it becomes apparent that it stems from a primordial simplicity, with a hint

of nostalgia mixed in: “Ever since Aaron and I began writing songs we’ve started with the beat. I think it’s because the drum was the most immediate, instinctual and relatively easy instrument to operate.

We were also both into hip-hop and dance music from a young age which goes far to explain our interest in all things rhythm.”

When further questioned about Drum’s Not Dead, many of whom see it as a certain masterpiece from the previous decade, Andrew modestly dispels its hype and subsequently the band’s lasting appeal for the proceeding years.

“It’s not often I think into the distant future. I think that if we’re not concerned about how we’re viewed then I can’t see me caring about it as I get older. Basically we make music and records because we want to express certain ideas that are important to us. I’m not interested in whether or not those ideas are seen as quintessential, it’s not my goal.”

Touring has become not only pivotal for Liars, but for every other band working today. Luckily,

with their new album Sisterworld, each member can take and nurture from its rich wealth of ambition and texture. For Andrew, the road proves to be a rewarding challenge, allowing them to try untested material.

“Now that we’re performing as a five piece, there are some old songs we’re able to play that we previously couldn’t as a three piece.

It’s exciting. I think that since the making of Sisterworld we’ve come to a better understanding of our past work. There seems to us a very distinct train of ideas present despite the stylistic changes. It’s fun to put together set lists that connect songs from very disparate albums.”

When it comes to playing here, specifically Toronto and Hamilton, Andrew concluded, “I’m Australian so I share a commonwealth bond with Canada. Any place that even remotely reminds me of home is special. We’ve always had greats times because the audiences have always been exciting and rambunctious.”

• Myles Herod

thursday, september 30, 2010

television

rubes to riches

the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D7

HBO’s gritty period piece makes a muck out of critics Upon first viewing, Boardwalk Em- roaring ‘20s. On top of this, it has pire has a lot to prove. If you are the dark, gritty atmosphere of the not familiar with the show, it takes criminal underworld, capturing the place in 1920s Atlantic City and excess of girls, booze and gambling chronicles the beginnings of prohi- in a time where society was inherbition in the United States. It also ently conservative. follows protagonist Nucky “Lucky” Another aspect of the Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a cor- show that was impressive was all of rupt politician in Atlantic City who the terms and societal norms from is capitalizing off the liquor trade. the 20s which made it feel as if you The show is based on Nel- were right there in the time peson Johnson’s 2002 book, Board- riod. This was emphasized by slang walk Empire: The Birth, High Times such as rube, clams, dapper, and of and Corruption of Atlantic City. But course doll. It also shows how this while the book covers decades of was right around the time when the city’s history, the show focuses women began earning more rights on the 1920s, a time of significant within a male dominated America, change in America, esbut were still seen pecially where crime is primarily as houseconcerned. wives.

The show has The pilot, On top which garnered signifi- historical elements of this, the proof American cant hype based off the ducers did a stelwriting credits alone, prohibition, with lar job at castshowed that HBO is lavish production ing characters more than just violence sets that make for the show and sex. Okay, there you feel as if we that would still is a lot of violence properly fit never left the and sex, but it links in this period roaring 20’s.” many historical aspects piece.

Busthat it touches on as cemi, who is well and has more known moredepth than your typical gangster so for his prior roles in less show. I say this because the indi- well known movies, proves viduals behind Boardwalk Empire are in the first two episodes of no strangers to the gangster lifestyle. this series that he can pull The main writer is Ter- off a multi-layered characrence Winter, who was one of the ter. main writers for The Sopranos, and Nucky Thomphe spearheads the project. Winter son is portrayed as successfully manages to build ten- a strong man with a sion throughout the show, while strong head, but when developing the main characters it comes to his heart, around the plot, showing that he he tends to show a is still a heavyweight in the writing much more vulnerable world. side. He looks like a Another name you may cold bastard and acts know involved in the production like a pragmatic, selfof this drama is none other than complacent, crafty and Martin Scorsese. Scorsese directed almost cruel businessthe pilot of Boardwalk Empire, and man. it shows. I would say the best way to At the same describe the atmosphere is Gangs of time, however, he’s New York meets The Departed. a warm fellow, with The show has historical a heart made of tiny elements of American prohibition, sheets of gold that prowith lavish production sets that tects all things pristine make you feel as if we never left the and innocent in the

world. This creates an interesting and complex character that will be interesting to watch develop over the course of the series. So doubters of Buscemi’s casting can leave their opinions at the door until they see for themselves.

