The Concordian

theconcordian Volume 30 Issue 24

IndependenT sTudenT neWspaper aT ConCordIa unIVersITy. sInCe 1983.

March 12, 2013

A lesson in bargaining

The ConCordia UniversiTy FUll-Time FaCUlTy assoCiaTion has been wiThoUT a ConTraCT For monThs and has voTed For a sTrike mandaTe iF negoTiaTions shoUld Fail. Photo by madelayne hajek

The university’s full-time professors overwhelmingly support unlimited strike mandate notice.

“We stand strong or tall together,” Lucie Lequin, president of CUFA said. “It is not only members involved in union that matters but collectively members who seek respect for all in regard to working conditions and remuneration.”

CUFA negotiations began on Dec.15,

2011, and the teams have met on more than 35 occasions.

“We are in conciliation,” university spokesperson Chris Mota said. “We remain committed to a fair settlement.

We’re working hard for that and we know that CUFA is doing so as well.”

Mota explained that there are still three meetings scheduled this month with

CUFA on the 18, 21 and 27 of March.

Lequin hopes to a have a fair and reasonable settlement.

“We are not frustrated only by monetary matters,” said Lequin. “But also by such elements as quality of teaching and workload.”

In this issue // life arts

music

sports

opinions

The green fairy is calling you P. 6

Ghost Lights gets inspired P. 11

Curling makes a comeback P. 14

Is a modern Pope the solution? P. 18

RobIn DeLLA CoRTe Assistant news editor

The Concordia University Faculty Association voted 74 per cent in favour of an unlimited strike mandate, should collective bargaining negotiations fail.

After 15 months of contract negotiations, CUFA voted in favour of a strike mandate, citing that negotiations shouldn’t have lasted longer than approximately six months. It is the first time the full-time members of CUFA have ever voted to hold an unlimited strike mandate which grants CUFA the ability to strike if they provide 48-hour

7 kilometres of Art Souterrain P. 9

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

Continued on P. 5

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

Write to the editor: news@theconcordian.com

CITY mATTheW GuITé Assistant news editor

city// neWS

A nuit blanche for the right reasons Yearly campaign returns to Concordia hoping to raise $30,000 for Dans la Rue

>> Good Christ A priest in Sorel-Tracy, Que., was accused of distribution, possession and production of child pornography. Daniel Moreau, the priest who was charged, previously worked with church youth groups, according to information posted on his church’s website.

The Diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe released a statement acknowledging the charges and condemning the actions if they were committed.

“We understand the distress that such an event can cause within the entire community of SorelTracy, as well as among all those who knew him through his ministry,” said Jean Marc Robillard, the vicar general of the diocese.

>> oQLF head

resiGns’

The head of the Office québécois de la langue française resigned following the continued controversy over the decision to highlight the word “pasta” on an Italian menu at Buonanotte as a foreign language in need of translation. Louise Marchand, the outgoing director, will be replaced by Jacques Beauchemin, deputy language minister. The announcement was made by the Parti Québécois’ French Language Minister Diane De Courcy, who at the same time announced her intention to “modernize” the language office and its interactions with businesses.

Regarding Buonanotte, the OQLF announced it would rescind its complaint and conduct an internal investigation after the issue caught international attention.

>> You’ve Got

maiL

Réjean Hébert, the provincial health minister, has announced a new at-home procedure for testing for colorectal cancer in Quebec.

The Fecal Immunochemical Test, or FIT test, will begin at eight test sites across the province where doctors can order the tests for patients, but will eventually be available for patients to do from home. The procedure, which will be available once every two years for residents between the ages of 50 and 74, involves mailing a stool sample in a vial to a test centre.

Photo by Natasha Taggart RobIn DeLLA CoRTe Assistant news editor

For the sixth consecutive year, Concordia University students are camping out on the corner of de Maisonneuve Blvd. and Mackay St. for the 5 Days for the Homeless campaign.

The campaign, which began on March 10 and will continue until March 15, is an event where students and volunteers sleep on the streets with no food or shelter to raise awareness for the homeless. All proceeds go to Dans la Rue, a Montreal-based organization serving youth living on the streets and youth at risk.

Other universities that take part in the campaign in Montreal are Université du Québec à Montréal, HEC Montreal, McGill University and Université de Montréal.

Over 25 universities are participating this year and the entire campaign has raised over $985,000 for various Canadian organizations dedicated to

helping those in need.

Concordia’s first campaign started in 2008 when organizer and former John Molson School of Business graduate Josh Redler started 5 Days for the Homeless after hearing about it at the University of Alberta in 2005. In their first year, they camped outside Concordia with a few other people and, since then, the campaign has grown every year since.

“If you can’t help your community then how do you expect to help others around the world?” Redler said. “A lot of people try to have a blind eye when they’re walking past homeless people, thinking they’re worthless or not trying but we’re trying to change that perspective.”

The campaign’s goal this year is $30,000 and by the end of Monday, they raised $1,480. According to Redler, Concordia’s campaign has raised more than $30,000 in most previous years, except for last year.

“The student strike got in our way last year,” Redler explained. “We rely on the downtown campus to have

people to come out to donate, but most people didn’t want to come out during strikes.”

Eric Wooboble, a student at Dawson College, will be doing the campaign for his third time and hopes to stay all five nights.

“I think this event reminds the students through experiential learning that there are people who need help in our communities too and not to forget about them,” Wooboble said.

While volunteers are not required to stay the five consecutive days, Redler explains that even one night outside can change the perspective of the homeless community.

“The first night is always the hardest,” Redler said. “You hear noises, you’re out of your element and even though we have security sponsored by Concordia, we know anything can still happen and that stays in our head the whole night.”

In 2011, the campaign had 45 people who volunteered to sleep outside.

This year, Redler predicts 15 full-time sleepovers with 10 additional different

people per night.

Rose Wangechi, alumni officer in charge of student programs at the advancement and alumni relations office, said she will also be donating.

“This is one of the most outstanding events held on campus by our generous students,” she said. “I’ve seen the project grow into this worldwide event, from the first day [Redler] and his friend first told me about it. Simply remarkable.”

In 2009, Member of Parliament Justin Trudeau came out to support the cause and former Montreal Canadiens hockey player Georges Laraque will also be joining for one night this year. Laraque also volunteered during 2011 and 2012.

“This campaign can open people’s eyes,” Redler said. “And it can make homeless people seem less of a scary thing and that they’re just people too and that they need some help.”

Following the campaign, people are still welcomed to donate their money online at 5days.ca under the Concordia University section.

campus // neWS

University waives provost presentation Special board of Governors meeting temporarily sets aside Concordia policy KALInA LAfRAmboISe news editor

Concordia University’s Board of Governors voted in favour of temporarily waiving a policy that compels candidates for senior administration positions to conduct public presentations during a special meeting last Wednesday morning.

President Alan Shepard initially introduced the idea during a regular BoG meeting in January, stating that he was uncomfortable with applicants’ names being publicized dur-

ing the provost search.

In accordance with university policy, the shortlist of candidates for provost and other senior administrative roles must be made public.

“After informing the candidates, the shortlist of candidates shall be made public within the university community no less than fifteen and no more than thirty days before the search committee is scheduled to make its recommendation to the board,” section B.10, article 34 reads.

The motion temporarily waived articles 34 to 39 of section B.10 of the rules and procedures for senior

administration appointments at Concordia. With 20 governors present, the motion passed with 19 in favour and one opposed.

By waiving those articles, provost candidates will not have to attend public forums with the university or attend a joint open meeting between BoG and Senate. Furthermore, members of the university community can no longer submit written comments on the shortlist of candidates since it will remain private.

Shepard feared that individuals vying for the position of provost would withdraw their candidacy because it may compromise their cur-

rent employment.

“To do this will jeopardize the candidates,” said Shepard. “I don’t want to jeopardize the search with a public presentation.”

In January, Shepard stated that he almost decided to rescind his application for presidency due to the public presentation when he was still employed by Ryerson University.

During the meeting Wednesday, Shepard said that he felt the motion helped modernize Concordia — a recommendation that stemmed from two external reviews made over the last three years.

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The Concordia Student Union’s elections are coming Presidential candidate running unopposed for the first time in years KALInA LAfRAmboISe news editor

T

he Concordia Student Union elections are approaching and the majority of executive candidates are running unopposed for the 2013-14 academic year.

The nomination period for potential applicants ended Friday and it was revealed Monday that 10 undergraduate students are vying for the eight spots reserved for the executive. The positions of VP student life and VP finance are the only roles that have more than one candidate.

John Molson School of Business Councillor Anja Rajaonarivelo and Fine Arts Student Alliance councillor Katrina Caruso are both competing for the portfolio of VP student life.

JMSB Councillor Pierre Tardivo,

who joined the CSU during the November byelections, is running for the position of VP finance against Scott Carr, who campaigned for president of the Commerce and Administration Students’ Association for the upcoming year but lost.

Councillor Melissa Kate Wheeler is the only student running for president of the organization — the first time since the Unity slate ran completely uncontested for all executive spots in the March 2008 election.

ExECutivE CandidatEs: Melissa Kate Wheeler – President Caroline Bourbonnière – VP external James vaccaro – VP internal Gene Morrow – VP academic and advocacy Crystal Harrison – VP Loyola Benjamin Prunty – VP sustainability

Pierre tardivo - VP finance scott Carr – VP finance Katrina Caruso – VP student life anja Rajaonarivelo – VP student life

provide more information, including which faculties that councillors are representing, by press time.

CounCil:

Wendy Kraus-Heitmann nikos Pidiktakis Justin occhionero Yasmeen Zahar Chuck Wilson Hajar El Jahidi Francis Boyer John talbot adam veenendaal nadine atallah alanna stacey Yassine Chaabi Reenaben Patel vitali Gofman aaishah Karim Radia tbeur aaisha Malik omar Badawi sergio del Grosso Bilal nasser alexis suzuki

CounCilloR CandidatEs:

Familiar faces within the Concordia political realm will returns as councillors including current VP clubs and internal Nadine Atallah, VP academic and advocacy Hajar El Jahidi and VP student life Alexis Suzuki.

During the Feb.13 council meeting, Councillor Chad Walcott asked if Atallah had intention of running for the upcoming election as an executive again and her response was no. However, Atallah never specified that she would not try to return as a councillor.

The total number of candidates applying for council is 21, but Chief Electoral Officer AndreMarcel Baril said that he could not

campus // neWS

Judicial Board rules in favour of council

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A new president will be chosen from four executive candidates mATTheW GuITé Assistant news editor

in a unanimous decision late Wednesday night, the Concordia Student Union’s Judicial Board ruled in favour of plaintiff Gonzo Nieto on the matter of choosing a new CSU president.

In its decision, JB cited CSU bylaw 6.3C and standing regulation 52 as the fundamental basis for the conclusion that council is not forced to appoint the only vice-president who is willing or to remain leaderless. Bylaw 6.3C states that council will “act as the final authority on appointments of the student union” while standing regulation 52 states that “all internal and external appointments by council shall be by ordinary resolution.”

The complaint, originally submitted by councillors Nieto and James Vaccaro, stems from a regular meeting held on Feb.13. During the meeting, the executive presented VP clubs and internal Nadine Atallah to replace former President Schubert Laforest, who resigned due to health issues.

After hours of arguing, clashing over bylaws and threats of legal action, council rejected the proposal and Atallah refused to rescind her candidacy, leaving the CSU in a deadlock while the issue was sent to JB. The central issue of the case was two separate interpretations

of bylaw 7.4, which states that should there be a vacancy in the presidency, council shall appoint a president from the vice-presidents and should no vice-presidents be willing then a councillor may be appointed with two-thirds majority of votes.

The executive believed that council was violating the bylaws since Atallah was the only vicepresident willing to take on the position. Conversely, council expressed their discontent, asking for a second option from the executive or to appoint a councillor.

