The Voice of the University of Toronto at Mississauga
MEDIUM THE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008
VOLUME 34, ISSUE 19
www.mediumonline.ca
Penning Penelope
Caught in celebrity hype
Majors host “Paint the Rink Pink”
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UTM gets together for diversity MEGHA KUMAR ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
The University of Toronto Mississauga’s Students’ Union (UTMSU) organized this year’s Unity Through Diversity (UTD) week featuring different events each day from February 4 to 7 in the Student Centre. All the events were free and over 2,000 students attended in the first two days alone. The events line-up included the crowd favourite International Food Bazaar on the first day. Many of the university’s student clubs shared free treats with members dressed in traditional clothes.
“We as a community understand and demonstrate through such events, that our diversity strengthens us.” - Walied Khogali, UTMSU president
Photo/ Melissa Di Pasquale
Despite heavy snowfall UTM Students made it out to try the drums provided by the Wolfond Centre for Jewish Campus Life during the Traditions and Customs event on Wednesday February 6 at the Student Centre, part of the week long celebrations of Unity Through Diversity.
Students got to taste Sri Lankan kottu, Indian bhel puri and Chinese delicacies among a variety of other snacks, platters, and desserts. Tuesday saw the Student Centre transformed to host World Issues Day with displays highlighting the different socio-political issues involving cultures and communities at home and abroad. The Traditions and Customs event on Wednesday focused on the more positive contributions of culture around the
world, with participants ranging from University of Toronto Mississauga’s Catholic Club, Anime Club, and the Muslim Students’ Association, among others. Although attendance faltered due to heavy snowfall, students who were able to come to the event enjoyed the Jewish drum beat circle and custom designs at the mehndi (henna) stand for two dollars, the proceeds of which were donated to the Humanity First charity. UTMSU’s president, Walied Khogali, was very pleased with the number of clubs and students who took time out to participate and make UTD a success this year. “This year, UTMSU intended to increase participation in Unity Through Diversity. This year we had a record turnout of club participation and student turnout. In fact, in my years of involvement, I have never seen the student center as lively and crowded as at UTD Week events, with the exception of February 7 - Student Day of Action,” said Khogali. The president also wanted to thank club executives, volunteers, University of Toronto’s Students’ Union, University of Toronto Mississauga’s Athletic Council, Residence Council and the Campus Life Committee for their collaborative efforts toward making diversity issues an important part of campus life. “In an age where the concept of multiculturalism and diversity is questioned by pundits and policy makers, we as a community understand and demonstrate through such events that our diversity strengthens us. The fact that we identify with our cultures and heritage makes us better Canadians,” said Khogali.
Students against Israeli Apartheid SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR Coinciding with the sixtieth anniversary of the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians during the 1948 Al-Nakba, the Students Against Israeli Apartheid (SAIA) organized Israeli Apartheid Week from February 4 to 9 featuring a series of lectures and panels and a demonstration in front of the Israeli Consulate on Bloor Street. The events were focused on raising awareness about Israel’s continuing encroachment and seizure of Palestinian land and resources, which remain in direct violation of the United Nations’ resolutions. The series of events involved
SAIA collaborators from the University of Toronto, Ryerson and York, along with many community and corporate sponsors. The lectures featured prominent speakers on the historical and current crises of the siege of Gaza, such as Salim Vally, who was a student member of the Soweto uprising against apartheid in South Africa. During a panel lecture held at the Bahen Centre on February 7, Vally shared his insight regarding the strong parallels between the history of apartheid in South Africa and the present-day conflict between the state of Israel and Palestinians. “This is evident in the treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, who are forcibly enclosed in open-air prisons and surrounded by
the apartheid wall,” said Golta Vahid, the University of Toronto’s SAIA spokesperson.
“It would be great to see more engaging and critical thinking on campuses. Too many people are afraid to question the status quo.” - Golta Vahid, SAIA spokesperson According to Vahid, Israel’s practice of apartheid extends far beyond the wall it has built between its settlements and the disputed land.
“In Israel proper, apartheid manifests itself when different laws are applied to different ethnic groups, for instance, under marriage laws, property laws, and citizenship laws,” she said. The lectures also discussed the effectiveness of academic boycotts and sanctions against Israel, gender, and apartheid and the memory of AlNakba, which means `the catastrophe’ in Arabic. Over the last couple of months, Israel has sealed borders around Gaza to crack down on militant rocket attacks against the state. It has also withheld fuel, water and electricity, which drove the civilian population trapped inside to break through the Egyptian border in search of basic necessities and med-
ical care. Now in its third year, SAIA representatives hoped the week-long series of events would encourage more dialogue among students. “It would be great to see more engaging and critical thinking on campuses. Too many people are afraid to question the status quo and to make demands from the state that is supposed to represent them,” said Vahid. She also added, “What SAIA would really like to do is to normalize debate about Israel, particularly on campuses. However in the long run, we are targeting the apartheid state of Israel and the institutions that support it through boycott, divestments, and sanctions.”
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Monday, February 11, 2008
NEWS
Culture Show rocks the BD MEGHA KUMAR ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Photo/Vlad Glebov
Unity Through Diversity week ended with an impressive culture show and free pub night on January 7 at the Blind Duck. The night saw a crowd of almost a hundred students come out to enjoy culturally inspired dances and performances from several clubs. The show was hosted by Ishani Sharma, vice-president campus life, and Wasah Malik, vice-president campaigns of the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Students’ Union. The first performance, in celebration of the Chinese New Year that fell on the same day, was the Lion Dance by a trained group of martial artists. The performers, adorned in a lion's costume, climbed upon the bar counter during the performance provoking intriguing reactions from audience members. As part of the Chinese tradition, lettuce was thrown at the audience towards the end for good luck and prosperity. The girls of the Black History Month Steppers took the stage next with a choreographed dance followed by a lively performance to South Indian music by members of the Tamil Student Association. The Russian Student Council, however, received one of the most
positive audience responses for the pirouettes and acrobatic moves during their Ukranian dance performance. The Habibas dance troupe, practicing traditional Egyptian folk and belly dancing, drew impressive cheers with large, lit candlabras that rested on their headpieces. The girls spotlighted a certain male student during their dance, prompting much laughter from the rest of the audience. The show closed with two more dance performances to Bollywood music, including one by the South Asian Alliance, which involved two members pretending to be intoxicated while doing hip gyrations to an old Hindi song. The hour-long event was followed by a free pub night that saw a considerable decrease in audience numbers, but kept UTMSU members dancing. “It was a great show! It definitely portrayed all the clubs, and was a true representation of diversity!”said Khota Aleer, a third-year psychology and political science major. When asked about how the organization of the event had gone, Malik said it had been extremely successful. “Smooth organizing, phenomenal performances, beautiful colors, and amazing dance troupes!” he said.
Photo/ Vlad Glebov
The Erindale Chinese Students’ Association entertained UTMers with their Lion Dance during last week’s culture show at the Blind Duck.
