The Campus February 14, 2014

The Bishop’s University Newspaper Vol. 69, No. 10

FILL ME OUT! photo courtesy lululang.com

CramminS Breaking hearts since 1944 February 12, 2014

www.thebucampus.ca

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News

The Campus February 12, 2014

Brian MacIver, News Editor » thecampus.news@gmail.com

The Campus

Debate! Debate! Debate!

Editor-in-Chief Maghen Eisan

SRC election speaker’s night brings some surprises

Associate and News Brian MacIver Features Chelsea Conway

By Adam Young Copy editor

Opinion Lois Boateng

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Arts & Culture Alissa Ralph Online Meghan Roulet Sports Jared Perlmutter Layout Sarah Williams Copy and Multimedia Adam Young The Campus is editorially and financially autonomous. It is published by the Campus Publication Board.

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The Campus Newspaper Bishop’s University P.O. Box 2131, SUB #107 Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 1Z7 thecampus.editor@gmail.com (819) 822-9600 ext. 2688

hen our EIC of The Campus was unable to attend the annual Speaker’s Night, I filled in. While I’ve seen my fair share of interesting candidates and even more interesting floor questions following the prepared newspaper questions, nothing really could compare to this year.

First off, being able to muster a crowd for the event has always been an issue. Though perhaps in part due to the organized Happy Hour club this year, the Gait was a full house.

While a new segment of short president debates were added this year, there was largely friendly agreement between candidates Jason Earl, Angie Lanza, and Alex ‘Cupcake’ Roy. Earl, current VP Student Affairs for the SRC, opened the night by stressing a platform of student representation and diversity.

Current Sustainable Development Student Intern Lanza

focused strongly on building community and outreach for the SRC to get out and interact with students. Finally, current SRC Communications Manager Alex Roy also focused on student engagement and the quality of the work of the representative council, keeping answers short and to the point.

Running unopposed for VP Social, current Student Events Coordinator and Frosh Coordinator Mike Thomas outlined a number of events he has worked on this year, ending with a claim to do everything that was done this year, but do it better.

A close election to watch will be between candidates Catherine Kentros and Chelsea McLellan. Kentros opened by focusing on the importance of not forgetting the academic part of university, and working on new initiatives under the VP Academic portfolio, especially when asked about poor attendance in STEP seminars in particular this year.

A former Champlain Student

Association president, McLellan surprised everyone -including this moderator- by rapping her opening, with accompanying music. She appears to have put serious advertising dollars into her campaign, including huge posters throughout the SUB and buttons and business cards found in Tim Horton’s.

Three candidates ran for VP Student Affairs, including former Student Event Coordinator Matthew Robinson, Ethan Densmore, and Andrew Szaz. As a current Resident Assistant, Robinson talked about increasing services for student and transparency.

Densmore opened by pushing to be a hard-worker, who may not promise anything new and crazy, and wouldn’t “step on the toes” of anyone on the SRC from this year. Finally, Szaz focused on his work in talking with a variety of people across the university, including the head librarian and former and current SRC members, focusing on pushing for a radio station return

to the classroom.

As if there wasn’t enough running already, presidential candidate Earl decided to run out of the room after closing statements following the moderated questions to attend the Donald Lecture, before the floor opened to audience questions.

Interestingly enough, the floor question period ended with the Dean of Student Affairs, Jackie Bailey, asking what each candidate would do with $100,000, hypothetically, from a budget surplus. The question was an interesting move, considering the nature of the event as a student-run election included questions on the relationship between the administration and the SRC earlier. Following budget cuts made last year across the university, the revelation of a possible surplus was surprising.

continue to stay low. Alternatively, market forces will drive the value of Canadian dollar.

At parity the Canadian dollar has been too high. Consequently, the demand on the market decreases which in turn decreases the value of the dollar.

“Whether the dollar is up or if the dollar is down there are never any pure winners or losers,” says Dr. Marianne Vigneault, an Economics professor here at Bishop’s.

In the case of the lower dollar the biggest winners are the Canadian exports; with the lower dollar foreign buyers will be able to buy our commodities for cheaper. Internal sales will also increase as Canadians are deterred from cross-border and online shopping.

Tourism is another sector that will benefit offering affordable vacations. Growth in these sectors will result in an increase in employment in

these areas.

Alternatively, the lower dollar will hurt companies that rely on imported goods and Canadians looking traveling outside of the country. In light of the sinking dollar the AirTransat, Sunwing, and Air Canada Vacations are implementing 35$ surcharges to offset the falling loonie.

For students this means that imported goods, such as foreign produce, electronics, and all items bought in USD -read: online shopping- are going to be more expensive as a result of import inflation.

Students crossing the border to ski will find it more expensive compared to last year.

On the bright side for graduating students, there is expected job growth and with interest rates expected to stay low, loan payback will be easier.

Voting is now until February 13 at 9 a.m. with polling Stations at the SUB, Library, and Dewies, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing at 6 p.m.

Also available online.

The descent of the Loonie

By Kyrinne Lockhart Staff writer

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he Canadian Dollar has been sliding away from parity since late October.

Earlier this month the dollar reached a six year low to 89.73 cents USD. As of last week the dollar has been benefiting from optimism around the Keystone XL pipeline, job creation and an expected shrinking of Canada’s trade deficit, and is now around 91 cents USD. Some expect the dollar to reach as low as 80 to 83 cents by the end of the year.

What are the factors that are driving our majestic loon-stamped coin down?

The pricing of currency is multifaceted and there are a number of market forces influencing the trading value: the market value of Canadian

commodities and assets, growth or decline in other countries such as America or China, statements made by the Bank of Canada.

The economy in the U.S. is stronger than expected, which in result has put pressure on the Canadian dollar.

When the U.S. economy does better it raises the demand of their dollar over ours. It is expected by financial service company UBS that the American GDP will rise by 3% in 2014, while the Canadian economy is projected at a growth 2.3%. In addition, the slower than expected growth of the Chinese economy has slowed both current and expected demand for Canadian exports.

We want foreign buyers to invest into our country. Having desirable interest rates can do this. The interests rate in Canada, however, have been low relative to the target of 2% and are expected to

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This is your brain on music

Dr. Daniel Levitin talks about the science-y things music does

By Brian MacIver News editor

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ast Thursday was the third installment of this year’s Donald Lecture Series, as Dr. Daniel Levitin, an American cognitive psychologist, neuroscientist, author, professor, sound engineer, and part-time rocker, came to Centennial Theatre to talk about his research on music and the brain.

Apart from being a professor of psychology at McGill, Dr. Levitin is also in charge of the Laboratory for Music Perception, Cognition and Expertise, one of the leading laboratories in the world when it comes to the psychology of music.

Levitin’s career path was an unusual one: after first enrolling at the prestigious MIT, he transferred to Stanford after an incident that he described as “my stereo system catching fire in a dorm room after listening to ‘Abbey Road’ at 110 decibels.”

He then studied in music and

psychology before dropping out to pursue a career in music in his senior year following an announcement by the school that he “could not major in saxophone.”

For the next ten years, Levitin would work as a session musician, commercial recording engineer, live sound engineer and record producer for several rock bands including The Grateful Dead and Santana.

Eventually, he returned to study with the question: “Where do goosebumps come from?” after a recording session with the famous Carlos Santana sent shivers down his spine.

He has been studying this issue for his entire career, and he elegantly detailed the results of his work on this question during his talk to a near packed house, which he summarized in one perfect sentence, “I still have no answer.”

But not all of his questions have been left unanswered.

Indeed, Dr. Levitin’s work has helped us understand the relation between music and the

photo courtesy Maxime Picard

Dr. Daniel Levitin, a world reknown music psychologist, came to speak to a near packed Centennial Theatre last Thursday as part of the Donald Lecture Series, entertaining and educating his audience with his stories.

brain. More specifically, what the differences are between the brains of musicians and nonmusicians (better connections in certain parts of the brain, better development of the corpus callosum), which brain areas are activated while listening to and playing music (auditory, memory, emotional), as well as why certain people prefer certain types of music than others (mainly expectation vs.

novelty).

Dr. Levitin kept his audience enthralled during the whole talk, blending funny anecdotes with his research findings and, as a whole, making his presentation entertaining as well as educational. Case in point, the story of how he cost the record company he worked for millions of dollars in 1983 by passing on signing an artist who’s song he just received and listened to,

saying “There is no way this guy is ever going to sell.”

And that is how Daniel Levitin, who is now a Stanford, Oregon, and UC Berkeley graduate, who also works in one of the most prestigious music psychology labs in the world, who has studied the brain of Sting himself, failed to sign MC Hammer after listening to “U Can’t Touch This”.

#LetsTalk Locally

By Asha-Maria Bost Contributor

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he U4 symposium capped off Winter Homecoming weekend. The talk attracted students and faculty from all the universities in the U4 league: Mount Allison, Acadia, St Francis Xavier and Bishop’s, to talk about “mental health and mindfulness in undergraduate education”.

Tori Portman, an English Student from Bishop’s University, was the first speaker, and she described her experiences with anxiety. She described how becoming a different character through drama allowed her to escape her anxiety, but now after coming to terms with her anxiety can she be herself. She was scared to get help, because she thought that someone would lock her away.

Dr. Lisa Price, a psychology professor from Acadia University offered her ideas towards how to make education more accessible to students struggling with mental health issues. She described adding statements that promote mental health and wellness in school mission statements, having policies that address mental health and completing assignments and courses as well as a mental health profile to accompany the successes of the students.

Piper Riley Thompson, a student from Mount Allison University described her views for a world without stigma, in which mental health issues leave the closet and are accepted in society. She described how mental illness was the one taboo in her family after her cousin was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Dr. Louis Groake, from St. Francis Xavier University, talked about how a liberal arts education is relevant today and how we can learn lessons about mindfulness from the ancient Greeks. Some lessons include: to focus on things that are in our control, focus on finding meaning in their lives and training to get through difficult situations.

Another Bishop’s speaker, Adrianna Mendrek, talked about the intersection between her work as a neuroscientist and her belief in Eastern Philosophy. The faculty representtive described taking a ten day retreat of full silence, and marvelled at the altered states of consciousness like those she studies in her work as a neuroscientist, that can be induced by a lack of sensory stimulation. For her, meditation allowed her to become more mindful and compassionate.

Chandler Jansen, a former student of Acadia University, described his struggle with perfectionism, and how his desire to be flawless lead to depression and an alcohol disorder. It was only through

photo courtesy Ryan Millar

Peter Blaikie (class of ’58), was the sponsor and Chief Judge of the debate involving the U4 League school’s during the Up for Debate weekend.

changing his definition of perfection, to being happy, that he was able to channel his desire for perfection into something manageable.

Dr. Bruce Robertson, a professor from Mount Allison University titled his talk “From potsherds to gigabytes: the enduring power of Ancient Greek literature”. He showed the audience an ancient cup with an inscription that resonates with the mentality of many university students, which in modern translation means “chug a lug let’s party”. He also described his work getting Ancient Greek literature into online databases: no easy feat.

Dr. David Goldbloom rounded out the afternoon with a talk about Shakespeare and madness. Shakespeare was truly a revolutionary who revolutionized how we perceive people and through the stage, allowed us to explore madness in relative safety. Shakespeare’s work also inspired many psychologists, including Freud.

The U4 symposium was a night full of interesting ideas of mental health and mindfulness in undergraduate education, and serves as a reminder of the usefulness of a forum for universities to come together and share ideas.

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News

The Campus February 12, 2014

You break it, you buy it

Bieber faces deportation petition, but do we really want him back?

By Nicole Gauvreau News wroter

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9 year-old, Stratford, Ont. native Justin Bieber has created a fire-storm in the past month after recent criminal acts, both in Canada and the United States.

