The McGill Tribune Vol. 20 Issue 6

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V O L U ME 2 0 I S S UE 6 W e d n e s d a y , 11 O c t o b e r 2 0 0 0

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P u b lish ed bv th e S tu d e n ts ’ S o cie ty of M cG ill U n iv e rs ity

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Catch th e co lou rfu l Chinese lanterns a t th e B otanical Gardens u n til N ovem b er 5 (see story p a ge 19)

Court rules in favour of Students' Society in Dailylease dispute and

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The McGill Daily does not have a valid lease, ruled Judge Irving Halpem at the con­ clusion of court proceedings last week at the Palais de Justice. The ruling concludes a four-month lawsuit between the Daily and the Students’ Society of McGill University over a lease dispute after SSMU deemed it necessary to lock the paper out of its offices.

O ld L e a s e , N ew L e a se , N o L e a se ?

The D aily’s primary contention was that although there was no signed physical lease, past behaviour between SSMU and the D aily constituted a legally binding agreement.

Michael Bergman, attorney for the Daily, argued that lease arrangements made between SSMU and clubs housed in the University Centre building in the mid-1990s

did not apply to the Daily. The focus on the Daily’s right to be in Shatner, Bergman argued, is that the lease between McGill University and SSMU for the building, is co-terminant with the lease between SSMU and the Daily; that is, the Daily's lease expires when SSMU’s does.

“We’re arguing a valid lease, and sec­ ondly that [the Daily] has a right to occupy the premises as a result of the agreements between the Daily and the University,” argued Bergman. “The sum total of the doc­ uments, letters and behaviours of parties involved constitutes a lease. The lease con­ tinues because it is co-continuous with that of the SSMU.” Bergman furthermore argued that at the time of the original lease, the SSMU did not exist, and in its place was a body called the Student Centre of McGill University. As the SCMU was not an incorporated entity in 1991, Bergman argued that it could not enter into a lease, and therefore the original lease was between the Daily and McGill,

undermining SSMU’s legal authority in the matter.

“The SCMU had never been a party to any agreement with the Daily and in fact SCMU has no lease with the University, it was the Students’ Society that did.”

The life cycle of both SSMU and Daily leases began with a 1991 lease between McGill and SSMU, valid from September 1991, to May 1994.

John Feldman, attorney for SSMU, explained that due to conflicts between SSMU and the Daily in 1994, the University intervened, placing an addendum on the original lease. The addendum imposed a clause stating that The McGill Daily would remain in the University Centre building as long as the SSMU lease lasted, thereby making both leases co-terminant. This lease was valid between the years of 1994 and 1998, when a new lease was drafted both between McGill and SSMU, and SSMU and the Daily.

“As of January 1998 the new lease

SSMU signed with McGill did not stipulate an obligation on behalf of SSMU to provide space for the Daily in the University Centre building. After this, SSMU signed a lease with the Daily for two annual periods May ‘9 8 -‘99 and May *99-‘0 0 ,” Feldman explained.

McGill separated itself from both the lease dispute, and SSMU and the Daily.

“McGill University... [is] legally sepa­ rate from both SSMU and The M cGill Daily. [SSMU] is allowed to manage the Student Centre and it is also allowed to sub­ lease the centre,” said Line Thibault, McGill’s attorney.

A b u s e o f R ig h t?

A second issue compounding the long drawn conflict between the D aily and SSMU was whether or not SSMU abused the Daily’s right of tenancy in locking it out of its office this August.

Continued on Page 2

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Page 2 N ew s

The McGill Tribune, Wednesday, 11 October 2000

The end or ju st th e b eg in n in g ? Conflict in the Ghetto Continued from Page 1 The civil code, as it applies to rights of tenancy in Quebec, reads such that if neither the landlord nor the tenant instigates any legal action within 10 days of a lease ending, the lease is tacitly renewed for the period of one year.

Bergman stated that the lease termination letter sent by Kevin McPhee, VP operations of SSMU, “has no legal effect whatsoever” because it was written in the name of the Student Centre of McGill University, and not SSMU, with whom the Daily never had a lease.

Because a termination letter is required by Article 1879 of the Quebec civil code, if no official letter was sent to inform the Daily that their lease was up, then, according to Bergman, “The Students’ Society’s case must col­ lapse.”

Judge Halpern, however, ruled that there was no bad faith or abuse of right on the part of the SSMU, and that appropriate notice had been given.

“Notice had been given by the ten day period. The purpose was not to evict but to renegotiate with the Daily. The Daily, however, just played around and another notice was given and eventually more serious action had to be taken,” said Feldman.

W h a t 's n e x t ?

The legal conflict’s resolution calls into question what steps will be taken to reach a compromise that will be acceptable and fair to both parties.

“The statement that the judge made was that the Daily had 15 days to come back and talk to us, so we hope the Daily will come and talk to us and work something out. They’ve got 15 days to sit down... or they’ve got to get out,” said McPhee.

SSMU President Wojtek Baraniak spoke further on both the financial and credibility damage the trial has inflicted upon the Students’ Society, for what he considers trivial progress.

“We are back where we were in June,” Baraniak said. “Nothing has been accomplished and thou­ sands of dollars have been spent.

Ultimately, The McGill D aily wasted all this money, and that’s a fact that has to be made public.

We will not be trying to ram a lease down their throat or any­ thing. We will still try to negotiate a fair settlement with them. My toughest challenge will be to build up the credibility of the SSMU again and say that ‘We were right and had a right go do what we did.’ Was it heavy handed? Yes, but at the end of the day it solved the situation.”

Information on possible reac­ tions from the Daily side is cur­ rently pending meetings with its board. However Ben Errett, coor­

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dinating editor of the Daily, spoke positively on the possibility of fur­ ther lease negotiation.

“We will go into [negotia­ tions] hoping that [SSMU] will be honest and I hope they will live up to their promise. On this side, I guarantee that we will be fair — we will go into this and negotiate as we always have — fairly and without any pretence.”

Errett explained that the drain of student money caused by the trial is not a unilateral problem, owing as much to the SSMU as the Daily.

“I agree that a lot of money was wasted, but I would not pin that on us — if we weren’t evict­ ed, we wouldn’t have had to take the action that we took. I’m sorry it had to happen this way, but both bodies could have taken steps to end this sooner,” he said.

Errett further addressed what he sees as a lamentable solution to a problem that warranted a much simpler solution.

“From the beginning there has been too much antagonism. I think ultimately when they kicked us out of the office, it was a real step toward putting things in a place they really didn’t need to be — the legal system, and that just is not necessary. Students have a right to be disappointed in the way the stu­ dent government is run and this is how standard lease negotiations are dealt with.”

The n ew s s e c t io n is lo o k in g fo r w r ite rs .

Drop by our o f f i c e in S h a tn e r B01-A or g iv e u s a c a ll a t (5 1 4 ) 3 9 8 -6 7 8 9 .

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By A

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W

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This week, keep an eye out for bright orange and yellow posters coming to a McGill Ghetto telephone pole near you. The posters are the beginning of a stu­ dent awareness campaign being launched by Kate Williams, direc­ tor of University Relations at M cGill, and they will gently remind students to respect their neighbours.

The Proactive Student Campaign is the result of the num­ ber of complaints the University gets every year about young Ghetto residents' behaviour. The complaints stem largely from non­ student residents' annoyance at too much loud music, overcrowded parties, and drinking and yelling late at night.

A long-time non-student resi­ dent in the area who wished to remain anonymous states the example of two young residents he met on Lome Avenue who were yelling into a megaphone. "[They responded] but this is part of McGill. It's full of McGill students.' Clearly, word hasn't got­ ten through yet in some quarters that we are not the university's backyard,' says the frustrated resi­ dent.

Williams explained that the poster campaign is an effort to try to reach out to students in the neighbourhood in a positive way that will say "Look around you, McGill property does not extend into the neighbourhood".

Jeremy Farrell, Students' Society of McGill University VP Community and Government Affairs, says students' confusion about the area tends to be the rea­ son for their disruptive behaviour, but their rights have to be taken into consideration also.

"A lot of people have the notion that the Ghetto is an exten­ sion of McGill and so it's okay to throw bottles around or to be extremely loud on a Monday night. It's not really true because there are a lot of people who have families there. At the same time, it's just as much your home as it is theirs," he said.

While Farrell agrees that it is a good idea to remind students that they leave campus when they walk through the Milton Gates, he downplays the Ghetto controversy.

"I can't stress enough that it

isn't a real problem. It's a minority of students who are doing this, and it's a minority of people who are being disrupted." Farrell states.

"Students haven't been causing problems with the police. They're more worried about people who are causing problems for stu­ dents."

However, Williams insists the problem is worsening, and that action is necessary.

"Complaints [to] the princi­ pal's office, the Dean of Students' office and from what we have heard from phone calls at University Relations show that it is worse this year than it's ever been before," Williams says.

The growing student popula­ tion at McGill has spilled over into the Ghetto, making the studentnon-student ratio even more unbalanced, and the University Relations program hopes to remind students to respect those around them.

"Good neighbourliness is being sensitive to the needs of those around you, and helping to protect one another," explains Williams.

Although McGill is not for­ mally affiliated with students in the Ghetto, funds over $1,000 are being spent to improve neighbour­ hood relations.

"We have a responsibility as citizens of Montreal, as a Montreal institution," explains Williams.

“And we have a moral responsibil­ ity to remind students. Anything we can do to teach them a sense of civic responsibility will benefit everyone, and also to show the public the University cares."

Farrell agrees that if the cam­ paign makes Ghetto residents aware of each other's needs, it is valuable.

“It's kind of a fun place to live, so I wouldn't want it to change. But if you're disrupting someone else, you're not respect­ ing them."

The Proactive Student Campaign will try to increase interaction between students and non-student residents in the Ghetto. "Students can do a great deal to improve the quality of life," explains Williams. “They care. They're interested in intergenerational issues and in civility and making a better environment for all of us. It's just a matter of tapping into it."

The McGill Tribune, Wednesday, 11 October 2000

N ew s Page 3

Q u e e r M cG ill p ro te s ts b lo o d d riv e q u e s tio n n a ire G ay s tu d e n ts b lo c k e d fro m d o n a tin g th e ir b lo o d b y f e d e r a lly -m a n d a te d re s tric tio n B y Ju l a n a r G

reen

To give blood or not to give blood was not the only question students wanting to donate blood faced in last week’s blood drive, run by Héma Québec and the Students’ Society of McGill University.

The event became the subject of heated debate after Queer McGill deemed two of the other questions asked to potential donors to be discriminatory.

The blood drive was held in the Shatner Building throughout the week. Potential donors were requested to fill out a questionnaire of twenty-nine questions. One of the questions put to male students asked whether they had had sex with another man even once since 1977. Another question, put to female students, asked whether they had had sex with a man who

had had sex, even once since 1977, with another man. Queer McGill believed the two questions dis­ criminate against gay males. The organization has been protesting the blood drive questionnaire in response.

Fraser Hall, Queer McGill’s administrator fears, however, that the protest might be read as a boy­ cott of the blood drive, and empha­ sizes that Queer McGill is in no way trying to turn donors away.

"There is no doubt blood is needed, as it saves lives," he remarked.

Hall does, however, want the two questions abolished, arguing that they turn away many eligible donors, and do not concentrate on factors that would be more impor­ tant to consider in regards to the spread of sexually transmitted dis­ eases.

"How are they defining sex?"

Hall asks. "It should ask whether you have had unprotected anal and/or vaginal intercourse since 1977."

T u rn in g a w a y d o n o r s Sara Hug, one of the SSMU Blood Drive coordinators, said on Thursday that the previous two days had seen 250 people donate blood, but that the rejection rate was at 50 people per day, most of whom were either turned away due to low iron counts, or decided not to donate after the questionnaire process. When asked about the controversy regarding the ques­ tionnaire, Hug expressed an aware­ ness of both sides’ arguments.

"It’s a really touchy subject," she said. "Personally, I understand what Queer McGill wants, and wants to achieve...at the same time, I understand why Héma-

Québec and Health Canada put [the questions] on the question­ naire, because of certain con­ cerns."

A Héma-Québec employee, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the questions are not related to any phobias, but more to cautions the government deems necessary to be taken.

"It is just because at the begin­ ning the HIV virus was found in the gay community," said the source. "At Héma Québec, we are required to follow government laws."

According to Suzanne Dastaler, the Héma-Québec super­ visor at the SSMU blood drive, the questions put on the questionnaire were done so in compliance with requirements set by Health Canada. Nili Isaacs, a volunteer at the blood drive, added that: "There’ s not a lot Héma-

Québec can do about it because it’s all legislative."

With this in mind, Queer McGill is organizing a petition to Health Canada. Hall noted that a recent move at the University of Toronto, where a blood drive was not allowed without a review of the questionnaire, and hopes to put such an initiative forward to SSMU next year.

With Health Canada having the final say on the wording of questions for the questionnaires, it is up to the effectiveness of Queer McGill’s petitioning of SSMU to change what has now been going on in the university since 1996.

"It’s a Catch-22," said Hug, "We need more donors for a higher turnover rate, but to get more donors we have to let more people donate. It’s a never-ending cycle."

On campus stabbing circumstances come to light In ju re d s t u d e n t c o m e s f o r w a r d w ith d e ta ils o f a t t a c k ; c a lls f o r in c r e a s e d s e c u r ity o n c a m p u s The student now hopes to see "The Dean of Students twenty [to] twenty-five minutes B y S h e h r y a r Fa z l i before [the stabbing occurred]. If [Rosalie Jukier] called me. She a greater security presence on The victim of an on-campus anyone passed by they could have was very nice. She asked how I campus as soon as possible. stabbing that occurred earlier in seen that there was hostility, that was feeling, said that she was very Meanwhile he has been in contact the semester contacted the Tribune there was something going on. sorry about what happened and with the police, provided them last week to discuss in detail what Security never came. This is that something would be done with descriptions of the culprit, who he doubts is a McGill student, about this." unfolded before and after that wrong."

The student describes how unfortunate incident.

In the September 12 issue of following the stabbing, the the Tribune, the article "On-cam­ strangers ran through campus and pus stabbing spooks students," escaped. Meanwhile the victim, gave an account of what happened on the night of Friday September 8 when a person assaulted one 4 4 McGill student with a knife on Now I think twice before campus. The victim of the assault, however, claimed that the article crossing campus by myself. provided only a cursory treatment This should not be. McGill of the episode, and in an interview, wished to expand on the scant should take care of its stu­ details available at press time. dents."

According to the student, who has chosen to remain anonymous, he and four friends were walking after realizing that he had been through campus when four indi­ stabbed, rushed from outside the viduals they had never seen before MacDonald Engineering building, approached them. The student where the incident occurred, to claims that the group seemed McTavish Street in search of an drunk, and initiated the argument ambulance, finally finding one that eventually led to one of the down McTavish Street towards four strangers inflicting a three- Sherbrooke. That he did not inch-deep knife wound into his receive help on this jaunt across chest. Luckily the blade missed his campus still disturbs him.

"I had blood all over my shirt, heart and lungs, and the student has recovered completely from the and nobody came to help me.

Luckily an ambulance happened to incident.

What bothers him now, how­ be around," he said.

"I’m an international student," ever, is less the fact that he was he adds. " I’ m paying a lot of involved in a fight with someone carrying a knife, but more by the money. I expect something in lack of an effective security pres­ return. At least I should feel safe ence on campus on a Friday night; on McGill property. Now I think especially on that particular Friday twice before crossing campus by night when the Students’ Society myself. This should not be. McGill of McGill University was hosting should take care of its students."

The student has not informed one of the biggest on-campus social events of the year, the Four his family back home about the Floors Party in the Shatner build­ experience, out of fear of causing them a great deal of grief and per­ ing.

"Where was security?" he haps even being asked to return asked. "McGill is having a party home. He is, however, receiving on campus, they should have secu­ support from friends and the rity... We were arguing loudly for University itself.

and has been regularly asked to look at photographs of suspects.

So far, the investigation has been unsuccessful, but the student is keeping his fingers crossed.

McGill Security’s spokesper­ son was unavailable for comment.

Page 4 N ew s

The McGill Tribune, Wednesday, 11 October 2000

E u ro p e a n U n io n a n d C a n a d a WANTED GRAPHIC DESIGNERS M c G ill S tu d e n ts o n ly .

Y o u h a v e fla ir fo r c r e a tin g e ffe c tiv e an d t i m e l y d e s ig n s o l u t i o n s f o r a d v e r t i s e r s in t h e M c G IL L T i l l K U N E , t h e m o s t w id e ly r e a d s tu d e n t n e w s p a p e r .

D e ta il-o r ie n te d a n d h ig h ly o r g a n iz e d , y o u 'l l h a v e p h o t o s c a n n i n g a b i l i t i e s a n d e x c e lle n t k n o w le d g e o f M a c in to s h s o f tw a r e in c lu d in g Q u a r k X p r e s s , P h o to sh o p a n d P a g e m a k e r . T h is p o s it io n fin s f i n a n c ia l c o m p e n s a t io n .

F o r i n t e r v i e w c a l l F a n ! @ SO O -tiSO G

Arts Undergraduate Society of McGill University

Arts Student Employment Fund & Arts Improvement Fund Opt-Out Period

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October 5th - October 20th at the AUS Office at the basem ent of the Arts Building.

The Arts Undergraduate Society of McGill University is also looking for people to fill in the following positions:

Deadline to apply for all positions October 20.

For more infomation call 398-1993 or e-mail ausaca@po-box.m caill.ca

g e ttin g to k n o w e a c h o th e r Launch of the new Institute for European Studies has Canadians thinking more about Europe B y S h e h r y a r F azli

McGill University and the Université de Montréal have joined forces in the establishment of the Institute of European Studies, a venture McGill hopes will increase Canadians’ knowledge of Europe, and of Canada’s bilateral relation with an expanding European Union.

In an attempt to draw some learning and linkage of the Canadian experience and the European experience, the European Commission decided last year that it was going to sponsor the creation of four institutes across Canada for

I don't think there is enough knowledge in Canada about the European Union as a political entity. I don't think Europe is really on [Canada's] screen. At the same time I don't think Canada is really on Europe's screen."

— Ambassador of the European Commission to Canada, Daniele Smadja European studies. Three distinct objectives of the program are to help students with an interest in European studies to conduct research, to provide a program at the graduate level in European studies, and to highlight European subjects, issues and controversies, and their connection to Canadian society. «mr-p After welcoming submissions from interested educational institu­ tions, the Commission last October accepted M cG ill’ s and the Université de Montréal’s applica­ tion for the launch of a joint pro­ ject. The other three institutions whose applications were accepted are the University of Toronto, York University and the University of British Columbia.

In Quebec, the Institute for European Studies was inaugurated last Monday at the Université de Montréal, and at McGill’s Faculty of Law. The program will attempt to bring to the forefront the similar­ ities in issues such as federalism, divisions of resources, divisions of power, though perhaps in different historical and cultural contexts, between Europe and Canada.

Doing so, according to Ambassador of the European Commission to Canada, Daniele

Smadja, will provide an important and much-needed opportunity to Canadians to learn about Europe.

"We do have a lot in common with Canada," she says. "Most Canadian people do have roots in Europe in one way or the other.

When it comes to judging how we behave in the political and interna­ tional scene, or in the economy [with] multilateral trade, we are very like-minded countries."

Yet, despite their shared roots and values, Ambassador Smadja believes that these similarities are often overlooked by both Europe and Canada.

"I don’t think there is enough knowledge in Canada about the European Union as a political enti­ ty," she says. "I don’t think Europe is really on [Canada’s] screen. At the same time I don’t think Canada is really on Europe’s screen."

"It looks like we are being very egocentric by asking people, ‘Please take an interest in us,’" she continues. "Yes, we are doing that.

But why? Because at the same time we believe that the process of European Union integration is so unique. But at the same time it is really about the kinds of questions about ordinance, about the place of the nation state, about the transfer of sovereignty ...relationship between the national with the sub­ national level, and [these] issues are not just European."

E u ro p e ca n b e a m o d el fo r C an ad a Professor Stephen Toope of the Faculty of Law, one of the co­ directors of the new Institute, had a similar view about the links between Europe and Canada that are often overlooked. He comment­ ed on the predominance of the United States as a model for Canadian decision makers, and suggested new approaches for Canada in its policy making process.

