September 26, 2011 by The Varsity

THE VARSITY

Vol. CXXXII, No. 5

University of Toronto’s Student Newspaper Since 1880

26 September, 2011

Jude Tate, Officer of the SGDO, will be leaving her post at the end of September.

Future uncertain for SGDO

Student groups speak out to ensure the survival of Sexual and Gender Diversity Office Jonathan Scott VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

An “emergency meeting” was called on September 19 by SEC, LGBTOUT, and Rainbow Trin to discuss a coordinated response to news that the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office might be closing its doors, effective at the end of the month. Jude Tate, Officer of the SGDO, has accepted a new position at the University of British Columbia, and the Office’s Programs Coordinator, Adam Morrison, is leaving to work for the Ontario Government. Because there was no formal announcement from the Uni-

versity of Toronto, LGBTQ student leaders were thrown into a panic this past week; it appeared the university was delaying new hires, effectively closing the office until further notice. “The university has known I’m leaving since my announcement in June. Ideally, they would have presented a plan then, and there wouldn’t be any confusion now. … It should be really simple,” noted Tate. Instead, she spent hours dealing with a rampant student “rumour mill.” Justin Gordon-Deacon, Internal Coordinator for LGBTOUT, said that the university’s options are limited: close the office, review

“We are concerned that the [SGDO’s services] will be downloaded onto student groups and put further pressure on our already scarce resources.” — Corey Scott, UTSU VP Internal & Services

the office’s efficacy with a temporary staff member in place, leave it closed pending review, or begin a hiring process immediately. “They certainly need two fulltime staff,” he stressed, noting that otherwise, LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff will “lack the resources they need.” Simon Bredin, member of Rainbow Trin and Director of Public Affairs for LGBTOUT, was concerned about the unclear scenario. “We are trying to be cautious and avoid an overreaction, as students are wont to do in these kinds of situations. That said, the … situation [is] definitely worrying, and we will

respond as more information becomes available.” Still, the University of Toronto Students’ Union thinks something is afoot. Corey Scott, VP Internal & Services, demanded a second meeting with LGBTQ campus groups, arguing that UTSU needed to be involved to represent student interests. While Tate suggested that a review of the office’s efficacy when the main staff member leaves would be “entirely normal,” she remained clear about the “importance and continued operation” of the office.

SEE ‘SGDO’ P4

The Varsity sits down with political science prof Ramin Jahanbegloo to discuss the philosophy of Isaiah Berlin and the Arab Spring

Contents

Why e-readers are the future of textbooks

Star Spangled Night! The Great American Trailer Park Musical opens the Hart House season

OuCH! Concerns over concussions in hockey

Hayley Warren leaps over injury obstacles to return to the track

PHOTOS BY BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

VARSITY NEWS

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Criminal minds Campus Police discuss crime during frosh week Dalana Parris VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

For many U of T students, frosh week is a positive experience filled with enjoyable activites and exciting new friendships. For others, however, it can be a time of vulnerability and potentially dangerous encounters. U of T student Sandro Pehar is one of the unfortunate victims of frosh crime. Last year, he had $1,200 of camera equipment sto-

len while he attended a college cheer-off. At that same event, two girls reported missing wallets. Although Pehar filed a report, he could not afford to pursue legal action and risk his studies, an obstacle faced by many students. St. George Campus Police states that during frosh week, they receive reports of disturbances of the peace, harassments, and assaults. These include unfriendly cheers that encourage exclusion, incidents resulting from sub-

stance abuse, vandalism of property, and unwanted physical and/ or sexual contact. Campus Police did report that this year’s frosh week was safer than those of previous years. However, Campus Police also recognized that the statistics may be conservative as students may not choose to report incidents. Sam D’Angelo, Campus Police Operations Manager, said that it is important to encourage students to be safe when they attend

club nights or bars, to never go out alone, and to be aware of their environment at all times. Women in particular need to be cautious: they must not leave their drinks unattended and need to know that it is possible to report unwanted contact. Albi Aziz, VP of Campus Life for UTSU, highlighted the “No Means No” campaign, which is designed to “raise awareness about sexual consent … [in order to] make sure that students know where to get information and help.” Nevertheless, crimes against persons occur throughout the school year and are not restricted to frosh events. D’Angelo stressed how important it is that students remember the support systems in place at the university, which provide students with security and safety options. For example, U of T’s Community Safety Office works in conjunction with Campus Police to provide further support for safety planning. Victims of sexual and physical assault should note that it is acceptable to disclose their experiences and seek help. In addi-

tion, witnesses to such activity should provide support to those in need and encourage victims to speak up and trust the police. Aziz stresses that “the safety of students [during orientation week] is [a] top priority” and is essential in to ensure that the overall experience is positive and inclusive. Groups that organize frosh activities also arrange “transportation to and from events, [provide] anti-harassment advisors at club nights and [ensure] that all orientation leaders receive equity training.” Feedback suggests that substance abuse is a prime factor contributing to frosh disturbances. Consequently, Campus Police conducts RIDE (Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere) spot checks on campus, noting that people are “[three] times more likely to be killed by an impaired driver” than to be murdered. Students across U of T’s three campuses feel that frosh week is a positive experience that develops school spirit and a sense of belonging at U of T. That privilege, however, comes with a responsibility to respect the property and wishes of fellow peers.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

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LGBTQ groups raise concerns Admin claims search for interim SGDO staff member is underway CONTINUED FROM ‘SGDO’ P1 Gordon-Deacon agreed. “Maybe we student groups could take on a bit more with programming … but we need someone within the university hierarchy to advocate [when there’s discrimination],” he said. In response to enquiries from The Varsity, Jill Matus, U of T’s Vice-Provost, Students, clarified the situation. “The University does plan to continue to staff the SGDO office. We are actively seeking an interim staff member to ensure continuity. The departure of two staff members provides us with an opportunity to reconsider the staffing model and a letter will be going out from the [Vice-Provost] Human Resources and Equity before the end of the week to student leaders to solicit their input.” Despite these assurances, Scott sent a strongly-worded email to various administrative offices. “We were disappointed to learn that though the university was aware of the need to fill

these vacancies for several months, it took no action to do so,” he wrote. “This is especially important to us as the office was created through a sustained student effort. … In the absence of adequate human resources, we are concerned that the services which this office was created to provide will be downloaded onto student groups and put further pressure on our already scarce resources.” The Sexual Diversity and Gender Office was created following a 1999 referendum held by the UTSU (then known as the Students’ Administrative Council) in response to complaints of heterosexism and homophobia on campus. The office first functioned in a part-time capacity within the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students. Currently, the SGDO is part of a broader gamut of equity services offered by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Human Resources and Equity. Its work includes counselling and other direct support for LGBTQ students and programming support for various campus clubs.

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VARSITY NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Condoms break ties between EFUT and French department faculty Club’s promotional tactics rub staff members the wrong way Sarah Taguiam ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

The already loose ties between the French department and EFUT (U of T’s largest French club) have finally come apart over the club’s risqué choice of promotional materials: condoms. New French department chair Jeffrey Steele has ordered EFUT to cease all their presentations, as he claims the condoms raise diversity and equity concerns. In an email allegedly sent by Steele to EFUT’s executives, he wrote, “Instructors as well as Prof. Danièle Issa-Sayegh have informed me that many students have expressed their discomfort with [your distribution of condoms]. Had I known that this would be part of your presentation, I would not have authorized your visits.” According to Steele, the club’s promotional tactics failed to consider the interest — or rather, disinterest — of students who may

not want to engage in sexual-health topics. “The distribution of condoms during the EFUT French class visits … gave no consideration to: students among us who may be victims of sexual abuse; … whose personal creed or religion does not advocate condom use; … who may be struggling with issues of sexual addiction,” he explained in a separate email. But EFUT President Antonin Mongeau disagrees. “No equity body of the university is likely to endorse this view,” he told The Varsity. He claimed that the club has “never” received any complaints, and students have only responded positively to the condoms, which have helped their membership double from 1, 500 last year to about 3, 000 this year. “Our goal is to promote EFUT in a way that’s unique and fun … besides, they’re incredibly cheap for us to make in large quantities. They’re high value items for young people. We think they’re desirable,” Mongeau added.

He did admit that some of the club’s executives have expressed unease over the condom packaging’s risqué nature but said that they were “pretty soundly outvoted” in an EFUT meeting. The red cardboard flaps feature a pair of lips and red “French Club.” EFUT’s faculty advisor, criminology professor Matthew Light, has echoed Steele’s concerns. “I can tell you … that as an instructor, I would also not permit condoms to be passed out in my class, and certainly not as a way to publicize an event,” wrote Light in an email allegedly sent to EFUT executives. “In general, it might also be a good idea for you and the other executives to have ongoing discussions about what kinds of publicity are appropriate in a classroom and university context,” he suggested. EFUT has since halted all classroom announcements, but their animosity towards the department continues to grow. “The French department has … [given]

us no funding, no space, literally nothing. Some of their faculty have been kind enough to give us money out of their own pockets or donate time on their own, but as a whole, they’ve only proven obstinate,” said Mongeau. Steele withdrew the department from the club’s annual breakfast on September 17, but after the event, EFUT left a “gift” outside of the chair’s office: a three kilo wheel of English Stilton cheese. “We hope he likes cheese because we think this whole situation stinks,” Mongeau explained. Steele replied, saying that, “the wheel of cheese left at the door of the chair’s office will be donated to a shelter for victims of domestic violence in the city of Toronto.” Professors Steele, Light, and Issa-Sayegh declined to be interviewed by The Varsity. BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

VARSITY NEWS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

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Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Tom Cardoso editor@thevarsity.ca Design Editor Anamarija Korolj design@thevarsity.ca Photo Editor Bernarda Gospic photo@thevarsity.ca Online Editor Sam Bowman online@thevarsity.ca Senior Copy Editor Maayan Adar copy@thevarsity.ca News Editor Robin Buller news@thevarsity.ca Comment Editor Alex Ross comment@thevarsity.ca Arts & Entertainment Editor Ariel Lewis arts@thevarsity.ca Features Editor Erene Stergiopoulos features@thevarsity.ca Science Editor Bianca Lemus Lavarreda science@thevarsity.ca Sports Editor Murad Hemmadi sports@thevarsity.ca Associate Design Editor Vacant Associate Photo Editor Vacant Associate Online Editor Patrick Love Associate Copy Editor Vacant Associate News Editor Sarah Taguiam Associate Comment Editor Vacant Associate A&E Editors Brigit Katz Assunta Alegiani Associate Features Editor Vacant Associate Science Editor Vacant Associate Sports Editors Vacant Copy Editors Reshara Alviarez Simon Capobianco Emily Dunbar Nikita Gill Jasmine Pauk Nicole Stanikowski Erene Stergiopoulos Designers Yasi Eftekhari Jenny Kim Suzy Nevins Mushfiq Ul Huq Michelle Yuan Cover Photo Murad Hemmadi

