A view to a kill Despite being pulled from major cinemas, The Interview opens at The Hyland Cinema this weekend. >> Pg. 4
thegazette
TODAY high -9 low -15
Awkwardly drinking Scotch since 1906
TOMORROW high -11 low -15
WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015
Ontario ombudsman in Twitter feud with Western political science profs Amy O’Kruk NEWS EDITOR
VOLUME 108, ISSUE 54
Spoke replaces memories with Wave handme-downs Richard Raycraft MANAGING EDITOR
@AmyAtGazette
@RichAtGazette
The actions of Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin came under fire over the holidays from two Western professors, in a Twitter feud and an exchange of op-eds in the London Free Press. Andrew Sancton, a Western political science professor, tweeted criticizing Bill 8 — which would see the ombudsman have greater oversight of municipal affairs — and its implications for the banning of closed municipal meetings. In response, Marin blocked the political science professor on Twitter for three days. Marin also sent out a tweet referring to Sancton as being from “the Mad Men generation,” an allusion to the TV series set in the 1960s. Sancton’s fellow Western political science professor Erika Simpson responded to the ombudsman in an opinion piece for the LFP published on December 19, which questioned the transparency of the ombudsman’s behaviour. Simpson argued in the editorial that, “public officials should not be able to block members of the public from reading their tweets. Marin’s electronic media postings, written under his authority as the ombudsman, should be open, transparent and subject to public scrutiny.” Sancton said in an interview that he was ““outraged” at being blocked by the ombudsman. “Here I am, a citizen of Ontario, I’m trying to be conscientious … doing what I think academics should do and I was blocked from the official ombudsman’s account.” Marin replied to these criticisms with his own op-ed in the LFP, published on December 26. He defended his actions by stating his Twitter account and tweets are ultimately subject to public review regardless if a user is blocked or not. “Sancton could still read my tweets. They are open, transparent and subject to scrutiny, not just on Twitter but on the home page of the Ombudsman Ontario website,” Marin said in the editorial. “The block function is useful when a follower, like Sancton, becomes obsessive in a bid to have a ‘debate.’ ” He further explained that the block feature is useful for figures in the public eye who deal with anonymous trolls who send vile, bigoted and bullying tweets. Marin, in response to Simpson recounting her past experience as an ombudsman
Professor Andrew Sancton in his office on Thursday.
as an “independent, impartial and confidential mediator” said his public duty goes beyond that. “We are scrupulously impartial while conducting an investigation, but once it is completed, we make recommendations and use moral suasion — including social media — to convince the powerful to change their ways,” Marin said. “I can’t imagine the public interest would have been served had I ‘made sure never to take sides.’ ” The conflict stemmed from proposals made by a provincial bill — Bill 8 — legislation created to improve public sector accountability and
I
WAS OUTRAGED. HERE I AM A CITIZEN OF ONTARIO, I’M TRYING TO BE CONSCIENTIOUS… DOING WHAT I THINK ACADEMICS SHOULD DO AND I WAS BLOCKED FROM THE OFFICIAL OMBUDSMAN’S ACCOUNT. ANDREW SANCTON
WESTERN POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR
alter the ombudsman’s mandate. The bill would expand Marin’s areas of authority to include municipalities, universities and school boards. Initially, the bill would also have given the ombudsman jurisdiction over the decisions of closed-meeting investigators appointed by municipalities. Since the Municipal Act fails to define what constitutes a meeting, Marin characterized it as a gathering for the purpose of laying the groundwork to exercise the power of a council or committee. Consequently, the ombudsman asserts these meetings must be held in public. Sancton argued Marin’s jurisdiction shouldn’t be expanded to include municipalities and was specifically critical of Marin’s definition and condemnation of closed municipal council meetings. “The Ontario legislature had no intention of making it illegal for municipal councillors to talk to each other informally about business,” Sancton said in an interview. “I didn’t think the ombudsman had any right to make up his own definition of what a closed meeting was.” Marin previously published a report cracking down on the seven members of the former London city council that met in the back room of an east-end restaurant in February 2013.
Winnie Lu • GAZETTE
Sancton argued that seeing as provincial and federal politicians talk to each other informally, like at party caucuses and closed cabinet meetings, it doesn’t make sense for municipal councillors to be treated differently, or at least without public debate on whether they should be able to. “If we expect our lawmakers to do a good job, they have to talk to each other informally before they get out in the public arena,” Sancton said. “That doesn’t mean they all should all get together and rehearse everything … it just means that they should feel perfectly comfortable in individual groups talking to each other and trying to figure out what to do.” Although an amendment to Bill 8 ultimately resulted in the ombudsman not gaining additional oversight over the decisions of municipal closed-meeting investigators, Sancton said that while he agrees an ombudsman should actively advocate for public issues, Marin can take it too far. “I think that he doesn’t treat that account in a way that is appropriate for someone in his position,” Sancton said. “He attacks individuals … and he retweets things that are even more abusive of other people. I just don’t think it’s an appropriate way for a public official to behave.”
