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INSIDE>>
NEWS: The NDP at McMaster // PAGE 5 FEATURES: Find out more about LiveLab research at Mac // PAGE 6-7 SPORTS: Mac vs. Western football // PAGE 24-25
The Silhouette
Thursday, September 14, 2017
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The Silhouette
Volume 88, Issue 5 Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
EDITORIAL BOARD editor-in-chief | thesil@thesil.ca Shane Madill @shanemadill digital media specialist | dms@msu.mcmaster.ca Aaron de Jesus managing editor | managing@thesil.ca Rachel Katz production editor | production@thesil.ca Catherine Tarasyuk online editor | online@thesil.ca Haley Greene
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MCMASTER THESIL
LOOKING BACK Thursday, September 16,1999
Week
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Do vjovi remember these super swm$m’ t>AVjs of September?
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sections
Sasha Dhesi Cassidy Bereskin news@thesil.ca
news editor news reporter
Emily O’Rourke
features reporter
features@thesil.ca opinion editor
Reem Sheet
opinion@thesil.ca
Justin Parker Jessica Carmichael sports@thesil.ca
sports editor sports reporter
& culture editor Daniel Arauz & culture reporter Razan Samara aandc@thesil.ca
arts arts
media
Madeline Neumann photo reporter Kyle West production coordinator Grant Holt production coordinator Timothy Law production@thesil.ca photo editor
Yvonne Lu Jaime Cook online content coordinator Susie Ellis online@thesil.ca video editor
social media coordinator
COVER PHOTO Madeline Neumann
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The Silhouette welcomes letters to the editor in person at MUSC B110, or by email at thesil@thesil.ca. Please include name, address and telephone number for verification only. Letters should be 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters and opinion articles. Opinions and editorials expressed in the Silhouette are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, the publishers, the McMaster Students Union or the University. The Silhouette is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the McMaster Students Union. The Silhouette Board of Publications acts as an intermediary between the editorial board, the McMaster community and the McMaster Students Union. Grievances regarding the Silhouette may be forwarded in writing to: McMaster Students Union, McMaster University Student Centre, Room 201, L8S 4S4, Attn: The Silhouette Board of Publications. The Board will consider all submissions and make recommendations accordingly.
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www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
The Silhouette
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News Mac unveils all-genders washrooms What you need to know about the new all-genders washrooms on campus Cassidy Bereskin News Reporter
McMaster students can now find 50 all-genders washrooms on campus. As per definitions from McMaster’s Equity and Inclusion Office define, these bathrooms are free to use no matter one’s gender identity. Most of the facilities have been placed in the Ann Bourns Building, the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery and the future Living Learning Centre set to open in 2019, but the majority of the university’s buildings now have at least one all-genders washroom. “Being able to access safe and accessible washrooms is a human right; however, for campus members who identify as transgender, gender non-binary, two-spirit or who do not conform to strict gender expectations, washrooms are often unsafe places where they may be subjected to verbal and physical harassment,” read part of a statement from the Equity and Inclusion Office. A second-year non-binary McMaster student who requested to be referred to under the alias of Jay echoed this sentiment. “I think it is critical to have all-genders washrooms because there are students with non-binary identities, and these students will not feel comfortable in washrooms that are assigned exclusively for
men or for women,” they said. Trailing behind other Canadian universities, such as the University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson University, the decision to implement McMaster’s all-genders washrooms initiative was years in the making.
“I think it is critical to have all-genders washrooms because there are students with non-binary identities, and these students will not feel comfortable in washrooms that are assigned exclusively for men or for women.” Jay Non-binary McMaster student
The university’s facilities update is, in part, a product of recent, proLGBT legislative changes such as Bill C-16, which included gender identity and gender expression in the list of hate crime sentencing provisions in the Canadian Criminal Code and prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Another more local policy change was the protrans rights protocol that
CATHERINE TARASYUK / PRODUCTION EDITOR
Hamilton City Council passed in March 2017. On campus, the shift for McMaster to adopt all-genders washrooms gained traction when Ehima Osazuwa, the McMaster Students Union President in 2015-2016, ran on a platform that showcased the importance of gender-neutral washrooms on campus. With financial assistance from McMaster’s work/study program and project funding from the Equity and Inclusion Office and The President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community, trans, gender non-binary and agender students were hired to lead
the all-genders washroom Project. McMaster’s new washrooms are part of a multiphased initiative aimed at improving trans inclusion on campus. “[The] Equity and Inclusion Office will be launching an educational campaign for the broader campus community and on-line resource for trans, gender non-binary and Two-Spirit students, staff and faculty members,” said Vilma Rossi, the senior program manager of the Equity Services program at the university’s Equity and Inclusion Office. “We’ve already started populating the site with information and will
continue to do so over the next several weeks as we edit and confirm accuracy of information and contact person.” As part of the initiative, the university also aspires to renovate the multi-stall bathrooms in the McMaster University Student Centre Atrium into new, multi-user, accessible all-genders washrooms. “There really, I think, is no excuse for not having washrooms available for trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit students… They should be expected from the university… Being able to change a sign is not a very difficult request,” said Jay. @cassidybereskin
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NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
The accessiblity of HoCo A scheduling conflict sparks discussions of the religious accessibility of major McMaster events Cassidy Bereskin News Reporter
On Sept. 29 and 30, most McMaster students will be celebrating Homecoming. The university’s Jewish community, however, will be observing Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the year in the Jewish calendar. “Jewish students – even those who are not traditionally observant – will be excluded from attending because of this scheduling conflict,” said Michal Coret, the president of McMaster Hillel, a Jewish advocacy group on campus. This year, Laurier University’s Homecoming will also coincide with Yom Kippur. In response to the inadvertent scheduling conflict, the university’s alumni network issued a statement wherein it apologized for the situation and offered students and alumni who will be observing Yom Kippur a compensatory kosher meal. The statement also invited these individuals to watch the Laurier football team’s workout and rundown practice, and noted that the university is working to provide them with complimentary tickets to another football game. In the wake of our scheduling conflict, on Thursday, Sept. 7, McMaster also extended an apology. “Steps are being taken to ensure all students have the opportunity to take part in these celebrations, while respecting the observance of Yom Kippur. The McMaster Students,” read part of the statement. Union President and McMaster Alumni Association are working with McMaster Hillel to offer support and to ask for guidance in acknowledging events in observance of Yom Kippur as part of this year’s Homecoming festivities,” read part of the university’s statement. Though McMaster has acknowledged the scheduling conflict, it has yet to highlight concrete ways in which it will compensate or accommodate for Jewish students who wish to both observe Yom Kippur and celebrate Homecoming. Communicating with the university via McMaster’s Equity and Inclusion Office,
Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, occurs on the same day as Homecoming, one of the biggest events at McMaster. MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
the MSU and the President’s Advisory Committee for Building an Inclusive Community, McMaster Hillel is working to take tangible steps to remedy the situation. “We acknowledge that this oversight was not intentional, and we hope that in the future, these issues will be resolved through open dialogue around faith-based observances,” Coret said. “Our hope is that the university will find a way to remedy this issue, perhaps by offering Jewish students tickets to another game, so that we are not left out of a significant campus
experience.” Max Lightstone, the vice president (External) of Hillel, noted that long-term steps need to be taken in order for the university to ensure that future events are accessible to religious groups on campus. “For starters, we’ll come up with a strategy to ensure that Homecoming does not fall on Yom Kippur at any school in the future, and maybe change the schedule so that at least one game a year is on a Sunday or a Thursday, so that Shabbat observant students have a chance to participate in a much loved university experience,” said
Lightstone. “This event will hopefully be a catalyst for more accessibility for Jewish students on campus and across the province.” Continuing work with religious groups on campus promises to ensure future campus events remain accessible.