Fact Checkers Laura Mitchell Susan Gordon Nicole Stanikowski

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Contributors

Assunta Alegiani, Rida Ali, Mahsa Alimanardi, Patrick Baud, Zoe Bedard, Samantha Beddington, Roberta Bell, Elizabeth Benn, Simon Capobianco, Simon Frank, Daniel Klein, Nishi Kumar, Gabriella Lambert, Ivana Listen, Laura Kathleen Maize, Maleeha Majid, Meghan McCabe, Alessia Mocella, Julie Mollins, Sadi Muktadir, Sarah Niedoba, Brian O’Neill, Dalana Parris, Ingrid Santaren, Emma Sarconi, Jonathan Scott, Charlotte Smith, Wendelle So, Regine Taduran, Sarah Taguiam, Jakob Tanner, Kim Tran, Akihiko Tse, Irina Vukosavic, David Woolley

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Chief Executive Officer Paul Humphrey ceo@thevarsity.ca Chief Financial Officer Vacant cfo@thevarsity.ca Chief Operations Officer Matthew D. H. Gray coo@thevarsity.ca Editor-in-Chief Tom Cardoso editor@thevarsity.ca Board Members Lauren Ash (St. George) Jessica Denyer (St. George) Matthew D. H. Gray (St. George) Paul Humphrey (St. George) Ariel Lewis (Staff) Andrew Rusk (Staff) Erene Stergiopoulos (Masthead) Vacant (UTSC) Vacant (UTM) Vacant (ProFac) Vacant (ProFac) Vacant (ProFac) Business Manager Arlene Lu business@thevarsity.ca ads@thevarsity.ca Advertising Executives Jamie C. Liu jamie@thevarsity.ca Kalam Poon kalam@thevarsity.ca Ivana Strajin ivana@thevarsity.ca Ad Designer Vacant addesign@thevarsity.ca The Varsity is the University of Toronto's largest student newspaper, publishing since 1880. The Varsity has a circulation of 20,000, and is published by Varsity Publications, Inc. It is printed by Master Web Inc. on recycled newsprint stock. Content © 2011 by The Varsity. All rights reserved. Any editorial inquiries and/or letters should be directed to the sections associated with them; emails listed above. The Varsity reserves the right to edit all submissions. Inquiries regarding ad sales can be made to ads@thevarsity.ca ISSN: 0042-2789

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Students take pledge against drinking and driving Labatt hosts Be(er) Responsible Day to promote responsible consumption Irina Vukosavic VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

Labatt hosted their second annual Be(er) Responsible Day last Friday, September 23 in an effort to prevent drinking and driving. As part of Labatt’s “Better World” movement, the company wants to spread awareness and make positive change the student community. Labatt representatives were armed with iPads at Queen’s Park station to get students to take the pledge against drinking and driving. “This international event, … held in more than 20 countries, is very relevant in spreading general awareness about an issue with very serious consequences,” said Briar Wells, event coordinator and senior account manager for Labatt. According to MADD statistics, impaired driving claims between 1,350 and 1,600 lives in Canada each year. Of these incidents, approximately 45 per cent are youth related; furthermore, one in three people that die in an alcohol related crash are between the ages of 16 and 25.

These startling figures are all too familiar to the Toronto Police Service. To support the event, officers Smith, Higgins, and Stevenson were on the scene. “Drinking and driving is a great concern in Toronto today, and it is especially problematic to people that have just reached the legal drinking age,” said Smith. “People need to realize that drinking and driving is considered criminal behavior, just like any other serious crime such as robbery or using a weapon.” The Toronto Police Service has initiated several impaired driving programs and campaigns. The RIDE (Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere) enforcement campaign, launched in Etobicoke in 1977, involves random police spot checks in which vehicles are stopped and drivers are checked for impairment. In cooperation with the Toronto Police Service efforts, Ontario has passed more stringent laws about drinking and driving. As of August 1, 2010, drivers who are novice or under 21 are prohibited from having any alcohol in their blood whatsoever. Offenders face an immediate 24-hour roadside driver’s license suspension and, if convicted, a fine of $60–$500

and a 30-day license suspension. There are simple preventative measures that students can take to avoid serious drinking and driving incidents in the first place. “Plan ahead; it’s easy to plan when you’re sober!” said Smith. “Be responsible and take public transit, taxis, or assign a designated driver. In the worst-case scenario, police officers are able to assist people that are too intoxicated,” the officer continued. Even smartphone apps can help students stay safe. One example is the “Show Me My Buzz” app created by The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). It estimates the user’s level of intoxication based on information such as gender, weight, and beverages consumed. Despite the less-than-cooperative weather and students rushing to make it to class on time, many took the time to make the Labatt pledge. “I did it because it’s for a good cause,” says Yuen Man, pharmacy student at U of T. “While I was taking safety driving lessons, we were shown a video about drunk driving and it really frightened me. This could happen to anyone.”

NEWS IN BRIEF Toronto’s “Slutwalk” spreads

Addressing a law class at York University on January 24 of this year, Toronto police Constable Michael Sanguinetti remarked that “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.” The comment stirred up a storm of controversy in Toronto and led to the “Slutwalk,” a march against victim blaming, on April 3. The event inspired hundreds of protesters in Tampa, Florida who gathered in the downtown core on Saturday, September 18, dressed in “slutty” ensembles, and holding posters that denounced victim blaming. Charlie Solis, Tampa organizer, told the St. Petersburg Times that they kept the name “Slutwalk” to show solidarity for the original event. Solis acknowledged that the name was controversial, but she hopes it will help raise awareness about victim blaming. “The word is kind of weird, kind of uncomfortable, kind of ugly, but so is sexual assault,” Solis said. “Putting that word on the table and talking about these issues brings it to the forefront.” With files from the St. Petersburg Times and CBC News. — Sarah Niedoba

Cheap food for U of T

Students hunting for deals on food and goods can now use “Push A Deal,” a mobile app from Toronto firm Mobile Fringe that updates users about deals and discounts near their current location. The app utilizes customers’ smartphone GPS locations to present immediate deals from nearby participating stores as customers cross their “geo-fence.” Push A Deal is launching with a U of T focus this September through a partnership with Aramark, the company that manages many of the university’s food services. Promotions include free food for a month at New College and free coffee at Robarts. Push A Deal is downloadable for mobile phones at pushadeal.com. — Wendelle So

If you’ve got the money, you’ve got the grade

A recent investigation by the Toronto Star discovered several private schools in the Toronto area that were essentially functioning as “credit mills.” Students would pay anywhere from $500 to $900 per course and graduate with a severely inflated average. In some of these schools, only half the teachers were accredited, and students would get as few as 40 hours of instruction per credit. “It was pretty much a sham operation,” said Arthur Goldstein, who attended the TCT High School in 2008 and 2009. “They’re making a ****load of money off of people who are just trying to get a good grade and that’s not how the school system should be run.” With files from the Toronto Star. — Charlotte Smith

Vote Compass returns for provincial elections

The CBC has brought back Vote Compass, an online “election literacy application,” for the upcoming 2011 provincial elections. The program has become the subject of political discussion as party loyalists and academics have claimed the survey is biased. Vote Compass asks users to respond to a series of 30 statements on political issues, rating them from ”strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Upon completing the questionnaire, users can “determine how individual opinions on policy compare with each of the election platforms of the candidates.” After completing the survey with different strategies and continuously earning the Liberal result, Queen’s University political science professor, Kathy Broke, denounced Vote Compass. She claims the survey has an unintentional bias towards the Liberals. As well, Conservative MP Tony Clement asserts that Vote Compass inadvertently favors the Green Party over the NDP.

Vote Compass’ Executive Director, Clifton van der Linden, in agreement with CBC spokesperson, Jeff Keay, stated Vote Compass was “introduced as a means for people to engage with … [election] issues … not to tell people how to vote.” With files from CBC News and the National Post. — Gabriella Lambert

University pays students to live off-‐res

Many Ontario universities found themselves hard-pressed for housing when a recordbreaking 90, 000 undergraduates confirmed their acceptance to provincial schools this fall. The number is about 2,000 more than the double cohort number in 2003. McMaster University offered students from Oakville, Hamilton, and Burlington $1,000 to stay at home or find alternate accommodations to living on campus this year. According to Gord Abreau, McMaster’s Director of Public and Community Relations, the incentive was an effective way to reduce demand for housing; 64 students accepted the offer. After the University of Guelph experienced a surge in residence applications, around 60 first-year students have been relocated to the Best Western Royal Brock. Sarah Burley, acting Dean of Residence at Chestnut, announced that the University of Toronto also had to tweak its residence arrangements to keep its first-year housing promise. Chestnut had to convert some single rooms to doubles when the number of students living in the converted hotel rose from 1,047 last year to 1,077 this September. Furthermore, with 87 more first-year students than last year, many upper-level students have had to find alternate arrangements. With files from the Toronto Star. — Regine Taduran

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U of T recognized for innovation in urban forestry

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

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Faculty of Forestry received an award during Canada’s first National Tree Day celebration TH

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Activist groups from across the GTA planted seeds at U of T’s National Tree Day celebration. ROB LEONE/THE VARSITY

Akihiko Tse VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Forestry was honoured for its innovation in, and commitment to, urban forestry at Canada’s inaugural National Tree Day celebration and award ceremony on Wednesday. The award, which was made of reclaimed local wood, was presented by LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) and Tree Canada. The event was a part of National Forest Week, which this year also coincides with the UN Year of Forests. It asked Canadians to reflect on the benefits trees provide, including clean air, greater wildlife habitats, and reductions in energy demand and consumption. “Invest in a Green Future,” read the giant banner that marked the ceremony. Richard Brooks, Forest Campaign Coordinator for Greenpeace, urged people to show their own appreciation for trees, to “hug” one if necessary,

and to continue to show an interest in a field where “innovation is needed.” Sandy Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, said that while recognition came slowly to the program, people are becoming more aware of the prevalence of trees in urban environments, or “green infrastructure,” and “how that interfaces with ‘grey infrastructure’.” U of T’s Faculty of Forestry, established in 1907, is the oldest forestry faculty in Canada and the second oldest in North America. According to Smith, it was where the term “urban forestry” was coined. “We all know we benefit from [trees] but many people take them for granted,” said Janet McKay, Executive Director for LEAF. LEAF is a not-for-profit charitable organization that promotes the planting and maintenance of trees in urban areas — such as backyards and schools — and facilitates carbonoffset projects. It was voted Toronto’s

