Tuesday, November 20, 2012

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Over and out Historic London retailer closes up shop >> pg. 3

thegazette Happy belated birthday T since 1906

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

today high 11 low 0

tomorrow high 11 low 2

canada’s only Daily Student Newspaper • founded 1906

Volume 106, Issue 43

Stressed students to catch a break next fall Jesica Hurst News Editor If you’re a student returning to Western next year, you can finally look forward to a break in the fall.

At their meeting this past Friday, Western’s Senate passed a motion to include a fall reading break at the end of October, which will start in the 2013–14 academic year. The break, which consists of two days off, is set to take place on the last Thursday and Friday of the month.

Caitlin Harvey, student senatorat-large and lead on the initiative, explained mental health concerns played a large role in passing this motion.

“Administrators were more willing to discuss this idea with the growing number of health concerns on campus, and student groups developed a unified opinion on the implementation of fall study days,” Harvey said. “The current student senators drafted a policy paper, which examined fall breaks at 17 Ontario universities, McGill University and the University of British Columbia. Approximately 53 per cent of those schools had some form of fall break, which provided support for our argument.”

“The [University Students’ Council] then voted on and endorsed that document, as well as several other campus student groups.”

According to Harvey, the idea has been discussed since 2003, but gained a broader base of support

>> Fall reading week timeline

October 2009 John Doerksen, viceprovost academic programs and students for Western, declared a fall reading week unfeasible, as senate policy requires a minimum number of days for a term.

November 2010 An increased number of stress disorders and mental illnesses had students asking Western administration to reconsider a fall reading week.

Mike Laine Gazette

in the past five years. She also explained the period from Thanksgiving to holidays in December is the longest time in the academic year with no reprieve from coursework, making it the ideal time to have a break.

“The break will provide students with an opportunity to catch up on assignments, to go home or to relax,” she said. “A key element of these study days is that no exams can be scheduled during the break.”

Kopinnath Thiyagalingam, an executive member of the Health and Wellness Mental Health Subcommittee, agreed the implementation of a fall study break would be

beneficial to students’ well being.

“Stress is high this time of year.

Midterms are already finishing up, and students are stressed out and looking forward to free time, but there is no free time,” Thiyagalingam said. “You basically have your midterms, then your finals are already coming up—there’s no gap time in between.”

“I think it’s good that they’re introducing a break because you always want to be working at your optimal stress level.”

Ali Damji, another student senator-at-large, believes this break is a starting point for future generations of students to work with, but having the break extended solely

depends on its success.

“There are only a few institutions that have a week-long break, so there would need to be more research-intensive institutions that elect to do so before the Western Senate would feel a need to follow suit,” Damji said.

But despite not having a full week off, she said the overall reaction from students has been positive.

“We’ve received an overwhelmingly positive response for the two fall study days, as it is something that the vast majority of undergraduate students at Western really wanted to see for years, and now it is finally happening,” Damji said.

October 2011 Nearly a year later, the University Students’ Council announced it was working closely with Western to create a plan for a reading week in the fall.

November 2012 Western’s senate passes a motion establishing a two-day fall reading break for the 2013–14 academic year. The break will occur on the last Thursday and Friday of October.

Forum puts focus on internationalization Aaron Zaltzman News Editor

Aaron Zaltzman Gazette

Students got a good look at Western’s internationalization strategic plan last night at the University Students’ Council’s internationalization forum, entitled “Internationalization at Western: What does it mean to you?” The event was hosted in an effort to educate students about Western’s international goals, which have been a significant priority for the last several years.

“The idea behind the forum is that the university has taken the stance that internationalization is a priority, […] so it’s important that students have a voice in this matter,” Myuri Komaragiri, vicepresident campus issues for the USC, said. “Now that they’re at the

strategizing stage, I thought it’s important that they present that to students.”

The forum featured a presentation by Julie McMullin, Western’s vice-president international. It also featured internationalization presentations from Huron University College, Brescia University College and King’s University College, and gave students time to ask questions about the university’s strategic plan.

“International reputation is important to all institutions of higher learning,” McMullin said.

“We need to be known around the world for the outstanding education we provide, and the leading research we produce.”

Such a reputation has been of increased focus in recent years since the university released its

2009 internationalization plan, “Engaging the Future,” which called for increased emphasis on both international education and research.

“At the centre of all of Western’s international activities is the idea that we need to have a community of scholars who have high levels of international experience and cross-cultural competencies,” McMullin said. “This is achieved in many ways, including through the interactions with international members of the Western community.”