Monday, February 11, 2008
THE MEDIUM
NEWS
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U of T student sets up charity for Kenyan kids SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR A University of Toronto PhD student recently started a charity to help abandoned and abused children around the world. The Hope for Children through Faith in Our People (H&F), is the brainchild of Daniela Palombo, a psychology student at the St. George campus and Luis Pereira, an
advertising graduate from Sheridan College. Palombo was inspired by the work of Charles Mully, a self-made millionaire who used his wealth to start up Mully Children’s Family Charitable Foundation (MCFCF), which provides needy children with rehabilitation and life skills. Mully’s foundation has also been involved in providing relief efforts for children caught in the recent political unrest in Kenya that has displaced hundreds of
UTMSU Wall of Transparency SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR In the midst of growing concerns over the misappropriation of funds, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Students’ Union (UTMSU) posted its expenditures on the union office wall last Thursday, February 7, a day ahead of the official budget release. Posted under the title “Wall of Transparency,” the audited reports cover revenues and expenditures on the union’s social activities, graduation formal and orientation. They also include money spent on and generated by the campus radio station, CFRE, and the Blind Duck, which was renovated this year. The union’s president, Walied Khogali, clarified that the reports require careful consideration in terms of accountability. “These financial statements reflect the budgeting practises and expenses of last year's council not the current,” said Khogali. With regards to debates over money spent on revamping the pub and the delay in releasing funding for academic societies, union mem-
bers opted to post the auditor’s reports to stress the importance of accountability. “The UNITE UTM executive members campaigned on improving transparency. Those statements were available at the front desk, but we thought it would be a better idea to post them up for positive, constructive criticism,” said Khogali. According to Khogali, the fact that the pub’s advances increased last year points to its poor performance and the union remains committed to providing a better statement of accounts this year. He also added that this year’s efforts to consolidate the university’s student governments, which included UTMSU taking over the duties and representation of the University of Toronto’s Students’ Union at UTM and, pending results from last week’s referendum, the Erindale Part-time Undergraduate Society, would add to better allocation of student money. “My view is that, UTMSU had some serious cash flow issues, due to the fact that our operating budget is one of the smallest in the country,” said Khogali.
Rally for Aramark workers SAIRA MUZAFFAR NEWS EDITOR
Hundreds of Toronto-area foodservice workers, students and supporters are planning to rally outside the Sidney Smith Hall at the University of Toronto St. George campus to demand for better treatment of Aramark workers. The workers, who serve food to thousands of college and university students across Ontario, are reporting workplace problems, including being unable to take legally required breaks. At the U of T’s Scarborough Campus, the most senior Aramark workers are not receiving wage increases and
,at another location, workers who pay to be provided food each shift report being served old or expired food. Meanwhile, almost 100 Aramark w or k e r s h a v e been on strike in New York City for more than two months. Last October, in Philadelphia, the school system fired Aramark only two years into a five-year contract because Aramark had racked up an $11million deficit after originally promising to reduce the struggling school district's debt. The rally will take place on Monday, February 11, at 2 p.m. outside the Sidney Smith Building.
Write for News! Email Saira at News@mediumonline.ca
thousands of people. “I saw small children about 5 years old who had burns on their skin caused during the burning of a church. [They were] carrying heavy cans of water and they told me that their two elder sisters were burnt beyond recognition and had been admitted to hospital. This broke my heart in a way that I can never explain,” said Mully. Moved by Mully’s words and efforts, Palombo and Pereira took it upon themselves to help raise awareness as well as
funds for aid. “There was great need within Kenya before this occurred, but now the situation is so much worse. People are being burnt alive, tortured and brutally murdered and many homes have been destroyed,” said Palombo. According to Palombo, Kenya’s case is particularly daunting considering it was one of the few countries in Africa that maintained a strong economy and a vibrant democratic political system for a long time.
H&F has teamed up with MCFCF to arrange for donations of money, clothes, toys and educational supplies to affected children in Kenya. Palombo also commented on why it is important for students to get involved in local initiatives that have international reach. Interested students can contact H&F via e.mail at daniela.palombo@utoronto.ca or visiting www.mcfcf.ca.
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Monday, February 11, 2008
EDITORIAL
Opinion JULIE TYIOS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | editor@mediumonline.ca www.mediumonline.ca
EDITORIAL This Monday marks the beginning of Xpression Against Oppression Week, a time of social justice and action. As university students, we can all consider ourselves educated, but are we really aware of the issues in the world today? Xpression Against Oppression Week seeks to educate and inform. How many of you are aware of the extent of Toronto’s homeless crisis? Of the working conditions faced by labourers in South America and overseas? Of the extent of child prostitution? Of war? Of racism? These issues, among others, are fairly well-known causes. Remember Katrina? The aftermath will still affect millions for years to come, but very rarely is it brought into the public arena. This week is your chance as students, staff and faculty of UTM to make yourself aware. Social justice is a cause that we should all be concerned about. It reaches many corners of our society that we remain ignorant about, and we often choose to stay that way. But ignorance is often as bad as the problem. Many optimists will say that we can change the world. Whether or not that is just cliche, we can certainly all make an effort to combat the problems within our own societies. Yours,
Julie Tyios
Writing History Book Launch Join UTM staff, students, and faculty as they celebrate the release of Writing History: Volume 2 Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CCT MiST Theatre Refreshments will be provided
Have something to say? Write an editorial letter to The Medium. Email Julie at editor@mediumonline.ca Flashing... lights, lights, lights, lights... The song drives Rob crazy. The Olympics have begun, and it’s Arts Boy versus the Chief. Who will win in the ultimate test of skill and wit. The Medium is now accepting bets. Arts Boy echoes the lights sentiments. “Hey Ali, want to go to Mexico?” “What are you going to do to me there?” “Oh, nothing.” “I love you all so much and this is what I get.” Nikita’s reading the blurb over my shoulder. She’s back! Saira falls onto the couch. Go go. Romano’s Puma watch is sitting on my desk. Mine! 9.09. Rob is all done - wow! He leaves for hockey, back later. Amazing. He finishes before Arts Boy, even, but never before Ni-ni-ni-ni-niKITA! Melissa and Arts Boy share a laugh over something, but what I do not know. I need good fodder. “Well, if he’s Chinese and he’s skinny, I could probably take him.” Random eavesdropping, yes. Who shot you in the what now? I’m having trouble typing. Nikita: yay I get to ramble on about nothingness and spongebobiness...oh ring ring...that’s my dad-yay home-cooked meals await! Thanks everyone for the chipping on one of the best presents I have ever gotten-the painting of Slash-the legend lives on!! Ali is hitting on Melissa, Melissa is smiling politely. Rob left to go support his champions. Dan is huggable. Julie and Saira left together and are in the darkroom together.... And I am out. The Medium is definitely Spongeworth. Remember kids, spongebob is da bomb. P.S : everyone.....Ali is not stingy....we all know he loves sharing- he loves attention after all haha :) Nikita is out . Goodnite and goodmorning Julie :) Arts Boy, whatchu writing? Apparently, it causes a sensation when I leave to pee unannounced. Wow. May I sneeze without permission? I make cornbread to rival the south’s. Grits, anyone? We argue the merit of “go go” as an English phrase. “Go go gadgetmobile!” “Go go bowel movement!” chimes in Dan. I hear him doing voiceovers in the background. Things have been rather quiet in the last hour since my bathroom episode. It’s nearly the hour of ten. The office reeks of Pizza Nova panzerottis. Boxes of those and discarded chicken bones lie everywhere. I’m waiting for Arts Boy to finish so we can begin our epic game of Risk. Where is Arts Boy? I smell him not. Okey-dokey is the word of the evening. Yes, Arts Boy, I’m aware it’s not quite a word. Shut up. Romano has not showed. I have a present for him. “Sometimes, really, with all my heart, I don’t like you,” Arts Boy says as he chews on a chicken wing like a neanderthal. Yeah, that’s right, lick the sauce off your fingers, you homo... sapien. Fagli’s in the house! I’m gonna get your Visa pulled. That one’s for you, Rob. Pushing buttons? Chomp, chomp, chew. Yeah, polish it off with a bag of my chips. Saira sits quietly for once. It’s WingDings, Ali, you dumbass. Gotta go, Quark troubleshooting is necessary. I hope Rob gets me a combo. With extra ketchup? “One page left” - famous last words. “I didn’t do it! I didn’t do it!!!” I gave Arts Boy a spank and send him packing. You never profess your love for me. Sadfacecry. Let me draw you a picture of my broken heart. Apparently, I sound mom-ish. Drink up, kiddies! Arts Boy is the last one to the trough, as always. What’s that about natural selection? Attaboy, Arts Boy! Every Sunday it is. Nikita and Rob, we miss you. Come back. “Ain’t gonna lie, ain’t gonna die.” Dan’s working dilligently tonight, and I don’t care to disturb him. Melissa too. 10.30. Ali has slap marks on both his thighs. NURPLE!! Melissa is loved. Only 7 to go...