Best Activist Organization by NOW Magazine in 2010. In a recent report, the city estimated that two-thirds of the city’s ash trees, approximately 600,000 on private property, will be harmed by the emerald ash borer, an invasive and highly destructive species of beetle. McKay says that such events in urban forests can drastically affect people’s quality of life. “It’s a crisis, but it’s also an opportunity when people are listening,” she said. The city’s manager of urban forest renewal, Beth McEwan, is reported to have said that private property owners are responsible for replacing dead trees to maintain “Toronto’s tree canopy.” McKay, though, says that replacing large trees with seedlings takes too long and that they don’t usually survive. “Planting trees is good but we need to protect what we already have,” she stressed.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

VARSITY COMMENT

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The e-textbook revolution U of T needs to start supporting e-readers and cheaper textbooks .ANDYI/FLICKR

David Woolley VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

Going to the U of T Bookstore is a trying ordeal at best. The lines are long, the aisles crowded, and the books are often difficult to find. By far, the most aggravating part of getting your books for the new school year is the price. I try to do my purchasing over the course of several days, the main reason being that if I try to buy all my books at once, I exceed the weekly amount my debit card lets me withdraw. For example, last week, I bought six books — not even half of what I require — and it cost $250. The cheapest came in at just over $20 and the most expensive was $85. The typical cost of a book over my years here at U of T has probably been $40 to $60. By no means do I have it harder than many on campus — many students probably pay much more than I do. But the strain that book purchases put on all of our resources is immense. You can save money by eating cheap ramen noodles, but it is difficult to cut your costs when it comes to books since you require them to perform well in your classes. Surely, in the age of the Internet, smartphones, and polio vaccines, we can find a way to reduce the cost of books. Luckily for us, such a revolution is taking place in the publishing world. With the advent of the tablet and the e-reader, book prices are plummeting — if you read them in a specific format. The iPad, Kindle, Kobo and other devices allow individuals to store massive libraries in the palm of their hand, and organizations such as

Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble are using this to slash the prices of books. It has been estimated that 50 per cent of the price of books is in the paper. That’s one of the reasons why paperbacks are cheaper than hardcovers and why slim manifestos are cheaper than multi-volume epics. With e-books, the cost of paper completely disappears. An initial investment is made, sure, but a basic e-reader comes in at around $120, equivalent to just one or two

books, and will last you the full academic career. Beyond that, the cost of e-books tends to be at least half the cost of a physical book, with many titles priced even lower. With this brave new world, you may be wondering why U of T has not already made the change to an e-book curriculum. Arguments against e-books contend that you do not in fact “own” your e-book, since you cannot re-sell or loan it. However, an e-

reader purchase keeps a book in your personal online library indefinitely. E-readers like Kobo allow you to both “borrow” books from a “library,” wherein you can access them for a limited amount of time, and “lend” your books to friends, so that they can, for a limited amount of time, read the books themselves. Clearly, fears that we lose control by going digital are as outdated as fears about the mp3s you listen to. So-

ciety has adapted to the digital world. Furthermore, the need to re-sell books at the end of a semester will decrease as the initial investment made diminishes. If a rental model were created, allowing students to pay for e-books for a limited amount of time (say the length of a semester or school year) the cost to the student could be even further reduced. Cynics have claimed that universities would not be able to make such a change even if they wanted to. The vast majority of publishers’ profits come from textbooks. Students are held captive if publishers refuse to make their titles available digitally. However, this works to the university’s advantage. Because so much of publishers’ profits come from students, the companies are the ones held hostage. If Scribner refused to make their works readily available in e-book form, U of T would simply tell its professors that they could no longer assign Scribner-published works, not to mention that our very own University of Toronto Press — one of the largest university presses in North America — could start offering all of its publications as e-books, causing a massive influx of options to the market. If the University of Toronto is truly concerned about the wellbeing of its students, then it must begin to make the transition to an e-book curriculum. The reduction of this cost alone would make student life massively more affordable for everyone on campus.

Ford Nation is stalled How Torontonians are taking back their city Meghan McCabe VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

To the delight of many Toronto residents, Rob Ford’s cookie kingdom appears to be crumbling. It was only a matter of time, really. As powerful as Mayor Ford and his brother councillor Doug Ford seem there are still 43 other members of council whose votes they need in order to carry out their personal agenda. A municipally-elected official cannot barrel into City Hall and set about undoing years of democratically conducted work without repercussions. “Ford Nation” — a term Rob so humbly coined back in May — has stuck as a way to identify Team Ford in its quest to quash Toronto. Ford Nation offers a very delineated line between those with Ford and those against him. Rob Ford’s Toronto is one of suburbanites and big businesses, supported on council by a number of right-minded allies. Therefore, everyone else is “against” him: left-leaning councillors and anyone who fits the “pinko” la-

bel Don Cherry diplomatically cast when introducing Rob at the mayor’s swearing-in ceremony in December 2010 (yeah, I’m still not over it). Ford Nation has looked mighty powerful, as they successfully carried out their first order of business to cancel Transit City with no regard to the millions of dollars wasted in doing so. The Fords have a devoted inner circle on City Council, aided by the outrageously undemocratic practice of councillor, Giorgio Mammoliti, who gives a thumbs up or thumbs down when votes arise in order to direct “Ford Nation.” Though as Ford supporters elected him to stop the “gravy train” at City Hall and reduce wasteful spending, their definition of waste does not exactly match his. When important services like public libraries, childcare, public transit, and arts funding were put on the chopping block in order to tackle the city’s massive deficit, the people of Toronto fought back. Hundreds of citizens presented their argu-

ments against cutting necessary services at two marathon meetings of the executive committee, and the outcome was a delay in making any overly controversial decisions. The thing is, Torontonians want a vibrant, livable city, and are not willing to let Ford Nation destroy that. Needless to say, Ford’s popularity is in sharp decline. In a Forum Research telephone poll of almost 13,000 people commissioned by CUPE Local 79, one of two major unions at city hall, 77 per cent of respondents said that they want their councillors to maintain services and vote against Ford’s plans. 54% indicated that their opinion of Ford has worsened since the election last fall and 73 per cent would not vote for him if an election were held tomorrow. Remarkably, less than 50 per cent of residents in wards that chose Ford allies support the mayor now. For example, only 23.4 per cent of people in the ward of Karen Stinz, TTC chair and former key Ford supporter, support him

today; and that figure is highest in Doug Ford’s ward at just 45.4%. The numbers show that Ford Nation is stalling, but Rob Ford is a honeybadger: he don’t give a shit. Ford does what he wants, as shown in the recent debate over the Port Lands issue. Rob and Doug put together their own vision for development of the Port Lands, that waterfront industrial area east of the Distillery District. Waterfront Toronto, which started a decade ago with $500 million from the city, the province, and the federal government, has been the lead agency in Port Lands development and has plans for parks and mixed-use residential and commercial space. The Fords wanted to take control to build a monorail, mega-mall, and giant ferris wheel, to public dismay and a bunch of Simpsons jokes, referencing a classic episode in which a con-man sells Springfield a monorail and skips town with all their money. Luckily for the integrity of Toronto, those 43 other councillors represented their constituents

and said “no.” A further indication of Ford Nation’s collapse is that Ford’s inner circle went against their master, as council voted unanimously on September 21 to maintain the role of Waterfront Toronto in Port Lands revitalization. Of course it’s too early to decisively say that the great Ford Nation has finally fallen, but it’s starting to slip. Obviously councillors have figured out that they need to adhere to the wishes of their constituents, especially if they want to have political careers that extend past Rob Ford’s term as mayor. You can do your part by contacting your councillor to tell him or her how you would want to be represented in city council go to (app.toronto.ca/wards for contact information). Even if you only live here 8 months of the year, council decisions affect how you get around the city and what you can do while you’re here. So cheers to the crumbling of Ford Nation and may our councillors continue to protect Toronto from a Ford-driven bulldozer.

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VARSITY COMMENT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Asbestos: Canada’s poisonous shame Canada needs to stop justifying the sale of the poisonous substance to third-world countries STEPHANIE TRAVASSOS/THE VARSITY

Simon Capobianco VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

This past June, Canada again blocked the addition of chrysotile asbestos to Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention. The Rotterdam Convention — an international forum dedicated to sharing information about hazardous chemicals and pesticides — aims to protect the citizens of vulnerable developing nations from dangerous substances. If chrysolite — a notorious carcinogen — had been successfully listed under Annex III, it would have been classified as hazardous, and importer-countries would then be provided with information about handling precautions and non-hazardous alternatives. Prime Minister Harper’s reluctance to let chrysotile be listed under Annex III is part of a successful bid by the Conservatives to wrest the Quebec riding of Megantic L’Erable, which produces asbestos, from Bloc Quebecois control. Canada edges out Russia, China, and Khazakstan as the world’s leading asbestos exporter. The Harper government has shown strong support for the industry: promoting its deadly product abroad, and, extraordinarily, even funding its federal lobby group, the Chrysotile Institute. Chrysotile, a serpentine form of the mineral asbestos, is used to make some types of concrete, and to fireproof houses. While less deadly than its amphibole cousins, amosite and crocidolite, chrysotile is known to cause a range of agonizing lung diseases, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma; it is not used in Canada. In developing nations like India, where government health regulations are virtually non-existent, however, usage is widespread. It is estimated that at least 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases.

However, the real number is certainly much higher, as the affected countries lack efficacious diagnosis and tracking methods. Although Harper has said that Canadian exports are used “under safe and controlled conditions,” and the Chrysotile Institute that chrysotile carries “no increased cancer risk” at low levels, both claims are rejected by independent experts. Although virtually every Canadian public health association, including CMAJ and the Canadian Cancer Society, advocates banning chrysotile exports, and a member of Harper’s cabinet, Chuck Strahl, is dying of lung-cancer caused by his

‘safe and controlled’ work with asbestos, Harper supports the chrysotile industry unswervingly. While refusing to lift a ban on the use of asbestos in Canadian homes and schools, Harper also refuses to stop exporting it to countries, that have yet to enact such a ban. The rationale for this hypocrisy is that Harper “does not want to to put Canadian industry in a position where it is discriminated against in a market where sale is permitted.” Even if Canada stops exporting asbestos, this argument goes, other exporters will just fill in the gap, so why should we lose out on business? Indeed, Chryso-

tile Institute president, Clement Godbout argues, “at least 700 direct jobs and approximately 2,000 indirect jobs” would disappear if asbestos exports were banned. “What will happen to those regions? To the quality of life in their communities? To the people who lose their jobs?” he asked. It should be of interest to Canadians that the head of our government is willing to defend the practice of selling carcinogens to the abject poor with an argument used most frequently by drug dealers. When meth-pushers argue that if they don’t sell to kids someone else will, they are absolutely right,

and it doesn’t make one iota of difference to how we regard them — as debauched monsters exploiting the helpless. By Harper’s reasoning, however, those who happen to be caught and jailed are suffering a form of discrimination. As for Godbout’s plaintive question, a thought-experiment is useful in assessing its moral value. Suppose that thousands of Canadians were dying annually because they handled a material, known unequivocally to cause cancer, which was sold to us by a country that claims it is safe while refusing to use it themselves. How would we react to laments over the reduction in “quality of life” that the people who profit from our misery would suffer if they were forced to stop selling us this job-creating substance? We would probably find the question itself obscene and unworthy of comment. The analogy is flawed, however. For it to be accurate, Canada would have to be a poor nation, home to one-third of the world’s poverty, without the means to treat all those dying of asbestos-related diseases. The Indians who take jobs handling asbestos are largely unaware of the hazards they endure, and have few options in any case. If the citizens of producercountries do not compel the governments to stop exporting asbestos, there is little hope for these desperate people. Banning exports from Canada will not stop other countries from selling chrysotile, but it would add Canada’s voice to those pressuring them to stop and put a world ban within sight. In countries like Russia, China, and Kazakhstan, opposing government policies can get dissenters jailed and tortured. Canadians, who live in one of the freest countries in the world, have no such excuse.

