The final battle Senior cricket analyst Hamza Tariq breaks down the World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia >> Pg. 7
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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906
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TOMORROW high -2 low -9 VOLUME 108, ISSUE 94
>> ANALYSIS > TEAM SOPHIE VS. ELECTIONS COMMITTEE APPEAL
Final decision looms for Team Litchfield Amy O’Kruk NEWS EDITOR @AmyAtGazette
The last chapter of the 2015 University Students’ Council elections saga may be coming to a close this weekend when the USC appeals board decides whether or not Team Litchfield won the elections fair and square — or whether, almost a month and a half later, Team Sophie deserves the presidency after all. At a public meeting set for this Sunday, the appeals board will resolve claims submitted by Team Sophie that the judgements made by the USC elections committee on Team Litchfield’s conduct during the election period were “inconsistent and unjust.” Should the appeals board agree with Sophie, Team Litchfield runs the risk of disqualification, and the presidency and vice-presidencies could be handed over to Team Sophie. Team Sophie is challenging the elections committee’s decisions on three fronts. Her slate contends that Team Litchfield’s post-campaigning violations, placement of campaign materials in off-campus residences and using alcohol in their campaigning were severe enough to warrant more demerit points than awarded to the slate. As it stands now, the elections committee gave Team Litchfield 30 demerit points, one shy of automatic disqualification. On Sunday, the appeals board may render their judgement orally immediately following arguments and evidence from both Team Sophie and Team Litchfield. The board could also choose to reserve judgement and release their decision in a “reasonable amount of time.” So what are the possibilities for their decision? Under USC By-law 2 (the elections policy) and By-law 6 (the appeals board policy), many different outcomes are possible. For one, nothing could change. Upon review, the appeals board
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
FACING OFF ONE FINAL TIME. USC president-elect Jack Litchfield, left, and his opponent, Sophie Helpard, right, and their respective slates meet one final time on Sunday when the appeals board will hear an appeal of the elections committee decision to hand Team Litchfield 30 demerit points, one short of automatic disqualification.
could find the elections committee’s assessment of Team Litchfield’s violations was fair and accurate. Similarly, they could decide the infringements were not as severe as they appeared to the elections committee, resulting in a reduction in the slate’s demerit point total. There are other variations of this, with the appeals committee determining some were as severe; some weren’t, but again culminating in a demerit points total under a sum of 30 points, the threshold of disqualification. Other possibilities spell trouble
for Team Litchfield. If the appeals board finds the elections committee under-assessed the slate’s infractions, the allocation of even a fraction of one demerit point more would result in Team Litchfield’s disqualification, whereby there are two potential courses of action. The first is the likeliest scenario. As outlined under By-law 2, section 11.12(7) the document states, “If a winning candidate in any election is disqualified, the candidate who received the greatest amount of votes and who has not been disqualified shall be deemed the
winner.” Team Sophie would therefore be declared the future executive slate of the USC. The second course of action would invoke USC By-law 6. Under section 2.02, it declares “The appeals board follows the principles of natural justice, including fairness and good conscience.” This is a line that could be interpreted as giving the appeals board the authority to throw out the entire 2015 spring election and consequently require a re-election. It’s a highly unlikely scenario but still possible. Finally, the appeals board has
one last alternative. They could, as described in By-Law 6, section 12.05, decide the adjudication is too complicated and send the matter into arbitration. In this case, an independent arbitrator would need to be hired to consult with the appeals board, and then they have 15 days to ultimately conclude the dispute. So, while the decision could be dragged out a little longer, it’s fair to say Team Sophie, Team Litchfield and the USC are anticipating electoral closure this Sunday at 1 p.m. in the UCC Council Chambers.
Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
Caught on Camera
CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer
Winnie Lu • GAZETTE
EPILEPSY AWARENESS. Epilepsy Support Centre transforms the UCC atrium into an interactive space to engage with students on education about epilepsy and seizure yesterday in support of Epilepsy Awareness Month.
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Your Weekly Horoscope
The week of Mar. 27 – Apr. 26 This horoscope is intended for entertainment purposes only.
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 You are determined to get things done this week. You might want to start with that long list of chores that you have been putting off for some time.
LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 You are a powerhouse of activity this week and it’s hard for others to keep up. Slow down a bit so coworkers don’t fall too far behind.
TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 A challenge awaits you this week. Don’t be afraid to seek help from others, as recognizing you need help is a sign that you’re capable of handling this task.
SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Try to look at a problem through someone else’s eyes. This new perspective may be just what you need to find a solution that has thus far proven elusive.
GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 Accepting too much responsibility at work is starting Your confidence inspires you to try something new to affect your performance. Delay some of your more this week. Embrace this newfound boldness, but don’t trivial tasks to focus on the more important ones. forget to keep your head on straight along the way. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 It’s easy to get your way this week, but try to remain humble. Others might not be so lucky, so offer your help in any way you can.
CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Let others know what you expect of them this week. Be clear and concise and set a firm deadline. Reward those who fulfill your expectations.
LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Enthusiasm about a new plan reigns supreme. You Don’t be afraid to stray from your comfort zone this don’t need to convince others about your excitement. week. If you never try new things, success will prove Just jump right in and get started on the project. elusive. Jump in with both feet. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Your generosity knows no bounds and that is a trait Be subtle in your approach with friends and family people love about you. Continue this positive approach members. This thoughtful approach will benefit you to life, and your efforts will be their own reward. and those you care about. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS MARCH 29 – Justin Tuck, Athlete (32) MARCH 31 – Ewan McGregor, Actor (44) APRIL 2 – Clark Gregg, Actor (53)
MARCH 30 – Celine Dion, Singer (47) APRIL 1 – Hillary Scott, Singer (29)
London Food Bank drive looks for donations
The London Food Bank saw their busiest day on record last month, providing services to a total of 296 families. On February 17, the London Food Bank provided their services to about 710 people and they fear the demand will continue to grow. According to a spokesperson for the London Food Bank, the organization is currently helping about 3,200 families on a monthly basis, with these numbers being fairly consistent throughout the year. The sustained need and the spikes in demand seen at London’s food banks are thought to be the result of the recent cuts in governmental aid programs. Federal cuts to child care services are especially harmful to many of the families that already use food banks and with the end of the schoolkids bonus coming in June 2016, the number of families in need of assistance is projected to increase substantially. With the Bank’s 28th annual spring food drive running from March 27 to April 6, the London Food Bank is encouraging everyone living in the London area to make any donation they can. “Donating non-perishable food is a perfect way to make a very real and direct impact in the life of many families in our community,” the spokesperson said. The Food Bank has partnered up with many grocery stores in the area, as well as with the London fire services to make donating as easy as possible. “In addition to bringing donations to the Food Bank itself, most grocery stores in the city have donation bins for us and local fire halls are acting as drop-off centres,” they added. • Alex Page
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.
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
Ombudsperson calls for centralized academic integrity office on campus @MegAtGazette
The office of the ombudsperson released its annual report last week. It found an increase in students using the service and states an academic integrity office is needed on campus. Five hundred and nine individuals visited the office over 573 concerns over the 2013/2014 academic year. Seventy-seven per cent of all students accused of a code of conduct violation used the service and 18 per cent of students accused of a scholastic offence visited the office. Jennifer Meister, Western’s ombudsperson, thinks the increase in visitors is because students are more aware of the office, not because there are more problems on campus. “I always look for an increase in students. That’s not to say I’m looking for problems with the university,” she said. “All it means is that people know about us and they’re
coming here.” Another thing Meister wants to see is a campus-wide office for academic integrity. Western is actually one of the few Ontario campuses without one — Waterloo, Windsor, University of Toronto and Ryerson all have a centralized office that communicates to students what academic integrity rules are and why they’re important. “Most students know it’s wrong to cheat on an exam. But what they don’t always understand is why it’s important to know how to properly cite a paper,” Meister said. One of the biggest issues with the lack of centrality at Western is that students can face vastly different sanctions for an identical academic offence depending on their faculty. Meister thinks it isn’t fair when a student in one faculty gets docked five per cent on their paper while a student in another faculty receives a zero for the same offense. “I think there needs to be some consistency,” Meister said.
International students face immigration battle Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette
International students applying for permanent residence this year may have a harder time than they thought. Changes to Canada’s immigration system this year meant that thousands of international students had their immigration applications returned. Numbers obtained by The Globe and Mail show that almost 8,000 applications submitted last fall under the Canada Experience Class (CEC) were returned. International students made up at least 40 per cent of those eligible for CEC. These applications were returned because of Canada’s new Express Entry immigration system. Launching in January of this year, Express Entry is a preliminary screening tool that processes particularly strong immigrant applicants much faster. According to the Government of Canada immigration website, candidates are encouraged to create an Express Entry profile and, based on a combination of points and random lottery, certain profiles are invited to apply for residence. Under CEC, however, international students with Canadian education and work experience were almost guaranteed acceptance as permanent residents. Now these students have to participate in the same system as applicants who have never worked in Canada before.
Such newfound uncertainty is creating anxiety for some international students looking for postgraduate work, now no longer able to legitimately tell potential employers their chances of residency. The federal government insists that Express Entry, when it has been fully implemented by 2017, will provide international students with a faster path to residency. Still, Canadian universities will be working to maintain support for these students. “We are working with the federal government to ensure that international graduates of Canadian universities continue to have opportunity for permanent residency,” read a statement released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. At Western, international students are offered referrals and basic information concerning permanent residency from the International Exchange Student Centre. “The IESC supports international students by providing general information about permanent residency options, hosting immigration presentations by government representatives and referring students to services for assistance with permanent resident applications,” said Kris Dundas, communications officer for Western International. Dundas also identified the Community Legal Services at Western’s faculty of law as a place to receive more specific information and counselling for international students – including monthly immigration group information sessions.
Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE
FIMS students are most likely to take advantage of services offered by the office of the ombudsperson, the report found with 2.5 per cent of students in FIMS having used the service. Meister explained this was because associate deans within that faculty readily referred students with academic integrity issues to the office. “Just because we see 2.5 per
cent of FIMS students doesn’t mean there are all these problems in FIMS,” Meister said. Although she did admit a single problem course can bump the percentage significantly. Compared to other universities, Meister thinks Western is pretty fair. Although, there’s room for improvement. “Why aren’t we dealing with code of conduct issues from a restorative
standpoint?” she asked. Rather than assigning students punitive consequences, she would prefer to sit the student down and examine the harm their decision caused. At the end of the day undergraduates pay $3.12 out of their ancillary fees for the office of the ombudsperson, and Meister encouraged students to take advantage of it.
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
arts&life
songmeaning Bruce Springsteen wrote American Skin (41 Shots) in response to the police shooting of Amadou Diallo in 1999. Diallo was shot 41 times by police officers while reaching for his wallet. During his 2012 tour, Springsteen dedicated the song to Trayvon Martin at several concerts and a studio version of the song was recorded for his 2014 album, High Hopes.
Video, messaging and more with Vidao Samah Ali GAZETTE STAFF @uwogazette
Where to get it Coat — Vintage Gift Floorsweeping jackets are definitely in this year. Anything from a classic trench to a topcoat can be found at the Gap or, at higher prices at Banana Republic. Shirt — Thrifted & Modern Longline t-shirts and longline in general is all over the fashion scene today, available at a reasonable price from European online retailers like ASOS. Dress — Aritzia Standard black knee-length dresses like this can be found anywhere, from Forever 21 to the most high-end boutique. Shoes — Doc Martens Timeless, effortless and bold, Docs are a footwear staple and still label you badass. They’re available at most retail shoe stores, including SoftMoc at Masonville.
“I
don’t think we should try to make space our own. I believe that as modern people we should live in mobility. We should always be moving.” So says the avant-garde fashion legend Yohji Yamamoto, renowned in the industry for his utter rejection of the modern, form-fitting trends in fashion. Designers like Yamamoto aim to transform the body, to cast a unique and inimitable shadow which changes with every movement of the fabric. Like Yamamoto, second-year MIT student Nancy Xu balances casually on the
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
tightrope that defines individual fashion — bucking the status quo but also somehow effortlessly on-trend. Her coat serves as the statement piece of her outfit. The slight textural contrast combined with the rich red colour, complemented subtly by Xu’s lipstick, is eye-catching without being garish. “There are pretty basic pieces,” says Xu. “It’s anything oversized — t-shirts, dresses — combined with layering.” The hem of the longline shirt over the black dress plays with conventional proportions. Xu channels two of the most enigmatic figures in modern fashion — the
Choker — Nash Jewellers or Forever 21 One of those classic jewelry pieces that could be found for $2,000 at a high-end store and $7 at your average low-quality retailer.
black, draping look is typical of Yamamoto and the figure-altering red coat brings to mind the recent work of Rei Kawakubo, designer and founder of fashion label Comme Des Garcons. Xu’s black Doc Martens add a bold, daring gleam to her ensemble. Black Oxfords, traditionally worn only with the most formal and businesslike outfits, are used here to subvert expectations in a remarkable and unique way. “Just have fun with what you’re wearing, and add some statement items,” Xu advises.
A new messaging app is being marketed to students and this one is different than the others. Vidao Messenger combines multiple external messaging programs and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it easier for students to use one resource for group projects and mass messaging. “It’s a one-stop shop, you can get your voice calls, text messaging, group messaging, HD video calling up to six people at one time so it’s perfect for university students,” Vidao’s media and public relations manager Trevor McManus says. Vidao offers more features that reduce the number of apps students have on their phones. Instead of using the limited two-way video calling option Skype and Facetime provides, Vidao opens up options for calls with six-way video calling. It incorporates group messaging from various devices instead of using another app like Group Me. The app also bounces off Apple’s iCloud storage by conveniently setting up a cloud that branches from computers to smartphones. The cloud drive is compatible with most operating systems and allows people to import and send documents, video files, audio and presentations for any user connected to the cloud. “Each individual user has cloud storage on their phone so you can go from your desktop to your phone and take stuff from there and import any kind of file to anyone who has Vidao Messenger,” McManus continues. McManus believes Vidao is perfect and convenient for university
I
T’S A ONE-STOP SHOP, YOU CAN GET YOUR VOICE CALLS, TEXT MESSAGING, GROUP MESSAGING, HD VIDEO CALLING UP TO SIX PEOPLE AT ONE TIME SO IT’S PERFECT FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.” TREVOR MCMANUS
VIDAO’S MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER
students, and his team has created the Clash of the Campuses campaign to prove it. The project pits Canadian schools against each other by having students sign up to be brand ambassadors. Ambassadors take on the initiative of getting more people in their school to download Vidao Messenger. The brand ambassador with the highest user acquisition wins a hefty tuition prize. “How they get the word out is totally up to them – that’s why the campaign is so unique in my opinion,” McManus explains. “It’s totally up to the brand ambassador … and how they [get users] is up to them!” Tuition money will be awarded to the first, second and third place students. With $2,500, $1,500 and $500 up for grabs. An internship with Vidao Messenger is an alternative offer for the first-place winner. Vidao is willing to set up students in British Columbia to contribute with their campaign.
