ontarion 18 mar 2010

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CSA Election Results: Visions of the new Executive

161.9

www.theontarion.com

Mar. 18 - 24, 2010

Rashaad Bhamjee

On March 15, five business students from the University of Guelph embarked on a challenge to raise awareness of homelessness. The rules are strict: they must sleep outdoors on campus and cannot purchase anything for the five consecutive days of the event. The only food they can eat hasv to be donated. Continued on page 5.

This week’s stories Israeli apartheid week revisited Page 3

Elliott Brood: A new Genevieve kind of country Lalonde Page 8 Page 15

INDEX

Arts & Culture Sports & Health Life Opinion Editorial Crossword Classified Community Listings

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IN FOCUS

Beckham injured, likely to miss World Cup

Isreali apartheid week revisited Opinions diverge when it comes to the use of ‘apartheid’ in connection to the Isreali state KELSEY RIDEOUT Several issues ago, the Ontarion covered Isreali Apartheid Week (IAW) and the related events taking place in Guelph between March 1 and 7. Due to the controversial and highly emotional nature of IsraeliPalestinian conflict, the Ontarion received some pointed criticism regarding the article we published entitled “Israeli Apartheid Week in Guelph: Critically Examining a Seemingly Never-Ending Conflict.” In keeping with the framework of “participatory journalism” that the Ontarion proudly operates under, we believe it is important to encourage public participation, while incorporating diverse opinions into the paper. To ensure this happens, we decided to ask several questions regarding IAW to two individuals with very distinct opinions.

Haley Gotfrid is a fourth-year political science student at the University of Guelph. Being from Israel and recently returning from a semester abroad in the Middle East, Gotfrid carries a personal perspectives as well as an academic background in politics.

“I support the right to freedom of speech, so I’m not directly opposed to Israeli Apartheid Week per say,” said Gotfrid, when asked if she was in support of IAW. “What I am directly opposed to is the language that’s intrinsically used within the group…I can tell you that Israel does not fit the legal definition of what apartheid really is. To describe it as ‘apartheid’ is where I take issue.”

‘Apartheid.’ Indeed it is a loaded and powerful word. It’s a

Anne Tabata

word directly associated with the decades of violent, institutional segregation that took place in South Africa. The word, however, in describing conflict between Israel and Palestine, seems to comprise a major part of the criticism towards IAW.

The language of “apartheid” is controversial, and when you look at the definition, it’s the entire political segregation of one race or class over another…I volunteered in Israel at a hospital where the chief was a Palestinian woman. There is integration and there are many opportunities that exist.

Haley Gotfrid

Fourth-year political science student

“The language of ‘apartheid’ is controversial, and when you look at the definition, it’s the entire political segregation of one race or

class over another…I volunteered in Israel at a hospital where the chief was a Palestinian woman.

There is integration and there are many opportunities that exist,” said Gotfrid. “I think it is used because it’s an inflammatory word that’s often associated with something that was truly a horrible period in South Africa history, and I think it’s a shame, and it’s a disgrace that it’s used in a situation that is not comparable to anything that was going on in South Africa.”

Gregory Shupak, an active organizer of IAW events and a PhD candidate in Literary and Theatre Studies in English at the University of Guelph, holds very diverging opinions from Gotfrid. To Shupak, ‘apartheid’ is justified when examining Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

“There’s a misconception that those of us who organized or participated in IAW are the ones who came up with the apartheid analogy. In fact, we are merely echoing what is a very common sentiment outside of North America,” said Shupak. “The word ‘apartheid’has been used to describe

Israel’s treatment of Palestinian people, especially in the occupied territories, by the UN…by Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu, by prominent Israeli journalists such as Amira Hass, by the Israeli daily Haaretz, and by the Israeli human rights group B’tselem.”

According to Shupak, the reason so many Canadians are unsteady with characterizing the conflict as apartheid boils down to politics and strategic interests.

“My guess is that it’s because the Canadian government and mainstream media are as stringently pro-Israel, or, more accurately, as anti-Palestinian, as any in the world, perhaps more so than Americans’. This creates an ideological climate in which many Canadians are afraid to publicly criticize Israel.”

Clearly, general opinion on IAW and whether it is appropriate to associate the word ‘apartheid’ with the Israeli state is far from synonymous. However, when discussing this topic with other individuals, there was one message that did appear unanimous: a deep longing for peace and stability.

SHAC approved, but HRO still has misgivings NICOLE ELSASSER After weeks of discussion, both in and out of Central Student Association (CSA) board meetings, the proposal for the new Student Help and Advocacy Centre (SHAC) has been approved and is now in effect.

SHAC, which is intended to improve student advocacy on the University of Guelph campus, brings together the Legal Resource Room (LRR), the Financial Resource Room (FRR), and the Human Rights Office (HRO). While the intention is to allow advocacy on campus to be more accessible and effective, some still feel that the new centre may be doing students a disservice.

Through the consultation process, and leading up to SHAC’s approval by the board, people close to the HRO had expressed concern that the new centre would not be able to provide the same level of focus

on human rights that is necessary.

This concern arises mainly out of the staffing arrangements outlined in the SHAC proposal; the paid positions call for less hours per week than HRO jobs entail, and much of the centre’s everyday maintenance and advocacy will be performed by volunteers.

According to Arden Hagedorn, the current HRO Coordinator, the centre’s reliance on CSA-trained volunteers is troubling.

“There is no screening process for volunteers outlined…office volunteers are to keep the office open for as long as possible, but they cannot provide advocacy because they will not be sufficiently trained to provide immediate, walk-in crisis support and advocacy for the variety of issues that may arise,” she said. “There is no mention of how many cases volunteers and staff are expected to manage each semester

and how the SHAC is going to ensure retention of volunteers if the work becomes too much of a time commitment or too stressful.”

Momina Mir, the CSA’s external affairs commissioner, has been one of the main forces behind the proposal for SHAC and maintains that any concerns related to the structure of the proposal can be dealt with and changed.

“One of the concerns that was raised was that the [SHAC] events coordinator position was only 10 hours as opposed to the current Human Right Office events coordinator which is 15 hours. That can always be evaluated and added at a later date. That’s something that we can deal with,” said Mir. As of now, Mir explained, SHAC is in effect and they will soon be hiring those who will staff the centre. After the positions are filled, the CSA will begin recruiting

3

volunteers and begin training them.

Mir explained that this should be done by the time that the current CSA executives leave office. Mir added that she invites feedback on the structure of SHAC. Despite the opportunity to weigh in on the particulars of SHAC’s structure, Hagedorn has her doubts about whether SHAC will be effective in advocating for students facing human rights violations.

“The severity of these cases [the HRO deals with] requires a staff member to work solely on them, without the risk of a volunteer quitting and the student being referred to someone else…[there’s] an integral focus on students’ rights in relation to human rights. This focus would be lost within the myriad of aspects of advocacy the Student Help and Advocacy Centre volunteer coordinator would be required to have.”

Soccer celebrity David Beckham was injured March 14 while playing in a match between against Chievo.

It was his second time on loan to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham, who had a few collisions with other players during the game, later dropped to the ground in pain during mid-kick in the centre circle, unchallenged. He limped off the field and was subsequently carried off in a stretcher. He left his hotel on the morning of Mar. ch15 on crutches and flew to Finland, where Dr. Sakari Orava confirmed that he had injured his Achilles tendon. Orava stated that the injury will necessitate surgery and several months of recuperation, thus destroying Beckham’s chances to play on England’s World Cup squad for a fourth time. Beckham responded on his website, thanking people for their support and stating his desire for “a swift and full recovery.” (BBC)

Sleep patterns may have genetic explanations Research suggests that genes might have to do with whether someone is a morning person or a night owl. Over the past few years, scientists have discovered certain genes in people who subscribe to particular sleep patterns. For example, a gene called hPer2 was found only in those who chose to sleep from 7:00 pm until 4:00 am. Another gene called Period 3, which controls a person’s internal clock, was longer in those who get up early and shorter in those who stay up late. Recently, the research group in Utah who classified hPer2 discovered DEC2-a circadian rhythm sleep gene that enables those with it to require only 6.6 hours of sleep nightly. (CBC)

Avatar re-release?

James Cameron and Fox movie studio are reportedly considering re-releasing Avatar this summer.

Cameron allegedly holds about forty minutes of footage that was not included in the final cut. The film, which currently stands at one hundred and sixty minutes (just over two and a half hours), could have approximately ten to twelve minutes of supplementary scenes added. The re-release would happen on both digital and IMAX screens. Over 80 per cent of Avatar’s current domestic earnings have come from from 3D screenings. With Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland bumping Avatar out of 3D equipped theatres, Cameron said that many theatre owners feel they lost a few hundred million dollars in possible Avatar revenue.

Avatar won three Academy Awards: Art Direction, Cinematography, and Visual Effects. It is the first movie to gross over two billion dollars, and the highest grossing movie of all time in North America, beating Cameron’s previous blockbuster Titanic. (CBC) Compiled by Vanessa Szpurko

4

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

NEWS

THEONTARION.CA

Charges laid after assault on campus police DANIEL BITONTI Three people, including one University of Guelph student, have been charged with assault on a peace officer after being ejected from a drag show put on by campus groups Guelph Queer Equality (GQE) and the Guelph Resource Centre for Gender Empowerment and Diversity (GRCGED). One of the three individuals was also charged with breach of probation.

According to Chuck Cunningham, the university’s director of communications and public affairs, at approximately midnight on March 5, police observed three individuals entering the University Centre. Earlier in the evening, the individuals had been ejected by event security in Peter Clark Hall for bringing liquor into the event. When the individuals re-entered the building, one of the accused was drinking from a can of beer. As police approached, the accused poured the beer on the floor of the University Centre before fleeing. During the pursuit, one individual jumped on the back of an officer and another was assaulted in a similar manner, causing scrapes and bruises to the officer’s neck.

Cunningham added that all three individuals continued to resist arrest during the process.

GQE has released a statement formally declaring their “full support” of the individuals charged.

They expressed “extreme dismay” with the actions of Brass Taps security – hired for event security – and campus police.

“It is the opinion of Guelph Queer Equality that the behaviour of security and campus police ranged from general mismanagement of the situation to outright discrimination against the three individuals charged,” GQE said in their statement. “It appeared to onlookers like nothing more than people in positions of power bullying members of the queer community, and a glaring example of the systemic forms of oppression that marginalized groups face in society.”

GQE also apologized to all event goers who had any experiences, or witnessed any interactions, that made them feel unsafe or unwelcome.

Cunningham said that any individual who feels they were not handled appropriately can use the formal systems in place to lodge a complaint against the campus police. He said he could only speak on behalf of campus police, and the evidence will speak for itself in court.

“We also stand behind our campus police who are respectful of members of our community and who are also put into difficult situations almost everyday,” he added. “And, they are trained to the highest professional standards and we expect that is how they will perform day to day.”

University Centre Administration would not comment on the statements made by GQE concerning Brass Taps security.

GQE said in their statement that they intend to pursue the issue through all possible avenues.

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Pro-choice protesters gathered and made their voices heard at a Pro-Life event in the UC courtyard on March 16.

Interviewers can be trained to spot desirable traits in candidates DAN HOWSE From that subtle scent you keep tucked away for special occasions, to your favourite pair of shoes that pull the outfit together, job interviews are all about how you present yourself. While dressing up for any situation is fun, during an interview, it’s essential. It demonstrates the confidence and assertiveness many employers look for.

But recent research from University of Guelph psychology professor, Deborah Powell, showed that interviewers can be trained to detect traits such as assertiveness from just your behaviour. Don’t hang that tie up just yet, but make sure it’s tied loose enough to let you be yourself.

“You can say you’re assertive but if you don’t act assertive in an interview the employer will be able to see that,” said Powell.

While everyone has some intuitive understanding of psychology, the study Powell conducted tested the ability of average people to learn how to read psychological cues. Her study found that interviewers could be taught how to pick up on certain traits fairly easily while others proved more challenging.

“It is possible to be able to train people to more accurately detect some personality traits, [but] some traits are easier to teach than others,” said Powell.

Powell focused on traits that were consistently valued as useful for the position, in this case a bank manager trainee. Her research focused on assertiveness, selfdiscipline and vulnerability to stress.

While interviewers were easily able to detect assertiveness and selfdiscipline, reading a person’s reaction to stress proved more difficult.

One cause of this finding might be that the stress induced in the experimental mock interviews was not proportional to the stress of an

Faakhir Rizvi

actual job interview.

“There was a video camera on [the participants], so that might have increased some stress but there were no stakes associated,” said Powell.

However, while teaching interviewers to pick up on vulnerability to stress proved difficult, the study did generate some unintended beneficial results.

“People scored more accurately on some traits I didn’t necessarily train them on,” Powell explained.

Participants that had been trained specifically on picking up assertiveness and self-discipline also did a better job at identifying the facets of conscientiousness and extroversion.

While these four personality traits consist of only a small portion of what employers need to know about their prospective employees, studies like these are undoubtedly

changing the hiring process.

Fourth-year psychology student, Jesus Estevez-Rossouw, explained the importance of professor Powell’s research.

“Research in the field of industrial organizational psychology is critical to ensuring that the right people are hired for the right jobs,” EstevezRossouw explained. “Interviews are particularly important in the hiring process, as in many cases, they can be the determining factor when choosing between two otherwise equally qualified job applicants.”

While it might be intimidating to think that employers are getting a leg up on future employees, don’t fret, help is coming.

“This research benefits interviewees as well,” said EstevesRossouw. “A better understanding of the interview process hopefully showcases their desirable traits.”

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NEWS

161.9

5

5 days for the homeless U of G students see what it feels like to be homeless LAURA SHEP Every one of us has passed homeless people in the streets, often without a second glance. Just take a moment to imagine the pain and indignity of falling asleep in subzero temperatures, your body pressed against the hard, wet, abrasive pavement that has come to signify home. It is sure to make many uncomfortable, but very few of us can claim to truly know the struggle for survival that homeless people face every day.

But on Mar. 14, five business students from the University of Guelph embarked on a challenge called “5 Days for the Homeless,” providing a glimpse into the struggles afflicting over 33, 000 Canadians who suffer from homelessness on a daily basis.

“5 Days for the Homeless,” is an initiative that takes place at over 20 universities across Canada, helping to raise money and awareness of homelessness on a local and national scale. For the five volunteer participants at Guelph, the rules are strict: they must sleep outdoors on campus (at Branion plaza, near

Jeff Peters

Ally Rogin and Suba Naganathan are among the U of G students who have committed to being homeless for five days. They are not allowed to leave the campus, and the only food they are allowed to eat must be donated. the cannon), and cannot purchase anything for the five consecutive days of the event.

In other words, the only food these students will be allowed to consume over the 120 hours must be

donated from people who pass by. If no one makes a contribution, they will go hungry. They are also required to remain on campus the entire five days, as well as attend classes and maintain employment and

extracurricular activity schedules.

Jessica Brandon-Jepp, a firstyear international development and political science student participating in this initiative, said her desire for empathy was the main reason for taking part in the event.

“I want to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be homeless, and I think the only way to do that is to put yourself in that situation,” said Brandon-Jepp.