Letters to the Editor MILKING THE SYSTEM It's a shame that Rogers' children have had inadequate nutrition and schooling for the past several months, but I really question that these things are the result of an administrative error on UTM's behalf. "What would any reasonable person do?" Rogers asks, and I'm willing to venture the answer isn't "spend months planning a frivolous lawsuit" but probably "get a job" or "take advantage of the employment services or shelters offered" instead. Wouldn't it be nice if we all lived in Rogers’ world where you never have to work, the government pays for your education, your food, your apartment, your parking, and you don't even have to be that great a student or even really gain admission to a university to receive all of these benefits?
The article makes it sound like we should be feeling sorry for Rogers, and supporting his lawsuit, but, if anything, the undergraduate students of UTM should be suing Rogers for taking up an apartment that wasn't rightfully his for 5 months, effectively preventing an actual UTM student from using it, and for taking $1000 of our money (a gift from the student union) and countless more dollars in the administrative costs this mess will invariably end up running us. We - the ones who actually pay university fees - are, after all, the university's cash cow, and now it seems we've become the Rogers family's cash cow, too. Sincerely, Dunja Vulic
EDITORIAL Please write to:editor@mediumonline.ca Letters to the editor will be edited for spelling, grammar, style, and coherence. Letters will not exceed 500 words in print. Letters that incite hatred, violence or letters that are racist, homophobic, sexist, or libelous will not be published. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters and and other editorial materials reflect opinions of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, staff, volunteers, or Board of Directors of The Medium. In other words, just because we print it doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with it. Submission does not guarantee publication. Submission of materials to The Medium presumes the writer has read, and agrees with, this policy.
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Monday, February 11, 2008
Arts & Entertainment ALI KASIM, EDITOR | arts@mediumonline.ca
Penning Penelope The Medium chats with Christina Ricci ALI KASIM
What made you take the role?
A&E EDITOR
Ask anyone what they would change about themselves and chances are you’ll get a variety of replies, even a beautiful celebrity like Christina Ricci, who claims to have insecurities like everyone else. And after playing a pig-nosed girl in her latest film, Penelope, the twenty-eight-year-old actress knows a thing or two about dealing with such matters. Penelope stars Ricci as the title character – a young woman whose porcine features have kept her locked up in her own home. Her overbearing mother (Catherine O’Hara) devises a plan to find Penelope a blue-blooded suitor willing to overlook her grotesque appearance. But after suffering through an endless parade of would-be suitors, Penelope decides to break free from her shielded existence and heads out into the world. In time, she discovers that things are not always as they seem, and what she's been looking for all along, may be closer than she ever imagined. Also starring James McAvoy and Reese Witherspoon, Penelope premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, and marks the directorial debut of Mark Palansky. Last week, via long-distance phone call from her home in Santa Monica, Christina Ricci offered The Medium a look inside the film. The film has a rather familiar fairytale concept to it but with a slightly different angle and twist. Tell us about that. I thought it was interesting; it was funny, romantic, but above all, it had a really important message to get across – this value of self-acceptance. I mean sure, you could say it’s [type of film] been done before, but I thought the writer (Leslie Caveny) did a really smart job in using a very traditional structure to form and relay a really powerful statement.
I was certainly intrigued by it. I’m just so sick of all the negative imagery in some of the films these days. I read the script and I definitely liked the twist at the end. I thought it was interesting how it didn’t come off as preachy at all, and yet people, especially women, could actually walk away with something to think about. Would men be impacted by the film the same way as women? Well, I’m not sure. It’s definitely a very basic, universal message – this whole idea of how it’s great to be different and the value of individuality. The film was made by a man and he totally connected with it, so, I mean, there’s a lot to take from the film to celebrate who we are. You’ve played a lot of “heavy” roles so far in your career; in Prozac ation and most recently Black Snake Moan. Do you balance the roles you choose, and perhaps maybe did this film to sort of “lighten” things up?
(Sigh) You know that interview was such a long time ago. I was a teenager then, and I think I just said what I said to be obnoxious – back then, I always wanted to give the sort of answers that weren’t expected. I do regret that, because that quote won’t go away.
subconscious level, the clothes you wear and the way you look on set gradually seeps in and sort of becomes who you are.
It was a natural thing to have happened. In a way, yes, I do think about it and it does direct me. And that’s another great thing about this career, you get to experiment with a lot of things. I don’t think I could physically do all drama.
Preparing for the role, did you have trouble relating to Penelope’s situation?
Hah! No, but sometimes during breaks, I’d walk across to the Starbucks and it would still be on. But I always remembered just in time, luckily.
So what usually attracts you to accepting a role? Is it the story, the director? It depends. If Martin Scorsese offered me a role, I wouldn’t really bother reading the script, I’d just say ‘yeah, sure.’ (laughs) But it’s usually the story and the script. I like a good message, to maybe do something important so to speak. You once said in an interview that you’d like to play a psycho killer one day, are you still searching for that role?
Well, no, not at all. I mean, we all have our insecurities. I’m really shy – that’s just one of my insecurities (laughs), so yeah, in a way I could relate. And that’s one of the great things about the film. I mean the pig nose is just a metaphor, our insecurities could be anything. It’s all about not placing restrictions on yourself, and that vanity is really a silly thing. It’s how you express yourself that’s important. And my character in the film comes to realize this as she gradually gets to know herself through her paintings and art.
Did you ever walk off the set with the pig nose still on?
How was working with the other members? Catherine O’Hara must’ve been a hoot. She is as fun to work with as she is to watch! She’s actually one of my favourite actresses. It was a fun cast to work with, not to mention talented. James McAvoy is such a good actor, and, of course, there was Reese Witherspoon who was simply great on and off the set.
The make-up must have helped you settle into character.
This was also Mark Palansky’s first feature film. How was it like to be part of that?
