The Concordian

theconcordian Independent student newspaper at Concordia University. Since 1983.

Volume 30 Issue 16

January 8, 2013

Making the grade

A misunderstAnding over the finAl exAminAtion in december left students unsure of their overAll grAdes in An introductory level business course. Photo illustrAtion by leslie schAchter

Changes in course content lead to miscommunication at Concordia’s JMSB Andrew Maggio and Kalina Laframboise Staff writer and News editor

Students enrolled in a John Molson School of Business course were caught in a crossfire between the professor and faculty administration over a miscommunication regarding a change

in course content.

Part-time instructor Marc Picard addressed his students for a COMM 212 business communication course mid-December in an email claiming that the administration purposely refused to approve the final grades he submitted and that the exam administered was aimed to produce l

ow marks.

“In my 41 years of university teaching, I had never seen such ridiculously low marks for an exam … What I learned when I contacted the person in charge was that this was no fluke or accident. It was a pre-planned, deliberate, calculated attempt to devise an exam that was meant to yield these re-

sults for reasons that are too ludicrous for words,” the email read.

At the time, student Heather Nicholson said she was disappointed with both the faculty and the school.

“Knowing how much I studied, and how much my classmates studied, we deserve better than to be given an exam that is designed for failure,”

Nicholson told The Concordian.

The Advocacy Centre, according to co-ordinator Lisa White, was made aware of the situation and the email from Picard to his students but clarified that no students had approached the centre to complain.

Continued on P. 3

In this issue... life

arts

music

sports

opinions

The best of Karaoke P. 5

MainLine’s doors stay open P. 7

The year’s best and worst P. 9

ConU’s sports facilities P. 11

Improving U.S. gun laws P. 13

We tell your stories. Follow us on Twitter: @TheConcordian

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news Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Got a news tip? news@theconcordian.com

City in brief Matthew Guité

>> Ambulance workers strike new round of protests Ambulance technicians and paramedics have begun a new round of protests across the province to pressure health officials to return to negotiations related to their pay scales and benefits. The union representing the workers has said that their pension plan is unacceptable, and that their 16 levels of pay makes it difficult for new employees to achieve the higher pay levels. “Paramedics have had enough with this attitude,” union official Dany Lacasse told CBC. Ambulance technicians and paramedics protested outside the Urgences-santé’s headquarters in Montreal on Sunday. Under law, ambulance technicians must work despite contract disputes and mandates to strike.

CITy

A year in review

Looking back on some of the major events which defined 2012 Robin Della Corte and Matthew Guité Assistant news editor

AlAn shePArd begIns hIs term As Presdent At ConCordIA Alan Shepard began his five-year term Aug. 1 as president and vice-chancellor of Concordia University amidst harsh criticism over the university’s financial mismanagement.

Shepard came to Concordia from Ryerson University in Toronto, where he served as provost and vice-president academic.

A seA of red through the downtown Core Students and their supporters took to the streets en masse on March 22 to protest a tuition hike proposed by the Liberal provincial government at the time. The non-violent protest was estimated to have attracted more than 200,000 people and stretched for more than fifty city blocks. Monthly protests on the 22nd of each month became common afterwards, and eventually helped lead to the abolition of the hike following the Parti Québécois’ victory in the fall provincial election.

Jun lIn’s deAth Luka Rocco Magnotta was the target of an international manhunt after becoming the prime suspect in the dismemberment case of Concordia University student Jun Lin. Magnotta was arrested and charged with murder when he was found in a cafe in Berlin, after fleeing Montreal. Concordia raised $70,000 that helped cover the costs of Lin’s family’s stay in Montreal. The university also set up an award that will be given to a Chinese exchange student in need of financial assistance. Sixty-thousand dollars went to supporting the victim’s family and $10,000 went to the creation of a scholarship in his name.

>>Modern languages 101 The Société de transport de Montréal has defended its interpretation of Bill 101 after an access-to-information request filed by The Gazette revealed that no legal council had apparently ever been sought on the use of English by STM employees under the exemption in Bill 101.

“Basically, we have to operate in French unless we can prove an absolute necessity in certain categories,” STM vice-chair Marvin Rotrand told CBC that the authority had to operate in French unless they could prove “an absolute necessity” for other languages. Julius Grey, a civil rights lawyer, told The Gazette that he believed the STM was misinterpreting Bill 101. The STM has “an implicit obligation to serve their customers and they have to have a sufficient number of people who can do so in English to successfully serve their customers,” he said.

>>No cops allowed The Saint-Bruno city council is being criticized after a video surfaced online showing police officers in a city council meeting escorting citizens from the room after posing difficult questions to municipal councillors. Resident Martin Guevremont believes that the idea of having police present at meetings is ridiculous. “Having a police presence at municipal council is absurd. You expect citizens to be able to ask questions to elected officials,” he said. In response, Mayor Claude Benjamin said that the video was not a fair representation of their city council meetings, and that citizens are only ever expelled if they are out of line.

mIChAel APPlebAum’s wIn After Gérald Tremblay stepped down as the mayor of Montreal since 2002, Michael Applebaum, an Anglophone mayor was chosen to steer the city of Montreal on Nov. 16. Applebaum beat opposition leader Richard Deschamps 31 votes to 29, resulting in three ballots rejected in the secret-ballot vote. He is the first English mayor to lead Montreal in the last 100 years. James John Guerin, who served from 1910-

1912, was the last English mayor.

Applebaum is also Montreal’s first Jewish mayor.

AllegAtIons of mIstreAtment In homestAys Chinese exchange students began to come forward with allegations of mistreatment and abuse in their homestays, including not being fed properly, being overcharged and lied to before coming to Canada and afterwards.

Peter Low, director of the Concordia China Student Recruitment

Partner Program, came under fire over claims of money disappearing and incorrect information being given to students. Concordia University was also under scrutiny from all over the country, and groups such as the Concordia Student Union and the Off-Campus Housing and Job Bank stepped in to help find the best solution going forward with the issue brought to light by The Link.

ChArbonneAu CommIssIon begIns On May 22, the Charbonneau Commission began its two-year task of investigating corruption and collusion in the construction industry and politics in Quebec. Testimonies revealed bribery and rigged bidding on public contracts that led to the resignations of Mayors Gérald Tremblay, Gilles Vaillancourt and Richard Marcotte.

Photos from Flickr

ConCordIA PAys uP Then-Minister of Education Line Beauchamp cracked down on the university with a $2-million penalty for

lAnguAge bArrIers wIthIn montreAl’s PublIC trAnsIt The Société de transport de Montréal was scrutinized this year for language barriers with English-speaking clientele. In May, thirdyear graphic design student at Dawson College Amanda Lenko, was refused the Between Stops services for speaking English on a bus late at night. In October, 23-

year-old Mina Barak was allegedly attacked by an STM worker at De La Savane metro station when she had asked help in English from an employee.

providing senior administrators with thousands of dollars in severance packages upon their departure. Beauchamp addressed her concerns in a letter to former Board of Governors Chair Peter Kruyt, denouncing the university for its spending of public funds and high turnovers of top employees. The fine was paid through a reserve account of the university’s later in the year.

PArtI QuébéCoIs wIn It Following the victory of the Parti Québécois Sept. 4 with a minority government in a snap provincial election, Pauline Marois’ victory speech was cut short when an armed man tried to enter the building and fatally wounded a stage technician before fleeing. Police shortly apprehended the suspect, later identified as Richard Henry Bain. Denis Blanchette, the victim, was given a civic funeral attended by hundreds including Marois.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Follow us on Twitter: @TheConcordian CAMpUS

Sanjay Sharma’s early departure netted him $96,245 Academic deans entitled to administrative leaves or contractual payouts Kalina Laframboise News editor When Sanjay Sharma, former dean of the John Molson School of Business, left Concordia for an administrative position at the University of Vermont in Burlington in 2011, he took $96,245 with him as part of a contractual obligation.

Concordia University provides academic deans with the option of an administrative leave at the end of their five-year term that allots to six months of their base salary and for deans serving two terms, the leave amounts to a year’s compensation.

Administrative leaves allow deans to pursue other academic interests if they so choose, according to university spokesperson Chris Mota.

As part of his contract, Sharma was entitled to a six-month break.

“For five years they don’t teach, network, research, any of that,” said Mota. “In those contracts they acknowledge the fact they made a de-

cision to be an administrator.”

This contractual agreement applies to academic senior administrators but is not extended to non-academic positions such as university rectors. The agreement does not force deans to take a leave because they are owed the additional six months pay at the end of their contract.

These leaves to pursue other interests, or the option of taking the payout as per the contractual agreement, is incurred by the operating budget of the university.

Dean Catherine Wild of the Faculty of Fine Arts also claimed part of the pay she was entitled to from the university that year but worked the entire year. Wild earned $196,556 as her salary and Concordia provided her with $16,616 as the money owed as part of the leave. Wild is now serving a second term as dean for the university.

Following the announcement of his departure in March 2011, Sharma

>>Stuck in the middle

Photo by Madelayne Hajek

voluntarily broke the five-year contract so he could fill the position of dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Vermont and only completed four years at Concordia. Therefore, Sharma completed four years of his term and still received the six months pay, or $96,245, although his new employment started immediately on July 1, 2011. Sharma’s starting salary at

the University of Vermont, according to the Burlington Free Press, was $320,000 U.S. and he was the second-highest paid official that year behind its president.

These contractual obligations do not include the taxable benefits or expenses in direct relation to duties that senior administrators, non-academic and academic, are entitled to.

CSU looks to education summit

Students encouraged to submit concerns and positions on upcoming website

T

he Concordia Student Union will start campaigning for student involvement in order to hold a vote related to the provincial government’s upcoming education summit scheduled for mid-February.

The CSU will launch a website within the next two weeks that will allow students to pitch their concerns with higher education and specifically the governance of Concordia. In order to reach out to as many students as possible, the CSU chose to have undergraduates participate online and vote on positions proposed by fellow students.

To submit a position, students must support their claims with academic research consisting of three articles. According to VP external Simon-Pierre Lauzon, who is co-ordinating the initiative, the CSU will help individuals with research if they request it.

The website will also allow for dis-

cussion of the proposals put forth on the four themes to be discussed at the summit including quality of post-secondary education, the accessibility of higher education, the governance and financing of universities, and the contribution of research establishments to the development of Quebec. Then students will have the opportunity to vote on what they believe should be conveyed to the provincial government.

The Parti Québécois promised the education summit would address the concerns and issues that arose during the student strike movement. Lauzon hopes the CSU will compile 10 proposals per theme, allotting for a total of 40 positions to represent the opinions of the undergraduate student body at Concordia.