“I also want to share the message with other people that homelessness is a huge problem and dispel the commonly held belief that homeless people are just lazy people. I want to show my family and friends that it is really difficult and hopefully inspire other people to take a second look at their lives.”

Julien Jacques, a fourth-year commerce student, was one of the five participants two years ago and has helped to promote and organize the event in previous years.

“We were sleeping in minus 20 degree weather. By the fourth day, I could barely speak, I couldn’t focus enough to study, couldn’t pay attention in class….we couldn’t even shower,” said Jacques. “It really made me realize how difficult it would be for a homeless person to get themselves out of these circumstances, to get a [job] interview offer anywhere. They

need someone to help them get out of this.”

Jacques recalled a touching story from his experience two years ago when a local woman came out the first night of the initiative and brought the volunteers each a footlong Subway sandwich.

“It really moved me, and showed me how giving people are at the university,” he said.

Another woman generously came out one day to donate coffee to each participant, and upon speaking to her, Jacques and his fellow participants learned that the woman had overcome the challenges of homelessness as a youth and now had a home to return to at the end of each day.

The donations from “5 Days for the Homeless” go towards Wyndham house, a local shelter that provides co-operative housing to youth. Everyone is encouraged to donate in support of these ambitious students. Pledges can be made in person at Branion Plaza or online at the website www.guelph.5days. ca, where participants will also be keeping a daily blog of their thoughts and experiences. Food donations are also encouraged. Don’t forget that donated food is the only nourishment they will receive for this entire week of classes.

Transit referendum results still unknown Students must wait on the fate of their bus pass for the GSA elections to finish NICOLE ELSASSER Along with the Central Student Association (CSA) election results, two of three referendum questions presented to students have also be decided. While two of the referendum questions, one requesting a fee of 27 cents to go towards the initiatives of Global Vets, and the other requesting a discontinuation of bottled water sales at the Bullring, passed with a high majority, the results of how U of G students voted on the future of transit has yet to be revealed.

The transit question that

appeared on the undergraduate election ballot asked students whether they would agree to increase the price they pay for a universal transit pass each semester from $61.63 per semester to $82.15 per semester, with a smaller customary scheduled increase each year. The increase was determined through negotiations between the CSA, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the university administration with the city. According to Galen Fick, the local affairs commissioner for the CSA, the deal is fair considering the improvements and changes the city has made to the transit system for U of G students.

Fick told the Ontarion that the results remaining undisclosed at present should not be a cause for

concern; they will be revealed after the graduate students finish their voting.

“The results are being withheld so to not skew the results of the graduate voting because with student fees like this, it’s treated as the entire student population,” said Fick. “We add up the total numbers for grads and undergrads…the graduates currently don’t have a quorum on their voting and so whatever results they contribute to the results, it will be official…

Once those are available then the whole sum will be released.”

While it will be several weeks before the results of the graduate student’s vote are known, Fick is optimistic that U of G students will be able to keep their universal bus pass.

“I put a lot of effort into campaigning, getting awareness out there,” said Fick. “I think many people were very aware of the issue and had opinions and knew they were going to vote on it… The majority of people I was speaking to were keen and saying ‘It’s an amazing deal still, even if we have to pay a bit more.’ But there were people saying that they were opposed to it and I encouraged them just as much to get the word out and get their vote out and tell their friends to vote.”

Despite the widespread concern about the transit issue when it first reared its head back in December, the CSA explained that the number of students that actually voted was just over 24 per cent.

Results of CSA candidate elections

According to Fick, the CSA has made an effort to engage the student population, no time more so than with the transit issue, but has had a difficult time even getting quarom on student voting.

“I think, in large part, that people don’t realize that the bus pass, the health and dental [plan], the Bullring, the clubs, food bank, bike centre. There’s a lot of stuff we do that doesn’t have CSA stamped on it,” said Fick. “People don’t realize that that’s a lot of what we do for them and so I think a lot of people just see the politics of it and don’t necessarily feel as engaged with that part of it.”

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MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

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Wanted: more female engineers Research chair seeks to promote female interest in the sciences and engineering ALDIS BRENNAN In 1996, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) created five research chairs dedicated to the promotion of female interest in the natural sciences and engineering. As of 2003, Valerie Davidson, a professor of engineering at the University of Guelph, became the chairholder for the Ontario region, and was renewed in her position in 2008.

Davidson, as the Chair for Women in Science and EngineeringOntario (CWSE-ON), believes that this initiative can correct many of the stereotypes people hold in relation to engineering and the sciences.

“A lot of the things that prevent women from moving into studies in these areas or careers are societal,” said Davidson. “[Women] aren’t encouraged to explore them in exciting ways. Science and engineering careers are changing and I don’t know that young women or their parents know about these changes.”

Davidson said she encounters these sorts of stereotypes, even among the young women she is

working with.

“The first reaction I get from a lot of young women is that ‘oh no, I wouldn’t do that,’ when you show them how they might solder a resistor onto a circuit or work with a robot. They actually quite enjoy it and they do some pretty interesting and creative things with robots that young men would not do,” she said.

That women may come up with different solutions to problems, or focus their research towards different areas, is a large part of why Davidson believes it is important for women to participate in these fields.

“These are areas where people create technologies and solutions for everyday problems and if you only have one particular type of person designing them then they may not suit everyone,” said Davidson.

Davidson and her team run a number of programs in order to address the involvement of women.

One program is ‘Go ENG GIRL,’ along with a French equivalent, which provides girls from grades 7-10 with the knowledge that science and math can be fun and rewarding. Davidson and her team are involved in similar programs from the elementary to postgraduate levels.

Davidson believes that the effectiveness of the CWSE-ON is seen in the number of women and

parents that have been engaged in the program.

“We’ve certainly reached a lot of students; I think the numbers over

female 32.25%

University of Guelph

A lot of the things that prevent women from moving into studies in these areas or careers are societal. [Women] aren’t encouraged to explore them in exciting ways, science and engineering careers are changing and I don’t know that young women or their parents know about these changes.

Valerie Davidson Research chair and U of G professor of engineering

the entire program are probably well over 25, 000 students and in total, more like 39,000 people,” she

www.beatgoeson.com

male

female 36.17%

Ontario universities total male

Data source: CUDO

Ratio of female to male professors at Guelph and across Ontario. said.

She also added that while it is difficult to tell how much influence these programs have, female enrolment in engineering and science is rising.

Homayoun Motiee, a visiting engineering professor at the University of Guelph, has noticed an increase in female involvement

in engineering and this also points to the effectiveness of the CWSEON and similar programs like it.

“I see posters or sometimes students from high school, more of whom are girls, coming to visit that know more about engineering and are trying to pursue their studies in engineering, that’s a good program,” she said.

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161.9

ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

7

“It just sort of happened by accident really.”

ZACK MACRAE In the late 1960s, Bob Dylan was just about to go on a world tour and was looking for a backing band to help him with his transition from folkie to rocker. After hearing of a tight, rock, rhythm and blues group from Toronto who would later be known as The Band, Dylan was sold. The Band joined Dylan on tour for a number of years and greatly influenced his sound both on albums and on stage.

In 2010, Zeus is to Jason Collett what The Band was to Dylan 40 years ago.

Working out of Toronto, the four long time friends believe in the value of hard work and are seldom caught without their instruments.

It seems that Zeus is everywhere lately. Whether it’s putting on free shows in records stores, or appearing in the production credits of several of the years most anticipated Canadian indie albums, including Jason Collett’s Rat A Tat Tat. The band lives and breaths music.

On March 11, the Bonfire Ball tour came to Guelph. Consisting of Zeus, Bahamas and Jason Collett, the tour has all three groups playing their music together in one giant mixed tape. In the three hours that the show ran for, the

audience was privy to more of a jam session among friends than a typical three set concert.

Under low lighting, in a booth at eBar I talked to Mike O’Brien, singer and guitar player for Zeus, before he hit the stage. Turns out, O’Brien and the rest of Zeus are really into vinyl and have a love for the authenticity of the 1970s.

The following is a conversation I had with O’Brien that ended when he heard the rest of the group on stage, starting one of their songs.

The Ontarion: Zeus has been going through a lot of firsts lately. For starters, you guys just put out your first album Say Us. Was making this album a natural process? How did it come together?

Mike O’Brien: It started with Carlin and I demoing songs. The first two songs on the record were the first two songs that Carlin [Nicholosn] and I recorded together. So we just kind of started recording these tunes with nothing much in mind. Then Neil [Quin] came along, so we started recording some of his tunes and it suddenly became a band with an album. It just sort of happened by accident really. We got to the point were we said, these songs are really

starting to fit together and it feels like a record. So we just became really focused on putting together a record and wanted to make the best record we could. Luckily, Jason was really into it and he sort of championed it to the Arts & Crafts people.

TO: I heard you guys did something interesting with the mastering aspect of the album.

MO: The Mp3s are all ripped directly from the vinyl, so when you download it from iTunes, or buy the vinyl and get the digital download card, all the Mp3s that you put on your iPod or computer are ripped directly from the vinyl.

So they have a vinyl sound. We tested them against the digital Mp3s that you would import from the CD and there is a noticeable difference. We just think it sounds cool and it’s the closest you can get to the sound of vinyl without a record player. You get better sound and the pops and crackles. It’s a little warmer, and vinyl just pushes different frequencies.

TO: When you guys released the album why did you say vinyl before CD? MO: Just for the same reasons why you love vinyl, you know.

We like it, our music sounds best on vinyl. And vinyl is making a comeback especially within the

niche that indie bands are in. So why not take that opportunity?

I feel like CDs are useless now.

It’s like, if you want to listen to something at home you have vinyl and if you want to hear it on your iPod you have the digital download. Why would you buy a CD? TO: What’s your favorite album?

MO: Wow, there are so many really. I often pull out Joni Mitchell’s Blue. It’s the first one I thought of, it definitely takes me back to a certain point in my life.

Musicians like that are so rare in this day and age. To see someone like that who is just like such a raw, natural talent is a rare thing these days.

TO: With the Bonfire Ball, you guys are playing almost constantly for three hours. How did you prepare for this marathon tour?

MO: Physically, I didn’t do very much, I wasn’t doing sit-ups or anything like that [laughs]. We have just been rehearsing it a lot and trying to tweak it. We are still tweaking it. Last night was the first show of the tour and we are still really trying to hammer out the perfect set list. Because it really is hard to transition back and forth between each artists respective songs and make it seem cohesive and flow nicely. I guess it’s kind of like putting together a mixed tape.

TO: What’s the best part about being Jason Collett’s backing band?

MO: Well, I’ve played with him for about five years, so I’ve just had a lot of fun developing the sideman role. Now it’s kind of different cause it feels like there are five lead singers in one band on this tour, so it’s kind of cool.

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8

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.CA

The planter’s itch Tre e p l a n t i ng : a rugged culture where anything goes ZACK MACRAE Why would anyone want to go to Hornepayne? A small northern Ontario town of 1,200 people, the isolated community was established when the Canadian Northern Railway’s transcontinental line was built through the area. Hornepayne, for the greater part of the year, is a sleepy northern Ontario community where there isn’t much to do and not much to see except an abundance of pine and spruce trees.

But for three months in the summer the outskirts of Hornepayne plays host to a motley crew of visitors who know the trials of the harsh northern environment.

Steffen Bergen plants trees for three months out of the year and recalls his experience in Hornepayne.

“We had people who would wake up in their tents in the morning and couldn’t open their eyes because the black flies had bitten them so many times through the night,” he said.

Tree planters are a unique breed.

Often nomadic, a planter spends a great deal of time in an environment that is totally removed from the regiment of the everyday. They live in the bush, work in the most rugged environments, and endure harsh mental and physical strain on a daily basis.

Bergen recalls Hornepayne as one of the most intense experiences of his life. Carrying a 25 pound bag of young pine saplings on either side, Bergen is expected to plant

Brad Halt

A group of tree planters wait to board a helicopter that will take them to their planting block in a remote area in Whitecourt, AB. trees over and under the leftovers of a recent logging extraction. It’s no walk in the park. The sun is beaming, and Bergen sweats as he plunges tree after tree into the ground, a motion that is by now, second nature.

Physically, he is being tested every time he doubles over to plant a tree, but mentally, Bergen is tested by the constant hum of black flies circling his head. Apparently, the swarm is the worst that the locals have seen in 40 years.

“The bugs would get in underneath your gloves or your sleeves and bite anything that they

could,” says Bergen. “It was constant.

I’d finish my bags and sprint for 100 meters and stop, and for two seconds, I’d have peace and quite.”

So why would anyone put themselves through such torment?

Like many planters who are labeled as tree hugging hippies intent on saving the environment, Hil Coburn, a third year planter, cites a more immediate reason for returning year after year.

“My two motivations for going back this summer are the people and money,” she says.

Monetary gain is an important

factor in piece work where a worker’s pay is based on their own self motivated practices.

Many tree planting websites, and experienced planters, talk about a need for strong motivation when planting, that an agenda concerning the environment, although valid, is not enough to keep you going. Most planters, although conscious of the positive impact that they have on the environment, are more concerned with the cash amount that they get per tree planted.

“My motivation is money,” says Bergen. “Some come back

because they are concerned with the environment, but for me that’s not important really.”

Around this time of year, many veteran tree planters start to feel the weight of the cities that they live in and the pressure that life brings.

They get excited for the bush. They get the “planter’s itch.”

“You get the itch to get out and leave your civilized existence of text books and computers,” says Coburn.

“That annual escape from the normal day to day reality is something that is really important to a lot of tree planters.”

For some, planting becomes a lifestyle. Many wait for those three months in the summer when tents take the place of apartment buildings and the stars at night are a welcome substitute for city street lights.

For anyone who enjoys adventure in a natural environment, it’s easy to see the appeal of the rugged planter’s existence.

Planters work harder in three months then most do all year, but the aspects of the culture that don’t involve putting trees in the ground are what keeps them coming back.

“The experience you get out there is pretty life changing,” says Bergen.

“You work hard and you party hard.

I don’t think the Ontarion could print most of the things that happen on party night.”

Coburn is thankful for her time in the bush. “I met such a great group of friends out there,” she says.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how old you are, or what you do in the off-season, for three months in the summer you’re a tree planter.”

At the end of the day there’s always a hot meal and your sleeping bag.

Death country meets university town Elliot Brood shows us a new kind of country JOSH DOYLE How do you take a group of musicians from Toronto, with a lead vocalist who sometimes plays the banjo, a guitar player who sometimes plays a ukulele, and a drummer who sometimes plays on suitcases, and make them a success everywhere from the Vancouver 2010 Olympics to Austin, TX? You create a new genre of music, and you call it “death country.”

At least that’s what Canadian band Elliott Brood has done, and its been working for them so far. After a successful run at the SXSW festival in Austin, TX, Canadian trio Elliott Brood drops into Guelph’s Club Vinyl Thursday, March 25.

The band consists of lead vocalist Mark Sasso, guitar player Casey Laforet and percussionist Stephen Pitkin. They broke onto the scene in 2006 with their album Tin Type, at that point being pinned as “alternative country,” before they could correctly label themselves. Stand out tracks from that effort include “Oh, Alberta,”

a song that exemplifies their attention to country style music, while displaying their interest in branching away from that genre.

