Thursday, February 4, 2016

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SINCE 1906

westerngazette.ca THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • WESTERN UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER • VOLUME 109 ISSUE 36 chinese food everywhere since 1906

JORDAN MCGAVIN GAZETTE

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2 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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PROFILE GURLEEN CHAHAL

Volume 109, Issue 36 WWW.WESTERNGAZETTE.CA University Community Centre Rm. 263 Western University London, ON, CANADA N6A 3K7 Editorial 519.661.3580 Advertising 519.661.3579

IAIN BOEKHOFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @IAINATGAZETTE

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NEWS DRISHTI KATARIA KATIE LEAR AMY O’KRUK RITA RAHMATI BREAKING NEWS HAMZA TARIQ OPINIONS BRADLEY METLIN ARTS & LIFE SAMAH ALI RICHARD JOSEPH MOSES MONTEROZZA ROBERT NANNI SPORTS HALA GHONAIM SERENA QUINN SHANE ROBERTS

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TAYLOR LASOTA GAZETTE

Gurleen Chahal caught the travel bug three summers ago. Since then, she has backpacked through 14 countries across Asia and Europe with one of her best friends. She enjoys the challenge and the adventure that comes with travelling to new places. When she’s back home, Gurleen always has a lot of cool stories to share with friends and family.

“I absolutely love travelling,” she says. “It lets you experience so many different cultures and people, allows you to learn new languages and traditions, and gives you a completely new perspective on yourself and your world.

Travelling let’s you challenge yourself and encourages you to grow as a person.”

COMPOSING MAJA ANJOLI-BILIĆ ROBERT ARMSTRONG

At Western, Gurleen is a fourth-year student, completing her BMSc honors specialization in physiology and the scholar’s electives program. But academics is just one of the many things she keeps busy with during the school year.

ERIC BAJZERT, JENNIFER BALL, MAAILAH BLACKWOOD,

She’s president of Western’s Friends of Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders, senior editor-inchief of the scholar’s Showcase magazine, vice-president logistics of Western Student Research Centre, vicepresident marketing of Western Red Cross and the student abstract speaker for Rotaract Global Health Symposium.

GAZETTE ADVERTISING & COMPOSING IAN GREAVES, MANAGER ADVERTISING DIANA WATSON

STAFF

SHACHAR DAHAN, MIKE DEBOER, SABRINA FRACASSI, JIMMY HUYNH, KSENIA KOLODKA, ELLIS KOIFMAN, AARON MALLETT, AMAL MATAN, REBECCA MEHARCHAND, AMY O’SHEA, OWEN PARKER, TOM RUESS, LAUREN SAYERS, RUI SHI, AMY SKODAK, OREN WIESFELD

For most students, so many extracurricular activities might be difficult to juggle with a full course load but Gurleen enjoys keeping herself busy and being productive.

“I tend to only partake in clubs or organizations that I genuinely enjoy working with,” she says. “It’s never a chore to organize an event for MSF, nor a tedious task to conduct research for my next Showcase article. It’s easy to make time for things that I enjoy doing.”

The magazine provides Gurleen with a creative outlet.

She loves writing, reading and coming up with new ways to look at things.

Volunteering with the NGOs she’s involved with allows Gurleen to interact with a number of different people as well as provide a learning environment that isn’t always available in a classroom setting.

“If I didn’t volunteer with Friends of MSF, I doubt I would be informed on how the Trans-Pacific Partnership is going to deny life saving health care to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations, or know anything about the ongoing violence in the Central African Republic,” she says.

Before coming to university, Gurleen was undecided on the career path she would take. But after working with organizations such as the MSF and Red Cross over the past few years, she has developed an interest in nonprofit work and wants to pursue a career in the field.

“My ideal career is one at the intersection of medicine, teaching, research and directly working with an NGO that provides free healthcare,” she says. “Even if I’m not the one directly providing the life-saving healthcare, the fact that I’m able to aid those workers and patients indirectly is really empowering.”

■■HAMZA TARIQ

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From athlete to bench boss

Opinion: Three in 23 isn’t a simple solution

Planning nights out just got easier

Many presidential slates, past and present, have made promises to advocate for a three in 23 policy change, but students don’t realize they will have to sacrifice.  PG 9

Four Western students and one alumnus came together and created a new app that shows you where your friends are going that night.  PG 10

WESTERNGAZETTE

All articles, letters, photographs, graphics, illustrations and cartoons published in The Gazette, both in the newspaper and online versions, are the property of The Gazette. By submitting any such material to The Gazette for publication, you grant to The Gazette a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty-free, irrevocable license to publish such material in perpetuity in any media, including but not limited to, The Gazette‘s hard copy and online archives.

The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council.

While you may know these Mustang varsity coaches, did you know they used to represent the school as athletes? We compiled a list of five athletes turned coach.  PG 8

HIGH 11 LOW -3

HIGH -1 LOW -6

HIGH 0 LOW -4

TODAY

TOMORROW

SATURDAY

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • 3

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Polling stations pop up across campus MOSES MONTERROZA ARTS & LIFE EDITOR @MOSESATGAZETTE On Monday and Tuesday, students will be able to vote online for their USC president via voteusc.ca. Along with the USC president, students will vote for their VP candidates, faculty presidents, faculty councillors, senators, London Youth Advisory Council and the referendum.

All throughout campus there will be polling stations available for students to cast their votes directly, a method of seizing student’s attention that hasn’t been tried in previous years.

“You’re going to see polling stations set up at the UCC, Weldon, Natural Science and Social Science,”

said chief returning officer Andrew Chorney. “During the evening you’ll see polling stations set up at Medway-Sydenham Hall, Ontario Hall and Saugeen.”

In previous years there have been only a limited amount of polling stations set up, but Chorney believes that more polling stations will garner more attention to the elections.

“The idea of the polling station isn’t necessarily that students will vote at that station, although the capability will certainly be there,” said Chorney. “But it’s really to see the elections committee members actually there and to remind students that it’s voting day, to go and vote.”

This is part of the elections

committee’s initiative to increase voter turnout and get students informed. So far they’ve revamped the voteusc website and launched a social media strategy making their presence on Facebook and Twitter.

To ensure everyone on campus is informed, the committee also reached out to Western’s administration.

“We’ve coordinated with Western administration and they’re going to be communicating elections polling dates as well as the events that have been going on,” said Chorney.

“They’re going to be communicating specifically the polling date through their own outlets. We’re going to be doing a campus wide email during the polling period as well.”

In an effort to reel in first-year students, the elections committee also got in touch with residence councillors and resident advisors to ensure elections information is relayed to new students.

“This week we conducted a first-year student information campaign,” said Chorney, “where the elections committee actually went in to first-year residences to talk with first-year students about the importance of the USC and the importance of the election and how important it is to get involved and vote.”

The committee also distributed 2,000 stickers to be placed on bagel bags at the Spoke.

