The Plumber's Ledger
Volume 9, Issue 7 February 2021
THIS ISSUE Front Cover Photograph
3
Second Semester at Virtual University
Daphne Lisak
Abhimukth Chaudhuri
6
Engineering Breakthroughs: Mining
Back Cover Illustration Erica De Petrillo
Ann Trinh
7
Caribbean Curry House: Where Good Roti Meets Good People Deisha Paliwal
9 Published by THE ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY a student society of McGill University. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of THE ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY and does not necessarily represent the views of McGill University. For questions, comments, and complaints, as well as more information on the policies of The Plumber's Ledger, please use the contact information below. Use this contact information also if you have an interest in contributing to the The Plumber's Ledger on a one-time or regular basis.
Valentines Day Cards
11
Three reasons you should eat at Slice + Soda Nikko Ong
13
28-Day Challenge Deisha Paliwal
15
The Defender: The story of Canada's less-known fighter jet designer
Join The Team The Ledger is always looking for new people! If you want to be involved in the publication process, we have many roles available such as writer, illustrator and editor, or any combo of these.
Celia Hameury
18
Charlotte Volk
Contact Us
Email: ledger@mcgilleus.ca Facebook: The Plumber's Ledger Instagram: plumbersledger
19
Visit our website at ledger.mcgilleus.ca View this issue and previous ones in glorious technicolor at issuu.com/theplumbersledger
Book Review: The Name of the Wind
Learning How to Learn for Learning's Sake (Again)
Deisha Paliwal
20
The Plumber's Ledger ledger@mcgilleus.ca Volume 9, Issue 6 January 2021 ISSN 2291-3319(Print) ISSN 2291-3397(Online).
1
February 2021
Ledger February Trivia
LETTER From the Editors-in-Chief The Team Editors-In-Chief Shafaq Nami Marie Mansour
Editor(s)
Ze Yuan Charlotte Volk Deisha Paliwal
Staff Writer(s)
Ann Trinh Deisha Paliwal Nikko Ong Celia Hameury Charlotte Volk Abhimukth Chaudhuri
Illustrator(s)
Erica de Petrillo
Layout/ Design Ann Trinh
Photographer(s) Daphne Lisak Nikko Ong
Publications Director Imane Chafi
Dear Readers, Happy Valentines Day! This month the Ledger features cute Valentine messages sent to loved ones by different engineering students. Our back cover also sets the mood for a socially distanced Valentine's Day which we hope is full of love and smiles. February 1st also marks the start of Black History Month. Black History Month should not be treated as a passing holiday recognized only through trivial “soul food� dinners in dining halls and regurgitating the same tired facts. Celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of people from the African Diaspora from all over the world is a lifestyle that can only be demonstrated through the love and respect of Black people and our culture on a day-to-day basis. The Black Lives Matter movement last year brought attention to an important matter however most people seemed to treat it as a social media trend. It is important to keep the conversation going, future injustices should not need to happen to light on past and current injustices. February is often a month full of midterms and assignments as students scramble to study after the relative peace of add and drop period. With articles ranging from food reviews to book and movie reviews the Ledger will hopefully allow you some moments of relaxation. And if all else fails you can reminisce about a better academia culture while reading Deisha Paliwal's "Learning How to Learn for Learning's Sake (Again)" or at the very least practise a little 'self care' by following the 28-day challenge. May the odds be ever in your favor as we count down to reading week (; Stay safe and happy reading!
VP Events
Shafaq and Marie
Paul Hinta
VP Publications Yash Khapre
P.S. If you are passionate about any social issue, send in your writing or artwork before February 28th for our special Rewrite Your Narrative issue.
VP Communications Yassaman Bassiri
The Plumber's Ledger
2
SECOND SEMESTER AT VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY By Abhimukth Chaudhuri A couple of months ago I had asked you to share your thoughts and expectations going into the Fall 2020 semester. It was our first remote semester at McZoom, and we had no idea what to expect. Fast forward to the present day, it’s 2021 and we are already a couple of weeks into a new semester or as the famous Carl “CJ”
Johnson would say, “Ah Sh*t, here we go again”.
there I was, back at it again with another Google form so you could share your experiences and thoughts With everything online, everyone before going into Winter 2021. Here in different time zones, and new are some of the questions I asked, waves of lockdowns surprising us and what you and your peers had to every couple of weeks, it’s been hard say! to keep up with everyone and know how people are actually doing. So,
What was one unexpectedly awesome thing that happened to you that was only possible because of online University?
Actually following and staying up to date with some of my courses because of lecture recordings.
“
Having time to train whichever morning I want
I became a course assistant for FACC 300!! Talk about an amazing opportunity, something to add to my CV, and bragging rights!