@cassidybereskin
“Jewish students – even those who are not traditionally observant – will be excluded from attending because of this scheduling conflict,” Michal Coret, President McMaster Hillel
NEWS
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
| 5
The NDP and Mac
Despite being on the same page, the New Democratic Party and the McMaster Students Union
have limited contact Sasha Dhesi News Editor
When it comes to student union politics and political parties, the McMaster Students Union and the New Democratic Party often share insights, with both throwing their full support behind ideas like better public transportation and making tuition accessible. And yet the NDP remain a quiet voice on the McMaster political landscape. On Sept. 8, provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath came to McMaster to talk about potential recommendations with student leaders. She met with many groups on campus, most notably the MSU board of directors, who talked to Horwath about what the NDP can do to represent students. Hamilton has a long history with the NDP. There are currently three NDP members of provincial parliament in Hamilton. The city has often voted orange in the past and many of the student union recommendations mirror NDP policies concerning higher education, such as lowering tuition. The last time Horwath visited McMaster was in 2013. The then-current board of directors made a series of recommendations, mainly focused on making school affordable and creating experiential learning opportunities. In the years since, some of these recommendations have come to fruition. The introduction of a new Ontario grant for students and new
work-integrated programs have been introduced under the Liberal government. “As opposition, we can build things into our own platform during election time,” said Horwath. “We can engage with students in between elections and during campaigns and then if we don’t get elected government, then all we can do is push the government to do the right thing. We’ve had some success,
“. . . if we don’t get elected government, then all we can do is push the government to do the right thing. We’ve had some success, especially with respect to the work-integrated learning.” Andrea Horwath, Leader (Ontario) National Democratic Party especially with respect to the work-integrated learning.” The NDP has also indirectly supported multiple campus initiatives, including April’s debate for light rail transit in Hamilton, which saw delegations from then vice president (Education), Blake Oliver. The NDP supported LRT and helped different communities access funding for it from the project’s early stages. Despite the support for the NDP within the city and many shared policies between the party and the MSU, the NDP does not have a large presence on
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
campus. McMaster NDP only has 278 likes on Facebook, while McMaster Young Liberals has 662 and the McMaster Conservatives has 580. Non-McMaster groups that still hold influence in the area, such as the Revolutionary Student Movement, also hold a much higher degree of support from the general population than any NDP group does at McMaster.Horwath credits this to the job opportunities that exist for those involved with the ruling party, the Liberals, which
attracts the attention of many student leaders hoping to make impacts after graduation. “I want to encourage students to get involved with the campus clubs and what comes from these connections. [My aide] was a student here for many years and works for me now. I know many people who work at Queen’s Park for me and the NDP party either on an election or with campus based clubs. I think sometimes people don’t see the connection
getting involved with a club or an election and the job opportunities that come out of that,” said Horwath. Nevertheless, Horwath continues to talk with student leaders and tries to work with them from the position she holds to implement their ideas. And as time marches forward, one can expect future student leaders to find success in fulfilling their visions whether they have the help of a political party or not. @SashaDhesi
YOU NEED TO LIVE SOMEWHERE! WE CAN FIND YOU A GREAT HOME! — MORE THAN 70 — RENTAL PROPERTIES AVAILABLE 1–10 BEDROOM HOMES
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FEATURE FEATURE
Listen up!
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
The McMaster LiveLab is changing the face of music cognition and understanding Emily O’Rourke Features Reporter
In the search to understand how heavily music can impact one’s cognitive abilities and reactions, a one-of-a-kind research facility came to life at McMaster University. Located on the second floor of the Psychology Complex, the McMaster Large Interactive Virtual Environment Lab was founded in 2014 by Laurel Trainor and Dan Bosnyak. The 106-seat auditorium and testing facility was designed to explore the experience of music, dance and multimedia presentations while considering how these art forms impact human interaction.
“
We go to concerts with other people, we listen to music with other people, we play music with other people... Laurel Trainor Founder, LIVELab
“For many years I’ve been doing research on music and how people perceive music and how infants develop a sense of musicality and some of the effects music has on the brain, but [this research] was all done on individuals,” said Trainor. “A person would come into the lab and we would measure their brain responses but if you think about it, music is usually a social phenomenon.” LIVElab research often revolves around the social phenomenon of music as a whole conducting studies areound live concerts and looking into the impact of music on one’s social life. “We go to concerts with other people, we listen to music with other people, we play
music with other people... we were interested in the aspect of what it is about live music when you’re experiencing it, either playing with other people or listening to music with other people, what is it that’s special about [the social aspect of that].” Trainor and Bosnyak worked to establish the LIVELab in an effort to continue the music cognition research that has been the leading focus of the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind. MIMM is composed of 28 core members from various disciplines, including science, engineering and humanities and across multiple institutions including Stanford, University of California Merced, Western and the Rotman Research Institute.
RESEARCH At any given time, the LIVELab is conducting a range of studies in collaboration with scientists, industry partners, health professionals, educators and performing artists. Studies surrounding performance anxiety, the effects of bodily movements on performers and audiences, the effects of movement in neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of various teaching techniques on attention span are featured regularly. Research at the LIVELab is aimed at the theoretical understanding of the impact music has on the brain, in addition to the ways in which these theories can be applied to business, health, education public policy and artistic creation.
TECHNOLOGY The LIVELab is the only facility in the world that offers acoustic manipulation of the room in addition to the synchronization of brain response, heart rate, breathing rate, sweat response, muscle contraction and motion. When studying the audience, the LIVELab can analyze up to 32 participants simultaneously, where the average lab may only be able to hold one to five participants comfortably with these technologies.
EVENTS The LIVELab is used for several outreach events throughout the year. Their 10dB concert series, launched in 2015, takes advantage of the room’s technology in order to hold unique performances throughout the school year. In the lab, researchers are able to monitor the heart rate and/or brain activity of the artists and enable audience reactions in order to influence the production or performance. This year’s concert series will include Darcy Hepner and Rufus Cappadocia, The Madawaska String Quartet, Adi Braun and Diana Panton. There will be a mix of jazz, cabaret, rock and classical performances in the space. All date listings be found on the LIVELab’s website by September 8. Outside of events, the LIVELab continuously invites individuals to participate in a variety of studies that are being conducted throughout the year. Anyone can sign up to join the participant pool on the McMaster LIVELab website.
RESEARCH GOALS Create a neuroscientific understanding of how performers interact, what moves audiences during a performance, and the cognitive, social and emotional impact of these experiences Incorporate technology and audience participation into creative performances Develop and evaluate new technologies for health, including hearing aids, dances for Parkinson’s disease, and artistic expression Evaluate human responses for market research and what makes for successful human interactions via educational techniques and group problem solving.
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
FEATURE | 7
Active Acoustics Through unique architectural designs, including room-within-room construction, a floating floor, a concrete outer ceiling and acoustic panels, the LIVELab is thousands of times quieter than a typical classroom, with a background noise level of only 10 dB. With this advantage, researchers can use the Meyer Sound Active Acoustic System to digitally recreate any kind of environment, from a cathedral to concert hall. This system can also recreate sound to simulate real environments, including restaurant ambient noise, for example. The Active Acoustic technology helps in studying hearing aids in realistic environments, music in different acoustic environments and showcasing uniquely sounding performances.
Brain Waves and Physiology Using a simple, unobtrusive and lightweight transmitter, researchers can capture muscle activity from up to eight separate channels, in addition to biological activity and temperature. By studying the changes in audience physiology in response to a performance or media piece, researchers are able to track changes in heart rate, provide live feedback to performers, see muscle use measurement from moving participants and much more.
Video Wall With a wall of nine Mitsubishi low bezel screens, researchers at the LIVELab are able to present image or video to the audience in order to study stimuli in research studies, market research or presentations. This model of screen was selected as they do not produce noise while in operation. The stimuli presented through these screens can also be synchronized with the response tablets in any given study.
Motion Capture Using a Qualysis Motion Capture System, researchers can precisely capture the motion of audience members and participants. All of the markers in this system are simple and can easily be placed on desired joints to capture movement throughout the room. Motion capture technology helps in the study of movement in Parkinson’s disease, the movement of dancers and musicians, and capturing the positions of audience members’ heads for further market and health research.
KEMAR KEMAR is a manikin that has calibrated binaural microphones, which can record sound the way in which a real human would hear, allowing the possibility to have recordings of the LIVELab’s sound environment as any real participant would have. This technology can help in hearing aid testing, archiving performances and unique media.
Response Tablets As a collaboration with CoBALT Connects, the LIVELab features a space of 100 Android tablets that can collect live responses from audience members during performances or multimedia presentations. This technology is increasingly valuable to market research, behavioural studies and audience feedback during performances.
@emily_oro
Photos Above C/O LIVELAB
PRESIDENT’S PAGE
September 14, 2017 | thesil.ca
CHUKKY IBE President president@msumcmaster.ca 905.525.9140 x23885
The Caring Communities Network (CCN) is a simple idea that looks to entrench health and wellness in all aspects of campus and student life. The framework for the idea emerged after a student leader in a cultural club shared a tragic experience that troubled the members of their community. The unexpected passing of one of their community members led to a revamp of the programs that were offered in their club, and an increase in resources to support students
in health and wellness related challenges. The CCN looks to increase the capacity of students to enhance and support overall student wellness. This program aims to adapt university messaging and resources in ways that are community specific, accounting for the unique cultural, religious, and social needs of the respective community. Central to the CCN is the creation of a Wellbeing Liaison in each student community. Students have the choice to create a brand-new student position, or adapt an already existing position to act as the liaison. Wellbeing Liaisons are oriented on key health and wellness resources, including McMaster University’s Student Health & Wellbeing Strategy, and can provide refreshers on relevant health and wellness related initiatives to members of their community. They act as a central resource for their community by being a point of reference, and are able to advance initiatives for effective utilization off wellness services. Additionally, they are able to communicate with centralized McMaster services regarding trends, emerging issues, and unresolved problems related to student health and wellbeing.