• Richard Joseph
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
Courtesy of Vidao
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
There’s only three more days left to go for our exercise regiment and I can safely say that I am happy with my results. I think I had my expectations set too high when I first began. I never considered how much of a hindrance my back would be. As happy as I am that I’ll never do another sit up again in my life, it also made me realize that I need to work harder if I want abs. I wasn’t overly strict with my eating habits. I still put half a sugar in my coffee. If I was given a doughnut, I probably took it. If someone in The Gazette office had chocolate covered coffee beans, I definitely took them. When I look at other blogs about girls have completed this guide and had very successful results, they all have food diaries and tend to count their nutrition. I’m not saying that it’s always a bad thing to count calories but that does not fit into my lifestyle. A few weeks ago, I deleted a calorie counter app off of my phone. I used it in the beginning, but I got caught up with life. I didn’t want to be the girl who sat at a restaurant and
chose her dinner after 30 minutes of counting out each molecule. Counting legumes does not fly with me. Plus, I eat way too much peanut butter according to that app and I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life. So I’m not the fitness model I initially dreamt of being, but that’s okay. Going to the gym is a regular part of my routine now and I like that the guide gave me direction. I feel confident now that I know how to properly work out. I’ve learned that I need more protein in my diet and I’ve learned how bad Bulk Barn protein powder tastes. Waking up to go the gym at 8 a.m. is not fun, but it’s easy to adapt to the routine. My newfound health regime is a work in progress. These past 12 weeks flew by. They weren’t perfect, but I enjoyed them. I look forward to what the next 12 weeks have in store for me as I continue down this new road and will continue to progressively physically push myself to be the best that I possibly can be. • Olivia Zollino
Week 12 is finally here — it’s hard to believe that three months have already passed. I have to say the most important thing I’ve learned from this experience is that consistency is key. I’ll admit that I missed a few cardio days over the last 12 weeks and I definitely didn’t “eat clean” the entire time. But that’s not what matters to me. For me, what matters is how consistent I was overall. I worked out five–six days every week and I see that as a great accomplishment. Every university student lives a busy life, trying to balance school, work and friends – throwing working out into the mix isn’t an easy task. So the fact that I was able to remain consistent in going to the gym, despite the many other things I have going on in my life, is something I’m really proud of. Though I’m really happy with my commitment to working out, my eating habits still need some work. As hard as I tried to eat better, I still had my share of pizza and popcorn over the last three months. That’s not to say that my eating habits haven’t improved at all,
>> ON EXHIBIT > VERY NERVOUS SYSTEM
Taylor Lasota • GAZETTE
Art that will move you
Motion sensitive art exhibit opens at McIntosh Kevin Heslop CONTRIBUTOR Very Nervous System Artist: David Rokeby Venue: The McIntosh Gallery If the space surrounding a dancer spoke, what would it say? David Rokeby’s installation Very Nervous System, now on display at the McIntosh Gallery, allows visitors to have the opportunity to discover the answer with their own bodies. Walking through the Very Nervous System exhibit is like walking through invisible webbing. Like spider’s silk, each motion elicits a response from every juncture of the webbing. Video cameras record every movement and an audible response is immediately projected through one of eight surrounding speakers. The camera is minutely sensitive to speed, velocity and acceleration, and the computer involved is programmed with around 100 sounds, creating a dynamic and intimately personalized experience. The title Very Nervous System is apt — the room feels as though it is alive and actively responding to
your motions. The experience is shamanistic. After walking through it one feels more intimately aware of spaces. Rokeby, a pioneer in the field of interactive art, has exhibited extensively for over three decades in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Among the most prestigious forms of recognition for his many works are: a Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts, Austria’s Prix Ars Electronica Award of Distinction for Interactive Art and an invitation to present an earlier version of V.N.S. at the Venice Biennale. Speaking as a guest of Western’s Art Now! series, he explained his approach by reaching one hand into the air and the other toward the floor — representing the abstract and the concrete. Both spheres previously overlapped in Rokeby’s previous works, Cloud and Sorting Daemon. Cloud is a kinetic mosaic of transparent and blue squares hanging suspended in the Great Hall at the Ontario Science Centre. Sorting Daemon, designed for the Goethe-Institut Toronto, is a succession of pixelated human faces created from passersby on the
T
HE SELF EXPANDS (AND LOSES ITSELF) TO FILL THE INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT, AND BY IMPLICATION, THE WORLD. DAVID ROKEBY
street. Computers capture images of people and break down the images based off of colour patterns and reassembled as a collage. The installation on campus at Western features sounds made by hand — fingernails tapping, a cigarette being extinguished, a hammer grazing a plank of wood. Previous versions have included water in motion, pentatonic scales via flute or strings and the roil of sundry percussion instruments. “The self expands (and loses itself),” writes Rokeby on his website, “to fill the installation environment, and by implication, the world.” Very Nervous System will be on display at the McIntosh Gallery until May 9. Admission is free for students.