As of right now, statistics

surrounding voter turnout is unavailable but the election committee hopes to gather data from this election in an effort to readjust where communications are focused.

“We’re going to be doing a voter analysis this year to see where students are coming from and possibly what areas of campus and which faculties were seeing less of a turnout,” said Chorney. “That way we can provide for strategic planning for next year’s election committee.” n

Solution to puzzle on page 11

All the things you’re voting for, from USC to LYAC AMY O’KRUK NEWS EDITOR @AMYATGAZETTE PRESIDENT The president represents the interests of the USC and the study body. The president is the primary spokesperson for the USC and provides the organization with direction and leadership.

VICE-PRESIDENT The vice-president directs undergraduate student advocacy initiatives and represents students to political and community bodies outside of Western. The vice-president also typically serves on the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance executive team, which lobbies the provincial government.

CONTEXT: The student executive is a group of five former Western students who oversee the affairs of the USC and

manage their portfolio’s coordinators. While students elect the USC’s president and vice-president as a slate, the council elects the student programming officer, and the secretary-treasurer and the communications officer are hired by a committee. Each student exec serves a 13-month term from May to the following June. Nominations for student programming officer are currently open until Feb. 12.

FACULTY PRESIDENTS Faculty presidents are the chief advocates of their respective faculties to the USC and the chief executive officers of their faculty councils.

They oversee their councils’ activities, as well as representing their councils and faculties to their deans’ offices. They can also sit on ad-hoc committees of their deans’ offices and the USC president’s roundtable.

FACULTY COUNCILLORS

A faculty councillor is responsible for understanding the needs of the students of their faculty and representing them on both a faculty level and to the USC. They also organize events and plan academic and non-academic activities for students in their faculty.

LYAC WESTERN COUNCILLOR The LYAC Western councillor advocates on behalf of Western students to the London Youth Advisory Council. The youth council is a 15-member group of young people aged 15–25 who make sure London youth’s voices are included in local public policy decisions.

REFERENDUMS A referendum is a general vote by an electorate on a question that has been referred to them for a direct decision. This year, Western’s student start-up incubator Propel is asking for a $4.89 student fee

King’s presidential candidate unopposed MICHAEL CONLEY GAZETTE STAFF @NEWSATGAZETTE Nate Little is running unopposed in King’s University College Student Council president election, leaving him to face a vote of confidence.

Little feels prepared to take on the leadership role after serving as a King’s councillor for the University Students’ Council and being a part of the local and campus affairs standing committee.

“I want to empower the voices of all King’s students, alleviate

barriers to new opportunities and support, create and inspire student-led initiatives,” Little said.

Little hopes to engage the student community through initiatives such as a permanent student art exhibit space, an improved peer-support service and a foodwaste redistribution program.

The only thing preventing Little from being King’s next student president is a vote of confidence from students, who can submit their votes on Monday and Tuesday next week. While a vote

of non-confidence is unlikely, The Regis, a magazine run by King’s students, published a column outlining multiple concerns with the uncompetitive nature of this year’s race.

“I have been very open about the fact that students do have an option,” Little said. “If students do not have confidence in me or my platform, they have the option to vote against me. And if I am voted in, I will do everything I can to prove myself worthy of this position.” n

increase. To pass, a referendum needs a voter turnout of a minimum 20 per cent of the total voting students and the majority to vote in favour of it. n

2257 Feasibility Project

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600 likes

450 likes

178 likes

74 followers

No official twitter account, but Palin’s personal account has 182 followers.

No account

No account

125 followers

No account

1,593 views

2,356 views

746 views

Video view count based on each candidate’s “Go Vote” video for the USC. Info taken as of Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.

JENNIFER FELDMAN GAZETTE

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4 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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Candidates spar on issues at first debate HAMZA TARIQ BREAKING NEWS EDITOR @HAMZAATGAZETTE The USC’s presidential candidates met for the first time at a debate on Tuesday evening.

The debate was hosted by former University Students’ Council president Adam Fearnall and the event was well attended with almost all audience seats filled.

The debate format allowed the presidential candidates to debate first, followed by the vice-presidential candidates and culminating in an all-candidate on stage segment.

A number of issues were discussed, including freedom of speech on-campus, mental health issues, functioning of the USC, relationship with the University, race, cultural and gender issues on campus, and soph apparel changes for the 2015 Orientation Week.

The Palin-Cohen slate emphasized the importance of physical activity and wellness initiatives outlined in their platform.

According to vice-presidential candidate Robbie Cohen, his slate would work towards a more active campus and use those initiatives to prevent mental health issues at their root.

Aiden Mckendrick, vice-presidential candidate for Team Roy, stressed that mental health issues on-campus needed a different approach such as lighter course loads instead of just more funding for programming.

For Team Avila’s Jamie Cleary, mental health initiatives were focused on using the existing resources on campus, such as

TAYLOR LASOTA GAZETTE

the Peer Support Centre.

W hile Fearnall moderated most of the debate, USC president Sophie Helpard came on stage to ask questions about female representation on the USC. “It’s definitely a systematic issue and something we need to talk about,” Mike Roy, presidential candidate for Team Roy, said.

He added that besides gender, race and economic issues were also prominent on campus and needed the attention of the USC. Brandon Palin, presidential

ca ndidate for Pa lin-Cohen, pointed out that while promoting female engagement in USC leadership positions is important, it should be noted that most of the faculty presidents this year are female. He also added that diversity goes beyond gender to include race issues.

Eddy Avila, presidential candidate for Team Avila, thought the discussion of female engagement should stay on point that currently there were no females running for the USC presidency

and that was an issue.

The debate got heated up when the discussion moved to banning of soph apparel earlier this year.

Tea m Pa lin-Cohen spoke against the changes brought about such as the banning of the Mohawk haircut. Palin said the banning of the haircut was actually offensive to members of the Mohawk tribe as the hairstyle was not what the orientation planning committee presumed it to be.

Avila, orientation coordinator this past year, defended the move by saying that students felt threatened on campus and their safety was more important than a transparent feedback system.

Mckendrick supported Avila’s stance on the issue and said that it was important to address race and cultural issues on campus and the feedback process for the changes was sufficient for the banning of the apparel. n

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OVERALL VISION All three platforms have finally been released and each of their visions emphasize the student experience. A ll three slates share a vow to work as students, for students, distancing themselves from the current way the USC operates and advocating for more of a direct student focus. Team Roy’s commitment “to being critical and questioning of the USC,” comes as no surprise, as the slate consists of Western Solidarity Network members Mike Roy and Aidan McKendrick. However, Team Avila and Palin-Cohen’s distancing from the USC’s status quo is more unexpected, as both slates feature candidates who have been heavily involved in the USC. Palin-Cohen wants to “get the USC to stop talking about itself and start caring about its students,” and Team Avila announces “our motto is students for students.”