It’s also a great tune if you want to hear all your favourite Canadian locations mentioned for their charming traits.

Since Tin Type, the band, which originated when Casey and Mark left Windsor for Toronto, has been producing A-grade material.

In their short musical career, Elliott Brood has been nominated for several awards including the Roots & Traditional album of the Year in both 2006 and 2009, as well as the sought after Polaris Prize for Best Canadian album. As an award that considers only artistic merit and cares not a stitch about how many albums sold, it’s quite an honour to even be considered.

They walked away winners of the Rising Star Award in 2006 for their album Ambassador.

Ambassador was the first fulllength album they released, and it met with great reception from fans and critics alike. This album featured some unique and personal history about the band, including the title. It was chosen after the Ambassador Bridge that connects

Courtesy

Elliott Brood will be in Guelph at Club Vinyl on March 25 to play songs in the genre that they originated: “death country.”

Windsor to Michigan, a suiting metaphor for their transitional style.

Their third album Mountain Meadows is another full length

LP, and it’s the one the band had shortlisted for a Polaris Prize for in 2009. Although they haven’t put anything out since 2008, the band has been delivering imposing live

performances all over the world.

With their gritty country twang in songs that are perfect to sing around a campfire with beer in hand, I wouldn’t hesitate to call these guys an ideal Canadian band.

Their unique sound is a combination of three artists obviously dedicated to their crafts. Lead vocalist Mark Sasso’s memorable voice sounds like the result of smoking too many cigars and yelling all night. Tracks like “Without Again,” which hit number one on CBC radio in 2008, showcase Mark and Casey’s strong vocal performances, and Stephen Pitkin’s suitcase percussion is second to none; literally, because no one else is doing it.

If you consider yourself a supporter of Canadian music you probably already know this is a must see, and if your a fan of music in general, Elliot Brood’s performance on March 25 at Vinyl isn’t one you should be missing.

THE ONTARION

ARTS & CULTURE

161.9

9

Featured artist: Stefan Herda Stefan Herda is a painter who likes to put himself through hell.

Working with water colours, he creates complex and intricately detailed paintings that he painstakingly creates. His work is both engaging and interesting, with a practice that is based on experimentation creating not only the work but also referencing the old school practice of creating his own pigments.

The archival instability of his home made pigments brings the work into a transitional state. This technique allows Herda to add a third dimension into his work, time. This is a pretty wild idea and a unique and fresh way to think about painting. Moreover, it’s also a beautifully subtle critique of the institution; a quite, ‘fuck you’ to the intense archival obsession of the museum system. The use of these transitional pigments displaces the painting from time and allows it to float within outside of space and time. Totally some crazy sci-fi shit, but completely theoretical and beautiful.

Recently, Herda has been “exploring archaic and romantic painting conventions in order to bring his practice as a representational painter in new territory.” He has been using the forgotten and overwhelmingly complex Kowloon city, which was a ramshackle, lawless city in Hong Kong that has been demolished.

His use of these temporary dyes and colours results in a futile sense of sustainability and ecology within these otherwise unsustainable urban environments. The fragility of these seemingly permanent structures is something that cannot readily experience in real time but occurs around us constantly.

-Miles Stemp

From top to bottom: Detroit fin, Mirrors fin, Mexico fin

JASON COLLETT

RAT A TAT TAT

It’s been a long time coming for 42-year-old Torontonian Jason Collett. After working with the likes of Andrew Cash and Hawksley Workman in the 90s, teaming up with the epic Broken Social Scene (BSS) crew and four solo albums later, he should be proud of his success. Like the proud father Collett is, he’s watched his backing band, Zeus, emerge into their own, and had them do the production for his new album. Indeed, Collett is famous enough to get invited to play at the big wig indie festivals like SXSW (Austin, TX) and get a nod of recognition from the critic tycoons over at Pitchfork, yet humble enough to play Guelph’s eBar on a Thursday night for $12 and a can of food for the CSA food bank. His modesty shows on his new album, Rat A Tat Tat (RATT).

Like any good folk album, Collett doesn’t take himself too seriously and there isn’t a shred of ego.

Throughout RATT, Collett comfortably recreates genres popular in the late 60s and early 70s in many forms. On “High Summer,” he’s The Beatles circa Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, on “Long May You Love” he’s Van Morrison circa Moondance, there’s some Robbie Robertson (The Band) in there and you don’t have to be a music critic to hear the influence of Bob Dylan in just about everything Collett sings. I’m certainly not the first to make the Dylan comparison, but on RATT it’s to the point where one starts to wonder if Collett is trying a little too hard or if that really could be his natural singing voice.

There are two songs that standout against the otherwise easy listening that Collett has created.

The first is the radio-friendly track “Love Is A Dirty Word.” The track may be pop, but comes with enough intellectual metaphor to be considered an Arts & Crafts single.

The second is “Bitch City,” which most closely mirrors a BSS sound and effectively serves as the title track with “rat a tat tat” backing vocals. However, it’s hard to say if this is what Collett brings to BSS, or if this is Collett doing his best impression of BSS. With already one other Winnipeg diss song, I can only imagine what city Collett is sing about in “Bitch City.” One thing is certain: the themes of love and Candiana are well represented throughout. And with just these two tracks, you can get a pretty good feel for the album.

At just under 40 minutes, RATT serves as a perfect hors d’œuvre for BSS’s highly anticipated album dropping May 4. Coincidently, west coast Canadian indie moguls, The New Pornographers, are also releasing their new album on the same day. Now all we need is Arcade Fire to release on that day (their album is due this year) and maybe CBC3 will implode, not to mention it would be the ultimate Vancouver vs. Toronto vs.

Montreal showdown.

Notable Tracks: “Rave On Sad Song”, “Bitch City”, “Vanderpool Vanderpool” Listeners May Also Enjoy: Bob Dylan – Blonde On Blonde, Wilco – S/T Next Sound Check: She & Him – Volume Two -Daniel Wright

10

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

ARTS & CULTURE

THEONTARION.CA

Mainstage production RUR set to hit the stage JOSH DOYLE “It’s about technology, and it’s about how if it’s not utilized wisely, technology can get out of control and cause damage. Do you think that’s still relevant?” he said.

Director and professor, Jerrard Smith confronted the Ontarion with this question during a recent interview about this year’s Mainstage theatre performance. The play is called Rossum’s Universal Robots or RUR, and is an adaptation of the original that was written 90 years ago. Karel Capek, a Czech writer who to this day is noted for his influential work, wrote the original script in 1920. Like many influential minds, he was author whose work was also a social commentary.

Karel’s piece is perhaps known most prominently for its coining of the popular phrase “robot,” a term that forms the backbone of the play.

“To what extent are we turning into robots because of the way we’re being used by technology?” Jerrard asked in regard to the play. “It’s all around us. We can’t do anything without the involvement of modern technology.”

The production explores the increasing influence of technology in our lives as humans, and questions whether or not we can avoid becoming products of the technology we’ve produced.

Karel Capek was one of the earliest science fiction writers, leading the development of the genre. This is perhaps why his play is still as relevant today as it was on the first day it opened, arguably more so.

But in 2010, can one really produce

Courtesy

Jerrard Smith’s adaptation of Karel Capek’s Rossum’s Universal Robots plays in the George Luscombe theatre from Monday March 22 until Saturday March 27 and direct a play about robots from 1920, and still entertain audiences nearly a century later? As Jerrard explained, yes you can, but certain changes have to be made.

“Historically the robots were much more mechanical … The stage adaptations have always had the robots in tinfoil and mechanical stuff.

We’re making our robots much more human, and our humans are a little robotic.”

This is a welcome change considering the bombardment of robot characters Hollywood has introduced in the last century. The idea of tin men with square heads and light up eyes just isn’t cutting it anymore. Jerrard’s production focuses more on the idea of humans acting as robots.

“We’re being dehumanized as consumers, as people who interact

socially, as human beings,” said Jerrard.

The play’s relevance to modern society wasn’t the only motivation behind Jerrard’s choosing Karel’s robot story for this year’s performance. It turns out real people had something to do with his decision.

“People are writing these days for casts of three or four actors because it’s cost prohibitive to put on a production with a large cast.

I wanted to give as many people acting experience as possible,” said Jerrard. This is a reminder that it takes real people to make theatre happen. But, as Jerrard ironically pointed out, getting enough people became part of the problem.

“We’ve got a rule in the department that you can’t work on two productions at the same time,” he explained. Although a fourth year ensemble project kept many

students from getting involved with the highly anticipated RUR, Jerrard maintains the utmost faith in his actors and crew.

“The actors are great. I think it’s a question of allowing them to become more aware of their ability to move, and use that ability to move to help tell the story,” he added. He also mentioned the versatile nature of the script as a pivotal point in helping the production go smoothly.

“I’ve got women playing men, men playing women. I’m not doing it to make a point, it just works that way.” Jerrard wouldn’t be the first to employ this technique, and it’s had great success in the past. But where his techniques may be based on past success, Jerrard’s directing students is uncharted territory.

“It’s the first time I’ve directed a student production,” he says.

The minimum wage is going up.

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General Minimum Wage

Students under 18 and working not more than 28 hours per week or during a school holiday

Liquor Server

Hunting & Fishing Guides: for less than five consecutive hours in a day

Hunting & Fishing Guides: for five or more hours in a day whether or not the hours are consecutive

Homeworkers (people doing paid work in their home for an employer)

Current wage rate

$9.50/hour

$8.90/hour__

$8.25/hour

$47.50

$95.00

110% of the minimum wage

Mar. 31, 2010 wage rate

$10.25/hour

$9.60/hour__

$8.90/hour

$51.25

$102.50

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www.ontario.ca/minimumwage

“There’s a challenge as a professor running the acting course and the production course.”

Considering his previous experience and the interesting nature of the play, this year’s mainstage could make for quite a performance.

In order to attend, Jerrard asks that you, “Please enter your ten digit access code.” Or if you’re still hanging on to some kind of humanity, come out to the George Luscombe theatre in person to see this year’s Mainstage production.

Doors open this Monday, March 22 at 8pm, and close after the final performance, Saturday March 27.

Eight dollars will get you in the door for a Monday to Wednesday show.

Primetime, however is Thursday to Saturday, and it will cost you $10 to get in. Contact Michael Boterman in Massey Hall for tickets.

THE ONTARION

161.9

SPORTS & HEALTH

SPORTS & HEALTH

11

New positional challenges for Gryphons star Intent on prolonging h i s c a re e r, D u n k finds himself on the receiving end of the pass MIKE TREADGOLD The pattern was simple: a 10-yard in-route. The receiver runs 10 yards downfield, plants his feet, turns and runs 90 degrees across the middle to catch the pass. It requires precise timing and often leaves the receiver open to be hit. It’s a pattern that Justin Dunk has literally executed thousands of times in his life.

As a quarterback.

But on Friday, at the National Invitational Combine (NIC) in Toronto, Dunk was on the other end of the now not-so-familiar in-pattern. He was trying out as a receiver. It’s a new position, a new challenge, but for the graduating Gryphons quarterback, it might be his best chance to make it at the next level.

For five years as a Gryphon, Dunk was known for his athleticism and versatility, being able to not only make plays with his arm, but also with his legs. He’s not your prototypical quarterback: the big, tall, gun-slinger; but rather, he’s a pure athlete, who quite simply, moves the football.

Mike Treadgold

Justin Dunk (left) reaches out for a pass during receiver drills at Friday’s National Invitational Combine in Toronto.

In recognition of this virtually unparalleled athleticism, Dunk was invited to Friday’s NIC to try out at a new position, with Canadian Football League coaches and scouts attentively watching.

While playing receiver is indeed new to Dunk, it is a position that

he has been trying to become increasingly familiar with in the past year. Last year at this time, the Toronto Argonauts and BC Lions both awarded him a tryout – albeit, without pads – at the position. While both teams were impressed with his athleticism, nothing transpired in

terms of an offer, leaving Dunk to try to impress once again on Friday.

The NIC is an event hosted by TSN analyst and former CFLer Duane Forde. It is an opportunity for Canadian University players, who were not invited to the formal CFL Evaluation Camp, to try out in front of league personnel. The event was run like any other combine, with player drills, coaching and interviews.

Dunk was the only player invited to both the NIC and the E-Camp, where he tried out as a quarterback, replacing injured Western Mustangs pivot Michael Faulds. Dunk’s fellow teammate, linebacker Matt Rossetti, was also granted an invitation to Friday’s combine.

Despite being undersized at 5’11” and 207 pounds, Rossetti performed well. He showed quick feet in the agility drills, the ability to shed blockers in one-on-ones, and responded well to coaching advice.

With two remaining years of OUA eligibility, Rossetti’s work ethic and skill set make him an intriguing prospect going forward.

In watching Dunk take part in the receiver drills on Friday, his nervousness at the position was apparent early on. Showing slight apprehension during the initial drills, Dunk took time between reps to go over technique with Waterloo Warriors receivers coach Carl

Zender, who offered insight on body positioning and receiver technique.

“After I caught a few balls and got my bearings, I realized that I could play with these [other receivers],” said Dunk. “[Carl Zender] and I have developed a nice relationship over the years and he just wants to see guys get better, regardless of what school they’re from.”

After a few sessions with Zender and a handful of reps, Dunk started to come into his own, despite his lack of familiarity at the position.

“He really helped tinker with a few things that I need to work on to get better,” said Dunk of his work with Zender. “I was able to use his suggestions in some of the later reps and it worked well.”

One of the highlights of his performance came during a rep of the aforementioned 10-yard inroute. Dunk exploded off the line of scrimmage, streaking down the left side. Coming to a quick halt, he planted, 10 yards downfield and turned inwards, creating space from the defensive back. The throw came in high, and as Dunk reached up for the grab, the pursuing defensive player cut Dunk’s legs from underneath him. Both players hit the ground, but most importantly, Dunk held onto the ball. His fellow receivers voiced their support.

Dunk just smiled. It was all starting to click.

Gryphon men are the class of the country SARAH DUNSTAN After a weekend of breathtaking competition, the Guelph Gryphons departed the CIS Track and Field Championships in Windsor with fists full of medals and hearts full of glory.

The Gryphons entered the St. Denis Centre on Saturday in first place and managed to emerge victorious against the Lancers in the men’s overall standings, beating out Windsor by a single point wih a final score of 86 points. The Gryphon women also did well, placing fourth overall among 18 different universities, with a total of 59 points.

The rivalry between Windsor and Guelph has been historically intense, with 38 of the past 40 CIS track and field championships being won by either the Lancers or the Gryphons. Head coach Dave Scott-Thomas said the rivalry is strong, but still very much friendly and positive. Both schools boast top-notch programs, with Guelph’s current team consisting of over 20 athletes that are, or have been, on national teams.

Scott-Thomas was also awarded the CIS men’s coach of the year at the championships.

“It’s a team award, to be honest,” he said. “If it was a physical award, I’d break it up into 30 pieces and give a piece to all the staff, athletes, assistant coaches who helped make the tournament a success.”

