MCMASTER UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
OPEN STREETS MCMASTER Pg. A3
The Silhouette www.thesil.ca
Thursday, September 27, 2012
EST. 1930
If you don’t have anything nice to say, write for Opinions.
Vol. 83, No. 8
Facing the privacy leak In light of recent controversy, is Facebook at fault? Andrew Terefenko
DECA U gets Smoked Club in sights of gravy train
Production Editor
Social media circles were shaken on Monday as private messages on Facebook sent between 2007 and 2009 were mysteriously appearing on users’ public timelines. The website, is denying all instances of the leak, explaining that many users are mistaken and are confusing older public messages for private messages. Numerous students are reporting otherwise. Philip Savage, Assistant Professor of Communications Studies at McMaster University and researcher of communication law and policy, says that Canada has safeguards in place to combat digital privacy breaches. “[There] is legislation in Canada to protect your rights as an individual in matters of privacy. PIPEDA sets out rules around the obligations of any government of commercial enterprise around collecting and sharing information on people,” said Savage. PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, explicitly outlines the rules surrounding the collection and distribution of personal, private information. Section 4.7.1 states that an organization’s “security safeguards shall protect personal information against loss or theft, as well as unau-
Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma Senior News Editor
Smoke’s Poutinerie is bringing the World of Major League Eating to university campuses across Canada, and one McMaster club is at the forefront of partnering with Smoke’s on this event. The Hamilton leg of the World Poutine-Eating Championship: Campus Edition kicks off at McMaster’s own Homecoming on Oct. 13. DECA U Executives are currently speaking with MSU representatives to ascertain if this event can be part of the official Homecoming schedule. DECA U seeks to provide professional development for its members through entering in business case study competitions with universities across Canada The DECA U club first found out they were selected as one of the national semi-finalists of the ANDREW TEREFENKO PRODUCTION EDITOR Smoke’s Competition on Sept 19. The campaign to gain support for thorized access, disclosure, copying, have signed,” said Savage in refer- imperfections.” An organization’s terms of ser- their club and promote Smoke’s use or modification. Organizations ence to clause 16.3 in the Facebook vice, accepted or otherwise, cannot World Poutine Eating Championshall protect personal information terms of service. The terms state, in part, “We supersede Canadian regulations ship started immediately. regardless of the format in which it During the first ten days of the do not guarantee that Facebook will as long as they operate within the is held.” campaign, DECA U has been trying “You cannot have your private always be safe, secure or error-free country. to gain support through social mecorrespondence shared, regardless or that Facebook will always funcSEE IS PRIVATE, A5 dia channels. The next ten days of of the Terms of Service that you may tion without disruptions, delays or the campaign will focus on promoting the specific poutine-eating event on Oct. 13. The franchise first hosted and organized the World Poutine-Eating Championship in 2010 in Toronto. This will be the first-ever World Poutine-Eating Championship: Campus Edition. Students will race to eat poutine as fast as they can in competition to win sponsorship in funding for McMaster’s own DECA U Club. DECA U is ramping up to choose four McMaster students to compete in the contest. All of the Canadian university teams are competing with each other for the best times. The teams with the most amount of support accumulated on social media platforms and the best team eating times will then secure the first prize of $2,500. The McMaster DECA U Chapter was formed at Mac in 2007. Their case study competitions typically examine industry issues in marketing, finance, services and business administration. JESSIE LU ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR DECA U’s initiative this year is Bikes are a common sight outside MACycle, which will have to move in 2013 to make way for the construction of the Wilson Building. to provide the enhanced value for its members, academically and socially. searching for new spaces on cam- the McMaster Children’s Centre day the Phoenix’s old spot. Sam Colbert pus. “I’ve been forwarding [needs of They hope to further redevelop their care, CUPE 3906, the Photography Executive Editor “Where we’ll go is still up in the Club and some offices of Facilities our clubs and services] to the Uni- training modules and run their own The site of Wentworth House, which air,” said Connor Bennett, a direc- Services. versity administration,” said David case competitions as well as broaden sits near the main entrance to the tor of MSU service MACycle, which The Graduate Students Asso- Campbell, Vice-President (Admin- their membership body if they reMcMaster campus, has been desig- sits in the lower part of Wentworth ciation moved their bar, the Phoe- istration) of the McMaster Students ceive the Smokes sponsorship. Palika Kohli, VP Marketing for nated as the future home of the Wil- House. nix, out of Wentworth House and to Union. “They’ve assured us that son Building for Studies in Humani“There’s some speculation and the Refectory Building earlier this there will be space and that they DECA U stated her desire to build ties and Social Sciences. some vague ideas being thrown month. Although the GSA offices have no reason to believe that there the club’s brand on campus and speWith demolition of Wentworth around at this point, but that’s kind remain in Wentworth House, they won’t be. On our end, we have no cifically attract a higher diversity of House scheduled for May 2013 and of it.” will follow the Phoenix across cam- reason to believe they won’t come members from a variety of faculties. “The sponsorship is for DECA construction on the Wilson Buildthrough on that.” In addition to MACycle, or- pus in the near future. U, but it’s really about Mac winning ing commencing next summer, ganizations in the building include This academic year, a lounge SEE MACYCLE, A4 this [nationally],” said Kohli. current tenants of the building are the Muslim Students Association, for off-campus students will sit in
Wentworth House tenants looking for new locations on campus
ANDY
INSIDEOUT SPORTS
The gentrified side of James Street North
Tales of taxi travels by riders and drivers alike
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B7
Mac gears up to take on the longtime OUA rival Mustangs
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the
PRESIDENT’S PAGE Jeff Wyngaarden VP (Finance)
Huzaifa Saeed VP (Education)
Siobhan Stewart President
David Campbell VP (Administration)
THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND YOUR EDUCATION Huzaifa examines the future of post-secondary education in Ontario
Huzaifa Saeed VP (Education) vped@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 24017
Did you know the government of Ontario is a major stakeholder in your education at McMaster University? The provincial government pays for approximately 50% of the total costs of an education through the provision of operating grants and capital funding to universities. Through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) the government is also responsible for establishing goals for McMaster, as well as other post-secondary institutions in the province. While most universities operate in relative autonomy, the government of Ontario has an influence through its funding methods derived from its understanding of the perceived needs of the labour market and provincial infrastructure. Led by Minister Glen Murray, MTCU released
a document proposing that Ontario’s post-secondary education sector begin a series of conversations on how to promote efficiency and innovation. The document, entitled Strengthening Ontario’s Centres of Creativity, Innovation and Knowledge can be found online at www.tcu.gov.on.ca/ pepg/publications/. The MTCU discussion paper highlights strategies that could be utilized to achieve these goals, such as a wider range of technology-enabled learning, experiential education and quality of teaching. The letter was well received by the MSU since it was the first such initiative in years to directly engage student opinion and representation into shaping what the future of post-secondary education will look like. Similarly, having participated in a series of consultations all summer, I’ve been pleased by the priorities and language of the discussion. The discourse has shifted from its initial focus on labour “productivity”, toward recognizing the importance of deep learning, outsidethe-classroom experiences and quality teaching versus employment outcomes for our graduates. The debate is also a finely nuanced series of complicated issues. It is important to acknowledge that there are
DINNER
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a wide variety of stakeholders involved, as well as potential and hidden impacts some of the proposals could have on the sector. Through OUSA I have been actively engaged in these roundtable discussions. I attended sessions concerning quality teaching and learning outcomes at Humber College, as well roundtables at Fanshawe College and the University of Toronto. The latter explored various specific topics wherein I shared the table with student unions from across the province, as well as faculty members and administrators who each had unique additions and identified challenges to the process. I was also able to ascertain some fascinating best practices currently in use related to the topics of discussion. For example, Humber College has recently opened up an Innovation Incubator that supports project commercialization for student ideas. University of Waterloo has an entrepreneurial-themed residence called ‘Velocity’ where students with similar inclinations live and work together. Moreover, the University of Victoria has a specific course available for first time TAs designed to improve their teaching skills. One of the most important ideas discussed was the need for Ontario
RENAISSANCE AWARDS Up to $25,000 is available to fund your experience
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Siobhan Stewart President president@msu.mcmaster.ca ext. 23885
PRESENTS:
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to rework its credit transfer system between universities and colleges. The goal is for colleges to provide more direct and experiential supplementary educational opportunities for university students (and vice-versa) all while maintaining educational quality. Other ideas included funding from MTCU to establish sector-wide quality metrics and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and public/private organizations for the expansion of co-op and internship opportunities. The hope for OUSA & MSU is that through these consultations, the government will receive some clear direction on where we want education to go. We are also maintaining our principled position that any changes to the sector must not impede the accessibility and affordability for students. You can access the paper on my profile page on the MSU website, located at www.msumcmaster.ca/governance/. I encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for a potential student town hall meeting hosted at McMaster, with attendance by Minister Murray who has been visiting schools across the province to gain feedback from students.
TUESDAY OCT. 30TH
DINNER: 5:30PM − 7:30PM | SHOW: 8:00PM $10 FOR SHOW & ALL YOU CAN EAT PASTA | $5 FOR SHOW
Enhancing student life is a core pillar of the McMaster Students Union. This fact can been seen in the diversity of our 30+ student services, along with the more than 300 MSU recognized and funded clubs on campus. But enhancing student life can mean much more than offering something to meet your needs. Your student experience could easily be defined by numerous different areas including academic life, personal growth and development, leadership opportunities, volunteering in the community, or something completely unique to you. This is why the MSU is incredibly pleased with the creation of the Renaissance Awards. Generously funded by Drs. Jolie Ringash and Glen Bandiera, this is a new award that is being offered for the first time at McMaster and is valued at up to $25,000. The Renaissance Award is aimed at providing students (undergraduate, graduate and professional) with a chance to engage in transformative experiences, which normally would not be considered part of typical academic programs. From
The President’s Page is sponsored by the McMaster Students Union. It is a space used to communicate with the student body about the projects, goals and agenda of the MSU Board of Directors.
www.msumcmaster.ca
the Award’s preamble; “The goal of the award is to facilitate interdisciplinary exchange which may ultimately lead to societal benefit. Each applicant should propose a unique experience outside his/ her usual field of study … and explain why it will enhance the applicant’s future career or societal contribution”. Providing students with these types of opportunities is truly important to enriching the overall experience of students. I believe that university is a place to grow academically and emotionally, whilst discovering a field that is best suited to your own interests. But I also believe that the most important aspect of the university experience is becoming the best person that you can be. This award is particularly exciting because it encourages people to explore an opportunity in which they are interested, but challenges the beneficiary to think about how the experience sits in context of their wider community and the role that a person plays within it. I truly hope that more opportunities like these become available to students, as I feel that the establishment of this award is truly in line with the overall vision of Forward with Integrity, particularly within the areas of improving the undergraduate experience and community engagement. More information on how to get involved is available at http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/ renaissance.htm. The application deadline is October 15, 2012, so be sure to apply.
EWS
Thursday, September 27, 2012 News Editors: Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma, Julia Redmond and Anqi Shen Meeting: Thursdays @ 4:30 p.m. Contact: news@thesil.ca
McMaster paves the way for Open Streets Local branch of annual street festival aims to “bring down boundaries” Jaslyn English & Mary Ann Boateng The Silhouette
On Sunday Sept. 23, McMaster hosted its first Open Streets event - a day in devotion to the idea of closed off streets making a more open community. The event lasted from late morning to late afternoon, running in conjunction with Open Streets Hamilton happening on James St N. Open Streets Hamilton brings together different communities within the city in an attempt to bridge the gap between residents, small businesses, cultural organizations and special-interest groups. The McMaster event featured a closed off portion of Sterling Street, turned completely pedestrian for the day, as well as a campus section stretching the length of University Ave. from the student center to the edge of the BSB field. The Hamilton event is part of a broader movement in various cities across North America. According to its website, openstreetsproject.org, the object of Open Streets is to “temporarily close streets to automobile traffic, so that people may use them for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and socializing.” Hamilton has been running the event biannually on James St North since spring 2010, and this is the first time it has come to the McMaster campus. Mary Koziol, former MSU President and Assistant to the President on Special Community Initiatives, was one of the organizers of the event. “We started the project because we wanted to eliminate some of the barriers people perceive to be around campus,” she said of Open Streets. “We wanted a way to welcome community members onto campus and vice versa.” University Ave. was lined with booths representing several clubs, organizations, and events within McMaster itself. The campus was also equipped with a stage for live performances. The festival continued down Sterling Street, where booths of many Westdale shops as well as community-based organizations were located. This area of the event promoted
SARAH JANES THE SILHOUETTE
McMaster students and Westdale residents take advantage of the diversity of vendors and community groups along Sterling Street.
the idea of outer-campus community that Vendors and community members alike Westdale provides for McMaster’s students. remarked that the event brought the commu“I’ve seen a lot of familiar faces,” said the nity together, a notion mirrored by McMaster vendor at the Hotti Biscotti table, comment- president Patrick Deane’s message recorded ing on the similarities between this event and before the event took place. Clubsfest, hosted durThe president saw ing Welcome Week on the event as “bring[ing] “What we are trying to do is a the McMaster campus. down the boundaries better job of opening our arms... Nate Walker, between the university so that people don’t see McMasowner and operator of and the community” and ter as a community in itself, but Nate’s Cakes, an ecowas hoping for a “crossas just one part of this friendly alternative pollinating effect” bebroader tapestry.” to the food truck, extween McMaster and the plained how vendors broader Hamilton area. Mary Koziol benefit from a festival While there was a Assistant to the President like Open Streets. diversity of age groups “The event proand walks of life from vides me the opportunity to know all the both the university and neighboring commuuniversity students, he said on Sunday. “Festi- nities, the event failed to grasp the attention of vals like this are where it’s at… If [it] happens the “broader Hamilton community” that the again, I will definitely come back.” President was seeking to attract.
Mac’s global presence Is the international student experience worth the money?
ANDREW TEREFENKO PRODUCTION EDITOR
At McMaster, about five percent of the student body is made up of international students, and Ontario has the highest number of foreign students in post-secondary schools in Canada. Since they pay almost twice what domestic students do, international students represent a major source of revenue.
Abraham Redda The Silhouette
International students are a strong source of revenue. They pay nearly double in tuition costs compared to domestic students. Over the past few years at McMaster, there has been a 6 per cent rise in the tuition costs for internationals. With the movement for producing more globally aware citizens in universities across North America, McMaster has shown evidence of following suit. The university has students representing over 91 countries worldwide and is the only North American host site of a United Nations University. The International Student Barometer measures the quality of international student experience. The 2011 ISB surveyed 209,422 international students from 238 institutions in 16 countries. While McMaster was not one of the ten participating institutions from Ontario, the barometer provides information on general Canadian trends. According to the ISB, Canadian institutions rank positively, above the international average, in providing safety, eco-friendly environments and Internet access to international students. On average, Canadian institutions were noticeably behind the international average in terms of supporting international students with living costs and financing. Since there are no caps on tuition fees for international students, the increase in international student admissions nationwide has often been seen as a makeshift solution for the lack of funding that universities have experienced since
the ‘90s. It seems that an expensive education is no deterrant to foreign applicants. McMaster alone has 1,289 international students at the graduate and undergraduate level (as of 2009/2010), contributing to Ontario having the highest number of foreign students in post-secondary institutions in Canada. Many would argue that an expensive education is worth the payoff. Angelina Bong, a 4th year Commerce student originally from Singapore, said she ultimately chose McMaster over other Ontario universities because she felt it would give her a wellrounded education. “I definitely felt a strong pull towards Mac. It’s more open and flexible. I’ve never felt that I was denied any opportunities.” Bong also highlighted the DeGroote International Committee - a new committee set up by the DeGroote School of Business to increase dialogue within the faculty and incoming and outgoing exchange students. “It just started, but I see a lot of potential.” This kind of dialogue is intrinsic to the push for accepting international students. More than just a facet of increasing diversity on campus, international students may choose to stay in Canada after completing their degrees and become valuable contributors to society. And if they choose to return to their countries or continue travelling, they can create and maintain strong connections between institutions. “When I complete my studies,” said Bong, “I hope to get a job that allows me to travel around the world.”
“It’s too bad there aren’t more people,” remarked a Westdale woman to her family, two hours after the event had started. Yet after using one of the every-halfhour shuttles equipped with its own student tour guide, and taking in the atmosphere of the downtown portion of the event, it became evident that a crowdless, laid back vibe was as much a part of the Open Streets project as were the street vendors, and added to the neighborhood feel of the event. McMaster participated in Open Streets as part of its celebration of the University’s 125th anniversary, but Koziol hopes the festival will continue in the coming years. “What we are trying to do is a better job of opening our arms and welcoming the community and creating more and more partnerships and a broader network so that people don’t see McMaster as a community in itself but as just one part of this broader tapestry.”