"Europe and Canada don’t have as close connections as one might imagine," he said. "The whole tradition of European social democracy has much stronger link­ ages to Canada than it does to the United States, and yet largely because of trading patterns...there tends to be a real preoccupation of comparisons constantly with the United States rather than also imagining comparisons with Europe. I think that there’s a hope here that if we try to focus a little more attentively upon develop­ ments in Europe that it may be helpful in our reflections on where we want to be in Canada or Quebec, in terms of social policy issues, so that we are not constantly having only one reference point which is: ‘What are they doing in

the United States?’"

Professor Armand De Mestral, also from the Faculty of Law, and one of the key figures in initiating the project, mirrored Toope’s com­ ments about the Institute’s goal to tone down the overwhelming pres­ ence of the United States as a poli­ cy model.

"The real message is that if we can help students to understand Europe as an alternative model to that of the U.S.,” he said.

Ambassador Smadja con­ firmed that the presence of the United States has a strong impact on international relations on the other side of the Atlantic as well.

"When we think of North America, we think about the U.S. and then to Canada despite the fact that there are many more issues and values that we have in com­ mon with Canada than maybe with U.S.," she said.

The Institute for European Studies will be open to graduate students as of next year. When enrolling into a department at McGill, new students will have the option of taking courses at the Institute, and the possibility of scholarships supporting travel to Europe for students studying European topics has been consid­ ered. As these opportunities become available, hopes are high for the Institute to raise awareness in Canadians about issues in Europe that could have a positive impact on decision making in Canada, and the diversity of opin-

a

Europe and Canada don't have as close connections as one might imagine."

—Professor Stephen Toope ion in implementing national poli­ cies.

"I would say that there’s a potential when you consider all four institutes if they can work together effectively, there’ s a potential in...bringing into the dis­ course perceptions, approaches that otherwise wouldn’t have been here," said Toope.

De Mestral hopes that the Institute will, over the years, pick up some momentum and expand as an institution.

"My view is that in the longer term this offer will go on beyond graduate work," he said. "The com­ munity’ s interested in bringing wider understanding...to Canadian students so that Canadian decision makers in later life will understand the European community better."

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

N e w s Page 5

O u t w it h t h e o ld , in w it h t h e n e w L o g o s w it c h h a s M c G ill s p o r t s t e a m s s e a r c h in g f o r n e w u n i f o r m s B y A sch H a r w o o d

b e e n d i s c o n t i n u e d , a n d th e y m u s t

The McGill Athletics Board is in the midst of unforeseen prob­ lems in the implementation of its new logo. Starting this year a move was made by Athletics to recognize only two logos, the M cGill logo and the A thletics logo as official. As a result, both varsity and club teams were required to adopt these two new logos.

Many team’s however, lack funding to provide jerseys, plac­ ing the financial burden of uni­ forms on students.

Alelia Parenteau, the McGill Women’s lacrosse team coach has run into problems with the new regulations. The problems arose because the team ’ s jersey has

get new jerseys. The use of a new logo and team colors will raise the price of new jerseys. This is com­ plicated by the fact that the Lacrosse team receives no fund­ ing from the University.

“McGill gives us no money,” said Parenteau. “Our jerseys are red and there is a red border line, but they said it would have to be black. That would increase the cost. The second problem is “Athletics” is in a special font and no place has the special font. On our new jerseys is the tiniest logo because that is all we could afford in the end. McGill is getting less advertisement. They are making us get new jerseys but they are being strict.”

Other problems complicate the situation. The first is 7 that another team in the league has the same colors as the lacrosse team’s new je rsey s already.

Furthermore, Parenteau is upset because the team receives no money from McGill and yet has to fol­ low the restrictions. Even getting practice time is dif­ ficult for the team where they are forced to work around intramural sched\ ules and such.

Despite the complica-

tions, the lacrosse team is com­ plying with the new logo and reg­ ulations.

“There won’t be any animos­ ity. You can never point a finger because you never know who you are talking to,” Parenteau said.

According to Dennis Kotsoros, Manager of Marketing and Promotion, and the one who spearheaded the development of the new official logo, this prob­ lem was not brought to his atten­ tion until recently.

“One situation we did not foresee with some of these teams is when new members go out and buy a new uniform and we don’t know how to handle that,” he said. “We are not forcing anybody unless they go out and all buy new uniforms. If clubs are going to buy new uniforms, use the new logo.”

Ken Schildroth, In terco ll­ egiate coordinator, called this time basically a transition period while teams go through the process of purchasing new uni­ forms.

“This is a transition period between an old logo and a new logo. When teams are purchasing uniforms, to use the new logo.

We’re not forcing anyone to do this. We have to a new logo and over time we want teams to respect that,” he said.

Studies find AP test scores inflated M c G ill f r e s h m e n n e e d e d a 4 r a t h e r t h a n a 3 f o r a d v a n c e d p la c e m e n t B y R a c h e l A v iv B r o w n D a ily H era ld ( B r o w n

U.)

(U-WIRE) PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Scores on Advanced Placement tests are inflated, according to a new study by a Yale University professor.

The study found that more than twothirds of test takers score a three or higher, but only 49 percent receive college credit The author of the study, William Lichten, professor emeritus of physics at Yale and a fellow at the Institution of Social and Policy Studies, believes some students may be falsely encouraged to take AP tests because the College Board has overestimated their odds of receiving college credit. He accused the College Board of expanding the AP program without adjusting it to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse group of students.

‘This discrepancy is due to the fact that colleges have maintained their course standards, while AP scores have gradually become inflat­ ed,” wrote Lichten in an e-mail to the Daily Herald. “As a result, 300,000 students are being told by one table that they have qualified for course credit, and by another table that they don’t qualify.”

McGill University, for its part, changed its minimum AP require­ ment for all faculties, from a score of 3 to a 4 effective this September after the University Admissions Committee determined that students with lower AP scores generally did poorly in their classes.

Subjects affected were, in

Science: biology, chemistry, comput­ er science, physics, psychology, and mathematics; in Arts: art history, eco­ nomics, English, French, German, Latin, music, political science, and Spanish.

Lee Jones, executive director of the AP program, said Lichten under­ stands neither how AP grades are set nor the standards on which they are based.

“Lichten’ s research is very flawed,” he said. “It is true that many highly selective colleges and univer­ sities that used to routinely accept AP grades of three now require grades of four for many AP exams and require fives in some cases.”

This change in policy is not reflective of grade inflation in AP, Jones asserted, but a reflection of the fact that as more students enter col­ lege with an increasing number of APs, colleges examine whether it still makes sense to award as much credit and placement as they once did.

Highly selective schools, such as Stanford, Duke, Cornell and Yale universities, are currently accepting nothing below a four, and nothing below a five for English courses.

“Ivy League academic deans have informed me that these institu­ tions want a student who receives an undergraduate degree from Harvard, or Yale, or Brown, for example, to have put in nearly four years at that institution so that their degree truly represents a Harvard/Yale/Brown experience,” Jones said.

As a result, while some credit may be given for AP exams, top uni­ versities are unlikely to award credits

in a way that would allow many stu­ dents to earn up to two or more semesters of college credit through AP exams, he added.

When AP exams were first cre­ ated, they were geared toward a small, elite group of students who wished to be evaluated by college faculty. Now, one-half of American schools, and one-third of collegebound students participate in the pro­ gram.

Each year, one million exams are taken, approximately 500 times the original number.

Test graders as well as test tak­ ers have diminished in quality, according to Lichten’s study. For the 1999 American History AP test, 316 graders were high school teachers, 60 were from community colleges or unaccredited colleges, and only 180 were from accredited four-year col­ leges.

Lichten believes this goes handin-hand with a change in function of the AP exams.

“Their new role must be as placement tests, not advanced place­ ment tests,” he wrote.

One Brown student, Claire Pauley, agrees.

“Everyone from my school got 4s and 5s on their APs,” she said. ‘It got to the point where we figured that the scores couldn’t possibly mean that we were qualified to skip college courses.”

— with additional reporting by Jonathan Colford

According to Kotsoros, the need for a new logo and official logo was born largely out of mar­ keting purposes.

“We identified the need three years ago. The official logo was never used. We realized that without a logo, we can ’ t do licensing agreements. It’s impor­ tant we represent the University in an honest fashion. We don’t want a team to represent M cG ill in something else. We have an exception, if people are going to spend money and there is no other color, then we will certainly review it.”

Kotsoros explained the process used to develop an offi­ cial logo and appease as many people as possible. It involved a review of over 700 logos by a board that was half students.

The process took 18 months and then was adopted by the Board of Governors. “ In March, the A thletics Board and the Board of Governors adopt­ ed the “M” with the crest.

It represented the University as honestly as possible. It’s important to maintain [and] modernize the tradition. We’ve gotten a decent response. We realize that different sports have different traditions in

developing logos and we want to create a circumstance where they incorporate the new logo with their traditions. We want to get everyone on board and we have to do it from sport to sport to sport.

This is a long process,” Kotsoros said.

Schildroth echoed the impor­ tance of a new logo for marketing purposes as well as making sure that every team in time will adopt and respect the new logo.

“We wanted one that is more marketable. We tapped into all kinds of user groups and the logo we’re using was approved by the athletics board,” he said.

D ean o f th e F a c u lty o f M usic T h e c u r r e n t t e r m o f t h e D e a n o f M u s ic c o m e s t o a n e n d o n M a y 3 1 , 2 0 0 1. T h e A d v is o r y C o m m itte e e s t a b lis h e d to r e c o m m e n d to th e P r in c ip a l th e a p p o in tm e n t o f a n e w d e a n th e r e fo r e in v ite s n o m i­ n a tio n s a n d a p p lic a tio n s fo r th e p o s itio n .

The

D ean

is r e s p o n s i b l e

to th e V ic e -P r in c ip a l

( A c a d e m i c ) f o r t h e s u p e r v i s i o n a n d a d m in is t r a t io n o f t h e a c a d e m i c p r o g r a m s , b u d g e t s , a n d a ll a c t i v i ­ t ie s o f t h e F a c u l t y o f M u s ic . T h e a p p o i n t m e n t w i l l b e fo r a r e n e w a b le

fiv e - y e a r te rm

c o m m e n c in g

J u n e 1 , 2 0 0 1. C a n d id a te s s h o u ld p o s s e s s a n a p p r o ­ p r ia t e p r o f e s s i o n a l o r s c h o l a r l y p r o f i l e a n d l e a d e r ­ s h i p a b ilit ie s ; f a c i l i t y in b o t h E n g l i s h a n d F r e n c h is d e s ir a b le .

M c G ill U n iv e r s ity

is

c o m m itte d

to

E q u ity

in

E m p lo y m e n t.

In a c c o r d a n c e w i t h C a n a d i a n I m m ig r a t io n r e q u i r e ­ m e n t s , t h is a d v e r t i s e m e n t is d i r e c t e d i n t h e fir s t in s t a n c e t o C a n a d i a n c i t i z e n s a n d p e r m a n e n t r e s i­ d e n ts .

N o m in a tio n s a n d a p p lic a tio n s w ill b e m o s t u s e fu l if a c c o m p a n ie d b y a d e ta ile d c u r r ic u lu m v ita e a d n th e n a m e s a n d a d d re s se s o f th re e re fe re e s, a n d s h o u l d b e s u b m i t t e d b y D e c e m b e r 1 , 2000.

Dr. Luc V inet V ice-P rin cip al (A cadem ic) M cG ill U n iversity 8 4 5 S h erb ro o k e S treet W est M ontreal, QC H3A 2T5

Page 6 N e w s

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

New program looking to give students work experience S S M U lo o k i n g t o i m p l e m e n t i n t e r n s h i p p o s s ib ilit ie s B y O m a r S a c h e d in a

In an effort to provide stu­ dents with work experience and practical knowledge, the Students’ Society of McGill University is spearheading a new project that, if implemented, will give students from all faculties a chance to take part in an internship complement­ ing their course of study.

Currently, McGill University has internships geared only to a select group of students, namely those in the Engineering, Science, Education, Dentistry, Medicine, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Mining faculties.

Yet, while these opportunities exist, few students take advantage of them.

"Of the thousands of students in the Science and Engineering faculties, for example, only 70 have completed internships...I think some students are put off because it breaks up their study period", said SSMU VP University Affairs Clara Peron, who is over­ seeing implementation o f the internship program.

Peron also commented on the difficulties students face when try­ ing to get an internship.

"The levels of bureaucracy are insane. You have to find an

internship, a supervisor, and then ju stify that your internship is worthwhile".

In working towards greater response from students towards the internship possibilities offered

4

4

O f the th o u sa n d s o f stu ­ d ents in the S cien ce a n d E n g in e e rin g fa cu lties, fo r exa m p le, o n ly 7 0 h a v e co m ­ p le te d in te rn sh ip s..."

-S S M U VP U n iv e rsity A ffa irs C la ra P éron

to them, Peron’s proposal favors a program integrated directly into students’ schedules, as part of a credited academic course. The political science faculty already uses a similar system by offering 160-599: Internship in Political Science, a three-credit course that requires students to complete - at any time - a minimum of 150 hours of work over 12 weeks, as

well as to submit a major research project based on the experience.

Rex Brynen, a professor of political science, said the response to the program has generally been favorable, despite a limited num­ ber of students entering into it.

"There are still relatively small numbers of students utilizing the internship course in [political science]—in large part because we [have] restricted it to honours and grad students, since we don't have the administrative capacity to extend it to our very large Majors enrollments. However, the pro­ gram is running well, and feed­ back has been extremely positive," he said.

Péron recently submitted a proposal designed with reference to the political science model to the Sub-Committee on Teaching and Programs. From there, the proposal will be sent to the Academic Planning and Policy Committee, the largest committee under Senate, for ratification of the creation of a workgroup to review the proposed plan. After approval from this group, the project would once again be examined by the APPC, who will accept or reject the program. Ultimately, McGill’s senate will have to accord final approval.

"When I took on the position of VP, I told the administration that internships were my number one priority," she explained.

"Since then, they’ve written posi­ tion papers to the government indicating the usefulness of workstudy programs. There is a general feeling of ‘yes, this is something good’, so it’s just a matter of get­ ting it approved."

Among the administrators backing Peron are Martha Crago, A ssistant V ice-President of Courses and Programs, Nick D eTackacsy, Assistant VP Academ ic, Luc Vinet, VP Academic, and Greg Blachford, Director of Career and Placement Services, who believes that while there are many internships around McGill, there needs to be an orga­ nized system of keeping track of the opportunities.

"There are many programs around the University, but the problem is that they are just not coordinated overall," Blachford said. "The English Department offers a Cultural Sector Summer Internship Program, and McDonald campus offers a Co-op Experience C ourse... [CAPS] would be very happy to work with students and departments to orga­ nize, locate, and keep track of

work-experience programs".

In addition to making the internship program available to, and feasible for, students in all faculties, Peron is also pushing for the hiring of an Internship Co­ ordinator at CAPS, a position she hopes will be funded by the University either entirely, or in cooperation with Student Services.

She will soon make an application to the Budget Planning Committee in regards to this matter.

Should Senate approve the internship program, students can expect to see it operating in full swing by the beginning of Fall 2001.

N e w s is lo o k in g fo r w r ite r s !

D ro p b y o u r o f f i c e in S h a t n e r B 0 1 -A o r g iv e u s a c a ll a t (5 1 4 ) 3 9 8 -6 7 8 9

T* H * E SSMU and Héma-Quebec would like to thank all the donors, sponsors, and especially our awesome volunteers for making this year’s bloodrive a great success.

M cG ILL T R IB U N E O N L IN E

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS The

This year’s sponsors were as follows:

•Café Boccacinos •Café Republiqu •Dagwoods •Domino’s Piz: •Four Sheraton Hotel •Hurley’s Pub

McGill Spot Metro Grocery • i Montreal Symphony Orchestra

•Nesbitt Burns (Ted K. Muralta) ’Donnell’s Pub Peel Pub •Pita Pit Pizza Giovan •Pizza Hut •Place Milton •Prato Pizzeria •Presse Café Princeton Review Reuben’s Santropol Sharx Pool Bar

h ttp ://tr ib u n e .m c g ill.c a

Tribune

is s e e k i n g a

s c ie n c e c o lu m n is t to a n s w e r t h o s e b u r n in g q u e s t i o n s w e a ll h a v e lik e :

• Why do my teeth glow under black light?

• What is the chemical composi­ tion of silly putty?

• When will I be able to forget the 24 and ju s t teleport to school?

I f you th in k you've got what it takes, give Mike a call at 398-DOOM. Th e deadline fo r a p plic atio n is October 24.

te l 3 9 8 .6 7 8 9 • fa x 3 9 8 .1 7 5 0 t r ib u n e @ s s m u .m c g ill.c a

T he McG ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

Canadian government appeals Harvard patent case to Supreme Court B y Jo s h u a E. G e w o l b H a r v a r d C r im s o n (H a r v a r d

UO___________________________ (U -W IR E ) C A M BRID G E, Mass. - The Canadian government asked its Supreme Court on Monday to hear the case o f a famous genetically engineered mouse developed at Harvard University.

The request for review marks the beginning of the final stage in a 15-year legal battle that has pit­ ted Harvard against Canada.

The University wants exclu­ sive rights in Canada to market mice that are genetically engi­ neered to develop cancer. Harvard got a U.S. patent for "oncomice"— the first patent for any animal-in 1988, but its Canadian patent application has faced strong gov­ ernment opposition.

Harvard has licensed world­ wide rights to the mice, which were developed by Andrus Professor o f G enetics Phillip Leder, to chemical giant DuPont, Inc. The University has 30 days to file a response to the government's petition before the court will take up the matter. If review is granted, the case would probably be heard in about a year.

In the Canadian justice sys­ tem, the basic test in determining whether to grant leave is the broad public importance of a case.

Harvard has yet to decide how to respond to the government's call for review, according to A. David Morrow, Harvard's top attorney on the case.

But at this point it is clear that Harvard's response will argue that the Canadian Federal Court of Appeals was correct in ruling that animals can be patented.

"We will argue that they should let the court of appeals decision stand because the judgment is so clearly right," Morrow said.

Although only a small p e r c e n t­ age of requests for leave are granted by the Supreme Court of Canada, legal observers say that the court is likely to take this case up--especially because C hief Ju stice Beverley McLachlin has suggested

that the court would like to consid­ er biotechnology issues.

"It's almost certain ," said Margaret Somerville, a law profes­ sor at McGill University who fol­ lows the Canadian courts.

I m p o r t a n t in C a n a d a Although the Canadian patent means little fin an cially for Harvard or DuPont, it has become a landmark case in Canadian patent law.

At issue is the heart of the patent code: the definition of the word "invention" itself.

The Court of Appeals ruling took a sweeping view of inven­ tions that describes both animate and inanimate objects as "compo­ sitions o f m atter" that can be patented.

Justice Marshall Rothstein wrote that "nothing in the term 'composition of matter' suggests that living things are excluded from the definition" of invention.

The Canadian Justice Department disagrees with this interpretation.

"We think the court...erred in determining that these non-human mammals could be considered a 'composition of matter1 within the terms of the Patent Act," said Rick Woyiwada, the government laywer on the case. "Similarly, we think they erred in determining that the non-human mammals can be considered an invention.”

Legal experts say that the decision will depend largely on

whether the court focuses on the meaning of the patent code or whether it takes a more philosophical perspec­ tive in its analysis.

0 0 1 1......J

o

N e w s Page 7

U of Calgary begins tuition hike consultation

College Board begins sale of student e-mail addresses to colleges

The University of Calgary's adminis­ tration and the Students' Union began con­ sultation over tuition hikes for the next year last week.

According to Alberta's Universities Act, all four Alberta universities must con­ sult students before tuition is raised.

However, universities have done their consultations in different ways, ranging from informing the campus to justifying a tuition increase to students.

"The definition of consultation as I perceive is we have to respond to the Students' Union as to our financial situation with regards to tuition," Calgary VP Finance and Services Keith Winter told the Gauntlet. "We are intending to answer questions and provide data.”

The SU wants to inform students of the process and achieve the lowest possible tuition increase.

"It's important students have a say in [how the university] fundraises before they raise tuition," SU academic commissioner Nic Porco told the Gauntlet.