During the hearing, Nieto represented the councillors who had issue with the idea of being forced to choose Atallah, while Atallah and VP external Simon-Pierre Lauzon represented the executive. Over the course of the two-hour meeting, both sides argued their points before the five members of JB. After two hours of closed session deliberation the decision was made public.

Following the decision, Lauzon told The Concordian that the decision would allow the process of choosing a president to move forward.

“The decision defined the boundaries between which we can work,” Lauzon said.

Nadine Atallah told The Concordian that she was happy to have a ruling from the Judicial Board that would allow them to move forward with a discussion.

“I’m glad they were able to

The decision defined the boundaries between which we can work.

- simon-Pierre lauzon VP external

clear things up, and I’m glad they recognized that there needs to be some change to the policy as it is unclear,” she said.

The executive is set to present four executives as options: Atallah, Lauzon, VP academic and advocacy Hajar El Jahidi and VP Loyola Stefan Faina.

Nieto said that he was pleased with the decision the Board had reached but admitted that neither bylaw 6.3C nor standing regulation 52 were included in his argumentation despite the role they played in deciding the issue. Atallah also told The Concordian that 6.3C was not included in any of the arguments presented, and that its inclusion in the decision was a matter of the Judicial Board’s own research.

“We were debating this particular by-law, 7.4, and so we were arguing about how to interpret it rather than the entirety of the bylaws,” she said.

Vaccaro said he hopes the CSU can move forward from the impasse and that he was happy that JB recognized the importance of

council.

Bylaw 6.3C “recognizes what the executive seems to be repeatedly neglecting,” he said. “The council of representatives is there to look out for the interests of students and represent them at all costs. The executive is elected to execute the will of council, which represents the will of students in lieu of a meeting of members.”

Nieto said that going forward he hoped other executives would present themselves as candidates, citing VP sustainability Andrew Roberts as an example.

“The thing with [Roberts] is that he keeps bringing up this thing about not liking the politics side of the position, and that’s exactly why we want him, because he’s been a very forthcoming, open and transparent person that’s shown the ability to listen attentively to both sides,” said Vaccaro.

The next regular CSU meeting is this Wednesday where the issue of presidency will be addressed.

With files from Kalina Laframboise

NATION RobIn DeLLA CoRTe Assistant news editor

>> Lost and

Found

A fishing boat owned by a Japanese couple lost in the 2011 tsunami was discovered on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia last week. After finding the boat, Jeanne Beaver and her husband Rick Beaver wanted to meet with the owners.

However the owner, Noriko Gotoh, didn’t want to meet with them. Gotoh’s husband Takao was depressed after the tsunami washed away his fishing boat, and Gotoh was embarrassed about their temporary home.

She eventually agreed to meet Mrs. Beaver at her hotel in Minamisanriku, Japan. Beaver said that she felt that the fishing boat had brought her there for a reason.

>> a GoodbYe

For CbC

CBC Radio personality Max Ferguson, best known for his long-running programs Rawhide and The Max Ferguson Show, has died at the age of 89. Ferguson was born in Durham, England, and arrived in Canada at the age of three where he grew up in London, Ont. After 52 years at the CBC, he retired in 1998. Ferguson was a celebrated satirist and award-winning broadcaster and writer. Ferguson was given many awards, including an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1970 and garnered many other accolades, including the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2001.

>> Canadians’

view on immiGration

A new poll suggests that most Canadians are in favour of restrictions on the number of immigrants accepted into Canada each year, the National Post reports. Forum Research found that 70 per cent of the 1,755 Canadian adults surveyed supported limits. Of Canadians who were born in another country, 58 per cent agreed and among those whose parents were not born in Canada, 66 per cent were in support of limiting the number of qualified immigrants.

The poll also displayed that 60 per cent of Canadians feel that immigrants should be able to hold a dual nationality.

>> vaLue oF

houses remains Constant

Canada’s real estate market has come to a halt and a TD Bank research report claims home prices will be remain constant for the next decade. The report suggests that home prices will only rise about two per cent annually. The bank says new, tighter rules for borrowers and lenders are only part of the reason for the moderating prices.

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

city// neWS

WORLD mATTheW GuITé Assistant news editor

>> an aCt oF

braverY

A police officer in Afghanistan has died after he embraced a suicide bomber in order to shield others from the blast. The officer, Murad Khan, was one of several who died in the blast, including several minors between the ages of seven and 17. The bomber was likely targeting a training exercise between coalition forces and police officers, according to a police spokesman.

>> FaLkLand

isLands to vote on reFerendum The residents of the Falkland Islands are holding a referendum to decide if they wish to remain a part of the United Kingdom. The vote is being held at a time when pressure from Argentina has increased over recent months. The Islands have long been a matter of dispute between the U.K. and Argentina both before and after the Falklands War in 1982 when the Argentinian government tried to claim the island by force. The Falklands government has long argued for their right to choose their own path despite heavy pressure from Argentina.

>> north

korea itChinG For a FiGht North Korea has stepped up their ongoing threats of nuclear attacks against the United States following joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea. Last week the North Korean government declared an end to the armistice which has been in place since the end of the Korean War, and shut down a Red Cross hotline with South Korea that was used to discuss aid shipments and reuniting families.

>> ‘muriCa The owners of an Irish Pub in Florida received a surprising letter ordering them to remove an Irish flag they flew outside their door as it violated local ordinance which bans the flying of non-U.S. flags outside commercial establishments. The owners, four sisters from the county of Limerick in Ireland, told Reuters that they had flown the flag alongside a U.S. flag outside their pub for eight years without incident, and were shocked to suddenly receive a notice to “cease display of flags other than American flag.” The sisters have applied for a temporary permit to fly the Irish flag on St. Patrick’s Day.

Night protesters are back montreal Police detain 72 individuals during demonstration GAbRIeL eLLISon-SCoWCRofT

Contributor

Students took to the streets of downtown Montreal last Tuesday in the first night protest since last spring to denounce a planned indexation of tuition fees by the provincial government.

According to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal, 72 people were detained during the course of the night. The SPVM ticketed 62 protesters for unlawful assembly while the remaining 10 were arrested during clashes police officers.

Several thousand students were protesting increases that will see tuition rise by three per cent a year. The proposal was brought forth during the summit on higher education hosted by the provincial government in late February. As part of their election platform, the Parti Québécois were adamant on addressing unresolved issues from last year’s tumultuous spring where students condemned former Premier Jean Charest’s tuition increase of $1,625 spread out over five years.

In a statement on Wednesday, Premier Pauline Marois urged people to stay calm.

“I believe what we proposed is reasonable and I hope it will be seen that way,” she said. “In the meantime, I’m inviting everyone to remain calm.”

The protest kicked off from Place Émilie-Gamelin around 8 p.m. and was declared illegal as soon as demonstrators started marching. The SPVM agreed to allow the protest to continue if it remained peaceful but intervened just over two hours later.

Cries of “À qui la rue? À nous la rue!” echoed through downtown alongside the occasional blast of fireworks as protesters followed a banner bearing the words “social peace is behind us,” while helicopters followed overhead.

At around 10:15 p.m., windows

ProTesTers marChed ThroUgh The downTown Core lasT TUesday. PhoTos by gabriel ellison-sCowCroFT

of the Sheraton Centre on de Maisonneuve Blvd. and glass at several banks were smashed with pieces of concrete.

Protesters ran as police officers split the group in two on Viger St. just outside the Palais des Congrès. Police charged the large crowd and used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters.

Several hundred protesters made their way back to Place Émilie-Gamelin where clashes with police continued. After 45 minutes of a cat-andmouse game, the SPVM detained the remaining 62 protesters who refused to leave the corner of Beaudry and SteCatherine Sts. One student was hospitalized after being injured by a stun grenade and one officer was also treated for minor injuries to his eye after a firework reportedly hit him in the face.

Some are arguing that Montreal police targeted people indiscriminately.

Frederic Bourgault, 24, was detained by police after he went to re-

trieve his bicycle on his way home after the protest was over and received a $625 fine.

“What they did was unjustifiable as none of us were dangerous,” said Bourgault. “Everyone I was with was going home.”

Bourgault claims that officers threw his bike on the ground before handcuffing him.

“I didn’t do anything wrong but I was treated terribly.”

A similar protest in Quebec City last Thursday lasted just several minutes and resulted in three arrests. More night demonstrations are planned throughout the month of March in Montreal, including a protest this Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Place ÉmilieGamelin.

campus // neWS

ASFA elections end predictably executives ran uncontested for the upcoming academic year mATTheW GuITé Assistant news editor

T

he annual general elections for the Arts and Science Federation of Associations wrapped up last week following three days of voting in which all candidates ran unopposed for the 2013-14 academic year.

Following a tally of the votes, all candidates were declared winners for their positions and will take them on the following academic year.

Despite initial competition during campaigning, some candidates dropped out for various reasons leaving only a single candidate in each position. Crystal Harrison, a candidate for VP academic Loyola, dropped out of the race to run as as a candidate for VP Loyola for the Concordia Student Union.

Justin Occhionero, the newly elected VP external and sustainability, told The Concordian that he was not surprised when he found himself running uncontested. He cited student apathy as an issue, but said that he hopes to use his position to reach out to students and increase participation.

“Concordia has so much more to offer than just going to class,” he said. “There is a whole other world at our university that the majority of our students should but don’t know about.”

Occhionero also said that in his time as VP external and sustainability he hopes to improve ASFA’s bylaws and also improve communication between ASFA and groups such as the CSU and the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec.

“It is important that the rights and needs of arts and science students are properly represented at all levels of student governance,”

he said. “This can be achieved by consistently communicating with other student unions and hopefully collaborating with them on new campaigns and events.” uPCoMinG asFa ExECutivEs: Paul Jerajian – President Justin Occhionero – VP external and sustainability Sean Nolan – VP social candidate TingLi Lucia Lorigiano – VP academic and Loyola Francis Boyer – VP internal Anne-Sophie Grenier – VP finance Stéphanie Gagnon-Laberge – VP communications

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A ‘costly pattern’ for Concordia Continued from cover CUFA met on March 1 for their last conciliation meeting. According to Lequin, the meeting indicated that the negotiations will be ongoing with further discussions but that the chief negotiator for Concordia reached the end of his mandate.

In early November, the Concordia University Part-time Faculty Association voted 95 per cent in favour of an unlimited strike mandate.

“I’m dismayed that the only thing that moves at Concordia is brinkmanship,” Maria Peluso,

president of CUPFA said. “I’m not surprised that the full-time faculty has succeeded a strike mandate, something they clearly needed.”

Peluso stated that there are a lot of misunderstandings at Concordia and that there seems to be a costly pattern with negations.

CUPFA negotiations lasted seven years, according to Peluso.

“You never stop negotiations with Concordia,” said Peluso.

“Even after you sign an agreement, they don’t implement what you sign and this is a problem.”

Eddy Ginocchi, president of the maintenance workers union

on both campuses, claims he had problems with the negotiation process at Concordia as well. According to Ginocchi, money is a central issue since workers are underpaid and people who are doing the same jobs elsewhere are getting paid differently.

The contract for the downtown campus employees ended May 31, 2008, while the Loyola contract ended a year later. Previously, the downtown group went through four years of negotiations with the administrative team while Loyola went through a three year process. The next meeting is with

“

the Loyola group on April 25, while the Sir George Williams workers have yet to set a date. Ginocchi said that the administration isn’t very forthcoming with collective bargaining and remains unwilling to discuss it.

“We are wasting time and money with negotiations, they’re always dragging on, and the amount of money being spent is unbelievable,” Ginocchi said.

Concordia Student Union

You never stop negotiations with Concordia.

- Maria Peluso

Councillor Gonzo Nieto believes that CUFA’s grievances have not being taken seriously by the university, which is why it has come to a strike mandate.

