Friday, October 3, 2014 by Western Gazette

Turning over a Green Leaf Local-food café opens for second year in Somerville House >> pg. 5

thegazette

TODAY high 20 low 14

Breaking our toes since 1906

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2014

WESTERN UNIVERSITY • CANADA’S ONLY DAILY STUDENT NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED 1906

TOMORROW high 10 low 7 VOLUME 108, ISSUE 20

Table Tennis:

Breaking Out of the Basement Bradley Metlin SPORTS EDITOR @BradAtGazette

“I really don’t think I’m going to get this,” I said as I failed to return the ping pong ball for a third consecutive time. The head coach of Western’s table tennis team, Sam Howes, was being incredibly patient. “One more time,” he replied, reassuring me. He served to me again and this time I returned the ball — only to have it fly past the table. Attending their practice last January, I discovered that my skill level was utterly pathetic. It was easy to be struck by the prowess of each player. This is ping pong played with a skill level most seldom see. The constant returning of the ball at intense speed seems a little jarring to someone used to watching a casual game with their friends or family. Howes, who admittedly was not excited for the prospect of grade nine gym class, said he got interested in ping pong after seeing others at high school playing spiritedly. “Ping pong was more of a social thing because a lot of my friends in high school played it,” Howes said. “We had three tables in the cafeteria so that was it — that’s how I got into it. There were kids in my high school and they were so amazing. Which was interesting because to me because I thought ping pong was a game you play in the basement.” That attitude of ping pong as a perennially casual hobby likely destabilizes efforts to have it viewed seriously. “People see it as a hobby game, you go bowling, you play billiards, you play ping pong. I’m all for that side of ping pong but I think it does play a role in diminishing the seriousness of the sport,” Howes said. It seems it’s the hope of the table tennis team at Western, as well as others who play it seriously, to “break out of the basement.” Even the name of the game can draw questions to its seriousness. “Officially it’s table tennis but the Chinese word for table tennis is not table tennis — it’s ping pong. It’s a tough call to make — a lot of the countries that are really good at table tennis don’t call it table tennis,” Howes explained. Third-year BMOS student Rongge Zhang offered a different opinion on what to call the sport, “table tennis sounds more professional. Ping pong sounds like a goofy game for babies.” Western’s table tennis came from humble beginnings. During the 2010 season, they were still practicing in the old gym at the University Community Centre (now

the Mustang Lounge). Back then, the team was playing on two low-quality tables with equipment that was likely bought from a department store. Bobby Song, a since graduated Ivey student who was on the team from 2010-2014, noted that “during my first year, we finally got to use the upper gym.” The upper gym in question is located at the Student Recreation Centre. After years of lobbying and with persistent players and coaches, the team began to get some movement to eventually get them to where they are today. “Well, this is a touchy subject for table tennis,” Howes said. “The way it actually works is the Rec Centre does everything they can to treat us just like a varsity team — we get the gym space, we get the jackets, we get the uniforms, we basically get everything except for the funding,” Howes noted then explaining the reason for the lack of funding. “Table tennis, unfortunately in Canada, is still not recognized as a university sport.” >> see TABLE TENNIS pg.7

Photo by Winnie Lu • Graphic by Bradley Metlin • GAZETTE

NEWS

ARTS&LIFE

OPINIONS

SPORTS

Mayor Madness: Marie Miszczak Pg. 3

The Congress a postmodern epic Pg. 5

We’ve grown up as an entitled generation Pg. 6

Mustangs face rival McMaster at home this Saturday ONLINE

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thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

Caught on Camera

Kyle Porter • GAZETTE

HYDRATION STATION. Sam, Rupert and Emily quenched students’ thirst by handing out free water samples in front of the University Community Centre. Water bottles were also for sale as the Brita team educated students on the importance of staying hydrated.