Remember those giant tables in the Spoke? You know, the ones with all the engravings all over them? They’re gone and will never grace the campus greasy spoon again. They’ve been replaced by a swath of generic-looking tables and chairs imported from the Wave, the Spoke’s sister restaurant operation on the second floor of the UCC. According to Matt Helfand, University Students’ Council president, the tables became a safety hazard. “Those tables have been here for decades,” he said. “And, despite them being a genuine Western institution, they were no longer structurally sound, to the point that it was unsafe to have them in the Spoke.” “We could no longer in good faith keep them there for risk of injury.” The Wave’s decor change made it possible to swap the dangerous, but recognizable Spoke tables, with unneeded ones from the Wave. While aware the deceased giant tables will be missed, Helfand pointed out that the upside is increased seating capacity at the Spoke. “Totally understandable, but to that [the tables being missed], I’d say we’ve actually increased the seating capacity in the Spoke by over 100,” he said. “So while we do lose the communal tables and the iconic look, we have gotten a lot more seats for students and ultimately we think that that in the long run will be what’s worth it.” The change was implemented as part of the USC’s capital plan. Helfand hinted that the Spoke tables may rise from the dead sometime in the future. “I will miss the tables, but they may be making an appearance in some fashion, so stay tuned.”
Inside
•••
UC being renovated
P2
How to run for president
P3
Movie Review: The Interview
P4
Fashion for Friday
P4
Road head a good idea?
P5
Free speech already under attack
P6
2•
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
Caught on Camera
Winnie Lu • GAZETTE
ONLY GOT TWENTY DOLLARS IN MY POCKET. This week, thrift shop lovers take advantage of Western Bookstore’s Buyback to buy and sell used textbooks from students across North America.
Faculty offices moved from UC Hamza Tariq NEWS EDITOR @HamzaAtGazette
University College, Western University’s landmark building, is set to undergo renovations beginning later this year. UC, along with the Physics and Astronomy building, are the oldest constructions on Western’s main campus and are almost 100 years old. The distinctive UC tower was named the Middlesex Memorial Tower in memory of the residents of Middlesex County who fought in the First World War. According to Gitta Kulczycki, vice-president resources and operations at Western, depending on the funds available to the university, buildings on campus in need of renovations are updated and
currently University College is the next big project. “Our facilities management group takes on periodic audits of conditions of buildings and building systems. At some point they need to be updated, while preserving our lovely collegiate gothic architecture,” she said. UC formerly housed the Arts and Humanities faculty offices. A trip to the historic building reveals that most of the offices have now been moved to the former Ivey Building, located on UC hill. Even though most of the offices have been moved, a number of classes are still being conducted in UC. “Actually we are still only very early in the planning phases of this project — we have not yet begun to look for architects, although
CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer
I anticipate we’ll start that process within the next two months,” Kulczycki said. The construction work is expected to take two years to complete and normal academic activities will commence from September of 2018. “Formal timelines have not been established, however, in keeping safe and comfortable academic space a top priority, classes will not be scheduled in UC during the construction process,” Brandon Watson, communications officer of facilities management said. The renovation project will be submitted for approval later this month and as more information becomes available, it will be shared with the Western community, he added.
News Briefs Solution to puzzle on page 7
Like us on Facebook!
facebook.com /westerngazette
WE PRINT & BIND All Course Materials & Notes From OWL. Copy & Print
Fast turn around times!
Rooms 265 - 2nd Floor - UCC
USC has money to spend, Wave gets new tables too
The Wave has brought in the new year with a new look. The campus restaurant hoped to provide a more “upscale,” “highend” atmosphere for its patrons with new furniture, said Wave manager Chris Cervoni. High-top tables have been replaced with longer dining tables and more comfortable booths. “We wanted to get something that leveled out the entire restaurant ... so it doesn’t cut the restaurant in half,” said Cervoni. The University Students’ Council provided the funds to The Wave to purchase the new booths, tables and chairs. This was done in order to better serve the many diverse events held at the venue. The Wave, which held events like Kenny vs. Spenny and the Tokyo Police Club concert this past year, is known for bringing in talent to the Western community. With new moveable furniture, the Wave is excited to now be able to customize the restaurant to better serve such events. With the ability to relocate booths and other furniture, the venue can now be customized to a performance hall, catered event or dance floor. “The goal of the new furniture was to have more of an inclusive atmosphere in the restaurant. Make it so we can have better seating for more people and make it so there’s a better aesthetic look for the entire place,” concluded Cervoni. • Albert Van Santvoort
The Cryptoquip is a substitution cipher in which one letter stands for another. If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle. Single letters, short words and words using an apostrophe give you clues to locating vowels. Solution is by trial and error. © 2002 by Kings Features Syndicate, Inc.
Luxury Student Housing 519-858-2525 • themarq.ca • 75 Ann St.
•3
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
So you want to have a slate?