The administration and the SU will meet four more times, following which Winter will bring his recommendations to the Planning and Finance Committee of the Board of Governors. The BoG will likely vote on the recommendations in December.

(U-WIRE) PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The College Board has started to sell student email addresses to colleges and universities for the purpose of soliciting possible appli­ cants.

According to Brad Quin, executive director of admission at the Reston, Va., office of the College Board, selling e-mail addresses is just the beginning of the use of e-mail by college admission offices.

"Right now we have the e-mail addresses of about 680,000 students, about 33 to 35 percent of the 2 million students who register overall," Quin said.

At this point, 1,300 colleges have pur­ chased these addresses, which students pro­ vided when they registered electronically for the Scholastic Achievement Test.

This new development in the sale of email addresses is the enterprise of a 27year-old program known as the Student Search Service.

In previous years, colleges would place orders for the mailing addresses of students whose test scores and reported information were compatible with their respective insti­ tutions.

Now these colleges are requesting email addresses as well.

Quin said the College Board charges universities 24 cents per name for these qualified lists, putting a $163,200 price tag on all 680,000 e-mail addresses.

Quin added that the College Board is quite careful in protecting the integrity of its programs.

"Students are well-aware that their email addresses may be distributed," Quin said.

— with files from Jessica Grose, Brown Daily Herald (Brown U.)

— with files from the Gauntlet (U o f Calgary)

.■ If

they use a legalistic fra m e w o rk , they'll uphold the Court of Appeals," Somerville said. "But it's almost certain that the court will do a broader-based social and symbolic analysis as well as a technical legal analysis."

However, it is hard to pre­ dict what the Supreme Court will decide if it chooses to review the case because it has considered so few biotechnology matters.

"The court hasn't dealt much with biotechnology, and the highest case that got there on patenting life forms had to do with selective breeding, not genetic biotech intervention," said Michelle Swenarchuk, direc­ tor of international programs at the Canadian Environmental Law Association, which lobbied the government to appeal.

In general, the court is known for its conservatism.

"In almost any field of law they are not inclined to break out and start smashing paradigms," said David Beatty, a University of Toronto law professor. "It's cau­ tious in most areas of its work. If this case is going to ask it to do anything beyond the norm, [the court] will be a chameleon."

M c G ill D EA N O F T H E FA C U L T Y O F A G R IC U LT U R A L AND EN V IRO N M EN TA L SC IEN CES

The present term o f Professor Deborah Buszard as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environment Sciences ends on 31 May 2 0 0 1 , and an Advisory Committee has been struck with respect to the renewal o f Professor Buszard’s term or the selection of a new dean.

In order to assist in its deliberations, the Advisory Committee would welcom e any comments by members of the M cGill community with respect to the renewal of Professor Buszard’s appointment.

All comments will be treated in the strictest confi­ dence by the Committee, and they should be addressed to: Dr. Luc Vinet, Vice-Principal (A cadem ic) McGill University 845 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC H 3A 2T 5

Page 8 O p / E d

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

Stop

EDITORIAL “W hen elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers.”

— P ro v erb

Court's adjourned B y S h eh yr a r Fa zli

Now that The M cG ill Daily and SSMU have finally settled their dispute, I'm throwing a party in the Tribune office. If you're happy that the lawsuit is over, you're on the guest list.

For one, we'll be celebrating the end of a quarrel that, frankly, people at McGill were just tired of hearing about. But more importantly, the party will be a commemoration of the fact that the money we've paid out of one pocket to SSMU, and out of the other to The Daily, can finally go towards giving students something in return.

With the all the money we've paid them, maybe the lawyers involved in this case are throwing a party of their own. And why not? These legal proceedings have provided them with enough to finance a small Mardi Gras.

After covering the battle twice, in two lengthy articles, I had come to the conclusion that this legal contest had become exact­ ly that — a contest. Much like the ones you have with a brother or a sister when entering your teens, where neither one of you is really willing to give a little to get a little.

Given, however, that in this case we were talking about two important student associations as opposed to the standard sibling rivalry, one would have expected the issue to be resolved with a little more maturity — especially when this particular rivalry was affecting the entire University.

Those expectations fell flat.

Reviewing the past four months of the lawsuit, one of the themes that recurs in the ongoing quarrel is independence. The Daily is a student publication independent of SSMU; SSMU is a student organization independent of the University; and had the two sides settled their dispute a little over two weeks ago with an arbitrator, a resolution would have been reached independently of the courts.

What SSMU and The Daily have shown by having to go to trial is that this independence is too much for them to handle.

When the judge made his ruling last week, I was reminded of my father charging into the living room and telling my brother and me to 'stop this silly bickering!.' The difference, of course, is that once we became independent, my brother and I never need­ ed our parents to sort out our conflicts.

After all the years of independence that SSMU and the Daily have enjoyed, one is surprised a parent figure had to be called.

And while we're all glad that the ruling was made, a lot of us are disappointed that it had to go that far. Especially when we had to pay for the parent figure's involvement... Come to think of it, per­ haps the term 'babysitter' would be more apt. And if you take into consideration that students pay per semester fees to both SSMU and the Daily, this babysitter got paid double.

One would hope that in the future, this lawsuit w ill be regarded as an anomaly in McGill student organizations' han­ dling of disputes between one another. Otherwise it might be a good idea to revert to the old-fashioned system of the Administration exercising control over all of its student groups, and dictating resolutions in the event of conflict.

At least that way we'll save some money.

T

he

R

ed

the press H

e r r in g

is

not

ir r e s p o n s ib l e

The news brief item entitled “Herring’ s budget a question mark?” (October 3, Issue 5) con­ tained a number of inaccuracies; furthermore, not all of the facts were given about the Red Herring (not the “Red Herring Publications Society”) or our funding situation.

Journalists are supposed to get both sides of every story — however, 1 was never contacted by the author, Mike Bargav, for a statement. As a result of this one-sided coverage, I was unable to set the record straight until now. It doesn’t sur­ prise me that there were so many flaws and distortions in the story, particularly since the only person who was asked to comment was VP Operations Kevin McPhee.

The most important problem with the piece is the way it paints the Red Herring as irresponsible.

VP Operations Kevin McPhee maintains our budget was eliminat­ ed because our papers weren’t fded in time. Bargav was sitting not a few feet away from me when I explained to [Students’ Society of McGill University] Council that I had been told the budget was due

by September 30. McPhee then explained to Council that the dead­ line for services and publications (only) was September 15, although this had never been announced.

McPhee acknowledged SSMU’s responsibility in not informing its services and publications about the September 15 deadline. McPhee’s non sequitur of a defense was that

services and publications were sim­ ply supposed to know about the special deadline, even though we were never informed about it.

Incidentally, nine of the twelve ser­ vices also have question marks in their budgets, because they, too, were told the deadline was the 30.

However, of the affected groups, only the R ed H errin g and TV McGill were given zeroes instead of question marks in the budget — hardly a “deviation from standard­ ized accounting procedures [which] might raise an eyebrow or two on SSMU’s accounting team.”

An additional problem for the H erring is that even though we now have the possibility of normal funding (the question mark indi­ cates funding is estimated based on the previous year’s budget), we have been eliminated from the Media portion of the budget, and must now get our money from the $70,000 clubs portion. Zeroes in our budget would restrict us only to “Special Projects” funding.

Bargav also writes that, “Recently, the Herring has come under fire for not generating rev­ enue that offsets the expenses.”

This is just one of the statements in the article that paints the Herring in an undeservedly parasitic light.

The assumption is that the other SSMU publications generate suffi­ cient revenue to offset their expenses; the force of this argu­ ment is diminished greatly when we look at the finances of this very

newspaper, The McGill Tribune.

This year, the SSMU budget pro­ jects a loss for the Tribune of $7,940. The Red Herring's budget asks for a subsidy that is a small fraction of this amount.

Additionally, the Tribune does not include in its budget the salary of its Advertising and Marketing Manager, Paul Slachta. Although he sells ads for all of the other SSMU print publications, Slachta no longer sells ads for the R ed Herring (even though he sits on our Publications Board). I bring up this point only because it places McPhee’ s comment that “we’d rather not pay for the Red Herring” into the proper context.

As a side note, never has SSMU demanded that the R ed H errin g pay for itself in our twelve-year history. Unlike the other SSMU publications (all of whom have larger budgets than we do), we no longer have access to professional ad salespeople, or even an office or phone line; these factors have great influence on our ability to generate revenue.

The damage Bargav’s piece has done to the Red Herring's rep­ utation is more than a simple retraction, correction, or this letter to the editor can ameliorate.

However, it is the only option I have at present.

D. J. Waletzky Editor-in-Chief The Red Herring

T» H * E

M c G IL L

T R IB U N E O N L IN E

h ttp ://tr ib u n e .m c g ill.c a

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS The

Tribune

is s e e k i n g h e l p f r o m

p h o to g r a p h e r s a n d o n lin e w e b a s s is ta n ts .

Drop by our office in B01-A in the Shatner (University Centre) building basement. No experience is required — we'll teach you everything you have to know. t e l 3 9 8 . 6 7 8 9 • f a x 3 9 8 . 1 7 5 0 • t r ib u n e @ s s m u .m c g ill.c a

TH E

McGILL TRIBUNE

E d it o r - in -C h ief

N ew s Fd ito r

John Salloum

Shehryar Fazli

A s s is t a n t E d it o r -in - C h ief

Assistant News Editors Mike Bargav Nema Etheridge

Stephanie Levitz A s s is t a n t E d it o r -In -C h ief

Rhea Wong C a m p u s E d it o r

Jonathan Colford

Features Editors Shirlee Engel Ian Speigel Entertainment Editors Grace Carter Marie-Hélène Savard

is an editorially autonomous newspaper published by the Students' Society of M cGill University Science Editor

Production Manager

Sports Editor Jeremy Kuzmarov

Layout Editors Jacob Schonfeld

Assistant Sports Editors James Empringham Neil Schnurbach Photo Editors Patrick Fok Nico Oved

Advertising and Marketing Manager Paul Slachta

Michael Ayles

Eric Oest

Ad Typesetters Dom Michaud Siu Min Jim

On-line Editors Andre Nance Mildred Wong

Staff: Rebecca Doiron, Kiki Dranias, Chris Essert, Sarah Ettudgui, Pawan Girglani, Ed Gliicksman, Julanar Green.

James Grohsgal, Drew Halfnight, Asch Harwood, Mark Kerr, Joesph Quesnel, Andrew Raven, Omar Sachedina, David Schanzle Shan Soe-lin, Suchot Sunday, Jennifer Trawinshi, Isabelle West, Angela Wilson, Elizabeth Zalman.

Letters must include author's name, signature, identification (e.g. U2 Biology, SSMU President) and telephone number and be typed double-spaced, submitted on disk in Macintosh or IBM word processor format, or sent by e-mail. Letters more than 200 words, pieces for Stop the Press more than 500 words, or submis­ sions judged by the Editor-in-Chief to be libellous, sexist, racist, homophobic, or soley promotional in nature, will not be published. The Tribune will make all rea­ sonable efforts to print submissions provided that space is available, and reserves the right to edit letters for length. Bring submissions to the Tribune office, FAX to 398-1750 or send to tribune@ssmu.mcgill.ca.

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O p / E d Page 9

The Mc G ill Tribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

us ACTIVITIES By the time this article is published, Marty M cSorley will have already been convicted or acquitted in his assault case. The specifics of the case have been flashed over the media ad nauseum, although perhaps they bear repeating once more: McSorley, while playing a game for the Boston Bruins against the Vancouver Canucks, blind sided Canuck Donald Brashear, and smashed Brashear’s skull in with his stick.

Follow ing the game, and Brashear’s hospitalization, McSorley was severely punished by the NHL, and then charged crim inally. The McSorley case raises the question of whether an athlete should be liable for damage he or she inflicts on the field of play.

I believe that in cases like the McSorley incident, when the incident is unrelated to the game, it is fair game for the legal system to intervene. I also make this argument fully aware that if Don Cherry ever reads this, he will not be coming to any of my shinny games.

When McSorley swung his stick at Brashear, his stick ceased to be a hockey stick, and instead became a weapon of assault, no different than a wooden beam with a nail in it.

Simply because an object is used in a game does not mean its purpose is limited to that activity. Had McSorley deliberately used his skate to attack Brashear, my con­ clusion would seem even more obvious.

That the attack weapon changes should not diminish our perception of the attack. The McSorley case unquestionably should have been turned over to the Crown. Although anyone playing a contact sport assumes cer­ tain risks, what transpired on the ice in Vancouver bears no relation to hockey whatsoever.

Certainly, there is a precedent for the mutual involvement of the legislative sphere in the wonderful world of sports. In the past month, American wrestler Matt Lundland earned a spot on the US Olympic Team after the Supreme Court overturned his defeat in a qualifying match because his opponent had cheated. During the 1994 baseball strike, the legal system was invoked on numerous occasions, first to try to force the players to work, and then again, to bar replacement players (scabs) from compet­ ing. It is foolish and naive to believe that simply because an event happens in the con­ fines of an arena, it should be exempt from the guidelines which structure our lives.

Should McSorley ever play profession­ al hockey again? I don’t know. I think his teammates should decide that. Then we’ll know how American our game has become.

If a hockey player whacks another player across the head with his stick, is that not atrocious behaviour? Certainly. Is it violent? Without question. Is it an element of the game? Regrettably, yes. Is it crimi­ nal? No. The Brashear — McSorley incident is not the first of its kind, and unfortunately it may not be the last. But if nothing else, there now exists a chance for the NHL and society to make up their collective minds: where, exactly, does violence fit into the game of hockey?

If McSorley is convicted of having committed a criminal act that night in Vancouver, then just where do we draw the line? Is it ok for two players to spar off and beat the bejeezus out of each other, losing teeth, bloodying noses, and blackening eyes? Apparently, these are considered ele­ ments of the game, and should these lovely spats get out of hand, there are ways to reg­ ulate or punish according to the NHL rules.

I am in no way condoning McSorley’s actions; they were horribly violent, and McSorley should definitely be punished, which he was (by the NHL). Indeed, he may never play in the league again, though this may also have to do as much with his marginal skill as it does with his idiocy; nonetheless, it is for the league to decide.

Yet, if McSorley becomes a criminal, a whole new precedent is set for hockey and for the legal world.

If Brashear had been hit a little lower, would that absolve McSorley of any crimi­ nal accountability? If it is possible that the

court rules that the concus­ sion came from Brashear’s fall on the ice and not from M cSorley’ s stick, what then? The reality is that this is not an area for the court to be ruling. If it were, then all elements of violence in hockey should be subject to legal scrutiny; and we all know that would send Mr. Cherry on a rampage of his own.

Unfortunately, as it stands today, playing professional hockey implies the acceptance of some sort of vio­ o lence. I’m sure that Brashear didn’t CD accept that he was going to get raked 3 across the skull and get a concussion, CD but then what did he accept? A fight < BBI here and there? A bloody nose? A CD mild concussion? A few missing < teeth? Should each player sign a con­ CD tract stipulating exactly what type of violence they will or will not expect?

Of course this is all absurd, but so is the arbitrary nature of criminal­ izing McSorley’s actions. How can the rest of hockey’ s so-called ‘accepted behaviour’ go unchal­ lenged if McSorley must pay a crimi­ nal price for his slash? If hockey accepts violence and fights then McSorley is not a criminal.

And by the way, we all know that my co-columnist Jordan can’t skate, but I hear he likes to take a few cheap shots in NHL ‘99.

Trudeau's phantom power “It’s only by our lack of ghosts we’re haunted.”

— E arle Birney, Them A ble Leave Her Ever, 1962

Like all Canadians, I was capti­ vated by the magnitude of emotion manifested throughout the nation following the death of the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

His ascension into heaven afforded me an elongated moment to ponder his great mind and the myriad of tangible results it somehow pro­ duced. Indeed, his integrity as both a humanitarian and politician have surfaced as recurring themes in many heated discussions as well as in the simple, melancholic conver­ sations of the last month.

Appropriately, Trudeau’s revolu­ tionary legislation and the so-called People’ s Package have often assumed the role of the quintessen­ tial examples of his ability to reason his way to political success.

Of course, our most prestigious Prime Minister often spoke of rea­ son, an intellectual faculty by which conclusion is formed from premise.

In fact, “reason over passion” became the words by which he lived and governed. This did won­ ders for Trudeau and indeed facili­ tated the quasi-accomplishment of an interminable list of ideals and reforms to which he steadfastly adhered. Yet it is the latter half of Trudeau’s famous declaration that shall bear a greater significance in

the future of our great nation. For, it is as though he left us passion in his will so as to perpetuate the reason for which he had worked so ardent­ ly over the course of his political career: unity.

I truly believe that his death has shed light on a far deeper element of the Canadian embodiment, one which transcends the world of Trudeau’s theatrics and accomplishment, pirouettes and canoe, and stems instead from the platonic fragments of the soul. What Trudeau did for Canada was ulti­ mately intangible and, in fact, encompassed the part of the soul known as passion, from which Canadians have always seemed so

removed.

Many historians argue, in this regard, that a country requires an overarching national pride in order to subordinate the deep cleavages of a society - in other words, a binding myth. In the United States, for instance, many claim the Civil War assumed the symbolic role of recon­ ciling southern and northern differ­ ences; in France, it was the Revolution. Of course, Trudeau not only recognized the burdening lin­ guistic and cultural divisions, but also observed the absence of a transnational pride. He thus pro­ ceeded with a reasonable attempt to bind the country together in guise of several initiatives, including indi­ vidualism, bilingualism, and a mul­ ticultural society. In effect, these

Z ip 4 1 1 .n et open your eyes and see all the possibilities

endeavours were to brew an implicit civic nationalism to which all Canadians could identify. But despite the effort, something very significant was still missing from Trudeau’s vision.

However morbid it may sound, it has taken Trudeau’s death to place that final piece in the puzzle, the piece that cannot be legislated, propagated or established through any governmental mçans. It is the piece which naturally ensues from a decisive historical event in which something has been conquered or denied. In this case, Trudeau’ s death overcame the politics of unity.

Symbolically, his soul has been passed on to the Canadian state. We experienced this transmission as he

brought tears to our eyes and pas­ sion to our souls. Heck, this was the man who had strengthened the uni­ versal ideals to which all Canadians identify, and for which all Canadians should strive. He encour­ aged us, believed in us and knew full well that we were forever capa­ ble of doing that much more, both for ourselves and for society.

Simply, he had offered us Heart, thus Passion, hence Soul.

For some, the above has been true since Trudeau’s legacy began.

For others, the realization has only recently taken shape. The latter is particularly true among westerners and Quebeckers, for whom Trudeau was a snowbank they couldn’t get by. But they know the politics are gone now. Only the myth remains.

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Page 10 O p / E d ______ The Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

E I I i p

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eeing as this is go time for any world-class scientist worth his or her salt, we fig­ ured that this week in Ellipsis, w e’d take a look at the Nobel Prizes: their ancestry, their value, and how, by carefu lly organizing a w rite-in cam paign with all your friends, you can win one of your very own.

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First, a brief primer: there are six Nobel Prizes aw arded ev ery year, given out by the N obel g#

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The money for the prizes com es from the estate o f Alfred Nobel, a Swedish scien­ tist, engineer, poet, man of letters and cru­ sa d e r fo r w o rld p e a c e , b o rn in 1 8 3 3 .

Iro n ically, N obel invented dynam ite in 1 8 6 6 . In the last version o f his will, he p led ged his e sta te to the cre a tio n o f a foundation, The Nobel Foundation, which would yearly give prizes out to those of o u tsta n d in g a c h ie v e m e n t in fie ld s o f human endeavour.

by optom etrists

Two McGill Professors have won Nobel Prizes: A fellow named Frederic Soddy for Chemistry in 1921 and Ernest Rutherford, whose edificial

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namesake graces the intersection o f University and P rin c e A rth u r S tr e e ts , to o k h o m e the Physics prize in 1908.