Yeah, absolutely (laughs). On some
We got along really well; he and I actu-
ally like a lot of the same things. He’s incredibly proficient and savvy. It was his first time dealing with actors, but you really couldn’t tell. He has such a wonderful collaborative approach; he really makes you feel like you’re working with a peer. You’ve done a lot of artistic movies in the past, where does this one compare? There are actually a lot of modern elements in the film, in the theme and also visually. There’s a very specific production design to it. I know Mark [Palansky] was very much inspired by Tim Burton in that sense. The film is just beautiful to look at. It has a really colourful and vibrant texture. Having played a pig-nosed girl, what do you feel self-acceptance is? I think it’s when you like being by yourself. It’s when you can find a way to be a great companion to yourself.
Penelope is set to open in theatres across the GTA on Feb 29th.
Strange eclectic sounds
CD Review The Dry Heeves - 420 ASHISH SETH
Did you ever wonder what would happen if The Pixies, The Sex Pistols, The Beatles, Husker Du, and Pink Floyd with Syd Barrett went insane and were
thrown into a mental asylum where they went on LSD field trips for recreation? Answer: The Dry Heeves. Thrashy, distorted, experimental, and mental, The Dry Heeves are a band from Nova Scotia, Canada that have been around since the mid-1980s. They describe themselves as social analysts that spill their theories into the medium of sound, specifically spewing psychedelic, experimental rock out of their axes to enlighten us and make us question the vicissitudes of Canadian capitalist life. Their latest zeitgeist, 420, bombards you with unorganized, dirty, thrash punk metal with just enough “pop” to keep you listening. The album is unadulterated and irrational – experimental music that numbs your ear drums as the sound textures thrash to create moisture out of the pores your skin. Sadly however, it is packed with experiments gone wrong.
The record squiggles between thrash punk and Pink Floyd’s The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (a huge influence), all muddled and mixed in with bad production values and even worse lyrics. In fact, if there was anything that put me off the album entirely, it was the lyrics. Big words and phrases sandwiched between clichés we’ve already heard on the latest Seether record. Phrases like, “Ooooh! Astral projection…,” and “Aaaaah! Solace Rejection…” followed by “Fuck all this bullshit, fuck this world, yeah!” One track, “Halifux,” is numb guitar instrumental with a robot cursing a myriad of variations on the word ‘fuck’. Embarrassment lurks right after every spark of creativity like in the song “Oh Candahar.” White noise spews from the rhythm guitar with a numbing complementing guitar solo that veers through the mosquitoes and flies off the white
noise. And then, the vocals kick in about the War in Afghanistan and how it’s bad, how it’s an oil scheme, and how political people suck. First of all, isn’t Candahar spelt with a “k”? The lyrics sound like he’s reading headlines out of the Globe and Mail while on LSD. Like an ignorant kid who just picked up his dad’s copy of The Economist, thinking he’s “mister political man” to quote from the song. Lack of production value on the album is almost too telling. You know the recording studio sucked or the producer did a bad job mixing, mastering, and producing when the guitar volume lowers when the vocals come in and then rises again when the vocals end. Some of the musicianship is off-beat because it’s either poor, or it was mixed very badly. There are highlights, mixed in there with the songs that project no light at all.
“Oh Candahar” is rapid musicianship even if the lyrics hover around it like bugs near a light. “Jackrabbit Blues”, “Bras d’or bu”, and “Myspace Girl” all sound very promising under the bad production and mixing, like lifeboats in an ocean of bad experimentation. The Heeves also attempt a cover of The Beatles’ “Flying,” but the 18-minute “Acid Casualty” comes off as “Revolution 9” with jungle beats. The record sounds like a trip on LSD. With little to offer, most of the material is from a band trying to be something they haven’t yet become. The Dry Heeves are promising but their experimental leanings are confused – experimentation just for the sake of it? You have to know what you’re experimenting before you experiment.
Monday, February 11, 2008
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ARTS
The social significance Theatre Erindale performs rare production of Ibsen`s Pillars of Society
ALI KASIM A&E EDITOR “Look into any man's heart you please, and you will always find, in every one, at least one black spot which he has to keep concealed.” – Karsten Bernick Henrik Ibsen wrote many socially “realistic” plays in his time, none more so than Pillars of Society. Despite being seldom revived in theatre – it is perhaps too long for today’s tastes – it bears, more than anything else Ibsen has written, overwhelming contemporary relevance. It is little wonder why Ibsen is acknowledged as the father of modern drama. Hypocrisy, opportunist exploitation, small-town gossip and greed – the themes of Pillars are none too foreign to today’s audiences.
Indeed, the adaptation by Theatre Erindale’s Artistic Director Patrick Young stayed close to the original version, even preserving as much of the nineteenth century language as possible. Only at the end of the play was there a significant tweak, providing for a slightly less inferable ending and leaving more to the “psychic space.” Directed by Heinar Piller, the play is set in 1870s Norway, in the seaport home of Karsten Bernick. Bernick (Mark Koelsch) is a businessman who is to himself, and everyone around him, a true “pillar of society.” He allows his home to be used as a base for a women’s folk group that prescribes to the teachings of Mr. Rorland (Ryan Fisher), a puritanical schoolmaster. But while the women-folk are busy sewing in the living room, Bernick is busy putting together an ambitious railway project that will
connect the town to land he has secretly bought up. All plans and secret schemes seem to be going well until the end of Act I, when his old flame Lona (Tamara Chandon) and her half brother, Johan (Daniel Bowers), return unexpectedly from America. In no time, the dark secrets of Bernick’s past are revealed: Johan had once fled the country after taking the rap for Bernick’s dubious sexual liaison and financial scandal. When Johan returns, he wants the truth revealed so that he may take the hand of love interest Dina, the daughter of the famous actress whom Johan apparently had an affair with. Bernick, for fear of social and financial ruin, won’t spill the beans, and begins to panic when Johan threatens to make public pieces of evidence of the truth. Pillars of Society requires some close listening, particularly because of
the large cast and the lavish amount of that the power-hungry Bernick is dialogue. The play picks up pace and reformed? That’s up to the cynic or intensity in the second act, when the optimist in you to decide. The play characters’ relations become clearer however, makes obvious from start to end that this is the work of a master and Bernick’s hysteria sets in. In typical Theatre Erindale fashion, playwright (and again, credit must go performances were top-notch across to Mr. Young’s fine adaptation). The the board. A couple of dropped lines clarity of the writing, the urgency of on occasion weren’t enough to deny the story being told and the fine perforKoelsch and Conor Walton (in the mances give this enthralling play a role of Uncle Hilmar) high marks for sharp dramatic impact and a plain-spotheir consistent and carefully-balanced ken beauty. It is surely the stand-out of performances. There’s also very strong Theatre Erindale’s 2007-2008 season support from Lisa Hood (who bears an thus far uncanny resemblance to Meryl Streep) and Megan Poole as Martha and Betty; Bernick’s sister and wife respectively. The show, however, belonged to Tamara Chandon, who portrayed a very affecting Lona. The alluring Chandon delivers every line perfectly, never over- or underdoing the emotion required. With flawless timing and immaculate stage flair, Chandon made every scene she was in hers. And stealing the limelight from such a fine ensemble is no easy feat. The play’s ending has been the subject of controversy since it was written. It ends almost abruptphotos/Jim Smagata ly, without much disThe turning point: Mark Koelsch and Tamara Chandon play of consequence as Karsten and Lona. – are we to assume
8 THE MEDIUM
Monday, February 11, 2008
ARTS