Dustin McCrank built on his

silver medal from 2009 by bringing home gold in 2010 in the men’s weight throw. With his second gold medal in consecutive days, Kyle Boorsma grabbed gold in the men’s 1500m, having won the 3000m race the day before. The men’s 4x800m team also fared well, finishing with silver. Robert Jackson picked up bronze in the 1500m race, Guyson Kuruneri scored bronze in men’s long jump, and Tim Hendry was awarded bronze in shot put. Jason Diston, who won bronze in the men’s pentathlon, was also awarded CIS male rookie of the year.

The women’s team is still ranked fourth in the country, and because of the program’s high standards, placing below the podium is considered a blow to the Gryphons. Despite the fact that this year’s women’s team consisted of many rookie athletes, Scott-Thomas said that prior to the event, he believed that the women’s team had a shot at a podium position.

“Part of the challenge as a coach is getting both the [men’s and women’s teams] up there,” he said.

Star Gryphon Rachel Cliff entered the competition ranked second in the women’s 1500m and 3000m distances. Up against Megan Brown from the University of Toronto, who has dominated CIS cross-country for the past three years, Cliff took off like a bat out of hell to win the 3000m race, earning All-Canadian honour in track and field. Her victory in the 3000m

was the third consecutive year that a Gryphon woman has taken the title. In the 1500m, Cliff ’s aggressive style fell just short against Brown, with the U of T runner taking the

If it was a physical award, I’d break it up into 30 pieces and give a piece to all the staff, athletes, assistant coaches who helped make the tournament a success.”

– head coach Dave ScottThomas, after being named CIS men’s coach of the year.

Dave Scott-Thomas Gryphon’s track and field head coach lead during the final lap and never looking back. Cliff held on tight, and managed to secure the silver medal, with a finishing time 4:25.32. Sarah Peirce also played a critical role in the Gryphons success by winning silver for the women’s 60m dash.

Beyond the awards banquet, the CIS track and field season is over, but for the dedicated athletes involved in Guelph’s elite program, there is zero downtime. Guelph is one of the few schools that offers a full summer schedule, with Gryphons hitting the track to compete again in mid-April.

Mundo Images

Kyle Boorsma (right) spent most of the weekend ahead of the pack, en route to a pair of CIS gold medals.

An interrogation with the new CSA line-up: the results are in!

After a period of campaigning and students voting, the Central Student Association (CSA) has released the unofficial results of the candidate elections. While the results still need to be ratified by the CSA board of directors at their meeting on March 24, U of G students voted and chose their five executives for the 2010/2011 academic years. To give Ontarion readers a chance to get to know the individuals who will be representing them in student political office, each of the new executives were asked questions aimed to give students an idea of what they can expect once the new CSA assumes office.

Compiled by Nicole Elsasser

Nick Stepanov

Demetria Jackson

Denise Martins

Anastasia Zavarella

Kevin Bowman

1. What will be your first priority upon assuming office as the Human Resources & Operations Commissioner?

1. What is your first priority upon assuming office?

1. What will be your first priority upon assuming office as External Affairs Commissioner?

1. What is your first priority upon assuming office as Local Affairs Commissioner?

1. What do you think distinguished you from the other candidates vying for your position?

My first priority is to familiarize myself within the executive position by becoming familiar with the administrative and ‘behind the scenes’ duties of the Communications Commissioner. Once I have that down, I’ll be able to get to the fun stuff – decreasing student apathy, and increasing CSA transparency!

My first priority will be to ensure that all the directors within the CSA Board feel capable enough to challenge all aspects of our university.

Whether it is CSA policy, library hours, or tuition hikes, directors should feel empowered to voice all of our students’ demands. As the CSA’s supervisors, they are the highest ruling body within the union, and as such, they hold the key to interpreting the student voice. Students have voiced their outrage on a variety of issues and the CSA is the students’ megaphone: If board members and students aren’t speaking up, the CSA is useless

Redecorating! Just kidding. I’d like to touch base with the staff I’m supervising (Food Bank, Bike Centre etc.) and work out some goals for the upcoming year, find out how I can best be a resource to them and look at ways to get students more excited and involved in these important services. I’ll also be setting up meetings with the city and community organizations to talk about those same things, as well as getting campus involved in and aware of the wider Guelph community.

I hope that I came across as a rational, thoughtful individual with the goal of accurately representing and serving the needs of students.

These are my intentions so I would like to think I successfully communicated that. That being said I can’t really be sure what the voter’s reasons were for choosing as they did. All I can do is work hard and prove I am worthy of the position.

Human Resources & Operations Commissioner

My first priority would be to ensure a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming Executive. Tasks, projects, and ideas should not come to a halt or be lost due to turnover. Lessons learned should not have to be re-learnt. We will carry and build upon the existing momentum. I have been working closely with the outgoing Executive all year and will continue to do so. Waiting to assume office is assuming this is just a job. However, helping to make student life better is something I started my first day here.

2. Possibly the most highly publicized issue relating to the Human Resources & Operations C ommissioner’s portfolio was the changes made to the CSA’s employment equity policy. With these changes, how will you work to ensure that diversity is maintained in the CSA in the coming year?

I believe that the changes made to the CSA’s Employment Equity policies were made in the right direction. We will continue to conduct ongoing research into our hiring and employment practices to ensure that the CSA is meeting our mandate of establishing a diverse environment. As part of my portfolio, I will also develop and conduct anti-oppression training in accordance with our by-laws and policy.

3. What do you think will be the most challenging part of your position?

The biggest challenges are usually the ones that one cannot foresee. Always taking that extra step or extra minute to think is one way to stay as prepared as possible. The big task ahead that I do see clearly is one that has always happened in the past. The incoming Executive is made of five individual portfolios, however we’re one team. We must do our utmost to work together and effectively, to assist one another and to support each other. I am confident that this year’s Executive will do just that.

Communications & Corporate Affairs Commissioner

2. Where do you think the position of Communications and Corporate Affairs needs the most improvement in its execution? How do you plan to enact this improvement?

As I have mentioned during my campaign, the actual execution of getting the important information out to students needs the most improvement. As you have heard on numerous occasions, I plan to improve this by using weekly podcasts to inform, address concerns and questions, and increase student awareness. You will always know what’s going on in your student union.

3. The Communication and Corporate Affairs commissioner is often the mouthpiece of the CSA and must liaise with many different parties to ensure that information is delivered from the CSA clearly and correctly. What are you going to do to ensure that you are accessible and actively engaged with necessary groups at all times?

There are many diverse student groups on campus. I will try my best to attend at least one meeting a month of each group on campus. I understand that this is a daunting task, but I also knew when I decided to run for this position that it would not be easy.

This is what my job entails, and I will make sure that it gets done. In addition, when proposals are made to the Board of Directors that may affect one or more student groups, I will make sure that there is adequate representation before anything gets passed. Remember, this is YOUR CSA and I work for YOU.

External Affairs Commissioner

2. The CSA’s recent issues with the CFS have been covered extensively in the Ontarion. As the incoming executive with a portfolio dealing extensively with the CFS, what is your stance on these developments on the U of G campus?

I believe that what’s been immensely overlooked by all involved is what we have to gain from membership within the CFS. If we are still members within the CFS in the fall semester, we should use more of the resources available to us through the CFS, as well as use the CFS to share our campaigns with students outside of our institution. I think if anything, the recent developments show that we have a lot to contribute to the CFS and I am ecstatic to have been chosen as the students’ advocate to other student unions as this will give me the chance to show the world what Guelph can bring to the table.

3. Do you bring any larger initiatives you would like to see come to fruition over the course of your term?

The buzzer at the library rung at 10:45pm on Saturday night. This is outrageous. It is not in students’ interest to have the library close that early in the middle of midterms. I want to work with other student unions to create a report on libraries’ operation hours and see how different unions have handled this issue. In the long run, I hope to work with different commissioners, the administration, and library staff to ensure that we have the best working environment possible for Guelph students. Similarly, it is not in students’ interest to have tuition rise every single year. I will connect our students with students elsewhere in order to create a united plan of action.

Local Affairs Commissioner

2. This year’s Local Affairs Commissioner spent a great deal of their term working with City of Guelph officials on transit negotiations and with students to ensure that they are fully informed about the issue. How will you ensure that U of G student interests are represented effectively in the city of Guelph?

Well, I’ll be talking to Galen a lot about this issue and carrying over the best of his initiatives in this department. I think the most important thing I can do to represent students on this issue is to remain firm with the city about not only keeping our bus pass, but keeping the price (as well as the buses themselves!) accessible.

3. What new initiatives do you hope to bring forward during this coming year?

I have lots of initiatives I’d like to put forward! Cycling by-law workshops, tenancy workshops in residence, in partnership with Res Life and looking critically into the administration’s hate activity policy. I look forward to and welcome ideas from students, as well.

They’re the ones we’re advocating for and are the ones who know best what they need from their campus and community. It’s my job to facilitate that connection and I’m excited to serve students and the community!

Academic & University Affairs

2. What do you plan to do to improve the education experience of undergraduate students at the U of G? As I promised during my campaign I will be donating some of my own salary to the GSAP (bursary fund for students of Guelph) in addition to finding other donors. This will be one of the initiatives I plan to work on to remove financial barriers. I also plan to be heavily involved with the Accessibility Working Group and others to ensure students who identify as having a disability have every opportunity to be just as successful as any other student. I am particularly looking forward to seeing what becomes of the Secondary Area of Studies report after review and recommendations by the Board of Undergraduate Studies.

3. What will be your first priority upon assuming office as the Academic and University Affairs Commissioner?

To ensure continuance of existing projects by the current Academic and University Affairs Commissioner. I don’t want any positive initiatives to fall behind or be put on the back burner. Additionally I want to establish a positive working relationship with the other CSA executives as soon as possible. We will be working together on many things in the coming year so it is critical to start off on the right foot.

responses were printed as written without alteration on behalf of the ontarion

14

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.CA

Gryphon excellence at CFL E-Camp Gryphons send largest single-school contingent to Toronto for three-day testing MIKE TREADGOLD With Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts and coaches hoping to get a glimpse of the league’s incoming homegrown talent, six members of the Guelph Gryphons put their skills on display at the annual Evaluation Camp on the weekend.

The Gryphons football program sent more athletes to the three-day event than any other university, proving that despite their underachieving 3-5 record during the regular season, the individual talent on the team is among the nation’s best.

Taking part were offensive lineman Ryan Bomben, defensive lineman Grant MacDonald, running back Nick Fitzgibbon, kicker Rob Maver, linebacker Adam Dunk and his brother, quarterback Justin Dunk.

The competition and level of skill on display was unbelievable.

The E-Camp was an opportunity

for CFL personnel to get an up close and personal look at drafteligible Canadian players, as well as others who had been passed over in previous years.

We see ourselves working as running backs against everyone else.

We encourage each other and we push each other.

It was a really talented group.

Nick Fitzgibbon Gryphons running back “I set the bar high for myself coming in,” said Fitzgibbon. “I didn’t reach some of those goals, but I did reach others, and overall, I’d say it was a pretty good camp for me.”

Fitzgibbon was one among a group of seven running backs taking part, known for his versatility both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

“On the offensive side of the ball, it helps that I can be a dual threat,” he said. “I feel like I excel coming

out of the backfield and catching the ball.”

Having just completed his fourth season as a Gryphon, Fitzgibbon is eligible for both the CFL draft, as well as one more year of university football.

Former Gryphons defensive back Brad Crawford was in the same situation last year. Crawford was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts, let go during training camp, and returned to Guelph for his fifth year of eligibility. After a strong final year, Crawford was given a contract by the Argos just a few months ago and will likely be with the team for the upcoming CFL season.

Fitzgibbon was thoroughly impressed with the level of competition among the running backs at the E-Camp, a group that he has become increasingly familiar with over his football career.

“Since we were younger, we’ve all been to Team Canada [workouts] and East-West bowls,” he said.

“We’ve all known each other for a long time.

“We see ourselves working as running backs against everyone else. We encourage each other and we push each other. It was a really

GUELPH GRYPHONS RESULTS FROM CFL EVALUATION CAMP NAME Justin Dunk Rob Maver Nick Fitzgibbon Adam Dunk Ryan Bomben Grant MacDonald

POSITION QB/WR K RB LB OL DL

40-YD DASH SHORT SHUTTLE BENCH PRESS VERT. JUMP BROAD JUMP 4.75 4.5 12 30 9’ 5.5” 4.97 4.84 11 26 8’ 3” 4.63 4.23 13 34.5 9’ 6.5” DNR DNR 14 DNP DNP 5.07 5.07 23 32.5 8’ 10.5” 5.38 5.38 21 26.5 7’ 11”

Result per CFL.ca

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Mike Treadgold

Gryphons running back Nick Fitzgibbon (left) appeals to CFL teams seeking versatile players out of the backfield. talented group.”

After trying out as a receiver in Friday’s National Invitational Combine, Justin Dunk also took part in the E-Camp, this time at quarterback where he replaced injured Western Mustangs’ signalcaller Michael Faulds.

Canadian quarterbacks were arguably the story of the weekend with Dunk, Danny Brannagan from Queen’s and Erik Glavic from the Calgary Dinos all trying to impress league scouts. After both measurable events and activity drills, Dunk felt that his performance was strong.

“I benched about what I expected to, but I wish my 40 [sprint] time was a little bit faster.

We all wish that though,” he admitted. “I threw pretty well and I hope that I can look like an athlete and get a shot.

“I hit hands on every [throw], and every ball I threw was caught, except for two,” Dunk continued.

“One was dropped and the other was a deep ball that was just a little too far.”

Canadian quarterbacks have been notably absent from CFL rosters for many years, with teams opting for American-trained pivots instead.

“If a Canadian quarterback doesn’t get a chance after seeing how well we all threw today, I don’t know what else needs to happen,” said Dunk, after his drills were completed.

Following the camp, all three quarterbacks received recognition from CFL teams. Dunk was contacted for an interview with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders, Glavic was placed on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats negotiating list and most interestingly of all, Brannagan was signed to a three-year deal by the Argos, where he will look to become the first Canadian to start since Larry Jusdanis with Hamilton in 1995.

THE ONTARION

SPORTS & HEALTH

161.9

15

Humble rookie adds to her impressive accolades Despite remarkable first-year success, Gryphons star runner Lalonde quietly goes about her business DAN HOWSE Let’s play a quick game here.

You’re a rookie, a first-year university student, about to start contributing to two of the most dominant varsity athletic programs in not just Ontario, but in all of Canada. What are your expectations? A spot on the team?

A little recognition from one of the coaches? How about winning both the OUA and CIS rookie of the year awards in both cross-country and track-field, finishing fifth in Ontario and ninth in Canada in cross-country, and finishing third in Ontario in track and field to make all-Ontario first team? Throw in a pair of all-star team nominations, just for good measure.

Probably exceeds your expectations, right? Not for Genevieve Lalonde.

The outstanding Gryphons

rookie was well on her way to another tremendous finish at the CIS National Track and Field Championships before being derailed by injury. Despite the minor setback, she’ll be back next year, and plans on picking up right where she left off.

“I would like to perhaps qualify for FISU (Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire) and perhaps bring home a national title,” Lalonde said.