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Interested in winning a Nobel prize o f your own? Some tips... First, you’d better get at least one of your friends interested, because “personal applications for an award shall not be considered.” You should probably get one o f your friends in a subject similar to your own to do the nominating, and make sure it’s someone competent, because “nominations should be explained and accompanied by evi­ dence in support of them.” And don’t procastinate kids, the deadline for submis­ sion is February first for the following y ear’s prizes. It doesn’t say anything about this in particular, but I ’d be willing to bet, even, that these people aren’t going to give your sorry ass an extension, even if it’s for some really great reason like your dog died, or your printer stopped working, or your computer was stolen or what.

It’s a serious deadline that you cannot miss.

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By the time you read this, most of the prizes will already have been awarded, but the Peace Prize will be awarded on Friday and the Literature Prize later, as is the custom.

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Why, you ask perceptively, isn’t there a prize in Mathematics? 1 mean, sure, those other things are important, but really, where would we be without Math, besides waiting around for a giganitc monolithic black thing to come along and tell us what to do? Well, you may have heard that there isn’t a prize in math because a fellow named Gosta Mittag-Leffler, who was the leading mathematician in the world at the time of Nobel’ s drafting his will and endowing the prizes, and this guy was a Swede, as if life couldn’t be any better for Nobel.

Unfortunately, so the story that you may have heard goes, Mittag-Leffler had just ran off with Nobel’s wife, so poor old Alfie was in no mood to hand over even one Krona of his hard-earned money to this bastard, was he? Well, that story isn’t entirely correct: for one thing, and take it from one who would know, ok, Mitaag-Leffler was indeed a talented mathematician, but by no means was he the leading math­ ematician in the world, a tide which more reasonably would be given to someone along the lines of an Henri Poincaré, or David Hilbert.

What’s worse, Alfred Nobel wasn’t even married. So if some mathematics professor, and I’m thinking of one person in particular, and if you know him you know who I’m talking about, if he tries to pull this wool over your young eyes, don’ t be so enitrely gullible as I was.

F E ATURE S T he M c G

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Drugs, cosmetics and a genie in a bottle, he can explain it all C h e m is t r y P r o f e s s o r J o e S c h w a r c z t a k e s t h e e q u a t i o n s o u t o f t h e s c ie n c e , a n d b r in g s i t t o t h e m a s s e s B y S a r a h Et t e d c u i

Walking into the only office on the ground floor of Otto Maass, I find myself staring in bewilder­ ment at the multitude of chemistry books extending from one book­ shelf to another. Organic textbooks, paperbacks dealing with topics such as effective carpet cleaners and even books bearing a carica­ ture on the cover, line the walls of the room. As I gaze upwards, I see the windowsill adorned with giant carbon molecules. It’s an odd and intimidating environment.

Welcome to the McGill Office for Chemistry and Society (OCS) whose director, a McGill chemistry professor, general know-it-all, and lecturer par excellence, Dr. Joe Schwarcz cordially greets me.

Introducing myself, I could tell that he was expecting me to hit him with an organic chemistry question (his class was preparing for the midterm that week) right away.

Accordingly, I assured him that my presence here was not chemically oriented. “Don’t worry,” I said, “I don’t have any chemistry questions for you.” Always a couple steps ahead of the game, and highly accustomed to questions, Schwarcz dryly retorted, “So what did you spill on your carpet?”

Born in Hungary, Schwarcz grew up in Montreal where he obtained his Bachelor’s and Ph.D. in chemistry at McGill University.

Schwarcz has always been fascinat­ ed by the world o f chem istry, which he defines as “the thread that ties all of the other sciences togeth­ er.”

Indeed, Schwarcz explains that he discovered and fell in love with chemistry without any mentor to inspire him, recalling that his high school teachers were not that good.

Which, he explains, has had a great impact on his personal teaching philosophy.

“There is no point in teaching as though they [the students] will all become professional chemists,” he says.

Schwarcz explains that to cre­ ate interest, people must be intro­ duced to the practical side of chem­ istry, “People are constantly practic­ ing chemistry in their daily lives, from the foods we eat to what we drink. If I can’t think of a reason why my students should learn it then they don’t need to learn it,” says Schwarcz.

Following his convictions, in 1974, Dr. Schwarcz developed a course entitled “Chemistry in the Modern World” which introduces students to the chemistry behind food, drugs, cosmetics, cleaning agents etc. Today, the enrollment is counted in the hundreds each semester and several night classes have been created open to the gen­

eral public.

Schwarcz’ s popularity as a speaker is due to the manner in which he presents the material.

Heavy on the anecdotes, and speak­

chemistry to Canada’s astronauts.

Another one of Schwarcz’s endeavors is his “Magic of Chemistry” show, which he pre­ sents in collaboration with col-

ence. For instance, while watching a magic trick being unveiled, one is mesmerized by the puzzle and thus attempts to figure out its mecha­ nism. Likewise, chemical reactions

May the Schwarcz be with you when you're wondering about chemistry ing with enthusiasm, audiences can’t help but get interested. And yet, despite Schwarcz’s experience, lecturing is no easy chore. He explains that that he strives to pre­ sent each lecture as though it was the first time. He seems to be keep­ ing true to his teaching philosophy, because his lecture entitled, “Science and the Paranormal” was so captivating, that Canadian Space Agency invited him to speak about

leagues, professor Ariel Fenster and professor David Harpp. It is an intricate and unique combination of chemical demonstrations, slides, music, humor and of course, stage magic.

Schwarcz reveals that his love of magic is intricately bound to his love of chemistry. He explains that the similarity between his two childhood passions stems from the challenges that confront an audi-

plague scientists with questions, challenging them to reach a solu­ tion. The difference is that once the secret of a magic trick is uncov­ ered, its entertainment value dimin­ ishes, whereas understanding the solution to a particular chemical problem leads to further applica­ tions in various domains of life.

And it is exactly these practi­ cal applications, and particularly explaining them to the layman,

which keeps Schwarcz incredibly busy. He may lecture the McGill Medical School on the safety of our food supply, teach an organic class, lecture to senior citizens on the role of humor in health or hold a workshop for eight year olds. He also publishes a newsletter, called the “Science Spotlight,” writes a weekly column in the Montreal Gazette enti­ tled, “The Right Chemistry,” as well as a monthly piece in the Canadian Chemical Society Magazine. In addition he found time to author a book entitled, Radar, Hoola Hoops and P layfu l P ig s, which quickly became a best­ seller upon its release last September. His sec­ ond book, due out in late spring or early summer, is titled, G en ie in a Bottle.

The title was inspired by his favorite chem ical experiment where hydrogen perox­ ide is mixed with magne­ sium dioxide to produce a funnel of steam remi­ niscent of a genie emerg­ ing from a bottle.

Schwarcz also co-hosts a weekly phone in radio show (CJAD 800 on your AM dial). And of course, in between all of this, he finds some spare time to satisfy his the­ atrical cravings, particu­ larly musicals, calling him self “a Broadway freak.”

So, how does he manage it all? The key, he says, is “ doing what you like, and then every­ thing else will fall into place.”

Leaving Dr. Joe Schwarcz’s office, I turn to glance once more at the jumbo molecules.

Somehow, this time they look a little less bizarre and a little more inviting - just the building blocks of life is all! Schwarcz would appreciate my Jane Bolton newfound curiosity.

“In order to appreciate sci­ ence, you don’t have to be a scien­ tist. It can be described in a non­ threatening way. The most impor­ tant thing is not to be scared,” he says.

Past the double doors of the Otto Maass Building a couple are passionately kissing. I wonder if they realize that there’s a scientific chemical basis for their attraction.

Probably not.

Page 12 F e a t u re s

The Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000 Don’t you just wish it would stay warm for one more week?

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The Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober. 2000

F e a t u r e s Page 13

T h e ra c e fo r th e U S p r e s id e n c y B y J o seph Q

uesnel

It’s voting season again with campaign wagons, decorated buses and thousands of lobbyists travel­ ling the American landscape, eagerly trying to rally support for their parties for the upcoming national elections.

As President Clinton con­ cludes his second term this January, it is still up in the air who his successor will be. Americans are preparing to elect the first President of the 21st century and they are confronted with the same questions that have plagued voters for decades: what is the appropri­ ate role for government, if any, in improving the quality of life for all Americans?

“I think the bigger issue is the one that both Gore and Bush have alluded to in their acceptance speeches, but no one has really dealt with,” says McGill Professor Gil Troy, who teaches a variety of courses on American history.

“America in the last 20 years — you can call it the ReaganClinton Boom, you can call it the A1 Greenspan Boom, you can call it the Baby Boom Boom, you can call it all kinds of things — but America has been blessed.”

According to Troy, this elec­ tion is different than others in that the great issues of the day are not war or crime, but the distribution o f wealth within society and American values.

“What do you do with that prosperity? What do you do with all the wealth that is pouring into both the governmental coffers and to individual coffers? They’re obviously addressing the issue on the governmental side with the surplus, but I think the bigger issue is what is the quality of American lives,” he explains.

T h e d e b a te On October 3, the first round of Presidential debates drove home the point that, in this election year, Americans will be choosing between two different philosophies of government with regards to

both the economy and foreign poli­ cy. One of them is based on gov­ ernment expansion and the other emphasizes a reduced role for the state.

Faced with one of the largest budgetary surpluses in recent his­ tory, Democratic Presidential can­ didate A1 Gore stressed in his opening statements that his gov­ ernment would do more to ensure that all of society shares in the economy.

He pointed to Democratic proposals for middleclass tax relief, tax credit for col­ lege tuition, and expanded pre­ scription drug coverage for seniors as evidence that he was “the cham­ pion of the common man.”

However, Gore’s comments were held under scrutiny by his rival, Republican candidate George W. Bush, who stressed that these proposals were a huge throw­ back to the tax-and-spend days of liberal Democrats and amounted to less control for individuals over their lives and pocketbooks.

Bush outlined that Gore’s plan will expand government dramati­ cally by creating 200 new pro­ grams and creating 20 000 bureau­ crats. This would mean that the government would take in $25 tril­ lion over the next ten years. He proposed giving $1.3 trillion back to the people who pay the bills.

Reagan administration, Republicans have championed the cause of tax reduction and reduced social spending, whereas the Democrats have spoken for a role in social spending.

“The Republican Party, ever since Ronald Reagan, has been the party of big tax cuts. Interestingly, they have been able to maintain this position even though most of the benefits for the tax cuts go to more affluent tax payers,” he says.

“Democrats have more spending ideas than Republicans because they believe that government can be an engine in the economy and society and they want to use it as such. They don’t want to deplete the treasury of revenues, so they are less enthusiastic about tax cut­ ting than Republicans.

“Republicans have an added incentive because, ever since Reagan, they’ve seen cutting taxes as a way to limit spending. If there’s no tax revenue, you can’t have new spending initiatives,” says Waller.

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T a x e s , ta x e s , ta x e s M cG ill Professor Harold Waller, who teaches Government and Politics of the United States and an expert on the American political system, says that this election will be about the funda­ mental importance of defining the role of government.

“I think there’s a larger issue which is the philosophy of govern­ ment: does one have confidence in the government to do things, or is one inherently suspicious about the government? I think this is one of the ways in which the two parties differentiate themselves,” he says.

Waller says the fundamental division between the two parties has historically been around their view of taxation policies. Since the

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T he McG ill Tribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

F e a t u r e s Page 15

A l v s. G e o rg e clearly set apart during the debates by their stances on the role of An important trend has tradi­ America in the international scene. tionally divided the American elec­ Bush sounded a lot like Pat torate. Wealthier Americans have Buchanan in his perception of the always flocked to the banners of role of America. Stressing direct the Grand Old Party, whereas the national interests as the only Democrats have developed reso­ ground for American intervention abroad, Bush looked for a buildup nance with the less affluent.

“There is a strong relationship of American forces and a reduced between socio-economic status and role for American troops in peace­ whether one votes Republican or keeping missions. Gore was less Democrat. Higher-educated peo­ isolationist, pointing to the preven­ ple, higher income people, higher tion of genocide as areas where the occupational status people all tend United States should intervene, to vote Republican,” Waller points mentioning Bosnia and Rwanda as out, citing patterns in political sci­ examples. Despite the many issues ence literature on voting behav­ involved, there are still many undecided voters. Clearly, they iour.

With the increased role of will have much to think about in third parties, many Americans are the upcoming election. The most seeking alternatives to the estab­ fundamental question will be lishment party’s economic line, which role they see the govern­ albeit not in a strong way. Ralph ment playing in the 21st century.

Nader’s Green Party, emphasizing Will government be there to help stronger governmental environ­ seniors and the middle-class stay mental regulations and consumer afloat in the new economy, or will protection, has not really made an it assert that individuals ought to impact on the American electorate. take more control over their own Pat Buchanan’s Reform Party has lives? Also, will America look scared many away and didn’t even inward in its foreign policy, or will make the required 15 per cent it seek to establish international threshold of support to actually be order abroad? When Americans invited to attend to first round of cast their ballots for either candi­ date, they will certainly be looking presidential debates. into themselves to see which val­ ues are the most important to them.

Continued from Page 13

T h e in te r n a tio n a l a re n a

Bush and Gore were also

Bush captivates the salivating crowd at the Republican National Convention

Press Shot

Page 16 F e a t u re s

T he Mc G ill T ribune, Wednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

V o ic e

ch at

Voice chat and foreign Skate or die languages: the wave of the future B y Ia n S peicel

B y E l iz a b e t h Z a l m a n

A latest and greatest applica­ tion on the Internet is ‘voice chat’ - using your computer as a tele­ phone. Getting set up to voice chat is easy. It involves wiring up a microphone to your computer, downloading some software (try www.thirdvoice.com or www.firetalk.com), and then sim­ ply blathering away. But what are the uses of this new technology?

First of all, it’s fun. Second, you can talk to anyone, anywhere for absolutely no money. This enables you to speak to your friends in the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Columbia for free. Unfortunately, the powers of voice chat have been used more for evil than for good — it has become the lightning rod and medium for some of so ciety ’ s more subversive elements like cybersex and stock scams. Things may be going from bad to worse.

Last week, a couple of industrious up-and-comers decided to harness voice chat for none other than aca­ demic purposes. They want us to learn.

M ylanguageexchange.com was started by Hélène Cormier, a native Quebecker with an Honours BA from McGill in French transla­ tion, and Dan Yuen of Hong Kong, who has a BAS and MAS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. The two met in a French class at C.E.L.M., a French-language school in Montreal. Hélène was the teacher, Dan the student. Dan had decided to join C.E.L.M. because of their new innovative approach to teach­ ing languages. Dubbed the Cormier method, it involves inter­ acting with native speakers every class.

“Joining Corm ier’ s school was my only hope of becoming fluent in French. I jumped at the opportunity right away,” explains Yuen.

The focus is on communica­ tion versus correction, so neither grammar nor vocabulary are emphasized. Half the time is spent speaking in your own language; half is spent communicating in the language that you wish to learn.

The theory behind the Cormier method is that you pick up more from native speakers than you would from a book. A book is stat­ ic knowledge; it teaches you the academic version of the language.

A native speaker introduces the latest slang and sayings, enabling you to speak on the street.

Yuen and Cormier saw the potential of voice chat as a medi­ um perfectly suited to implement­ ing the Cormier method on-line.

Their goal was to create a site that acts as “a free online community in which members can practice any language in the world, inter­ acting with and learning from native speakers via voice or text chat, while following online les­ son plans. In addition to being the first site to host online language exchanges, this is the first con­ structive application of Internet chat room technologies on a glob­ al scale.”

Yuen pushes the need for international communication, especially on a virtual level. He explains that chatroom technology begs to be used globally, connect­ ing people and spurring creativity and new ideas.

“Technology has been there for way too long with the potential to do something significant. The potential is huge, because every­ one wants to learn another lan­ guage,” says Yuen.

In addition to language exchanges, the website offers pen pal services, bulletin boards and a library of current slang in the lan­ guage of your choice. Even though the site was launched ju st this week, more than a handful of peo­ ple have already signed up, includ­ ing independent teachers in Texas who have proposed to hold their classes online as a way to facilitate the speaking process. And the best part is that it is absolutely free.

The site does have its com­ petitors. One such rival is www.englishbaby.com. It, too, offers online lesson plans and slang.

Another site, www.parlo.com, offers a cultural exchange, enabling the student to learn about specific customs and rituals.

Y et another site, www.englishtown.com, focuses on ‘schools’ of students, and offers help in learning languages, espe­ cially dealing with business issues.

However, it costs the user money.

Thus, www.mylanguages.com , is a trailblazing site, because it offers all the goodies of these other sites combined with the power of voice chat. Whether this will be the final hurrah for all the mono-linguists, like kids from Ontario (especially the ones who took French OAC) remains to be heard.

& g a m in g

home. And it is this dry-run pan­ tomime (as well as a couple o f the aforem entioned characteristics), which allow s us to juxtapose the North American cokehead, and the North American gamer. Two odd, yet not rare, species, which have their proper niches here at McGill University.

The gamer, just like the coke­ head, can be found acting out his pathetic addiction (any addiction is pathetic, ev en /especially p eo p le addicted to fun) in public. You can’t really spot them from afar, but once you get up close, you recognise the familiar jerky trigger finger, and the shaky eyeball syndrome (like they’re scanning f o r cach es o f ammo or maps to accumulate) that results from way too much gaming.

F ocu s in on one p a rticu la r species o f gamer - those obsessed with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 fo r Nintendo 64 (we’ll call them HawkObsessed Kids or HOKs). HOKs are notorious fo r randomly, and quite spasm odically, attempting techn ically challen gin g skating moves like heelflip bluntsides, and one-footed nosegrinds, as they pass you in the halls. Walk down St. Laurent lookin g f o r a hygienic falafel joint, and you run a fifty-fifty chance o f coming across a HOK try­ ing vainly to execute a 900 (just think, a 360 is once around) arro­ gantly ch allen g in g esta b lish ed physics laws on a deck that doesn’t actually exist. Entertaining...y es.

Painful...also yes.

Digital Culture recognizes the need to address issues relevant to the mosaic of digerati and laymen at McGill that compose the surfing population. This week, we chose to investigate the odd, odd world of gaming (quite simply - playing video games).

Gaming is extremely popular, and a significant proportion of advanced computer hardware and software is used expressly for play­ ing video games. For instance, Sony’s Playstation 2 uses a CPU equivalent to those used in many Pentium Ills. So, along with Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64, Sony’s technology platform allows for some pretty serious video gaming. Not surprisingly, then, is the emergence of a whole new type of animal - the gamer. Actually, gamers have been around for a while, but it is only recently, with the Internet providing previously impossible interactive gaming and collusion, that this new type of “serious” gamer has emerged. Gamers are really into video games; to the point of addic­ tion.

Here at Digital Culture, we wanted to investigate exactly how strong the lure of gaming really is.

Thus, we devised an experiment.

First, we interviewed a panel of non-gamers. Specifically, we sought a non-gamer, with an aloof attitude towards video games, and a respectable endowment of intelli­ gence. After twenty minutes, we had our man. Originating from Toronto and weighing in at 159 lbs, This was the best part of “Dweezel” is an Arts major who Dweezel’s work, we cut out the may or may not join the Natural other 2000 words.

Law party once he graduates and returns home from travelling B ack to th e Europe. (He has also requested that e x p e r im e n t : his real name be withheld) We asked Dweezel to write an essay on Once we received Dweezel’s “gamers” as he saw them. essay, which is quite obviously anti­ gaming (with Tony Hawk receiving T h is is w h a t a large part of the abuse), it was time h e g a v e u s: to see if we could get Dweezel to ‘come over to the dark side’, so to Cokeheads are pretty easy to speak. Accordingly, last Tuesday, spot. Aside from the d ea d give­ we pressured Dweezel into coming aways —a constant preoccupation to Biftec and joining us for copious with wiping the nose, a relatively pitchers of beer. As planned, we glazed look on the eyes, a phantom were all quite inebriated by elevenbladder problem requiring constant thirty. But, we needed to get visits to a bathroom —cokeheads are Dweezel back to the Digital Culture also moody. After a couple o f rails, pad, because therein, biding its time, they tend to be elated and hyper­ lay the naughty N64 with Tony active - getting all riled up about Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 all primed up. som ething that may o r may not So, we happened to mention to deserve such enthusiasm. And, at Dweezel, that Sidney, a beautiful, other times, they are abnorm ally intelligent and provocative naturalist subdued - proving to the world that would probably be dropping by the they’re not jumpy, and that coke pad later in the night. Well, this tasty isn’t addictive but rather something carrot was all we need to lure to be enjoyed. But often times, you Dweezel back to our pad. can spot a cokehead by the way that The final step - to get Dweezel they act out mock-snortings, just as to pick up that N64 controller though they were actually partying. required a timely convergence of Watch closely, and you ’ll witness it. several elements. First, we had T hey’ll snuggle up to a random Sidney apply a little pressure: counter-top, shut o ff that extraneous “Come on Dweezel, let’s play nostril with a fam iliar finger, then for a little. Oh! I love this (Tony just a quick inhale and w elcom e Hawk) game. Is it hot in here?”