3
“
Spending more time with my roommates
I did the McGill online trivia night every Tuesday and it was extremely fun! It felt like fresh air and a break from everything.
I got to sleep more than 6 hours most nights and also have not seen the inside of a metro station for almost a year now!
February 2021
The ability to work. From both my experience as well as a few friends, a lot of people have taken the opportunity to exploit the work from home guidelines during lockdown, working 20 hours a week while taking the regular 4 to 5 courses. Without transportation, the need to be physically present in non- recorded lectures, the freedom of creating your own schedule, the "do everything from home" culture is really shaping to benefit quite a lot of students who want to continue studying while getting some important work experience. In my case, I was able to move to another country for work as all my courses were recorded.
Signing a year long contract extension. Wasn't quite an excellent move: I don't live in Montreal, but I am close enough to drive. I started the school year off by going to the apartment to study and was pretty much a prisoner in a 1 room studio apartment for 2 months. When seeing the news and the decisions to go into lockdown, I went back home leaving the apartment for the dust. With the online work and learning in place, no one wanted to rent the apartment - as of writing this, I am still paying for nothing.
Mention that one fail from last semester that you would not want to repeat for the Winter semester?
“
Not going to the bars while they were still open
I got way too complacent and ended up falling far behind and had to work real hard to catch up with my classes. Luckily it was possible to catch up, thanks to the recordings.
Waking up past 10am every morning and feeling like I wasted my day away. Never again.
Go to all of your live classes. It’ll make you so much more motivated to be productive than simply watching the lecture recordings.
““
Waking up later and later... During some classes, I accidentally ended up on Instagram instead of Zoom...
Do whatever works for you within legal bounds while taking care of your health - that almost always includes taking a 30-60 minute walk outside). Trust me, it helps.
One piece of advice you would give your peers going into Winter 2021? Convince yourself that you are still in a competitive school. Convince yourself that although you have access to far more resources during tests and perhaps exams, go in as prepared as you would if in person as at the end of the day, you are learning.
Mental breakdown after receiving an insanely shitty grade and then waiting before talking to the LWA and getting the help I needed.
““
Don't procrastinate too much! Sleep first!
Chill out! It's going to be easier than you think. You’ll just need to manage your time better. And, all those group projects? Do them properly and do them well.
“
“
The end is near. Hold on.
Use Discord and Facebook groups to be a part of chats with your class! Your grades are only numbers and they do not represent the complex and unique human that you are. You have other skills and interests and your GPA does not define you.
Don’t fall behind on lectures. The Plumber's Ledger
4
What meme best summarizes how Fall 2020 went for you?
Other thoughts: Zoom is honestly so exhausting
5
We got this - keep pushing on. The lonelier you get, the more rewarding it will be once everything is over.
February 2021
“
Online school sucks
May we all stay sane and keep our relationships strong.
MINING ENGINEERING BREAKTHROUGHS: Before the 2000s By Ann Trinh
Through archaeological findings, the most probable first mineral used for mining was flint during prehistoric times.
Egyptians likely mined copper on the Sinai Peninsula (in 3000 BCE), bronze in 3700 BCE and iron in 2800 BCE. Lead was produced in 2500 BCE.
During the Neolithic Period, in France and Britain, shafts about 100 meters (330 feet) deep were used to obtain flint pebbles.
1200 BCE
2.5 million years ago
Prehistoric Times Neolithic Period 8000 BCE 2000 BCE
Use of black powder - most likely originates from China and travelled to the West in the Middle Ages (5th to 15th century).
In 1777, James Watt improved Newcomen's steam engine and designed the condensation chamber to reduce heat loss.
In 1556, German scholar Geogius Agricola wrote about the use of driving shafts and tunnels in his De re metallica.
In 1710, Thomas Newcomen designed a commercial steam engine that raised water and heavy loads in coal mines.
References https://www.britannica.com/technology/mining/Prospecting-and-exploration https://www.forbes.com/sites/marekkubik/2019/09/24/ this-breakthrough-lithium-extraction-technology-could-accelerate-the-sustainable-energy-transition/?sh=5c45b3b275fc http://www.vale.com/EN/aboutvale/news/Pages/5-inovacoes-surgiram-gracas-mineracao.aspx https://www.history.com/news/prehistoric-ages-timeline
In the 1890s, a lamp lit by a flint sparkler and combinations of water and calcium carbide to produce flammable acetylene gas was used.
In 1867, Alfred Nobel created dynamite which was used as an alternative to black powder. In 1813, Richard Trevithich invented a rotary steam-driven drill.