MENTAL HEALTH Mental health programming has long been a priority on many past presidential platforms, and this year is no different. Every slate notes a lack of adequate support for students and wants to advocate for increased funding, accessibility and awareness of the services that exist on campus.

While the slates have different ideas of how to improve mental health services, all three slates’ solutions require advocating

to the Western administration.

Team Avila wants to introduce mental health training and increased support at key times such as September and the exam period; Palin-Cohen wants to foster an “environment of wellness” along with promoting the current coverage available, and Team Roy hopes to foster “on campus crisis room which students can go to at any time.” Additionally, their platform indicated a plan for “bringing mental health coverage under the USC health plan,” however it should be noted that the current USC health plan covers mental health services on and off-campus (up to $500 for off-campus resources).

FALL READING BREAK AND EXAM SCHEDULES While advocating for a second Reading Week in the fall is on both Team Avila and Team Roy’s platforms, it’s worth noting that this issue, along with any desired changes to the exam schedule, is out of the hands of the USC. Any changes to the academic calendar have to go through Senate, so the best the candidates can do is promise to advocate to senators for these changes. Additionally, any amendment to the current three in 23 policy would create an even longer exam period than the one that currently has students arriving home just before Christmas.

USC ACCESSIBILITY Featured in each candidate’s platform are promises to bring the USC back to the students.

Palin-Cohen criticizes the USC for having “developed a culture where information is routinely not reported to or withheld from council, obfuscated, or presented in ways that make the facts effectively unintelligible,” and Team Roy wants to “establish more referendums, town hall meetings to allow greater ability for students’ voices to be heard by the USC,” to further encourage student involvement in USC decision-making. Team Avila’s plans to make the USC more accessible to students include setting aside two hours every week for students to meet with the executive team, recruiting a team of students who can serve as ambassadors between students-at-large and the executive team’s advocacy goals and releasing “organizational charts and condensed, accessible minutes that seek to avoid excessive jargon” to clarify the roles of the student executive.

UNIQUE POINTS Beerfest 2.0 – Team Avila is advocating to bring a second round of Beerfest to campus during Frost Week to capitalize on the success of the event earlier in the year.

Reduce financial barriers for sophs – Palin-Cohen proposes putting aside part of the O-Week budget to subsidize the participation cost of being a soph who can demonstrate financial need.

Gender-neutral washrooms Team Roy proposes creating more gender-neutral washrooms on campus. n

• www.westerngazette.ca

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • 5

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These students want your vote for LYAC AMY O’KRUK NEWS EDITOR @AMYATGAZETTE For a second consecutive year, Western students will be electing a LYAC Western councillor on the University Students’ Council’s elections ballot.

The London Youth Advisory Council is a 15-member group of young people aged 15 to 25 who make sure London’s youths’ voices are included in local public policy decisions.

LYAC was founded in 2011 to “ensure London’s youngest residents were taken seriously by local politicians and decision makers.” They operate on a governance through discussion model, with outreach to London’s youth.

DUTIES: • ATTEND weekly working meetings with other councillors.

• RESEARCH topics related to youth issues as necessary.

• ATTEND one community event per month.

• SEND one letter of recognition to a youth citizen per month.

• HOST one focus group of five to seven people on a topic of interest each season (spring, summer, fall, winter).

• READ four articles per week about the issues to be discussed at that week’s meeting.

• INVITE one young person each to fourcouncil meetings.

• HOST two conversations amongst your peers at the LYAC about an issue on your platform.

LYAC’S 2016-17 WESTERN COUNCILLOR CANDIDATES: ELAZAR EHRENTREU

YEAR: First-year PROGRAM: Sociology WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE LYAC’S WESTERN REPRESENTATIVE? “The position provides me with the opportunity to actively engage with our strong, student-led community at Western and with other passionate councillors who jointly represent the concerns affecting London’s youth, seek solutions in overcoming them and present them to legislators who have the power to positively affect our campus and London at-large.

FUN FACT: “It’s been eight years since I started playing piano, but I still can’t play-by-ear.”

OLIVIA GOMES

YEAR: First-year PROGRAM: Political science (Huron) WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE LYAC’S WESTERN REPRESENTATIVE? “I want to be the Western councillor because I desire to be the link between issues within the Western community and the organization driving change. Through critical thinking, leadership and drive I believe I can effectively articulate my ideas and bring about real progress.

FUN FACT: “My life’s passion for 15 years has been [the] violin and I now perform and teach students.”

ALEESHIA CARMAN

YEAR: First-year PROGRAM: International relations WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE LYAC’S WESTERN REPRESENTATIVE? “I would like to be the LYAC councillor to help spark positive change and ensure the voices of Western students are effectively represented. I would like to help create opportunities and awareness throughout the Western campus and London community, specifically in regards to poverty, mental health and global and local awareness.”

FUN FACT: “I have been dancing for 14 years.”

ASHMEET SIALI

YEAR: First-year PROGRAM: History WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE LYAC’S WESTERN REPRESENTATIVE? “By working within the framework of the municipal government, I want to create initiatives that complement and enhance what Western is already doing.

Through creating more opportunities to come out and get involved with the city, and promoting better physical and mental health …

I want to create a great holistic student experience.”

FUN FACT: “I won the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.”

www.westerngazette.ca

6 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

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The Gazette’s

unreasonably difficult quiz TEAM AVILA In what year was Western founded?

1878

palin-cohen

x

x

In what year was The Gazette founded?

1906 What was the front page of the last issue of The Gazette?

Magic the Gathering What’s the name of Western’s mascot?

J.W. the Mustang How many female presidents of the USC have there been?

Who was the last one before Sophie?

Six. Emily Rowe

xx xx

xx xx

x x x

x x x

S K I L L s

Elgin, Ontario, Essex, Perth.

What is the total USC fee for main campus students not in first year? $709.42 What was the USC’s profit last year? $189,238 What student fee increase is Propel asking for in this year’s referendum? $4.89 Name all the faculties represented by the USC.

Arts & Humanities, FIMS, Science, Social Science, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Ivey, Education, Engineering, Music

How much was Western president Amit Chakma paid in 2014? How much will he be paid this year? $924,000 plus $43,255 in benefits (total $967,255, either accepted).

This year: $0.

Spell The Gazette editor-in-chief’s first and last names.

Iain Boekhoff What’s the name of The Gazette’s magazine?

Spotlight Magazine Name Western’s four vice-presidents.

Janice Deakin, Gitta Kulczycki, John Capone, Kelly Cole What are the bus routes that stop on campus (route numbers only)?

2, 6, 9C, 10, 13, 18, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34

TOTAL: GRAPHICS BY: JENNIFER FELDMAN GAZETTE

round 1

spoke coffee taste test TIE

round 2

pushup competition WINNER: PALIN-COHEN

round 3

How many residences are there on main campus?