CROSSWORD By Eugene Sheffer

News Briefs

High-rise to replace LMHU

The London city council is being presented with the plans for a new high-rise building in the city’s downtown on October 14. The construction of the new building is proposed to take over the London-Middlesex Health Unit’s current location. According to Michael Tomazincic, manager of current planning for the city’s planning services, Middlesex

Solution to puzzle on page 7

County approached the city planners with a proposal of a 4,500 square metre office space. The proposed building will offer office and retail spaces, as well as residential apartments. It will also have patio spacing and storefronts on its western front which will be facing the river. The recommendations given by the planning services include a building height of 95 metres — approximately 30 storeys. They also recommend that the building should face the Thames River and should be ‘aesthetically pleasing.’ “Through the past developments we have done, we have always tended to turn our backs towards the river,” Tomazincic said. “This is one of the first proposals that now offers an opportunity to provide a front to that river.” The health unit’s lease for its current location at 50 King Street expires in 2016, after which they would most likely be relocating. “It is possible that they get

relocated within the existing building or they might choose to go elsewhere in the downtown,” Tomazincic said. The proposal will be presented at a public meeting on October 7 where residents and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to have their say. The city council will be presented with and will make its decision regarding the building a week later. • Hamza Tariq

Candidates’ poverty survey responses online

The results of the MiddlesexLondon Health Unit municipal candidates survey discussing the issue of poverty have been published online. The survey, which is part of a larger provincial initiative on poverty, will allow voters to better understand their representative’s views on the topic. Of the 177 candidates the survey was distributed to, 73 responded. The feedback has been positive, according to Kim Leacy, a registered dietitian that works for the MLHU. “We’ve had a great response from candidates about opening the dialogue and communicating about what London and Middlesex county can do to impact our poverty rates,” she said. “We have one in five families currently living in poverty. The rates are lower in the county but are definitely still concerning. Allowing candidates to express their opinions and share those opinions with voters is very important.” >> see BRIEFS pg.3

Corrections In yesterday’s article, “Grad Club facing financial difficulties as costs mount,” it was stated the Grad Club had to pay the university $15,000 for the right to serve food. They, in fact, had to pay $150,000. In yesterday’s story, “Western musician sends off first album,” Sarah Botelho was referred to as a second-year student. She is, in fact, in third year. In addition, the photo that accompanied the story was incorrectly credited. The photographer was in fact Haida Liu. The Gazette regrets the errors.

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, October 3, 2014

Police arrest possible ‘Western creeper’ suspect Katie Lear NEWS EDITOR @KatieAtGazette

London Police Services arrested 49 year old Walter Figueiredo in connection with an investigation of trespass by night on September 29, according to their media release. “He was charged with six counts of trespass by night on the day that he was arrested,” Constable Ken Steeves, media relations officer for LPS said. The PS is also investigating to determine whether Figueiredo is connected to past incidents of a ‘Western Creeper’. In the past year, there were three reports of an individual using a handheld camera to record inside the bedroom and bathroom windows of female residents. The Gazette reported on a sighting of a man “in his late 40s and wearing a black coat” filming people and houses around Broughdale and University Crescent in November of last year. “There were three incidents that

were reported (one in October of last year, one in April of this year, and one in June — of people who reside in the Western area in relation to seeing what appeared to be a handheld camera in their window. […] With that, we’ve arrested this man here and we are investigating to determine whether it may be possible that he is responsible for those incidents,” Steeves said. A LPS Canine Unit arrested Figueiredo on the intersection Richmond Street and Cheapside Street at 10:30 p.m. LPS reminded residents to report any suspicious activity they witness in their area. “Often times people may think ‘I don’t want to bother them, I don’t know if this is really worth calling about’. We’d rather somebody call and we find out that it’s nothing than it be ignored and we find out later that it was something,” Steeves said. “So with that we are also investigating to determine whether he’s responsible for these instances that were reported from October of last year to June of this year.”

News Briefs

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www.pierospizza.ca Your Weekly Horoscope The week of Oct. 5 – 11

Courtesy of Marie Miszczak

This is the third of fifteen mayoral candidate profiles. Name: Marie Miszczak Phone: 519-679-7471 Email: mariemiszczakcampaign@gmail.com Website: www.marie-miszczak.com ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

ABOUT THE PLATFORM:

Lifelong Londoner and graduate of Western, Marie Miszczak brings her experience in business and finance to the race. Having worked with both the Sun Media Corporation and the Better Business Bureau, Miszczak explains that her knowledge of budgets prepares her to lead the city towards a debt free, thriving reality. “We need long range sustainable plans for success as a city for the satisfaction of our citizens,” Miszczak said. When it comes to London, Miszczak has a special focus on two specific demographics. The first is women. Inspired by the work of long-time Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion, the candidate hopes to see more women engaged in leadership positions. The second is students. Miszczak, hoping to jumpstart the London economy, plans to facilitate post-graduation job opportunities.