One can only assume that her casual use of the word ‘perhaps’ reflects her extreme modesty and not her actual intent. Lalonde is one of the most committed individuals you will come across on this campus, or anywhere. While that should be self-evident given her already lengthy list of accomplishments, this assessment was also echoed by her coach, Dave Scott-Thomas. “[Genevieve has] a high degree of mental toughness and is committed to the team,” Scott-Thomas said.

These are no small words of praise. Scott-Thomas has put together a John Wooden-like résumé with 17 OUA, 13 CIS and 2 Fox

all-sports Canadian Coach of the Year Awards. Along the way, he has coached a number of gold medalists and championship winning teams.

It’s safe to say that Scott-Thomas knows talent when he sees it.

“She’s going to be a major player at the CIS level and honestly, the

national team level,” Scott-Thomas said.

This level of success isn’t new to Lalonde. She has already represented Canada at the 2009 World CrossCountry Championships in Jordan, where she cracked the top 20, just before fainting 500 metres from

the finish. Although picking up two DNFs (did not finish) in consecutive years national and international competitions might discourage some, they have not slowed Lalonde.

She is ready to pick up right where she left off.

“Next season will be the summer season and I will try to make it on to the National junior track and field team that will be represented in the World junior track and field championships in my hometown of Moncton,” Lalonde said.

Ever the humble superstar, Lalonde said she is privileged to have the world juniors take place in her hometown.

As for her new home away from home in? Lalonde likes Guelph, but hasn’t found the living transition always as smooth as her athletic shift.

“There have been some ups and downs, but Guelph is a great place to live and I have thoroughly enjoyed it here,” Lalonde said of her life outside of athletics.

But, on the track or running cross? Safe to say it’s been virtually nothing but ups so far.

backgrounds. Everyone loves sushi!”

Recently the name of the game amongst sushi lovers has been ‘all you can eat.’

“Going out for sushi gives me something to look forward to after a long week at school and is by far my most enjoyable and favourite social dining experience,” said Erin McLaughlin, a student at the university by day, and a sushi connoisseur and enthusiast by night. “There’s a real science behind the ordering process, making sure you cover all the best items. It’s something I really pride myself in having mastered.”

There are, however, a number

of precautions to be taken from a health standpoint. The buffet mentality has been known to set in with ‘all you can eat’ and this can lead to over consumption and excess caloric intake. There are a number of menu items with covert calories, including fatty sauces, deep fried tempura, and starchy white rice. Soy sauce is jam packed with sodium, which, in increased levels, can cause heart and kidney issues.

Additional risks include the fact that eating raw fish inherently comes with an increased risk of food borne illness, when compared with cooked items. Fish also runs the risk of mercury exposure,

She’s going to be a major player at the CIS level and honestly, the national team level.

Dave Scott-Thomas Gryphons cross-country and track and field head coach

Mundo Images

Gryphons rookie Genevieve Lalonde capped a brilliant first season by winning the CIS female rookie of the year award.

IN FOCUS

Rockin’ rolls Looking at the culinary craze from a health perspective ELIZABETH MCLEOD What’s raw, slippery, a bit smelly, wrapped in seaweed and has become arguably the most popular trend on the dining scene?

Well, that would be sushi. This Japanese delicacy has blossomed into quite a culinary craze, not only for its taste, but also for its proclaimed benefits to the health of the consumer.

While the Japanese have been consuming sushi for centuries, the neat little rolls that western society has come to love originated in the 19th century in Edo, Japan. These little rolls certainly look like the p ctu e of o health, ea t , with w t omega-3 o ega 3 picture fatty acid-rich fish, vegetables, and rice.

Omega-3 fatty acid ids are acids essential for the body and are are r touted as playing playin ng a role in thee prev pr e en n ti t on prevention

of cancer and cardiovascular disease, increasing immune function, and brain health. And, if the whole seaweed deal freaks you out, take heed: seaweed is full of essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, folic acid and antioxidant phytonutrients.

“Sushi is best and healthiest when fresh, it is important to use only the freshest ingredients and prepare the sushi only upon order to ensure maximum freshness,” said Winnie, a customer relations representative at Guelph’s newest sushi restaurant, W Sushi, emphasizing the importance of quality when eating sushi.

Sushi has become big business in Guelph, with restaurants catering to a large and diverse following.

“We have a veryy wide varietyy of menu options to cater to every taste,” she continued. “Our clientele is very verr y diverse and ranges from the very young to elderly, and people from manyy cultural ma

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something that can be harmful if consumed by humans in large quantities.

This being said, however, these risks are easily tended to if sushi is prepared correctly with quality ingredients and consumed with moderation in mind.

Not only can sushi be a great health and taste experience, but also, there have been whisperings of sushi being a potent natural aphrodisiac. Needless to say, if you haven’t done so already, give this slimy seaweed-covered stuff a chance.

16

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

SPORTS & HEALTH

THEONTARION.CA

Running culture is equally unique as it is successful On

tarion

MIKE TREADGOLD It was last Saturday night, when my BlackBerry went into the alltoo-familiar vibrating convulsions.

I was waiting for one email in particular: the press release with the final results from the CIS track and field championships. The Gryphon men had gone into the final day of the weekend-long set of events with a slim lead over their longtime rivals, the Windsor Lancers.

As expected, the mobile alert contained the news that I was hoping for, headlined by “Gryphon Men Win National Track Championship.” Chalk up another national title for the Gryphons unbelievable running programs, this one decided by a mere one point in the final race of the weekend.

The Gryphons went into CIs fresh off of a less than stellar performance at the OUA Championships, where the Lancers swept the men’s and women’s titles.

In talking to head coach Dave ScottThomas following OUs, he indicated that a few tweaks needed to happen prior to the national championships

Mundo Images

to get the team back on their game.

Apparently, all the right tweaks took place, giving the Gryphon men their second national banner in the past three years. The success of the running teams at Guelph – both cross-country and track and field – left me thinking: just what is it that makes these programs so consistently dominant year after year? These pages have been graced with success stories about Gryphons running on nearly a weekly basis this year, far more than any other sport.

In sports lingo, one might apply the

term, ‘dynasty.’

Scott-Thomas is without a doubt, a brilliant coach, capable of bringing in incredibly talented recruits. But, despite all this, there is a process of developing these athletes that is unique and exclusive to the Gryphons programs. So, I simply asked: what differentiates Gryphons running from the other national classes?

Like any other interview that I’ve conducted with Scott-Thomas, a five-second question quickly became a 15-minute discussion. Conversing

with him on a regular basis this year has opened my mind and just started to give me a glimpse about what it’s like to be a member of the successful running programs in Guelph.

What I quickly learned is that the Gryphons running program is far more complex than just physical development. It’s about character, philosophy and team building. It’s about finding out who these athletes are as people, and how committed they are to contributing towards the program’s vision.

High school athletes come to the

program with a sense of invincibility.

By and large, they come from programs and club teams where they are running from a highly individualized perspective. To them, running is an individual sport and relationships with fellow athletes are less common.

But Scott-Thomas’ culture, vision and program sees otherwise.

And, this team-first attitude works towards a unique strategy that the Gryphons employ that is far too complicated to be described in words.

Statistics, spreadsheets, breathing strategies and understanding the physiological makeup of fellow teammates and opposing runners are all a part of Gryphon running, requiring a mature and committed individual to embrace its tactics.

Scott-Thomas and his fellow coaches stress controlled running, understanding the other runners as well as you know yourself.

Understanding when to pass, when to hold back, when to go aggressively and when to let other runners tire themselves, only to be caught when they are most vulnerable. It’s a veritable game of cat-and-mouse, a fascinating battlefield-like strategy where only the strongest survive.

Gryphon running is about far more than what happens on your feet. It’s a philosophy, and a culture.

Rookie dominates on the mats

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Jagas leads Gryphons to CIS glory with gold medal win SARAH DUNSTAN Despite sending a relatively small contingent of athletes to Calgary, the Guelph Gryphons wrestling team brought home three medals from the CIS national championships.

All three Gryphon medalists came on the men’s side, with rookie Jake Jagas taking gold, Kyle Grant picking up a silver, and Kevin IwasaMadge securing bronze.

Now more committed than ever, Jagas is already preparing for the junior nationals, assuring fans that the Gryphons have a strong and everimproving team moving forward.

Given his remarkable performance as a first-year wrestler, Jagas was named CIS Rookie of the Year, in addition to capturing gold in the men’s 72 kg event.

Although this was Jagas’ first year of varsity wrestling, he was involved in wrestling throughout high school, making this his fifth year in the sport.

“Most people are more impressed than I am,” Jagas admitted, regarding his success.

Now more committed than ever, Jagas is already preparing for the junior nationals, assuring fans that the Gryphons have a strong and ever-improving team moving

Courtesy

Gryphons rookie, Jake Jagas, won CIS gold in just his first varsity season. forward.

The prestigious R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award was bestowed upon fifth-year Gryphons wrestler Grant, who placed second in the men’s 130 kg, the second consecutive year that he was won silver on the national stage.

Grant already has a plethora of wrestling achievements under his belt this season, including an OUA championship title in the 130 kg class, and a silver medal in the 120 kg group at the Guelph Open.

Iwasa-Madge, dominant in the Brock Invitational earlier this year, won bronze in the men’s 65 kg event

at the CIS championships, a solid finish in just his second year as a Gryphon.

On the women’s side, the small, but competitive group of female Gryphons were led by a pair of fifthplace finishes by Allison Leslie and Laura Christensen.

The Gryphon men placed 6th overall in the final standings with a total of 32 points, second among Ontario universities, behind only Lakehead, who finished third.

On the women’s side, the Gryphons finished tenth overall with 11 points, fourth among Ontario schools.

THE ONTARION

Life

161.9

LIFE

17

is pretentious... but so what?

NICOLE ELSASSER If an old Italian man wanted to cure his own pancetta or build a wood oven in his backyard to bake bread or pizza, that wouldn’t be pretentious right? If a twentysomething did the same thing though, people would be quick to point fingers, labeling the offender a hipster, a snob and definitely pretentious as hell.

In speaking to some friends about this double-standard, many admitted to being interested in starting a garden, keeping chickens in their backyards or making their pasta from scratch, but fled quickly from the impulse in fear of being assigned the dreaded “hipster” label.

In the minds of many, taking the effort to make the food that is easily obtained at the grocery store is tied to some kind of retro fetish, an ironic throwback to the good-old-days and akin to writing on a typewriter, owning music exclusively on vinyl or refusing to wear clothes unless they are vintage.

Strangely enough, each of those symptoms of hipster pretension present genuine benefits outside of the scornful desire for ‘cred.’ The sound quality of vinyl is genuinely superior to most digital music. Using a typewriter allows one to type outdoors, electricity free, without the sun’s interference; something

Duncan Day-Myron

that normally makes a laptop screen impossible to see. Buying vintage clothes usually allows for high quality and interestingly style clothes to be purchased much more cheaply than if they were purchased new.

The same benefits can be found in attempts to be more involved in one’s food production. There is certainly an amount of practicality that comes from growing herbs in

a window box in your apartment window or making your own bread. These are things that make sense. They made sense to everyone for hundreds of years before urbanites stopped creating food for themselves.

The cruel and unfortunate truth is that if you decide one day to make something from scratch, to take the effort and prepare it by hand, opting out of store-bought, pre-packaged

food, than somebody may view you as pretentious, a snob.

So what? Do it anyway.

I hate to resort to cliché, but I will. We live in a culture of convenience. When a person decides to make the decision to disregard all of the handy routes in place for getting food to mouth, conclusions will be drawn. It will be assumed that you, by deliberately making the process of obtaining and consuming food more difficult, are making a statement of some sort. The go-to assumption on this front will probably be that you are too ‘à la mode’ to eat the same food as everyone else. Images will be conjured of you sitting on your vintage shag carpet, the sounds of a Serge Gainsboug record oozing out of your portable record player, an ox head mounted on the wall behind and you, in your vintage denim jacket and high-rise leather shorts, savoring every bite of the salmon you just smoked in your backyard.

Really, if this mental image is keeping you from exploring all of the possibilities available when you decide to make your own food, I suggest you reconsider. So, go forth and be gastronomically intrepid.

Feel free to eat that self-smoked salmon without even a hint of irony.

WITH SOME

SOLID RESEARCH YOU COULD CERTAINLY MAKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FOODSTUFFS: t 3JDPUUB DIFFTF t :PHVSU t 4BVTBHFT t 8JOF t 1BODFUUB t +BNT BOE TQSFBET t #SFBE t 4UPDL t 1JDLMFT t .BSTINBMMPXT t 'SFTI QBTUB t #FFS

I really want to get into...

Each week, Ontarion editors will divulge their sage advice for breaking into a possibly intimidating aspect of culture. Anything that might overwhelm and seem impossible to "get into," Ontarion editors will seek to demystify and make the transition from neophyte to connoisseur a simple one.

SUKIE, LVL 80 TAUREN DRUID World of Warcraft (WoW) is a genuine phenomenon, with over 10 million subscribers worldwide. It is the most successful MMORPG (that’s Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) by an astronomical margin. And despite its bad reputation – that it’s a timesink, or that only basement dwelling nerds with neckbeards play it – if you can put aside any preconceived notions, you might find out that neither of those things true, and it’s a damn fun game.

MAKING YOUR CHARACTER Anyone just starting the game has their pick of five different races in two different factions (Alliance and Horde). The two factions are at war with each other, and each has a unique story, its own areas to play the game in, and cannot communicate in any way with the other. Both race and faction are largely cosmetic, with negligible differences between them. If you’re playing with friends, make sure you pick the same faction, but other than that it’s really down to what you want your character to look like.

The next thing you’ll pick is your class. Each race has a limited number of classes to pick from, but each faction can be any of the 10 classes.

While each class can be broken down into one of a few essential categories—physical damage dealer (swords, axes, guns and all that), magical damage dealer (fireballs!), tank (a character who draws enemy attacks while other characters deal the majority of the damage) or healer (casts spells to bring hurt players back from the brink)— they’re all equally powerful. If you want to do one specific role, think about that now and while you go through the beginning stages of n’t the game. If you don’t like it, just start over!!

QUESTING! Next up, go out ut and adventure!

Levels one through 10 are pretty simple, and meant to help new players understand the gamee mechanics.

Start by finding characters with yellow exclamation marks over their heads (!). These are quest-givers.

When you talk to them (right-click with your mouse), they will tell you what quest they are offering and the reward. Read the instructions, and accept the quest. You’re on your way!

Most quests involve killing x number of enemies, or collecting y number of an item, and can usually be done right in the vicinity of the quest-giver. If not, they will tell you where you need to go to get it done.

Quests can be tracked in your quest log, and when w complete the quest-giver will have a yellow quest-give ‘?’ over his or her head.

Talk to them again, turn in your quest, reap the rewards! Lather, rince, repeat. It might seem a little monotonous to read, but monoto the further you y get into the game, the harder and an more exciting the quests becom become, and the greater the rewards. You You’ll end up riding firebreathing dragons, dr driving around in a tank destroying buildings and cou countless other things.