The CCN is a coordinated effort between the MSU and the wellness educators of the Student Wellness Centre and the Student Wellness & Education Lower Lounge. The MSU leadership identified the need for a local resource person embedded within student communities. The wellness educators are
The CCN looks beyond Welcome Week with a focus on ongoing support, while promoting social connections providing the training and yearround coordination of Wellbeing Liaisons. We all understand that student societies, clubs, and communities are well positioned to support the health concerns of students in their individual communities. The strength of this model lies within its ability to emphasize the localized expertise of student communities, while building on their assets. With an intersectional perspective, the Caring Communities Network showcases a range of pathways to wellness and definitions of health that are defined locally within communities.
Under this framework, already existing student clubs health initiatives would receive increased visibility, resources and support. The CCN looks beyond Welcome Week with ongoing support, while promoting social connections between Marauders. It empowers more student leaders that are willing and able to talk about health, and also encourages them to create programming that speaks to the challenges of their specific communities. The Caring Communities Network is not a replacement for systematic review - it is clear that the stressors of university remain. The MSU is also undertaking a systematic review of health and wellness resources of the University, and is working with administration to help eliviate the stressors that lead to student health issues. This is not a new program, and it does not pretend to be. This is an example of where we can leverage student communities, MSU services, and University resources and expertise to improve the quality of life of Marauders. A detailed description of the program and registration can be accessed at msumcmaster.ca/ccnetwork.
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The President’s Page is a space sponsored and used by the McMaster Students Union (MSU) Board of Directors (BoD) to communicate with the student body. It functions to highlight the Board’s projects, goals, and agenda for the year, as well as the general happenings of the MSU.
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
EDITORIAL | 9
Editorial
Delayed welcomes Cheesy editorials introducing students to Mac still have a place Shane Madill Editor-in-Chief
Honestly, I forgot how transitioning to university felt as a first-year. There was a certain uneasiness and anxiety that came with it. Feelings of leaving old times behind and not really knowing what next week, let alone five years from then, would have in store were mixed with good times and new friends. The last few weeks may be a sensation you will never experience to this degree again. While support for incoming students was strong when I started, it has increased over the years. The number of events and services dedicated to helping the first few weeks of adjustment has grown consistently since. A countless number of dedicated volunteers and staff to help incoming students have somehow grown into an even larger number with no signs of stopping. We have not done enough to be included into that group. With everything that has been happening in the community, the paper and the lives
of the staff, it slipped my mind to reiterate the importance of understanding what our readers may be going through. The last issue had a lot of useful information, but that should be the norm anyway. We had “Congratulations — Welcome to Mac” on the cover, but that is not necessarily new or useful in a long list of welcomes given to new students. Most of our welcomes have been self-serving. Attracting people to the paper and getting volunteers to contribute to our sections have been a few of our many priorities. Reinforcing why we do what we do has not been one. While attempting to improve the paper is nice, it is difficult to do without keeping its purpose in mind. If we are not doing our best to serve you as the reader, then we are not living up to our objective or potential. While this is generally in the form of making sure your voice is represented and heard and keeping you informed about McMaster related issues, it should also take the form of understanding your thoughts
and feelings about the university. Our articles often have overlap with this, but some sort of sincerity should have been explicitly expressed. We are not the best resource for support by any means. We are not specialized in mental health, running events or academic considerations. What we can do is make sure that we express our appreciation for you and make sure you are comfortable with the media that serves you. It should not matter if you read the paper a single time or if you never volunteer for us. If you have been here for less than a day, multiple decades or any period in-between, we would like to welcome you to the university for the start of the academic year.
@shanemadill
to #HamOnt vintage furniture accounts to mantis abductions
to white guys with dreads
to being an insectoid hybrid
to baby puke on scarves
to the bartender driving you home
to professors wishing you a good weekend on Monday
to peer support to big mac
to sounding like a hyena when you talk
to exhibitionist crying
to hackin’ and huckin’
to nut
to selling out of the textbook you need for class when you have a test the next daub
to asking out your long-term crush and him saying yes to ugly baby discourse to my friend becoming a firefighter
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SPORTS
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HUMANS
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca KYLE WEST / PHOTO REPORTER
there
Sadaf Rahmanian President McMaster Humanities Society
What was the first obstacle you had trying get into leadership roles? The first obstacle I faced was realizing I was an introvert but I like to do a lot of extroverted things. And being able to use the introverted and extroverted side of me and kind of push myself to be able to approach other people, which was something I wasn’t really comfortable with. But I found that the more I did it the more it was something that I liked. I think through that personality has changed but I’ve learned that you don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. I think being an introvert I am a highly emotionally-tuned person and that has helped me be a leader and using the strengths that being an introvert has. Although, it was one of the biggest obstacles I think that has been something that helped me connect with other people on my team. Have you noticed any difficulties as being a woman in power? Yes and no. I think that a lot of it comes internally. If someone asked me to envision what a leader is I see an old white guy. It is like that for a lot of
other people as well. I remember I was in a leadership class and the professor asked us to think of a leader, one person, and a genius, one person. Then she asked the class how many people had a male leader and practically everyone put their hand up and same thing for the genius. I think it’s so ingrained in what we think about. Being able to push past that and prove to other people that I deserve my position but I wouldn’t say it’s anything explicitly anyone has ever come to me and said. I feel that if it was explicitly it would be a bit easier to navigate. But when it is less out there it is a bit more difficult to deal with because I wonder am I feeling that because you are actually thinking that or is it in my head? So, I would say that is one of the things that both personally with what I am used to in society and feel the need to think “yes, I deserve my position” and it is almost silly to think that because I think
are
other people who might not feel that. Another thing that is difficult for me is trying to think about the things I say and the way I say them, like the impressions they will have on other people because if I come off as stern you might come off as a bitch but at the same time if you don’t hold your ground you are a pushover. So, it’s a fine line in between as what will get your point across and what is deemed socially acceptable but still being authentic with who you are. That is another thing I have found difficult with being a woman in power because I
think if someone sees a very assertive man they will think “oh yeah good for him” but if they see a woman speaking the same way it’s almost like “oh damn shes in a bad mood today”. Just navigating the grounds between the two but still not forcing myself to be tame to please other people but still wanting to be able to have a good connection with people without them thinking poorly of me. Have you noticed anything happening in meetings that you don’t think would happen if it was a man in charge? I’ve encountered a very small group of people that will talk over or things like that but I think I have been very lucky at McMaster where most people my age or that I work with tend to be good people who are understanding and aware. But I have encountered people who talk over or their insults will be very gender directed which
is one thing that really frustrates me because if you don’t like something that someone is doing that’s great but don’t attribute it to their gender.
“I’ve encountered a very small group of people that will talk over or things like that but I think I have been very lucky at McMaster where most people my age or that I work with tend to be good people who are understanding and aware.”
facebook.com/ HumansOfMcMaster
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
The Silhouette | 11
Opinion GRANT HOLT / PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Cyclist security and accomodation Two wheels instead of four doesn’t mean cyclists should get half the effort Reem Sheet Opinion Editor
McMaster is home to a diversity of people with different transportation needs. Some walk, run, bus or rent nearby, while others need to bike or skateboard to make it to campus. Once they’re on campus, the options for storage and security for those who do not walk or drive vary. McMaster has a few different options available for those who bike to campus. Social Bicycles, better known as SoBi, was recently introduced to McMaster, and has shown great success with students who commute or rent near campus. SoBi allows students to rent and reserve bikes without a time limit. In 2016, there were a total of 45,699 bike trips across campus using SoBi. Like Presto bus passes, SoBi rentals come with a
discount for McMaster staff and students. However, for those who use their own bikes, there are only a few safe locations to secure your bike. Though McMaster has over 1,800 bike rack spaces located on main campus, many of these locations are not sheltered. Unless you are willing to pay $40 per semester or $100 for one year for one of only 28 bike lockers on campus, your bike will remain unsheltered in harsh weather conditions. Students living in residence have the option to use relatively safe indoor storage for their bikes, but for everyone else, bicycles are only allowed to be stored indoors with permission from the supervisor in your work area. The only bike space that is secure and monitored is the ‘Secure Bike Facility’. This caged location is available for $5 per semester, and can only
Students living in residence have the option to use relatively safe indoor storage for their bikes, but for everyone else, bicycles are only allowed to be stored indoors with the permission from the supervisor in your work area. vary. be accessed with a swipe card to ensure security. It is located on the west side of Chester New Hall, and is also not sheltered. Beyond this, there isn’t much guidance for keeping your
bike secure, unless you consider “[bikes are] not to be locked to or leaned against hand rails, trees, or other features of the university landscape… Bicycles found in violation are subject to ticketing” helpful advice. According to University of Guelph News, there is a bike shelter in the heart of Guelph’s campus that doubles as a pavilion for students to use. The structure holds 90 bikes with two tiers of bike racks that can be removed for small events when the pavilion is needed. The lighting in the pavilion is also powered by solar panels, and is as big as a four-car garage, and a green roof that has low maintenance plants as a part of it. For those who do not cycle and prefer to skateboard, penny board, or longboard across campus, the options are even more minimal. Unless you want to pay for a $25 for half a locker or $50 for
a full locker in the school year, you are likely to end up making yourself known to your fellow classmates and squeezing your board in between lecture seats. Seeing as most people with boards use them to get across campus to get to classes, keeping your board in your locker would be a little redundant anyway. McMaster has shown great progress with cyclist accommodations and is continuously improving. L.R. Wilson Hall features a pair of very modern looking bike racks available for students to enjoy both aesthetically and practically. This concept of modern and green should be implemented for those who transport with two wheels instead of four.