On Jan. 9, Bieber was accused of causing US $20,000 in egging damage to a neighbour’s house in Los Angeles. Given the estimated value of the damage, the Los Angeles police are seeking a felony charge.

Two weeks later, on Jan. 23, Bieber was arrested in Miami for drag racing and driving with an expired licence. He has also been charged with resisting arrest.

Bieber admitted to drinking, smoking marijuana and taking a prescription drug. He was later found to have marijuana and the anti-anxiety medication Xanax in his blood stream; his blood alcohol level was determined to be .014, slightly below the legal limit for someone under 21 in Florida.

Bieber also faces assault charges in Toronto, after a December altercation with his limousine driver about the radio volume. Bieber turned himself in, and left the next morning to return to his family home in Stratford.

The maximum sentence for the Miami crimes is six months in a state prison, a $500 fine, and 50 hours of community service in Florida. Bieber could also face six months in Ontario should he be convicted of as-

photo courtesy hollywoodreporter.com

Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with drunk driving in Miami. Probably thinking he’s on Punk’d, the dummy smiles for his mugshot.

sault, though a conviction seems unlikely.

The potential of prison time isn’t enough for some people in the U.S. Following Bieber’s release on bail on

Jan. 23, a petition to the White House was launched on We The People (the official website for protesting just about anything to do with the United States Federal Government).

The petition cries for Justin Bieber’s deportation to Canada and revocation of his permanent residency.

Bieber does not have a permanent resident visa, rather an O-1 visa which is temporary and issued to performers.

Thus far, there are over 250,000 electronic signatures; petitions only need 100,000 before someone on the White House staff issues a statement.

There are also four counter-petitions, three of which assume Bieber will be deported. All counter petitions emphasize Bieber’s youth and that humans are not perfect.

However, immigration issues do not fall under the Executive Office of the President, though he may intercede to halt deportations. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security generally does not deport people or revoke visas for crimes such as Bieber’s.

Crimes that lead to deportation from the United States most often have to involve drug trafficking, “aggravated felonies”, or moral turpitude.

Bieber could be barred from re-entering the United States or be delayed in receiving citizenship (should Bieber desire it) for using illegal substances should he be convicted following his various court dates.

Documentary screening

By Madeleine Carrese Writer

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n Thursday February 13, the departments of English and History, as well as the Gender Axis at Bishop’s University, are hosting a documentary screening.

The film Girl Model explores the world of the modeling industry through the eyes of a modeling scout and a 13 year old female model herself. The producers of the film will be in attendance as well to answer any questions.

The film will be preceded by a talk from Dr. Cristian Berco titled “Between Agency and Constraint: Renaissance Fashion, Consumer Culture, and Gender.” Dr. Berco’s lecture will examine the intersection between changing patterns of popular consumption, dominant gender ideologies and women’s fashion choices during the long Renaissance in Europe. It will address the following questions: How did the rise of consumer culture shape women’s fashions in the context of assumptions about female worth? To what extent was fashion liberating or constraining on women’s choices and agency?

The lecture and the screening will take place at 7:30 PM in Cleghorn.

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Flowers, candy, and lube

Valentine’s sales significant for local businesses

By Brian MacIver News editor

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k fellas, if you didn’t know it yet, Valentine’s Day is two days away (at least it is if you’re reading this on Wednesday, after that you can do the math).

If you’re in a relationship and have yet to get a gift for your special someone, OH MY GOD WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR? STOP READING THIS AND GET IT TOGETHER! If you already got your gift, good for you! You’re one of the few men out there who actually got their gift(s) ahead of time (or at least, that’s what what every single store own in the city told me). But what exactly are we getting for our significant others? I left the dungeon that is The Campus office and ventured outside to find out.

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lowers Rita Fleuriste, a local flower shop in Sherbrooke, revealed in an exclusive interview with The Campus that the red rose is the most popular flower sold during the Valentine’s Day period. Ok, so maybe not so shocking, but what is, however, is the number that they order.

“This year we ordered 5,000 red roses, and all of them are going to be sold by closing time on Feb. 14,” said store owner Louise Letarte.

Valentine’s Day sales represent 10% of her yearly revenues, which is no small order considering that the event basically lasts one week for her business.

This gift is perfect for all ages, rela-

tionships, and budgets, with prices ranging between six dollars for a single rose to $60 for one dozen.

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ewellery “For our business, the Valentine’s Day period represents approximately 15% of our yearly revenues,” said the director of the Latendresse jewellery store at the Carrefour, Michel Leblanc.

“The day we make the most money during the week leading up to Valentine’s is the big day itself, with a lot of men coming in a panic,” he added.

And the most popular item that they sell? Necklaces. “Rings can send the wrong message, bracelets are a bit impersonal, and there is simply too much choice when it comes to earrings. Necklaces with hearts are usually bought by the younger couples, with diamond pendants being the preferred by the older gentlemen.”

This type of gift can be a little bit pricey, however, with the average purchase for this time of year being around $150, so maybe don’t drop that kind of money if you’ve only been dating for a couple of weeks.

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eauty Products The beauty product stores also see an increase in revenue during this time of year. “Our fruit-scented bubble bath is our best seller every Valentine’s Day,” said Store Manager Sara Laperle, of Fruits and Passion.

You can easily get a gift basket for $25 with their buy two, get one free deal.

Also, all of their products are made out of natural ingredients and everything is

photo courtesy blog.festfood.com

Seriously, if the all the pink and heart and floral decorations didn’t clue you in, I got some bad news…

made in Quebec.

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hocolate Surprisingly, chocolate isn’t as popular a Valentine’s gift as it seems to be. “Although it does represent a significant portion of our business, Valentine’s Day is not really where we make the most money,” said France Poulin, manager of the Carrefour’s Laura Secord.

“Christmas and Easter are our big sales periods, but a lot of business people come and buy chocolate for their assistants.”

“The chocolate hearts are always very popular, and this year we have a new fondue kit, which are great for chocolate-covered fruit,” added Poulin.

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ingerie & Sex Toys/Products Okay, first things first: if you’re going to get lingerie, make sure that if you are going to mess up the size, go too

small, and not too big. You do NOT want to make that mistake.

“A lot of men who buy lingerie actually bring some of their partner’s bras or panties and just say ‘get me something in this size’. Sadly, it happens more often than you may think,” laughed the assistant-manager of the La Senza outlet in Sherbrooke, Audrey Daigle.

If you feel especially frisky, a stop at Boutique Luv could be the place for you.

“Valentine’s is the best period of the year for us,” said the owner Amélie Boulet.

“Couple toys and games are especially popular, with the We-Vibe being by far the best-seller.”

At $159.99, however, it may be on the expensive side, but they also offer a variety of massage oils, bath products and lubricants that you can mix and match to make a sexy gift basket.

Canadian government caught spying on citizens CSEC collects meta-data from Canadian airport

By Nicole Gauvreau News writer

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y now the world knows the United States spies on everyone through the National Security Agency (NSA). The United Kingdom spies on its citizens using data collected from cell phone apps such as Angry Birds. Now the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) has been revealed, by American whistleblower Edward Snowden and the CBC, as a participant in the domestic spying game.

CSEC is Canada’s electronic spying agency. According to their official website they are tasked with “collecting foreign signals intelligence in support of the Government of Canada’s

priorities, and....[providing] assistance to federal law enforcement and security organizations in their legally authorized activities.”

The agency is supposed to collect only data on foreign communications, though this hasn’t stopped CSEC from monitoring the devices connected to Wi-Fi from an unrevealed Canadian airport for a two-week period and tracking the devices for up to a week after when connected to public Wi-Fi. CSEC claims the information collected was only a “snapshot of historical metadata”, which, simply put, is data about data.

This includes phone numbers, length of calls, email addresses, geographic location of sender and receiver for phone calls and emails, and IP addresses.

All this data says nothing

photo courtesy o.canada.com

The headquarters for the Communications Security Establishment of Canada (CSEC) are have yet to be completed and the organization is already in hot water.

about the content of a message, but can be used to track people remotely and without their knowledge, along with establishing a network of communications. When combined with other sorts of electronic data, security agencies can compile a comprehensive profile of a per-

son’s life without ever actually looking at what the persons says.

It is precisely because none of the data is about the content of private communications from Canadians that CSEC can collect such information legally. The agency has already gone under

review concerning the legality of metadata collection, though the agency’s commissioner is review metadata collection again.

The airport Wi-Fi operation took place sometime before May 2012 and was meant to test software being developed with the cooperation of CSEC’s US partner agency, the NSA. The test was not considered an operational surveillance program, though it’s not clear why the test was not conducted on a foreign airport, which would be clearly within the rights and responsibilities of CSEC. CSEC is also partners with the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters, New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau, and the Australian Signals Directorate.

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opinion

The Campus February 12, 2014

Lois Boateng, Opinion Editor » thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

What makes a good boyfriend?

By Kyrinne Lockhart Staff writer

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hat makes a good boyfriend? I feel like I have the credentials to comment on this question. I have been together with my perfect boyfriend for five years and ten months, living together for three years, and have been basically inseparable since the beginning.

So based off my keeper-of-a-man, here is my checklist of what to look for: . You must have the same life goals: If you don’t want the same things out of life you’re basically incompatible. You both need to be heading in the same direction. You need to have similar ideologies. If he is interested in traveling Europe out of a backpack and you just want to go to university and get your adult life going, it’s not going to work. At least not right now. . You have to like similar foods: I feel this one gets overlooked at the beginning of a relationship. In the beginning, you are probably not tired of going to the same handful of restaurants with food that you can both eat, or cooking the same meal for each other. You probably have not yet realized that when you go grocery shopping, you are banned from getting your favourite foods such as mushrooms or carbs.

It is possible that they just haven’t tried all the foods that you like and therefore has not acquired the same obsession to sushi. But if after a while, you are always going to the same restaurant

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photo courtesy fashioncentral.in

The roses, chocolates and teddy bears are back to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but are you spending this day with someone who is truly amazing?

because there is only one kind of food you two can agree on, your dates are going to get boring. You won’t be able to share groceries or you are going to have to give up on food that you like. . He has to be hard working: Nothing comes from nothing. If you want something out of your life, you need work for it. This ideology should be applied to both your life and your relationship. . He must be good to his mother: Good to mother means good to women.

My boyfriend has a great healthy relationship his mother. He wants to make

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Opposites Compact

By Emily Prangley Desormeaux Contributor

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hey say opposites attract but while Paula Abdul and that rapping cartoon cat assure us ‘it’s a natural fact’, science shows that while solid couples are not necessarily binary opposites, they do tend to be different.

In Plato’s The Symposium, he tells a story of our seemingly perpetual search for our other half or ‘soul mate’. He suggests that humans were originally created with two sets of arms and legs, and a single

head with two faces. According to the myth, Zeus fearing their strength split each human in two, leaving each half miserable and incomplete until the day they could be reunited with their counterparts—which were obviously opposites.

Think about the brain’s incredible synchrony between the logical left and creative right; it is one of the most fundamental human balances. Not to mention that they control opposite sides of the body. Furthermore, why would there be such an intense need for completion if the other half were just more of the same?

It’s the law of diminishing marginal utility: eating five cheeseburgers doesn’t make

sure that his mother is happy and loves to give her the gifts that she is too rational to buy. This behaviour has been translated into how he treats me in my relationship. He always wants to make sure that I am happy and supported. . Kindness to animals is key: Good to animals means he is empathetic and not a serial killer. He doesn’t have to be vegan or a vegetarian, but if he doesn’t respect animals it’s a deal breaker. . It is important that he does not get angry with you about things that cannot be changed: While there are many things about myself that have

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you five times happier (unless you’ve just won a cheeseburger eating contest). In sum, humans are looking for life partners who offer something they lack… literally.