but moving forward it’s something I’m going to continue to work on. When it comes to the results, I’m happy with what I’ve seen so far. I’ve lost a total of eight pounds and I feel a lot more comfortable in many of my clothes. But the best result I’ve noticed has definitely been my changed mindset. I haven’t become a healthy-living, gym rat but I’ve changed my mindset to make working out a priority. Though I certainly don’t look forward to leg day, I look forward to how I feel once I’m finished a workout and that’s why I stick with it. It’s a great feeling to have succeeded in completing this 12-week workout routine and it’s something that I want to keep up. Now that I’m (almost) finished BBG 1.0, my goal is to continue BBG 2.0 for the next three months. I know it will be difficult without Olivia as my workout buddy this summer but I’m determined to keep going. Wish me luck. • Jennafer Freeman
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
opinions
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
• George Washington
Ten years of a madman with a box
Dear Life Your anonymous letters to life
Dear Life, So your idea of “giant” racism is being called “exhausting”? I can only assume the rock you live under is quite cozy and safe.
Holmes is on the Case
Dear Life, Cats are the best.
Brent Holmes DEPUTY EDITOR @BrentAtGazette
Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the return of Doctor Who. For those who are not up on their timey-wimey British TV shows, Doctor Who is a science fiction show about a face-changing time traveller who travels in a 1960s police phone box. The show began on November 22, 1963 to a troubled start — it was the same day as the Kennedy assassination. Miraculously, the show continued until it was seemingly exterminated from the airwaves in 1989. Ten years ago, Russell T. Davies regenerated the show — and it is now one of the biggest cult shows in the world. 2013’s 50th anniversary special was simulcast world wide and had millions of viewers. Thirteen actors have currently taken on the mantle of the Doctor, with Peter Capaldi finishing his first season last November. While Whovians flock online in praise of the show’s return 10 years ago and the brilliance of Russell T. Davies, they ignore the fact that the first “New Who” episode wasn’t very good. The special effects were awful, one scene featured stars Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper walking in a complete circle through a city block and another involved a hero-doesn’t-get-it gag that lasted way longer than it should have. When my roommate showed me the episode after a night of binge-eating sushi, I almost fell asleep. Three years later, I have a TARDIS phone cover and Dalek alarm clock, have been to a Doctor Who convention and have even watched the original 1963 serials. The show’s popularity remains an enigma — it started as a kid’s show, yet now is often accused of being too dark for kids or too childish for adults. Whovians are singlehandedly the most aggressive fans you will ever meet — just ask one what they think of the concept of a female Doctor or how Steven Moffat is doing as head writer. It’s a miracle Doctor Who gets identified as a nerd show since trying to understand the show’s continuity is an exercise in futility. Yet for some reason, Doctor Who is one of the most popular television shows in the world. Fans embrace its spirit of adventure, its quirkiness and all the ridiculous things that go along with it whether it’s bow ties, sonic screwdrivers, mechanical dogs and ridiculously long scarfs. But ask me and I still wouldn’t be able to tell you why I watch the show, why I impatiently wait for new episodes or have amassed a rather embarrassing pile of Doctor Who memorabilia. It makes no sense. Perhaps it is just inspiring that a show that was literally created from whatever the BBC had lying around at the time can somehow, through triumph of writing and imagination, become a hit. That the show could be so successful that after 15 years of being taken off the air, Russell T. Davies, a man who grew up inspired by the show as a kid, got enough people together to bring it back. Happy 10th Anniversary New Who. Here’s to 10 more years of killer robots, time-travelling aliens and a fez, for some reason.