@ReemSheet
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OPINION
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
Hospitality services should cater to everyone’s needs “Some” is no longer enough. Dietary options on campus need to be more clear MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
Mohamed Mahmoud Contributor
McMaster University is home to thousands of students from across Canada and around the world. With such a wide reach of geographic diversity comes a variety of people from different cultures and religions. A diverse student body and staff means the university’s Hospitality Services team should be able to provide an inclusive environment for everyone. The issue I would like to specifically bring to light is the lack of halal food options provided by McMaster Hospitality Services and the clarity with which these options are presented. Just so we are on the same page, ‘halal meat’ is simply meat that is hand slaughtered in a specific manner to ensure a more humane and clean slaugh-
ter of an animal for consumption. In Canada, halal food is becoming increasingly popular. In keeping with the times, McMaster should accelerate their progress to accommodate these food needs for groups with food preferences. Some people choose to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, with others preferring halal meals. This is not exclusively a religious dietary choice, but may just be a dietary preference. Those who eat halal food have limited food options and don’t always want to settle for just a vegetarian meal. The students who are affected by this the most live in residence on campus and are restricted to the food on campus for their meals on days that cooking may not be an option. These students are not given equal opportunity to have
a diverse menu when compared to those who may not have this personal preference. On campus, halal options are currently available in most food places on campus. For example, the East Meets West Bistro in Keyes boasts a menu where almost all chicken meals are halal. However, labelling halal meet in a way that makes it clear to students what is halal and what isn’t has become less common. It simply isn’t enough to rely on the employees to provide such information. When I personally asked the line workers at some locations in Centro and La Piazza about the halal options, they were unable to answer and could not point me to the right person who would know. This contradicts the “make McMaster your second home”
This contradicts the “make McMaster is your second home” goal for students, and may leave customers feeling like their dietary preferences are not welcomed in the McMaster community. goal for students, and may leave customers feeling like their dietary preferences are not welcomed in the McMaster community.
It is evident that McMaster Hospitality Services is able to provide halal meats from their suppliers, but it isn’t clear why these options are not always available and aren’t campus wide. If one meal can be halal, why can’t all of them be? Honestly, when the Willy Dog cart seems to have to clearest dietary options with both halal and vegetarian options, you know things need to be re-assessed. McMaster prides itself in its diverse population and its ability to provide accommodations for different groups on. Seeing as the McMaster community is becoming more diverse each year, why can’t the options for dietary keep up in diversity? @theSilhouette
EVENTS CALENDAR Health & Dental Opt-Out
Change Camp Hamilton
McMaster Homecoming Concert
When: September 11-30, 2017
When: Monday, September 25, 2017
When: September 29 & 30, 2017
Where: msumcmaster.ca/optout
Where: 100 Main Street W, Hamilton
Where: JHE Field
All full-time undergraduate students taking 18 units or more are automatically enrolled in the MSU Health and Dental plans.
Change Camp is a collaboration between the City of Hamilton, McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University College, and the Social Planning & Research Council of Hamilton. Change Camp allows one to share information and ideas, connect with people from different neighbourhoods and groups, and understand how to effectively work with others on projects addressing issues within the Hamilton community.
Lil Yachty (September 29) and The Strumbellas (September 30) will be headlining this year’s Homecoming celebrations. Tickets are available for McMaster students, alumni graduate students and guests signed-in by a McMaster student (limit 1 guest per student). Tickets can be purchased at: mcmaster.tickit.ca
If you are covered by another health or dental plan, but you are not covered 100%, you may utilize your MSU Health and Dental plan coverage and combine it with your current plan. You can find the information at www. msumcmaster.ca/insurance. Look into your benefits and compare the two plans before you opt out, as the MSU plans may provide some coverage options that are not currently available to you. The opt-out period for the 2017/18 academic year has started and will go until September 30. Please visit www.msumcmaster.ca/optout to fill out the form.
This year, the themes of Change Camp reflect neighbourhood priorities and projects, and the event will involve graduates of the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Neighbourhood Leadership Institute. The five project themes that will be discussed at Change Camp 2017 are food security, transportation, a community print shop, affordable housing, and space animation.
McMaster Homecoming Game When: Saturday September 30, 2017 Where: Ron Joyce Stadium Hamilton Come cheer on your McMaster Marauders Football team as they face York University’s Lions in this years Homecoming 2017 game. Tickets can be purchased online at: marauders.ca/tickets
Vous avez vécu, ou un de vos proches, une forme quelconque d’agression ou de harcèlement à caractère sexuel. Vous n’êtes pas seule.
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
www.cschn.ca
Le Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara offre toute une gamme de services de soutien personnalisé et confidentiel dans un environnement chaleureux, respectueux et sécuritaire.
SERVICES DE SANTÉ PRIMAIRE, SOCIAUX ET COMMUNAUTAIRES EN FRANÇAIS HAMILTON/NIAGARA
N’hésitez pas à nous contacter au 1-866-437-7606 ou visiter notre site web www.cschn.ca Ce programme bénéficie du soutien financier du gouvernement de l’Ontario
We want your Hamilton-related photograph to hang in our store!
0 0 $2 E Z PRI
1
2
3
Take a photo of Hamilton. Landscapes and skylines are preferred!
Caption the photo with your name, program, year, and tell us a little bit about yourself.
Submit everything to Jeff at umasstmanager@msu.mcmaster.ca.
Conditions
unionmarketmsu
• Must be a McMaster Student • Photos must be high resolution
msu_unionmarket
Pick up HSR bus pass Full-time students get Hamilton transit passes!
1. Pick up your pass at the Campus Store 2. Create a new account at prestocard.ca 3. Tap on the HSR starting September 1st
msumcmaster.ca/HSR
OPINION
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
| 15
A perspective on Hamilton development Hamilton is rising into light in urban development. Could Hamilton become the new Mississauga? Abdullah Elsayes Contributor
For years, the Hamilton population has been growing below the national average growth rate, but things are about to change for this underrated city. Hamilton is investing in long-term developments that will bring in more residents to this city and enhance the living conditions for current inhabitants. Ultimately, this will better the city’s average population growth rate. First, it is important to acknowledge Hamilton’s history since we all have a role to play in the city’s contemporary development. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, Hamilton was recognized for its industrial production, specifically, its steel production. In the late-twentieth century, other aspects of the economy took precedence, especially the technology we take for granted, and Hamilton was reckoned a post-industrial economy. Its image failed to match the growing economic sectors of the modern era. This, of course, contributed to a slow city population growth. Earlier this year, Hamilton founded the Our Future Hamilton initiative with a focus to further enhance the city in the next 25 years. This proposal concentrates its priorities on community engagement, economic prosperity, public health and safety, environmental
responsibility, built infrastructure and culture and social diversity. As of the 2017 budget, it is evident that the city has begun its investments towards their future planning. City council has allocated $2.2 million towards downtown and commercial districts, $14.5 million towards recreation and $27.2 million towards West Harbour development. It is clear that the city is devoting its finances for a more convivial Hamilton atmosphere, which is something we will all benefit from.
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
In the late-20th century, other aspects of the economy took precedence, especially the technology we take for granted, and Hamilton was reckoned a post-industrial economy. Moreover, this initiative also makes Hamilton residences one of the most affordable in the Greater Toronto Area. For instance, the average cost of Hamilton city centre real estate is $4,165.10 per square metre, much cheaper than its neighbouring cities such as Toronto with $7,525.11 per square metre. This alone is attracting people, and potentially students, to the city hence increasing the population growth rate, which is great in terms of Hamilton’s economy and
urban development. As Hamilton continues to develop, we will be exposed to a tremendous city that sufficiently provides community engagement, public health and safety, environmental responsibility, and social and cultural diversity. As a result, more students will have the oppor-
tunity to engage in their community off campus and commit themselves to activities and livings they enjoy. Over 55,000 community members have pledged their opinions for the Our Future Hamilton initiative. It is clear that this development is for the residents of Hamilton, and the students of McMaster
University. All of us have something to enjoy from this city’s planning. We’re in for a bright future in the years to come.