V for vagina UTM`s Women’s Centre gears for their second production of The Vagina Monologues RAFAY AGHA ASSISTANT ARTS EDITOR
“It all s t a r t ed m an y m o o n s a g o when I came out of a vagina and was, like, glorious!” says Lauren Cullen, director of UTM’s second annual production of The Vagina Monologues. Cullen speaks candidly about her initial connection to the show, its creator Eve Ensler, and how bringing the production to UTM was her civic calling. “As a theatre piece it was beautiful,” she says. “As I slowly began to dive into my studies as a women and gen d e r s t u d i es m a j o r a n d learned more about the cause of VDay, it compelled me even more. In second y e a r , I w e n t t o se e T h e Vagina M o n o l o g u e s a t G u e l p h University and was so blown away by the live reactions of the audience and the way the stories translate on stage – I knew that UTM needed something like that.” Her passion, commitment and excitement are mimicked by her two cohorts: Rebecca Marshall, producer, and Jeehov Hernandez, token male and organizer of VaginART, a pendant to the actual Monologues. Sitting down between rehearsals and quilting (I’ll get to that later), the three organizers finish each other’s sentences and share an expanding vision for years to come. “Like Clubs Week, we want The Monologues to be something you can count on to happen on campus every year,” says Marshall. “Joining with the Women’s Centre this year has made it a lot easier to make that a possibility.” “As it happens more and more each year, we want it to get better and different than the year before,” adds Cullen. “The cool thing about The Monologues is that there’s a different theme and spotlight cause every year. This year the theme is ‘Women of New Orleans’ but each year is very different.” Keep i n g w i t h w o m en i n N e w Orleans before and after Katrina, this year’s theme explores the hidden impoverished conditions that were always there, yet revealed by way of the storm. Also different year to year is the list of pe r fo r m e rs an d h o w t h e monologues are staged. “This year we have a lot of new cast m em b er s . T h e h e ad o f t h e women and gender studies department, Joan Simalchik, is in the play as well. So we have a variety of different women performing,” says Marshall. “Even the experienced cast has branched out into different roles this year,” adds Hernandez. “Yeah, nobody is doing the same piece. We’re doing a lot of musical additions this year; the art show is the oth e r h u g e t h i n g , ” f i n i s h es Marshall. “[vaginART in CCT] is really a place that women can express themselves artistically but not in the sense of ‘Oh, this is woman,’” says Cullen. Using the magic of Facebook, Hernandez managed to pool together a large amount and variety of artworks in all forms and mediums from w o m e n i n t h e G T A a n d beyond. Staged in the angular CCT (conveniently shaped architecturally like a ‘V,’ Hernandez points out
with a smirk) the art showcase is planned to reenact the flow of a period, eventually dispersing as it goes along. “Heavier, when you get into the second day of your period, as I like to call it!” chimes Cullen invoking giggles all around. “It gave me an opportunity to flex my art history background. I just wanted to have a lot of diverse artists in [the show]. There are several professional artists, but I wanted it to be more encompassing, showing women can have different styles,” says Hernandez. “ O h … a nd t h ey’ll be s old as posters!” chirps Marshall. S i n c e th e o riginal series of m o no l o g u e s w ritten by Ensler d e b u t e d i n 19 98, T he Vagina M o n o l o g ues ha s promoted high s c h o o l , co l l e g e and university
Is the word “vagina” shocking? Offensive even? In a world of “vajay-jays,” are we afraid of the big “V?”
involvement in events. All money raised through The Monologues is donated towards a local charity. T hi s y ea r , a l l proceeds will be donated to The Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel (SARCCP) and ten per cent towards the aforementioned spotlight cause. “A larger vision of ours is, we spend the least amount of money possible on this production and we donate everything. We’re really proud of that because we feel that we’re staying true to the integrity of the actual vision,” says Cullen. “SARCCP does a lot of work through high schools. Their mantra focuses on the idea of being a survivor and not a victim. They work with survivors of battery or abuse. It happens to a lot of women and we don’t recognize it because we think its okay or we think it’s not a big deal or don’t feel comfortable talking about it – so their work is very important to our community,” says Marshall, visibly passionate about the cause. “ N o r t h A m e r ican women are treated as the shock-absorbers of cultural conflict or political conflict,” adds Cullen. “Violence cuts across all races, all classes, all abilities, and it is so unspoken about in our community.” Because their message is so vast and a ll -e nc ompassing, The Monologues have moved to a larger venue this year: room 1080 in CCT. But considering the complications of such large venues, would the personal stories get lost in the largest lecture hall on the UTM campus? “ T h e s t o r i e s are really compelling. The storytelling element allows the audience to remain really connected with the piece because i t ’ s n o t t h e a t r ic really,” says Marshall, almost defensive. “It’s a different form of theatricality. The stories are so beautiful on their own that they bring a form of intimacy no matter where they’re done,” adds Cullen. “So you have 500 people listening to a woman talk about her menstruation or her experience of rape camp – really
unspoken things that we don’t talk about a lot publicly – to do it in front of 500 people really kind of throws your senses.” “The subject matter makes it intimate regardless of how many people are there,” continues Marshall. “Because we had more time this year to get organized, we built a real strong sense of community with the women we’re working with.” As promised, here is where the quilt comes in. “One of the ideas that we had was making the quilt,” says Marshall now eyeing the rolled-up quilt lying across the table. Patchwork quilt-making is a tradition in the American south, predominant in Louisiana. “We invited all the cast members to bring f riends and had one rehearsal night dedicated to everyone making their own piece for the quilt. It’s very symbolic, but it’s also participating in a tradition of women that we share a sisterhood with, but don’t necessarily know,” says Marshall. “We’ve all really become close and I’ve made a lot of really great friends and it’s just really awesome to be able to experience that in the context of what we’re doing.” Is the word “vagina” shocking? Offensive even? In a world of “vajay-jays,” are we afraid of the big :“V?” “I think so, but I’ve never had that stigma with that word myself; I dunno,” says Hernandez. “I actually told my cousins about the project. I explained it to them and yesterday my aunt calls and they’re yelling ‘vagina, vagina, vagina!’ from the back seat of their car. But to them, there’s nothing sexual about it because they’re seven and nine. I think that sexual aspect is what scares certain people,” recounts Marshall. “When you see the play, the stories of the woman aren’t offensive, it personalizes the vagina and it takes the edge away,” says Cullen. “Even if you just talk and start a dialogue about it, that’s all we can ask.” So what can men take away with them from attending The Vagina Monologues? “Men need to know this isn’t a woman’s issue -it’s a human rights issue. That’s why we really want men to come [and] say ‘I, among all these women, will not stand for violence against anyone,’” says Cullen at her most enthusiastic. “It’s not a man-hating thing, it’s not about women because of their relation to men – it’s about women on their own.” T he Vagina Monologues and vaginART take place on February 14 and 15 in room 1080 CCT and the lobby. Tickets are sold through the Women’s Centre in the North Building or at the door for $10 (availability pending). A raffle will be held for prizes. Volunteer and performing opportunities for next year are available. For further information ab ou t the ev ent, the Women’s Centre, or The Vagina Monologues contact Rebecca Marsh all at rebecca@vsquaredv.com. As for the quilt, a sea of sprawling vaginas in all shapes, sizes and colours, it will be used as the backdrop during performances.
photo source/Jeehov Hernandez
A photo by Monica Chlus - one of the many pieces that will be on display at the vaginART show.