One concern is the participation of students. In order to meet quorum, at least 450 students must participate in the vote and it must be done by the end of the month. The CSU will encourage students to participate by campaigning in classrooms, buildings,

online, with posters and purchasing advertising space.

“Everybody is going to hear about it if they are anywhere on campus,” said Lauzon. “We’re hoping two to three thousand people participate.”

Student Senator Wendy KrausHeitmann said she is worried about the details of the campaign proposal, stating it posed “major problems as written” and that she is concerned with time constraints. In an email to Lauzon, she suggested that the CSU hold a series of town halls and bring positions and stances by the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec to students for them to vote on. The lack of time will make it less likely to hold a “meaningful” consultation according to Kraus-Heitmann.

Lauzon said that certain student faculty associations, specifically the Arts and Science Federation of Associations and the Engineering and Computer Science Association have already taken steps to contact their students to voice opinions. In September,

ASFA’s executive took a strong stance in ensuring Arts and Science students would be heard in the upcoming conference.

While the CSU will not be present at the education summit itself since it is invite-only, Concordia students will be represented by the FEUQ. The results of the vote will be communicated to the university association so that Concordia-specific concerns may be voiced at the summit. Lauzon clarified that the CSU may also send a memo to the organizers of the summit if there is something they feel wasn’t addressed by FEUQ. Some students like Mike de Sévigné, an independent student at Concordia, don’t have any concerns he wants brought to the summit.

“I’ve always been happy with what I have,” said de Sévigné. “But I do hope they [the government] listen to the concerns of other students and fulfill those needs.”

The PQ has not yet set a date for the summit.

University chose not to curve grades for academic equity Continued from cover The following day Christopher A. Ross, chair of JMSB’s marketing department, assured students that Picard’s allegations were being taken into consideration and apologized for any discomfort the “unconventional” email may have caused.

When Picard met with Ross and Associate Dean George Kanaan of JMSB on Dec. 18, it came to light that other sections of the class had received similar marks for the final

exam. Picard wrote in an email to his students Dec. 20 that the university could not curve the marks of the section since the other 21 sections already had their marks finalized.

The final overall average for that section was a B despite the average of 59 per cent for the final exam.

In 2012, the business communication course was completely revamped including new content and course material. The course content was apparently more difficult than what was previously taught, some-

Nation in brief Robin Della Corte

CAMpUS

Kalina Laframboise News editor

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thing that Picard didn’t address when he contacted his students.

University spokesperson Chris Mota clarified that Picard had not taught the course since 2010 and when the debriefing session on the new course content took place, he was not included because he was not teaching it at the time.

“All the other professors understood the new course material and understood it would be different,” said Mota. “It’s unfortunate that [Picard] wasn’t part of that.”

Mota said that the faculty at

JMSB would have to ensure that this didn’t happen again and that it was “clearly a failure of communication.”

Sean Thomson, a JMSB student who took the same course in 2011 before its reform told The Concordian that she personally had no difficulties with the class.

“The course is not difficult at all,” said Thomson. “I think most people in my class did fairly well and it was quite simple.”

With files from Matthew Guité.

An 87-year-old woman was stuck in a elevator from the evening of Dec. 23 until 2 a.m. on Christmas morning in a nursing home in Mississauga, Ont. The woman was dropped off at the front doors by her family that fateful evening and when she didn’t arrive on her floor, staff thought she was still with her family. The next day, it was discovered that the woman had indeed been dropped off the night earlier.

After police searched her room, the staff finally found the woman in the elevator and was brought to the hospital for evaluation. Three investigations are currently taking place.

>>Absence of service A mother of a toddler claims she was unfairly treated by an employee of the Toronto Transit Commission when she tried to board an early morning bus. As Jodi Christie boarded at 6:30 a.m. with her one-year-old son in his stroller, she asked the driver to lower the ramp to help her get on the bus.

According to Christie, the driver chastised her for not having a smaller stroller and that he didn’t want to help her. He continued and said “Where’s his dad? He should be helping you with this, if he even has a father,” CBC news reported. TTC spokesman Brad Ross confirmed there is an investigation into the situation.

>>Close call In Alaska, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake was cause for a tsunami warning for the coast of British Columbia. While the earthquake did generate a small tsunami, the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said the waves didn’t pose a threat, the The Canadian Press reported. The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that “significant widespread inundation” of land was expected, but the warning was soon called off stating that the small sea level changes posed no danger.

>>Suspicious fires Two morning fires in Winnipeg were labelled as suspicious due to the proximity and timing of the events. The fire department was called to the scene of the first house at 5:15 a.m. on Victor St. where the fire started in a garage at the back of a house. The flames spread to the home and burned off the roof before reaching another house and car. However, no injures were reported. The damage to all properties was about $400,000.

Minutes later, a second fire on the same street occurred in an apartment building where four to five people were taken to the hospital and the damage was estimated to about $30,000.

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theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 CAMpUS

What to watch out for this January and February A new semester, initiatives, and past issues Robin Della Corte and Matthew Guité Assistant news editor Following the volatile year that was 2012, the new year is bound to bring some interesting issues to the table in terms of higher education in Quebec and at Concordia as well. Here are some events and associations which students should remember to keep an eye on. the eduCAtIon summIt In februAry The education summit promised by the Parti Québécois is fast approaching, but no official date has yet been set for when the government will meet with universities and student organizations to discuss issues concerning higher education. It has been loosely set for mid-February, but no official date has been given in the four months since the PQ first took office. In pre-summit talks held last month at McGill, student leaders with the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec and university officials disagreed over which subjects

were important to discuss at the summit or what solutions were viable. The Concordia Student Union’s findings from their own consultation are due to be submitted to the FEUQ in order for them to be presented at the summit. eCA ACCredItAtIon drIve A campaign seeking accreditation for Concordia University’s Engineering and Computer Science Association will begin Jan. 14, with voting carrying on between Jan. 28 and Feb. 15. The ECA must achieve at least a 25 per cent turnout for the votes to earn them accreditation, meaning that approximately 900 students must come out and vote ‘yes’ in order for the association to earn accreditation.

Not having accreditation places the ECA in a difficult position, as they have limited powers to represent their student body, and the university is not required to grant them funding stemming from fee levies if they so choose.

An oPen ConversAtIon on the budget A series of sessions that will be held this month at Concordia welcomes the community to be apart of conversations regarding the significant cut to the university’s

the concordiA student union discuss during A 2012 regulAr meeting lAst semester. Photo by mAdelAyne hAjek operating grant for this fiscal year from the provincial government.

Lisa Ostiguy, interim provost, and Patrick Kelley, chief financial officer, will host a community session this Monday, Jan. 14. Following an issue from the government on Dec. 11, the university’s operating grant was slashed by $13.2 million for the last four months of this fiscal year. The sessions will be small but the university does want to encourage people to register and attend these sessions. Senate will also have an opportunity to discuss the issue in their meeting

Jan. 18. Registration opens Jan. 9 and more details will come from Concordia this week in the NOW e-newsletter. the ConCordIA student unIon’s new CounCIl The Concordia Student Union will have a fuller council this semester however will lack representatives from the Fine Arts faculty. The the CSU held byelections at the end of last semester to fill spaces due to the amount of resignations and empty seats. Caroline Bourbonnière, Patrick Lefebvre,

Benjamin Prunty, Hardial Rosner, James Vaccaro and Ashley Walling all were elected to represent Arts and Science on council.

Anja Rajaonarivelo, Pierre Tardivo Martin and Eugene Gusman were elected to the vacant JMSB seats since there were four open spots during the byelections. There are more than 30,000 students in the undergraduate student body and only 465 Concordia undergraduate students cast their votes. Although the byelections did allow the council to grow, the seats for Fine Arts on council remained empty.

CAMpUS

Another month, another resignation Laura Glover officially steps down from the Concordia Student Union Robin Della Corte Assistant news editor Fine Arts councillor and last year’s VP student life & sustainability Laura Glover officially resigned from her position at the Concordia Student Union in a letter released this Sunday afternoon.

In her letter, Glover stated that while she is “incredibly grateful” for all of her experiences at the CSU, she is “committed to a number of projects this year” and feels that perhaps another student

would be better suited to fill the position.

Glover is the third councillor to step down from the from the CSU this year.

Following backlash from council regarding her unresolved student status issues, former VP academic and advocacy Lucia Gallardo formally resigned in September.

Former councillor Juliana Ramos quickly followed suit, citing a contentious council as her reason for leaving.

“I realized in September that

my workload was quite heavy and I knew I wouldn’t have my focus on the council, the way a counselor should,” Glover told The Concordian. “It took a lot of responsibility to realize I couldn’t and be honest with myself.”

Schubert Laforest, the president of the CSU, spoke to Glover Monday about her resignation and said that while it came as a surprise to him, he understood her choices.

“She’s involved in a lot of things and she knows what the job requires, and knows that

she can’t do it, and give 110 per cent,” he said.

Laforest went on to say that the seat will remain open until the byelection in November, where any Fine Arts student is eligible to run for the position.

Glover stated that she will continue to remain in contact with the union and give her advice if needed.

“It was challenging to step down from the CSU or, should I say, take some space because I care very deeply for the union,” Glover said.

life

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

5

Write to the editor: life@theconcordian.com

NighTlife

Stumble your way to Karaoke Box Nothing’s better than cheap drinks and free entertainment Marta Barnes Staff writer

K

araoke Box is one of those landmarks on Ste-Catherine St. that should be on every student’s nightlife list. It is positively hopping on Friday and Saturday nights, so it’s better to head over on the early side to keep from looking in on the merry crowd from the cold like a character in some Dickens novel. With that said, it’s quiet enough during the week to go after class and relax with a few friends and a beer or two.

The prices are almost foolishly inexpensive. When asking the barista if there were any specials, she shrugged her shoulders and smiled. “Everything’s so cheap already,” she said.

To prove her point, she brought over a couple of menus. Four litre pitchers, with a choice of Alexander Keith’s, Budweiser or Labatt Blue, are $17.50, 23 shots go for $23, pints are $3.25, and most mixed drinks or hard liquor are just $4 a glass. The beer’s no Guinness, but it most definitely does the job.

Karaoke Box may seem cramped from the outside, but that’s only because this classic is able to cram in a good time. Inside is a jungle of tables and chairs to navigate through which gives it a cozy and intimate vibe. The room is narrow but long, and decked out with rows of television screens. The bar is conveniently placed at the entrance to make sure priorities are set, ensuring no hand is without a drink.