@TheSilhouette
Call for Nominations Student Representatives to McMaster’s Governing Bodies SENATE: One undergraduate student representative from each of the following Faculties: Business One graduate student representative from each of the following Faculties: Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences UNIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE: One undergraduate student representative Completed nomination forms must be received in the University Secretariat office by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. Nomination forms and information about eligibility, terms, and election procedures are available on the University Secretariat website: www.mcmaster.ca/univsec/elections/index.cfm. All approved candidates are required to attend a mandatory campaign information session on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. (location TBD).
Questions may be directed to the University Secretariat, phone 905.525.9140, ext. 24337, or email unielec@mcmaster.ca
FIRST TERM NIGHTLIFE SEPTEMBER 7
1st Club Night w/ 4korners
SEPTEMBER 30
HOCO After Party
OCTOBER 5
Latin Night
OCTOBER 24
Dirty Bingo w/ Spenny
OCTOBER 26
Angels and Devils
NOVEMBER 9
Jersey Night!
NOVEMBER 16
All Ages
NOVEMBER 23
Country Night
DECEMBER 6
Afro-Caribbean Night
Visit us for: WIDE FORMAT printing, PROJECT binding, BUSINESS cards, ROLL UP banners, BLACK + WHITE and COLOUR printing, + SO MUCH MORE!
The Silhouette | 17
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
Arts & Culture The Medicine Hat unveils new sound at Supercrawl Supercrawl attendees get introduced to one of Hamilton’s rising indie acts Razan Samara A&C Reporter
Emerging Hamilton-based pop rock band, The Medicine Hat, is no stranger to Supercrawl, but last weekend’s performance was a special milestone marked with an energetic performance of brand new songs. Over the weekend two members of the five-piece band, frontwoman Nabi Sue Bersche and guitarist Tyler Bersche, shared about their experience in Hamilton’s music scene, their new sound and the strange festival experiences from long ago. It all started while Nabi and Tyler Bersche were in high school in their hometown of Guelph, Ontario. They were sort of dating and definitely writing songs together. Nabi Bersche was pursuing a solo career. Tyler Bersche was in a band with bassist Elliott Gwynne called The Canned Goods, while Mike Boyd played the drums for another band, Dance All Free For All.
“This really changed our music and what it sounded like because we all bring equal parts to the table.” Tyler Bersche The Medicine Hat While growing up in a small town that lacked a supportive music scene, the four friends naturally came together after their individual projects fizzled out in 2010. They wrote songs together, jammed out and even produced their first EP in a weekend. Since that epic weekend, the band has evolved to include a rotating fifth member, with the throne currently being held by Thomas Hammerton on the keyboards and the synthesizer, an instrument that played a significant role
in finding their new sound. “In 2010, every band in Ontario wanted to be like the Wooden Sky and that’s what we were doing, playing kind of okay indie folk rock. Since then… and mostly in the past two years, we’ve [started taking the band more seriously and we’ve] been writing all our songs together,” explained Tyler. “This really changed our music and what it sounded like because we all bring equal parts to the table.” After moving to Hamilton four years ago, the band is humbled by the legacy of their city, and thrives off of its iconic rock scene and electronic music scene. “I like drawing from both of those influences and I find it very cool and inspiring to be in a town where both of those scenes are very rich… I would say that we aspire to straddle that line between dance music and rock music,” said Tyler. Lyrically, the band draws on personal experiences and more recently, about the experiences of others for inspiration. “‘St. Cecilia’ was written about moving to Hamilton. That was a little bit hard for me, moving to a new city… I had a great time in the country… it was challenging for me specifically with men catcalling and
all the unwanted attention,” explained Nabi. They performed their released singles St. Cecilia and New Survival at Supercrawl, along with their new unreleased work. “My favourite song to perform is ‘Scars’, which is one of the newer songs we [performed], I feel like an 80s diva when I sing it, and that makes me feel happy,” said Nabi. The Medicine Hat has had many memorable performances over the years since their first sold out show at the E Club. They’ve also had crazy experiences. “One [experience] that stands out, is a now defunct music festival in Northern Ontario… We arrive at the festival grounds and it’s empty. There’s space for five thousand people, but
there’s like thirty people. Nobody knew what was going on… someone had stolen sound equipment because there was no security, and there was even a fire on stage,” explained Tyler. “And then torrential downpour,” added Nabi. “[All of the musicians] wound up under a 10 by 10 tent, passing around some whisky and laughed at how ridiculous it all was… and we never even played.” Luckily, the weather was great during their Supercrawl performance, and their music is even better. The Medicine Hat’s strong showing at the crawl and in the greater Hamilton music scene definitely makes them an act worth watching. @theSilhouette
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
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A&C
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
Piece by piece Fractal media arts project immerses audience in virtual reality
VR headset at Factory Media Centre MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR Razan Samara A&C Reporter
The first night of Supercrawl marked the beginning of the Factory Media Centre’s new exhibit, Fractalize 1: I’ve Loved You From Afar. The exhibit is the first of its kind in Hamilton and challenges how art can create an immersive experience for the audience. The Fractalize series is an ongoing collaborative multimedia arts project created by artist and cinematographer Lesley Loksi Chan, composer and digital media artist Tony Vieira and musician Arthur Yeung. Tony Vieira, who is also a McMaster graduate & senior researcher at York University’s Augmented Reality Lab, took the time to provide an insider’s perspective on the exhibit, whilst being careful not to reveal its secrets. Vieira met Chan and Yeung through the Factory Media Centre, a resource centre that supports community based and artists’ projects. His idea was to create a fractal exhibit, where the art is delivered through a series of pieces and mediums
“I always think of the tone of the story in a way that is similar to the way I experience dreams and memory, which is a little strange, not always linear, not always making sense.” Tony VIera Artist over time. I’ve Loved You From Afar follows the story of two characters, Richard and Elizabeth, and explores the themes of human behaviour, desire and distance. Visitors at the Factory Media Centre can experience I’ve Loved You From Afar through
virtual reality, but the exhibit is meant to be experienced beyond the gallery space, through nine other elements including a web app, video installations and even by following Richard and Elizabeth’s social media accounts. “It’s really an experiment in e-literacy. [We are] experimenting with the different ways a story can be told [while using] as many media as possible to engage the end user. I don’t think of [the audience solely] as a viewer, reader or a listener, because [the audience] is all of them, an end user, sort of like a video game,” said Vieira. Each end user’s experience with I’ve Loved You From Afar is unique. The story is non-linear, there is no start or end. The story is also delivered with intentional gaps that are open to interpretation. “I always think of the tone of the story in a way that is similar to the way I experience dreams and memory, which is a little strange, not always linear, not always making sense…
that’s how memories and dreams work, we only remember certain bits of it, and our experiences [and desires] create the filler for the gaps or our brain fabricates what it needs to fill in the gaps,” explained Vieira. For seven days, a new piece of I’ve Loved You From Afar is revealed to the end users, and each piece will lead up to the unveiling of the exhibit’s secrets
at the closing reception on Oct. 18 at the Art Gallery of Hamilton Annex. After all the pieces are revealed, end users will put the pieces together, and their desires and contexts will shape the narrative of the exhibit. Each individual will have their own story and unique takeaway from the experience. I’ve Loved You From Afar can be experienced after Supercrawl by visiting the Fractalize web app; https://fractalize.net. The artists will also be holding workshops at the Factory Media Centre, a non-profit and artist- run resource centre on 228 James Street North that aims to advance the discourse of contemporary media through exhibitions, screenings and community programming. @theSilhouette
A&C
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
| 19
In defence of disappointment Supercrawl isn’t for me — and that’s okay
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR Daniel Arauz A&C Editor
Supercrawl 2017 was the first time in five years that I felt that the event wasn’t for me. This came with the fairly obvious, but important realization that the festival is not for people like me — those who live, work and spend their free time in the downtown core. Supercrawl 2017 did a lot of things really well this year. There was a good balance of big Canadian acts while still emphasizing local performers. The event introduced live theatre performers for the first time. Local vendors were of even better quality and diversity this year. Circus Orange may have put on one of their best Saturday performances to date. But I still left the event with mixed feelings. I’ve always enjoyed Supercrawl. I’ve been going to the festival since I was in Grade 11, back when journeys to Mulberry Street Café and Pho Dui Bo were still novelties tied into some newfound independence. Supercrawl was a fun way to finally explore a central part of my own city and to get away from the monotony of the West Mountain.