The great NDP leadership race The next leader has to be someone who Canadians feel is capable of forming the next government Patrick Baud VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

Without a doubt, the last few months have been trying ones for the New Democrats. After winning 103 seats in the federal election in May, the NDP became the official opposition for the first time in its history. Just as the New Democrats were beginning to grow into their new national role, Jack Layton announced in June that he would be taking leave to receive treatment for cancer. On Layton’s recommendation, rookie Quebec MP, Nycole Turmel, became interim leader. Layton passed away in mid-August, triggering a public outpouring of grief rarely seen in Canadian public life. Last week, Parliament returned to work for the fall and the New Democrats are faced with the challenge of learning to be the official opposition without the guidance of the man who brought them there.

A leadership election is set to take place by the middle of next year, but it has been off to a slow start with only two declared candidates. In the meantime, Turmel must contend with the challenges of running a caucus composed mostly of rookie MPs and Quebecers, as well as to relearn what the opposition’s role is in a majority Parliament after seven years of minority. No matter who the New Democrats choose as their next leader, it is important that they pick someone who could be prime minister after the next election in 2015. This means picking someone for whom compromise is not an option and who is comfortable with the prominent media role that the leader of the opposition plays, even between campaigns. We do not know what kind of a leader of the opposition Layton would have been, but we certainly know that the last two, former Liberal leaders

Stéphane Dion and Michael Ignatieff, were unable to present Canadians with a credible alternative to Stephen Harper. Beyond leadership, it is also time that the New Democrats begin to build the kind of electoral machine that could deliver victory for them in four years. This means building on the momentum from the last election to close the fundraising gap between the NDP and the Conservatives. The best way to do this is to learn from the Conservatives, who have mostly focused on recruiting and maintaining a large number of regular individual donors. If the New Democrats could do the same, they could begin to run bigger and more visible election campaigns that could propel them towards government. In addition to getting their financial house in order, the New Democrats should also work on developping in-house political talent. This

means building a more governingoriented and less protest-centric youth movement. It also means looking to current and former provincial New Democrats, especially those with experience in government in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, to provide the federal party with the kind of expertise that it would need to govern the nation successfully. The New Democrats should also invest in a more sophisticated research program and take advantage of opportunities to work with left-wing think tanks such as the new Broadbent Institute and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives to generate tangible alternatives to the Conservative consensus. Finally, the New Democrats also need to hone their policies. While they have been successful in identifying short-term issues that give them small rating spikes, such as their pledge to cap credit card

interest rates or to ban mobile phone companies from charging for incoming text messages, they have not been as good at developing credible and practicable bigpicture policies. This must change if the NDP wants to start being treated as a government-in-waiting, rather than merely an overgrown protest party. New Democrats need to make a concerted effort to be in the right place at the right time on the issues. For instance, an aging population is going to create a plethora of policy challenges that the Conservatives seem to be unaware of or unwilling to respond to. The NDP could introduce an expanded drug insurance scheme and expand other programs to help seniors live in their homes for longer periods of time. Demographics could very well make the NDP’s destiny much rosier in the next few years, but only if they take the steps to prepare for it now.

10 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

VARSITY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

arts@thevarsity.ca

Show tunes and bump-its!

Hart House's season opener, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, triumphs with detail and sincerity Emma Sarconi VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

Despite some initial hesitance and maybe a little skepticism over yet another trailer trash musical after last fall’s Jerry Springer: The Opera, I can safely say that The Great American Trailer Park Musical is different, perhaps even better. What really makes this show great is the little things. The production team sets the tone the minute you enter the theatre. The classic Kansas hit, “Carry On My Wayward Son” serenades the audience, followed by Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.”

stage, giving the set a certain charm. Inside Jeannie and Norbert’s trailer, the pink and green flowered wallpaper is tacky but sweet. These people are trying hard with what they have, and, believe it or not, trailer parks can be beautiful. The cast carries the sentiment of the production design into the script, creating real characters with a lot of heart. The entire cast works so well to create this world, and each actor was brilliant in his or her own way. The three girls who make up the chorus — Saphire Demitro, Jennifer Morris, and Sarite Harris — are flawless. They play their characters with complete hilarity, sincerity,

MINHEE BAE/THE VARSITY

Welcome to northern Florida trailer park, Armadillo Acres! Three classic, white, aluminum-sided trailers sit in cheap cheeriness in a row across the stage: one with neon blue accents, one with neon green, and one with neon pink. The green trailer in the center is the troubled home of main characters, Jeannie and Norbert; it displays a very prominent American flag on its side, reminding the audience of exactly where they are, both geographically and ideologically. The stage is dotted with plastic pink flamingos, rainbow lawn chairs and even a bright pink barbecue. If you look closely, one trailer even has a Bush–Cheney ‘08 bumper sticker on the side. The costumes are similar: the characters are decked out in cut-off shorts, cowboy boots, skin tight dresses, bath robes, silk leopard print overalls, and hair so high that a bumpit must be at work. The production team had a lot of fun creating this wacky world, but the attention to detail also suggests to a professionalism that is rare to see. Jeannie and Norbert’s trailer opens down the centre, allowing us to see inside their lives and inside this world. There is a real sense of sincerity that underlies the outlandish comedy of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. The fairy lights and paper lanterns that are strewn across the trailers cast a soft glow on the

and audacity. They have chemistry as a trio that makes their characters camaraderie believable, while their vocal talent, both individually during solos and in harmony, was a highlight of the show. These women can really sing. The play is hilarious but at times digs deeper, revealing some completely touching — sometimes heartbreaking — moments. Janice Hawke in particular plays Jeannie with sincerity, making her predicament tragic. As much as these characters are stereotypes, the cast makes them so much more; they become real people through the talent of their actors. The Great American Trailer Park Musical is fun, funny, bold, and outlandish. The script is not amazing and the songs, although clever, are not the most catchy, but Hart House has a truly amazing production, totally worth seeing. This is an example of excellent theatre. There may have been a dropped accent or two, but generally, everything from costumes to music came together in a perfect theatrical storm. The Great American Trailer Park Musical has set the standard for the rest of the Hart House season, hopefully making for a fantastic year of theatre. The Great American Trailer Park Musical runs at Hart House from Sept 23 – Oct 8, 2011

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VARSITY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Bob Schmidt (far left) plays banjo and mandolin for Celtic punk band Flogging Molly

A light in the dark Bob Schmidt, of the legendary celtic punk band Flogging Molly, sits down with The Varsity to talk about their latest album, Speed of Darkness Assunta Alegiani ASSOCIATE A&E EDITOR

This Thursday, LA band Flogging Molly plays the Sound Academy. The septet has been around for a while — since 1997 to be precise — and is beloved in Europe and North America alike for their energetic traditional Irish infused punk (think accordion and violin meet electric guitar). Earlier this year, the Celtic punk rockers released their fifth studio album, Speed of Darkness. With the financial crisis as a backdrop, the band spent three years crafting their sonic two-cents. Bob Schmidt, Flogging Molly’s mandolin and banjo player, talks about church (kind of), changing record labels, and upsetting “Newfies.” The Varsity: Speed Of Darkness has been out for a few months now. How do you feel about it at this point? Bob Schmidt: I hadn’t really had a chance to listen to it much since we put it out. But the other day, I finally got to really listen to it and I’m very happy with the record. I think it’s one of our better works. TV: How has it been received by your fans? BS: The reception was really good.

It’s been hard to gauge what it’s been like in America because we put it out in May and then spent the entire summer in Europe. But in Europe it’s been great. As far as the fans go, everybody that we have played for and that we’ve been talking to after the shows seemed to like it quite a bit. TV: The album was written in Detroit and recorded in an old church in Northern Carolina. I would imagine that an old church setting could have quite an impact. Did the setting influence the sound of the album in any way? BS: The setting had more of an energetic impact. This album was a lot about community and sticking with each other, helping each other through rough times, bringing our voices together and making ourselves heard above the media, spelling things out a certain way that may or may not be, reflecting on whatever your reality is. And so, we recorded it in a church, where, for thirty or forty years, people congregated, talked about their problems, and prayed together. This really infused the album with this sense of community, and [the church setting] helped a lot that way. TV: What made you decide to re-

lease this album on your own label, Borstal Beats? BS: We had a great relationship with SideOneDummy. But the thing is, when you do a record with a label, they own the masters to your recordings. We felt that, even after you get your advance, all your hard work is still owned by somebody else. Founding our own label was mostly just about being able to create things and keep them for ourselves: basically, to have complete control over the physical and the musical aspects of our band. We saved money for a long time to be able to afford putting the album together without taking an advance. You know, it’s just kind of a natural progression. TV: You wrote the album during the peak of the financial crisis, when, overall, it seemed like the world was crumbling a little bit. BS: Definitely. It’s still going on; it still feels like the world is crumbling. TV: In that respect, what is the main thing you’d like people to take away from Speed Of Darkness? BS: I think the main idea is hope, you know? Things have been worse than this before, and they’ll be worse than this in the future.