KaraoKe Bar, located on Ste-catherine St., haS enough StoolS and t.v. ScreenS for even the rowdieSt of Big groupS. photo By writer

At the far end of the room is the main event: the karaoke stage. It’s open for business as soon as the bar is, but as 10 p.m. rolls around, people begin to stumble their way to the open mic to sing their heart out.

They have a great selection of English pop songs, so get pumped for the fact that this is one of the few times, aside from driving alone and in the shower, that Carly Rae Jepson or

Nicki Minaj can be belted out with no shame.

To accompany the music, an eclectic collection of music videos that range from the artist’s official releases to what looks like a montage of all the oddest videos the Internet has ever birthed. It’s almost more entertaining to watch the television screens than the person singing onstage. If singing isn’t your scene, there are also lotto machines where you can

try your luck.

A night at good old K-Box is a great way to unwind from holiday family reunions or even just to congratulate yourself for going to your first week of classes. There’s no better place to kick off the semester – particularly from your wallet’s perspective.

Located on 2151 de la Montagne St.

Club Date keeps karaoke kitsch Karaoke can be intimidating, but there’s no need to shy away from this inviting karaoke bar

the alwayS colourful interior of cluB date piano Bar. photo By Madelayne hajeK Andrea Sun Contributor Club Date Piano Bar gives a whole lot of character to Montreal’s karaoke scene. As you step

inside you’re immediately dazzled by the spinning disco ball and sweeping lights. On stage, belting out the sickest Janis Joplin impression you’ve ever witnessed, an MC entertains patrons against a rainbow curtain backdrop.

Located in the Gay Village, just steps from Beaudry Metro, Club Date is open to friendly folks of any persuasion and level of vocal talent. By day, Club Date is a cozy bar to come in for a boozy chat, but every night at 11 p.m. the karaoke begins.

Scattered throughout the bar you’ll find massive binders with karaoke song lists that include songs in English, French and Spanish. While the song list may not be the most up-to-date, you’ll find the unforgettable classic tunes of Bob Dylan, The Spice Girls and Coldplay; making your night as chintzy and fun as possible. The crowd here is so laid-back and friendly that you’ll be climbing back on the stage for more. If you’re the shy type, however, the bar is quiet enough to simply have a beer and chat with your friends.

Unlike karaoke bars in the heart of the downtown area, you won’t have to squeeze for room or shout at the top of your lungs. Club Date, even on a Saturday night, is the perfect place for a casual date. You can’t get more romantic than a serenade!

The drinks here are pretty averagely priced

with $5 for a pint of beer, $17 for a pitcher, $3 to $5 for shots and $7 for mixed drinks. Daytime drinkers enjoy reduced prices. If there is one major complaint, however, it is that the mixed drinks are disappointingly tiny and come in fistsized glasses. Also, the beer on tap is pretty lowgrade fare, but it does the trick if you need a confidence boost to get onstage.

The staff, on the other hand, are a major plus. They are extremely friendly and energetic, and as soon as I sat down to watch the karaoke performers a waiter came to see how I was doing. When the Joplin-impersonator MC stepped off the stage to step out for her break, she stopped by the table to give a friendly hello.

Club Date is definitely a place to get close and warm with each other.

Between the campy vibe, the vivacious people and the low-key atmosphere, you’ll find plenty to love at Club Date Piano Bar. It’s certainly worth the trip to the village!

Club Date Piano Bar is located at 1218 SteCatherine St. E.

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theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 fAShioN

Hot off the runway: fashion tips for 2013 The Concordian takes a look at this year’s latest winter/spring trends made its mark in the 1960’s, peplum will only be expanding that much more this year.

This time around, the ruffles will not only be at the waistline, but on the chest, sidearm, and bottom, as they seem to be multiplying and leaning towards a different edge.

Balenciaga did it in black, Gucci and Marni in white, and Givenchy in grey, so rest assured these ruffles will come in every shade.

Now, there is no excuse for those women out there who think they cannot find the peplum look in black or white, because I promise you, you will fall in love with this structured yet feminine look. To give this trend its fresh edge for the spring, ladylike ruffles in a soft pink will be sure to hit the shelves as well in every boutique. Designers have taken peplum to a whole new level with plunging and revealing necklines, for those warmer spring days, which are sure to turn heads. Make sure not to put those frills too far away in your closet when the snow begins to melt!

Tania Di Palma Contributor Yes, it is still chilly outside, but as spring blossoms on the distant horizon, don’t be so quick to throw away your fashion sense along with the cold weather, because some of this year’s winter trends are here to stay.

CoLour, CoLour, EvErywhErE! This winter, cobalt blue and emerald green were a hit, and is set to flourish this spring, only this time, it will be from head to heels — literally! Say goodbye to wearing all black, it is time to be prepared to rock those bright jewel tones anywhere you go.

Whether it is emerald green or even orange crush, monochromatic dressing will be every fashionista’s dream this spring. From Gucci and Hèrmes’ rich blues to Stella Mc-

Cartney’s gem-inspired greens, to Fendi’s soft yellow, colour-blocking was a hit on the runway in every direction. The vibrant and bold colours will be sure to make a splash in every woman’s closet from tops and bottom wear to shoes. Any of these colours will surely make an instant impact, and a lasting one as well, as this trend is most certainly affordable to anyone. And not to worry, any silhouette will unquestionably pull off this colourful trend!

BLaCk anD whitE…anD StriPES Not head over heels over the whole monochromatic look? Do not fear, black and white, and many bold stripes are zigzagging everywhere! Yes, when you think spring you think colours like pastel shades or florals, but this spring, black and white allover stripes might just surprise you. Though

some women do not praise the inmate influenced look, do not say no just yet as these stripes are nothing like we have ever seen before. They are big, bold, vertically and horizontally all over the place. They will not only give you that so-called burglar look, but they will most certainly steal everyone’s attention. American designers Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors embraced this trend; the uncomplicated stripes were worn from head to toe proving they are most definitely wearable. Be prepared to see these thick stripes interpreted through tops, skirts and dresses — it’s a newer rebel look.

FriLLS anD ruFFLES, what MorE Can a woMan want?

Yes, ladies, the peplum trend that made us all look fantastic and fabulous this winter is not leaving us this spring. Though this trend

roCk it out LEathEr Designers will blow us away again this coming spring with leather pieces which are sure to rock the house. You may not think of wearing leather during warmer months, but go for it, it is fashionista-approved. We saw a lot of genuine and faux black leather pieces this winter. From pants, to dresses, to leggings, to those rocker-edgy combat boots, and this spring, leather will be the season’s staple. Leather-luxe pieces will be found in trousers, tank tops, and dresses — all boudoir inspired and blossoming in colours such as burgundy, blue, white and green.

Everything becomes minimal when wearing a leather piece as you do not need to worry about accessories or shoes because the edgy shapes added to this trend has it all. Jason Wu, Yves Saint Laurent and Salvatore Ferragamo moulded leather in ways you never would have thought. Go on, give it a try, and release your inner rock goddess this spring.

reCiPe

Back to our humble beginnings This winter, try and warm things up with a taste of india Arohie Chopra Contributor

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wenty-something-year-old university students are known for being independent, motivated, and highly caffeinated. We strut as if the world twirls within our fingers. Yet, regardless of our tough exterior, we all miss the tastes of home sometimes. Since I come from a very food-oriented culture, it is inevitable that I turn to Indian cuisine for consolation when I miss my family. While it may be frosty outside, you can keep warm and mix it up by trying this sweet and spicy recipe for chilli paneer. Enjoy!

Chilli Paneer (serves four) ingredients: 1 tomato, diced

1/2 red onion, diced 400g paneer cut into 1 / 2 inch cubes 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 2 tbsp tomato chilli sauce 1 tbsp yogurt 1 tbsp sour cream 4 green onions 1 red pepper, chopped 1 yellow pepper, chopped 1 orange pepper, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 2 green chili peppers 1 pinch of salt 4 pieces naan bread 1. Sauté the diced red onion in a well greased pan at medium heat. When brown, add the diced tomato and green onions.

2. In a bowl, mix the paneer, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and tomato chilli sauce.

3. Add the yogurt, sour cream, and all the peppers to the pan and lower the heat.

4. Finally add the paneer mixture to the pan and let it simmer, tossing occasionally. After about 5-8 minutes it is ready.

4. Serve with naan bread or rice.

Photo by writer

arts

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

7

Arts in Brief Amanda L. Shore Arts editor

Write to the editor: arts@theconcordian.com TheATre

Community rallies to save MainLine Theatre A successful fundraiser brings in $20,000 for Montreal theatre company

>>Chasing Ice at Cinema du Parc

Beginning on Jan. 11, Cinema du Parc presents Chasing Ice, the award winning documentary by acclaimed National Geographic photographer James Balog. Balog, a one time skeptic about the legitimacy of climate change, discovered undeniable evidence of the changes the planet is undergoing using time-lapse photography. Through revolutionary time-lapse cameras, Balog records the world’s glacier disintegration over a multi-year period. The film combines these stunning time-lapse photographs with Balog’s harrowing adventure as he travels through the harsh Arctic, risking his life and career, in pursuit of answers about humanity’s greatest fear.

>>WildSide Festival returns for its 16th year at Centaur Theatre

Self-touted as the ‘hottest two weeks in winter,’ Centaur Theatre’s annual WildSide Festival is gearing up for its 16th year. From Jan 3-13, Centaur Theatre presents six highly acclaimed plays picked from the best of what Montreal Fringe 2012 had to offer as well as unsolicited submissions received by artistic and executive director Roy Surette. This year’s festival lineup includes A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup, a 50minute comedy starring Yanomi as Miss Hiccup, a Tokyo clown whose solitary life is made lively by cacophonous sounds and music. Poutine Masala, a trilingual (French, English and Hindi) comedy and dance theatre production critics loved during its initial run in May, about a Montreal boy meeting a girl from India. As sparks ignite, it’s not all sunshine for this crosscultural couple.

For a complete listing of plays and ticket information visit www.centaurtheatre.com/ wildsidefestival.php

>>Tenth of December by George Saunders out

Amanda L. Shore Arts editor

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here will be no fat lady singing for the end of MainLine Theatre. The company was pleased to announce on Dec. 21 that they had surpassed their fundraising goal of $15,000, taking in a total of $20,000 in donations.

MainLine Theatre, a not-for-profit company supporting independent theatre in Montreal as well as hosting the annual StAmbroise Fringe Festival, found themselves in need of funds near the end of 2012 and sent out a desperate plea through Facebook, press releases to the media and their subscriber mailing list. According to Amy Blackmore, who is currently stepping in for former artistic director Jeremy Hechtman, funds were needed due to changes in the management, increased overhead costs and a decrease in revenues at the end of 2012. A passionate community responded and MainLine surpassed their goal, ensuring that it wouldn’t be disappearing anytime soon.