“Hopefully the university and CUFA come to an agreement on full-time salaries,” Nieto said.

The Concordian is hiring!

ALL PoSITIonS foR The 2013-2014 ACADemIC YeAR ARe oPen! SenD A CV,A CoVeR LeTTeR,AnD ThRee SAmPLeS To APPLICATIonS@TheConCoRDIAn.Com bY mARCh 15, 2013.

eDIToR-In-ChIef Like the leader of a small army, the editor-in-chief is responsible for every member of his or her team and the goals they must reach.As the last line of defence against typos, errors and bad ideas, this person keeps things moving forward week after week.

PRoDuCTIon mAnAGeR The production manager is responsible for the layout and design of the paper.This creative genius will devote their time to making sure everything is properly in place and looking great on the page. neWS eDIToR The news editor is responsible for keeping an ear to the ground and an eye on the sky. If it’s happening at Concordia, this person will be pounding the pavement for the story come rain or shine.

LIfe eDIToR This editor is responsible for reporting on all things food, fashion and fitness! Whether it’s a restaurant review, a designer spread or a recipe, this section would not be possible without the life editor.

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SPoRTS eDIToR otherwise known as the Stingers’ greatest fan, this editor is responsible for covering all campus, all the time. When it comes to Concordia’s athletic teams, this person’s love for sports is unrivaled. oPInIonS eDIToR This editor has the loudest mouth and biggest opinions on staff. Whatever the issue, this person has something to say about it, and knows how to cite sources like no other.

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GRAPhICS eDIToR much like a wizard, this editor makes something out of nothing. With a flick of the wrist and a flash of light, this editor creates all the graphics which help illustrate and illuminate the paper.

PhoTo eDIToR The photo editor is responsible for being the man, or woman on the scene. Snapping photos and documenting events day-in and day-out, this editor knows how to take a great photo.

editor.

onLIne eDIToR

muSIC eDIToR

This editor is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of The Concordian’s website and social media.This behind

The music editor has a finger on the pulse of montreal’s diverse music scene. With an impressive knowledge of musical styles and artists, this editor must make sure the section rocks.

the scenes work is invaluable to the paper and takes a tech-savvy person who knows their way around a WordPress site.

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life

Write to the editor: life@theconcordian.com bar // life

Taking a sip of the green fairy Grab a welcome break from reality at Sarah B.’s absinthe bar olivia JoneS Contributor

Sarah B. absinthe bar is a great place to have a drink after a stressful day or as a gathering with a small or large group of friends. Located in the Intercontinental Hotel, the bar is cozy and classy with a friendly fireplace, warm brown couches and crystal chandeliers.

The bar is accessible from the World Trade Centre Montreal, a nice passage through the old fortification alleys with the outside lighting and has a great view of the beautiful Amphitrite statue. The atmosphere all around the Sarah B. is very cultural and this continues all the way inside the bar.

Although Sarah B. is an absinthe bar, there is a complete alcohol collection. They have different types of absinthe-based cocktails. Some are herbal and some are more exotic. The most popular ones are the Sarah La Divine, which consists of limoncello, limejuice, absinthe, and Finlandia Vodka. There is also the absinthe-based margaritas and sangrias, which are excellent. For those who are scared of absinthe, not to worry, it only adds a little sugary taste to the $12-cocktails.

Sarah B. provides a large selection of imported wines that can be bought by the glass or bottle with the selection changing seasonally. A

Indulge In the emerald elIxIr or stIck to your drInk of choIce at thIs cozy cocktaIl bar

full menu of bottled and tap beer is available with their specialty beer being the Ghost Town — a Montreal brew that is made with absinthe. The prices vary between $5 and $8 per serving.

Although the bar is small, it is rich in historical context. It is sophisticatedly decorated with Rosenthal plates and Jean-Paul Riopelle paintings. Sarah B. was renovated in 2009, but they still kept the rustic look. They walls near the entrance are adorned with fir and birch trees to remind us of Quebec’s origins and history.

Inside the bar, absinthe is present in every way. The back of the stools are carved into absinthe spoons, green is the main colour scheme

and there are various absinthe aerators behind glass windows which can be used for absinthe tastings upon request.

There are booths of giant couches and soft cushions at the back for groups, offering a very quiet and private setting. For groups, the bar organizes elaborate absinthe tastings, which only costs the price of the glass, between $10 and $20.

On busy nights, they have them on the bar counter for anyone who wants a glass.

The service was very quick and friendly. The waitresses were very familiar with the menu and were nice enough to recommend their best drinks. Sarah B. is open from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and

they are known for their great happy hour atmosphere. The crowd at Sarah B. is a bit older since a lot of the clients come from the hotel, yet it is a calm place to grab a drink rather than a crazy night of partying. For a discount, the best night to go is Tuesday while Thursdays and Saturdays offer an unforgettable ambiance.

Sarah B. is located on 360 St. Antoine St. W.

restaurant // life

When I say ‘sake’, you say ‘bomb’! imadake is a one-stop blast in a sake bomb glass niCole YeBa Staff writer

Imadake is not easily noticeable at night; the name is written at the bottom of the glass window and the door is hidden between two walls. It is an izakaya, which is a Japanese pub where you can share small plates of food, or enjoy a bowl of ramen for one. It is the perfect place for employees to cool down after a long day of work. There are a few izakayas in Montreal, but the liveliest, without a doubt, is Imadake.

The tables and small, individual benches are made completely out of wood, creating an earthy feel. The left wall is colourfully painted with a funky samurai. The atmosphere is loud and fun, something that is to be expected when most of the clientele are in their 20s or 30s.

The staff is super friendly, so do not hesitate asking them which meals or appetizers they recommend—our waitress suggested most of the 12 meals we ordered for our group of four.

There are a few must-have meals in order to

gain the full izakaya experience.

The takoyaki, a small ball made of wheat flour with pieces of octopus, pickled ginger and green onions wrapped inside, is definitely included in the must-haves. It is sprinkled with dried seaweed powder, smoked tuna flakes and a light, tasty Japanese mayonnaise. The ebimayo, the tasty fried shrimp dish and the okonomiyaki, and a pancake served with a medley of ingredients such as pork and seafood make the list as well.

If you’re feeling adventurous, Imadake offers some bold dishes for the culinary daredevil, like miso cow tongue and jellyfish salad. Appetizers range between $3 and $15.

Oshiruko, a typical Japanese dessert, is a warm porridge made with azuki red bean paste served with glutinous rice flour dumplings and vanilla ice cream. The mix of sweet, warm and cold is heavenly.

They also offer Japanese beer such as Sapporo, Japanese whiskey and sake served cold or warm. The Hello Kitty cocktail is definitely a good choice, made with vodka, lime, strawberry and guava juice.

But the one thing you absolutely have to

Photo by writer

get? A sake bomb. It consists of a shot of sake dropped into a glass of beer. The shot is carefully placed between two chopsticks over the glass. The staff will then ask you to chant loudly and repeat the word “bomb” after they scream “sake!” After the third time, you slam your fists on the table so hard that the shot falls down into the beer, leaving you to chug the mix. It creates a wild and competitive atmosphere as everyone tries to chant louder than the others. They have regular and large format sake bombs, as well as

a rainbow one—the sake is blue and the beer is burgundy. For roughly $4, the sake bomb alone makes Imadake worth a visit.

On their website, it says that their goal is to offer “a fun and interesting dining experience. We believe it is important to live in the moment.” And they achieve their goal perfectly. Itadakimasu!

Imadake Pub Japonais is located on 4006 Ste-Catherine St. W. Reservations are highly suggested.

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city // life

Montreal through the eyes of a tourist Stop complaining about the cold and get out there!

Angela De Cicco Contributor

A

s a born and raised Montrealer I thought I was likely to have seen all that there is to see in and around the city.

It wasn’t until early this January, when an Australian friend of mine came to visit Montreal for the first time, that I realized I had underestimated and overlooked some of the great things our city has to offer. Being a tourist in your own city may sound silly but I bet that you will not regret it. I started off as a tour guide for my friend, but could not hold back my own “oohs” and “aahs” as we trekked through the city’s most famous sights, restaurants and activities.

My friend was lucky enough to arrive during one of the craziest snowstorms of the year which, aside from the initial shock, left him in awe at his first sight of snow. While he marvelled at all 50 cm I, along with other friends, failed to share his enthusiasm.

Nonetheless, we had plans for him, plans that were sure to include a Montreal classic: the poutine. Devouring a delicious poutine at the popular Poutineville was not a new experience for me, but watching the Aussie drool over the innovation that is fries, gravy

and melted curd cheese was nothing short of fun.

Mount Royal was stop number two. I vaguely remember hiking up Mont Royal for a college gym class but sadly could not remember what anything looked like. Montreal’s infrastructure is distinct and impressive, something I had never bothered to notice before.

It would be crazy to visit Montreal and not check out the great shopping in the downtown area. I have walked Ste-Catherine St. more times than I can possibly imagine, but I have never walked into the prominent Montreal retail establishment that is Ogilvy because I’m a student, and let’s be honest, students are not their demographic. It was pretty cool and it did shed a light on the higher end side of the city.

Not only did I take for granted the variety of stores downtown, but walking along

Ste-Catherine, from shop to shop, became such a habit, that I sometimes forget how accessible and accommodating our many underground malls are.

Discovering Mont Tremblant was another surprise for both me and my friend.

Already thinking like a tourist, I realized how great it is that in just an hour’s time one can go from a busy metropolitan city to a quaint little village. It’s full of great winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and dog sledding, but if you prefer just enjoying the feel of walking through what looks like a Christmas village, there’s a gondola ride where you can take in the view over a maple taffy.

Seeing Montreal through the eyes of a tourist - you begin to notice shops and buildings that you would normally overlook as you’re rushing from one place to another.

Walking through the streets with fresh eyes

forces you to take a moment, look around and maybe think about the history behind the range of buildings and monuments.

It’s kind of sad to think that it isn’t until friends or family come from out of town to visit that we discover more of our city. Montreal is here for the taking all year round and I surely plan to start taking full advantage of it.

Tried and true tourist attractions for all Feel like taking on the role as a tourist in the city? Here are few places locals don’t usually think to try that will surely give you the full Montreal experience!

Fitz and Fowell Co. Montreal tours

St. Joseph’s Oratory

Ice fishing village

Montreal Space for Life

No matter the weather, Fitz and Fowell offer creative ways to discover the city. They embrace all seasons by organizing snow tours in the winter that include ice skating at Beaver Lake and Lafontaine Park and snowshoeing in the Mont-Royal woods. If you’d rather wait for spring, there are walking tours along the Main for foodies, as well as Plateau and Outremont tours. They offer personalized tours, can organize private events, or do a self-guided tour with a prepared picnic basket of local products. For more information visit http://www.fitzandfollwell.co/.

We all know it’s there, but honestly, when was the last time you actually visited St. Joseph’s Oratory. Whether you’re religious Catholic or not, St. Joseph’s is a beautiful mountaintop basilica that is definitely worth the visit. It is the biggest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph and has been designated at a National Historic Site in Canada. Aside from its beautiful gardens, skyline view, and candlelit room displaying thousands of crutches, the basilica interestingly enough houses the heart of Saint André of Montreal.

Who says you need to head north to ice fish? Whether it’s on your bucket list or you just feel like getting in touch with your outdoor-loving Canadian roots, the Old Port is now offering the opportunity to ice fish across 300,000 feet of ice. For $10, they give you all the equipment you need, a place to shelter yourself from the cold, and access to a snack bar with daily specials from renowned Chef Daren Bergeron.

For more information visit http://www.villagepecheblanche.com/.