Renaissance Award offers up to $25,000 to students Anqi Shen
“Initially, the idea was to go completely out of your field of study,” said Online News Editor Carolyn Eyles, director of the Integrated McMaster University has received funds Science Program. “If it’s something that follows quite from two former grads to establish a $25,000 award for students who want to naturally from what you’re already doing, you aren’t really taking a chance take a detour from academia. The university held an open infor- or expanding yourself. It shouldn’t be mation session yesterday on the Drs. something you could be getting credJolie Ringash and Glen Bandiera Re- it for in your program,” said Allison naissance Award, open to all McMaster Sekuler, Dean of Graduate Studies. “We have never done this before – students studying on a full-time basis. The award offers a maximum of we have no role models. We’re kind of $25,000 to a student with an innovative just flying by the seat of our pants, but idea for a project that will span 4 to 12 we have some idea of what the shape of months. The project must be outside of this might be,” Sekuler said before openapplicants’ academic activities and have ing the floor to questions. The application is a two-part proa distinct societal benefit. The same amount of money will cess, the first being a letter of intent due on Oct. 15. From be available in there the field of the same capacity “What is the real reason people applicants will be each year for the come to university? It’s very narrowed down. next five years. much to get an education but... There will be a secThe donors, it’s becoming evident that ond application in Ringash and education is taking on a new the form of an enBandiera, fundmeaning.” richment plan deed the award in scribing objectives, hopes that stuSiobhan Stewart a timeline and dents could have MSU President budget. The panel an opportunity elaborated that the to expand their learning experience in an unconven- second application will be due likely in December. Following that, there might tional way. “Both of us had a fairly standard be some presentations from final canditrajectory from high school through our dates. The panel said the goal is for the undergraduate experience,” said Band- winners to know by January. iera. “We had an opportunity to travel for a year not too long ago. It was a challenge for us to wrap our heads around taking a year off from our professional careers,” said Bandiera. “We thought, it’s a real shame that two people would have to wait X number of years to do this.” The award is meant to embody the principles outlined in President Patrick Deane’s 2011 letter, “Forward With Integrity.” “The award puts particular emphasis on developing the whole person. As an organization, [the MSU] has been reflecting on the question: what is the real reason people come to university?” said Siobhan Stewart, MSU President. “It’s very much to get an education but with the dialogue we’re having on campus, it’s becoming evident that education is taking on a new meaning.” The panelists emphasized that the YOSEIF HADDAD SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR award encourages students to step outDeane explains the award on Sept. 25. side of their current academic path.
A4 • News
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
Mac alumna brings history to life Julia Redmond Assistant News Editor
He built a bridge in Hamilton, and three connecting Canada to the United States. He opened the Royal Botanical Gardens. And most significantly to students, he spearheaded McMaster’s move from Toronto to Hamilton. Yet now, 84 years after his death, Thomas Baker McQuesten is largely forgotten by the city he helped to shape. Mary Anderson is hoping to change that. “It’s wonderful to be able to tell the world what [Thomas McQuesten] did,” she said in an interview last week. Anderson, who holds a PhD from McMaster in English, has dedicated her work to bringing the story of the McQuesten family back into the spotlight. She has written two books and three plays on the subject, and was presented a McMaster Alumni Hamilton Community Impact Award on Sept. 25 for her efforts. The inspiration for this work came from a visit to Whitehern, the former McQuesten estate that has since been converted into a museum. Upon reading a sample of the letters the family had written, Anderson changed her focus of study from Irish poetry to the McQuesten family’s writings. “[I was] entranced by them for their literary quality, for their depth of knowledge of history and science and city, Ontario politics, everything.”
MACycle among tenants to move FROM A1
YOSEIF HADDAD SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR
Mary Anderson, who earned her PhD at McMaster, was given an award for her extensive community work.
With the help of a dozen students, she worked to digitize the 4000 letters the family had written. The content of the letters is now available online, along with a some photos from Whitehern’s collection. Her most recent book, Tragedy & Triumph: Ruby & Thomas B. McQuesten, released in 2011, takes the content of those letters and tells the tale of the McQuestens’ lives, from the family bankruptcy, to Ruby’s premature death, to Tom’s political career. She said the book wrote itself and described it as a “labour of love.” While dramatic, Anderson feels the story of the McQuestens is also significant to the city. In recognizing Thomas as the “forgotten builder,” she feels Hamilton can solidify its sense of identity.
“Hamilton is so resistant to promoting Hamilton…[it] doesn’t know it’s important,” she said. But Anderson and McQuesten agree that the city is important, and that McMaster is a major part of that. “Our whole development has been along mechanics lines,” McQuesten wrote in a letter, as found in Anderson’s book. “Hamilton has become too much a factory town. [McMaster] is the first break toward a broader culture and higher educational development.” As a proponent of the “city beautiful” philosophy, Thomas McQuesten also aimed to improve the appearance of Hamilton through the establishment of parks, believing that if people are surrounded by natural beauty, it would inspire morality, making them better citizens.
Anderson is happy to be receiving an award for her work, but explains she would be involved in the community no matter what. “It’s what I do,” she said of her community outreach. She is a member of the Hamilton Historical Board, Hamilton Arts Council and the Tower Poetry Society. Her Alumni Hamilton Community Impact Award is one of three awarded this year, presented at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on Sept. 25. The other recipients were Dr. Jean Clinton, for her work in public and non-profit health intiatives, and Laurie Kennedy and Dr. Dyanne Semogas from the School of Nursing, for their leadership in the McMaster Student Outreach Collaborative.
“We’ve spoken to all of the tenants, and we’re working with each of the tenants to find alternative accommodations for them where they need it on campus,” said Roger Couldrey, VP (Administration) of the University. Although Bennett is not aware of a plan for MACycle’s relocation, which needs to happen by the end of the year, he is optimistic that the powers that be will find a solution. He is aware, though, that his service has particular needs that must be looked after, much like the building’s other tenants would. “I haven’t really been given cause to worry that we’ll be tossed to the side. But given that MACycle has some very specific requirements of a space … There are a lot of criteria we need to meet, and I don’t know where that is on campus and I don’t know how to find out,” he said. MACycle requires a location with sufficient space, street access, ventilation, power and, preferably, good visibility, according to Bennett. “I’m excited to move to a new spot. I think it will be a good change for MACycle,” he said.
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette
News • A5
Is private public?
YOSEIF HADDAD SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR
Many students discovered on Monday that some of their private messages were made public.
FROM A1 The Personal Information Act does not differentiate between breaches of information as both technical fouls and ethical missteps, and clearly outlines that “an organization may collect, use or disclose personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider are appropriate in the circumstances,” which would be employed, for example, in the case of releasing to police officers relevant information in a criminal investigation or about people who are at risk for suicide and abuse. This is not the first breach of privacy in Facebook’s recent history, as the social media icon was involved in a lengthy investigation in May 2008 regarding “22 separate violations of PIPEDA,” surrounding the collection and disclosure of information on the site. The accusation was brought forward by the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, CIPPIC, an organization spawned of the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. Leslie Regan Shade, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto, provided her insights into a history rife with legal issues. “Facebook has always played a cat and mouse game with privacy laws and data commissioners. CIPPIC found that many of the issues that were brought to Facebook’s attention were resolved, and it set a global precedent for Facebook,” said Shade. While the issues were resolved within the one-year time limit set by the Assistant Privacy Commissioner, CIPPIC continued to have concerns with the default settings for users not being reflective of the intent behind the initial resolution. “If you do not file a complaint, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner may not begin an official investigation in the near future,” said Shade. Even more recently, Facebook underwent intense scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. on their propensity to reveal private information that users were told would be kept private.
The resulting case was settled on the premise that Facebook would undergo regular auditing every two years for the next twenty years as a countermeasure to their quickly shifting privacy atmosphere. “I think whenever you have huge amounts of information gathered, that there will be mishaps,” said Savage. It is an organizations’ responsibility to have both technical protection in place and accountable individuals available when such a privacy breach is discovered, as outlined by PIPEDA. Savage believes that this is an issue that needs to be investigated by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, headed by Jennifer Stoddard, the Commissioner herself. “The Office has been proactive in investigating breaches of privacy in the past, such as the photo tagging issue on Facebook where users were being tagged without their prior consent,” he said. He then added that the Office was also instrumental in changing Google’s policy in their maps application to include the distortion of faces and sensitive addresses such as women’s shelters. A statement released by the privacy commissioner’s office on Tuesday elaborated the minister’s current investigation into privacy leaks by popular websites. Research conducted by the office found that “approximately one in four of the sites tested” had “significant privacy concerns.” Stoddard has contacted 11 unnamed organizations to inquire into their privacy practices and work with them to ascertain their compliance with PIPEDA and related laws. “It is time for a more considered, government-driven inquiry into protecting privacy. The means by which PIPEDA and other privacy safeguards are enforced are not resourced enough,” said Savage. In the meantime, Savage urges students to read the nature of their agreements with organizations, and complain to their service providers if they feel their privacy has been violated.
UTS unveils new systems plan Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma Senior News Editor
UTS and the Systems Renewal Steering Committee unveiled current and proposed new business processes at an Open House on Sept. 19. The Open House sought to gauge faculty, administrative and student input on the mapping and allow interested parties to speak with team members and learn about the proposed changes. The Open House broke the business process maps into finance, student administration, research administration, human resources and business intelligence modules. The business process mapping has been an ongoing project throughout the summer. It is part of a larger long-term plan which will incorporate industry best case practices with the intent of creating more efficient information management and processes throughout the university. Following the mapping process, McMaster has hired The System Integrators, a consulting group, to analyze the business process maps and apply a Fit-Gap analysis to map where McMaster’s processes currently have gaps, in terms of performing tasks efficiently. The student administration module mapped out current practices and where issues currently lie in processing. The various maps displayed touched on processes such as those governing student records, funding and awards, convocation, program registration cycle, student registration and teaching and grading systems. Systems that could be changed in this process include
SARAH JANES THE SILHOUETTE
Systems changes are part of long-term plan.
SOLAR, OSCAR and MUGSI. While this process is ongoing, students cannot expect to see the after-effects of these changes until further down the road. Wendy Finemore, Business Analyst with the Office of the Registrar, stated that the system process changes will be more evident within the next several years. “The idea is aligning processes with systems,” said Finemore. The project website suggests that by 2013 the Systems Renewal team will be moving towards implementing the new systems.
DITORIAL
Thursday, September 27, 2012 Executive Editor: Sam Colbert Contact: thesil@thesil.ca Phone: (905) 525-9140, extension 22052
MEAT CONSUMPTION
to the irreplaceable k.n., who will always have a home here. to rainbow sorbet. to the speculator’s redesign.
to our younger selves and the kinds of posts we used to receive on our facebook walls. these must have been private messages ... right? to journey on repeat.
to scotch “hollister” halpert.
to the hazing by laurier’s baseball team.
to new aqua singles. to sombreros.
to news: 3, sports: 1. let’s try to keep it more interesting.
to the month of april. to the fuckin’ editor. to lord of the rings extended versions. to staff photos. check our beautiful faces out online. to cool cabbies. to a.b.-l., the new production night dj.
to truly bad nfl refs. to the prospect of being burried in a large, wooden strip of bacon. that’s a real thing. to taking medical advice from spin doctors.
to zoomba. to roomba.
to the couch potato diet.
Can’t have your bacon and eat it, too I can’t think of a series of words that’s much more ignorant than “global bacon shortage.” But there it was, all over Tuesday’s news. Britain’s National Pig Association (even our Speculator editors would have a hard time making this stuff up) had announced findings that a decrease in the supply of bacon and other pork products was coming. Prices were going to rise. Bear with me: I’ve been a vegetarian for about a year and half. I grew up eating meat, and not a week goes by where I don’t yearn for a chicken wing. But I’m invested now, and I’ve put in enough time to work up a little righteous rage over this stuff. Truth is, we’ve had a global shortage of meat products for years. But producers have C/O J&D FOODS made up for it through systemic animal cruelty and serious environmental degradation. All so we can make bacon weaves when Epic Meal Time comes to campus. Bacon should be expensive. We should be eating less of it. The fact that supply will no longer be able to meet the demand of our meat-loving culture should not concern us like other problems of the free market do. Now, who wants to come over for quinoa salad? • Sam Colbert
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Occupy McMaster deserves its space Re: “Good riddance, Occupy” by Chris Stevenson [Published Sept. 20 in Letters to the Editor]
The Silhouette McMaster University’s Student Newspaper
Editorial Board Sam Colbert | Executive Editor thesil@thesil.ca Jemma Wolfe | Managing Editor managing@thesil.ca Andrew Terefenko | Production Editor production@thesil.ca Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma | Senior News Editor news@thesil.ca Julia Redmond | Assistant News Editor news@thesil.ca Anqi Shen | Online News Editor news@thesil.ca Kacper Niburski | Opinions Editor opinions@thesil.ca Brandon Meawasige | Senior Sports Editor sports@thesil.ca Scott Hastie | Assistant Sports Editor sports@thesil.ca Sam Godfrey | Senior InsideOut Editor insideout@thesil.ca Amanda Watkins | Assistant InsideOut Editor insideout@thesil.ca Nolan Matthews | Senior ANDY Editor andy@thesil.ca Bahar Orang | Assistant ANDY Editor andy@thesil.ca Yoseif Haddad | Senior Photo Editor photo@thesil.ca Jessie Lu | Assistant Photo Editor photo@thesil.ca Javier Caicedo | Multimedia Editor photo@thesil.ca Karen Wang | Graphics Editor production@thesil.ca Sandro Giordano | Ad Manager sgiordan@msu.mcmaster.ca
Contrary to Mr. Stevenson’s comments, Occupy McMaster has been accessible to all students since its beginning last November. In fact, it is one of the few safe spaces on campus where students can feel comfortable discussing political and personal issues in an anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory environment and have access to buttons and educational pamphlets that highlight important student concerns. The space was once grey, empty and cold, and has since been turned into a thriving environment for students and has brought a sense of youth and life to our student centre. While some students frequented the space more than others, it has always been, and continues to be, an open space that stands to raise students’ consciousness of the student struggle that exists on campus and around the world and that every student experiences. Students must come together to share and recognize the oppression that exists directly due to capitalism, experienced through high tuition fees, poor job prospects and a global future determined by warmongering for access to natural resources. Occupy McMaster was created to raise these issues, and the space continues to exist to this day, as the student struggle still exists. • Alvand Mohtashami
Let redsuits have their fun Re: “When repping goes a-wrecking” by Aaron Grierson [Published Sept. 20 in Opinions] I’ve been a redsuit since 2009, and I understand a lot of Aaron’s sentiments. It’s no secret that we work hard during move in, and it’s no secret that we have fun on our own terms as well. Please keep in mind that a lot of our first years were the ‘nerds’ in secondary school (as I was), and were not a part of the ‘in crowd’ (I certainly wasn’t). They’re also typically very nervous about entering university, especially since they’ve usually never had more than a small group of like-minded friends. Engineering students like me are entering university from a position on the social fringe, and it can be argued that our antics are a natural extension (even a celebration) of that fact. The merits of this can be debated, of course, but things are this way for a reason. I would also like to make perfectly clear that while I am defending Engineering’s role as the ‘troublemaker’ during Welcome Week, I understand that redsuits have a reputation for being uncouth, insensitive and non-inclusive. Although this may have been a reality several years ago, many important steps are being taken to address these issues. The redsuits are aware of the challenges that women and minorities may face in Engineering at McMaster, and we have been working very hard over the past few years to make our events and practices accessible to people from all walks of life. We have made a lot of progress over the past few years. In closing, I don’t put on my red jumpsuit in September to impress Aaron, other reps, the MSU, the Faculty of Engineering or McMaster University. I do it so I can give first year students the amazing experience that I was lucky enough to have. If a silly trophy has to be stolen along the way, I’m at peace with that. • Zachary Strong
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Thursday, September 27, 2012 Opinions Editor: Kacper Niburski Meeting: To be determined Contact: opinions@thesil.ca
Fading away in the Silhouette Even shadows have limits, and sometimes, they have to see light Kacper Niburski Opinions Editor
Reader, stick a silver spoon in my brain and stir. Because as I sit here confused, a literary lobotomy is in order. I’m not a surgeon, so I won’t be able to help you. I can barely string together a sentence without a red pen itching for the stitching. But I can say that while my words fail me above and below, I never wanted to write this and I never thought I would have to. For if the shortest sentence in the language is “I do”, then the following one must be the longest because it took me two weeks to write: “I quit.” Sure, you don’t know me and those words probably mean very little to you. I am just a column of letters that can sometimes form coherent sentences. I am entirely replaceable. Whoever takes this job after me will do it better, not to mention be a more eloquent writer (or at least, refer to themselves less). This goes without saying and I do not have an inkling of doubt in that fact. But though I may be second rate, I’d like to believe that I am more than just a few words printed onto a page. I am a twin with glasses that sit diagonally on my face because I can never be bothered to fix them. I usually go places unshaven, just because I have a terrible knack to be lazy. I like to think I am generous, but at the same time I am conflicted with my modesty. I joke needlessly and battle the world with a smile. And I am not a quitter, or I wasn’t until I began this. I could say that university does this to people: sepa-
rating their passions and desires with a fine line called a grade point average. But I will not provide excuses for my leave of absence. If you love something, you make time for it, though I’ll admit that I’m finding it hard enough to both have love and give it. I think back to where things could’ve gone wrong. Jump back to my childhood, and you’ll find a time when I was laughing a whole lot more, a time where limitations were the confines of my imagination and where I gave life to new worlds with a sway of a pen or a whisper of a word. Hell. You might even find me praying because I was religious back then. Every night, my knees found themselves on the hardwood floor as I murmured a dream of world peace, a peanut butter sandwich for lunch, and that my family would stop fighting. Other days I implored that I didn’t have to pray as much, especially to the person who created me, the person who knows me best. But what I prayed for the most was no different than what anyone else did: happiness, even if it meant a sacrifice of my own. I told God I’d wait forever because happiness is that important. Fifteen years later found me in university and I found myself still waiting. I’ll grant that forever is a really long time, though. So long, in fact, that I wasn’t religious anymore; yet I continued to pray to the ceiling for happiness. I was a walking paradox. That is, until I found this place. The Silhouette. Now I’m a writing paradox because I consider these words my rosaries, these sentences my beatitudes. Call it old fash-
ion, but if there is happiness anywhere, it is in the news we read and the news we write. I joined the Silhouette for that reason. Sure, it was arduous. Yeah, it was exhausting. And yes, I’ll admit it was often utterly thankless. But while I may have been encouraging an onset of early alcoholism and perhaps even more truthfully I have a masochistic penchant for taking on more work, I do believe that the Silhouette, and the work necessary to be a competent editor, has a silver lining. This is because it is the coal that turns into the diamond; the cocoon into the butterfly. At the end of the Wednesday night and the inevitable crawl into a Thursday morning, when the final page is printed, the cover is folded, and the shelves are stacked, I have faded into a silhouette of words. With them, I am not simply a shadow or an outline, but rather part of a collective whole that creates the darkened image of McMaster’s journalism: the Silhouette. My name or position doesn’t matter. What I chose to say does. Now, as I sit here in the darkness of the office, I am leaving this shadow and entering the light. It isn’t because I want to but because I have to. I have to leave this place that provided my happiness - true, written happiness - for over a year. I am not sure what will happen when I leave it. All I know is that these are among my last words as an Opinions editor, and like the names that faded before me, like the period after this very sentence, I wish I could say more. JAVIER CAICEDO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
A moose on a caboose spillin’ his juice Why literary geniuses should like Green Eggs and Ham Bahar Orang
Assistant ANDY Editor
KAREN WANG SENIOR GRAPHICS EDITOR
Seus’ creativity invites us to rhyme with orange while eating some porridge.