The Plumber's Ledger
In the 1930s, battery-powered cap lamps were introduced.
FUN DEFINITION: Fire setting: a method used to weaken the surrounding rocks by burning piles of logs near the target area.
6
CARIBBEAN CURRY HOUSE: WHERE GOOD ROTI MEETS GOOD PEOPLE By Deisha Paliwal The day that Ian Parris arrived in Montreal from Saint Kitts in the late 70s, he ordered a chicken roti from Caribbean Curry House. Forty-some years later, Parris would come to take over that same restaurant. Located in the Côte-Des-Neiges neighbourhood, Caribbean Curry House is one of Montreal's oldest Caribbean restaurants. The Ledger sat down with Ian Parris, the owner of the restaurant that promises to bring you an authentic Caribbean experience without a passport. On top of owning the restaurant, Parris is a practicing osteopath in LaSalle. The founders and previous owners of Caribbean Curry House were his patients, which is how he came to meet them. He also operates 2bFit, a health centre with a holistic outlook that also delivers a Caribbean flair to its clients. He comes from a tight-knit family of eight brothers and one sister who were all born and raised in the Caribbean. "From time to time, my brothers come by the restaurant to lend me a hand,"” Parris said. Forty years have changed a lot, from kitchen renovations to the art that adorns the walls. Since adopting ownership, Parris has opened up the front, giving customers a behind-the-scenes look into what happens in the kitchen. He has also infused the restaurant with Caribbean colours and artwork. 7
Above: The staff at the Montreal General Hospital (thoracic and cardiac care unit (@caribbeancurryhousemtl / instagram)
One thing, however, stands unchanged: Parris’ first dish remains his favourite. Either plated with rice and salad or stuffed with potatoes, the roti comes with a main: options cascade from goat to chickpea. The dish is also the most popular dish among customers.
thing was wrong. A few weeks into April, after the lockdown had taken hold, Parris noticed a difference in his customers. "It looked like people were taking money from their piggy banks. The register wasn't showing any 50s or 20s; it was all 10s or 5s,"” Parris said.
Parris does what not most business owners do: he gets behind the register as much as he can. Although the restaurant was struggling with sales itself, after "I have all the cashiers, don't get a conversation with his mother, me wrong. But being up at the Parris focused his efforts outward front is where I love to be.”" instead. His close interactions with the "I went to my mom, and she said, Côte-des-Neiges community ‘Son, let me tell you: there is a big were how he knew that some- difference between those who do February 2021
not have money and those who do not have money to put food on their plates. You have money to put food on your plate. Others do not.’ That’s when I decided I needed to do something,"” Parris said. That was the start of the lunchbox initiative. Parris began to contact his suppliers to see if they could contribute food, from chicken to bags of potatoes. Throughout April and May, Caribbean Curry House distributed 450 lunchboxes to members of the Côte-des-Neiges community. Every Tuesday and Thursday, with the help of volunteers, the restaurant distributed lunches of rice, peas, and either a meat or vegetarian main.
Above: The famous roti being made (@caribbeancurryhousemtl / instagram)
House'’s efforts are a testament to a practice that is simple, yet hard to come by: they take care of their neighbours. For now, the restaurant is open for both takeout and delivery through UberEats and SkipTheDishes. Also, be sure to check out their Instagram: @caribbeancurryhousemtl. ♦
Above: Ian Parris behind the register (@caribbeancurryhousemtl / instagram)
“
These are the people who show up at my door every day. I know them by name, and I know their faces," Parris said. "They support me, so I wanted to support them, in whatever way I could.”
The initiative did not end there. Recognizing that the 2020 holiday season was difficult for many, the restaurant distributed lunchboxes on Christmas day. Community engagement is at the heart of the restaurant. Its previous owners had a history of community involvement, and Parris has undoubtedly carried on their torch. Caribbean Curry
Above: Smiling behind masks(@caribbeancurryhousemtl / instagram)
The Plumber's Ledger
8
VALENTINES CARDS After the year we have had, we could all use a little love and kindness! Here are some messages from friends, loved ones and admirers. To: Colette & Sophie love u ladies 5ever <3 From: Laura
*splat* - Sorry, I had to get rid of this ugly roach roaming around. Dear Audrey,
To: Jessica Li Roses are red, violets are blue. If I was drunk, I'd text you ;)
Wishing you a Valentines day filled with love, warmth and lots of chocolates. You are a gorgeous human being inside & out, and don't you ever forget that.
From: Friend of potato girl
XOXO,
Dear Danika,
Ruby
We've been through thick and thin, but I am glad to always have you by my side. You are one of my strongest pillars and you have an enormous heart. Here's hoping your day is cozy and filled with love.