Fill out the personal information on the nomination form available at voteusc.ca
I am an undergraduate or professional student who has been enrolled at Western or an affiliate for two consecutive semesters I want to be a leader for Western's student government Figure out what position each of you want
Find two friends
Start
President — Face of the USC and oversees strategic direction for the organization
Vice-president external — Advocate to external organizations on behalf of undergraduate students
Vice-president internal — Ensure and promote equality and fairness within the Western community
Attend the all-candidates meeting on Monday, Jan. 26
Wait until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27
Find a $300 deposit Get 50 signatures from undergraduate students
File your nomination with the USC by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23
Congratulations, you can campaign for USC office!
See online for full story • www.westerngazette.ca/you-want-to-be-slate • Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE
Brecscia names Cathy Vitkauskas new vice-principal of advancement
Cathy Vitkauskas will join the principal’s cabinet at Brescia University College filling the newly created position of vice principal of advancement, starting February 2. “I will be leading the advancement team, which includes marketing, alumnae relations and development. As the vice principal, I will be part of the principals’ cabinet. So I am excited to be joining,” Vitkauskas said. Vitkauskas is highly regarded in her field of relations management and will be leaving her current position as the director of annual giving and donor relations at the Richard Ivey Business School to take up her new responsibilities. Brescia’s advancement department is responsible for alumnae relations, fundraising, campaigning and marketing activities. Vitkauskas graduated from King’s University College with a degree in the public relations and public policies stream. She later joined Ivey in 1999 and is credited with securing over $11 million in major gifts and growing the Ivey Annual Fund from $1.2 million to $4.9 million. From one advancement team to another, Vitkauskas has nearly 16 years of management, partnering and fundraising experience. “Cathy comes to Brescia with a strong and enduring track record in advancement and I know that she will bring great strength to our leadership team here as a key member of the cabinet. I look forward to Cathy’s leadership in advancing Brescia through development, alumnae relations and communications marketing and external relations,” Colleen Hanycz, principal of Brescia, said in a news release. Vitkauskas stresses the value of relationship management and networking to current students. “I am really excited to be joining Brescia, they are excellent educators, and I am excited to be participating in helping to educate the next generation of female leaders,” Vitkauskas said. • Tristan Wu
4 •
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
arts&life
songmeanings Chris De Burgh’s “Don’t Pay the Ferryman” was inspired by Charon in Greek mythology, who shuttled the souls of the dead across the River Styx and demanded a coin of his passengers. Former cultures laid a coin below the tongues of dead persons as payment.
>> IN THEATRES >> THE INTERVIEW
WHERE
to get it
Bomber Jacket — Prada While Skritek purchased her coat from Prada, similar styles can be found at more budget-friendly locations. Depending how much you’re willing to spend, short parkas can be purchased from Aritzia, as well as from Urban Planet. Fur Hat — Aldo For those who do not share Skritek’s interest in fur, but still enjoy the look, faux fur is a great option. Faux fur hats are available at a variety of stores, including Aldo Accessories.
I
t might be cold outside but that doesn’t mean that students can’t dress fashionably while keeping warm. Kristin Skritek, a third-year student studying philosophy and psychology at Huron, knows how to dress for the chilly weather. “I’m originally from the Czech Republic so my mom has all these fur things,” explains Skritek. “I’m wearing this fur hat and I have a matching coat to go with it – maybe I’ll pull it out when it’s really cold.” Instead of sporting the fur coat today, Skritek is wearing a short Prada jacket that has a military olive tone to it. “I’m feeling fashion forward and fine,” Skritek says about her look. In addition, Skritek is wearing
Satire is the greatest enemy of tyrants Brent Holmes DEPUTY EDITOR
Black Pants — H&M Black denim pants like Skritek’s can be purchased from H&M and are a great piece to have in your closet. This item can be dressed up or down, depending on where you are headed.
GGGGF The Interview Directors: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park
Grey Boots — Spring Spring has a great selection of boots for those wanting something a little dressier than Uggs or Sorels. Whether you’re looking for leather or suede, heels or flat boots, there are many different styles and colours to choose from.
