I Have a Dream Selma is an American masterpiece. >> Pg. 4
thegazette
TODAY high -8 low -18
An uncomfortable ga p since 1906
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015
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WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906
VOLUME 108, ISSUE 56
Council composition up for debate Amy O’Kruk NEWS EDITOR @AmyAtGazette
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
Premier Kathleen Wynne stops at Western on 10-day tour Oliva Zollino & Katie Lear NEWS EDITORS @uwogazette
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited Western on Tuesday as part of a 10-day tour of post-secondary institutions in the province. The Gazette spoke to Wynne after she toured the University Community Centre. GAZETTE: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today. You’re currently on a 10-day tour of Ontario universities and colleges. How has the experience been and why are you doing this? WYNNE: I’m doing this because it’s very important to me that I stay in touch with and connect with young people who are in our post-secondary institutions because they have a particular perspective on what we’re doing as a government and the policies we’ve got in place, and I want to hear what the impact is on them. I also want to hear about their
hopes and aspirations and the things that are working for them and where they think they’re going to go. And how it’s been so far has been terrific. The young people have been very forthcoming and I’m working very hard in every meeting that I’m in to hear from the young people and not let the adults take over and — when I say adults I mean the older adults — and so I’ve heard about some of the issues that young people are experiencing in terms of mental health and supports on campus, I’m hearing about the importance of different kind of learning environments — I was just at the Western active learning centre and that’s a very exciting model of new technology and new pedagogy together and I’ve visited the student services offices, both at McMaster and here at London, and I know I will continue to hear about the vast array of services that students provide for each other as well as the university provides for them.
I
T’S VERY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT I STAY IN TOUCH WITH AND CONNECT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE IN OUR POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS BECAUSE THEY HAVE A PARTICULAR PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT WE’RE DOING AS A GOVERNMENT AND THE POLICIES WE’VE GOT IN PLACE, AND I WANT TO HEAR WHAT THE IMPACT IS ON THEM. KATHLEEN WYNNE ONTARIO PREMIER
G: The Dalhousie Dentistry School has put sexual harassment on campus in the media spotlight. What can Ontario universities do to be proactive in terms of policies or new initiatives? W: One of the things that I’ve heard from students so far is that they feel strongly that there’s more that can be done. And I believe that having an ongoing review of policies is really important. We’re not at a point where we can say ‘oh well we’ve dealt with that issue’ and the fact is there are new students who come in every year so there needs to be programs that allow for training. For example I was talking with some of the students who are involved as sophs and the programs that they have in place for training for themselves and then the students who come in. So I think those kinds of policies on campus, validated and formed by students, are very important. >> see WYNNE pg.3
Tonight the University Students’ Council will meet to determine the future structure of their government. The special meeting, spurred by a report conducted by board of governors’ representative Jonathan English, will propose fundamental changes affecting who will have voting rights at council and how faculty councillors are chosen. Presently, the USC is one of the largest student governments in Canada. Its ordinary voting members are composed of the USC president, the vice-presidents internal and external, and 63 councillors made up of faculty, affiliate and residence representatives. In addition, there are six senators, one governor and the speaker of council. Altogether, the USC stands at a total of 74 voting members. If English’s recommendations are adopted, the number of voting members would be cut down to 50. The difference in size stems from the removal of the senators, residence councillors and the board of governors representative as voting members of the USC. >> see CHANGES pg.3
Inside
Social science names new dean P2 Caribbean culture on campus
P4
Recipe: Morning glory muffins
P4
Review: The River and the Willow
P5
LTC needs fixing
P6
Women’s hockey squeaks out a win
P8
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thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Caught on Camera
Winnie Lu • GAZETTE
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? According to Western’s winter maintenance, the best solution to dispose of snow is to pile it all under the tow away zone.
Social science names new dean
CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer
Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette
Courtesy of Western University
Solution to puzzle on page 7
I
T’S A VERY GOOD PLACE ALREADY, AND I’M EXCITED TO COME AND TRY TO MAKE IT EVEN BETTER. ROBERT ANDERSEN
NEWLY APPOINTED DEAN OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Ph: 519.601.1322 Cell: 519.495.7372
Bobby Bryanton
porsche of london
Fluent in French Speaks some Mandarin
bobby@porschelondon.com
Western University Porsche Specialist
Porsche of London - Where Excellence Comes Standard.