I’m 21 now. Supercrawl has lost some of that novelty, but it has always been an event that I consistently recommend to locals who have never been and McMaster first year students who are looking for an introduction to the city that they will call home for the next few years. But in 2017, Supercrawl has a rightfully harsher crowd. Even those who wildly supported the city’s “revitalization” are now increasingly wary about their new neighbours. Toronto is moving in. Although it has been happening for some time now, the sudden sight of many downtown buildings being torn down for condos was finally making an impression. Stuart Berman’s now infamous Toronto Life article “The New Hamiltonians” was published in June, openly bashing the city’s working-class heritage while selling as a land of opportunity for young families who can’t afford Toronto anymore. Toronto real estate agent Brad J. Lamb stated that Hamilton was a “dying city” unless it accepted its fate as the next Toronto suburb. A two-day event in Toronto called the Hamilton Consulate
featuring Mayor Fred Eisenberger himself tried to sell our “ambitious city” as the next big market for tech, fashion and real estate. The Hamilton Economic Development office was selling the success stories of James Street fashion boutiques and restaurateurs to Torontonians. Then to end the consulate’s pitch, Supercrawl announced their music line up on Queen Street West. While locals were a bit miffed by the mostly symbolic reinforcement of Hamilton’s subservience to a potentially larger Toronto audience, some sobering reminders are important. Supercrawl has always been a festival that aims to attract outsiders. It is a tourist-oriented festival first, and growing the audience and the amount of sponsors is a necessary part of that expansion, especially if it is to continue as a free festival. And Supercrawl was selling itself to Toronto and other cities long before Hamilton got its problematic rebranding of “Toronto’s Brooklyn”. But we all knew this was coming. Yes, the Toyota product
placement in front of the largest central street art installation titled “Sense First, Reflect Later” was unfortunate, but the arts community has always known that the commercialization of the original crawl event was going to lead to this. For many that’s okay. They can tolerate the uncomfortable crowds and product placement in exchange for their largest audience of the year.
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The festival has also never shut down dissonant voices that share the street. “Hamilton is Homeless” shirts drew lots of attention at this year’s crawl, and local concert venues proudly supported acts that didn’t make the big stages. Supercrawl takes over one of Hamilton’s beloved neighbourhoods for a weekend. That is going to make James Street North residents critical about how the festival brands one street as a representation of the larger city. I also know that as much as it is important to critique some of the unfortunate messaging of this year’s crawl, this is still how many first years and McMaster students get introduced to their new city. I still think the festival provides an exciting way to do that. Our critique and disappointment with Supercrawl is another way we express our care for our city. And while Supercrawl may not be for me anymore, who am I to ruin others’ enjoyment of it? @DanielArauzz
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A&C
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
Fitting in the fashion scene Supercrawl serves as a significant event to Hamilton’s ever-growing fashion scene
MADELINE NEUMANN / PHOTO EDITOR
Emily O’Rourke Features Reporter
As an event dedicated to creating opportunities for local artists, musicians and designers, Supercrawl serves not only as an integral promotional event for the city of Hamilton, but also as an opportunity for the tightly-knit community of Hamilton creatives to connect over their passions. Hamilton’s fashion scene is one of the fastest growing art scenes within this city. With designers and purveyors spe-
cializing in streetwear, vintage clothing, lingerie and up-cycled materials, there is no question that the diversity within the scene is an important aspect of why it is thriving. Aaron Duarte and Paul Heaton, the creatives behind the Eye of Faith, a multidisciplinary clothing brand striving to bring “the best of the past to the present to shape the future”, sat on the Supercrawl Fashion Committee. From curating the line-up for the fashion stage, to reaching out to new designers, the duo were ultimately able to see just how important events like Supercrawl can be for Hamilton’s fashion scene. “Designers aren’t always looked at as artists, but when you break down everything from the intricacy of their patterns, the attention to detail and palette, to even the artistry behind their original graphic prints, fashion is as much an
art form as any,” said Duarte. “Supercrawl has chosen to help give representation to the fine creatives that bring life to this industry in our city.” In addition to creating an opportunity for community growth within Hamilton’s fashion scene, events like Supercrawl are essential for both new and seasoned designers within the city as a form of exposure and as a platform to reach a significantly larger audience than they normally could. The steady stream of runway showcases that take place throughout Supercrawl at the Maker’s Market Fashion Stage typically hold the largest platform that many of Hamilton designers, brands and purveyors will have to demonstrate their work. “[Supercrawl] is a great chance for new designers to get their name out there, and let the general public see all the hard
work they have put into their passion,” said Duarte. “Even the regular art crawls that happen every month generate impressive traffic that give shop owners on James Street a steady flow of new and returning clients that keep [Hamilton’s fashion] industry alive.” From Aug. 24 to Sept. 2, Supercrawl paired with CF Limeridge Mall to host a Supercrawl Fashion Pop-up store that put Hamilton designers on display. The event created an opportunity whereby Hamilton independent designers and purveyors were able to generate sales and promote their brands within the city’s largest shopping mall. It also served as a way to promote Supercrawl to individuals in the area who may not be familiar with the downtown arts and culture scene. Kadeem Jarrett and Michael St. Jean of Foreign Waves
International, a streetwear and lifestyle brand based in downtown Hamilton, participated in the Limeridge Pop-Up this summer, generating interest in their brand from a different audience. “[The Supercrawl Fashion Pop-Up] was a really great experience because our brand is very well known in the downtown area of Hamilton, so being able to gain some exposure on the mountain really increased our following,” said Jarrett. St. Jean echoed the sentiment. As fashion, especially in Hamilton, is often seen as a form of business rather than an art form, Supercrawl serves as an important opportunity for independent designers to demonstrate how unique and community-focused Hamilton’s local fashion industry really is. @emily_oro
A&C
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
Creating comics with Jim Zub Samurai Jack, Avengers and Glitterbomb author shares how to break into the industry Hess Sahlollbey Contributor
Over the past few years, the number of DC and Marvel comic creators working in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area has steadily increased. One of those creators is Seneca College Program Coordinator, Jim Zubkavich a.k.a. Jim Zub. One of Zub’s most recent and prolific projects includes a two-year run on Samurai Jack. Published by IDW, the series picked up nine years after the cancellation of the original cartoon. In the past Zub has also worked on Spiderman and Batman series. Currently, he is the writer on Uncanny Avengers at Marvel which features a team composed of Avengers and X-Men. Outside of the mainstream, Zub writes his own original series, Wayward and Glitterbomb. Having worked on major Hollywood franchises, he sat down at a Fan Expo Toronto panel to talk about his career and about the art of creating comics. “The good news is you no longer have to be centered where publishers are based. When I was growing up, New York was the hub for superhero stuff, [so] you either had to be in New York City or know those people,” said Zub. Zub previously worked in animation, background art and storyboarding. The collaborative nature of it prepared Zub for his transition to comics. “I started making my own web comic in the evenings. As much as you can read books or “how-to’s” on writing stories or making art, you’ll learn so much more by doing, by failing and by figuring out your own process. Making that web comic, I learned a ton about pacing, storytelling, art, lettering and Photoshop,” explained Zub. By participating in every part of the comic creation process, Zub has learned to quickly make connections with other members of the industry. “An important part of the creative process… is reaching out and meeting other people in the same situation as yourself... building stories and learning from each other. Every so often one person will pop up the ladder and then that person will pull everyone else up.”
“An important part of the creative process… is reaching out and meeting other people in the same situation as yourself.” Jim Zub Comic creator Zub was an overnight success, but it took 10 years for him to break through. He was self-publishing online web-comics in 2001 and only started at DC and Marvel in 2012. “You don’t have to be the greatest out there, but you have to be somewhere in the middle where someone could recognize you as being substantially better than the people they currently have. Then they’ll be willing to take a risk on you. They’ll be willing to invest the time in you and the best way you can show somebody that is with real examples of work.” Zub advises that the next generation of aspiring DC and Marvel writers and artists aim to surpass what the two companies are currently publishing. Marvel and DC want stories that enhance their prestige and quality, and this has led to a larger range of stories coming out of both companies. Zub argues that as a storytelling medium, comics are unstoppable and that new independent ideas are the most valuable commodity going forward. With the ongoing growth of the comic book industry, Zub said that now is the time for writers of all genders, races and walks of life to contribute their unique perspectives. Creator-owned books, where the writer and artist own the creative property and choose where to steer the ship are the future of comics. Those personal stories from fresh, diverse voices will take readers to new and extraordinary places and draw in fans that will continue to grow the industry. @theSilhouette
C/O DORKLAND!