In memory of Dr. Seuss’ death on Sept. 24th, I felt compelled to reminisce on my childhood and how dearly I loved his writing. When my age was in the single digits, I had that spirited, colour-outside-the-lines, ask-too-manyquestions, exasperatingly imaginative personality of an oddball child. The world was mine to discover and then recreate. I fashioned entire universes in my mind, and it felt as easy as breathing. Somewhere along the way, I began to filter these many fabrications, and looking back now I feel unimpressed and dismissive of the remarkable imagination I once had. This is perhaps Dr. Seuss’ greatest strength; he never underestimated the intelligence of a child. There may be some symbolic significance we might claim we recognize, or some clever rhymes that we are certain we understand – but his stories are not meant for adults. Dr. Seuss has captured a child’s brighteyed logic, a vaguely familiar territory where maturity fails us. There is something inherently unforgettable about his writing – even now I can remember certain stories verbatim. It is almost as though Dr. Seuss has tapped into the biological development of a young mind, writing stories that fulfill a child’s hunger for language, rhythm, and rhetoric wordplay. His words imprint themselves in our brains, not quite like the jingle of an annoying commercial, but in the same addictive and perplexing way (your very need to purge them causes you to replay them, thus committing them even further into memory). For these reasons, Seuss is culturally ubiquitous as he brings together all the elements that make his stories indelible in our consciousness. Furthermore, his works go far beyond all literary boundaries. He invents words and names and follows no rules of sentence structure or punctuation. And he is purposeful in his creativity. His writing is thick with sophisticated implications. The message is clear: nonsensical things can have beauty, meaning, and relevance - his stories for example, or a
child’s absurd thoughts and strange questions. Dr. Seuss’ work is a celebration of the writer’s craft; he is proof of the endless possibilities that the English language has to offer. There is also a faintly Orwellian quality to many of his stories, where he uses innocent symbolism and fable-like tales to depict warnings or morals about the real world. For example, for me, the story of the Lorax is one that continues to inspire curiosity and emotion. The rhetoric of the story’s surface is explicit and self-contained. Dr. Seuss advocates against the greed of capitalism and expresses the consequences of commercialism and disrespect towards the environment, among other things. However, there is something especially unique about the character of the Lorax. Even now when I read it, the figure of the small, strangely ineffectual but paternal creature evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, pathos, and guilt. I respond to the story as strongly as I did when I was child, the parable has not yet failed to evoke a passionate kind of reaction. It is also impossible to shrug the feeling that there is far more to Seuss’ story than meets the casually analytical eye. All these components combine to create a tale that survives repeated reflection, as we get older and wiser. Dr. Seuss has created a style of writing and illustration that is completely his own. When you bring pen to paper and try to write just like him, the world is your palette – it shifts to your every whim. There is more to our world than meets the eye, yes you see. In fact, close your eyes, that’s when you’ll really be free. There’s no yookeroo too small, no foo-foo too tall! The grass is blue and the sky is green, the sun is a yellow popcorn machine. Breakfast of green eggs and ham with Sam I am, some ball with the Sneetches – but only those that have stars. And then a feast with the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, his fish in a jar! I said what I meant, and I meant what I said – all around you is paper, your mind is a pen, do as you please – one hundred percent! Imaginations is fascination - creation – contemplation – your very own ation! You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose!
This Week in Opinions Head-to-Head
Plastic Perfection
Smoke and Fire
With the optometrist office debuting in MUSC, students need to ask themselves how they want to voice their opinion.
Stop squeezing away imperfections or worrying about that protruding nose. The answer is simple. Plastic surgery.
We’ve turned into chimney stacks, despite all the warnings not to. Is it society’s fault or should the fire burn the wielder?
Pg. A8
Pg. A9
Pg. A10
A8 • Opinions
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
MEGHAN BOOTH
VIOLETTA NIKOLSKAYA
Vice President Mac Debate Club
Is the optometrist’s office moving into MUSC good for students?
President Mac Debate Club
HEADTOHEAD
V: The McMaster University Student Centre: spacious, crowded, hectic, political, resourceful and ours. It is our Centre - let us not forget this important point. The Student Centre is home to La Piazza, Union Market, the MSU office and other great services. There is a dentist office there, too, and a pharmacy, and there once was a place called Travel Cuts. Travel Cuts is no longer there, and in its place there will be an optometrist service. Granted, these medical services are meant to benefit students, but this came at the cost of having the opportunity for other businesses and services. I believe we, as the student body, can voice our opinions about this by boycotting this private company that has bought its way into our Student Centre. I think that having a service that employs students, caters more to our frequent needs and interests and strengthens the student experience is a service I want to see in my Student Centre. For that reason, I will be boycotting the optometrist’s service. M: As a political science student, I tend to get a little giddy when there is a new social movement or uprising afoot. Let me just say that the new optometrist outlet in the
Student Centre is not one of those things that lights up my activist switchboard. The argument is that the Student Centre should be a place for student services and a space that will better the student experience, and that the presence of a privately owned optometrist is not the optiI believe that we, as the student body, can voice our opinions about this by boycotting this private company that has bought its way into the Student Centre.
mal use of said space. Poppycock, I say. There is a large portion of the student body that wears glasses and/ or has vision impairment. These people would likely directly benefit from having not only a place on campus that can assist them with this need, but a place that will process the insurance portion of the transaction right there in front of them. No mailing, no waiting for checks. Convenience, my friends - it is one of the most important pillars of student life.
V: Most students who wear glasses or use an optometrist have their own that they used before coming to McMaster - this is often the reason so many students opt-out of their MSU Health and/or Dental insurance. Furthermore, there are many optometrist offices in the surrounding area. We have our bus fare covered by our student card, so you might as well use it. I think that having fresh produce, a wider selection of fruits and snacks and a general extension of the fantastic Farm Stand is more beneficial than having a service that I might use once every year. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that students are often looking for local, part-time work opportunities. Union Market and Compass are great examples of opportunities for students who want or need to make some income during the year. Instead, another private company has found its way into a space meant to benefit us all.
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Do you get your eyes checked? Have you run out of multi-vitamins? I thought so. The presence of these on campus wellbeing outlets is about as in-your-face as it gets.
always possible to have student service operations when we have limited space and funds.
V: I think the most grassroots approach that a student can take to ensure that their voice is heard is M: As for the financial aspect of by either supporting this cause by the situation, I will concede that buying into it, literally, or to resist the it is unfortunate that the dentist convenience that you argued for by and the optometrist are indeed boycotting the entire thing. I think privately owned companies rather that it is important that students than student-owned services. One not only vocalize their opinions, but suggested alternative to the optom- rather that they stand by them phys-
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etrist moving in to that space was a student-operated grocer. That idea didn’t fly because the logistics wouldn’t work out. On that note, I point to the fact that although it remains vital to employ students on campus and have opportunities for them to better themselves, it is not
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ically. Actions speak much louder than words. If everyone, or even a majority of the student body, refused to go to the optometrist - even with their presence being underlined with a lease - it would send a powerful message that their service is not needed here. I think that McMaster has worked hard to ensure that its Student Centre did not mirror York’s pseudo-mall-looking Student Centre. I will support that message by focusing on the services that truly benefit the entirety of the student population. M: In favor of the optometrist/ pharmacy combo, I point to the bigger issue that is your health. As students, young adults and people who have left the family nest for the first time, Mac students may not be as diligent in taking care of themselves as they should be. Do you get your eyes checked? Have you run out of multi-vitamins? I thought so. The presence of these on-campus well-being outlets is about as inyour-face as it gets so that you can remember to take care of yourself. So don’t boycott the optometrist. Instead, go get those beautiful peepers checked out. You will be glad you did.
Opinions • A9
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette
Feedback Plastic makes perfect MODERN-DAY BEAUTY
Who is your favourite author and why?
“Nicholas Sparks because I like the way he writes. It is intense and romantic.” Isrisham Varra, Commerce I
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
Despite the stigmas that come with it, plastic surgery could mean a better-looking, and ultimately happier, you.
Nour Afara The Silhouette
“Jodi Picoult - she writes really good dramas. Let’s put it that way.” Rebecca Armstrong, Life Sciences I
“Marcel Proust is my favourite because the first book I read, Swan’s Way, really inspired me and I wish I could write like that.” Alishah Saferali, Biology I
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to leave all of your personal insecurities behind. Cast away those morning shudders when gazing at yourself in the mirror because the answer to all your problems is here. Forget practicing your confident face (or your duck face), plastic perfection is what has been making the news for years now. I’m not here to rant about old news - I’d like to think of myself as a little more fresh, and hip, if I might add. Instead, I’m looking at something more specific within this topic — plastic surgery and young adults. Is it ethical? Is there an age that can be deemed too young to make such a decision? Are young people ready to make physical alterations to themselves? The questions could go on but I must make it clear that my article is not directed towards those who undergo plastic surgery for medical reasons, but those who do it for aesthetic purposes. I think that plastic surgery is a great development and that young people should definitely take advantage of it. Although everything that is done in excess is, well, excessive, plastic surgery is no exception. I believe that the only valid reason for having plastic surgery at a young age is for the purpose of being happy or happier. That’s where it all ends. It can be said that you must
learn to love yourself as you are — if you can’t accept yourself, then who will? However, I will strongly argue against all of those idealists who assume that loving yourself is the easiest option. I thought it would be interesting to get the input of some students on campus about this topic. Jessica Grendzienski, a second-year English and history student also thinks that everyone “should be happy with their bodies and not try to change certain parts about [themselves] since that’s what makes [them] unique from others.” Although this may be the ideal mindset, being unhappy with your body is a huge obstacle to overcome. This isn’t obesity where the weight can potentially be lost or ugly glasses that can be replaced with contact lenses — this is your physical structure, your skin and bones. The only way to change that is to go under the knife. So all that’s left now is to determine if you’re ready to undergo surgery for the sake of your happiness. How frustrated are you with your imperfection? How sure are you that this surgery will make you happy with yourself? These are questions you must answer for yourself but my goal here is to educate others that there is no shame in going to great lengths to make yourself happy. I feel that the topic of plastic surgery is overly glamorized in the sense that there is this assumption
that “no one I know has had plastic surgery.” This assumption is false. I think that those who have undergone procedures tend to hide it from others, fearing judgmental opinions and prejudice. The most vital thing to remember is to make your decisions based off of your own emotions and your own thoughts. Natasha DalliCardillo, a second-year English major agrees with this mindset and said she has “never had any surgery done but that does not mean [she] would stand in the way of someone else’s happiness. [She thinks] everyone is beautiful just as they are. “However, if it will truly make them happy, then they should go for it, by all means.” And that’s exactly what I did. Although I will not go into extensive detail, I will confess that I have undergone plastic surgery. My reason? Because for the majority of my mature life I absolutely hated a certain feature of mine. Finally, I decided to “fix” my problem and I can confidently say that I am much happier with myself now than ever before. Plastic surgery among young people should not be embarrassing or something to hide from. It is an opportunity to feel fantastic when you otherwise do not. As long as you have come to this decision on your own and are ready to start glowing with happiness, go for it.
SELF-HELP
Quitting isn’t the end; it is only the beginning
“J.R.R. Tolkien is because I think Lord of the Rings is relevant for all people and all problems we face today.” Diana Gutierrez, Philosophy III
JAVIER CAICEDO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
David Laing The Silhouette
“Richard Dawkins. I love the way he challenges the general thought among communities and he is pretty damn eloquent.” Elliot Hepworth, Health Sciences III
There will come a time when you must quit. You will have to give up and let go of something that you love. You will worry that being a quitter means that you are less than the person you thought you were. It will feel like you’re giving up a part of yourself, and that you’re letting people down. Your whole life, you’ve been told that quitting is a sign of weakness. More than that, you can feel it in your bones, because it’s an admission of failure. In many cases, quitting is just as bad as your conscience tells you, and I’m not here to say that your conscience is wrong. I’m here to say that sometimes quitting is necessary, and that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t need to worry that you’re not doing enough or not being enough. You can’t win battles from the bottom of a dog pile even if you have a black
belt in karate. No matter how skilled you are, how fast, or how strong, you will eventually reach a point where you are immobilized. Foes will attack you from all angles and they will pin you to the ground. You will eventually be beaten, and this is good. It means that you were brave enough to take on something bigger than yourself. You saw opportunities in challenges, and you didn’t run away from them. And unless I’m horribly mistaken, you probably didn’t do it all for yourself. In fact, you probably got a lot less thanks than you deserved. You tried to meet the expectations or the needs of others, and this is admirable. But even more admirable is that you knew when the battle was over. Just as you had the courage to say, “I can” when life seemed easy, you had the humility to say, “I can’t” when life proved you wrong. I wish I could be more like that, but too often I seem to have it backwards. You should not worry about
the people that you will abandon. If there is pain in your eyes as you say goodbye, they will see it. They will see that you are following your heart and protecting your livelihood, and they will respect you for it. And if they can’t, then you need to remember that your life is separate from theirs. If you are stretched too thin, you’re nothing more than a parachute slowing everyone down. You cannot be completely selfless. If you don’t have yourself, then nobody does. So be yourself in the place where your heart tells you that you belong. This is the place where you can shape your future most effectively. Some doors lock automatically, and this makes it scary to close one and throw away the key. But your pockets can only hold so many keys, so don’t be afraid to shut a few doors. It’s like a computer – let your finger drift to the top left corner of your keyboard, press ‘escape’, and be free.
A10 • Opinions
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
HEALTH CONCERNS
CHIT CHAT
Smokers will go Hello, how are you? Common conversation has become down in a blaze a placeholder for basic boredom
Nowadays, conversation is little more than black and white filler.
Ronald Leung The Silhouette SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
Don’t let the cool, whispy smoke ring fool you. It’s actually the ring of death.