There’s war and failing economies, there’s all this stuff going on that is really very modern, but the core thing is that we still have each other and we can still work together to change things. You can’t rely on the governments or anybody else to solve the problems of the world — it’s up to us to do it together. And that’s the hope. It’s all we have to do: stand together, make a decision and move forward. TV: You have been together for well over a decade. Have the band dynamics and creative proces changed at all? BS: I think when we first got together, Dave had all the songs; we all got together and learned them. They were solely his ideas. Over the years, it’s become much more of a collaborative way of writing songs. He still brings in the core stuff, but with time it has become much more of a band effort to bring the music together. And with time, band dynamics change and touring changes, you know? We all have families, we got married and have kids, and that definitely changed [things]. TV: But you still like going on tour, right? BS: Yeah, absolutely. TV: You’re just at the beginning of

your North American tour. BS: Yeah, we spent just a weekend in the States, and then we headed out to Newfoundland. This is the first time we’re able to do a true coastto-coast Canadian tour. We tried to do one a couple of years ago, but we didn’t go to Newfoundland because we just couldn’t figure out how to get there at all. When we didn’t go to Newfoundland last time, the Newfies got really upset. You don’t want to upset the Newfies. TV: Is there anything specific to the Toronto crowd? BS: I would say one thing that we’ve learned playing all over the world is kids and music fans are the same, wherever you go. Everybody wants the same [thing]; everybody wants to have a good time, jumping around and forgetting whatever life problems they have for a while. There’s really not much of a difference between crowds from place to place. TV: What’s coming next for the band? New album or a break? BS: We’ll go to Europe in November and after that we’re doing the Green 17 Tour. Yeah, everybody’s been working hard all year, so we’re looking forward to a little holiday time with our wives and kids.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

FILM RESTLESS

Dir. Gus Van Sant The latest venture by director Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting), Restless tells the story of Enoch (Henry Hopper), who falls in love with terminally ill and beautifully boyish Annabel (Mia Wasikowska). Through their relationship and his friendship with a ghost-pilot named Hiroshi (Ryo Kase), Enoch comes to terms with the concept of mortality. Enoch and Annabel’s bond develops quickly, and the film is contained to their intimate world of pocket watches, bird classification, and small talk with spirits. Though the two have a certain

VARSITY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

REVIEWS thy and charming performance as proponent of life Annabel, Hopper is less impressive with his moody portrayal of death-obsessed Enoch. The result is a shaky attempt at srtaddling whimsy and morbidity that ultimately falls short. The film is a visual delight with a satisfying ending and intriguing characters, but overall it ends up feeling like a stock indie flick in its failure to emotionally affect its audience. — Danielle Klein

A MYSTERIOUS WORLD Dir. Rodrigo Moreno As part of this year’s City to City program with Buenos Aires, A Mysterious World (directed by Rodrigo Moreno) draws upon the well known charms of Argentina’s

The film picks up an easy-going rhythm as Boris reconnects with an old high school classmate and strikes up a quiet friendship with the mechanic repairing his car. Strange inconsistencies accumulate, questioning Boris’ grasp on reality. But as the film’s characters ask when discussing novels, “why should anything happen?” A Mysterious World is bolstered by director Rodrigo Moreno’s use of 35mm film, capturing Buenos Aires in crackly, color-saturated glory whilst Boris wanders on his amusing, if inconsequential, journey. — Simon Frank

MUSIC RELAX Das Racist

Mia Wasikowska and Henry Hopper in restless

amount of audience appeal, their dialogue and behaviour is so deliberately obscure that they become a formulaic caricature of a hipster couple. The film boasts a pleasant soundtrack, featuring music by Sufjan Stevens and The Beatles, and wonderfully vintage wardrobes. While Wasikowska gives a notewor-

capital and makes clear that its inhabitants are not immune to the mundane urban complaints of loneliness and boredom. When Boris is unexpectedly dumped by his girlfriend Ana, he switches to autopilot, checking into a cheap hotel and wasting his days. He buys a decrepit Romanian car and begins to explore the city.

Following Shut Up, Dude and Sit Down, Man, rap satirists Das Racist are now telling people to Relax. Known for being hyperreferential — alluding to anything from Finnegan’s Wake to The Simpsons — and dropping clever lines like, “Not Able? Cain’ll do,” their newest album lacks the lyrical ferocity seen in their earlier work. Obvious gags include, “She’s got a booty in the air like an airplane,” and “It’s a brand new dance / Give us all your money,” but the irony is waning. The goofy intentions are concealed by the album’s stellar production value, which delivers sensuous layered beats — perfect for those who tune out the lyrics. With a roster of notable producers, Das Racist delivers an album about “Tiny ass hamburgers” at White Castle and offers booty call anthems like, “You don’t got to give me no instructions, baby / You know what I wanna do,” which are hilarious — but when

compared to previous works, it seems like the band isn’t having as much fun. — Jakob Tanner

AFTERIMAGE Recovery Child Recovery Child's new album Afterimage is overflowing with heavy guitar and vocals that are uncomfortably reminiscent of Nickelback. Don't expect anything revolutionary: it's a decidedly generic, moody rock record. The album starts off with a simple, melancholic intro that is completely at odds with the rest of the album. After this misleading start, the first three tracks are disappointingly unimaginative and repetitive. The record begins to pick up at “Bury Your Words,” a climactic ballad with the album’s most emotionally tangible vocal performance. “I Will Defend” gives the listener a break from the angst — if you don't listen to the lyrics too closely. The true highlight of the album is its last track, “Moments Not Worth Remembering,” a stripped-down acoustic ballad, simple and raw. But ultimately, Afterimage is a record that we've all heard a million times before. — Nishi Kumar

arts@thevarsity.ca

ART THE INEXHAUSTIBLE IMAGE Angela Grauerholz University of Toronto Art Centre's latest exhibit, The Inexhaustible Image, is a serene and calm presentation of the Angela Grauerholz’s photography and personal belongings. The exhibit offers an escape from the monotonous stresses of life into a place of unsophisticated beauty. The exhibit includes a catalogue of book covers she recovered from her apartment after it caught fire in the nineties, and there are many candid shots, from calm gardens to unfocused portraits. Many of her images are black and white and are left unclear to express the concept of memory. Grauerholz captures the moment in her images, but also recalls the past; her belongings in the exhibit give insight into her life and pleasures. This exhibit is certainly worth exploring — one can easily find solitude in Grauerholz’s world of moments and memories that are beautifully and elegantly rendered. — Alessia Mocella

50 Grads. One Weekend. Your Future. We’re inviting 50 of Canada’s top engineering students to Waterloo for one weekend to plan their futures.

The 50 Graduates Weekend is a chance for selected Canadian students interested in master’s and PhD studies to learn about graduate programs in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo and experience life in one of Canada’s most vibrant

All expenses paid.† Want to join us?

communities. You will tour state-of-the-art engineering facilities, explore innovative research programs, and learn about collaborations with the region’s growing list of technology, automotive, financial, health and environmental companies. You will also get a taste of the region’s

new DEADLINE! OCTOBER 3

exciting social life with visits to local cultural centres, restaurants and the idyllic village of St. Jacobs.

It’s happening

November 3 to 6, 2011

Apply at: engineering.uwaterloo.ca/50graduates

†Details regarding travel expenses can be found at: engineering.uwaterloo.ca/50graduates 4342

arts@thevarsity.ca

VARSITY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

The $10 Restaurateur with Laura Kathleen Maize

Porter is a beer flavoured with history. Coming of age in the 18th century, Porter was the first beer produced on a mass scale, and due to its aging process, the brew was ready to drink on

recently ate at what I now consider to be Toronto’s unofficial diner neighbourhood, which runs roughly from Dundas down to King and from Church into Cabbagetown. I have lived in this wonderful city my whole life and never knew such a diner haven existed! If, like me, you love diner food, do yourself a favour and get on the next streetcar headed east. You can google some good places first or just wander and trust your instincts — they won’t lead you wrong. On the recommendation of a coworker, I went to the Mutual Street Diner, and it was fantastic. As long as you are in the mood for something simple, salty, and substantial, this diner

cannot disappoint. I had the sausage scrambler — basically just sausage and various vegetables fried up with some scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese on top, buttered toast, and a coffee on the side. It was so much food that getting it all for $7.50 felt like theft. My lunchtime companion ordered a chipotle chicken wrap with chicken noodle soup on the side and quite honestly, the soup alone was hearty enough to be a full meal (plus it has alphabet noodles!). A lunch costing under $20 for two is pretty rare these days, especially one where you both leave full but still get some old city charm. You get a bang for your buck in the 'hood that I’ve christened Dinertown.

VARSIT HE

Write for Arts. T

Mutual Street Diner, 103 Mutual Street

arrival at the public house. As a result, the beer was cheap! It garnered its name from the many cash-strapped porters in London who favoured its strong flavour and low cost.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

VARSITY FEATURES

Ich bin ein Berliner

features@thevarsity.ca

by Mahsa Alimardani photos by Bernarda Gospic

Ramin Jahanbegloo discusses monism, the Arab Spring, and Isaiah Berlin

Berlin was like the encyclopedia of the 20th century. He knew every great mind and activist of his time, from Albert Einstein to Ben Gurion to Ezer Weizman. These were the great thinkers and shapers of the 20th century.

Russian Revolution of 1917, you could even say he was allergic to violence. You can only imagine what his thoughts on this Egyptian event would have been. There is such a thing as democratic passion, something Berlin appreciated. These passions exist in civic movements and tyrannies. When they’re not enlightened, they turn into violent movements. The attack on the Israeli Embassy, especially in regards to our upcoming debate on Thursday, would not be looked upon kindly by Berlin. TV: Could this be a signal of the faults within Arab nationalism? RJ: There’s a problem with nationalism in that it’s based around antagonism, and this is one of the problems Berlin had with the whole concept. There have to be non-violent resolutions to conflicts. There’s a saying: “When you have a house on fire, you don’t keep your brother inside,” and

of Mashhad in one of our conversations. He described to me his visit to the shrine of Imam Reza and how frightened he was by all the religious procession around it. Religious processions were very strange for Berlin. You see, Berlin was not a religious man. He was a Zionist, but he was not blindly accepting of all the policies of the Israeli government. He was very critical of individuals like Ariel Sharon. TV: It seems as if the same history that went into making the state of Israel in 1948 will be made with this week’s Palestinian bid at the UN General Assembly. Has history come full circle? RJ: Yes, today we’re back to those same debates that plagued the world and the UN in 1948, when the state of Israel was created. But there has to be a civilized way for two nations to find peace.

and planning a “Velvet Revolution.” The talk, “Liberty and the Arab Spring” used the philosophy of Berlin as a springboard to discuss the current situation in the Middle East. Prior to the talk, Jahanbegloo sat down for an interview with The Varsity.