But Komaragiri felt there was a lack of interactions with members of the domestic Western community. She said the focus of the forum was to allow students to get >> see lesson pg.3

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thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Caught on Camera

Crossword By Eugene Sheffer Andrei Calinescu GAZETTE

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND. Harrison Schmitt, a retired NASA astronaut and the last of the Apollo astronauts to set foot on the moon, spoke at Western Friday night. His talk was held as part of the university’s annual Planetary Science Distinguished Public Lecture.

A hole lot of inconvenience Alex Carmona News Editor Students whose travels through campus take them through Concrete Beach will have to continue taking a bit of a detour through to early next week.

Late last week, a steam-carrying condensate pipe located under Concrete Beach burst when a chunk of concrete fell on it from its underground vault’s ceiling.

While repairs are underway, the section of Concrete Beach directly overhead the damaged pipeline has been cordoned off, forcing students to take short detours over the small field near the University Community Centre.

Mike Herman, supervisor of the Power Plant at Western, said the pipe succumbed to the damage, in part, because it was so old.

“The piping was rotted from age and deterioration which didn’t

Ritchie Sham Gazette

help its cause in resisting the concrete,” he said.

The excavation blocking the route between the UCC and Weldon began yesterday and will, at the earliest, remain in place until early next week. If the repairs don’t go as planned, the area could remain inaccessible for even longer.

Herman, however, was fairly confident this would not be the case.

“That underground pedestrian tunnel [that is also currently offlimits] will be re-opened, and the closed off areas should be cleared away by the first of next week, if everything goes well.”

Herman also said Facilities Management teams are going to make an effort to shrink the size of the fenced off area in order to reduce any student inconvenience.

Food Support Services. The service offers two options for students— they can either choose to have food delivered anonymously through a locker, or in person through the Peer Support Centre.

“If students need help, they should ask for it,” Komaragiri said.

“There should be no stigma attached to asking for food. As sensitive as it is, it’s a basic right.”

—Francis Siebert

is about.”

“We want abused women in this community to know that the City of London is standing with them,” Walker said. “[The city] is supporting them, and embracing them as they try to live their lives free of violence and abuse.”

Although Western students usually see purple as representing school spirit, Walker commented the choice of colour holds deeper meaning.

“The colour purple has always been associated with the issue of women’s abuse,” Walker explained.

“The colour purple symbolizes strength and courage,” she said. “I’ve worked at the LAWC for 15 years, and every single woman that walks through our doors, I can describe them as being the most courageous and strongest women I have ever met.”

According to Walker, this year’s campaign is dedicated to the memory of Ashley and Stephanie Daubs, who died in 2006 when their father deliberately drove into the path of an oncoming dump truck with them inside.

—Herb Richardson

News Briefs

Student food banks banking on increased usage Student food bank usage is on the rise across Ontario. A CBC report published last week claims an estimated 3,300 students at the University of Ottawa will use the school’s food bank by year’s end, up from 259 in 2007.

Although Western’s University Students’ Council has only just started collecting data on the usage of the university’s own Food Support Services, Myuri Komaragiri, vice-president campus issues for the USC, has noticed an increase.

“We find we have a few requests each day, and that it’s regularly used,” Komaragiri said. “We’re trying to identify when the peak times are, and what factors contribute to why that peak time is a peak time.”

Komaragiri believed the increase tied directly into the accessibility of education.

“We’re getting to a point where student life is requiring food assistance, [regardless of demographic].

When we look at the nature of education and how it’s eliciting that, it’s a big problem.”

Komaragiri urged students who are in need to contact Western’s

Purple not just for Western London has painted the town purple to spread awareness of violence against women and of services in London for abused women.

Residents are encouraged to wear purple clothing for the duration of the month, and various landmarks around the city, including City Hall and London Hydro, have been given a shine of purple.

“It is literally a sea of purple in this city,” Megan Walker, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, said, noting she saw much more participation this year than any other year thus far.

“It is, for me, overwhelming and heartening, and it brings tears to my eyes. That is exactly what this

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 • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Novack’s no longer open Int’l lesson at forum Historic London store closes its doors

Cameron Wilson Gazette

Kaitlyn Oh Gazette Staff Local, family-owned business Novack’s announced the closing of its retail store earlier this week. The store currently specializes in outdoor equipment, travel items and uniform manufacturing.

One of the oldest businesses in downtown London, Novack’s originally opened in 1939 as a music and luggage enterprise. It later evolved to sell army surplus, then again to sell outdoor adventure equipment.

The closure of the retail store marks the next change for Novack’s. Sandi Caplan, née Novak and co-owner of the store, stated, “My husband [Paul Caplan, president and co-owner of Novack’s] and I decided that this is the next evolution. This is the next stage for us.”

The reason for the retail store closure, according to Paul Caplan, is the need to narrow the focus of the business.