Did I mention Al Capone is in it? I felt that the introduction of ol’ Scarface himself was done with tremendous class and grace.

This character, played by Steven Graham (Public Enemies), captures the humble beginnings of Chicago’s biggest and most

notorious gangster. The show also manages to introduce other famous criminals at the start of their careers in crime. These include Lucky Luciano and Arnold Rothstein, some of America’s most infamous gangsters.

However, all of these bosses have not yet made their fortunes and are in their youth. So they are all far off from being famous.

Boardwalk Empire is an impressive display of talent from the writing down to the acting, and should prove to last the test of time as one of HBO’s great series. So don’t be a rube, watch the show.

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Santino Marinucci

music

uniquely unrivaled

D8 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

thursday, september 30, 2010

andy chats with young rival about diversity inside of southern ontario’s vibrant music scene

With soaring guitar leads, catchy hooks, and an overall rawness about them, it’s no surprise that Young Rival, a Hamiltonborn alternative-rock trio are garnering attention not just on the Canadian independent scene, but internationally, receiving airplay on stations such as BBC Radio 2 in the UK. The story of the band began in an East Hamilton neighbourhood where drummer Noah Fralick and guitarist Aron D’Alesio grew up together. With the addition of John Smith and Kyle Kuchmey, the band, under the name The Ride Theory, began playing local shows in the Hamilton region. Eventually, the band felt that a change of nominal and musical scenery was needed, and in 2007 Young Rival was born. Having signed with the Hamilton-based label, Sonic Unyon, boasting a résumé consisting of slots with Born Ruffians and Tokyo Police Club, and collaborating with renowned producer Jon Drew for their self-titled debut release, the wherewithal to becoming a household name is clearly there.

Earlier this week, ANDY chatted with drummer Noah Fralick, who shared a few thoughts on the band and the Hamilton and GTA independent scene. “We are definitely influenced by a lot of 60’s music and surf music, but there are definitely a lot of contemporary bands that we are really into, like Elliott Smith,” says Fralick. “The haziness of Elliott Smith is maybe something that we find particularly interesting… even the brashness of the Queens of the Stone Age. We come from a lot of places musically, but we are always trying to keep things relevant even though the music that we love is from a generation that preceded us.”

On their self-titled debut album, the band showcases a lot of versatility. The Brit-pop progressions and ethereal “reverbed” vocals in songs like “4:15” deeply contrast songs such as “Another Nobody,” which feature horns, rough vocal timbres, and rowdy overdriven guitar riffs. Most notably success-wise is the song “Your Island,” which has vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Everly Brothers (who Fralick cites as a major influence) and constant guitar shifts, making it a delight. Young Rival brings a large breadth of stylistic components to their sound, and in doing so provide a little something for everyone.

With countless well-received bands coming out of Southern Ontario’s indie music scene, such as Tokyo Police Club and Born Ruffians, Fralick weighed in on the increasing attention. “Southern Ontario has always had a vibrant music scene. Hamilton, in particular, is a city that right now is in the spotlight. Whenever we travel the country, people are always really interested in knowing why so many bands come out of Hamilton. I think it is a real testament to the work ethic here and people do have something to offer and they are willing to work really hard to make it.”

He continued, “What’s particularly interesting is that there are bands that are doing so well from a similar re-

gion, but I think musically - well, we don’t sound a thing like Tokyo Police Club. It’s interesting that there’s a lot of diversity and not just one musical sound that’s getting to people.”

The band has come far since their early days as The Ride Theory. Prior to their debut album as Young Rival, drummer Kuchmey left the band to develop another career.

The departure of Kuchmey turned out to be a turning point in the band’s evolution. “We are still really good friends with him and we’re happy for him. It has been a really stimulating thing for the band because I think when you go from a four-piece to a three-piece band you feel a lot more vulnerable as musicians. With [Kuchmey] leaving it forced us to [reexamine] how well we played together, so if anything, it was indirectly a positive thing for us,” explained Fralick.

On the band’s maturation as a three-piece, Fralick noted, “We’ve gotten older and thought more critically about what we’re putting out…I think we just put a lot more thought into the vibe we want to have on record and what we want to convey live. There is more depth to the music now than there was when we were young in The Ride Theory.”

It is clear Young Rival has the crucial ability to integrate contemporary aspects without forgetting their roots.

And this is especially important in today’s music industry where bands often run the risk of sounding like any another classic rock act at the expense of maintaining these classic elements. For this blue-collared Hamilton trio then, their sound is uniquely unrivaled.