RJ: Well, Berlin was what I like to call a “spectator engaged.” He had connections within the British Foreign Office in Moscow, and he was able to influence European politicians and the stands they took against the Middle East. In fact what is noteworthy about Berlin are his extensive travels throughout the Middle East. Berlin was like the encyclopedia of the 20th century. He knew every great mind and activist of his time, from Albert Einstein to Ben Gurion to Ezer Weizman. These were the great thinkers and shapers of the 20th century. He knew several European languages, and in this way he was able to talk to different figures from all these different countries, and work on their thoughts. His famous essay, “The Two Concepts of Liberty,” was one of the most influential for theorists and thinkers. TV: What would Berlin say about the recent storming of the Israeli Embassy by the Egyptian protesters on September 9? RJ: He was very suspicious of monistic views. Who would want a one-way solution to anything? But more importantly, Berlin hated violence. Considering his experiences with the

this concept applies to the Israeli–Palestinian issue. Berlin spent most of his life surrounded by people pushing the Zionist cause, but even he reflected in the last month of his life and opted for a two-state solution. TV: Tell me about your relationship with Isaiah Berlin, and why you’re doing this talk with Michael Ignatieff. RJ: Well, there is a sort of triangle at play here. There’s a friendship between all three of us, and this triangle is one of dialogue and peace. There is a moderate and dialogic aspect to all our lives. Michael says we are both “Berliners.” This of course is a play on the famous JFK speech, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” (I am a Berliner) [which he gave when he visited] West Berlin after the erection of the Berlin Wall. …Ignatieff and Berlin are both political philosophers, and both have dedicated much of their lives to enforcing dialogue across different cultures. Berlin himself was a famous Zionist, yet he travelled extensively across the Middle East and was open to other views. Berlin even visited Iran as the President of the British Council. He told me about his visit to the city

TV: This whole concept of the “Arab Spring” seems at odds with the Israeli-Palestinian debate. In fact, with recent events such as the storming of the Israeli embassy by Egyptian protestors, some have even signalled the beginnings of an “Arab Autumn.” Would you agree with the name the “Arab Spring”? RJ: We shouldn’t talk about it as the “Arab Spring.” Iranians, Turks, and Israelis have also been involved in this. This is a long process of freedom in the Middle East, and a new effort towards state building, in contrast to traditional authoritarian models. This is a paradigm shift towards a less violent and conflicting relationship between a people and a government. And as for labelling it as an “Arab Autumn,” it took the French Revolution 200 years to fully complete itself, and it saw many smaller revolutions. These movements are about the political education of the masses. It’s a fight against fanaticism and monistic views. Isaiah Berlin wanted to end negative liberties as imposed by the state, and end negative thoughts within the people.

saiah Berlin has been called one of the greatest political thinkers of the 20th century. He contributed extensively to the history of ideas, and highlighted the relationships between men and their institutions. This past Thursday, PEN Canada hosted a night of dialogue and debate between two self-styled “Berliners”: Ramin Jahanbegloo and Michael Ignatieff (Jahanbegloo wrote Conversations with Isaiah Berlin and Ignatieff wrote Isaiah Berlin: A Life). Ignatieff, a former candidate for Canadian Prime Minister and current Massey College fellow and U of T professor, joined his longtime friend and colleague, Jahanbegloo. One of U of T’s own resident political philosophers, Jahanbegloo has been a firsthand victim of political oppression within the Middle East. A victim of political persecution himself, he once did time in the world-famous Iranian Evin prison under the accusation of spying

The Varsity: Tell us a bit about PEN Canada and where this idea for a talk about Berlin today came from. Ramin Jahanbegloo: This is a series [“Ideas in Dialogue Series”] suggested by the board of PEN, and Michael and I signed up for the first talk without any hesitation. We both wrote two complimentary books on Isaiah Berlin. While my book was more philosophical, Michael had a much more private look at his life. We’re discussing a man that we cherished, and we now want to present him to young Canadians, and somehow relate him to the events happening today. TV: Although many say Berlin was a moral voice advocating pluralism, there have been critics who have accused him of being too much of a pacifist. How is Berlin relevant in this atmosphere of protests?

“Liberty and The Arab Spring” will air on TVO during the fall season.

VARSITY SCIENCE

science@thevarsity.ca

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Forget the paperback? KIM TRAN weighs the pros and cons of e-readers he first e-readers, Rocketbook and Softbook, were developed and released in 1998, but it is only in recent years that e-readers and e-books have gained popularity. Since then, products like the Sony eReader, Nook Reader, and Kobo have followed suit — albeit not garnering as much success as the Kindle. The e-reader has even affected book sales, as Amazon announced that its e-book sales outnumbered paperback sales in the last three months of 2010. This is impressive and all, but can e-books ever replace the tangible experience of reading an actual paper book? Thanks to advanced ink technology, e-readers can be easy on the eyes — a rather important factor for those long bookworm nights. A special type of electronic paper, called ‘e-ink,’ rearranges charged particles through an applied electric field, forming visual images. Titanium dioxide particles are dispersed within hydrocarbon oil, along with a dark-coloured dye and charging agents to give them an electronic charge. This mixture is placed between two parallel conductive plates, and when a voltage is applied between the two plates, the particles migrate to the side with an opposite charge. Ergonomic functionality is taken into account, since electronic ink is designed to eliminate the eye strain usually produced by a

back-lit screen, like the one on your computer. Additionally, the carefully-sized screens function perfectly in direct sunlight and do a nice

nature of the device is great for student living — which is often confined to notoriously small spaces. As an ardent booklover living

job of mimicking paper. Aside from an e-reader’s unique specifications, the portable books certainly have advantages over physical books. The compact

in a tiny apartment, having three bookcases and 100 DVDs can really crowd the space. A 10-ounce, 6-inch e-reader however, can sort all that out.

I’ve got the munchies! Nutritional Sciences Students Association reviews great places to eat on campus Ingrid Santaren VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

School has just started, and already, your pile of work has grown exponentially. Books have to be read, crisp sheets of paper are filled with scribbles, and numbers have to be crunched. But wait! What is that in your hand slowly edging its way to your mouth? A candy bar? Crisps? Gasp! Much like Mr. Kurtz in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, the words “The horror! The horror!” echo in my mind. Some of you may be like me. I simply must eat when I am studying or doing any sort of schoolwork. There’s just something about studying that makes me peckish. Perhaps it’s my brain’s way of telling me it needs more energy for the task ahead. Whatever the reason, if you have not packed something to eat, finding delicious and healthy food on campus is easy thanks to a nifty new tool. U of T’s Food Services at the St. George campus have come up with an interactive map that lets you find places on campus that serve whatever food you fancy. The map is available on their website at foodmap.utoronto.ca. There are 44 eateries around campus, and this new map allows you to narrow down your options. There are search options like Eat Smart locations,

The general vibe from readers is uncertain. They feel on the fence choosing between ereaders and paperbacks. The Kindle is for portable reading, while paper books are for the bookcase at home. It’s not uncommon to hear people say that nothing can replace the tactile feel of real paper. This might change, however, as e-readers like the Kindle take on cutting-edge technology and improve their user interface. Wired magazine reports that consumers can expect a new Amazon tablet this fall — bigger and better than previous e-reader tablets. The new product runs on Android and is expected to rival Apple’s tablet design, which shares a similar userinterface. When it does come out, expect to see comments in the thousands on Amazon that analyze and compare the Kindle’s features along with other e-readers. Along with a sweet new look, prospective e-reader consumers should also take into account the convenience, storage ease, and environmental benefits that come with a compact device. Countless sheets of paper can be saved by being digitized and even companies could reap the environmental benefits of having a greener office supply. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to crack open an old beautiful book and enjoy the sweet smell of learning. SEANKELLY/FLICKR

Flex Dollars accepted, full meal, halal, kosher, L.L.B.O., LFP certified, light fare, and vegan and vegetarian friendly. The map also conveniently shows places with microwaves and wireless. A list of food options on campus can also be found in the UTSU handbook under “Directories.” For those who are interested in locally grown food, Food and Beverage Services also have a Sustainable Food Map and directory showing “eateries and grocery stores that offer organic, local, LFP-certified and fair trade foods.” There’s also a Farmer’s Market that I like to visit every Thursday from 2–5 p.m. at Willcocks Common (Willcocks and St. George beside Sidney Smith Hall). Why not skip the food truck and pay a visit to the Farmer’s Market? Here, not only can you find fresh fruits and vegetables, but also cheese, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, jams, waffles, meals, and snacks. Going to the Farmer’s Market is great because, for a change, you get to chat and meet the people who grow and make the food and learn about sustainable practices. University of Toronto has many great eateries to suit everyone’s tastes, whether it be a plain old sandwich or a warm and hearty vegan soup. So try and check out new places to eat, and don’t get bored by having the same old thing.

SC ENCE N BR EF NEUTRINOS MAY HAVE TRAVELLED FASTER THAN c Scientists from the OPERA team at CERN have recently announced the discovery of an anomaly — neutrino particles were observed traveling faster than the speed of light. To the team’s surprise, the particles were clocked at going 60 nanoseconds faster than expected. Although no conclusions can be affirmatively reached at this point in time, if the observation is correct, the event will have contradicted Einstein’s claim that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. It is widely believed by physicists that this rule cannot be broken, and so, they caution against taking the results with haste. A measurement or instrumental error may have occurred, and according to Louis Strigari, an astrophysicist at Stanford University not involved in the study, errors have been made in the past when the experimenters did not fully understand the nature of the equipment. For now, OPERA team members encourage critique and replicated studies from members of the physics community to make sense of these head-spinning results. — Bianca Lemus Source: National Geographic Science

DONATE BLOOD… TO YOURSELF? According to study results published in Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology, researchers have successfully injected cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) created from human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the same human donors. The Paris-based research team successfully generated billions of cRBCs in a petri dish with the aid of specific growth factors that regulate the proliferation and maturation of HSCs into red blood cells. The researchers then injected the cells into four mouse models and confirmed that the cells were able to progress through the full maturation process. Using human donors, the researchers repeated the process of creating another set of cRBCs and injected the cells back into the donor’s own body to assess their survival. After 26 days, the survival rate of cRBCs in the donor’s bloodstream was between 41–63 per cent comparable to the average 28-day half-life of normal native red blood cells. These results demonstrate that the lifespan and survival rate of cultured cells are similar to conventional red blood cells. They provide hope that one day, patients in need of a blood transfusion might become their own donors. — Maleeha Majid Source: Science Daily

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

VARSITY SCIENCE

science@thevarsity.ca

Elephants — er, plants — never forget SAMANTHA BEDDINGTON explores the epigenetic memory of plants As it turns out, plants have a memory of their own — sort of. Researchers at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, England have recently found supportive evidence for epigenetic memory in plants. The finding came about upon setting out to trace the mechanism by which plants distinctly use memory of recent winter lengths to determine when to flower. The answer was found in the be-

haviour of histones, a type of protein that encloses and orders DNA. Without histones, DNA would be unravelled and considerably longer in length. When the histones, located near the gene responsible for flowering time, were examined, it was found that histones would change according to exposure to cold weather and coax the FLC gene in neighbouring cells into an “on or

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viable yellow ‘agouti’ mice; the mice are called agouti since they have a transposable element in the agouti gene. The researchers found that inserting chemicals into the transposable element insertion sites allowed dietary supplements to alter the offspring’s nutrition. This suggests that dietary supplements are more than just beneficial and can actually affect epigenetic gene regulation in humans. Until recently, we had no basis in biology to explain the mechanisms behind the phenomenon — the idea of a non-sentient organism, such as a plant, retaining “memory” was too far-fetched. Yet, when we examine these structures at the molecular level, we see all the components are in place to make it possible. Considering what the theory of evolution has taught us, it’s not a stretch to determine that the likelihood of evolving with such beneficial mechanisms is right within line. The next step for science is to create a roadmap for more of these predictable epigenetic responses.