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THE MEDIUM 9
Monday, February 11, 2008
Features NIKITA KING, EDITOR | features@mediumonline.ca
Caught in celebrity hype With Hollywood making headlines, celebrity life is often being presented to kids as reality. Even adults are often drawn into the celebrity buzz, nosey for celebrity gossip. The finger can’t always blame the press and reporters. Public hype is what drives these celebrity dramas to make top stories. This obsession with celebrities raises serious questions about how much we actually value merit. Why do we pay so much attention to celebrities who have questionable talent and have contributed nothing to sociillustration/Claudia Infusino ety? Yet, most of us pay little interest to serious KAREN AHKTAR issues in developing countries. There are so many homeless people in our society who have issues of mental The year 2007 was the year of the and emotional illness to deal with. But celebrity breakdown. It seemed like Britney Spears hitting the mental house everybody was fascinated with the per- attracts more concerned people than sonal lives of Britney Spears, Paris someone walking into a pole. The obsession with celebrities also Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan, who were all spiraling out of control. Almost every- toys with the minds of young children. body wanted to play the role of saviour The advertising industry has capitalized when it came to dealing with a celebrity the new “Tween” market, directed at crisis. Even Dr. Phil has turned the children ages 8-12. Children are being celebrity breakdown into a cash grab. taught to buy into celebrity-endorsed
materialism, which is a clear sign that our society is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to raising children with real values. Recently, the Pussycat Dolls created controversy when they approached Mattel about promoting dolls of themselves to young girls. The deal fell flat when feminist organization Dads and Daughters stopped Mattel from making the dolls. The organization pointed out the sexually provocative message the Pussycat Dolls were conveying. We are now living in a generation where girls as young as five are obsessed with being thin and sexy. Tank tops, tight pants, and shiny make-up are now readily available for young girls, courtesy of sexually provocative celebrities. Ironically, we turn around and complain that young girls are becoming shallow, while we encourage celebrity obsession as being normal. If we truly believe in a society that is based on merit and values, we must challenge the Hollywood fantasy that is being presented as a desirable reality. If fame, beauty and money truly evoked positive change, there would be more celebrities like Princess Diana who used their fame to help fellow citizens in need. But since many celebrities choose to abuse and commercialize their fame, you should be careful not to buy into it. The obsession with celebrities is causing our society to fall into a state of moral anomie, and it is time to stand up for people and values that actually matter.
illustration/Claudia Infusina
Creative Corner Learn to swim The weekend, on dry land. The weekdays, submerged. Tide comes in, tide goes out. People come in, people go out. Time is the span between dry land and sea salt. Monday, Swept away, Tuesday,
floating in a desert. Wednesday, submerged in murky water. Thursday, on current, going home. Friday, Welcoming party. The weekend, on dry land. Time is the life span between dry land and sea salt. - Ashish Seth
10 THE MEDIUM
Monday, February 11, 2008
FEATURES
Love & learn NIKITA KING FEATURES EDITOR
To live “happily ever after” is one of the greatest deceptions of fairy tales. It entices many of us to dream of a love that is a bed of sweet, velvet petals. But there is a forbidden zone most fairy tales deliberately ignore; a rose’s hidden thorns - the censored reality. We never get to hear about how Cinderella’s possible obsession with cleaning the castle gets on Prince Charming’s nerves. Neither do we hear about how Snow White’s possible arrogance over her title, “fairest of em’ all,” clashes with her prince’s modesty. Let’s not forget the Little Mermaid. A rainbow seals the end of her “happily ever after” story before we can even hear about how her possible goal of becoming a professional dancer conflicts with her prince’s dreams of becoming the world’s greatest fisherman. But then we have Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet – a legendary love story. By touching on very human tragedies such as loss and pain, the play confesses the truth in emotional struggles that help us deeply appreciate the beauty of love. It’s the very unexplainable force that inspires us to go beyond our comfort zone for the sake of another. Often best understood in the feeling it evokes, it’s what inspires heroes to die for others, parents to give up their dreams to focus on their children, and for lovers to bring out the best in each other. Despite love’s abstract form, its mysterious ways have moved me to share the opinions of others. Professor Dax Urbszat, a psychology lecturer at the University of Toronto Mississauga, and Essen Mustapha, a second-year philosophy major at the St. George campus, share their thoughts on the concept of romantic love: Q: What is your definition of love? Urbszat: That is definitely not something that is easy to define. I don’t see it as a noun or thing. I prefer to see it as a verb; an action based upon how we treat others, like giving without expecting anything in return. However, it definitely is very subjective. Essen: I don’t think you can really define love, though I can say it exists - I’m quite sure of that. I’m not a fan of defining things; I’d only be limiting my understanding of such an important subject. I’d see it as taking a leap of faith and reaching beyond our own alienation to connect with another. Love isn’t always reasonable, it can be an irrational emotional experience. Nietzsche says it succinctly: “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” Q: Research claims that people who are similar tend to attract each other. How far do you think opposites can attract? As different as two people are in a long-lasting relationship, I tend to find that their morals and values are often very similar. Urbszat: Research shows that people who are alike in as many ways as possible tend to have long-lasting relationships. An attraction based on extreme difference is sometimes what we call fatal attraction. This is when the difference deviates so much from what you’re accustomed to that it becomes a novelty. But studies show that such differences can lead to clashes that can cause too many problems. Ultimately you shouldn’t be compromising your fundamental principles. Essen: I think when attraction occurs there is amicability. And, there’s no reason why opposites cannot attract and be complementary. But this is all relative to the level of open-mindedness and comfort of the individual. The only danger I see with being attracted with opposites is that one
may fetishize the other, like some erotic exotic which would be more akin to a selfserving infatuation rather than love of other. But the same can be said for just going for like traits, since going after what it only normative to yourself can be rather myopic and again imposing. Both points bring to light the flaws of even talking in terms of similar or opposite, since they both fail to appreciate each other but remain entangled with expectation rather than understanding each other. Q: How would you describe the difference between infatuation and love? Urbszat: Time usually makes that distinction. Especially when it comes to relationships that started out on a nice physical attraction. As time goes by the physical attraction usually dies down, and further attraction depends on whether an emotional intensity develops after this time. Essen: Basically infatuation is a self serving gaze that idealizes and imposes the needs of the individual in the other; it’s akin to “when a thief sees a saint, all he sees is pockets.” On the other hand, love is about accepting the other without destroying their otherness, but accepting and attempting to understand the person they’re in love with.
“We need people who can appreciate us as we are, because that helps us to accept ourselves.” - Professor Dax Urbszat Q: It’s been proven that people constantly rate love as being one of the strongest predictors of happiness. Can this not become a rather unhealthy happiness if people then rely on another person for happiness? Urbszat: Well love is a need. And I mean all kinds of love, such as social acceptance, companionate love, romantic love, [are] important. Some people can live without it but humans are social beings, and we need people who can appreciate us as we are because that helps us to accept ourselves. People need someone to share their emotions, shame, and thoughts with. Essen: Having love in one’s life can make an individual happy, but it doesn’t solely reside in the other; one shouldn’t perceive another as a means to an end. But I do want to make the distinction that love is separate from any notion of happiness and may not always coincide with each other. When it works, a connection is made where two individuals, however distinct, form a third shared identity - a relationship. But all this hypothetical theorizing makes love sound like filing for my taxes.
photo/Derek Delisle
The unidentified object that Derek Delisle found in his drink has the Canadian health board investigating the situation.