• Everad Tilokee

thursday, september 30, 2010

off the web

polyvore www.polyvore.com Polyvore is the best place to discover or create fashion trends. The site allows you to shop for almost anything you need while providing prices. It also allows you to share your personal style and opinions. Polyvore is an easy way to shop for anything you need by any designer.

• Alex Boudreaux creepy pasta www.creepypasta.com The site is simple: write a scary story, submit it, and wait to see if it gets in. If it does, wait for the commentary. It’s a small start for those who aspire to write to an audience, but it’s a good start nonetheless. The quality of stories featured on the site varies wildly, but the online community and the encouragement of creativeness more than makes up for it.

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Derek Hung

under the radar amazing fact generator www.mentalfloss.com/amazingfactgenerator

the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D9

the beat

The Amazing Fact Generator is just that – an amazing fact generator and wondrous waste get your scene points! of time, as well as the perfect procrastination tool for students. Amaze your friends with endless amounts of useless information ranging from historical facts to plain old “who cares” trivia like “Chef Boyardee was a real mgmt drummer hit with a jar of urine person,” or “elephants are the only animal that can’t jump.” Amazing, isn’t it?

Brooklyn-based rockers, MGMT, rose to a considerable height of fame after their 2007 • Danielle Gibbons debut release, Oracular Spectacular, but apparently some of their fans are pissed. While playing a show in Manchester, England the go budget travel drummer of the band was hit with a jar of www.gobudgettravel.com urine, causing the show to come to an early conclusion. It is thought to be a negative reThis is a great site with loads of tips and sponse to the band’s newest album, Congratutricks for the budget traveller or backpacker. lations, and its more relaxed feel. That fan was The layout is easy to navigate and full of use- no whiz, but he really made a big splash. Why ful information for the avid traveller. For ex- can’t wee pee friends? I’ll stop now. ample: What Backpacking is and is not, Top 10 Cleanest Cities and Top 10 Most Polluted animal collective get their foot in the door Cities, and 94 Cities around the World on a budget. It lays out for you the cheapest place Animal Collective are making the logical to eat and sleep in major cities around the transition from neo-psychedelic pop to shoe world. design. It has been confirmed that each of the four members are going to be releasing • Danielle Gibbons a shoe with the company Keep. For a mere $75, plus shipping and handling, you can sport the shoes and if ordered before Oct. 31 you will receive a cassette of unreleased tracks. Proceeds from the shoes are going to the Socorro Island Conservation Fund. Buy

the shoes and save the environment or just stop all your illegal fishing off the California coastline, either or. back to the… cinema!

In honour of Back To The Future’s 25th anniversary, AMC theatres will be screening a digitally remastered print of the film between Oct. 23 and 25 through 158 screens in over 40 cities across the continent, including Toronto’s Yonge and Dundas location. Moviegoers will also receive a commemorative poster, which we’re hoping in some way or another triumphantly showcases a Delorean engulfed in an inferno of lighting bolts and 80’s nostalgia. Or we’ll just settle for a free flux capacitor. juno awards get “sort-of-not-really” edgy with new electronic album category The prestigious Canadian Juno Awards are approaching the big 40, and as a way of rejuvenating those sought-after yesteryears (much like our parents did) it will be adding a brand new “Electronic Album of the Year” category for its 2011 edition. Specific requirements entail a pair of high-top Nikes with a minimum tongue height of eight inches, and a Macbook with Virtual DJ pre-installed. Get mixing, kids.

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Roxanne Hathway-Baxter & Dan Hawie

D10 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

film

thursday, september 30, 2010

which way to wall street?

wall street sequel is deeper than its 1980’s predecessor trading and stock manipulation.

Having been recently released from jail, he finds a very different climate than that of 1985 – cue rap music. He seems to have come to terms with his past “Insanity is defined as doing the misdeeds, giving inspiring lectures same thing over and over and to business students and writing a expecting results. By that standard, book titled “Is Greed Good?”

It is at one of these lectures most of us are insane.” This is the line that stuck out while watching that Jacob Moore (Shia LaBoeuf), Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, an already-has-his-first-million stock and although the film has its ups broker, attracts Gekko’s attention and downs, the idea is ultimately amidst the other schmoozers by delivered by the time the closing telling Gekko he’s going to marry his daughter. The two begin a credits come around.