Seven. Saugeen, Med-Syd, Delaware, What movie is currently playing at Western Film?

Spectre, Hunger Games Mockingjay

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x xx xx x

x x xx

9/12 11/12

11/12 7/12

x x x x

x x x x

xx xx

xx

4/4

0/4

2/11

4/4

6/11

1/11

0/4

6/11

36/64 30/64

C H A L L E N G E

spoke bagel eating competition WINNER: TEAM AVILA

round 4

Heads Up! WINNER: TEAM AVILA

round 5

Twister TIE

• www.westerngazette.ca

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • 7

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The candidates: Senator-at-large HAMZA TARIQ NEWS EDITOR @HAMZAATGAZETTE The Senate manages the academic policies of the University and is one of the most important administrative bodies at Western. It consists of members from the administration and representatives from all faculties, staff, affiliated colleges and the undergraduate and graduate student body.

This year, 11 candidates are running for six senator-at-large positions. Nine candidates responded to The Gazette questionnaire in time for publishing. Funke Folayan and Bryce Paxton’s profiles will be updated online when they are available.

ARMAN BACHMANN Fourth-year social science WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? I am running for the position of senatorat-large because I believe that my years at Western have provided me with many insights on academic policies and academic issues that undergraduate students care about. I seek to act as a passionate, outspoken voice for these academic issues, while providing an open ear to listen to any students who reach out to me.

It is a great opportunity to serve and meet more of the talented undergraduates here at Western.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? I believe that releasing final exam schedules earlier than they are currently is an important initiative for many students who must book flights home after exams or need longer notice to plan other activities after exams. If comparable universities in Ontario are able to release their schedules earlier than I’m sure Western can too. Also, current exam accommodation policies, such as three in 23, are too restrictive to benefit many students and fails to prevent students from stressing about their exam schedules impacting their final grades. As a Senator I will work to find concrete solutions to problems such as these.

BRODERICK LOMAX Second-year social science WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? Walking around campus, you constantly encounter students who have strong opinions and concerns but don’t think that their thoughts could make a difference in the Western community. I want to be there for the students to bring those voices to the table and be able to implement actual change.

If elected as a senator, what do you plan on working on/advocating for students?

Some of my main priorities, if elected, include increased accessibility to mental health services, implementing changes to the exam accommodation system regarding mental health, increased transparency with constituents and a focus more towards fixing the causes of issues as opposed to the resulting effects.

ARJUN SINGH Third-year social science WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? I am running for senate because I want to work towards making lives for us students at Western a little easier. I want to make sure that stories of students are heard and the system is fairer towards students and accommodates us for different reasons. I am very passionate about University policy and want to work with my peers to make this campus better for all of us.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? As a senator, I plan on advocating for earlier exams schedules. I understand the USC and senators have been working on this for years but I believe it is something achievable and a goal we need to keep working on. Secondly, I want to look into the possibility of making guardrails on sidewalks campus to ensure campus is safer for students. I want to keep myself open to other priorities that may come up and ideas that other senators will have.

ALEXANDER PEARSON Third-year neuroscience WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? Someone once said: “What’s the use of complaining about something you have no intentions of changing?” So, by running for the Senate, I am trying to change a few things that I complained about in the past (which is the laundry list that became my platform).

I was tired of voting each year and not noticing any real change occurring on campus.

So I decided to roll up my sleeves and hit the campaign trail!

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? My platform focuses on three areas: academics, mental health, openness and accountability.

Academics: Tuition freeze, Fall Reading week, earlier exam schedule, booking academic counselling online and financial counselling for students.

Mental health: Hire more psychological counsellors, stop the stigma campaign and 24/7 student help phone line.

Openness and accountability: Make information about senate proceedings more accessible and making myself accessible.

WALI ABRO Second-year mechanical engineering WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? As an at-large student senator, my goal is to help formulate academic policies that will improve the quality of education for all Western students across the board. I want to build a name for Western on the world stage that will only testify to the excellent background preparation of all Western graduates: past, present, future. My biggest platform point is promising to maintain direct, open lines of communication with all my constituents (which is ALL undergraduate students, from ALL faculties and includes ALL affiliates).

Not only that, I intend to actively go out and initiate engagement with my constituents in

order to gather feedback so that I may accurately represent them in Senate.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? Other points include advocating for mental health well-being; formulating fair academic policies, including fair scheduling of class times and locations; improving financial and logistical access to course materials, such as lecture notes and worked solutions; expanding course options for the summer session and increasing the number of courses offered as distance studies courses; and addressing the issue of systematic and inherent racism, or white-bias, in social science courses — especially historical ones.

MADELINE CRYSTAL First-year education WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? I feel that I will bring a unique voice to the senate to be able to make tangible change for students. I completed my undergraduate degree here at Western in Political Science and now I am at the Faculty of Education, so I have a large scope of students’ experiences, which I think will be a valuable asset to the senate. Overall, I genuinely want to improve all aspects of the university that impact the lives of the students.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? I plan to reach out to as many students as possible so that I can represent a true student voice. I will advocate for more mental health initiatives and accommodations for students battling all health related issues. I hope to work on making campus a safer place. In regards to the tragic events that happened this year, and in past years for that matter; I think that more measures need to be taken to restore campus wide safety.

REBECCA MEHARCHAND Third-year arts and humanities WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? I’m running for this position because I want to help give a voice to some of the smaller faculties. Currently, I’m the only student from Arts, Music or FIMS that’s running for a position on Senate. I think it’s important to have fair/diverse faculty representation on the Senate in order to have a more accurate account of student needs across campus.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? Oftentimes, student platforms tend to feel like recycled material. We always hear about how candidates want to change various things across campus (ex: the three in 23 exam rule), but we never actually see these things come to fruition. If I’m elected as a senator, I’m interested in using the critical thinking skills that I’ve gained from being in an arts program to think about other ways we can solve some of the issues that have remained unresolved for some time. For example, if we can’t change the three in 23 exam rule, perhaps we can release the exam schedule when students begin to sign up for courses so they at least have an idea of what their workload will be like during exam time, or know whether to defer a course to next semester or next year.

HARRY ORBACH-MILLER Third-year social science WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? As a current Senator, I know that students can make a difference on Senate and it starts by working together. There is a need for meaningful dialogue throughout campus about what Senate actually does and how all students can make an impact. I want to build conversation so that every student feels empowered to create change at Western.

IF ELECTED AS A SENATOR, WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING ON/ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS? Move Fall Reading Break to Thanksgiving?

Release exam schedules earlier? Fix the three in 23 exam rule? All of these are incredibly important priorities for students and I’m committed to continue to advocate for them.

However, I’d also like to address the immense underrepresentation of students on Senate.

Not only do students account for less than 20 per cent of Senate, the majority of committees have only one undergraduate student on them, while some have zero. This is something that needs to change.