My dearest Ciara, I may not be Timothee Chalamet, Shawn Mendes or any boy from BTS, but I hope you will give me a chance to steal your heart. You have been an amazing friend to me and thank you for all you do. Much Love xx From: Blair
To: Au Thinking of you periodically. Did you know that a Hug without you is just toxic? I'm just diene to be with you. Happy Valentine's Day From: Cnc
To: Sophia & Shagun Happy Valentine's Day <3 Thankful to have met you both, here's to more classroom and workplace fun in the future!
To: Fahriba Mahtab YOU ARE SO FRICKIN CUTEE !! From: Anonymous
From: Shafaq
9
To: Theresa Genua and Mo(hamad) Bardaweel Your cabinets are red, Potential energy makes me blue, I still owe you waffles, I hope toaster will do.
To: Faithy Happy birthday lover! <3
To: Shafaq happy valentine's day hehe <3 buddies 4eva
From: MaxLaMenace
From: Sophia
February 2021
From: Deisha
Happy Valentine's Day to one of my favorite people in the galaxy. XOXO, Ruby
Dear Esteban, your presence and humor bring so much light in my life. You are a wonderful person I can always count on to make me smile through difficult times and I am so happy to have met you randomly while crashing classes. Te quiero mi amor From: Emilio
To: Imane & Shafaq Happy valentines day to the best team members a girl could ask for! Hope you guys have the best day <3 From: Marie
To: Michael Tablan Roses are red, violets are blue. If I had fries, I'd share them with you. That's called friendship ;)) From: The person craving sweet potato fries
To: Ledger Execs + Staff Thanks for being such amazing coworkers, I had the best time so far working with you guys! Look what we have accomplished together <3 From: Shafaq
Dearest Blair, Like the flourishing and dazzling dance scenes of Bridgeton, I hope you have a Valentine's Day overflowing with as much love and happiness as an amazing girl like you deserves! You are such a force of nature and your jokes always made me burst with laughter and feel at ease in your company! Stay true to yourself, and I can't wait to spend Valentine's Day with you! xoxo, Gossip Girl ;)
Ă&#x20AC;: Manel Wassifi Quelle chance de te retrouver a l'universite! Je profite de cette occasion pour te dire que je te trouve exceptionelle.. je t'aime mais je n'ose pas te l'ecrire directement. Joyeuse Saint-Valentin! De: Un jeune homme qui t'apprecie <3
To: Imane Shooting my shot before Jungkook steals you away. Call me <3
To: Andrea Khoury Blessed to be able to see u rarely during zoom meetings. I think I may have a crush on you.. From: Catch me if u can
To: Rachel Tchinov Hello Rachel, I wish you peace, happiness and guidance. I wish I could say more but people are going to read this. Please smile, Rachel. đ&#x;&#x2DC; :) From: Anonymous
From: Your secret admirer
To: Ledger Staff Roses are red, violets are blue. The Ledger is great and so are all of you <3 <3 From: Anonymous
My dearest Ruby, Like a flame that brightens the day, you have always been the brightest star in my universe and I want to thank you so much for being the best of friends <3<3<3! You're a wonderful person full of joy and happiness, and I couldn't have imagined my uni life without you! I wish you love, health and more adventures to come with your gals on Galentines day! ;) Love you to the moon and back honey xoxo From: Your friend that loves you immensely, Danika
The Plumber's Ledger
To: Rania Ouassif Hey beautiful, I've had the hugest crush on you for the longest time. That one time we had lunch together is still one of my McGill memories I cherish highly. Even though we talk at times, these conversations barely get a chance to turn into something more romantic. On this valentine's day, I am hoping that will change and that we could go on a dreamy date once we both go back to Montreal. Happy Valentine's day Rania! xoxo From: Anonymous
To: Xin Ya Lin Rose are red, violets are blue. If Webworks existed, I'd text you. From: Your Fall 2020 Webwork buddy
10
THREE REASONS YOU
SHOULD EAT AT SLICE + SODA By Nikko Ong
Source: Nikko Ong
Slice + Soda opened during the pandemic in the blustery, wintery last months of 2020. It was a tough year for many restaurants, whether nation-wide chain or mom and pop shop, but the much awaited opening take-out line for this pizza joint at 1645 St. Catherine St. W proved that the pandemic couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop our love for pizza. Or soda. At Slice + Soda, greasy, cheesy triangles flop over paper plates in a manner reminiscent of tablecloths, and the in-house soda on tap beckons in customers for a taste of authentic New York cuisine. 1. The wide variety of pizzas demonstrates both skill in the art of pizza and the creative restraint in toppings. Many pizzaiolos fall into one of two camps: traditionalists that stick with their classic neapolitans and classic combinations, and New-Ager savants that top their pies with anything from fermented vegetables to caviar. Slice + Soda balances a fine and delicious line between these sides, delivering offerings including bocconcini, calabrese, prosciutto and arugula, and carnivore for $5 to $6 a pop. The signature pepperoni slice and cheese slice are also present on the menu, carrying a perfectly toasted bottom crust and the 11