Montreal Space for Life encompases the Insectarium, Biodôme, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium, which have joined together to to provide a place where humans can get a better understand of nature and science. For $11.25, you could visit the Botanical Garden’s Main Exhibition room that is currently housing over a thousand butterflies and moths. If bugs aren’t your thing, the Montreal Space for Life is always hosting interesting events and bringing in new creatures to capture your attention.

Photos from Flickr

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

Write to the editor: arts@theconcordian.com theatre // arts

Jumping from screen to stage student theatre troupe adapts Moonrise Kingdom tiffany LafLeur staff writer

As the credits for Moonrise Kingdom rolled, Cleo da Fonseca and Giuseppe Di Lonardo knew: this was going to be the next adaptation their theatre troupe would be doing.

Founded by Di Lonardo, the Thespian Theatre Troupe has been adapting movies for the stage for the past five years. Spearheaded by Di Lonardo, da Fonseca and Frantz-Patrice Séïde Cameau, the school troupe from Collège Brébeuf have adapted such movie classics as American Beauty and Donnie Darko. Their latest production is an adaptation of Moonrise Kingdom, which was staged Feb. 27 and 28 at the Brébeuf auditorium.

The Thespian Theatre Troupe is one of Brébeuf’s three theatre troupes, and the only one that performs in English.

The other two theatre troupes at Brébeuf focus on classical and musical theatre. Since he couldn’t sing and wasn’t fond of classical plays, Di Lonardo took it upon himself to found his own troupe, with the goal of specializing in adapting movies and bringing a more modern approach to the school’s productions. The first time he pitched the idea of an English-speaking troupe to the school, he was turned down. Undeterred, he returned the year after with a more concrete and developed idea. Cameazu joined soon after, along with da Fonseca.

“Movies are easier to adapt to as a kid. We grew up not so much with theatre, but with watching movies,” said da Fonseca. Studying

The Thespian TheaTre Troupeès casT of Moonrise KingdoM perforMed Their adapTaTion of The filM on feb. 27 and 28 aT collège brébeuf.

communications at Concordia, she is the co-director and co-producer for the troupe, along with Cameau and Di Lonardo.

“It’s something that I wanted, and I figured others would too,” said Di Lonardo. After graduating from Brébeuf in sciences, Di Lonardo volunteered to continue running the troupe. Cameau and da Fonseca, also volunteered to stay on despite also having graduated.

Da Fonseca credits the teachers, actors and especially the coaches for the success of the troupe. The coaches guide the students to their full acting potential. “The acting is made possible by the coaches. Without them, the magic wouldn’t have happened,” said da Fonseca. The coaches, Thomas Khullar, Boyao Zhang and Olivier Archambault Bouffard, are former Brébeuf students who are volunteering their time.

Pierre Drolet has been an English teacher at Brébeuf for the past 20 years. He is the staff liaison for the troupe and supports it wholeheartedly.

“Like anything, it took a few years to find its legs,” said Drolet, who thinks that from a creative standpoint, the troupe is very good for students and gives them a sense of accomplishment. “After the production, they’ll be tired and useless in class, but they’ll be beaming with pride.”

The troupe has become a close-knit, but not closed family, continually inviting additional members. Da Fonseca’s hope is that in the future, the Thespian can become an independent company while maintaining its original members.

From start to finish the production of Moonrise Kingdom took nine months. The storyline followed the movie closely; however actors were given a fair amount of leeway with their lines and

were encouraged to add their own personal twist to the show. As most characters from the movie are either very young or very old, the troupe faced a substantial challenge in embodying their characters. Nonetheless, they did so effectively and put on a great performance, keeping the audience in stitches the whole time.

The troupe also showcased an effective and impressive creativity in terms of props and space, turning the stage from dense forest to bright living room seamlessly and effortlessly. For a student play, the troupe did an excellent job of bringing everything together in order to put on an amazing show.

The future is full of possibilities for the Thespian, said Cameau.

“I don’t know where it’s headed, but it’s headed somewhere great.”

cinema politica // arts

The drying well, the draining of life a powerful look into the world’s water supply, the one agenda that brings people together ayan ChoWdury staff writer

W

ater, as a resource, is a fundamental necessity to our existence, yet from China to the Middle East to California, nearly every region of the world is facing a shortage of it. In fact, by 2025, half of the world’s population will not have adequate access to clean water. Less than one per cent of the earth’s water is actual freshwater that is available to drink. This begs the question: how can we ensure, now and in the future, that there will be high quality drinking water for all?

Produced by Participant Media, the same people who brought us An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc. and Waiting For Superman, Last Call at the Oasis is directed by Oscar winner Jessica Yu. The film deals extensively with this global water

crisis and looks at various solutions to help alleviate it, taking audiences across the United States, Australia and Israel during its investigation.

According to the film, California is the very epitome of the global water crisis. The Central Valley, which produces nearly 25 per cent of the food consumed in the United States, is battling the U.S. government over production resources.

Farming typically takes nearly 80 to 90 per cent of water consumption in most states, with the other 10 to 20 per cent being distributed to remaining areas, such as commercial or residential areas, or even for power usage. California’s combination of climate change, population growth and groundwater depletion spells major trouble.

When Ohio’s Cuyahoga River burst into flames in 1969 (yes, you read that right), the American environmental movement became galvanized. This eventually led to the foundation of the Environmental Protection Agency and

the signings of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, in 2005, former U.S. vice-president Dick Cheney helped create the so-called “Halliburton Loophole,” which exempted all the major gas and fracking industries in the U.S. from the Safe Drinking Water act. This led to highly contaminated and toxic water levels in many parts of the United States, such as Midland, TX., the childhood home of former president George W. Bush. Today, the rise in cancer among many citizens of Midland is reaching alarming levels. As one commentator sarcastically notes, “most people don’t poison their hometown.”

This is an expertly made film: its slick cinematography, fast-paced editing, superb effects and excellent use of music make it apparent that this is about as high-budget and sophisticated as they come among documentaries. One of most effective scenes occurs early on in the film: unsettling images of impoverished citizens from a

Third World country fighting for water distributed by foreign aid workers are pinned to contrast to our Western world with water parks, golf courses, car washes and water fountains. As American scientist Peter Gleick argues, “an infinitely growing population cannot be satisfied with a finite amount of water on this planet.”

The various activists, small-time farmers and environmental scientists highlighted in this film exemplify one of Albert Einstein’s most famous quotes: “those who have the privilege to know have a duty to act.” Hopefully the more we know, the more likely we are to do the right thing.

Last Call at the Oasis screens Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in Room H-110, 1455 De Maisonneuve W. As part of World Water Week, this screening is in collaboration with Back the Tap Coalition. Visit www.cinemapolitica.org/ concordia.

Tuesday, march 12, 2013

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art souterrain // arts

Come underground and play Art Souterrain launches its fourth edition with an impressive circuit of artists ariana trigueros-Corbo assistant arts editor

No two people see the same New York City, San Francisco, Paris or Las Vegas. Some will remember the skyline, with its endless skyscrapers, carving out a clouded sky. Others will prefer the museums, with that breathtaking piece of artwork they thought they’d never see. These cities — much like our own — are playgrounds, where individuals are left to gather fragmented memories and impressions.

Montreal, for instance, is a city with a remarkable use of public space. It can be said that we are, above all, a showcasing city. The very existence of these spaces, crowded with artistic installments and festivals at all times of year, is constantly inviting people, either citizens or tourists, into discovering our city.

An excellent example of our city’s show-

casing endeavors is this year’s returning edition of Art Souterrain, which will be running from March 2 until March 17. This artistic event is put together by an organization of the same name, which was founded in 2009.

The Art Souterrain organization’s mission is to make contemporary art more accessible to all and to give it a chance to be appreciated as a whole.

Art Souterrain, in 2013, is the fourth edition of this impressive event, as this year’s circuit spans over seven kilometres. Artists’ creations always focus on one curated theme in order to create a cohesive circuit for people to explore.

This year’s theme is the labyrinth: “a sinuous plan, provided or not of crossings, dead ends and false tracks, intended to slow down or get lost someone who tries to walk through it,” as it is eloquently explained on their website. They are, however, quick to underline the symbolic sense of the theme as well; the labyrinth also references the understanding between the spectator and the artist and how

the former will lead audiences through a series of movements and ideas to a new vision or perspective.

For people interested in completing the circuit as a whole, the downtown Montreal area has been divided into eight zones. They all host a respective amount of artists, based on whatever space is available. This includes “unofficially” parts of the STM, as well as more official venues such as Palais des Congrès.

As an organization, Art Souterrain has the more “local” goal of encouraging Montreal to renew its stance on visual arts. The same way it has actively decided to advocate its importance in the music world, be it on the local or the international scene, Art Souterrain would like Montreal to take an active role in promoting contemporary visual arts. What visitors of the event will quickly come to understand is that Art Souterrain wants to create a sense of pride and appreciation for the visual arts, that has been but an undertone in the city until now.

This major artistic event also fosters the notion of ‘guest city’. Essentially, the organization partners with another major city from around the world in order to invite some of that city’s newer or more prominent contemporary artists to come and exhibit their work.

This year’s guests were from Barcelona, and have been greatly influenced by a combination of both Catalan and Spanish artistic techniques and themes.

Art Souterrain is an invitation for Montrealers to take the time to enjoy a spectacle.

After all, part of the city has essentially been temporarily revamped to take your breath away. Why not go take a walk and let it surprise you?

Art Souterrain will be taking place across the downtown Montreal underground March 2-17. There are no admission fees related to this event. For a detailed map of the circuit and for more information visit http://www. artsouterrain.com/en/home.

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

theconcordian film // arts

Overdosing on excess: 21 & Over the writers of The Hangover bring a disappointing and recycled film to a movie theatre near you saLia hadidi Contributor

21 and Over revolves around a group of guys on a partying journey, but this isn’t The Hangover. One of the characters has an important event to attend the next morning and is the subject of many troubles, but this isn’t The Hangover. There are a lot of naked people, alcohol and drugs involved, but THIS IS NOT The Hangover.

Now, we are not going to waste time pretending this movie aspired to Oscar contention, which it would have obviously failed miserably at. For the purpose it serves, the movie could be considered decent, bringing a few smiles, but still feels too recycled.

21 and Over’s storyline is simplistic: Jeff Chang, a promising med student who is played by Justin Chon, gets a surprise visit from his two longtime friends Casey (Skylar Astin) and Miller (Miles Teller), on his 21st birthday. With one of the most important interviews of his life scheduled for the next morning, Chang agrees to a quiet celebration with the pair. Festivities quickly get out of hand, turning into a night of debauchery and depravity. Whereas recent movies like The Hangover and Project X have relied on either memorable lines and performances or insanely over the top attitude, 21 and Over wanders in the middle, not knowing where to stand. Instead of being a non-stop ride of laughs, it’s few funny scenes, which

are essentially summed up in the trailer, come up almost carelessly, here and there.

And when it tries to bring up more serious subjects, it never gets to the bottom of it.

As for the cast, the main actors have previously endorsed similar roles: Teller as a party animal in Project X and Astin as the nice guy next door in Pitch Perfect. Chon, while unconscious for the better part of the movie, brings a funny twist and harmony to the group with his first major role.

21 and Over matches whatever low expectations the trailer had allowed us to prepare for. It brings nothing new to the table, and while you maintain the hope of being surprised by exciting writers, you quickly sober up and become aware of the silence in the screening room. The movie scrapes whatever was left of The Hangover’s vomitcovered cutting room floor, but still doesn’t manage to get any substance. Instead, we are thrown in the middle of clichéd frat parties, getting forever wilder and yet still serving as a reference for prospective college students.

We are chasing Jeff Chang throughout the whole movie, without ever getting anywhere. “Did we just kill Jeff Chang, again?” might be the quote which sums up 21 and Over the best, more specifically, its repetitiveness and lack of interest. Dear viewers, save yourselves that Cheapy Tuesday ticket, and go rent a comedy more worthy of your money. 21 Jump Street, I Love You, Man, Mystery Team, to name only a few, ensure that you can still turn your brain off and keep laughing.