ARUSHA SOOD Third-year health science With this position, I hope to enhance student experience and well-being, and advocate for mental health initiatives. I also want to increase communication between the student body and the USC and propose solutions to common issues that students feel strongly about.

Get up-to-date

news and information on USC elections online

westerngazette.ca /news/elections

@NewsAtGazette

Western Gazette

www.westerngazette.ca

8 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

knowsports

•

5 Western coaches who were Mustang athletes SERENA QUINN SPORTS EDITOR @SERENAATGAZETTE They say the best knowledge comes from experience and a number of Western’s coaches can attest to that.

Here are five current Mustang coaches who repped a purple and white jersey back in the day.

GREG MARSHALL Greg Marshall has been the head coach of the Western Mustangs football team for nine seasons.

Marshall has led the team to the Yates Cup final seven times and won four, in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2013.

Before taking the reigns of the team, Marshall was an assistant coach for the Mustangs where he also helped the team capture seven Ontario University Athletics titles and two Vanier Cups in 1989 and 1994.

As a student, Marshall racked up three consecutive provincial banners from 1978 – 80 as a standout fullback for the Mustangs.

Marshall is one of only two people to have won both the Hec Crighton Trophy and the Canadian Interuniversity Sport head coach of the year award. His Hec Crighton Trophy — awarded to the CIS most outstanding player — was awarded in 1980.

After graduating from Western in 1982, Marshall went on to the CFL where he won a Grey Cup in his rookie season. After a CFL career-ending knee injury, Marshall returned to Western to make a name for himself as a coach.

RAY TAKAHASHI Ray Takahashi became the coach of Western’s wrestling team in 1985.

Before standing outside the wrestling ring looking in, he was

maneuvering inside it as a Mustang athlete from 1978–82.

Before coming to Western, Takahashi had already made a name for himself as a wrestling powerhouse when he was named to the 1976 Canadian Olympic team at the age of 17. He became a nationally carded athlete, a status he maintained for 10 years, and competed in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

As a coach, Takahashi has won the men’s OUA coach of the year and women’s OUA coach of the year five times each.

VICKIE CROLEY Vickie Croley is the head coach of the Mustangs track and field team and has been since 1994.

While she has been a standout coach over the past 22 seasons, she was also an impressive Mustang competitor in the 1980s. Croley arrived at Western to pursue a B.A. in education in 1985, during which she competed in a number of different events including hurdles, long jump and relays. She was a medalist in Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association and a competitor in the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union.

As a coach, Croley was named the Ontario Sport Alliance female coach of the year in 2013 and in 2014 was named CIS men’s and women’s track and field coach of the year.

ROCK BASACCO As head coach of the Mustangs men’s soccer team for the past 20 seasons, Rock Basacco has racked up a long list of accomplishments.

Since 1996, he has coached the team to seven OUA provincial championships and has reached the nationals

nine times in the last 20 years.

Most impressively, Basacco led the Mustangs to back-to-back national championship titles in 1998 and ’99.

While Basacco has had tremendous success at the helm of the Mustangs, he got his start at intercollegiate soccer as a Mustangs athlete back in the mid-1970s.

Basacco earned OUA all-star honours in both 1976 and 1977 and became the team captain for three consecutive years. In ‘77 Basacco was named Most Valuable Player and the following year he received a Western Purple Blanket for his superior achievement at the provincial and/or national level of competition.

DAVID LEE TRACEY David Lee Tracey is the coach of one of Western’s most successful Mustangs teams — the Western cheerleading team. Tracey has coached the squad to 30 national cheerleading banners in 31 years: the team has won every year since the tournament’s inception in 1985, except for in 2007.

Many might wonder how the Mustangs have been so consistently successful over all of these years and one of the answers is the presence of a consistent coach.

And by consistent, I mean the only coach in program history.

Tracey joined the Mustangs’ cheerleading team as a fourth-year student-athlete in 1979. Back then, the team did not have a coach — only a team captain. After Tracey was elected team captain that year, he decided to stay on after graduating and as a result he transitioned into the role of head coach. n

COURTESY JP METRAS MUSEUM GRIDIRON TO THE SIDELINES. On the left, Greg Marshall runs the ball

down field for the Mustangs football team. On the right, Marshall is pictured receiving the Hec Crighton Award in 1980.

COURTESY JP METRAS MUSEUM WRESTLING LEGEND. Ray Takahashi in his competition days in the late

1970s and mid 1980s.

COURTESY JP METRAS MUSEUM SOLID AS A ROCK. Rock Basacco out on the field for the Western Mus-

tangs in the mid 1970s.

DAVID LANGFORD METRO NEWS TORONTO GUNNING FOR IT. After competing as a Western track athlete in 1985,

Vickie Croley transitioned into the role of head coach for the Mustangs track and field team, a position she has held for 22 seasons now.

DEREK RUTTON LONDON FREE PRESS FIRST AND ONLY. After joining the Mustangs cheerleading team as

a fourth year student back in 1979, David Lee Tracey became the cheerleading squad’s first head coach in program history.

• www.westerngazette.ca

Why 3 in 23 is so difficult to change Green Eggs and Hamza

HAMZA TARIQ BREAKING NEWS EDITOR @HAMZAATGAZETTE Three in 23? I’m sure you’ve heard of that before. Certainly our presidential slates have, with all of them saying they would advocate for a change in policy.

Exam season is tough as it is, but three exams in 23 hours puts students under an undue amount of stress. For this reason, advocating for a change to this policy has been on the platforms of countless USC presidents and their slates.

So why haven’t we seen any noticeable progress on this front?

There are two major barriers to a change to the three in 23 policy: student apathy to university politics and the logistics of such a change.

Three in 23 is really not something the USC has much say over.

They can approach the University and ask for a change, but as we have seen, it hasn’t been very successful.

Three in 23 is an academic policy that falls under the purview of the University Senate. So if any student representatives have the most influence over this exam policy, it’s not the USC president but the student senators.

Student senators are aware of this problem. Time and again, they have included three in 23 on their platforms but the problem is the student body doesn’t pay them or the Senate the attention it deserves. This year, we’ll be electing 18 students, graduate and undergraduate, to this body. If we want the University to pay more attention to this policy, students have to rally behind their senators and pay more attention to

the proceedings of the Senate. As boring as it may sound, it’s where the important decisions are made.

The second issue is taking into account how such a change will be made. What most students are looking for is to not have three exams in such a short time. But a change to this system would mean pushing at least one exam out of the 23-hour cycle. This exam would then require special accommodation and would substantially increase the number of make up exams. An increase in the number of make up exams will also lead to an extension to the exam season.

Exams at Western end late as it is, especially during the winter term where exams ended on Dec. 22 this year. This late end to exams is a problem for everyone. The break is short, travel plans are difficult to make and teaching assistants and professors have to work over the break to mark exams, among other problems.