Wall Street: Money Never mentor-student relationship, not Sleeps picks up in 2008, at the unlike that of the original film. beginning of the economic crisis, Don’t be fooled though. Although many years after the original film in the original, Bud Fox took a sidehas taken place. Gordon Gekko role to the shark that is Gekko, the (Michael Douglas), the antagonist sequel differs from its predecessor. from the original, has had some LaBoeuf’s character is the lead time to sit in the can for insider here. Because there is a shortage of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Director: Oliver Stone Starring: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBoeuf

HHH

Gekko, much of the venom of the first film is not present this time around, which is falsely advertised in the trailer, hard rock music in toe. Rounding out the main cast is Moore’s girlfriend and Gekko’s daughter Winnie, a liberal blogger (coincidentally the only character in the whole movie that plugs an iPhone, not a BlackBerry) played by Carrie Mulligan.

The Douglas and LaBoeuf duo is pretty entertaining. The “deal” they strike is that if Moore can get Gekko closer to his estranged daughter, Gekko will help Moore get back at the man who financially sabotaged the investment firm run by Moore’s deceased long-time mentor, Louis Zabel (Frank Langella).

It’s really too bad that Langella’s character is only on screen for a short amount of time, because

he brings the most believability to the film in terms of emotion. The authenticity of his actions, as the firm he built from the ground up is being torn apart, is very realistic, and all you want is for justice to be served. Apart from him, there isn’t too much that the viewer actually cares about until later on, when the relationship of Moore and Winnie is tested by a mischievous Gekko.

It’s not exactly the most twisted plot, subsiding with predictability for the most part.

Gone is the 1980’s zeitgeist of materialism and big hair, and what we’re left with is a deeper movie than its predecessor. Maybe Stone was trying to get a more mainstream audience by throwing in pathos, not to mention the extreme amount of glamour and shine in the form of stock tickers whizzing about and those kooky

fast-forwards of people walking downtown.

Either way, the relationship between Moore and Gekko’s daughter isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since it makes us question what actually matters. Is there an amount of money Gekko would take to quit the game and settle down? This question is literally and figuratively asked throughout the film. The money is not what matters here, but the satisfaction of coming out on top and winning.

See the movie. Go to the theatre or rent it, it’s worth watching. I would be lying if I said I’m dying to see it again, but it’s a good reminder of what truly makes us happy: money or love? Sometimes what we really want could be right in front of us all along.

• Colin Willox

in stereo

thursday, september 30, 2010

the silhouette’s art + culture magazine • D11

featured review Brandon Flowers Flamingo

HH Quite often a solo album is an opportunity for an artist to express their influences and provide listeners insight on the artist’s creative process. Free of the shackles of label pressures and restrictions, the artist has free will. If this is true, then what is to be said about Brandon Flowers? It's near impossible to fit Flamingo into a particular genre because of the range of styles it taps into. Tracks like “Swallow It” pull synthy elements of psychedelic pop reminiscent of MGMT, while other elements of the album showcase a variety of '80’s pop and folk influences. The overall feeling of this album though, proves unimaginative and bland. While the album does highlight Flowers' strengths as a songwriter, it boldly exposes his weaknessess. While trying to distinguish himself as a solo artist, Flowers has managed to create a mash-up of Sam’s Town and Day & Age. Ultimately, Flamingo is an attempt at proving Flowers' musical significance through experimenting with a number of styles - which unfortunately leaves him short a few feathers.

• Alex Boudreaux

Of Montreal False Priest

Rafter Animal Feelings

Monster Truck Monster Truck

HHH

HHH

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With an album named Animal Feelings and the first song entitled, “No Fucking Around,” I was half-expecting to have any deeper primal instincts unearthed, but it didn’t happen. Rafter has a broad style, choosing to include elements of reggae, pop, and minimalism. On “Timeless Form, Formless Time” they exhibit some colourful instrumentation with neat percussive staccato horns coupled with catchy guitar and keyboard lines. Yet, Rafter seems to have taken the easy way out at times on the album, with simple, formulaic beats such as the calypso rhythm used on “Paper,” and the even simpler beat on “Feels Good”.

That isn’t to say simplicity is a bad thing, but Rafter isn’t able to pull it off on this album. Despite these apparent fillers, Rafter has the ability to get you dancing, but they still need some work.