Coke mishap? MAYSSIA ELAJAMI
illustration/McGiven Muchindu
Q: Love is clearly a complex subject to study because it is something that does not have physical properties. Do you personally think that love has a spiritual aspect? And what are your views on soul mates? Urbszat: Well, there is no evidence that suggests that soul mates exist. And, these clichés about being in love is a oncein-a-lifetime experience and these theories on “love at first sight” are rather rare. I don’t really think much about the topic of “soul mates” and predetermined destiny. Essen: I’m not sure about soul mates. I do believe love is something that develops over time and it definitely has something more to it than some evolutionary function. Now the nature of that ‘something more’ is a whole other kettle of fish. It definitely has an emotional thing that goes much deeper. But not as intense as the music video for Lionel Richie’s “Hello” where he literally believes love is blind by following a blind girl around. Not joking, it’s on YouTube. Q: What do you think are key determinants of a long-lasting relationship? Urbszat: I think it’s important to find someone who has similar beliefs that are fundamentally important to you. Also intimacy and spending time with each other is a key factor in keeping the relationship. However, an equal effort needs to be made to maintain the relationship; otherwise if one person is pulling all the weight, that person will feel like he/she has been taken for granted. Essen: My past relationships really bring to light that I’m certainly no expert. Love is something we all need to reflect on. I believe that honesty, communication, and being able to accept one another are key determinants to a healthy relationship.
When you think of Coca-Cola you probably think of a nice refreshing drink, ice-cold and pleasing to the taste buds. But what if you found something rattling at the bottom of your drink, something that you least expected to find? On January 20, Derek Delisle, a personal fitness trainer at Goodlife Fitness in Burlington, purchased a Coca-Cola product - a sugar-free RockStar - at an International Papers convenience store. He was enjoying his drink until he encountered an unpleasant surprise rattling at the bottom of the can: a foul-tasting, hardened lump, the size of a date seed. Unsure of what to call it, Derek labeled it as an unidentified object. Considering how tightly sealed the can was, it seemed highly unusual for something of this nature to occur. Disgusted with what he found, Derek contacted the Coca-Cola Company looking for answers. After failing to reach a representative, he left a message, and was later contacted by Lyne Budd from Consumer Affairs. After Derek described what he found in his drink, Budd explained that it is impossible for something like this to happen due to their strict quality control. She gave him that impression that he must have deliberately placed the unidentified object inside his drink. In order to keep the issue low key, she sent him a coupon for a free case of Coca-Cola products. “She simply tried to brush it off. She insulted me with the free case of coke. The coupon had a value of $8.99, the cost of two 12-packs of Coke,” explained Derek. “What I wanted was information on what this could be. Maybe an apology as well,” he added. Derek refused to keep quiet. He wanted to know what was going on. He contacted the health board to make a complaint, and within 24 hours he was contacted at his place of employment by inspector Larry Cheung. Upon speaking to Cheung, Derek was asked to provide a bit of information on the product such as where the product was purchased, and whether he suffered any illness after consumption. The next day, Mr. Cheung met with
Derek to collect the can and the unidentified object in order to investigate the case. In total, it only took the health board 48 hours to take the case. Mr. Cheung explained that the health board would be investigating the store in order to find out whether it had received a bad batch of products. This way, other cans that may have been contaminated could be eliminated. Their investigation would also look into the date the drink was made and whether any of the products were imported. Lastly, the health board will keep track of whether this incident is a common occurrence. Derek was told that if it was an isolated incident, they may not be able to do anything.
“Well, now I prefer clear bottles as opposed to cans. This company left a bad taste in my mouth - no pun intended- so I will probably choose another company’s product due to the way I was treated.” - Derek Delisle Derek claimed that the occurrence did change the way he views Coca-Cola products. “Well, now I prefer clear bottles as opposed to cans. This company left a bad taste in my mouth no pun intended - so I will probably choose another company’s product due to the way I was treated,” Derek complained. “If someone were to encounter another situation like the one I did, I would recommend that they report it right away. I really like the way the health board is currently handling the issue,” he said. The health board continues to stay in contact with Derek through e-mail, sending him more questions to help them out on their investigation. Although this may be a rare incident or freak accident, it is important to report anything of such a nature to the health board. By keeping track of any such occurances,the health board can take action if it becomes a regular occurance.
THE MEDIUM 11
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sports ROBERT SILVA, EDITOR | sports@mediumonline.ca
UTM rowers pull long and hard JAMES JOSEPH WALKER
The annual Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships (CIRC) took place this Sunday, February 3, at York University, and UTM’s Varsity Rowing Team once again made a strong showing. With thousands of athletes participating in cities across the country, the UTM ro w ers s p r i n t e d t o t w o s e c o n d place victories, while rowers from our downtown campus brought in an add itio n al tw o s ilv er s an d a bronze medal. Competitors raced 1,000 or 2,000 meters on indoor rowing machines synchronized with a central computer system, while large screen TVs displayed their real-time progress as boats moving down virtual lanes. The event was intense, with seeding orders designed to place the strongest athletes beside one another for fiercer competition. Hundreds of spectators cheered as UTM’s Michelle Bradbury fought against Jaclyn Halko of the University of Western Ontario, finishing second in the lightweight women’s category with a time of 7:43.2 – just 1.7 seconds behind her rival. Michael Braithwaite, from the UTM/UTTC men’s heavy OUA
bronze eight, came second in the under-23 age category, while Dennis Hartung, who trains with the UTM crew, took the gold medal. Mike Harowicz, also from the downtown eight, scored another impressive second place in the senior heavyweight category, with a time of 6:11.2, and Dan Elliot smashed into third place in the lightweight men’s category. The final battle of the day took place in the men’s club four event, which involved 12 teams and a total of 48 rowers. The UTM crew started off strong and moved up steadily through the competition. Other crews began to tire and fell behind as UTM broke out alongside Leander Boat Club. After a desperate struggle, the crew finished a close second with a time of 3:08.0 – only 1.5 seconds behind Leander. Many of the rowers, both novice and varsity, came away from the competition having set personal records, and are already t r a in i n g f o r t h e O n t a r i o I n d o o r Rowing Championships next month. On February 15, UTM’s varsity rowers will showcase their sport on campus as they take part in a fund raising “ergathon.” The athletes will spend in excess of four hours on indoor rowing machines to reach a marathon distance of
42,195 meters. All are welcome to come by, watch, and even test out their own skills on the rowing machines. The crew will compete at the Dad Vail Regatta in May (the largest collegiate regatta in
Shaq set to shine under the desert sun KYLE WHITNEY One of the most dominant players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history is making his return to the Western Conference to help lead the Phoenix Suns to a NBA championship. Shaquille O’Neal has been a force in the NBA ever since the Orlando Magic picked the talented center with the first pick in the 1992 NBA entry draft. He has won numerous awards, and four NBA titles: three with the Los Angeles Lakers, and one with the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat have struggled this season and Shaq has battled nagging hip and knee injuries which made the future Hall-of-Famer expendable for the last place heat. Many teams inquired about the services of O’Neal, but the Phoenix Suns were able to land one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. They did, however, pay a hefty price as the team parted ways with Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks sending them to Miami. Marion will help the Heat short term, but being the bottom dwellers in the Eastern Conference, the Heat have a lot of rebuilding to do to become a force in the East. The trade was considered a move to counteract the trade that happened earlier on in the week, sending Pao Gasol to the Lakers. This move by the Suns gives them the presence they need at the center position. This also allows Amare
Stoudimire to move back to his natural position of power forward. “This team has always been there in the Western Conference. They just couldn't quite get over the hump. I think with my experience and my on the court, off the court leadership, I can help them get over the hump,” said O’Neal.