As previously mentioned, creating a business friendly environment is a priority for Miszczak. She believes that the city has the ability to stimulate growth of existing firms as well as invite new businesses to take root here. The city’s current deficit is also something she plans to address if elected. “The debt servicing costs for 2014 total $66.6 million corporately and are forecasted to rise over the next 10 years, reflecting an increase in the amount of debt issued and the rising interest rate environment,” reads Miszczak’s platform. But her campaign gets more specific than economic development. In addition to more parking for the downtown core, Miszczak envisions better infrastructure for the roads and additional traffic lights in specific spots.

>> BRIEFS continued from pg.2

“The responses were very thoughtful and open, and we would encourage anyone to look at any of the candidates responses,” Leacy said. The survey arrives in anticipation of the municipal elections on October 27. In regards to the upcoming elections Leacy said, “Get out and vote, become educated on the views of the candidates and make an educated decision.” • Jonathan Hermina

USC president hosting AMA

Ever wanted to know what the University Students’ Council does all day? Now you can ask him and you don’t even have to get within 10 feet of him. Matt Helfand, president of the USC, will be hosting a Reddit “Ask Me Anything” today at 4 p.m. for an hour or two. Students are encouraged to go on the Western University subreddit to ask questions on anything related to student life, the USC and campus in general. To ask a question, go to reddit. com/r/uwo. • Iain “RIPLoophole” Boekhoff

This horoscope is intended for entertainment purposes only.

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Don’t be surprised if your schedule gets turned upside An issue at work requires your immediate attention, Aries. This situation must be approached delicately, but down this week, Libra. It’s important to roll with the punches so others can see how flexible you can be. don’t be afraid to speak your mind and accept the results. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, a busy week awaits but just take things one project at a time. Keep to yourself for a little bit in an attempt to stay focused on the numerous tasks at hand.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, an unconventional approach is your key to success this week. While others are following Plan A, go with Plan B and you may meet with great results.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, your positive attitude is why people have grown to rely on you in tight spots. Plant a smile on your face and others will benefit from your positive influence.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Fantasy can overtake reality if you let it, Sagittarius. You may need to rein in your hopes and dreams for a bit and focus on some more practical matters.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, it’s hard to know when to be assertive at work. You want to appear competent and in control, but you also want to build a good rapport with coworkers. Experiment a little.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Friends may distract you from work this week, Capricorn. Although it’s not wise to let responsibilities slide completely, you can probably get away with a day of slacking off.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Leo, give plans time to develop, but don’t feel the need Aquarius, the physical rewards for all your hard work will become apparent soon. You’ll find that all of your to hide your enthusiasm about the prospects. Trust your instincts as to when is a good time to get moving. efforts thus far have been well worth the sacrifices. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, although you may dream of escaping the daily Virgo, you cannot control the behavior of others, but you can change your own direction to counteract some grind, you may need to persevere for just a little while longer. Your respite is coming. unexpected developments. Keep an open mind. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS OCT. 5 – Kate Winslet, Actress (39) OCT. 6 – Elisabeth Shue, Actress (51) OCT. 7 – Tico Torres, Drummer (61)

OCT. 8 – R.L. Stein, Author (71) OCT. 9 – Nick Swardson, Comic (38) OCT. 10 – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Race Driver (40) OCT. 11 – Matt Bomer, Actor (37)

Environmental Awareness Week! Oct. 6th - 9th Monday

Green Information Day!

It’s Easy to be Green Day!

Virtual Classroom with David Suzuki WSC Room 240 @ 12 PM

Environmental Booths @ the SLC 10 AM - 6 PM

Wednesday

Clean Up the Campus Day! King’s Campus Clean Up From 12 PM - 4 PM Clean Up from 12 Pm - 2 PM Refreshments & Food to follow at 2:30 PM

Source: Stats Canada

Jennifer Feldman • GAZETTE

Tuesday

Featuring King’s Community Garden, Soy Candles, Swift Care Ontario, Vegetarian & Vegan Food Table, & Many More! Make Your Own Lip Balm Workshop! UCC Room 373 @ 3 PM

Thursday

Eco Fashion Day! Eco Fashion Booths @ the SLC 10 AM - 6 PM Browse Vintag, Come & B Second Hand, & Handmade Clothing, Jewellery, & Accessories! Featuring Open Cage Jewellery, Artistic Day Dreamers, House of Wenday, a Student Sale Table, & Much More! Make Your Own Lip Balm Workshop! UCC Room 373 @ 3 PM

4 •

thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

arts&life

badwriting: song lyrics “The square root of 69 is eight something, right? / Cause I’ve been tryna work it out.”