“The funds will be enough to hold MainLine over until the end of the FRINGE in June. It’s essentially buying us time to rethink the model and move forward with a new way of operating. I will be working directly with the board of directors on a sustainability plan to ensure that the company will be sticking around for years to come,” said Blackmore.

The monumental success of MainLine’s

fundraiser speaks volumes about Montreal’s feelings toward independent theatre. The overwhelming generosity displayed this past December goes to to show that many Montrealers will fight to keep theatres around the city alive and thriving.

A number of theatre companies, such as Tableau D’Hôte Theatre, SideMart Theatrical Grocery, Pumpkin Theatre and Fallen Angel Productions, call MainLine home.

The fundraiser’s success speaks to how much the Montreal community appreciates MainLine for not only being the home of the St-Ambroise Fringe Festival, but for providing a place for innovative theatre to develop in the city.

“I think it goes to show how much the community cares not only about theatre, but about the space. We received hundreds of donations ranging from $4 to $3,000. Some students from Concordia passed a hat around in their classes to raise money to save ‘their’ home. MainLine belongs to the community, it’s their house,” said Blackmore. MainLine also hosts the annual Student Gala, now in its third year.

MainLine is still working out plans for the future — plans which now exclude Hechtman, former executive and artistic director of MainLine Theatre. Hechtman announced his resignation in a note posted on Facebook at the end of the fundraiser, explaining that, “Recent decisions by the board of directors have made it impossible for me to continue running MainLine Theatre according to my own artistic vision. And the board agrees.

Therefore, the time has come for me to announce my departure from MainLine.” As previously mentioned, Blackmore will be taking over the duties of Executive and Artistic Director for the time being.

The Board of Directors and Blackmore are looking to facilitate a number of changes in the coming months that will hopefully keep MainLine out of the red, and continuing to provide a space for innovative, independent theatre. Blackmore for her part is hoping to maintain the same laid-back feel and professional standards that Mainline has become accustomed to. However, she would also like to recruit different disciplines of art to stage at MainLine. For instance, MainLine recently hosted its first ever visual arts exhibit and will be hosting an Art Matters event in March. Blackmore, a former student of contemporary dance at Concordia, is also trying to encourage more dance productions at the theatre.

Additionally, Al Lafrance will be filling in as interim general manager until the end of July.

“I am really excited about it,” said Blackmore. “He is a talented young administrator who really believes in the company. We are lucky to have him.”

Coming up in the 2013 season, MainLine will be hosting the Bouge d’ici Dance Festival (Jan. 11-19), the Student Gala (Feb. 1416), Bang It Out by Cameryn Moore (April) and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris by In Your Face Entertainment (March).

Concordians will remember George Saunders from when he visited in Oct. 2009 as part of Concordia’s Writers Read program. The offkilter writer’s latest collection of short stories, Tenth of December, promises to be just as satirical and imaginative as his earlier works.The collection features Home, a 2011 Bram Stoker Award finalist, as well as many stories previously published in various magazines between 1995 and 2009. The acclaimed magazine Booklist (Dec. 1, 2012) writes that Saunders collection is “unpredictable, stealthily funny, complexly affecting stories of ludicrousness, fear, and rescue.”

Tenth of December will be available Jan. 8.

>>Law, Literature and Loss: A dialogic series

A five-part series hosted by infamously dismissed McGill professor, Dr. Norman Cornett; this series aims to explore the work of Concordia professor and Governor General awardwinning author of poetry, Stephanie Bolster, and that of retired Superior Court of Ontario judge Justice James Clarke through a series of ‘dialogues’. Participants will have a chance to discuss the work of Clarke and Bolster, following which said authors will be invited in to participate in the discussion. Ensuing this, Clarke and Bolster will be joined by Dr. Jaswant Guzder, the head of the McGill division of child psychiatry, who will facilitate a discussion on the implications of the work of Clarke and Bolster.

This series is open to the public and is five dollars per session, the first of which takes place on Jan. 13 at St. James United Church, 1440 St-Alexandre from 2 - 4p.m.. The following sessions will take place Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3 and 10. For more information or to register, contact Professor Norman Cornett at normancornett@gmail.com or 514-256-2483.

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theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

ficTion

Tourne au Rouge Part 4 of an ongoing fictional story from our staff writer Andy fidel

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination” - henry David Thoreau. purple puddles. The sky above the carousel Andy fidel Staff writer

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mirking, Anya looked over the photographs that had been scrunched into balls; faces of her family were wrinkled and distorted, pieces of the glossy paper hung freely from the clothespins that ran along the wall on wires.

Mary-Anne’s pictures were ruined. The attic began to tremble and Anya heard what sounded like the rumble of an approaching train.

A far-off voice called out her name. It sounded like Todd. Anya thought to herself, “Am I dreaming?” She looked around for where his voice might be coming from, but she was alone in the attic. The boxes stacked against the attic wall rattled as the clanking of a train on metal tracks roared louder and louder, blowing its horn as if it were headed straight toward the house. A sharp wind blew the scraps of paper in the air as Anya took a few steps back in disbelief. She bumped her foot against one of Ma’s old canvasses, her big toe coming away wet and stained with paint. Thin streams of paint trickled from the canvas and came together in red and

in Ma’s painting sizzled like burning oil in a pan, sending off specks of blue onto Anya’s nightgown. The train whistle screeched. It was impossibly close. As Anya was about to turn and run, the boxes burst open and paint spurted everywhere.

The attic began to flood. Anya was trapped in a growing sea of swirling colours. Before long she was a floating work of art herself, covered as she was in multiple splotches of paint. Anya opened her mouth to cry out but a huge wave rolled in from behind the curtains and swept the young girl off her feet.

She flailed her arms but it was no use. She felt herself being pushed and pulled as the sea of paint spun, as though someone were stirring it with a spoon. She spotted the bare bulb hanging from the ceiling and wasted no time. Kicking her legs and flailing her arms, Anya swam until she was able to reach out and grab a hold of the cord. Just then, as the cold paint was splashing against her chin, the floor gurgled. Anya hung in midair and watched as the entire sea drained into Ma’s canvas.

Groups of children were gathered around every window peering out as the bulky train came to a slow stop beside the tree with the wooden pictures frames. In large looping letters above a ferocious looking tiger, a

Photo from Flickr

sputtering firecracker, dancing mice and a flying trapeze swinger painted on the metallic door of one of the train cars, were the words: “Tourne au Rouge.” Leaning against the wheel of the train, the spindle-legged man dressed in a scarlet jacket with golden buttons tapped his silver spoon once more against the edge of his tea cup, before drinking it all in a single gulp.

“She mustn’t see the boy,” said the man to the shadow as it came scurrying back from where it’d gone.

It shook its head vigorously, bending over to catch its breath.

“Now go take it down,” he hissed. “She will be here any minute.”

The shadow was about to sigh, but then corrected itself. It stood by the tree and swung its arm high above its head like a loose rope. After two attempts, its hand reached the wooden frame in the top right corner and knotted itself around the branch.

It snapped the frame off with a flick of its wrist. Gently, the shadow reeled its arm back down, feeling the man’s eyes locked on its every move. Just as the wooden frame was propped against the trunk, Anya came sliding out of the frame in a pool of brown mush.

“You’re right on time,” the man said, pulling a watch from his inner pocket. “The train is about to leave.”

The man held forth the broken horse’s

leg, “I believe this belongs to you.”

Anya came forward, furrowing her eyebrows.

“Little brothers,” he sneered. “Always touching what doesn’t belong to them.”

“Who are you?” asked Anya, taking the broken piece.

Flecks of dust shook free as the man jerked on his jacket and said: “Jester Thingrim.”

He took her hand in his and shook it firmly.

“Have you seen my bro—“ “Todd?” Jester Thingrim cocked his round head to the side and grinned. “He’s already on board.”

A gentle breeze blew under her nose, carrying a whiff of caramel and buttered popcorn with just a hint of peppermint. Rubbing her arms to warm them, Anya looked at the train and at the children inside, bickering with one another.

Anya said: “We should go home” and looked over her shoulder at the empty wooden frame.

“I’ll go get Todd then.” Jester Thingrim shrugged. “He’ll be disappointed, though.

He was so excited to meet his mother…”

“W-what? My mother is here?”

Jester Thingrim took a giant step toward the train and said: “Right there,” indicating the tiny painting of the trapeze swinger.

Anya stared at the painting, dumbfounded and without realizing it took the man’s proffered arm and boarded the train.

music

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

9

Write to the editor: music@theconcordian.com top 10

9. Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d City: Kendrick Lamar’s debut album is a lesson to artists everywhere in storytelling, precision and attention to detail. While riding a wave of fluid, pulsing beats, the listener follows the artist deep into the trials and tribulations of his upbringing, personal life and rise to fame. Personal touches include segments of voicemails left by his parents from when he was young that punctuate the album and ease the plot along.

Best albums Compiled by Stephanie Ullman & Elizabeth Mackay Interim music editor & staff writer

10. Death Grips – The Money Store: By no means is The Money Store one of 2012’s most pleasing albums to the ear. However, it’s earned its stripes with its uniqueness; it houses the kind of thrashing, raw and ridiculous noise that would make your grandparents cover their ears. Death Grips brings unparallelled intensity to the table, like a car horn, or war, or tin cans being dragged behind a moving vehicle.

8. Snowblink - Inner Classics: Snowblink’s Daniela Gesundheit and Dan Goldman have long floated beneath the CBC Radio 3 - Canadiana indie mainstream. After appearing as Feist’s backing band at this year’s Polaris Prize ceremony, the duo continues to gain recognition. Inner Classic, their second studio album, plays like the 10-day meditation retreat it was inspired by. Gesundheit’s pure, perfectly rounded-out voice glides over Goldman’s harmonies, track after track.

7.Alt-J – An Awesome Wave: Although British rock band Alt-J stepped onto the scene in 2007, it took them five years to release their debut album. An Awesome Wave boasts harmonic vocals occasionally akin to a barbershop quartet paired with obscure, often nonsensical lyrics against a backdrop of punchy, ringing, resonating melodies.

This album wins the quirky award – alongside Britain’s legitimate Barclaycard Mercury Prize – for 2012.

10.Mumford and Sons - Babel: Not the worst, but definitely the most disappointing album of 2012. Unfortunately Mumford failed to live up to fans’ expectations. Only a handful of songs stand out on this album and very little progress was made from their hit debut, Sigh No More.