Research has actually shown that people tend to be subconsciously attracted to the scent of potential partners who are genetically different from themselves. These studies, like the one conducted by Maria da Graça Bicalho, a professor of immunology at the University of Paraná in Brazil, suggest that people are drawn to partners with different immunities because together they make healthier babies (and because it also discourages incest!). It’s like two super heroes with the

been influenced by my companion, there are some things about a person that will never change. For a relationship to last, you have to be able to accept the whole person for who they are. You cannot change people, and investing all of your time into trying to force your girlfriend or boyfriend to be the person you want them to be is damaging.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! So ladies think about this checklist as you search for your potential mate. Gentleman, consider this list and compare it to your own behaviour.

same powers having a kid: stupid! Why would you have a child who is extra invisible when it could be invisible and fly?!

Other studies have shown that relationships between couples that are too similar aren’t as likely to last in the long run. It may seem really cute when couples finish each other’s sentences and wear their matching jogging gear but actually, agreeing on everything just isn’t what makes relationships last.

A publication in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found the happiest couples were not the ones who were closest, but those who were as close as they wanted to be, even if that wasn’t close

at all. In other words, long-lasting love is not about being the same, but rather about being different and liking it that way.

What it all comes down to is not only are you attracted to that sexy, mysterious opposite but also realizing that you might be beautifully compatible in the long haul. We all need that person who broadens our mind and challenges our views, forcing us to look inward, who dares us to try new things and pushes our limits. We need somebody different because safety and familiarity don’t stimulate growth.

Besides, what sounds better than a life of love, discovery and adventure?

opinion

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The Missing Elements in the Discussion of Mental Health A U4 Symposium Appraisal

By Asha-Maria Bost Opinions writer

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he U4 symposium during Winter Homecoming was a series of TEDx-inspired talks that proved to be a good forum to continue our discussion of mental health and wellness, right on the heels of Mental Health Awareness Week. Presenters, students and faculty members from each of the four universities of the U4 league (Bishop’s, Acadia, St. Francis Xavier and Mount Allison) shared their experiences with mental health and wellness and their ideas of change.

It was the talks from the students that struck me the most.

Tori Portman, an English student at Bishop’s spoke about her experiences with anxiety.

Portman described channeling her anxiety into drama because she could be someone other than herself. But now, after getting the help she needed, she can be herself.

Piper Riley Thompson a student at Mount Allison Univer-

photo courtesy jason earl & stephanie lam

On Feb. 1 2014, the TEDx inspired presenters (from left to right) were: Piper Riley Thompson, Dr.Lisa Price, Chandler Janzen, Dr. David Goldbloom, Dr. Bruce Robertson, Dr. Adrianna Mendrek, Dr. Louis Groarke and Tori Portman.

sity, described how “people are in closets filled with masks and fronts that we are forced to wear,” because mental illness is seen as a sign of weakness. She also highlighted that

we often use flippant language that subtly discourages people from getting help. As a whole, the talks were engaging, reflective and brought forth the different aspects of community that

makes going to a small university worthwhile.

However, I noticed that talk of sexual assault, abuse and other traumatic events that can contribute to mental illness or faltering mental health was missing in the U4 symposium’s discussion of mental health and wellness. Sexual assault needs to be discussed whenever we talk about mental health, as it definitely impacts the ability for many students to function and thrive in their everyday lives. In light of recent revelations posted on Bishop’s Spotted questioning the Dean of Student Affairs’ treatment of sexual assault cases, a conversation on the matter is sorely needed.

Additionally, while the U4 symposium was a great starting point in our discussion of mental health and wellness, it lacked what it took to get people involved. I would have loved to have some time after each talk to ask questions and contribute ideas of my own to the discussion. Alternatively, forming small groups in which we share personal experiences of mental health would have been a great

Valentine’s Day Word Search

way to hear the voices of all members of the community. In the end, the conversation may have started, but connecting to people emotionally is equally as important.

I, as well as many others, have been touched by mental illness.

I’ve known quite a few people that I love and care deeply about who have self-harmed or who have attempted suicide.

They did not reach out for my help, and largely battled their feelings on their own. I can’t imagine what the world, and my life would have been like if they had left us.

The road towards getting help is difficult, and a courageous step with countless obstacles on the way; seeing psychologists can be expensive and often difficult to access. In the end, we all need someone to talk to in order to feel mentally healthy and satisfied. Yet, talking about mental health and wellness is just the first step towards making our society understand its impact on our lives.

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opinion

The Campus February 12, 2014

Love at a distance

By Lois Boateng Opinion editor

B

ishop’s is a close-knit community where you will make life-long connections.

Frosh buddies become best friends, professors become mentors, and the library becomes your home. One thing that many students also find is love. The one person you can cuddle with after studying for an exam or writing a paper. The stress brought on by school seems to be more bearable.

Given that many Bishop’s students are from different parts of Canada and the world, it is not surprising that many enter in romantic relationships with someone who does not reside in his or her hometown. Indeed, I meet my BU beau in my first year and we started dating two years ago. I live in Montreal and he in Toronto. I am graduating and he graduated (two years ago). In the beginning, I was unsure about entering into a long distance relationship. I want to be able to see my boyfriend…

every second day; I am not the kind of person that needs to see my significant other daily. I want to be able to go on dates to the movies, museums, festivals and dinners. So how would this long-distance relationship work many of you are wondering?

Certainly, having and maintaining a long-distance require maturity. To say that you will be committed to someone eight hours away from you is for serious people only! He promised me that we will see each other at least once a month and will call me every day. He kept that promise. We spend countless hours on the phone, so much so that Telus would like to charge extra.

It undoubtedly takes patience, though patience is needed for any kind of relationship near or far. Nonetheless, it can be particularly frustrating when the phone call drops unexpectedly thereby leaving you to talk to yourself for a moment before you realize what happened.

Add the drop calls on Skype and the “what… can you hear?” On a positive note though, because

photo courtesy natalia apic

The Campus’ own Lois Boateng and her BU beau Steven Amirikah.

he and I spend such considerable time on the phone, we had

no choice but to develop active listening skills. I can’t complain

that he is not listening if that is all he can do!

Surely, a long-distance relationship is expensive: the travel, the accommodations and the big outings put a strain on the wallet. To him, whether near or far, being in a relationship is costly. Considering that Valentine’s Day is two days away, I am sure many of you are feeling pinch.

I may have been a skeptic of such relationships, but as time went on, we grow attached and I was invested. So I bet you are asking is it all worth it? Yes, it is worth the Skype calls, phone calls, morning messages, and the trips. Yes, when you meet someone who is faithful, smart, kind and committed to you and the relationship, that is difficult to pass up. While we may not be in physical proximity of each other, I feel his presence like he feels mine. The joy of seeing him in those few and far in between moments makes the wait all worth it. But not everyone can be in such a relationship. It takes a certain kind of people… people in love.

Foxy Knoxy found Guilty again Popular murder case reexamined By author Position

A

manda Knox, 26, and her Italian ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, 29, were convicted once again on Jan. 30, 2014 for the murder of her roommate and British student, Meredith Kercher.

After initially being convicted for the 2007 murder in 2009.

Knox served four years of a 26year sentence before the conviction was overturned on Oct. 3, 2011. However, on March 26, 2013, Knox’s acquittal was again overturned by the Italian Supreme Court…sorry Knoxy, not this time. It was also at this time that her ex-boyfriend was also found guilty in Kercher’s murder.

And just in case anybody had forgotten, Knox served a threeyear sentence for slandering boss and bar-owner Patrick Lumumba, while she was in jail from 2007 to 2011, yet another case she is still trying to ap-

peal…surprise, surprise.

Knox, who has now been convicted twice since 2009, has once again decided to appeal the court’s decision. Her cry for help and determination to prove her innocence makes it hard to decipher fact from fiction. However, beneath her tears and plea for justice I think that Knox is guilty for the murder of Meredith Kercher.

Knox stated, “I am frightened and saddened by this unjust verdict. Having been found innocent before, I expected better from the Italian justice system. The evidence and accusatory theory do not justify a verdict of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Rather, nothing has changed. There has always been a marked lack of evidence.

My family and I have suffered greatly from this wrongful persecution.”

Her deep blue eyes, petite stature, and pretty face make her hard not to sympathize with. How could such a cute girl kill someone? It’s easy… the pretty ones are always the

photo courtesy nbc news

Knox must wait until another court date is set to discuss the possibility of extraditing her case to America.

most sinister. Have you never watched Mean Girls, Jawbreaker, or one of the many Bring It On movies? Those bitches are crazy!

You know that psychological trick people play on themselves

to feel better? The one where you do something horrible, but you spend so much time telling yourself that you didn’t do it, that you actually end up believing your own lie? And the best part is, no one will ever know

the truth but you. I believe that Knox has actually convinced herself that she didn’t commit the murder, and will continue to cry wolf until the Italian Supreme Court throws her a bone.

After learning her conviction from her home in Seattle, Knox warned that she will not be returning to Italy willingly and will continue to fight for her innocence. The debate is now up about extraditing the case to America; however, all that is still up in the air as of now. Knox better pray on all her lucky stars that she will be able to serve her sentence on home soil.

Although I think Knox is guilty, I can still somehow see her getting off, or receiving a lesser sentence. If O.J. Simpson can get away with murder, who says Foxy Knoxy can’t? Bat them eyelashes, plead your innocence….again, and maybe with a little luck, Knox too will get away with murder.

opinion

thebucampus.ca

9

Being Black and Gay

By Rose Nanga Contributor

O

ur generation seems to have lifted the heavy veil of homophobia that used to linger in our society. Yet, of the celebrities coming out as homo/bi/ transsexual, very few are black.

Are we open to “alternative” black role models? How could this change the lives of young black LGBT people around the world?

Queen Latifah is not alternative. After multiple ambiguous statements and participating in LGBT events where she declared she was “among her people,” some were hoping that the Grammy’s much publicized gay weddings she presided would lead to a public announcement of what everybody whispers. Claiming that this part of her life is to remain

private, she made no statement.

To me, she is projecting to young people that it is good to be in the closet. Or worse, that being gay is something shameful? We can all understand a superstar’s desire to be private with personal matters, but when it impacts the lives of many young people who identify with and rely on public figures to build their confidence, I feel like she is letting them down.

In the world of hip-hop, Macklemore has caused ripples in the water by throwing the stone that was “Same Love.” I was in Africa when this song became a hit, and witnessed the disgusted faces and insults overflowing each time the video was on. They would call it a “white thing,” which would befoul them by simply watching two guys kissing. Even more disgust was directed to the one who is black.

A call to reform the Senate

By Guillaume Marcotte Contributor

T

rudeau’s decision to remove thirtytwo senators from the Liberal caucus, without any prior consultation or debate, has generated diverse reactions.

Critics argue that it’s an empty gesture, while others praised it as a brilliant political strategy. In essence, not everyone agrees on the potential repercussions of Trudeau’s decision, but at least, the young politician has monopolized the attention and has reinforced the idea that he is about “change.”

The Senate is an old Canadian institution established, along with the House of Commons, by the Constitution Act of 1867. Art Eggleton, senator and former Toronto mayor, called for deep reflection in fear that abrupt changes could “radically change the structure of an institution that has served us well for 146 years.” However, Eggleton’s appeal to tradition, argumentum ad antiquitatem, does little to justify if it is relevant or efficient to keep our current bicameral

photo courtesy blogforiowa.com

Will black cultures around the world ever come to accept homosexuality and the idea of being “black and gay”?

Talking with many Africans and with past experience, I can attest to the deep-seated hatred for homosexuality in African culture. When I came out of the closet, I brought “shame to my family name,” and was disowned by most of my family.