• Drake, “What’s My Name?” by Rihanna

Upscale café offers affordable buffet

Where to get it Western Sweater: This sweater can be purchased at the Western Bookstore. A little less casual than a standard Western pullover, this sweater is a great piece that can be paired with several different items. Denim Vest: Although Tendon’s jean vest is from Urban Outfitters, similar styles can be found at a variety of locations such as Winners and H&M. Black Jeans: Tendon’s black skinny jeans are from Urban Planet — yet again jeans like these are available at many different places. Urban Planet offers skinny jeans like these in several different colours and patterns to pair with any outfit. Timberlands: Tims are great – worn by both men and women, they can be paired with a pair of jeans for any day of the week. Jenny Jay • GAZETTE

Second-year BMOS student Leon Tendon is all about rocking his thrifty style.

“I got them in the U.S.,” he reveals. “Good deals, you know Buffalo – always a good time.”

For those hoping to emulate his style, Tendon offers some interesting insight.

“I’m cheap,” he explains as he looks down at the collection of different pieces he is wearing.

Tendon admits that his shoes are his favourite piece of the outfit, calling himself a “Tims guy.”

Showing off his Western pride, Tendon rocks a classic, grey Western sweater from the bookstore.

“Tims are always nice. They’re a little scuffed up so you gotta clean them up, plus they make me feel tall so I’m not that insecure,” Tendon jokes.

“I wouldn’t give any advice because everyone has their own unique style and they can just rock it themselves,” he explains. “This is just me, who I am and other people should just be them.”

“As a first-year at SAO you get the 20 per cent off coupon,” Tendon says. “So you know I went ham and got this.” In addition to the deal he got on his sweater, Tendon also managed to find his Tims for a good price as well.

However, not everything that Tendon purchases is from the sales rack. “This is from Urban Outfitters — this is a little pricey for Leon,” he says as he touches his vest.

Tendon’s outfit is perfect for a windy Autumn day and demonstrates his individuality, which he encourages other students to express as well.

• Jennafer Freeman

Jenny Jay • GAZETTE

Conrad Floryan • GAZETTE

Conrad Floryan ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR @ConradAtGazette

There’s a famous scene in Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese’s gangland masterwork. Gangster Henry Hill takes his girlfriend Karen to the Copacabana nightclub — the legendary New York City sanctuary that hosts all the local movers and shakers. He bypasses the lineup and ushers her through a side entrance, weaving through the restaurant bowels straight to the best table in the house. As guests maneuver the stairwells of Somerville House to arrive at Green Leaf Café, Western’s finest on-campus restaurant, there’s a little Goodfellas in the air. “The students have become a good percentage of the business here because they can get something that they can’t get anywhere else on campus,” states Rob McLaughlin, head chef. The delightful eatery, which reopened last week for the new school year, offers an upscale lunch buffet Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. The menu changes everyday and showcases fresh, local, sustainable food products. The daily selection offers vegetarian, lactose-free and gluten-free options. “If a customer comes in and has a certain dietary need or a certain preference in food then we try our very best to accommodate,” McLaughlin says. “People can enjoy whatever they want — soup, salad and hot food,” adds Mai Ly, server. As part of Great Hall Catering, Green Leaf represents a high standard of exceptional customer service. “You don’t get that kind of oneon-one attention in any other restaurant on campus,” declares Nicole Prendergast, supervisor. Before Green Leaf launched last year the eatery operated as Michael’s, used primarily for faculty lunches and business meetings. The refurbishments were more physical than internal. “We wanted to make it more

casual and inviting for people to come in and feel relaxed,” says Prendergast. “I really want to attract more students.” Prendergast feels not enough students on campus are aware of Green Leaf Café and it still has the reputation of a restaurant for an older clientele. She finds that oftentimes students will find get to know the establishment in third or fourth year and then they graduate. “We don’t care if you have your backpack and jeans and you’re tired and studying. We’ll try to make room for you on the tables. You can put your books out and just have a nice lunch,” Prendergast explains. At $15, the high-end buffet is affordable for students. Every Tuesday there’s a promotion to buy one meal and receive the second meal half off. It’s a convenient opportunity for starving scholars grazed on pizza and pizza alternatives to experience superior cuisine. “There isn’t another restaurant on campus that has as many award-winning gourmet chefs as we do,” asserts Prendergast. Chef McLaughlin is committed to providing the highest quality dining experience by collaborating with local producers such as Arva Flour Mills and Fire Roasted Coffee Company. Green Leaf also has a roof-top garden to grow fresh herbs and vegetables. Even the décor has furniture made with Canadian wood from a local furniture manufacturer. “It’s never a dull moment here, there’s a lot going on, especially seeing we take on the challenge of trying to satisfy most people’s needs and it’s not an easy task but we do make the extra effort,” says McLaughlin. As Green Leaf continues to build its clientele, it’s the perfect spot at Western to come for a healthy, tasty meal and mingle with a date or even hang out with friends — you might even find Robert de Niro there. Green Leaf Café is located on the third floor of Somerville House room 3340. Visit www.greenleafcafe.uwo. ca to check the menu. Reservations recommended.