Brook Clairmount The Silhouette
Maybe I’m just being naïve, but I thought that when I moved from the widely varied population of high school to the relatively homogenous grouping of intelligent students at university, the students as a whole would make smarter choices. It baffles me that so many smart people, people who clearly have the ability to understand the consequences of their actions, still smoke. There’s no high from smoking (or at least so I’ve heard; it’s not like smoking pot or other drugs), and there’s nothing attractive about coughing smoke at everyone within a ten foot radius. So, what’s the appeal? Don’t give me the addiction crap–our generation has grown up hearing about the effects of smoking. Everyone smoking at McMaster made the choice to light up a cigarette and knowingly infuse their lungs with tar and can-
cerous chemicals. That wouldn’t even bother me, except it’s my lungs you’re infusing with tar and cancerous chemicals, too. Personally, I couldn’t care less if someone wants to go and smoke in some far off corner where non-smokers aren’t affected. We’re all adults, so the decisions we make are our own business. What irks me is having to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to class. I don’t have the ability to make a decision to not inhale. I was used to the smokers in high school– you know, the ones who always had something lit between their fingers. Quite a few of them are still in high school. But university students (especially ones with enough intelligence to get into a university as prestigious as Mac) consciously choosing to do the same is something that will take me some time to wrap my mind around. And in the mean time, please try to keep your second hand smoke away from me.
Three simple words. It’s now become the new greeting everyone sticks in their back pocket. Really, when did this question become so bedraggled in plainness and covered in necessity? When you pass an acquaintance (which by the way is someone who you know not necessarily by choice, the three old regulars are almost guaranteed to make an appearance.). There’s almost a sort of invisible signal that’s exchanged between the two talking parties – what the listener is expecting is not a long sob story or a tale about how you missed your 8:30am lab – the usual “Good!” or “Great!” is what’s the norm. Generally, the question is rebounded back to the speaker: “Thanks! I’m good, how about you?” Hence we see this exchange happen like two reluctant parties passing a dirty secondhand hacky sack. There really is no relevance or meaning behind this short conversation, except as a greeting. When did words become such fillers like shuffling background actors that get their
thirty seconds of fame? Don’t be mistaken, “How are you?” is not the only casualty. On the online playing field, our repertoire of essentially useless words expands by tenfold. “Lol”, “lmao” or “:)” paints the space between text messages, Facebook posts, or MSN (who uses this anyways? Just kidding, if I actually had friends I would use it too) conversations which really allows us to escape awkward silences as we search for something of value to say. It’s much easier online of course – no need to look away awkwardly or smile painfully – just pull out one of those space fillers and rack your brain away looking for an actual sentence or phrase that holds meaning. Even better, just pretend you quietly had to leave your keyboard and close that Facebook Chat Box/MSN window/Texting application! I kid, of course you really had to go. Regardless, I predict our silences will only stretch more awkward and our roster of useless gap closers will only multiply as technology makes it easier for all of us to communicate – right? Hey, how do I know, I’m only a freshman who clearly has enough friends to know what he’s talking about.
Opinions • A11
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette
Flowers are entirely stereotypical When we cultivate stereotypes, ethnocentrism is undeniable Arnav Agarwal The Silhouette
5:30 p.m., Friday, June 29. Public transit, back-seat. Rosa Parks would disagree, but sitting at the back of the bus carries its own sense of adventure. A young student belonging to an ethnic minority group walks onto the bus, dropping his coins into the machine at the front and picking up a transfer from the bus driver. He walks to the back of the bus, a small grin on his face and skateboard in hand. As he finds a seat at the back, he peers out the window, and receives a smile from the other side as his friend looks up towards him. Pulling open the window with a slight tug (much to the dissatisfaction of some of the riders around him on a hot summer day), he stretches his arm and quickly throws something out the window. As a warm breeze streams across, the little ball floats somewhat hesitantly in the sultry humidity and air, falling just under the bus. Outside, the boy’s friend, also an ethnic minority, scrambles and swerves, bending underneath the bus to retrieve the paper-ball. As it falls in his grasp, he picks himself up, dusting his pants before casually walking to the front of the bus, opening the ball as he does so, and showing a transfer ticket to the bus-driver before making his way to his friend. The same smile as shown previously flashes momentarily. One transfer allowed three youth to board the bus, as the act was repeated several times within a span of three minutes. I was as intrigued at the cleverness behind the intricately designed plan as I was shocked: shocked at how far people can go to save $2.55. As I shared this experience with one of my friends, he shook his head in disapproval. “Why are you even surprised?” he asked. “That’s their way. What do you expect?” While I couldn’t disagree more, he raised an important question: what do we expect? In a multicultural hub marked by its dynamic diversity, we have engineered a society that has a mindset of its own. Some may see this as a good thing: conforming to a unified social perspective. They couldn’t be further from the truth. When we look at “at-risk” areas in educational institutions, certain ethnicities are labeled as the largest contributors to these demographics. Insight into crime rates on a global scale indicates a similar trend. A prime example of this is visible in an article in the UK’s Daily Mail, which states that authorities hold the Black population responsible for both the majority of crimes committed and for being twice as likely to be victims of crime, despite only 12 per cent of London’s 7.5 million people being Black in ethnicity.
The article, published in 2010 and titled “Black men ‘to blame for most violent crime’...but they’re also the victims,” mentioned 67 per cent of those caught for gun crimes in 2009-2010 in London were Black, and the police held Black men responsible for two-thirds of shootings and more than half the robberies and street crimes in London, according to figures from Scotland Yard. A critical eye was placed on Black women as well, with 52 per cent of robberies, 45 per cent of knife crimes, and 58 per cent of gun crimes that police had an involvement with being placed on these women. Is there something different about these entire ethnicities? Or are we looking for an answer that isn’t even out there? We often attribute qualities to certain groups, whether ethnic in nature or otherwise. Stereotypes give rise to this behaviour. It may seem paradoxical - after all, doesn’t consistent human behaviour produce stereotypes? What is truly paradoxical, however, is how oblivious we are to the environment we create through stereotyping, which gives rise to these behavioural trends. A well-known case in psychology involves parents deceiving their child into believing they were female for over fourteen years of their life, until the child finally identified as being male in gender at the age of fourteen. How is society any different? By making a baseless perspective so commonplace in the social framework, we have almost laid out an expectation of danger. If an ethnic group is raised in an environment where it is marginalized by the views of the very society that nurtures it, what more are we to expect? It’s ironic that psychology is rooted in an ongoing debate regarding nature versus nurture, and while it is clear that human behaviour isn’t shaped solely by the nature of an individual, we nurture our people in a hostile environment of negative expectations. Does this excuse the high rates of violence, the low rates of academic performance, or the offenders’ crimes on the public transit? Of course not. But it’s hard to expect a seed to flourish into a flower when the soil itself is arid and lacking.
Actions do not describe a culture; they describe the stereotype.
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HAMILTON SPECULATOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
THE
KEEPING OUR COMMUNIT Y SCARED SINCE 1934
Heteroiranians outraged at oversight TIBERIUS SLICK Senior Speculator
Iranian refugees of heterosexual descent are in an uproar today as they discover they were not targeted in Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s e-mail scandal earlier this week. The e-mail, sent out to a large population of LGBT Iranian refugees by the minister’s office, sparked controversy as those
who received the e-mails were not aware the government ‘kept tabs’ on the sexual proclivities of Canadian citizens. Javad Hesam, spokesperson for the Iranian straight community, began a retaliatory petition to “get noticed by the Canadian government.” “We have felt invisible for far too long in this homosexually-dominant society. I am just appalled that the Crown doesn’t feel
Iranians all across Canada are enraged over being excluded from the conservatives’ homo-selective spamming chain.
that we’re worthy of being targeted by privacy breaches. My privacy is equally valuable,” said Hesam. Kenney’s office has yet to respond on the issue, as many are accusing his office of disregarding personal boundaries to spread a wide, gay net over “conservative potentials,” of which Hesam and many other straight Iranian men and women do not feel included.
PETER PETER “PUMPKIN” EATER THE HAMILTON SPECULATOR
“It’s not like I was going to vote conservative to begin with, but it would be nice to at least be considered when it comes to underhanded, ethically unsound tactics,” said Mehdi Jafar, co-president of HARDON (Heterosexual Arab Refugees Doling Out Nuisances) and closet politicophobe. The list of LGBT refugees is thought to originate with an online petition started earlier this year to rescue a homosexual refugee in danger of being imminently deported. “Straight Iranian refugees get deported everyday! My cousin Kambiz got sent back home in January for setting fire to a synagogue. His only real crime was loving women! Where was his petition?” Jafar continued to explain that exclusionary government practices hurt us all, especially those of us who enjoy the company of the opposite sex, sexually. Analysts assure Canadians that they have absolutely no legal recourse when it comes to matters of privacy in the hands of grimy politicians, as they are legally signing away their information when they add their names, addresses and favourite movies to online petitions. In response, the straight Iranian and asexual French communities have begun a new online petition to ban the signing of petitions worldwide, as they “have a new and scary way of breaching our personal information securities, which are integral to the sneaky practice of courting our votes and don’t really accomplish anything ever, anyways.” The community hopes that this campaign paves the way for future generations to safely engage in morally reprieving inaction for years to come.
Gouvernement Canadien annonce“Soyez Bleu” Canadiens de partout soudainement plus triste que jamais
ANNE NON ÉMOUS L’ Évaluateur Montréal
La Couronne a dévoilé une nouvelle campagne environnementale frappant la nuit dernière à une foule d’aficionados avides de terres. Le plan, provisoirement nommé “Soyez Bleu” initiative encourage les résidents canadiens mettent fin à tout et tous les moments de bonheur inutiles et commencer à être triste dans un sens général et existentielle. Jean-luc de Moutarde, une personnage clé derrière le mouvement, a expliqué l’intention derrière le plan déprimant nouvelle. “Quand les gens sont heureux, ils sont plus excités et l’utilisation globale de plus d’oxygène dans leur état joyeux. Nous avons l’impression que les gens tristes respirent moins, dépensent moins d’énergie et comme un bonus supplémentaire, sont dehors moins souvent que les épandeurs litière potentiels,” de Moutarde a déclaré. “Nous rédruirions le dioxyde de carbone global dans l’atmosphère de près de 0,2 pour cent!” Les adversaires de ce mouvement ont exprimé leurs inquiétudes. “Certains
INSIDE TODAY PER ISSUE: $ALL YOU’VE GOT INCL. HST, PST AND EST
Une étude publiée en 2008 révèle d’entre nous sont des gens vraiment heureux, et ne peut pas se permettre d’être que les plus heureux des Canadiens, en triste sur une base quotidienne. J’ai une moyenne, «dépense moins d’argent et femme, quatre enfants et une bonne par- sont moins susceptibles de voter aux tie de l’épargne que j’utilise souvent pour élections provinciales et fédérales.” Les faire des choses que j’aime. Honnête- Canadiens qui souffrent d’une grave dément, je ne pouvais pas trouver une rai- pression étaient plus enclins à acheter son d’être triste légitimement », a déclaré de la nourriture de confort, cultivé loHenri Champignon, heureux père et calement, et votent plus souvent pour amant de travail. être moralement permis à déposer une Lorsque cette préoccupation a été plainte auprès de leur député local. soulevée avec Moutarde, il avait un On ne sait combien de temps ce proplan d’urgence en place pour faire face jet se dérouleras pour, et nous ne savons aux heureux citoydéfinitivement quand ens canadiens. «Les ça débute, mais il ya “Quand les gens sont heugens qui sont heureux des analystes qui estireux, ils sont plus excités et aujourd’hui ne seraient ment que le gouverl’utilisation globale de plus pas nécessairement nement a déjà lancé la d’oxygène dans leur état heureux pour toujours. campagne, en raison joyeux.” Il ya des équipes en de la forte proportion place activement pour de Canadiens dépriJean-luc de Moutarde cueillir d’informations més. Personnage Derriére sur tout le pays, pour “Je ne comprend trouver les moyens pas le but de ce projet. de rendre les gens épargnés par les dif- J’ai été cliniquement déprimé pendant ficultés des jours shittier,” dit Moutard. les dix-sept dernières années et je me “Par exemple, il ya un gars en Nouvelle- sens comme si j’ai déjas fait mon devoir Écosse qui a gagné la loterie le mois envers mon pays. Pourquoi est-ce que dernier, mais nous avons imposé ses ma passion personnelle est en train d’être gains si lourdement qu’il a été forcé de transformé en entreprise mécanique?” Déclare Philippe Froun, connu sadique déclarer faillite.” Idéalement, les canadiens prend- et boucher de la ville. Les représentants n’ont pas encore raient l’initiative pour leur propre tristesse, sans que le gouvernement les dé- annoncés si les Canadiens actuellement courages. Mais la Couronne vous assure tristes deviendrons plus tristes, mais des que ce projet passe, malgré la bonheur rapports récents confirment qu’il y a déjà des cas de gains en dépression. ou le joie. STUFF AROUND TOWN A3
HARD CROSSWORD B3
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HIGH: TORNADO
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PARTISAN BULLSHIT A7-A11
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SAL “MEATBALL” MARINARA THE HAMILTON SPECULATOR
Le Premier ministre, qu’on voit ici est triste, est l’adoption de la nouvelle politique.
ALL ABOUT JARS
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T.J.’S DOWN UNDERWEAR
What did you learn this week, Timmy?
“En ce qui concerne les langues mortes aller, j’irais nécrophile pour le français.”
Speculator’s Shit Hastings gets you the scoop on the effectiveness of gay jars.
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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.
PORTS
Thursday, September 27, 2012 Sports Editors: Brandon Meawasige and Scott Hastie Meeting: Thursdays @ 1:30 p.m. Contact: sports@thesil.ca
FOOTBALL
BRING ON WESTERN Brandon Meawasige
# 83 Robert Babic McMaster Marauders, Slotback
C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK
Senior Sports Editor Prior to the successes of the 2011 football season, there was not much hardware in the history of McMaster’s football program. Save for an Atlantic title in the sixties, the only Marauder championships came in the early 2000s when the team won the Yate’s Cup four years in a row between 2000-2003. The players and coaches involved will certainly never be forgotten. Running back Jesse Lumsden set school and conference rushing records, at times carrying his team through their championship runs, and quarterback Ben Chapdelaine also solidified his place in CIS history with his work from under centre. At the time, the head coach was a man by the name of Greg Marshall who, until last season, was the only coach to bring a Yates Cup back to the Steel City. Lots has changed since then. McMaster now plays at the multi-million dollar Ron Joyce Stadium wearing uniforms sponsored by the world’s biggest sporting goods name, Nike, and instead of returning as provincial champions, the Marauders now have a national title to defend. Lumsden, whose CFL career was cut short due to constant injury problems, has now moved on to the Canadian National Bobsledding team. Chapdelaine, who won the Hec Creighton in 2001 and graduated McMaster as the top passer in CIS history, is now simply a benchmark for greatness at 1280 Main St West. One thing, however, remains from back then: the Western Mustangs are still McMaster’s biggest rival in the OUA. The storied team from London, Ontario has a record 29 Yates Cups and six Vanier Cups within its decorated history. It seems to be the case that no matter what the scenario is in the standings, rankings or schedule, the Western game is the most important game on the football schedule. In recent years, the rivalry has been a seesaw in the regular season. However, once the playoffs roll around, these two always find a way to meet. In 2010, the Marauders lost to the Mustangs in London in the provincial semi-final. A year later, in the final, Mac came out on top. This season, once again, atop the OUA standings sit Western and Mac. At 3-1, the Mustangs have had a strong start and shown their perennial ability to bounce back from the loss of key playmakers. Tyler Varga, the star runner from
Kyle Quinlan played a major role in dismantling the Western Mustangs in the 2011 Yates Cup.