thegazette
Volume 108, Issue 94 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
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Adrian Wyld • THE CANADIAN PRESS
Tories should let Elizabeth May speak Breaking Brad
Bradley Metlin SPORTS EDITOR @BradAtGazette
For those who have read my columns before, I might just complicate your image of me politically — in 10th grade civics class, I was the leader of the Green Party for our mock election. There is a photo of me, smiling gleefully in front of a tree, plastered on brochures in a box at my old high school in Mississauga. Originally, I had been drafted into the Conservative Party based on a quiz, but I noticed quickly this mock election was excluding a voice. I approached my teacher and noted that the Green Party ran a full slate of candidates in the last election. She agreed and the Greens ended up forming the official opposition (quite realistic, I know). So I’ve always had an affinity and special connection to Green party leader Elizabeth May. Tuesday in the House of Commons, it was time for the various party leaders to make a statement regarding the one-year extension of the military mission against the Islamic State. May, who does not constitute an official party leader because the Greens only have two seats, is usually allowed to speak after unanimous consent is acquired. Strangely this time, a few Conservative members of parliament yelled, “no,” and prevented May from speaking. Outside of the House, May remarked, “that was extremely unusual, and I have to say, little shocks me anymore.” Those Conservative MPs who
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vocalized their displeasure with even allowing May to speak should be ashamed of themselves. Conservatives are frequently brandished as people who try to suppress voices and stifle discussion. This is a reputation I have tried to fight, regularly engaging in dialogue about a variety of issues. Admittedly, the current Conservative government has a habit of unnecessarily doing this. Barring May from speaking on a matter of national importance, however, serves little purpose. Cramming several controversial elements into an omnibus bill, while machinating, is arguably smart political manoeuvring. Barring May from a few minutes for her viewpoints is not. I fear it’s this dismissive attitude that will keep May out from the leaders debates in the upcoming federal election. Like it or not, she leads a party that presents candidates in every single riding across Canada — one of four parties to do so. In 2008, when May was last included in the debates, she surprised many with her intelligent responses; this was not the kooky tree-hugger we thought she might be. The Green Party received nearly seven per cent of the vote in that election. This year, they may pick up several seats according to some analysts. Canadians deserve to hear their democratic leaders broadcast their opinions. It frustrates me that anyone would suggest May should not be part of the political discourse. In 2011, most Canadians believed she should have been at the debates. Recall in that election, the New Democrats surged over 10 per cent in a few weeks — support can change. If my 10th grade civics class saw merit in having the Green Party involved, why can’t our political leaders? Maybe they’re scared of Elizabeth May?
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Gazette Staff 2014-2015 Mohammad Abrar Abdul Hanan, Suhaib Al-Azem, Eric Bajzert, Sarah Botelho, Damon Burtt, Sam Frankel, Devin Golets, Kevin Heslop, Richard Joseph, Drishti Kataria, Sara Mai Chitty, Soheil Milani, Mackenzie Morrison, Amy O’Shea, Kyle Porter, Tristan Wu, Tom Ruess, Samah Ali, Claire Christopher, Rita Rahmah, Julie Hambleton, Brittany Hambleton
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, #whowillyouhelp, I will not be a bystander, I will speak up, I will intervene and I will support any victim of sexual violence — male or female. Disappointing PSA, sexual violence and harassment is not just a female issue. Dear Life, Avicii in September? Time for a fifth year. #thanksjack Dear Life, Must someone get swallowed alive by a pothole on this campus before it gets fixed? Philip Aziz hill is, quite simply, treacherous. Unsafely dodging potshots has become a yearly ritual and it just shouldn’t be. Dear Life, I wish a boy would go down on me as often as the Internet does. #uwosecure-v2 Dear Life, I always forget how beautiful campus is during the winter. When the snow melts, I’m reminded of how amazing this school is and how lucky we all are to be here. Dear Life, Again, cats are the best. Dear Life, Mindy Project season three on Netflix. Yaaas. wgaz.ca/dear-life
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
Aussie–Kiwi cricket final a match to watch Green eggs and Hamza
Hamza Tariq NEWS EDITOR @HamzaAtGazette
Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE
To place your classifed ad, please contact us at 519-661-3579 or adoffice@uwo.ca
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TEAMS OF FOUR needed to participate in Boys and Girls Club of London’s Capital One Race for Kids event on 6 June 2015. For more information or to get involved, visit our website at: www.raceforkids.ca THE 2015 VON Great Community Run, Walk ‘n’ Roll: Sun. June 28 in Lions Park in Mt. Brydges. Register 9:30am, 10:00am start. Pledged fundraiser for Middlesex-Elgin Victorian Order of Nurses. Proceeds raised locally support VON programs and services in our community. Info & Pledge sheets: www.vonmiddlesexelgin.ca
WANTED 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, the closest 2 bedrooms to campus. Hardwood floors, loads of space. Great student area, right on university 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 ste phenn@londonprop.com 3 BEDROOM LUXURY home. Western Rd. 5-minute walk to campus. Modern open-concept, large bedrooms, pool table, bar, 50” TV, over-size black marble bathroom, basketball net, massive yard/patio. $375/rm 416-835-5293. enmars@hotmail.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 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
LONDON SENIOR SEEKING a volunteer helper to assist with completion of woodworking projects. On Wonderland 10 bus route. Also looking to rent space for woodworking projects in Westmount Shopping Centre area one evening a week. A garage or workshop space would be ideal. Contact Alan 519-660-1442.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR Boys and Girls Club of London’s Capital One Race for Kids event on 6 June 2015. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please complete the volunteer form at: www.raceforkids.ca CLASSIFIED ADS $ 8.35 per issue for 30 words. Call 519-661-3579 or email adoffice@uwo.ca.