“We have a variety of businesses. The most visible of them is the retail side. We also have a uniform business […], and the travel and tour division,” Paul Caplan said. “So, as the business is getting more and more complex, I only have energy for so much. We needed to part with one of them so I could focus my energies on the other two.”

Paul Caplan confirmed the store would remain at its King Street location, to the joy of Janette MacDonald, executive director of Downtown London.

“They so easily could have sold the building and gone out to an industrial area and manufactured there,” MacDonald said. “We’re just very, very happy that they’re staying here, and we wish them all the best.”

When asked about his feelings on the closure, Paul Caplan stated, “Of course, it’s mixed emotions.”

“It’s a wonderful place to be,” he said. “You’re coming in here be-

English and writing together at last Cam Smith News Editor On Friday, Western’s Senate announced the university’s writing, rhetoric and professional communication program would no longer be its own program—instead it would be combined with the English department under the title of the department of English and writing studies.

“The change is one I would characterize as desirable rather than necessary,” Kathleen Fraser, director of writing, rhetoric, and professional communication, explained. “Writing, after all, had its origins within English, only becoming a separate unit relatively recently.”

According to Fraser, this merger has been considered for some time.

“The merger creating the new academic unit, the department of English and writing studies, has been in the works for just over a year,” she said. “The two units already share a very popular new degree option—the honors specialization in English language and literature and creative writing.”

While writing is being incor-

porated into English, it will still act with independence within the program.

For those already enrolled in the English program, this merger may provide more opportunities for study. Yet it may dissuade some from applying in the first place.

“The downfall is that students may feel less inclined to be part of a program that appears to be less specialized,” Kate Richards, a third-year English student at Huron University College, and English department representative on the Huron University College Student Council, opined.

Despite the potential to dissuade some students looking for a more specialized program, the inclusion of writing may also provide a draw for those more interested in the writing aspects of English.

“If Western’s English program had included writing when I applied, I would have been more inclined to apply, because coming out of high school I was interested in creative writing,” Richards explained. “Had the program been combined before my application, I potentially would have chosen to study English at Western, instead of one of the affiliate colleges.”

cause you’re doing something exciting and you get that sense of joy.

We share that with our customers.”

Caplan’s wife agreed with her husband about the store’s atmosphere, and the connections created with their clients.

“I watched it evolve with history and it’s just been wonderful,” she said. “The people coming in have been what has made it really meaningful. They become friends throughout the years.”

However, devout outdoorsmen and women need not worry about getting access to their favourite adventure wear.

“Some of it [the outdoor and adventure equipment], not all of it, will be online for sale,” Paul Caplan confirmed.

For those who may not be able to wait for shipping, the doors reopen at 11 a.m. on Thursday for a complete liquidation sale. Paul Caplan promised “there will be unbelievable bargains. We’re lowering prices on everything.”

Solution to puzzle on page 8

>> continued from pg.1

in on the discussion.

“I wanted to run this so that students would be able to provide feedback to the university’s strategic plan,” Komaragiri said.

“The whole idea behind it is for the university to engage with students more, and share what they’re doing, and that students actually feel like they are stakeholders and their voices count in this matter.”

Komaragiri said the idea of internationalization is not very well understood among Western students, in terms of what it means for the university, and for students.

“A lot of us have heard that term and we can connect it to the idea of having more international students here, but it’s a lot broader

than that,” she explained. “It involves increased opportunities abroad, but also providing more international layers to our own academic structures.”

Such layered education will also equip students to function in an increasingly international academic world, according to McMullin.

“It means students will be given more opportunities to learn about different peoples of the world,” McMullin said. “They will be given more opportunities to develop the cross-cultural competencies that are increasingly required to live and work most anywhere in the world.”

“As students, we should want to be part of a global campus because, at the end of the day, we’ll benefit from it,” Komaragiri said.

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thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Arts&Life

Sumedha Arya Arts & Life Editor Death. Leaving people behind.

Not having the same life that you had in the first place.

These are a few fears that Carisa McCarty states people with a cancer diagnosis may face. McCarty, a London resident, is the mother of two preschool cancer survivors.

Her first son was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare liver cancer, at 22 months. Her second son was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma at seven months. Genetic testing revealed that both boys had familial adenomatous polyposis, an inherited condition that can result in the development of malignant cancer.

Currently, as part of the Canadian Cancer Society’s recently launched Fearless Project, McCarty is sharing her personal story with others.

The Fearless Project is a campaign that asks Ontarians to share their fears about cancer by anonymously submitting their fears online. Once people submit fears, they receive information based on common listed fears and are directed towards tailored content that provides support and resources. The website also provides

videos of survivors, supporters and researchers. The campaign, which was launched on November 5, has had over 10,000 fears submitted as of last week.