Yet, the support I received from associations, friends, and The L Word helped me overcome.

Others are not as lucky: the risk

of suicide is two to seven times higher for gay, lesbian and bisexual young adults aged 16 to 25 than for heterosexual young people. Also, black LGBT people are statistically more prone to be rejected by their relatives, and end up in prostitution, drug and human trafficking networks.

In our society where trends are set by public figures, maybe

system, that is, keep our Senate.

As a North American copy of the British House of Lords, the Senate was originally intended to: protect the interests of the elite, provide a sober second thought on the decisions taken by the Commons, and to protect regional and provincial interests. Today’s Senate hardly fulfills any of these three functions.

“Rather than providing the Commons with significant and challenging second thoughts on decisions, like initially intended, our Senate has adopted the role of a technician… correction of technical errors in legislative proposals.”

By present standards, protecting the interests of a particular stratum of the population, the wealthy elite, is undemocratic and irrelevant. Furthermore, even if such favouritism was to take place, those wishing to advocate their particular interests will logically find it

photo courtesy yonahmartin.sencanada.ca

This historic institution, the Senate, with its majestic look is in need of renovations, that is, political renovations.

more profitable to do so with the true policy-makers.

Secondly, rather than providing the Commons with significant and challenging second thoughts on decisions, like initially intended, our Senate has adopted the role of a technician. Indeed, the upper chamber’s most significant contribution has been the correction of technical errors in legislative proposals.

Have an opinion?

Have it heard!

Email it to: thecampus.opinions@gmail.com

the solution is in women like Raven-Simoné, a black Disney Channel star who came out publicly as a lesbian. Young women, especially black women, would feel good to have someone on their side. From the public’s perspective, it might normalize the idea of being “black and gay.”

While the list of out-of-closet black celebrities is still very short, public administrations around the world are sending a very strong message of recognition and support to all those repressed by laws that punish one’s sexual orientation with death, like in Uganda, with prison, such as in Cameroon and Nigeria, or by public shaming. The rainbow flags flying in many Western towns – in protest against Russian homophobic laws – might change something for all LGBT people, no matter their race.

Technical review has become the most important duty of the Senate thereby making it the sole task it effectively conducts.

Finally, the Senate fails to protect or to even represent regional or provincial interests. Senators are not elected but appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

As such, senators do not owe allegiance to a region or a province in particular and thus are under no obligation to advocate the interests of the latter.

More often than not, the ties between a senator and the province or region he or she is supposed to represent are insignificant. On the other hand, senators are indebted to the party that put them in place, and would logically be more inclined to align their behaviour to the party line or agenda.

Although the Senate performs tasks such as spotting technical errors, suggesting small improvements to legislative proposals and more recently, stealing from the tax payers, it does not fulfil the tasks for which it was created to do.

A Senate reform, if there needs to be a Senate at all, is 146 years overdue.

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features

The Campus february February 12, 2014

Chelsea Conway, features editor » thecampus.features@gmail.com

The new ‘hyper’ CulTure

By Chelsea Conway features editor

I

t would seem that more and more, everything—and everyone—is connected. Handheld technologies like smart phones, tablets, and the like are fueling an ever-growing wired presence that finds the millennial folk more in touch than ever before. For the latest generation, the saying ‘at your finger tips’ has a whole new and literal meaning, and the immediacy of it all has become commonplace in Western culture.

The once novel din of social media (Facebook, Twitter and the like) has retreated into a sort of virtual ‘white noise’ in recent years. Humming in the background of a rapidly evolving participatory culture, social media was used by one in four people worldwide in 2013. For better or for worse, recent reports have shown that the Internet is fast becoming a leading avenue for establishing and maintaining relationships.

In her book Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, Sherry Turkle argues that the immediacy of social media has resulted in a society that is more preoccupied with technology than focused on one another.

Comparatively, in Spreadable media: Creating value and meaning in a networked culture, authors Henry Jenkins, Sam Ford, and Joshua Green suggest that the spread of media “helps us articulate who we are, bolster our personal and professional relationships, strengthen our relationships with one another, and build community and awareness around the subjects we care about.”

Whichever way the media scholars spin it, the fact remains that technology is changing the game when it comes to meeting new people on and off-line.

The percentage of couples in the United States who first met through friends has declined in the last two decades, from 40 percent to 30 percent as a result of the Internet.

Studies have also revealed that traditional means of meeting a romantic partner—through family and friends, while in school, by being neighbors, and at church—are also in decline.

The Internet has now become the third most likely way for couples to meet, coming in just after friends and almost on par with public spaces like bars, restaurants, etc.

In the age of increasing interconnectedness, social networking apps are making it ever easier to contact others at the swipe of a finger or click

Half a billion matches have been made on Tinder

“a friend from home has used [tinder].

Mostly to hook up.”

— 4 Th year bishop’s sTudenT

of the mouse. But how are technological changes in the social landscape affecting romantic relationships?

Changing the dating game

T

he social networking app Tinder, available for iPhone and Android, thrives on what its developers view as the human desire to be connected with others. Released in 2012 and based in Los Angeles, Tinder has become the United States’ fastest growing free dating app, and the top app in 15 countries.

400 million Tinder profile ratings per day

96%

The app uses Facebook to access a user’s first name and photos for their Tinder profile. Once an account is created, Tinder connects its users with other people in the area who share mutual friends and interests. When and if both parties have “liked” one another’s profiles—by swiping right or left on their phone screen—a private chat box appears, and what happens after the “match” is made is up to them.

Tinder’s simple premise has made the app a success within a hyper-social

of Tinder users had never used a dating app before

Nearly 5 million new matches per day

features features

ThebuCampus.Ca thebucampus.ca

11

by the numbers

20%

of current committed relationships began online

Social media has overtaken porn as the No. 1 activity on the Web

What is more important on a first date (by rank): 1. Personality 2. Smile and Looks 3. Sense of Humour 4. Career and Education

One in 5 divorces are blamed on Facebook

One in 5 couples meet online; 3 in 5 gay couples meet online

47.6

52.4

The percentage of male online dating users

71%

The percentage of female online dating users

of people believe in love at first sight

$1,249,000,000

annual revenue from the online dating industry

41,250,000

number of people in the U.S. who have tried online dating

“[social media] helps us articulate who we are, strengthen our relationships with one another, and build community.”

— henry Jenkins, sam ford, and Joshua Green, auThors of Spreadable media: Creating value and meaning in a networked Culture

(and, some would argue, a hyper-sexual) culture. “It solves the problem of helping you get acquainted with new people you want to know,” chief executive Sean Rad told the New York Times in February of last year.

Rad and fellow co-founder Justin Mateen, both 27, both grew up in Beverly Hills. Rad met his girlfriend through Tinder after they both swiped right last year.

Whether the app is used for meeting, dating, or other purposes varies from person to person. At times, the app is strictly a real-life game of ‘Hot or Not’.

“A friend from home has used [Tinder],” a fourth-year Bishop’s student shared.

“Mostly just to hook up though… like three or four guys in one week, sometimes.”

The opinion that Tinder can be used for casual sex has been cause for criticism since the app’s launch. The main concern has been that technology like Tinder

can facilitate a culture of ‘hooking up’; one that authors like Kathleen A. Bogle and Donna Freitas would suggest leave young adults unfulfilled.

Despite the naysayers, Tinder’s numbers speak for themselves. As of December 2013, Tinder clocks in with and average 400 million profile ratings and 4.5 million matches taking place each day. According to the app’s cofounders, 100 known marriages have resulted from the app as well, meaning there’s a whole lot of Internet lovin’ going around.

Evidence gives weight to the idea that people are now turning to social media when it comes to searching for and finding romance, whether the practice is deemed ‘dating’, ‘connecting’ or ‘hooking up’.

Moreover, attempting to pinpoint this new breed of interactions as ‘real dating’ or simply ‘hooking up’ may prove ineffective, according to some. Elizabeth

Ann Persimmons expressed as much in her 2010 article for Examiner: “I’m not sure if our love affair with these labels helps us to be better-or worse-off in the dating world.”

A growing addiction?

W

ith instant gratification comes a risk for dependence. As of 2013, 23 percent of Facebook users are checking their account more than five times daily. 4.2 billion people use mobile devices to access social media sites, with 60 percent of Twitter users accessing the site from their phones.

Change is not something new to the cybersphere, but for the first time, people have instant access to these changes, an ability to monitor closely the goings-on in their circles of friends, in their cities, in the world around them.

Under these conditions, the practice of knowing becomes an insatiable habit.

Now, when it comes to the Internet,

and particularly social media, we are all users; dependents of a drug that at once makes us feel accepted, rejected, cool, uncool, amazed with everyone and satisfied by nothing.

In the case of Tinder, the average user checks the app 11 times per day, nearly twice the amount of a Facebook user. Like the forms of social media listed above—along with Snapchat and others—the growing immediacy of social applications feeds the addiction.

The silver lining, you could call it, is that as dependent as we are, that dependence is only rarely brought to our attention. Meanwhile, for all its potential misgivings, social media can serve a positive function when it comes to allowing people to engage with one another, and share their knowledge and experiences. tinder statistiCs Courtesy huffington Post; other stats Courtesy digital insights/erik Qualman (“soCionomiCs”)/statistiC Brain

tinder statistiCs Courtesy huffington Post; other stats Courtesy digital insights/erik Qualman (“soCionomiCs”)/statistiC Brain

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a&C

The Campus February 12, 2014

Alissa Ralph, Arts & Culture Editor » thecampus.ac@gmail.com

TheatreActiv: A Review

From tea parties, to tattoos, to Charlie Brown

By Mel MacCoubrey and Will O’Connell Staff writer and contributor

T

his year marked an interesting year for Bishop’s University’s annual theatre festival, TheatreActiv.

To newcomers, this festival puts on nine or ten plays portraying student talent through the acting and direction of professionally written oneacts. And for once, these plays weren’t performed alongside the fashion show. Success.

Night A started off with The Wall by Michael Walter, directed

by Melina Querel, and Matt Beaver. The cast did a good job performing the horrors on either side of the Berlin Wall. This, like the following play, was long and poorly paced, but the directors should be commended for their excellent use of the stage.

As stated, the next play, Catalyst, by John Ibbitson, directed

by Kyle Roberts, was also long and not terribly engaging. Hats off to Jackie Hanlin and Chris Bowe for giving the denouement the spice it needed.

The night closed with the game-changing Essay written

by Hannah Moscovitch, and directed by Kristy Benz. The play revolved around a TA and

history professor’s issues with a student’s essay. Graeme Buchanan did a wonderful job portraying Professor Galbraith, as one could easily forget that he was anything other than the smarmy, sexist professor he set out to be.

Night B was action-packed and started with the monologue “Twirler” by Jane Martin, and portrayed the life of a baton twirler. Benz teased out the audience’s trust, just to snatch it back in a psychopathic climax, proclaiming she could become one with her baton and God at the winter solstice. Benz not only showed her expertise with her craft, but convinced us all with her baton-twirling skills.

After that, Goblin Market, directed by Madeline Morra, kept us in a state of awe. The story, based on a poem by Chrisina Rossetti, was extended with beautiful movement pieces and extremely erotic moments with fruit.

Following intermission came another monologue, “Marks”, performed by Kristy Benz. This was performed as well as the last, and something should be said for her ability to acquire all the right tattoos the piece needed.

The evening closed with the

photo courtesy Anders VanDuzer

Dog Sees God caps off Night B of Theatre Activ with an emotional climax.

heart-wrenching Dog Sees God

by Bert V. Royal, directed by Peter Krasemann. All the ac-

tors did a magnificent job portraying the adolescent years of Charlie Brown and his “friends”.