Western has named Robert Andersen their new dean of the faculty of social science. The university announced on Tuesday that Andersen has been appointed to a five-year term, beginning on July 1. Andersen is replacing Brian Timney, the current dean who has worked in his capacity since July of 2002. “I’m very happy to come home,� Andersen, a London native, said in an interview. Currently holding three degrees from Western, his research focuses on political science, social stratification and applied statistics. Prior to being chosen for the position, Andersen worked at several other schools. These include the University of Toronto, Brock University, the University of Oxford and McMaster University. This diversity of experience now influences the way Andersen approaches current work, he explained. “I think something I bring to the table is that I’ve worked at a number of universities, so I’ve seen how things work at other places and I’ll have fresh eyes.� Though all universities adhere to some standards of operating, Andersen notes that there are plenty of areas where schools can have individualized methods that can work best for them. “Things are done differently nearly everywhere I’ve been, in terms of how the universities are structured, how funding models are done and how graduate students are funded.� A fresh perspective may be exactly what the faculty needs to raise it to the next level. As Western’s largest faculty, social science has 244 faculty members and over 7,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Already in good standing nationally and globally, the quality of education and research can only go up, said Andersen. “It’s a very good faculty, with excellent students, now among the best in the country, [but] we could increase our profile in terms of research.� Andersen points to more international collaboration, larger research grants and cross-disciplinary studies as potential ways to accomplish this goal. “It’s a very good place already, and I’m excited to come and try to make it even better,� he concluded.
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. Š 2002 by Kings Features Syndicate, Inc.
3 4 3 3 3 343 3 3 3 3 www.londonprop.com
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thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Changes would see a smaller council >> CHANGES continued from pg.1
Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE
Premier trumpets funding for students >> WYNNE continued from pg.1
G: Over the past few years, provincial funding for universities have been declining, forcing schools like Western to look for other ways to make ends meet, such as increasing corporatization on campus to increase revenue. How does the provincial government plan on funding universities in the future and how does the provincial government expect universities to be financially viable in the future? W: We have actually increased funding substantially in terms of the university and college sector, and as part of that we have been involved in many, many projects — building projects that are going on right here on the campus that the province has been involved in. Our focus has been on increasing support for students to make sure they have access to post-secondary. So in terms of the grant system that we put in place when we first came into office — the 30 per cent off tuition grant that is in place, I’ve had students already on this tour come
up to me and say ‘you know, because of that 30 per cent off tuition, I’m able to go to university or college and that is exactly what we’ve been trying to do. I think 230,000 students are going to benefit from the 30 per cent off tuition grant this year alone. So it’s not that we have decreased funding, it’s that we are allocating the funding in such a way that the increases will support accessibility for students. G: On a funding-per-student basis, Ontario universities are lagging behind other provinces in Canada. How are Ontario universities going to stay competitive in the country? W: I just need to say that on those numbers that the answer that I just gave to the last question, if you take into account the student assistance and supports for student, that number changes somewhat. We recognize that the 44 institutions in Ontario are a critical part of our economic plan. Investing in the talent and skills of students and increasing the number of students who go to post-secondary is fundamental to us doing
well as a province. So we’re going to continue to work with universities — we have made a lot of changes in terms of support for building — there had been a real neglect of capital investment in colleges and universities when we came into office and so a large part of what we’ve been doing is that kind of investment so the learning environment can be upgraded. G: Does the provincial government have any plans to talk to contract staff who are increasingly being relied upon to teach classes and who are unable to make a living with their current wage and are forced to teach at multiple universities or take on other jobs to make ends meet? W: I’m going to be meeting with some sessional workers and some TAs today and I had an opportunity to meet with the faculty association last night, and so it’s very much a concern of mine that we look at the model and find ways to make sure that people who are doing this vital work are able to sustain themselves.