9. Muse - 2nd Law: Muse’s dubstep feel on this album was quite disappointing. They kept some of their original space rock/new prog sound that fans loved on Black Holes and Revelations but 2nd Law had many fans crying out “WHY Matt Bellamy, why???”

Worst albums Compiled by Andria Caputo Staff writer

8. The Killers - Battle Born: Battle Born was a big upset compared to Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town. Singer Brandon Flowers’ vocals have turned from soft and enchanting to lackluster. The band’s overall new sound was unimpressive.

7.Lana Del Rey - Born To Die: Del Rey’s whiny vocals and moody lyrics make this album seem more forced than effortless or natural. Her album overall was uninspired and unimpressive and lacked the follow-

6. Feist - Metals: Though the album was officially released at the close of 2011, Metals’ 2012 acquisition of the Polaris Prize lands it safely on this list. The album plays out like her most recently released music video: intimately. “Graveyard,” like Metals, was produced entirely in California’s Big Sur region. Feist and her backing band are shot from the distance in the desert, but it feels as if it is all for an audience of one.

5. Here We Go Magic - A Different Ship: The appearance of any Brooklyn-hailing band on a ‘top ten’ list may sound trite, but Here We Go Magic have paid their dues. Now touring off their fourth album, the band has successfully covered all the bases. A Different Ship keeps your toes tapping, encourages your date to drink a few more beers and is the perfect travel companion. After catching the band’s Glastonbury performance, Radiohead’s Nigel Godrich signed on to produce the album. Godrich’s production is heavily apparent in the album’s first single, “Make Up Your Mind.”

4. Patrick Watson - Adventures In Your Own Backyard: A Montreal staple, it’s not often that Patrick Watson skips out on any list of local music favourites. In his downtime, the composer-singersongwriter hides out in the Plateau with his family, but he has been touring relentlessly for most of 2012. As the title suggests, Adventures In Your Own Backyard is an experience. Though it was released just last spring, the album has brought Watson across the continent multiple times.

Adventures features lyrics, vocals, full band and strings that will tease the wildest of imaginations.

through needed to deliver a true hit.

6. Fun. - Some Nights: We all loved their single “We Are Young” but after 20 listens we all got higher than the Empire State and forgot that we knew the whole song by heart. Aside from the fact that the lead singer looks like a Who from Whoville, the band’s talent and image feels stale and rehashed.

5. Cannibal Corpse - Torture: Anything by Cannibal Corpse is a definite miss. With disgusting lyrics, terrible music and frightening album covers, this band uses the same shock tactics from its last album to the point where critics throw their hands up in air and say “Next!”

4. Maroon 5 - Overexposed: With “Moves Like Jagger”, Maroon 5 took a page out of Ke$ha’s book when it comes to referencing and exploiting musicians their audience base doesn’t know or care about. At this point, the band’s only redeeming quality is lead singer Adam Levine’s striking good looks.

3. Grizzly Bear - Shields: Melodic, layered, folky and seemingly emanating from deep inside a forest, Shields gives the modern-day music maven something simple yet lovely to digest. What has the potential to slip through the cracks into the abyss of mediocre ‘hipster jams’ is instead spun into a full-bodied masterpiece of an album. Powerful vocal work, rolling drums, and ambient undertones allow Shields to fill your soul.

2. Sharon Van Etten - Tramp: Tramp stands out as the most surprising album of 2012, yet its tracks play out as familiarly as the lines around your lover’s smile. The album is the story of girl setting aside anyone and anything that stood in her way in the quest for inner satisfaction. In the two albums released prior to Tramp, Van Etten’s voice was a whisper. This time around, Van Etten confidently puts down the college boyfriend who hid her guitar, told her she was shit and could never make it as a singer. Not one track on this album disappoints.

1. Frank Ocean – Channel ORANGE: Channel ORANGE will undoubtedly provoke listeners to frantically feel around for the nearest bottle of expensive champagne.

Ocean’s sultry voice oozes glamour against delightfully chilling bass lines, evoking class and elegance. Riddled with social commentary and refreshing depth, this monolith of an album is more than a pretty face — beneath the surface lies more wisdom than you can shake a stick at.

3. Carly Rae Jepsen - Kiss: It’s impossible not to include this artist when looking back at the worst of 2012. We all suffered brutal torture when “Call Me Maybe” went viral and was played over and over again until our ears were bleeding. Jepsen’s tunes are generic, overused and have no real creativity or lasting power.

2. Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Minaj’s sophomore album featured a slew of irritating hip-hop/dance-pop anthems and shallow collaborations. As proved at this year’s American Music Awards, Minaj’s talent as a rap artist is indisputable. Unfortunately this album does not showcase her true talents, especially with songs like “Stupid Hoe.” 1. Madonna - MDNA: Madonna’s relevance as a musician expired a while ago — three albums ago to be exact. With songs like “Girls Gone Wild”, “ Gang Bang” and “I’m a Sinner”, Madonna has moved past the point of being provocative and entered the realm of “OMG, please shut up.”

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theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

mixtape SIDE A: Celebrating

1. “Cassius” – Foals – Antidote 2. “Wraith” – Peace – Single 3. “Set It Off” – Girl Talk – Feed the Animals 4. “All Black (White Tie Affair Remix)” – Good Charlotte feat. Mat Devine – Greatest Remixes 5. “Free” – Graffiti6 – Colours 6. “Young Americans” – The Cure – Single 7. “Empathy” – Crystal Castles – (II) 8. “20 Dollar” – M.I.A. – Kala 9. “Machine Gun” – Portishead – Third 10. “Tighten Up” – Black Keys – Brothers SIDE B: Mellowing out

Back to school Compiled by Andria Caputo Staff writer

The beginning of a new year means resolutions, nightly parties, endless drinking and most importantly, great music to highlight all the moments you never want to forget. Unfortunately, we are now back to the gruesome grind that is school.

Our moments of festivities are few and far between as we contemplate our impending future filled with work and study. Thankfully, there’s always music out there to help you cope with the newfound loss of your sweet freedom. Side A of this mixtape includes songs to help you embrace and celebrate the excitement of the new year and Side B includes mellow songs to lessen the blow of going back to school.

11. “Between Two Points” – The Glitch Mob feat. Swan – Single 12. “Lay Your Cards Out” – POLIÇA – Give You The Ghost 13. “Heroes” – David Bowie – Low 14. “Tessellate” – Alt-J – An Awesome Wave 15. “Never Fade Away” – Spector – Enjoy It While It Lasts 16. “Sometimes” – My Bloody Valentine – Loveless 17. ”Music To Walk Home By” – Tame Impala – Lonerism 18. “Tangled Up In Blue” – Bob Dylan – Blood On The Tracks 19. “You and Whose Army?” – Radiohead – Amnesiac 20. “Girls Like You” – The Naked and Famous – Passive Me, Aggressive You

column

Streams of the Week Three bands.Three flavors.Three places.

Saturn De Los Angeles Staff writer

BEACH HOuSE - “NEW YEAR”

DIR EN GREY - “RINKAKu”

STANDING EGG - “BALLAD, WITH WINDY”

“New Year” is a track from Beach House’s fourth studio album, Bloom. Released on New Year’s Day, the song is an appetizer for the ears.

Listening to the melodic keyboard notes blending in with soothing vocals will release you into a state of audio bliss, leaving you there as if you were floating on a cloud.

Pitchfork’s Lindsay Zoladz points out how Beach House’s music has flourished and developed over the past several years, describing each track from Bloom as a “sizzle of a lit fuse and at some fine moment exploding like a firework in slow motion.”

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Beach House is a dream pop duo composed of Victoria LeGrand on the keyboards and Alex Scally on guitar, bass and keyboards. Both are vocalists: the former sings lead vocals and the latter takes back up vocals.

“New Year” sets the stage, or even the mind frame, to reminisce about moments and memories past, while inspiring us to anticipate new beginnings. Accordingly, the song alludes the passage of time as it depicts a collage of home videos taken during the band’s recording session at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, Texas.

“Rinkaku” is the latest single from the internationally-acclaimed Japanese rock band, Dir en grey. Released on Dec. 19, this track is their follow up to Dum Spiro Spero, their last studio album that was released in 2011.

“Rinkaku” is a beautiful modern metal symphony. Kyo’s power vocals blend smoothly into the unbeatable combination of Die and Kaoru’s guitar riffs. Add in Toshiya’s bass lines to amplify the intense flow of emotion and Shinya’s mind-blowing drum skills, and this track will send you into peaceful melancholy. “Rinkaku” is a metal masterpiece well due.

Coming back from a break after a slew of overseas tours over the past decade - including two visits to Montreal in 2008 and 2011 - Dir en grey has gained recognition outside of Japan by bridging the language barrier and bringing music fans together, as noted by rock music magazine Kerrang!, which gave them the namesake of “The world’s biggest cult band.”

“Ballad, with Windy” is the latest single by the Korean indie group Standing EGG. Released on Dec. 20, “Ballad” feels like a sweet tune at first listen, the acoustic guitar riffs sending you into a feel-good mood.

The band has a cool creative process when it comes to making songs, as all six members each take turns doing different tasks as “Egg 1” (composer), “Egg 2” (vocals and composing) and “Egg 3” (lyrics).

The band members include Windy and Lee Yeseul on vocals, Clover on vocals and guitar, Lee Han Kyul on bass, Song Hana on percussion, and Lee Yeni on keyboard.

“Ballad”, and Standing EGG’s music in general, offers a rarity within the K-Pop music genre - its uniqueness. Their distinguishable acoustic sound is a refreshing spin, deviating from the electronic-infused tunes many of us know.

Aside from a huge online following, VITALSIGN of the Korean music site Allkpop cites the diverse genres of music from which it takes inspiration and calls the band’s music “an oasis for the ears of music lovers who can’t quite seem to quench their musical thirst for anything else.”

Andrew Guilbert Staff writer

Bitching is my business…

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine found another target for his ire last week when Men’s Wearhouse didn’t ship a gift certificate he’d bought for his tour manager.

Mustaine says the store had guaranteed him two-day shipping, but had kept the order on hold without notifying him, which prompted him to blast them on his band’s Facebook wall. “I really think that it sucks when people make false claims, that they don’t care to make good on a problem that is clearly their fault, and with all of the ‘ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE IT’ crap I just had to say something.” Wrote the metal head, adding “I for one, will never set foot in a Men’s Warehouse, even for shelter from a blizzard.” It’s a step down in crazy from his rant last August about Obama staging the Aurora shooting as well as the Colorado shooting at the Dark Knight premiere, but it’s just strange enough to get our attention.