SERVICES EDITOR/PROOFREADER AVAILABLE.\~ Have your papers or thesis reviewed.\~ Extensive experience in Communications and Journalism, just retired.\~ BA English, MA Journalism, UWO.\~ Contact maryalderson77@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY, video, or music production? 121 Studios (an initiative of unlondon.ca , a local non-profit organization) is equipped with portrait photography and audio recording facilities, video editing resources, shared desk space & more. 121studios.ca. Student discounts available. SOARING CLUB BEING ratified at Western, will be the only student run soaring club in North America, learn to fly and work towards your license, for more info email westernsoaring@gmail.com
4 BEDROOM TOWNHOME for Rent! Walk to school & downtown, huge kitchen, dishwasher, large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, back deck, garage. Call/text 226919-6826. Available May 1. 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 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 BROUGHDALE behind Med/Syd front gates. Modern, open-concept, 2 full bathrooms, jacuzzi, balcony/deck. Large rooms (no basement room), 50” flat-screen, gas fireplace, dishwasher, lots of parking. $395/room. 416-8355293, enmars@hotmail.com. 695 TALBOT NEWLY Renovated 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available. Steps to Richmond Row. Utilities & Parking Included. Call about our FREE MONTH today! 519-630-5646 KING’S COLLEGE - HOUSES for rent. 5 bedrooms, $310+/month, May 01 2015, parking, laundry everything. Pick 1061 Patricia St. or 469 Regent St. Call Matt Kennedy 519-317-3023 or TEXT mattkennedy@rogers.com LARGE 2 BEDROOM $875 plus personal hydro. \~ 720 Talbot St. Steps to Western, Richmond Row, direct bus to Western, Fanshawe, downtown. Secure well managed sixplex. Coin laundry, free parking. Vern 519-872-9407 or vproperty@rogers.com.
Mustang rowers have national team dreams Shane Roberts CONTRIBUTOR @SportsAtGazette
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 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
Spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground will witness a thrilling encounter this Sunday as Australia and New Zealand fight for the game’s ultimate prize. In my last column I predicted that New Zealand, India, South Africa and Australia would play in the semifinals. All four teams did play in the semis, but what I didn’t expect was one of best games of cricket in the match between New Zealand and South Africa. The rain-hit match was reduced to 43 overs and the New Zealanders were set to chase a target of 298 runs. The Black Caps were off to a ferocious start with captain Brendon McCullum making a blistering 59 runs off 26 balls. However, the South Africans were back in the game midway through the innings as they reduced New Zealand to four wickets at 149 runs. It was then when 36-year-old Black Caps veteran Grant Elliot took charge of the batting and led New Zealand past the line with one ball to spare. It was an emotionally charged game. It went down to the wire with one ball to spare and ended in tears for the Proteas and jubilation for the New Zealanders as they reached their first ever World Cup final. In the other semifinal, Australia cruised to victory over India. After
smashing 328 runs, the Aussies bowled out the Indians for a meager 233 in 47 overs. The Sunday game will pit the two co-hosts against each other. The Australians have a very prolific record in the World Cups. They have reached the finals six times in 10 tournaments and have won four cup titles. For the Black Caps, even though this is their first-ever final, their current team is also their best one to ever take the field in a World Cup. They have not just won games, they have demolished other teams in this tournament. From Martin Guptill’s double century against the West Indies to Tim Southee’s 7/33 against England, New Zealand has blasted their way to the final. The Australians have kept to their traditionally consistency throughout the tournament and have looked comfortable in their home grounds. However, the only game they lost to was New Zealand in the group stages. I am anticipating a New Zealand win in this World Cup. The very few times the Australians were troubled in the cup was when they were batting against Pakistani pacer Wahab Riaz and the Black Cap’s bowling firepower of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Daniel Vettori. The New Zealand outfit is brimming with confidence. The batsmen will readily take on the Australian pace attack of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson and the bowlers have the potential to make the Aussie batting lineup very nervous. With the 100,000 capacity MCG packed with fans from both countries cheering their teams on, this will definitely be a World Cup final for the book.