“We want, through The Fearless Project, to help change the way Ontarians think about and talk about cancer,” says Laura Wall, southwestern region director of the Canadian Cancer Society. “We know people fear cancer, but we want to deepen our understanding of what those fears are to identify ways to help—ways that weren’t previously identified.”

In support of The Fearless Project, the Canadian Cancer Society surveyed over 1,000 Ontario residents in a poll conducted from October 22 to 26. It was discovered the majority of Ontarians fear cancer more than other diseases, such as strokes, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.

“Feeling sick and unable to do every day things,” and “dying and leaving behind loved ones” were two fears consistently expressed by the surveyed population.

McCarty says people’s fear of cancer stems from a fear of the unknown.

“From my experience, it’s almost like a black hole—you have no idea what’s on the other side.

tuesdaytweet @jimmyfallon “The Post Office lost a record 15.9 billion dollars last year. Personally I blame the guy who tried to mail 15.9 billion dollars. #fallonmono”

—Jimmy Fallon, American comedian.

You just know that it will be a huge mountain to climb. Probably, the majority of people just assume that they won’t make it to the other side, whereas that’s not necessarily the case.”

From my experience, it’s almost like a black hole— you have no idea what’s on the other side. You just know that it will be a huge mountain to climb.

Probably, the majority of people just assume that they won’t make it to the other side, whereas that’s not necessarily the case.

—Carisa McCarty

London resident

For McCarty, sharing her story is a way for her to help alleviate others’ fears about cancer. McCarty, whose children are three and a half and four years out of treatment, says people are amazed by how her children are doing after treatment.

“I share my story so that other

people realize that there’s another side to the story,” she says.

Addressing fear is especially important because early detection allows for greater treatment options and better prognosis. However, individuals’ fears surrounding cancer may deter them from seeking medical attention.

McCarty says she regularly had her second child screened for cancer after her first son was diagnosed with it—something she acknowledges might be a difficult thing for many people to do.

“Most people wouldn’t jump into that—they’d be afraid of it,” McCarty muses.

“Some people’s fear is a barrier for them to take action about their own health because they don’t want to know what the doctor will find,” Wall adds. “For southwestern Ontario, 31 per cent of people said their fear was a barrier for getting screened and tested for cancer. Yet we do know that the earlier cancer is detected, the better the results.”

Susan Horvath, vice-president for leadership philanthropy in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Ontario division, predicts The Fearless Project will also encourage people to seek further resources.

Accompanying the goal to elim-

inate or mitigate fears surrounding cancer by addressing concerns and providing resources is the hope to reduce any stigma that might be associated with cancer.

“When we took my son to the mall, people would stare at us funny,” McCarty shares. “It may take that little chip away from the situation if society knew more about [cancer] and was more willing to understand.”

McCarty says it is the next generation—the university-aged group—that will change the way cancer is perceived.

“The Fearless Project would probably educate [university students] more than anyone else.

They wouldn’t see cancer the way we saw it or understood it— they would probably not necessarily see it as an everyday occurrence, but they would be able to approach it without stigma.”

For those who don’t have cancer, McCarty says The Fearless Project would act as a resource for more information.

“It would give [cancer] a human side, showing that it is not really that far out there—it could touch anyone. At the same time, if it does happen, maybe people would understand a little better what to do.”

Graphic by Naira Ahmed Gazette

On Disc

“Chum” —Earl Sweatshirt After a smattering of guest verses throughout the year, “Chum” represents the first new solo track from L.A. rapper Earl Sweatshirt since his return from an enforced stint in a Samoan youth academy last year.

The wait has been worth it. Backed by a stuttering piano sample and fitful drum loops, the song presents an artist who is developing and maturing lyrically, whilst retaining the distinctive style that has propelled him to hip hop prominence thus far.

The younger Earl was a precocious anarchist, dealing in wordplay that was as impressive as it was repellent, but on “Chum” he cuts a melancholic figure. The track

finds him mellowed, introspective, his delivery subdued but undercut by a simmering aggression. There’s a palpable tension when he talks about his absent father as he says “I just used to say I hate him in dishonest jest,” and a pervasive, candid insecurity that is unlike anything we’ve heard from him before.

Where previously Earl had always been on the attack, a ferocious and prodigious prankster seemingly as happy to riff on himself as anyone else, here we get a glimpse of the 18-year-old boy behind the persona, the high school outcast. Earl’s talent has never been in question, but “Chum” provides the best indication yet that he is ready to fulfill his significant potential.