C/O RICHARD ZAZULAK
C/O MICHAEL P. HALL
# 15 Garret Sanvido
Western Mustangs, Running Back a year ago has departed for a career in the NCAA, but the Western team looks as if not a beat has been skipped. Much of the credit can be given to the Mustang’s coaching staff, especially their head coach - a man by the name of Greg Marshall. Since he left McMaster, Marshall has continued the winning tradition at Western, posting a record of 31-9 during is tenure on the sideline. This weekend, Marshall and his team will welcome the undefeated Marauders (4-0) to TD Waterhouse Stadium for their yearly regular season meeting. Marauders current head coach Stefan Ptaszek has had to deal with some key personnel losses as well. Michael Dicroce, who scored a 100 Yard touchdown at TD Waterhouse during last year’s Yate’s Cup will be missing from the line up on Saturday. So too will running back Christopher Pezzetta. For Ptaszek, the open space on the depth chart has been occupied. Not by flashy, highly touted recruits, but rather by Marauders that were with the team last year in lesser roles. Receiver Robert Babic enjoyed another spectacular game against Queen’s and will continue to be Kyle Quinlan’s favorite target. Kaesean Davis will carry the rushing load against Western, who was unable to contain Ryan Granberg when the Mustangs visited Queen’s. This one will be both a defensive battle and a showcase of the two most prolific attacks in the province. Ptaszek and Marshall, both with their place firmly entrenched in OUA history, will have a battle of the wits. A chess game, their players as pieces, to add yet another chapter to this storied rivalry.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
MEN’S SOCCER
Mac extends win streak Women’s squad splits Scott Hastie
Assistant Sports Editor
McMaster’s men’s soccer team continues their dominance of the OUA, picking up two more wins over the weekend. On Friday, the squad headed to St. Catharines, Ontario to take on the winless Brock Badgers. Fourth year striker Mark Reilly led the Mac effort, scoring his third goal of the 2012 season in the 16th minute to give the Marauders a 1-0 lead. The Marauders controlled the entire game against the lowly Badgers, beating the team in every offensive category, including five shots on target in the first half. Reilly would score again in the 72th minute, putting the Marauders up 2-0 and his strike would eventually be
the game winner. Although it was a positive result in the end for the squad, McMaster did not put up as strong as a performance as they should have. “For whatever reason, we did not play up to our level and I think the team learned from that and answered on Sunday,” said Coach Dino Perri. The Marauders allowed the second goal of Brock’s season in the 83rd minute. The disappointment in play showed on the field against Laurier, as McMaster took on the 3rd place Laurier Golden Hawks for the second game of their back-to-back. This road game was a statement for Mac; the shutout victory against an opponent chasing them combined with a dominant second half performance puts Mac only
two points behind the 1st place York Lions. Team captain Paterson Farrell opened the scoring in the second half, knocking one in at the 60th minute to break the tie. The goal was vindication for the men’s team, who were all over the Golden Hawks in the first half. For the second game in a row, Reilly would score twice for Mac and earn his fifth and sixth goals of the season, good for 3rd place in the race for the OUA scoring title. The past weekend means the OUA soccer season is half over and McMaster currently sits in first in their conference. With an upcoming three-game home stand, the Maroon and Grey have an opportunity to make a serious push for top seed in the OUA. Mac takes on Brock on Friday and kick-off is 3:15 p.m. at Ron Joyce Stadium.
weekend games
Mac now second in OUA East Scott Hastie
Assistant Sports Editor
McMaster Women locked in three-way tie for 2nd place McMaster’s women’s soccer team is locked in a race for 2nd place in the OUA East conference, following a weekend that saw the team go 1-1. On Friday, the Marauders took on the Brock Badgers team who has only scored one goal all season. Mac made quick work of the Badgers with forward Tara Dawdy leading the team to a 3-0 victory. Dawdy scored a hat-trick against the 8th place Brock
team to bring her season scoring total to five goals through eight games. The fourth year health sciences student currently sits fourth place in the OUA in scoring, with just under half the season remaining. Goalkeeper Jocelyn Wilkins made her season debut after battling with an injury and her performance extended the Marauders streak of shut out games to four. But the streak would end on Sunday, as the ladies would visit Waterloo to face the Laurier Golden Hawks, a squad ranked fourth in the CIS. The contest was a close
one, with Mac narrowly losing 1-0. Laurier’s gamewinning goal came in the 75th minute, as the Golden Hawks won a critical game to solidify their first-place spot in the conference. Mac has two important games over the weekend: home games against Brock and Laurier. The Marauders have an opportunity to break the three-way tie for second place between Western and York. Catch the women’s soccer action at Ron Joyce Stadium as Mac plays Brock on Saturday and Laurier on Sunday with both games kicking off at 1 p.m.
Sports • B3
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette NFL FOOTBALL
Grey area for the black and white There is no place for blown calls in the NFL, a league built around its rules Brandon Meawasige Senior Sports Editor
I do not otherwise have a Every Sunday bevested interest in the game, tween Septembut even for me, it was difber and Februficult to stomach. ary, I will sit in For all intents and my living room purposes, Green Bay was (or anywhere robbed of a victory. It is with a telereminiscent of an infamvision) to take ous ‘safe’ call by Major in every NaLeague Baseball umpire Jim tional Football Joyce to rob Detroit Tigers League game pitcher Armando Galarthat I can. raga of a perfect game on This past June 2, 2010. Upon review Sunday was like of video replay, the base any other, except runner was out by a counfor one small try mile. difference. The While the call in Sewhole day I spent attle was far from that detrying to get past finitive, it was still a blait, but something tantly bad call, and a call just wasn’t right. that never had the chance to Quite frankly, it hasn’t been be reviewed. Immediately after right all season. the touchdown signal, the stadium The NFL’s use of replaceerupted with jubilation, and even ment officials for their usuSeahawks coach Pete Carroll joined ally robotically efficient zebras, the on-field celebration that ensued. currently in a labour dispute, At one point, amongst the has drastically affected the media frenzy and fan fare, the teams play on the field, and, as most had to come out and finish the game of North America found out with a convert. It’s an NFL rule. on Tuesday morning, it has also Only needing to line up and allow directly affected the outcome of the Seahawks to kick the extra point, the games. Packers temporarily refused to participate. Monday night, the score was Eventually, though, a sluggish troop of 12-7 in favour of the Green Bay special teamers emerged from the tunnel to Packers. Time was winding down in the field. the fourth quarter and the all the Seattle While I am sure all of this was amusing for Seahawks had left to do was toss up the fans in Seattle, as it certainly was for Pete Carroll, ol’ Hail Mary. Quarterback Russell Wilson, for fans of the Packers and football fans everynewsworthy for his preseason battle for the job, where, Monday was a dark night. made a decent throw. Supporters of the game were not the only Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate, covered ones unhappy with the officiating situation. by at least three green and yellow defenders, New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees pubwent up to catch the ball. licly criticized the replacement referees. To my naked eye, there was a flash in the The NFL is a nine-billion-dollar-a-year inpan as Jennings came down with the ball for the JAVIER CAICEDO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR dustry, and to me it seems ridiculous that this Packers. Game over. is allowed to go on. Enter the replacement officials. Two of these refs arEven the otherwise objective journalists covering the rived at the scene of the play. One man, seemingly congame for ESPN referred to the officials as “unqualified” and fused by every aspect of the situation, awkwardly waved “completely out of their element.” his hands, somewhere between attempting to land a Normally, I am one of the first people to criticize the Boeing 747 airplane and waving off a touchdown. officiating in a football game. But I find myself longing for The other, who had never officiated a game above the stern dedication to enforcing the rules that, despite many NCAA Division III, definitively raised his arms to signal episodes of screaming at the television, if nothing else, make that Tate had secured the ball and scored a touchdown. NFL football a fair game. Now I am always one to root for the underdog when
BASEBALL
Marauders split weekend series John Bauer The Silhouette
The Marauders ended the weekend with a 1-1 record against the University of Guelph Gryphons on the diamond on Sept. 23 after battling the weather the day before. Mac was at top of their game against the Gryphons, starting the first with three-up-three down defence. The Marauders put up three runs in the bottom of the inning, which were highlighted by Jake Chiaravalle’s second triple in as many games. Guelph came alive in the fourth, with three runs and a triple of their own, before McMaster responded with another score to retake the lead. The Gryphons tied the game again in the fifth, before the men in maroon went ahead 6-4 for good in the sixth by capitalizing on Guelph’s shoddy defensive work and some well-executed small ball of their own. Pitcher Tomas Rincon came into the game in the seventh to close and only allowed one hit for the save. Starter Carlos Cabrero earned the win, striking out four. In the second game, however, Guelph plated two runs in the first inning, putting the Marauders in a spot Jake Chiaravalle picked up another RBI to cut the lead in half
before the first was over. To start off the bottom of the second, Brandon DaSilva watched one pitch go by, and smashed a solo home run to tie the game at two apiece. The Marauders threatened to take the lead with some slick running by Travis Flint, but the inning ended before he could advance past third. The Gryphons then spread three runs over three innings before Paul Saville got one back for McMaster. The final inning passed with no offense for a 5-3 final in favour of Guelph. The Marauders were supposed to take on the Queen’s Golden Gaels in Kingston on the Saturday, but rain resulted in the cancellation of the game. The game will be rescheduled for a later date. But there was a larger storyline from the weekend. The Laurier Golden Hawks baseball team has been suspended four games by the OUA after being caught for rookie hazing and the Marauders will benefit, gaining two wins due to the Golden Hawk suspension. Laurier currently sits one spot ahead of the Marauders in the standings. Next up for McMaster are three games against the 5-4 Waterloo Warriors, a team whose record reflects their up and down season.
Three Downs Scott Hastie
Assistant Sports Editor
Three Downs is musings and thoughts from the Silhouette’s Assistant Sports Editor about the latest happenings in the OUA and CIS. First Down: The Ottawa Gee-Gees administration is in an interesting predicament. With a player mutiny developing against their head coach and a stadium located 40 minutes away from campus, the football program in Ottawa is in serious danger. With a 0-5 record in the 2012 season, the athletic department needs to act now before they hurt their program in the long run. An athletic department that doesn’t listen to their players is not going to be in recruit heaven. Second Down: Between the Laurier baseball hazing scandal of 2012 and the Guelph rugby off-field conduct suspension of 2011, it’s clear the OUA is attempting to crack down on any extreme behaviours from their athletes. Athletes have a right to act however they choose when they’re away from the field but the OUA seems intent on making sure that their athletes are not uniting under their banner and creating any problems, for both other players or members of the community. Third Down: Through five weeks of CIS competition, it’s evident that there is a large gap in talent within the topten ranked teams in the nation. McMaster controlled No.5 Queen’s until halfway through the fourth quarter, showing that the Kingston squad is still far behind the Maroon and Grey. No.2 Calgary ran over a strong UBC squad, beating them 62-7, giving the voters reason to question who is the favourite to win the Vanier Cup. This theory will face another huge test this weekend as Mac takes on No.6 Western.
SCOREBOARD MEN’S RUGBY @ QUEEN’S
26
GAELS
25
MARAUDERS
WOMEN’S RUGBY @ QUEEN’S
5
GAELS
32
MARAUDERS
MEN’S SOCCER @ BROCK
2
BADGERS
1
MARAUDERS
MEN’S SOCCER @ LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
0
3
MARAUDERS
WOMEN’S SOCCER @ BROCK
3
BADGERS
0
MARAUDERS
WOMEN’S SOCCER @ LAURIER GOLDEN HAWKS
1
0
MARAUDERS
URNAROUND Amos Connolly - Basketball - Men’s Head Coach @BBCoachAmos: Monday mornings Rise and Grind (Tommcchesney line) great start to the week! Who knew Brett Sanders was a morning guy!!
Cristina Leonardelli - Soccer - Midfield @CristinaLeo12: The worst part about Friday is remembering it’s only Tuesday.
Marshall Ferguson - Football - Quarterback @Marsh2Fergs: Anybody else see the Tom Cruise Castaway lookalike holding a volleyball screaming “Wilsonnnn” in Seattle before kickoff hahaha #Wilson
ONLINE THIS WEEK Scott Hastie travels to London, ON to experience Western University’s Homecoming. He’ll be tweeting his experience complete with photos from the event on @SilSports. Silhouette Sports previews a busy weekend for Marauder athletics. Check out the website to find out about whose playoff race is heating up, players to watch and previews of the opponents of the Maroon and Grey. Disagree with somethings said in Three Downs? Head online to www.thesil.ca/sports to leave a comment and tell us what you think.
B4 • Sports
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
FOOTBALL
Marauders run to their fourth straight win Discipline was an issue as Mac beat Queen’s 33-20 in front of sold out Ron Joyce
JEFF TAM THE SILHOUETTE
Babic and Quinlan have become one of the most feared WR-QB combo in the CIS. JEFF TAM THE SILHOUETTE
Kyle Quinlan handed the ball off to Kaesean Davis 17 times during Saturday’s game.
Brandon Meawasige Senior Sports Editor
Ryan Granberg has made a name for himself in the CIS for being difficult to contain. After leading the conference in rushing last season, the Queen’s running back has started strong through three games and continued to play well on Sept. 22 at Ron Joyce. Facing a stingy Mac defence seemed to affect Granberg’s production. He rushed for 110 yards on 20 carries, which is just short of his season per-game average of 118 yards. Granberg, though, was unable to break a big run that would swing the momentum in Queen’s favor. The first half belonged completely to McMaster thanks in large part to a tremendous performance from a back of their own. Continuing his break on to the scene this year, second-year back Kaesean Davis carried the ball 17 times for 134 yards and two scores. Davis did manage to break a big run of his own, running at one point for a 36-yard gain. The defence was also spectacular, allowing no more than one field goal until well into the second half. In the end, McMaster came out on top
with a score of 33-20, which depicts a much closer game than what actually took place. At one point, the Marauders had the Gaels pinned 33-3. A series of penalties though, including a block in the back that brought back a 100-yard kick return by Mac, hindered any progress that could have been. McMaster was flagged 17 times for 87 yards, a total which erased first down plays on several drives and helped Queen’s get back into the football game. Otherwise, Mac did not turn over the ball. Kyle Quinlan, who has yet to throw an interception this season, completed 25 of 36 for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Gael’s starter Billy McPhee had an excellent game as well, throwing for 320 yards and a touchdown. From the start, McMaster had a firm control of the game, never relinquishing a lead to the visiting team from Kingston, which entered the weekend right on par with the Marauders atop the OUA standings. Now, the 4-0 Maroon and Grey must look ahead to their next game against the powerhouse Western Mustangs (3-1), who were Mac’s opponent in last year’s Yates Cup. Through four games last season, Mac was 3-1: their only loss came against Western.
ST GEORGE’S CHURCH • Reformed Episcopal • Anglican Church In North America where the Liturgy and Theology of the English Reformation are alive and well
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Sunday 30 September Commemorative Service of Morning Prayer in the historic church at Westfield Heritage Village Service at 10:30 a.m. ___________________________________________________
Westfield Heritage Village is located North of Highway 8 on Regional Road 52/552. No service today at St George’s on Emerson Street.
Sports • B5
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette CROSS COUNTRY
Mac cross country starts strong Number two ranked squad in the CIS begins season with a second-place finish Scott Hastie
Assistant Sports Editor
To begin the 2012 Cross Country campaign, the McMaster Marauders headed to the Western Invitational meet in London, Ont. Both the men’s and women’s teams produced strong showings at the first race: the men placed fifth overall and the women finished first to get their first win of the OUA season. The ladies’ win was a team effort led by Lindsay Carson, who captured a silver medal in her 5K race. Carson, former CIS champion in the 3000m, suffered an injury during last year’s cross country season, and the second-place finish early on in the season is a positive sign for a staple member of the women’s squad. Being narrowly ousted out of a medal spot, Victoria Coates finished fourth overall, but her effort did not go unnoticed. “The coaching staff was very impressed with Victoria. She surpassed our expectations of her at the Western run,” said Coach Rory Sneyd after the race.
Courtney Patterson also finished in the top ten, finishing ninth to aid the Marauders in their victory. Patterson suffered an injury over the summer that sidelined her for a month, but the Western result erased any doubt in her abilities for this season. The men’s team fifth-place finish was a positive for the team, as the team was missing key members from the event. The top finisher from the men was Lionel Sanders who finished fifth in his 8K race. This weekend, McMaster will be travelling to Chicago to run at the Loyola Lakefront Invitational. The road trip will be a showcase for young Mac cross country athletes as rookies Connor Darlington and Madeleine McDonald will make their Maroon debuts. Both teams are nationally ranked squads in the CIS, with the women ranked second in the nation and the men ranked seventh overall. The team will be withholding some of their best runners from the Chicago race in order to ensure they field the best squad possible for the OUA Championships at the end of The McMaster women’s squad is looking to capture an OUA Championship in 2012. October.
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
MEN’S RUGBY
Narrow victory for Marauders in Kingston
The Marauders beat the Queen’s Gaels by one point, bringing the Maroon and Grey to 2-2 in the 2012 OUA Season.
Maggie Cogger-Orr The Silhouette
After getting their first win of the season the weekend before, the Marauders were back in action on Sept. 22, travelling to St. Catharines to take on the undefeated Brock Badgers. McMaster entered the game hoping to build on their momentum after dominating the large, physical RMC Paladins team. The momentum transferred right from the first kickoff with a big hit by rookie flanker Max Catterson, putting the Badgers on their back feet from the start. This opening pressure would eventually be converted into a try as the Marauder pack that has come into their own in the past few weeks used their lineout mauling to roll over Brock and to give third-year 8-man Cam Stones his first try of
2012. Scrum half Andrew Ferguson would kick the convert to give McMaster the early 7-0 lead. The Marauders were unable to sustain this level of momentum, and within a few minutes, Brock’s Zack Lamacraft would add a penalty goal. The Badgers would use some effective pick and go work by their forwards to have Ben Harmer touch down for a try, which Lamacraft would then convert. Penalty woes would continue to be a slight issue for the men in Maroon, as twenty minutes through the first half, Lamacraft would be able to capitalize by adding another three points to the Badgers’ lead. Brock would continue to hammer away at the McMaster defence, with their forwards continuing to pick and go and eventually having Reece Hummel pummel his way over the try line to bring the lead to 18-7.