event is available on the Western Connections website. • Brittany Hambleton
change,” James Nugent vice-president events for Smart Solutions Western, said. By connecting students to the most urgent problems in the third world, Smart Solutions and their speaker series Talk Change hope to provide students with the tools and skills required to solve these problems in the future. “The club focuses on specifically on how students can be a part of solutions for problems occurring in the developing world,” Monique Tuin, president of Smart Solutions Western chapter, said. The keynote speaker scheduled is a representative from the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, a foundation focused on sustainably improving the life of marginalized communities in Asia and Africa. The event will take place Friday, Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online for $15. • Albert Van Santvoort
News Briefs
First Coffee and Careers event of the semester today
Western alumni will be hosting the first Coffee and Careers event of the semester today from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the Wave. Kate Baker, an employer relationship developer at Alumni Western, invites students to come out to the event to meet established Western alumni and improve their networking skills in a casual, low-pressure environment. “It’s really just a chance for students to come and practice their networking skills with industry professionals,” Baker said. Coffee and Careers started in September and is held on the second Wednesday of each month. It has grown in popularity and Baker expects to see about 50–60 students drop-in throughout the morning. Students are requested to RSVP online to this no-cost event. More information about the
Club hosts socially conscious entrepreneurship conference
Smart Solutions Western is hosting a conference on social entrepreneurship for international development, with the discussion focusing on the role that businesses and large corporations can play in solving socioeconomic problems in the third world. The Western chapter of the student-focused organization is gathering a number of speakers, from researchers to entrepreneurs, to discuss unique and innovative solutions for problems plaguing the developing world. “We’re trying to encourage students to hear from these speakers and form their own ideas for businesses that work toward social
English’s vision also proposes that instead of deciding faculty councillors based on a 600:1 student to councillor ratio, the council will set a hard cap at 50. Faculty and affiliate councillors will be determined based on weighing the numbers of students against one another in an annually variable ratio deciding councillor positions. English said that although he can’t tell whether all of the motions drawn from his report will pass at the council meeting, there’s been a consensus that the USC’s composition could be more effective. “What I think has been kind of unanimous is that some things are not working or that council isn’t really what it could be, or should be,” English said. “That question is on everyone’s mind.” Some USC councillors have already spoke out against the changes. Back in November when English first presented his findings, the removal of the resident councillors and senators sparked a contentious debate. English added that although he’s open to feedback and criticism regarding his proposals, he notes when he was conducting his initial consultations he received lackluster engagement from many of the parties affected by his report and
T
HIS IS A BIG STEPPING STONE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. JONATHAN ENGLISH
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONER
its conclusions. “It has been kind of a disappointing process because I mentioned in September that this is going on, [I said] I’d like to meet with you in the next month and half,” English said. “I did get a disappointing turn out.” Other recommendations in the report include making the First Year Student Caucus more involved with the USC, re-evaluating whether faculty presidents are automatically voting members of the council, electing standing committee chairs at large and the creation of a senior operations committee. English stated regardless of the results of this evening’s council meeting, the report offers a starting point from which the USC can explore improving its composition and function in the future. “This is a big stepping stone in the right direction,” English said. The meeting is set to take place at 7 p.m. in the University Community Centre Council Chambers.
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thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
arts&life
saywhat? “I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand but was instead given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers slain in the line of duty. Selma has awakened my humanity. Selma is now.”
• Common’s Golden Globe acceptance speech after winning Best Original Song for the song Glory featured in the film Selma.
Caribbean culture on campus Jennafer Freeman ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR @JennaAtGazette
Last week the Caribbean Students Organization were in the University Community Centre atrium in order to raise awareness about the organization as they prepare for their main event of the year — their annual Culture Show, which will be taking place this Friday and Saturday. “Friday will start off with a guest speaker, which we have every year,” Stephanie Rajkumar, sponsorship officer for the CSO, explained. “This year we have Stephanie Marley, who is Bob Marley’s daughter, and a Western alumna.” Marley is going to be giving a talk called “Unchain the Humanitarian in You,” which will begin at 4 p.m. in the McKellar Theatre, located in the UCC. Following the talk will be a pre-party at Taboo to kick off the rest of the weekend. On Saturday, the Culture Show will be taking place in the Mustang Lounge, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will be showcasing Caribbean culture through music and dance and also includes a dinner. Once the Culture Show has ended, the after party will take place at Ciroc lounge and Sports Bar on Richmond Row. “It’s a collaboration of singing, music, dance, modeling – anything
to showcase our culture really,” Rajkumar said. “It’s about showcasing the Caribbean and what we bring to the London community and Western as a whole.” Rajkumar said that she is most looking forward to is the unique display of talent that will be presented. “Every year, the talent varies from different musical instruments, to diverse genres of dance, to spoken word poetry,” she said. “I cannot wait to see all aspects of the Caribbean come to life in our very own Mustang Lounge.” Rajkumar described the CSO as a home away from home for students of the Caribbean. She explains that the CSO has a lot of international students that are in club and as well as the executive team. In addition, there are several Canadian students in the club who have a Caribbean background. “We also open our club to anyone and everyone,” Rajkumar said. “You don’t need to really know anything about the Caribbean to join the club, its basically just to become open to our culture, the food we have, the music we have, the clothing – that kind of stuff.” Rajkumar also explained that the CSO gives back to the Backpack Project at the end of the year with the proceeds gathered from the show and parties provided throughout the year. The Backpack Project
is an organization sends hygienic supplies and school supplies to students in the Caribbean. “We take over the London clubs downtown and play Caribbean music and encourage everyone to come out,” said Rajkumar. “So those proceeds as well as the proceeds from the show go to the Backpack Project.” Although the CSO holds other events, the Culture Show is what the organization has been leading up to throughout the year. “We’ve had socials where our members gather and have food, music and get to know one another, but at the end of the day our biggest event is the Culture Show weekend,” Rajkumar stated. Students from other schools will also be attending the event. This will specifically include students from Caribbean organizations at schools such as the University of Toronto, Guelph and Waterloo. Rajkumar emphasized that the events are open to everyone, although discounts will be given to members of the club. Member tickets for the pre-party and the after party are each $8 in advance and $10 for non-members in advance or at the door. Additionally, the show is $10 in advance for members, $15 in advance for all others and $20 at the door.