Writing a better birthday

In case you didn’t know, the song “Happy Birthday” is actually copyrighted by Time Warner Music Group, and they’ve made a good chunk of money off the song: they rake in an estimated $2 million a year in royalties and the like (technically, their copyright should have been voided long ago given that nobody even knows who wrote the lyrics anymore, but that’s big business for you). Well, the folks at the Free Music Archive are hoping to chip away at that figure by challenging songwriters to write a better birthday song that they could license under a creative commons license. “The Birthday Song Contest seeks a few new Happy Birthday songs that are simple and catchy, with great earworm potential that can be sung in restaurants, bowling alleys, and even in TV shows and movies,” reads the contest announcement on the FMA’s website. If you’re interested in trying your hand at song smithing, the deadline for submissions is Jan. 13, so get writing!

For he’s a jolly bad felon

Lostprophets Thirty-five-year-old Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins appeared at Cardiff Crown Court via webcam on Dec. 31 on alleged child sex offense charges, including conspiracy to rape a one-year-old girl. In addition, he faces five other charges, including conspiring to engage in sexual activity with two young children as well as making, downloading and distributing child pornography. He is also accused of accessing and possessing “extreme pornography,” in this case relating to beastiality. The rest of the band released a statement earlier last month after learning of the charges: “[W] e find ourselves in a state of shock. We are learning about the details of the investigation along with you. It is a difficult time for us and our families, and we want to thank our fans for their support as we seek answers.” Watkins was remanded and has a case management hearing scheduled for March 11.

sports

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

11

Write to the editor: sports@theconcordian.com campus

A closer look at Concordia’s athletic facilities

Looking to be healthier in 2013? concordia has you covered Kevin Duarte sports editor

Each year, people around the world make the same New Year’s resolution — to be healthier.

Whether that means exercising more, shedding a few pounds or improving your overall diet, Concordia’s Athletic Department can help accomplish this goal.

In terms of facilities, Concordia is home to two full-length artificial turf fields — one acting as the 4000-seat Concordia Stadium and one covered by the dome in the winter — Ed Meagher Arena and the Concordia Gymnasium. The university also offers two state-of-the-art gyms, Le Centre and Le Gym. The artificial turf fields, the arena and the gymnasium, both on the Loyola campus, are home to the Stingers varsity teams. However, these facilities are not solely available for varsitylevel athletes. The Athletics Department offers 10 intramural leagues available to Concordia students, faculty members and the public.

Concordia’s intramural leagues include basketball, ball hockey, ice hockey, indoor soccer, dome soccer, outdoor soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, dome ultimate frisbee and volleyball.

Outdoor soccer, lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee leagues take place in the fall on the artificial turf fields. Basketball, ball hockey, indoor soccer and volleyball intramural leagues all take place inside Concordia Gymnasium. Dome soccer and dome frisbee last throughout the winter in the Stinger Dome. Finally, intramural ice hockey takes place at Ed Meagher Arena throughout the winter.

Although registration deadlines have passed for these leagues, there still might be space available.

At certain times throughout the day, the arena, gymnasium and dome fields have open time

for any Concordia student. Check the Athletic Department’s website to see when each facility has its open period.

If organized sport leagues are not of interest, Concordia offers a list of activities and classes to join. Aerobics/spinning, dance, fitness and relaxation and martial arts classes are available starting mid-January and ending mid-April. Depending on the activity, the cost to join one of these classes ranges anywhere from $20 to $60.

Twice a week, inside the Stinger Dome, the golf driving range is open. Students, faculty members and the general public can buy a basket of 70-75 golf balls for $8, $10, or $12 respectively.

Fancy a workout before or after class — or on break? Both of Concordia’s gyms are equipped with high-tech and up-to-date machines to make your workouts more efficient. Le Gym, located in the EV building on the Sir George Williams campus, boasts 10,000 square feet of training space and includes 75 cardio machines, the Technogym kinesis system and 75 strength stations. Le Gym is open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends starting at 9 a.m.. Memberships, which last until the end of April, costs Concordia students $60, staff, faculty and alumni $120 and the general public $150.

Back at the Loyola Campus, Le Centre is another option for those based in the area. This gym is a part of the PERFORM Center and has some of the best and top-of-the-line equipment at everyone’s disposal.

Le Centre uses Technogym equipment which tracks and organizes all your information and workouts in a simple-to-use system. Memberships are the same price as Le Gym; however, memberships are not interchangeable. Two separate memberships are required for both gyms.

ConCordia’s dome (top) and Le Centre (Bottom). photo By mariLLa-steuter martin

For more information check out http://athletics.concordia.ca/

Women’s basKeTbaLL

Stingers win the annual Concordia-Reebok tournament The women’s basketball team defeated the cIs number one and five ranked teams Kevin Duarte sports editor The Concordia Stingers women’s basketball team went undefeated playing as the hosts of the annual Concordia-Reebok tournament at the Concordia Gymnasium from Dec. 28-30.

The tournament consisted of four teams; two schools from Quebec, two schools from Ontario.

The Stingers welcomed RSEQ rivals McGill Martlets, Canada’s number one ranked Windsor Lancers and number five ranked Carleton Ravens.

Concordia won the tournament after beating Carleton 60-57 on Dec. 28 and Windsor 75-74 on Dec. 29. The Stingers’ victory over the Lancers was the first time Concordia has beat the country’s number one ranked team.

In the first game of the tournament, Concordia and Carleton squared off. The Ravens, currently first place in the OUA East conference, have already defeated the Stingers this year in the

pre-season.

In the first quarter, both teams exchanged points until the final seconds. The visitors pulled ahead in the second quarter. Just a bit past the midway point of the quarter, Carleton had their biggest lead of the game, 13 points. The Stingers rallied back and brought the game to a four point difference at halftime. The Ravens led 35-31.

The Stingers were unable to make up any ground on Carleton in the third quarter. The Ravens jumped up to a 50-41 lead going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter was a different story for the maroon and gold. Two minutes into the quarter, ConU went on a nine-point scoring streak, tying the ball game up at 52-52 with 4:25 left to play. After a tense few final minutes, Concordia secured the victory with two free-throws in the last seconds to win 60-57.

The following day, the Stingers were back at it, this time against the country’s top team, the

Windsor Lancers. In the first quarter, the Lancers found themselves with an eight-point lead halfway through. Concordia was able to bounce back and regain control of the game.

In the second frame, the Stingers dictated the pace and had a 31-30 lead at the break. The Lancers would continue to push for the lead, but the Stingers stayed strong.

In the final quarter of the game, the Lancers led as much as five points. ConU was resilient and quickly caught up. After four quarters, the score was tied at 67-67. Overtime was required to find a winner.

In the nail-biting five minutes of overtime, Windsor had a two-point lead with 35 seconds remaining. After a Stingers timeout, Ashley Clarke missed her jumper with 13 seconds to play. ConU’s Tamara Pinard-Devos came up with a massive offensive rebound giving Clarke one last chance to win the game. With one second left, Clarke nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer

to give Concordia the 75-74 win.

“The Carleton game had no bearing on the Windsor one,” said Stingers head coach Keith Pruden. “We were disappointed, and frankly angry, with the result of our game against Carleton in October. We knew we could beat them, so I don’t believe it really affected our confidence the next day. The team were excited about the opportunity to play Windsor.”

The Stingers are looking to use this strong tournament performance in their regular season games, starting this week with a game against McGill on Thursday and UQÀM on Saturday.

“It may not translate into success in the rest of our league season,” said Stingers head coach Keith Pruden. “It will depend entirely on how the team decides to approach things. We’ve been stressing the importance of using the result as motivation to work harder and do more – not to sit back and rest on the laurels of the tournament.”

12

theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

men’s HocKey

Stingers begin 2013 with a victory concordia earn shutout against the ottawa Gee-Gees samantha mileto staff writer Two quick goals in the second period led the Concordia Stingers to a 2-0 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees at Ed Meagher Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Midway through the first period, on a power-play, Concordia defenceman Youssef Kabbaj caused a turnover sending Ottawa on a 2-on-1.

Stingers defenceman Alex MacDonald was able to block the shot from the Gee-Gees forward before it reached Stingers goaltender Antonio Mastropietro, keeping the score tied at zero after one period.

With Concordia already at a one-man advantage. Ottawa forward Alexandre Touchette was sent to the box for slashing, giving the Stingers a 5-on-3. ConU, despite being up two men, did not capitalize and the score remained 0-0.

The Stingers got their first good scoring chance of the game when left winger Ben Dubois received a nice cross-ice pass from a teammate, but he couldn’t bury it into the open net.

About two minutes later Stingers centre George Lovatsis was robbed by Gee-Gee goal-

tender Russell Abbott when he saved Lovatsis’ point-blank shot just in front of his crease.

The Stingers finally got some bounces going their way when Lovatsis fed captain Kyle Kelly on a 2-on-1 break at 16:51 of the second period to give the Stingers a 1-0 lead.

Fourteen seconds later, Etienne Archambault scored on a breakaway to double up the Stingers’ lead to end the second period.

“It’s always great to get that first goal and it was the first goal of the game,” Kelly said. “I thought it really gave the team the boost that we were looking for.”

The third period was a quiet one as the Stingers tried to defend their lead. With six minutes left in the game, Concordia right winger Alexandre Monahan could have given ConCordia’s men’s hoCkey team dominated the Gee-Gees on saturday afternoon. photo By mariLLa steuter-martin his team a 3-0 lead but fanned on the shot in front of the net.

The maroon and gold ended the game with lot of intelligence and we stayed in our game quick second period goals gave Carleton all the a four minute power-play, but failed to score on plan. When we do those three things, we’re go- support and momentum they needed for the the extended man advantage. ing to have success.” victory.

“I thought today was one of the most comConcordia was back on the ice the next day The Stingers will be on the ice again plete games we played,” said Stingers head when they took on the Carleton Ravens also at Wednesday night when they travel to McCocoach Kevin Figsby. “The way we played to- Ed Meagher Arena. Despite outshooting the Ra- nnell Arena to face the McGill Redmen at 7 day is the way I expect to play every game. We vens 35-39, they were on the wrong end of at p.m. Concordia leads the season series after a played with a lot of intensity, we played with a 7-3 final score. Three first period goals, plus two 6-5 victory at home against McGill on Oct. 5.

Women’s HocKey

Stingers win one and lose two during tournament concordia hosts another successful Theresa Humes Women’s Hockey Tournament David s. Landsman staff writer

A

t Concordia University, there comes a certain pride every year, usually at the beginning of January before classes resume, at the Ed Meagher Arena when teams come together for the annual Theresa Humes Women’s Hockey Tournament.

The tournament itself began back in 1968 and has carried tradition throughout the years.

Humes herself was a pioneer when it came to women’s sports, especially with the hockey program.