Leandro Barbosa that would have made a solid run through the playoffs. But with the addition of the “Great Aristotle,” the Suns are a major threat to win what will be Shaq’s fifth NBA championship. Teams like defending champs San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers all have significant centres, and history has shown that the centre position is key to playoff success. The only question surrounds Shaquille O’Neal: how serious are his injuries? The Suns training staff is considered one of the best in the NBA, helping players like Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill overcome what were possible career-ending injuries. So Shaq’s nagging hip and knee injuries are in good hands. “The Sun will rise in Phoenix,” said O’Neal. With Shaq motivated more than ever to prove his critics wrong, and phoyo/nba.com having one of the best Shaquille O’Neal poses with the newest addition to point guards in the game his wardrobe. running the floor - Steve The Suns already had a strong core Nash - the Suns may have made the steal group of players, including two-time of the season, and a NBA Championship MVP Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, could possibly be as bright as the Sun in Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Grant Hill, and Phoenix.
North America), and hope participate in the Canadian National Championships in Vancouver this fall. This past year, they came away with fourth-, fifth-, and sixthplace finishes in the finals.
Rowing is UTM’s only varsity sport. Recruiting takes place yearround and no experience is required. More information can be found at www.utmrowing.com.
photo/James Joseph Walker
12 THE MEDIUM
A V L I S
SAYS Let us remember the Busby ROBERT SILVA
United manager Alex Ferguson and current Red Devil players joined the survivors and relatives of the victims at a memorial service at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Red Devil fans gathered and staged a ceremony at the crash
were lucky.” Supporters, family and former players gathered to leave bouquets, replica jerseys. Speeches were also given to recall memories of the There are times where it seems that team. winning and losing are the only Speakers recalled Duncan concerns in athletics. For Edwards, Roger Byrne, many people, that very Geoff Bent, Eddie well may be. But February Colman, David Pegg, 6 marked the anniversary Mark Jones, Liam "Billy" of an occasion where athWhelan and Tommy letes and supporters worldTaylor, as well as the wide, took a moment to eight journalists and realize that some things seven other officials and are more important than a supporters who perished game; that life is more from the crash. important than a game. Matt Busby and four of February 6, 1958 the surviving players marked the Munich disashave since passed on, but ter that rocked the sports the remaining five world. A plane carrying “Busby Babes” -the Manchester United Charlton, Bill Foulkes, Football Club crashed at a Harry Gregg, Albert photo/manutd.com Munich airport claiming Scanlon and Kenny 23 lives, including eight Supporters of Manchester United Football Club hold a Morgans – were at the members of the 1958 team. club banner, during a commemoration ceremony at the service. Following a European Cup site where the crash took place 50 years ago. A banner was raised game against Red Star this past Sunday at Old Belgrade, the plane carryTrafford before a game ing the English team stopped off to scene in Trudering, on the outskirts agianst United’s most hated rival, refuel in Munich, but crashed dur- of Munich. Manchester City. Unfortunately, ing a snow storm upon take-off. “It was the biggest team, the best Manchester United lost the game 2M a n a g e r M a t t B u s b y , w h o s e team, and it was just an unbeliev- 1, and usually a loss to Manchester young team became known as the able tragedy,” said Charlton, who City would spark the “boo’s” and “Busby Babes,” survived, along is currently a United director and at times fights, but fans cheered with former England great Bobby ambassador. “For the people who until the very end for their “Busby Charlton. survived, all we can say is that we Babes.” SPORTS EDITOR
Monday, February 11, 2008
SPORTS
Malkin fills the void CHRISTOPHER SA’D ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Controversy was everywhere during Crosby’s first week away from the Pittsburgh Penguins with his high ankle sprain injury. Hope was lost, with analysts and fans doubting the talent on the Penguins roster, but look where they are now. Ever since Sidney Crosby limped off the ice against the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 18, everyone thought the team was doomed. People said Malkin couldn’t support and lead the team and that the loss of Crosby would result in a drop in the standings. Ironically, it’s the opposite. But, there’s one question that still floats in the air: Is Crosby’s injury the first of many? Using the example of superstars like Peter Foresberg and the nowretired Jason Allison, Zigmund Palffy and Adam Deadmarsh, repeated injuries followed their primary injuries either to the ankles, shoulders or knees. This is the worry for the NHL’s poster boy, Sidney Crosby. It was good to see Crosby take a beating the last two seasons with no injuries, especially because you don’t want to see such talent leave the hockey world, but there was always the question: if Crosby got injured what would happen to the Penguins? Sidney Crosby is the face and leading scorer of the Penguins, but without him, they aren’t doing so bad. The Penguins have won five of
Dan Hamilton/Vantage Point
The Majors will be hosting “Paint the Rink Pink” during the game to help raise awareness for breast cancer Wednesday night at the Hershey Centre when they host the Guelph Storm. The puck drops at at 7 p.m. A portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. So put on some pink and come out to support this great cause.
their last nine games, a record that’s above .500 without the NHL’s most valuable player. Ever since Crosby was placed on the injured reserve (IR), Malkin stepped up as the man; exactly what Coach Michel Therrien expected. Malkin has 17 points in the last 9 games with the absence of Crosby. However, Malkin’s presence isn’t quite as strong as Crosby’s in the centre position, as Malkin’s faceoff winning percentage sits at 45.6%, a mark that isn’t what you would call stellar. Though Malkin does bear the majority of the weight, he isn’t on his own. Mark Eaton finally returned
When Crosby returns, will the team fall apart and depend on him?
from his injury, which is a plus for the defensive core. Both Jordan Staal and Ryan Malone are netting some points again, not to the extent as Malkin, but Staal has five points in the last nine games and Malone has taken on the role of power forward role, scoring five goals and nine points in the past nine games. It almost seems that Crosby’s been holding these guys back and hogging all the ice time. Malkin, Malone and Staal are nothing short of a revelation that happened at the perfect time. Crosby’s absence seemed to have turned the Penguin’s rockets on, and the overshadowed stars finally broke out of their shells. Now is a perfect time to assess the team before the trade deadline and perhaps attempt to fill the holes and put together a run for the Stanley Cup. Offense was never really a problem, except for Malkin’s consistency and Malone’s underachieved season. Now, Malkin is getting 1.89 points per game and Malone has been bumped up to the first line. But, will their performance be just as good upon Crosby’s return? Well, it should be the same if not better, especially because the team took top spot in the North Atlantic Division over the New Jersey Devils, without Crosby. When Crosby returns will the team fall apart and depend on him? Or is this just luck, even with Ty Conklin having one of his best seasons in his career? The Penguins are first in their division and if they can keep that spot until Sid the Kid returns, it’s not only impressive, but outstanding, once the reigning MVP gets back into the lineup. It was just a matter of time before the team felt the repercussions without Crosby, and they are doing pretty good as a cohesive team without him. Crosby just hit the ice again in practice, testing out his ankle, but it’s still going to be another two to three weeks until his return. However, if the Penguins can keep their good play and turn it into great–when Crosby returns—the Penguins will have a significant shot at Lord Stanley’s mug.