Second, we got Dweezel to abuse more substance.

With the pressure tactics in full effect, Dweezel finally cracked and picked up that mysterious controller.

We here at Digital Culture were ecstatic.

Dweezel played Tony Hawk’s through the night, and wasn’t half bad by eleven-thirty the next morn­ ing when we woke up and made breakfast. At two o’clock, we decid­ ed that Dweezel had had enough, and so we ordered him a cab and gave him five bucks for lunch.

Three days later, we decided to complete the experiment. We called up Dweezel, in hopes of having him write another essay on “gamers”, anticipating a massive shift in opin­ ion. Unfortunately, Digital Culture never got a hold of Dweezel. We left a lot of messages, but received no calls back. Finally (and thank god because we were getting wor­ ried) we ran into a friend of a friend of a classmate of Dweezel’s. We were informed that Dweezel hadn’t gone to class the past week, and hadn’t really been in contact with anyone. Then someone said, ‘Tony Hawk, man.” And then someone said something else, and then every­ one just dispersed.

We couldn’t help but feel partly responsible for Dweezel’s truant behaviour; however, Digital Culture would like to stress that science is a constant struggle. To discover, sometimes we must sacrifice. To create, we must sometimes destroy, and so on and so forth.

We were, however, a little miffed that all of our valuable time

and effort had, ostensibly, gone to waste. We use the adverb ‘ostensi­ bly’, because six days later, Digital Culture received an anonymous email: Better than any essay he could have written, Dweezel decided to show the world how powerful the lure of gaming really is, by becom­ ing a gamer himself. Once he dis­ covered cheat codes for Tony Hawk, he was hooked. It was only a matter of hours before he hit the Internet and registered as a member of the on-line gaming community.

Thus, in the interest of promot­ ing gaming, and in honour of Dweezel, Digital Culture presents some serious cheat sites where you can get codes for Tony Hawk and thousands of other games. www.all-games.net www.cheatindex.com cheatplanet.com The experiment continues...

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

F e a t u re s Page 17

Above: A fellow protestor intervenes as another lays an Israeli flag on the street. After a tugof-war, the two engage in an angry confrontation.

Below: Approximately 500 protestors marched on the Israeli Consulate October 2 in reaction to the recent deaths in the Middle East. Tribune photographer Philip Trippenbach was there.

Philip Trippenbach

Bangin' them pots like it's nobody's business M e m b e r s o f D e t r o i t M e t a l d is c u s s t h e i r e x p e r i m e n t a l m u s ic B y Jennifer T raw inski

Detroit Metal is an improvisational band comprised of five core members - Will Glass, Darren Peacock, Melanie Benard, Edward Orloff, and Suhrid Manchanda.

They took the stage at Casa del Popolo with five guests, resulting in a stage of musicians intently playing with - and off of - each other in chaotic harmony.

Using instruments ranging from kitchenware to a synthesizer to an oboe, they created one of the most innovative, unconventional sounds I’ve ever heard.

After the show, Will and Suhrid spoke about the group and the essence of their music.

Tribune: So first of all, why the name "Detroit Metal"?

Will: Well the story was, Darren was talking to someone and he was like, "so your band, what’ s the name?” And the guy was like "well, it’s kind of like Detroit metal," and Darren was like "oh sweet! That’s a sweet name!” - but the guy was actually describing what kind of music it was. Darren thought it was a good name for a band, so that’s what it was...because naming bands is pretty hard.

Suhrid: That and then deciding the name of the track on the seven-inch.

Will: I think the [name of] the track is "Band Meeting," if that gives you any indication. It’s not a good title, but it shows you how hard it is to come up with a title.

Suhrid: These are the core mem­ bers of the band...everyone else [who played tonight]...they were our guests - close friends, guests...

Tribune: Are they in Detroit Metal permanently now or was this just a one-night thing?

Suhrid: Well, this is one of the things we do. W e’re releasing a

Wasn't he told not to play with pots andpans? seven-inch record on Halloween night with three of the oldest, most original bands in Montreal. They’re friends of ours and they asked us, so that’s coming out. Other than that it’s the original five, and the music is...not [so much] the free-jazz that was here tonight, as more hip-hop and more rock.

Tribune: How did you get into the experimental, imprpvisational sound? Is that what you wére origi­ nally going for?

EhrenJessop

Suhrid: Most bands, when they practice they always start with improvisation and say "this is jam­ ming"; then they try to form songs.

I think it’s very important to realize that we weren’t really good at stick­ ing to the songs. But we were really good at improvising, doing jams that went on almost forever. At first it was really noisy and we were inex­ perienced. Since then we started practicing more restraint, educated ourselves, I guess. Will, Darren,

and myself are very big on improvi­ sation; we love it as an art form more than anything especially. It’s something that’s very close to all of our hearts.

There’s all sorts of stuff that we lis­ ten to, and that just all comes together.

Tribune: Were the songs you played tonight already songs, or was that just strict improv?

Suhrid: We tend to structure each song; we build the structures as opposed to riffs, melody lines, chords. If you were hearing any­ thing, you would’ve been hearing the structures or the moods even.

Tribune: Does anything stay as a song, or is it always new, evolving, changing?

Suhrid: There are ideas that we rehash - for example, this show, we started with stuff that worked well last show, but it just evolves, it’s always continuously evolving. It’s never exactly the same thing.

T ribu n e: What do you hope to accomplish?

Suhrid: Experimental music is fun to play, but it’s also an adventure to listen to, especially when it’s impro­ vised, cause you never know what’s gonna happen next. I’m not sure we’re trying to accomplish anything.

We play o-ur music that we like playing, and ...as long as people like it, we like playing it, and we’ll be there.

Tribune: Are you ever met with skepticism? Because I could tell at the beginning, a lot of people here were kind of like, what is this? But by the end, those same exact people were totally into it.

Suhrid: Well, how I would actually describe that is that it takes a while to warm up...especially improvising in front of a large crowd. We still have a lot of experience to gain, so coming on, we were a bit cold. It took us awhile to warm up and it

takes a while for them to get used to us, to our expressionism. Then we start building a rapport, and we’re having fun and it does sound like fun, it’s exciting.

Tribune: Do you feel like your music has anything to do with the primordial urge to release your inner beast, because that’s what it defi­ nitely sounded like with all the screaming and the banging of the pots and pans. Is there any goal in mind, or is that just what happens?

Suhrid: I think it just happens. For example, with the screaming, both [vocalists] know a lot of things that they can do with their voice. It was more of, what can we do? This might sound cool. So we did it.

Tribune: Is your music intended to express anything or is it mostly about the sound?

Suhrid: Depends on who you’re talking to in the band. That’s part of the idea: a whole bunch of people, all interested in many different things and these people coming together to make music, for the love of music. I’d say that’s it there’sall sorts of moods. The very nature of music is improvised.

My conversation with Will and Suhrid clarified the mode behind the band’s unconventional sound and helped me realize how much more there is to music than the mass-pro­ duced melodies that dominate the radio waves. Detroit Metal’s enter­ taining performance opened my mind to the flavourful harmonies that sound experimentation is capa­ ble of evoking.

F or more information on the band, you can check out its website at www.themindandthemoon.homepages.com

Hawksley Workman serves up a saucy show B y S ucho t S unday I’m sitting here in computer science class learning a Practical Algorithm To Retrieve Information Coded in Alphanumeric, thinking how much I’d rather be back at that Hawksley Workman show at the Jailhouse last Saturday night. Oh yes, it was an awesome show.

Openers and CHOM l’Esprit 2000 winners Pigeon-Hole played a sweet set, starting off the evening with a cover of Lionel Richie’s "All Night Long". "Perfect, Stranger", their contribution to the l’Esprit ’98 compilation soon fol­ lowed. Fortunately, they omitted their cover o f Twisted Sister’s "We’re not gonna take it", a song

that my roommate believes has been all but massacred by their soft vocals and Indigo Girl harmonies.

As one guy put it, when he thinks of a Twisted Sister song, he thinks of "big-haired guys in tight pants".

Not the sexiest image for most, but one that somehow shouldn’t be removed from the song.

From the moment Hawksley Workman stepped onto the stage, his presence halted the idle bar chatter. The guy commands atten­ tion. His bouncy enthusiasm and blatant sexuality made me think of rabbits fucking.

High praises followed Workman’s 2000 debut "For Him and the Girls" which he wrote, per­ formed and produced from his

basement. Toronto resident Hawksley has been compared with the talented Martin Tie]li (of Rheostatics fame) and Montreal’s effusive Rufus Wainwright, partly because of similar vocal style, and partly because the performances of all three can borderline on bur­ lesque show. With the addition of a couple of newborns, songs from his debut CD dominated the set list; the very sassy "Tarantulove" was a highlight.

After mere moments of watch­ ing Hawksley, there can be no doubt that the dude is extremely comfortable on stage. He prances around like he’s in his apartment with a hundred or so of his closest friends, who just happen to be pay­

ing rapt attention to his every move. (Hmm...I wish my friends were like that.) If Mr. Hawksley feels like smoking a cigarette while he’s chatting with us, he will do so.

Ditto for munching on an apple or brushing his teeth. Yes, he’s very comfortable. His partner on stage, Todd the pianist, held his own, too, despite being alongside such a gift­ ed performer.

Of the many shiny, happy moments at this show, one of the shiniest and happiest had to be Workman’s spontaneous serenade to two random listeners who hap­ pened to be celebrating their 1 year anniversary ("Is the sex still good after that long?" Hawksley asked.)

Enter Jeremy and Heather whose

story of how they met was the per­ fect fuel for Hawksley’s improv: apparently, Jeremy was a nude model in Heather’s art class. Mr. Workman’s serenade was peppered liberally with little screeches and orgasmic utterings, (which, inci­ dentally, punctuated the entire per­ formance).

Like the boy says, in his song "Paper Shoes": "Singing is about sexual confidence, so sing out your guts if you feel good enough to let the moment just hit you...." And that is something Hawksley J. Workman definitely has and some­ thing that he definitely did.

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

The Magic of Lanterns B o t a n ic a l G a r d e n s h o s ts S h a n g h a i c o lle c t io n B y D r e w H a l f n ig h t

Shanghai is only a Metro ride away this fall in Montreal. No, the Metro hasn’t extended its subway lines to China; instead, Shanghai culture has come here, to our very own Botanical Gardens.

From September 15 to November 5, the Garden features an exhibition of authentic Chinese culture, officially titled The Magic of Lanterns. The outdoor event’s main attraction is a collection of lanterns, complemented by masks and costumes of the Peking Opera.

The lanterns are on display in a spectacular 6-acre ‘Dream Lake Garden’ , of which every plant, boulder, and gazebo is imported from Shanghai. Famed architect Le Weizhong designed the massive garden which, after its original construction in China, was disman­ tled and shipped by sea to Montreal. In 1990, it was reassem­ bled in the Botanical Gardens by a team of Shanghai craftsmen.

The effect is brilliant: intricate stone carvings, quaint gazebos, radiant lanterns dressed in watercolour landscapes, and a tran­ quil pond glowing with reflections.

Actually, the garden is perhaps even too perfectly designed. It has a somewhat artificial quality that is hard to ignore; a man-made preci­ sion that subtracts from its other­ wise beautiful features.

The lanterns themselves, strung between bamboo posts on the paths, are exquisite. Each is covered with a dyed translucent fabric, adorned with painted designs or sceneries. Yellow silk tassels dangle from the borders. In the center of the pond, there is an enormous ‘dragon lantern’ in a sleigh, led by four smaller dragons.

It kind of looks like Santa Claus on fire, but that’s beside the point.

Now for the real question:

why spend good money to go see a bunch of jazzy torches? Well, the Magic of Lanterns exhibit, aside from its aesthetic appeal, offers an educational glimpse of Chinese culture. Little wooden placards line the flagstone path, each giving details about a given Chinese plant or lantern. The masks, costumes and lanterns are designed in the Ming Dynasty style, adding a his­ torical element to the exhibit.

Unfortunately, the placards are unlit, and often crowded by about 400 people squinting hopelessly to decipher them. So, you’re best

either to go during the day-time, or on a weekday, when the pathways are clear from the prime-time masses.

The Magic of Lanterns exhib­ it, it is important to note, is an ideal j destination for couples. The pleas- ! ant trickle of waterfalls, rose-lined paths and dim lantern lighting are, needless to say, quite conducive to romance! Park benches are placed sporadically around the gardens, where visitors can rest and admire the scenery. The Chinese lantern exhibit might be seen as an outing of sophistication, as opposed to the J mundane ‘dinner and a movie’ date.

Admission is a reasonable $7.00 for students. The entrance fee also gets you into the main botanical gardens, which are defi­ nitely worth checking out. And to top it o ff, ticket-holders gain access to the ‘insectarium’ !

So, if you have a night open between now and November 5, see the Magic of Lanterns spectacle.

It’s beautiful, it’s educational, it’s romantic, and it’s much cheaper than flying to Shanghai.

To get to Botanical Gardens j take metro to Pie-IX station and follow the signs.

E n t e r t a in m e n t Page 19

It will put you in the mood B y R e b e c c a D o ir o n

Expectation is often a self-fulfulling prophecy. In the case of Wong Kar-Wai-directed flick In the Mood fo r Love, fear of a mar­ riage corrupted by infidelity leads to a separation.

In 1960’ s Hong Kong, two couples rent rooms next to each other. Their daily lives intermingle when they borrow items, and pass by each other in the food stands.

Eventually Mrs. Su (M aggie Cheung) and Mr. Chow (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) realize that their spouses often disappear at the same times, travel on "business" to the same locations, and have begun to act suspiciously like they’re cheating. In grief and sor­ row, they find comfort in mutual misery. They launch an experi­ ment in an attempt to better under­ stand the reasons and process by which their significant others were led astray. They act out their views of how the affair may have begun, and the reasons for which it may have persisted.

The plot is presented in very short scenes, depicting the charac­ ters’ interactions throughout their respective daily grinds.

Conversations with neighbors, co­ workers, and friends reveal tidbits of information that the viewer is left to gather, sort, and decode.

In brilliant form, the creative maze through which the audience members must correctly run is elaborately and yel subtly designed. It is a pleasure to watch a film in which one isn’t handed the story on a platter.

What makes the film even more mesmerizing is the phenom­ enal cinematography, the gleam­ ing costumes and disheveled set design. Unusual camera angles create a mysterious mood: the viewer often gets the feeling that they’re a nosy neighbor, eaves­ dropping in on the situation. You never see either of Su or Chow’s spouses’ faces, nor their inferred

"dirty deeds", but enough clues and hints are available to carry the storyline.

The contrast created between the characters and their surroundings is ingenious. Amidst crum­ bling walls, peeling paint and tarnished mirrors, the im m aculately clad, coiffed and groomed par­ ties prance. Su is always dressed to the nine with prints and fabrics that make me dizzy with jeal­ ousy. Her face is milky and delicately painted.

Her hair never budges, even in rain showers. To top it off, the marvelous

Continued on Page 20

Finding comfort in mutual misery

Press Shot

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Page 20 E n t e r t a in m e n t

T he McG ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

Net Toons

The highs and lows of architecture

A n d y o u t h o u g h t S o u t h P a r k w a s r is q u é ...

B y D a v id S c h a n z l e

Though cartoon series like 'The Simpsons" up the creative tar, the majority of TV cartoons are still fairly conservative in the material they are willing to satire.

The best of these shows are subtle and reserved in their approach rather than up front with their parodies of political correct­ ness and racial relations. (South Park isn’t the exception: it’s just plain stupid.)

Internet cartoons are an entirely different matter.

Advanced computer animation programs significantly reduce the cost of creating original cartoons and high speed Internet connec­ tions are now becoming common­ place. This technology has been a boon to computer nerds with a sense of humour who formerly had no outlet for their comic ideas.

1 ebox and Twisted Mojo are two of the Internet sites serving as homepages for a great portion of this growing community.

Icebox (www .icebox.com ) contains the more conventional c irtoons of the two. The main c fferings of the website are the 1 mg running series found in the I ebox Originals section. These c irtoon series tackle subjects and p ot lines that would never air in anything broadcast to a television.

"Superhero Roommate" is the funniest of the bunch, featuring David Foley’s voice. The plotline follows the relationship of two y >ung men living in an apartment I rilding after one of them I icomes the giant silver ( negaforce with super powers.

1 îe show is a great deal more i telligent than its setup would s ggest. Numerous dead-on jibes r e made on subjects like the s ared use of a VCR when one of t e roommates is a film addict, or t rowing your roommate’s food t t when it goes bad. The creators I ive used the superhero theme to g ve the show a skewed delivery t at illustrates these mundane i sues from a ridiculous point of \ ew.

"Meet the Millers" and "Mr. \ ong" are by far the most offens ve of the cartoons. "Meet the Ï illers" is a satire of 1950's sitc ms like "Ozzie and Harriet" and " ,eave it to Beaver", the differe ce being that the characters all c >enly express the xenophobic and r cist opinions of the time as if t ey were God's Given Truth: "it's a American as apple pie and IV cCarthyism." One episode has a f ther accusing his son's third g ade teacher of being a "Commie C ueer" in order to keep his son f om repeating the third grade. / nother episode has a housewife c unseling a victim of abuse to be s îarter and not to talk too much.

1 re deadpan manner in which t :se stories are presented under1 le buried opinions of the periods s corns.

"Mr. Wong" is more unusual.

1 le title character is an eighty-five } ar old Chinese chauffeur and c ok to a rich debutante. The

show is firstly a parody o f the Asian stereotypes openly por­ trayed in cinema until the late fifties. However, it becomes more of a character study about this strange man who idolizes Bing Crosby, and takes a rabid raccoon into the sewer to look for lost trea­ sure. The character is fully fleshed out and three dimensional, These two examples serve to illustrate the freedom the Internet gives these animators in creating the shows they want to while showing them to a large audience.

A cartoon like "Meet the Millers" is too politically incorrect to air on television, and "Mr.Wong" is too bizarre to gain much attention from network producers.

Icebox is also the host of numerous independent shorts that are submitted by various artists.

These cartoons are even more bizarre than the series. The funni­ est is "Stone Trek," a thirty-five second com bination o f "The Flinstones" and "Star Trek" that attains brilliance in its rapid layer­ ing of visual jokes.

If Icebox is the delinquent college student, Twisted Mojo ( www.twistedmojo.com) is its nerdy little brother. The shows on this don't feature animation char­ acters in their main story lines but incorporate real video with an altered soundtrack.

"Dewdz" is a parody of videogame addicts who take the stories of their games way too seri­ ously. The episodes feature the characters playing a variety of games on TV, making comments that show how far they have removed themselves from life: "Remember when you had to read books for a class and you could just watch the movie? Well now you can just play the game... yeah like this is the part in that book where the guy’s jumping around the castle dodging things that jump out of the water," remark the char­ acters as they play Dracula X. If this sounds like a rip-off of Beavis and Butthead, it is and it isn't. It's the same form but the show mocks with a completely different mind­ set.

Other features include "Public Domain Theater," which shows old and badly done 50’s science fiction movies with redubbed soundtracks; "Lonely Astronaut" about a bitter astronaut who was left stranded on the moon for thirty years; and "Real History," a paro­ dy of "History Channel" style doc­ umentaries. The viewers who will fully appreciate these shows are the same people who sit next to you in your living room making fun of movies for getting their technical details wrong.

These two sites celebrate the creation of comics working with­ out censors, displaying their work because they think it's just funny.

The shows have an infectious "Wouldn't it be funny if we did this" attitude that gives the impres­ sion that you too could be a car­ toonist. We all know this isn’jt true, but it’s fun to believe in the fantasy.