The show had many clever quips that distracted from its moments of pure intensity, leaving the audience in tears. Shout out to Meaghan Mosher who has grown immensely from her previous performances.

Between a tea party, a dead husband and a whole lot of innuendo, Night C of the Theatre Activ festival went quite well.

The night began with Alice (A Tea Party) directed by Shauna Akkermans. With elaborate costumes and a solid set, the play was extremely entertaining. While the entire cast was good, Kai Rudell’s performance as the Mad Hatter was particularly hysterical.

The second play of the night was Trash Anthem directed by Red McGrath, written by Dan Dietz. With only one on-stage character and a set design consisting of a mere pair of cowboy boots, the play was driven by stellar dramatic performances

by Vanessa Gomory and Julien Amar alike.

The final play of the evening was All Men Are Whores: An Inquiry directed by JB Vanier. It was a poetic play about love and sex, with some excellent movement sequences. In particular, the performances of Rosie Moore and Shayne Cowen-Cholette stood out.

Out this week: So Long, See You Tomorrow Bombay Bicycle Club’s newest album an electronic departure

By Alissa Ralph Ar ts editor

I

have been awaiting the month of February since the summertime. And impatiently so. Instead of February being the month of pink-and-white love-stuff, to me, it was the month that Bombay Bicycle Club’s new album So Long, See You Tomorrow would be released. And I shivered in anticipation.

Generally, I like older music. My particular tastes range from 30s jazz to late 50s doo-wop, from Simon & Garfunkel to Barbra Streisand, so it’s clearly not every day that I can look forward to a new album coming from my most-loved artists.

But for once, a contemporary band that I

absolutely loved was releasing new material.

Originally hailing from Crouch End, London, this four-piece indie-rock band has finally made their way from Europe to North America. With their fourth studio album hitting the top of the charts for the first time in the UK this week, it’s only a matter of time before their riffs hit our radio waves.

Made up of Jack Steadman, Ed Nash, Suren de Saram, and Jamie MacColl, the band got their first bit of recognition when they won a spot in a highly-attended music festival in the UK in 2006.

The festival served as a cannon that shot the band into outer limits occupied by only the most captivating and versatile of artists.

I first discovered the band in mid2010 with their second album, Flaws. A majorly acoustic work, Flaws presented a delicate, finger-picking side of the band I took to be their sole niche. And who doesn’t love acoustic love songs and ditties? I was keen to worship them immediately.

When I moved on to their third album, A Different Kind of Fix, I was surprised.

Where were these drums coming from?

This electric guitar? The cowbell? The more experimental-sound hit me in the gut — and I liked it. Even more than Flaws, so it seemed.

I then felt the compelling need to check out their very first studio album, I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose, released in 2009. Again, I was shocked.

This freshman album had a traditional garage-rock feel with a sincerity unexpected from garage amps. This band seemed to get everything right.

I had no idea what to expect out of this album, and having listened to it a number of times, I have made my verdict. The band has taken a sharp-left from their past albums and have rocketed into a technological future.

In short, So Long, See You Tomorrow is an electronic masterpiece. The first few tracks launch the listener into orbit with dance and rave tracks, and ends with a quiet descent back to earth. From “Overdone” to the album’s title track, it is a great album. I will leave it at that. Go listen.

arts

thebucampus.ca

13

Patrik set to release Dark Matter Mixtape on Feb. 28 Bishop’s artist shares his experiences through his music

By Brian MacIver News editor

S

itting in the recording room at Lex Leosis’ apartment, who Patrik calls his “guru”, Bishop’s’ hip-hop rap artist tells a story of how he got his limp (“busted up during intra-mural basketball”).

As the laughter stops, he gets serious and prepares to deliver a verse of one of his new songs that is going to appear on his second mixtape, titled Dark Matters, to be released online on Feb. 28. As the room gets quiet, he begins.

He listens to the music, bobs his head to the beat, and just as the intro ends he… misses his cue.

“This happens all the time!” he laughs. “I get really into the music, and then I forget that I have to start rapping and then get surprised.”

This is a defining characteristic of Patrik (aka PK, Patrik Kabongo): his ability to shrug off mistakes with a laugh and get back to business. On the second take, the Montreal-born, Toronto-raised musician starts on cue and does not miss a line.

What Patrik brings to the table is a fresher and cleaner rapping style that few others replicate. He often integrates social issues, social lifestyles along with some of his favorite biblical passages and stories into his music, with traditional values being very important to the young musician.

“I don’t talk about the same traditional things that other rappers talk about like women, cars, clothes, jewellery. Instead, I focus on stuff that happened in my life: poverty, violence, friends, mine and my friends’ experiences.”

Dark Matter is the Torontonian’s second mixtape, following his successful first release Public Enemy Number One, which put him on the map as one of the best young freestylers in Canada. The mixtape featured local hits She Wants to Go and Downtown, while also garnering attention from the popular hip-hop website,

photo courtesy vince gagnon

24hourhiphop.com.

“Public Enemy Number One was a great learning experience for me. I tested out a lot of different things like different rapping styles and different content,” says Patrik. “That mixtape was more about the world around me, the new environments that I live in, the way I saw things happening to others.”

Patrik also recognizes the impact that Bishop’s has had on his music, saying that the people he has met have moulded who he is as an artist.

“The people I’ve met at Bishop’s, especially my roommates, they all have different perspectives on music,

which helps a lot. All the experiences I’ve had here and with my roommates have shaped me as a person.”

“Some of the relationships I’ve had with my teachers have also been great. Some of them have taught me some awesome life lessons, especially from Professor Barbara Hunting. She’s been my favourite teacher since my first year, and she was the first teacher to fail me!”

As for his long-term plans, Patrik is ambitious, but does not put any undue pressure on himself.

“I want to make a career out of making music, to unite the world, and to tell my story.”

“Love lifts us up where we belong...” ...on the dance floor!

By Tabitha Brasso-Ernst Ar ts writer

V

alentine’s Day is Friday, and we all have our different thoughts on this special holiday. Whether we’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day can bring a huge wave of scattered emotions, both positive and negative.

In my mind, it’s just another holiday where I can celebrate my friends and family (and maybe score some free chocolate and cinnamon hearts out of the deal), so why not embrace it with cheesy love songs? Though not all cheesy, I’ve compiled a

few of my favourites. . “Save the Best for Last” Vanessa Williams This song is one of my favourites mainly because of the raw honesty in Williams’ voice, hopeful to finally end up with the one she loves most. I would totally be lying if I said I didn’t sing along to this song 99% of the time. . “I Want to Know What Love Is” - Foreigner An 80s classic, this song is all about putting everything on the line for love, complete with a rousing chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head. You also can’t resist lip-synching to this one.

8 7

6

. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” - Whitney Houston I absolutely adore this one, mainly because it belongs on my other playlist consisting of my favourite pump-up jams.

This song never fails to put me in a good mood, no matter what is going on. Go “feel the heat with somebody”! . “Love On Top” - Beyonce It’s Queen Bey – need I say more? I will, but only because she is super fabulous, amazing, and I will forever be in awe of her. Also, those multiple key changes at the end are highly noteworthy. Pun fully intended. . “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” - Stevie Wonder

5 4

Wonder’s killer vocals are on point in this number, and the harmonies backing him up on the chorus add to the groovin’ vibe. Since vocal runs are one of my favourite things in the world, it’s no wonder this song is so high up on the list. . “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” - Elton John A classic tune from the equally classic Disney movie The Lion King. This gorgeous piece has become a staple in many favourite love song playlists. . “Best of My Love” - The Emotions This song has it all: a catchy beat, awesome vocal harmonies, and enough soul for everyone. How could I not love it?

3 2

Another thing to mention is that it was released in 1977, during the prime disco days. Now that’s a time in history I would have loved to be a part of. . “Vision of Love” - Mariah Carey Speaking of soul, Miss Carey is one singer who truly brings all she has to the table. Every time I listen to this song, I am in complete envy of how powerful her belt is, as well as her insane whistle register. One particular cover I love is by Loren Allred, and can be found on Youtube. If you want to be blown away by some amazing vocal technique, I would highly recommend a listen.

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arts

The Campus February 12, 2014

BU REVIEWS

Artificial intelligence has major heart

Spike Jonze’s Her examines modern state of love and technology

By Kai Rudell Ar ts writer

A

s we continue on the road to the Oscars, I thought I would check out a film that’s up for Best Original Screenplay, Best Music, and Best Picture: Spike Jonze’s Her. There was a lot of buzz for what seemed like just another indie movie.

The film tells the story of Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix), an introverted man who has been left in a depressed state by his wife Catherine (Rooney Mara), who filed for divorce.

A new computer operating system has been released with an artificial intelligence program that learns through human interaction. Theodore’s OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) names herself Samantha, and as she steadily becomes more intelligent and self aware, a romance develops between Theodore and “her”.

With Valentine’s Day arriving tomorrow, I’d say that Her is especially relevant, because first and foremost, this is a film about love.

It isn’t, however, about love in the way a romantic comedy approaches the subject. Her gets to the root of the

beauty as well as the messiness and pain of love. The film is very personal, and at times can be unbearably lonely.

First off, while the film is about a love between two, I’d suggest watching the film alone. Because the film deals with our relationship with technology and the isolation that it can cause, watching Her alone with a laptop becomes a highly vicarious experience.

The film follows Theodore very closely, and most of the movie is of him alone as well, with Samantha as a disembodied voice speaking into an earpiece. Theodore does indeed interact with other people, but the intimate camerawork — along with Samantha’s voice talking quietly directly in your ear — makes the film end on a highly one-on-one experience.

Sound as well as the voice are clearly very important to Her, as otherwise Samantha’s presence would be untranslatable. The film’s most beautiful sequence occurs with a completely black screen. Without the need to look through a screen, and perhaps even with eyes closed, just the sound (a medium that has no qualities of feeling “reconstructed”, unlike images) can be experienced as if really being there.

photo courtesy warner bros. pictures

Phoenix and Johansson’s performances, along with close shots like this, create an incredibly intimate experience.

The music, largely composed by the Canadian band Arcade Fire, is futuristic, but not so distantly so. The film is also being nominated for an Oscar for its original “The Moon Song”, a duet created by Samantha and Theodore during the film.

But above all, Her shines because of Joaquin Phoenix’s acting. With his costar being nothing but a voice, Phoenix has the challenge of translating not

just one, but two people’s emotions with his face and body language. The performance is tender and at times devastatingly beautiful.

Her may not leave you particularly elated after viewing, it’s true. But it so finely displays the state of love and technology in today’s world, and is so strongly cathartic, that it is definitely my favourite movie of 2013. A+

The great App debate What to download, buy, and skip

By Peter Krasemann Contributor

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have finally taken the steps to becoming totally dependent on Apple: Apple computer, Apple phone, Apple everything. Consider me a willing subject to the Apple kingdom.

With my iPhone and iPad, I’ve had a heck of a time with the apps in finding the ones that are both fun and the most cost effective. Most of the apps on this list are fairly cheap, but the more expensive ones are worth it. There’s also the chance they go on sale, making the purchase a necessary one.

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ymdkapsel ($3.99) This spacey strategy game is simple and elegant, albeit frustrating when you get stuck. You control tiny white dots in space and the goal is to survive alien attacks and decipher the many monoliths that are strewn about the map. The idea itself is very basic, yet each time I play it, an hour goes by without me noticing it.

Other similar game apps to this are XCOM: Enemy Unknown ($19.99), and Auralux (free).

D

octor Who Legacy (free) If you’re a Doctor Who fan, chances are that you will fall in love with this game. On the surface, it seems to be a bit of a rip-off from Candy Crush with its similar gameplay, but underneath it all, it heavily awards fans of the series.