Courtesy of the CSO
✁ Morning Glory Muffins
While many students aren’t morning people, morning glory muffins are beloved the world over. Tuck into these babies and get the day started on form!
Ingredients: •1
½ cups all purpose flour • ½ cup brown sugar (packed into measuring cup) • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp cloves • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp baking soda • ½ tsp salt • 1 large egg • ⅓ cup plain yogurt or sour cream • 1 cup grated carrots • ½ grated apples or hard peaches • ¼ cup of your favourite dried fruit (Banana chips and cranberries are my favs) • ⅛ cup shredded coconut
Directions:
1) Line a large cup muffin tin with 6 paper liner. 2) In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl whisk together egg, yogurt, sugar and oil until thoroughly combined. 3) Add dry mixture to wet mixture ½ a cup at a time till just combined for a thick batter. Quickly stir in shredded and dried fruit to batter. 4) Spoon batter in muffin cups, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until tops are firm to the touch, and toothpick comes out of muffin batter free. This takes about 25 minutes. 5) Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. • Jonathan Pollard
>> IN THEATRES > SELMA
Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Selma, the must-see Bradley Metlin SPORTS EDITOR @BraDAtGazette
GGGGG Selma Director: Ava DuVernay Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Wendell Pierce, Common, Lorraine Toussaint, Oprah Winfrey There was a palpable sense of emotion pulsing throughout the theatre when Selma concluded. Fifty years after the pivotal historical events that are depicted in the film, no movie has managed to portray the civil rights movement with humanity. Indeed, Selma is an American masterpiece. The 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches are the basis for the film. After the passing of the Civil Rights Act, Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) still sees problems with voting rights and begins lobbying President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) for action. LBJ tells King that he wants to focus on poverty reduction, so the civil rights leader practices civil disobedience by organizing the marches. Despite the magnitude of the subject matter and grandness of the film’s scope, Selma succeeds because director Ava DuVernay brings an intimacy to the civil rights movement. One of the first scenes features Annie Lee Cooper (Oprah Winfrey) attempting to register to vote. DuVernay does not rush the scene but rather lets the shame Cooper feels resonate with the audience. Each additional scene featuring the intense violence of the civil rights movement, slow motion is used effectively; the intricacies of
the pain are evident. Intricacies enhanced by phenomenal performances throughout the entire cast. David Oyelowo portrays King not as a perfect hero but as an unvarnished, nuanced leader. Oyelowo is not just a generic impersonator but a nuanced King that definitely has vulnerabilities. Carmen Ejogo’s Coretta Scott King is also very strong, pulsing with emotions but refusing to reveal too many of them. Ejogo releases bits of them in incredibly compelling ways. The rest of the cast is strong with many having individual moments that allow them to shine. In particular, Lorraine Toussaint has a wonderful scene in which her character cites the bravery that their slave ancestors had as a source of inspiration for her currently. It’s difficult to describe the spectacular nature of Selma. The “Bloody Sunday” scene features beautiful crane shots over the bridge where the march begins in Selma. That segment of Selma truly feels cinematic and will be a scene that is remembered. Given current race relations in United States, Selma feels all the more significant. Watching black Americans fight for their freedom through protest while facing police brutality is perhaps more relevant now than is has been since the days of the Selma marches. DuVernay has crafted what will likely go down in American cinematic history as an incredible triumph. Humanizing the civil rights movement and moving away from large, seeping portrayals, this intimate story cements a segment in American history with incredible fervor. Selma is playing at Rainbow Cinemas all this week.