By C

h r is

Essert

It’s Thursday at about 5:00 in the afternoon, and I ’m standing here with my roommate at the Canadian Centre for Architecture trying to figure out what the hell I am going to write about architec­ ture for my next column.

“Write about architecture,” chirped my editor, “that should be fun.”

“Sure thing,” said I, wonder­

are, what color the bathrooms will be painted (orange with white trim). Yet we all classify the ability to do this task on any sort of pro­ fessional capacity as being on the level of open-heart surgery.

I’m not saying I don’t respect architects - 1 certainly do. Being an architect is no joke, what with all the various talents required to even get a degree, not to mention a job.

But why do we revere them so much? I suppose that it’s because

choice. It’s up to you, I’m just pro­ viding context to get my point across.

Why? Because that, my friends, is art. Or more like Art. It’s something amazing and creative and wonderful and awe inspiring, and that’s why I can’t be an archi­ tect.

Of course, now I’ve opened up a whole other can of worms, haven’t I? Because if architecture is Art, then how are we going to

Something amazing and creative and wonderful and awe-inspiring ing what I was possibly going to write about, seeing as I know absolutely nothing about architec­ ture at all, and warning my editor of this seemingly relevant fact: “but keep in mind that I know absolutely nothing about architec­ ture at all.”

“It’s fine,” said she, and pro­ ceeded to remind me that I very rarely know anything about the subject of my column (which fact, surprisingly (or un-), is true), and isn’t that the point of the whole thing anyways?

So like I said, I ’m trying to decide what to write about this topic about which everyone has an opinion, but nobody has; an informed opinion. Architecture cer­ tainly is cool, and I know hardly anyone who hasn’t at the very least considered a career in architecture, if only to reject it based on some sort of perceived shortcoming of their own, since people think that architecture is the supreme and undisputed epitome of human endeavour, and there’s no way that any regular person could even think about joining such rarified ranks.

What’s interesting about this regification of architects is that it’s not like people on the whole don’t understand architecture. In fact, it’s one of the areas of the arts that people seem to be the most opin­ ionated and passionate about. With almost every one of my friends, there has been some point in time where we’ve been walking down the street and the friend has made a comment regarding the beauty of some building, or part of a build­ ing.

People understand architec­ ture, and very well, it would seem.

I’m sure that every single person reading this could give a fairly detailed description of what they want their home to look like when they grow up - where the rooms are located, how high the ceilings

we see architects as artists much more than we see them as profes­ sionals, and probably rightly so.

See, I have total and complete con­ fidence that I could successfully design my own personal dream home, complete with giant win­ dows, 12-foot ceilings, floor to ceiling bookshelves with a rolling ladder and fantastically painted bathrooms. Yet there’ s not an inkling of doubt that under no cir­ cumstances, with no amount of training, and even with the knowl­ edge of static and materials physics that only several years of concen­ trated engineering study could pro­ vide, never could I possibly even begin to design something as beau­ tiful, as fantastic, or as moving as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim in Manhattan, or your own architectural masterpiece of

evaluate it and discuss it? Does it matter if a building is deconstruc­ tivist or postmodernist or whatever, or is it only important if it keeps out the rain (or snow)? This might be quite a bit more complicated than I had originally anticipated, which is going to be a problem, because this column is almost over.

Maybe we should just accept that architecture is a two-faced beast, and that architecture that is good in that it’s functional may not be good in that it’s art. My point, then, is that the former may in fact be within our pathetic mortal grasp, whereas it’s only the latter that should be relegated to the domain of monthly criticism journals and seven syllable words.

Chris Essert lives and writes in Montreal.

Forbidden love Continued from Page 19 score materializes sporadically, with the same theme, and sweeps the audience into a trance. The scene slows to a crawl and throbs with the beat. It is hypnotic and soothing.

The story progresses to the inevitable: Su and Chow fall in love, and fulfill the prophecy of disintegrating their respective marriages. Although they never consummate their feelings (so we are led to believe) their fear of forbidden foreign love interfering with their relationships is real­ ized. The only deviation from their expectations is that it is their own actions that have brought about the destruction, and not those of their spouses.

Although the progress of the plot is easily foreseen, the process by which it is realized is not. In the Mood for Love is one of the most creatively rich films I ’ ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Every aspect enthralls for 98 minutes. It has easily earned its place among my top ten favourite films.

The Hong Kong film was honored in Cannes Film Festival with a Technical Grand Prize and Best Actor Award to Tony Leung Chiu Wai.

Showing at Montreal’s International Festival of New Cinema and New Media from October 12-22 at ExCentris, in Cantonese with English subtitles.

T he Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

E n t e r t a in m e n t Page 21

J u k e jo in t m u s ic c a n b e v e r y f in e in d e e d The North Mississippi Ail Stars know far more about blues than we do stage, an electric washboard given to him by ment to my already bruised intellect, I look mass hypnosis. over at Chris Chew who is busy scribbling Being a novice to the band and their a fan. away on a piece of tattered yellow paper.

"What adjectives can best describe the sound, I decide to ask singer/guitar player There is something comforting about "Do you think your jam-bandish type of North Mississippi dealing with familiar territory. This is what I Luther Dickinson about the band's brand of ' ' Ij'.TT .

A llstars music will be an easy sell with audiences?" I music.

"So would you say your influences believed would be my fate as 1 ventured out quietly ask. The way Chris held and cajoled to Le Petit Café Campus for its usual series stem somewhat from rock n' roll?" I ask the music from his bass on stage, I figured Luther sheepishly. A lengthy dead of Blues music two Wednesday nights ago. him to be the sensitive type. Luckily, I score After the customary push and shove to silence envelops the room. big with this question.

"Listening to older bands get a seat along the bar in order to be close "We like to unearth the roots of enough to the stage, I ordered a distilled bev­ like the Rolling Stones or le blues, we like to do old school erage and eagerly waited for the North Elvis Presley, you hear music, our aim is not to be popthe roots of the Blues in Mississippi Allstars. As the audience started derived, so we prefer material to roll in, onstage the same old rituals of their music, as you do from hill country, that is where sound check and light check did nothing to in ours," he answers we come from, it's in our me with a look that entertain us when suddenly an unusual piece roots." of something caught my eye. While I was makes me feel like "Do I detect gospel in still wondering if it was a musical instru­ it's strike one for your style?" somewhat confi­ reporter ment, the band came on and obliterated all this dent with my line of ques­ chick. thoughts not pertaining to the task at hand, tioning.

"Where enjoying another great night of the blues.

"Yeah, I played in a Blues -the foundation for most of what does the band gospel band in high school.," N o r t h we have come to recognize as contemporary Chew replies. pop and buoyant soul music- is best M i s s i s s i p p i Feeling redeemed from described by aficionados as richly varied and Allstars borrow my earlier display of utter their material subtly complex. By those terms, The North ignorance, 1 bolt out of the Mississippi Allstar sound was unique, con­ from?" I ask, hop­ room before the lingering whiff taining a strain of Deep South pure country ing whatever names of boom weed has a chance to Luther dishes at me funk, and traditional Mississippi blues with settle on my brain. will sound somewhat an eclectic raw twist.

The twist in this case refers to what the familiar.

I can report that it was an inter­ Luther mentions band incorporates to their individual robust esting fusion of slide blues guitar, and M ississippi Fred sound, drawn from the sizzling sounds of exceptional drum entertainment that good old fashion foot stompin' honky tonk McDowell, Otha Turner, and evoked chaos and a sense of revolution tak­ rock' n roll. Luther Dickinson, Cody RL Burnside. ing place on stage. They showcased music "All gifted musicians, the very Dickinson and Chris Chew performed rol­ from their much hyped new CD, Shake licking sets of vintage tunes drawing on best of Delta Blues men," he proudly Hands with Shorty, and paid tribute to an old ~ ****1 *— jsa band?"

I gospel, country, and bluegrass in the unmis­ says. era of bluesy classics. Who knows, maybe ask intrepidly.

Having no past recollection of these takably jubilant noise of what the band these good ol’ boys from the South will one "Dirty down under South Mississippi described to me as being reminiscent of musicians, I erase any trace of inquiry on my day be considered the rare and true blues and Alabama blues ma'am" he replies with a "southern juke joint boogie". The North face, suck in my gut, and proceed with a sec­ men of our time. grin on his face that makes me wish I could ond question directed at Cody Dickinson, the M ississippi Allstars show flowed with crawl under a crack somewhere. band's drummer and an awesome player of rhythm and vibe, and mounted to a churning, Okay, being a glutton for more punish­ jamming one-chord exercise in stamina and that strange musical object I’d seen earlier on B y K iki D

r a n ia s

P e r fo r m a n c e to o m in im a lis t ic R e v i e w o f T o r o n t o @ D r e a m e r /s R o c k . C o m B y Isabelle W

est

Firew orks 2000 was a series o f three plays perform ed on three con secu tive nights with sim ilar multicultural themes. Each play is about a different ethnic group and how it cop es with a certain life­ changing event.

Toronto @ Dream er’ sRock.Com fit in really well with this theme as it is about an aboriginal man, Rusty, in an alcohol rehabili­ tation centre having to deal with the issues that brought him there.

There is a very interesting twist to the story and the script was appeal­ ing, but the performance left a lot to be desired.

The actors had their scripts with them and read from them dur­ ing the play. This would have been acceptable if the acting had been outstanding, but the acting was just decent, passable. Every actor played all three characters as they regularly switched roles. This was unnecessary because the actors couldn’t fully become one charac­ ter so their portrayal of each char­ acter was limited. The set was nonexistent, with only three chairs on the stage so that each actor knew where to stand. The actors they just stood by their chair unless they were changing roles, rarely

repositioning themselves. The per­ formance definitely required more mobility and interplay among the actors because it became rather dull to just watch the actors stand on stage reading their lines.

The first scene (Rusty at the rehab clinic) poignantly demon­ strates the desperation of his situa­ tion. Strapped to a bed, he’s too drunk to know where he is. He’s slurring his speech to "99 bottles of beer on the wall" and repeatedly states how much he still wants to drink. He suddenly hallucinates the appearance of Keesic, a medicine man from the past as well as that of Michael, a man from the future who lives in a space station.

These two men, like Rusty, are aboriginal and all have strug­ gled to maintain their culture in the face of change. Keesic, for exam­ ple, lives in a time when Canada was being colonized and the abo­ riginals in his community all died o f the diseases brought on by Europeans. He feels that he has failed his community because he couldn’t cure them, and he feels guilty because he’s the only sur­ vivor.

Michael, for his part, lives in a time when the world’s resources are depleted and people no longer live on earth. He’s also coping with

the fact that he’s among the last aboriginals remaining who has some sense of his native roots and of the past. Rusty is supposed to be the Grand Chief of an Aboriginal Government yet feels unable to do the job. He also physically abused his only son and is struggling not to become like his own abusive father.

All three men realize the simi­ larity of their situations - having to deal with their past so they can face the future. Little by little, they come to the realization that they aren’t failures and that it isn’t too late, that their fates aren’t sealed.

Rusty’s wisdom reveals itself as he helps the two men deal with their problems and he feels more and more capable of becoming Grand Chief. By the end of the play, the desperation of each man’s situation is nearly forgotten and the experi­ ence is a rebirth for each one.

The best part of the play is how each man’s temporal situation seems so different yet their prob­ lems are so sim ilar. The play­ wright, Drew Hayden Taylor, uses a very modern way to explore a very traditional issue that ju st serves to reinforce the difficult sit­ uation of all natives while showing that they all have hope, and his script is full of potential. But the j.J tii

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play needs to be handled more seri­ ously and the actors more time to prepare, because it’s a shame to see

such a great script so misrepresent­ ed.

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Page 22 E n t e r t a in m e n t

B y L iu D a o

Some days, it can be extremely beneficial to indulge in a dose of genuine viciousness maybe as a relief from the con­ stant drone of Britney Spears or Armand Van Helden, or maybe because the topics of love, sex and jealousy aren’t always your thing.

For those who prefer to evade such music, this concoction of artists might satisfy your cravings for something a little darker.

I would like to plunge into this concoction with something strong, energetic, fast-paced and notoriously evil. Introducing the legendary Grooverider.

Almost universally dubbed the godfather of Drum ‘n’ Bass, Grooverider has been an integral part of the d V b scene since the beginning. Grooverider, who refuses to divulge his real name, started playing with his partner Fabio in 1987 at a small afterhours club in Brixton, England.

By 1990, just as they took over Heaven’s main room in order to host their infamous Rage nights, the sounds of Techno, Hardcore and Acid House were fused to form a new sound, which finally significantly distinguished itself from Techno and House.

Rumor has it that it was while hosting Rage at Heaven, one of London’s biggest clubs at the tim e, that the sounds of G rooverider’ s dark, pounding

T he McG ill Tribune, Wednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

breakbeats melded with Fabio’s smooth, jazzy beats and Drum V bass was born. Grooverider coined the term Hardstep for his roughneck style beats.

His debut album, Mysteries o f Funk, partly reflects some of his old-school (intimidating!) self.

The wonderfully scary "Where is Jack the Ripper?" resonates with a strong, technical feeling.

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However, there seems to be a marked variation in his style. In other tracks, Grooverider seems to let go of some of the roughness, opting for a smoother and more melodic sound. This impression can be felt in his more vocal tracks such as “Rainbows of Color.” All in all, M ysteries o f Funk is one of hard Drum ‘n’ Bass’ finest. It’s the kind of album that consistently keeps me enter­ tained as well as surprised with the complexity of its myriad lev­ els.

Delving into something a lit­ tle more chill and experimental but every bit as evil, we encounter band Radiohead have finally released Kid A. Their previous record, OK Computer, was phenomenally suc­ cessful and is widely regarded as one of the most influential works of the 90’s; therefore, it’s no sur­ prise that great things were also expected of Kid A. Throwing out all the electronica and guitar work, the band elect­ ed to try a mellower, more ambient sound.

K id A has a very dreamy, trance-like theme throughout its ten tracks.

From the wordless "Treefingers" to the off-tempo "In Lim bo”, the album lulls and seduces its listener with its calm.

Only "The National Anthem", with its heavy drumbeat and suppressed chaos bears any ressemblance to the traditional Radiohead sound.

Confusing and bewildering on the first listen, Kid A is an album that is unlike anything you’ ve

Radiohead Kid A EMI

Easily one of the year’s most eagerly anticipated albums, Brit

D o n ’t f o r g e t y o u r b re a k fa s t card !

7:00AMTO» M Monday to Fridays (8:00AMT O4:30PM D

t c a k f a i t

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Amon Tobin. Tobin is said to have cleared out a whole venue on tour in Europe because of his explicitly dark style - he uses unusual beats and minor keys to make music that is downright scary. Having seen him perform live with a lit cigarette in his mouth and a frown painted on his face, I can personally testify to the fact that, during his set, I didn't question the extent of his evilnaturedness.

However, as it can be engag­ ing to dance with the devil from time to time, Tobin delivers a great show. His latest album, Supermodified is the best treat yet.

His previous albums, Bricolage, A dven tu res in F o a m , and Permutation definitely had their merits, but unfortunately were overly predictable with copius jazzy riffs and repetitive beats.

Dark, jazzy , and definitely refreshing, Supermodified flows perfectly. It is easily capable of enticing you into a deep state of contemplation. The many layers of well-chosen tracks and samples blend together so harmoniously that it becomes a challenge to determine when each individual sample begins. Tobin has proven himself to be a master at tran­ scending the elements of music.

Treading even further away from Drum ‘n ’ Bass and Downtempo to enter the realm of dystopic trip-hop, Tricky greets us, satirically smiling, with his albums M axin qu aye and P reheard before. But coming from Radiohead, the most unique band of the 90’s, one would expect noth­ ing less.

Shan Soe-Lin

SHYNE Self-Titled BMG

Millenium Tension.

Tricky, a.k.a. Adrian Thaws,

comes across as a hyper-sensitive individual who, refreshingly, raps to reveal his emotions without the standard façade of macho tough­ ness. Tricky, an artist of dubious background, is a realist and fully realizes - and expresses - the luck

of his fate: "They used to call me Tricky Kid/ I did the things they wished they did/ I lived the life they wished they lived/And now they call me Superstar."

Tricky started out on Massive A ttack’ s second single song with his reggae-ish "Shilly dilly dally doh oh oh" chorus that sounds similar to the one on the Rascalz’ "Top of the World". Apart from that track, "Whatcha gonna do", "Commission" and "Bonnie and Shyne (featuring Barrington Levy)" are relatively nice.

All in all, it must be said that this album should be avoided, par­ ticularly if you are planning to buy it and have limited financial resources.

■Pawan Girglani

Dido No Angel BMG

Shyne is known to rap with a voice reminiscent of the late Notorious B.I.G. This may be true to an extent but let’s get one thing straight: he ain’t Biggie and he ain’t never going to be Biggie.

Shyne, who belongs to the ’Puff Daddy/Bad B oy’ Clique, doesn’t seem to bring any excite­ ment to his tracks. His flow is drea­ ry and most of the beats seem to lack that oomph. Nevertheless, a few of the tunes are worth listening to, especially "Bad Boyz" featuring Barrington Levy. Levy makes a worthwhile contribution to the

Newcomer Dido fuses folk and pop into catchy, Sarah M cLachlan meets Dolores O’Riordan melodies. With themes that generally centre around romance gone wrong, this CD is

"Daydreaming" with the poignant lyrics of: "Trouble and Strife/Ain’t no sunshine in my life/ W ise guys get protection when they carry a knife". Since then he has accomplished many projects, including contributing a single for a compilation in aid of sickle cell anemia and the Nearly God album, a collaboration which included Bjork's work.

Tricky redefined the usage of extremely slow tempo and beats with Maxinquaye. For this album, he mixed painfully slow beats and his unusual blend of apocalyptic lyrics with singer Martina's back­ ground vocals. The unconvention­ al synthesis of sounds leaves the audience confused, yet intrigued and addicted.

There is a forlorne sense that characterizes his two first albums.

However, in my opinion, he falteres with the follow-up Angels with Dirty Faces.

In my view, Tricky’s charm is his suffering. He possesses a blend of disjointed, yet powerful lyrics which leap at you in frag­ ments, somehow mimicking the senselessness of life but still man­ aging to bestow a certain sense of disorderly meaning.

Next time the radio is oozing mainstream sap that makes you cringe, seek out some of the artists described above and enjoy a more profound experience.

definitely a world-has-done-me wrong, curl-up-and-cry, chick-buy.

Though you might have caught Dido’s work on the theme song of teen-drama Roswell, she attempts to prove she has more guts than the average pseudo-soul­ ful pop queen. Dido’s best song writing and guitar-strumming come through with bittersweet songs like "Don’t Think of Me" and empow­ erment tunes like "Hunter".

Some tracks come as pleasing surprises such as the Celtic "My Lover’s Gone". In general, howev er, Dido’s slo-mo, acoustic style remains largely unchanged throughout No Angel.

She’s more edgy than Jewel, but just about as poetic. That is to say, that she’s content with facile, post-pubescent, angst-ridden lines like, "and now our bed is oh so cold, my hands feel empty, no one to hold" in "All You Want". Please keep the eye-rolling to a minimum.

Dido’s saving grace is her showing on songs like slow-tempo, sexy, Sade-ish "Slide". If you can deal with the lyrics, Dido’s voice is strangely appealing ear-candy.

Also, interesting sound mixing beefs up an otherwise lone guitar.

Dido proves she’s no angel, but she might well sprout wings the next time around.

— Rhea Wong

Spo rts T he M c G

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T r ib u n e , W

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11 O

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Pa8e 23

Second half wonders strike again B ig P la y s b y W e a r in g a n d K o h a y k e w y c h in t h i r d q u a r t e r p r o p e l R e d m e n t o 5 - 0 r e c o r d B y : J erem y K u z m a r o v

to manoeuvre early on.

The lone bright spot for McGill in the first half was a 62 yard touchdown reception by run­ ning back Nick Hoffmann off a successful screen pass.

Curiously, after tossing that

with 13 tackles.

“We came out firing on all cylinders in the second half,” said Grad, “We weren’t aggressive enough in the first, and let their two backs take charge of the game.”