If Dr. Stranglove, Judd Apatow and North Korea had a threesome, The Interview would be the result. In one of the most controversial films of the year, the stoner comedy style that popularized Seth Rogen and James Franco in Pineapple Express meets the kind of too-soon political humour of a game of Cards Against Humanity for a combination that will offend as much as it jokes. Dave Skylark (James Franco) and Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) are the creators of a tabloid talk show with Skylark as an over-the-top frontman and Rapoport as his producer. While Rapoport desires to create a more credible form of journalism, Skylark is content with his shockand-awe interviews — an interesting metaphor for the film itself which bounces between high-brow political satire and Rogen’s more familiar dick jokes. Here, Rogen is the straight man and Franco plays the self-indulgent idiot. When Rapoport manages to use Skylark’s popularity to land an interview with North Korea’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un (Randall Park), the two are contacted by CIA operative Agent Lacey (Lizzy Caplan), who wants the bumbling duo to assassinate the mad tyrant. However, the film itself takes shots at a lot more than just Kim Jong-un. The Interview is a vicious satire mocking everything from tabloid journalism and the public that feeds off of it to American interventionist foreign policy to the international political climate surrounding nuclear weapons. It’s definitely a more intellectual direction for Rogen and his Point Grey Pictures, who have been known for their bro-comedy schtick, but it lacks the cynicism that made satires like Dr. Strangelove so biting. The comedy set pieces work better here than they did in Rogen’s previous film, Neighbors. Rapoport’s confrontation with a tiger and an airdropped care package, Skylark being sucked in by Kim Jong-un’s
Kelly Samuel • GAZETTE
black pants and blue-grey boots that reach below the knee. However, she admits that her favourite piece has to be the hat. “It’s just so different, it’s something you don’t really see people wearing anymore,” Skritek says. “And the tail with the white tip – it’s fierce.” When asked what advice she would give other students facing the cold weather, Skritek gives a few suggestions. “Well I just came from Florida so if you could, just do that,” she jokes. “Or get the fur, it’s really really warm.” In regards to her hat, Skritek says, “I was honestly afraid to start wearing it. This is the second time I’m wearing this so I’m trying to see
Courtesy of Sony Pictures
how that goes.” For Skritek, wearing fur is not something out of the ordinary. “It’s been in my family for so many years and in Europe it’s normal,” Skritek says. “It keeps me warm.” For those hoping to emulate her style, Skritek says, “It’s going to sound so cliché, but you do you. It’s something my friend says all the time. Go with whatever makes you feel comfortable.” Skritek choses to bust out her best clothes on Thursdays. “I always have sexy Thursdays – so Thursday is when I pull out my favourite outfit and I just want to feel hot,” she says. “I don’t have a boy or anything, it’s just for myself.” • Jennafer Freeman
Kelly Samuel • GAZETTE
cult of personality and an awkward no-handsies sex scene provide some of the film’s funniest moments. Filmgoers hungry for more of the same dick joke, gross-out comedy humour that Rogen does so well will not be left starving here. Sony pulled The Interview from theatres after a North Korean cyber-terrorist group threatened attacks on movie theatres. It would be easy to say that the North Koreans are being uptight assholes about the film — but as the film repeatedly points out, state propaganda claims that Kim Jong-un does not poo or pee and subsequently has no butthole. Therefore, it would be more accurate to say that North Korea takes no shit — if only Sony had operated by the same modus operandi this film might have got the wide release it deserves. To be fair, it’s understandable why North Korea is offended about this film. The Interview will likely leave many more offended once more people are able to see it. Comedy uses characters who are moronic, stupid or unlikable to undermine society — when building a mythology around a heroic dictator, laughter is the greatest enemy. As far back as Aristotle, comedy worked by revealing the flaws of a system but reconstituting the established order. Despite revealing the illegitimate nature of the status quo, it is maintained. The one flaw in The Interview is the bromance between Skylark and Rapoport is the centrepiece. What should be the focus is the satire of political dictatorship and continuing nuclear war paranoia. The film would have benefited from a more critically thoughtful ending. Katy Perry playing over a slow-motion helicopter versus tank showdown may be this generation’s version of Vera Lynn playing over nuclear detonations, but it should have made a better statement. The satire doesn’t go far enough but The Interview is still one of the strongest comedies of the year. Rogen and Franco show that they are willing to reach in new directions with their humour and their efforts deserve praise. The Interview will open at the Hyland Cinema on January 9. Showtimes are available at www. hylandcinema.com.
•5
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
One of the most popular New Years resolutions is resolving to get healthier. This year, I refuse to make a New Years resolution. Simply put, they’re abandoned rather quickly and, often, unattainable. Instead, I decided to make goals and strive towards them progressively. This includes being healthy and fit. I will not berate myself if I fall off course and I have no end goal in mind. I believe that one of the main reasons why resolutions fail is because we view slip-ups as the end. After having 21 years to form bad habits, I do not expect to be magically free of my French fry addiction. Ask anyone from The Gazette — they can vouch I have a problem. And that’s okay. Having a few deep-fried potatoes will not suddenly regress any progress I make. Instead, I view this as a journey and a change for the better. Last year, I finally had surgery to correct my scoliosis. With the exception of two bottom vertebrae and one on top, my entire spinal column is fused to two titanium rods. As a result, I have some physical limitations. Exercises must be modified if they involve any stress placed on my