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eggle HD ($.99) An all-time favourite of mine.

The game is a little like pinball, but with no paddles and the direction of the launched ball up to you. The basic goal is simple: get rid of the orange pegs and get the highest score.

This is mindless fun. Hours and days have been sunk into this, and the people who play it range from casual to hardcore. Popcap has made a huge number of great games for iDevices including Plants vs. Zombies ($.99), Zuma’s Revenge! ($4.99) and Bejew-

photo courtesy popcap games

Need a break from that Bio homework? Get gaming.

eled HD (free).

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ad Piggies HD ($.99) Sorry, but I hate the Angry Bird games. I would much rather play the alternative: Bad Piggies! You play as the pigs from Angry Birds to help con-

struct various devices, gadgets, and machines to help them reach their goal.

It’s a very experimental game that will challenge you mentally. Give it a go!

arts

thebucampus.ca

15

Community coming in strong with Season 5

By Kai Rudell Ar ts writer

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BC’s Community has been through a lot in its fiveseason span, but it is now back in full force. While the show has always had troubles with Nielson ratings, it is critically well received.

Trouble started in 2012 when creator and showrunner, Dan Harmon, was fired. Although it was largely believed to be due to a clash between him and cast member Chevy Chase, in reality, there was a lot more behind the decision. This was a major blow to fans of the show, because it was clear how much Harmon was integral to the show’s essence.

This led to the generallyconsidered unsuccessful fourth season. Viewers complained that with Dan Harmon gone,

photo courtesy NBC

With the return of Dan Harmon, we’re in for the best season yet.

the show was clearly trying to emulate something it couldn’t be. The central complaint was that the show was missing Harmon’s particular worldview.

Listeners of Harmon’s podcast Harmontown will likely attest to the uniqueness of Harmon’s outlook. Along with longtime friend, improviser Jeff B. Davis (of Whose Line? fame), the unscripted podcast is live at Los Angeles’ Nerdmelt theatre.

From politics, to pop culture, to Pringle-can dicks, Harmon clearly has thoughts on a numerous subjects fans care about.

Through outlets like Harmontown, one can conclude why problems arose. Harmon is clearly a very outspoken man.

His strong convictions and sometimes unpopular opinions can lead him to butt heads with even those who’d consider themselves fans of his work.

But these flaws of Harmon are perhaps what made the show so human and relatable in the first place. And as a selfprofessed outcast, Harmon has injected into Community views that aren’t often shared through popular media, leading to the show resonating strongly with audiences.

Now with Harmon’s return, these outlooks are making a full comeback in Community’s fifth season. The season leapt off to a strong start with its double-episode opener, which displayed a new direction for the show.

Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) returns to Greendale Community College as a professor of law, and a new character arrives, criminology professor Buzz Hickey (Jonathan Banks, from Breaking Bad). While the basic premise of the show is slightly changed, it could be argued that the show never spent too much

time focusing on its premise, and so the basic essence is unchanged.

The four other aired episodes have all been incredibly enjoyable as well, with episode four “Cooperative Polygraphy”, that deals with the death of former main character Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase), being particularly funny.

For longtime fans of the show, episode five’s “Geothermal Escapism” was particularly touching, as it dealt with the departure of main cast member Donald Glover from the show.

Known outside the show as rapper Childish Gambino, Glover made the decision to most likely focus on his music career.

Season 5 of Community is 13 episodes and is currently on break for the Olympics. The show will return February 27, airing Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.

horoscopes: SEX EDITION... OH YES WE DID! CANCER (June 22 – July 23) Sex is an emotional journey for young Cancers. Be prepared to laugh, even during the act, and accept that sometimes the tears might need to flow.

Kissing booth: Tender and personalized Accessory of choice: Candle, perfect mood setter

By Aunt wu Cookie maker and tea reader

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 – Feb. 19) Generally content with sexual activities that aren’t necessarily extravagant. If they can really trust their partner, they’ll be willing to explore great heights and depths.

Kissing booth style: They like the buildup of kisses, where one leads to the next Accessory of choice: Edible underwear PISCES (Feb. 20 – Mar. 20) Party with Pisces! To them, sometimes it takes three to tango. With high sex appeal, they’re a fascinating partner but a bit of a roller coaster, so be ready for the unexpected.

Kissing booth style: Seldom, sudden, and surprising Accessory of choice: Erotic movie ARIES (March 21 – April 20) Aries are full of lusty impulses and know what they want. Hesitation will bring you much dissatisfaction, so take charge.

Kissing booth style: Extremely tantal-

izing and focused Accessory of choice: Hand cuffs to tie down prey TAURUS (April 21 – May 21) No one will get in your pants that easily! Whoever wants to get with the Taurus will have to be ready for lots of foreplay in and out of the bedroom. Mutual respect is crucial for you, so don’t compromise.

Kissing booth style: Precision and elegance Accessory of choice: A rose, for romance and aroma GEMINI (May 22 – June 21) Talk dirty! The most oral of all the signs -vocally and sexually- you enjoy intellectual equals as partners who can stimulate your body as well as your mind. Gemini like to take their time, but they get the job done.

Kissing booth style: Clean kissers, they like to perfect their craft Accessory of choice: Book on sexual positions

LEO (July 24 – Aug. 23 Very attractive and hypnotizing.

Great lover, but sometimes a little self centered. Not very quiet, Leos like to express their enjoyment.

Kissing booth style: Warm, wet and wonderful Accessory of choice: Vibrator VIRGO (Aug. 24 – Sept. 23) Very eager to please, Virgos will listen to their partner to deliver an unforgettable time. They are refined and will make sure you come back for more.

Kissing booth style: Sizzling and sensuous Accessory of choice: Massage oil LIBRA (Sept. 24 – Oct. 23) Boots, oils, lingerie, toys...bring it on!

Sometimes sex with the Libra can look like a bad porno, but for them, it’s a judgment-free zone and time for fun. Don’t over think it, and let’s role play!

Kissing booth style: Tongue and tease

Accessory of choice: Costumes SCORPIO (Oct. 24 – Nov. 22) Scorpios always get what they want, and sex with them is far from conventional. Open minded, they will push boundaries and throw in a little spanking or a bite here and there.

They expect their partners to be on their wave length.

Kissing booth style: Experimental, surprising and unique Accessory of choice: Fetish fantasy swing SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 – Dec. 21) Vivacious, spontaneous and — let’s face it — a little freaky in bed, this horny sign holds many surprises. They are at their best in bed in a long-term relationship rather than a one-night fling.

Kissing booth style: Sexy, playful and memorable Accessory of choice: Body paint CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 20) Smart, sassy, and sexy. Capricorns aren’t complicated, but love to play hard to get, because to them it’s part of the fun. Let them make themselves irresistible to you, no regrets guaranteed.

Kissing booth style: Puts their entire body into a kiss Accessory of choice: Sexy board game

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sports

The Campus February 12, 2014

Jared Perlmutter, Sports Editor » thecampus.sports@gmail.com

Gaiters men soar as ladies struggle

By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts editor

B

oth the mens and women Gaiters basketball teams were in action this past weekend. The teams started off with a home match up against Concordia on Friday, Feb. 7, followed by games at Concordia on the Saturday.

The Men’s team came away unscathed, rallying off two consecutive victories against the Stingers. With these wins, the Gaiters (8-2) sit four points behind RSEQ leaders McGill.

The Lady Gaiters struggled against their foes this weekend, losing both match ups to the sixth-ranked Stingers.

These two losses officially eliminated the Lady Gaiters from playoff contention.

There were positives to take away from these two games. Third year guard Catherine Rondeau has remained the steady guiding force for the Lady Gait-

photo courtesy gaiters.ca

Despite strong efforts from their veterans, the Lady Gaiters came up short against Concordia

ers. Playing in an astonishing 77 of 80 possible minutes this weekend, Rondeau has been a workhorse for the team.

Averaging 9.1 points a game this season, Rondeau topped her average in both contests. Friday night, Rondeau led the way with 10 points. She followed this up with 12 points away at Mitchell Gym. Additionally, Rondeau chipped in with three assists in both contests.

Rondeau was helped out by strong

performances from Danielle Lumley, and Genevieve Onyeka on Friday and Saturday respectively. Lumley had a near double-double on Friday, scoring 10 points to go along with nine rebounds.

On Saturday, Onyeka pulled down 10 rebounds and chipped in with five points.

On the men’s side, second year guard Jona Bermillo has continued to thrive.

Jona put up a career high 26 points against Concordia at home. Bermillo was an impressive 5 of 5 from the free throw line, to go along with his 10 of 13 performance from the floor.

Despite a final score of 73-64, the game was tightly contested all night. Leading by four points going into the final quarter, the Gaiters turned up the heat for the final segment, and came away with the win. The win sealed a playoff berth for BU. On the second night of the home-andhome, it was Majid Naji who led the way for BU. Naji scored 14 points for BU en

How BU has become a football factory

By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts editor

T

he University of Alabama Crimson Tide are known for one thing and one thing only: football. Every year it seems, pundits are going crazy over the potential NFL stars coming out of Tusca-loosa. In his six years at the helm of Alabama, head coach Nick Saban has sent 33 players to the NFL. The influx of highly touted young talent has garnered Alabama the title of “Football Factory”. Year after year, without fail, there seems to be a can’t miss talent or two coming out of Saban’s program.

CFL teams appear to have found their factory, located right here in Lennoxville. In recent years, Bishop’s has seen an influx of former Gaiters heading for the bright lights of the CFL. For such a small school and program, the number of CFLers and potential CLFers that called BU home is simply staggering.

The BC Lions alone have five players who once called Coulter Field home. Established veterans Tim Cronk, Kyle Jones and Shawn Gore all wore the Purple and Silver. In addition, receiver Stephen Adekolu, who just finished up his eligibility this past season, has signed on to attend training camp, with a shot at making the

team.

Out west, Alberta boasts a handful of Gaiters looking to make an impact in the league. Defen-sive lineman Junior Turner has suited up for the Calgary Stampeders since 2011. As well, re-cently graduated Gaiter Ryland Smith has come to terms with the Stamps, and will aim to make impact in his first year.

Elsewhere in Alberta, Edmonton’s Elie Ngoyi has completed his first season in league. After breaking the CFL combine record for bench press (40 reps of 225), Ngoyi enjoyed a strong start to his career, becoming an active part of the Eski’s special teams unit. Joining him on special teams will be former Gaiter Matt Boulay.

Formerly a member of the Roughriders, Boulay is looking to stick in Edmonton.

The Gaiters are also represented in both Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. Looking to follow in the footsteps of Cronk is Matt Burke, who agreed to terms with the Roughriders just after the new year. Burke, a running back at BU, will play primarily fullback at the next level. Elsewhere, in Winnipeg, former Gaiter Dan West has just finished up his second season with the Bombers. West, who played linebacker at BU, has made the switch to safety at the next level.

Moving back east, the Toronto Argonauts inked CFL vet, and former Gaiter, James Yurichuk. Yurichuk has played in the league since 09, making him one of the

ATTENTION: BU STUDENTS! W

e have an offer for you! This Friday, February 14, (that’s right: Valentine’s Day) you can take your date to the Gaiters basketball game and it will only cost you $3! BU student tickets are 2-for-1! There is no love lost between these two

teams on the court; your support is needed to cheer the Gaiters onto VICTORY! #GaiterCrush is the event to be at!

The women start at 6 p.m. with the men to follow at 8 p.m. in Mitchell Gym. For $3 you can treat your crush while you watch the Gaiters CRUSH

McGILL!

Check out www.gaiters.ca for all the latest news and information, get your tickets at Doolittle’s or Game day at the Plex.