—Ross Hamilton

GGGGF July Talk July Talk White Girl Records

file photo

A solid rock structure weaved with a thoughtfully-placed southern sound, July Talk is an unlikely duo in the most promising ways. Peter Dreimanis’ punk-rock-retireemeets-Tom-Waits sound is like oil to the pure water vocals of Leah Fay.

The album’s first track, “The Garden,” sets the mood. Think hot sun, sticky and sunken brown skin, rusted, clanging pickup trucks in a small, American southern town.

“Paper Girl,” with its uppity sound, is pop-song catchy, but don’t be fooled. Dreimanis is rugged, ruthless and less than romantic, making this track an ode to the dysfunctional relationship.

In “Don’t Call Home,” Dreimanis steps into his cowboy boots, showing his more emotional, though still drunken, side as Fay rings a complementing chorus.

The musical concept of July Talk is both unique and comparable to new and classic rock styles.

Tampering with some hints of soul and Motown, “Brother” reveals these artists’ well-seasoned ears and imagination for creating a new classic sound.

—Jenna Monteith

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thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The widow marries song and theatre Mary Ann Ciosk gazette staff GGGHF The Merry Widow

UWOpera’s production of The Merry Widow combined song, dance and theatre to stunning effect this past weekend. The operetta, being lighter in music and tone than a traditional opera, was an easy, enjoyable watch. Set in Paris during the early 1900s, the primary story follows an attractive and extremely wealthy widow in her decision to remarry.

If the widow marries a foreigner, her vast fortune will leave the small country, potentially resulting in the country’s bankruptcy.

The Merry Widow is a lighthearted and comedic love story with a modern twist. The conflicts of hiding one’s true feelings due to pride, and the turmoil of falling in love with the wrong person are equally applicable to today’s world. Along with this theme of modern times, several

references were made by characters alluding to current world events, like the state of the oil market.

Modern costume elements were present in the play alongside the traditional formal attire of the Parisian upper class. In addition to this, more modern vocabulary was occasionally employed for comedic effect. Modernizing a production can be a risky endeavor, but The Merry Widow incorporated the perfect blending of new and old to make the operetta accessible while still retaining its true core.

The actors involved with the play portrayed caricatures of frequently seen archetypes—the dim-witted, but well-intentioned husband who is unaware his wife is in love with another man, the couple who feign dislike, but truly love each other and the comically superficial girl whose sole aim is to find a rich husband. However, despite the easy categorization of characters and predictable plot, the story was entertaining and

Courtesy of Janis Wallace

the true value of the production is found in its witty dialogue, picturesque sets, and the impressive vocal abilities of the actors.

The audience must follow along with the song lyrics in order to fully understand the story, which may present a chal-

Lincoln largely lacking life

lenge for some if they aren’t used to watching a musical production. The fact UWOpera’s The Merry Widow was performed in English made it easier to follow the dialogue, but still difficult during songs. That being said, the actors did an impressive job

enunciating while maintaining the flow and pitch of the music.

Overall, The Merry Widow is a fun, comedic and dazzling spectacle that stands out because of its professional quality and cohesive mosaic of music, theatre, dance and art.

On the Web > The Big Bang Theory Flash mob!

Film frees slaves, but traps audiences file photo

It was more than the usual witty dialogue that banged on the set of The Big Bang Theory this past week. Recently, as a surprise for show co-creators Bill Prady and Chuck Lorre, the cast and crew

of The Big Bang Theory put down their scripts and put on their dancing shoes in a flash mob. The video of said mob, which now has over 13 million views on YouTube, features an enthusiastic live audience, a pair of chuckling producers and the usually awkward cast showing off their best moves. Props go out to Kaley Cuoco, who plays Penny, for organizing the flash mob and enlisting the help of her sister as choreographer. If you can stand to listen to Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” one more time, the video is definitely something to check out.

—Kevin Hurren

file photo

Bradley Metlin Gazette Staff GGHFF Lincoln Director: Steven Spielberg Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones As Lincoln ended and the credits started rolling, an elderly man said to his wife, “That was not portrayed well.” Generally, the older folks are right, but in this case, the man was half right—Lincoln is a faithful adaptation of historical events, but faithful doesn’t necessarily mean well done.

The film starts a few months before Abraham Lincoln’s (Daniel Day-Lewis) ultimate demise.

The Civil War is entering its fourth year, and in a ploy to slow down the war as well as satisfy his beliefs, Lincoln attempts to pass the 13th amendment to the Constitution— an amendment that will outlaw slavery.

The film is painfully expository.

The audience watches Lincoln and those in his inner circle force votes out of virtually every congressman.

These encounters slowly blur together and distinguishing characters, many of whom look very similar, becomes difficult. To say this film addresses the workings of 19th century politics would be a superb understatement. Unfortunately, this strand of politics is flat out sleepy.