•5
thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
WEALTH
LIFE & WELLNESS
WHAT’S HOT
MEDIA
LOVE
Rap
Public Skating
Blanket Scarves
The Golden Globes
Michael Keaton’s Acceptance Speech
Getting rich is an art form — it’s called rap music. Just listening to rap won’t make you rich but it will provide the fuel for the Versace fire. What do Jay Z, Gucci Mane and Mac Miller have in common? They’re all filthy rich. An economics degree is all well and good but it won’t teach you how to encrust a Hublot timepiece with diamonds. Once rap is coursing through your veins, you’ll need to upgrade to a Maison Margiela iPod.
If your New Years Resolution is to be more active, why not embrace they cold weather and go skating? Victoria Park is a great place for students to spend their Saturday afternoons with friends. Whether you need a new way to introduce cardio into your day, or you’re just looking for something fun to do on the weekend, skating is a great option at this time of the year.
A blanket scarf is a square swatch of fabric with a slit cut from one side to the centre, used to luxuriously drape the garment over the shoulders. Although it can be worn like a regular scarf, the preferred method by Western students is to cuddle in it during class. One of the most popular models at Western is the blanket scarf from Aritzia, but fast-fashion retailers like Forever 21 sell cheaper versions.
This week, everyone will be talking about the Golden Globes. To sound insightful on topics we all disproportionately care about, here’s what to do: say hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were hilarious. Use the phrases “snapshot of life” and “humble work of art” when talking about Boyhood. Make sure to tear up when discussing Michael Keaton’s son. Why? I don’t know, but that’s what he did.
These days you can’t escape people being lovey-dovey and annoying. Michael Keaton’s emotional acceptance speech at the Golden Globes was disgustingly heartfelt. “My best friend is kind, intelligent, funny, talented, considerate, thoughtful — did I say kind? — he also happens to be my son, Sean. I love you with all my heart buddy,” Keaton said while inexplicably tearing up. Keep it together, man, it’s not like you won an Oscar.
• Conrad Floryan
>> ON DISC
GGHFF Dinner Belles The River and the Willow Sonic Unyon The River and the Willow, the second album from country-folk rockers Dinner Belles, succeeds in delivering good vibes and good times, but don’t expect anything more than that. Throughout the album ,the wide assortment of instruments and vocal harmonies swirls together to create a highly unified, robust sound. Feelings of warmth, largely due to the upbeat meanderings of guitar and piano, drift from every song like hot coffee on a winter morning. The lyrics, while never unfamiliar, frequently consist of nostalgic yearning for a “forgotten home,” relatable feelings that mesh well with the easygoing melodies. Continuity is also the greatest flaw. The songs bleed together with only sparse areas of anything particularly distinguishable or memorable. As a result, The River and the Willow – especially the middle section – begins to feel mundane and unsurprising. The album’s best tracks are the first and the last. Back Home (In the Valley) is an uplifting country jam featuring smooth Allman Brothersesque piano and guitar – strongly reminiscent of Jessica – that play off one another wonderfully. No Good is a triumphant finish, a perpetually modulating creation that puts Brad Germain’s soaring vocals front and centre. If the rest of The River and the Willow were even close to as good as the emotional second half of No Good, the album would be a spectacular achievement. Aside from a few rare moments, The River and the Willow amounts to a pleasant one-time listen that’ll leave you wishing for something more substantial. • Tom Ruess
• Jennafer Freeman
• Megan Devlin
• Kevin Hurren
• Brent Holmes
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thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
opinions
What this country needs is more unemployed politicians.