GO GAITERS!

route to a hard fought 64-61 victory in hostile territory.

Despite falling behind 4-0 early, the Gaiters responded with a 17-0 run, taking a 12 point lead into the second quarter. A closely contested second frame saw the Gaiters coming into the half with a solid 10 point lead.

Once again however, it was the fourth quarter that saw the Gaiters come alive.

With Naji scoring 6 of his 14 points in the frame, the Gaiters were able to hold off a late game run by Concordia and emerge with the win.

This pair of wins not only sees the Gaiters sitting alone in the second place in the RSEQ, but also gives BU a tiebreak over Concordia.

Both the men’s and the women’s teams will be in action again on Valentine’s Day in Mitchell gym against the McGill Redmen and Martlets respectively. Make sure to come out and support your Gaiters!

longest tenured Gaiters. Having just completed his first season with the Argos, Yurichuk boasts a career stat line of 50 tackles, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

Joining Yurichuk in the double blue is former Gaiter Jermaine Gabriel. Drafted last season along with Ngoyi, Gabriel will aim for ‘can’t miss player’ on special teams for the Argos.

The Montreal Alouettes, the team in closest proximity to Lennoxville and BU, have also recently picked up a former Gaiter. Geoff Coventry, longtime Gaiter’s receiver has come to terms with Montreal, and hopes to make a case for playing time in his first year in the league. Additionally, the Alouettes recently resigned former Gaiter offensive lineman, Ryan White.

Even the CFL’s newest franchise is getting in on the act. The expansion Ottawa Redblacks have signed Gaiter’s corner Steven Adu. Adu, the leading tackler on the Gaiters in 2013, will be reu-nited with former BU head coach Leroy Blugh, who recently signed on as Redblacks defensive line coach.

While we may not be the biggest school in Canada, Bishop’s boasts a plethora of football talent. Having honed their craft on Coulter Field, many Bishop’s athletes have made the step to the next level. While Lennoxville is no Tuscaloosa, it might be as close as we get here in Canada.

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thebucampus.ca

Is the NFL ready for Michael Sam?

All-American College Football Player could become first openly Gay player in the NFL

By Dylan Konecny Contributor

A

merica’s most popular sport will be potentially welcoming its first openly gay player after May 8 once the NFL draft is completed. SEC Defensive Player of the Year and All-American Defensive End Michael Sam formerly of the University of Missouri Tigers, has just come out of the closet..

Sam led the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (19). Missouri had a Cinderella year this past season, their second year in the SEC. After going 2-6 in their new conference and 5-7 overall, Mizzou was able to have a quick turnaround and went 7-1 in the SEC, claiming the SEC East division title and finishing the season 11-2. They capped it off with a win over former Big XII conference rival Oklahoma State in the Cotton Bowl.

Sam has received widespread support from a variety of media personalities, the NFL itself and even First Lady Michelle Obama who chimed in on Twitter with support: “You’re an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn’t be prouder of your courage both on and off the field.” her Twitter handle tweeted.

This is a huge turning point for the NFL, a league that is no stranger to controversy regarding discrimination and social issues. Just last year a very outspoken Chris Culliver went on a homophobic tirade during the Super Bowl Media Day. When asked a question by a

reporter regarding whether an openly gay player would be welcomed in an NFL locker room, Culliver answered “I don’t do the gay guys man,” according to Yahoo.

“I don’t do that. No, we don’t got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.” Culliver, when asked about his opinion on a closeted teammate coming out after their career in the NFL, Fast forward to November 2013. The NFL is in a crisis as Jonathan Martin has taken a leave of absence from the Miami Dolphins and Richie Incognito is suspended from the team for his conduct. The NFL is dealing with a “bullying” scandal that eventually revealed racist and homophobic slurs being used regularly. All of this showing that although the NFL preaches tolerance and being open minded some players are still far from it.

Sam’s decision to come out at this point in time was not his original decision; originally he wanted to wait until after the draft had been completed.

However, at the Senior Bowl reporters were all trying to break the story and a significant number of coaches and GMs seemed to already know. Sam moved up his announcement through interviews with the New York Times and ESPN as a way to control his own story.

Michael Sam is not currently in the NFL. Initial scouting reports and mock drafts have him ranked as a player that could be drafted anywhere between the third and seventh rounds. This is due to Sam not being a prototypical player for

photo courtesy pbs.com

Despite not having played a snap yet in the NFL, Michael Sam has already made waves across the league.

his position at the NFL level. Sam at 6 ‘2 and 260 lbs is considered too small for defensive end and would have to be developed as a player to make any significant impact for a team (possibly at the outside line backer position in a 3-4 defensive scheme).

The NFL has measures already in place that would ensure a non-discriminatory environment for all players. The league has reiterated that it does in fact have a workplace conduct policy that prohibits discrimination of any kind in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Put in place at the beginning of 2012 it states ”There will be no discrimination in any form against any player by the NFL, the Management Council, any Club or by the NFLPA because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or activity or lack of activity on behalf of the NFLPA.”

In the coming weeks Sam will be endlessly debated and scrutinized and his entire life now will be under the microscope. By coming out Sam has put a national spotlight on himself before ever playing a down on an NFL Field.

Michael Sam has embarked on a journey that is the NFL dream. When all is said and done the record will show that Sam was a good football player at the college level. If he wants to prove he can last at the next level he is going to go through obstacles as his case is unique and unprecedented. This will all start at the gauntlet that is the NFL scouting combine on Feb. 22-25 and leading up to the draft on May 8-10. The NFL is facing the biggest test in its entire history and the court of public opinion will serve as judge and jury in regards to how it moves from here.

‘Love for sports’ takes on a whole new meaning Top 10 Athlete Power Couples

By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts editor

B

eing a professional athlete brings about a large amount of public scrutiny in just about all aspects of life.

This is perhaps most evident in the much maligned love lives of athletes.

As public figures (who also have loads of money) we as a society have taken fondly to following the romantic endeavours of some of our favourite athletes.

In what is becoming a common occurrence, athletes are seeming to stick together; more and more athlete couples are popping up in the tabloids. Here are some highlights: 0) Sonya Richards-Ross & Aaron Ross:

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She is a four time Olympic gold medalist and he is a two time Super Bowl champ. I think their power speaks for itself. ) Kristi Yamaguchi & Brett Hedican: Both have represented their country at the highest level, as both Yamaguchi and Hedican were US Winter Olympians.

Yamaguchi’s name is synonymous with the golden era of American figure skating, while Hedican was a long-tenured, and relatively solid defenseman in the NHL. ) Nadia Comaneci & Bart Conner: Perhaps a little lesser known than other couples on this list, they are two of the most decorated athletes in their discipline.

Comaneci will always be remembered for redefining gymnastics at the Olympics, captur-

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ing an astounding five Olympic gold medals. Conner, a fellow gymnast has a couple golds to his name as well. ) Cammi Granato & Ray Ferraro: One of the rare hockey playing couples, Granato was one of the most dominant woman hockey players ever. Ferraro, while not the dominant force his wife was, was a solid veteran force in the locker room for multiple NHL teams. Ferraro now works as a broadcaster for TSN. ) Marianne St-Gelias & Charles Hamelin: An all-Canadian couple here, Hamelin is fresh off his third Olympic gold in short track speed skating. St-Gelais is no slouch herself, having won two medals in short track in Vancouver.

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) Steffi Graf & Andre Agassi: Tennis’ crown couple, at their prime both Graf and Agassi were considered the best their respective gender had to offer. Their paralleled dominance on the court appears to have led to romance, as the two remain happily married today. ) Candace Parker & Sheldon Williams: Simply put, Candace Parker is the most dominant female basketball player the world has ever seen. Williams -a former fifth overall NBA Draft Pickwas an absolute stud at Duke, but was unfortunately never able to translate his game to the NBA court. ) Caroline Wozniacki & Rory McIlroy: Both young starlets in their respective sports, Wozniacki and McIlroy are just hitting

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their respective primes. She is the former world champion in tennis, and he has held the same ranking in golf. ) Maria Kirilenko & Alex Ovechkin: Ovechkin, despite being an avid partier, appears to finally be tied down. The NHL’s premier goal scorer found himself a fellow Russian, and athlete in Kirilenko. Though not as dominant as Alex, Kirilenko is a high-level tennis player. ) Lindsey Vonn & Tiger Woods: This one isn’t even close. One of the richest athletes of all time (Woods) found someone as dominant in their discipline as he is. Vonn, despite not being at Sochi due to injury, is without question the most dominant female skier we may ever have seen.

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sports

The Campus February 12, 2014

Football 2.0?

NFL Trends and Coming Changes

By Marcus Lam-Peters Spor ts writer

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.Expanded playoff system.

The NFL is in a period of transformation. Commissioner Roger Goodell is trying to gain more viewership. For example, in recent years changes to the rules that aid offences have been made in an attempt to increase scoring. Recently the commissioner announced that the league is considering expanding the current playoff system from 12 to 14 teams.

A common critique of the current system is that due to the lack of parity throughout the NFL, weaker teams that win their division make the playoffs over teams with better records in the same conference.

For example the Packers at 8-7-1 made the playoffs over the 10-6 Cardinals. The expanded system would address parity issues giving more teams a shot at the playoffs. It would also add to the excitement of the playoffs due to an increased number of scenarios and an extra two games during Wild Card Weekend. . Medical marijuana.

This year both participating Super Bowl teams were from states that has legalized medical and recreational marijuana use. Coincidentally Goodell announced in January

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photo courtesy espn

After winning his first Super Bowl, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has bucked the trend of college coaches failing in the NFL.

that the NFL would consider allowing the use of medicinal marijuana to treat concussions and other head related injuries if their medical experts believe it could be beneficial.

He also made it clear that the experts have not yet made that assertion. Still, the leader of a billion dollar brand is surely not making an idle statement.

Will the NFL be the first professional league to actively allow its players to smoke weed? . College coaches in the NFL. In the past a number of college coaches have tried their hand at coaching professionally and the vast majority of them have failed. It has largely been found that the college game does not translate in the NFL because the players are just that much better. It seems though that the time of the college coach has arrived.

In addition to this year`s Super Bowl title, Pete Carroll has lead his team to the playoffs in three of his first four

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Not just your father’s sport

By Michael Stanley Contributor

P

rofessional sports like hockey, baseball, basketball and football have always been popular. They’ve drawn fans of all ages and have young kids dreaming of going pro. Rarely however do you hear kids say that they would like to become a professional golfer.

Most people think of golf as a game “their dad plays”. Thought to be for the older generation, or as a relaxing hobby, others now understand how competitive the game is and how difficult it is to reach the pro level, especially with the new fitness trend on the professional tours.

The overall consensus is that the fitness revolution happened when Tiger Woods started on tour. His long drives and dedication to fitness is what new generations of golfers were looking up to. Although distance has its advan-

years coaching the Seahawks.

His bitter division rival, the 49ers, are also led by a former college coach. Jim Harbaugh has reached three Conference Championships in his first three years at the reigns, the only coach in NFL history to do so.

Lastly newcomer from Oregon Chip Kelly was named head coach of the Eagles and led them to an NFC East title with a revitalized offence. As the league continues to shift into this new age of football expect teams to begin taking chances on college minds. .Big defensive backs.

Every year the league evolves just a bit and revelations are revealed. In 2011 everyone realized a big athletic tight end is any defenses worst nightmare. Last year the option quarterback took the league by storm. This year offences were shaken up by the Legion of Boom. Big, physical defensive backs that athletically matchup against anyone and maybe the

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tages, nothing is more integral than consistency, the new revolution appears to be proving this.

I asked a friend (and fitness trainer on the PGA Tour), Andrew Fischer’s thoughts and opinions on a few of the topics surrounding golf fitness.