back or require flexibility. Suddenly, exercising got a little more creative than just a few sit-ups. Jenna and I are following Kayla Itsine’s “Bikini Body Guide.” My arms ache just thinking about it. The guide requires three 28-minute workouts a week that focus on different muscle groups and three days of cardio. As a student with a full-time job, I expect time management to be the greatest obstacle. My journey started January 5, as it was the first Monday of the year and the first day I was able to use the Western Recreation Centre. We were surprised that many different women in the gym were using the same workout routine as us. The encouragement these women offered astonished us. It empowers me to know that we are all on a road towards health and that we all support one another. It’s only week one and I have already learned so much. My journey has no end date, no end goal and hopefully, no end. • Olivia Zollino
After four years of university, I’m beginning to realize that I’m never going to look the same as I did in high school. That’s not to say that all those pitchers at Ceeps have had an irreversible effect on my body, though they have taken their toll. I believe it’s completely possible to get fit and healthy no matter where you are in your life. However, there is a difference between working towards a new and improved version of yourself and longing for the skinny, 16-year-old body you once had. Many girls high school bodies are nothing but a vague memory of the distant past. I personally think it’s okay to leave it there. Life was very different in high school. I lived at home with my parents who cooked good meals, took me to dance class and certainly did not encourage me to go out for dollar beers on Monday nights. My life in university has been a completely different story. Busy days at school means that buying groceries doesn’t always happen and fast food is substituted. Instead of burning calories in dance class, I’ve been
consuming calories drinking at social events. My life has gotten a lot busier and unfortunately, my body has faced the consequences. So instead of comparing my current self to my past self, I’m going to focus on the future. It’s time to make some attainable goals that are relevant and suited to my life right now. Who knows, I might end up looking pretty similar as I did in my high school days – but that’s not the point. My goal is to become a healthier and fitter version of my current self. This is my first week of following Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide 1.0 with Olivia and so far I’m loving it! It’s a 12-week workout plan designed specifically for women and is accompanied with a meal plan. Through this column, I hope to provide encouragement to anyone who’s in the same boat. So wish me luck! I’m looking forward to sharing the experience. • Jennafer Freeman
>> VIDEO GAMES >> RESIDENT EVIL HD REMASTER
Courtesy of Capcom
GGGGG Resident Evil HD Remaster Developer: Capcom Publisher: Capcom Consoles: Xbox One, PS3, PS4 Resident Evil is a remake of the classic 1996 game released by Capcom
for the Sony PlayStation. However, the latest Resident Evil is technically a remake of the original remake made for the Nintendo GameCube in 2002. The game was at first planned to be a simple HD remaster of the GameCube version but morphed
into a beautifully created remake, which has fans of the series buzzing for the first time since the landmark Resident Evil 4 released in 2005. One of the terrific things about this remake is the ability for ‘purists’ to continue to play with the old controls as well as the old 4:3 display ratio and fixed camera angles. The game makes use of the PS4 1080p graphics as well as improved gameplay and camera angles. The gameplay itself is excellent. For those familiar with the Resident Evil series, the last few titles have focused on action rather than stealth and horror. This Resident Evil (officially called Resident Evil HD Remaster) brings back the puzzles, mysteries and the horror that made the previous games great. The game mostly takes place in an old run down mansion, which
On the go job: Is road head safe? Megan Devlin ASSOCIATE EDITOR @MegAtGazette
There’s a thrill to trying something new in the bedroom. For some, that thrill is amplified when trying a new sex act in a car — even more so when the car is moving. Road head, sometimes called road dome, is when one receives oral sex while driving. “It was fun,” Maggie*, a fourth year Western student, says of the time she gave a blowjob to her partner while he was driving last summer. “We had already decided to try car sex, and while we were driving around looking for a spot to park …
it just happened,” she recounts. Maggie has only tried it once so far, but says there was a thrill because of the chance of getting caught — even though she’s glad they didn’t. She tried road head late at night on a quiet residential street. There was no one else around and her partner was only driving about 30 km/h. “I definitely wouldn’t do it on a busy street or a highway,” she says. Ben*, a fourth year BMOS student, says he has received oral sex on a highway. “I was on the way to Whistler,” he says. “I was confident enough in my own driving skills that I could make it work.” He believes he remained in control of his vehicle. Not climaxing probably helped, he admits. Though it can be thrilling, getting caught giving or receiving oral sex while driving can have serious consequences. “There are a number of potential offences involved in that,” constable Ken Steeves, media relations with the London Police Service, says. Dangerous driving and an indecent act are both criminal charges under the Criminal Code
of Canada. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s in a vehicle, on a vehicle, in a moving vehicle — if it’s viewed by the public, or it can be viewed by the public, then it’s an illegal act,” Steeves says. On the other hand, if you’re on your own property with no access to the public then you can do whatever you like in your car. Parties could also get charged with provincial offenses such as careless driving or not wearing a seatbelt. Maggie confirmed that the passenger must take off his or her seatbelt in order to perform oral sex effectively. Besides the risk of getting caught, road head also poses a safety risk. “Essentially, it is distracted. Your attention is not solely on the operation of the motor vehicle. As a driver, you have the responsibility of due care and attention at all times,” Steeves says. Maggie doesn’t deny that the practice is dangerous. “It’s like underage drinking,” she says. “Even though it probably shouldn’t happen, it does.” * Names have been changed to protect the identities of the students interviewed.