February 2021
kind of the melted cheese that makes even a lactose intolerant food writer wolf it down. 2. Sodas at Slice + Soda are no insignificant Pepsi machine order. They craft a fascinating and thoughtful beverage that is served on tap. Sodas sparkle under the retro neon “Slice & Soda” sign, which pops against the eclectic mishmash of graffiti and old-school magazine clippings. The “bae” soda includes strawberry syrup, blackberry, kiwi, and sumac bitters, and the “hurricane” soda features a fassionola syrup paired with pineapple and passionfruit. Slice + Soda redefines the soda and pizza combination, elevating the drink beyond a typical cola. 3. Affordability is the key to what makes Slice + Soda work. Situated at a price between the cheap delivery chains and the Old Port Italian artisans, Slice + Soda clocks in at less than $15 for a generous and draping slice, a refined soda, and a caesar salad. Single slices and drinks sell for just over $5, and whole pizzas are around $30. Perfect for a date night or a nice mid-day meal post zoom class, Slice + Soda won’t break the bank more than necessary for a delightful experience. If you're like me and sometimes have pizza dreams, Slice + Soda is the place to go. Support a local business and treat yourself to a New York slice and a soda you won't forget. ♦
Source: Nikko Ong
The Plumber's Ledger
12
28-DAY CHALLENGE It's February, and that means three things; icy sidewalks, midterms, and your New Year's Resolution to get abs by March or get out of debt by May has likely met its inevitable end. If the latter rings true, you've come to the right place. I know what you are thinking, and I assure you: this is not your ordinary 30-day challenge (for one, it is 28 days). Instead, each day will present you with a challenge that is unordinary, and sometimes more of a question to ruminate over or thought to dwell on than a challenge. You'll get the gist by day 5. Now, print this out, hang it up on your fridge, and get ready for 28 days of unadulterated fun.
1 3 4 6 7 9 10
Day 1: Open your kitchen cabinet. Pick up the first canned item you see. Write a haiku about it.
13
Day 3: Paint a sunset. If that fails, watch paint dry.
Day 4: Google the etymology of “bored.” Short of googling, “what to do when bored,” you have now googled perhaps the most common statement googled by a bored person.
Day 6: Make Kraft Dinner. If you normally eat it with a spoon, eat it with a fork today. If you normally eat it with a fork, eat it with a spoon. If you normally eat it with ketchup, re-evaluate everything.
Day 7: Pick a household object, any household object. Draw a free-body diagram of it. Remember to depict all forces, specify positive axes, and do not, under any circumstances, disobey Newton’s Third Law. Most importantly, have fun
Day 9: Sliced bread is overrated. Concur, or beg to differ?
Day 10: When life gives you lemons, carpe that diem. Then, make lemonade. Serve chilled and at a pH of 2.7.
February 2021
FEB
2 5 8 11
Day 2: For posterity’s sake, sing Godiva's Hymn from start to finish. Then, for no sake at all, say it in a monotone voice with a blank expression on your face.
Day 5: When someone asks you how you are, instead of “good,” say “fair to partly cloudy.”
Day 8: Agree or disagree? Life imitates art.
Day 11: Write an epitaph only from the words written on your shampoo bottle.
12 15 18 21 24 27
Day 12: Floss.
Day 15: Arrange the following in chronological order: semi-colon, chicken, egg, door hinge.
Day 18: Plan a road trip to the publication city of the textbook that has caused you the most grief.
Day 21: Ponder how the proverb “You can’t unscramble scrambled eggs” started. Did someone try to unscramble scrambled eggs?
Day 24: Unwind before bed with some light reading. I recommend the code of ethics of engineers. The civil code of Quebec will also do.
Day 27: Do your taxes.
13 16 19 22 25 28
Day 13: It’s probably the birthday of someone you know today. You probably forgot to wish them happy birthday. Here’s your reminder.
Day 16: Food for thought: blueberries. I hear they contain antioxidants that prevent cognitive decline by reducing the oxidative stress on aging neurons.
Day 19: Write your internal monologue on a restaurant napkin. Stop only once there is no more empty space. Leave no corner unscathed and no thought unwritten.
Day 22: Unscramble scrambled eggs.