• Angela Davis
Complex council composition conundrum
The University Students’ Council is debating a motion from presidential commissioner Jonathan English on the composition of council tonight at a special meeting. The three major recommendations regarding the composition of council are: removing senators and board of governors representatives as voting members; removing first-year residence and off-campus councillors as voting members; and instituting a hard cap on the size of council. Removal of senators and the board of governors representative When first hearing of this proposal, it seems kind of absurd. Senators are some of the most active and engaged members of council, a welcome breath of knowledge and activism that other councillors could learn from. While their performance in practice on the USC is above average, how and why they are on the USC in principle is actually problematic. Senators are elected to the university’s senate, not to the USC. They are the only members of council, along with the board of governors representative, who are not directly elected to the USC but appointed. Both the senators’ and board of governors representative’s main focus should be on their elected duties to the university and representing students on a university and academic level, not on a student government level. Currently, their focus is split between the two. So while these representatives have historically been very active on council, their presence and legitimacy as a voting member should be questioned and we came to the conclusion that they should not be voting members. Removal of first-year residence and off-campus councillors Right now, on paper, first-year representatives provide double representation and disproportionate representation to both first-years and faculties. In practice, first-year representatives are rarely, if ever, active at a USC meeting. Stripping them of their voting rights is an easy fix for these problems. But that would be unfair to first-year students looking for leadership opportunities. English recommends using the first-year caucus as a more effective and representative body for first-year involvement in the USC. This would see first-years still be on council, but in a non-voting role. This is a good start but does not go far enough. Proportional representation for the number of students in residence and off-campus can be achieved with a separate body of the USC. This body could then elect a few student representatives amongst themselves to the USC so that they still have an important voting voice on council. It could possibly act as a standing committee of council, which would mean it would present regular reports to council, giving a consistent voice to first-years that is currently lacking in the USC. This solution is ironic given that senators are being removed for being appointed to council and not directly elected. However, given the fact that first-years are not here when regular USC elections take place and they do have unique issues compared to upper-years, this seems like a solution that both guarantees effective and proportional representation on a USC body and giving a greater voice to first-year students on council. Hard cap of 49 voting members plus the speaker One of the most obvious problems with the USC is its sheer size. The solution proposed by English is fair and smart given the expanding university population and the need for proportional representation. Instituting a hard cap on the number of councillors is needed to not only prevent the size from spiralling out of control, but also ensure there is a greater voice and impact for any one councillor. This might also have the side benefit of making USC elections more competitive and that might lead to better candidates elected and councillors who feel more responsibility to represent their constituents. • Gazette Editorial Board
thegazette
Volume 108, Issue 56 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.
Conrad Floryan • GAZETTE
Transit system is bus-ted Green eggs and Hamza
Hamza Tariq NEWS EDITOR @HamzaAtGazette
Winter is here. There is snow on the ground, the cars are driving slowly, the scary Arctic winds are taking the wind chill to 25 below, and Western students are at the bus stops, staring as full buses pass them by. They shiver, swear under their breath and try to not get frostbite. Monday morning, I was at the bus stop outside my house. The London Transit Commission’s special university bus runs at the hour mark every morning. By “the hour mark,” it means “give or take 15 minutes and maybe it’ll come.” I was there 10 minutes early to avoid missing it — but the bus did not arrive that day. Eventually, I took a later regular bus and got to campus. On the way there, the bus was completely packed two stops from mine. The driver tried to squeeze in as many students as he could and then drove off. From there on I counted at least five stops with a significant number of students that the bus went past without stopping.
Last year, the LTC’s former general manager Larry Ducharme admitted that the system was broken. The LTC faces various challenges, the most significant being that it’s seriously underfunded for a city of London’s size. Ducharme apologized to Londoners for the ‘poor quality of service’ and said that there was just not enough — not enough funding and not enough buses. The LTC has been “broken” for a long time now. London’s new mayor Matt Brown has pledged his support for a new Rapid Transit System and on his campaign platform he promised to deliver in four years. But the question for Western students remains: is the university and the USC doing enough for them in this regard? The USC currently provides shuttle services in the form of the Mustang Express. This bus provides students transportation from downtown London to campus after the LTC buses have stopped, every weekend. All undergraduate students pay for this service via their student fees. In addition, the USC also runs shuttle services after hours during exam season. There is also a shuttle service than runs between the affiliate colleges every day free of cost. So I believe it’s fair to say that the University Students’ Council and the university do try to accommodate students’ transportation needs. But I don’t think it is enough.
The USC’s exam shuttles and Mustang Express are run with the idea of student safety. The Mustang Express has previously been debated within the USC because people question it’s effectiveness and ridership numbers. Despite the criticism, the USC has supported the shuttle service because it provides students safe and cheap transport home. That is a noble intention — but I don’t think the USC’s concern for student transport safety should end there. The university and the USC should lobby the city government harder to provide the students with better services to get to campus. A recently commenced light rail and rapid bus project in the Waterloo Region can be used as an example. The federal, provincial and municipal governments are funding the project collectively. The university administration and Western’s political student advocacy groups can work to not only appeal to the local government but start a larger campaign to lobby different levels of government and other stakeholders to take an active interest in improving London’s transit system. There is no question that prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and wind chill is a student safety issue. It’s high time that London’s buses stopped leaving students at the bus stops, freezing, bitter and probably late to class.
wackywordwednesday “Mamihlapinatapai” comes from the language of Tierra del Fuego. Currently holding the Guinness Book of World Records title for the “most succinct word,” mamihlapinatapai refers to “a look shared by two people, each wishing that the other will offer something that they both desire but are unwilling to suggest or offer themselves.”