Director Steven Spielberg would, in theory, provide some rousing problem to raise the stakes after a relatively bland first act— however, that is not the case. Lincoln clunks from scene to vapid scene, with only a handful stand out moments.

That said, Day-Lewis does stand out and will surely receive some form of accolade for his work. His portrayal of Lincoln as a tired man who still restlessly fights for a unified America is full of muted energy. The wit exhibited amongst his colleagues is just as compelling to watch as the turmoil within the famous president’s family.

Mary Todd Lincoln was known to be slightly erratic, and Sally Field’s portrayal has spunk. Every time she confronts her husband about how she feels, there are un-

dertones suggesting she should be institutionalized.

Tommy Lee Jones also delivers a stirring performance as an abolitionist congressman. Every time he comes onscreen, there is an immediate sense of energy within the scene as he feverishly fights for his side, and as such the audience identifies with him.

What Lincoln succeeds at portraying is the time period—there is never any doubt this story takes place in 1865. This film paints an entertaining historical image and is, overall, a solid film. The biggest problem with Lincoln is a lack of passion—something that cannot even be saved by passionate performances across the board. It seems as though Spielberg thought making a movie about Lincoln would an interesting project, paying little attention as to why he was making it. As the old man in the theatre said, Lincoln’s story is not portrayed well. Lincoln, though put together well, has the same amount of life and energy as any reenactment on the History Channel.

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thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Opinions

Silence is foolish if we are wise, but wise if we are foolish.

—Charles Caleb Colton, English cleric

Fall reading break a step in the right direction For those returning to campus in the fall of 2013, there’s now more to get excited for in October than ever before.

On Friday, Western’s Senate passed a motion to include a fall reading break at the end of October for all future years. This may not be the full week that causes some students to envy other universities, but these two days still mark the first time Western has incorporated a fall school break.

The push for the two days off in October was part of a continuing effort to support mental health on campus, and as Mental Health Awareness Week begins, it seems like an appropriate decision.

After all, October is rife with essays and midterms, so a break provides time for students to catch up on work, decompress in the midst of examinations and get some time to oneself.

Though students appreciate any break, the placement and length of these two days in October leaves one questioning how well the time will really be spent.

The fact the break falls on the Thursday and Friday before the Halloween weekend could render the break pointless for many reasons. Firstly, many students already have very little to no class on those days, making this “break” no different than any other week. Additionally, the break’s attachment to Halloween will undoubtedly give students an excuse to begin the festivities early.

Furthermore, two days seems like hardly enough time to really make an impact on a student’s precarious mental health position. Though the break will be an opportunity for some students to relax, the effectiveness of the break is significantly lower than that of a full week. For example, a week-long break would allow a number of students to go home and spend time with the family, friends and other loved ones they may be missing.

A long weekend may also prompt some professors and TAs to move up deadlines for essays and assignments, knowing most students won’t be leaving London in the time span allotted for the break.

Overall, the two days off are a welcome addition to the fall Western calendar. However, the degree to which it will alleviate stress and allow for productivity has yet to be seen. Perhaps the University Students’ Council will reevaluate its decision come this time next year, but until that happens, enjoy the two days to the fullest.

—The Gazette Editorial Board

thegazette

Volume 106, Issue 43 www.westerngazette.ca

Gloria Dickie Editor-In-Chief Nicole Gibillini Deputy Editor Cam Parkes Managing Editor

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

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In the Nic of Time

@liv_gillis @uwogazette Immediately after reading about passing conversations I found myself right in the middle of one. #funnytiming

Camopticon

Nicole Gibillini Deputy Editor

Cam Parkes Managing Editor

CBC president Hubert Lacroix told a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission hearing yesterday strict regulations on broadcasting of the past don’t work in this fast-paced, digital age. As a result, CBC is asking the federal broadcast regulator for more flexibility in their programming.

CBC is struggling financially, and finding it difficult to keep up with the digital revolution. With no NHL games to broadcast and the prominence of TV on the Internet, it is no wonder the Canadian broadcaster is having a tough time.

Lacroix proposed to devote 75 per cent of broadcasting during the day, and 80 per cent of prime time to Canadian programming on its Englishlanguage TV network. Currently, CBC broadcasts 80 per cent Canadian content during the day.

If CBC’s wish is granted, this means less Canadian content, more commercials and privatization. While Canadians turn to CBC for Canadian content, this dip in programming won’t have a major cultural effect on our country. Yes, it’s important for Canadians to receive national news and entertainment, but we are so exposed to American media through other mediums, like the Internet, already, that this won’t have a major impact.