JENISE CHEN/THE VAR

off” position. The longer the plant was kept in the cold during the first testing, the longer it would take to flower during the second round. What was revealed was an adaptive and quantitatively predictable method of plant ‘memory.’ Since epigenetics revolves around heritable changes in gene function that happen without a change in the DNA sequence, it seems as though plants have somehow formed an entirely different method of “learning” and adaptation. This type of memory has obvious survival benefits. Premature flowering, in most cases, would lead to the death of the plant, whereas perfect timing leads to optimal pollen and seed dispersal. Such memory works similarly to humans’ in that we must first learn dangers in order to prevent them and survive. There are many dangers that human offspring do not automatically know how to avoid, forcing them to cycle through the same learning processes for themselves. This is where a very interesting component of epigenetics steps in — transgenerational epigenetics. Previous theories supporting the idea that one can pass on to offspring the traits accumulated during the parent’s life have been dismissed as implausible and written off as “Lamarckian,” an abandoned idea both pioneered and named after a Russian scientist before the discovery of the genome. According to a paper by Eva Jablonka and Gal Raz published in the Quarterly Review of Biology, there have now been numerous studies that support evidence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. One example involves the study in the European Journal of Human Genetics of random samples of males born during three different time periods in Överkalix, Sweden. They aimed to investigate the magnitude of influence the childhood circumstances of the proband, the individual serving as the starting point for the genetic study of a family, had on the various collected data. Notably, the study found that ancestors’ nutrition was the biggest influence on the longevity of transgenerational successors. However, not all effects are generations away. One study by Robert A. Waterland and Randy L. Jirtle explored the effects of early nutrition in

at the moment with Ivana Listen I really love my sweetie but I have no time! How do I balance my relationship with school?

I feel like a pervert for asking this, but is it normal to masturbate every day?

This can be rather tricky, depending on the people involved. Anything can seem hard when you begin working it into your lifestyle. Try keeping track of how many days you see each other normally; then, adjust this number to realistically fit the schedule of the person you want to be. If you can have this conversation, then it’s probably worth the trouble!

Why not? Although if you feel as though you need to ask, then perhaps there is an underlying problem. Ask yourself if masturbation is your crutch. Does it feel more like a vice than a strong normal physical urge? There’s nothing morally wrong with either of your answers — just hear them out.

The Varsity

VARSITY SCIENCE-SPORTS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Concussions in hockey BRIAN O’NEILL’s perspective on hockey culture

SADI MUKTADIR explores a conference on the relationship between hockey and concussions

he National Hockey League enters this season under a dark cloud. This summer the NHL saw three of its own tragically pass away: New York Ranger, Derek Boogaard; Winnipeg Jet, Rick Rypien; and former Leaf and Nashville Predator, Wade Belak. While there is no proven connection between these deaths and concussions, the three players were in a position that required them to check opponents aggressively, and it is not far-fetched that concussions or some sort of brain trauma played some part in their death. But we enter this season with optimism. Progress has been made toward better education and awareness of the issue. A concussion is an “unseen injury”; it is not easily identified like an arm or leg injury. Players need to speak out about their symptoms in order to be properly diagnosed, and it appears that a growing number of players are doing so. However, it is still common for a player to play through an injury for the “best of the team.” Fortunately, the old adage of “shaking it off” is being replaced by precaution. A prime example of this is Sidney Crosby. The fact that an elite player of Crosby’s level is not returning — or being pushed into returning by management — until he is 100 per cent healthy is a positive sign. Crosby is one of the league’s most marketed players, and the NHL and its fans want him back as soon as possible. Yet, what are some consequences of Crosby returning too soon? The answer may be something hockey fans don’t want to consider. But no player, however elite, should be immune to scrutiny. As fans, we tend to gravitate towards sports as a form of escapism. For those few hours, we can put aside all else and invest ourselves in a game, a team, a common love. That is the beauty of sports. The game’s big stories should not involve life or death. Concussions threaten to damage the game. We love hockey for its physicality, but we also love it for its strength, skill, and the finesse of its players. It is impossible to fully eliminate the threat of concussions from the game, but as long as the league continues to act on recommendations based on research, players and fans can only benefit. We may go into the year with one of the league’s most dynamic players on the sidelines, but we do so willingly. Hopefully, awareness about concussions will influence the treatment of players, and love of the game, both on and off the ice.

utcomes Following Concussions in Hockey (OuCH) held a conference on September 17 that explored the possible options in preventing concussions in hockey. A concussion is best defined as the immediate and usually temporary change of mental functioning due to serious trauma. Usually, the process involves the tearing of nerve fibres that affect the white matter in the brain, leading to subtle effects, such as dizziness.

Symptoms often include fogginess, headaches, and sluggishness. The subject of concussions has never been more charged than now. Beginning with injuries to players like Marc Savard, who suffered an elbow to the head, and culminating in the concussion of superstar Sidney Crosby, the league faces pressure to focus more attention on the problem of concussions. While stricter punishments, in the form of fines and suspensions, have been handed down, the sentiment at the conference seemed

much different. According to data collected by Dr. Michael Cusimano, approximately 15,000 – 20,000 children will suffer concussions in the upcoming hockey season, and it was posited by the doctor that this was a conservative estimate. The main goal of the conference seemed to be the promotion of a different approach. Mainly, a change in attitude to violent hockey culture coupled with the education of players, coaches, and parents. Dr. Shree Bhalerao was an interesting addition to the conference. As a

players such as Wade Belack, Rick Rypien, and Derek Boogaard, all of whom did not shy away from a healthy tilt or two. Rob Zamuner, a former NHL player and NHLPA representative, however, seemed to suggest that the role of the enforcer in hockey could help to prevent and limit concussions, much like a police officer on duty, making sure that no illegal or nasty hits are doled out. Adam Proteau, a renowned writer from the Hockey News, countered this argument by highlighting the detrimental effects an enforcer may also have, namely, policing through brutal tactics and proactive violence. Matt Cooke, anyone? The doctors were mostly in favour changing hockey culture that encourages malicious and violent play and educating players’ support structures on the styles of play and hits that need modification. This was most recently reflected in the new requirement that every NHL team be shown a video and discuss dangerous headshots prior the start of the regular season. The new Rule 48 in the NHL, outlining new illegal headshots, and its enforcement around the league, has also set an example and upheld player safety. Case in point: the strict 10 game suspension just handed out to enforcer Jody Shelley for an illegal hit on our own Blue and White Darryl Boyce. The desired change in hockey culture was discussed at length, and interviews and testimonies from minor level hockey players and children’s hockey leagues around Ontario showed that kids from a young age are being encouraged to play a violent style of hockey. The medical panel asserted a needed change to this encouragement of violent and MICHELLE YUAN/THE VARSITY reckless play, starting with authority figures who can discourage malicious and retaliatory violence and headshots. Educating players, coaches, and parents about concussions has come a long way. The devpsychiatric doctor, he highlighted many astating effect it can have on a player’s previously underemphasized outcomes career is undeniable. Eric Lindros, Keith following a concussion. These included Primeau, and many others can attest depression, sleep disorders and irrational to that. With a greater focus on concusfears, among other things. Players may sions as a brain injury, all involved at the become withdrawn and more susceptible NHL level and below are being forced to to overmedication and substance abuse. question the role of reckless retaliatory The psychiatric effects of concussions violence, the importance of the enforcer, and other brain injuries through hockey and the vicious effects of the headshot. are receiving a lot of attention today, How to best prevent concussions is still following the sad summer hockey expe- a work in progress. Sidney Crosby awaits rienced through the losses of well-loved a consensus.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

VARSITY SPORTS

sports@thevarsity.ca

Hayley’s hurdles Roberta Bell VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

Hayley Warren has almost mastered the art of the comeback. The Varsity Blues hurdler has spent most of her career overcoming obstacles — and they haven’t been limited to the track. A nationally ranked gymnast as a pre-teen, Warren began to look for another outlet for her athleticism after repeated injuries. The minute Warren set foot on the track, her mother Wendy said she knew her daughter would one day achieve big things. “Her first race out she won,” Wendy remembered. “She just won [from] there.”

Warren set a slew of hurdling records across the province before entering high school. In the ninth grade, however, she began to falter. The track program at Warren’s local high school was less-than-stellar, the club she had spent her career with underwent a coaching turnover, and she was dealing with nagging back pain. By the end of the grade ten, she was losing interest in hurdles. When Warren’s family moved from Beaverton to Orillia that summer, it made her question her priorities. “It really made me realize you’re the only person who’s going to be there for you. Sports are something that you can con-

trol. You might be best friends with someone one day and then they’re gone the next,” Warren said. “I matured a lot more. I realized what I wanted to do and who I wanted to [be].” Warren began to work with trainer Mike Torkoff soon after and with his help she began to turn things around. “When she [would] say ‘I can’t do this’ I’d say ‘Yes, you can’ and I’d help her through it,” Torkoff said. A partial track scholarship to McGill University in 2009 proved to Warren that she’d finally gotten her head in the game. “I think the hardest thing for an athlete isn’t what goes on with other

BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

Varsity Blues hurdler ready to get athletic career back on track

people around you, but what goes on in your head,” Warren says. “If you’re not in it mentally, what’s the point? You’re never going to get to where you want to be.” At McGill, Warren trained harder than she ever had before. Her improvement was so drastic that she placed third in the national 100-m outdoor hurdles, ending the school’s near decade-long medal drought in women’s track. Despite her success, however, Warren said she felt the track program wasn’t as serious as she thought it would be. “She was an unhappy girl because she loved McGill, but she knew it wasn’t the right choice for her athletic career,” Wendy said. The summer after her first year, Warren decided to transfer to the University of Toronto, a school known for its thriving track program. “I wanted somewhere I could nurture my skills,” Warren said. “I wanted to be surrounded [by] elite athletes that wanted more than just to go to CIS. They want to go to the Olympics. “That’s the kind of athletes I needed to train with. They have the same kind of goals I do.” It seemed Warren finally had all her ducks in a row. She had found the track program she’d been looking for since day one, and her training and results improved dramatically. This year was supposed to belong to Warren. In January, at one of her first meets as a Varsity Blue, she qualified for the nationals right out of the gate. But less than a month later, Warren received some devastating news. Injury had been dogging her for a while and after coming off a hurdle

awkwardly at a meet in Ottawa, the two-to-three-year-old tear in her meniscus got bigger. After going to the doctor, Warren found out that her problem wasn’t going to be solved easily. Tests showed Warren had a rare meniscus deformity, and she was going to need surgery. “The scary part was before the surgery, my surgeon said ‘I’m going to be 100 per cent honest with you, you may never run the same after the surgery or you may run better,” Warren said. “He didn’t know what it would be like until he got in there and did the scope.” Warren’s season came to an abrupt halt, and at the beginning of April, she went under the knife. “I couldn’t believe it happened when it did,” Wendy said. “I just wanted it to hurry get better faster.” Fortunately, barely six months later, Warren is back out on the track doing full workouts. “It’s going take a while to get back in. After [the surgery] I was like ‘I’m never going to be able to walk again! This is horrible!’ I was so dramatic,” Warren laughed. “It just takes time. That’s all it takes.” And with a strong support team backing her, Warren knows that she’s going to make her grand comeback. “I think being an athlete, once you’ve overcome something once, you know you can overcome other negatives,” Torkoff said Warren said she’s focusing on her track career more than ever before. “I know what I want to do, I know who I want to be as an athlete,” Warren said. “I’m putting the effort, the hours, and the work into being that person that I imagine myself being.”