What are your thoughts on the trend in golf with fitness trainers and athlete conditioning playing such a huge role on the Tours now?: “In no other sport do you see coaches making the front of magazines as you see in golf. The push is now with FTs (fitness trainers) and social media: They will play a factor in showing their importance; it’s the new successor of golf instructors” What do you mean by the next big instructor movement?

“With fitness now we can take your natural path, ability and build your body around it. It’s more effective than hitting golf balls for 3 hours on the range, instead you’re bettering your body and at

best secondary we’ve seen so far this century.

Anyone who watched the Super Bowl witnessed the taming of the Bronco`s receivers, four of whom had touchdown numbers in the double digits. That performance was stunning in its efficiency and this being a copycat league, it`s likely that teams will be hunting for defensive backs that can match up in the same way. . Concussion lawsuit lingers.

During the 2013 season the NFL reached a settlement with the plaintiffs of an injury lawsuit. The number initially reached was $765 million with $675 million of that split between 20, 000 plaintiffs over a 65 year period. Presiding judge Anita Brody recently stated that she is not satisfied the settlement, ``Has no obvious deficiencies, grants no preferential treatment to segments of the class, and falls with the range of possible approval.`` When you do the math it`s hard to see how the sum of money could possibly support even half that number of plaintiffs for that period of time. It is now up to the lawyers to either provide supporting documentation to convince the judge otherwise or to provide further provisions which may satisfy her. . Protecting players, is there a solution?

The NFL has taken the stance that they are trying to protect

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the same time it builds confidence which is the mental aspect of golf. It’s the next big push in golf which will make it even more competitive”.

Notable golfers who shot up the world rankings after dedicating their efforts to golf fitness include former #1 Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald, as well as Andrew’s own client Bubba Watson, who went from 75th to 4th after working hard and dedicating himself.

Where do you see fitness moving forward in the Golf industry? “ I see it as having a lot more exposure and awareness in society and that you can even start seeing the importance coaches are putting on it at younger ages and in university. It can take faults in your swing, with a bit of work in the gym and still being able to enjoy the game instead of tiring you out on the range, it’s also more focused on the body then the swing. Common faults of a swing are often the results of tightness in the body or instability, which golf fitness can

player health, the main focus of which are head related injuries.

Rule changes have been implemented that aim to discourage head shots. This has done so effectively but brought with it a new problem. Players aiming lower has led to a rise in knee related injuries. Polled results have revealed players are most largely more fearful of knee injuries than head related one, so the NFL now has another problem to solve. Hopefully the solution isn`t more rule changes. There is only so much that can be done to avoid injuries in such a violent game before it`s no longer the same game. . Loss of the extra point.

After almost every touchdown scored the point after team comes out, lines up and kicks the ball through the uprights for one point. There seems to be no challenge in this play, being so successful it`s often taken for granted.

Kickers went 1256 for 1261 on extra point attempts this season. With excitement being the key aim of the NFL brand, it is desired that each play have this possibility. Goodell has announced that the league will look into eliminating the extra point perhaps automatically awarding seven points for a touchdown with the option to go for two which risking a point on a failed attempt.

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cure”.

Being a Varsity golfer myself, I see the importance of body control, especially in pressure situations and have recently taking the initiative to work on my “golf fitness” in the offseason in hopes of better results in the summer and next fall.

When asked to give his final thoughts Andrew answered: “You have to love what you do and not see it as “work”, it’s not a “work”-out, it’s getting fit and doing something better for yourself which can be achieved even without weights. Enjoy the moments and the journey and don’t worry what others are doing. That’s the difference I see with the guys on Tour, is how hard they work and the conscious decisions they make. Does a Tiger lose sleep over the opinion of a sheep? Remember to have fun.”

For more information on Andrew Fischer and to keep up to date with his fitness and travel video’s across all social media platforms. Check out www.phishfit.com

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thebucampus.ca

OLYMPIC COVERAGE

Sochi Roundup

By Emilie Hamel Contributor

O

n the evening of February 7, Russian president Vladimir Putin officially opened the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi. 40,000 spectators witnessed three mindblowing hours of Russian music, history and culture put together by 2,000 performers. The parade of the nations, where one by one, the 87 delegations entered the stadium, was a longawaited moment by the spectators.

The Canadian team, composed of 221 athletes, wore red, white and black kits. After the speech by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Putin announcing the Games “open”, the Olympic torch was transported to light the Olympic cauldron. After the spectacular fireworks the 16 days of competition was now underway!

AY ONE Five disciplines were to give their sets of medals: biathlon,

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cross-country, freestyle skiing (Moguls), snowboard (slopestyle) and speed skating. In biathlon men’s sprint, Canadian Jean-Philippe le Gullec finished fifth only 9.7 min behind first. In cross-country ladies’ skiathlon, two Norwegians collected gold and bronze. Women’s mogul finals was won by Justine Dufour-Lapoint of Montreal -the first gold for Canada- with her sister Chloe winning silver.

2010 winner Hannah Kearney placed third. In slopestyle, the always smiling Mark McMorris prevailed and grabbed the bronze medal. A broken rib, which he suffered just two weeks ago at the X Games wasn’t able to stop him. The 20 year old performed an amazing run with two triple corks. Men’s 5000m speed skating was dominated by the Netherlands. Far behind was Canada’s Mathieu Giroux, who finished 22nd. After one day of competition, Norway was leading the medals table with two golds, one silver and one bronze.

Right behind, in second

position, with one of each medal, was Canada and the Netherlands.

Day one proved to be a great start for Canada!

AY TWO On Sunday seven sports were given results: downhill skiing, biathlon, cross-country, figure skating, ski jumping, snowboard and speed skating. In the competition of men’s downhill, Matthias Mayer of Austria made his way down the fastest.

A surprise win since he was ranked eleventh.

Canadian veteran Erik Guay finished tenth, only 0.81 seconds after Mayer. For women’s biathlon 7.5 km sprint, Anastasiya Kuzmina of Slovakia, Olga Vilukhina of Russia and Vita Oberhofer won the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.

For men’s crosscountry 15 km classic plus 15 km free, Switzerland’s Dario Cologna finished first in the race beating Marcus Hellner from Sweden by 0.4 of a second and Martin, Johnsrud from Norway by 1.4 seconds. A tight sprint for sure!

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photo courtesy blogcdn.com

Justine Dufour-Lapointe captured Canada’s first gold of Sochi, and was joined on the podium by her sister, Chloe.

For the first time in the Winter Olympics, a team event for figure skating was being held.

There were three events: single men and women, pairs and pair ice dancing. Russia collected 75 points during the threeday battle. Canada rose to the second step of the podium with 65 points.

In team ice dance free skate, Kevin Reynolds skated nearly perfect landing three quads with ease. However, the Russians only needed to skate conservatively to secure the gold so Evgeny Plushenko performed a single quad.

A bit of controversy circulated around the scores given to both competitors 168,20 and 167,20 respectively. Judges said they awarded Plushenko with such a score because of his personality. In

the women’s free skating, 18-year-old Kaetlyn Osmond finished 5th. In the pairs ice dance free, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir finished second behind the Americans.

Men’s ski jumping went to Kamil Stoch from Poland with jumps of 105.5m and 103.5m.

Second was Peter Prev of Slovania. Third was Norway’s Anders Bradal.

In the women’s snowboard sloplestyle, American Jamie Anderson won the gold with a score of 95.25. Enni Rukajarvi of Finland grabbed the silver with 92.50, and Jenny Jones from Britain took the bronze with 87.25. Canadian Spencer O’Brien, a favorite entering the final, finished last in every run.

The last challenge was the ladies’ 3000m speed skating.

Netherlands

won the gold followed by the Czech Republic with silver and Russia with bronze. The two Canadians in the field, Brittany Schussler and Ivanie Blondin finished 19th and 24th, respectively. After day two Canada added one silver medal.

AY THREE Men’s biathlon 12.5 pursuit: 1-Martin Fourcade (FRA), 2-Ondrej Moravec (CZE), 3Jean Guillaume Beatrix (FRA) Men’s moguls: 1- Alex Bilodeau (CAN), 2- MIkael Kingsbury (CAN), 3- Alexandr Smyshlyaev (RUS) Men’s short track: 1Charles Hamelin (CAN), 2- Tianyu Han (CHN), 3Victor An (RUS) Men’s speed skating 500m: 1- Michel Mulder (NED), 2- Jan Smeekens (NED), 3- Ronald Mulder (NED) After day three, Canada was leading the medal count with 3 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze.

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To watch the games on campus, the Gait is hosting events. Swing by the SUB to join in on the fun.

Obama’s war on Sochi

By Jared Perlmutter Spor ts editor

T

he Olympics are supposed to be about more than just sport. What the Olympics are, at least according to the IOC’s website, is an attempt at “building a peaceful and better world by educat-ing youth through sport”. In simple terms then, the aim of the Olympics is to unite the world through our commonalities in sport.

The 2014 Sochi Olympics, set to be (by far) the most expensive Olympics yet, has hit a couple of bumps along the road to unity. It all started well before the games; when Russia decided to crack down on homosexuality and pedophelia.

This act, which concludes that public display of homosexuality is damaging to the psyche of Russian youth, has caused quite the controversy.

It appears as well that Russia has

ticked off the most powerful man on the globe; Barack Obama. The US president has been vocal in his support not only of gay rights on the home front, but across the entire world.

This is perhaps most notable in the delegation that Obama selected to attend the games, includ-ing several high profile openly gay athletes.

Among them, is Brian Boitano. A former Olympic medalist in figure skating in 1988, who is openly gay. Joining Boitano was Caitlin Cahow, another former US Olympian, and an outspoken member of the LGBT community.

The most noteworthy member of the delegation however, is the one who unfortunately could not attend. Billie Jean King, asides from being one of the most recognizable faces in sporting histo-ry, is also perhaps the sporting world’s most noteworthy advocate of equal rights.

Openly lesbi-an, King has been an active voice in the LGBT community for seemingly forever.

Unfortunately, due to an illness in the family, King was unable to attend Sochi as part of the del-egation. However, the message sent by Obama in her selection was still heard loud and clear.

Despite the uncharacteristically large number of world leaders attending Sochi, Obama seems to never have even given it consideration. Many, including NBC’s Bob Costas have gone as far as to question Obama’s intentions.

In a recent interview with Costas, Obama was asked whether or not his relationship with Putin factored into his decision to not attend. As is to be expected, Obama deflected this question , instead saying simply that “there are a lot of things going on”, and it is because of these “things” that he would not be able to attend.

While this is likely true, there is no question that had Obama wanted to attend Sochi for the opening ceremonies, it would have been possible. That said, it begs the question of whether or not

he actually wanted to attend in the first place.

Russian US relations have never been great. This was not helped by the Russian backing of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, after his alleged chemical attacks on rebels in the ongoing civil war in the Middle-Eastern country.

What has ultimately resulted, was a perfect storm of events and decisions leading up to Sochi. Obama was presented with convenient and justifiable reasons for not attending. While Sochi may be President Putin’s most public display of the power and sway he holds amongst other world leaders, he was missing one key cog.

While Putin may be able to intimidate the leaders of Russia’s closest allies, it is just the opposite for Russia’s biggest competition for world power. Obama is standing staunch in his support of what is right and equal, and his attendance (rather, his lack thereof) sends a message loud and clear to the Kremlin.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Photos courtesies Dylan Gagnon (Top), Maghen Eisan (Middle left and right, bottom right), Natalia Apic (Bottom left)

Political and International studies association visits quEbec city

Big Buddies go sledding!

SRC ELECTION CANDIDATES AT SPEAKER’S NIGHT