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thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Multiple Mustangs take bronze from Brock Devin Golets SPORTS EDITOR @uwogazette
The Western wrestling team went to St. Catherine’s on Saturday for the Brock Open Wrestling tournament, and brought home some hardware. Madi Parks had a great tournament, winning four matches before losing to the eventual winner of the women’s 55 kg division, Carlene Sluberski from Brock. The fourthyear Brescia student won bronze. Joining her with another bronze was Kyle Bonk, as the third-year science student finished the tournament 2–2 in the men’s 100 kg division. Parks and Bonk led a team that has battled all season long with injuries to multiple key players. Head coach Ray Takahashi liked what he saw from his group considering the adversity his team has faced. “Everyone has a few bumps and bruises,” explained Takahashi. “It’s kind of the nature of the sport — it’s physical, it’s hard.” The long Christmas break allowed multiple players to continue their recovery, including Rebecca Matheson. Despite suffering an injury while playing for Western’s women’s rugby team, Matheson was able to return to the lineup in Brock and finish with a 2–2 record, garnering praise from Takahashi. “It’s pretty impressive to be a twosport athlete,” he said. “She’s just coming back, but she had a really good tournament.” Alongside Matheson, Richard Balfour also returned from injury to compete. Balfour missed the last two seasons with multiple ailments, and a summer injury set him back to start this year, but his 2–1 showing in Brock proved to be a step in the right direction. “He’s a strong boy and has a lot of experience coming up through our feeder program. He was a former U-17 National Team member and had a great tournament,” Takahashi said. Balfour’s efforts reflect the success of Western’s affiliate program, London-Western, where numerous players have spent time honing their wrestling skills by competing against varsity athletes while still in high school. Ligrit Sadiku is one such member of London-Western, and came to London to train in Western’s development program from PEI. The high school student won gold in Brock, promising similar returns in future. “Ligrit came with some good credentials, he was second in the U-17 National trials,” Takahashi said. “He was good to begin with, but since he’s been training with us, he’s been doing really well. He comes to Western next year and will make a big contribution to our program.” Caleb Rutner and Alyssa Medeiros rounded out the team’s strong showings, both finishing fourth. January and February represent perhaps the busiest time of year for the team, as they prepare for a tournament in Guelph this weekend, before hosting the Western Open on January 24. “It’s going to be very competitive because all the other universities are quite strong as well, but we have a solid lineup,” Takahashi said. “If everything goes well, we’re certain that we can win. I am confident in that.” Students can watch the Western Open Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m. in Alumni Hall.
Courtesy of Ray Takahashi and Western Wrestling
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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 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
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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.
EMPLOYMENT WORK AT SUMMER camp in the USA this summer. Outgoing staff needed! Counselors, Land Sports, Lifeguards, Arts positions. Apply online at canadiancampstaff.com.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED SEEKING GAY, LESBIAN, bisexual, and other sexualminority individuals over the age of 18 for a study on perceptions of discrimination. Participants will complete a set of questionnaires in the Love Lab at Western University. This should take no more than 30 minutes, and participants will receive monetary compensation in appreciation for their contribution. If interested, email uwodiscriminationstudy@gmail.com.
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8 •
thegazette • Wednesday, January 14, 2015
sports
saywhat? I want to become one of the greatest players of all time. Of course, this requires a lot of effort and I hope to get there.
• Christiano Ronaldo after winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or Award, his third time being named the best FIFA player of the year.
Rundown >> The Mustangs swimming team lost to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in a dual meet on Saturday > Both the men’s and women’s teams lost, 89–55 and 84.5–60.5 respectively.