was a home for experiments of all kinds but has now fallen into disrepair. Some of its ‘new’ residents are zombies, undead canines and ‘crimson-heads’ who are basically resurrected zombies. Your character is from an affiliation called the Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.), a group who is sent out to the mountains to investigate a mysterious series of homicides, eventually running into mutant creatures and becoming stranded in the aforementioned mansion. You can choose either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield to begin the mission, though Jill is far superior to Chris as she can carry more items and can pick locks, which is an invaluable skill as the game progresses. One of the coolest things about
the game are the doors. Normally when a character opens a door in a game, it simply opens — nothing special. With this Resident Evil, when the doors are opened, a cut scene occurs in first person with just the door in perspective on a black background with it slowly opening. This small little detail adds a nice element of creepiness the gameplay. The camera is also improved in the remaster. Sometimes the camera is overhead; sometimes it’s right at you and sometimes it films from your feet, giving the player a feeling that someone, or something, is watching you. Resident Evil HD Remaster brings a 13-year-old remake into the modern era, making it an absolute must have for any fan of the Resident Evil series. • Mike Laine
6 •
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
opinions
Nostalgia is a seductive liar.
• George Wildman Ball
HAVE YOUR SAY
Dear Life
The Gazette asked students what they thought of the new tables at the Spoke, which replaced the decades-old engraved tables that the Spoke used to have. How do these tables compare to the old ones?
Your anonymous letters to life
Becca Upson
English and Philosophy “I don’t like them … they’re kind of mainstream. The Spoke was defined by The Spoke tables in a way. It’s getting rid of a little piece of history.”
Dear Life, I thought the inside of the Ivey building would be prettier.
Freedom has long been threatened Abracadabra Al-Azem
Nusaiba Al-Azem OPINIONS EDITOR @NusAtGazette
Luis Bera
Science “Compared to the old ones, the old ones had a bit more of a traditional side of it — people were signing their names on it. It was just so familiar. It’s definitely a new look, but I think I can get used to it.”
Richard Gooding
Actuarial Science “I think they’re really convenient because they allow more people to be seated, but I do miss the old tables a bit. They did give the environment a kind of relaxed and chill setting.”
Kelsey Pannunzio
Biochemistry and Genetics “Me and my friends don’t like it. We were actually just talking about it because the other tables were part of the Spoke tradition. They had names of people who graduated 40 years ago from here. It’s kind of dumb that they got rid of it.”
thegazette
Volume 108, Issue 54 www.westerngazette.ca
Iain Boekhoff Editor-In-Chief Brent Holmes Deputy Editor Richard Raycraft Managing Editor
Contact: www.westerngazette.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, ON, CANADA N6A 3K7 Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579
The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council.
“At the end, both were insulting to me — the cartoonists for reducing my community to caricatures and their killers for bringing the images to life,” my friend succinctly summarized my opinion on the Charlie Hebdo massacre in France on Wednesday night. The international community is hailing the comics, which are arguably more taunting than satire, as a symbol of freedom of speech — as the beacon of democracy. The event is widely regarded in the public as a blatant threat to that freedom. Perhaps more than anything, the narrative surrounding this issue — a clash of civilizations, if you will, between East and West, between freedom and oppression — is incredibly concerning to me. Any critical mind must wonder why the events in Paris gripped international attention immediately, rather than the copious other deadly attacks that have occurred recently, some even occurring in the same day. There was a bombing at the NAACP building, notably important given the climate of racial tension in the United States currently. In fact, the Paris attack was not even the deadliest terrorists attacks on Wednesday: Al-Qaeda was responsible for a car bombing that took 38 lives in Yemen on the same day as people were consumed by the Charlie shooting. But heads of state did not release statements about those events; people did not hold vigils; media was not as focused on these stories. Indeed, even this publication, which rarely mentions international events, published a tribute expressing solidarity with the slain cartoonists in yesterday’s issue. Newspapers all over the world, including the Washington Post,
Editorials are decided by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff. To submit a letter, go to westerngazette.ca and click on “Contact.” All articles, letters, photographs, graphics, illustrations and cartoons published in The Gazette, both in the newspaper and online versions, are the property of The Gazette. By submitting any such material to The Gazette for publication, you grant to The Gazette a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to publish such material in perpetuity in any media, including but not limited to, The Gazette‘s hard copy and online archives.
republished the offending images to show support and somehow prove that freedom of speech will prevail. An opinion I consistently hear that attempts to explain what makes Charlie Hebdo unique, and deserving of such disproportionate attention, is that it posed an attack specifically towards journalists — towards media outlets and the free press, which do constitute a hallmark of democracy. But even that claim is unsubstantiated. Beyond the assertion one can make that Charlie was more engaged in poking fun at already marginalized groups — of races, cultures, sexes and religions — than at providing a critical mouthpiece against dominant power structures (as satire is intended to provide), the attacks at Charlie are not the only attacks on journalists to have been carried out around the world. For years, journalists have been targeted and murdered across the globe. The Committee to Protect Journalists found that over 370 journalists have been killed in the past 10 years in Mexico, and in 90 per cent of those cases, there have been no convictions. In fact, the CPJ report states that “the unchecked, unsolved murders of journalists [in Mexico] is one of the greatest threats to press freedom today.” At least 220 reporters were imprisoned around the world in 2014. More than 60 were killed. As a friend told me over lunch, one could make the argument that those journalists deserve more, if not equal, attention because while commentary is extremely important, information to make that commentary is absolutely necessary. There can be no commentary, no satire, no cartoons, without information first. This is not to say that the cartoonists at Charlie don’t deserve our attention, solidarity, or support — nobody should ever lose his or her life over expressing an opinion. But let us be critical at our responses to disasters around the world — what are those responses, how are they motivated, and what are the implications?