Now one can argue for starting the exam season earlier, but that has its own issues. O-Week leads to a slightly later start to the school year. Many wouldn’t be open to shortening O-Week because it’s seen as a necessary transition period for incoming students.

On another front, the USC is lobbying hard to have a Reading Week during the Thanksgiving break and the University is seriously considering the proposal. If we are to have one week off in the middle of the first semester, it’ll be almost impossible to start exams any earlier. The professors have to complete their syllabuses and there just wouldn’t be enough time with these new deadlines.

Three in 23 is a more complex issue than it appears. It needs lobbying on the right platforms, but students also need to keep in mind that they’ll have to give something up to bring a change to this policy. n

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • 9

insightopinions

Why you should vote

BY GAZETTE EDITORIAL BOARD

Instead of recycling the many reasons why you as an active global undergraduate citizen should vote in next week’s elections, we’re inviting our readers to write down their number one reason to vote and send us a picture via Facebook comment or on Twitter (or fax, if you’re into that). The top five responses will get a $20 gift card to Starbucks.

And once you’re done doing that, go vote on Monday and Tuesday online at westernvotes.ca. It’s really not hard at all and takes like two minutes. Happy voting!

The translucent closet Breaking Brad

BRADLEY METLIN OPINIONS EDITOR @BRADATGAZETTE A few weeks ago, I was lying on my couch, enjoying some tea and the latest episode of the television show I was in the middle of binging.

For me, this was a pretty typical Saturday night.

I live in residence and I keep my door open most of the time because I don’t want to be anti-social and it’s my hope that people will filter in and chat. I wasn’t disappointed when a student from down the hall came in and said, “Hey, I have a question for you.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“So, I was just wondering — what

happens if two people are both catchers or you’re in a situation when there’s two pitchers?” he asked rather bluntly.

As someone who’s pretty open about my sexuality, I have come to expect that I may need to have conversations that are frequently frustrating, explaining things that I would rather not. This was one of the more direct and personal questions I’ve been asked.

“You just make it work,” I said, trying to prevent any side-eye whilst explaining that there are different options available when it comes to sex.

“Okay, thanks,” he said and then went down the hall, suppressing his laughter. It became pretty evident that this was some sort of dare.

Between scatological humour and the prodding inquiries into my sex life, it seems that being gay is still, to some extent, a spectacle.

That’s why I’m perplexed

by Buzzfeed’s recent article by

Shannon Keating, “The Year We Imagined The End Of The Closet.”

Its arguments truly confound me.

Keating describes questions such as “when did you come out?” as reductive because “Out versus In is not a binary, but a lifelong series of strange and shifting negotiations.”

I don’t think it’s dumb for straight people to wonder how we discovered we were gay. As the ancient homosexual proverb goes, “The first person you come out to is yourself.”

This is clearly what people are getting at when they ask about someone’s journey out of the closet.

These conversations are often meaningful and can bring people closer. Curiosity about someone’s identity and how they reached that point in their life is valuable.

A friend of mine recently told me that she doesn’t get offended if someone asks why she wears the

hijab. Rather, it’s a pathway to a great conversation.

“Why would I shoot down someone’s curiosity and willingness to listen?” she told me.

Keating then discusses how actress Cate Blanchett’s statement, “If you are homosexual, you have to talk about it constantly,” was ridiculous — gayness does not take over every aspect of a person, she argues.

Ideally this would be the case, but considering this is an otherwise progressive piece, I’m surprised Keating believes being openly gay does not infuse every interaction.

It’s not something that can be divorced from your persona when you feel like it.

While Blanchett’s comments are tone deaf, so are Keating’s. Once you’re open to someone, it will affect that relationship in some way. Sure, it may be a marginal

difference, but sexuality is just one aspect of identity that impacts how we interact with one another.

Generationally, sexual fluidity does seem to be increasingly embraced. “Experimenting” is becoming more commonplace and accepted. This does not, however, address the ways in which sexuality impacts interaction.

While in a future dream world straightness will not be assumed, experimenting will not erase people’s curiosity about what it means to be gay.

Probing into intimate details is not fair game, but asking gay people about aspects of their identity is not rude or reductive — it’s something that is part of their lives. Shutting down these conversations only enforces gay people as “the other,” keeping them further in the closet. n

Editorials are decided by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff. To submit a letter, go to westerngazette.ca and click on “Contact.”

www.westerngazette.ca

10 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

experience

•

Pre-planning made simple with Pre ROBERT NANNI ARTS & LIFE EDITOR @ROBERTATGAZETTE

COURTESY OF TRISTAR PICTURES

Cinematic favourites back on the big screen ANNIE RUETER GAZETTE STAFF @GAZETTECULTURE

Cineplex’s Great Digital Film Festival is coming to Silver City London Cinemas to celebrate classic cult films and bring them back to the big screen.

Starting Friday, Feb. 5. the DGFF is a chance for many film fans to geek out with fellow film lovers across all genres. This year, the DGFF is screening a range of films including Ghostbusters, Star Trek, Dirty Harry and more modern films like Inception.

Brad LaDouceur, vice-president of event cinema at Cineplex, says the GDFF came about 10 years ago when Toronto theatres were switching over to digital cinema and became unable to screen some of the classics that were not digitally re-mastered.

“In Toronto, there was a festival called the 70 mm Film Festival, which ran out of Ontario Place,” says LaDouceur. “We said, ‘Wouldn’t it be great now that we are digital to create a festival that brings back those classics to the big screen?’ ” The events team at Cineplex works with studio partners and film experts and critics like Richard Crouse to select the films. But more

importantly, fan feedback dictates which films are screened.

“Every year, we want our fans to become involved with the festival.

We always gather all of the comments through social media after each year and then [fans] always chime in and say, ‘Hey, see if you can find this,’ ” says LaDouceur.

Blade Runner, for example, premiered on opening night last year after fan demand made it one of the most requested films of the year.

This year’s fan favourites include Serenity and Labyrinth.

“Serenity, we love bringing back that one as well and Labyrinth,” says LaDouceur. “Funny enough that we are bringing that back and unfortunate that David Bowie has passed away. It’s certainly an opportunity for fans to see Bowie back on the big screen.”

Geeking out collectively is a big part of the appeal of the GDFF, which has done very well within the London market over the last few years.

“Sitting at home alone watching a film isn’t as fun as seeing it with a great big audience who will laugh along the way and certainly be on the edge of their seats. Fans like to see movies in a community

environment,” says LaDouceur. “We love that the Browncoats come out for Serenity.”

In addition to GDFF, Cineplex screens most wanted movies throughout the year.

“If something special gets re-mastered that we feel needs to be brought back to cinema … we bring those back on a regular basis as part of our event programming,” says LaDouceur.

Last year, Warner Brothers re-released the film Iron Giant as an anniversary version, which was brought back to Cineplex as a special event for fans to enjoy.