“She fought for equality and helped our program to be on the same playing field as the men’s teams,” explained current Stingers captain Mallory Lawton. “So it’s thanks to her that we have the opportunities that we have today.”

This year, the tournament hosted by Concordia had five visitors: the Carleton Ravens, Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen’s Gaels, Ryerson Rams and York Lions.

Out of the six teams, none capped off a perfect winning record after the weekend tournament finished. On the bright side, no team went winless either, and there was only one real blowout game.

The Stingers took to the ice against the York Lions, whom they defeated in preseason action by a 4-0 count. This game, albeit a tighter match, still saw the Stingers prevail by a 3-2 margin.

“From the beginning of the preseason up until this point, there is so much improvement up and down the roster,” explained goaltender Carolanne Lavoie-Pilon in her first-ever Humes tournament game. “The rest was nice, but it gave us more hunger and desire to be on the ice.”

After a scoreless first, which included two

solid penalty kills by the Stingers, the Lions jumped at the beginning of the second. Forward Erin Cameron broke in alone and wristed a shot past Lavoie-Pilon giving them a 1-0 lead. Just under six minutes later, the Stingers pushed hard and after a battle for the puck in front of the York netminder, veteran Emilie Bocchia found the back of the net, tying the game up at one apiece.

The third period was dominated early on by the Stingers, who created plays and strongly held possession of the puck. They were rewarded at the 6:39 mark when rookie forward Tracy-Ann Lavigne took a perfect pass from blueliner Gabrielle Meilleur and broke in with dazzling speed, ripping a shot, giving the Stingers a 2-1 lead. The goal was also Lavigne’s first in a Stingers uniform.

“It’s exciting,” said Lavigne of her goal. “I’m really quite happy; with the goal and the start.”

Lavigne also got to keep the puck.

Exactly six minutes later, Concordia was again found deep in York territory when a scramble for the puck led to another first-year, Marie-Pier Cloutier, to find the yawning cage and giving the Stingers a two-goal cushion and the eventual winner.

“My resolution is to score more,” added Cloutier following the game. “I would like to contribute to the score sheet any way I can.”

The Stingers maintained the stranglehold until late. In the last minute, the referees assessed two back-to-back calls against Concordia sending Lavigne and defender Jillian Ferguson to the penalty box at 19:17 and 19:20. The Lions got one back with 27 seconds left on the clock, but it wasn’t enough, as the Stingers were victorious.

In their second match of the tournament, the Stingers went up against Ryerson. The maroon and gold got off to a hot start with Audrey

Morand batting in her own rebound just 2:16 into the game, with assists to Jaymee Shell and Lawton.

They held the lead until the 1:23 mark of the second when Rams captain Janella Brodett squeaked a shot that found its way behind Stingers goaltender Chelsey Hodges. The game was even up until very late. Hodges finished with 26 saves.

In the third period, after Morand and Monique Cornett got off-setting minors, the Rams offense were let loose in the slot and Samantha Pui wristed one past Hodges.

Concordia didn’t let up battling hard and had a strong chance with under 10 minutes to go. When the Rams’ Justine Glover was in the box for hooking, the Stingers top powerplay, consisting of five forwards, set up a marvelous passing sequence that finished off with Alyssa Sherrard firing a shot past Rams goaltender Emma Crawley.

“It was honestly one of our best powerplays,” said a pleased Sherrard. “It felt so natural, and so good. Our team connections are working.”

Both teams fought late until when Emily Popelar scored an identical goal to the team’s second to give Ryerson the lead with 3:48 to play. A late power play couldn’t get going and an almost buzzer-equalizer by Erin Lally couldn’t work, and the Stingers dropped the game 3-2.

Coming into the final game, the Stingers took to the ice against the Queen’s Gaels in a match much-hyped as Queen’s is ranked fourth in CIS rankings. The first period ended after an exchange of goals between Gaels’ Morgan McHaffie and Concordia’s Lavigne getting her first of two on the night.

Stingers head coach Les Lawton decided to split up his top line of Bocchia-Sherrard and

Veronique Laramee-Paquette which seemed to work albeit some hesitance.

“It was a good change, working with Lavigne and Hayley Boyd gave a good, new energy,” explained Laramee-Paquette. “We bring different elements to each line, and I like being able to give them confidence.”

The Stingers got a lead 5:30 into the middle frame when Morand got her second of the tournament by pushing her rebound underneath the goaltender. But 50 seconds later, the Gaels tied it with Stingers’ Lavoie-Pilon out-of-position trying to locate the puck.

They added another at 9:44 and then late in the period, took two penalties in 16 seconds, with Shell off for delay of game, and the Stingers got slapped soon after with an unsportsmanlike conduct call. Before the end of the period the Gaels doubled their lead.

“I gave the team a solid inspirational speech between the second and third, referencing David and Goliath,” explained general manager Caitlin Booth. “I think it worked because we came back hard. Overall, we played a very good tournament.”

At 10:05 of the second, Lavigne potted her second goal, getting a perfect feed from rookie defender Margaret Hotte.

“We regrouped after the second and calmed down,” explained Hotte. “It was a good team effort, although I was really motivated to win.”

The Gaels didn’t let up, restoring their twogoal lead at 11:20. Even that was short-lived as Erin Lally shoveled a rebound from a point shot

by Laurie Proulx-Duperee into the net with under six to go, but the Stingers couldn’t find the equalizer and dropped the last game 5-4.

The Stingers are back in regular season action when they host the Montréal Carabins on Friday, Jan. 11 at Ed Meagher Arena. The actions starts at 7:30 p.m..

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Follow us on Twitter: @TheConcordian

13

opinions Write to the editor: opinions@theconcordian.com ediTorial

Happy New Year to you, Concordia a lesson in how it’s never too late to turn things around For some, New Years resolutions have become synonymous with failed gym memberships and two-week-long self-improvement kicks, but we like to view this time of year more as an opportunity to kick the old habits and move on.

When it comes to Concordia, old habits die hard and sometimes come back to haunt future generations for years. With a fresh face at the helm and a new cycle of students filing through the hallowed halls year after year, there’s really no reason why the university can’t start

improving its image. The old girl has waited long enough and may she rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Or at least, when it comes to scandal, may the powers that be finally realize that in this case less is indeed more.

From the cramped Concordia Student Union offices to the spacious upper floor board rooms in the GM building, we want to see change on the horizon. We aren’t asking for a miracle, simply offering some friendly advice that Concordia should take this opportunity to lay low and keep its proverbial nose to the grindstone.

New Years is not a clean slate maker by any means, but it does come with a certain inclination for reflection and re-evaluation. Changes need to be made, attitudes adjusted and dated

ways of management tossed aside. Out with the old, in with the new.

The point of all this, we suppose, is to say that there is hope for Concordia yet. Institutional change like the kind we hope to see does not happen overnight nor does it happen as a result of some silly resolution made at 12:01 a.m. after ingesting one too many glasses of cheap champagne. Change like that happens because everyone wants it to and everyone works for it.

Universities are undergoing a period of uncertainty and believe it or not, times are changing. The way people think about postsecondary education is changing. There is a movement towards new, youthful innovations and transparency where before there was

facade. This is the right time for things to get better and that will absolutely require effort on the part of every group and individual who is part of this community.

Students and faculty cannot have a pride in an institution which they feel is untrustworthy or out of control, and the perception and reception of Concordia’s public image will not improve unless those fears are put to rest.

In the university community, people like to toss around terms like “good faith” and that is exactly what is needed in this instance. A university is not a business, it is a place of learning. There may be an awful lot of men in suits and books to balance, but that does not change the core nature of what a university is and what it ought to be.

poliCy

Gun enthusiasts, beware Case to strengthen gun laws overwhelming Gregory Todaro Contributor

A

pril 20, 1999: Columbine High School, Colorado. 13 deaths.

April 16, 2007: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

32 deaths. December 14, 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary. 26 deaths. How many more lives must be lost because of gun violence before the U.S. government takes action?

In 2011, 8,583 people in the United States were killed by firearms. This statistic is hardly surprising for a nation with the highest gun ownership rate in the world, with 89 guns for every 100 Americans.

American history is no stranger to gun violence. Since 1982, there have been at least 62 mass shootings in the United States, 25 of them occurring since 2006. In 2012 alone, 151 people were either killed or injured in a mass shooting.

Year after year, Congress continues to ignore the problem. President Barack Obama has promised to make gun control a priority during the first year of his second term. He has already assembled a task force, headed

by Vice President Joe Biden, to come up with some solution to end tragedies like the Sandy Hook shooting.

However, the President has a tough battle ahead. The National Rifle Association has spearheaded efforts against gun control, and with approximately 90 per cent of its political contributions going to the Republican Party, the Republicans will in no way want to risk their relationship with such a major benefactor. The party will likely dig in their heels as much as possible (as is al-

most tradition in American politics), and that lack of action is probably the biggest roadblock in America’s fight against gun violence.

There are a lot of excuses that are thrown around in the argument against stricter gun regulations. Some say guns keep people safe, and that restricting gun laws will make it harder for innocent people to defend themselves. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook, it was even suggested that teachers be trained and have weapons at schools in order to combat a gunman.

However, as the shooting at Fort Hood Military Base on Nov. 5, 2009 showed, even against armed, trained military men, a shooter can do a lot of damage. In that shooting, 13 people were killed and 29 others were injured.

Another argument used by gun enthusiasts is the protection of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment reads, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”

Many people in the United States take that to mean the government has no right to organize any form of gun control, but in the context of the amendment, it seems more likely that the founding fathers and writers of the Constitution related the right to bear arms with being a member of a militia.

So much evidence has piled up in favour of gun control, it’s not clear how long-gun enthusiasts will be able to keep up this fight.

Photo from Flickr

One convincing example of the positive effects gun control has is evident in Japan, a country which has implemented strict laws and many requirements for gun ownership, including a rigorous written exam.

Japan has had a large amount of success in keeping gun violence low, and because of their gun laws, they have the second lowest murder rate in the world. While the exact techniques Japan uses may not be effective in the United States due to the difference in population, the overall concept should help curb American gun violence.

It may be too late for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary, or the many others who have met the same tragic fate, but we can honour their memory by doing everything in our power to stop these tragedies. Obama has his sights set on assault weapons, and while that’s going to help, the United States needs to focus on improving gun registraPhoto from Flickr tion techniques and making it harder for people to acquire weapons. The harder it is to obtain a firearm, the less tragedies will occur. The time to act isn’t after the next school shooting — it’s now.