Without financial health, CBC will suffer regardless, so a small cut on Canadian programming to gain more advertisements isn’t a huge sacrifice.

By becoming more privatized, Canadians will spend less tax dollars on the broadcaster, but the obvious downside is Canadians may start to lose faith in a trusted news source. However, it’s important to keep in mind CBC is proposing more flexibility, not a major shift in its mandate. They don’t plan to abandon their commitment to Canadians, just alter it.

Canadians value having a strong national voice and they take a lot of pride in CBC. But, in the end, CBC needs to sustain itself. Journalism is changing in wake of this digital evolution, and broadcasters have to adapt to these changes somehow.

CBC has asked that the stipulations regulating their broadcasting be loosened.

Faced with the new digital era, CBC is claiming the policies they follow now don’t make sense. Two areas they’re looking to change are the amount of Canadian content per broadcasting day—CBC wants to go down from 80 per cent to 75 per cent—and their ability to produce ad revenue—they want to sell ads for Radio 2, among other programs.

This should not be allowed to happen. CBC is a public broadcaster, funded by the people. If it is allowed to start selling ads, eventually its main programs will see a rise in commercials as well. This will soon render it indistinguishable from its private sector competitors.

CBC needs to make a choice—become a private broadcaster, stop taking public funding and sink or swim through ad revenue, or retain their public broadcasting standards and fulfill their mandate. And cutting the percentage of Canadian content is not doing that.

Loosening the restrictions and allowing CBC to make the changes they want is a slippery slope. If they bring in ads, inevitably the music services will suffer—they’ll begin to play more commercially oriented, mainstream performers instead of their current niche of new, emerging artists.

Not to mention the impact national advertising would have on small market advertisers across the country.

These secondary advertisers wouldn’t stand much of a chance versus CBC. What CBC is proposing now amounts to “firm commitments” when it comes to content. CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais said firm commitments are “the nature of the beast”— and I agree. There’s no telling what can and will change about the commitments when push comes to shove.

Part of the 1991 Broadcasting Act states: “the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as the national public broadcaster, should provide radio and television services incorporating a wide range of programming that informs, enlightens and entertains.”

Notice how it doesn’t say “that sells products.”

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•7

thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Sports

factattack After beating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night football, the Baltimore Ravens won their 12th straight game against divisional opponents. This ties them for the longest divisional winning streak in the NFL since 2002.

Rundown >> The Mustangs women’s volleyball team fell in four sets to the Ottawa Gee-Gees this weekend > After two sets, the Mustangs and Gee-Gees were tied 1–1, but the Gee-Gees pulled away to win the last two sets and the match > Mustangs captain Rebecca Oxland ended the game with 10 kills in 40 attempts.

Mustang women place sixth in Harry Geris Duals

Tough draw brings down host team on Saturday Richard Raycraft Sports Editor Alumni Hall was host to the Harry Geris Memorial wrestling tournament on Saturday. The high profile tournament attracted nine of the top women’s wrestling teams from across North America. Western was drawn into pool B, along with the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary and the University of King’s College. After defeating the University of Calgary 21–13, Western then fell to the University of Alberta 27–6, and King’s College 24–8.

The weekend was also very important for the men’s wrestling squad, who wrestled away at the University of Toronto Open, placing seventh out of 26 teams.

The tournament is named after Harry Geris, a wrestling coach and Olympian who was influential in the Mustangs wrestling program.

The Mustangs placed fourth in last year’s Harry Geris tournament, which was also held at Western.

Western finished pool play in third place at 1–2, which was good enough to qualify them for the quarter-final. Their quarter-final match-up was against the reigning NCAA champions, Oklahoma City University Stars, who were 9–0 heading into the weekend. Western fought hard, but ultimately lost a fairly lopsided affair to the reigning champions. This put Western in the fifth-place showdown against Lakehead University, which they went on to lose 16–11.

Senior Brianne Barry had a fantastic Saturday at the tournament.

She lost her match-up in the third round against her Oklahoma City opponent, but bounced back resiliently and defeated Alexi Kreps of Lakehead in just two rounds dur-

Cameron Wilson GAZETTE

You shall not pass! The Mustangs women wrestlers placed sixth out of a field of nine teams on Saturday in the Harry Geris Memorial Tournament. The competition drew some strong competition from both sides of the border.

ing the fifth-place game. Barry accredited some of her success to the “final pump-up speech” the team received shortly before the final game. “[Barry] has been looking really good,” Mustangs head coach Ray Takahashi said after the team defeated Lakehead.

Barry acknowledged how helpful it was to be wrestling at home for the first time this season.

“It’s so nice to sleep in your own bed, so nice to have a home-cooked meal, so nice to have friends and family come and watch,” she said.