Calling all campus musicians!

If you are a campus musician, in a band, or know someone who is, contact the Concordian! We want you for our campus music profile series.

Email music@theconcordian.com for more information.

music 11

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

Write to the editor: music@theconcordian.com

profile // music

Ghost Lights turns to nature for inspiration multi-instrumentalist concordia student Noah cebuliak is one with our natural world

Jordie Yeager staff writer

I

magine a forest: moss-pillowed logs, a sky of leaves and perhaps the trickle of a river just out of sight. Now imagine this forest as an image painted solely by sound.

Ghost Lights mastermind Noah Cebuliak, a Concordia student, is new to the Montreal music scene but his talent has the potential to take him to the top. His sound is a unique combination of haunting and relaxing that can’t help but make you wistful — not for a person, but for a state.

“I’d say atmosphere is the most important part of music,” said Cebuliak. “My sound is longing; it’s nostalgic. It’s a state of reverence.”

Saltwater, Cebuliak’s EP, is composed of six songs inspired by the world itself. The first track, “Fog Chief,” lays down the foundation for the melancholic vibe that lingers and traces its way throughout the following singles. Cebuliak’s personal favourite is “The Flask,” which is “a bit edgier.”

“With this music, what I’m really trying to do is look at the relationship between humanity and the wilderness, and the

“

places where they meet,” he said. “Especially where they meet in a very thin way. I love the way nature interacts with humanity in small ways: abandoned places that are overgrown and being reclaimed. There’s always been a vibe there for me.”

“For a long time I thought it was corny that I was in love with nature,” he continued. “I felt like it might get attacked. But then I realized that I really love the wilderness and I have something to say about it.”

For someone so invested in the world’s natural beauty, Montreal is quite a change of pace. Cebuliak credits his time here to his love of Montreal’s “music scene,” while pondering whether being so removed from the west coast wilderness he loves influences his music.

“Sometimes I wonder: do I write better when I’m not there?” he asked himself. “Because then that feeling of longing is amplified.”

While Saltwater was released in November, music has been a constant in Cebuliak’s life for as long as he can remember.

“My mom is a singer/songwriter, too, actually,” he said. “When I grew up, she made a couple of albums in our house in Alberta.

My dad produced them. It was a pretty lowkey affair. She’s been doing it forever, so it’s kind of been the lineage, you know?”

Not everyone is lucky enough to inherit such palpable talent, but that’s unquestionably the case for Cebuliak.

“When I was three, my parents had all these ice cream buckets they gave me, and I would play them with sticks,” said Cebuliak. “The drums were my first ‘thing’, and now I play the guitar and piano, too.

I always knew there wasn’t anything other than music that I could be doing and that I had to throw my life into this.”

Not only does he provide almost all the instrumentals on Saltwater, he also pours his soul into lyrical poetry that often takes months to write and refine.

“I don’t really understand how people write songs in a day,” said Cebuliak. He smiled before pointing to my notebook and continuing, “That’s just not my style. I have a bunch of these with words, attempts and drafts after drafts of finding out what I really want to say. I could write forever.”

Cebuliak credits his ambition partially to advice he received from Stars frontman Torquil Campbell.

“Don’t give up,” he stated simply.

“Believe in yourself. Just keep going and persevere, and eventually all the competition will just fall away. It’s really simple and it’s really cliché, but you know it’s true.”

He related this advice to one of Buddha’s teachings from the Dhammapada: those

who have not gained treasure in their youth perish like old herons in a lake with no fish.

“Essentially, just go for it now, or else you will never get it,” he said. “I think I’d live by that quote, because this is the golden age, you know?”

Cebuliak has already come a long way.

He even confessed that he’d never consider performing the songs he wrote at the start of his musical journey. The songs he is proud of, though, have received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

“I was hoping that people would like it and that they’d get something out of it, because that’s kind of why you put something out there,” he said. “Otherwise you could just listen to it yourself and be happy.

But it’s good that people have responded positively, because this is just the scratching of the surface. There’s a lot more to be said and in a much stronger way from me.

I’ll be really excited when I put the next couple things out and see what people have to say about it.”

Now, his eyes are fixed firmly on the finish line. When asked where he could see music taking him, Cebuliak laughed, pumped his fist into the air and exclaimed “To the top, baby!”

Ghost Lights plays Le Cagibi on Thursday, March 21 at 9 p.m.. Tickets are $5.

I’d say atmosphere is the most important part of music. My sound is longing; it’s nostalgic. It’s a state of reverence.

-Noah Cebuliak

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profile // music

ädenn juggle podcasts, producing and performing Love and appreciation for electro and house fuels each of their endeavours aLex shadeed contributor

As if midterms and finals weren’t enough on these two Concordia students’ plates, Alex Shadeed and George Varoutsos, along with friend Matheos Zaharopoulos, have had the added responsibility of managing a growing music brand that has hit international proportions in only a matter of months.

Together, the three friends form ädenn, a progressive/electro house production and DJ trio whose online show “ädenn’s R.A.G.E.R Podcast” already has views in the tens of thousands. As of right now, the podcast has 11 different installments, all of which are available on the group’s Soundcloud page.

“The show really isn’t that different from how we are in person,” said co-host Alex Shadeed, a second-year political science student at Concordia. “It just started as us screwing around in front of a microphone and that’s how we want to keep it.”

This is the same nonchalant attitude that has garnered the show international interest; having a down-to-earth vibe along with the most recent hits in the Electronic Dance Music—also known as EDM—world.

“It’s weird to say, but we kind of have the same philosophy towards the DJing parts of the show that we do towards the rest of it. We wanna keep it fresh,” said co-host George Varoutsos, a third-year anthropology student.

The podcast has also recently seen the addition of established guests from around the globe spinning their favourite tunes.

Bringing in guests from places such as Las

Vegas and Poland has really helped ädenn grasp what’s trending around the world as guests introduce a variety of different genres to the show.

Besides the podcast, ädenn also produces a segment called the “Power Half Hour,” which is around 30 minutes of non-stop juiced-up electro.

“The whole idea behind the power half hour was that sometimes people just want constantly streaming music with no interruptions,” said Shadeed. “We wanted something that was a bit more energetic that people could use to workout and stuff. It also gives us a chance to get a little bit more creative with the mixing. We figured it would be a good way to get athletes and gym-goers to start listening to us as well.”

The group has also generated a solid fan base here at home, spinning at both Montre-

al nightclubs and university charity events in front of hundreds of spectators.

“As fun as the podcasts are, nothing beats the energy of a live show,” said Zaharopoulos. “Playing in front of your fellow students, all there to have a good time orchestrated by you, is a rush like no other. Makes all the pains of practice worthwhile.”

This passion for music is also illustrated in the trio’s productions, which combine emotional riffs, chilling vocals and highenergy synths. Their growing fan base has become a source of inspiration for the trio as well, with each member having been motivated by and grateful for the support they’ve so far received. It has also made the songwriting process a whole lot more fun.

Fans’ support recently helped ädenn earn a spot as a top-10 finalist in a competition for the chance to open for the world’s #6 DJ as

per DJ Mag: Hardwell.

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw our name in the running,” said Varoutsos.

“It would have been an experience like no other, but we were still really happy to even have had a shot at winning.”

The thing ädenn has most enjoyed over the past few years has been the emergence of electro on the music forefront. “It’s been crazy to see how quickly the world’s begun to embrace progressive and electro,” said Shadeed, whose influences include Special Features, Deadmau5 and Hard Rock Sofa.

“People are really starting to appreciate its complexity and potential. The original stuff people can come up with boggles my mind.” ädenn plays Espace des Arts Friday, March 15 at 10 p.m. for a St. Patrickès Day event.

Tickets are $25 for guys, $15 for girls.

mixtape// music

Kiss me, I’m wasted mixtape THE PRE-DRINK 1. Kanye West - “Drunk and Hot Girls” - Graduation 2. Oasis - “Cigarettes and Alcohol” - Definitely Maybe 3. Franz Ferdinand - “Take Me Out” - Franz Ferdinand 4. AC/DC - “Have A Drink On Me” - Back in Black 5. Queen - “Don’t Stop Me Now” - Jazz 6. The Champs - “Tequila” Train to Nowhere 7. Azealia Banks - “212” Broke With Expensive Taste 8. Bon Jovi - “It’s My Life” Crush 9. Beastie Boys - “Fight for your Right” - Licensed to Ill 10. J-Kwon - “Tipsy” - Single

ON THE PuB SPEAKERS 1. The Gourds - “Gin and Juice” - Shinebox 2. Dead Kennedys - “Too Drunk to Fuck” - Single 3. Flogging Molly - “Irish Pub Song” - Drunken Lullabies 4. Dropkick Murphys - “I’m Shipping up to Boston” - The Warrior’s Code 5. Kid Rock - “All Summer Long” - Rock n Roll Jesus 6. Chumbawumba - “Tubthumping” - Tubthumper 7. Journey - “Don’t Stop Believing” - Escape 8. The Pogues - “Streams of Whiskey” - Red Roses for Me 9. Gary Portnoy - “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” - Single 10. The Dubliners - “Whiskey in the Jar” - Single

stephaNie uLLmaN music editor

I

t’s beer-soaked. It’s shamrocked. It’s the only day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to wear green on green on green. St. Patrick’s Day holds a very special place in the heart of the average university student — the one day of the year where it’s absolutely expected, no excuses, to drink yourself silly into fall-off-your-chair inebriation and act like an absolute animal. From the crucial moments of pre-gaming for the pub-goers, weighed down with Mardi-Gras-inspired plastic jewellery and Dollar Store bauble headbands, having a playlist of drinking anthems on repeat is part of a successful and complete St. Paddy’s Day experience.

This mixtape offers - as a homage to losing your balance, hooking up with your childhood neighbour, having severely decreased depth perception, and being unable to enunciate - a slew of hard-hitting drinking songs.

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

theconcordian mixtape// music

A new side to Tegan & Sara canadian twin duo pull off the plunge into pop music aLaNa WiLLertoN the gateway (university of alberta) aNdreW guiLbert staff writer EDMONTON (CuP) — “I’m not embarrassed about pop music. I fucking love pop music.”

Sara Quin isn’t afraid to say it, but apparently a lot of other people are. One half of Canadian twin duo Tegan and Sara, Quin is referring to those who’ve turned their noses up at the group’s recent dive into the world of pop music on Heartthrob, their seventh studio album.

While much of the reaction from critics and listeners has been positive so far, there are still skeptics who doubt the twins’ decision to merge into the mainstream music scene after being the indie darlings of Canada for so long.

“To me, the idea that pop music is vapid and shallow — I just think that’s such bullshit,” Quin exclaims. “I grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s where pop music meant everything. It meant u2, it meant Björk, it meant Madonna, it meant Depeche Mode. It was what sold out stadiums and arenas. That’s what I cut my teeth on and that’s the world that I wished I could be a part of.

“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life and career thinking, ‘Well, I was to-

tally relegated to the fringe because it was cooler or because I was gay’ or whatever.

I want to be able to set my goal as high as anybody and not feel like somehow that is reductive to my art.”

And while skeptics question the power and seriousness of pop, that doesn’t mean their doubts are justified. As a member of a band that catered to a dedicated indie rock audience for years, Quin knows the security that a niche market and audience can bring. Pop stars, on the other hand, are at the mercy of the masses, and the competitive genre brings with it more risk.

Thankfully for Tegan and Sara, their risk on Heartthrob appears to be paying off.

Their single “Closer” has been rising up the charts for weeks now, and a change in sound after all these years comes as a breath of fresh air. But as Quin knows all too well, sometimes it’s impossible to make everyone happy, no matter what you do.