Gazette Composing & Gazette Advertising Ian Greaves, Manager Маја Анјоли-Билић
Robert Armstrong Diana Watson
Gazette Staff 2014-2015 Mohammad Abrar Abdul Hanan, Suhaib Al-Azem, Eric Bajzert, Sarah Botelho, Damon Burtt, Tabitha Chan, Jonathan Dunn, Spencer Fairweather, Sam Frankel, Kevin Heslop, Richard Joseph, Drishti Kataria, Sara Mai Chitty, Soheil Milani, Mackenzie Morrison, Amy O’Shea, Vidhant Pal, Kyle Porter, Lily Robinson, Alex Seger, Tiffany Shepherd, Tristan Wu
News Amy O’Kruk Hamza Tariq Katie Lear Olivia Zollino News-at-large Kevin Hurren Opinions Nusaiba Al-Azem Arts & Life Conrad Floryan Jennafer Freeman Jenny Jay Sports Bradley Metlin Nathan Kanter Robert Nanni Jr.
Dear Life, What’s with the $75 VIP tickets to the Charity Ball? Dear Life, All those people who were mad it didn’t snow on Christmas… Are you fucking happy now? Dear Life, However bad life might seem right now, I want you — yes you, reading this — to have a great day and appreciate all the good life offers. Dear Life, My new year’s thoughts: I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since I didn’t become a better person. Dear Life, Why do people have to be late all the time? Dear Life, Why didn’t that espresso shot keep me awake during class? Dear Life, Something about caffeine and sleep… Dear Life, Can I just graduate already? Dear Life, Fuck textbook online codes. Dear Life, How was Western open when highways were closed and the weather was so terrible? Isn’t this a safety issue or something? wgaz.ca/dear-life
Associate Megan Devlin Photography Kelly Samuel Taylor Lasota Winnie Lu Graphics Jennifer Feldman Illustrations Christopher Miszczak Kirstyn Culbert-Kviring Graphics/Video Mike Laine Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator Vivian Liu
• Please recycle this newspaper •
•7
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
comics
saywhat? “So I guess I’ll read the comic books you’ve left me and play marbles on the floor.�
• Elton John
To place your classifed ad, please contact us at 519-661-3579 or adoffice@uwo.ca
thegazette HOUSING
classifieds
#1 STUDENT HOUSING in London. 2-7 bdrms. Popular Redbrick apartments and townhouses, plus houses in various student locations. Come with 5 appliances, huge rooms and closets and free parking. Call now! These rent on a first come first serve basis. Sam 519-495-7661, smaclin@londonprop.com
2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, the closest 2 bedrooms to UWO. Hardwood floors, loads of space. Great student area, right on Western bus route. Great price, and some utilities included. Loads of free parking. These places truly are a steal!! Call Stephen at 226-236-4409 or email stephenn@londonprop.com
3 BDRM TOWN houses and apartments. These units are just steps from campus at the corner of Sarnia and Western road, right next to Perth and Essex residence. These units all have spacious bedrooms and common areas. All come with free parking, maintenance and full-time property management. Call Zach anytime at 226-973-9044
HOUSING
4 BED. TOWNHOUSES located on Oxford right by campus. Live in style with 3 floors, 2 washrooms, and very spacious rooms with large closets. 5 appliances, free parking, and 24 hour property management. Contact Sam today 519-4957661, smaclin@londonprop.com
4 BEDROOM REDBRICK townhomes on Oxford. 10 minute walk to campus,right on bus route to campus and downtown. Great location. Three floors,two full washrooms! Huge rooms and closets. All new appliances including washer/dryer and dishwasher. Call John @ (226) 973-9346 or email johnm@londonprop.com with questions or to book a tour. 4-6 BDRM HOUSES and town homes for rent. Units are modern, clean and close to campus. Get everything you could ask for, with 5 appliances, free parking, spacious bedrooms and common rooms and full time maintenance. Call Zach anytime at 226-973-9044 4/5 BED RED Bricks Available: BRAND NEW building. Huge rooms, modern open concept layout, 5 main appliances including washer/dryer in suite. Free parking, 24 hour property maintenance, right on major bus route, 5 minutes from campus. These will go FAST, call Sam 519-495-7661
3 BED REDBRICKS on at Sarnia and Western Road, right next to UWO. Massive rooms, huge windows for tonnes of natural light and free parking are just some of the highlights. Act fast as they go very quickly. Call John at (226) 973-9346 or email johnm@londonprop.com 3 BEDROOM MODERN townhouses close to Masonville area. Close walk to campus and steps to major bus route. Spacious bedrooms, with huge closets and close to all amenities. Contact Stephen to book a viewing; units will rent very quickly. stephenn@londonprop.com 226-236-4409
3, 4, 5 bdrms at 217 Sarnia. Live at one of the most popular student corners in London. Within steps of campus, you can’t get closer. All of these units have big common rooms and spacious bedrooms. Live in style with 5 appliances, free parking, free maintenance and full time property management. Call Zach anytime at 226-973-9044
5 BDRM – THE MARQ – live in style and comfort of our newly renovated suites. Near campus at 1 Beaufort St. location for Western Students. Free Parking, FULLY FURNISHED - $515- call or text Ted – 519-858-2525.