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thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

>> THE CONGRESS

On Disc

GGHFF The Rural Alberta Advantage Mended with Gold Paper Bag Records

GGGHF The Barr Brothers Sleeping Operator Secret City Records Inc.

The biggest challenge for any indie rock band is the third album. A group’s third record must embody their established voice while developing their identity. With two critically acclaimed records to their name, nothing but transcendent excellence was expected from Toronto’s The Rural Alberta Advantage. Yet, Mended with Gold, features recycled sound profiles and tired lyrics, ultimately succumbing to the wrath of “third album paranoia.” The opening track, “Our Love…” lacks a thematic backbone, relying solely on a lackadaisical quiet-toloud musical framework that runs rampantly throughout the album. The raw energy and veracity associated with The Rural Alberta Advantage is replaced by Mended with Gold’s vapid lyrical composition and melodic discord. The album boasts a few noteworthy gems. “This City,” “On the Rocks” and “The Build” remind audiences of the poignant capabilities of The Rural Alberta Advantage. These tracks provide the cohesiveness absent in the rest of album, fusing unexpected transitions with elegiac verse. Overall, Mended with Gold represents a major hiccup in the beloved band’s career. • Mitchell Horkoff

Fall is a season of change and transition. The leaves on campus change colour. Mustangs trade their Starbucks ice coffee for Pumpkin Spiced Lattés. Seasons are meant to be dynamic, as is music. The Barr Brothers choose an appropriate time to embrace new ideas on their album, Sleeping Operator, to be released on October 7. The Bar Brothers continue to demonstrate the musical acuity as established on their debut, self-titled, album in 2011. Sleeping Operator showcases a innovative orchestration, blending psychedelic blues with its melodic-percussive African roots. The Barr Brothers employ the marimba, nogni, pedal steel and harp and trumpet to create a unique collage of textures. Combing cyclical and polyrhythmic African inspired motifs with a bluesy current and syncopation, Sleeping Operator makes these surprising structures sound familiar. From up tempo tracks like “Love Ain’t Enough” to the mellow “England” the Barr Brothers showcase their clever arrangements, framed by lyrics that leave space for the listener to create a personal meaning. • Christina Carfagnini

Courtesy of Drafthouse Films

Entering the digital world Robert Crocco CONTRIBUTOR GGGGH Director: Ari Folman Starring: Robin Wright, Danny Huston, Harvel Keitel, Paul Giamatti and John Hamm A follow up to Ari Folman’s critically acclaimed film, Waltz with Bashir, The Congress is a postmodern epic where the fictional world is coveted more than reality. Actors can preserve digital images of themselves by forfeiting their ownership to Jeff Green (Danny Huston), Miramount Studios’ authoritative agent, who is desperately seeking Robin Wright (as herself). Under enormous pressure to help save her chronically sick son, Robin’s manager, Al (Harvey Keitel), convinces Robin to sell her digital image to Miramount studios to compensate for all the deplorable movie decisions she’s made since The Princess Bride. The digital world in The Congress is a phantasmagoria of nightmare and fantasy — the transition away from reality is the film’s main theme.