Day 25: Don’t think; just answer: favourite laboratory apparatus.
14 17 20 23 26
Day 14: Install a whiteboard in your shower. It’s where the best ideas come, and it’s where I came up with most of these.
Day 17: Sauté something.
Day 20: Don’t just stand there. Drop and give me twenty.
Day 23: Be your best self.
Day 26: Dunkaroos were discontinued in 2012, and with them, childhood. Get mad, and take action.
Day 28: It’s the end of February. Usher in March with an interpretive dance of Part 1 of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
The Plumber's Ledger
14
THE DEFENDER: THE STORY OF CANADAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LESS-KNOWN FIGHTER JET DESIGNER By Celia Hameury When we think of aircraft design in Canada, we immediately think of the major players, such as Bombardier in the private sector or Avro in the military one. But there are many others. In the small town of Carman, Manitoba lives one of Canada's lesser-known aircraft designers, and his name is Bob Diemert. The 54-minute Canadian documentary The Defender tells the story of this one man and his dream to revolutionize Canada's virtually non-existent military aircraft industry with his new fighter jet aircraft. Funded by the National Film Board of Canada, this experimental work of cinema premiered in 1989. The film opens by introducing Bob Diemert, an eccentric self-taught aircraft engineer who is hard at work on his latest airplane: a close air support aircraft called the Defender. It is a heavily armoured plane in the style of World War II German dive bombers and Soviet ground attack aircrafts, designed to strike Russian tanks from the sky. Diemert hopes to sell his new fighter plane to the Canadian military to arm the country against the Russians who, at the time, were the biggest threat. Diemert claims that he is building the plane to be cheap, so that instead of purchasing only 90 F-18's, the Canadian military can buy 100,000 Defenders. Working with Diemert is his close friend and "electronics wiz15
Via: The Stephen Low Company
ard" Chris Ball.
finally be flown. Back in Carman, Manitoba, Diemert is ready for the Diemert's funds eventually run maiden flight of his Defender, but out and he is forced to put his De- the plane however is not quite as fender project on hold. To raise successful as he had hoped. some funds, he resorts to restoring a rare Japanese Mitsubishi A6M2 In an exclusive interview with the Zero, which he retrieved from Bal- Plumber's Ledger, director and alae in the Solomon Islands. This writer Stephen Low talked about is not the first plane Diemert has his inspiration for The Defender restored; indeed, his previous res- and his filmmaking process. "I altoration works include a Hawk- ways took an interest [â&#x20AC;Ś] in transer Hurricane XII plane, which he portation," Low said, so when he flew in the 1969 film Battle of Brit- "read about Bob Deimert in the ain. Diemert intends on selling his Globe and Mail" and learned about Zero to the Confederate Air Force the aircraft he was building, he was in Texas. Unfortunately, due to the immediately curious. The year was Canadian aviation authorities de- 1982, and Low had just finished nying him a certificate of airwor- making a film about the Challengthiness, Diemert is not allowed to er, Bombardier's executive jet. The fly his restored Zero down to his story was a classic tale of indusbuyers in Texas. Instead, he hauls try and engineering, and Low was the plane down in pieces on a truck, "looking for a counterpoint to [the rebuilding it in Texas where it can film about the Challenger]". "That's February 2021
sort of two sides of my spirit," Low explained. "One is kind of conservative and the other is nuts!"
wind tunnel, for example, the narrator does not critique his methods, nor question the accuracy of his results. Low explains his script, saying that he wanted to capture Deimert's point of view on the project. "What's curious and funny about [Bob] is he lives on his one planet," Low says. "The idea that you could create a fighter plane in your garage and that the military would buy it by the hundreds of thousands [is] profoundly naĂŻve. The filmmaker position in the film is kind of like a journalist from [Bob's] own planet, right. Instead of being critical, the writer, or the filmmaker is on board the program and he's part of [Bob's] world." The result is a humorous narration, which both draws the viewer deeper into Deimert's universe and very subtly highlights the eccentricity of Deimert's methods. The narration is complemented by the light electronic piano music by composer Eldon Rathburn. The theme song of the film has a melody reminiscent of a melancholic science fiction movie, which accentuates the innovation of Diemert's project, delicately setting the tone for the ultimate failure of the project.