HOUSING
HOUSING
6 BDRM. * *#1 student rentals* * Newly built red bricks in all the best student areas around campus and downtown!! Dishwasher, washer/dryer included. Huge, spacious rooms with massive closets. Parking included. These ones always go fast so call soon. Call John anytime at (226)973-9346
6 BDRM HOUSES on all sides of campus. Most feature 5 new appliances, spacious rooms and huge closets, open concept kitchen/living room, and free parking. Act fast-these won’t last! For more information call Zach at 226-973-9044
6 BDRM. * *#1 student rentals* * Newly built red bricks in all the best student. 5 appliances included. Huge, spacious rooms with massive closets. 24 hour emergency maintenance and parking included. These ones always go fast so call soon. Call Stephen anytime at 226-236-4409
UPCOMING EVENTS DANCE CLASSES AT DANCE STEPS- 275 Colborne St. between York and Horton Accessible by bus. Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop drop in or join a session. www.dancestepslondon.ca or contact us dance_steps@hotmail.com, 519-645-8515.
SERVICES NEED HELP APPEALING a grade on an assignment or exam? We are here to help you through the appeal process. Email studentappeals@westernusc.ca for more information.
TRAVEL NOT HAPPY WITH your place? TheMARQ.ca – 3-5 bedroom apartments or townhomes. Downtown or near campus. $510-560. Amenities, on-site staff, parking, renovated suites. Call or text Ted 519-858-2525. ted@TheMARQ.ca.
2015. SAIL THE Greek islands and have fun in the sun on a private yacht!. Six students per group. Cost 375 Euro per person. Breakfast included. Email Steve at info@sailgreece.ca.
PUT YOUR SUDOKU SAVVY TO THE TEST! To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
For solution, turn to page 2
5 BDRMS. LIVE steps from campus in a 5 bedroom apartment or townhouse. Live in style in a modern building. Huge kitchens come with tons of cupboards and counter space, and centre island eating areas. Spacious bedrooms and huge closets. Call Sam anytime at 519-495-7661 and view one of these units before they are gone!
5 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE off Western Road. Renovated and Affordable: $515/person. TheMARQ.ca. Free parking, 5 appliances, student community, FULLY FURNISHED. Tour anytime: Call or text Ted 519-858-2525. ted@TheMARQ.ca. 3-4 BDRM - Luxury Student Housing. New Units, Downtown –$510-560. Free tanning, theatre, lounge, studyroom, balcony, parking, dishwasher, A/C , fitness centre, security. Call or text Ted 519858-2525 – ted@TheMARQ.ca.
3-4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS. Live Downtown/ near campus – 75 Ann Street – Renovated - A MUST SEE. All prices $510-560. Tanning bed, studyroom, fitness centre, theatre, parking, student atmosphere. Call Ted: 519-858-2525 | ted@TheMARQ.ca
4 BDRM NEW Red Brick townhouses, apartments and single homes for rent. Features 5 appliances, huge rooms and closets, open concept kitchen/living room, and free parking! Located in great student areas. Act fast - these won’t last. For more info call Stephen: 226-236-4409
5 BEDROOMS IN the famous Redbrick apartments and townhouses right next to campus and downtown. Great locations. Huge rooms and closets. Washer/dryer and dishwasher included. Call John @ (226) 973-9346 or email johnm@londonprop.com with questions or to book a tour.
YELLOW HOUSE RENTALS
1/2 MONTH FREE! 4&5 Bedroom Houses. Save money with Yellow House - $425-485 inclu sive. Renovated houses with 2 bathrooms, 6 appliances, parking for 4, AND spare room for office/guests. Large rooms with closets. Close to bus, shopping, nightlife, etc. Professionally managed. Call/Email Kory 519-808-5679, kory@yellowhouserentals.com
3 4 3 3 3 343 3 3 3 3 www.londonprop.com
www.facebook.com/WesternHousing @LPCRedbricks
8 •
thegazette • Friday, January 9, 2015
Don’t be left freezing in the dark, take the MUSTANG EXPRESS Service Available Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Starting at 12:20am Picking up every 15 minutes
For route information go to westernusc.ca/transportation and select the Mustang Express
A service provided by your USC