Robin enters the digital world and says, “I look like Cinderella on heroin” and, at that point, the film relinquishes all logic. Folman’s animation was not conventional but pays homage to just about every animator in the history of animation – or at least tries to. However, the digital world in the film is completely devoid of meaning, and lacks any cohesiveness to sustain a developing plot. Nevertheless, the lack of logic in the digital world allows the uncanny and trippy design of the animation to flourish without restriction, evoking Fantasia, Spirited Away, and The Triplett’s of Bellville, among many acclaimed animated influences seen in the movie. The idea of actors being a disposable by-product of the entertainment business is made clear by the way Miramount treats its actors as dispensable, sellable objects. For Robin there exists a symbiotic relationship between acting as a job and acting for a craft. She must decide what is more important — working to save her son or protecting her image. Robin is noble in her efforts

to save her son despite selling her soul to Miramount. For Miramount, the craft of acting has become obsolete in favour of the job that necessitates it. They could care less about Robin the person — only about Robin the commodity. Forman’s The Congress suggests that Hollywood’s future vision of itself is one without logic or reason — a world sustained by chaos. “You decide when the moon breaks, or when the day fades,” says Robin at the end of the film. By relying on a system of rules that do not exist, the digital world in The Congress comes to life without any constraints. Despite cutting vital strands from the film’s narrative, its visual milieu is a feast for the eyes and the imagination. In Videodrome, Canadian director David Cronenberg wrote, “The television screen has become to retina of the mind’s eye.” Much like The Congress, the digital evolution has usurped the real world, leaving Robin Wright lost in a world of infinite pseudo realities.

Info-Tech Info Session Discover the exciting career opportunities available at Info-Tech Research Group.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 5:30pm - 7pm UCC Room 210 Food and beverages provided. Positions now open in London and Toronto: • IT • Consulting • Research • Business Development

RSVP at WWW.WESTERNCAREERCENTRAL.CA Info-Tech Research Group is the world’s fastest growing information technology research and advisory company, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals.

WHO’S INVITED: 3RD YEAR & ABOVE

Wesley McPherson Consulting Analyst

6 •

thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

opinions HAVE YOUR SAY

The Gazette asked students if they thought table tennis should be a varsity sport and if it should get funding?

Kevin Hurren NEWS EDITOR-AT-LARGE @KevinAtGazette

Medical Science IV That’s a very difficult question. I guess if it’s in the Olympics it should be considered a varsity sport […] I feel like a lot of people play it and they need a place to play on campus. I think the only place to do it is in the basement of the Rec Centre.

Victoria Davidson

BMOS II If there’s enough people that want to do it.

Prabhjeev Gambhir

BMOS II Yes I think it should. Isn’t it an Olympic sport? If they have it as an Olympic sport then it should be a legitimate sport. If they absolutely need [funding] then yes — Especially if Western funds other sports teams.

To some, graduating from a post-secondary school can seem like the gates to heaven. After years of hard work, sporadic time management strategies and running through intellectual obstacle courses, the end has finally arrived. To others, graduation can feel like the guillotine. Why? Because it marks a transition into the professional world. Some choose to delay this move by continuing education — piling certificates, diplomas and degrees on top of each other. Most begin the hunt for jobs, trying to find employment that’s engaging, meaningful and enriching. As the search labours on, others feel the need to get involved. Teachers, older relatives and — most commonly — parents won’t just share their two cents but will dump the whole piggybank on you as they offer insights into which jobs to take and apply for. However, a dysfunctional cycle can sometimes be born from this dialogue. They push jobs that are in the labour market, unrelated to our field of study, or just plain bad and we refuse to apply — electing to stay unemployed. Some may have already felt this tugof-war with summer jobs or internships. When we do reject such jobs, we’re slapped with labels: “selfish,” “spoiled” and of course “entitled.” Our generation has been associated with a number of characteristics, and entitled seems to be one of the more

IMS III Yeah. There’s people who do play it and competitively play it. There are other universities that have varsity sports for that so I feel like there’s a crowd it caters to.

thegazette

Volume 108, Issue 20 www.westerngazette.ca

Iain Boekhoff Cuddler-In-Chief Brent Holmes Deputy Editor Richard Raycraft Managing Editor

Contact: www.westerngazette.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, ON, CANADA N6A 3K7 Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579