Overall, passion for film and community are what drive events such as the GDFF. “For Cineplex, our passion for doing this is because we are passionate about film,” says LaDouceur. “We want fans to be able to experience them on the big screen with a great audience and have a great time at the movies.”

This years’ GDFF is screening 17 films at various show times from Feb. 5 – Feb. 11. Tickets are $6.99. Advance tickets are available online at a discounted rate of $5. For more information, visit: cineplex.com/Events/ DigitalFilmFest n

FEW THINGS IN LIFE ARE SWEETER THAN SUCCESS.

Whether you’re hoping to hit up the bar or looking for the next event by the Dan Management Student Association, four Western students and one Western alumnus have an app for you.

The app, called Pre, allows you to add friends to your social network, letting you see their activity. This live feed updates with upcoming events that friends say they’re attending.

The user can then like these activities and RSVP to attend as well.

The idea was developed this past May by fourth-year BMOS students Rafaele Massarelli and Mitch Przewieda, third-year geography student Francis Znidarec, thirdyear financial economics student Ron Nolan and sociology graduate Trevor Lass.

“You’re not going to text 20 people to find out where everyone’s going,” says Znidarec. “We think it’s an easier way to connect with your friends and see where everyone’s going.”

The app’s name is derived from “pre-planning,” allowing users to sign in and plan their week’s events in advance. Pre has been downloaded approximately 2,500 times so far.

Massarelli highlights the variety of events Pre offers its users, including bar events, sporting events, concerts, bottomless breakfast at Ceeps and even the Beavertail truck.

“Sometimes we actively look online and add them on our backend, sometimes people will come to us,” says Massarelli. “We’ve been getting a lot of that now on campus since we give events a lot of exposure.”

Fourth-year criminology student and promotions manager at AotC, Aaron Nelson, thinks the app can be very helpful for gauging numbers for an event.

“The app allowing you to invite people throughout the week also

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gives an advantage with promoting an event a week in advance,” Nelson explains.

It’s this organizational advantage that the founders of Pre feel separates them from using something like Facebook events to coordinate plans.

By only allowing users to attend one event per time slot, the app ensures that people aren’t mindlessly attending everything they’re invited to, as frequently seen on Facebook.

We think it’s an easier way to connect with your friends and see where everyone’s going.

FRANCIS ZNIDAREC THIRD-YEAR GEOGRAPHY AND PRE CO-FOUNDER

“It takes every event you’ll see on Facebook events, groups them together, organizes by day of the week that each event is going to appear on and it makes it so that all the user has to do is swipe and click to RSVP,” says Nolan.

Przewieda further explains that the app uses a mix of your friends list, their activities and any events going on throughout the current week to organize the order in which you see events.

“If most of your friends go to sports games, most of those will pop up at the front,” says Nolan.

While Facebook events offer similar content, the founders push for the localized and visually appealing perks of the app. In the same way Twitter localizes text posts and Instagram localizes photos, Pre localizes events.

“If you’re looking at our app on a Tuesday night, you already know there’s Ceeps bingo, but did you know there’s half-price steak at Molly Blooms?” asks Massarelli. “We want to offer that variety.” n

• www.westerngazette.ca

0 to 100 real quick: The 100 returns NICOLE LAM CONTRIBUTOR @GAZETTECULTURE Episode: “Wanheda: Part 1” Starring: Eliza Taylor, Alycia Debnam-Care, Paige Turco, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos, Devon Bostick, Christopher Larkin, Lindsey Morgan, Ricky Whittle, Richard Harmon, Isaiah Washington, Henry Ian Cusick After last season’s shocking twopart finale, The 100 is back for season three with the same drama, rapid pace and intensity. At the end of season two, Clarke (Taylor) chooses to make the morally ambiguous decision to kill all the mountain residents, including innocent civilians and people who had helped protect the remaining 100.

Beginning three months after the war at Mount Weather, life on the ground has been relatively peaceful so far. However, after a lethal encounter between the protagonists and the Ice Nation, a hostile Grounder tribe, it’s evident that the peace is fleeting. The violent introduction of the Ice Nation sets them up as the new enemy for season three, and a particularly powerful one at that.

Their queen is ruthless, eager to break alliances and start a war. She is looking for Clarke, who has been deemed Wanheda, the “Commander of Death,” for her decimation of the mountain men. It is Grounder belief that when one kills another, they gain their power; in this case, the Ice Queen seeks to gain Clarke’s power to “command death.”

The Ice Nation’s debut serves as a segue into the deeper exploration of Grounder culture. Their thirst for blood contrasts with the relatively level-headed Trigedakru, who are already seen as fairly brutal by the

Sky people. Lincoln (Whittle) is the black sheep of Trigedakru, who is now considered a traitor to his clan. His integration into the Ark is progressing quickly, with his rationality, role as the chancellor’s advisor and the symbolic Ark jacket he was given solidifying his position as a bridge between Grounders and Sky people. The disagreements he has with Octavia (Avgeropoulos), who believes the two cannot mix, reflect the uneasy alliance between the groups. After the Commander’s betrayal, many Arkers are hesitant to trust Grounders again. This tension hints to the possible lack of distinction perceived by the Sky people between the Ice Nation and Grounders in general.

The 100 also continues with the secondary storyline about the eerie artificial intelligence A.L.I.E. (Cerra).

More is revealed about her origins, who is alluded to have launched the nuclear bombs that ended the world in an effort to improve it by reducing the population. However, the fabled City of Light has yet to be seen and there is still a lot of mystery surrounding A.L.I.E.’s intentions.

Whether A.L.I.E.’s storyline will converge with the primary one later on in the season or not remains largely unknown, as it has only just started to unravel.

The 100 wastes no time in jumping right back into the dark, violent, post-apocalyptic setup established over previous seasons. There is never a dull moment and season three does not look to disappoint in that regard. With hinted expansion into different Grounder tribes and their histories, as well as A.L.I.E.’s role in the destruction of the world, the season premiere establishes a steady platform for a climatic and action-packed season. n

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 • 11

experience

pop culture playlist February AMAL MATAN GAZETTE STAFF @GAZETTECULTURE Hello February! With a new month comes new stuff to watch and listen.

Forget January’s diets and resolutions — delve into the scrumptious new pop culture treats headed your way.

MUSIC In music, most of the releases include eclectic and highly anticipated artists alike.

ARTIST: Foxes ALBUM: All I Need LABEL: Sign of the Times Records RELEASE DATE: Feb. 5, 2016 Known for her collaboration Clarity with Zedd, the English singer-song writer Foxes will be coming out with her second studio album.

Singles out now include sultry pop ballads Devil’s Side, Wicked Love, If You Leave Me Now and Feet Don’t Fail Me Now.

Pryda.

Singles Breathe and Generate hint at a progressive and intricate synth-filled journeys and tracks like Liberate and Opus hint to pulse pounding party beats. Opus includes 19 tracks, a lengthy and immersive experience.