“We’ve always struggled with anything

that even seems marginally purposeful,” Quin acknowledges.

But now, with their new direction firm in hand and feeling confident in the decision, Tegan and Sara have left what others think behind them. And while some will always remain cynical of pop music, the band has done their best to put their heads down and power through, paying little mind to the criticism that will likely always follow them.

“I just thought to myself, ‘We’re just going to have prove this in the long run’,” says Quin. “So we’ve been working our asses off and trying to just make music and connect with people, and also challenge ourselves and not be afraid that if we try to be more mainstream or more accessible that that means we’re playing their game and that’s a bad thing.

“Of course we’re playing their game. If I wear a fucking paper bag over my head and make unlistenable music, I’m still playing a game — it’s just for someone else.”

How to Destroy Angels – Welcome Oblivion (Sony; 2013)

Suuns - Images Du Futur (Secretly Canadian; 2013)

Phosphorescent - Muchacho (Dead Oceans; 2013)

For those who have never heard of How to Destroy Angels, the group is composed of former industrial project Nine Inch Nails members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Reznor’s wife Mariqueen Maandig and Rob Sheridan, who was also involved with NIN. This album will definitely appeal to the industrial/ electronic crowd, with an abundance of synthesized sounds and flowing vocals blended seamlessly over them.

The songs range from more ambient and upbeat, such as in the song “Ice Age,” which features plucky strings and Maandig’s sinuous voice, to slightly more intense and murky ones, such as “Too Late, All Gone” and the title track. These songs are a lot heavier on the effects and distortions.

The album is such that veteran fans of industrial music are sure to enjoy it, but it’s still light enough that individuals new to the genre can ease into it.

Conceived around the time of last summer’s student protests in Montreal, Images Du Futur reflects the tension and unease of a city in upheaval, torn by the uncertainty of the future.

Masters of restraint, the Montreal-based band has perfected a sinister minimalist sound that is detached, yet intensely present. Evolving from the style of their debut album, Zeroes QC, the muchanticipated sophomore release is a mixture of drone and tension. You can almost hear the murmur of “les casseroles” clanging in the art-rock soundscape.

The anxiety incurred by Images Du Futur is both a blessing and a curse. Don’t expect any catchy hooks or satisfying choruses, this album is like a dark alleyway in the wrong side of town, just close your eyes and hope that you get to the end with all of your limbs intact.

Now based in Brooklyn, Alabama native Matthew Houck is known as Phosphorescent on the music scene. His latest, Muchacho, is sunny and light as a feather, with a folksy vocal twang.

“Sun, Arise!” has a choir-like vibe reminiscent of a less-boring religious service, while the cheesy, echoing vocals and airy instrumentation on “Song For Zula” sound as if they belong on a tiny Zellers speaker system, albeit at one of the more upscale branches.

“Terror in the Canyons” has a home-on-the-range feel, while “A Charm / A Blade” is a classic-rocked up version of the same sound. If your focus starts to slip, make a game of catching the “Whoop!” interjections on almost every track.

The second half of the album captures the weight and emotion that Muchacho probably intended to deliver; kudos to these tracks. To send off the record, the choir returns in all its glory for the final track, “Sun’s Arising.”

Trial track: “How Long?”

Trial Track: “Minor Work”

Trial track: “The Quotidian Beasts”

- Joseph Arciresi

7.5/10

- Paul Traunero

4/10

Canadian music icon Stompin’ Tom Connors, known for quirky, Canadian-themed songs like “Bud the Spud” and “Sudbury Saturday Night” died last Wednesday of natural causes at his home in Ontario. Knowing he was in ill health he penned a letter to his fans thanking them for their devotion over the years. It was published on his website soon after his passing: “Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin’ Tom. It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with its beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.

I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Map All stomped out le Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future. I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives form the work I have done. Sincerely, your friend always, Stompin’ Tom Connors.”

>> Indie fates n’ dire straits //

Quick spins// music

9.0/10

>> All stomped out //

-Stephanie Ullman

A new study from the Canadian Independent Music Association has turned up some interesting, disheartening statistics about our music industry. The study found that music company employees earn an average of $22,250 a year, which may not sound like a lot to people outside the business, but it’s nearly 300 per cent more than the average indie musician makes in a year, instead of a whopping $7,228. The study does point out that the musicians work about 29 hours a week, whereas the industry folks 33 hours per week. All in all everyone seems to be getting a raw deal, since roughly 60 per cent of the Canadian music industry earns $50,000 or less in gross income. Other stats of note are that nearly half of the music companies in Canada are run by a single individual, the average age of Canadian indie musicians is 39.5 and 73 per cent of them are male. If Canadian music studies are your bag, you can check out the whole 50 page document at CIMA’s website, www. cimamusic.ca.

>> W.K. wipes klean//

In what is either the most appropriate or inappropriate celebrity endorsement of a product ever, Andrew W.K. has been tapped to be the face of Playtex’s new “Fresh + Sexy Wipes,” a wipe intended explicitly for folks “before and after they engage in sexual activity.” Playtex explained the logic behind their latest spokesman in a statement: “This exciting new product required the help of someone who could embody the brand’s playful yet bold campaign; someone who could party hard, but still be clean when it counted. Andrew W.K. is that someone and we are thrilled to have him on board with us.” In celebration of the union between Playtex and the prince of “Party Hard” the feminine hygiene company will be giving out 100 Andrew W.K. Sensory Kits, which will hit “all five of the recipients’ senses from the packaging to the content inside,” according to the press release.

sports 14

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Write to the editor: sports@theconcordian.com

men’s soccer // sports

Stingers eliminated from playoffs on penalty kicks

Photo by writer

The men’s soccer team travelled to Trois-Rivières for an RSEQ quarter-final playoff game Kevin Duarte Sports editor

Following a two week break, the Concordia Stingers had a tough away trip to Trois-Rivières for their quarter-final playoff matchup. Finishing sixth in the league, Concordia had to face the third place Université du Québec à Trois Rivières Patriotes.

The last time these two sides met, the Patriotes won 5-3 in a goal-fest at the Stinger Dome on Feb. 3. The Stingers were hoping for a better match defensively this time around.

The Stingers had the first chance in the 10th minute. Defender Stephen Meterissian sent a long through ball to striker Andrew Bryan. Bryan could not get a good shot off.

Four minutes later, the home side answered

back. Francis Labrie and Émile Dufour-Gallant combined well with passes through the middle until Dufour-Gallant fired a shot on the Stingers goal. Concordia goalkeeper Remo Taraschi bobbled the blast, but was able to secure the ball.

In the 43rd minute, UQTR worked their way down the right flank. A shot was fired on target, forcing Taraschi to make a diving stop. The follow-up rebound was barely missed. The match was scoreless going into the break.

In the second half, the Patriotes could have opened the scoring 10 minutes in. Gabriel Lehouillier-Capistran found some space in front of the net, but his shot was denied by a great stop from Taraschi.

In the 79th minute, the Stingers had their best chance to pull ahead. After securing a cross, Taraschi played a quick ball out to midfielder Joseph Couto. Couto looked up and sent a long ball deep for Bryan to run onto. Bryan could not

slip it under the on-rushing goalkeeper.

In the 86th minute, the Patriotes should have put the game away. A ball worked down the left flank was cut back to the top of the box where Dufour-Gallant had time and space to shoot. Taraschi came up with a clutch save to keep the Stingers alive.

In stoppage time, a Concordia counter-attack led to a big chance for Léonard Loyseau. The France native could not curl his shot around the UQTR keeper.

“In the late stages of the game, we were able to create a couple chances and we could have come away with a win,” said Stingers head coach Greg Sutton. “[Our goal] was to stay disciplined and not open ourselves up to a counter attack. We wanted to feel out the game and be patient.”

Penalties were needed to find a winner. With goals from each side in the first round, Bryan

had a chance to put pressure on the Patriotes.

His powerful blast rebounded off the crossbar and stayed out. A UQTR goal, followed by a miss from Couto, gave the Patriotes the victory.

“Defensively, I think we did a fairly good job,” said Sutton. “But again, the winter season is a different season. It’s not a season where we have really been able to develop our identity as a team yet.”

With the way the team has played in recent matches, things are looking positive for the Stingers. Coach Sutton, who came in on an interim basis to fill in for Lloyd Barker, has been able to build on Barker’s work and have an immediate effect on the team. Players have responded well to Sutton’s tactics and their confidence on and off the pitch is reaching new heights.

After a decent winter season, the Stingers now take a few months off before returning in August for the Fall season.

curling // sports

What happened to curling at Concordia?

A closer look at Concordia’s former curling team and its possible resurgence Photo from Flickr

Kevin Duarte Sports editor

A few years ago, watching a Stingers curling team was a possibility. For two straight years, Concordia fielded a women’s curling team that represented the school at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Curling Championships.

It all started in 2009 when four Concordia curlers got together and formed what would be the school’s curling team.

Skip Kristen Richard, second Sasha Beauchamp, third Brittany O’Rourke and lead Erin Ryan made up the foursome that was sent to represent Concordia in 2009. The following year, Kelly Gazdewich replaced Beauchamp.

All five players had at least five years of experience when they formed the team back in 2009.

Richard, Beauchamp and O’Rourke also each participated in the Canadian Junior Championships between 2007 and 2009.

Curling made its introduction at the CIS level in 2008. Concordia’s first participation in the national championships was in 2009 when Montreal was the host city of the event.

The Stingers finished with two wins and three losses.

One year later, the same Concordia team went to Edmonton, Alberta for another shot at winning the tournament. The Stingers finished with the same 2-3 record.

“When we had the curling team, we had a big fundraiser at the Montreal West Curling Club,” said O’Rourke. “We invited a whole bunch of sports teams to come out and try it.

It was a good fundraising event that got people involved in curling.”

Concordia has not fielded a team since the 2010 nationals and the prospect of recreating one could be in the works.

O’Rourke and Beauchamp are still avid curlers. Both players recently represented Team Quebec at last month’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Team Quebec finished in ninth place with three wins and eight losses.

“I wouldn’t mind helping them out,” said O’Rourke on the prospect of a new Concordia team. “There are a couple people I know [at Concordia] who are curlers. One of them

is looking to put a team together. That’s all it takes, one person to get the ball rolling. For Concordia, why not have a team? You get to go right to nationals because there’s no other school in Quebec that competes.”

The sport itself seems a lot easier on television than it does in real life.

“It’s definitely hard to do at first,” said O’Rourke. “A lot of people think it’s easy, and they try and they feel it’s really awkward. It just takes time and persistence, and eventually you’ll get the technique down.”

Curling, like golf for example, is a sport that requires great mental ability. Once getting the technical skills in order, the rest comes down to strategies on where to place the rocks on the sheet.

“They call it chess on ice,” said O’Rourke.

“No strategy can be successful if you don’t make the shots you’re calling. It’s definitely a mixture of both [technical and tactical]. If you have terrible strategy then even if you make the shot, it’s going to suck. If you have good strategy and don’t make the shots, it will still come out to the same thing.”

Whether or not Concordia will see another curling team depends on those interested in the sport. With a small team, minimum of four players, and a guaranteed spot in the nationals, this could be your way of finally becoming a Stingers athlete.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

What do Concordia students think about their Stingers teams? a view of Concordia varsity sports from students around campus samantha mileto assistant sports editor

T

he Concordia Stingers women’s basketball team fell to the McGill Martlets in the RSEQ finals for the second year in a row in front of a packed and roaring crowd at the Love Competition Hall at McGill two Saturday’s ago.

Unfortunately, the raucous fans don’t seem to fill Concordia facilities during Stingers games as much as they do elsewhere.

“It’s kind of depressing and it is definitely not encouraging,” said Nicole Middleton, a member of the women’s soccer team. “I think that full stands of cheering fans would completely change the atmosphere and intensity of the games.”