“The support and everything, it’s amazing.”

Another player who stepped up against the high level competition was senior Monica Varallo. Varallo was injured early in the second round of her final fight against Lakehead, but didn’t give up and

Cameron Wilson Gazette

beat her opponent in three rounds.

“Monica has been doing really well for us,” Takahashi said.

The sixth-place showing was a very strong result given the fact Western was playing top-level competition. Coach Takahashi was content with the results early in the season. “[The team] is going to look really strong in the OUAs,” Takahashi said.

Barry said despite the fact the team had a few things to work on, she feels confident about the state of the team.

“In March, when the CIS [championships] come back to our home court and back to Western, we will be ready,” she said.

The wrestling team is back in action next weekend, heading to Toronto for the Ontario Senior Championships.

Mike Laine Gazette

8•

thegazette • Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Concussions should not result in touch football The Tables Have Sterned Ryan Stern Sports Editor I used to play touch football in grade school. It got pretty rough sometimes. Maybe we would walk away with a scrape or two if we fell on the concrete, but nothing too bad.

Football is inherently a rough and tumble sport, and new infor-

mation—which is very valuable— regarding the dangers of brain injuries has caused the NFL to take notice. With this in mind, the NFL is in danger of becoming too soft, plain and simple.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in favour of more brain studies and more in-depth concussion testing, but I don’t agree with further rule changes being made to protect players. The offensive explosion brought on by the golden age of passing has been brought on by rule changes favouring the passing game, but if that path continues, the NFL will look closer to the Lingerie Football League.

The conversation is brought to the forefront thanks, in part, to concussions suffered by Jay Cutler, Alex Smith and Michael Vick, but maybe it has less to do with the rules of the game than other factors.

Fines have been given out, and the NFL is getting stricter with these fines by the week, but it takes time for these new, more in-depth, rules to show their intended results. Players are still learning the limitations of their previously legal hits, and further advancements of these rules—without allowing the previous rules to take full effect— would only hurt the game.

If a defender has a free run at the quarterback, he is expected to give the quarterback his best shot.

Within the current rules of the game, the defender has an area between the shoulders and the knees that they are legally able to hit.

How could that space possibly get any smaller?

The next step in furthering the rules would risk losing the essence of physicality that endears the game to fans across North America.

Do you really want to watch Clay Matthews bear down on Jay Cutler, and instead of hitting him in the gut, he would wrap him up

until the referee blows the whistle, out of fear of penalty?

Yes, concussions are a major concern for the NFL moving forward, but is changing the rules really the best solution?

The NFL should continue enforcing the rules they have in place, and focus on player safety as it pertains to equipmen, and fundamental tackling skills taught in youth football.

It may take time, and I am sure many fines will be assessed, but furthering the rules in-game—beyond how far they have currently been advanced—will only hurt the game.

NFL needs to do more to prevent concussions The Sin Bin

Jason Sinukoff Sports Editor Last week was not a good time to be an NFL fan as Jay Cutler, Michael Vick and Alex Smith of the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers were all sidelined with game-ending concussions.

All three quarterbacks have been absent from this week’s games— leaving their respective teams without a leader for a minimum of one game of the already short 16-game season.

While the debate over the effects of concussions and head injuries sustained by NFL players is already extensive, I think in light of last week’s events, the National Football League really needs to do more to eliminate head injuries as much as possible.

Recently, the NFL attempted to address the problem by placing

more officials on the sidelines and trying to diagnose concussions, or concussion-like symptoms, early on. While I think this is a noble effort, this past week has shown it really doesn’t serve a purpose.

You may be asking yourself how could it not be helping. Well, last week, Chicago bear’s quarterback Jay Cutler sustained two crushing blows to the head—including a controversial helmet-to-helmet hit by a Houston Texans linebacker—before finally being sidelined for the rest of the game. Cutler clearly looked off his game after the hits, but re-

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fused to leave the game. In fact, in a recent Sporting News player poll, 56 per cent of the players surveyed said they would hide their concussion symptoms in order to continue playing. While admirable, this is very stupid in my opinion, and since this is the mindset of many of the players in the NFL, the onus should fall on the league to protect its players.

Now, purists might say this is football, and any more changes to the game will cause the NFL to lose its identity. This reasoning is completely flawed. You know what will detract more from the game than

changing some of the rules? Injuries to too many of the top players in the sport.

Although the NFL has tried to lessen the amount of concussions in the sport, it simply isn’t enough, and more has to be done, because the players’ safety is an issue each and every time they step onto the field.

We all know of the precautions the NHL has taken in recent years to try and prevent concussions. The NFL should follow their lead, because football is one of the only sports that has more head injuries than hockey.