‘Stangs squeak by Lakers 3–2 in shootout Richard Raycraft MANAGING EDITOR @RichAtGazette
It took everything they had, but the Western women’s hockey team remained undefeated in regulation when they took on the Nipissing Lakers Sunday afternoon at Thompson arena, winning in a shootout 3–2. The penalty-filled affair saw every goal on both sides scored on the power play. The contest was rarely at even strength and 5-on-3 play was common, particularly in a frantic second period. “I thought we battled, it was a tough game, I give [Nipissing] a lot of credit,” Mustangs head coach Chris Higgins said. “It was a special teams game, there was just tons and tons of penalties.” The Mustangs improve to 14–0–2 and remain at the top of Ontario University Athletics while the Lakers drop to 8–5–2 and remain in eighth. The referee’s quick whistle was the defining feature of the game. Almost every infraction was called and then some, resulting in upset coaches on both sides. The pressure was put on the goaltenders to make big saves with so many players in the box. Higgins explained that he was happy with his team’s defence play, including goalie Kelly Campbell, especially considering all the time spent on the penalty kill. “We gave them two goals late in the second period but we shut them down in the third — Kelly [Campbell] made some big saves on the breakaway and of course the three in the shootout, so it was a team win,” he said. Western opened the scoring in
Eunhae Chung • WESTERN MUSTANGS
the middle of the second period on the powerplay as Kendra Broad, the team’s top scorer, slung the puck from the side of the net, hitting Lakers goalie Jacqueline Rochefort and trickling in. The goal was scored on a 5-on-3 as Nipissing took three penalties in under two minutes. “It was tough for a bit but they really did maintain their composure,” Darren Turcotte, Lakers head coach, said on the second period. “Honestly, I was trying to make a pass to Syd[ney Kidd] and just kind of let go and caught the goalie off guard there,” Broad said of the goal. Broad would find Kidd on the next Mustangs goal, when they
set up in the Lakers zone ending with Kidd roofing the puck past Rochefort. The Lakers would battle back,
I
THOUGHT WE BATTLED, IT WAS A TOUGH GAME, I GIVE [NIPISSING] A LOT OF CREDIT. CHRIS HIGGINS
MUSTANGS HEAD COACH
Neuer is a god, was robbed Get out of my Laine
Mike Laine GRAPHICS EDITOR @MikeAtGazette
On Monday, FIFA awarded its annual most valuable player award, the Ballon d’Or, to Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo beat out star striker Lionel Messi and German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. All three of these players are superstars in their own right and some of the most talented athletes on the planet. The award, however, should have really gone to goalkeeper Neuer. The award is presented to the male player who has performed best in the last calendar year. There is no doubt in my mind Neuer was the best player for both his club and national team in 2014. The Ballon d’Or has been awarded since 1956 and only once
has a goalkeeper won the award — Lev Yashin in 1963. Goalkeepers have been completely disregarded over the last half-century by FIFA, as there have been very few times that keepers are even nominated for the trophy. While goalkeeping in other sports is often considered the highest and most skilled position — see hockey — in soccer goalkeeping has become a disregarded art. Since his transfer from Schalke to Bayern Munich in 2011, Neuer has been exceptional. He was a vital part of Germany’s victory in the 2014 World Cup, as well as Bayern Munich’s victory in the 2013 Champions League. When you think about it, how many times do you see saves in soccer highlights? Rarely, because their saves are a rare specimen in the world of footballers. The highlights that we are exposed to are Messi dangling through a hapless defence or Ronaldo scoring an improbable bicycle kick goal. Yet if you have ever seen Neuer play, you’ve seen some incredible saves by the lanky German. To further iterate Neuer’s excellence, let’s look at some stats. In
2014, Neuer allowed a total of 14 goals in 62 league matches. On top of that, he only allowed 40 goals total through every game he played in 2014, which includes international games. Those are unprecedented stats for any goalkeeper in the modern era. Neuer’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the crease is unmatched by any keeper in the game today and by few who came before him. Unfortunately, Neuer is rarely recognized for his achievements other than in his home country. Neuer is strength and command in his crease has led him to be compared to some of the greatest keepers ever. Have you seen his throw? I’m almost certain he can throw the ball farther than many professional players can kick it. The decision to go with Ronaldo was one of poor judgment by FIFA. In the last five years, Ronaldo and Messi have swept the award. Picking Neuer would have really made a difference in the footballing world and changed the perspective that we often have for goalkeepers as the misfits of the team.
however, as top scorer Kaley Tienhaara came flying into the Western zone and wired it past Campbell to reduce the deficit to one midway through the second. Nipissing would follow it up with another goal by Sam Strassburger again on the power play to tie it up heading into the third period. Despite fewer penalties, the third period moved at a hectic pace. A blocked Western shot midway through the period led to a breakaway for Tienhaara, who was brought down and awarded a penalty shot. Campbell managed to stop it and keep the game tied up. Western created the majority of the chances for the rest of the final
stanza, but could not find the back of the net as the game headed into overtime. Campbell managed to stop another breakaway in the extra five minutes, so the contest came down to a shootout. Defence Katelyn Gosling shot first for the ‘Stangs, scoring a beauty of a goal that befuddled Rochefort. “I really only have one move so I just went for the shot,” Gosling said. Campbell stopped all three shootout attempts from the Lakers, sealing the win for the ‘Stangs. “I thought our team played very, very well today,” Higgins said. The Mustangs move on to face Windsor on the road this Saturday.