The Marauders would fight their way back into the Brock red zone, and after the Badgers took several penalties, the team’s only fifth-year, Evan Smith, would cut against the grain to score McMaster’s second of the game, which Ferguson would convert to end the half down 18-14. The Marauders would start the second half much like they started the first, coming out of the gates firing and eager to get back on the scoreboard. They would achieve this three minutes into the half with some excellent line running by outside centre Davor Stojanov, who scored for second week in a row off a pass from rookie fly half Graham Dobbs. With Ferguson adding the extra two, the men in maroon would jump to a 21-18 lead. Just when it seemed as though the Badgers might be able to limit
Ferguson’s contribution to the scoreboard to a few conversions, the crafty scrum half split the Brock defence and beat the fullback to score his fifth try of the season. Ferguson now not only leads the league in overall points with 54, but is also the leading try scorer. The Badgers would not go quietly, though, as they conjured up some sustained pressure in the ensuing minutes and would finally score, with Lamacraft converting it to bring the score to a nail-biting 26-25 for the Marauders. The last ten minutes of the game would see the McMaster defence go into lockdown. They were able to stop Brock’s pick-and-go game with some great post defence and with the backs, specifically inside centre Craig Leveridge. The pressure would eventually lead to Brock throwing a forward pass, which would be the final play
CHRISTOPHER CHANG THE SILHOUETTE
of the game, sealing the Marauders’ second win of the year. With their record back to .500 and momentum starting to build behind them, McMaster moves into a tie with Waterloo for fourth place in the OUA with 10 points. Their next game sees them take on the last-place Laurier Golden Hawks this Friday in Waterloo. In spite of their lowly status, the Marauders know not to underestimate Laurier, who, in years past, has always risen to the occasion. With several backs, including Leveridge and Chad Strapp, out with injury, Australian Joey Ross will likely slide into the fly half position with Dobbs making his way into the centres. The Marauders will miss Leveridge’s hardnosed defence, but expect to see some creative things on offence coming from the new fly halfcentre combination.
B6 • Sports
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
MEN’S SOCCER
McMaster’s shared goal Unique bond forged between former keeper and young athlete Scott Hastie
Assistant Sports Editor
In sports, coaches are regarded as one of the most important pieces in assembling a championship-calibre squad. The person put in charge of a group of young men or women can greatly influence the productivity of a team and ultimately affect what the group can achieve. But what is the most important part of a coach’s job? Is it the X’s and O’s, the in-game adjustments, or player management? Yes, strategy is important, and minor tweaks during a match can change the outcome, but it is player management that can have the greatest overall impact on a team’s performance. For evidence of this, look no further than McMaster’s men’s
soccer team and the player-coach relationship between head coach Dino Perri and goalkeeper Angelo Cavalluzzo. Perri is a former goalkeeper himself whose playing career earned him a spot in the Brock University Athletic Hall of Fame and an opportunity with the Canadian Professional Soccer League. Meanwhile, Cavalluzzo is a second-year engineering student with a strong background preceding his time with McMaster, which includes playing at a national level and spending time with the Toronto F.C. Academy club. The opportunity for Cavalluzzo to play under an experienced keeper as coach like Perri played a major role in his decision to join the Marauder’s men’s team in 2010. “I’ve trained with [Coach Perri] before, he trained me when I was a lot younger and I knew what I was
getting when I came here,” Cavalluzzo said when asked about how the Marauder’s coach influenced his university choice. Although Perri says that in years past he has shied away from focusing much on the keepers, he spoke highly of his coaching staff that has allowed him to work more with Cavalluzzo this year. “I’ve started to take a more active role with [Angelo]… A stronger relationship is something that he welcomed and he wanted.” The growing relationship has had a positive impact on Cavalluzzo’s 2012 season, as he’s only allowed eight goals through nine games, good for third in the OUA East. But the statistical performance is not the only area in which the young keeper has grown, as he has began to emerge as a leader for a team trying to defend it’s OUA
Championship. Perri praised the confidence of the keeper and explained what Cavalluzzo brings to the team on game day: “When you have that much strength at the back, it just brings out so much confidence from the players in front of him. It allows them to do so much more because they aren’t hesitant of who is playing behind them”. With McMaster’s style of play, the offensive attack begins with the keeper and there are few better players to fit that role than Cavalluzzo, not only in the OUA but the CIS, in Perri’s opinion. Cavulluzzo also credited Perri’s experience with teaching him how to communicate with his team to draw the best from his teammates. “Getting what Coach wants the team to do starts with me. Having him being a keeper helps a lot with being able to get that message out
YOSEIF HADDAD SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR
Coach Perri played a role in Cavalluzzo’s decision to join McMaster.
and I have to tell the team what to do.” Leadership is an important part of soccer since the intensity level of a game can skyrocket on a whim. But Cavulluzzo is a calming presence for the Mac squad - a role that the keeper has both acknowledged and embraced. “I feel very comfortable in a leader role. I’ve been playing soccer for a long time and it’s fun for me to be in the leadership role.” With such a unique playercoach relationship growing on the Ron Joyce Stadium soccer field, it’s hard to be anything but optimistic for not only the near future of the team, but also the long-term success of the program. In the words of Perri, a keeper can often win or lose you a game and with Cavulluzzo at the helm, McMaster should expect to continue chalking up the victories.
C/O ATHLETICS AND RECREATION
Angelo Cavalluzzo is a cornerstone to the future of the McMaster Marauder’s men’s soccer team.
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OUT
Thursday, September 27, 2012 InsideOut Editors: Sam Godfrey and Amanda Watkins Meeting: Thursdays @ 4:30 p.m. Contact: insideout@thesil.ca
“Taxi!”
An inside look at Hamilton cabs from both the driver and the passenger Amanda Watkins
Assistant InsideOut Editor
We’ve all been there: after a late night at work, a rough night at the bar, or an early morning running late for an exam, there has always been one person who has been able to help out in a situation of dire need. Your mom? Your best friend? No, this person is neither related to you nor do they know your deepest and darkest secrets. You have probably never met them before and you probably do not know their name. But whenever you need a ride to take you home, they’re always waiting. Cab drivers of Hamilton. They’ve bore witness to some of the more questionable moments of your life and for a small fee have gone along with everything without judgement. From semidigested waste flying out of their roll-down windows to back-seat disagreements and two person interactions of the other sort, they’ve seen it all. But who exactly are these drivers that have so openly and willingly allowed us to be passengers in their vehicles? Who are these drivers that have been passengers in our own lives? Jagtar Singh Chahal is the CEO and Chairman of Hamilton Cab and has been working with the company since 1989. “The taxi industry is a complex culture. In order to drive a car, you need a taxi plate license from the city,” explained Chahal. Becoming a driver is not as easy as getting your G2, buying a car and giving people rides around town - that would be illegal and borderline kidnapping. To become a certified driver, one is required to get a taxi license from the city and either purchase or rent a plated vehicle. “There are limited licenses and plates in the city and the value of a plate is currently very expensive, over $200,000. If you have a plate, you can lease it to another operator who will buy their own car and will take care of all the expenses,” stated Chahal. A notable fact about the taxi industry is that a number of people manage to find high levels of success working as a driver. “Many people think that being a taxi driver is a low-level or low-stigma job,” explained Chahal. “But in my 23 years with Hamilton Cab, I have seen more people go home millionaires than in any other profession, including steel companies and other high paying jobs.” Take “Yogi” for instance, a man in the taxi industry that many drivers, including Chahal, know and look up to. Over 20 years ago, Yogi began his career as a humble taxi driver in the city of Hamilton. Over the years his operation grew as he purchased more plates and leased more drivers. Today, he owns over 60 licensed plates, runs his own taxi business throughout the city, and has garnered an impressive nickname that hints to his leading role in the Hamilton cab industry. Aside from providing insight into the lives of cab drivers, Chahal’s experience has also given him insight into the lives of passengers, including McMaster students. “We have had a lot of experience with Mac students. We used to work in partnership with the Michael DeGroote School of Business,” he explained. “But over the years, students are the same. They are usually very good, but students also love to drink and party.” Hamilton Cab drivers have witnessed some interesting sights and sounds and continue to do their job as mysterious benefactors for those in need of a ride home. Hamilton Cab drivers are the friends you never knew you had.
Erin Rooney The Silhouette
There are some nights out that you’ll never forget. The types of night you can talk about for weeks afterwards. New dance moves are invented (yes, even ‘Killing the chicken’) and unlikely friends hook up and that embarrassing picture you keep having to un-tag on Facebook was taken. When you think back to nights like these, the first memory that comes into your head isn’t likely to be the journey there. But even though you might struggle to recall it, the taxi driver that took you probably does. If you think of every journey you’ve ever taken to and from a club, the time adds up. And after being together so frequently, what must our drivers think of us? Have you already developed blossoming friendships with your taxi drivers from the start of Welcome Week, becoming regular passengers on first-name terms? I doubt it. For the majority of us, the blurred journeys down to Hess are probably not going to be our finest hours. Not only do drivers have to witness the drunken beginnings to our nights, but they also have to contend with whatever state we try to return in. And even though the clubs or bars we go to might be different, there seem to be several common features of the student taxi ride. Firstly, and typically favoured by big groups of girls, are the karaoke sing-along style journeys. The first demand to the driver is, “Can we have the radio on?” followed by “Turn it up!” shouted every five minutes from the back seat. Whether it’s a Beyoncé ballad or the latest Katy Perry, the singing is sure to be out of tune, the volume ear-splitting and the lyrics pretty much indistinguishable. It’s obviously a musical delight for the stone-cold sober driver in the front. Another strangely common feature of a girls’ night taxi ride is for all the passengers to take on the role of private detective into the driver’s life. Drunkenly repeating “What’s your name?” “Are you married?” and “How many children do you have?” may feel like you’re making a new best friend, but it probably just comes across as irritating to your tired driver. Having said that, when a driver is keen to chat, you can get into a genuine discussion about all sorts of topics very quickly. In my first taxi journey in Hamilton, after hearing one of the passengers was Australian, the driver preceded to tell us the detailed story of his recent month-long relationship with a tall woman from Sydney and how when he found true love, he became a committed, onewoman man. All of this in the space of a ten minute journey. Probably the worst danger of the student taxi ride, and one I’m sure many of us are guilty of, is the common danger of passenger sickness (always conveniently masked as a “food-related” illness). On asking friends if they had any interesting taxi stories to share, the first response of most of them was something along the lines of, “I was once sick out of the window in a taxi.” How many times has the reassuring “I promise they aren’t as drunk as they look” excuse actually resulted in illness? With all this in mind, the fact that so many drivers are still friendly to students is something of a miracle. So, to the taxi drivers of Hamilton, I salute you in advance for putting up with us staggering in and out of your cars this year. And I promise, the next time I enter one of your cars, I will be quieter with my singing and more discreet with my drinking. JAVIER CAICEDO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
RANT OF THE WEEK
Dear garbage and recycling day Devra Charney The Silhouette
You know that I love you. Love waking up for you every Monday at 6:59 a.m. Love not seeing my garbage collected until three hours later. Love it when sometimes my flyers from last week end up scattered on my front lawn. But there are a few concerns
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTO
I’d like to discuss. Where better to start than at the beginning: my first encounter with you, which, coincidentally, was the same morning that my housemates and I discovered our infestation of fruit flies. We had been keeping our garbage in the mudroom, since despite your friendly online advice to put our trash out anytime after 7 p.m. the night before, we wanted to avoid raccoons knocking over the bins and tearing into the bags. Until your arrival on Monday morning, we thought that we had devised an effective strategy for avoiding garbage-related pests. Upon opening the door to the back room, though, we were greeted by a swarm of fruit flies buzzing around our lidless bins. We hauled our green bin, recycling, and garbage bin out to the curb to make sure that we’d be on time for your 7 a.m. collection before doing damage control in the kitchen. Google searches eventually yielded a recipe
that claimed we could solve our problem by placing a concoction of vinegar and dish soap in containers around the room. For the duration of our fruit fly eradication, we decided to keep our bins outside until the house was fly free. When our garbage was finally collected mid-afternoon, our green bin had the same number of bags in it as before you came. Although your web guide promises a note providing a list of possible reasons our trash could have been skipped, no such explanation was left for our full bags of wet waste. Through the process of elimination, we learned that green bins are not collected when compostable waste is placed in nonbiodegradable bags. As it turns out, raccoons aren’t as particular about bag choices as you are because a few days later, our green bin was lying on its side with food scraps spilling out of its open lid. No trace of bags could
be found amongst the blackened banana peels and crushed eggshells. We might not have had a fruit fly problem in our kitchen anymore, but the number of flies circling our green bin came close to the number caught in our vinegar and dish soap traps. For the first time, our garden hose and shovel were put to good use. We scooped the mound of rotted food scraps into a biodegradable bag so that it would not be passed over on your next arrival and hosed down our green bin until it looked clean enough to eat out of, even for non-raccoons. Our final step was placing all of our bins safely back inside the mudroom. You’ve thrown us a lot of curve balls, Garbage and Recycling Day, but next Monday morning, we’ll be ready for you. 6:59 a.m. can’t get here early enough. Thank You, Fruit Fly and Raccoon Wranglers
InsideOut • B9
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette
JESSIE LU ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Vegetarianism & you An outline of different types of vegetarians and their practices Palika Kohli Author Position
I have been a vegetarian for the past five years of my life. Despite the increasing popularity of the vegetarian diet, I still constantly get hit with the question: why? It’s possible I get asked a little less than some people. After all, the Indian-vegetarian-girl fits a certain stereotype, and for many, my religious background is sufficient explanation. Except that it’s not. I may have been raised in a Hindu household, but growing up, there was nothing – no food, no pet, no person – that I loved more than chicken. It was only as I got older that I began to learn about the environmental consequences of eating meat products and by-products. This awareness eventually caught up with me, striking a particular chord. So I finally removed meat- that is, all products that I describe as being “once alive”– from my diet. I learned afterwards that this personal choice and description had
a name: ovo-lacto-vegeterian. There are many varieties of vegetarians to describe almost any combination of dietary restrictions. Here are some of the specific labels for various degrees of vegeterianism: Semi-Vegetarians: basically these people don’t eat red meat, but eat just about everything else. Ovo-Lacto-Vegetarians: people who consume both eggs and dairy products, but no fish, meat or poultry. Ovo-Vegetarians: people who eat eggs, but no other meat or dairy products. Lacto-Vegetarians: people who consume dairy products, but no other meat or egg products/byproducts. Vegans: people who don’t any animal products or by-products whatsoever. Instead, they opt for meat “alternatives” – food that is high in protein, like tofu, soy, lentils, peanut butter, etc. Raw Vegans: raw vegans don’t eat any meat or meat-related products, nor do they eat food cooked over 480C (1180F). They tend to lim-
it themselves to fruits, vegetables, roots, fresh juices, nuts and the like. When considering vegetarian diets, most people are concerned about a decrease in protein intake. No need to worry though- most vegetarian foods contain at least a little protein, from nuts (which are high in protein), to soy, wheat and even dairy products. What vegetarians can also do is something known as ‘protein-complementing’. Protein complementing is when two different foods containing higher amounts of certain amino acids are paired up. This compensates for the other food’s lack of the amino acid and ensures that people are still obtaining their necessary amino acids. While it is possible that for some people, becoming a vegetarian means that their choice in food is limited – it doesn’t have to be! Starting here at Mac, there is the wonderful Bridges Café, which is great for those who are going to miss eating meat-like food. There is also Creation X in La Piazza at the Student Centre, where you can get the vegan version of all their wraps.
For off-campus, here’s a list of fantastic vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Hamilton. August 8: 1 Wilson Street. Of the many local sushi places, this is definitely one of the best in Hamilton. Bangkok Spoon: 57 King St. West, Dundas. This restaurant serves some of the most delicious Thai food in the area. You can order just about everything and ask for it to be made “without the meat”! Basilique: 1065 King Street West. Right around the corner from campus in Westdale Village, Basilique has amazing pizza and Mediterranean food options. Earth to Table Bread Bar: 258 Locke St. South. Lots of options and
some of the best specialty pizza out there. The Himalaya: 160 Centennial Parkway North. A small restaurant with a more specialized selection of vegetarian Indian food. Mex-I-Can: 107 James Street North. Right on bustling James Street, this is a super cute Mexican restaurant that offers amazing vegan options (like cooked cactus!). Vegetarian food isn’t just for vegetarians: a varied diet is important whether you eat meat or not. If you’re interested, want to know the names of more restaurants or cook yummy vegetarian recipes on your own, contact the Mac Veggie Club at macveggieclub@gmail.com.