There are many factors that result in the empty stands at Concordia.

“I feel, as an athlete, that other students are not even aware that Buzz is their mascot, and that their varsity teams are the Stingers,” Middleton said. “Most students ask me who the Stingers are when I wear the sweaters or T-shirts to class.”

Alex Melki, a first-year journalism student, agrees that many Concordia students don’t watch the Stingers because they simply don’t know about them.

“Concordia University doesn’t do enough to promote school unity,” Melki said. “If you look at McGill, it has this prestigious history, alumni and a Hogwarts-like aura. [It is] to the point where it feels slightly more Americanized.”

Not only that, but not having very competitive teams also turns some students away.

“It’s nice to see them win, but I don’t really care much for them, mainly because they’ve never really had success and they don’t have as good a program as other schools,” said Alex Beaubien, also a journalism student.

“Most [students] are too busy focusing on their own schooling to build a personal connec-

tion to the school’s identity,” added Melki. “Because of this, the Stingers become just another school sports team. Schools and sport team patriotism is found in spades in U.S. colleges and universities, possibly because the school has more of a presence there.”

However, there are many Concordia students who enjoy following the Stingers and will religiously follow any or all Stingers teams.

“I love sports, and I care about the teams to the point that I want them to do well,” said first-year student Ryan Demberg. “It’s a point of pride for them as individuals and as a team, and looks great on our university that year in and year out we’re competitive, despite having McGill as our neighbour.”

Fredric Christ, a first year biochemistry student, agrees with Demberg.

“I would go watch soccer games or basketball games, because I play those sports,” he said. “And I always think it’s good to support your university.”

However, he believes most Stingers fans are athletes themselves and won’t support them if they are not athletic.

Ali Jebboury, a second year Cell and Molecular Biology student, agrees that if you play a sport, you will support that Stingers’ team. “[I would support the Stingers] because I used to play soccer and watch soccer before.

But I don’t anymore because it’s just a question of time, but if you have time, why not?[support the Stingers], he said.”

“I have some friends who play for the men’s basketball team, so any chance I get to go out and cheer them on, I do,” said Marilyn Santucci. “It’s great fun and it’s nice supporting your friends and being surrounded by a great atmosphere. It’s great to see young kids, students and adults attending sporting events. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate what every Stingers team has done throughout the year.”

After up and down attendances this season, the Concordia Stingers players are hoping for larger crowds and more support for the 201314 varsity sport season which will kick off this August.

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streeter // sports

“

most students ask me who the stingers are when i wear the sweaters or t-shirts to class.

- Nicole Middleton

“

it’s great fun and it’s nice supporting your friends and being surrounded by a great atmosphere.

- Marilyn Santucci

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Photo from Flickr

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opinions 16

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Tuesday, march 12, 2013

Write to the editor: opinions@theconcordian.com editorial // opinions

Batten down the hatches, Concordia The university needs to settle up with its unions or prepare for the worst In last week’s editorial, we conjectured that perhaps being president of the Concordia Student Union was the worst job in the world.

This week, we can’t help but wonder if indeed, being a professor at Concordia is also in the running for that coveted title.

For those who don’t know, the Concordia University Faculty Association voted 74 per cent in favour of a strike mandate this weekend.

This means that CUFA members have now joined the ranks of the part-time profes-

sors’ union and the university maintenance workers who have already held strike mandates for months. It’s not news to anyone that Concordia has had difficult labour relations in the past, but with this newest development, things are looking especially dire.

How university administrators think that they can get away with financial scandals upon scandals and still refuse to pay professors a fair wage is beyond us. It is not administrators who are responsible for the product that students take away from their “Concordia experience.” On the contrary, they act more as shadowy figures who make decisions behind the scenes and shy away from accountability at all costs.

There’s a reason why no student at Con-

cordia (in their right mind) has a favourite administrator. But everyone has had a teacher that made an impact on them. Someone who inspired actual learning instead of textbook memorization and regurgitation.

What is most frustrating about the ongoing conflict between the university and its unions is the fundamental lack of respect shown towards educators. We are entirely fed up and frankly, pissed off with the way this school treats the people who strive to make it great.

Concordia may not be built on a gold mine but there is no argument to be made that the money to pay professors, both full-time and part-time, doesn’t exist.

Declaring a strike mandate is an excellent

bargaining chip to bring back to the table, but if this step doesn’t produce concrete results soon, a full-scale establishment-crippling strike may become a reality.

Concordia has more than 1,000 full-time professors and a solid majority of them turned out to vote this weekend. What do the university higher-ups think they’re going to do when every single professor on campus (excepting those who are not in favour) walk out of their classrooms? Is anyone with an office in the GM building truly foolish enough to believe that this place can run without faculty?

We hope not. Because we sure as hell wouldn’t cross a union picket line if all that’s waiting on the other side is a lousy Concordia degree.

north Korea // opinions

Will push come to shove? north Korea’s continued testing puts the country between a rock and a hard place GreGory Todaro assistant opinions editor

North Korea is at it again. After a recent United Nations Security Council vote to impose more sanctions, the nation has chosen to end it’s nonaggression pact with its southern neighbour as well as cutting the hotline between the two.

The UN vote comes after North Korea’s third nuclear test last month despite general disapproval from the international community and is set to strike hardest at North Korean diplomats, cash transfers and access to luxury goods.

According to CBC, North Korea’s reaction has been to claim it will retaliate with “crushing strikes” to any intrusion into North Korea, as well as threaten a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the United States.

North Korea is backing itself into a corner.

The international community has already condemned the country for their actions and yet they continue to press forward.

In 2003, the country pulled out of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a treaty that was signed by most of the world’s countries. By 2006, North Korea had started testing long-range missiles, a move that the United States called “provocative.” Between then and 2009, North Korea, while it claimed to have stopped testing, threatened on several occasions to restart its testing programs. In April of 2009, North Korea announced the launch of a satellite, which drew criticism from many countries, including the United States. North Korea then announced that any sanctions or pressure applied after the testing would be considered an “act of war.” Three years later, in 2012, North Korea once again

disregarded the international community and launched a long-range rocket, which put the satellite successfully into space.

The UN had no choice but to take action against North Korea.

After blatantly disregarding the opinion of the international community, putting aggressive sanctions in place is the best way to send a message to North Korea.

Even North Korea’s biggest ally, China, voted with of the rest of the UN Security Council unanimously in favour of these sanctions. This is an especially big moment — China is historically against economic sanctions, let alone on a neighbouring country.

However, North Korea seems determined to move forward with their agenda. For them, at least outwardly, this tactic is one of self-preservation. North Korea believes that having nuclear capabilities is the only form of deterrence, especially from larger countries like the United States. The country also declared some of their actions — such as launching a satellite into orbit in December 2012 — as non-violent, peaceful acts.

However, the world is not convinced. As long as North Korea continues to test these advances in nuclear and missile technology, the world will be on constant alert for any sign of a threat from the East Asian country. If this

Photo from Flickr

conflict continues to escalate and North Korea doesn’t heed the warnings of the international community, pressure through sanctions will probably continue from the United Nations.

How far is North Korea willing to push this?

Are they really prepared to take the actions they claim? Will they be able to withstand the pres-

sure from the majority of the international community?

For now, the UN Security Council is content with passing sanctions against North Korea. However, if Kim Jong-un continues to push the country in this direction, this conflict could reach the point of no return.

Tuesday, march 12, 2013

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hate speech // opinions

Supreme Court cracks down on hate William Whatcott is walking a very slippery slope robin della CorTe assistant news editor

In 1991, the Supreme Court of Canada defined the word hate as “unusually strong and deepfelt emotions of detestation, calumny and vilification,” and, years later, it is seen as just that when it comes to upholding the law.

Two weeks ago the court made an important ruling on a hate speech case. The case in question concerned anti-gay activist William Whatcott who had picketed in public with controversial signs and distributed pamphlets.

The court decided that even though ruling against Whatcott was violating his rights of freedom of expression and religion, the court believed it to be fair and reasonable because they decided his actions amounted to hate speech.

Whatcott is expected to pay $7,500 in damages but stated that he refuses to do so.

He believes that this ruling means the court is imposing their moral values on the rest of the country and censoring his free speech rights.

Refusing to respect a tribunal order, however,

Photo from Flickr

can lead to contempt of court and jail time.

David Arnot, chief commissioner for the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, told the Leader Post that the decision vindicates the organization’s position that Whatcott’s words and behavior “crossed the line between critical speech and hateful speech — the type of extreme speech that has the potential to incite violence against others, chal-

lenge their safety and human dignity and in fact actively promote discrimination.”

After this, Whatcott hit the streets again last week and took a controversial stand with anti-gay and anti-abortion signs outside of the University of Regina, where he offended many students.

I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and religion,but when one is imposing a cer-

tain view or opinion on another person or group, that’s when I have a problem.

This is not to say you can’t have an opinion, but how you choose to express it is a different story. One must realize that opinions differ amongst people, and that one is not better than the other.

Despite his lawyer’s warnings that further acts of this nature could land him a contempt of court charge, Whatcott again said that it won’t stop him.

“I have to follow Christ first. What I have said is true. There’s not a sentence that I retract, so likely future flyers will be more of the same,” he told the National Post.

Justice Marshall Rothstein wrote on behalf of the court that Whatcott’s actions “delegitimizes homosexuals by referring to them as filthy or dirty sex addicts and by comparing them to pedophiles, a traditionally reviled group in society.”

Although Whatcott saw it as a violation of his own right to freedom of speech and religion, the court responded that “ultimately, it is the need to protect the societal standing of vulnerable groups that is the objective of legislation restricting hate speech,” the National Post reported.

In my opinion, who a person marries doesn’t affect anyone else but them. If a woman chooses to get an abortion, rape victim or not, how does it affect anyone else but her?

It doesn’t.

Chavez will be remembered despite dictatorship

The death of a symbol means more than the death of a man Photo from Flickr

brendan adams Contributor

D

espite a two-year battle with cancer and a conspicuously long absence from the public eye, the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez last week still came as a shock. Always a polarizing figure, the debate about how to define him — as a demagogical dictator or as a revolutionary — was renewed with his passing. The answer, however, isn’t so

black and white.

After leading a failed coup in 1992 and spending two years in jail, Chavez won his first election in 1998 with an astonishing approval rating of 80 per cent. This would dramatically decline over the next four years, however, in reaction to his early heavy-handed governance. He rewrote the constitution, giving the president control over all three branches of government, the right to rule by decree and the right to rule in perpetuity when claiming two-thirds of the vote.

According to Human Rights Watch, Chavez consolidated power within the Su-

preme Court by appointing justices who supported his mandate and punished others, effectively curtailing any check on presidential power. Media that offended the government or served to “ferment anxiety in the public,” were harshly reprimanded.

Members of both the press and the judicial system were victims of unlawful arrest and detention.

Obviously repressive in defense of his regime, Chavez did leave Venezuela better off than he found it in some ways. The Guardian’s Datablog shows extreme poverty was reduced from 23 per cent to eight per cent and unemployment halved to just over seven per cent. Gross domestic product per capita and agricultural output both increased. The worst failure of Chavez was one he admitted to — crime. The country boasts the ugly prize of the highest violent crime rate in South America.

Records aside, the prevailing image of Chavez the dictator was mostly earned from his open rejection of the ruling ideology. A devout socialist, he decried capitalism as “the way of the devil and exploitation.” Coming from a poor background, the plight of the proletariat was always part of his campaigns and policies. Outside the country, he refused free trade agreements with the United States, opting instead for Latin American organizations, Mercosur and ALBA. In 2008, Chavez handed Barack Obama a copy of Eduardo Galeano’s Open Veins of Latin America, a chronicle of U.S.-backed insurgency throughout Latin America. By that point, Chavez was clearly aware that his policies of land expropriation, resource nationalization and social programs for the

poor were exactly what had antagonized American interventions throughout Central and South America previously.