Added Chevrier: “I ’ m

G a m e N o te s

‘Wearing’ Out the Gaiters: Was there ever any doubt that Having one of the best seasons of the Redmen would pull out the vic­ any wide-receiver in McGill foot­ tory against Bishop’s, despite trail­ ball history, Wearing went over the ing by two touchdowns at half­ century mark time? in all-purpose Outplayed for the first thirty yards for the minutes, just like in their previ­ 14th straight ous four games, the undefeated week dating McGill football team continued back to last its amazing string of comebacks year with 265. by blowing out the Gaiters’ in the Besides his 77 second half en route to a 38-21 yard beauty, triumph on Saturday at Molson Wearing had stadium. several daz­ The spark for the Redmen zling catches, came from a familiar source in including two slotback Ben Wearing who where he caught a beautifully thrown bomb lunged for the from quarterback Josh ball along the Sommerfeldt for a 77 yard touch­ sidelines, and down early in the third quarter to dragged his narrow the B ishop s’ lead to feet on the seven. ground to stay M cG ill’s winning touch­ inbounds. down came from a more unlikely “ That hero in Stefan Kohaykewych. was a money Subbing in for injured return-man punt-return by Steve Ceolin, Kohaykewych fol­ Stef, Tai lowed up on a 34 yard Anand stepped up Pillai field goal with an unbeliev­ Crystal Wreden huge.

We able 104 yard punt return touch­ #14 Ben Wearing works his magicin McGill's fifth straight win came back down, the longest in Redmen his­ major, Redmen quarterback starting to sound like a broken after receiving an ass-kicking in the tory.

After receiving the ball on his Sommerfeldt was replaced by record, it’s the same story every first half,” said Wearing, who now own six yard line, the Winnipeg sophomore Philippe Couillard only week. 1 don’t know what happened leads the Redmen receiving corps native burst through the Gaiters’ to return to help ignite the Redmen in the first half, but what you saw with 27 catches for 453 yards. “On in the second is the type of team we the 77 yarder, the guy covering me special teams unit, and hopped over resurgence after the break.

“It had nothing to do with the are. We made some adjustments, was caught flat footed and I was their diving kicker before beating several defenders in a foot race for way Josh was playing, It was a and were more intense. The left wide open. Josh hit me with a the last twenty yards to the goal­ decision we made before the game defence fed off the offence and great ball. The next three games are to let Phil play the second quarter vice versa. I know its a cliche but big; we’ll see where we are as a line.

Two magnificent late fourth because he needs the experience we’ve got to come out and play for team.” quarter touchdown runs of 26 and should Sommerfeldt go down,” a full sixty minutes from here on Comeback Kings: The 35 yards by struggling tailback said McGill Head Coach Charlie in” M cGill faces two difficult Redmen have now outscored their Danny Tai, who fumbled earlier in Baillie puffing on his post-game the game, sealed M cG ill’ s fifth victory cigar after another schizo­ road games against Waterloo and opponents by an astounding 92-8 phrenic display by his team. “I Laval before finishing against total in the second half of their straight come from behind win.

“I was running out of gas at think its a matter of attitude why Ottawa at home in three weeks. games this season. In week one, the end, it was all adrenaline,” said we struggle so much in the first Tied with the Rouge et Or for top M cGill erased an 8-7 half-time an exuberant Kohaykewych after half. We’re not aggressive enough, spot in the conference, the Redmen deficit against Concordia to win the game. “I didn’t expect to score and don’ t believe in ourselves have already clinched a play-off 20-15; week two they were down 14-7 to Queen’s at the break before on the play because I’m not used to enough. We’ve got great character berth.

Despite all o f the hoopla winning 30-15; Week three they returning punts. I just wanted to though, and a remarkable ability to catch the ball securely, but there stick to it, and never give up which has surrounded their perfect trailed Concordia in the re-match were some great blocks on the despite the score. That’s a very start, the McGill players know that 11 -0 before coming through for a play, and somehow I .was able to good characteristic for a team to there is a lot of work to be done 12-11 victory; and week four they before being able to bask in their were down 23-3 at the half, before get through. There’s something have.”

As usual, M cG ill’s second accomplishments. miraculously roaring back for a 26about this team which makes us “We’ve got to keep working 23 triumph. What will be the story step it up big time in the second half heroics weren’t limited to the offensive side of the ball. The fero­ hard in practice to improve, its not next week? half.”

As if playing to a pre-ordained cious Redmen defence, belatedly like we’ve been dominating in our Chevrier Breaks Record: script, the Redmen were utterly lived up to its growing reputation, v ictories,” said Coach B aillie, mediocre during the first two quar­ and displayed the dominance it is “W aterloo’s a big game for us. All-Canadian Redmen lineman They’re a tough team which likes Randy Chevrier became McGill’s capable of. ters. to run the option. Their running all-time leader in tackles for loss Leading the way was the for­ G aiters’ running backs back Mike Bradley is as good as with 20.5 on Saturday. Chevrier midable rush end tandem of Randy Ben Ouimet, and O.J Burnett who looked more like O.J Simpson, ran Chevrier and John Mcdonald who any in Canada. I never imagined us had a characteristically big day roughshod over the Redmen pressured the Bishops’ quarterback being 5-0 at this point, I figured with 10 taclkes, including three for defence for a second straight week incessantly in the latter stages of maybe we’d be 3-2. The way loss and a sack. His sidekick John in the early-going. Bishops’ quar­ the game, and helped to avert any we’ve been going, I wish from here “The First Prim e-M inister of terback Sylvain Desrochers, who fourth quarter miracles on the other on in that we could play two sec­ Defence” Mcdonald had 11 tackles, ond halves.” including a pair for loss and a sack. hit receiver Gilles Colon for a 51 side.

Linebacker Ryan Grad also yard strike to open the game’s scor­ ing, was effective with more time dished out some bone-crunching hits, and topped the McGill defence

Best Start Since ‘81: The last time McGill was undefeated this late in the year most of the current Redmen were in diapers, the cold war was in full swing, and Ronald Reagan survived an assasination attempt as president of the United States. During that memorable sea­ son, the Red’n White went a per­ fect 7-0, before being ousted by hated rival Queen’ s in the Dunsmore Cup conference final.

Kuzmarov Prognostication: 2nd half heroics will continue; Redmen over Waterloo by a last minute Anand Pillai field goal.

T r ib g a m e b a ll S te fa n K ohaykew ych # 8 1 - w id e r e c e iv e r

The big play proved to be the difference for the Redmen once again on Saturday.

Kohaykewych, a wide receiv­ er, came through for McGill with a huge 104 yard gamewin ning punt return in the third quarter to help secure McGill 5th straight comeback which preserved the team 's perfect record.

“The punt return by Kohaykewych was big, it was great to watch,” said coach Baillie. “ Our team seems to have a great knack for the big play at the crucial time this season.”

Page 24 S p o rts

T he McG ill T ribune, Wednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

Leading by example

'L o v e l y ' R ita H ig g in s is f o r c in g p e o p l e t o t a k e n o t i c e o f M c G ill W o m e n 's L a c r o s s e B y James Empringham

to lacrosse in University by the combination of speed, skill and toughness it requires. “There is a lot less legal body contact in lacrosse than in soccer, but it can get pretty rough.” Growing up in a

never seemed like a strange idea.”

The city of Montreal didn’t hinder her decision to attend McGill either. “Montreal is the coolest city. There is so much to do here.”

However, like most McGill

backyard.” Her love of the envi­ ronment led her to plant trees this McGill sports fans beware. If past summer in Minnesota, a job you want to learn about Rita Higgins enjoyed very much. “Tree Higgins’ role on the McGill planting was great. I’d love to do Women’s Lacrosse team... Don’t that for the rest of my life if I ask Rita. could. I’m a firm believ­ “I still don’t really know what er that if a person does I’m doing out there. I just kind of what they enjoy, a job run around and hope the ball stays and money will follow.” in my stick,” she’ll try and make Unfortunately for you believe. Uh Rita? In the first Higgins’ lacrosse oppo­ four games of the season you nents, her laid back atti­ scored 13 of your teams 36 goals. tude doesn’t carry over to Uh Rita? You were named the game time. “I ’ m very McGill Athlete of the Week for a competitive on the field, weekend in which you scored 9 and one thing that a lot of goals in two games, including the people don’t realize game-winning goal against York about me is that I can University. Uh Rita? have a temper. It gets in While it’s true that asking Rita the way though some­ Higgins about her role with the times, because once I’m team may not teach you much frustrated it’s impossible about McGill Women’s Lacrosse, for me to concentrate on it does teach you a lot about her as the game.” There is no a person. She is as down to earth doubt that any temper as she is talented. After moving she may have, stems from defense to offense this season, from her competitive fire Rita Higgins is impressing many to help the McGill McGill sports fans with her scoring Rita Higgins (second from right) is an intent listener and very talented Nina Zacharaides Women’s Lacrosse team talents. She is the team’s center, continually improve. the prominent offensive position in family with three brothers, howev­ students, Higgins finds it hard to “She’s a good leader because lacrosse, and she is the team’s lead­ er, Higgins was used to that. “I find the time to take full advantage she never has a negative thing to gave up trying to be feminine and of the city’s offerings. ‘The prob­ say, and she doesn’t take her suc­ ing scorer.

A C.V. like this would be graceful right away,” she laughs. lem is that in my spare time, I don’t cess to her head,” emphasizes her Coming out of high school in find time to do much more than coach, Alelia Parenteau. “She’s an impressive with any background, but consider that she’d never upstate New York, Higgins had read course packs,” Higgins smiles. incredible player after only playing played competitive lacrosse until scholarship offers from American Higgins is a U2 student studying for a couple of years. As she learns two years ago, and this year’ s Colleges like Boston College to International Development and the finer points of the games, she exploits become downright remark­ continue playing soccer, but she Environment, and while she loves can only going to get better.” able. “My area (Saratoga Springs, chose McGill regardless. “Even her time in the city, she sees herself Higgins credits Parenteau for New York) was always big for with the scholarship offers, McGill eventually working and living in much of her success. Women’s women’s sports and growing up I was still a little more affordable. the country. “It’s nice to be able to Lacrosse at McGill is only in its always played a lot of sports, but As well, both my father and brother go for a coffee and have 5 coffee second season, and Paranteau’s Lacrosse was never one of them,” went to the University of Toronto, shops to choose from, but on an veteran leadership is an invaluable Higgins explains. She was drawn so attending school in Canada nice day, I’d prefer sitting in my asset to the team. “A lot of the girls

Conference Roundup

on the team are just beginning lacrosse, but they’re improving so much every game. I’m positive that we’ll continue to get better,” says Higgins, commenting on the team’s record was 1-3 through the first four games.

Higgins doesn’t know if she’ll continue to play lacrosse after her she leaves McGill, but she is com­ mitted to this particular team for the long haul. “As long as it’s still fun for me, I’m definitely going to keep playing .” This is an attitude which was instilled in her by her parents. “My parents have always encouraged me to give my best effort to everything that I do.

They’ve definitely been my biggest supporters. As soon as I told my Dad that I was playing lacrosse, he ran right out and bought a lacrosse stick and a rule book.” Though sometimes, Higgins admits, her parents may be a little too support­ ive. “After trying surfing for the first time on a summer road trip to Nova Scotia last summer, I sort of semi-seriously told my parents that I was going to take a semester off to find myself and surf in California. They immediately said, ‘That’s a great idea. What can we do to help you.’ I was like, can’t I do anything to throw you guys off?”

Higgins, however, doesn’ t forsee a brief sabbatical in her future any time soon This is great news for McGill sports fans, who know that if they want to the answer as to where the McGill Women’s lacrosse team is heading, there’s only one person to ask...

Rita.

C IA U T o p T e n

McGill 38. Bishop’s 21 Bishop’s

14

7

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at McGill

7

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- 21

THIS W EEK

LAST W EEK

First Quarter

Laval R ouge e t O r 29, C o n c o r d ia S tin g e r s 27 The defending national cham­ pions Laval Rouge et Or (5-0) sur­ vived a fourth-quarter scare by the hard-luck Concordia Stingers (05), squeezing by them by a 29-27 margin after nearly blowing a 295 lead with three minutes left in the game.

Laval was led by quarterback François Chapdelaine’s 18-for-36 passing for a conference seasonhigh of 376 yards and 3 touch­ downs. Donald Welman was Laval’s top receiver with 9 catch­ es for 209 yards and 2 touch­ downs.

Concordia quarterback Jon Kronemeyer led the Stinger come­ back with his best game of the season, completing 24 of 55 pass­ es for 357 yards. With three min­ utes to go in the fourth quarter and with his team trailing 29-5, he

threw 2 touchdown passes to receiver Ricky Martin, handed off for one more major to back J.M. Paquette, and made two two-point conversions to bring his team within two with seven seconds to goOn defence, Stinger line­ backer Dwayne Bromfield had a strong game with 15 tackles, including 10 solos, 2 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.

For Laval, linebacker Étienne Vanslette had 7 tackles, including one sack and two knockdowns as the Rouge et Or held Concordia to only 27 yards rushing.

O tta w a G e e -G e e s 4 5 , Q u e e n 's G o ld e n G a e ls 0 The Gee-Gees (4-1) steamrolled the 0-5 Golden Gaels 45-0 on the strength of 532 yards of net offence in the nation’s capital.

Queen’s managed only 121

yards of offence in the game, with quarterback Craig Spear leading the way with 4 completed passes on 12 attempts for 52 yards and one interception. Spear also led Queen’s in rushing with 6 carries for 48 yards.

For Ottawa, quarterback Phil Coté completed 15 of 22 passes for 240 yards, 3 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. He led Ottawa’s ground attack with 8 car­ ries for 127 yards and one touch­ down, a 44-yard run in the first quarter.

Coté’s top two targets were Mike di Battista, with 6 catches for 95 yards, including TD recep­ tions of 30 and 6 yards from Coté and 18 yards from backup quarter­ back James Baker; and Jeremy White, who caught 7 passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. Running back Maxime Duffault rushed for 81 yards on 10 carries, including a 24-yard TD run.

— J. Colford

Bish-TD Colon 51 yd catch from Desrochers (Horstman convert)..................................... 2:18 Bish- TD Ouimet 17 yd run (Horstman Convert)........................................7:45 McG- TD Hoffmann 62 yd catch from Sommerfelt (Pillai Convert)................................................. 14:35 Second Quarter Bish- TD Ouimet 3 yd run .........................

(Convert Failed)

5:46

Bish- Single 3 0 ...............................................11:35 Third Quarter McG- TD Wearing 77 yd catch from Sommerfeldt (Pillai Convert).................................................0:33 McG Pillai 34 yd F G .......................................11:58 McG- Kohaykewych 104 yd punt return (Pillai convert)................................................. 14:35 Fourth Quarter McG- TD Tai 35 yd run.................................... 12:24 (Pillai Convert) McG- TD Tai 26 yd run.................................... 8:30 (Pillai convert) Individual Stats Rushing: McG - Tai 8-94, Wearing 4-17, Hoffmann 3-16, Sommerfeldt 3-11, Bish- Ouimet 1S109, Burnett 15-91, Desrochers 4-29, Bynoe 2-12.

Recieving: McG - Wearing 8167, Hoffman 489, Tai 2-3, Dawodu 1-5, Hoffman Bish- Halfpenny 691 Ouimet 3-27, Burnett 2-26, Colon 1-51, Passing: McG - Sommerfeldt 13-16, 249 yds, 2 td, 0 int„ Couillard 2-7,15 yds, 0 td, 1 int. Que Desrochers 13-27, 198 yds, 1 td, 1 int Att-2,898 Temp- 7C Weather cold and rainy

1 Saint M a ry 's 2 Laval 3 M c M a s te r 4 O tta w a 5 Laurier 6 M a n ito b a 7 M c G ill 8 W estern 9 C a lg a ry 1 0 UBC

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

O Q IF C S t a n d in g s Team

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Laval

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The Mc G ill T ribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

S p o r ts Page 25

#1 Martlets looking unbeatable G o a ls b y s n ip e r s A ll e n a n d L a b r o m le a d t e a m t o r e s o u n d in g v i c t o r y o v e r S h e r b r o o k e B y A n d r e w R aven

Can anybody stop the McGill Martlets?

The heavens gave it their best shot on Friday night unleashing a steady downpour, soaking the Molson Stadium turf. The visiting Sherbrooke Vert et Or still had no chance.

Buoyed by two second half goals from the feet of Amber Allen, and one from Sophie Labrom, the Martlets cruised to a 3-0 victory that ran their record to 8-0 and solidified their standing as the nation’s best team.

Coming off consecutive road victories at Bishops and the Université de Québec à Montréal, the Martlets were looking to reward the few die hard fans in attendance who braved the ele­ ments.

The rain, which began shortly before game time, had thoroughly soaked the field by the midway mark of the first half which made it difficult for either team to finish scoring chances. The drenched turf also made for some slick slide tack­ les and comical falls.

“The wet turf is really slippery and the ball just takes off. You have to have really good control and play the ball on the feet. You can’t play the ball ahead of people because it’s just going to run off the field,” said Allen.

For his part, Martlets coach Marc Mounicot was pleased with the way his team adapted to the elements.

“They adjusted pretty well today regarding passing. On the wet field we were able to keep the ball on the ground and move it around well,” he said..

Conversely, the Vert et Or had

all kinds of trouble with the sur­ face, much of it stemming from their shoes. “We don’t have shoes for the turf,” explained Sherbrooke coach Andree Bergeron. “We wore the same shoes that we do for

beautiful run in the 35th and Allen again missed a golden chance when she hit the post after blowing through the stunned Sherbrooke defence. But the play of the half belonged to McGill keeper Sacha

Martlets kicking toward another victory grass. As a result we were always sliding and losing our balance. We couldn’t stop or change directions quickly and we were much slow­ er.”

That opened up a lot of room for the McGill forwards who were buzzing around the Sherbrooke goal most of the night.

The first half ended 0-0 but either team could easily taken the lead. Allen was stopped on partial breakaway in the 6th minute, Maite Criexell hit the post at the end of a

Liben who robbed mid fielder Véronique Lemay with a sprawling save that kept the game knotted at 0-0.

“That was a big save by our goalie” said coach Mounicot.

At half-time, Mounicot was confident his team could pull out a win despite the worsening condi­ tions.

“During half time I told the girls they have to keep their com­ posure. They have to be patient and they will be rewarded,” said

Is scoring that simple?

Mounicot. “When you work hard, talent will eventually make the dif­ Labrom’s goal was her 6th of the ference and once again it did. We season and 10th point, a total that would lead most teams in the con­ scored three beautiful goals.”

Allen opened the scoring, with ference.

Mounicot had particular praise her first of two, in the 51st minute on a laser for his defence, particularly Ashlee from just Gentry and Victoria Lowerson, inside the who played well in the absence of box. Sophie Julia Scrase who was out with a minor injury.

Labrom “They were excellent on added anoth­ er in the defence,” he boasted after the 62nd on a game.

The Martlets continued their pretty shot ju st under torrid play on Monday by notching the bar and an impressive 5-0 victory over l ’Université de Québec â Trois A l l e n capped the Rivières on the road to improve scoring a their regular season record to 9-0.

McGill’s offence was led yet minute later with nice again by phenom Allen who tallied shot into the a whopping four goals for her fifth far corner. hat trick of the season.

First in the nation in scoring, Each shot was perfect­ Allen a 24 year old MBA student ly placed from Chilliwack, British Columbia and there now has 20 goals in the regular was little season, and 22 overall. She is five Sherbrooke goals short of the single season keeper Edith McGill record set last year by Eva E 1 a s s a 1 Melamed who is spending the year could do studying in Israel.

Freshmen mid fielder Corina KCBolton e x c e p t Nagy was the other Martlet goalwatch.

So ju st how good is the scorer in the victory. McGill will Martlets offence? When Allen was host second place Laval on Friday asked later to talk about her goals night at Molson stadium in a she needed to pause a moment to match-up which looks to be a pre­ remember them. She can be forgiv­ view of the Quebec conference en because the pair on Friday were final. her 17th and 18th of the season, a total that leads the nation.

“Both my goals were from 25 yards out and I took earlier shots.

The balls were bouncing and I just followed through and relaxed and put it in the back of the net,” said Allen..