When Low first phoned Mr. Diemert, he was planning on flying his Defender in a few months, which was perfect for making a film. Low travelled to Diemert's airfield in Carman with his cinematographer, Charles Konowal, to begin the filming process, with the intention of staying only a short while. However, when Diemert ran out of money and embarked on his Zero restoration, the Defender film project was extended. The filmmaking ended up stretching on for six years, a timespan which is evidenced in the movie itself by the changes in Diemert and Ball's hair colours and cuts. The film was further edited to reflect the true chronology of events, even given that some footage was not taken during actual event occurrence. The result gives the impression that the film jumps in time more than it really did. Konowal's long and sometimes shaky shots give the viewers the sensation of being present on sight for the Defender construction, allowing for an engaging immersion into the film's world. When asked if he knew that Diemert's plane would not be a sucOverlayed on the footage of Bob cess, Low answered: "I knew exDiemert and Chris Ball construct- actly what I was dealing with. [â&#x20AC;Ś] ing the Defender is the witty, dry The idea of building something narration by Canadian X-Men TV in your garage to save the westseries voice actor Cedric Smith. To ern world from the Russians was a viewer with an engineering back- a real stretch, for sure. But I still ground, the script sounds almost found the whole thing valid." Low, sarcastic, as it describes Diemert's who has made four films with the unusual instruments and tech- American military, wanted to tell niques as brilliant and sophisticat- Deimert's story both because he ed. When Diemert uses a pair of appreciated the attempt at innobathroom scales to measure the lift vation but also because he was of a wing section in a home-made fascinated by Diemert's take on The Plumber's Ledger
Via: IMDb
militarization. "[Bob's] philosophy is [â&#x20AC;Ś] we put too much money in a small number of things and they are too vulnerable," Low said. Diemert was building the Defender in the hopes of giving Canada a cheaper alternative to the F-18's they were purchasing at the time, theorizing that a larger number of aircrafts would be a more effective way of arming the large country of Canada. Low reflected that "essentially what Diemert predicted did come to pass but it came to pass in the form of drones", stating that countries can afford to buy many more military drones than they can fighter jets. Low felt that Diemert's story was one worth telling not only because it was one of "courage, and persistence", but also because it offered an unorthodox take on how to protect the country. Overall, Stephen Low's The Defender is a bold story of perseverance and hard work. Bob Diemert did not have any engineering train-
16
ing and his engineering practices were often dubious at best, yet he still maintained a great amount of self-confidence and determination. Though he was unsuccessful with his fighter jet, he refused to stop innovating. Today, Bob Diemert is still hard at work, now on a new project, a vehicle he calls a WIG. This vehicle will utilize the wing in ground effect phenomena to float above the ground, allowing for easier travel over snow and ice in the winter.Whether or not this project will be more successful than his Defender is yet to be ascertained, but one way or another, one thing is for certain, Bob Diemert's work ethic, creativity, and tenacity are an inspiration to all current and future engineers and his story told in The Defender is one that should be seen by all. ♦ Link to the movie for those who want to watch it: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvbQMqd0kEY Above: Still from the movie
LEDGER PLAYLIST: VALENTINES February is the month of love. It is a time to celebrate relationships all across the board - significant others, friends, family, and oneself. This issue’s edition of the Ledger’s playlist codes are all about celebrating and cherishing love. The For Love & Lemon’s Valentine’s day playlist features all the classic 21st century love songs, from Frank Ocean to Rihanna to Olivia O’Brien. As I mentioned before, February is also a time to celebrate oneself. Spotify’s Self Love playlist will put you in the mood of appreciating and loving yourself unconditionally! And finally, unfortunately February is also when round 1 of midterm season starts, and there’s nothing more motivating than a good study playlist. The studying in an Oxford library on a rainy day playlist has got you covered.