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

Dear Life Your anonymous letters to life

common. We want a good paying job with minimal work. We want the downtown loft and the vacation home. We want everything while giving nothing. Or at least that’s the perception. I’m not going to try to debate whether or not our demographic is collectively entitled or not, but when speaking about employment, I think more of the onus needs to be put on the way we were taught to define work. After all, think back to your earliest schooling days. As toddlers dressing up for career day, we were told to dream big as we donned stethoscopes and gavels. In middle school, we were told to reach for the moon because even if we miss, we’ll land among the stars. In high school, linear pathways were laid out for us: education A will lead to job A. But what happens when we finally leave school and we’re ready to cash in our chips, collect our destiny and live up to a childhood of potential? Suddenly we need to “manage our expectations” and “aim a little lower.” So when it comes to employment, it’s not that we feel like we deserve the best. Rather, we’ve been taught to want the best. This is a consequence of having a results-based goal system. We put value behind words like “doctor” and “lawyer” instead of into words like “perseverance” and “sacrifice.” What we grow up to be is more important than who we are as a person. Now, we have to deal with that anxiety. We have to come to the difficult reality that not all of us will be doctors or lawyers or teachers. We have to create a new system for defining our values if it’s not going to be with the places we work at. We have to get over the embarrassment of what feels like giving up our dreams. We have to find ourselves again. And you know what doesn’t help? Telling us we’re entitled.

We get letters!

Controversy is in the coverage Re: “Rock Lottery controversy” Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Gavin Bejaimal

• Chuck Palahniuk

Our gen entitled to entitlement Seven Minutes in Kevin

Johnny Zhang

Our generation has had no Great War, no Great Depression. Our war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives.

To the editor: It’s nice to see that the alleged case of violent threats got the same space as the actual case of fraud that occurred. Just to recap what I told this reporter when he interviewed me on the phone yesterday. A “promoter” that no one in the

London music community really knows or trusts and has a sketchy reputation all over Ontario makes allegations of threats without proof. He claims to have tried to make amends with the band but has blocked them from all social media accounts. He gets portrayed like a victim. A local band that has been extremely active in the community for a couple plus years get screwed over by said “promoter” and there is an entire archive of proof documenting his behaviour. They get portrayed like culprits. Great work Gazette! Michael Del Vecchio History Ph.D.

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Dear Life, Nothing completes a night on Richmond Row like kneeing a guy in the nuts. Dear Life, Any guy who hasn’t tried to suck their own D is a liar. Dear Life, I thought I asked for a suite style…why is there somebody else sleeping in my room? Dear Life, Was at a house party and right beside one of the beds on a night side table was a base. A physical baseball base, wtf! Dear Life, Why do people feel the need to walk ridiculously slow in large groups across the Thames bridge? Dear Life, I’d love it if my beard wouldn’t sprout random spot pubes around Day 11 of growth. Dear Life, Instead of fuck, marry, kill, I go on Facebook and play fat, ugly, single. Dear Life, Is The Gazette allowed to swear? [Editor’s note: Fuck yeah.] [Editor to the editor’s note:I actually don’t think we can say that, but fuck it, it’s Dear Life]

Dear Life, Why is The Gazette allowed to swear in the paper but I can’t in this Dear Life? Dear Life, Good job posting about all the mayoral candidates but you should note which ones have no chance of winning. 7/dearlife

News Amy O’Kruk Hamza Tariq Katie Lear Olivia Zollino

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thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

sports

saywhat? “If you want to win in table tennis you must hit every ball with a purpose.” • Certified table tennis coach Daniel Ives

Rundown >> The Mustangs men’s soccer team eked out a victory against the Windsor Lancers 1–0 Wednesday evening • Striker Christian Douglas was the lone goal scorer, bringing him to nine goals on the season.

Table tennis deserves recognition >> TABLE TENNIS continued from pg.1

Michel Belanger, the manager of communications and media relations for Canadian Interuniversity Sport, notes that there was no pending table tennis file that he was aware of. “I don’t want to say it won’t happen because seven years ago curling — didn’t come out of nowhere — but was a surprise,” Belanger said. While not shutting down the possibility that table tennis would be recognized as an official university sport, he noted that it was unlikely. Though, he did say it was possible if table tennis managed to make a credible case. Howes believes that there might be something in particular that’s affecting the CIS’ — as well as Ontario University Athletic’s — decision to not recognize table tennis. “It’s their job to market university athletics as a sellable product for media and entertainment and unfortunately, table tennis is not at that point — not even just in Canada but in North America,” Howes explaines. Instead of playing in a Canadian league, Western’s team plays in the mostly America National Collegiate Table Tennis Association. When speaking to Howes this past week, he described that playing in the NCTTA is an interesting experience but has its setbacks. “That’s a bit of a double edged sword, it’s really great to be able to play against all these schools — typically, in the national championships, there’s the top forty to fifty schools in the States — kids that you were never get the chance to play against or see,” he explains. Three years ago, the table tennis team had to travel to Plano, Texas — a plane ride that cost each player about $750 — for the national tournament. Scraping together and fundraising allowed the team to attend but it was surely a hinderance that wouldn’t exist if there was more of a Canadian presence for table tennis. “The biggest kick for us is that nationals are always during exams for Canadians because American schools don’t have exams until May,” Howes said. Despite this unfortunate timing, players can usually manage the challenges of being on the team and studying. “I would say that I still have time for everything else,” Zhang said. “I’m not a good studier, I find that I like playing table tennis more than I like studying,” she said with a laugh. Besides having to compete in the most important tournament during exam time, the table tennis team also has four hours of practice every week, filled with cardio, footwork,