Reducing the Pain of Canada’s Aging Population Racing against time in an attempt to meet the future care needs of the baby boomers Kimia Sorouri The Meducator
With the increasing pressures on the health care system to care for baby boomers as they age, a new McMaster study focusing on pain reduction in long-term care (LTC) comes at the perfect time. The study, led by Dr. Sharan Kaasalainen and her colleagues, calls for an interdisciplinary team and assessment tools to reduce the pain. In the study, the research team at McMaster tested a pain protocol to assist with the pain management process. The notion of integration and collaboration is quickly sweeping through public health decision-making. The multidisciplinary team created by the researchers includes a variety of health care professionals and staff, ranging from administration to family medicine, and from nursing to social work. Components of the strategy include encouraging patient education, skills training and facilitative efforts from advanced practice nurses (APNs). The implementation of the protocol and the multidisciplinary team took place in two out of four LTC facilities being studied in southern Ontario over the course of one year. The results showed that intervention was able to reduce the amount of pain increase of the residents. The data demonstrated that as many as 83 per cent of seniors in LTC suffer from pain, which often goes untreated. This becomes an even greater concern for patients suffering from cognitive impairments. Ultimately, when dealing with an aging population, the chronic nature of the conditions calls for efforts aimed at management and health promotion rather than simply acute care. As our population changes, so too must our health care system. This massive transformation will inevitably encompass not only system structure, but also medical practice and the overall mindset of health care providers and staff. The success of the pain reduction interventions developed and implemented by McMaster researchers demonstrates the need for interdisciplinary and integrated care for patients. The research will likely serve as the basis for future decisions concerning cost effectiveness of such an intervention. Our healthcare system is faced with the challenge of adapting and “modernizing” the system. In many ways, the urgency for improving care for the elderly is founded in a race against time, as the population of the elderly continues to increase along with health care expenditures and overall complexity of care.
YOSEIF HADDAD SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR
SEXandthe STEELCITY
Travelling for two Paulina Prazmo The Silhouette
It begins with a smile, a hello and then a “may I have your number?” Fast-forward to the first kiss, first fight, first time meeting the parents. First “I love you.” And then, for some, escalating to that first big trip you take together as a couple. How do you know when it’s the right time for you and your significant other to take a vacation together? Will it put a strain on your relationship? Or will it make it stronger? McMaster couple Alex Holjevac and Kelsey Murray, both psychology majors, have been together for a year and offered to shed some light on this relationship milestone. The two of them recently took a horse-drive trip to Kananaskis, Alberta, located right outside of Banff National Park. This was no ordinary romantic “let’s fall in love again horseback riding into the sunset” trip. It involved pain from being on the horses for five hours a day, being thrown off the horse into horse waste and the potential of being trampled in a stampede. It included sleeping in tents, being drenched from the recent thunderstorm and completely losing it because the last meal they had was a granola bar six hours ago. It sounds downright frightening - especially when you look over to your travel buddy and it’s your boyfriend or girlfriend. Nevertheless, Alex and Kelsey both said with grins as big as horseshoes that it was the single greatest experience of their life. They explained how such a trip out of the city to a more rural setting taught them something new about each other. Each of them got to see a different side of one another. Alex said it was a really good time to test their relationship and step outside of their comfort zone to see what they are like when taken away from everything that is familiar to them. It provided an opportunity to learn new things about each other and about their relationship. Alex learned that Kelsey is strongly driven and wants to succeed in everything that she does, even if there are obstacles in the way. Kelsey learned that Alex has a lot more mental strength than she thought before. “I also learned how much he wants to be a cowboy,” she laughed. They both learned that they do not necessarily need to have everything in common between the two of them and it is definitely important to respect the other person and understand where they are coming from. Alex and Kelsey recommended that if you are thinking of traveling with your significant other to make sure that both of you have been in a healthy and comfortable relationship for no less than seven months. They said it is a good idea to start off taking day trips together and working up to weekend trips to feel out the possibility of a longer trip. To those couples who are already thinking or planning a trip together, they advised to plan ahead and not to let the little things disrupt the exciting trip you two are going on together. “Relax and enjoy it. Don’t focus on the small things because in the end that doesn’t matter. What matters is having an adventure together,” said Alex. Kelsey also gave some insight about traveling with your significant other: “Try not to have too many expectations. You start looking for things that aren’t there. Have things fall where they should and let the memories make themselves.”
B10 • InsideOut
The Silhouette • Thursday, September 27, 2012
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DOWN 1- ALL EARS 2- ARCH TYPE 3- BREAK, CARD GAME 4- GREEK GODDESS OF THE MOON 5- JAPANESE IMMIGRANT 6- EGYPTIAN DEITY 7- BANANAS 8- SNARE
Let easy-to-make deserts fill that lonely void in your chest cavity
9- DRUNKEN 10- MINNESOTA’S ST. _ COLLEGE 11- LP PLAYER 12- BUST MAKER 13- ACAPULCO GOLD 22- INFUSE 24- “L.A. LAW” LAWYER 26- TAKE THE ROLE OF 27- CAROUSAL 28- ACCUMULATE 30- LETTERS ON A CARDINAL’S CAP 31- SOFT PALATE 33- SON OF, IN ARABIC NAMES 34- APPROACHES 35- JOHN OF “THE ADDAMS FAMILY” 36- UNITS
38- STELLAR 39- AT FULL SPEED 41- NOT FOR A SCOT 42- COFFEE CONTAINER 47- UNCOUTH 48- BREASTBONES 50- WAITS 52- AT RIGHT ANGLES TO A SHIPS LENGTH 53- SCHEME 54- DEFEAT DECISIVELY 55- OTHER, IN OAXACA 56- A BIG FAN OF 57- GIVE UP 59- ENTER 60- BROUHAHAS 61- BRANTA SANDVICENSIS 62- BIG BRUTE
GAMES COURTESY OF CANADIAN UNIVERSITY PRESS WIRE
5-Minute Chocolate Cake In A Mug Sydney Alves The Silhouette
What you’ll need
4 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 egg 3 tablespoons milk 3 tablespoons oil 3 tablespoons chocolate chips 1 dash vanilla extract
MR MICHAEL PHAMS FLICKR
How to make it
-Add dry ingredients to a large, microwave-safe mug and mix well. -Add the egg, milk and oil. Mix well. -Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, and mix again. -Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! -Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
Verdict
This quick and easy dessert will be ready to eat in less than five minutes! With simple ingredients and a short cooking time, this is the perfect treat for anyone with a microwave (or residence kitchen). The delicious aroma of soft, warm cake will have people falling into your kitchen. It can be split between two people, but that’s up to your generosity. For a touch of decadence, drizzle with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
InsideOut • B11
Thursday, September 27, 2012 • The Silhouette
TOP FALL JACKETS Zara Lewis
for men and women
The Silhouette
As it’s coming around to that time of year again when the leaves are falling and the breeze is changing and your summer cardigans and t-shirts just won’t make the autumnal wardrobe cut, it seems like the perfect time to start packing away all your summery clothing and start looking for the perfect jacket. But, for some of you, you might be thinking where on earth should I start? This season the shops are packed with so many different trends to choose between, from the classic trench coat with a studded twist to every bad girl’s biker jacket. From the perfect trusty parka for all those kooky guys out there, to this season’s pea coat takeover, it may seem impossible to find the right one for you. We have compiled a Top 3 autumnal jacket collection designed especially for all the fashion forward individuals out there to help you on your quest for this season’s perfect jacket.
WOMEN’S
MEN’S
3
In at number three is a black studded biker jacket from Forever 21. This jacket will look perfect thrown on with your jeans or even dressed up at nighttime with a cute little dress, and the faux fur inner lining will give you that extra warmth throughout these next few blustery weeks. ($59.80) FROM FOREVER21.COM
3 2
In third place we have this grey wool pea coat from Topman. The discreet tailoring of this jacket will pull together your look making any outfit look sharp. For a more casual daytime look, team with a pair of jeans - and if you’re feeling daring, why not try a pair of colored jeans to give yourself extra fashion kudos? ($135.30)
2
In second place for the ladies is this woolen maroon and fur-collared beauty from H&M, which will look perfect when layered with a sweater underneath and teamed with your jeans. This jacket will be perfect for those cooler days so be sure to keep yourself wrapped up under the large fur collar. ($79.95)
1
In second place we have this smart navy duffle coat from Zara. The dark color of this jacket works to its advantage, making it easy to wear with almost anything, and looks great either buckled up for a quirkier indie vibe or left open with a wool sweater underneath. Either way, this jacket has great versatility and will be a staple item for your new autumn wardrobe. ($99.90)
FROM HM.COM
And in first place is this three quarter length oh-so-chic jacket from Zara. With leather sleeves and a woolen blend body this jacket is every bit the fashion forward must have in your life. Try zipping up and adding a chunky woolen scarf for those colder evenings to change up your look, and guaranteed you will be the envy of all the other girls. ($219.00) FROM ZARA.COM
FROM TOPMAN.COM
FROM ZARA.COM
And in first place from H&M is this fresh camel-colored, fur-trimmed take on the parka. The beauty of this jacket is that its laid back look will suit all different style tastes and revitalize every guy’s wardrobe, giving any old jumpers that trendy look. I think it is fair to say that this jacket should be every guy’s new “bromance” for fall. ($79.95)
1 FROM HM.COM
Emily Tommolino Clinical Student
REASON #9: IN 2012, OUR GRADUATES ATTAINED RESIDENCIES IN 17 SPECIALTIES ACROSS THE US AND CANADA. The prospect of attaining a competitive residency is just one of the many reasons students choose American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) to fulfill their dream of becoming a doctor. AUC OFFERS STUDENTS: • Hands-on experience early in the curriculum. • A supportive environment with faculty who are committed to teaching and student success. • Clinical rotations at US and UK teaching hospitals. • Provincial loans are available to those who qualify. FIND YOUR REASON AT AUCmed.edu.
For comprehensive consumer information visit aucmed.edu/consumer-info.html © 2012 Global Education International. All rights reserved.
ATTEND OUR OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, September 29th at 10 am Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel REGISTER BY SCANNING THE QR CODE OR VISIT AUCmed.edu.
HAMILTON & DISTRICT EXTEND-A-FAMILY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES “SHAR E A S P E C I A L F R I E N D S H I P ! ”
RECREATION PROGRAM
B U D DY P ROGRAM We have over one hundred children and teens with special needs waiting to spend time with a volunteer buddy. Matched buddies spend eight hours a month pursuing a hobby, playing sports, or enjoying other activities in the community. Gain volunteer experience, have fun, and share a special friendship with a young person with special needs!
We offer a minimum of six recreation events each month, providing respite and opportunities for fun and friendship in the community. We bowl, play laser-tag, go rock-climbing, and challenge each other in all sorts of fun ways. We have a great bunch of volunteers who assist at these events and are always happy to welcome more!
INTERESTED? V I S I T O U R W EB-SITE, FIND US ON FACEBOOK OR CONTACT US! w w w. e x tendafamilyhamilton.synthasite .com 905.383.2885 e a f @execulink.com (Buddy Program) e a f . c o n n e ct@gmail.com (Recreation Program)
Sunday, October 21, 2012 1:3 Canadian women and 1:6 Canadian men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
45% percent of female college and university students say they’ve been sexually assaulted since leaving high school.
The victim and the accused are known to each other in 82% of cases – as friends, acquaintances or family
But… I am not alone! SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton& Area) is there with 24-hour confidential support, information or accompaniment @
905-525-4162
www.sacha.ca
The 2011 from Pulse Team McMaster
Join one of the most fun, most scenic runs around. Help give cancer the bum’s rush!
Promoting awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer and supporting Wellwood Effort Trust 1K Kids Run & 5K Leisure Walk (9:30 a.m.) 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run (10:00 a.m.)
SPECIAL RATE for Mac students and a DISCOUNT for teams! BEFORE OCTOBER 14 Student rate = $25 Teams of less than 10 members = $22.50 ea. Teams of more than 10 members $21.25 ea.
AFTER OCTOBER 15 Student rate = $30 Teams of less than 10 members = $27 ea. Teams of more than 10 members $25.50 ea.
REGISTER ONLINE AT www.wellwood.on.ca, visit the Runner’s Den or call 905-667-8870
860 King St. W., Hamilton
great lake swimmers • havn sarah’s books • gentrification
andex
c2 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine
thursday, september 27, 2012
Senior Editor: Nolan Matthews
Assistant Editor: Bahar Orang Contributors: Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma, Sarah O’Connor, Isabelle Dobronyi, Alexander Sallas, Phil Wood, Brody Weld, Michael Skinnider
Design: Karen Wang Cover: Jessie Lu
Dragonette The Molson Canadian Studio 8:00 p.m. Bruce Springsteen Copps Coliseum 7:30 p.m. Death from Above 1979 The Molson Canadian Studio 9:00 p.m. Born Ruffians The Casbah 9:00 p.m.
sept. opening 21 sept. sept. 22 27 sept. 28
Trishna Jackson Square Cinemas 7:00 p.m.
sept. 28
Harlan Pepper Dr. Disc Rooftop Concert Series 7:00 p.m.
Urbanized Art Gallery of Hamtilon 7:00 p.m.
Alive from the Divis Flats Art Gallery of Hamtilon 7:00 p.m.
sept. 29
oct. 13
Rocket from the Tombs This Ain’t Hollywood 9:00 p.m.
Won’t Back Down Hotel Transylvania Looper
Marécages (Wetlands) Westdale Theatre 1:00 p.m.
sept. 29
Conspiracies of Illusion Projections of Time & Space McMaster Museum of Art
oct. 12
oct. 7 until dec. 8
Takao Tanabe Chronicles of Form and Place McMaster Museum of Art
until nov. 3
art
oct. 21
”
- Mad Men
oct. 28
I’m not a so lution to yo ur problems. I’ m another p roblem.
nov. 2
“
Lee Fields & the Expressions This Ain’t Hollywood 8:00 p.m.
film
Take This Waltz Westdale Theatre 4:00 p.m.
sept. 30
music oct. oct.64
QUOTATION OF THE WEEK
The World Before Her Westdale Theatre 1:00 p.m.