TV Better Call Saul SEASON: 2 (13 Episodes) GENRE: Legal/Crime Drama NETWORK: AMC PREMIERE DATE: Feb. 15, 2016 After a great first season, the life and times of your friendly Breaking Bad lawyer Saul Goodman comes back on air. Better Call Saul follows Goodman six years before the lawyer takes on Walter White’s case.

The prequel series will continue to follow the lawyer as he champions difficult cases in the establishment of his firm and more Breaking Bad storylines are filled in.

ARTIST: Eric Prydz ALBUM: Opus LABEL: Virgin Records RELEASE DATE: Feb. 5, 2016 Best known for his dance hit Call on Me (2004), Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is releasing his second album after his full-length debut in 2012 titled

Vikings SEASON: 4 (20 Episodes) GENRE: Historical Fiction, Drama, Adventure NETWORK: History Channel PREMIERE DATE: Feb. 18, 2016 Vikings is a Canadian TV epic based on the mythical Viking hero

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Last year, I had nothing but praise for the Sony Xperia Z3 smartphone.

The screen was crisp, the camera was sharp and the battery never let me down. Unlike the Xperia Z3, its successor, the Xperia Z5, is a let down.

Sony’s flagship Xperia Z5 is stuffed with a lot of the top tech expected from a high-end phone.

It’s got a full HD display, tons of power and a 23-megapixel camera. Mix in its minimalist, waterproof design and in theory, you’ve got yourself the phone of the year.

Well, not quite.

The mobile phone landscape has changed dramatically in the past year with Samsung and LG shaking things up. By totally redesigning its flagship handset with metal and curving glass, Samsung managed to inject some much-needed excitement into its products. LG, meanwhile, put its efforts into creating

a curved phone. By contrast, Sony is taking very few risks with their flagship refreshes. The Xperia Z5 is very much a revision of last year’s Xperia Z3, with an identical display, mildly tweaked key specs and a similar design.

The first time around, the Z3 had a great design and felt comfortable in the hand. After reviewing the Samsung Note 5 and seeing how sleek a smartphone can look, the Z5 just felt like a brick.

It isn’t all bad though. As noted, the Z5 does have a great screen, tremendous camera, reliable battery life and enough ram for whatever your heart desires.

I’m not quite sure what Sony’s intentions were for the Z5. With the smartphone industry growing faster than ever before, Sony is going to have to step up their game if they want to stay relevant. I still love Sony phones and am excited for the next one. Let’s just hope that the Z5 is a stepping stone for greater things to come. n

Deadpool GENRE: Comedy, Horror, Action RELEASE DATE: Feb. 12 For your monthly superhero dosage, the newest incarnation of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool is up for grabs.

To be completely honest, this movie won’t be for everyone. It’s R-rated and definitely explicit. Proceed with caution — this isn’t your friendly neighbourhood web slinger. This is the merc with a mouth. n

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and king, Ragnar Lothbrok, in 13th century Europe. The highly anticipated fourth season kicks off after some major plot twists and betrayals. This series is engaging and unapologetically dark. Originally premiering in 2013 with only 10 episodes, it’s found unexpected success with its strong characters and thickening plot lines.

MOVIES Pride and Prejudice and Zombies GENRE: Comedy, Horror, Drama RELEASE DATE: Feb. 5, 2016 A LOVELY ECLECTIC MIX OF YOUR TWO FAVOURITE THINGS: angsty romance and the gory undead. Did I mention that the romance is the one and only Jane Austen’s Darcy and Elizabeth?

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5 appliances, free parking, and 24 hour property management. Contact Sam today 519-495-7661, smaclin@londonprop.com

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

6 BEDROOMS IN the famous Redbrick apartments and townhouses right next to campus and downtown. Great locations. Huge rooms and closets. Washer/dryer and dishwasher included.

Call or text Stephen @ (226) 236-4409 or email stephenn@londonprop.com with questions or to book a tour.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BEING PHISHED 2. Visit banks' websites by typing the URL into the address bar. Phishers use links within emails to direct victims to a fake site. If you suspect an email is bogus, do not follow any embedded links within it.

HOUSING

PAID RESEARCH

KING’S COLLEGE - HOUSE for rent. 5 bedrooms, $339+/month, May 01 2016, parking, laundry everything.

1061 Patricia St. opposite Kings’ library. Females preferred. Call or TEXT Matt Kennedy 519-317-3023 mattkennedy@rogers.com or martagkennedy@gmail.com 519-719-2449

SEEKING ROMANTIC COUPLES over 18 years old who have been together for at least 3 months for a study on romantic relationships. Participants will complete questionnaires in the Love Lab at Western University. This should take less than 1 hour, and participants will receive monetary compensation in appreciation for their contribution. If interested, email uworelationshipslab@gmail.com.

2 MINUTES WALK to UWO. Recently renovated 2 bedroom basement apartment partly furnished.

Large, clean, bright, quiet, private home. Rent includes separate free laundry, TV, Internet, A/C, parking. $500/person including utilities. Separate entrance. 519-434-8164.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BEING PHISHED 3. Keep a regular check on your accounts Regularly log into your online accounts, and check your statements. Report any suspicous transactions to your bank or credit card provider.

THE LOVE LAB is recruiting same-sex couples over the age of 18 for a study on discrimination. Participants will complete a set of questionnaires in the Social Science Center at UWO. In addition, participants will be asked to walk through a public space on campus while holding hands, wearing a small hidden camera. This should take no more than 60 minutes, and participants will receive monetary compensation in appreciation for their time. If interested, email couplesuwo@gmail.com

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 3

www.westerngazette.ca

12 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

experiencegames

PHOTO OF THE DAY

CROSSWORD BY EUGENE SHEFFER

TAYLOR LASOTA GAZETTE FAVOURITE GAZETTE EDITOR? UMMM… USC candidate hopefuls answer the tough questions on Tuesday night, like favourite Gazette editor and what they do in the line for the Spoke. For coverage of the debate, turn to page 4. A media debate will be held tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the UCC atrium.

WORD SEARCH

FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH BACKFIELD BLITZ BOMB BOWL CARRY CHECK COVER DEFENSE DOWN DRAFT ENCROACHMENT

END ZONE FIELD FLAG FRANCHISE FULLBACK GOAL GUARD HOLDING HUDDLE INTERCEPTION KICKOFF LINEBACKER LINEMAN

3 4 3 3 3 343

3 3 3 3 www.londonprop.com

MIDFIELD NFL OFFENSIVE

OFFSIDE OVERTIME PASS

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www.facebook.com/RedbricksLondon @lpc_redbricks @lpc_redbricks

PLAYBOOK RUSH QUARTERBACK SAFETY RECEIVER STADIUM

TACKLE TOUCHDOWN UMPIRE

For solution go to westerngazette.ca/solution

Write for us! volunteer@westerngazette.ca

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