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GAMES
Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.38)
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
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Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Wed Sep 13 15:31:03 2017 GMT. Enjoy!
Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.65)
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Across
Down
1. Parroted 5. Small hand drum 10. Pull an all-nighter 14. Prefix with drama 15. Thin as ____ 16. Renaissance instrument 17. Shrinking Asian sea 18. Takes it easy 19. Runner Zatopek 20. Naive or gullible 23. Old Testament book 24. Related on the mother’s side 25. Salty 28. Small batteries 30. Score after deuce 31. Abundant 36. Hung. neighbour 37. Capital of Ontario 39. WWII craft 40. Repeating 42. Jazz singer Laine 43. Highlands tongue 44. African desert 46. Astrologer Sydney 49. Suspect’s story 51. More complex than groups of atoms 56. Sheltered 57. Short ringing sound 58. Words before “many words” 60. “Ol’ Man River” composer Jerome 61. Let’s Make ____ 62. Architectural pier 63. ____ sow, so shall... 64. Keyed up 65. Sullen
1. “I ____ Camera” (1955 film) 2. Gilpin of “Frasier” 3. Jack of “Rio Lobo” 4. Porpoise 5. “Unto the Sons” author 6. Got out of bed 7. Light wood 8. Leslie Caron role 9. Additionally 10. Make pure 11. Cuban dance 12. Listing 13. Ruckus 21. Jockey Turcotte 22. Keen! 25. River to the Moselle 26. Together, in music 27. Actress Virna 28. Em, e.g. 29. Tiny tunneler 31. Scottish hillside 32. Suffix with ball 33. Earthenware pot 34. Computer owner 35. Portico 37. Earth 38. Hosp. areas 41. Worldly 42. Period of 1000 years 44. Implement for cutting grain 45. Aladdin’s monkey 46. City near Kobe 47. Some hybrids 48. Mimicry 49. Outsider 50. Horne and Olin 52. Future doc’s exam
7 7
53. Shoppe adjective 54. Latin word on a cornerstone 55. Queue after Q 59. Thole insert
2 6
1
6 3
8
4
9
9
6
7 3
2 9
2 1
6
6
5
6
8
2
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Wed Sep 13 15:31:03 2017 GMT. Enjoy!
Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.70)
7
4
9
9
4
7 3
8
4
1 1
2
2
8
5
4 2
3
3
1 5
6 1
7
9
2
9
6
7
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Wed Sep 13 16:02:34 2017 GMT. Enjoy!
6
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
The Silhouette | 23
Sports Keeping it simple
Following back-to-back wins over Western and the Trent, the men’s rugby team is ready to challenge the OUA playoffs once again Justin Parker Sports Editor
C/O FRASER CALDWELL
In the men’s rugby team’s season opener, the Marauders took down the Western Mustangs in a hotly contested rematch of the 2016 Ontario University Athletics bronze medal game. In that match, McMaster came out on top and returned home with some hardware. Looking to build off of a successful 2016 campaign, the Marauders are continually building on a new attack system to compete with their opponents. “The game plan going in was just to keep it really simple,” said coach Dan Pletch. “It was the first game of our season, we had a few brand new players in there...we’re sort of slowly building pieces of the puzzle to our attack system as we go through the season. We wanted to start just doing a few simple things really well and focusing mostly on our defence.” The Marauders have a long-standing rugby rivalry with the Mustangs. Their win last year was the first time they beat the Western team in a playoff match since the 2010 OUA championship game. Given the history, the team knew to expect an expansive game that would require a strong defensive stand. Emerging with a 19-12 win, the game was marked by defensive strength and confidence, while also serving as an interesting test to a rugby team that has undergone several significant changes from last year. With only half of the starting 15 being regular starters in the past, many teams would face a challenge in integrating fresh faces. But coach Pletch found it to be a surprisingly easy transition this season. “Definitely there was a big turnover but if anything, it was probably a little easier this year,” he explained. “We introduced a totally new attack system last year, so guys were learning it for
the first time. But this year, most of the squad would have been exposed to it already, and we are sort of tweaking and fine-tuning some wrinkles. So training camp and preparation was a little easier this year.” Helping ease the transition and reaffirm the new attack system are veteran players who have already been regular contributors to the team in the past. Prop Mike Smith contributed a try to the Marauders’ win and has helped spearhead their offensive efforts. “The tight five forwards played really well in general,” coach Pletch said. “Our tight five prop, Mike [Smith], in particular was really solid in the scrum for us. We were able to win a few penalties from the scrum and that allowed us to run into our attack system really smoothly. Other players like Ryan Gray had to adjust to a brand new position, transitioning from flanker to wing for this season. Gray’s contributions on defence and quick adjustment to his new position impressed coach Pletch. Heading into their second game of the season, the Marauders looked to really lean into their offensive game and overpower Trent Excalibur on the road and build off of their season opener. “We were pretty happy with our defence last week to only give up two tries against Western, so we’ve put a lot more of our focus into our attack. Now that we have the basic structure, fine-tuning things and trying to
“We have a young squad that’s working very hard, they’re improving every game.” Dan Pletch Head coach McMaster men’s rugby
create different options, improve our decision making and running those options when appropriate in the game. We want to continue being sharp on defence and create a few more opportunities and score some more points on attack.” Mac lived up to that game plan and left Peterborough with a strong 48-19 win on Sept. 9. Now the Marauders will return home for a Sept. 17 matchup against the Guelph Gryphons. The last time the Marauders and Gryphons faced off was in last year’s semi-finals, which Guelph won before moving on to win the 2016 OUA Championship. Guelph will certainly pose a tough test for the rugby team but will need to be defeated if the Mac men want to contend in the OUA playoffs once again. The Marauders are off to a strong start and owe a lot of their success so far to a game plan that goes beyond Xs and Os. “We have a young squad that’s working very hard, they’re improving every game,” said coach Pletch. “We’ve been working for the last two or three years really on improving the team culture and making sure that both on the field, as especially off the field, that everybody feels included in all the events and the activities, whether that’s a starting varsity player or our last junior varsity player on the bench, everyone feels equal. I definitely think we are going in the right direction that way.” This mentality has influenced Marauders’ balanced gameplay on the field and is giving them a leg up on the competition early in the OUA season.
@justinparker81
2 0
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
Mac’s WakeUp Call Upper year defensive players bring grit to home opener, but McMaster football has room to grow
Jessica Carmichael Sports Reporter
3 0
The Silhouette
The highly anticipated home opener for the U Sports No. 7 McMaster Marauders against No. 4 Western Mustangs left Mac fans and players disappointed after a 29-14 loss. With a total of only 13 first downs for the entire game, the Marauders’ young and inexperienced offence had a hard time against the Mustangs’ more seasoned defence. All three quarterbacks got a chance to touch the ball throughout the game. Dylan Astrom played briefly in the first quarter, followed by Andres Dueck who played the majority of the first and the entire second quarter, and finishing with Jackson White who played the entire second half. Yet some of the most exciting plays of the game were thanks to the
Marauders’ defence. With nine junior and senior defensive starters, even when losing, the defence was still able to create much needed game changing plays. Mac is currently tied at second in the country with five interceptions, while sophomore cornerback Robbie Yochim is tied for second in individual interceptions. When asked if the defence was proud of their current national interception statistic, Yochim praised his teammates, but knows they have to work harder if they want to be consistent winners. “Our defensive backs are really skilled this year. We’ve come along way since last year,” said Yochim. “If we clean up all those edges and dot those Is and cross those Ts, we’re going to be really good on defence. You never want to learn a lesson with a loss but this is definitely a
lesson to be learned for us.” Both Yochim and McMaster’s current defensive leader, senior linebacker Eric Mezzalira, attribute the defence’s success to the seniority, but both know there is still a lot of room to grow for the team as a whole. “We have a lot of seniors on our team. In our defensive front we have a lot of older guys so were kind of setting the tone for the younger guys coming in and they’re really picking it up. It’s good to see that they’re learning from us,” said Mezzalira. “We got too many mistakes out there on every side of the ball,” added Yochim. Defence is making too many errors. Special teams had that one block where we didn’t seal the edge and offence had some things they messed up on as well. We just really have to clean up our game and have a solid game all
Quick
Stats
Score: 14 - 29 McMaster Defence
4 0
24 |
5
total
season interceptions
2
tied for
nd in team
interceptions
SPORTS | 25
www.thesil.ca | Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017
around next time.” Although there is room for improvement for defence, they were still able to make key plays that would set up offensive scoring opportunities. The Marauders’ offence was able to score two touchdowns due to crucial interceptions forced by the defence. Leading by example, senior linebacker Jake Heathcote picked the ball off Western’s quarterback Chris Merchant and returned it 34 yards. The return set up Mac’s running back Jordan Lyons to score the Marauders’ first touchdown of the day. Sophomore cornerback Nolan Putt later followed in the footsteps of Heathcote, intercepting Western’s Stevenson Bone’s pass. This allowed rookie quarterback Jackson White to put a 33-yard rushing touchdown on the board, the first
“
We just really have to clean up our game and have a solid game all around next time. Robbie Yochim Cornerback McMaster fwootball
touchdown of his career. While unable to stop the Mustangs, it is obvious that Mac’s defence is able to make the big plays that they need to. “The expectation is that we can play good defensive football and be opportunistic, but we’re still making mistakes all over the place,” said head coach Greg Knox. “From a coaching perspective, we got to figure out what needs to happen in our preparation to start limiting those mistakes, and we need to be better next week.” With the number of upper-year defensive players starting, that expectation is undeniable. Although with much younger key players, such as first-year quarterbacks White and Dueck, there is still room and time for improvement. Mac’s perseverance was definitely tested against Western. Coming off of a preseason win against the Saskatchewan Huskies and their first regular season win against the Carleton Ravens, it was their first true taste of being down and out this season. “I think we played gritty football. We’re learning what the definition of grit and determination is at this level. The tale of the game isn’t about how much we wanted it, it’s about if we were able to limit our mistakes. I think that’s the telling tale,” said Knox.