SKILLS AND TALENTS As you quest, kill monsters and explore: you’ll gain experience and level up. Every other time you level up (all the even numbered levels) you’ll be able to learn new skills by talking to your trainer. You’ll find out who they are pretty early on. Each class has a huge number of skills, some will be essential and others will be only occasionally used. It’s up to you to figure out which ones suit you the best.

Starting at level 10, you’ll also gain one talent point per level. From that point on, you can press ‘N’ to open up your Talent Trees, where you can spend these talent points to learn new skills and spells and customize your character to a great degree. You can reset these points and start all over again (for a fee!) at your trainer, so play around with things!

GROUPING, “INSTANCES” AND “RAIDS” Although WoW has a huge amount of playable content to keep the solo player busy for as long as they want to be, part of the draw is the multiplayer experience. As you level, people may want to group with

you to kill enemies and complete more difficult quests.

There are also “instances,” a term used to describe different areas of the game that require a group to complete, feature better rewards and harder “boss” encounters. Most require a group of five players, and there are different instances for all levels of the game. If and when you reach the highest level (currently level 80), there are “raid” encounters which require anywhere from 10 to 25 people to complete. These are mostly optional, but are some of the hardest and most exciting parts of the game!

There is a “looking for group” tool you can activate to help you find a group, or for people who are looking to fill a group to be able to find you.

World of Warcraft may not be for everyone. But it’s free to try (you can get a trial version at www. worldofwarcraft.com), and, well, it’s so hugely successful for a reason.

There’s an endless amount of things to do, people to group with, and things to fight!

18

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

LIFE

a how-to student guide on

Summer employment DANIEL BITONTI Some people are lucky enough to find summer jobs they can’t wait to get up for in the morning. It might be out in the sun, perhaps a stint as a lawn-chair-beer-tester (I’m still banking on this job actually existing), or least a job in the field they’re studying at school.

Then there are the more obnoxious ones who land sweet summertime gigs without having to go through the motions of updating resumes, stalking job sites morning to night, and sending out dozens of resumes to prospective employers.

And then there’s you. After a month and a half of waking up at noon and creeping on Facebook, you finally get a call back. And, by this point, you’re so frustrated you’ll take almost anything.

If you ask most experts, the old tactics for finding summer employment simply won’t cut it anymore. Certainly determination and persistence count for something, but according to Lauren Friese, the founder of TalentEgg, Canada’s only career site for students and new graduates that focuses exclusively on meaningful careers and related development, you have

to play the game and keep up with the trends. Friese provided the Ontarion with her five hottest tips for finding summer employment, advice that will help distance you from everyone else.

1. CAST YOUR NET. This tip is pretty easy to execute, but few students use the available resources they have. Friese says to take stock of the tools available to help with your job search. This includes your network, job boards, Google (!), your career centre, and resources like TalentEgg. By going onto as many job boards as you can, it is possible for students to land jobs in similar fields to the ones they are studying.

2. BROADCAST YOUR AVAILABILITY: WITH TOOLS LIKE TWITTER, FACEBOOK, ETC., IT ’S EASY TO LET YOUR NETWORK (AND THE WORLD) KNOW THAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A JOB. By using tools like twitter and Facebook, the chances of being found only increase. Friese says that the intern she currently employs is

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICINGACTAERESERS FOR REWARD

FINANCIAL PLANNING GLOBAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL MARKETING MARKETING MANAGEMENT PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

exemplary of what you can do as a student to ensure that people are aware of you. “On his twitter he is consistently making it clear that he is interviewing and meeting people. He started a blog that talks about his job search and the career he wants to get into,” she said. “It shows that he is current with the trends and that he can intelligently address the industry he wants to get into. It shows passion.”

Friese adds that the great thing about twitter is that it really is a professional tool and you end up connecting with people who are interested in the same professional goals as you are. “Recruiters are all over twitter,” she adds.

3. SHOW OFF. It’s not enough to just say you’re available – make sure you let everyone know why you’d make an excellent helping hand this summer.

Friese advises student to leverage the opportunity the web gives you to get outside of your rigid resume and show off what really makes you a superstar.

“But the number one thing I think that students with not a lot of work experience should do is put testimonials on their resume,”Friese says. “On your resume, this whole idea about saying your references are available upon request… why do that when you have the opportunity to put testimonials of the great things people have said about you?”

She also says scrap the whole education and work experience format on resumes. She advises student to talk about your life experience instead, and how they would relate to the career you’re getting into. “What’s going to stand out if you’re looking for a job in finances? Is it going to be whether you worked at the GAP for the summer, or that at school you were involved in a committee where you acted as the CFO and organized all the finances.”

Oftentimes, students display some of their most applicable skills in projects they have done in school.

4. APPROACH ORGANIZATIONS THAT DON’T APPEAR TO BE HIRING. Friese says to pitch your energy, expertise and willingness to learn within organizations, especially smaller ones, even if they don’t appear to be hiring. Chances are, if you can offer a positive return on investment throughout your internship or summer job, they’ll be happy to bring you on for the summer to give them an extra hand.

5. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE LINES.

business.humber.ca

Friese says to use your summer as an opportunity to try something you wouldn’t have otherwise done.

Use it as a time to figure out what you do and don’t like to do.

THEONTARION.CA

A simple yes or no. . .

Filing a complaint against an out of line enforcement officer Back in December, the Buffalo Bills made their second annual regular season visit to the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto.

Anyone who is familiar with an NFL game knows that there is a unique ‘experience’ to observing a game. And I’m not talking about what happens on the field.

Drunken fans are the norm, and while in-seat fights are rare, they have been known to take place.

That being said, in these games, security is tight. I’m talking airport-tight. At previous games that I’ve been to in Buffalo, the second a punch is thrown, the perpetrator is almost instantly swarmed by yellow-clad security guards and promptly escorted to the exits.

With that in mind, I decided to attend the Dec. 3 game in Toronto between the Bills and the New York Jets, along with my girlfriend.

I drove from Guelph to Toronto for the game, and consumed zero drinks, with the intention of driving back to Guelph the same night. Aside from being a huge football fan, I’m also an avid Bills fan. I went to Toronto that night, with the intention of watching football, and not drinking.

In my row, there was a particularly loud – and intoxicated – Bills fan, who liked to stand up whenever a big play occurred. This is completely normal practice at any other football game that I’ve been to. However, two rows behind us, an equally loud – and similarly intoxicated – Jets fan decided that his view was being blocked, and with rational behaviour nowhere to be found, challenged said Bills fan to a fight in the middle of the aisle.

Long story short: Bills fan accepts, fight ensues. Security is nowhere in sight.

As the fight starts moving closer to my location, I had but one thing in mind: don’t let my girlfriend get hit by these idiots.

Shielding her with my body, the fight is now literally, right on top of me and now features as many as eight participants, but I was not among them. With women and children nearby, surrounding spectators are pleading with the

fighters to stop, but their cries fall on deaf ears.

After two solid minutes of nonstop chaos, a pair of undersized and ill-prepared security guards, as well as two police officers, arrive to break it up. Instead of asking questions, they just started grabbing random people whom they believed were involved, and escorted them out. Inexplicably, without any reason whatsoever, I was one of those random people selected by one of Toronto’s finest for an early exit.

Upon realizing that I had been mistaken for someone else, other fans in my section try to convince the officer that I had done nothing wrong. One fan even went as far to tell the officer that it was he, and not I, that should be kicked out.

As was the case with the drunks – deaf ears.

While the officer is firmly escorting me up the stairs, I’m still pleading with him to listen. It was at this time that he uttered words that I won’t soon forget: “Listen kid, there’s a lot of people who are bloody down there and if you resist me, you’re going to get even bloodier.”

Excuse me? A threat? At this time, I realized that my efforts were worthless. This guy was on a power trip. I walked out on my own, infuriated, but silent.

Again, I stress that not only was alcohol a non-factor as far as I was concerned, but also, at no time did I even lay a hand on anyone else.

But this police officer was having none of it. I wasn’t charged, just escorted outside and told to leave it alone.

When retelling this story to others, many have suggested that I file a complaint against the officer, not only for acting unprofessionally, but also for violently threatening me. I did get his name, but I chose not to pursue it further. My reason: police officers and security personnel are assigned to these games to act first, ask questions later. Even though I hadn’t been drinking and didn’t do anything wrong, football fans are guilty before proven innocent.

So, I ask, should I have taken further action against this overly aggressive officer?

Head on over to

www.theontarion.com to comment with your opinion.

THE ONTARION

LIFE

161.9

EcoBits

Horoscopes

by Gini Beaumont ow much does climate change henever I tell someone that H affect you? For some, it is WI am the Composting Coaffecting mental health creating ordinator at the Sustainability Officephobias and psychosis. In February, the first official case of climate change delusion was diagnosed in Australia when a boy was admitted to the psychiatric unit for refusing to drink water; drinking water to him was an action he thought would contribute the killing of millions around the world that are without clean water.

Though having anxiety over current events is not a new phenomenon, climate change is an event that is bound to get worse before it gets better. The main worries are that these events, especially natural disasters that are being linked with climate change, create a disconnection from nature and feeling of loss of control over one’s own life.

So what can be done? Well, those with experience in the field, including people from the Centre for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School, and the Smith College School for Social Work, say that we should begin to train people to give psychological first aid and that those feeling the stress should get involved with action toward solutions.

Psychological first aid is helping those who have experienced effects of climate change, such as natural disasters (being the most abrupt), to feel safer and taken care of. This can be hard because natural disasters often destroy health care infrastructure, but having more people trained will help.

For this and other longer term cases, educating people on the psychological way in which they may respond, so they are prepared for what they may experience, is vital.

A way to combat this anxiety, as with other forms of depression, is building a community of people, a network of friends, which are taking some action against climate change.

Not only will the brain benefit from knowing that the work is actually helping, but having social bonds can help with the overwhelming feelings, empowering us to continue our work, with the strength from the community around us.

University of Guelph (SOUG) on campus, more often than not the response is, “We compost here, where?” It’s interesting, at least to me, that more people don’t expect Guelph to compost. Anyway, we do compost here, though the whole process is still relatively new to U of G. Some of the faculty departments and some residences are taking part by emptying their lunch room and kitchen organics into our round, black, outdoor ‘EarthMachine’ composters.

The composting process still receives some objection around campus. The outdoor composters have been called unsightly, and in the summer, they can work up quite a smell. This can happen if they aren’t turned regularly, which may happen when we don’t have enough hands to maintain them. I haven’t been here for the summer months, but I’ve been told that our last summer students did really well in this area.

The University has a waste diversion goal of 60 per cent by 2011. Right now we’re sitting on 45 per cent. Though most of this diversion is created by the recycling programs that are set up all over campus, composting could make up a significant part of the last 15 per cent.

The SOUG itself is relatively new, as well. They have been researching potential ways of making larger scale composting, say for our cafeterias, possible on campus. But this and public composting (having compost bins in all classrooms) also meet barriers such as resistance to extra responsibilities or a mix of, perhaps, laziness and a lack of education; this seems to be similar to a barrier of recycling where people just don’t make the time or have the know-how to correctly separate out recyclables, or organics.

With this in mind, SOUG is working to help these barriers come down and hopefully understand a little more. For this, we would love to hear your ideas and comments.

For more information check out the website: www.pr.uoguelph.ca/ sustain/, or email the Compost Coordinator: compost@pr.uoguelph.ca .

19

ARIES

LEO

SAGITTARIUS

TAURUS

VIRGO

CAPRICORN

GEMINI

LIBRA

AQUARIUS

CANCER

SCORPIO

PISCES

Yikes! What an emotional day, Aries. The planetary energies are forecasting conflict, and lots of it.

Do your best to personally steer clear of any of it, and try to avoid being drawn into any arguments.

You may wish to keep to yourself today. Tonight either stay in or head out to the movies alone. Don’t worry, everyone will be feeling much better tomorrow.

Emotions will run high with today’s planetary energies, Taurus. But this is no reason to run away and hide! People will be much more honest than usual, even brutally so, and you could learn some valuable information as a result. Don’t be afraid to listen to some airing of dirty laundry as well. With your discerning judgment, you’ll be able to make sense of what is good information and what isn’t.

Today’s emotional energy risks being exceptionally high, Gemini.

You may find yourself at the end of your rope by midday. Try to take a long walk or bike ride in order to calm down. Go by yourself and do some deep breathing outdoors. Try to avoid being drawn into other people’s conflicts. Excuse yourself and trust that they can work things out on their own.

Today is good for entertaining, Cancer. Enjoy the company of family and friends, and don’t get distracted by gloomy thoughts about work or money. Just relax and let others take care of themselves. You enjoy nurturing other people and making sure they have a wonderful time, but you need to have a great time as well, so don’t work too hard. Someone may give you a gift, a token of love and appreciation.

Today’s energies are going to be stirring up everyone’s emotions, Leo. You may wish to avoid getting involved in any arguments or conflicts. If you ask for someone else’s advice, you’re likely to get an earful. It may be best to keep to yourself as much as possible today and spend some time alone tonight with a good book. Everything should be much calmer tomorrow.

Yes, you can be proud of yourself, Virgo. You really know your stuff.

You have committed yourself to deepening your knowledge and capabilities and it really shows.

Friends and family members will be coming to you for advice, and rightfully so. Try not to grow complacent, though. It’s an easy trap to fall into. You’ll need to continue full-speed ahead on your educational journey in order to keep that edge!

Today is wonderful for surrounding yourself with those you love the most, Libra. Host a get-together with family and friends, full of stimulating conversation and delicious food and drink. However, you might at some point feel a little sad, missing someone who should be with you but isn’t, and speculating about what he or she may be doing.

Concentrate on those there with you. You’re surrounded by love and are likely to remain so.

As a person who enjoys being gregarious and outgoing, days like this provide a wonderful outlet for your energy. You might spend a lot of time with your family today, Scorpio, but you’ll also probably touch base with many others. At some point you might find yourself in the spotlight. You’ll feel especially fond of everyone around you and appreciate your good fortune. Enjoy your day.

This is a great time to take advantage of a little solitude to pursue some cherished goals, Sagittarius. Your concentration and imagination are operating at a very high level, and you may not stop working until you’re completely finished. If you’re starting a project, you’ll probably do well on it and, if business and money are involved, be successful. Don’t let temporary snags get in your way. Go for the gold!

Be careful of gossiping too much with your friends and colleagues, Capricorn. It’s fun to laugh and exchange stories, but remind yourself of the fact that the truth in a story is diminished and changed each time it’s repeated. If you gossip too much, your friends may begin wondering what you say about them when they aren’t there. Ultimately, this isn’t healthy behavior for your friendships. Think about it.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t spend too much time at home today. All signs indicate that you’re more likely to be out and about, shopping, visiting, and maybe attending a special dinner or concert. There are a number of family activities that you won’t want to miss, Aquarius, so don’t let your friends distract you with too much shopping or sports on TV.

You know that you have a very fertile imagination, Pisces, and today’s aspects highlight this special quality.

You might wish to channel your thoughts into an artistic endeavor like writing or painting. Be sure to grab any opportunity to weave a fascinating tale for a child. Be careful about letting your imagination run away with you when making judgments about people. They’re most likely on the up and up.