drills and other physical exertion. Howes compares the second half of practice to being on the treadmill for 45 minutes. “I hate it,” Zhang said with a bit of disbelief in her voice. “We run a lot, stretch — it’s just so tiring and exhausting. I hate it but it’s helpful.” Then, without missing a beat she quickly added, “Don’t tell Sam,” with a laugh. One of the most primary benefits of table tennis is the amount of cardio that goes into playing a game. Barring perhaps badminton, the reaction times for table tennis are the fastest of all the racquet sports. It’s this that makes the sport so mentally taxing. “You’re using a lot of strategy — you’re thinking a lot for every serve,” Song said. “It helps your coordination, your foot work. It takes a lot of commitment to actually do well at this sport so I think it builds a lot of character.” While this rigid schedule and technical emphasis might be the bane for some players, results are inevitably elicited from it. Western’s table tennis team ranked in the top five teams out of all of North America for the 2013– 14 season. In addition, Zhang netted a bronze in women’s singles. Impressive results for a team that, just five years ago, was practicing with minimal equipment. Speaking with Howes at the beginning of this year, he’s confident that the team can improve on last year’s performance. Despite the team’s successes, they still face some challenges moving forward — perhaps most notably the perception that exists about table tennis. “It’s hard to be enthusiastic when no one on your continent is good at the sport,” Howes said referring to the international success of teams from the Far East side of the world such as China and South Korea. Western’s table tennis has undoubtedly gone far considering the circumstances. While some see the sport as merely a casually endeavor, it’s clear that it deserves to “break out of the basement.” “What’s the score?” I asked last January when Sam was showing me how to play. “I wasn’t keeping score,” he replied with a smile on his face. Of course not — this was not a game that was supposed to be serious. As I thought back to the previous day, watching the agile footwork and laser fast serves, I just put my racket down on the table — my illusion that this was a serious game was over. “So that was a taste of table tennis,” he said correctly — that casual game we play was merely a curious glance at a sport that deserves a whole more attention.

Class_3x105_141003_GZ 10/2/14 6:31 PM Page 1 Photos by Winnie Lu • GAZETTE

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UPCOMING EVENTS

DANCE CLASSES AT DANCE STEPS- 275 Colborne St. between York and Horton Accessible by bus. Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop drop in or join a session. www.dancestepslondon.ca or contact us dance_steps@hotmail.com, 519-645-8515.

ANNOUNCEMENTS WANT TO FLY? Soaring is the purest flight experience! Plus it is the most economical! If you are interested in getting a campus soaring club off the ground see tinyurl.com/oujy912

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

INDIGENOUS STUDENT ENGAGEMENT:

World Cafe on Indigenous Student Engagement is happening on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7th from 11am - 4pm at the Green Leaf Cafe in Somerville House. Dr. Michelle Pidgeon of Simon Fraser University is the keynote speaker. The World Cafe is OPEN TO EVERYONE AT WESTERN (students, staff, faculty, administration, etc.) who has an interest in enhancing, researching or supporting the (worldwide) Indigenous graduate student experience! PEOPLE CAN DROP-IN, COME ALL DAY OR COME FOR AN HOUR. We welcome your participation and support for this event. THE RSVP IS EXTENDED AND STILL OPEN! email is.staff@uwo.ca or call 519-661-4095

PUBLIC LECTURE

Western University’s Indigenous Services, Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Initiative (IHWI), and the Faculty of Education proudly presents

DR. MICHELLE PIDGEON speaking on

INDIGENEITY IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

Community Room, Faculty of Education 1137 Western Road.

8.5x11 B&W prints only 4¢/page for all of October!

Light refreshments will be served

RSVP by emailing: is.staff@uwo.ca by Monday, October 6, 2014 FREE parking is provided

• ROOM 265, UCC • CREATIVESERVICES-USC.CA

8 •

thegazette • Friday, October 3, 2014

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