Lenore Chesworth, Larissa Werbicki and Jill Moffatt of the Mustang rowing team are aiming to compete for a Canadian national team this summer. After four years as a varsity swimmer, Chesworth decided to compete for the rowing team in 2013. The transfer from swimming to rowing was relatively easy for her. “I was able to apply my swimming technique to my rowing technique,” she said. For Chesworth, the transfer to rowing was a great decision. She served as a leader for the women rowers this past year and rode in both the singles race and the eight-person race at the Ontario University Athletics and the Canadian University championship races. Chesworth prefers the single race over the eight-person race. “I prefer the individual race because I competed as an individual while I was a swimmer,” she said. Chesworth plans to train for a chance to row for Canada at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Games this summer. As for Werbicki and Moffatt, they will be training to make a different Canadian national team. Werbicki is planning on trying out
for the under-23 Canadian national team competing in Bulgaria in July. “If by chance I do not make the under-23 team then I would consider trying out for the FISU team. The under-23 team is definitely harder to make,” Werbicki said. Werbicki will use her previous experience competing for Canada to her advantage while trying to qualify for the under-23 team. This past summer she was on the junior national team which competed in Germany. Her silver medal there qualified her to go to the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China where she won a bronze medal in the doubles race. Moffatt also has experience competing for Canada. Last year she was on the under23 national team and competed in the lightweight women’s double at the under-23 World Rowing Championships in Varese, Italy. Despite these summer goals, all the rowers have their sights set on the school season next fall. Moffatt is confident they will win the OUA and CU championships for a third year in a row. “Almost our entire lightweight varsity team is returning, and we have a lot of great recruits and younger athletes that are joining both the heavyweight and lightweight women’s team,” Moffatt said. Taking place in late October and early November, these competitions will prove to be the ultimate goal for the Mustangs.
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thegazette • Friday, March 27, 2015
sports
gameday The Ottawa Senators look to extend their winning streak to eight when they take on the New York Rangers at home tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Rachael Muma: one last relay? Nathan Kanter SPORTS EDITOR @NathanAtGazette
The track season is over and Rachael Muma has a new routine. She gets up early in the morning so she can get to campus when it’s empty. She goes to the Spoke and orders a medium roast coffee and a bagel with cream cheese – her favourite. Then she sets up shop in a booth by the window. Next year, Rachael is unsure if this will continue. She might not be back at Western. She’s completed her education and will be graduating this spring with a business degree. But her athletic career could continue. Canadian Interuniversity Sport athletes can compete for up to five years and the Western track star – who won a silver medal at the Ontario championships this year and a bronze at nationals – is still wrestling with the decision. “As far as a fifth year goes, it’s a big decision to make because you put a lot of other things on hold,” Rachael says. “But it’s a unique opportunity to be an athlete because track is one of those sports where once you
make the decision that you’re done, you’re pretty much done.” If Rachael decides to extend her CIS track career, she would need to train hard this summer in order to reach her goals next season. Those goals include improving upon this year’s CIS results: a bronze medal in the women’s 4 x 200 metre relay, a fourth-place finish in the 4 x 400 metre relay and eighth-place finish overall in the women’s 300 metre race. “Summer track and field is a different animal,” she says. “Competing for Western is awesome and fun – you have your team cheering you on and you’re in it together ... but in the summer you’re very much an independent athlete.” Western’s track and field team has roughly 100 athletes, which is a sharp contrast to training in the summer with one or two others. In fact, being part of the Western community is a highlight for Rachael. Looking back on her university career, the team aspect is what stands out. “This year in the CIS I felt like I was running for way more than just myself. You’re running for Western and I’m always always running for
my coaches,” she says. “I don’t know what to call it or how to describe it but it’s that feeling of doing something for something bigger than yourself.” As the anchor on the four-person relay teams, Rachael has the opportunity to be the one to cross the finish line. She recalls what it was like at the OUA’s, when Western’s team of herself, Jen Barbon, Joy Spear Chief-Morris and Sarah Clancy took silver in the 4 x 200 relay. “I just knew by the time I got the baton, I just knew what I had to do,” she says. “I just pretty much hammered it down for upwards of 24, 25 seconds.” “The atmosphere is so intense,” she adds. “You have those hand-offs that need to be extremely accurate — like we’re talking hundredths of a second.” Rachael is honoured to play the role of anchor. In the Olympics, teams usually put their fastest runners at the end. When Rachael first came to Western, she thought her anchor days were over. But she earned the spot and has loved every second of it. Rachael makes it clear that the
anchor is simply part of a team. In fact, the relay is the only team event in track and field. “I think my job is the easiest,” she says. “By the time you get to the fourth runner there’s very little ... you can do at that point as the fourth runner. Your team kind of sets you up for success or failure.” While Rachael sits on her decision to return or not, one thing is clear: she’d be welcomed back to the Mustangs with open arms.
T
RACK IS ONE OF THOSE SPORTS WHERE ONCE YOU MAKE THE DECISION THAT YOU’RE DONE, YOU’RE PRETTY MUCH DONE. RACHAEL MUMA
TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE
Photos courtesy of Ryan Rowat