Next Steps Next up the Marauders will play the Ottawa Gee Gees in Hamilton. The last time the two teams met in Ottawa, the Marauders lost 30-8. “[The loss to Western is] a wake up call. We got Ottawa next week and we got to be ready to go,” said White. “Our defence played well, we just have to be better on offence.” For next week’s game against the Gee Gees, the Marauders will have the advantage of playing at home, as well as the loss to Western to learn from. This will give Mac ample opportunity to clean up their game and play good football on both sides of the ball. With leaders like Robbie Yochim, Eric Mezzalira, and Jake Heathcote, and a so far promising future for White, McMaster football should be in good hands. @ jaaycarmichael
#2 Yochim Robbie
cornerback
2 2
total
season interceptions
sophmore
nd in individual
interceptions C/O RICK ZAZULAK
26 |
SPORTS
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 | www.thesil.ca
Punishing wins and senior leadership After a playoff run that was cut short last year, a young women’s rugby team looks ready for success Justin Parker Sports Editor
While students all over campus were trying to find their new classrooms, the McMaster athletic year was already well under way. Showcasing key Marauders every seven days, the Pita Pit Athlete of the Week highlighted centre Britni French of the Marauders’ women’s rugby team, along with the football team’s defensive back Noah Hallett. The women’s rugby team opened up their 2017 campaign with a dominating win over the York Lions, emphatically handing the Lions their first loss of the season. The Marauders, led by French, looked back to championship form under the lights at Ron Joyce Stadium on Sept. 3 and never gave the visiting team a chance to overtake them. “We went into the game and our focus was to just go for it,” French said. “We are all about words, and our word for that game was punish. We wanted to punish them. We wanted them to go home and not want to play us again. I think we accomplished that throughout.”
“We are all about words, and our word for that game was ‘punish’. We wanted to punish them. Britini French Centre McMaster Rugby French was responsible for kicking off a 50-0 run for the Marauders with an early try, and contributed greatly on both sides of the ball. Entering her fourth season on the team, French is part of a leadership core of senior players determined to run through every team in their path while showing the newest team members how the women’s rugby
C/O FRASER CALDWELL
program operates. “We have a leadership group going on right now, myself and a few other athletes on the team,” she said. “We are working together to create a positive environment and show some leadership on the field, not just in a spoken way but also by the way we play. The role I like to take is not so much the talking responsibility, I would rather show through the way I play.” It will be important for senior players like French to lead by example on the field this season if they hope to regain their former glory. Following a tough season that ended in a loss to the Guelph Gryphons in the Ontario University Athletics Championship and an early exit in the U Sports Championship
Tournament, the team has a new group of fresh faces to integrate into the team. “We have a very young team, and our biggest challenge right now is not being caught up in that, realizing that those first-year players are just as great as our fourth-year players,” said French. “I think over our training camp, we really saw that. As the week went on, those people who were coming in as first-year athletes were then stepping into more dominant rules throughout the training session. That was awesome to see and something to keep working towards.” Already, this young Marauder team appears to be on the right path to return to the OUA Finals and also have a good showing in the national
tournament. There are still three more games to play in the rugby regular season and it is by no means an easy road, yet the Marauders have their sights set high. “I would really like to see us in an OUA Final again, hopefully coming out on the winning side this year,” French said. “That is a goal of mine. As well as just helping this firstyear athletes to continue to grow into the program.” One key rookie on the team is Tia Svoboda whose sisters both play for the Marauders as well, and is already making a name for herself on the team, noted a pair of tries against the Lions and leading the group of incoming players who look to make an impact on a successful program.
The next team in their way is the Western Mustangs, who they will face on Sept 15 at 5 p.m. While the Marauders enjoyed a bye week during which they were able to focus more on core aspects of their game, they will maintain the same mantra while in London. “We’ve been thinking of that one word and how we got to punch up the line and make them feel punished for playing us.”
@justinparker81
McMASTER RECREATION OPEN HOUSE David Braley Athletic Centre September 17th-23rd
Join us for our “Free to Try Mac” Open House! We’ve got Yoga, Martial Arts, Dance Classes and more!
Open to the Public | Schedule at rec.mcmaster.ca
GERALD PAY Get a h*ck in’ lot of savings with this emo inspired budgeting app C12
THURSDAY
THE
HAMILTON SPECULATOR Tr ying to shoehorn DBZ references in since 1934
September 14, 2017
NOTSPEC.COM
Local students go bankrupt while purchasing campus food Mortgages needed for sausages
Not pictured: the foot and kidney sold to science to help pay for an apple.
SAINT PETER VEGAS “Here comes the money.” - McMahon 3:13
The infamous board game has been made a reality. Monopoly, previously a hypothetical concept like dark matter and finding true happiness, continues to spread capitalist conundrums on campus. It does not come with houses and hotels, but it is costing students around the same prices as Boardwalk real estate. Taylor Kei, a first year student, has been one of many this year to realize this. “I looked at my debit card statements, and thought they double charged me for textbooks. I had one of those sushi
takeout containers.” His expense sheet also contained purchases of $150 for some pancakes, $200 for salad and $275 for poutine. The population has undertaken cost saving measures such as attempting to rehydrate with water instead of vodka and reducing the amount of avocado toast consumed. These efforts have been futile for most. Over 95 per cent of students have reported that they are living paycheque to paycheque. This is actually below the national university average as Mac students have become proficient in budgeting out of necessity. Fortunately, Kei has man-
POLL: What is your biggest expense? Welcome Week concerts
Betting against Jacksonville’s defence
Campus food
Accidentally using phone data
Trying to six pool
Researching ways to get out of the office
Spotify Premium so I can listen to music that reflects my sadness about having no money
All of the above
aged to afford food by living in a house with 26 other people in an illegal off-campus house. They share a bed with four other people and a bat named Rocky. “Yeah, it’s a bit tough. Garbage has been a concern, and Rocky always causes a ruckus at night. It’s not too bad though. He likes storing fruit on the one shelf we have.” Some students are not so fortunate. Some need to live in expensive legal housing with an appropriate number of housemates and living conditions that are not potentially life-threatening. In response, the university has moved forward with an
advocacy campaign for worse off-campus housing. When asked why they did not reduce the price of food on campus instead, Mean Moblin, the union’s newest hire for the public relations team, had this to say: “I don’t expect forgiveness from you anymore. I don’t believe in miracles. How could you possibly understand that your childhood had to be sacrificed for something greater?” This, of course, refers to the Student Activity Building in development. The grocery store there will feature reasonably priced food, but will cost $20 for every foot you travel inside of it.
Tweets to the Editor Would you like to cover my event? I’m the only one who attended - Jason, 34, local artist
[unrelenting praise]
INSIDE ADS! YOU LOVE ADS, RIGHT? HERE’S A BUNCH OF THEM A4 I JIGGLED A CORD AND SUDDENLY THIS COMPUTER STARTED WORKING AGAIN B4 DAN AND JAY AND BEN AND JERRY AND RICK AND MORTY MAKE UP THE AVENGERS C1 AN EXPOSÉ ON HOW YOUR TUPPERWARE DRAWER KEEPS GAINING TUPPERWARE D2
PER ISSUE: Waiting in line at 7 a.m. at the campus gym for equipment. We already have next week’s Speculator lined up for this, don’t worry.
- Granny Smith, 84, professional good person
Disclaimer: The Hamilton Speculator is a work of satire and fiction and should not under any circumstances be taken seriously. Please do not live with bats. Even cute ones. While house-hunting in the summer, I found out their poop is toxic.