14

theconcordian

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

lifesTyle

Taking on 2013 with a vengeance When it comes to New years resolutions, setting the bar too high can be a recipe for disaster Casandra de Masi staff writer

T

he clock struck midnight, the confetti polluted the streets, the fireworks popped and crackled, and now that the holidays are over you’re ready to turn your life around. It’s a new year, a fresh start, and you’re going into it bright-eyed. The year 2012 was supposed to be better than 2011, and obviously 2013 will be better than 2012, right?

It’s almost as if the whole world just decides to do a major clean up at the start of each year and everything is reset. Doesn’t that sound ridiculous? That’s because it is.

Don’t get me wrong, I think it is great that people want to set goals, but there are a lot of common resolutions that set the bar too high and are just begging for failure.

“I believe that the resolutions we make are only there to comfort us for the time being,” said Concordia student Jessica Palmer. She doesn’t make resolutions because she feels like “slapping a label” on something makes it more difficult to do.

The all too common weight loss and gym resolution is probably one of the most popular.

Dieting programs step up their advertising and gyms are filled to the brink in the days following Jan. 1. They’ve been dubbed the “resolutioners,” with gyms seeing an increase of almost 100 per cent, according to CBC and the Wall Street Journal. This only lasts a few weeks though.

Time magazine states that things usually go back to normal in February, with 60 per cent of the memberships bought gone down the drain.

Other popular resolutions are to quit smoking, drastically change a diet and to become more knowledgeable about something. Realistically, though, you cannot just say that you’re

) ybe a m ut ( o king r o rt w a t s ma d usic n a m r ll g e in t s a - Ca yt m e v e pro e m om i s e sibl w s a o ore ct, p a m f - Be s, in i t i if out me o d s n - fi awe e r o em b to

going to learn Italian if you’ve never spoken a word or that you’re going to quit smoking just like that if you smoke a pack a day.

The way we formulate our resolutions simply sets us up for failure. As a recent study

done at the University of Scranton and published in the Journal of Psychology shows, only eight per cent of Americans who make resolutions are actually successful in achieving them.

Clearly not the percentage most want to see.

Resolutions are based on the willpower of the individual and some experts say your brain just cannot handle the stress of such sudden changes. As a Stanford University experiment explains, your prefrontal cortex is what handles your willpower. Willpower needs to be built up and trained. The best way to train for things is to take baby steps. This can also be applied to setting goals.

The worst thing that you can do is decide out of the blue that you’re giving up chocolate.

An hour later, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gold and brown Ferrero Rocher wrappers with your cats pawing at them and judging you.

Then you’ll hate yourself.

The issue is that we set high goals for ourselves that aren’t alway manageable and once we fail we find ourselves terribly discouraged.

That’s why I think you need to set small goals at first and then continue to work up to more drastic changes. The light at the end of the tunnel needs to be visible, and you need to make sure it isn’t a train coming to hit you head on.

There are also resolutions that just don’t make much sense to me, specifically when it comes to habits we’ve had for a very long time.

Charles Duhigg, New York Times writer and author of The Power of Habit, explains in his book that habits are compulsions, things that we’ve been doing for so long that we don’t even realize it anymore. A lot of work goes into breaking a habit, and it goes much deeper than we think.

I’m not trying to put anyone down for trying to improve his or her life, however, I think we should be setting goals for ourselves all year long and constantly taking little steps to improving ourselves. Now, if you’d excuse me, I have some chocolate to give away.

Graphic by Jennifer Kwan

poliTiCs

Right to a fair trial vs. freedom of religion Two charter rights clash in supreme Court ruling Brian Hutchinson Contributor On Thursday Dec. 20, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada determined that Muslim women can be asked to remove their religious niqabs or veils to testify in court if deemed necessary by the judge. As a result, the controversial issue will continue to pop up in Canadian courtrooms and be handled on a case-by-case basis. In other words, there was no ruling at all. The decision seems all-encompassing and politically correct.

“The decision illustrates the tension and changes caused by the rapid evolution of contemporary society and by the growing presence in Canada of new cultures, religions, traditions and social practices,” said dissenting judges Louis LeBel and Marshall Rothstein.

Personally, I believe despite one’s religious faith, the niqab can be removed briefly while testifying because the alternative allows Muslim women the opportunity to mask other facets of communication. The court is a controlled environment and the reasoning behind my opinion is that religion is sacred for those practicing, but laws must be sanctified by all. The courtroom should not cater to individual needs; it has structure because that arrangement has been tested

and proven to work.

In this particular case, a man is being accused of molesting a Muslim woman, and he’s demanded that the victim remove her veil while testifying against him. Needless to say, this has stirred up quite some controversy, leading to the ultimate decision from the Supreme Court.

Two of Canada’s most important rights are in a head to head clash; the right to a fair trial, and freedom of religion. The Supreme Court judges seemed to struggle with the decision as well, the decision being split 4-2-1.

As Justice Louis LeBel suggests, a ban of the niqab in court during testimonies conveys “openness of the trial process” and “would also be consistent with the tradition that justice is public and open to all in our democratic society.”

However, conventionally, Supreme Court cases set precedents for other trials and outline boundaries in order to solve critical issues. Not only does this decision seem economically unsound (there will be an endless amount of appeals and resources will be exhausted trying to solve these issues case by case), but the ambiguous nature of this ‘equilibrium approach’ will be damaging in the court of law.

Our justice system allows one to take the stand and reveal information, but in doing so one must be open and willing to be analyzed thoroughly in the process. Facial expressions, tone and deliverance are important when inter-

Photo from Flickr

preting the message given by a witness.

Justice Rosalie Abella, a supporter of Muslim women wearing the niqab in court, said she believes that there are other instances in which demeanour is difficult to assess, like for those with speech impediments or facial paralysis. She says, “witnesses who wear niqabs should not be treated differently.”

Although I respect her analogy, wearing the niqab is not the same. The impediments, regardless of their level of difficulty to assess, are analyzed nonetheless. If a woman wears the niqab

it is impossible to measure facial expression.

Furthermore, it is a religious choice, rather than a physiological reality.

For Muslim women, interpretation of their testimony should not be limited to their eyes and words behind the veil. Examining facial expressions during a testimony is an extremely important facet of our justice system, and although freedom of religion is one of the most important rights in our society, the right to a fair trial is a stronghold in Canadian society and should not be tampered with in anyway.

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The Rudolph

Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 Vol. 30 Issue 16 Marilla Steuter-Martin

stephanie Ullman & stephanie la leggia

editor-in-Chief editor@theconcordian.com

interim music editor & life editor

Paula rivaS Managing editor managing@theconcordian.com

A mixer that looks, feels, AND tastes like the holidays in all of its shiny red pomegranate-y glory? What a way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Let’s be honest with ourselves Christmas doesn’t actually end in December, so why cut the festivities short? The best part about this drink, of course, is that the portions are at your discretion. So let the jolly times roll and the booze flow freely as you slip into a snowblinded haze with The Rudolph.

SoPhia loffreda production manager production@theconcordian.com

Kalina lafraMboiSe News editor news@theconcordian.com

StePhanie la leggia

Vodka / gin Pomegranate juice Pomegranate seeds soda Lemonade

life editor life@theconcordian.com

aManda l. Shore arts editor arts@theconcordian.com

StePhanie ullMan interim music editor music@theconcordian.com

Kevin duarte sports editor sports@theconcordian.com

george MenexiS opinions editor opinions@theconcordian.com

Madelayne hajeK photo editor

nataSha taggart alySSa treMblay

After a marriage that lasted less than a school semester, it was expected that Kim Kardashian’s pregnancy was going to get a lot of attention on social media, and not necessarily good attention. Here are the most hilarious tweets circling around Kim and Kanye’s soon to be child.

online editors online@theconcordian.com

jennifer Kwan Graphics editor graphics@theconcordian.com

robin della Corte Matthew guite assistant news editors news@theconcordian.com

ChriStine beaton Sara King-abadi elizabeth toMaraS

@TheFakeCNN: “Breaking: Kim Kardashian

and Kanye West refuse to rule out the newborn name of ‘Wintern’”

Copy editors copy@theconcordian.com

@Viper_grl: “Kim Kardashian’s baby will be

Cynthia duPuiS

the second thing that her vagina has given birth to.The first was her career.”

production assistant

editorial offiCe 7141 sherbrooke st. W. - CC.431 Montreal, QC H4B 1r6

@DaveWeasel: “Kim Kardashian’s dad

was one of OJ Simpson’s lawyers but she misinterpreted the family tradition of getting black guys off.” @FunnyMadeQuotes: “’Kim Kardashian’s

baby will be the whitest person to ever see her vagina’ - Rob Kardashian” @KanyeKimBaby_: “Kim Kardashian

is pregnant with Kanye’s baby? I’mma let ‘em finish, but Beyonce had one of the best celebrity pregnancies of all-time. *parody*” @TheOfficialTed: “Kim Kardashian is now

pregnant. I wonder if this will last more than 72 days”

@KImKanyesBaby: “’Harry & Taylor broke

up. Baby Kimye & Taylor are dating. #Haylor” @joelmchale: “’KCongrats to @

kimkardashian & @kanyewest on their baby. I hope it has Kim’s eyes, Kanye’s smile, & Bruce Jenner’s pterodactyl facial bones.”

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Staff writerS and ContributorS andrew Maggio, Marta Barnes, andrea sun, arohie Chopra, Tania di palma, andy fidel, saturn de los angeles, andria Caputo, david s. landsman, samantha Mileto, Gregory Todaro, Casandra de Masi, Brian Hutchinson.

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From our kitchen

Concordia’s weekly, independent student newspaper.

Events of the weeK: Jan. 8 Tuesday + THEATRE - Nothing Never Happens in Norway - 19h - Centaur Theatre +THEATRE - Two Short Women -21h - Centaur Theatre +MUSIC - Quicksand - 20h - Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre

Wednesday +THEATRE - A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup - 19h - Centaur Theatre +THEATRE - Placebo - 21h - Centaur Theatre +MUSIC - Method Man - 21h - Club Soda

THURSDAY +MUSIC - Major Lazer + Tom Swoon - 21h30 - New City Gas MUSIC - Purity Ring + Young Magic - 20h30 - Le National

Friday +THEATRE - Life Here After - 19h30 - Centaur Theatre +THEATRE - Poutine Masala - 21h - Centaur Theatre +MUSIC - Automate + Mad June - 19h30 - La Sala Rossa

SATURDAY + THEATRE - A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup - 21h - Centaur Theatre +MUSIC - Riff Raff - 22h - Le Belmont

SUNDAY +MUSIC - Willy Mason - 21h30 - Le Divan Orange

Monday + MUSIC - Niki & The Dove + Vacationer - 20h - Le Belmont