17
February 2021
BOOK REVIEW: THE NAME OF THE WIND By Charlotte Volk
Via Barnes and Nobles
The Name of the Wind , an epic fantasy written by American author Patrick Rothfuss, is the perfect novel for anyone looking for a little escapism. Clocking in at almost 700 pages, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a quick read. However, the enthralling story and superb worldbuilding will suck you in almost immediately, making the pages fly by. The Name of the Wind is the first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle, a still-unfinished fantasy trilogy. The Name of the Wind tells the story of Kvothe, who was once known as Kingkiller, and is now more myth than man, a mere innkeeper at the Waystone Inn. The book places us in the inn as Kvothe narrates the story of his formative years for the first time to a scribe called the Chronicler. The story deals with deep and tragic loss, abject poverty, and the never-ending search for revenge as Kvothe struggles to prove himself as a student of arcanism at the University and find the mysterious beings who killed his family. A story of music, magic, love, vengeance, and stories themselves,The Name of the Wind will draw you into a whirlpool of fantasy. When you emerge from the other end, blinking at the sun and shaking the droplets out of your hair, you will know that you have encountered something truly special. Praised by everyone from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Ursula K. Le Guin and George R. R. Martin, The Name of the Wind is a must-read for any lover of fantasy or science fiction.The Name of the Wind reads like an adult version of the Eragon series by Christopher Paolini; anyone who loved that series will love this book. This book is one of the best fantasy novels I have ever read, and provides a much-needed escape from the monotony of daily life. â&#x2122;Ś The Plumber's Ledger
18
LEARNING HOW TO LEARN FOR LEARNING’S SAKE (AGAIN) By Deisha Paliwal In my younger and more vulnerable years, I had a ritual that I have since forgone. Each night, without fail, I read until I could not read anymore. Promptly after dinner, I planted myself at the foot of my mother’s bed and thumbed through page after page of a book. There was not just one author whose work I clung to, nor was there a single genre that I exclusively read. The proverb “stick to what you know” never sat well with me. It seemed to always come from the mouth of someone old or someone in a suit (sometimes both) and besides, gluing myself to the same book seemed illogical. Tape is the far more practical choice of adhesive. I dabbled in Aesop’s Fables, dipped my toes in my sister’s geography textbook, and dove headfirst into the works of Tolkien, drowning more often than I floated. In fact, what I read didn’t even have to be a book. If there were nothing else in my vicinity, I would read the day’s paper or the instructions manual of our newest household appliance. I read anything at my disposal; its only requirement - that it have words. Nothing was uninteresting, and everything was something I needed to know. Nestled on the hardwood floor with a book in my hands and my mother above, I felt I had the world laid out before me. I had no ulterior motive other than that I loved to learn. I persisted into many late nights. Despite my mom’s frequent pleas, both continuous and continual, that I put the 19
Via www.digitalhrtech.com
book down and go to bed, I didn’t. I had a mission: to learn everything there is to know about anything before I hit 23, and I was as oblivious to the impossible nature of that mission as I was stubborn. It made for a highly effective combination that I recommend wholeheartedly. Always out of sheer exhaustion rather than choice, I would eventually fall asleep. I woke up the next morning, book still in hand, and I awaited the end of dinner to do the same all over again. The process repeated itself for many years. Somewhere between braces and the advent of social media, though, I gave up my ritual. I traded in novels for Calculus: Early Transcendentals, Eight Edition, words for numbers, and I say, “I’m doing readings” more often than I say, “I’m reading.” Don’t get me wrong: I am not knocking Early Transcendentals. It has seen me through a lot, and Stewart has an unmatched propensity for anecdotal wisdom, my favourite being, “Try substitution: Even if no substitution is obvious, some inspiration or ingeFebruary 2021
nuity (or even desperation) may suggest an appropriate substitution.” See “Section 7.5: Strategy for Integration” for more where that came from. I stopped wanting to know everything; I’m four years shy of 23, and I can’t say I’ve been able to find my way back since. I have come to the executive decision, however, that I’m going to at least try. I won’t read until my eyes get strained; things get busy, and it’s not practical. But I’ll do something comparable every day, whether by reading five pages or learning a new word. I’ll find a way to chase knowledge outside of my classes. If you’ve found yourself in the same conundrum, do the same. Interrogate the notion of sticking to what you know. Dip your toes in the topography of the Andes; test the waters of metaphysics; become unstuck; know something else. Glue isn’t only an inferior alternative to tape. It’s also binding. Learn something new, not because your degree requires it of you, but because you want to uncover your surroundings. ♦
LEDGER FEBRUARY TRIVIA Check whether you spent way too much time on the internet this year with our quiz Question 1 At one time February was the last month of the year. True or false? A. True B. False
Question 2 February gets its name from the word februa. What language does this word come from? A. Greek B. Latin C. French D. Sanskrit
Question 3 What is the meaning of the word "februa"? A. more daylight B. rain C. winter D. purification
Question 4 Which of these flowers do many people consider February's flower? It's not the one you'd think!
A. snowdrop B. anemone C. crocus D. primrose
Question 5 Complete this quote: 'The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not ----but February'.
A. Socialism B. Puritanism C. Racism D. Snobbishness
Question 6 What solar body did Astronomer Clyde W. Tombaugh discover on the eighteenth of February, 1930? A. Callistro B. Pluto C. Uranus D. Saturn
Question 7 Complete this quote: 'The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not ----but Februar Which vaccination
The Plumber's Ledger
was first given to school children on the twenty-third of February, 1954? y'. A. Small Pox B. Measles C. Scarlet Fever D. Polia
Question 8 What disaster occurred in February 1887 on the Mediterranean resulting in the death of 2, 000 people? A. A volcano eruption B. A hurricane C. An earthquake D. A tsunami
Answers 1. A 2. B 3. D 4. D 5. B 6. B 7. D 8. C Source: www.funtrivia.com triviachamp.com
20