Visit www.sundaycinema.ca for more info on these Central Student Association events 8:00 pm

7:00 pm

7:30 pm doors

noon

preview

7:00 pm

<CC@FKK

9IFF; docurama Thurs Mar 18

sunday cinema Sun Mar 21

docurama Thurs Mar 25

live music Thurs Mar 25

thornbrough 1200 | free

war memorial hall

thornbrough 1200 | free

club vinyl | 52 Macdonell

nooner Wed Mar 31 uc courtyard

Co-presented with MacLaughlin Library The metaphysical effects of being struck by lightning.

$3 UoG stu | $5 general A spot-on coming-of-age story set in 1960s Britian.

Co-presented with MacLaughlin Library Absorbing insight into a larger-than-life eccentric.

$15 all ages/licensed Co-presented with Kaleidoscope Promotions.

Featuring the powerful, risk-taking and fiercely contemporary Chimera Project.

20

OPINION

OPINION

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

THEONTARION.CA

Why Israel is an apartheid state GREGORY SHUPAK

From March 1 to 7, Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) was held at the University of Guelph and on campuses around the world. IAW is aimed at raising consciousness about the nature of Israel’s rule over the Palestinian people and at strengthening the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions campaign against Israel. To demonstrate that the term apartheid applies to Israeli rule over the Palestinians, one needn’t prove that conditions are identical to those in racist South Africa. What’s necessary is to establish that there are significant parallels between the two situations and that the definitions of apartheid set out in international law describe Israeli policy. The United Nations defines apartheid as “inhuman acts committed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group [...] over another racial group [...] and systematically oppressing them” and Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court echoes these terms.

Allow me to begin with the easiest point in favour of labelling Israel’s system of governance “apartheid”: Nobel Peace Prize winners Jimmy Carter and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu have applied the term, as have the United Nations and the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The most visible mark of separation between Israeli’s and Palestinians is the wall that Israel built along the West Bank, which the UK’s Independent calls an “apartheid wall.” To build a wall around a group of people, confining them to a virtual prison, is inherently an act of “domination,” as are the segregated roads in the occupied territories (UNHRC 2007).

Courtesy

Moreover, all residents over age 16 must carry an Israeli Identification Card, categorizing people as Jewish or non-Jewish and, according to the UK’s Guardian, “determining where they are permitted to live, access to some government welfare programmes, and how they are likely to be treated by civil servants and policemen.” This is precisely the sort of infrastructure that constitutes “systematic oppression.”

Furthermore, another article in the Independent describes Israeli policy as “apartheid by paper....[A] set of Israeli laws which prohibit almost all Palestinian building or village improvements, which shamelessly smash down Palestinian homes for which permits are impossible to obtain, ordering the destruction of even restored

Palestinian sewage systems. Israeli colonists have no such problems; which is why 300,000 Israelis now live - in 220 settlements which are all internationally illegal - in the richest and most fertile of the Palestinian occupied lands.” What little Palestinian land remains in the occupied territories has been carved into a series of fractured parts, an ongoing process that makes the possibility of a coherent Palestinian homeland more and more remote.

Figures such as Colin Powell and the eminent Israeli journalist Amira Hass have likened this practice to Bantuism—Bantustans were the ten territories that South Africa’s apartheid regime established to divide the black population under the pretence of giving them “homelands.”

Moreover, B’Tselem, the Israeli human rights group, demonstrates that, as in South Africa, Israeli social spending is grossly unequal along racial lines and demographically disproportionate. The group notes that Jerusalem’s Jewish population, accounting for 70 per cent of the city’s population, are served by 1,000 public parks, 36 public swimming pools and 26 libraries. The estimated 260,000 Arabs living in the east of the city have 45 parks, no public swimming pools and two libraries.

One of B’Tselem’s reports states: “since the annexation of Jerusalem, the municipality has built almost no new schools, public buildings or medical clinics for Palestinians. The lion’s share of investment has been dedicated to the city’s Jewish areas.”

Just as in racist South Africa, where a large part of the black population was treated as foreigners in the very cities in which they were born, B’Tselem notes that “Israel treats Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem as immigrants, who live in their homes at the beneficence of the authorities and not by right.

The authorities maintain this policy although these Palestinians were born in Jerusalem, lived in the city and have no other home. Treating these Palestinians as foreigners who entered Israel is astonishing, since it was Israel that entered East Jerusalem in 1967.” Furthermore, John Dugard, the international law professor and formerly the UN’s chief human rights monitor in the occupied territories, notes that, “The similarities between the situation of East Jerusalemites and black South Africans is very great in respect of their residency rights. We had the old Group Areas Act in South Africa. East Jerusalem has territorial classification that has the same sort

of consequences as race classification had in South Africa in respect of who you can marry, where you can live, where you can go to school or [to the] hospital.” Moreover, as the Guardian has noted, only Israeli-registered cars are allowed within Jerusalem and Palestinians, including those who are born in East Jerusalem, must receive a pass from the Israeli military to enter the centre of the city.

Dugard’s reference to marriage is crucial. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN have criticized Israel’s Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law. According to Haaretz, this law prevents Palestinians from obtaining legal status in Israel when they marry an Israeli citizen and the 22,000 families affected by it often face awful consequences: children denied basic rights such as health insurance; Palestinian spouses who are prohibited from working; women “expelled to Gaza” who lose all contact with their children; women who stay in violent relationships because they fear being separated from their children.

I’ll close with a comment that Dugard makes in a 2007 report on Israeli policy in the West Bank: “Can it seriously be denied that the purpose [...] is to establish and maintain domination by one racial group [Israelis] over another racial group [Palestinians] and systematically oppressing them?

Israel denies that this is its intention or purpose. But such an intention or purpose may be inferred.”

bordered on condescending, insisting that the legalization of “bad” drugs like marijuana could never be handled as reputably as, say, the commercialization of alcohol.

“The reason drugs are illegal is because they are bad,” Mr. Harper said. “And even if [marijuana] were legalized, I can predict with a lot of confidence that these would never be respectable businesses run by respectable people.”

Harper also claimed that when people buy drugs, “they are not buying from their neighbour. They are buying from international cartels that are involved in unimaginable violence and intimidation and social disaster and catastrophe all across the world.”

The strength of social media is that it provides a forum for frankness and honesty in a world saturated with spin.

But in the spirit of participatory democracy, I decided to submit a written question for the occasion. I asked Mr. Harper why government

institutions remained hostile to Freedom of Information requests, despite a pledge by the Conservatives to usher in a new era of transparency.

I asked why it was considered reasonable for citizens and journalists to wait periods of up to 18 months to receive heavily redacted documents, if they received them at all.

I also asked why it was necessary to answer questions through a Youtube interview when many of the most popular questions were being asked everyday by hardworking journalists, who are given the same pre-chewed answers by MPs. Sadly, no such question came up over the course of Harper’s interview.

Presumably it wasn’t popular enough, at least compared to questions about legalized pot and detainee abuse, which raises another troubling question about social media: if an issue doesn’t resonate with the Internet mob, does that mean it’s not important? Maybe I’ll add that to my Twitter feed and see if I get an answer.

Greg Shupak is a widely published author of fiction, non-fiction and academia. He is working on a PhD at the University of Guelph’s School of English and Theatre Studies.

L OOSE CANNON

Harper has a cyber chat with himself GREG BENETEAU Is social media democracy’s best friend, or its worst enemy? The answer depends on how you use it.

When Prime Minister Stephen Harper sat down Tuesday for a special livestream interview on Youtube, the move was heralded by organizers as an opportunity for the country’s leader to connect with the Internet generation.

The Prime Minister’s Office described the interview as a chance for “Canadians to have unfiltered and immediate access to information.”

“It’s not every day that you get to ask your country’s leader questions about issues you care about,” chirped Jacob Glick, Canada Policy Counsel for Google, which owns Youtube.

Sadly, that day remains as elusive as it’s ever been. Instead of going viral, Harper simply adopted a new communication strategy for his heavily-scripted message.

The interview, conducted by Google’s bilingual chief financial officer Patrick Pichette, touched on

subjects ranging from the deficit to crime and the Afghan detainee abuse scandal.

But there was nothing social about the 40-minute pep talk from our Prime Minister. Mainly, it was an opportunity for him to repeat Conservative talking points without any interruptions.

B. Jonte from Waterloo asked why the government frequently responded to questions about detainee abuse in Afghanstan by saying “we should ‘support our troops’ and look the other way.”

Harper replied by stating he disagreed with the premise of Jonte’s question, and then proceeded to launch into a “support our troops” speech. He barely attempted to address concerns about student debt expressed by Crazyforyou79, who apparently lives in Saskatoon.

On a question about the effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing, Pichette even stepped in to help with the wording after Harper claimed that deterrence to

crime “doesn’t work unless people are actually certain they’re going to get punished.”

“But if you create a system where there’s always a loophole, and you can always get out of the punishment, or the punishment can always be downgraded or forgotten, then it’s clear, that kind of a system does not deter people,” Harper explained.

“Is not credible,” Pichette chimed in.

“Is not credible,” Harper echoed.

You won’t get that kind of assistance from Peter Mansbridge.

If Harper hoped to resonate with the youth vote, he blew it when responding to a question about the legalization marijuana. (According to Pichette, it was the most popular question chosen by online voters).

“A majority of Canadians, when polled, say they believe marijuana should be legal for adults, just like alcohol,” the question read. “Why don’t you end the war on drugs and focus on violent criminals?”

Harper’s black-and-white answer

THE ONTARION

OPINION

161.9

ANDREW T KNOWS

21

SOMETHING ABOUT DINOSAURS

The wonders of formspring.com ANDREW T Good Morning Angels, This week’s column is very practical. I’m going tell you about fun new things on the Internet.

Well, just one fun new thing.

Sorry.

It’s called Formspring.Me and it’s awesome. Just go to http://www.formspring.me/ and sign up. What is it? Well, it’s like the homepage says: “Ask questions, give answers and learn more about your friends.” It’s literally just a place where you ask people questions that they then answer and people then read. It’s amazing! And useful!

I’ll prove it!

Last week I got a Formspring. me account and asked people to ask me questions…and they did! So here’s a sample of the wonderful fun that you can have using Formspring.me!

Question #1: What sort of questions should people ask?

Answer: Good question. With Formspring.me, you can ask any kind of question. Any kind! I recommend asking not ‘Yes or No’ questions. I really want you to make me think about myself.

I want your question to reveal as much of myself to myself as it does to you. The only catch is that I can delete your question if I don’t like it. But I like most all

Andrew T

Andrew T and his pet dinosaur Rex questions. You can ask any kind.

Question #2: How are you so sexy?

Answer: Another good question. I’m sexy because I’m responsible, so I’m mostly only sexy during tax season.

Question #3: What is the best way to shine your shoes?

Answer: This one’s easy—spit shine! Nothing gets you closer to cleanliness, and closer to your shoes, than spit shine. Whether it’s wiping down your loafers or shining up an old basketball court (Space Jam reference), spit shine is the way to go. It’s not gross; it’s spit shine!

Question #4: What kind of dinosaur would you have been?

And how would you have avoided extinction?

Answer: I would have been a Chronosaurus, the only dinosaur with the ability for time travel. I would have time traveled to the future to avoid the extinction and the judgmental looks from my dinosaur friends because I didn’t bring them with me. Then I would invest in telecommunications stocks, and to not show up drunk at my cousin’s wedding. Time travel teaches you so much!

Question #5: Do you know whether or not Rex is seeing anyone?

Answer: For those that don’t know, Rex is my stuffed T-Rex. He’s not seeing anyone right now, but I’m trying to set him up with me childhood stuffed dinosaur Dino. These names… they are astounding.

Question #6: Why does Tickle Me Elmo laugh when you kick it?

Answer: I think it’s kind of like when your friend gets really mad because you hid his cellphone in the ceiling, and in his rage he punches a hole in the wall. You laugh then because it’s the only way to relieve the tension of the awkward situation.

Elmo’s laughing because he

doesn’t know what else to do. He was made only to laugh. He’s just working through the tension.

Question #7: Why is it that I am unable to start or finish anything with a due date, before the date that it is actually due?

Answer: I guess Formspring.

Me can be used for asking real questions too. I’m no expert, but this social networking tool is forcing me to become one. And it sounds to me like you have a problem with procrastination.

That’s cool. I used to have the same problem. But then I went to the dentist and I have no cavities so she gave me a lollipop and I’m all better now. Do I recommend you do the same thing? No. That whole procedure was actually unrelated and wasted a lot more time. I think you need to find an enclosed space to go work in, disconnect the wifi, chuck your phone into a lake, and maybe break up with all of your friends.

You can always find new friends, but you can’t find a new due date.

If you want, you can ask me tons of questions at http://www. formspring.me/desirefortiger and I’ll answer them! It’s easy and free to set up. If I were going to suggest you register for one thing today, it would be this.

CATHLEEN’S CORNER

There’s a little history in those walls CATHLEEN FINLAY How often have you heard around campus, “Let’s meet up at Creelman,” or “I’m going to an art show in Zavitz,”? Although we often hear these names, how often do we, as students, consider who the men behind the titles of these buildings were?

Not very often according to masters student Adina Muskat.

“I’ve always been curious about the process of naming campus buildings, and how specific people were chosen to be associated with certain buildings, but I’ve never looked into it myself,” Muskat said.

The University of Guelph’s Facility Naming Policy answers some of Muskat’s questions. The policy states that a neutral name is preferred for buildings so the name won’t need to be changed if the function of the building changes.

This explains why some building names aren’t associated with their function on campus.

When thinking about important campus buildings and the figures they were named after, three seem to stick out. Zavitz Hall, Creelman Hall, and the Reynolds Building are all named after three interesting men who played important roles at the Ontario Agricultural College (which in 1964 became the University of Guelph along with the Ontario Veterinary College and the Macdonald Institute).

Zavitz Hall was originally built in 1914 for Field Husbandry but is now home to the School of Fine Art and Music. Charles Zavitz was a renowned crop scientist at the turn of the 20th century and his work with efficient crop breeding was so impressive that the US Department of Agriculture tried to lure him to Washington, according to University of Guelph History professor Terry Crowley.

Dr.Crowley explained that Zavitz held the position of acting president of the OAC while President George Creelman was advising the New Zealand government on agricultural policies. Trouble arose at the OAC when World War One began and Zavitz, a Quaker and pacifist, opposed all pro-war demonstrations from occurring on campus.

This caused an uproar in the deeply patriotic and very British town of Guelph, and many called for his termination at the OAC. Prof. Crowley insists though, that Quakers like Zavitz were accustomed to bearing hostility for their anti-war beliefs and calls him a, “tough character.”

The Department of Agriculture quickly summoned President George Creelman back so that he could quietly reassume his role as college president so as not to “unsettle any waters,” according to Dr. Crowley. Crowley said Zavitz was a “quiet, unassuming man who

stood up for his principles when he had to.”

George Creelman, whom Creelman Hall is named after, held the position of OAC president from 1904 to 1920. Dr. Crowley describes Creelman as an “extremely political, ambitious, Liberal man who was astute in navigating the corridors of power.” Creelman had a public presence and an ability to get things done; it’s no surprise that he was asked to lead the provincial Liberal party in 1909.