Hamilton’s own Monster Truck, much like this EP’s artwork, are a behemoth barrelling out of control and ready to unleash destruction upon the world. Monster Truck take heavy cues from 70's riff-rock such as Mountain or Grand Funk Railroad, although the influence of this four-piece’s past projects are very apparent. There is a big, driving sound behind each song influenced by metal roots, while pop sensibilities create huge sing-a-long vocal harmonies, all while retaining a gritty, punk rock snottiness. This amounts to a sound that is familiar yet surprisingly fresh at the same time. Take the big riffs, sleazy organ and whiskey-fuelled energy, then southern fry it and you’ll get a greasy record that’s so much fun it should be bad for you. All in all, this debut EP does what good rock ‘n’ roll should, it makes you want to rock out, crush beers and to be just damn reckless.

It is always a good sign when an album is impossible to pin down to any one genre of music. Of Montreal rejects finite norms in both the style and lyrics in their tenth album, False Priest. The album is refreshingly eccentric to listen to, and will surprise you with genius unorthodox compositions inside of catchy pop melodies. There is a heavy influence of R&B, psychedelic, electronic and funk styles in the album that allows each song on the album to offer something different, making it accessible to a broad audience. The vocal style of Kevin Barnes is capable of such a wide range that his versatility can be compared to that of Freddy Mercury. The album remains impressively catchy enough to hold the interest of even the novice of music listeners.

Besides, any album with the phrase “dragon rape” and references to baby-eating unicorns must get at least a three-star rating.

•

Isabella Kun

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Everad Tilokee

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Chris Hoy

D12 • the silhouette’s art + culture magazine

art

thursday, september 30, 2010

there’s something about supercrawl a lot of art, a little corporatism I spent 12 hours at Supercrawl this Saturday.

Between volunteering, wandering up and down James St. North, drinking beer at The Brain, meeting friends for coffee at the Mulberry Street Coffee House, and dancing my ass off to various street beats, there was no shortage of local culture to experience.

There was a satisfaction present that only comes from real experience and the spirit of the community. Being able to witness the creativity and unique vision of so many people stirred an inspiration that would be lacking if the intent of Supercrawl were profit.

What I find extremely rare about James St. North is that it manages to be counter-culture without being marketed as “counter-culture.” It was incredible to see five blocks of traffic shut down and 2,000 people participating in art, music and culture on the street – untouched by corporate plugs. The event did exactly what it was meant to do – expose the community to local thriving artists, performers and businesses.

The Mulberry Street Coffee House, an independent coffee house that was recently opened, was packed with tons of people well into the night.

Exposure from Supercrawl will continue to allow the business to flourish long after the event itself and is exactly what inner-city Hamilton needs, a catalyst for an entirely different pulse to Hamilton life, one of cultural value and diverse community spirit.

There was, however, a display of parked Toyotas that the majority of crowds responded to with a hostile claim of territory. Pedestrians wrote scathing commentary on the display, such as, “I thought the point of blocking off the street was to keep vehicles OUT.”

This is a perfect expression of what I love about Hamilton: real people with nobullshit radars. This is exactly what is lost within larger cities like Toronto. Just compare the community critique at a redundant Toyota plug at Supercrawl to Toronto’s passivity to the fact that their art festival is nothing more than a large-scale advertisement for

Scotiabank.

I went to Scotiabank’s Nuit Blanche in 2009 and spent most of the time feeling disconnected from the enormous crowds of hectic people rushing by me, and wondering what there was to look at other than a few projected lights. There were probably a lot of independent artists with amazing work that I missed, but it was just so easy to miss within the festival’s sponsored framework.

Supercrawl was of the opposite effect: it was small enough to see familiar faces and still large enough to experience new art.

It was culture concentrated so that there was an overwhelming amount to experience.

Hamilton took full advantage of the closed down streets: chalk art, canvas paintings, costumes and buskers that would normally be too expressive for the recently police-littered downtown core were encouraged.

I was engaged with sidewalk performances of a fusion of jazz, funk and groovy bass as well as the main stage performances like the energetic Wax Man-

nequin set, which closed down the street.

Local crazies were almost as entertaining as the performances themselves, making the experience especially Hamiltonian.

The crowd at Supercrawl was more diverse than that of a traditional art crawl – it ranged from all ages and types of people who were drawn-in by the noise and spirit of the event.

The majority of those who attended were reminded of what there was to love about Hamilton; it was unpretentious, alternative but accessible to all. It was a completely different tune than the working class city song that Hamilton usually sings.

I personally was reminded of the heart that Hamilton has that sets it apart from any other city. Supercrawl is a gem of authenticity in a façade-riddled world. Not only is it an expression of community spirit in Hamilton, but it is also an appreciation of the human spirit that is seldom noticed.

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Isabella Kun