VARSITY SPORTS

sports@thevarsity.ca

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

Blues feast on BLUES M&M’s NUMBERS 5

HOME GAMES MEN’S HOCKEY VS. YORK UNIVERSITY (FRIENDLY) Tue. 27, 7:30 pm at Varsity Arena

BY THE

Field hockey team score eight against Mustangs and Martlets

1–1

The women’s lacrosse team record for Sept. 24. The Blues beat the Queen’s Gaels 12–11 and lost to the Western Mustangs 17–4.

2of7

The number of Blues’ goals score by midfielder Dylan Bams in the men’s soccer shutoutwin over the RMC Paladins. The Blues are now 3–1–1.

27s

The margin of victory of Blues athlete Tamara Jewett in the 2011 Western Invitational. Jewett completed the 5k cross country race in 17:35.

The number of tries women’s rugby player Karla Telidetzki has scored this season. Telidentzki scored the Blues’ lone try in the 69–7 loss to the McMaster Marauders.

BERNARDA GOSPIC/THE VARSITY

VARSITY CONTRIBUTOR

The Varsity Blues women’s field hockey team maintained its unbeaten record with wins over the Western Mustangs and the McGill Martlets Saturday. Both opponents were shut out, as the Blues recorded a 2–0 victory over the Mustangs and a 6–0 win against the Martlets. The wins left the Blues with a 5–0 start to their season. The first game, against Western, ended with a close 2–0 win for the Blues, whose strong and aggressive defence secured the shut-out. The first goal came in the 21st minute of the game from second-year forward Alex Thicke, who put the Blues ahead before half time. Fourth-year defender Kelley Lusk doubled the Blues’ lead with an insurance goal in the 62nd minute off a corner. The Blues showed huge defensive strength against the Mustangs. Each time Western took a corner, the Blues walled up. Their aggressive play allowed them to steal and intercept the ball consistently, giving the Mustangs very few chances to shoot. What few shots the Mustangs did manage were blocked easily by U of T’s goalie, Kathryn Williams. Though defensively sound — the Blues have conceded just one goal so far, a CIS-best — women’s field hockey head coach, John DeSouza, admitted “the goal scoring was awful.” He strongly believes that the Blues should be outscoring their opponents by even greater margins. The Blues do, however, lead CIS in goals scored, with 28. Against McMaster, the Blues attack came on strong, outscoring their opponents 6–0. Alexandra Evanyshyn, a second-year forward, led the team to victory with three goals. “It obviously feels really good to help our team win,” said Evanyshyn. “I think we really needed to win this after-

noon because we didn’t have our best game this morning,” she mused. “It was nice [for me] to put some [goals] on the board in the second game.” Defender Kaelan Watson scored to put the Blues ahead in the third minute of the game. Evanyshyn followed Watson’s lead, scoring in the 17th minute and then again in the 27th minute. The second half of the Martlets game began with a goal from Katherine McNeill in the 41st minute. Lauren Mansfield added the fifth five minutes later, and Evanyshyn completed her hat-trick in the 56th minute. The Blues’ defense and aggressive play remained strong, with the ball rarely making it to the shooting circle around their net. The Blues’ women have added some new players this season to the stellar squad that won the CIS championship last season. The two Canadian first-year students on the squad, Rachel Fackoury and Amanda Woodcroft, have played field hockey on the Ontario provincial team, so their success does not come as a huge shock. Colleen Garrity, a first-year from Hanover, New Hampshire, was MVP for her high school team last year and a

member of the all-state team. Hannah Tighe, a veteran player for the team, was the Blues’ female athlete of the week for her performances on the September 17 weekend. She scored four goals and had two assists in the team’s opening series. Along with teammate Watson, Tighe has been a CIS all-Canadians since 2009. “It’s great to be recognized amongst such great athletes in our community, and it’s good going into the home weekend like that … it’s encourag[ing],” Tighe said of her latest award. Last season, the Blues fell to the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA finals but beat them in the CIS championship. The two teams have been rivals for some time, and on Sunday they met again. “[We’ll stick] with the same game plan. You know, staying in the process and not getting ahead of ourselves,” said Tighe. “We know Guelph’s always been such a big rival and we know we just need to keep going with what we’ve been practicing all along.” The strategy clearly works — the Blues beat Guelph 3–0 to remain unbeaten atop the OUA standings.

The Varsity Blues football team fell 41–0 to the Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, September 24 in Ottawa. With the loss, the Blues dropped to 2–2 and are now tied with the Queen’s Gaels for fifth place in the OUA standings. Ottawa improved to 3–1 this season and now holds a 21–17 head-to-head record against the Blues for the past 106 years; Toronto snapped a 37-year losing streak in last season’s upset win over the Gee-Gees. Toronto hit the road after a breakout 21–12 victory over the Guelph Gryphons in last Saturday’s home opener. The offense scored its first three touchdowns of the season against the Gryphons, and U of T’s number one ranked defense continued to hold the opposition out of the end zone. In Ottawa, the Blues came out strong with senior quarterback Andrew Gillis hitting three different receivers as the team drove the ball down to the Ottawa 18-yard line. However, on the next play, Ottawa linebacker Nick Lecour returned a Gillis inter-

TENNIS VS. UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL Sat. 1, 2:00 pm on Scarborough Campus WOMEN’S LACROSSE VS. WILFRED LAURIER UNIVERSITY/UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Sun. 1, 10:45 am/2:15 pm at Varsity Centre

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SPORTS IN BRIEF Gee-‐Gees avenge last season’s surprise defeat to Blues

FOOTBALL VS. QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY Fri. 30, 7:00 pm at Varsity Centre BASEBALL VS. QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY (DOUBLE HEADER) Sat. 1, 12:00/2: 30 pm on Scarborough Campus

Elizabeth Benn

The number of batters pitcher Andrew Bergman struck out in the Blues’ 4–3 win over Ottawa. The Blues lost the first game of the double-header 7–1.

ception to the Ottawa 40-yard line, putting an end to both the drive and the Blues’ momentum. The Blues’ offense was unable to establish a rhythm against the Gee-Gees after that and finished the game with 12 punts, 4 interceptions, and 4 lost fumbles. Gillis, who was 17-of-33 for 190 yards and four interceptions, was replaced at the beginning of the fourth quarter by Richard Quittenton, who went 3-for-5 for 41 yards but was also sacked 4 times. Mohamed Abdallah led the Blues with 4 receptions for 62 yards in his hometown, while veteran receiver Sebastian Magalas reeled in 4 passes for 58 yards, including a team-leading 33 yard catch. Wilkerson DeSouza, last week’s CIS and OUA defensive player of the week, led the team with 8 solo tackles, while Zack Lukings and Owynn Lahnalampi each recorded a sack. Ottawa clearly controlled the momentum of the game as the team scored five touchdowns, including one off a 32-yard pass from Colbon and two field goals of 40 and 43 yards. The Varsity Blues return to Varsity Stadium this Friday to host the Queen’s Gaels. — Zoe Bedard

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20 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

events calendar MONDAY

What if… you were president of U of T? Part of the What if… ? series of conversations. 12–1 PM Hart House (7 Hart House Circle)

Massage Mondays Mini Shiatsu massages courtesy of The Living Soul. 1–3 PM Hart House, second floor rotunda (7 Hart House Circle)

TUESDAY

Challenges in Health of Palestine Refugees: The Work of UNRWA for Palestine Refugees and Family Health Team Lecture by Dr. Akihiro Seita, Director of Health Programmes of UNRWA in Amman, Jordan. 12‒1 PM Main Auditorium, 6th floor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health (155 College St.)

Essay Basics Workshop: for Humanities and Social Science Students

WEDNESDAY

Golden Key U of T chapter Fundraising BBQ Veg./meat/chicken burgers with nachos and pop. 11 AM UTSU front lawn (7 Hart House Circle)

Addressing Bias, Spin, and Misreporting in Clinical Trials Presentation by An-Wen Chan, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Medicine as part of Joint Centre for Bioethics Seminar Series. 4 PM Health Sciences Building, Room 754 (155 College St.)

Workshop by Steve Hoselton (St. Mike’s Writing Centre) and Richard Carter (St. Mike’s Kelly Library). 4 PM Brennan Hall Student Lounge, St. Michael’s College (81 St. Mary St.)

Wanna get involved but don’t know where to start?

Drop by The Varsity’s open house! Friday, September 30, 2011 from 12 to 4 pm 21 Sussex Ave., second floor

Meet editors. Eat food. Be awesome.

The Varsity

September 26 to 30 THURSDAY

Mozart’s Gran Partita Production of Mozart’s Serenade in B-Flat, KV 361 “Gran Partita.” 12 PM Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building (80 Queen’s Park)

TCDS Presents King Lear The Trinity College Drama Society production of King Lear 7:30 PM Trinity College Quad (6 Hoskin Ave.)

FRIDAY

UTICA Club’s Cup 2011– 2012 All-day soccer tournament. Participating clubs will have booths set up around the field. 9 AM – 4 PM Front Campus (King’s College Circle)

U of T Blue and White Spirit Day – BBQ and Pep Rally Come celebrate U of T spirit! One of several Blue and White Spirit Day events over Thursday and Friday. BEFORE FOOTBALL GAME VS. GUELPH UTSU front lawn (7 Hart House Circle)