The greatest game on earth While leaving Montreal last Friday, my mind conjured the sm ells o f hot chocolate and French fries. Sounds of banging glass and roaring crowds replaced the screeching brakes and honking

O u t M a r k

horns of rush hour traffic. This could only mean one thing: my obsession with hockey was return­ ing.

It’s an obsession which first began in Westport, a small village an hour north of Kingston, and the home of many of my earliest hockey memories. Westport is also the home of a Junior B hock­ ey team called the “Rideaus.” The team consists of a mix of rising talent and declining stars. This

combination may not provide the same quality of hockey as a men’s game at the university level, but the attraction of hockey for me goes beyond highlight reel goals.

Unlike the McGill games that

o f

L e ft

F i e l d

K e rr

I have attended, there is an undeni­ able stir in the air on game night.

People from all over the area pack the cold, damp stands of the barnlike Community Centre. True to its name, the rink serves as a com­ munity gathering place. Young “rink rats” play their own games with balls of tape, teenagers hang out, and older men get drunk in the area known as “whisky row.”

Many other people, regardless of age or sex, come to gossip about

the latest community happenings.

The actual game doesn’ t always take a back seat though, and nothing riles the crowd up like a good fight. In this politically correct era, fighting has been stig­ matized as brutish, illegal behav­ iour. In traditional hockey areas, however, fists still carry great weight.

It was one of those brawls which serves as my most memo­ rable moment of Jr. B hockey.

The opposing team that particular night featured two former Westport players in the lineup.

Revenge dominated the minds of both teams and as is often the case, chaos quickly ensued.

Midway through the game, all the skaters on the ice had decided to pair off and drop the gloves, and to most everyone’ s delight, the most rare and exciting event in hockey occured: the two goalies met outside their creases in toe-totoe combat. You didn’t think that I was going to say a penalty shot, did you?

The fight encapsulated the entire arena. The crowd rose to its feet, screaming for the blood of the opposing team. I surely could not remain a calm bystander for very long. Before I could stop myself, I was climbing the boards and screaming over the glass at the two goalies. I would have gone right onto the ice if my girlfriend had not had the decency to stop me.

That was the first time I real­ ized that hockey had a hold on me, possibly even bordering on unhealthy. I’ve slowly distanced myself since, trying not to become too emotionally involved in the game. Unfortunately M cG ill hockey, despite its superior quali­ ty, fails to conjure these hostile emotions. Therefore, this winter I ’ll be consoling myself under McConnell Arena’ s heaters by dreaming of Westport’s damp air.

This week in Sports...

Martlets Basketball vs.

Alberta Friday 6:00, vs. Laval Saturday 2 :0 0 at Love Competition Hall Men’s and Women's Rowing, McGill Invitational, Saturday at the Montreal Basin Martlets Rugby vs.

Concordia, Wednesday 8:00 at Macdonald Campus Redmen Rugby vs. Bishop's, Sunday 1:00 at Rutherford Park Martlets Soccer vs. Laval, Friday 6:30 at Molson Stadium Redmen Soccer vs. Laval, Friday 8:30 at Molson Stadium Redmen Tennis vs. Queen’s, Sunday at Tomlinson Fieldhouse Martlets Volleyball vs.

Winnipeg, Thursday at Love Competition Hall

Page 26 S p o rts

T he McG ill T ribune, Wednesday, 11 O ctober 2000

Redmen still undefeated C o n t r o v e r s y a n d p e r s is t e n c e c a r r y M c G ill m e n 's s o c c e r p a s t S h e r b r o o k e As the game developed, Sherbrooke, finding themselves Once again, the McGill men’s more and more dominated, began Varsity soccer team managed to to commit stupid and unnecessary pull off a victory at home against a fouls. Between players slipping on team committed to playing the sidelines before throw-ins and Sherbrooke’ s fixed defensive defense.

The Vert et Or of Sherbrooke mindset, there wasn’t much space entered the contest against McGill for breakthrough or entertainment.

All was changed when, in the playing with what can only be called a tight, one-sided strategy 31st minute a loose ball at the edge of the box was pounced of attrition.

In turn, the Redmen pos­ upon by midfielder Guy Anaba sessed most of the play, passing Anaba. The Magician fired the the ball intensively looking for the shot with conviction into the top opening that could break the game left corner. This goal finally free. It had been raining all day forced Sherbrooke to leave their long and the a rtificia l turf of half of the field. As the visitors Molson Stadium was wet, causing began pushing towards Eddy the ball to skid at every bounce. Zuppel’s goal, sweeper Gaetano This was, of course, to the advan­ Zullo and his defenders success­ tage of the home team who fre­ fully kept them away until half­ quently practices under these con­ time.

The game resumed after half­ ditions.

The first half began slowly, time with the cold of night settling with both sides challenging the in and the rain increasing to a other. On many occasions, the steady pace. Both sides played Redmen strung consecutive passes poorly for the first twenty odd together, testing the opposition’s minutes, bad passing and conflict­ ing strategies preventing anything endurance and positioning.

N otably, in the seventh from really happening.

The game then took a bitter minute, a flowing movement of eight consecutive passes ended at turn for McGill when, in the 70th the feet of m idfielder Scott minute, keeper Eddy Zuppel left Johnston whose shot was solid but his goal line and found himself in wide. However, several inacurate no-man’s land. Sherbrooke mid­ passes and instances of ill com­ fielder Jean-Philippe Chretien outmunication were also present on jumped several Redmen defend­ the night. Coach Pat Raimondo ers, and headed the ball into an introduced a new system in which empty net tying the game at one a lone forward, Sean Shepherd, goal apiece.

Suddenly the pace of the would be supported by two offen­ sive m idfielders. The strategy game turned up a notch, as did the seemed to leave Shepherd alone amount of fouls. Goalmouth all too often even though midfield­ action was still scarce. M cGill ers Scott Johnston and Philippe looked to have secured a penalty Lazure worked hard to supply in the 83rd minute when Scott Johnston went down inside the their teammate.

Scott Johnston justified the Sherbrooke box but the referee did slow start. “Before the game, we not seem to agree with Redmen were given a whole new strategy penalty claim s and play was to work with, one in front, two on waved on. Arguments between the outside. It took some getting Raimondo and linesman were used to but we pulled through in heated but to no avail. Several players seemed concerned about the end,” he said.

B y Ed G

lücksm an

Sports Briefs M artlets rugby romps Ottawa In a contest played last Wednesday, the McGill women’s rugby team hammerred the University of Ottawa 86-0.

Leading the way for the Martlets was Jessie Matheszuk who had three tries for 15 points.

Another top contributor was Stephanie Lyman who had eight converts for 16 points.

Of the eleven players in McGill’s lineup, an impressive ten were involved in the scoring. The win improves the Martlets record to 6-0. In those contests, they have outscored their opponents 386-15.

Women's hockey drops exhibition home opener

The Martlets hockey team lost 5-4 to the University of Ottawa last Friday at the partially renovated McConnell winter arena. McGill outshot their opposition 31 to 23 in the contest.

The Martlets offense was led

by Ashlee Cranston, Paula Maihoux, Véronique Lapierre and Marie-Andre Berthiaume who each scored a goal. McGill goaltender Amey Doyle suffered the loss, stopping 18 of 23 shots. The defeat drops the Martlets record to 1-1-1 in preseason play.

Redmen hockey winless in preseason In a game held last Friday evening, the McGill Redmen hock­ ey team lost 5-4 to the Concordia Stingers.

McGill’s star forward David Burgess was a standout in the los­

Redmen captain Sean Sheppardjostles for ball in McGill victory against Sherbrooke the refereeing.

“The ref just wouldn’t call the penalties. They (Sherbrooke) grabbed and held us, but still no calls until the last one,” comment­ ed Guy Anaba Anaba.

Excitement increased again in the 88th minute when Sherbrooke defender Massimiliano Geloso picked up his second yellow card of the night and was sent off. At that point, it looked as though the Redmen let two points slip when, in injury time, forward Mathieu Harding was pushed over inside the Sherbrooke penalty area. This time the referee did not hesitate call the penalty. The victory lay at the foot o f defender Joe

Gasparrini, who did not falter. The final whistle blew just a few min­ utes later but not before a second red card was shown to the visitors.

Not surprisingly, Joe Gasparrini was thrilled after the game: “Matt (Harding) was just as responsible for my goal as I was.

We kept on pushing till the end and showed a lot of fight. We had to recover from coming out of half time a little bit flat footed.”

The Redmen managed to scrape up a victory in the very end. Another three points and first place in the division was secured for a few more days. Next Friday is their last regular season game at the Molson Stadium against Laval.

ing cause. He had two goals and two assists along with eight shots on goal. Paul Theriault also chipped in with a goal. As did Greg Davis, who recently returned from the Washington Capitals’ training camp.

Ben Menard stopped 12 of 15 shots for the Redmen and was replaced in the second half by Finnish native Jani Holmberg.

Despite stopping 12 of 14 shots, Holmborg was given the loss.

The defeat drops the Redmen to 0-2-0 in preseason play heading into the Waterloo tournament this weekend.

were followed with a 3-2 win over the University of Western Ontario.

In the semi-finals, they lost to the eventual tournament champs, the University of Winnipeg alumni by a score o f 3-2. The bronze medal game also ended in defeat for the Martlets. They were bested by the University of Manitoba 3-1.

McGill’s Elizabeth Jamieson was named to the all-tournament team. She had 71 kills, 68 digs, eleven stuffed blocks and seven aces in the three days of competi­ tion. The Martlets now have a 5-6 overall record in the preseason.

M artlets v o lle y b a ll fin is h e s fourth in preseason to u rn a ­ ment At the Manitoba Bison Invitational in Winnipeg, McGill’s women's volleyball team finished in fourth place. They avenged an early 3-0 defeat at the hands of the University of Calgary by beating Brock and Winnipeg by an equal 30 tally.These impressive efforts

Badminton team finishes in last At the University of Montreal’s ranking tournament, the McGill badminton team finished a disappointing fifth out of five teams behind Laval, Sherbrooke, Montreal and UQTR. The lone bright spot for the McGill squad was the women’s doubles tandem of Zandra and

Coach Raimondo was pleased with the result as well as with his team’s prospect for the future.

“We got the three points, that’s what we came out to do,” he said. “The weather was all to our advantage, we practice on the turf, they don’t. So far we’ ve only given up four goals in league play and all four have been on defen­ sive errors. That means we are in control, the games are up to us.

They have a tough team, not a lot of skill but they fight for it,” said Raimondo.

Judy Morris. The sisters defeated UQTR 15-11, 15-6 in their match.

Brock invitational success­ ful for McGill rowing At the Brock rowing invita­ tional, McGill had a fairly impres­ sive meet. The heavyweight men’s eights finished in third, while the heavyweight men’s fours finished in fifth. The lightweight men’s eights finished in fifth as well.

On the women's side, the women’s heavyweight eights fin­ ished in sixth, while the heavyweigh fours finished in third posi­ tion. Women’s lightweights also competed admirably with the eights finishing in second and the fours finishing in fourth.

The Mc G ill Tribune, W ednesday, 11 O ctober 2000___________________________________________

B y N e il S c h n u r b a c h

Heading into the final week­ end of the season, the M cG ill Redbirds were facing a daunting task. The baseball squad had to win at least one of two games against defending Quebec University Baseball League champs, the Laval Rouge et Or, in a Sunday doubleheader to keep their playoff hopes alive.

This challenge promised to be especially difficult since heading into the twinbill, the Rouge et Or had lost only one game on the sea­ son and were undefeated in four contests against the Redbirds.

McGill was unscathed by the pressure, however, and managed to split the two games with Laval.

The ‘Birds took the first contest by a score of 8-2 and dropped a heart breaker in the second by a tally of 7-4.

after the first game. “Good defense always helps a pitcher out. Aside from the cold, I was throwing well today. We showed that we can beat these guys if we play to our capacity.”

the frame with a four run advan­ tage.

M cGill put an exclamation point on the victory when Drew Reid rounded out the scoring with a 350 foot two-run homerun in the

holding a 3-1 advantage going into the bottom of the sixth inning. In that frame, with two outs, Reid doubled followed by a Stober walk.

Cam Davies doubled to the rightfield corner to cut the lead to 3-2.

with two outs for power hitting out­ fielder Ryan Avey. With one strike, Avey hit a 330 foot bomb that would have cleared the fence easily for a grandslam and a Redbird victory. Unfortunately, the hit was 10 feet foul. Avey popped out two pitches later to pre­ serve the Rouge et Or triumph.

Despite splitting the weekend games, M cG ill coach David Goldberg was pleased with the per­ formance of his squad.

“This is the first time all year that the Redbirds played like the Redbirds. We had great starting pitching from Kabeer Burman and John Rider,” said coach Goldberg.

“Our offense was clicking and our defense looked good. It’s a good time in the season to peak.”

M c G ill m u s t w i n suspended gam e

M c G ill t a k e s gam e one The cold weather at Centennial Park in Cote St. Luc didn’t prevent the Redbirds from getting off to a great start in the first game. After John Rider retired Laval in order in the top of the first, McGill managed to rally for one run in the bottom of the frame. Drew Reid walked with two outs and stole second base, and Redbird veteran and team leader Cam Davies followed with a clutch single to put McGill ahead 1-0.

This lead was one that McGill would never relinquish, as the Redbirds rode on Rider’s back for the rest of the contest. The righthanded hurler from Alberta tossed a complete game, scattering four hits through seven innings. The only blemish on his record was a late two run homerun after McGill was comfortably ahead.

“We played some good solid defense today,” remarked Rider

S p o r t s Page 27

While Rider was impressed with McGill’s defense, the offense was also potent in the first game.

The real breakthrough came in the fourth inning.

With the Redbirds hanging on to a tenuous one run advantage, M cG ill was looking for some insurance runs with the top of its order coming up. They didn’t dis­ appoint. Leadoff hitter and offen­ sive catalyst Pat Gonsalves hit a single to start things off. That was followed by a walk to Craig McCutcheon and a fielder’s choice

by Reid. Davies drew a one out walk to load the bases for Ryan Avey who delivered an RBI single.

Danny Stober also came through with a base hit to put McGill up 30. After a Laval error, McGill left

sixth inning. The 8-2 victory gave McGill as many victories on the season as Concordia. A win in game two would guarantee the Redbirds a playoff spot.

G a m e tw o n o t as s u c c e s s fu l A confident Redbirds team headed into the second game of the doubleheader against Laval. After dominating game one, McGill was looking for more of the same in the second game. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way.

The Redbirds did not go down without a fight, however. It was a close game throughout with Laval

Ryan Avey then came through with a base hit, driving in two runs to put McGill up 4-3 heading into the final inning.

In the seventh though, the wheels came o ff for the home team. Southpaw Kabeer Burman, who had been tossing a beautiful game, tired in the last inning.

Laval’s first three men reached in the inning. Luc Tremblay hit an RBI single to tie the game for the visitors with no outs. Burman was replaced by relief pitcher Paul Bonner who could not stop the bleeding, and by the time the inning ended, it was 7-4 in favour of the Rouge et Or. In the bottom of the seventh, McGill managed one final desper­ ate rally. They loaded the bases

In order for the Redbirds to make the playoffs, they must now win a game which was suspended due to darkness against Concordia.

McGill was winning that game by one run in the sixth inning. If the Redbirds can hold off the Stingers for one inning on Tuesday, they will travel to Quebec City for the QUBL finals this weekend.

If Sunday’s games were any indication of things to come, the Redbirds stand a good chance of beating Laval in the conference finals and going to the Nationals.

Coach Goldberg feels that his troops will have to play to their full potential to realize their goal.

“To beat Laval, we have to elevate our game. They are the favourites and rightfully so,” said Goldberg. “They have only two losses on the year. Should we beat Concordia on Tuesday, we will have to go to Quebec City and beat the defending champs on their own home turf. But believe me, we have the potential to do it.”

Tribune Scoreboard Womens THIS WEEK

LAST WEEK

Mens Soccer THIS WEEK

Individual Football Stats

LAST WEEK

1McGill

1

1Toronto

1

2 Calgary

2

2 McGill

3

3 York

3

3 Victoira

4

4 Laurier

5

4 SMU

5

5 Ottawa

7

5 UBC

2

6 Victoria

8

6 Laurier

7

7 Mt. Allison

NR

7 Dalhousie

6

8 Laval

9

8 Laurentian

10

9 Cape Breton

NR

9 Calgary

NR

10 Dalhousie

6

10UPEI

NR

RUSHING Hoffman Sommerfeldt Tai

Att 64

Yds 412

TD 1

AVG 6.4

31 15

155 100

3 2

5.0 6.7

PASSING Sommerfeldt Couillard

Att-Cmp 133-79 16-8

Yds 1037 53

ID 6 0

|nt 5 1

RECEIVING Wearring Lanctot Derman

Rec 27 21 10

Yds 453 263 123

TD 4 0 0

AVG 16.8 12.5 12.3

AN OPEN LETTER ON THE McGILL DAILY I have largely remained silent on the issue of the lease dispute between the Daily Publications Society (Daily) and the Students’ Society of McGill University (SSMU). The core issue during this dispute has been whether or not the Daily’s lease had expired on May 31st, 2000.

~V^a

Let me begin by saying that as we have always maintained, we would like to keep the Daily in the building. It has always been the position of the SSMU that the Daily’s lease had expired and a new lease would have to be entered into in order for the Daily to continue to occupy premises in the William Shatner University Centre. Furthermore, any new lease would reflect the realities facing the SSMU, namely, the increasing costs of operating the building and the increasing demands for space by all student groups. After numerous attempts to reach a settlement over a period of two months, it became quite clear that something had to change. Simply stated we were not get­ ting anywhere and pressure was mounting to continue on with building renovations. It was within this context and because of the fact that the Daily did not have a valid lease that the SSMU Executive decided to change the locks of the Daily’s office. Under Quebec Law, we were faced with two options, both to change the locks and contest their occupation or initiate full eviction proceedings. We chose the former.

S

I ■

At this point the Daily began legal proceedings against the SSMU and McGill University, claiming that its rights had been violated.

On Thursday, October 5th, 2000, after numerous court appearances, testimonies, and delays, Justice Irving Halpern of the Quebec Superior Court dismissed the Daily’s injunction proceedings on the grounds that the Daily Lease had indeed expired on May 31st 2000, and sufficient notice had been given of its expiration. Furthermore, both the SSMU and McGill University were found to have not abused the Daily’s rights.

This matter went beyond the strict meaning of the law; this judgement serves as a strong statement on the handling of the affair by the SSMU. I remain solid in my belief that the SSMU Executive acted in the interests of the student body as a whole.

There have been numerous unfounded accusations launched against both myself and other members of the SSMU Executive, far too many to specify here. However, I do believe it appropriate to address two significant issues. The question of handicap accessi­ bility has always been of primordial concern for the SSMU. Both the Shatner Centre and the connecting Brown Student Services build­ ing do not meet adequate accessibility standards set by the University and therefore, must be brought up to par. Moreover, this is not the only reason to justify building renovations. In a few months time, students will bear witness to a student building with increased safety standards, new space for services, a student lounge, and a coffee shop. In short, these renovations will directly affect all stu­ dents on campus.

Many have accused the SSMU’s actions of having been politically motivated. Nothing could be further from the truth. Again, I repeat that this conflict was always about the Daily’s lease, nothing more. Our conduct clearly exemplifies this fact. From the outset, we have offered the McGill Daily space in the building. This offer was always on the table, even during the court proceedings. This offer continues to be on the table even though the court ruled in the SSMU’s favour.

We are now faced with one question: what happens next? I would ask that the McGill Daily Board of Directors decline appealing the court’s decision and let the issue rest. Enough of students' money has been wasted. We should be spending students’ money on issues that matter to students rather then wasting our energies on court cases.

As President of the SSMU, I hope to focus on the real issues facing McGill students today. Namely the fact that the administra­ tion will continue to charge students higher ancillary fees and yet refuses to give us our money’s worth in services. Student enrol­ ment is increasing while existing resources diminish.

In hindsight, both the SSMU and the Daily could have proceeded differently so as to avoid the current situation. However the real­ ity is that we must move on and focus on the future. I hope that I have clarified this matter for all members of the SSMU and I look forward to resolving this dispute once and for all.

I welcome any comments and questions at pres@ssmu.mcgill.ca.

Sincerelv.

Wojtek A. Baraniak SSMU President