editorial
thursday, september 27, 2012
the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • c3
girls going mad in downton abbey I’ve been told more than once (mostly by impassioned friends and entertainment blogs) that we’re living in a time of great television - with dramas and comedies spanning across different time periods and exploring unique subject matters. Inspired by this past weekend’s Emmy awards, I finally decided to watch the pilot episode of three Emmynominated and Emmy-winning shows from 2012 that I’ve been meaning to watch for some time now (good thing I use my time effectively). I began with Mad Men - a provocative show set in 1960s New York City, depicting the lives of characters both inside and outside the office of an advertising agency. I immediately fell in love with the slick suits, the fitted dresses and full, vintage skirts. I soon came to find that each character’s colourful, architectural outfit effectively complimented their personalities. They were all the perfect combination of sexually deviant, witty, and charmingly self-deprecating. I have the next few episodes downloaded. Next, I went farther back in time and watched Downton Abbey. The series is set in the Yorkshire country house of an aristocratic family and their servants during the reign of King George V. My roommates are startlingly obsessed with this show, so I entered the world of Downtown with fairly high expectations. I enjoyed the British accent, sexual tension, and the subtle competition between sisters that’s typical of dramas set in this time period. I also kept thinking that Keira Knightely could slip into the show perfectly. The plot twist was truly unexpected and I quite literally gasped throughout. But in all honesty, it was too long for me, and all these elements got slightly tiresome by the end. I may consider watching the next episode on a boring Sunday afternoon. I ended with Girls - which is more or less about #whitegirlproblems. This show’s gotten a lot of heat about its lack of diversity and has been accused of “whitewashing” New York City - which was obvious to me during the series premiere. While the criticism seemed valid, I did find myself mentally defending the show’s creator, Lena Dunham, because she remained authentic to her own experiences and perspectives, which is important in order to make any artistic statement. I think I’d be interested to see how the show progresses. But there was also something mildly irritating about the show’s protagonist and all of her friends. And the awkward sex scenes weren’t really very funny - only awkward. I’m certain that fans of each show would insist upon the importance of watching the next few episodes before making any judgement - which is fair, and I use the same argument when trying to convince skeptics about the value of Grey’s Anatomy (although the show’s gone on for so many seasons that the story lines have become repetitive or ridiculous). But for me, the pilot episode has always been a promising indication of how much I’ll like a show. All of these shows, however, seem to have a cult following, so maybe you too should indulge in three hours of emmyapproved television. •
Bahar Orang, Assistant ANDY Editor
thursday, september 27, 2012
the big tickle
the simp
sons -ian evan s
tor the x-fac
what is the best tv show of all time? compiled by bahar orang and karen wang
- ahmed
ali
seinfeld
friends - jill kooymans
-nick nates
r top gea
ra
-tyler ka
c4 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine
havn The first time Hamilton saw HAVN (Hamilton Audio Visual Node) was at June’s art crawl, but the collaboration began many months before that, even before the founders moved into the studio/gallery space at 26 Barton St E. The members of HAVN – Aaron Hutchinson, Amy MacIntosh, Andrew O’Connor, Ariel Bader-Shamai, Chris Ferguson, Connor Bennett and Kearon Roy Taylor — came from diverse backgrounds at McMaster, with interests in new media, music and fine art. Despite these differences, they founded HAVN with the goal of creating a sustainable and collaborative space with events involving interactive installation art and performance pieces. People often come to Hamilton only for university and leave after graduating, but four of the seven HAVN members are Mac grads that have decided to stay. They’re all energized by Hamilton’s up-and-coming art scene. “I just noticed there was this incredible rate of change taking place in the downtown community, and it was just a really inviting and supportive place to start out as a young artist,” said Taylor. He emphasized the broader context for art in Hamilton and pointed to the city’s industrial past and more recent industrial decline. “For this art scene to kind of come out as a really sincere cultural revival of the city, I think that there’s this general attitude of people downtown that this is something really special that has to be fostered and encouraged,” said Taylor. Ferguson continued this idea, and said that Hamilton
thursday, september 27, 2012
OPENS UP is “a good community because it’s supportive without being insular,” and that the way to help a community develop is not by being competitive or exclusive. The members of HAVN readily made comparisons to Toronto, whose reputation as a cultural hub often overshadows Hamilton. Hutchinson agreed that entering the Toronto scene “seems super daunting,” and that in Hamilton “as long as you are saying something honest, people will dig it.” Bader-Shamai added, “It’s not competitive here like in Toronto.” Bennett nodded and continued, “It’s way harder to do what we’re doing in a more saturated environment like Toronto. I think that’s a really unique thing about the Hamilton art scene.” Though James Street North is lined with galleries, getting to HAVN, which is located just off the street, is a bit like looking for a diamond in the rough. “Barton Street has this notion of being, like, the bad side of the tracks in Hamilton… It gives us some grittiness,” said MacIntosh. All founders of HAVN feel that they are part of a big change downtown. “We’ve been here for four months and a print business across the street is opening and a ceramic studio is opening right beside us,” said MacIntosh. “I hear people talking about Barton Street like it’s like Parkdale, like it’s going to be the next hip place,” said BaderShamai. “So, maybe we’re just ahead of everybody else?” she added. “I kind of like that idea of being a pivotal space in Hamilon, like in terms of being at this crossing point… you’re starting to see spread off James Street North,” said
Taylor. Being so close to James Street has certainly provided opportunities for HAVN, with art crawls and Supercrawl attracting crowds. But the HAVN crew avoided the idea of being an art crawl-oriented space, and had lots of their own ideas for the future. “A community-based meditative painting practice that could happen any weeknight,” said Bennett. “Maybe lectures, maybe movie screenings,” he added. HAVN is also going to be the new practice location for the Cybernetic Orchestra, who use live computer coding to make music. “[We’re going to] open it to the community… for participation as opposed to just being affiliated with McMaster,” MacIntosh explained. But the biggest step for HAVN is their call for submissions, an open invitation to anyone who wants to do a project there. “They can essentially have free reign as long as they don’t destroy it,” said Taylor. It all seems very fitting with the intended meaning of the word “node” in HAVN’s name. “It’s supposed to be like the intersection of a lot of different mediums, the intersection of ideas and art forms,” said Ferguson. The lines all come together but at the other ends they’re also going off in their own directions.” If you are interested in checking out their work or submitting a project idea, go to havnode.com. •
Isabelle Dobronyi
C/O CONNOR OLTHUIS
thursday, september 27, 2012
the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • c5
THE GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS “We were expecting maybe some sort of street party, with a smaller stage.…but it was a big deal with so many people coming out… we were just blown out of the water,” said lead singer Tony Dekker. Throughout the concert, the band (composed of Dekker, Erik Arnesen on banjo and guitar, back-up singer Miranda Mulholland, Bret Higgins on upright bass and drummer Greg Millson) played several songs from their brand-new album New Wild Everywhere. Mulholland captured the audience’s attention with her passionate and spirited playing in “Easy Come Easy Go” and “Great Exhale.” The concert was a testament to Dekker’s belief that the band had matured; it was certainly clear that the band had coalesced and developed a holistic and full sound. New Wild Everywhere is the first studio-produced album for the GLS. Another big difference was the addition of Mulholland on back-up vocals and violin. Dekker described the natural inclination to bring Miranda on board following her successful run with them during the Lost Channels tour. Her fiery presence was a constant source of energy throughout the concert “She adds a lot of flavour and has a lot of experience under her belt. She has a great sense of style and playing, having played [violin] for years now,” Dekker said. As a long-time fan of the GLS, I have found that there is no other band that has so poetically and beautifully woven ecological metaphors to describe our daily social relations. “ Your Rocky Spine” and “Changing Colours” are two examples that take the physical natural landscape and transpose it to apply to the concrete parts of human behavior and appearance. I asked Dekker about how ecology shapes his daily life and what environmental issues he believed were paramount. He said, “I’m currently part of a campaign for preserving the Great Bear Rainforest, near the Haida Gwaii region in BC. They are talking of putting extensive pipelines under the area… I agree with the [idea of] possessing the environment to appreciate it and I don’t want to get overtly preaching in our music…but there could be huge damage done to an area which deserves to be protected.” What struck me was how important the environment is to both the GLS and Dekker himself, yet he made it clear that it should not overtake the importance of the band’s sound. We discussed the continued success of the GLS and folk music in general, which Dekker described as, “[something] that will always be deeply seeded in our culture in Canada.” While their concert on Sept. 19 wowed long-time fans like myself who felt that seeing them live truly captured the depth of the GLS, they certainly impressed the people standing around me who had no prior knowledge of them. Dekker noted that as the band continues to refine their sound, it has been amazing to find an ever-expanding audience, reaching more people even within Canada. •
Aissa Boodhoo-Leegsma, Senior News Editor
SILHOUETTE FILE PHOTOS
the great lake swimmers were introduced by cbc’s tom power as “quite possibly one of the greatest bands canada has ever produced” – and so began their performance at supercrawl on sept. 15. little did the crowd know about just how much the gls were in awe of the festival and their audience.
c6 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine
street art
thursday, september 27, 2012
gentrification and james street north As part of OPIRG’s Alternative Welcome Week, a presentation called “Gentrification and the Art Crawl” was held in the Student Centre on Sept. 14 about an hour before Supercrawl began. The talk addressed the changes happening on James Street North, and how the coffee shops and art galleries that have opened on the street are influencing this change. “When I hear about that kind of thing, I always get tense,” said Tim Potocic, one of the main organizers of Supercrawl and an owner of the downtown Hamilton record label Sonic Unyon. “And it’s purely selfish, because I spend so much time trying so hard to avoid conflict, to try to appease as many people as possible.” The basic idea of gentrification starts with a neighborhood where everything is cheap. People might not make much money, and there’s low-income housing and social services designed for the people living there. At some point, a person who is drawn to the neighborhood by the cheap rent is inclined to take a bit of a risk, and they start something that appeals to people outside the community. Quite often, these are artists who open galleries. The area then becomes trendy, and everyone wants to go there. Slowly, everything becomes more expensive. “Instead of offering them food co-ops and affordable housing initiatives, we’re giving them very expensive café’s and galleries and apartments that aren’t going to be able to house low-income people,” said Riaz SayaniMulji, an organizer and facilitator of the gentrification talk. In theory, the problem with gentrification is that the concerns of low-income people are
forgotten. But the question is whether the way gentrification is theorized is actually the way it’s playing out on James Street North. “Nobody has the thought, ‘I’m going to buy that building and I don’t care about those people that I’m going to put on the street,’” said Potocic. “These are not people that are buying buildings and turning them into giant Wal-Marts and only care about the mighty dollar and don’t care about the people they are putting on the street. They do, and they feel guilty about it. And they – actually, which nobody sees – make efforts to help those people.” Potocic said that his ideal street has a diverse group of people with all different levels of income, and that new development doesn’t necessarily mean that low-income people are displaced. But, just as gentrification might be different in theory than in practice, Potocic’s vision of a street could have some problems. “The one thing that I see most clearly when I’m at work is the increase in police presence on James,” said Sayani-Mulji. “With gentrification, when you’re trying to clean up the street and get rid of all the ‘undesirables,’ with that comes a social policing as well. And I’ve seen a lot of, I wouldn’t say brutality, but definitely rough-handling of youth, very aggressive behaviour. I’ve had to report the police on more than one occasion.” Sayani-Mulji recently graduated from McMaster and has worked at youth shelters downtown for several years. He said that the Jamesville Community Centre, which he used to work at and was located a block away from James North, went into decline before being closed and relocated last May. The Hamilton
Spectator reported that the relocation of Jamesville was always planned, and that it was simply because of more opportunities in the new location. But Sayani-Mulji said that the gentrification on James North also had a role. “I think it’s just a difference in priorities,” he said. “The city has made its commitment to this creative class and revitalizing the community through art, but that comes with a sacrifice.” The extent to which art is influencing City funding priorities is questionable, but SayaniMulji also had a more explicit example of how the changes on James North are affecting the community. “The Notre Dame House, a shelter I used to work at, has received enormous pressure over the last few years to relocate because it’s almost seen as an eyesore along James Street North,” said Sayani-Mulji. “But what they’re doing, and what is great to see, is that they’re taking part in the Art Crawl. So the youth that are staying at the shelter and the youth they serve are getting involved in things like the Urban Arts Initiative and saying, ‘We’re part of this community, and like it or not, we’re going to take part in the events that you’re running, like the Art Crawl.’” What remains to be determined is whether a coffee is shop just a coffee shop, or if it really does have some larger role in gentrification. “I think that we all have to be cognizant that, and this is very true for McMaster students, that we’re entering into a living community,” said Sayani-Mulji. “It’s not something static that we can mould into what we like.” •
Nolan Matthews, Senior ANDY Editor
JAVIER CAICEDO MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
thursday, september 27, 2012
the silhouette’s art & culture magazine • c7
during the summer months, most students have homes to return to or jobs to keep them busy until school begins again in september. as an eighteen-year-old jobless first-year student, i had more free time than the average university student. when i wasn’t desperately handing out resumes in the hopes of getting a job, i had time to tackle the forever rising pile of books by my bed. for the most part, they wound up being novels by john green, the american author of young adult fiction. here are some of my favourites of his work: Paper Towns by John Green I made it my goal to read every John Green novel this past summer, but my time ran out. Paper Towns is beautifully written and makes one question how much we really know about a person. The story challenges readers to look deeper beyond the surface, because there really is more to a person than his or her appearance or what is said about them. Favourite quote: “Maybe all the strings inside him broke.” An Abundance of Katherines by John Green Yes, another John Green book. This one had a little too much math in it for my taste (there was a lot that I didn’t understand). But it’s a great book that’s funny and thought-provoking, with fun little footnotes all over the place. Favourite quote: “Books are the ultimate Dumpees: put them down and they’ll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back.”
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan This story questions coincidence and fate when two boys with the same name meet each other in a lonely part of Chicago. Both live very different lives and end up learning about themselves and each other throughout the novel. Favourite quote: “It’s hard to believe in coincidence, but it’s even harder to believe in anything else.” The Fault in Our Stars by John Green The final John Green book I read this summer – this one’s about a sixteen year old girl with cancer. I know you must be thinking that this must be another typical cancer book with love, death, and tears. And in many ways you’re right. But there’s also enough humour and honesty to make it uniquely touching. Favourite quote: “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.” •
Sarah O’Connor
SARAH’S
BOOKBAG KAREN WANG GRAPHICS EDITOR
music
c8 • the silhouette’s art & culture magazine
thursday, september 27, 2012
Artist: Devin Townsend Project Album: Epicloud Released: September 24, 2012 Artist: Swans Album: The Seer Released: August 28, 2012 It reportedly took thirty years to make, but it’s finally here. A massive, monolithic, double-disc release spanning nearly two hours, Swans’ The Seer is anything but an easy listen; songs repeat the same two-note progression for several minutes before abruptly turning into avant-garde campfire sing-a-longs or bagpipe solos. Additionally, any form of traditional song structure is pretty much disregarded, with two tracks hovering around twenty minutes and one even topping thirty (!). Indeed, the album feels more like a long trek than anything, and the discordant atmosphere throughout only adds to this sensibility. Some listeners may be turned off by the record’s deliberate pace and lengthy repetitious stretches, but these are all part of that aforementioned trek, one that is just as rewarding as it is challenging. The Seer is a masterfully crafted, painstakingly detailed album and the best of the year so far. It may have been thirty years in the making, but it was thirty years well spent. • Alexander Sallas
It’s epic, it’s loud... it’s Epicloud! The latest solo release from musical mad scientist Devin Townsend is also his most grandiose yet, combining layers of heavy guitars, choirs, uplifting keyboards and pounding drums. And of course, insanely diverse vocals from the man himself into one enormous-sounding record. It’s actually a happy, upbeat listen for the most part, with great performances across the board (particularly guest vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen). However, the problem is that some of the melodies are all too familiar, repeated for needlessly long stretches. Furthermore, the record lacks the depth of Townsend’s previous work. But that’s not to say it’s a bad album by any means – the song “Epicloud” is a fun listen that definitely lives up to its title and the name of the album. • Alexander Sallas
Artist: Billy Talent Album: Dead Silence Released: September 7, 2012 If you bought the Canadian punk rock band’s fourth studio album expecting a jaw-dropping masterpiece or a musically revelatory leap in the Billy T progression, you may have to look elsewhere. What you can expect from Dead Silence is a firm step in the right direction from a band that hasn’t failed to deliver in terms of consistency with each release. From the top, we’re graced with the haunting, hymnal intro of “Lonely Road To Absolution,” which features some of guitarist Ian D’Sa’s most impressive harmonies to date. Any hopes that this atmospheric beginning might indicate a more progressed Billy Talent sound are dashed as soon as the familiar galloping guitar rhythms of the album’s single, “Viking Death March,” are heard. The rest of the album is exactly what diehard fans will expect: repetitive but wellcrafted vocal hooks, easy-to-decipher lyrics, unique progressions, crisp guitar tones, climactic bridges, and the iconic triumphant howls of frontman Ben Kowalewicz. Tracks like “Stand Up And Run” remind us that Billy Talent doesn’t need to stick to a full-speed-ahead formula to sound good, while the more traditionally punchy “Man Alive!” stand as testament to just how well they can execute all the old tricks. Dead Silence certainly isn’t the refreshing, matured album that we should perhaps be expecting after three very linear (albeit solid) releases. But if you’re looking for talent, the boys still live up to the band name. • Brody Weld
Artist: Colin James Album: Fifteen Released: June 12, 2012 I have been a big fan of Colin James since Little Big Band in 1993. During the intervening years he has progressed from swing blues into the rock/soul/blues groove of “Fifteen” his 15th(!) and most recent CD. James is originally from Saskatchewan but he gets a lot of help from local talent like Gordie Johnson, Tom Wilson and Ron Sexsmith for this record. Of his new songs, “Sweets Gone Sour” and “I’m Diggin’” are the best. The cover of Robert Palmer’s “Sneakin’ Sally Through The Alley” brings back memories. And big props go to the cover of “Oh Well” by the original Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac – it sounds like real British Blues, before the sugar coating added in the seventies. Colin James is on tour this Fall; check him out at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford on Oct. 26. • Phil Wood
Artist: Jens Lekman Album: I Know What Love Isn’t, (Secretly Canadian) Released: September 3, 2012 Jens Lekman has always been at his best when he’s at his saddest, so the release of his breakup album, I Know What Love Isn’t, was an exciting prospect. But writing 40 minutes of music about heartbreak clearly comes with some creative constraints: while Lekman’s characteristic wit is still on display, his third LP largely plays it safe musically. There’s none of the left-field pop weirdness of “It Was A Strange Time In My Life,” or the canned steel drums of “Happy Birthday, Dear Friend Lisa.” Instead, for an album about heartache from a man who once sang “It’s a perfect night for feeling melancholy,” Love is a pretty upbeat record. “Erica America” finds Lekman perfecting his signature slow-burning cabaret, while the funk guitar and bongos of “The World Moves On” recall the poppier moments of 2007’s Night Falls Over Kortedala. Far from the lachrymose fare one might expect, I Know What Love Isn’t comes off as emotionally flat compared with the intensity (and idiosyncrasy) of Lekman’s past work. But its smooth, lounge-y arrangements allow Lekman to showcase his charm and pop sensibilities, and ultimately make for an endearing album. • Michael Skinnider