Under Creelman, the OAC experienced significant expansion and the women’s institute really gained momentum with his help.

He and his wife believed in “the spirit of liberal inquiry,” according to Prof. Crowley. Mrs. Creelman, the daughter of a former OAC President, hosted a faculty wives meeting to discuss the current important books of the day.

Dr. Crowley exposed J.B. Reynolds, the man behind the Reynolds building, as a “tragic figure” at the OAC. “He was a nice guy, and was my favourite [OAC] President,” Dr. Crowley insisted, “he was a brilliant man and a great leader and he was removed for purely political reasons by the Conservative Government.”

The OAC was unique at this time because the college was a part of the Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture. The

Rashaad Bhamjee

Creelman Hall is named after George Creelman, who held the position of OAC president from 1904 to 1920. direct affiliation meant that when the politics of the college didn’t align with the politics of the government, people were removed from their positions and replaced with people whose political beliefs were more compatible with those of the government.

Reynolds was an early advocate of

women’s rights, and also introduced a pioneering course in Canadian Literature to the OAC, which in the early twentieth century, was a very unique course for a college to offer.

As we enjoy our campus, let’s try to keep in mind the history of this place and remember the people who came before us.

22

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

EDITOR'S PAGE

The Ontarion Inc.

EDITORIAL

Will a new CSA Executive bring refreshing engagement?

Congratulations are certainly in order for the new members of the CSA Executive. We’ll give credit to any individual who enters student politics, runs a campaign, and signs on to a position where being publicly criticized might as well be a part of the job description.

Have a drink. Go celebrate.

But, once the party is over, before looking into the changes you want to make to your portfolio, take a good, hard look at one number: 4344.

That is the number of undergraduate students who voted in this year’s CSA elections.

Beyond all else – the Universal bus pass, the Canadian Federation of Students, Employment Equity – curbing student apathy should be of the utmost priority.

We’ve said it all year, but repetition can be one of our most effective tools.

And now, we’ll be frank: it should be your prerogative to make uninteresting issues seem interesting.

If you’re in this job to merely pad your resume, consider yourself a contributor to the status quo. As a representative of the undergraduate student population, find a way to reach out to even the most apathetic of students.

The outgoing CSA made inroads in reaching out to otherwise uninterested students with their relentless coverage of the bus pass issue in December. Over 7, 000 individuals joined an interest group on Facebook. Social networking at its finest.

Take heed of this example.

Whether or not you think that social networking is an informal way of soliciting attention, you can’t argue with its history of success. Rarely have U of G students been so collectively

devoted to a single cause related to student politics. The passion and commitment was refreshing, but this should only be the beginning.

Despite this large group of concerned individuals back in December, the momentum seemingly failed to hold through last week’s elections.

Our suggestion: advertise yourself – and your mandate – like you would advertise a business. The best piece of wisdom is that the old system is not working.

Everyone can say ‘think outside the box,’ but why not actually do it?

Network, using various mediums and techniques. Use style, wit and personality. Appeal to interests.

Create a brand for yourself. Engage.

In many ways, a newspaper struggles with the same types of problems as an organization like the CSA: we must present issues, and our

ultimate goal is getting participation; in this case, in the form of people reading our newspaper. We take seemingly boring issues and try to bring life to them with catchy leads, great photos and graphics.

Essentially, we try to attract students to information by personalizing it and making it relatable.

Why not find out what students are really interested in and brand yourselves as something more than just a political organization?

But, for almost the entire year, all we’ve really seen is a dialogue between student politicians and a small percentage of students who live, eat and breathe student politics.

Clearly, a new lead is needed. You’re missing thousands and thousands of students.

The groundwork is in place; will it be built upon, or be left in obscurity?

people up for failure. Veganism and vegetarianism still, for the most part, remain something that young people try, fail at, and then proceed to hold themselves to a lower ethical standard for the rest of their lives. This results in the whole issue of meat eating becoming a completely polarized issue between those in the club and those outside of the club – the resulting knife fight is one the vegans are losing. Say what you will about veganism being more common and easier than ever, the fact remains that humans are consuming more meat than ever before. The vegan community is partially to blame for this for using their predominately utilitarian reasoning to extract a strict ‘NO ANIMAL’ principle that, big surprise, most people don’t accept or take seriously. The irony is that this sort of polarizing actually harms any utilitarian objectives vegans might have in mind when advocating their lifestyles. Most people, regardless of how it is packaged, will never accept a ‘NO

ANIMAL’ position – so, with most people a softer approach is called for. The last thing vegans need is another decadent formulation to rally behind. It would be used to polarize the issue even further, and while it would cause vegans to feel even better about themselves, it would do nothing to curtail society’s meat consumption.

colour should not be discriminated against, it says that “Every person has a right to equal treatment… without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour…” etc.

Privilege and oppression exist in society. There are systems that inherently advantage some while disadvantage others. The point of anti-oppression is to work to address those systems; it is not about addressing the people that are affected by them. My dice were rolled when I was born just like everybody else and through the lottery of life I ended up here. I understand that there are ways that I have been privileged and ways that I have been disadvantaged; but the end of the day, judging somebody’s worthiness to be a student leader (or a part of a discussion on human rights) based on their skin colour, gender, sexual orientation, or any other arbitrary characteristic is wrong.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit your Letters to the Editor to

ontarion@uoguelph.ca Please include your name and phone number. 300 word limit on all letters.

Re: “Food for thought: Vegan for a different reason.”

The fork O’Keeke speaks of already exists. Explanations for a vegan diet are almost always the product of some multifaceted utilitarian reasoning and emotivism of some sort. That said, there seems to be a serious non sequitur between how vegans explain themselves and how they go about representing themselves.

I speak in reference to the mentality of getting individuals to “go vegan” when the aim is to get human society to stop exploiting animals in the way it does. The bar is set too high and it sets

THEONTARION.CA

Michael Barbetta

Response to ‘Re: Straight white male privilege in CSA’ I appreciate a stranger coming to my aid. James Duff ’s defense of straight white males is valiant, but it a way it misses my point.

Identity doesn’t give you rights, being a human being does. No one should need to put themselves into an identity box to prove their worthiness. The Ontario Human Rights Code doesn’t say that women, gays, or people of

Galen Fick Local Affairs Commissioner

University Centre Room  University of Guelph NG W ontarion@uoguelph.ca Phone: -- General: x Editorial: x Advertising: x Accounts: x Fax: -- Editorial staff Editor-in-chief Daniel Bitonti Arts & culture editor Zack MacRae News editor Nicole Elsasser Sports & health editor Mike Treadgold Copy editor Roli Wilhelm Web editor Sarawanan Ravindran Production staff Photo & graphics editor Rashaad Bhamjee Ad designer Anne Tabata Layout director Duncan Day-Myron Office staff Business manager Lorrie Taylor Office manager Monique Vischschraper Ad manager Chris Hamelin Board of directors President David Evans Chairperson Timothy McBride Treasurer Curtis Van Laecke Secretary Joanna Sulzycki Members Matthew French Andrew Goloida James Hawkins Marshal McLernon

Contributors

Gini Beaumont Greg Beneteau Aldis Brennan Sarah Dunstan Josh Doyle Cathleen Findlay Dan Howse Elizabeth McLeod Jeff Peters Kelsey Rideout Laura Schep Gregory Shupak Miles Stemp Vanessa Szpurko Andrew Townsend Daniel Wright

The Ontarion is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors. Since the Ontarion undertakes the publishing of student work, the opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Ontarion Board of Directors. The Ontarion reserves the right to edit or refuse all material deemed sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise unfit for publication as determined by the Editor-in-Chief. Material of any form appearing in this newspaper is copyrighted 2009 and cannot be reprinted without the approval of the Editor-in-Chief. The Ontarion retains the right of first publication on all material. In the event that an advertiser is not satisfied with an advertisement in the newspaper, they must notify the Ontarion within four working days of publication. The Ontarion will not be held responsible for advertising mistakes beyond the cost of advertisement.

The Ontarion is printed by the Guelph Mercury.

THE ONTARION

CROSSWORD

161.9

23

SUDOKU

8

4 5 6 3 9 1 6 6 4 9 1 8 5 6 7 1 7 5 2 6 1 9 8 5 8 9 1 2 1 7 3 2 3 7 8 3

9 4 2 3 7 9

5 6

8

3 1 4

7 3 1 8 5

6 2 6

2 4 1 7 6 4

9 6 1

Crossword by bestcrosswords.com

Across 1- Falsehoods 5- One of two equal parts 9- Preceding, poetically 14- Formerly, formerly 15- Bibliography abbr.

16- Lute of India 17- River to the Moselle 18- Libertine 19- Confiscate 20- Equality of weight 23- Et ___ 24- Secreted 25- This ___ stickup!

28- Rude 31- Bandleader Brown 34- Agitates 36- Rockers Steely ___ 37- Cheerio!

38- Swollen nodes 42- K-6 43- Meadow 44- Join the cast of 45- Driving aid 46- Fanlike posterior of crayfish 49- Green prefix 50- A collection of articles

51- Finishes 53- Agent 60- Christian writings 61- Draw with acid 62- Purim month 63- Circumference 64- To ___ (perfectly) 65- Do followers 66- Beau ___ 67- Division of a school year 68- Knocks lightly

Down 1- ___ majeste 2- Oil-rich nation 3- Biblical birthright seller 4- Ridge 5- Scag 6- Not accented 7- Extol 8- Hightail it 9- Beset 10- Demon 11- Auricular 12- Tear down 13- Before 21- Luxuriant 22- Thick-skinned charger

25- Atoll unit 26- Genre 27- Actress Anouk 29- Model 30- Covered vehicle 31- Starbucks order 32- Moral precept of conduct 33- Decline 35- LP speed 37- Tic ___ Dough 39- Winged 40- Agnus ___ 41- White-and-black bearlike mammal 46- Cylindrical

47- Swordsman 48- Hymn 50- Cleft 52- Begin 53- Hoar 54- Declines 55- Chair 56- Kitchen addition 57- Brain wave 58- Repair 59- Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology 60- Purse

Congratulations to last week’s winner...

Sarah Smith!

Stop by the Ontarion office to pick up your prize!

For your chance to win

2 free Bob’s Dogs submit your answers to the Ontarion office (UC 264) by Monday at 4pm.

Good luck!

If the last time you had a “home cooked meal” it came in a box, it’s time to go home.

Take off for less with ISIC student airfare discounts only at Travel CUTS. Visit your local Travel CUTS or book online at travelcuts.com University of Guelph, University Centre, 519.763.1660 ON–4499356/4499372 | BC–33127/34799/34798 | QC–7002238

24

MAR. 18 - 24, 2010

CLASSIFIED & COMMUNITY LISTINGS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Rural Landscapers Needed!

Planting small trees on farms across south Ontario. Guelph based, from April 19 - May 15.

Excellent rates - earn $150+ per day. Treeplanting experience an asset. bartramwoodlands@ sympatico.ca or call 519-8368774.

SELF STORAGE – 1 MONTH FREE. Rent for 2 months & get the 3rd month free. Heated, Safe, Secure, Video Surveillance. Close to U of G. 519-822-2810 www. someplacesafe.ca DIVERSE STUDENTS & STUDENT OF COLOUR SUPPORT GROUPS. Mondays and Tuesday: One on One Support 10am-2pm, Discussion 1:30-3:30pm.

Wed: One on one support, 10am-2pm. Discussion 5-7pm.

Confidentiality ensured.

Munford Centre, Rm 54.

Contact: rmcleod@uoguleph. ca or x53244.

Writer’s block? Professional essay help available for all subjects and levels. Masters and PhD graduates specializing in editing and research. Toll free: 1-888-345-8295. Email: customessay@bellnet.ca Visit us: www. customessay.com

HOUSING

TUESDAY MARCH 16

MONDAY MARCH 22

CSA Human Rights Office with support from OPIRGGuelph present Human Rights 101 in UC 441 at 5:30-7pm.

An introduction to human rights, short films, presentation and discussion. Information: hroevent@uoguelph.ca

The School of English and Theatre Studies presents an adaptation of RUR (Rossum’s Universal Robots) from the 1920 work by Czech playwright Karel Capek. Performances run March 22 to 27, 8pm in the George Luscombe Theatre.

Tickets: $8 Mon-Wed, $10 Thurs –Sat. Ext. 53147.

THURSDAY MARCH 18 OVC Mini-Vet School - for people of all ages/backgrounds.

One-hour classes taught by OVC faculty members. Topics include emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, parasites & bacteria. 7pm at OVC. Proceeds to Global Vets.

FRIDAY MARCH 19 The fourth annual ARTHattack Conference will feature six students presenting papers on art history and visual culture.

3:30-6:30pm at Macdonald Stewart Art Centre Info: www. uoguelph.ca/campus/map/ msac/ SATURDAY MARCH 20

Room - $280 per month, available now. Send resume to PO Box 31054, Shoppers Drug Mart, 104 Silvercreek, Guelph, Ontario, W1H 3T0.

Falun Dafa free qigong instruction. Soothe the mind, heal the body. All ages welcome, no experience needed. 2-4pm.

University Centre Room # 004.

Info: Mai (519)823-823-2422.

Furnished 4 rooms apartment, near stores & bus stops. Direct bus to UoG. $450/month/room includes utilities & Internet.

Offer of “swap rental for work”, ask info. Photos on Facebook “mrscelina guelph”. Celina 519763-8444 SERVICES

Guelph Hiking Trail Club CALEDON TRAILWAY 15 km. Call Mike for details of the rendezvous place. 1-905-8774134 www.guelphhiking.com.

Moving Out? Signing a Lease? …& want more information?

HAVING LEGAL PROBLEMS? INTERESTED IN LAW SCHOOL?

csalrr@uoguelph.ca To MSN or E-mail us!

Visit Us: UC Room 246 Call Us: Ext. 54695

THE CSA LEGAL RESOURCE ROOM CAN HELP!

THEONTARION.CA

TUESDAY MARCH 23 Guelph Arts Council Arts Schmoozefest – a networking event for the Arts community.

5-7pm at the Borealis Grille & Bar, 1388 Gordon St. Bring posters, brochures, business cards. Call to book a 2-minute spotlight. 519-836-3280 gac@ sentex.net.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24 Guelph Food Bank Spring Food Drive – March 24-April 11. Most needed items include canned meat, pasta, cheese spread, peanut butter, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes and pasta sauce, stew, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels.

T HURSDAY MARCH 25 SOFAM presents University of Guelph Jazz Ensemble with conductor Andrew Scott at Manhattans Pizza Bistro and Jazz Club, 951 Gordon St..

519 767-2440. 8pm. $2 cover at the door. www.uoguelph.ca/ sofam/1k_specialevents

FRIDAY MARCH 26 SOFAM presents University of Guelph Concert Winds with Conductor John Goddard at Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave. Tickets: Adults $10, Student/Seniors $5. 8pm. www.uoguelph.ca/ sofam/1k_specialevents SATURDAY MARCH 27 Fund-raising social event, 8pm at the Bullring. Proceeds to Guelph-Wellington Alzheimer Society. Great tunes, food, prizes! All welcome. Advance tickets: $20. Contact 519-8220973 or careerfitz@sympatico.ca