Indeed, an updated version of Galeano’s book would have to feature Chavez himself. After a 2002 coup attempt that at first seemed internal, The Observer revealed it had been orchestrated by the Bush administration with the help of the same people who had been involved in the Reagan-era insurgencies in Central America. Chavez was considered a problem that needed to be rectified, a man who was sewing ideas that America refused to swallow in the new millennium, just as they refused before.

Though that was over a decade ago, the dominant sentiment still remains. Time magazine’s Tim Padgett provided just such an example in his Chavez retrospective, describing a leader who was “reckless and arrogant,” “a vulgar populist” and a “blowhard.” Petty name-calling aside, his most accurate sentence was this: “history isn’t likely to remember Chavez as fondly as his followers will.”

And that is exactly the point. What America or the rest of the world thought of Chavez is ultimately irrelevant. In fact, Chavez turned his attempted vilification into a battle of Biblical proportions — he became the little guy fighting the good fight against the American boogie man that had forcibly impressed itself on the autonomous nations of Latin America for decades.

Tens of thousands of Venezuelans flooded the streets to commemorate not just the death of a man, but the death of a larger than life symbol of defiance against the dominant powers that so often win without even facing a battle.

18

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Tuesday, march 12 , 2013

sports // opinions

Realigning the cash flow

Photo from Flickr

new nHl division setup is no more than a money-grab

GeorGe menexis opinions editor

We all know of the popular expression, “why fix something that isn’t broken?” Well, it seems the NHL does not. Broken or not, if there’s a way to make more money, than it needs to be fixed.

The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have agreed on a deal that would see the current two-conference, six-division setup become a two-conference, four division format.

“The NHLPA has given consent to realignment, to be re-evaluated following the 201415 season,” said NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr to the New York Times.

According to the NHL, teams will now be more geographically aligned, cutting down on excessive travel time for certain teams. Teams living in Eastern time zones such as Columbus and Detroit will now be moved to the Eastern Conference, simplifying their travel schedule.

With the new alignment, the top three teams in each division will automatically qualify for the playoffs, with the remaining four spots going to the teams that have the best record in each conference.

The current alignment didn’t need changing. It consisted of two, 15-team conferences, with the first eight of each conference making it to the playoffs. Simple enough for anyone to understand. The new format does nothing to improve it.

Let’s be honest; the new alignment has its good side, but it definitely has its bad. With this new look, the Eastern Conference boasts two more teams than the Western Conference and has therefore been criticized for being unfair by some players. This discrepancy implies that teams in the Western Conference would have a better chance to make the playoffs than teams in the Eastern Conference.

When looking at the bigger picture, the

ends justify the means, especially in monetary terms for the NHL. The fact that teams will now be travelling fewer miles is an enormous money saver. Also, putting small market teams like Florida and Tampa Bay in the same conference as most of the Canadian teams such as Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal means that their stadiums will be filled with our tourists when winter comes.

Not to mention that for the first time in years the NHL can seriously consider expanding. Because of the fact that one conference has two fewer teams than the other, a possible two-team expansion doesn’t seem that far-fetched.

A similar deal to realign the league was proposed in 2011, though it was turned down by the union due to the fact that it wasn’t organized correctly or well thought out. Why, then, accept such a similar one?

To be honest I think the NHLPA was simply thinking ahead. After having just recently come to an agreement with the NHL on terms that would see a shortened hockey season — but a season nonetheless — played after months of negotiating, would it be smart to veto the realignment and cause yet another stir?

Let’s not forget that although it likely will happen, the NHL has not decided whether or not they will send their players to the Olympics next year. Vetoing the realignment might have pushed the NHL to retaliate.

There’s no doubt in my mind that the realignment is a valuable moneymaker. Not only will most teams travel less, but a likely expansion as well as more tickets sold make it a profitable choice for the NHL. So let’s see how this pans out for the NHL. After all, they’ve agreed to revise the new alignment by the 2014-15 season if it doesn’t work out.

religion // opinions

A new pope could mean a facelift for the Vatican How some ancient beliefs are pushing modern Catholics away Casandra de masi staff writer

T

he College of Cardinals is rushing to fill the vacant spot at the Vatican, left by Pope Benedict XVI when he resigned at the end of February.

Normally, there would be a waiting period of about 15 to 20 days before a new pontiff could take the throne but Benedict amended this part of the 500-year-old constitution in order to speed up the process.

Cardinals are antsy because they want to ensure that the position is filled in time for Palm Sunday celebrations.

The reported front-runner that has everyone talking here at home is Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec, who would become the first North American pope if selected. He was quoted as saying, “I have to be ready even if I think that probably others could do it better.”

Ouellet has many religious accomplishments tucked under his belt and is highly regarded not only in the Quebec religious community but around the world, too. He also speaks six languages — not bad for a man from a small town called La Motte.

However, I find it hard to come out and say that he would be the right choice. I find it hard to say that any of these men would

be the right choice.

It seems that whether a cardinal is European, African or North American, a lot of them stand for the same things. They reek of hypocrisy.

Ouellet is known for sitting nice and snug on the far right on issues like birth control, abortion, same-sex marriage and women in the priesthood. This is not what the Catholic Church needs.

These men sit in the Vatican, their jaws hang open and they scratch their heads as to why their religion is losing so much popularity.

Maybe it’s because you are preaching from a book written 3,500 years ago, taking it out of context to suit your needs.

Polls show that North American Catholics feel out of touch with the messages coming out of the Vatican. A CBS poll shows that 66 per cent of the 580 Catholics asked say they want a younger pope, with 54 per cent saying they want a pope with liberal ideas, including allowing priests to marry.

Regardless, the Vatican has very little power, if any. The same poll showed that 83 per cent of Catholics did not think it was important to agree with its teachings. The Vatican does, however, influence the image of practicing Catholics everywhere.

Ouellet coming from North America makes no difference. In 2012, at an antiabortion rally, Ouellet said that rape victims should be denied the option of abortion.

“There’s already a victim. Should we be making another one?” he said.

When he was attacked by the media and politicians, this was his apology: “The message of the truth is not always welcome.”

It seems the messages of truth, love and acceptance aren’t always welcome in the Catholic Church either.

You know what I think the Vatican should

try? Maybe elect someone younger who will liberalize the church’s stance on many issues and nudge them into the 21st century.

That doesn’t seem like it is going to happen, and that’s why the election of a new pope means nothing to me, because the Vatican will continue spreading its stale words. This is one time I’d like to be proven wrong.

Graphic by Jennifer Khan

Letters to the editor

The search for the new pope has officially begun. Every network in the country is following the proceedings of the papal conclave and we’re all excited to see who the new Pope is going to be. Twitter, on the other hand, took advantage of the whole situation to pull a couple of jokes. Here are the tweets of the week.

We were heartened by Grégory Wilson’s article “Quebec’ s struggle to embrace bilingualism.” Having returned to Quebec after 29 years in Toronto, we have been appalled by the ongoing language issues in this province. We are both fluently bilingual and very happy to function in French. However given this government’s draconian measures we have become resentful of having French rammed down our throats.

We hope Mr. Wilson is right in saying that francophones are fed up with this attempt to marginalize them by not allowing them access to English education, given the role English plays on the world stage.

I hope they make their voices heard in a future election and make the PQ realize their platform is bad for Quebec and it’s wonderful people.

-Alexandra Stephenson

RETRACTION In the March 5 issue of The Concordian, Arts and Science Federation of Associations candidate Paul Jerajian’s name was misspelled. We regret the error.

@ChrisPyleisOK:

“Breaking News: Vatican Conclave is simply an elaborate Rock, Scissors, Paper round robin.” @TheCrawdaddy:

“new Pope could be elected tomorrow after conclave begins in Rome.

I’m cheering for the Canadian guy because he’s actually seen a beaver.”

editor-in-Chief editor@theconcordian.com

Sophia loffreda production manager production@theconcordian.com

Kalina lafraMboiSe news editor news@theconcordian.com

aManda l. Shore arts editor arts@theconcordian.com

Stephanie ullMan music editor music@theconcordian.com

Kevin duarte sports editor sports@theconcordian.com

george MenexiS

“CHANGING THE STORIES OF OUR LIVES”

opinions editor opinions@theconcordian.com

Madelayne hajeK photo editor photo@theconcordian.com

nataSha taggart alySSa treMblay online editors online@theconcordian.com

jennifer Kwan

“Trying to get them to switch from Cardinal to Ordinal #Conclave”

Conclave, How about picking a Pope that will evict and prosecute those who rape children?”

Marilla Steuter-Martin

life editor life@theconcordian.com

@mark_dow:

@Deaconess Blues: “Hey Vatican

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Vol. 30 Issue 24

Stephanie la leggia

@RichNeville:

“Round one of Conclave, and all the cardinals have been asked to dress as their favourite superhero.

The non-Jesuses have been eliminated”

Concordia’s weekly, independent student newspaper.

Graphics editor graphics@theconcordian.com

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

The lecture will address various questions such as “How can we become happier, help teenagers navigate the problems of adolescence, reduce racial prejudice, and help college students adjust to university life?’ These stories, or personal narratives, eventually determine the type of life people lead. At times, psychotherapy helps people to review their stories. However, social psychologists have discovered a promising approach, called “story-editing,” that nudges people down healthy narrative paths. The Lecturer Dr Timothy D. Wilson will discuss story-editing interventions that have been used in a variety of areas (e.g., to help college students experiencing academic problems, reduce teenage pregnancy, increase personal happiness). He will also discuss the promise and limitations of these interventions.

Sara baron-goodMan assistant life editor

ariana trigueroS-Corbo assistant arts editor

SaMantha Mileto assistant sports editor

gregory todaro assistant opinions editor

ChriStine beaton Sara King-abadi elizabeth toMaraS Copy editors copy@theconcordian.com

Cynthia dupuiS nathalie laflaMMe production assistants

editorial offiCe 7141 sherbrooke st. W. - CC.431 montreal, QC H4b 1r6 514.848.2424 x7499 (editor-in-Chief) 514.848.2424 x7404 (production)

@spike1201: “The

Papal Conclave gets underway tomorrow.

I can’t wait to see how the State of Florida tries to sabotage this election too.”

brennan neill tySon lowrie Cindy lopez ruben baStien

board of directors directors@theconcordian.com

Staff writerS and ContributorS

I N F O R M A T I O N : 5� 5 4 8 4 8 -2 4 2 4 , E X T. 2 5 9 5 TH E SCIEN CE CO LLEG E O FFER S A PROG R AM M E FO R G IF TED A N D M O T I V AT E D S C I E N C E S T U D E N T S .

angela de Cicco, nicole yeba, olivia Jones, ayan Chowdhury, Tiffany lafleur, Jordie yeager, alex shaheed, Christina rowan, Casandra de masi, brendan adams.

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the etc. page // opinions

Events of the week: March 12 Wednesday -

+Art - Photo Exhibition, 10H - 3rd floor JMSB +Music - The Black Keys - 19h30 - Bell Centre +Music - Victory Chimes - 21h30 - Divan Orange

Thursday -

+Music - The Head and The Heart - 19h30 - La Tulipe +Theatre - TNC Theatre Presents: Based on a True Story - 20h

Friday -

+Music - Stars - 20h - Corona Theatre +Literature- Argo Featured Reading #15 - 1930H - Argo Bookshop +Theatre- The Ideas of March -22H - Cabaret Cleopatra

saTurday -

+Music - Vulgar, You! - 21h30 - Divan Orange +Dance - Belly Dance Workshop for Beginners -14H -Ambaa Studio +Theatre - Palace of the End - 20H -Waterworks Theatre Company

sunday -

+Music - Rihanna + A$AP Rocky - 19h - Bell Centre